Aim: To investigate the extent of insecticide resistance in H. theivora within Assam's tea-growing areas and to understand the defence mechanism that contribute to its development. Methodology: Adult population of H. theivora from an organic tea plantation were collected for susceptible laboratory culture and other seven adult populations were collected from major tea-growing parts of Assam following conventional practices and reared under controlled laboratory conditions. The leaf dip method was used to conduct concentration mortality bioassays with thiamethoxam, deltamethrin and quinalphos. Biochemical assays were carried out to assess the activity of major detoxifying enzymes in the insects, including general esterases involved in hydrolysis, oxidative enzymes of cytochrome P450 family, and transferases that conjugate glutathione to xenobiotics. Furthermore, synergistic assays with piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate were carried out to evaluate their influence on the efficacy of insecticides. Results: Resistance to thiamethoxam and deltamethrin was quite significant, with resistance coefficients ranging 2.04-22.14 and 1.56-23.90 times, respectively. All tested populations remained susceptible to quinalphos (RC<1). Increased enzyme activities exhibited a strong positive correlation with LC50 values, while the use of synergists significantly improved the insecticide efficacy. Interpretation: The findings highlight the field-evolved resistance in H. theivora and its association with elevated detoxifying enzymes. This study recommends the strategic use of insecticides, rotation, and synergists for better resistance management, contributing to more sustainable pest control in tea plantations. Key words: Esterase, H. theivora, Insecticides, Tea mosquito bug

Aim: The present research aims to develop sustainable agriculture strategies that enhance fodder sorghum yield while ensuring soil health and environmental safety. Methodology: Field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, using a split plot design with three replications. Sewage sludge (SS) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) and FYM (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 t ha-1) as the main factors. In subplots, four nitrogen levels (control, 50%, 75% and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen) were applied. Results: Chlorophyll content, relative water content and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was significantly higher with application of 5 t ha-1 sewage sludge, 7.5 t ha-1 FYM and 100% RDN during both the years. Canopy temperature was significantly lower with 5 t ha-1 SS-sewage sludge and 7.5 t ha-1 FYM, while 100% RDN treatment further reduced canopy temperature at all stages. Crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were significantly higher with at 5 t ha-1 SS-sewage sludge, 7.5 t ha-1 FYM and 100% RDN, particularly at early growth stages. Interpretation: Combined application of sewage sludge, FYM and nitrogen significantly enhanced the crop performance and physiological traits. Key words: FYM, Growth, Nitrogen, Physiological traits, Sewage sludge, Sorghum

Aim: To assess the tolerance and susceptibility to chiku moth against major varieties and hybrids as compared to commercial cultivar Kalipatti in sapota. Methodology: Efficacy of 23 sapota varieties and hybrids against chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella (Ragonot) was evaluated at FRS, NAU, Gandevi, during five-year period (2018-19 to 2022-23). Bud damage intensity was deliberated to decide the tolerance and susceptibility level with bud morphology and eight biochemical contents. Results: According to screening results, chiku moth caused more damage to Kalipatti, Paria collection, Kirthibharti, CO-2, Cricket ball, CO-1 and DHS-2 to the extent of 15.62, 15.20, 14.38, 14.28, 13.51,12.99 and 11.93%, whereas Chala collection-3, Chala collection-2, Chala collection-1, Mohangootee and PKM-1, had less damage up to 7.05, 7.34, 7.66, 8.11 and 8.46%, respectively. The varieties/hybrids with higher bud diameter (6.22-6.47 mm) were more susceptible than smaller (5.30-5.78 mm). Nevertheless, non-significant associated was revealed between eight bio-chemical contents and bud damage. Interpretation: May and December were the most critical months for pest incidence in many susceptible varieties/hybrids. Due to late flowering initiation, escape type resistance was seen in less damaged varieties/hybrids and bigger bud diameter was more vulnerable to chiku moth. Key words: Chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella, Sapota, Varieties

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the impact of replacing soybean meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the growth performance and feed economics of broiler Japanese quails. Methodology: A total of 300 day-old Japanese quail chicks were procured and reared from 1 to 6 weeks of age. The birds were randomly allocated into five dietary treatment groups (M0, M0.5, M1, M1.5 and M2) with three replicates per group, based on the graded inclusion levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) of Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Results: The M. oleifera leaf meal was rich in crude protein and fibre. Significant improvements were observed on the growth traits, nutrient utilization, and serum biochemistry in quails fed on M. oleifera leaf meal based diets. The M. oleifera leaf meal based diets reduced feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain in quails by Rs. 9.80-45.84. Interpretation: An inclusion level of 2% Moringa oleifera leaf meal was found to be optimal for all the parameters analyzed, and may therefore be recommended in the diets of broiler Japanese quails to enhance economic returns. Key words: Broiler, Economics, Japanese quails, Moringa oleifera leaf meal

