Seaweeds or sea vegetables are the non-traditional vegetables largely produced and consumed by China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and other island countries. They are rich in essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, amino acids etc. making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Moreover, they have low caloric content and are free from cholesterol, essential for weight management and heart-healthy diets. Additionally, sea vegetables contain unique bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Globally the demand for seaweed as vegetables along with its several value-added products are increasing day by day. The cultivation of seaweed is cost effective as it does not require seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, no freshwater and arable land. Sea vegetables can serve as bio filters by absorbing excess nutrients from aquatic ecosystems, thus promoting environmental sustainability in coastal aquatic system. To combat hunger, achieve food security and protect the environment, it is crucial to create public awareness on the health benefits and nutritional value of sea vegetables. More in-depth research and developments are required to commercialize, explore the diversity of sea vegetables, develop innovative culinary applications and establishment of quality and safety standards. The present review works highlights a comprehensive overview of seaweed diversity, nutritional composition, health benefits, diverse uses, cultivation methods and potential for developing processed products for food and agricultural industry.

Sea Vegetables: An Alternative Food Source: A Review

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), is a leguminous crop which is widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics between 40&deg;N and 40&deg;S latitudes. It is valued for its high-oil edible seeds and as such it is the fourth most important source of edible oil and third most important source of vegetable protein in the world. Groundnut is not only an important oilseed crop of India but also an important agricultural export commodity. Cultivation of groundnut is an alternate occupation to fishing by the fisherman in the coastal sands. Farmers are cultivating groundnut after groundnut for the past two decades resulting in low income from the crop. Based on their demand a field experiment is planned to identify alternate crops which are remunerative to this tract 
 
Methods: Field experiment entitled &ldquo;Identification of suitable alternate Rabi crops for coastal sands of Nellore district&rdquo; was carried out for two consecutive years during rabi, 2017-18 and 2018-19 on farmer&rsquo;s field at Srigowripuram, Vidavalur Mandal, SPSR Nellore district. 
 
Result: The mean performance revealed that all the crops produced less groundnut equivalent yields than groundnut crop. Groundnut pod equivalent yield was reduced by 4.60%, 71.25%, 90.14% and 55.78% in water melon, musk melon, onion and potato crops respectively. In terms of groundnut pod equivalent yield no crop is found superior to existing groundnut crop. With regard to alternate crops, the maximum groundnut pod equivalent yield (4941.50 kg ha-1) was noticed in water melon crop followed by muskmelon (1489.50 kg ha-1). Though higher gross and net returns were realized for groundnut (284955, 200695 Rs ha-1) B:C ratio was found to be maximum for water melon (3.48) due to low cost of cultivation Hence, water melon crop can be promoted as a remunerative crop alternate groundnut in coastal sands of Nellore district. Whereas, onion crop was found to be least in monitory returns crop with lower productivity in costal sands of Nellore district.

Identification of Suitable Alternate Rabi Crops for Coastal Sands of Nellore District

Four batches of fresh sugarcane press mud (SPM), an agricultural waste were collected from the sugar mill near Bareilly city to analyse the chemical composition for exploring this unconventional feed as a suitable alternative feed in the livestock ration. A representative sample from each batch was taken and run in triplicate for the chemical composition study. It was found that the SPM on DM basis contained relatively more crude protein (18.01&plusmn;0.57%) and low crude fibre (12.38&plusmn;0.33%) and ash content (17.73&plusmn;0.36%) than the earlier reports. Besides, it was proved as a good mineral source as it contained high level of calcium (5.90&plusmn;0.27%) with excellent micro minerals status. Linoleic acid, one of the important essential fatty acid was found in the maximum percentage (34.85%) of the ether extract fraction of the SPM with others, proved its ether extract composition as equivalent to the oil of plant and marine origin. Further, mean gross energy (GE) of SPM was 4294.51&plusmn;79.64 kcal/kg DM which was very close to the GE value of corn. The detailed chemical analysis of SPM revealed that it was a valuable source of both organic and inorganic nutrients and comparable to the nutrient composition of some cereal grains and by-products and appeared to be a potential alternate feed ingredient for the livestock.

Screening of sugarcane press mud as a potential alternative feed for livestock

<div>Background: Cereal based cropping systems are predominantly followed in south Asia because of higher productivity and profitability and ensuring food security. Rice is grown once a year in rotation mainly with wheat. Continuous cultivation of rice results in the formation of a hard pan below the ploughing layer, which may act as a barrier to normal root growth of the subsequent wheat crop. Consequently, soil bulk density is increased and hydraulic conductivity is reduced thus leading to non-conducive soil physical characteristics for the subsequent wheat crop. To reduce these ill effects, FYM is used as organic source. But live stock population is not increasing in the ratio as it is required to meet the FYM demand. Organic source requirement cannot meet through use of FYM in rice-wheat system, which is vital for food security point of view. There is need of alternate cost effective source of FYM which could enhance the soil health as well as productivity of rice-wheat system. The present study aimed to see the efficacy of growing green manure crop (Sesbania aculeata) as an alternative of FYM in the rice-wheat rotation. 
 
