Journal of Applied Bioscience

Gene Editing: Promise and Responsibility

2025-12-25T14:09:10+0530

Gene editing is one of the most powerful scientific tools of our time. It started as a laboratory discovery but has now moved into medicine and farming with big impact. The approval of CRISPR-based treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia showed that editing genes can cure serious inherited illnesses. This was a turning point, proving that science can change lives in ways once thought impossible. Since then, new methods, like base editing and prime editing, have made the process even more accurate, cutting down mistakes and making treatments safer.

Sustaining Riverbank Ecosystems in the Face of Anthropogenic and Climatic Challenges

2025-12-25T19:45:37+0530

Riverbank vegetation, predominantly the plants growing along the edge of water are actually a critical ecological indicator of environmental health. These strips of plants are very important for maintaining the ecosystem balance, which includes stabilization of the bank, filtering the water, and supporting a wide range of different plant and animal biodiversity. It therefore becomes critical to assess the human-induced disturbances like pollution, climate change, land degradation, and hydrological alterations. The anthropogenic activities cause water scarcity and lead to a significant threat to riparian zones by limiting the soil moisture, altering the species composition, thus reducing the vegetation cover, leading to enhanced erosion and habitat degradation. Moreover, climate change worsens these stresses by altering the precipitation pattern, escalating temperature, modifying stream flow regimes, and increasing the incidence of wildfires, which contribute to biodiversity shifts in riverbank vegetation and ecosystem functionality. Further, the land use land change dynamics (LULC) also have a remarkable influence on seasonally dynamic riverbank vegetation. Hence, the interrelationship among the anthropogenic activities, climatic variability, LULC pattern and hydrological processes is crucial for the sustainable riverbank ecosystem management. Moreover, ecological monitoring, planning strategies and policy making is essential for reducing the environmental pressure and thus the protection of riverbank corridors.

An Updated Checklist of Tri-Trophic Associations of Aphidophagous Diptera and Neuroptera in Different Districts of Uttarakhand, India

2025-12-25T16:01:40+0530

Tritrophic interactions among host plants, aphids, and their natural enemies form the foundation of ecological balance and biological control in agroecosystems. While plants provide resources for aphids, these pests inflict damage through phloem feeding and the transmission of plant viruses. In turn, a diverse guild of predators—including coccinellids, lacewings, syrphids, spiders, mites, hemipteran bugs, earwigs, and thrips—plays a pivotal role in regulating aphid populations. Documenting such interactions is vital for elucidating biodiversity patterns, food-web architecture, and identifying effective natural enemies for integrated pest management. The present study assembles a detailed checklist of tri-trophic associations involving aphidophagous flies (Diptera) and lacewings (Neuroptera), their aphid prey, and host plants in Uttarakhand, India. Altogether, 28 fly species were recorded preying on 52 aphid species across 57 host plants, and 25 lacewing species were observed feeding on 27 aphid species associated with 23 host plants, accounting for 216 and 59 tri-trophic associations, respectively, across 12 districts. Syrphidae (hover flies) and Chamaemyiidae emerged as dominant dipteran predators, with species such as Episyrphus balteatus, Betasyrphus serarius, Eupeodes confrater, and Ischiodon scutellaris exhibiting broad prey ranges. Among Neuroptera, Chrysopidae (green lacewings) were most prevalent, with Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi and Cunctochrysa jubingensis displaying notable polyphagy. Records of anisopodids and eristaline flies were excluded due to their non-aphidophagous life histories. Aphid species such as Brevicoryne brassicae, Lipaphis erysimi, and Sitobion roseiformis supported the greatest diversity of predators.
The resulting checklist underscores the ecological significance of syrphids and lacewings in aphid suppression, highlights their potential in sustainable pest management, and provides critical baseline data for food-web analyses, biodiversity monitoring, and the design of region-specific IPM programs. More broadly, this study establishes a foundational reference for predator-aphid-plant interactions in Uttarakhand, offering valuable insights for biodiversity conservation and for anticipating ecological shifts under climate change and agricultural intensification.

