Background: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a vital forage crop, demonstrates pronounced variability in growth performance and yield in cold regions, largely determined by its cold tolerance. Fall dormancy ratings, a key indicator of alfalfa&rsquo;s winter dormancy intensity, induce distinct physiological responses and cold tolerance capacities among varieties under low-temperature stress. Therefore, investigating the germination traits and seedling physiological adaptations of alfalfa with varying fall dormancy ratings under cold stress is critical for breeding and cultivating cold-tolerant alfalfa cultivars. 
 
Methods: This experiment was conducted in the Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, from March to September 2024. A total of 28 alfalfa materials with 10 different fall dormancy grades were used. Low-temperature stress experiments were conducted to evaluate critical germination parameters, including germination rate, germination index, vigor index, root length and germination coefficient. Concurrently, seedling physiological responses were investigated under 4oC conditions, focusing on biochemical markers: Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative conductivity (REC) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), along with proline (Pro) and soluble sugar (SS) accumulation. 
 
Result: Under low-temperature stress, significant reductions were observed in germination parameters, including germination rate, germination index, vigor index, root length and germination coefficient, across alfalfa accessions of different fall dormancy ratings. A strong negative correlation was established between fall dormancy ratings and cold hardiness during germination. Physiological analysis revealed that key biochemical markers-MDA, REC, SOD, POD, CAT, Pro and SS-under 4oC stress conditions. Accessions with lower fall dormancy ratings demonstrated superior cold hardiness, while those with higher fall dormancy ratings showed reduced tolerance. Through comprehensive analysis, REC, SOD, POD and SS were identified as the most critical physiological indicators for evaluating cold hardiness at the seedling stage.

Cold Resistance Evaluation of Alfalfa during the Germination and Seedling Stages and Analysis of its Relationship with Fall Dormancy

<div>Background: In north India, pigeon pea experiences low temperature stress during winter months (December-January). Information&rsquo;s regarding cold stress and its impact on morphological characters, physio-biochemical processes and yield attributes in pigeon pea crop is very limited. Keeping the above facts in to consideration, the experiment was formulated to screen suitable genotypes of pigeon pea tolerant to cold stress based on morpho-physiological traits and ability to set flower and pods and yield performance.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Field experiments with 98 genotypes of pigeon pea were conducted in augmented design including checks with all recommended cultural practices in 2018-19 and 2019-20 at New Research Farm, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. Morphological, biochemical and yield parameters were recoded periodically.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;Based on the reaction of pigeon pea genotypes against the exposer of cold stress in terms of flower/pod drop and flower/pod retention, cold injury at the apical meristems and post regeneration of apical portion, the genotypes like IPA 15F, Dhule-D, JBT46/27, IPACT-6, IPACT-14, IPAC-1-17, IPACT-68, IPACT-22 showed &gt;90% flower/pod drop and retained only 0-10% flowers/pods, &gt;90% apical damage and &lt;10% recovery of apical portion and were considered highly sensitive to cold stress. Genotypes namely MA-3, IPA 9F, ICP 15-9-1, VKG 27/161, H-26, ICPL 7035, LRG-30, PBT/SSL 2/73, KPL 1034-31, IPA 15-15, KPL 34, ICP 2073, IPACT-5, IPAB 10-66, IPACT-10, IPACT-11, IPAHT-26, IPACT-15, IPAD 2-8, IPACT-16, IPAD-8, IPACT-17, IPAHT-43, IPACT-21 showed &gt;80% flower/pod drop and retained 10-20% flower/pods, &gt;80%apical damage and &lt;20% recovery of apical portion and considered moderately susceptible to cold stress. Genotypes NDA-2, MAL-13, ICP-2275, IPACT-2 showed around 20-40% flower/pod drop and have retained 60-80% flowers/pods, &lt;20% apical damage and&gt;80% recovery of apical portion were considered as the highly tolerant to cold stress. The nitrogen balance index, chlorophyll and flavonols showed higher values in tolerant group whereas lower in susceptible group. The average yield/plant of pigeon pea genotypes tolerant to cold stress is considerably higher than the susceptible group of pigeon pea genotypes.</div>

​Performance of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] Genotypes under Cold Stress

<div>Plasma is the fourth state of matters which have a wide application in food processing and post harvest technology. Plasma when applied over crops has tremendous effects in improvement in the quality and other post harvest attributes. Application of cold plasma technology could effectively induce desirable changes in its overall quality and diverse physiology. The following review would discuss the application of non-thermal plasma technology to disinfect and decontaminate processed food product and fresh horticultural crops. Horticultural crops which are treated with plasma technology do not show any loss in nutrients. The packaging materials can also be sterilized by using plasma technology. Similarly, the food packed inside a package can also be sterilized without harming the package integrity. Beside that it can also be used to reduce the enzymatic activity of fresh fruits and vegetables and help to modify the food properties. Cold plasma technology can penetrate fungal biofilm and destroy resting fungal spores. This technology can also be harnessed to remove residual toxic pesticide from food products and fresh fruits and vegetables. However, the technology might sound a bit expensive but have a long future in terms of utility.</div>

