Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 8

The Role of Beauveria bassiana in Integrated Pest Management: A Comprehensive Review

Karthik Santhosh, Vairam Namachivayam, Murugan Nagarajan — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In contemporary agriculture, effective pest control remains essential for ensuring healthy crop production and global food security. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides in farming has raised serious concerns about environmental damage and health risks. These impacts include the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests, reduction in biodiversity, deterioration of soil quality and pollution of water bodies. As a safer and sustainable option, Beauveria bassiana, a naturally occurring fungus found in soil, has gained attention for its ability to control various insect pests. Beauveria bassiana belongs to the phylum Ascomycota, order Hypocreales, and family Cordycipitaceae. Environmental factors, namely temperature, humidity, as well as ultraviolet exposure, greatly impact its distribution, especially in above-ground habitats where adverse conditions limit its survival during warmer months. The fungus disperses through multiple pathways, including rain splash, wind, and via insects that facilitate its movement between soil and vegetation. Beauveria infects insects by attaching to the exoskeleton, penetrating their defences, and growing inside until the insect dies. Studies have shown its effectiveness against major pests such as Callosobruchus maculatus, Tuta absoluta, and Macrosiphum rosae, making it a valuable biological control agent. Its broad host range and eco-friendly nature allow it to fit well within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals. Additionally, advancements like combining B. bassiana with additives such as kaolin have improved its efficiency in real-world conditions. While enhancing its pest-killing ability through genetic modifications shows promise, it’s also important to maintain its natural resilience. Overall, B. bassiana provides long-term pest control, supports sustainable farming practices, and offers a reliable alternative to chemical pesticides, contributing to safer agriculture and environmental conservation. With continued research and strategic application, it holds great potential for future crop protection, ensuring safety for both people and the environment.

Anticancer Efficacy of Chitosan Nanoparticles from Freshwater Crab Sartoriana spinigera: Insights into Apoptotic and Necrotic Pathways in MCF-7 Cells

Shiny E.C. Kachhap, Nayni Saxena — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chitosan is an abundant polymer found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, insects, molluscs and the cell wall of fungi. It is well known for its wound healing capacity, anti-oxidative efficacy, antimicrobial activity and more. Most chitosan extraction processes have focused on exoskeletons of marine organisms, while studies using freshwater sources remain limited.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro anticancer efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles extracted from the carapace of freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera by studying Caspase 3/7 and Annexin V concentration through apoptosis and necrosis percentage of MCF-7 Breast cancer cells.

Methodology: The study samples were prepared in the Department of Zoology, Marwari College, Ranchi University, and an in vitro anticancer study was done in Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Activity of caspase 3/7 indicator was studied using Caspase 3/7 green detection reagent after treatment with Chitosan Nanoparticles for 24 hours, and analysing the reading by flow cytometry. Annexin V was estimated by studying apoptosis and necrosis using Annexin V- FITC and Propidium iodide, and after treatment with Chitosan nanoparticles, analysis was done by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was done by Student’s t-test.

Results: A Study on enhancing Caspase 3/7 activity of MCF-7 cells has been done by treatment with chitosan nanoparticles. At 262 µg/mL, early apoptosis of 7.78% and late apoptosis of 4.02% in MCF-7 cells took place. ChNP was able to show increased necrosis of MCF-7 cells, which was significantly higher than that of the control group at 5 % significance level. At 131 µg/mL, ChNP showed cell necrosis of 24.5% and at 262 µg/mL, cell necrosis of 27.3% was noted. Analysis of Annexin V revealed that chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 131 µg/mL increased the phenomenon of early apoptosis of 0.35% of MCF-7 cells and necrosis of 15.59%.

Conclusion: The present study confirms that chitosan nanoparticles extracted from freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera is a potent anticancer agent against the MCF-7 cell line. This cost-effective treatment with minimal side effects can be considered as an anticancer drug. However, in vivo study and clinical trial need to be done to validate this reliability.

