The present study was conducted to investigate the comparative efficacy of neem leaf extracts and lambdacyhalothrin against whitefly and jassid in okra field. Four okra cultivars (SABZ PARI, SADA BAHAR, PUS A SAWANI, ARKA and ANAMIKA) were grown in field with four replication. Five neem oil concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent) and a synthetic insecticide (Lambdacyhalothrin 2.5EC) @ 330 mL acre⁻¹ were applied to evaluate efficacy effects on targeted insects population. Distilled water was used as control. The plots treated with synthetic insecticide and the leaf extracts against targeted pests had significantly (P > 0.05) suppressed insect population as compared to control. After 1st spray, no significant (P > 0.05) reduction in pest populations were observed after 24 hours. However, significant (P < 0.05) reduction in population was recorded after 48 and 72 hours respectively. The decline in efficacy of insecticides were recorded after 360 hours of spray. Lambdacyhalothrin and neem oil @ 4 and 5% concentration were equally effective against whitefly and jassid feeding on okra plants. The efficacious effect of neem oil and synthetic insecticide on plant height, number of pods/plant and yield were also studied. Furthermore, tested treatments had no significant effect on plant height and yield parameter (number of fruits pods plant⁻¹). Whereas, tested treatments of neem oil @ 4 and 5% and lambdacyhalothrin had induce significantly (P > 0.05) impact on yield parameter (yield). We conclude that Lambdacyhalothrin and neem oil @ 4 and 5% concentration are equally effective in controlling jassid and have same impact on yield of okra plant.

Nanotechnology has been a source of innovation in various fields in recent years, and its application in agriculture has attracted much attention, particularly for its potential to enhance crop growth and optimize nutritional quality. This study systematically investigated the effects of nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe₂O₄ NPs) on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth, nutrient dynamics, and biochemical responses, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers. The results showed that an optimum concentration of 50 mg/kg soil significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, seed yield, and nutritional quality, with 1000 seed weight and total yield increasing by 12.3% and 15.6%, respectively. In addition, we hypothesized that NiFe₂O₄ NPs would activate the antioxidant system and increase plant resistance. According to the risk assessment, the target hazard quotient (THQ = 0.081) is well below the safety threshold of 1. These findings provide strong evidence for the application of NiFe₂O₄ NPs as next-generation nano-fertilizers, offering a dual advantage of improved agronomic performance and biosafety. However, further research is needed to optimize their application strategies and assess potential long-term environmental impacts.

Global food security is challenged by population growth and the environmental toll of conventional fertilizers. Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes like soybean (Glycine max) is a sustainable fertilization alternative. This study investigates a graphitic carbon nitride/iron oxide (Fe₂O₃/g–C₃N₄ or FC) nanocomposite as a dual–functional fertilizer to improve iron (Fe) nutrition and BNF in soybeans. A pot experiment was conducted using different FC concentrations (10, 100, and 200 mg kg⁻¹), alongside controls. Results showed that the 100 mg kg⁻¹ FC treatment (FC2) was most effective, significantly increasing soybean biomass, nodule number, and nodule fresh weight. The FC2 treatment also enhanced photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll content (SPAD values) while reducing stomatal conductance and transpiration, indicating improved water–use efficiency. Furthermore, FC application bolstered the plant’s antioxidant system by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). Elemental analysis confirmed that FC treatments significantly increased the uptake and translocation of Fe and nitrogen (N) in plant tissues. These findings demonstrate that the FC nanocomposite acts as a highly effective nanofertilizer, simultaneously addressing iron deficiency and boosting nitrogen fixation to promote soybean growth. This work highlights its potential as a sustainable solution to enhance crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency in modern agriculture.