Post Harvest Applications of Cold Plasma Technology: A Review

<div>An experiment was conducted with the objective of determining the magnitude of association between seedling vigour index and its component characters. Fifty rice genotypes were evaluated in completely randomized design with three replications. Correlation coefficient analysis of vigour index showed positive and significant association with total seedling length, root length, total seedling dry weight, root dry weight, shoot length, germination percentage and first leaf area under normal condition. Germination percentage, total seedling length, root length, shoot length and first leaf area showed strong and significant positive association with seedling vigour index under cold condition. Thus, these traits could play pivotal role in developing cold tolerant rice. Separation of correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects of component traits for vigour index revealed that the traits total seedling length and root dry weight exerted maximum positive direct and indirect effect respectively on vigour under normal condition. Under cold stress the traits shoot length and root length exerted maximum positive direct and indirect effects respectively for vigour index. These characters, therefore, are required to be considered during selection for vigour improvement in rice under normal and cold condition in rice.</div>

<div>Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Normal and Cold Condition</div>

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out to determine the effect of cold stress on fifteen wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Fifteen cultivars including winter cultivars viz., Sayson, Marton, Gaskoghen, C-82-12, C-82-13, facultative cultivars: Alvand, Mahdavi, Zarrin, Marvdasht, Tous and spring cultivars viz., &nbsp;Shiraz, Pishtaz, M-79-7, M-81-13, Kavir were sown at three dates (15 October, 15 November and 15 December) based on complete blocks design with three replications under field conditions. In laboratory experiment the same cultivars were evaluated under cold stress at two and four leaves growth stages. Results showed that there were significant differences among cultivars in grain yield, potassium accumulation, lethal temperature (LT50), ion leakage, chlorophyll content &nbsp;a and b among growing stages, genotypes and interaction between them. Ion leakage was the highest for M-81-13 cultivar (81.12ds m-1). C-82-12 and &nbsp;Gaskogen with more than 6.44 % and Sayson with 4.89 % potassium accumulations had the highest and lowest values. Lethal temperature of Gaskogen and Shiraz were -42 and -28&deg;C. Gaskogen was tolerant to cold stress and hadn&rsquo;t high grain yield potential. The highest chlorophyll a and proline &nbsp;content were obtained for Marvdasht and Gaskoghen with 2.51mg.g-1 and 0.34mg.g-1 at two leaves growth stage. In contrast the lowest chlorophyll b related to Sayson and C-82-12 with 1.37 and 1.39 mg g-1, respectively. All cultivars at first planting date had more grain yield than two other planting dates.&nbsp;

Physiological and biochemical responses of wheat cultivars&nbsp;(Triticum aestivum L.) to cold stress conditions

Climate change has been the major threat to livestock systems sustainability globally. This climate change has provoked many stressors, for instance, cold, heat, humidity, rain, ice and wind, that can directly or indirectly exert influence on the endocrine system and impact the performance of an animal including their production potential, reproductive system and regular estrous cycle. Also, the environmental stressors can contribute to the amenability of animals to infections; it is therefore, vital to understand how stressors alter the animal&rsquo;s adaptive capacity and efficient methods in coping stress. This review aims at the scientific evidences regarding challenges due to cold stress and its potential mitigation by nutritional interventions. The cold is amongst the most potential environmental stressors which can adversely affect production potential as well as the growth of animals. Under cold stress the animals&rsquo; dietary intake increases, but the production capacity declines, furthermore, it can also culminate in physiological fluctuations, behavioral shift, tissue and intestinal impairment and soaring death rate. Maintenance of animal in its thermoneutral zone is important, otherwise any deviation from it proves life threatening. So, to cut back on the economic losses timely course of action must be taken to prevent the damages ascribed to the stressor. To maintain the production performance along with profitability, it is thus recommended to adapt scientific feeding regimens and also incorporate feed supplements (especially vitamins and minerals) to combat the devastating effects of cold stress.

Mitigating Cold Stress in Livestock by Nutritional Interventions: A Comprehensive Review

The main aim of this study was to determine the role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of five each. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection; however calves of G2 were protected against cold weather by using Infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected at fortnightly interval were analyzed for Packed Cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), Total Serum Protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l) and albumin globulin (A:G) ratio and hormones viz., triiodothyronine (T3, ng/ml), thyroxine (T4, ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml). The total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in G2 as compared to G1. The PCV values were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher on day 15 and day 45 in G1 than G2. The albumin and A:G Ratio were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher on day 60 and 45, respectively in G1 than G2. The cortisol levels were higher in G1 than G2 and differences were highly significant (P&lt;0.01) on 15th day and significant (P&lt;0.05) on 45th day. Significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher values of &nbsp;T3 and T4 were observed on 15th and 45th day in G1 as compared to G2. On the basis of the results, it may be concluded that Infrared lamps can be effectively used to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance. &nbsp;

