The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an invasive insect pest in Bangladesh, first reported in 2019 on coconut, and is characterized by a wide host range and high damage potential. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an economically important tropical fruit crop in Bangladesh, providing substantial income and livelihood support for growers; however, its production has declined sharply following the invasion of RSW. To investigate the developmental performance of RSW, the present study evaluated its developmental biology and morphometry on three major fruit crops, native coconut, banana, and guava as well as three dwarf coconut cultivars (Siam Blue, Siam Green, and DJ Sompurna). Incubation period, oviposition period, total life cycle duration, and morphometric traits were assessed on selected host plants under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the RSW life cycle duration was shorter on all coconut cultivars (37.6 ± 0.92 to 38.4 ± 0.67 days) and differed significantly from that on banana (41.8 ± 0.80 days) and guava (45.4 ± 0.60 days). Egg and nymphal length and width were greater in coconut cultivars than in banana and guava, indicating greater host suitability of coconut for RSW. Morphometric parameters differed significantly among coconut cultivars, banana, and guava. These host-dependent differences in developmental duration and morphometric traits provide important insights into the biology and host suitability of RSW and can support improved monitoring, risk assessment, and timing of control measures within integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Epipelic and epipsammic benthic habitats play a critical role in estuarine ecosystem functioning by regulating nutrient cycling, stabilizing sediments, and supporting primary production. However, these habitats remain poorly studied in Indian estuaries, particularly in the Tapi Estuary, despite increasing anthropogenic pressures. The present study aimed to evaluate the benthic biodiversity of epipelic and epipsammic habitats in the Tapi Estuary and to assess their ecological significance in relation to environmental and seasonal variations. Quarterly sampling was conducted at selected reference and impacted locations within the Tapi Estuary during post-monsoon, winter, and summer seasons. Sediment samples were analyzed for biological parameters, focusing on algal communities and meio- to macrofaunal assemblages. Habitat characteristics and species–environment relationships were examined to identify key regulatory factors influencing community structure. The study revealed distinct spatial and seasonal variations in benthic assemblages. Periphyton density ranged from [89–6336 units/m2 in Epipelic region and 96 – 2458 units/m2 in Epissamic region, while meiofaunal (Zoobenthic) abundance varied between 52 – 550 Number/m2 in Epipelic region and 25 – 284 Number/m2 in Epissamic region across seasons. Impacted locations exhibited reduced diversity and dominance of pollution-tolerant taxa, indicating stress from industrial and domestic effluents. This study represents one of the first integrated assessments of epipelic and epipsammic biodiversity in the Tapi Estuary. The findings highlight the potential of benthic communities as sensitive indicators of water quality and ecosystem health, providing valuable baseline data for estuarine monitoring, management, and conservation under escalating anthropogenic influence.

The discipline of nanobiotechnology has become the most studied field in helping the medical field to develop drugs against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Chemically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are produced by various methods alternatives of typical antibiotics. In the present research IONPs were chemically synthesized, characterized and applied against medically important bacteria. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the nanoparticles' morphology, which showed a spherical or quasi-spherical shape with a size range of ± 10 nm. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyse the functional groups and the elements present in the sample, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyse the crystalline structure. Antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles against four pathogenic strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa-424), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus-902), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans-497), and Escherichia coli (E. coli-443) was investigated by microbiological assays. Concentration-dependent inhibition zones, low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and notable biofilm damage were among the main methods. Time-kill assays and DNA fragmentation investigations indicated that the chemically synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles have the potential to induce bacterial cell death. Among the species investigated, S. aureus was more sensitive to IONPs, which caused DNA damage. The study highlights how IONPs are a promising candidate for inclusion in antibacterial medications.