The research articles presented in the special section of January issue-2026 of Journal of Environmental Biology is a culmination of three days International Conference on Environmental Hazards in Mountainous Regions: Problems and Prospects (ICEHMRPP-2024) held on 21st to 23rd of February 2024 organized by School of Earth Science and Natural Resource Management, Pachhunga University College Campus, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram. The conference provided an important platform for the scientific community to share different issues relating to environmental research particularly environmental health, hazards, monitoring and management strategies, and explore innovative solutions to address the pressing issues faced by these vulnerable mountainous regions. As the editor of this section, I am delighted to present the section entitled: “Environmental Pollution and Geo-hazards Monitoring”. This section highlights the research pertaining to field of Invasive ecology, Environmental hazard, especially geohazards, seismic hazard assessment, environmental pollution monitoring and landscape ecology. In total 20 research papers received from the researchers were submitted to Journal of Environmental Biology, out of which 5 papers after critical peer review and editing were selected for publication. Invasive ecology research article explored the influence of detrital loading of Eichhornia crassipes on water properties under different nutrient gradients in mesocosm experiments. This mesocosm study assessed the ecological impacts of the detrital loading of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) on aquatic ecosystems by analysing changes in water physico-chemical properties across six nutrient gradients, mesotrophic, eutrophic, and hyper-eutrophic, each at low and high levels. The study focused on detritus-induced hypoxia in nutrient-rich systems and aimed to inform effective management strategies for E. crassipes invasions. This study exemplifies an integrated approach to environmental monitoring and management by systematically assessing how detrital loading of Eichhornia crassipes influence water quality across nutrient gradients. Geohazard research article relates to land subsidence in the western part of Aizawl: a case study of Hunthar, Aizawl, Mizoram, India. The aim of this paper was to generate landslide susceptibility map of Hunthar locality using AHP method, demarcating the study area Hunthar landslide and interpreted with its physico-chemical properties of soils within the study area. Seismic hazard assessment article deals with temporal variation of b-value and seismicity in the Indo-Burma Region: A precursor to large earthquake. It determines seismicity parameters such as a-value, b-value, and Mc (magnitude of completeness) for different time periods from 1965 to 2022 in the Indo-Burmese region. This study also aimed to analyze temporal variations and their implications for seismic hazard assessment. Environmental Pollution monitoring article assessed the relationship between ground level ozone and key meteorological parameters in Aizawl, Mizoram. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ground-level ozone and key meteorological parameters in Aizawl, Mizoram, over a period from March 2022 to February 2023. Landscape ecology article deals with assessing vegetation health and fragmentation in Aizawl district using normalized difference vegetation index. The aim of this paper was to study vegetation dynamics in Aizawl District, Mizoram, India, from 2013 to 2023, analyzing the impact of urban expansion and reforestation efforts on forest cover and landscape fragmentation. I believe the varied topics presented in this section would be a good reference material not only for the research scholars, scientists, academicians but also for the readers who are keen and interested to gain knowledge with the ongoing research. I am immensely thankful to Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University for his patronage and highly indebted to Prof. H. Lalthanzara, Principal, Pachhunga University College (A Constituent College of Mizoram University), Aizawl for his treasured and dependable encouragement. I also offer my heartfelt gratitude to Mizoram University for providing financial assistance to organize the Conference. I would like to thank my senior colleagues Dr. R. Ramthara, Associate Professor &Former Head, Department of Geography and Prof. Saitluanga Sailo, Prof. & Head, Department of Geology, PUC for their full-hearted support and cooperation from the beginning of conference to the end of publication of these articles. The constant cooperation received from the faculty members, research scholars, students and staffs of our Environmental Science, Geology and Geography departments are highly acknowledged. I would also like to thank all authors for contributing research article and panel of reviewers for their insightful and constructive critical comments for quality improvement of articles. Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Editor and Team of R&D Division of Journal of Environmental Biology for critically evaluating the research papers and support for accepting the invitation for publication of these research papers in JEB. The entire publication process of this section was a valuable learning experience for me.