Role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves

In the current scenario, global food productions need to be incredibly enormous to feed everyone. Though food supply plays a tremendous role in reaching out to the people, meanwhile advancement in food processing technology is a predominant factor in increasing food availability. In the food industry, there was a huge number of technologies for food processing that made food more convenient to eat and might be stable for extended storage. Among the food processing technologies, cold plasma may be one of the novel non-thermal technology that functions at atmospheric pressure or low-pressure processing technology. Cold plasma is an eco-friendly technique involved in food preservation, mainly destructing microbes in food thereby extending its shelf life. Cold plasma processes the food without degrading the physical, chemical, biological, nutritional and sensory qualities of food products. This review elaborates on cold plasma utilization and its quality changes in various foods.

Exploring the Effects of Cold Plasma on Preserving and Processing of Foods: A Review

<div>Background: Freezing temperatures are a limiting factor hindering the survival of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) through winter. Soil drought also damages alfalfa crowns and can affect their regeneration. Therefore, it is important to determine the effects of cold, dry conditions on alfalfa to develop effective water management strategies in winter. 
 
Methods: Cold, dry conditions were established in the laboratory and the freezing tolerance of crowns was compared between the alfalfa cultivars &lsquo;WL440HQ&rsquo; and &lsquo;ZhaoDong&rsquo;. The degree of freezing tolerance was estimated on the basis of relative electrolyte leakage and semi-lethal temperature. The effects of cold, dry conditions on alfalfa crowns were determined by investigating the rate of water loss and the concentrations of soluble sugars (which function as cryoprotectants) and betaine and proline (which function as osmoregulation substances).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Compared with crowns of &lsquo;ZhaoDong&rsquo;, those of &lsquo;WL440HQ&rsquo; showed a higher water loss rate in cold, dry conditions and were irreversibly damaged and their freezing tolerance was severely affected. In comparison, crowns from &lsquo;ZhaoDong&rsquo; showed a lower water loss rate and lower relative electrolyte leakage under cold, dry conditions and their freezing tolerance was not significantly affected. The higher water loss rate and lower freezing tolerance were the direct causes of death of &lsquo;WL440HQ&rsquo;, the cultivar with a higher fall dormancy score. In cold, dry conditions, the content of proline, an osmotic regulation substance, increased in response to soil water deficit and may have improved the ability to withstand freezing temperatures by preventing rapid water loss. In addition, sucrose, fructose, galactose and stachyose contents in the crown increased under cold, dry conditions and may have enhanced freezing tolerance because of their function as cryoprotectants. The results of this study indicate that maintaining soil moisture within the range suitable for the growth of crowns is important for the successful overwintering of alfalfa.</div>

Role of Osmotic Regulation and Cryoprotectant Substances in the Freezing Tolerance of Alfalfa in Cold, Dry Conditions

Background: The present study investigates the association between plasma metabolites and body condition score (BCS) in Marwari sheep under cold stress. BCS is considered as an easy, rapid&nbsp;and non-invasive assessment method for determining an animal&rsquo;s state of health. Animals modify their body&rsquo;s metabolic state to adapt and combat cold ambient temperature&nbsp;conditions. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on apparently healthy Marwari sheep by screening 180 animals from marginal farmers in two different ambiences from in and around Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The study included 6 months to 6 years age group animals which were divided in to six different categories as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. The technique outlined by Jefferies (1961) and Russel (1968) was used to determine the body condition score of the sheep. Blood samples were collected during moderate and extreme cold ambiences in the morning hours from the slaughter house and health status was monitored by recording rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body condition score. Estimated plasma metabolites were glucose, total proteins, urea, cholesterol and creatinine. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The plasma glucose concentration increased significantly in extreme cold environment compared to a moderate environment (increasing by 9.21%), Whereas total plasma protein concentrations decreased significantly under cold conditions by 7.66%. Similarly, plasma urea and cholesterol levels increased significantly (8.81% and 13.81% increase, respectively). The results suggest that a particular BCS is not sufficient to represent the health state of sheep. However, animals with a BCS of 2.5 to 3.5 demonstrated strong physiological adaptability to their surroundings, indicating that Marwari sheep exposed to cold may have an ideal BCS.

Cold Resistance Evaluation of Alfalfa during the Germination and Seedling Stages and Analysis of its Relationship with Fall Dormancy

Performance of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] Genotypes under Cold Stress

Post Harvest Applications of Cold Plasma Technology: A Review

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Normal and Cold Condition

Physiological and biochemical responses of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) to cold stress conditions

Mitigating Cold Stress in Livestock by Nutritional Interventions: A Comprehensive Review

Role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves

Exploring the Effects of Cold Plasma on Preserving and Processing of Foods: A Review

Role of Osmotic Regulation and Cryoprotectant Substances in the Freezing Tolerance of Alfalfa in Cold, Dry Conditions

Body Condition Score Versus Metabolites in Marwari Sheep under Cold Stress