Pollinator Diversity in Bitter Gourd Ecosystem in the Central Tamil Nadu, India

Yogapriya Adaikkan, B. Usharani, K. Suresh — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bitter gourd is a tropical vine belonging to the family Cucubitaceae grown mainly in India, China and Southeast Asia. The past two decades have seen unprecedented interest in pollinators and pollination ecology, stimulated in part by concerns about the decline of pollinator abundance and diversity in some parts of the world. Bees are the most studied and utilised pollinators for cucurbit crops throughout the world and provide the greatest contribution to the pollination of cucurbits. The study aimed to document the diversity of insects (floral visitors/pollinators) visiting bitter gourd flowers. A total of 51 species of flower visitors/pollinators were recorded visiting the bitter gourd flowers when recorded from 000 to 1800 hours during the day time, for various needs like the pollen and nectar rewards, to prey on the flower visitors, and to feed on the flowers too. Field surveys were conducted at weekly intervals in two locations in Tiruchirapalli district, Tamilnadu to study the diversity of insects visiting bitter gourd flowers. This includes 19 Hymenopteran insects, 15 Lepidopterans, seven Dipterans and six Coleopterans. Tetragonula iridipennis was the most abundant pollinator, followed by Apis florea, Halictus sp. and Apis cerana indica; while Syrphus ribesii was the dominating Dipteran pollinator. Among the Lepidopterans, Pachliopta hector was the major pollinator, followed by Danaus chrysippus, Tirumala limniace and Delias eucharis. Species richness (S) was at its maximum (26 species) at 0800 – 1000 hours and minimum (07 species) at 1600-1800 hours. Diversity indices were also calculated based on the data, which shows the distribution of a specific group of pollinators at particular hours of the day. All the indices represented the even and uniform distribution of the pollinator groups. Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices were maximum at 1000-1200 hours with 2.52 and 9.18, respectively. Shannon’s evenness ranged from 0.44 – 0.86, and Simpson’s evenness was 0.28 – 0.54 with a maximum at 1000-1200 hours. The study suggests that pesticide applications should be avoided during morning hours to conserve pollinator populations and optimise pollination services in bitter gourd cultivation.

The River That Can’t Breathe: Domestic Waste Disposal and Broken Ecosystems in Thenpennai

Abinaya S, L. Shakila, Reiana Jenifer S, Sowmiya S — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Water, which nearly makes up the entire Globe, is the most basic natural resource and is necessary for life. Therefore, its quality and distribution play an important role. Riverine system pollution has been a major problem as it has an impact on the aquatic organisms in the rivers and the lives that depend on them. The lack of adequate surface water quality protection measures and poor sanitation practices have made river body pollution a serious concern. Thenpennai River is one among them where the soil and water of the river have been polluted due to the disposal of waste. The main objective of this study is to assess the water quality and to screen the amount of domestic waste present in the river, which is the major cause of water pollution. This study analyses the physiochemical parameters of soil and water due to the dumping of waste. The study also evaluates the amount of Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. Water and soil samples were collected monthly from two sites (Site 1 and Site 2) between November 2023 and January 2024. Results obtained from the samples of the Thenpennai River show elevated variations from the standard values. The significance t-test was performed. Findings show that the pH levels at both sites remained within WHO permissible limits, with slight variation observed at Site 1 and stable readings at Site 2. Elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were recorded at both sites, with Site 1 showing higher values. BOD and COD levels at Site 2 remained within WHO permissible limits with minimal variation, while Site 1 showed elevated COD and BOD levels exceeding standards. The mean pH value of the soil sample was 8.15, which is higher than the standard value. Based on statistical evidence, non-biodegradable waste has been seen as a main cause of pollution that creates a threat to the ecosystem and may have a major impact on human health. It has also been determined that the contamination in soil and water samples is due to organic and inorganic wastes, which result from inappropriate disposal of waste materials. Therefore, the sample site of the Thenpennai River is unsuitable for human consumption and for the cultivation of fish. This study underscores the urgent need for corrective measures to improve water quality for future sustainability.

