Neurotrophic receptors are specialized proteins on the surface of neurons that regulate the growth, development, and survival of nerve cells, interacting with specific neurotrophic factors to support neuronal function and overall brain health. Key examples include the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family and the p75 neurotrophin receptor. This review highlights the neuroprotective potential of berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries known for their rich content of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These phytochemicals possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may play a critical role in neuroprotection. Emerging evidence from clinical trials suggests that berry consumption can enhance cognitive function and provide protection against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, the modulation of signaling pathways related to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation, and neuroplasticity underscores the significance of these fruits in neuroprotection. This review uniquely synthesizes recent findings on the specific neurotrophic factors influenced by berry-derived phytochemicals, providing insights into their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we explore the implications of these compounds in developing functional foods aimed at preventing neurodegeneration and promoting cognitive health, thereby contributing to the growing body of research on dietary interventions for brain health.

The research investigates the transformative impact of nano-zinc oxide and iron oxide formulations on prolonging the shelf life of strawberries. A total of 16 distinct treatments were applied through foliar application, and a nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (FeO) formulations were administered. Each square meter received 42 ml of the solution in triplicate, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the formulations' impact on shelf-life enhancement. Notably, the combined application of ZnO and FeO NPs at 150 mg/l, specifically T15 (Z3F3), exhibited superior effectiveness in preserving the crop. T11 (Z2F2), featuring 100 mg/l ZnO and 100 mg/l FeO, closely trailed T15, showcasing significant improvements in parameters such as ascorbic acid content (49.66 mg/100g), and anthocyanin content (39.82 mg/l), etc. at nine days after harvesting. Besides this, TSS (7.25 obrix) in T14 and acidity (0.65%) in T5 and T9 at nine days intervals. These findings advancing the strawberry preservation methods in the agriculture and food industries and establishes the superiority of simultaneous applications of nano-formulations in T15 (150 mg/l ZnO + 150 mg/l FeO) and T11 (100 mg/l ZnO + 100 mg/l FeO). These formulations emerge as optimal solutions for extending the shelf life of strawberry fruits, particularly the Cv. Winter Dawn under Punjab Region, India, and could implement in similar climatic condition around world.

In the pursuit of enhancing agricultural practices, this research delves into the intricate interplay between nano-fertilizers, nutrient management strategies, and their collective impact on the growth and yield metrics of strawberries. The present research was carried out to ascertain the impact of nano-fertilizers (ZnO and FeO) and integrated nutrients management (Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) & Azotobacter) on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn. The results of present work showed different treatments of nano fertilizers and nutrients management has variable impact on strawberry growth such as treatment 7 (T 7 : 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer) + FYM + vermicompost + Azotobacter + 150 ppm nano-ZnO + 150 ppm nano-FeO) showed highest growth parameters regarding number of leaves (14), plant height (11.24 cm), leaf area (74.86 cm 2) and chlorophyll content (52.41 µmol/m 2) etc. compared with other treatments. However, treatment (T 9 : 50% RDF + FYM + vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB + nano-ZnO + nano-FeO) indicated bit similar regarding number of leaves (13.33), plant height (11.96 cm), leaf area (74.08 cm 2) and chlorophyll content (53.06 µmol/m 2) etc. The biochemical parameters were also observed higher in treatment (T 9). Considering above results, it can be concluded that the dose, i. e., 50% RDF along with FYM, vermicompost and Azotobactor + ZnO + FeO (150 ppm) could enhance growth and yield of strawberry.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important fodder crop valued for its high biomass yield, nutritive quality, and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, yet fodder availability in India remains inadequate. Inefficient nitrogen management further limits fodder yield and quality due to poor nitrogen use efficiency. Therefore, optimizing nitrogen levels and split application strategies is essential to enhance fodder maize productivity under semi-arid conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at the Research Farm of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen levels and split application schedules on fodder maize. The experiment comprised four nitrogen levels (60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N/ha) and three nitrogen application schedules: single basal application, two equal splits (50% basal + 50% at 30 DAS), and three equal splits (basal, 30 DAS, and 45 DAS), arranged in a Factorial Randomised Block Design with three replications. Pooled analysis of two years indicated that nitrogen levels and split applications significantly influenced growth, fodder yield, quality, and economics. Application of 150 kg N/ha recorded the highest plant height (198.0 cm at harvest), leaf area index (4.35 at harvest), dry matter accumulation (74.3 g/plant at harvest), green fodder yield (370 q/ha), dry fodder yield (81.4 q/ha), crude protein content (8.6%), gross return (₹74,000/ha), net return (₹52,500/ha), and benefit: cost ratio (3.44). Among nitrogen schedules, three equal split applications (1/3 basal + 1/3 at 30 DAS + 1/3 at 45 DAS) produced the highest plant height (190.8 cm), leaf area index (4.25), dry matter accumulation (72.2 g/plant), green fodder yield (348 q/ha), dry fodder yield (76.5 q/ha), crude protein content (8.05%), net return (₹49,470 ha⁻¹), and benefit: cost ratio (3.29). The study concluded that applying 150 kg N/ha in three equal splits is the most effective and profitable nitrogen management strategy for fodder maize under semi-arid Punjab conditions.