Volume 43 (2) 2025
Anjana K., Abhirami M., Sarah Jane Monica, Sivaraj C.
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 375—384, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TRPP7406
How to cite this paper:
Anjana, K., Abhirami, M., Monica, S. J., & Sivaraj, C. (2025). Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver and Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized from Jackfruit Peel (Artocarpus heterophyllus): A Sustainable Waste Valorization Approach. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 375–384. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TRPP7406
Effective management of fruit peel waste is essential for environmental sustainability. Utilizing these waste substrates for nanoparticle (NP) synthesis presents a sustainable approach. The green synthesis of NPs using fruit peels has garnered attention due to its cost efficiency and eco-friendly nature. This study investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of silver and iron nanoparticles synthesized from jackfruit peel extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus). NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS●+, Superoxide, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum assays. Antibacterial activity was tested against gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. albicans. A distinct color change from yellow to brown, coupled with a peak in the UV spectrum at 425 nm, confirmed the formation of AgNPs. Similarly, the formation of FeNPs was confirmed by a color change from yellow to black and a peak in the UV spectrum at 213 nm. The average particle size of AgNPs ranged from 45.0 to 72.1 nm, while FeNPs measured between 4.9 and 30.9 nm. FeNPs exhibited significantly better antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 109.23, 54.98, and 61.56 µg/mL for DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radical assays (p<0.05). In contrast, AgNPs demonstrated better antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition recorded for S. mutans (24 mm) and C. tropicalis (16 mm) while antifungal activity was observed only for AgNPs. Results indicate that NPs synthesized from jackfruit peel extract have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making this fruit peel a suitable medium for eco-friendly nanoparticle production.
Nanoparticles, fruit peels, Artocarpus heterophyllus, antioxidant, antimicrobial.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Energy Dynamics in Indian Agriculture: Consumption Trends and Economic Impacts
S.Harshitha Nayak, Shivendra Kumar Srivastava, Praveen K. V., Sunil Naik, Rajeev Ranjan Kumar, Arun Kumar
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 385—396, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RHHR5300
How to cite this paper:
Nayak, S. H., Srivastava, S. K., Praveen, K. V., Naik, S., Kumar, R. R., & Kumar, A. (2025). Energy Dynamics in Indian Agriculture: Consumption Trends and Economic Impacts. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 385–396. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RHHR5300
Energy plays a pivotal role in driving modern agricultural growth and technological advancements, particularly in India, where agriculture continues to be a fundamental pillar of the economy. During the fiscal year 2022–23, electricity consumption in the agricultural sector reached 240.80 TWh, accounting for 17.52% of the nation’s total electricity use. This study examines trends in agricultural electricity consumption and investigates its linkages with agricultural growth. The analysis of energy efficiency in agriculture is based on data pertaining to gross sown area, irrigated area, and total agricultural production for the period 1982–83 to 2022–23. Additionally, the relationship between electricity consumption and agricultural GDP is explored using secondary data on electricity usage in agriculture and GDP from 1990–91 to 2022–23, encompassing major states across India. The findings highlight a substantial increase in agricultural electricity consumption, which rose from 17,817 GWh in 1982–83 to 240,800 GWh in 2022–23, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. Electricity consumption per unit of cropped area also exhibited an upward trend, with a CAGR of 5.6%. Results from panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between electricity consumption and agricultural GDP, indicating that a 1% increase in electricity use leads to a 0.24% rise in real GDP. Furthermore, both long-run and short-run causality tests confirm that electricity consumption is a key determinant of agricultural GDP growth, emphasizing its crucial role in the sector’s development. The paper also emphasizes the significant impact of agricultural power subsidies on groundwater exploitation, highlighting the importance of implementing effective rationing policies to regulate electricity usage more efficiently than relying solely on tariff adjustments. The findings call for strategies aimed at enhancing energy use efficiency in agriculture to accomplish resource conservation and equitable development.