Fern-Insect Interactions: Specialization and Evolutionary Ties

Chhaya Singh, Neha Chauhan, Vivek Rawat, Neeraj Aswal, Anju Rani — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ferns are the second largest group of vascular plants, just after angiosperms. Initial analysis of fern–insect herbivore interactions first appeared in the 1970s–1980s. The ferns were actually the primary food supply for the herbivorous sauropods during the Mesozoic epoch. Given their ability to contain a large amount of energy in tiny packaging, fern spores have been shown to be rich in lipids. The presence of simple phenolics, which can be regarded as one of the primary causes of repulsion, makes insect phytophagy on ferns a rare occurrence. Unlike angiosperms, ferns contain special chemicals. The level of specialisation of insects that currently feed on ferns is well illustrated. In recent years, different cases of interaction between insects and extant ferns and fern allies have been reported. The aim of the study is to report observations of fern-insect interactions in order to understand their effects on the fern, as well as their broader impact on the environment. A fern collection tour was conducted in Dehradun district from 2008 to 2011. It was found that the number of different insects, such as beetles, flea beetles, sawflies, bugs and mealybugs, infested different ferns. Despite the increased toxicity, some insects, such as snails and grasshoppers, can consume mature ferns on a daily basis. Further study has to be carried out to find how these insects affect the growth and metabolism of the ferns. Fern-insect interactions can be explained by their evolutionary ties. Only four Lepidopteran families exhibit the rare phenomenon known as fern-spore-feeding (FSF). Fern proteins regulate insects that are resistant to Bt insecticidal proteins, indicating different methods and/or areas of action and perhaps providing a novel method of managing insect pests. For both ferns and insects, targeted sampling of interactions conducted in an aphylogenetic framework appears to be the most fruitful.

Insects as a Source of Protein for Animal Feed

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global demand for animal feed protein is increasing sharply in line with the growth of the world's population and the demand for animal products, which is expected to jump by more than 70% by 2050. Conventional protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal face serious limitations due to land degradation, deforestation, and overfishing, posing economic and ecological challenges. In this context, insects are emerging as a strategic alternative with great potential. Studies have shown that insects such as Hermetiaillucens (Black Soldier Fly), Tenebrio molitor (mealworm), Acheta domesticus (cricket), and Musca domestica (maggot) contain high protein (35–65% BK), essential amino acids, lipids, and essential minerals that are competitive with soybeans and fishmeal. In addition to nutritional value, insects also offer environmental advantages through the efficiency of organic waste bioconversion, land and water savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Its practical application has been proven in poultry, fish, pigs, ruminants, and pet feed, with promising results for growth, feed efficiency, product quality, and intestinal health. However, a number of challenges still need to be overcome, such as variability in nutritional composition, food safety standards, hygiene issues, and social acceptance and regulations in various countries. With the support of omics research, technological innovation, and the right policy framework, insects have the potential to become game changers in precision feed systems and circular economies. Therefore, the use of insects as a source of feed protein ternak tidak hanya solution teknis, but also an important strategy to support sustainable farming and global food security in the future.

Synbiotics as a Precision Nutrition Strategy to Improve Feed Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability in Ruminant Production Systems

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Feed efficiency is a key driver of both economic viability and environmental sustainability in ruminant systems, as feed constitutes the largest input cost and is closely linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Synbiotics, synergistic combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, are emerging as innovative precision nutrition tools to modulate the rumen microbiome, enhance nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts. This review synthesises recent advances in synbiotic use in ruminants, highlighting their mechanisms in improving fibre degradation, microbial protein synthesis, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, and reducing enteric methane. The review adopts a focused and critical approach to identify relevant scientific contributions on the use of synbiotics in ruminant production, targeting the literature published from 2015 to 2025. Sources are mainly drawn from major scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. By optimising these ruminal processes, synbiotics can substantially improve feed efficiency by increasing nutrient digestibility and reducing energy and nitrogen losses. Comparative insights between beef and dairy cattle are presented, along with key factors affecting efficacy such as microbial compatibility, substrate type, diet composition, and host physiology. The role of omics-based technologies in next-generation synbiotic development is also discussed. Despite promising outcomes, challenges remain in formulation stability, response variability, and cost. This review outlines strategic perspectives to support climate-smart, synbiotic-based interventions in ruminant nutrition.

Genetic Basis of SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Readings and Kernel Yield for Selection in Maize (Zea mays L.)

