Abstract:
Although the Convolvulaceae family is home to ornamental and agricultural species, ethnomedicinal knowledge accumulated in Uttar Pradesh, India largely goes undocumented. This study was conducted to systematically document the medicinal species of Convolvulaceae in Uttar Pradesh, documenting their botanical identity, vernacular names, habitats, and therapeutic applications. A widespread field survey took place in multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh between May 2015 and March 2021. Data were collected using field observations and interviews with local residents. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and deposited in the Duthie Herbarium. The research recorded 28 medicinal plant species from 12 genera. The genus Ipomoea was the most abundant (13 species). Leaves and the whole plant were the most commonly used elements, mostly for making pastes, juices or decoctions to treat a broad range of more than 50 ailments. An initial conservation assessment showed that 32% of these species are of High conservation priority due to rarity and overharvesting. This study makes the first combined ethnobotanical knowledge on the Convolvulaceae family of the Uttar Pradesh state which is regarded as vital in local traditional medicine and highlights the importance of conservation, and ongoing pharmaceutic study.

View Full Article →

Abstract:
As climate changes, ecological and socio-economic systems will become increasingly vulnerable, and the likelihood of experiencing abrupt and irreversible changes (known as tipping points) will increase. Tipping points are the points of no return in terms of switching between different regimes. For example, if there are small ecological changes in an ecosystem (e.g., loss of biodiversity), they can lead to a disproportionately large response from the ecosystem (e.g., shifting from one ecosystem form to another). One of the most important aspects of climate adaptation science is understanding how these transitions occur; how to identify early-warning signals to detect them; and how to improve the resilience of socio-environmental systems to these transitions. The current study investigates several of the dynamics and factors that are involved in climate-induced tipping points, including: feedback loops; biodiversity loss; and biogeochemical stressors, as well as early-warning indicators, such as: critical slowing down; increased variance; spatial correlation; and flickering. Improved long-term monitoring and increased opportunities for continued modelling of these early-warning signals may improve our ability to anticipate climate-related tipping points. The discussion also encompasses socio-environmental resilience, noting anticipatory, autonomous, and transformative adaptations and governance models which would support society to cope with uncertainty. We must incorporate tipping-point science into policies to address ecological collapse and reduce cascading social risks. Resilience in integrated human nature systems is to be developed through coordinated governance, community involvement, ecological restoration and flexible adaptation strategies and especially as climate pressures intensify and the risk of crossing irreversible thresholds increases, the paper concludes.

View Full Article →

Abstract:
The rural economy is heavily reliant on goat farming as goats provide small and marginal farmers with meat, milk, and an opportunity to make a living. But farmers lose economically when goats have ectoparasitic infestations caused by ticks; they also lose the goats' health and productivity. This current study assessed the prevalence rate of tick infestation for goats in the Purvanchal region located in Uttar Pradesh India. Four hundred goats of various ages, breeds (breed), and sex were randomly assessed for tick populations based on a visual inspection (using a very detailed physical inspection) and ticks were collected after they were initially found by the visual assessment so they could be identified later using taxonomically standard taxonomic keys. Four-hundred goats were visually assessed (of which half —253 were found to have ticks), therefore resulting in an overall tick infestation rate of 63.25%. This study clearly indicates that tick infestations are a major problem across the entire survey area with a severe ectoparasitic burden on the all of the goats throughout the region and that goats with tick infestations that are in poor body condition eventually experience skin irritations and reduced productivity—therefore resulting in a higher-than-average chance of obtaining a secondary infection. An estimated economic loss due to decreased goat productivity experienced from ectoparasitic-tick infestations can reach thousands of dollars annually for a goat owners. The result of this finding emphasizes the importance of regular surveillance for ticks on goats and implementing strategic tick control programs, providing producers with improved hygiene on their farms, and raising awareness of producers about controlling ectoparasite infestations. Improved management practices will improve the health of goats and the productivity of goats and therefore will ensure that goats can be farmed sustainably throughout the Purvanchal region.

View Full Article →

Abstract:
As the world continues to see an unprecedented amount of growth, it will also begin to see incredible fluctuations in its climate. Given this combination of factors, we are now at a significant turning point where we need to make a massive shift towards more sustainable agriculture in order to provide food security for the long term. Sustainable agriculture is not just about how farmers grow food; it encompasses all aspects of growing food in a holistic manner that also includes protecting the environment from destruction while still being able to feed the growing world population today and help the next generation (future generations) with their ability to feed themselves. The projected global population will increase to approximately 9.6 billion by 2050, thus there is a need for food security alongside sustainable agricultural practices and ultimately, to provide solutions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G.). Therefore, this article provides an overview of the latest developments and trends in sustainable agriculture and food security while also outlining the major challenges, opportunities, and policy choices that are needed to achieve sustainable agricultural systems and food security in the future. This article examines how utilizing various sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroecology, organic farming, conservation agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, can help to improve food security and soil health, protect biodiversity, and build resilience to climate change. It discusses the importance of supporting small-scale farmers by improving their access to markets and modern technologies, promoting climate resilient agricultural practices, and reducing food loss and waste along the food supply chain

View Full Article →

Abstract:
Plant-derived natural products (NPs) have been fundamental to traditional medicines, providing essential therapeutic compounds. Indigenous knowledge has taken precedence in this era, and ethnobotany has developed into a science of survival. A number of new plant molecules, including those used by hundreds of cultures, have been described, and medicinal plants are still being sold for their therapeutic benefits without the necessary identification and validation. The review investigates the evolution and current level of traditional plant knowledge among ethnic groups, as well as the incorporation of modern trends into ethnobotanical studies. Molecular analysis (Scientific knowledge) for identifying Ethnotaxa, and the application of DNA barcoding, for authentication of plant species identified using traditional knowledge. Linking scientific and traditional categorization systems, which are often unwritten and only passed down orally, is crucial.

View Full Article →