Volume 44 (3) 2026
Indian Floral Diversity and Plant Conservation Issues
Soma Chanda, Tripti Bouri
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 549—556, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DQYW9457
How to cite this paper:
Chanda, S., & Bouri, T. (2026). Indian Floral Diversity and Plant Conservation Issues. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 549–556. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DQYW9457
India harbors exceptional floral diversity shaped by steep climatic and topographic gradients across four global biodiversity hotspots. Plant diversity, with almost 500,000 species, serves human needs and plays a major role in the natural ecosystem. Anthropogenic pressure of population growth and industries has put natural resources in rapid decline. Habitat fragmentation, loss, degradation, destruction, resource overexploitation, alien species invasion, air pollution, nitrogen deposition, and climate change are the drivers of the decline in plant diversity. A conservation framework and priority actions for research and policy are essential. The world community is now very much concerned about the sustainable use of natural resources and the quality of the environment for both present and future generations. Environmental ethics, past and modern practices for the conservation of the forest resources have gaining priority in world wide. Different global strategies like agroforestry systems, utilization of different scientific and technical expertise, public participation and and different policies have taken into consideration for the conservation of natural resources. Further research on ecology and socioeconomic mechanisms associated with natural resources is needed to be understood and implemented in biodiversity conservation. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the current state of biodiversity in India, identify the primary drivers of its decline, and examine the conservation efforts implemented by the government, scientific community, businesses, and indigenous communities to preserve the nation’s abundant natural legacy. It is in our collective economic and environmental interest to practice sustainable forest development at the national, regional, and global levels.
Biodiversity, Hotspots, Conservation, Natural ecosystem, Overexploitation
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Tulumoni Gogoi, M. S. Rawat
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) 557—565, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KJZG1402
How to cite this paper:
Gogoi, T., & Rawat, M. S. (2026). Monitoring of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Gai Sub-Watershed, NEI, Using GIS and Remote Sensing. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 557–565. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KJZG1402
The changes in land use and land cover significantly impact the environment in this watershed. This study utilizes Landsat satellite imagery from 2003, 2016, and 2024 to detect changes in the area. The supervised classification method is employed to analyse land cover changes in the Gai watershed. The land use and land cover classes are categorized into six types: agricultural land, built-up areas, forest, river/water bodies, scrubland, and others. Agricultural land and built-up areas are on the rise, along with forest and river areas, while other categories and scrubland are declining. Factors contributing to these changes include population growth, natural hazards, deforestation, and mining activities. Effective watershed management planning is essential for maintaining the environmental health and ecological balance and sustainable agricultural development of this area.
Change detection, LU/LC, GIS, Remote sensing.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Thengrak Hanse, Bhanita Bora, Ananda Ram Boro, Kangkan Barman
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 566—576, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DOKR3378
How to cite this paper:
Hanse, T., Bora, B., Boro, A. R., & Barman, K. (2026). Human-Elephant Conflict in India with Special Reference to Assam: Patterns, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 566–576. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DOKR3378
Human–elephant conflict (HEC) has emerged as a significant conservation and socio-economic challenge, particularly in Assam, a major stronghold of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). The state supports approximately 5,719 elephants within highly fragmented habitats interspersed with human-dominated landscapes, resulting in frequent interactions. On average, around 70 human and 80 elephant deaths are reported annually in Assam due to conflict, with peak incidents occurring during the paddy harvesting season. This review synthesizes spatial and temporal patterns, drivers, impacts, and mitigation strategies of HEC in India, with special reference to Assam, using secondary data from published literature and government reports. The impacts of HEC are multidimensional, including ecological consequences such as elephant mortality and population disruption, as well as socio-economic challenges like crop loss, financial instability, and psychological stress among affected communities. Key drivers include habitat fragmentation, corridor disruption, and attraction to high-nutrient crops. Mitigation strategies have evolved toward integrated approaches involving early warning systems, solar fencing, community participation, use of trained elephants (Kumki), and habitat restoration. The study highlights the need for landscape-level planning, improved corridor connectivity, and coexistence-based strategies to ensure long-term conservation of elephants alongside human well-being.