Methods: In this experiment conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 in on-going long term permanent manorial trial since 1984 at research farm (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, India), twelve treatments were taken under RBD in four replications. Observations and analysis were carried out by following the standard procedures. 
 
Result: The present investigation showed that combination of inorganic fertilizer and Sesbania aculeata helped in increasing yield as well as improving soil health. Sesbania aculeata can be used as a viable and cost effective alternative through partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers to enhance the soil health and productivity of rice-wheat system.</div>

<div>Sesbania aculeata a Cost Effective Alternative to Enhance the Soil Health and Productivity of Rice-Wheat System</div>

The concept of color has consistently played a significant role in developing various human societies globally. It impacts all aspects of our lives, including the clothes we wear. As a result, the synthetic textile colouring industry has grown significantly. On the contrary, there has been a resurgence in the attention towards natural dyes due to the environmental apprehensions of synthetic dyes and their harmful health effects, as natural dyes are perceived to be more sustainable. Weeds are plants that are out of place and undesirable in a particular environment. Converting these plants into valorized products will be an efficient way of managing them. Many weeds have been identified as potential sources of natural plant pigments like anthocyanins, betalains, carotenoids, and other natural pigments. Using weed plants for dye extraction not only provides an alternative dye source but also helps to reduce weed plant invasion. A variety of natural colours can be extracted from weeds. Furthermore, several invasive species, including wire weed, siam weed, common purslane, etc., can be used to extract different hues and tints.&nbsp;

Weeds: A Vibrant Source for Eco-dyeing

<div>Background: At global level supplication for protein production is always high. Among the various protein production industries poultry farming is measured as one of the major contributors. In Indian poultry production, South Indian states contributing maximum proportion are exclusively by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. With Tamilnadu&rsquo;s Namakkal being a center, contributing a highest fraction of Indian meat and egg production. However, the feed cost is dignified as major consideration of poultry producers. Especially, cost of key protein feed sources like soya increases up to triple fold in a year. Thus, the study intended to focus on alternative non-conventional feed sources for broilers.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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Methods: In the present investigation, non-conventional animal protein sources like black soldier fly larva, silk worm pupae and earthworm meals replaced 25%, 35% and 50% of soya meal in standard feed formulations for the commercial broiler Cobb500. The efficacy of these non-conventional protein sources were tested through parameters like feed intake and weight gain. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The calculated feed conversion rates were clearly indicated the impact of the feed formulations. Minimum replacement i.e. 25% of these sources were resulted most benefits in all phases of the broilers and increased concentrations of 35 and 50% of black soldier fly larvae, silk worm pupae and earthworm meals were not ensued much benefits in performance as well as meat quality of the cobb500 birds. Intake of the feed with high concentrations of non-conventional protein sources were slightly varied with standard values especially during finisher phase. However, the gain of the body weight is much affected due to poor digestion and absorption. The study revealed that even though minimal replacement of non-conventional animal protein sources enhance the broiler performances, high concentrations of the resources were counterproductive to utilize the maximum benefits. However, the feed processing like extrusion, crystallization and removal of coliform could yield precise potential of high concentrations of these non-conventional animal protein sources. 
&nbsp;</div>

Rational Analysis of Selected Non-conventional Animal Protein Sources on Performance of Commercial Broiler

<div>Background: The groundnut leafminer (GLM), Aproaerema modicella is an important pest of several legume crops which causes 50 to 100 per cent yield loss in India. The exploration of indigenous natural enemies is crucial to the success of every biological control strategy. Besides, alternative host plants act as a source of both herbivorous pests and their natural enemies. In this view, occurrence of GLM and their parasitic fauna on groundnut, alternate leguminous hosts viz., redgram and babchi were recorded. 
 
Methods: Survey on damage potential of GLM and their parasitic fauna were recorded on groundnut at Sivagangai and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu, India during 2016 to 2018. Survey was also conducted to find the damage potential of A. modicella on alternate leguminous hosts viz., redgram, babchi and their parasitic fauna at Coimbatore district. The damage potential of A. modicella, per cent parasitization and parasitoid emergence were assessed from A. modicella infested groundnut, redgram and babchi leaves.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Severe incidence of A. modicella was recorded as 98.10% (2016 to 2017) and 98.45% (2017 to 2018) at Sivagangai district. The parasitization of GLM was also found higher at Sivagangai recording 46.67% in both the years which was positively related with the pest population. 13 hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to eight families were recorded. Among them, Avga choaspes Nixon recorded high per cent parasitoid emergence (20.00%). Furthermore, GLM incidence on redgram and babchi indicated the highest damage potential of 38.20 and 34.50 per cent and parasitization of 33.33 and 20.00 per cent, respectively during 2017 to 2018.</div>