The Scar of Rebuilding: Limb Regeneration Triggers Asymmetric Melanisation and Developmental Trade-Offs

2025-12-25T15:44:41+0530

Melanisation is a key insect immune response activated by injury, yet its role as a long-term indicator of regeneration costs is unclear. This study examined whether limb regeneration in the ladybird beetle (Cheilomenes sexmaculata) leads to persistent immune investment, seen as increased cuticular melanisation, and what trade-offs emerge. Larvae amputated in each instar showed that regeneration triggered a systemic immune response, with significantly elevated melanisation specifically on the contralateral elytra. This was accompanied by prolonged development and, after fourth-instar amputation, larger elytra size. These findings reveal that regeneration imposes organism-wide costs, permanently altering immune status, development, and morphology, with melanisation serving as a visible signature of these physiological trade-offs.

Ethnobotanical Uses of Pteridophytes in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh

2025-12-25T17:01:19+0530

The protected area of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, constituting the core area, spanning 73024.98 hectares, is a rich location for pteridophytes, and the remaining 12745.18 ha forms the buffer zone. A study was undertaken to collect the data on ferns and fern allies from various families. About 38 pteridophyte species have been identified, with the three most abundant groupings being Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae, and Ophioglossaceae. According to the study, about 30 types of ferns and their relatives have been used for various purposes, including food, fodder, medicinal use, and beautification of the houses. This study could help identifying useful and endangered species, and help in growing them for better utilization as well as in conservation of endangered plant species.

Effect of Host Plant of Aphididae, Plant Structure and Aphid Alarm Pheromone on Oviposition by Ladybirds

2025-12-25T17:11:07+0530

In the class Insecta, the chemistry of the oviposition site is crucial element for offspring survival. Thereby, females tend to choose specific sites on the specific host plants that offer better nutrition and support for larval development. Alarm pheromones, released in response to predation, serve as chemical cues influencing predator behaviour. The present study investigates the effects of aphidhost plant associations, plant architecture, and aphid alarm pheromone on oviposition behaviour in four ladybird species, viz. Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis, Menochilus sexmaculatus and Propylea dissecta. The effect of these associations were found to be species-specific.
Females laid the highest number of eggs on Aphis gossypii- Lagenaria vulgaris and Aphis craccivora-Dolichos lablab aphid-plant complexes. Lowest oviposition was reported on A. gossypii-Solanum melongena and A. craccivora-Vigna unguiculata complexes. Among plant structures, maximum oviposition was observed on bean pods and young leaves, whereas old leaves were the least preferred oviposition site. The presence of alarm pheromone from Acyrthosiphon pisum significantly enhanced oviposition in all four ladybird species. These findings highlight the importance of tri-trophic interactions in shaping oviposition decisions and suggest potential strategies for enhancing biological control through habitat manipulation.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Cytotoxicity of Common Medicinal Plant Extracts using Human Breast Cancer Cell-line (MCF-7)

2025-07-16T17:43:34+0530

Worldwide medicinal plants are accepted and approved for their therapeutic usage. The present study was carried out to screen medicinal plants for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activitiy against MCF-7 cells. The methanolic leaf extracts of four plants viz., Withania somnifera (WS), Moringa oleifera (MO), Stevia rebaudiana (SR), Nicotiana tabacum (NT) were studied. Antioxidant activities were determined by 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Cytotoxic activities were determined by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Assays. The antioxidant activity of the extracts by DPPH assay was in the following order NT > MO > SR >WS. Similarly, the antioxidant activity by ABTS assay was MO > NT > WS >SR. All the leaf extracts displayed cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells in in vitro as well as in silico studies. Therefore, we conclude that the methanolic leaf extracts of the studied plants can be used as a source for exogenous antioxidants.

A Novel Circular Maze Paradigm For Anxiety Assessment: Behavioral Insights Into Herbal Anxiolytics

2025-12-25T17:36:03+0530

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses, often treated with synthetic drugs that may cause adverse effects. Traditional medicinal plants such as Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) have been used for their potential adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties. The present study investigates the anti-anxiety activity of a combined extract of O. sanctum and T. ammi in Wistar rats using behavioural models like the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and circular open field test over a period of four weeks. Rats were grouped into control, standard (diazepam), and test extract groups. Animals were subjected weekly to the circular maze test, recording time spent in open and closed arms. Data were analysedusing one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The test group showed a gradual increase in time spent in the open arm: Week 1 (16.8 ± 2.4 s), Week 2 (21.3 ± 2.1 s), Week 3 (26.6 ± 1.8 s), and Week 4 (31.4 ± 2.0 s). Conversely, time in the closed arm reduced from Week 1 (43.2 ± 1.9 s) to Week 4 (28.6 ± 2.3 s). These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to the control group and approached the efficacy of the standard drug by Week 4. Bar charts visually confirmed these progressive behavioural improvements. The combined extract of O. sanctum and T. ammi produced a significant anxiolytic effect in rodents, demonstrating a steady behavioural improvement over four weeks. These findings support its potential as a natural alternative for managing anxiety.

