Mohammad Javed Ansari

• Ph.D
• Professor (Assistant) at M.J.P. Rohilkhand University

Diploid wheat Triticum monococcum L. is a model plant for wheat functional genomics. Chlorophyll-deficient mutant (clm1) was identified during manual screening of the ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)-treated M2 progenies of T. monococcum accession pau14087 in the field. The clm1 mutant, due to significantly decreased chlorophyll content compared with...

Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are major fungal pathogens of humans that are capable of causing superficial mucosal infections and systemic infections in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the jujube (Zizyphus spina-christi) honey for its in vitro inhibitory activity against pre-formed biofilm and its interference with the...

Diploid wheat T. monococcum L. is a model plant for wheat functional genomics. A soft glume mutant was identified during manual screening of EMS-treated M2 progenies of a T. monococcum accession pau14087. The seeds in the mature spike of the mutant could be easily threshed manually. The soft glume mutant with high sterility, tapering and broader sp...

Stenotrophomonas geniculata, a bacterium, has been recognized as an eco-friendly substitute for chemical fungicides in managing peanut foliar diseases, web blotch, and early leaf spot. Core genome and pan-genome analysis identified that strain MK-1 belongs to Stenotrophomonas geniculata, and nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis confirmed that str...

Chromium (Cr) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can negatively impact crop yield and food quality by causing chlorosis and reduced root and shoot growth. To address this issue, rhizobacteria has emerged as a viable and safe technology. Additionally, gibberellins (GA3) can act as allied factors for regulating various physiological processes in plan...

Triticum aestivum L. (Bread wheat) is a vital global staple, necessitating innovative approaches for accurate grain yield prediction. Grain weight, a critical determinant of crop yield, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors as well as agronomic practices and seed morphometric traits. This study aimed to explore the relationship between...

This study explores the extraction and characterization of dietary fiber (DF) from carambola fruits, focusing on both peel and pulp fractions. After pretreatment with 96% ethanol to mitigate enzymatic activity, DF was extracted using both hot-air oven-drying and freeze-drying methods. Physicochemical properties, functional attributes, and nutrition...

Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth, but deficiency and excess can harm plants. Fertilizers like Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), which releases ammonium (NH4⁺), are common, yet over-application can cause NH4⁺ toxicity, resulting in stunted roots and leaf damage. This study investigated the impact of NH4⁺ toxicity on strawberry growth, yield, and fruit...

This study evaluates the Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province using remote sensing and machine learning. Applying Random Forest (RF) classification to Sentinel‐2 imagery, we observed an increase in tree cover from 25.02% in 2015 to 29.99% in 2023 and a decrease in barren land from 20.64% to 16.81...

Cadmium stress significantly affects plant growth by disrupting essential physiological and biochemical functions. It slows nutrient intake, causing slowed development and decreased biomass. Cd also produces reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress, which harms cell components like lipids, proteins, and DNA. This lowers chlorophyll levels,...

This research explores the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of pectin derived from Citrus macrop-tera peel (CMP) by conventional heating extraction (CHE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) at various power levels (600 W-6 min, 450 W-12 min, 180 W-23 min), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). MAE and UAE resulted in the h...

The present study aimed to optimize a mouth-dissolving film (MDF) made from Pongamia pinnata stem bark extract to increase patient compliance and accelerate oral disease therapy. Several stem bark extracts were prepared, and karanjin was used as an herbal marker for the extracts. The ethanolic extract showed the maximum yield (12.10% ± 0.09%) and c...

In the present study, a comparative characterization of starch isolated from lotus seeds and lotus rhizomes was compared with mung bean starch (MBS) and potato starch (PS). The characterization of isolated starches was done based on physicochemical, pasting, morphological, structural, thermal, and rheological properties. Amylose content (AC) was ob...

Tuta absoluta is one of the most destructive pests of tomatoes. Chemical insecticides used to control this leafminer harm all organisms, increasing the risk to public health and the environment. Developing natural alternatives, such as bioinsecticides formulated from essential plant oils, is a key strategy to address this problem. These volatile co...