Human–elephant conflict, Elephas maximus, Habitat fragmentation, Crop raiding, Mitigation strategies.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
J. Shilpa Shree, G. Kathiravan, M. Prabu, N. K. Sudeep Kumar, G. Vijayakumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 577—588, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/BWQT2349
How to cite this paper:
Shree, J. S., Kathiravan, G., Prabu, M., Kumar, N. K. S., & Vijayakumar, G. (2026). Comparative Review on Integration of Epidemiological and Econometric Models in Livestock Health Economics. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 577–588. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/BWQT2349
Livestock diseases pose serious challenges in respect to animal productivity, farm incomes, public health, and market stability. This review examines how the integration of epidemiological and econometric models helps to understand the livestock health economic analysis. Epidemiological models explain about the disease transmission patterns, risk factors involved, and control measures dynamics, while econometric models include the quantification of production losses, intervention costs, and economic returns. The paper includes various evidences across bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and nutritional diseases, and also it highlights how this combined modeling frameworks improve the evaluation of prevention, control, and eradication strategies. Despite their advantages, their usage is limited due to limited interdisciplinary collaboration and data constraints. Strengthening this integration is essential for One Health framework includes efficient allocation of resources, evidence-based policy formulation, and sustainable livestock health management.
Epidemiology, Econometrics, Models, Livestock, Health, Economics.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Chaudhary Mohd Kashim, Noopur Gautam
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 589—596, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/UGJH5798
How to cite this paper:
Kashim, C. M., & Gautam, N. (2026). Morphometric and Nutritional Characterization of Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo) for Post-Harvest Application. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 589–596. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/UGJH5798
Pulses are an essential component of the diet, and information on their physical and structural properties is needed for designing post-harvest machinery. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the morphometric, structural and nutritional composition of black gram. The black gram grain results were statistically analyzed using Stat-Ease Design Expert Software using a simple sample design. The length, width and thickness of the black gram were 5.03 ± 0.02 mm, 4.66 ± 0.02 mm and 4.25 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. The arithmetic mean diameter and geometric mean diameter of the black gram were reported to be 33.28 ± 0.46 mm and 4.64 ± 0.02 mm. The thousand seed weight and volume of the black gram were found to be 44.03 ± 0.15 g and 59.40 ± 0.20 mL. The density, bulk density and true density were reported to be 741.00 ± 4.36 (g/mL), 828.67 ± 9.02 (Kg/m3) and 1270.67 ± 6.11 (Kg/m3). The porosity, sphericity and aspect ratio percentage of the black gram were 34.78 ± 0.96%, 92.23 ± 0.32%, and 92.65 ± 0.34, respectively. The nutritional composition of black gram reveals that it contains 8.88 ± 0.03% moisture, 25.96 ± 0.03% protein, 1.72 ± 0.02% fat, 3.65 ± 0.03% ash, 59.78 ± 0.01% carbohydrate and 2.85 ± 0.04% crude fiber. These findings indicate that black gram possesses favorable morphometric and nutritional properties, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient in product formulation and its importance in addressing nutritional security. The morphometric and structural properties results would be useful for the development of post-harvest machinery, such as cleaning, grading, dehulling and storage equipment, contributing to enhanced processing efficiency and minimization of post-harvest losses.