Soil Nutrient Enrichment Alters Trophic Linkages and Predator Efficiency in Cowpea-Aphid-Ladybird Systems

2025-12-25T18:00:09+0530

Soil nutrient management can strongly influence interactions among plants, herbivores, and natural enemies. This study examined how organic and inorganic soil amendments affect tritrophic interactions among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), the aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, and the predatory ladybird Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fabricius under semi-field conditions. Plants were grown in control, vermicompost, and NPK-treated soil to evaluate plant growth, aphid fitness, development of predator and its performance. Vermicompost significantly increased the number of leaflets per plant which reflected enhanced vegetative growth, while differences in leaflet shape were qualitative. It also enhanced the aphid fitness due to improved host quality. The total developmental period was significantly shortened and predation efficiency was highest at various prey densities in vermicompost treatment. Overall, vermicompost improved plant vigour and predator performance through improved prey quality, demonstrating a cascade effect across trophic levels. These results highlight vermicompost as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for promoting natural pest regulation and maintaining ecological balance in cowpea agroecosystems.

Entomocidal activity of Azadirachta indica, Pongamia pinnata and Tridax procumbens leaf powder against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

2025-12-25T18:11:53+0530

Pests of stored grains cause significant quantitative and qualitative damage mainly in tropical regions. The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. is one of the most destructive species infesting stored rice and other cereal grains. In the present study entomocidal activity of Azadirachta indica (neem), Pongamia pinnata (karanj) and Tridax procumbens (coat buttons) leaf powder against adult S. oryzae under controlled laboratory conditions have been evaluated. Leaf powder obtained from different plant having concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg were used to treat 50 g rice grain for each concentration while 50 g untreated grains used controls. Insect mortality recorded after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment. The results of A. indica exhibited the highest and fastest mortality achieving 100% with the concentrations of 25 mg and above within 14 days whereas P. pinnata resulted delay but 100% mortality with 25 and 30 mg by 28 days and T. procumbens showed mortality at 25 mg & 30 mg concentrations after 28 days. The overall efficacy ranking was A. indica > P. pinnata > T. procumbens. The findings highlight the strong potential of these botanicals, particularly neem, as safe, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives to synthetic protectants for stored-grain pest.

Toxicological Impact of Profenofos and Azadirachtin on Vital Organs and Biochemical Indices in Fish (Labeo Rohita)

2025-04-30T21:59:46+0530

This study examines the histopathological effects of two pesticides—profenofos, a synthetic organophosphate, and azadirachtin, a neem-derived biopesticide—on the gills and muscle tissues of the freshwater fish Labeo rohita. The fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 40 µL/L profenofos and 25 mg/L azadirachtin for 96 hours and 28 days under controlled conditions. Histological observations revealed notable toxicological effects, with profenofos causing more severe damage. The gills, being primary sites of pesticide absorption, exhibited progressive deterioration, including lamellar fusion, blood congestion, and epithelial cell degradation. Muscle tissues showed mild atrophy after 96 hours, progressing to significant necrosis by the end of 28 days. In contrast, azadirachtin exposure induced milder effects, including fibrosis and vacuolation in the gills and moderate muscle atrophy during the same exposure periods. This study highlights the differential toxicity between synthetic and natural pesticides, underlining the need for stringent regulation of profenofos due to its pronounced ecological risks. The relatively lower toxicity of azadirachtin suggests its potential as an eco-friendlier pest control alternative.

