{
  "journal": "Frontiers of Integrated Academic Research",
  "publisher": "The Koshika Academic Publications",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0101",
      "title": "Carbon-Nitrogen Interactions in Plants: Regulation of Nitrogen Assimilation and Metabolic Homeostasis",
      "authors": [
        "Shakti Nath Tripathi"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-24",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0101",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0101/FIAR-2026-0101.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "1",
      "lastPage": "10",
      "abstract": "Carbon and nitrogen are the two major elements that jointly determine plant growth, biomass production, developmental plasticity and productivity. Carbon metabolism supplies the energy, reducing power and carbon skeletons required for inorganic nitrogen assimilation, whereas nitrogen is an essential component of photosynthetic proteins, chlorophyll, nucleic acids, amino acids and enzymes required for carbon fixation. Plants must therefore coordinate carbon and nitrogen acquisition, assimilation, transport, storage and utilization according to developmental stage and environmental conditions. This review summarizes the biochemical basis of carbon–nitrogen interactions, regulation of nitrogen assimilation, metabolic and signalling networks involved in carbon–nitrogen homeostasis, responses to environmental stresses, and emerging strategies for improving crop productivity through coordinated manipulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0102",
      "title": "Fish Diversity of Adwa Dam in Mirzapur District Uttar Pradesh",
      "authors": [
        "Brij Bali Singh",
        "Yogesh Mishra"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-24",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0102",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0102/FIAR-2026-0102.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "11",
      "lastPage": "17",
      "abstract": "Adwa Dam is a large irrigation reservoir in Mirzapur District, southeastern Uttar Pradesh, but site-specific, verifiable information on its fish fauna is limited. This study provides a conservative photographic baseline based on ten field images supplied from a fish collection made at the reservoir. Five species were confirmed: <em>Notopterus notopterus</em>, <em>Xenentodon cancila</em>, <em>Salmostoma bacaila</em>, <em>Parambassis ranga</em>, and <em>Monopterus cuchia</em>. The verified assemblage represents five families and five orders and spans distinct ecological strategies. The record is interpreted as a minimum confirmed checklist rather than a complete inventory and provides a traceable baseline for fuller multi-season surveys integrating standardized sampling, water-quality measurements, voucher specimens and DNA barcoding where morphology is ambiguous.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0103",
      "title": "Anthropogenic Activities and Mammal Conservation in Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Madhya Pradesh",
      "authors": [
        "Sanjay Singh",
        "Yogesh Mishra"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-25",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0103",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0103/FIAR-2026-0103.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "18",
      "lastPage": "22",
      "abstract": "Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary lies in a densely inhabited forest landscape at the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh border. This review examines the sanctuary’s documented mammal assemblage, human activities recorded in site-specific sources and plausible pathways by which those activities affect habitat and wildlife. The documented mammals include blackbuck, nilgai, chinkara, sambar, chital, wild pig, striped hyena, jackal, Indian fox, sloth bear and langur. Historical evidence also reports settlement, livestock presence, grazing signs, crop raiding and limited hunting-related evidence. Grazing, forest extraction, agricultural interfaces and associated conflict are the most directly supported concerns. The review recommends repeated mammal monitoring, mapped grazing intensity, community participation, crop-loss verification, habitat restoration and evaluation of the eco-sensitive zone.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0104",
      "title": "Seasonal Variation in Water Quality, Contamination, and Fish Production in Selected Ponds of Kaushambi District, Uttar Pradesh",
      "authors": [
        "Ishant Kumar Soni",
        "Mahendra Kumar Upadhyay"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-26",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0104",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0104/FIAR-2026-0104.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "23",
      "lastPage": "27",
      "abstract": "Seasonal changes in pond water quality may influence fish health and production, particularly where agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater enter freshwater systems. This study examines seasonal variation in water quality, contamination and fish production in selected ponds of Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh. Six ponds were sampled during summer, monsoon and winter. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate and faecal coliform levels were assessed, while pond managers provided stocking and harvest records. Mean dissolved oxygen was lowest in summer and highest in winter. Biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate and faecal coliform levels were greatest during the monsoon. Ponds with higher mean dissolved oxygen and lower biochemical oxygen demand showed greater yields. The findings support seasonal monitoring, runoff control and pond management to protect water quality and fish production.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0105",
