This study analyzes the influence of soil erosion on the morphometric characteristics and productive potential of sunflower crop in Corni commune, Galați county. Data obtained in the non-eroded area (control) reveal an average plant height of 111.8 cm and an average calathidium size of 7.3 cm. In contrast, in the heavily eroded area, these parameters are significantly affected, with the height reduced to 76.2 cm (-31.9%) and the calathidium size decreased to 5.4 cm (-26.1%). The reduction of these essential parameters reflects a negative systemic impact on aerial biomass and inflorescence development, which directly influences seed production capacity and agricultural yield. From a physiological perspective, the reduction in plant height indicates a decrease in the active photosynthetic area and the accumulation of dry biomass, essential for supporting reproductive processes. Also, the reduction in the size of the calatidium is associated with a lower number of fertile flowers and, implicitly, seeds produced, which negatively affects the volume of production. These findings highlight the fundamental role of erosion as a limiting factor in the productivity of the sunflower crop. The study highlights the need to implement effective soil conservation measures, including conservation tillage, the use of cover crops and the correct management of land slopes, to prevent soil degradation and ensure the sustainability of sunflower agricultural production.

Over the years, the continuously increasing incidence rates of cancer and infectious diseases are open threats to the sustainable survival of animals and humans. In the last two decades, the demands of nanomaterials as modern therapeutic agents have increased. In this study, green fabrication of Ag doped Y2O3 nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum as bio-reductant and assesses its potential as anticancer agent. The obtained pure Y2O3 and Ag doped Y2O3 were characterized by various analytical techniques including XRD, EDS, XPS, UV-visible and PL. The Ag doped Y2O3 nanoparticles was endured defect emissions that are more intense than those of pure samples, according to the obtained PL spectra. In addition to these fascinating findings, the samples deactivate against a AGS (Human gastric adenocarcinoma) cell line through an MTT trial, which highlighted the superiority of the doped when compared to the native nanoparticles. As a consequence, the Ag doped Y2O3 nanoparticles could potentially be an effective alternative for anticancer materials, particularly in biomedical applications.

The present study was conducted during 2023-24 in four banana-growing villages of Gorakhpur district, namely Ramchaura, Campiernagar, Sonaura Khurd, and Sonaura Bujurg, using a sample of 80 farmers selected through random sampling across marginal, small, medium, and large farm categories. Data were collected through pre-tested schedules and analyzed using percentage and cost–return approaches. Results indicated that the average yield per hectare was highest in large farms (197.83 qt) followed by medium (195.03 qt), small (193.85 qt), and marginal farms (184 qt). However, higher yields in large farms were offset by increased cultivation costs (Rs. 109181.17/acre) and greater dependence on hired labor, resulting in the highest cost of production per quintal (Rs. 551.89). In contrast, marginal and small farms benefitted from lower input use and family labor, achieving relatively better cost efficiency with lower production costs (Rs. 487.30 and Rs. 492.62/qt, respectively). Profitability indicators such as net returns, family labor income, and farm investment income confirmed the overall viability of banana cultivation, though the benefit–cost ratio was slightly more favorable for marginal (1:3.20) and small farms (1:3.10) compared to medium (1:2.70) and large farms (1:2.69). Despite its profitability, banana farming in Gorakhpur faces several critical constraints, the foremost being abiotic stresses such as wind and drought (93.75%), high price of planting materials (87.50%), labor scarcity (70%), and poor marketing infrastructure (67.50%). Financial constraints, including lack of credit facilities (66.25%) and inadequate insurance coverage (62.50%), alongside limited technical knowledge (45%), further restrict productivity and profitability. The study concludes that while banana farming is economically rewarding, its sustainability is undermined by systemic challenges across production, finance, and marketing. Policy interventions such as the provision of affordable disease-free planting materials, access to institutional credit and insurance, farmer training on improved production practices, and strengthening of storage and market infrastructure are imperative to enhance profitability and ensure long-term viability of banana cultivation in the region.

Macrocybe gigantea (Callistosporiaceae) is a large, edible mushroom of nutritional and economic significance, valued for its protein, fibre, vitamins, polysaccharides, and essential minerals. Despite its potential for commercialization, optimized cultural conditions for its large-scale production remain under explored. In this study, a pure culture of Macrocybe gigantea isolated from Thrissur, Kerala, was molecularly characterized (GenBank accession number: PX068171) and evaluated in vitro for vegetative growth under different conditions. Among the different media tested, sorghum potato dextrose supported maximum mycelial growth in both solid and liquid forms. Sucrose proved to be the most efficient carbon source. The fungus exhibited optimum growth at 30 ± 2 °C and pH 5.0, under both dark and room light regimes. These results provide baseline information on the nutritional and environmental requirements of Macrocybe gigantea, offering a framework for its commercial cultivation and contributing to its sustainable utilization as a nutritionally rich food source.