N Sabitha, D. Mohan Reddi, P. Sudhakar — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after paddy and wheat in India. It is a C4 grain crop with a high rate of photosynthetic activity, high grain and biomass yield. The exploitation of heterosis in maize helps in developing high-yielding hybrids, and it depends on the direction and magnitude of heterosis and the type of gene action involved in it. However, information on genetics and the association of SPAD chlorophyll meter reading with kernel yield is scanty in maize. This study evaluated 45 single-cross hybrids from ten inbred lines over three seasons for yield traits, combining ability, and heterosis. Kernel yield is impacted by multiple factors, with chlorophyll as a key pigment for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll meter readings (SCMR) reliably estimated nitrogen status across seasons, suggesting SPAD readings are useful in the selection of high-yielding genotypes. Both additive and non-additive gene actions govern SCMR and kernel yield, with non-additive effects playing an important role. Top-performing hybrids showed varied standard heterosis and significant sca effects for kernel yield and SCMR. Hybrids such as BML 15 x PDM 1474 and BML 7 x DFTY recorded high performance and significant heterosis, indicating their potential for hybrid vigour. High-performing hybrids with significant or non-significant sca effects may be utilised for pedigree breeding or population improvement to develop superior parental lines and hybrids.

A Review on the Ameliorative Effects of Sheep Milk Bioactives on Mental Health through the Gut–brain Axis

Rajesha S, Ravikumar Patil H S, Prabhu Rajeshwar, Kiran Kumar H.B, Kumara B.P. — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Probiotics improve gut health and also enhance mental states, such as mood and reduce stress. The properties of Caprine milk have facilitated their application as an alternative source of probiotics. Two decades of research have implicated that human microbiota have far-reaching consequences in the mental health and well-being through the gut-brain axis (GBA-axis). With the increase in the probiotics consumption and demand for alternative sources of probiotics, it is imperative to review the current knowledge and trends in the area. In the initial section, we provide background knowledge on probiotics and gut microbiome, neuronal pathways involved in the GBA axis. The Gut and mental disorders, along with clinical studies, are covered to provide deeper insights into the therapeutic aspects of probiotics. The cellular and ameliorative properties of sheep milk bioactive molecules in CNS functions in covered in detail to correlate the roles of the bioactive molecules in CNS functions. The data will help unravel the gut-brain axis and pave the way for a better understanding of the mechanisms and alterations. This is an essential step in designing better prebiotics for mental health. As the global burden of mental disorders continues to mount, with a large population of elderly subjects supplemented probiotics which promote mental health and well-being in the need of the hour. The review thus by covers overlapping areas of food, gut, and neuroscience brings filling prevailing knowledge gaps in the field and providing scopes for future research.

Management Strategies for Termite Infestation in Indian Agroforestry System: A Review with a Focus on Microtermes and Odontotermes

Nishant Ghode — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Termites are considered destructive and generalised feeders of plants, and they are reported to inflict major economic injuries on various crop species all over the world. There are about 3,105 species of termites known; close to 185 are globally recognised as serious pests. Especially members of the family Termitidae are known to cause major injuries to agricultural and horticultural crops. India is rich in termite diversity; it harbours 286 species belonging to 52 genera under six families, representing almost 10% of the world’s termite fauna. In India, Odontotermes obesus and Microtermes obesi species are major pests that attack agricultural and plantation crops during either vegetative or reproductive growth stages. This study explores termite ecology and management in forestry and agroforestry systems. It also highlights knowledge gaps that are important for sustainable forest management and integrated agricultural practices. Termite attacks on live trees are basically divided into two types, with one being attacks by monophagous colonies restricted to specific host plants and localised areas, and the other being attacks by polyphagous species, which are capable of foraging in different landscapes and feeding on an array of hosts. The study also examines termite infestation behaviour in standing trees, deadwood, field crops, and horticultural systems. For the past six decades, farmers have applied chemical insecticides for termite control. There exist several traditional and indigenous methods for termite control; these methods often possess local application only, and when results are generalised, they do not yield consistent results. No single method can be termed as permanently fulfilling this role. There, perhaps, lies the root of the much-needed integrated pest management (IPM), considering coupling such cultural, mechanical, biological, and botanical methods with chemical ones for better results. Though chemical control is the most commonly used method by farmers, it is often neither sustainable nor economic. Biological control would appear to hold much promise as part of management programs. Entomopathogenic organisms, while highly potential for control of termite populations, have been hardly used, especially in the field, because of a lack of focused research and application. Further research and field studies need to be done to bring this into its true potential. On the horizon, we envisage that a combined and strategic implementation of the various control practices will help pave the way to more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods for controlling termite infestations in commercially important crops.