      "title": "सागर जिले के माध्यमिक विद्यालयों में बाल संरक्षण, शिक्षा के अधिकार और सहभागिता के अधिकार के प्रति शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं की जागरूकता: शासकीय एवं अशासकीय विद्यालयों का तुलनात्मक अध्ययन",
      "authors": [
        "Antima Sharma",
        "K. K. Shukla"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-26",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0105",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0105/FIAR-2026-0105.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "28",
      "lastPage": "34",
      "abstract": "प्रस्तुत अध्ययन का उद्देश्य शासकीय एवं अशासकीय माध्यमिक विद्यालयों के शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं में बाल अधिकारों के प्रति जागरूकता का तुलनात्मक अध्ययन करना था। अध्ययन में बाल संरक्षण, शिक्षा का अधिकार तथा सहभागिता का अधिकार—इन तीन आयामों के साथ समग्र बाल अधिकार जागरूकता का विश्लेषण किया गया। कुल 200 शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं को अध्ययन में सम्मिलित किया गया, जिनमें शासकीय और अशासकीय विद्यालय समूहों में 100–100 प्रतिभागी थे। समूहों की तुलना के लिए Welch का स्वतंत्र नमूना t-परीक्षण तथा प्रभाव आकार के लिए Cohen का d प्रयुक्त किया गया। परिणामों में बाल संरक्षण और शिक्षा के अधिकार संबंधी जागरूकता में महत्त्वपूर्ण अंतर नहीं मिला, जबकि सहभागिता के अधिकार तथा समग्र बाल अधिकार जागरूकता में सांख्यिकीय रूप से महत्त्वपूर्ण अंतर पाया गया।",
      "language": "hi"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0106",
      "title": "Essential Oil of Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.: Chemical Diversity, Biological Activities, and Prospects for Standardized Applications—A Review",
      "authors": [
        "Ravikant Singh"
      ],
      "published": "2026-09-30",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0106",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0106/FIAR-2026-0106.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "1",
      "firstPage": "35",
      "lastPage": "43",
      "abstract": "<em>Taxodium distichum</em> (L.) Rich., commonly known as bald cypress, produces chemically diverse essential oils in its leaves, twigs, and seed cones. Although the species is often associated with α-pinene-rich oil, published investigations also describe limonene-rich, β-phellandrene-rich, and oxygenated sesquiterpene- or diterpene-rich preparations. This narrative review examines the botanical context, extraction methods, compositional variability, biological activities, analytical requirements, and development prospects of these oils. Direct studies of <em>T. distichum</em> are considered separately from research on isolated terpenes, other essential oils, and nonvolatile <em>Taxodium</em> extracts. The evidence supports substantial dependence of oil composition on organ, provenance, season, and processing. Laboratory studies report antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects, while more recent work offers a specific application in protecting paper against mould. These findings justify further investigation but do not establish clinical efficacy, routine food-use suitability, or safety of repeated exposure. Progress requires authenticated plant material, independent biological replication, retention-index-supported chromatographic analysis, validated quantitative assays, and application-specific safety testing.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0201",
      "title": "Field Symptoms and Microscopic Observations of Meloidogyne spp. Associated with Brinjal Decline in Jhansi District, India",
      "authors": [
        "Anand Kumar Singh",
        "Manvendra Singh Sengar"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-05",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0201",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0201/FIAR-2026-0201.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "1",
      "lastPage": "6",
      "abstract": "Root-knot nematodes (<em>Meloidogyne</em> spp.) are obligate root endoparasites whose field symptoms often mimic drought, nutrient deficiency, or fungal wilt, complicating accurate diagnosis. This study examines three geo-tagged field photographs and four microscopic images associated with brinjal (<em>Solanum melongena</em>) decline in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Field observations recorded at Nohatachhir on 13 March 2026 and Dani Pura on 28 September 2026 revealed severe canopy desiccation, lower-leaf chlorosis, and marginal necrosis across affected crops. Microscopic examination of root tissue recovered from symptomatic plants confirmed the presence of swollen, ovoid to pear-shaped female bodies with distinct projecting necks, morphological features characteristic of adult <em>Meloidogyne</em> species. These findings support <em>Meloidogyne</em> spp. as a likely contributor to brinjal decline in the region and highlight the value of combining field observations with microscopic diagnostics.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0202",