Black gram, Morphometric properties, Structural properties, Nutritional composition.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Vikash Singh, Tarkeshwar, C. N. Ram, Mahendra Singh, L. B. Gaur, S. K. S. Rajpoot
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 597—604, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KKSK8627
How to cite this paper:
Singh, V., Tarkeshwar, Ram, C. N., Singh, M., Gaur, L. B., & Rajpoot, S. K. S. (2026). Heritability and Genetic Advance Analysis for Yield and Its Attributes in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.) over Environments. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 597–604. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KKSK8627
The vegetable pea (Pisum sativum (L.) var. hortense) belonging to the illustrious Leguminosae family, subfamily Papilionaceae, and the discernible class of dicotyledons, it exudes nutritional prowess. As a self-pollinating gem, it boasts a diploid chromosome count of 2n=2x=14. Narrow-sense heritability is a fundamental concept in quantitative genetics that helps us understand the proportion of the phenotypic variation within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences between individuals. In this concept the present investigation has been carried out at the Main Experiment Station (MES) nestled within the Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya during the Rabi seasons of 2020-21 (Y1) and 2021-22 (Y2), to estimate the extent of narrow sense heritability and genetic advance in garden pea. The observations were recorded for eighteen metric traits. The analysis of variance revealed the mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the eighteen traits. During both Y1, Y2 and season over pooled, high estimates of narrow sense heritability along with high genetic advance were noted for days to 50 % flowering, days to first picking, plant height, node to first pod appearance, nodes per plant, pod length, pod girth, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per 100 g, 100 green seed weight, non-reducing sugar and total sugars, while moderate to low range of heritability was observed for number of pods per plant, protein content, total soluble solids, reducing sugars, shelling percentage and green pod yield per plant.
Garden pea, Genetic advance, Narrow sense heritability, Pisum sativum, Genetic variability.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Harigovind Shrivastava, Malvika Srivastava, Deepak Chaudhary, Shail Pande, Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 605—614, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TCPX8244
How to cite this paper:
Shrivastava, H., Srivastava, M., Chaudhary, D., Pande, S., & Pandey, S. K. (2026). Population Status and Regeneration Pattern of Few Congeneric Species in the Disturbed Sal Forests of Gorakhpur, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 605–614. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TCPX8244
The current study investigates the population structure, inter-ramet distance and regeneration strategies of different congeneric species under varying disturbance levels in the Forest Division of Gorakhpur, UP. The results revealed that Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited the highest density per hectare, with maximum values under moderate disturbance, while C. viscosum dominated high disturbance sites. Species such as Desmodium gangeticum and D. pulchellum were more abundant under high disturbance, whereas Bridelia retusa and B. stipularis were absent in highly disturbed zones. The study estimated a general trend of declining ramet production and increasing inter-ramet distance with rising disturbance level. Moderate disturbance supported the most balanced population structure and clonal spread, suggesting optimal regeneration conditions. The one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in inter ramet distance among different species at different disturbance levels (F = 6.87, p < 0.05). These adaptive responses indicate that moderate disturbance promotes sustainable clonal expansion and regeneration, while high disturbance limits recruitment and genet stability across most studied congeneric species.
Age structure, Clonal propagation, Disturbance gradient, Regeneration pattern, Vegetative reproduction.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Sunny Moni Dutta, Ananda Ram Boro, Bhanita Bora, Kangkan Barman, Riya Kalita
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 615—627, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WVIU6788
How to cite this paper:
Dutta, S. M., Boro, A. R., Bora, B., Barman, K., & Kalita, R. (2026). From Glow to Decline: Firefly Population Dynamics as Indicators of Environmental Change in India with Insights from Assam. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 615–627. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WVIU6788
Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are important bioluminescent insects and sensitive indicators of environmental change. This review demonstrates their diversity, distribution, and population trends in India, with insights from Assam. India hosts over 90 species with high endemism, though they remain understudied. Firefly populations are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which regulate their life cycle and activity. However, increasing declines are driven by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), which disrupts mating communication. Due to their ecological sensitivity, fireflies serve as effective bioindicators, reflecting ecosystem health through changes in abundance and behavioral pattern. Northeast India, particularly Assam, provides suitable habitats but faces growing anthropogenic pressures. Limited regional data highlight the need for systematic research and conservation strategies to monitor and protect firefly populations.