Aim: To observe the effect of environmental factors influenced by the anthropogenic activities on various events of roosting behavior of House crow (Corvus splendens). Methodology: All Roost sites were located in the vicinity of highly urbanized settlements with ample anthropogenic light and sound. Correlation analysis was carried out to work out how environmental factors affect various roosting events. Multiple regression analysis suggested best fitted model to explain the variability observed in roosting events. Sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensitywere recorded. Four principal events viz., time of first arrival, time of half arrival, time of last arrival and mean time of last vocal were observed. In addition, three derived events viz. duration between sunset time to first arrival, first arrival to last arrival and last vocal were also studied. Results: It was found that sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensity in part were correlated and predictors for different principle and derived roosting events. Anthropogenic light and sound affected roosting events via altering intensity and duration of light and sound. An extended duration of derived events were observed on comparing our findings with previously available record. It was proposed that in addition to altered abiotic conditions, interplay of various other complex cognitive processes while roosting may be a contributor to these times lapsed. Interpretation: Environmental factors along with anthropogenic light and sound affect roosting events. Therefore, anthropogenic activities should be managed to avoid adverse consequences on roosting behavior and thus, the survival of birds. Key words: Anthropogenic light and sound, Environmental factors, House crow, Roosting behavior

Aim: A survey was conducted in major coconut-growing areas of Tamil Nadu in order to determine the presence of a fungus Aceria guerreronis, and a mite Lasiodiplodia theobromae and their interactive effects. The objective of the study was to ascertain the interaction, pathogenicity and cross infectivity reaction to infection. Methodology: Pathogenicity studies demonstrated the intensity of pest incidence, both individually and in combination, through morphological and molecular studies. Interestingly, interactions in a few crops were confirmed through PCR amplification. Results: The survey revealed a significant positive correlation between mite and fungus infestations and GPS location (χ² = 2114.22, df = 1; P < 0.001). Molecular studies identified product sizes of 347 bp for Lasiodiplodia theobromae KKLT01 and 500 bp for Aceria guerreronis KKAG01. Cross-infectivity tests demonstrated that toddy palm and arecanut experienced the same effects as coconut, which was confirmed through PCR amplification. Interpretation: The present study shows that apart from mite infestation, the fungus also play a major role in increasing infestation and the interaction was positively correlated for cross infectivity. The results of the present study will help to restructure the existing management strategy. Key words: Aceria guerreronis, Coconut, Infestation, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Morpho-molecular variations

Aim: The current research explores the potential of machine learning predictive models in optimizing the storage conditions of tomatoes. This is achieved through Internet of Things (IoT) technology, sensors, cameras, and microprocessors integrated into refrigerators along the supply chain. Methodology: Controlling temperature and humidity inside the refrigerated container was accomplished by implementing the Arduino microcontroller and supplementary hardware components, including the ESP32 module relay, an advancement over the ESP8266 microcontroller. The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) was used as software platform for this experimentation. Various parameters, including humidity, oxygen, carbon-di-oxide, and shelf life, were recorded at different temperatures and on different days. Subsequently, the collected data was analyzed employing machine-learning models to determine the most effective prediction model for these variables. Results: From the results it has been revealed that apolynomial of degree 4 is the best-fit regressor model for the data on humidity. Polynomials of degrees 2, 2, and 3 are the best models for the target variables oxygen, carbon-di-oxide, and shelf life. Interpretation: During analysis, This result suggests that different polynomial degrees are optimal for modeling different variables in the dataset. Polynomials of degrees 2, 2, and 3 are the best ML models for the target variables oxygen, carbon-di-oxide, and shelf life, respectively,to enhance the effectiveness of our predictive models. Key words: Io T sensors, ML models, Quantile loss, Supply chain, Tomato

Aim: To determine the effect of application of microbial consortium for faster retting of jute (Corchorus spp.) over conventional retting without microbial consortium on jute fibre recovery and fibre quality improvement. Methodology: Large scale retting trials of jute were conducted in five important jute growing districts of West Bengal, India for four consecutive years with and without microbial consortium. After completion of jute retting, fibre was extracted manually, processed and dry fibre weight was recorded. Jute fibre samples were collected and analysed for fibre quality parameters. The fibre strength was estimated using electronic fibre bundle strength tester, fibre fineness by air flow method and root content is measured as the length of fibre up to which root is present out of the total length of the fibre and is expressed as percent length. Results: Application of microbial consortium reduced the retting duration and root content in jute fibre in all the locations irrespective of years. The jute fibre recovery increased by 9.64 to 10.97% and 9.73 to 10.63% with microbial consortium over without microbial consortium respectively in different locations and different years under study. The maximum jute fibre yield with (33.17 q ha-1) and without microbial consortium (29.89 q ha-1) was recorded in Murshidabad district. Nadia district recorded significantly higher fibre strength of 24.92 g tex-1 and lowest retting duration of 11.92 days with microbial consortium among all the locations. Interpretation: The application of microbial consortium improved the fibre recovery and fibre quality leading to the increase in net income by ₹15624 to ₹18017 ha-1 of jute farmers. Hence, the application of microbial consortium for jute retting can be used extensively by the jute farming community in jute growing states of India for faster retting of jute along with quality fibre production, higher net income and doubling farmers’ income. Key words: Corchorus spp., Fibre quality, Jute retting, Microbial consortiu