Polymeric nanoparticles have been developed as carrier systems for agrochemicals aimed at pest control and increased crop yields. This minireview summarizes the recent progress and challenges in the design and application of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators. The many advantages of these nanoagrochemicals are discussed including: (1) the availability, biocompatibility and biodegradability of many polymers, (2) the decreased impact on non-target organisms, (3) the protection of the active compounds against degradation, (4) their increased solubility, (5) modified release, and (6) an improved efficacy of the active ingredients. We also discuss the major gaps and obstacles in this area, such as the large-scale production of these systems and the need for investigations of the toxicity to non-target organisms.

Measuring cities’ environmental performance can provide an analytical foundation for evaluating and comparing the governmental efforts in improving environmental performance and promoting sustainable development. In this paper, we employ an Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to measure the environmental performance of 105 prefecture-level cities from 2006 to 2013 in China. Based on the city-level results, we can further derive the EPIs of different regions as well as the country. Our empirical results showed that there exists a large variation in the environmental performance of different cities. From the regional perspective, the EPI of eastern region was higher than that of western region, although the two regions were close to each other. The difference of EPI increasing led to an unstable increase in the overall EPI of the country. Furthermore, based on influence factor analysis, economic scale and industrial structure had a significant impact on the environmental performance of cities and then came up with suggestions to formulate the environmental policies, keeping in view the economic background and the other pragmatic characteristics of cities.

The bacterium Acinetobacter junii was isolated from petroleum-contaminated site in India and tested for its efficiency in degradation of toluene under aerobic condition. Within pH range 4–9, the optimum pH for toluene biodegradation was found to be 7.5. With increase in time, there was enhancement in degradation of toluene. Pure culture of Acinetobacter junii was able to degrade 69, 73 and 80% of 150, 100, and 50 ppm toluene, respectively, within 72 h at 37 °C. Simultaneous growth and degradation of toluene by the bacterium indicated the utilization of toluene as carbon source. After 72 h of treatment, toluene biodegradation was nearly stable. Scanning electron microscopic characterization of bacterial cells treated with toluene revealed the changes in surface morphology. Some of the cylindrical cells of bacterium got transformed into ovoid and spherical shape to escape the toluene toxicity. Degradation intermediates were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. The major intermediate compounds identified after toluene degradation by bacteria were 1-isopropenyl-4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene; 1,3-Cyclohexadiene; 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl); 4-methoxycarbonyl-4-butanolide; and vinyl (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadienoate, which are less-toxic in nature. The degradation of toluene into non-toxic intermediate compounds as well as the growth in the presence of toluene presents the suitability of Acinetobacter junii in biofiltration of toluene-containing petroleum waste.

Plant-induced volatile plays a significant role in plant–herbivore–carnivore interaction. Attraction rate of volatiles influences the immigration rate of carnivores, and hence, predation pressure on herbivores increases. Herbivores take refuge mechanism to protect themselves from carnivore attacks. Based on such biological phenomena, we have formulated a tritrophic model of plant–herbivore–carnivore along with herbivore refuge. In this article, we have considered two types of herbivore refuge (1) constant proportion refuge and (2) constant number of refuge. We have presented only numerical simulation for constant refuge. The model includes Holling type II functional responses for herbivores and carnivores. Positivity and boundedness of solution of the system, existence of interior equilibrium and its local stability have been shown. Global stability of positive equilibrium has been analyzed by applying higher-dimension Bendixson criteria through second additive compound matrix. Coexistence of all populations for long time has been studied. Here two parameters, attraction factor of plants volatile to carnivore and herbivore refuge, have been considered as sensitive parameters. Hopf bifurcation has occurred with respect to both of them. The stability of limit cycles during Hopf bifurcation has been studied by computing Lyapunov coefficient. Numerical simulations have been performed to justify our obtained results.

Bamboo is a multi-purpose woody grass with international and national interests accentuated by the promotion of green energy. In Asia, bamboo plantations are being successfully promoted and constitute important carbon sinks, while in Africa, they remain unimproved despite their potential service supply. In this study, we assessed ecosystem services (ESs) and biomass stock from bamboo stands in central and southern Benin. First, we interviewed 264 informants across seven sociolinguistic groups from 10 municipalities to analyse ESs importance across gender and multi-linguistic group spaces and determine trade-offs and synergies between services. Second, we used field plots to quantify biomass stocks in selected bamboo stands. Seven ESs (building material, handicraft material, medicine, firewood, support for agriculture, biological control and cultural dance) were mentioned, with provisioning ESs being the most important. ESs were equally mentioned by women and men, except for firewood and medicine which showed slightly different patterns. Handicraft material, firewood and cultural dance were mostly mentioned by Nago and Fon, whereas biological control and support for agriculture were cited by Toffin and Weme. Handicraft material, firewood and cultural dance were synergistically mentioned, but negatively associated with citations of biological control and support for agriculture, suggesting trade-offs. The estimated biomass density was remarkably low, ranging from 0.54 to 29.7 t/ha, with an average value of 11.1 t/ha. These results show a need for participative management integrating sociolinguistic groups into decision-making processes while promoting extensive bamboo plantations and bamboo carbon farming.

Exploration and sustainable utilization of wild crops are essential for the dietary diversification and also for ensuring the nutritional requirements of growing human population. In this background, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence, distribution and habitat characterization of two underutilized perennial leafy vegetables of Basellaceae, i.e., Basella alba and Basella rubra, commonly called as Indian spinach or Malabar spinach. For this, extensive field surveys and habitat analysis have been conducted in selected districts of North and West India and national and global distribution maps were prepared based on the available literature. The habitat analysis clearly indicates that Basella species can luxuriously grow in diverse soil conditions (i.e., from acid to alkaline conditions and also in degraded and nutrient poor soils). However, the fresh leaves and stems of both Basella species are rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se and also having essential amino acids and flavones. It can be directly used in salads or can be used as a standalone vegetable for making soups, stews, steamed and oil fried items. In India, it is also being used to make snacks (pakoda). Though it was widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and China since ancient times, it is being gradually neglected and replaced by other greens. Owing to its adaptability to grow luxuriously in hot and humid tropical climate, it can be exploited as a promising leafy vegetable for the warming climatic conditions. However, suitable agronomic practices and crop improvement programs are necessary for improving the adaptability and nutritional quality of Basella species.