Fireflies (Lampyridae), Bioindicators, Environmental change, Population decline, Artificial light at night (ALAN).
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Mitali Kumari Sah, A. K. Singh, Mahendra Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Shipra Yadav, Saurav Chaurasiya
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 628—635, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QABU8713
How to cite this paper:
Sah, M. K., Singh, A. K., Singh, M., Singh, A., Yadav, S., & Chaurasiya, S. (2026). Effect of Micronutrient and Weed Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Productivity of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 628–635. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QABU8713
A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to zinc and iron fertilization under different weed management practices. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications comprising four micronutrient treatments viz., control, ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹, FeSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ and ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ + FeSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ in main plots and five weed management practices viz., pretilachlor @ 75 g a.i. ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence, bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g a.i. ha⁻¹ as post-emergence, sequential application of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium, weed free and weedy check in sub-plots. The results revealed that combined application of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ significantly improved yield attributes and productivity of rice over control during both years. The treatment ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg/ha⁻¹ + FeSO₄ @ 25 kg/ha⁻¹ recorded maximum panicle length (24.27 and 24.60 cm), panicle weight (2.55 and 2.65 g), effective tillers (266.62 and 270.26 m⁻²), filled grains per panicle (103.06 and 102.87) and grain yield (5531 and 5610 kg/ha⁻¹) during 2024 and 2025, respectively. Among weed management practices, weed free treatment recorded the highest grain yield (5660 and 5730 kg ha⁻¹), which was statistically comparable with sequential application of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium. Effective weed management significantly reduced sterility percentage and enhanced biological yield compared to weedy check. Harvest index and test weight remained non-significant under different treatments. Overall, the study indicated that combined application of ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ and FeSO₄ @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ along with sequential application of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium proved effective for improving yield attributes and productivity of transplanted rice under Eastern Uttar Pradesh conditions.
Rice, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Weed management, Pretilachlor, Bispyribac sodium, Productivity, Yield attributes.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure for Climate Resilience
Romeet Saha, Pushkal Bagchie
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) 636—650, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KUXV7443
How to cite this paper:
Saha, R., & Bagchie, P. (2026). Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure for Climate Resilience. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 636–650. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KUXV7443
Urban areas face escalating climate risks—rising temperatures, extreme precipitation, flooding, and deteriorating air quality—that demand urgent, scalable nature-based responses. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary evidence to evaluate the role of urban forestry and green infrastructure as nature-based solutions for building urban climate resilience. We examine the biophysical mechanisms through which trees and green infrastructure regulate urban climates, including shading, evapotranspiration, infiltration, and carbon assimilation, and assess how these processes generate critical ecosystem services: heat island mitigation, stormwater attenuation, carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, and biodiversity enhancement. Evidence from international case studies demonstrates that increasing urban tree canopy cover by 10–30% can reduce ambient air temperatures by 1–4°C, while green infrastructure such as bioswales and rain gardens can intercept 40–80% of stormwater runoff. Carbon sequestration in urban forests ranges from 0.2 to 2.0 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, depending on species composition and management. We further examine the socio-ecological dimensions of urban forestry, including community well-being, thermal comfort, and health co-benefits. However, the delivery of these services is contingent on appropriate species selection, spatial configuration, canopy structure, and adaptive governance. We identify critical knowledge gaps, particularly the limited economic valuation of urban ecosystem services, insufficient evidence from Global South cities, and the need for fine-scale spatial modelling. We conclude that integrating urban forestry and green infrastructure into climate-resilient planning frameworks requires strengthened empirical evidence, equity-sensitive design, and cross-sectoral governance to realise their full potential as systemic climate solutions.