Two marine-derived bacteria, Bacillus paralicheniformis (HR-1) and Bacillus haynesii (HR-5), were isolated from sediments and identified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplification and sequencing as well as biochemical analysis. The development of a bacterial consortium (HR-1 & HR-5) from these two bacteria was used to increase the production of the...

Najas gracillima, a marine seaweed found in North America and Asia, was investigated for its neuropharmacological and antidiarrheal properties. Acetone extracts of N. gracillima (ANG) were analyzed using both in vivo and in silico methods. GC‐MS analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds present in the extract. In vivo assessments, incl...

ConA-conjugated curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, their characterization (UV-vis, DSC, PSA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM), and therapeutic applications in lung cancer, including drug release, anti-proliferation assays, and lung model studies.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest of several crops leading to significant yield losses. Developing effective and eco-friendly pest management strategies against fall armyworm (FAW) is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the synthesis and evaluation of the insecticidal activity of silver nanoparticles...

In this study, the crude chemical constituents extracted from Trichoderma harzianum and their toxicity were evaluated against the larvae, pupae, and adults of Anopheles stephensi at 24 and 48 h post-treatment. Additionally, the chemical constituents of the crude extracts were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, a...

Utilization of plant proteins for food development as an alternate source of animal proteins could lead to the sustainability of resources. The techno-functional characteristics of the protein isolated from Moringa oleifera leaves were compared with those of the protein extracted using the conventional solvent extraction technique. For this purpose...

The population structure and breeding biology of a Xanthid crab, Etisus laevimanus Randall, 1840, a commonly occurring species on the rocky intertidal region of Saurashtra coast of Gujarat State, India, were investigated. Samples were collected from the intertidal region for 12 consecutive months during low tide using catch per unit effort in a 500...

Lead (Pb) is a stress that can cause problems with several aspects of a plant’s metabolism, potentially impeding the plant’s ability to grow and develop. The use of gibberellic acid (GA3), quantum dot biochar (QDBC), and rhizobacteria (RB) can be effective methods to overcome this problem. Gibberellic acid is a crucial plant hormone that regulates...

A novel strain isolated from soil identified as Stenotrophomonas geniculata MK2 could control strawberries’ postharvest disease gray mold. An in vitro investigation showed that MK2 had significant bioactivity against Botrytis cinerea, with an observed zone of inhibition of 85%. The strain MK2 was 88% effective in controlling gray mold on detached f...

A novel strain isolated from soil identified as Stenotrophomonas geniculata MK2 could control strawberries' postharvest disease gray mold. An in vitro investigation showed that MK2 had significant bioactivity against Botrytis cinerea, with an observed zone of inhibition of 85%. The strain MK2 was 88% effective in controlling gray mold on detached f...

Wheat spot blotch has emerged as a disease of significant concern in recent years. The pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana can infect stems, leaves, roots and seeds, increasing its impact. The pathogen is particularly prevalent in the wheat growing zone of West Bengal, which provides congenial conditions for the growth and development of the pathogen. H...

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop of immense economic importance, especially in the agronomic context of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Understanding the effects of various agronomic practices, such as priming techniques, sowing methods, and seed rates, on wheat yield and growth is crucial for optimizing productio...

In the present study, biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using Azadirachta indica leaf extract were evaluated for their toxic effects on both target and non‐target species. The botanical synthesized nanoparticles were tested against Anopheles stephensi , Aedes aegypti , and Culex quinquefasciatus and non‐targeted species Artemia sali...

Euphorbia royleana belongs to family Euphorbiaceae, with great therapeutic potential. The present study is aimed to validate its traditional uses. GC-MS analysis of Euphorbia royleana crude and fractionated extracts were performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) assay. Plant extract antioxidant activity was performed thr...