Incidence of Groundnut Leafminer (GLM), Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its Parasitic Fauna on Alternate Leguminous Hosts in Tamil Nadu, India

<div>Plants nutrients are necessary in increasing production and productivity of crops and healthy food for the world&rsquo;s ever increasing population. Today, soil management strategies are mainly dependent on inorganic chemical-based fertilizers, which cause a serious threat to human health and the environment. Bio-fertilizer has been identified as an alternative for increasing soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The exploitation of beneficial microbes as bio-fertilizers has become of paramount importance in agricultural sector due to their potential role in food safety and sustainable crop production. Bio-fertilizer can be an important component of integrated nutrients management. Microorganisms that are commonly used as bio-fertilizer components include; nitrogen fixers (N-fixer), potassium and phosphorus solubilizers, growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), endo and ecto mycorrhizal fungi, cyanobacteria and other useful microscopic organisms. The use of bio-fertilizers leads to improved nutrients and water uptake, plant growth and plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic factors. In wheat, non-symbiotic spp. like Azotobacter and streptomyces may be used as a potential source of plant growth promoter and also can reduce chemical fertilizer up to 25% with compromising yield. Thus, these potential biological fertilizers would play a key role in productivity and sustainability of soil and also in protecting the environment as eco-friendly and cost effective inputs for the farmers. This review will overview the importance of biofertilizers with different sources of chemical fertilizers in wheat.</div>

<div>Conjugation of Biofertilizers with Different Sources of Chemical Fertilizers in Wheat: A Review</div>

Background: Insects, particularly those belonging to the order Diptera, offer a promising alternative protein source for poultry with numerous advantages. Among these, Sarcophaga dux (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a widely distributed global dipteran species, including Saudi Arabia, exhibits potential for waste management. This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional values of both larval and pupal stages of S. dux as well as the feed intake (FI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). S. dux flies (&asymp;170 to 200 newly hatched larvae) were reared in standardized laboratory conditions until reaching the pupal stage. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The daily feed intake was calculated for each larvae replicate and FCR was measured on the last day of the 3rd&nbsp;larval instar. Larvae and pupae from each replicate were subject to the proximate analysis, amino acids and minerals. Results indicated a progressive increase in FI throughout the development period, except for the last day of the 3rd&nbsp;larval instar. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The FCR demonstrated a higher value comparing to previous study. Furthermore, both larval and pupal stages exhibited high crude protein, lipid content and crude fibre with low dry matter and elevated ash content. The amino acid and mineral contents were also high, with low levels of heavy metals. Notably, the pupal stage displayed superior results in this study. These results may indicate that larvae and pupae of S. dux are promising sources of protein, minerals and potentially other essential nutrients which, in fact, suggest it as a nutritionally valuable food sources for poultry. Upon comparing the larval and pupal stages, it is evident that essential minerals are generally abundant in both stages except for manganese (Mn), which was found to be highest in pupae. However, it is noteworthy that the levels of heavy metals in both stages were low and exhibited no significant difference except for lead (Pb).

The Immature Stages of Sarcophaga dux (Diptera; Sarcophagidae): A Proposed Nutritional Source for Poultry

<div>Background: The price of conventional protein sources like soybean and peanut has increased markedly in recent years resulting in urgent need for exploring alternate protein sources. Due to increase in availability of cottonseed meal (CSM) in cotton-growing areas of India as compared to other oil seed meals, CSM is becoming one of the major components of concentrate mixture (CM) fed to animals.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A study was undertaken to assess the chemical composition and in vitro nutritional worth of CSM in comparison to conventional oilseed cakes used in livestock feeding.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The CP content of protein sources varied from 47.85% in CSM to 47.76% in soybean meal (SBM). The net gas production (NGP, ml/g DM/24h) in CSM (160.48) was lower (P&lt;0.05) than SBM (198.04) and MC (199.55). The metabolizable energy (ME, MJ/kg DM) was higher (P&lt;0.05) in MC and lowest (P&lt;0.05) in DMC. The partitioning factor (PF, mg/ml), OM digestibility (%), DM digestibility (%), NDF digestibility (%), efficiency of microbial mass production (EMMP, %), fermented CO2 was reported to be higher (P&lt;0.05) in CSM compared to conventional oilseed cakes. The TVFA (mM/dl) production in CSM (6.63) was higher (P&lt;0.05) than GNC (6.45) but lower (P&lt;0.05) than SBM (6.97), MC (7.11) and DMC (7.25). The fermentation efficiency (FE, %) in CSM (74.70) and GNC (74.97) was higher (P&lt;0.05) than conventional oilseed cakes. The VFA utilization index (VFA UI) was highest (P&lt;0.05) in SBM (3.81) and lowest (P&lt;0.05) in GNC (3.39). The results revealed that CSM has the potential to be used as a protein source for livestock feeding.</div>

Chemical Composition, in vitro Gas Production and Ruminal Fermentation of Cottonseed Meal and Certain Conventional Protein Sources in Buffalo Inoculum