In the study, an intermediate moisture food bar was developed using dried chicken shreds as the primary protein source. The base matrix was formulated with appropriate ingredients and binders, while the shredded chicken was processed using hot air drying for various time intervals. Drying time of 3 hours was found to be optimal for the chicken bar preparation based on the texture and sensory characteristics. Compression technology was successfully employed to compact the bar, reducing bulk and making it more convenient to handle. Lecithin was incorporated to prevent stickiness during the compression process. The final bar, made with an equal proportion of dried shredded chicken and base matrix, along with date syrup, was found to be acceptable in terms of texture and sensory parameters. The bars were vacuum packed in metalized polyester pouches. Texture analysis revealed the bar’s soft, easily biteable nature, with a firmness value of 21.05 N. Additionally, the bar met microbiological safety standards and complied with FSSAI regulations. With a protein content of 33.25%, this chicken bar offers a great nutritional boost for highly active individuals such as athletes and military personnel, as well as busy civilians who need a quick, convenient source of protein. The developed bar is portable and convenient with the nutritional benefits of chicken protein.

Keywords: Chicken, protein bar, base matrix, hot air drying, compression.

Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus L.) is an invasive species that interferes with the growth of cultivated plants and reduces crop yields. Long-term use of synthetic herbicides poses risks to the environment and human health, so environmentally friendly weed control alternatives are needed. This study aims to evaluate the potential of n-hexane extract of billygoat weeds (Ageratum conyzoides L.) as a bioherbicide through phytochemical tests, extraction, fractionation, and isolation. The extract was carried out using the maceration method, followed by fractionation using column chromatography, and isolation and effectiveness tests on spiny amaranth. The results of the phytochemical test showed that sub- fractions A1 and A2 contained alkaloid and terpenoid compounds. The extracts of sub-subfractions A1 and A2 showed weed control effectiveness of up to 100% 1 day after application (DAA) even at the lowest concentration of 2%. These results indicate that billy goat weeds have high potential as a source of botanical bioherbicides.

Keywords: Ageratum conyzoides L, n-hexane, Amaranthus spinosus L, bioherbicide, secondary metabolites

Moringa oleifera is a highly versatile plant known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study analyzed the nutrient composition of Moringa oleifera pod powder before and after processing, focusing on total protein, carbohydrates, minerals, total fat, total calories, ash content, and crude fiber. Various analytical techniques, including the Biuret method, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Weende’s method, and the Anthrone method, were employed. It was found that, the changes in the nutrient content of Moringa oleifera pods before and after processing: Moisture content: Before - 7.7 mg; After - 3 mg, Ash content: Before - 14.67 mg; After - 3.67 mg, Carbohydrate content: Before - 4.92 mg; After - 4.06 mg, Protein content: Before - 3.13 mg; After - 2.34 mg, Fat content: Before - 7.86 mg; After - 4.05 mg, Crude fiber content: Before - 1.50 mg; After - 2.72 mg, Energy value: Before - 102.94 k cal; After - 62.05 k cal.also rich in minerals Potassium (K): Before 4.34 ppm, After 7.01 ppm, Sodium (Na): Before 0.64 ppm, After 0.73 ppm, Calcium (Ca): Before 1.40 ppm, After 1.17 ppm, Zinc (Zn): Before 37.79 ppm, After 19.77 ppm, Iron (Fe): Before 95.17 ppm, After 121.72 ppm, Copper (Cu): Before 6.02 ppm, After 0.00 ppm, Manganese (Mn): Before 88.75 ppm, After 0.00 ppm, Phosphorus (P): Before 1.243 ppm, After 1.009 ppm, Sulfur (S): Before 0.175 ppm, After 0.282 ppm. These findings highlight the impact of processing on Moringa oleifera pod powder, suggesting potential alterations in its nutritional profile that may influence its dietary applications.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, nutrition,protein, carbohydrates and minerals.