Agricultural growth, Electricity consumption, Electricity use efficiency, Panel cointegration, Regression model.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Ashish Kumar Verma, Vishuddha Nand, Ravi Verma, Arpit Singh, Mohammad Vaheed, Vikash Yadav
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 397—400, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NBWX4931
How to cite this paper:
Verma, A. K., Nand, V., Verma, R., Singh, A., Vaheed, Moh., & Yadav, V. (2025). Nitrogen Fertilization and Fodder Cutting Schedule on Oat (Avena sativa L.) Fodder Quality and Economic Returns. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 397–400. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NBWX4931
A field experiment, employing a split-plot design with three replications, was conducted during the 2019-2020 rabi season to evaluate the impact of different oat varieties and nitrogen fertilization regimes on fodder yield and quality. Three oat varieties (RO-19, JHO-851, and UPO-212) were tested in conjunction with four nitrogen application strategies: (T1) two cuttings (at 55 days after sowing (DAS) and 50% flowering) with 60% of total nitrogen applied basally and 40% at the first cut; (T2) two cuttings (55 DAS and 50% flowering) with 50% nitrogen basally and 50% at the first cut, (T3) three cuttings (55 DAS, 35 days after the first cut, and 50% flowering) with 50% nitrogen basally, 25% at the first cut, and 25% at the second cut and (T4) three cuttings (55 DAS, 35 days after the first cut and 50% flowering) with 40% nitrogen basally, 30% at the first cut, and 30% at the second cut. Statistical analysis revealed that JHO-851 exhibited significantly higher crude protein (%), total ash (%), and plant nitrogen content (%). Regarding nitrogen management, the highest crude protein (%) and total ash (%) were observed under the T1 treatment (two cuttings, 60% basal N, 40% N at first cut), while the maximum plant nitrogen content (%) was recorded in the T2 treatment (two cuttings, 50% basal N, 50% N at first cut). Economic analysis demonstrated that the treatment combination of JHO-851 with the T2 nitrogen management strategy (V2N2) resulted in the highest gross income (Rs106,692.7 ha-1), net return (Rs 73,434.71 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.20 Rs Re-1).
Cutting schedule, Crude protein, Total ash, Net return, Benefit-cost ratio.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Jeetan Raj, A. K. Singh, S. R. Mishra, A. N. Mishra, Shubham Pandey, Kirti Vardhan Pandey, B. Kunal
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 401—407, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/SJTN7202
How to cite this paper:
Raj, J., Singh, A. K., Mishra, S. R., Mishra, A. N., Pandey, S., Pandey, K. V., & Kunal, B. (2025). Effect of Variable Growing Environment on Performance of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Varieties under Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 401–407. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/SJTN7202
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 to access the Effect of Microclimate on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, at Agro-meteorological Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. The experiment was conducted with Split Plot Design (SPD) and comprises three growing environment viz. 31st October (D1) (22.3℃), 10th November (D2) (23.5℃) and 20th November (D3) (18.5℃) and three varieties viz. Kranti (V1), NDR-8501 (V2) and Varuna (V3). Experimental results showed that among three growing environments, the maximum growth and yield recorded on 31st of October (22.3°C) due to favorable weather condition, harnessing of maximum sunshine hours and long crop growing period, followed by the 10th of November (23.5°C) and the 20th of November (18.5°C). Among varieties Varuna had the best varietal performance, followed by NDR-8501 and Kranti varieties. The initial growth and flowering stage of NDR-8501 was much better but at reproductive stage due to high temperature forced maturity reduce the grain yield. This research provides important insights for improving mustard cultivation in comparable Agro-climatic regions, highlighting the significance of accurate agricultural management to achieve optimal yields.
Microclimate, Split plot design, Growing environment, Varietal performance, Forced maturity.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Jiya Kharibam, Waluniba, Hijam Shila Devi, Rokozeno, Susanta Banik, Sentirenla Jamir, Sh. Herojit Singh
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 408—412, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MCDA6917
How to cite this paper:
Kharibam, J., Waluniba, Devi, H. S., Rokozeno, Banik, S., Jamir, S., & Singh, Sh. H. (2025). Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.). Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 408–412. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MCDA6917
The field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2023-2024 at School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema, Nagaland University to study the seasonal incidence of major insect pests of garden pea. The incidence of pea aphid (0.66 aphids/plant), pea leaf miner (0.40 leaf miner/plant), gram pod borer (0.53 larvae/plant) and pea pod borer (0.47 larvae/plant) were first observed on 52nd, 2nd, 3rd and 4th SMW respectively. The population reached its peak on 8th SMW for pea leaf miner (5.62/three leaves), gram pod borer (6.89 larvae/plant), pea pod borer (6.68 larvae/plant) and 9th SMW for pea aphid (43.00/three leaves). Pea aphid and pea leaf miner had a negative correlation with maximum relative humidity and a positive correlation with rainfall, respectively. Both gram pod borer and pea pod borer had a negative correlation with maximum relative humidity and positive correlation with rainfall.
