Journal of Biology and Nature

Reproductive Traits and Incubation Physiology of Captive Psittacine Birds under Tropical Aviary Conditions

2026-05-23T12:53:24+00:00

Background: Psittacine birds are widely maintained in captivity for aviculture, conservation and commercial breeding, yet information on their reproductive traits and incubation physiology remains limited under tropical aviary conditions.

Understanding egg characteristics, laying pattern and incubation parameters is essential for improving hatchability, chick quality and breeding efficiency in captive psittacine species.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate egg weight, laying pattern and incubation physiology of captive pet birds maintained under tropical aviary conditions.

Study Design: A descriptive and experimental study was conducted to assess reproductive traits and incubation parameters in captive psittacine birds.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a tropical aviary setting over a period of eight months.

Methodology: Egg weight data were collected from 446 eggs belonging to different avian groups including cockatoos, conures, lorikeets, lories, macaws, parrots, pigeons and vultures. Oviposition pattern and incubation studies were conducted in Loriinae (lorikeets and lories), wherein 203 eggs were subjected to artificial incubation. Parameters recorded included clutch size, inter-oviposition interval, clutch length, pause period, egg weight loss, air cell depth and embryonic heart rate.

Results: Marked interspecific variation in egg weight was observed, with macaws producing the heaviest eggs and loriines the lightest. Green winged macaw recorded the highest egg weight, whereas scaly breasted lory showed the lowest. Loriinae predominantly produced two-egg clutches with an average inter-oviposition interval of 1.37 days and a pause period of 41.11 days. During incubation, egg weight loss increased progressively from 1.59 to 16.66%, while air cell depth increased from 3.50 to 12.55 mm between day 3 and day 20. Embryonic heart rate was first detected on day 7 and declined towards the later stages of incubation.

Conclusion: The study provides baseline information on egg characteristics, laying pattern and incubation physiology of captive pet birds. These findings can be useful for optimizing incubation management, improving hatchability and enhancing breeding efficiency in commercial aviculture and conservation programmes.

Strategic Management of Fasciolosis in Sheep

2026-05-28T11:50:21+00:00

Sheep remain highly susceptible to infection and frequently develop acute or subacute fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica following ingestion of infective metacercaria present on contaminated pasture and water sources. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic management practices for controlling Fasciolosis in sheep. Two male Muzaffarnagari sheep were presented at RVP, ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly with clinical signs including anorexia, depression, painful bleating, pyrexia, serous nasal discharge, conjunctival pallor and oedema. Faecal examination revealed Fasciola hepatica eggs. Haematological evaluation revealed anaemia and leukocytosis. Serum biochemical analysis indicated hepatic dysfunction and severe hypoproteinemia. One sheep succumbed to infection, and post-mortem examination demonstrated multiple greyish necrotic lesions with haemorrhages and cavities containing numerous Fasciola spp. within bile ducts. Therapeutic management included Triclabendazole bolus @10 mg/kg administered twice at a 3-day interval along with supportive therapy. Deworming of the remaining flock using Triclabendazole @10 mg/kg was advised. Post-treatment faecal examination was negative for fasciolosis, and no further mortality occurred within the flock.

Allelopathic Effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Mung and Barley

2026-05-28T13:11:19+00:00

The allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica A.Juss. (Neem) on the seed germination and seedling growth of two economically important crops mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated. Aqueous leaves extract of Neem was tested for its allelopathic activity on the seed germination and seedling growth of two economically important crops mung bean and Barley. The findings demonstrate that leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem) exhibit significant allelopathic potential, effectively suppressing both radicle and plumule elongation. Furthermore, a concentration dependent relationship was observed, wherein increasing extract concentrations corresponded to progressively inhibition of germination rate. Seedling vigour index and tolerance index also decreased with increasing concentration of neem allelochemicals for both species ranging from 3% to 12%, mung bean recorded a higher reduction indicating its lower tolerance level against neem allelochemicals. In conclusion, the results indicate that A. indica is a promising natural source of allelochemicals (azadirachtin) that could be used in sustainable agriculture, such as weed management and crop protection, and the study suggests that more research is needed to understand the specific compounds and their potential environmental effects.

A Comparative Analysis of Soil Morphology under Cocoa Trees Infected with Swollen Shoot Disease in the Subprefectures of Bouaflé and Kononfla, Central-West of Côte d’Ivoire

2026-05-29T07:40:30+00:00

In Côte d'Ivoire, cocoa farming is one of the most important agricultural activities in the country's economy. However, the economic success of cocoa farming is severely threatened by numerous constraints, the most decisive of which is swollen shoot disease, leading to a significant decline in production over the years. The various solutions considered to date are generally limited to uprooting cocoa trees and have neglected the soil, the natural support for the crop. The reality is that the disease persists and is gaining ground. In the search for a solution, this study sets as its overall objective of highlighting the link between soil factors and swollen shoot. This study involved conducting a morpho-pedological analysis in the two areas made up of Bouaflé and Kononfla, which are an integral part of Marahoué, a region with a high endemicity of this disease. In fact, the morphophysical properties of soils under healthy cocoa trees are compared to those of soils under infected cocoa trees. Two experimental plots measuring 100 m × 100 m were established at each site, and slope was measured using a clisimeter. Morpho-pedological characterization was conducted in field pits to evaluate key physical and hydromorphic properties using standard field and laboratory methods. The results from all sites show a similar level of development. The main differences observed in infected plots include a higher concentration of iron-rich concretions and bad internal soil drainage, as well as an accumulation of sand or silt between 20 and 40 cm deep in diseased plots. In contrast, healthy plots showed deeper hydromorphic limits (beyond 120 cm) and better soil permeability. These results allow us to conclude that the quality of the cultivation soil conditions the appearance of the disease in the cocoa tree. The soil physical constraints, particularly compaction, textural imbalance, and shallow waterlogging, may contribute to cocoa tree weakening and increase susceptibility to swollen shoot disease, highlighting the importance of soil quality in disease dynamics.

Evaluation of Seed Germination in Moong Bean (Vigna radiata L.) under Salinity Stress

2026-06-02T12:07:44+00:00

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic factors limiting seed germination and crop establishment in agricultural systems. The present study evaluated the effects of different salts on the germination behaviour of moong bean (Vigna radiata L.) under laboratory conditions. Healthy and surface-sterilized seeds were subjected to sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄), and potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. Germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were recorded over a seven-day period. The results revealed that increasing salinity significantly reduced germination percentage and delayed seed germination in all treatments. Among the salts tested, NaCl showed the strongest inhibitory effect, causing a drastic decline in GP and the longest MGT, indicating severe osmotic and ionic stress. MgSO₄ exhibited moderate inhibition, whereas K₂SO₄ maintained comparatively higher germination percentages and shorter germination times even at higher concentrations. The order of salt toxicity was observed as NaCl > MgSO₄ > K₂SO₄. The comparatively better performance under K₂SO₄ treatment suggests a beneficial role of potassium in maintaining osmotic balance and ion homeostasis during germination. The findings highlight the importance of ionic composition in determining salinity tolerance and provide useful insights for developing salinity management strategies and improving crop establishment in saline soils.

Back-Extrusion Characterization of Fresh Kesar Mango Pulp for Thermal Processing and Equipment Design

2026-06-06T12:07:02+00:00

The structural behaviour of fruit pulp during processing is intrinsically associated with its firmness, consistency, and internal bonding characteristics. These rheological and textural properties play a critical role in determining the flow behaviour of the pulp within processing systems. Variations in such properties may alter the circulation patterns of the pulp inside processing equipment, thereby affecting fluid dynamics and mixing efficiency. Consequently, these changes can influence heat transfer performance during thermal processing operations, with potential implications for process efficiency, product quality, and thermal uniformity. The present study evaluated the rheo-textural characteristics of fresh Kesar mango pulp using a back-extrusion test to establish baseline structural data for process and equipment design applications. Texture measurements were performed using a TA-XT Plus texture analyser equipped with a back-extrusion rig probe under controlled compression-withdrawal conditions. The back-extrusion parameters obtained were firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and work of cohesion. Fresh Kesar mango pulp showed firmness of 775.59 ± 5.93 g, consistency of 784.95 ± 231.23 g·s, cohesiveness of −359.80 ± 23.67 g and work of cohesion of −173.48 ± 11.09 g·s. The results indicated that the pulp had moderate firmness, appreciable internal structural bonding and balanced adhesive and flow-related characteristics due to the combined effects of pectin network, soluble solids and suspended fibrous particles. Future work should include useful baseline rheo-textural information for optimisation of agitation, pumping and thermal processing operations involving mango pulp, particularly in agitation-assisted ohmic heating and related unit operations.

Diversity, Relative Abundance and Ecological Indices of Fish Species in Tongon Lake, Northern Côte d’Ivoire

2026-06-10T11:47:55+00:00

Dam lakes in the Korhogo department were originally constructed for agriculture and livestock production, but now present significant potential for fisheries development. Several studies have been conducted to update knowledge on fish fauna in some dam lakes in northern Côte d’Ivoire. However, data on the ichthyofauna of Lake Tongon in the Korhogo department remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the fish diversity of Lake Tongon. The sampling, which took place from December 2024 to July 2025, involved compiling an inventory of the various fish species caught in small-scale fisheries. Species richness, relative species abundance, frequency of occurrence, Shannon-Weaver diversity Index and Pielou’s evenness index were the parameters determined in this study. Analysis of the data collected identified 33 fish species, divided into 17 genera, 11 families and 7 orders. The most diverse families were the Cichlidae (9 species), the Cyprinidae (4 species) and the Mormyridae (4 species). The frequency of occurrence values determined made it possible to identify 16 common species, 6 occasional species and 11 rare species. The species-specific relative abundance indicates that the fish community in this lake is dominated by the following species: Hemichromis fasciatus (25.73%), Coptodon zillii (12.96%), Coptodon hybrid (C. guineensis × C. zillii) (8.57%), Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (7.56%), Sarotherodon galilaeus (7.17%). The values for the Shannon-Weaver diversity Index and the evenness index, at 0.78 and 0.44, respectively, indicate a species-poor population and a disturbed ecological state in this lake.

Preparation of Mother Cultures and Evaluation of Alternative Culture Media for Spawn Production in Oyster Mushrooms

2026-06-10T12:50:39+00:00

Mushrooms are a vital source of proteins, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, making them essential in the human diet. Pleurotus species, known as oyster mushrooms, are popular for their taste and flavor. Among Pleurotus spp., American oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Abalone (Pleurotus cystidiosus) mushrooms are particularly significant due to their economic and nutritional value. While Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) is a traditional spawning medium for oyster mushrooms, its cost and scarcity encourage the exploration of alternatives. This in-vitro study investigated the potential of cassava/ Manioc Dextrose Agar (MDA) and Sweet Potato Dextrose Agar (SPDA) as cost-effective and locally available alternative media for PDA in the preparation of mother cultures and spawn. Mycelial growth was evaluated daily by measuring fungal colony diameters over 17 days. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) tests were used to analyze significant differences in growth performance. Results for American oyster mushrooms indicated no significant effect of the medium on growth rate (p = 0.0677). However, PDA and MDA supported faster growth compared to SPDA. In contrast, Abalone mushrooms had a significant effect (p = 0.00154), with PDA enabling the fastest growth, closely followed by MDA. For both species, SPDA consistently resulted in slower growth. In conclusion, PDA remains the most effective medium for both mushroom species, while MDA offers a viable, cost-effective alternative with comparable growth rates. SPDA, while feasible, requires longer incubation periods, particularly for Abalone mushrooms. These findings contribute to developing more sustainable and cost-efficient production of mother cultures, especially in regions with limited availability of potatoes. Further research is required to optimize the formulation of SPDA and to explore other locally available substrates that may enhance mycelial growth and support sustainable mushroom cultivation systems.

Habitats and Morphometric Characteristics of the Economically Important Frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis in the Savanna Region of Côte d'Ivoire: A Step towards its Wild Rearing

2026-06-15T11:15:09+00:00

Background: Hoplobatrachus occipitalis is the most widely consumed edible frog in several West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, where increasing demand and intensive harvesting have contributed to declines in wild populations. Despite its ecological importance as both a bioindicator and a natural controller of agricultural pests, limited information exists on its biology and ecology in northern Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the need for region-specific studies to support sustainable management and conservation.

Aims: This research aims to describe habits and some morphometric aspects of the common frog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) captured in the wild of Korhogo.

Study Design: Qualitative field survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Frog specimens were collected monthly for 12 months, at a rate of 48 hours per site per month, from April 2024 to March 2025 in the lowlands, lakes, rice paddies, rivers, wells, and gardens of urban and peri-urban areas in the municipality of Korhogo, in northern Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: The methodology consisted of recording, for each Hoplobatrachus occipitalis specimen identified from fishermen, the average weight, total length, snout-vent length, and head length and width. The ANOVA test was used to characterize the differences between these different values according to site and sex. Direct field observations have allowed for the characterization of frog habitats.

Results: The wetlands constituting the habitats of Hoplobatrachus occipitalis identified in this study are wells, lakes, rivers, rice paddies and lowland. A total of 2749 specimens were analyzed in this study. Lakes (25.29%) present the high frequency of Hoplobatrachus occipitalis occurrences. These are followed by rice paddies (23.87%), wells (22.70%), rivers (15.05%), and lowland areas (13.09%). The results of this study show against that Hoplobatrachus occipitalis specimens living in rivers and lowlands areas had significantly lower total weights and lengths (p<0.05) than those inhabiting lakes, rice paddies, and wells. Snout-vent length measurements were also lower in rivers and lowlands areas than in wells, lakes, and rice paddies. The variation in parameters according to sex indicates that female Hopplobatrachus occipitalis were not significantly larger than male (p<0.05) in wells, rivers, and lowlands. These females were only larger than male (p<0.05) in lakes and rice paddies. The recorded Snout-to-Cloacus Length values showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in any habitat except rice paddies, where females exhibited significantly larger proportions (p<0.05) than males.

Conclusion: This database which presents the morphometric parameters of the Hoplobatrachus occipitalis frog in relation to different natural habitats, provides information to fisheries managers and frog farming volunteers to encourage them to consider raising it in the wild.

Physicochemical Characterization of Water Quality in Biofloc Tank Systems: A Comparative Study at Pathrai Sedam, Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India

2026-06-15T11:26:09+00:00

Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture system that manages water quality through an in-situ microbial community. The present study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of water in six biofloc tanks, compare water quality between control and biofloc systems, and generate baseline information for sustainable biofloc aquaculture in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India. This study was conducted to assess the physicochemical properties of water collected from six biofloc tanks at pathrai, Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India (22.940902°N, 83.453503°E). One tank (B0) served as a control, with normal water conditions (i.e., NWC). Five tanks (B1–B5) were kept in standard biofloc conditions (i.e., SBC). The District Water Testing Laboratory, Ambikapur, collected and analysed water samples from 16.10.2025. The different parameters analysed were temperature, turbidity, colour, pH, conductivity, total alkalinity, chlorides, nitrates, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, iron fluorides, sulphates, TDS, residual chlorine and bacteriological parameters. According to the results, biofloc (BF) tank had turbidity (41.4 – 70.9 NTU), total alkalinity (126 – 176 mg/L) and nitrate (20 – 30 mg/L) were higher relative to control. The pH remained acceptable (6.93–7.51). Sample B4 had a total hardness of 455.4 mg/L and conductivity of 689 µmhos/cm suggesting geochemical enrichment. The findings identified the physicochemical profiles that are of importance for the biofloc system and the well-being of the fish.

Identity of Pseuderanthemum latifolium (Vahl.) B. Hansen (Acanthaceae) in Coastal Odisha, India, after 30 Years: A Note on Taxonomy, Distribution and Threat Assessment

2026-06-22T12:08:34+00:00

Pseuderanthemum latifolium (Vahl.) B. Hansen, a rare member of Acanthaceae, was relocated from Mahavinayak, a sacred hill forest in Jajpur district, coastal Odisha, India, during floristic exploration of the family Acanthaceae. The species has previously been treated in regional literature as Pseuderanthemum malabaricum (C.B. Clarke) Gamble, now regarded as a synonym of P. latifolium. Earlier documentation from Odisha was associated with the Northern Circars, including Ganjam district, and recent field observations indicate its relocation in the state after about 30 years. The present note provides an updated taxonomic account based on field collection, examination of vegetative and reproductive characters, comparison with herbarium material and consultation of relevant literature and online databases. The plants were observed growing sporadically in shaded rock crevices under forest canopy, and only three to four individuals were recorded at the study site. Diagnostic characters, phenology, habitat and ecology, systematic position, distributional notes, a colour photo plate and photomicrographs are presented to support reliable identification and future comparison in subsequent surveys. A preliminary threat assessment was also undertaken using the Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool by incorporating 139 GBIF occurrence points and two user points. The estimated extent of occurrence was 55,097,853.217 km², while the area of occupancy was 336.000 km². On the basis of Criterion B1, the taxon falls under Least Concern, whereas Criterion B2 indicates Endangered status. Considering the restricted and sporadic occurrence observed in Odisha, the study emphasises the need for continued field verification, habitat monitoring and site-level conservation attention for this species in coastal Odisha.

Integrated Remote Sensing and GIS Approaches for Mapping Soil Salinity and Waterlogging in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments: A Systematic Review of Statistical and Hydrological Models

2026-05-28T09:13:32+00:00

The global agricultural sector is facing unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, poor irrigation management and natural hydrogeological factors, leading to widespread soil salinization and waterlogging. These interconnected environmental hazards threaten global food security by severely degrading arable land, reducing crop yields and altering ecosystem dynamics. Traditional field-based monitoring methods are highly resource-intensive, localized and often fail to capture the dynamic, large-scale spatial distribution of salinity and waterlogging over time. Consequently, the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has emerged as an indispensable paradigm for the real-time, cost-effective and synoptic assessment of these land degradation processes. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes the contemporary advancements, methodologies and challenges in deploying RS and GIS technologies for mapping and modeling soil salinity and waterlogging. We delve into the theoretical mechanisms underlying primary and secondary salinization and the hydrological imbalances causing waterlogging. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the efficacy of diverse satellite platforms, ranging from optical and multispectral sensors to advanced microwave and radar systems that overcome cloud cover limitations and provide precise soil moisture estimates. The review also explores the integration of geospatial modeling and Topographic Wetness Indices (TWI) alongside cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. These algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), have revolutionized predictive accuracy by effectively managing multicollinearity and complex environmental datasets. By analyzing recent global case studies from arid and semi-arid regions, including the Nile Delta, the Shiyang River Basin and agricultural zones in India, this paper identifies critical environmental drivers like topography, climate change and inappropriate land-cover management. Finally, we outline future directions emphasizing multi-sensor data fusion, cloud-based geocomputation and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to facilitate sustainable land management and mitigate the escalating threats of salinization and waterlogging.

A Critical Review on Sickle Cell Disease: Pathophysiology, Clinical Burden, and Therapeutic Advances

2026-06-20T12:29:19+00:00

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic haemoglobin disorder caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene, resulting in the production of haemoglobin S, which polymerises under deoxygenated conditions to distort erythrocytes into characteristic sickle shapes. The consequences of this structural abnormality extend far beyond haemolysis, encompassing vaso-occlusion, endothelial activation, chronic organ dysfunction, and profound psychosocial burden. Despite representing one of the most prevalent genetic disorders worldwide, SCD has historically received comparatively little research investment relative to the scale of suffering it causes. The past decade has witnessed a remarkable acceleration in the understanding of SCD pathophysiology and an equally striking transformation in its therapeutic landscape. The regulatory approvals of L-glutamine, lentiviral gene therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9–based gene editing represent genuine milestones in clinical haematology, whilst the post-authorisation withdrawals of crizanlizumab and voxelotor have underscored the critical importance of clinical over surrogate endpoints in trial design and regulatory evaluation. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of affected individuals — concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East — continue to lack access even to hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), let alone to curative options. This critical review synthesises contemporary evidence on the molecular pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic advances in SCD, with particular attention to the growing divide between the scientific frontier and the realities of global care delivery. Persistent gaps in evidence are identified, and areas requiring urgent research and policy action are discussed.

Avian Pox in a Rock Pigeon (Columba livia): A Case Report

2026-06-06T12:16:29+00:00

Pigeon pox is a contagious viral disease of pigeons caused by avipoxvirus, characterized by proliferative cutaneous lesions and diphtheritic plaques affecting unfeathered areas and mucous membranes. The disease can result in debility, reduced productivity and secondary infections in affected birds. The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is highly susceptible to this infection, which commonly affects both feral and domestic pigeon populations worldwide. In the present case, a rock pigeon was presented with nodular, proliferative, and crusty lesions involving the eyelids, beak, and oral cavity, with some lesions showing superficial ulceration. Histopathology examination of the nodular lesions revealed characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies), confirming the diagnosis of pigeon pox. The present case highlights the significance of histopathology as a reliable diagnostic tool for the confirmative diagnosis of pigeon pox in rock pigeons. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent disease transmission and secondary complications in affected pigeons.