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity significantly threatens agricultural productivity and food safety. Developing effective strategies to enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress is essential. This study investigates the synergistic effects of biochar (BC) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on mitigating Cd toxicity in maize (Zea mays), focusing on their impact on oxidative...

Drought stress (DS) adversely affects a plant’s development and growth by negatively altering the plant’s physio-biochemical functions. Previous investigations have illustrated that seed priming with growth regulators is an accessible, affordable, and effective practice to elevate a plant’s tolerance to drought stress. Melatonin (MT) is derived fro...

Soybean (Glycine max) is a potential legume crop, but it cannot thrive in mild salinity. Salicylic acid (SA) is a renowned plant growth hormone that improves tolerance to saline conditions. Hence, the study was performed to understand the functions of priming seeds and supplementation of SA in modulating salt tolerance in soybean seedlings. When ex...

The development of stretchable bacterial cellulose (BC)–based nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical strength holds significant potential for biomedical applications. The study utilized the cost-effectively produced BC by using coconut waste as the carbon source and utilized an ex situ approach to synthesize BC-based composites by incorporating ca...

This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of low doses of Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis on second and fourth instar Helicoverpa armigera larvae, encompassing various facets of toxicity, developmental impacts, diet consumption, frass production, weight gain, and foliar persistence. Bt and Bb were evaluated for insecticidal pr...

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth by disrupting water uptake, inducing ion toxicity, initiating osmotic stress, impairing growth, leaf scorching, and reducing crop yield. To mitigate this issue, the application of kaempferol (KP), caffeic acid (CA), and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) emerges as a promising technology. Kaem...

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using bacteria is more interesting because of their non-toxic, biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and cost-effectiveness. In the present research work, AgNPs were synthesized by Klebsiella pneumoniae in two steps: first, K. pneumoniae was grown in nutrient broth, followed by mixing of bacterial su...

Metals contaminated dust alongside the roads caused toxicity in agriculture soils and crops which is an extensive problem. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the different organic and inorganic amendments to alleviate dust-induced metal toxicity in soil and plants. For this purpose, dust was collected for 12 weeks (39 g per week)...

Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest across a wide range of cropping industries. Due to increasing chemical resistance being displayed by this pest, the majority of conventional pesticides are now ineffective in controlling its populations. Therefore, it is essential that new target sites are identified to aid in the deve...

Heavy metals have been recognized as a prominent hazard in today's world, causing pollution in the air environment. Woody tree species can play a significant role in the extraction and remediation of metal pollutants from the air, therefore promoting the air quality index. This study investigated the potential of four species of the Ficus genus (F....

Globally, there is a growing concern about tree mortality due to harsh climates and changes in pest and disease patterns. However, experimental studies on the interactions between biotic and abiotic stresses in plants are relatively scarce. In this study, we investigated the interaction between Fusarium solani and waterstressed Dalbergia sissoo sap...

In the current scenario, marked by a continual improvement in living standards, it becomes imperative to boost the productivity or rather the efficiency of agriculture, especially horticulture, which holds the potential for significant economic prosperity aligning with SDG goal number 8, ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’. Modern technological inter...

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a significant food crop cultivated around the world. Caffeic acid (CA) can enhance plant growth by promoting antioxidant activity and stimulating root development, contributing to overall plant health and vigor. Cobalt sulfate (CoSO4) boosts plant growth by promoting nitrogen (N) fixation, healthier root developm...

Soil salinity is a major issue that lowers the crop yield. Biochar is an organic amendment to the soil that mitigates the drastic effects of salinity. However, high pH is a problem in arid and semi-arid regions due to the use of biochar. Hence, the sulfur-treated biochar covers this problem to some extent. Furthermore , the use of arbuscular mycorr...

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology. It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and Africa. This study highlights the improvement of genomic properties and their application in marker-trait relationships for 17 yie...

The development of seedless cultivars is a primary goal in grapevine breeding. Since grapes are stenospermic and tend to abort their embryos before development, traditional breeding methods often yield seedless cultivars at a low frequency. Therefore, embryo rescue has emerged as a promising approach for creating seedless grape cultivars. This stud...