An Annotated Checklist, Spatial Distribution Patterns and New Orthopteran Species Reported in Agroclimatic Region of Rajasthan, India

2025-05-08T16:13:25+0530

The orthopteran insects are considered to be a great indicator of diversity and ecosystem health. A biannual study (2021-2023) in an agroclimatic region, semiarid eastern plain of Rajasthan (India), comprising four study sites provided checklist of orthopteran insects to investigate the species composition, distribution, abundance and diversity. Totally, 30 species under 6 families and 15 subfamilies comprising two suborders, Caelifera (24 species with 6 new record) and Ensifera (6 species with 1 new record) were reported. The Acrididae family, comprising 18 orthopteran species (6 new records), exhibited the highest species richness, dominance, and abundance, followed by Pyrgomorphidae (5 species), Tettigoniidae (3 species with 1 new record), Gryllidae (2 species) and Gryllotalpidae and Tetrigidae (1 species each, respectively). The acridid species, Hieroglyphus banian represented the highest IVI at Jaipur (63.19) and Dausa (36.46), signifying its dominance in agriculture farms, while gryllid species, Acheta domesticus constantly exhibited high IVI across all the sites. The highest species richness was observed in Jaipur and Tonk, with many species occurring frequently. The highest species Dominance (D = 0.1021) in Ajmer, Simpson’s diversity index (D^x = 0.9107) and Shannon Wiener index (H^x = 2.698) was maximum in Tonk, and Evenness (E = 0.6259) in Jaipur showed statistically significant differences (p< 0.05*), highlighting distinct species compositions in Ajmer and Tonk. The diversity ordering curve across different sites revealed that Jaipur was the most diverse and evenly distributed site. This pioneering study makes a significant contribution of the orthopteran fauna in Rajasthan by documenting new species records for the region.

Helianthus decapetalus L. (Asteraceae): A New Record for India from the Northern Western Ghats, India

2025-09-06T22:41:07+0530

Helianthus decapetalus L. (Asteraceae), previously unknown in India. During a recent floristic investigation, a new species was reported for the northern Western Ghats of India. A taxonomy description, phenology, ecological observations, photographic images, and a comparison of diagnostic traits with closely related species are provided to facilitate correct identification.

Antioxidant Activity and Correlation of Three Different Seaweeds along Gujarat Coastline, India

2025-12-25T18:49:24+0530

The constant increase in the amount of free radicals in human body leads to the initiation of several diseases. Antioxidants quench free radicals and delay the oxidation process, which ultimately raises defence mechanism against the pathogensis of molecular oxygen. As a treasure of bioactive compounds, seaweeds are attracting attention for the development of new healthy foods and drugs.
The pharmacological activity of seaweeds can be predicted by their phyto-constituents. In the present study, presence of phytoconstituents has been observed in Caulerpa mycophysa, Iyengaria stellata, and Spatoglossum solieri collected from Okha coast, Gujarat, India. Significant differences were observed in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant activities through DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays. A positive correlation between phenolic, flavonoid and scavenging activities of some extracts has been established. Results of the findings can be utilised in a sustainable manner to establish the use of these seaweeds as a potential source for antioxidants rich food which will help in utilization of these unexploited resources to combat diseases.

Assessment of Deleterious Effects of Salinity Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum var. HD-3086) Plants

2025-12-25T19:03:56+0530

Salinity is a severe abiotic environmental problem in soil which restricts the growth, alters physiological processes and ultimately causing death of salt-sensitive plants. The high concentration of salts in soil alters plant water relationship due to osmotic and ionic stress in plants. The osmotic stress affects even the germination of seeds due to restriction of entry of water inside seeds while the intrusion of high sodium and chloride ions inside the cell causes ionic stress leading to production of reaction oxygen species causing oxidative damage to cellular components, mainly to the membrane lipids and other biomolecules like protein and DNA etc. Under salt stress conditions plants also respond to salinity stress by different adaptive mechanisms like exclusion of salt entry in root cells, accumulation of excess cellular salt in vacuoles, excretion of salts by salt glands, synthesis of osmolytes like glycine-betaine, proline and increased activity of components of antioxidative defense system etc. These mechanisms help the plants to survive under such environmental conditions but the responses to salinity are more pronounced in salt tolerant plants.

Studies on Fungal Aerospores as Potential Aeroallergens in Gondia, Maharashtra state of India

2025-12-25T19:14:22+0530

The present study was undertaken to determine the impact of bioaerosol contamination in air and analyse functional relationships between composition of airspora and meteorological factors. Pearson correlation coefficient test relationship between bioaerosols and temperature, relative humidity and relative rains and two ways and the effect of different seasons and sampling stations on the bioaerosol contamination of air. The abundance of airborne spores shows distinct temporal patterns that persist across a mosaic of natural vegetation. Peak spore loads found during the Kharif season and lower spore abundance during Rabi season. Across spatial and temporal dimensions, microclimate is a stronger indicator of airborne spore concentration than vegetation type.