Urban forestry, Green infrastructure, Climate resilience, Urban heat island mitigation, Ecosystem services, Nature-based solutions.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Mithalesh Kumar, Ajay Kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 651—658, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NMJL2705
How to cite this paper:
Kumar, M., & Kumar, A. (2026). Gene Action for Seed Yield and Quality Traits in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] Through Generation Mean Analysis. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 651–658. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NMJL2705
The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the nature and magnitude of gene action governing seed yield and oil quality traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.) using generation mean analysis. Four crosses, namely PR36 × Rohini, PRE11 × CS60, PRE15 × CS58, and PRL26 × Giriraj, were studied using six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁, and BC₂) during the Rabi seasons of 2022–2024 at Ajitmal, Uttar Pradesh, India. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability for seed yield, oil content, protein content, and fatty acid composition. Significant scaling tests indicated the presence of epistatic interactions, and therefore, the six-parameter model was employed. Both additive (d) and non-additive (h) gene effects were involved in the inheritance of most traits, with additive × additive (i) and dominance × dominance (l) interactions being predominant in several cases. The results suggest that a combined breeding strategy involving hybridization followed by selection in advanced segregating generations would be effective for improving seed yield and oil quality traits in Indian mustard.
Additive gene action, Dominance, Epistasis, Fatty acid composition, Oil quality, Generation mean analysis.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Avinash Pratap, Anil Kumar, Pushpendra Kumar, Shrishti Mishra, Pragya, Satyam Kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 659—666, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WZED4611
How to cite this paper:
Pratap, A., Kumar, A., Kumar, P., Mishra, S., Pragya, & Kumar, S. (2026). Constraints in Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Ayodhya Division of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 659–666. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WZED4611
The current research was carried out among small-scale fish farmers in the Ayodhya division, encompassing the districts of Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. This study investigates the challenges they encounter under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Garrett’s Ranking Technique was employed to analyze the limitations across three primary categories: Constraints noted by Small-Scale Fish Producers, Constraints upheld by field workers, and Institutional constraints maintained by farmer limitations. Garrett’s highest mean scores (57.04, 56.69, and 56.99) for the Ayodhya division, Ayodhya district, and Ambedkar Nagar district, respectively, indicated that the loss from the perishable nature of produce was the predominant production constraint in all three study units. In the summer, water scarcity (average scores: 55.51, 55.20, and 55.64) and significant initial investment needs (average scores: 54.26, 54.24, and 53.81), which were consistently ranked second and third among all units, followed. The lack of minimum wage establishment was the most significant labor-related issue across all study regions (mean scores: 51.36, 51.46, and 51.46), followed by workplace gender discrimination and insufficient health insurance, highlighting the highly informal and vulnerable conditions of labor in fisheries. Regarding institutional constraints, all three units rated the challenge of acquiring institutional credit as the highest (mean scores: 52.88, 52.67, and 53.10). Subsequently, fishermen cooperatives functioned inadequately, highlighting significant deficiencies in the PMMSY execution framework at the local level.
PMMSY, Small-scale fish producers, Garrett’s ranking technique, Aquaculture constraints, Ayodhya division.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Rupali Singh, A. K. Singh, Abhinav Kumar, Rudra Pratap Singh, K. M. Singh, Mahendra Singh, S. B. Singh, Shipra Yadav, Abhinandan Singh
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 667—672, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/ENAZ9035
How to cite this paper:
Singh, R., Singh, A. K., Kumar, A., Singh, R. P., Singh, K. M., Singh, M., Singh, S. B., Yadav, S., & Singh, A. (2026). Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Post-Emergence Herbicide on Root Growth and Yield of Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 667–672. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/ENAZ9035
A field experiment was carried out during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at Agronomy research farm of ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen management and post-emergence herbicides combinations on root growth, and yield of wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of three nitrogen management practices viz. N1: P100% K100% (basal), N100% through conventional urea (50% basal + 25% at tillering + 25% at PI), N2: P100% K100% (basal), N75% through conventional urea (50% basal+25% at tillering) + one spray nano urea at PI , N3 : P100%K100% (basal), N50% through conventional urea (basal) + one spray nano urea at tillering + one spray nano urea at PI were kept in main plot and five weed management practices viz. W0: Weedy Check, W1: Weed free, W2: Chlorimuron @ 2 g a.i./ha + Metsulfuron @ 2 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS, W3: Bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + Azimsulfuron @ 18 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS, W4: Bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + Pyrazosulfuron @ 25 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS in sub plot. Among nitrogen management practices, N2 recorded significantly higher Root length, Root volume, Root dry weight & grain yield (48.23 & 51.21 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (68.96 & 72.59 q ha⁻¹) during 2024 and 2025, respectively over N1 and N3. Among weed management practices, the application of bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha + azimsulfuron @ 18 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS (W3) proved most effective among PoE herbicide combinations, recorded significantly higher, Root length, Root volume, Root dry weight and yield and it was remained statistically at par with hand weeding twice.
