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The present study investigates the influence of Sal-dominated forests on the floristic composition, diversity and distribution pattern, and population structure of associated trees in a part of Eastern Ghats. Two forest communities viz., Sal-dominated Moist Deciduous Forest (SDMDF) and Moist Deciduous Forest without Sal (MDFWS) were selected for the study. Both these forests had sandy loam and acidic soil, though organic carbon was relatively higher (0.61%) in SDMDF than MDFWS (0.22%). While the SDMDF had 77 species (28 trees, 24 shrubs and 25 herbs) belonging to 51 families and 67 genera, the MDFWS had 111 species (44 trees, 22 shrubs and 45 herbs) belonging to 64 families and 104 genera. While Dipterocarpaceae was the dominant family in SDMDF, Combretaceae was dominant family in MDFWS. Both forest types showed an inverse J-shaped population structure indicating regenerating population. Phyllanthus emblica in SDMDF and Pterospermum xylocarpum and Schrebera swieteioides in MDFWS showed no regeneration. The results suggest that MDFWS maintain higher species diversity and ecosystem vitality than the SDMDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent and pattern of occurrence of natural enemies of Lac insect (Kerria lacca (Kerr.) during the rainy seasons (Katki crop) of 2017-2018 around the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha was studied. Three sites viz., agricultural fields/agroforestry, strips along the roads, and village commons (complex landscapes) differing in the degree of disturbance/landscape were chosen. Palash tree (Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub) was the host plant for rangeeni strain of K. lacca where we observed 7 enemies (3 predators and 4 parasitoids) belonging to 06 families infesting on the lac insect. The village commons landscape had maximum number of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) with mean number of individuals of natural enemies per 30 cm of stick lac whereas it was the least from the agricultural fields. During 2017 the prevalence of Eublemma amabilis showed the highest peak density (11.08/30 cm stick lac) in village commons followed by Pseudohypatopa pulverea (8.03/30 cm stick lac) and Chrysopa spp. (5.13/30 cm stick lac). Among the four parasitoids A. purpureus had the highest density (7.65/30 cm stick lac) as the major parasitoid whereas, Tachardiphagus tachardiae, E. tachardiae and Parechthrodryinus clavicarnis were minor parasitoids with a peak population density of 2.77, 1.77 and 1.00 per 30 cm stick lac, respectively, in village commons. However during 2018, A. purpureus was also recorded as the major parasitoid with a peak population density (6.96 per 30 cm stick lac), whereas Tachardiphagus tachardiae, E. tachardiae and Parechthrodryinus clavicarnis were the minor parasitoids in the village commons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing challenge of food waste management presents a critical opportunity for advancing the circular bioeconomy, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources. This paper explores innovative strategies for converting food wastes into renewable food resources, emphasizing the integration of sustainable technologies and zero-waste principles. The main objective is to demonstrate how these approaches can contribute to a more sustainable food system by reducing environmental impacts and enhancing resource efficiency. Novel contributions of this study include the development of bioproducts from various food waste streams, highlighting the potential of underutilized resources like bread and jackfruit waste. Through case studies and experimental findings, the paper illustrates the successful application of green techniques, such as microbial fermentation and bioprocessing, in valorizing food wastes. The implications of this research extend to policy frameworks, encouraging the adoption of circular bioeconomy models that not only address waste management challenges but also foster economic growth and sustainability. These findings underscore the potential for food waste to serve as a cornerstone in the transition to a circular, regenerative economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ‐Polyglutamic acid (γ‐PGA) microgel, produced by Bacillus spp., represents a promising biomaterial with diverse industrial applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxic nature. This review explores the current methodologies in the industrial production of γ‐PGA microgel, emphasizing the optimization of fermentation conditions, genetic engineering of Bacillus strains, and advances in downstream processing techniques. Key applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental management are discussed, highlighting its role in drug delivery systems, as a biocontrol agent, and in wastewater treatment. Future perspectives include enhancing production efficiency through synthetic biology, expanding its application scope, and addressing economic and regulatory challenges to facilitate broader adoption. The integration of innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches is crucial for the sustainable development and commercial success of γ‐PGA microgel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantations are important in reducing logging on natural forests, carbon sequestration and restoration of degraded lands. Soil organic carbon is an important indicator of soil fertility, quality and productivity. A study was conducted in various plantations to assess the soil organic carbon status along with other soil parameters in Mizoram. The SOC stock was found to decrease with the soil depth except in oil palm plantation. The other soil parameters were also seen to decrease along with the soil profile. Teak was found to have the highest SOC stock at 39.03±5.3 Mg C ha-1 while areca nut plantation has the lowest at 28.91±0.67 Mg C ha-1. Proper management of land use can be beneficial for both economy as well as carbon storage in a more sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]