A survey was conducted among 354 farmers in Ladakh to identify opportunities and constraints in cultivating and marketing garden peas. In Ladakh, peas are harvested in July and August, allowing off-season production opportunities. Most farmers (99.2%) use organic inputs for pea cultivation. The majority of growers cultivate peas on a small scale, with 57.9% dedicating less than 0.05 hectares to this crop. Among the farmers surveyed, 52.8% grew peas primarily for self-consumption, while 47.2% cultivated them for commercial purposes. The main production constraints reported by the farmers included unpredictable weather conditions (34.5%), lack of access to quality seeds (29.4%), fluctuations in market prices (13.6%), challenges with water scarcity and irrigation (11.0%), and high labor costs (8.8%). Farmers also faced several marketing constraints, such as price fluctuations (39.5%), stringent quality requirements (23.4%), lack of reliable buyers (21.6%), transportation issues (8.4%), and delayed payments (5.4%). Despite these challenges, farmers have relatively easy access to the market since the overall production of peas in the region is low. However, there is a need to explore market channels outside the region to benefit fully from organic and off-season production.

Keywords: Agriculture marketing, leh ladakh, off-season, organic, traditional knowledge.

The present study was conducted to develop an instant soup mix utilizing Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Four variants of moringa soup mix were prepared and subjected to sensory and the best variant was selected and optimized using 2*4 factorial design. The soup mix consisting of corn flour (20%), potato starch (5%), sugar (8%) and moringa powder (5%) was found most acceptable on a 9 point Hedonic scale. The soup mix was subjected to physico-chemical-nutritive analysis. The instant moringa soup was found rich in protein content (8.27 g/100g) and low in fat content (3.44 g/100g). It was also found to be rich in carotenoid (7.92 mg/100g) and total chlorophyll content (0.147 mg/g) besides having good antioxidant potential (phenolic content 6.88 mg GAE/g and flavonoid content 22.13 mg CE/g) and vitamins (B1 12.74 mg/100g, B2 4.68 mg/100g, B3 1.67 mg/100g, B6 37.65 mg/100g and Vitamin C 5.16 mg/100g). These findings underscore Moringa oleifera potential as a powerful and effective additive to enhance the nutritional value of food formulations, offering a viable solution to address diets deficient in essential nutrients through its successful incorporation into convenient food products such as instant soup mixes.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, functional food, soup mix, nutritional profile.

This microscopic study focuses on the micromorphological characteristics in four Georgia grown peanut cultivars (Georgia -06, Georgia-12Y, Georgia -20VHO, and Jumbo) with the goal to identify morphological variations associated with the possible fungal tolerance. In this study instead of depending exclusively on overall accuracy or visual overlays, we present class-specific precision, recall, and F1-score metrics, which elucidate significant disparities in the models’ management of morphological variability. Variations in the distribution of trichomes, vein endings (VE) and areoles (also known as vein islets), stomatal index and density were observed in leaves. Stomatal studies revealed paracytic stomata in all four cultivars; Georgia-12Y cultivar exhibited anisocytic and paracytic stomata both. Cultivar G-06 scored highest number of VE (173.25±5.99) and areoles (180.55±8.85) on the adaxial leaf surface. The trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of G-20 was highest (128.2±6.14; 180±12.27) and significant differences were recorded. Wax crystalloids on the adaxial and wax sheath on the abaxial leaf surface were observed in all cultivars. The highest stomatal density and stomatal index were observed on the abaxial leaf surface of G-12Y (20.40±1.12) and Jumbo (17.47±0.45), respectively. The higher number of calcium and silicon in the inclusions were observed on the leaf margin of Jumbo 12.28±3.33 % and 13.61±2.28 %, respectively. The current leaf micromorphological study of peanut cultivars provides valuable insights in plant surface topography differences and its possible role in the fungal tolerance mechanisms.

Keywords: Aflatoxin, areoles, CNN modeling, cuticle, stomata, trichomes, vein endings.