Sour oranges (Citrus aurantium L.) are propagated in two ways: by seed and by semi-hardwood cuttings. Producing sour orange seedlings from seed is time-consuming and expensive. Semi-hardwood cuttings offer a faster method of propagating sour oranges, reducing both time and costs. However, they are considered relatively difficult to root. The present investigation aimed to improve the growth and development of cuttings more quickly and at a lower cost by using growth regulators IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) , BA (Benzyle adenine), and GA3(Gibberellic acid). The greenhouse experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 season. A completely randomized design (C.R.D.) was used as a factorial experiment with three factors. The first factor was dipping the tips of sour orange cuttings in an IBA solution at 200 ppm for 2 periods (0,10) minutes before planting. The second factor was the sprayed growth regulator (BA) at three levels (0, 0.5, 1 ppm). Third factor was sprayed by (GA3) at (0.50, 100) ppm. The investigation was performed in three replicates, by six cuttings per experimental unit. The results showed that dipping Sour orange cuttings in IBA was more effective in plant height (52.48 cm), leaf area (31.16 cm²), chlorophyll content (32.42 spad), carbohydrate (36.74%), nitrogen (1.39%), and phosphorus (0.48%) compared to the control. Spraying by BA at 1 ppm and GA3 at 100 ppm had a significant impact on the studied parameters(plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate, nitrogen and phosphorus). Double and triple interactions had a significant effect on most of the studied characters.

Miliusa velutina Hook. f. and Thomson var. deviyarina (Annonaceae) is a lesser-known medicinal tree traditionally used by tribal and local communities in Maharashtra, India. However, its pharmacological profile has not been systematically characterized. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant, α-amylase inhibition, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of different extracts of this variety. Bark, leaf, fruit and flower powders were successively extracted with water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and alcohol–water mixtures. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, α-amylase inhibition by α-amylase inhibition, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities by agar well diffusion and biofilm inhibition assays, and anticancer activity by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines. Methanol, ethanol and ethyl-acetate bark and leaf extracts showed strong DPPH scavenging with low IC₅₀ values comparable to quercetin and vitamin C. Green and ripe fruit extracts produced up to 89.57% α-amylase inhibition, while bark extracts showed moderate inhibition (37.50–61.25%). Bark extracts exhibited pronounced antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, with maximum biofilm inhibition of 95.45% and zones of inhibition comparable to penicillin and streptomycin at 50 µg/mL. The ethyl-acetate bark extract displayed potent cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 cells (GI₅₀ < 10 µg/mL) with relatively lower effects on Vero cells, approaching the activity of Adriamycin. These in vitro findings highlight M. velutina var. deviyarina as a promising source of bioactive extracts and provide a multi-assay dataset to guide future phytochemical characterization and in vivo evaluation of this understudied medicinal plant.

Teak (Tectona grandis), introduced to Togo in 1905, remains the main species for reforestation. However, the low productivity and poor wood quality of existing plantations, largely due to limited genetic diversity, have prompted the establishment of provenance trials at the Zogbépimé forest station in Togo. This study evaluated the growth performance of seven teak provenances (Avétonou, Indian, Tanzanian, Ivorian, and three Malaysian sources: Luasong, Perlis, and Taliwas) planted in a 3 × 3 m grid in the Guinean zone. Dendrometric parameters including total height, dominant height, diameter at breast height, basal area, and spacing factors were measured. ANOVA and Weibull distribution modelling, were used to assess growth differences and diameter structures. Productivity was estimated using a site index based on dominant height and stand age. Monitoring in 2022 (pre-thinning) and 2024 (post-thinning) showed that the Indian provenance had the best overall performance, with mean diameter increasing from 12.87 ± 3.85 cm to 17.91 ± 2.51 cm. Luasong exhibited superior height growth (16.85 ± 2.88 m) and high basal area (18.94 ± 0.13 m²/ha), while Tanzanian provenance reached the highest basal area (22.27 ± 0.14 m²/ha) and responded strongly to thinning. Avétonou maintained a large diameter (17.22 ± 2.92 cm) but lower height growth. Luasong achieved the highest site index (44.28), followed by Tanzanian and Indian provenances.The study emphasizes the importance of selecting high-performing provenances and implementing timely thinning to minimize competition and enhance resource utilization. Further research will assess the influence of wood quality and site on provenance performance.

