Jammu And Kashmir’s scientific contributions

The present investigation entitled "Estimation of gene action involved in inheritance of yield and yield attributing traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)" under Kashmir conditions was initiated to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and degree of gene action in tomatoes for various yield and yield contributing features. Twelve distinct tomato lines aside from reciprocals were crossed in a diallel method and subjected to three distinct environmental conditions for gene action research. Observations were recorded on the 18 characters viz., number of days to first flowering, number of days to first fruit set, number of days to first fruit harvest, number of flowers cluster-1 , number of fruits cluster-1 , number of pickings, number of fruits plant-1 , fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), number of locules fruit-1 , pericarp thickness (mm), number of primary branches plant-1 , plant height (cm), average fruit weight (g), fruit yield plant-1 (kg), fruit yield hectare-1 (q), average number of seeds fruit-1 , 100 seed weight (g). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the parents; F1's and parents vs. F1's for maximum characters indicating wide variation. The estimates of components of genetic variation indicated that the additive (D) as well as dominance (Ĥ1 and Ĥ2) components were significant in the individual and data pooled over environments. Average degree of dominance (Ĥ1/D) 1/ 2 was more than one for all the traits indicating over-dominance. The inheritance of most features was shown to involve both additive and dominant variance, with the former being more significant than the latter. For the majority of the characters, the mean degree of dominance indicated over dominance.

Aftīmūn is one of the important Unani medicine. It is a golden yellow parasitic climber. It encompasses several types, including Aftīmūn Hindi (Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.), Aftīmūn Vilāyatī (Cuscuta europaea L.), and Aftīmūn Chīnī (Cuscuta chinensis Lam), Aftīmūn Hindi (Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.) is locally known as Akāshbel or Amarbel. In Unani medicine, it is mentioned to have a wide variety of actions to treat various ailments, particularly significant for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Key phytoconstituents of Cuscuta reflexa include amarbelin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol. Recent research highlights its diverse therapeutic potentials, such as anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This paper aims to provide detailed information regarding its therapeutic application as described in Unani literature and scientific studies done on this plant.

Background: Rigid and severe spinal deformities can result from several etiologies and can only be effectively treated by a three-column spinal osteotomy in the form of vertebral column resection which is a demanding surgical procedure and is fraught with complications. However a single stage posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) has gained acceptance as a less morbid procedure than front back two stage surgery. Aim: This study aims to present the technique and results of PVCR our cases of rigid and severe spinal deformities in terms of its capability to correct the deformity clinicoradiologically and its complications. Methods: This was a retrospective study of ten cases of rigid spinal deformity of various etiologies treated at our institute over a period of two years from March 2022 to December 2023. The study aims to present short-term results of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in the treatment of severe and rigid spinal deformities viz a viz its ability to correct the deformity and its complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 26.4 years. Congenital deformity was seen in six, post traumatic deformity in two and post tumor and post laminectomy deformity in one patient each. Deformity involved dorsal spine in six, dorso-lumbar region in three and lumbar region in one patient. The average operative time was 7.4 hours with an average blood loss of 1800 ml. The average number of transfusions required was 3.9 and average number of days spent in Intensive Care Unit was 4.5 days. The average preoperative and post-operative kyphosis was 60.3 and 22.2 degrees respectively, scoliosis was 48 and 18 degrees respectively, and sagittal imbalance was 35.5 and 11.6 degrees respectively. The mean preoperative and post-operative coronal imbalance was 30 mm and 11 mm respectively. There was one case of mortality in our series. Conclusion: We have been able to demonstrate the ability of PVCR to correct severe and rigid deformities of the spine in both the coronal and sagittal planes of various etiologies and in different age groups.

Insect pest outbreaks threaten agricultural productivity and global food security. Predicting their outbreaks is crucial for implementing effective pest management strategies. Traditional pest control measures often rely on reactive interventions, leading to significant economic losses. However, climate models and remote sensing technologies have emerged as powerful tools for predicting pest outbreaks before they occur. Climate models analyze atmospheric conditions to forecast pest behaviour, while remote sensing provides real-time data on environmental factors influencing pest populations. This paper discusses the integration of these technologies, highlighting key methodologies, case studies, challenges, and future directions in pest outbreak prediction. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in developing early warning systems and sustainable pest management strategies.

This paper examines the complexities and possibilities of engaging in trade in the Indian Ocean within the South Asian context. This study will examine the historical context of Indian Ocean trade, clarifying the diverse historical, geopolitical, and ethnic factors that influence the region. The analysis will discuss the development of the Indian economy via regional and transregional trade networks inherently connected to the Indian Ocean. Additionally, it will offer a succinct analysis of current security issues in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and outline the economic framework of South Asia. The paper will examine the evolution of financial relationships in the region, evaluate the dual function of the environment-comprising both environmental hazards and its economic importance-and conclude with a call for the strengthening of cultural and ethnic bonds as essential components in promoting regional integration via Indian Ocean trade.