Seasonal incidence, Garden pea, Insect pests.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Arvind Kumar, Narender Kumar, Rup Narayan
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 413—424, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/HXLS2598
How to cite this paper:
Kumar, A., Kumar, N., & Narayan, R. (2025). A Study on Tree Diversity, Population Structure and Soils in a University Campus in an Indian Dry Tropical Region: Implication for Tree Conservation, Exploitation and Carbon Sequestration. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 413–424. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/HXLS2598
This study assessed the tree species diversity and their population structure in Chaudhary Charan Singh University of Meerut. A total of 19922 tree individuals (>10 cm girth) were measured for their girths at breast height. Girth-size distribution of trees in entire campus and that of dominant tree flora were separately analyzed to understand their growth and regeneration status. Physico-chemical characteristics of soils under dominant tree cover were also estimated. Spread over an area of 222 acres, the campus had 128 tree species distributed over 43 plant families. Leucaena leucocephala accounted for over 23.45% of total tree population, followed by Eucalyptus globulus (12.02%), Ficus benjamina (5.56%), Monoon longifolium (5.11%), Azadirachta indica (4.41%). However, they were not uniformly distributed. Eucalyptus globulus alone accounted for 42% of total campus area under tree cover (>490 m2) followed by Mangifera indica (5%), Azadirachta indica (4.9%), Alstonia scholaris (3.1%), and Leucaena leucocephala (3.1%). A single tree of Ceiba speciosa exhibited a basal cover of 3539 cm2. Largest tree population (9303) occurred in girth range 10-30 cm. Ficus benghalensis recorded highest girth (693 cm). Eucalyptus globulus showed declining population (77% in 50-150 cm) in contrast to expanding populations of Monoon longifolium, Albizia lebbeck, and stable populations of Holoptelea integrifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Azadirachta indica. Soil organic carbon ranged 0.33 – 1.1% and C:N ratio 4.5 – 14.3 in soils under different species cover, indicative of specific tree cover impact. Besides implication for conservation and commercial exploitation of planted trees in this university-campus, study has projected implication for potential carbon sink and sequestration.
Conservation, Plant diversity, Tree basal-cover, Girth-size, Carbon sequestration.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Biochemical Changes in Aquatic Weeds in Response to Perchlorate Contamination, an in vitro Study
Vivek K.
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 425—432, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DJIJ6750
How to cite this paper:
Vivek, K. (2025). Biochemical Changes in Aquatic Weeds in Response to Perchlorate Contamination, an in vitro Study. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 425–432. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DJIJ6750
The current study assessed the effect of perchlorate on four common aquatic weeds: Pistia stratiotes, Eichhornia crassipes, Salvinia molesta and Spirodela polyrhiza. Notably, P. stratiotes exhibited a significant reduction of 26.18% in a 1 ppm perchlorate solution. Bioorganic characterization revealed a decrease in the concentration of total reducing sugars, lipids, and chlorophyll across all four plants under perchlorate stress. Conversely, carotenoid content, a recognized antioxidant, increased in response to perchlorate exposure. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), exhibited tissue-specific patterns. CAT was notably elevated in both shoots and roots of P. stratiotes, establishing it as the most crucial antioxidant enzyme under perchlorate stress. Variations in the concentrations of APX and GPX were observed in all plants, indicating distinct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanisms across different plant parts. The results indicate the role of CAT and other antioxidants in P. stratiotes to tolerate perchlorate stress through improved ROS management, shifts in antioxidant enzyme balance, adjustments in metabolic pathways, and potential changes in protein expression related to the stress response.
Perchlorate, Phytoremediation, Pistia stratiotes, Catalase, SDS-PAGE.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Nitin Kant Prabhakar, Pramila Verma, Mamta Arya, J.P. Mehta
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 433—440, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVOZ8955
How to cite this paper:
Prabhakar, N. K., Verma, P., Arya, M., & Mehta, J. P. (2025). Phytochemical Analysis of Lichens from Garhwal Himalaya: A Qualitative Analysis of Secondary Metabolites Across Different Solvents. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 433–440. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVOZ8955
Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by a partnership between fungi (mycobiont) and algae (phycobiont), thriving on surfaces like rocks, bark of trees and soil across diverse climates. Humans use around 17,000 lichen species for applications in decoration, pollution monitoring, fragrance, dyeing and medicine. Lichens produce unique secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. Their secondary compounds have gained growing interest in the pharmaceutical industry for potential therapeutic uses. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical diversity in five lichen species, i.e., Flavoparmelia caperata, Heterodermia diademata, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Nephromopsis laii and Parmotrema nilgherrensis, collected from the Madhyamaheshwar Valley, Garhwal Himalaya. The extraction was done using a range of solvents including chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol. The study uncovered significant variability in secondary metabolites among the lichens. Flavoparmelia caperata was found to contain flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and phenols ; Heterodermia diademata exhibited flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, phenols and terpenoids, Hypotrachyna cirrhata showed flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenols ; Nephromopsis laii was identified with glycosides, tannins and phenols ; and Parmotrema nilgherrensis had glycosides, saponins, tannins and phenols. Notably, no alkaloids were detected in any of the species. This study is the first to present a detailed phytochemical analysis of lichens from the Madhyamaheshwar Valley highlighting their rich chemical diversity and potential pharmacological applications. These findings lay a crucial foundation for future research into their therapeutic uses and the development of novel natural products.