Nitrogen management, Root length, Root volume, Root dry weight, Post-emergence herbicide, Yield, Wet direct-seeded rice.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Sentu Kumar Dey, Ahinsuk Barua, Soma Chanda
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 673—680, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/SMAH8285
How to cite this paper:
Dey, S. K., Barua, A., & Chanda, S. (2026). Documentation of the Forest Edge Species and Their Role in Forest Conservation with Special Reference to Joypur Forest, Bankura District, West Bengal, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 673–680. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/SMAH8285
Forest edges represent ecotones—transitional zones between dense forest interiors and open landscapes—that harbor unique plant assemblages adapted to variable microclimatic and edaphic conditions. The present study documents the floristic composition of edge vegetation in Joypur Forest, located in the Bankura District of West Bengal, India. A total of 34 plant species belonging to 23 families were recorded along the forest edges. The vegetation comprises herbs, shrubs, climbers, grasses, and trees that play crucial ecological roles such as soil stabilization, microclimate regulation, providing habitat and food sources for fauna, and acting as buffer zones that protect the forest core from anthropogenic pressures. The predominance of phanerophytes (59.52%) and scarcity of hemicryptophytes and chmaephytes (both 2.38%) in the present study area is a typical indication of active ecological succession coupled with structural buffering and microclimate mitigation leading to a stable undisturbed forest edge ecosystem with a dense and intact canopy cover. The study highlights the significance of conserving edge flora as an integral part of forest management and biodiversity conservation strategies.
Forest edge flora, Joypur forest, Conservation, Biodiversity, Bankura, West Bengal, Ecotone vegetation.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Dipti Srivastava, Poonam Devi, Raj Kishor, Mohd Jamal Ansari, Neerja Srivastava
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 681—691, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVNQ2376
How to cite this paper:
Srivastava, D., Devi, P., Kishor, R., Ansari, M. J., & Srivastava, N. (2026). Effect of Cadmium on Growth and Cadmium accumulation, in Cadmium Tolerant and Sensitive varieties of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 681–691. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVNQ2376
Cadmium (Cd) is ranked seventh topmost environmental pollutants because of its high toxicity. It can be quickly absorbed by plants, where it adversely affects growth and metabolic functions. Trace metal (TM) contamination has become a major environmental issue, significantly reducing crop productivity and quality. In the current research, the effects of different cadmium concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM) on the growth, accumulation, as well as tolerance capacity of four Cicer arietinum L cultivars namely IPC-K-13-163, GNG-1581, IPC-11-112, and IPC-K-09-145 were evaluated under hydroponic conditions. Cadmium levels were measured using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Results revealed that Cd accumulation was highest in IPC-11-112 and IPC-K-09-145, while GNG-1581 and IPC-K-13-163 exhibited comparatively lower accumulation, indicating better tolerance to Cd stress. Cadmium toxicity caused a considerable decline in every growth parameter including plant hight, root, shoot leaf length, with fresh and dry weight. The greatest reduction was seen in 100 µM Cd concentration. Among the tested cultivars, IPC-K-13-163 and GNG-1581 demonstrated superior tolerance and sustained growth under Cd stress, suggesting their potential utility in breeding programs aimed at developing Cd-tolerant chickpea varieties.