      "title": "Isolation, Phenotypic Characterization and Antagonistic Profiling of Bacteriocin-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Fermented Foods",
      "authors": [
        "Archana Patil",
        "Virendra Kumar"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-07",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0202",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0202/FIAR-2026-0202.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "7",
      "lastPage": "11",
      "abstract": "Foodborne contamination and antimicrobial resistance have increased interest in naturally derived preservation systems. This study screened fermented and animal-derived food samples for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with bacteriocin-like activity and evaluated the activity of crude cell-free preparations against selected indicator organisms. Thirty-five morphologically distinct colonies were recovered from curd, dosa batter, raw cow milk, kanji and meat. Eleven isolates were catalase-negative and retained as presumptive LAB. Cell-free supernatants from four isolates produced the clearest inhibition against <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> and were examined further by broth microdilution. The lowest recorded MIC values were obtained for IS4 and IS6 against <em>Salmonella typhi</em>. These findings identify fermented foods as useful sources of antagonistic LAB.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0203",
      "title": "सागर जिले में बालिका शिक्षा के प्रति महिला अभिभावकों के दृष्टिकोण का अध्ययन",
      "authors": [
        "Sanjay Singh Chauhan",
        "Sher Singh"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-09",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0203",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0203/FIAR-2026-0203.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "12",
      "lastPage": "17",
      "abstract": "प्रस्तुत शोध अध्ययन सागर जिले (मध्य प्रदेश) में बालिका शिक्षा के प्रति महिला अभिभावकों के दृष्टिकोण, उनके व्यावहारिक सहयोग तथा उन्हें प्रभावित करने वाले सामाजिक-आर्थिक एवं संस्थागत कारकों का बहुआयामी विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत करता है। अध्ययन में मिश्रित-विधि का प्रयोग करते हुए ग्रामीण एवं शहरी क्षेत्रों से कुल 300 महिला अभिभावकों का चयन उद्देश्यपूर्ण एवं यादृच्छिक प्रतिचयन विधि से किया गया। आँकड़ों के विश्लेषण हेतु 5-बिंदु लिकर्ट मापनी एवं अर्ध-संरचित साक्षात्कार का उपयोग किया गया। परिणामों से ज्ञात हुआ कि 66.67% (200/300) महिला अभिभावक बालिका शिक्षा के प्रति सकारात्मक दृष्टिकोण रखती हैं और इसे व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता व पारिवारिक कल्याण हेतु अनिवार्य मानती हैं। हालाँकि, उच्च शिक्षा और रोजगार के संदर्भ में निर्णय सुरक्षा संबंधी चिंताओं और सामाजिक मान्यताओं से प्रभावित दिखे। ग्रामीण (50% सहजता) की तुलना में शहरी क्षेत्रों की महिला अभिभावक (91.33% सहजता) संस्थागत संवाद, गृहकार्य में सहयोग और तकनीक के उपयोग में अधिक सहज पाई गईं। ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में विद्यालय की दूरी, सुरक्षित परिवहन का अभाव और मौसमी कृषि कार्य मुख्य बाधाएँ उभरीं। इसके अतिरिक्त, अशिक्षित महिला अभिभावकों में प्रेरणा की प्रचुरता के बावजूद प्रक्रियात्मक व आर्थिक सीमाओं के कारण व्यावहारिक सहयोग सीमित रहा, जबकि साइबर उत्पीड़न के भय से बालिकाओं के डिजिटल उपयोग पर कठोर पारिवारिक नियंत्रण देखा गया। निष्कर्षतः, बालिका शिक्षा की निरंतरता सुनिश्चित करने हेतु केवल नामांकन पर्याप्त नहीं है; ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में सुरक्षित परिवहन, महिला अभिभावकों हेतु डिजिटल साक्षरता, सामुदायिक करियर मार्गदर्शन तथा छात्रवृत्ति योजनाओं की प्रशासनिक प्रक्रियाओं का सरल व पारदर्शी होना अत्यंत आवश्यक है।",
      "language": "hi"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0204",
      "title": "Irrigation Water Resources in India: Status, Sources, Quality Challenges, and Sustainable Management",
      "authors": [
        "Brijesh Kumar Pandey",
        "Mohini Bhardwaj",
        "Vipin Mishra",
        "Alka Singh",
        "Shashi Kant Shukla"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-18",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0204",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0204/FIAR-2026-0204.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "18",
      "lastPage": "33",
      "abstract": "India’s per capita water availability has declined over time, placing increasing pressure on agricultural water resources. Groundwater plays a critical role in irrigation, with more than 90% of groundwater withdrawals reportedly used for agricultural purposes. Agriculture also accounts for a substantial share of India’s employment. Declining groundwater levels, increasing dependence on irrigation, and the use of inadequately monitored water sources raise concerns regarding the sustainability of water resources and the quality of irrigation water and soil. Improving irrigation water-use efficiency is therefore essential for sustainable agricultural production. Properly designed and maintained drip and sprinkler irrigation systems can improve water-application efficiency compared with conventional surface irrigation, although the reported efficiency values depend on the methods and conditions of assessment. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015, integrates several irrigation-related initiatives, with micro-irrigation serving as an important component. Wider adoption of water-efficient technologies requires accessible institutional support, technical guidance, and effective implementation mechanisms. