Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 5

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies on Yield and Economic Returns of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) Production under South Gujarat Conditions, India

2025-12-05T09:47:38+00:00

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which involves the combined use of inorganic fertilisers with organic sources such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, castor cake, and bio-fertilisers, has been recognised as a sustainable approach for enhancing soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and crop productivity. Baby corn productivity is often constrained by improper nutrient management and overreliance on chemical fertilisers, which have led to declining soil health, reduced microbial activity, and long-term fertility issues. Therefore, A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Horticulture Polytechnic Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The study evaluated twelve treatment combinations involving three nitrogen levels (80, 100, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹), two organic nutrient sources (vermicompost and castor cake at 25 kg N ha⁻¹), and two levels of Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (No spray and 1.5% spray). The experiment followed a Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. Results indicated that the highest cob yields, both with and without husk, were consistently recorded under the integrated treatment of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + castor cake + 1.5% Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (N₃O₂L₂). This combination significantly enhanced yield components and physiological efficiency compared to other treatments. Economically, treatments with 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + vermicompost (with and without NOVEL) resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratios. The integration of vermicompost with inorganic nitrogen improved soil health, nutrient efficiency, and crop yields, while Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients enhanced plant growth and profitability. The findings suggest that integrating higher nitrogen levels with castor cake and liquid organic nutrients can improve the yield, profitability, and sustainability of baby corn cultivation under South Gujarat conditions. Long-term field trials should be conducted in the future to further evaluate the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the yield and economics of baby corn.

Productivity Dynamics in India’s Food Processing Industry: A TFP Analysis

2025-12-05T09:58:26+00:00

The Indian food processing industry, despite its substantial contribution to value addition, employment generation, and international trade, remains at a nascent stage, processing only about 10 per cent of the total agricultural output. The juxtaposition of strong growth indicators with persistent structural constraints presents a question of whether the expansion of Indian FPI has been propelled primarily by input expansion or by genuine efficiency and productivity improvements. To address this, the present study attempted to assess the Total Factor Productivity of the Indian food processing industry by employing the data collected from the Annual Survey of Industries for its various sub-sectors from 2008-09 to 2019-20. The widely used technological framework of the Cobb-Douglas production function was utilised to analyse the data. The major stake of Indian FPI was held by grain processing units that accounted for more than half of the total registered units, followed by the “others” category, which constitutes seed and nut processing units along with the units involved in the preparation of sambar powder, papads, appalam, etc, and the oil sub-sector. The results revealed that India’s organised food processing sector continued to be dominated by traditional sectors, with blooming non-traditional sectors. Analysis of output elasticities revealed that most of the sub-sectors were largely driven by capital expansion, and further, results on TFP growth unveiled a heterogeneity pattern of productivity gains, with macaroni processing units registering the highest productivity improvement. The dairy sub-sector showed negative TFP growth and, coupled with decreasing returns to scale, indicated efficiency gaps, while the meat and bakery sub-sectors with positive TFP growth and increasing returns to scale exhibited untapped scale potential. This mixed productivity pattern highlighted the need for targeted policy interventions focused on technological diffusion, strengthening supply chain efficiency, skill development, and sustainability rather than merely on augmenting production. Although this study analyses productivity in the organised food processing sector, future work could examine the unorganised segment, which offers considerable scope for rural employment and income diversification. Further exploration on policy impact, supply-chain constraints, technology adoption and resource use efficiency can provide deeper insights into the sector-wide productivity.

Assessing the Existence of Food Security Projects in Limpopo Province of South Africa

2025-12-05T10:01:23+00:00

As the world continues to face widespread food insecurity, achieving food security for all at all times remains a growing global challenge. Food Security Projects initiated by the government of South Africa in order to help alleviate poverty within Limpopo Province have proven unsustainable and have struggled to provide for what they were mandated to provide, to the satisfaction of the government, which is to create jobs and alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study is to verify the existence of food security projects in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted in all five districts of Limpopo Province, namely, Mopani, Vhembe, Capricorn, Sekhukhune, and Waterberg. A mixed-method approach was used in this study. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were administered to one official from the Provincial Department of Health and Social Development, one official from the Department of Agriculture and five tribal council representatives who represented all the tribal authorities at the district level and are knowledgeable about developmental issues. Document analysis was also conducted at the two provincial departments. The coded data were then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The findings indicate that food security initiatives are widely distributed across Limpopo Province, with notable concentrations of vegetable and broiler projects in the Mopani, Vhembe, and Waterberg districts. This study also revealed that there are 347 food security projects in Limpopo Province, with 338 declared functional. Mopani district has more functional projects than other districts. This study will provide policymakers with policy directives on how a database of food security projects can be kept so that they can be made known. The study recommends that careful monitoring and evaluation are crucial for proper utilisation of funds and assessing the efficiency of food security projects in Limpopo Province.

Impact of Energy Supplements on Sports Performance: Contemporary Evidence and Future Perspectives

2025-12-05T10:03:16+00:00

In sports nutrition, energy supplements refer to dietary products such as gels, drinks, bars, or powders developed to deliver rapid or sustained energy, maintain electrolyte balance, and promote recovery, thereby enhancing athletic output and overall performance efficiency. Ongoing research in sports nutrition continues to expand the understanding of exercise physiology and provides the evidence base for current best practice recommendations. This review discusses the current role of energy supplements in sports performance and highlights future directions for their effective and safe use. A literature search was carried out using secondary sources, with keywords like energy supplements, electrolytes, athletic performance, and others. Energy supplements fall under the ergogenic and macronutrient-based category of sports nutrition. They primarily supply carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as energy sources, along with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and bioactive compounds such as caffeine, taurine, carnitine, and ginseng that enhance energy metabolism, endurance, and recovery. They provide rapid energy, maintain hydration, delay fatigue, and support metabolic, neuromuscular, and cognitive functions. Findings indicate that carbohydrate gels enhance endurance by providing energy, preserving glycogen, and stimulating the central nervous system, while energy bars offer a balanced source of natural sugars and proteins to support athletic performance. Effective use depends on timing, individual tolerance, sport type, intensity, and environmental conditions, helping to sustain performance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate recovery. When used appropriately, alongside a balanced diet and individualised nutrition strategies, they can improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and optimise training adaptations. Despite their benefits, challenges such as inconsistent nutrient content, variable individual responses, and safety concerns highlight the need for quality control and evidence-based use. Supplement combinations such as carbohydrate–protein or carbohydrate–electrolyte mixtures have shown notable benefits in improving power and recovery, particularly in team sports. However, significant research gaps remain, especially regarding female athletes and sport-specific responses. Additionally, some studies report safety concerns and adverse effects, emphasising the need for careful evaluation and evidence-based use of supplements. Future strategies should focus on personalised supplementation, innovative delivery systems, micronutrient monitoring, and athlete education to optimise performance, reduce fatigue, and ensure long-term health.

Biopolymer-based Food Packaging: A Review of Current Methods, Trends, Applications and Developments

2026-01-20T10:38:51+00:00

The packaging material is considered a major component in sustainable development and relates to sustainable consumption and production of food. Food packaging protects and preserves food through several mechanisms, thus contributing to extended shelf life. Other functions include mechanical and physical strength, convenience, and communication through product labelling. With the increased population and change in lifestyle and eating habits, the packaging and use of food have changed significantly in the last two decades. Alternative biopolymer-based packaging is currently researched, used, and several are under development. Several advantages of these polymers in food packing, sustainability and environmental footprints have made them the material of choice among all the current materials. The present study reviews current knowledge in this field and provides an updated overview of interrelated topics relevant to future developments. The study showed that biodegradable metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers show considerable promise for sustainable packaging applications. The incorporation of nanotechnology into packaging materials opens up exciting opportunities for increased barrier properties, antibacterial activity, and shelf life extension. In addition, consumer education campaigns should promote ethical, conscientious disposal and recycling practices. Finally, it is critical to monitor and respond to global market trends, synchronising biomaterial development with the changing needs of various sectors.

Preservation Performance of White Grape Pomace Using Baled Silage Technology for Ruminant Diets

2026-01-20T10:43:17+00:00

Grape pomace is one of the most abundant solid by-products generated during winemaking. It holds significant relevance in terms of use in animal nutrition, as many of the bioactive substances present in grapes, which have beneficial functional properties and positive technical applications. This study aimed to characterise the preservation of white grape pomace (WGP) through baled silage under commercial-scale conditions over six months, with emphasis on its potential application in ruminant feeding. Fermentation parameters, microbial dynamics, nutrient composition, and antioxidant activity were monitored and compared with untreated grape pomace. It was hypothesised that baled silage would allow this winery by-product to retain its nutritional and sensory attributes for at least six months, offering practical advantages over other ensiling systems due to its lack of infrastructure requirements, strong compaction, airtight sealing, and ease of handling. WGP from wineries under the PDO “Vino de Alicante” was sampled at days 0, 7, 14, 35, 60, and 180, collecting representative subsamples from both silage bales and untreated grape pomace. Silage was produced using an Agronic MR 820 rotary baler, wrapped with netting and layers of plastic film, while untreated pomace was stored in bulk under Mediterranean environmental conditions. Results showed a marked increase in lactic acid bacteria in silage (6.57 → 8.22 log₁₀ cfu/g FM, P < .05) and the disappearance of Enterobacteriaceae and moulds after day 35, whereas untreated grape pomace reached 8.07 and 8.50 log₁₀³ cfu/g FM, respectively (P < .001). Lactic acid accumulation (26.02 g/kg DM) and stable pH (~4.0) confirmed successful fermentation, contrasting with the pH rise to 8.42 in untreated grape pomace (P < .05). Nutritional composition in silage remained stable (DM ~441 g/kg; OM ~887 g/kg DM; CP ~109 g/kg DM; EE ~681 g/kg DM; NDF ~491 g/kg DM), while untreated pomace deteriorated markedly. Bioactive properties were preserved in silage, with total phenolics (~8–9 mg GAE/g DM) and antioxidant activity (423–596 mg Trolox eq/g DM) remaining stable, whereas untreated pomace declined to near-zero values by day 180 (P < .05). Overall, WGP silage achieved fermentation stability by day 35 and remained stable for six months, maintaining nutritional and bioactive quality. Baled silage proved to be an effective and economically advantageous preservation strategy, supporting the sustainable valorisation of winery by-products in ruminant feeding systems.

Application of Fungicides for the Management of Alternaria Blight in Rapeseed (Brassica rapa var. toria)

2026-01-20T10:47:38+00:00

Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria brassica and A. brassicicola singly or by mixed infection is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of oilseed brassicas globally. Different chemicals, including systemic fungicides, have been used for the management of this disease. However, with the increase in environmental pollution and present-day public perception on pesticide contaminants of foods, especially the edible oils, the development of alternative economical and eco-friendly approaches for disease management is needed. Several plant products are known to have antifungal activities, which are environmentally safe and non-phytotoxic. In order to identify the effective and economic molecules of fungicides against Alternaria blight, a field trial was conducted during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Nagaon, Assam, in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L. var. toria). The trial was conducted with seven fungicides and replicated thrice (RBD) to assess the most effective fungicide in managing the disease. Among the different fungicides tested, the ready-mix formulation of tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG resulted in maximum reduction in disease severity both on leaves (54.1 %) and pods (55.7 %). Thus, this combo-formulation led to realization of the highest seed yield (1187 kg ha^-1) with a yield advantage of 78.5 % over the check. The highest net monetary return (NR) of Rs. 39001 ha^-1 with a benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of 2.02 was received in the treatment, followed by azoxystrobin 23 % SC @ 1 ml l^-1 with 46.1 % and 45.8 % reduction in disease incidence, respectively on leaves and pods and yield increase of 54.8 %. Interestingly, when B:C ratio was calculated, azoxystrobin 23% SC recorded the highest B:C (2.31) with an NR of Rs. 37959 ha^-1. The combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole acts as a synergist, as the individual components have different modes of action. Tebuconazole, a triazole, acts as a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) that hinders the fungal cell wall synthesis and thereby acts as an obstacle for the fungal growth and reproduction.

Influence of Wild Solanum Rootstocks on Growth Performance, Yield Attributes and Nutrient Efficiency in Grafted Brinjal

2026-01-20T10:52:24+00:00

Grafting serves as a powerful tool to improve productivity, resilience, and quality in vegetable crops, making it an important practice for sustainable horticulture. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of wild rootstocks on growth, yield, quality and nutrient uptake in grafted brinjal. The present investigation was conducted at Dr YSRHU-College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Andhra Pradesh, during the year 2022-24. Data was recorded on various parameters and statistically analysed. The experimental design followed was a randomised block design with four treatments, which were replicated five times. Grafted plants of brinjal exhibited superior plant height, number of branches, leaves and leaf chlorophyll content at various stages (30, 60, 90, and 120 DAT). Brinjal on S. torvum (T₁) showed the best performance, followed by S. gilo (T₂) and S. indicum (T₃). Grafted plants also flowered earlier with more flowers per plant. Grafted brinjal on S. torvum (T₁) recorded the highest fruit length, diameter, girth, and average fruit weight, resulting in the maximum number of fruits per plant and the highest overall yield. S. gilo (T₂) and S. indicum (T₃). Also performed well, closely following S. torvum. While total soluble solids (TSS) showed no significant difference, brinjal grafted on S. gilo had the highest ascorbic acid and total sugar content. Fruit firmness was also highest in S. gilo, with S. indicum showing the highest titrable acidity. Grafting brinjal onto S. torvum, S. gilo, and S. indicum significantly enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency, with S. torvum being the most effective rootstock for improving nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium absorption. Grafting significantly improved nutrient efficiency and productivity, highlighting its potential for sustainable vegetable cultivation.