Aims: To study the impact of different dosage of nanourea on the growth and yield of quality protein maize in Punjab, India. Study design: The study design was randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replication and 10 treatments. Place and Duration of Study: A research trial was conducted during Rabi season at Agricultural Research Farm of Lovely Professional University during 2022-2024. 9 treatment combinations of nano urea based nitrogen application were utilized for the present study on maize crop. The different growth, yield, quality and economic parameters were studied. Methodology: The land was prepared and intercultural operation was done and maize varirt name LQH-1 was sown in 5X4m 2 area plot with 8 treatments having different dosage of nanourea. Results: The plant height was more in treatment T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU@4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65DAS) followed by treatments T5 (50% RDN basal + One FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS) and T4 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 2ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS). The maximum number of leaf area index was observed at harvest as 263.78 at T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU@4ml/lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) treatment. The maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded in T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) followed by T5 (50% RDN basal + One FSNU @ 4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS) and lowest was observed in T0 (control). The highest crop and relative growth rate was observed in T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU @4 ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65 DAS) at 90 days and start decreasing at harvest. The yield parameters including number of cobs/plant (1.75±0.03), number of grains/cob (358.61±0.14), seed index (38.20±0.07 g), seed yield (5.14±0.02 t/ha), Stover yield (7.26±0.02 t/ha) and Harvest index (25.48±0.04%) was recorded more in treatment T6 (50% RDN basal + Two FSNU@4ml/Lt. at 35 DAS & 65DAS) and lowest was observed in T0 (control) at harvest. The quality parameters including protein, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake was observed more in treatment T6 and lowest was observed in T0 (control). Conclusion: Overall, our study suggests that use of nanourea in maize can be a better and sustainable approach Keywords: Nanourea, maize, nitrogen, nutrient management 1. Introduction Human beings utilized crops for their survival to having good nutrition, health, medical, economic, and industrial outcomes from different crops. Maize is such a useful crop utilized for sustenance by humans. Maize scientifically known as Zea mays belongs to the family Poaceae is an important cereal crop. It is also known as the queen of cereals (Bassu et al., 2014) [5]. It is not only cultivated for human consumption but also for feeding livestock and poultry. Maize achieved third place in cultivation over the world followed by rice and wheat. Maize is widely produced in cultivated and has around 21% of production in Andhra Pradesh, 16% in Karnataka, 10% in Rajasthan, and 9% reported from Bihar and Maharashtra (Abedinpour et al., 2012) [1]. It is reported that, In India, maize is grown in more than 9.23 Mha area with an overall production of approximately 25.6 t/ha and average productivity of around 2.56 t/ha (Igbadun et al., 2007) [8]. It is grown over an area of approximately 177mha throughout the world with a total production of around 967 m tonnes. It is a kharif crop and covers 85% of the total cultivated area.

The editorial discusses the impact of liver metastasis on immunotherapy efficacy in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Liver metastasis can hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy by altering the immune microenvironment, leading to systemic loss of T-cells and reduced treatment response. Studies suggest that liver meta-stases serve as a negative baseline factor for immunotherapy efficacy, resulting in poorer progression-free survival and objective response rates. Strategies such as liver-mediated radiotherapy may help improve treatment outcomes by reshaping the liver's immune microenvironment and reducing T-cell depletion. Understanding the complex interplay between liver metastasis and immunotherapy response is crucial for optimising patient care in GC.

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a critical role in reshaping the genetic architecture of plants beyond traditional inheritance. Unlike vertical gene transfer, which transfers traits from parent to offspring, HGT enables the movement of genes across unrelated species, contributing to the acquisition of novel traits. In plant biotechnology, HGT offers significant applications in developing transgenic crops, stress-tolerant plants, and biofortified foods. Primary mechanisms of HGT include transformation, transduction, and conjugation, facilitated by mobile elements such as transposons, viruses, and plasmids. These advancements provide new opportunities for agricultural innovation, including enhanced crop productivity and resistance to environmental stress. However, concerns about gene escape, biodiversity impacts, and socio-ethical issues necessitate careful regulatory oversight. This article reviews the mechanisms, applications, challenges, regulatory frameworks, and future directions for HGT in plant biotechnology, aiming to balance the benefits and risks for sustainable agriculture.

Introduction Apis laboriosa , the Himalayan giant honeybee, inhabits the foothills of Himalaya and neighboring mountainous regions. Here we revise its distribution in light of recent reports and discoveries, review the ecozones it inhabits, and reassess its likely distribution through species distribution modeling. Methods We revised the range map for A. laboriosa by mapping locality records from various sources: refereed research publications, museum specimens, records with identifiable images of bees in publicly available databases, personal observations of the authors, and photos/videos and their coordinates submitted to the authors by honey-hunters, beekeepers, and extension workers. We then used that map to determine the ecozones in which the species occurs. The geographical coordinates of the data localities were used to estimate the potential suitable areas for the bee with MaxEnt modeling. Results Our research filled in several previously identified gaps in the distribution of A. laboriosa : in western Nepal; mountainous regions of Myanmar, northwestern Thailand, and northern Laos; several river valleys in Xizang and Yunnan, China; and northeastern Pakistan. Over most of its range this bee species primarily occupies subtropical broadleaf forests with strong Himalayan affinities. However, in the western part of its range it extends into zones dominated by conifers. The sites where A. laboriosa has been recorded closely match the predicted range of the species. Two variables, mean temperature of the coldest quarter and temperature seasonality, contributed most (76%) to the species distribution model. Discussion Apis laboriosa has a more extensive distribution in the foothills of the Himalaya and neighboring mountainous regions than has been previously recognized. The range now extends from longitude 74.4°–105.9°E, a linear distance of 3300 km, and from latitude 19.2°N–34.8°N. We have documented nesting on tree branches in northern Vietnam. Future research is warranted on its elevational migrations along river valleys, population differentiation, and ecological role as a pollinator in the different ecological zones it inhabits.