Abiotic stress, Heavy metal stress, Cadmium tolerance, Cadmium stress, Chickpea.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Nikita Kumari Meel, Naleeni Ramawat, Rakesh Kumar, P. R. Raiger, M. M. Kumawat
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 692—698, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/EFLS2945
How to cite this paper:
Meel, N. K., Ramawat, N., Kumar, R., Raiger, P. R., & Kumawat, M. M. (2026). Interactive Effects of Water Stress and Foliar Application of Agrochemicals on Productivity and Profitability of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under Arid Conditions. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 692–698. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/EFLS2945
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024-25 at the College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), to evaluate the effect of water stress and foliar application of agrochemicals on productivity and profitability of chia (Salvia hispanica L.). The experiment was carried out in a split plot design with three irrigation levels, recommended irrigation (I0), one irrigation skip (I1) and two irrigation skips (I2), as main-plot treatments and four foliar-applied agrochemicals, control (C0), thiourea @ 2% (C1), potassium nitrate @ 100 ppm (C2) and salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (C3), as sub-plot treatments, replicated thrice. Results revealed that deficit irrigation significantly reduced growth and yield of chia. Recommended irrigation recorded the highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes and seed yield (540.02 kg ha–1). Among agrochemicals, foliar application of potassium nitrate proved most effective, producing maximum spikes per plant (13.28), spike length (11.28 cm), spike weight (12.28 g) and seed yield (507.25 kg ha–1). Economic analysis showed the highest gross return (₹81,575 ha–1), net return (₹48,302 ha–1) and B:C ratio (2.45) under recommended irrigation, while potassium nitrate recorded maximum profitability among agrochemicals (B:C ratio 2.45). The study concludes that integration of adequate irrigation with foliar application of potassium nitrate is an effective strategy for enhancing productivity and profitability of chia under arid conditions.
Chia, Water stress, Agrochemicals, Yield, Economics.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Asif Ahmad Siddiqui, Monowar Alam Khalid
Environment and Ecology 44 (3) : 699—710, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/CYPN5541
How to cite this paper:
Siddiqui, A. A., & Khalid, M. A. (2026). Statistical Assessment of Environmental Indicators Associated with Ecotourism Activities in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3), 699–710. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/CYPN5541
Ecotourism can support conservation financing and rural livelihoods in protected areas, but visitor movement, vehicle traffic and localized resource use may also affect ambient environmental conditions. This study statistically evaluated environmental indicators measured in ecotourism zones of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Uttar Pradesh, India, using a multi source monitoring dataset covering year 2022–2025. The compiled dataset included 1,456 weekly noise observations from 7 selected ecotourism sites, 144 weekly air-quality observations, 144 seasonal water-quality observations from 12 aquatic sites and 72 seasonal climate observations from 6 field locations. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to examine temporal variability and inter-parameter relationships. Mean total weekly noise was 57.13 ± 1.98 dB, with higher values in spring than in other seasons. Mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 91.52 ± 21.68 and 146.16 ± 41.21µg/m³, respectively. ANOVA indicated significant seasonal differences for PM2.5 (F = 31.20, p < 0.001) and PM10 (F = 28.54, p < 0.001). PM2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed (r = -0.57, p < 0.001) and temperature (r = -0.59, p < 0.001). Water quality showed moderate variation with mean pH of 6.97, dissolved oxygen (DO) of 5.72 mg/L, and biological oxygen demand (BOD) of 3.16 mg/L. The results show clear variability in environmental conditions across monitored ecotourism zones. The study supports continued monitoring and adaptive visitor-management measures, while also noting that the observational design identifies association rather than direct causation.
Ecotourism, Protected areas, Environmental indicators, Assessment, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International