Exploratory Assessment of Some Regional Food Wastes as Potential Biofertilizers: Effects on Vegetative Growth and Phytochemical Profile of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Initial Assessment of a New Olive Mill Waste-Derived Biostimulant for Mitigating Water Stress in Pomegranate Trees

PRODUCTION OF A POTENTIAL LIQUID BIOFERTILIZER VIA AEROBIC COMPOSTING OF MIXED FRUIT PEELS AND EVALUATION OF ITS EFFICACY ON VIGNA MUNGO* L.

Fertilizers are extensively used to replenish soil nutrients and maximize crop yields. They are broadly classified into two types: organic and synthetic fertilizers. In recent years, there is increasing attention to the valorisation of agricultural waste, particularly the bioconversion of fruits and vegetable peels into value-added agricultural products such as organic liquid fertilizers. This approach not only reduces the waste accumulation but also contributes to a sustainable product for agricultural purposes. In this present study, the five different fruit peels (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limetta, Ananas cosmos, Citrus limon, and Citrullus lanatus) were chosen to produce “Fruit Peel Organic Liquid Fertilizer” (FPOLF) through aerobic composting. The physicochemical properties of the aerobically composted fertilizers (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) were assessed, and their effects on seed germination and crop performance were also investigated using Vigna mungo L. plants through the pot culture method. Among the formulations, the combination of fruit peels and rice water (F2) exhibited superior plant growth and biochemical parameters. Treatment with FPOLF showed improved effects on shoot length, root length, shoot biomass, root biomass, total shoot biomass, leaf length, leaf breadth, germination rate, and germination index. Additionally, biochemical parameters such as carbohydrate, chlorophyll, and protein contents were found to increase in the crops treated with FPOLF. Overall, FPOLF improved crop performance, enhanced soil health, and promoted circular waste management in agriculture, particularly for smallholder and organic farming systems.

Assessment of Coffee Compost with the Combined Effect of Different Agricultural Wastes Material for Yield Production of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius)

Agriculture plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy; however, increasing population growth and rapid urbanization have created major challenges related to food security, sustainable waste management, and agricultural productivity. Mushroom cultivation, particularly Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius), offers a sustainable approach to address these issues due to its nutritional value, economic importance, and ability to grow on lignocellulosic agricultural wastes. Agricultural by-products such as wheat straw, cotton compost, spent coffee grounds, and pomegranate peels contain nutrients and fiber components that may support mushroom growth and improve substrate quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different substrate combinations on the growth and yield performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius under controlled conditions. Different treatments consisting of wheat straw, cotton compost, spent coffee grounds, and pomegranate peels were prepared and assessed using growth and yield parameters, including mycelial colonization, pinhead formation, fruiting body development, and mushroom yield. The study hypothesized that supplementation of conventional substrates with nutrient-rich agricultural wastes could enhance mushroom production efficiency. The results indicated variations among substrate treatments in terms of growth and production performance. Substrates supplemented with pomegranate peels and spent coffee grounds showed comparatively improved mushroom growth and yield characteristics compared to other treatments. These findings suggest that agricultural waste-based substrate combinations may enhance the cultivation efficiency of Pleurotus pulmonarius while also contributing to sustainable recycling of agro-industrial residues. Keywords: Food security, urbanization, oyster mushroom, pomegranate and coffee grounds.

Phytochemical Characterization of White Turmeric (Curcuma mangga Val.) Extract as a Candidate Natural Immunostimulant for Aquatic Organisms

The increasing intensity of aquaculture practices has elevated the risk of disease outbreaks, which may negatively affect aquaculture productivity. The use of natural products containing bioactive compounds represents a promising strategy for improving the health status of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical constituents of white turmeric (Curcuma mangga Val.) extract to identify bioactive compounds with potential applications as natural immunostimulants in fish feed. The extraction process was carried out using 250 g of white turmeric powder by the maceration method. The resulting extract was subsequently filtered, concentrated using a rotary evaporator, and subjected to phytochemical screening based on colorimetric assays. Phytochemical analysis revealed that white turmeric tested positive for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. The findings indicate that white turmeric extract has considerable potential as a natural source of bioactive compounds for incorporation into fish feed formulations. Nevertheless, further studies are required to evaluate its effects on immune responses, growth performance, and disease resistance in aquatic organisms.

Effects of Aqueous Vermicompost Extracts Produced from Winery Residues on Seedling Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Lepidium sativum L. and Cucumis sativus L.: A Preliminary In Vitro Study

Winery residues generated by the wine industry represent an important sustainability challenge but also a valuable resource for producing vermicompost-derived products with potential agricultural applications through vermicomposting. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous vermicompost extracts produced from winery residues on the early in vitro development and physiological performance of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings. Seedlings were cultivated on peat-based pellets (Jiffy-7®) under controlled conditions and treated with two extract concentrations (10% and 20%, w/v) or distilled water (control). After 30 days, morphological traits (shoot height, leaf number and biomass) and biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments and total phenolics) were assessed. Both species showed high survival rates (>85%) and no phytotoxic symptoms. Compared with the control, VE20% increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents in garden cress by 40.3%, 35.9%, and 38.9%, respectively, whereas VE10% increased chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents in cucumber by 15.7%, 11.5%, and 25.0%, respectively. Total phenolic content did not differ significantly among treatments in either species (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that vermicompost extracts produced from winery residues exhibited low phytotoxic potential under the experimental conditions tested and influenced photosynthetic pigment accumulation without adversely affecting seedling growth. These responses warrant further investigation under ex vitro and field conditions to determine whether the observed physiological changes translate into relevant agronomic effects.

Assessment of the biological and chemical activities of organic ethno-biofertilizer formulations for maize growth enhancement

Organic ethno-biofertilizer (OEB) is a low-cost, eco-friendly agricultural input derived from locally available materials, aligning with sustainable and smallholder farming practices. By combining agricultural residues with beneficial microorganisms, OEB offers an environmentally responsible alternative to restore soil health and improve crop productivity. This study aimed to assess and characterize OEB formulations based on local wisdom, evaluate their biochemical activities, and determine the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in enhancing maize growth through bioassays. Six OEB formulations were tested, from which 12 PGPB isolates were obtained and evaluated to identify superior strains. A randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments (one control and 12 bacterial isolates) and three replications was employed. The highest bacterial and nitrogen-fixing contents were observed in the OEB formula combining plant-based (bamboo root) and animal-based (rabbit urine) components. Bioassay results showed that all 12 isolates significantly enhanced maize growth and phytohormone production. Based on performance rankings, two superior isolates (GPNF9 and GPNF12) were identified, which significantly increased plant height, root length, and fresh weight compared to the control. Biochemical analyses revealed that GPNF9 and GPNF12 produced indole acetic acid (IAA) at 1.153 and 1.394 ppm, and nitrogenase activity at 0.560 and 1.381 µM mL⁻¹ g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. Molecular identification classified GPNF9 as Stenotrophomonas sp. HH10 and GPNF12 as Enterobacter sp. strain YF3. These findings suggest that integrating plant-and animal-based OEB with selected PGPB isolates can effectively support sustainable maize production.