Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Tribes of Durg, Chhattisgarh

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The tribal communities of Durg district in Chhattisgarh possess a rich heritage of traditional knowledge, particularly in the use of ethnomedicinal plants for healthcare and healing practices. This study explores the various medicinal plants employed by these tribes to treat a range of ailments, including fever, skin diseases, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues. Field surveys, interviews with local healers, and participatory observations revealed that a diverse range of plant species, primarily sourced from local forests and farmlands, are used in traditional remedies. The knowledge passed down through generations, highlights the sustainable and holistic approach of indigenous communities toward healthcare. However, increasing modernization and loss of natural habitats threaten this traditional wisdom. Documenting and preserving this ethnomedicinal knowledge not only help in cultural conservation but also offers potential leads for the development of novel drugs in modern medicine.

Study on the Utilization of Nickel (Ni) on the Growth and Yield of Mutant Sugarcane

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Enhancing national sugar productivity through the development of mutant sugarcane varieties necessitates precise nutrient management, particularly regarding the efficiency of nitrogen metabolism. Nickel (Ni) plays a vital role as an essential cofactor for the urease enzyme in hydrolyzing urea; however, its requirement thresholds in mutant genotypes require in-depth investigation to mitigate phytotoxicity risks. This study aims to evaluate the interactive effects of Nickel micronutrient on growth parameters, physiological responses, and yield components in the Bululawang sugarcane genotype and its mutant clones. The research employed a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD), testing four sugarcane genotypes (M1: Bululawang, M2, M3, and M4) against four Nickel concentration levels (0 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 1 ppm). Observed parameters included vegetative growth, total tissue nitrogen, and yield components such as pol, sugar recovery rateand cane yield. Results indicated that Nickel application at 0.25 ppm elicited the most optimal response across nearly all parameters. Physiologically, this concentration stimulated urease activity, ensuring nitrogen availability for chlorophyll biosynthesis and vegetative growth. The M2 genotype treated with 0.25 ppm Nickel recorded superior production performance, yielding a cane weight of 117.64 tons/ha. Conversely, increasing the concentration to 1 ppm triggered oxidative stress mechanisms and impaired nutrient assimilation, leading to a drastic decline in all agronomic parameters. It is concluded that low-dose Nickel supplementation (0.25 ppm) effectively enhances mutant sugarcane productivity via the optimization of nitrogen metabolism, whereas excessive doses prove destructive to the plant.

Enablers and Barriers in Indonesia’s Household Energy Transition to Induction Cookstove: A Sustainability Perspective

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The transition from LPG stoves to induction cookstove is an important part of efforts to decarbonize the household sector and achieve sustainable development in Indonesia. Although induction cookers offer potential environmental, social, and economic benefits, their adoption rate is still relatively limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the enablers and barriers to transitioning to induction cookers from a sustainability perspective, considering environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study is based on a structured synthesis of empirical and conceptual findings from previous studies discussing the transition to electric cooking technology and clean cooking, with a focus on countries that have implemented this technology. The analysis was conducted to group and interpret the main enablers and barriers within the sustainability framework. The results of the study show that the main enablers of transition include energy efficiency and technological performance, perceived benefits of use, awareness of health and environmental risks, reliability of electrical infrastructure, and government policy and program support. Conversely, the dominant barriers include the high initial cost of the devices, the perceived high cost of electricity, limited household electricity capacity and reliability, cultural cooking habits and preferences, and strong dependence on LPG subsidies. This study concludes that the transition to induction cookers in Indonesia is still at a partial readiness stage and requires an integrated, inclusive, and sustainability-oriented policy approach to ensure fair and sustainable transition.

Effect of Soaking Duration of Mucuna prurian Seeds on Chemical Composition Changes

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This study is conducted to evaluate how different durations of soaking influence the levels of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), tannins, phenolic compounds, and soluble proteins present in fresh Mucuna pruriens seeds. The study was carried out on December 13, 2024 – December 27, 2024. This study involved four different treatment levels, each repeated four times: P0 (no immersion), P1 (submerged for 48 hours), P2 (submerged for 96 hours), and P3 (submerged for 144 hours).Then treated Mucuna prurian seeds were tested for the contents of cyanide, tannins, phenolics and soluble proteins. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test if there was a significant effect. The results showed that soaking Mucuna prurian had a significant effect (P<0,05) on the content of cyanide, tannins, phenolics and soluble proteins. The conclusion of this research is soaking Mucuna prurian seed of 96 hours would reduce the chemical content recognized as antinutritional factors that inhibit digestibility of nutrients, so it might improve broiler if Mucuna prurian seed would be used as feed ingredient.

Effect of Feeding Corn Stover Silage with FML Additive on Feed Digestibility in Female Sheep

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This study aimed to assess how female fat-tailed sheep respond to diets containing fresh corn stover and corn stover silage enhanced with Fermented Mother Liquor (FML) additives. The experiment involved 15 sheep with an average weight of 18.5 ± 1.55 kg, using a randomized group design (RAK) comprising three dietary treatments and five groups classified by body weight. The dietary treatments were: 100% fresh corn stover, a 50:50 mix of fresh corn stover and corn stover silage, and 100% corn stover silage. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, and significant results were further examined with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The findings indicated that none of the treatments had a significant impact on the digestibility of Dry Matter (DMD), Organic Matter (OMD), or Crude Protein (CPD). It was concluded that the diet containing an equal mix of fresh and silage corn stover yielded the most favorable outcomes, although overall digestibility did not differ significantly across treatments. Consequently, corn stover silage with FML additives may serve as a practical alternative to fresh corn stover.