Elevation gradients significantly influence net primary productivity (NPP), but the relationship between elevation, climate variables, and vegetation productivity remains underexplored, particularly in diverse ecological zones. This study quantifies the impact of elevation and climatic variables on NPP in northern Pakistan, hypothesizing that eleva...

The development of self-preserving personal care cosmetics represents a significant advancement in the cosmetics industry, offering safer and more natural alternatives to consumers. This study focused on the preparation of such formulations using multifunctional ingredients along with other cosmetic components. Five unique multifunctional ingredien...

The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and appli...

Soil moisture is essential for plant growth as it directly affects crop yield, influencing seed germination, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. Adequate soil moisture levels are essential for sustaining agricultural production and ensuring food security, particularly in drought-affected areas. Furthermore, soil moisture plays a crucial role...

Introduction: It has been reported that the extension of conjugation in chalcone scaffolds considerably enhanced the potency, selectivity, reversibility, and competitive mode of MAO-B inhibition. In this study, using the experimental results of IC50 values of fifteen halogenated conjugated dienone derivatives (MK1-MK15) against MAO-B, we developed...

This study investigated the impact of dietary guava leaf extract (GLE) on immunity, resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and growth in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). Four groups of fish (28.6 g.fish−1) were fed diets supplemented with ethanolic GLE at 0 (control), 3, 5, or 7 g.fish−1 diet (GLE0diet, GLE3diet, GLE5diet, GLE7diet) a...

Food security worldwide is largely dependent on the rice–wheat cropping sequence (RWCS) Hence, a field study was carried out during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, to determine the effect of various enriched organic sources and crop establishment methods on the root parameters, water productivity and yield of rice, its carryover effect...

Background The utilization of medicinal plants and their recipes is widespread across global healthcare systems, particularly prevalent in developing nations. This study focused on ethnomedicinal practices concerning wild flora in the Vehari district of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods Employing a semi-structured questionnaire and the Rapid Appraisal App...

The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, has emerged as a highly destructive rice crop pest, leading to significant annual yield losses. Excessive zinc (Zn) can be detrimental to plants, but the role of Zn on herbivorous insects remains uncertain. In this research, we conducted a pot culture experiment in the Kharif season 2017 at...

Bovine colostrum is the initial milk produced after birth that contains high levels of immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides. This study examined the production of bovine colostrum powder using two methods including spray- and freeze-drying. Spray-drying involves quickly drying a liquid or slurry with hot gas, while freeze-drying is a low-temp...

Zinc (Zn) is the most limiting micronutrient responsible for malnutrition. World Health Organization (WHO) reported deficiency of Zn is the 5 th most significant cause of death and disease in underdeveloped world. However, 70% Pakistani soils are Zn deficient and responsible for Zn deficiency in crops. The present study aimed to mitigate Zn deficie...

Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrien...

Potassium (K) and B are important for phloem translocation, reproductive growth, and grain formation. A 2-yr field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of K and B applied through the soil and foliar application on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Experiments included the soil application of K (62 kg ha-1) and B (5 kg ha-1) and foliar spray of...

The present study deals with the enhanced production of cutinase (E.C. 3.1.1.74) by Aspergillus oryzae ISL-9 under submerged fermentation and its immobilization on ZnO nanocrystals for improved stability. The wild-type (ISL-9) was optimized for various parameters viz. substrate level (2%), sucrose concentration (1%), time of incubation (72 h), size...

Heavy metals, such as chromium (Cr), are continuously introduced into the environment through human activities, notably from the excessive use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and irrigation with sewage and industrial wastewater. These substances induce oxidative stress in plants, disrupting crucial morphological and biochemical processes. See...

The increasing pressures of urban development and agricultural expansion have significant implications for land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Murree and Kotli Sattian tehsils of the Rawalpindi district in Pakistan. This study's primary objective is to assess spatial variations within eac...