Lichens, Phytochemistry, Secondary metabolites, Pharmacological potential.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Arushi Rana, Rashmi Sharma
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 441—461, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MMGY1141
How to cite this paper:
Rana, A., & Sharma, R. (2025). Evaluating and Mapping Soil Quality in a limestone Mining Landscape using GIS: Insights from Ramganjmandi, Rajasthan. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 441–461. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MMGY1141
The study aims to predict soil properties, including major and micronutrient levels in Ramganjmandi, India, an administrative unit significantly influenced by limestone mining. The human- environment relationship in the region is largely dictated by mining activities which expanded from 10.66 km2 in 1990 to 50.03 km2 in 2020. This extensive mineral extraction has led to deterioration in soil quality across mining belt. A total of 24 samples were collected using purposive random sampling. The inverse distance weightage method was applied in Arc GIS software through spatial analyst tool to interpolate the values of unsampled sites and PCA was executed using R studio. The results indicate that 95.83% of the samples are alkaline, with low organic carbon, organic matter and nitrogen content. Furthermore, 62.5% of the samples exhibit medium phosphorus and potassium levels, while 87% of the samples shows medium sulfur content,91.66% of the samples are marginally deficient in zinc, and 70.83% are deficient in iron. Notably, calcium content is exceptionally high ranging from 232 to 1088 ppm, while magnesium levels vary between 81.66 to 300 ppm. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1 and PC2 together explains 62.9% of the total variance effectively capturing the major patterns in soil chemistry. PC1 is primarily influenced by Organic content, nutrients and conductivity, while PC2 distinguishes pH and trace elements. Clear natural clusters suggest strong collinearity among variables like Organic Matter, Nitrogen and trace metals. The findings underscore the significant impact of limestone mining on soil degradation and potential implications for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Inverse distance weightage, Digital soil mapping, Interpolation, Prediction, Soil properties, Limestone mining, Principal components.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Comparative Analysis of Instability and Growth of Pearl Millet and Maize in India
Shiv Kumar Rana, Manish Kumar, Supriya, Pradeep Mishra, Ashish Tiwari
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 462—467, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XMLN8790
How to cite this paper:
Rana, S. K., Kumar, M., Supriya, Mishra, P., & Tiwari, A. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Instability and Growth of Pearl Millet and Maize in India. Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 462–467. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XMLN8790
The present paper explores the instability and growth in area, production, and yield of pearl millet and maize in India. For this, the Cuddy-Della Valle (CDV) instability index and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) are evaluated using secondary time series data on area, production, and yield of pearl millet and maize pertaining to the period of thirty years viz., 1994-2023. The comparative analysis has been made across three periods viz., Period-I (1994-2008), Period-II (2009-2023) and the overall period (1994-2023). The results of the investigation reveal that, during the overall period, pearl millet reported highest instability in terms of production (i.e., 15.51%) followed by yield (i.e., 10.74%) and area (i.e., 7.44%). In a similar manner, maize reported highest instability in terms of production (i.e., 10.37%) followed by yield (i.e., 7.49%) and area (i.e., 3.25%). Furthermore, during the overall period, the growth rates in production, area and yield of maize are observed to be the highest as compared to that of pearl millet.
Coefficient of variation, Coefficient of determination, Instability index, Compound annual growth rate.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Kevikiesa Khezhie, Waluniba, Sabbithi Pavan
Environment and Ecology 43 (2) : 468—474, April—June 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QLNU5420
How to cite this paper:
Khezhie, K., Waluniba, & Pavan, S. (2025). Efficacy of Some Insecticides against Major Insect Pests of Knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes). Environment and Ecology, 43(2), 468–474. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QLNU5420
Knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) belongs to the family Cruciferae and is an excellent source of various nutrients. It can be consumed raw as salad or as cooked, but throughout the growing period it is attacked by several pests which reduces the quality and quantity of the crop. Keeping in mind the damages caused by the pests, a field study was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 to study efficacy of some insecticides against major insect pests of knolkhol. The study was performed using Randomized Block Design with 6 treatments including one control and 3 replications. Twelve species of insects were found to attack knolkhol out of which green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and cabbage butterfly (Pieris canidia) were the major pests. Six chemicals were used for evaluation viz., emamectin benzoate, spinosad, chlorantriniprole, pongamia oil, imidacloprid, neem oil. Imidacloprid recorded the highest population reduction of Myzus persicae and Pieris canidia with 91.89% and 87.61% respectively followed by neem oil (83.46%) for Myzus persicae and emamectin benzoate (74.55%) for Pieris canidia.The highest benefit cost ratio was obtained from imidacloprid 17.8 SL (2.29:1) followed by spinosad (1.94:1). Based on the overall findings, imidacloprid 17.8 SL proved to be the most effective in controlling the pest populations of knolkhol at same time giving the highest benefit cost ratio.
Knolkhol, Efficacy, Insect pests, Insecticides, Management.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International