Urban waterlogging is a serious problem in fast urbanizing regions, exacerbated by climatic variations and poor drainage facilities. This paper situates Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing methods as viable tools for assessing waterlogging in the Dwarka-Khaira corridor, New Delhi, India. Conventional terrestrial field monitoring is restricted by resource constraints and scale, whereas high-resolution aerial methods provide detailed hydrological information. UAV and LiDAR deliver excellent spatial resolution and vertical accuracy necessary for the identification of microtopographic features critical for detecting hydrological restrictions. The RMSE of the UAV-derived DEMs was highly reduced to 4.6 m through post processing, with an increased accuracy of 83.66% and was conducive for a good performance in hydrological modeling. UAV data, which had ground sample distance less than 5 cm, facilitated urban feature classification with an accuracy of 98%) and helped to mitigate spectral confusion and misclassifi cation observed from Landsat (30 m) data. High-resolution aerial data therefore minimized false-positives and enhanced network extraction quality as compared to their satellite based counterparts. But while satellite imagery is not well matched for development level analysis, it continues to offer useful potential for regional assessment of vulnerability. Combining data from both sources is consistent with evidence from similar research, in support of models based on Sustainable Development Goal resilience targets. The application of these enhanced methods ed to a 30-40% decrease in identified waterlogged areas. So, the study offers a scientific basis for urban water management policies and planning.

During the past one or two decades, the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles especially the silver nanoparticles, using plant extracts, and their diverse biomedical applications, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective, has gained the attention of researchers. The present work includes the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the aqueous leaf extract of Pedilanthus (Euphorbia) tithymaloides. The biosynthesis employed a bottom-up approach, in which the secondary metabolites of the leaf extract served as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents. The characterization was performed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential analysis. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were further evaluated for their in-vitro antioxidant and amylase-inhibitory properties, as well as their in-vivo hepatoprotective efficacy in albino Wistar rats. The findings demonstrated that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit strong antioxidant and amylase-inhibitory properties, and significantly reduce the oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity, reflected by improved liver function parameters, such as serum levels of bilirubin (from 2.86±0.38 mg/dL in hepatotoxic to 1.34±0.18 mg/dL in treated rats), total protein (from 7.44±0.96 to 12.63±2.14 g/dL), albumin (from 2.22±0.57 g/dL to 3.14±0.46 g/dL), key enzymes like alanine aminotransferase [ALT] (from 172.38±14.97 IU/L to 85.19±11.63 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase [AST] (from 144.29±8.93 IU/L to 61.57±11.26 IU/L), serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP] (from 154.78±16.92 IU/L to 114±13.57 IU/L), and key antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissues, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and oxidative stress parameter like malondialdehyde (MDA).

Salinity stress has a detrimental effect on plant growth and yield. Assessing abnormalities in physiological and biochemical pathways is crucial for accurately estimating the situation. The present study aimed to verify the potential of potassium sulfate in alleviating oxidative stress, as measured by rooting and enzymatic antioxidant responses, in Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) cuttings, using this experimental system. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) was used at an optimal concentration (15 mM L-1) to alleviate sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity 50 mM L-1 in terms of rooting response. K2SO4 was supplied in pre-, post- and simultaneous treatment with NaCl. The simultaneous treatment was found to be the best for alleviating sodium toxicity. Toxicant sodium and K2SO4 on enzymatic and non-enzymatic were studied. The results showed that toxic concentrations of NaCl caused a decline in rooting response and root dry biomass, as well as, nonenzymetic antioxidants: glutathione (GSH) (24.81%) and ascorbic acid (ASA) (52.03%), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) leave contents, were increased (138.18%). Meanwhile, enzymetic antioxident: superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased at level of 119.83%, 30.25% and 154.67%, respectively compared to d/H2O. However, indole acetic acid oxidase (IAA) increased at level of 94.99% compared to d/H2O. While treatment of mung bean cuttings with K2SO4 (2 mM/L) as a therapeutic way resulted in a contrasting trend, that caused an increase of rooting response and dry weight. The GSH and ASA increased, whereas MDA decreased at a reduction 90.17%. In addition to decrease of SOD, CAT, APX and IAA-oxidase activities at a reduction 148.09%, 12.24%, 92.39% and 126.13%, respectively. Thus, K2SO4 is a promising therapeutic management for improving the tolerance of plants under NaCl stress.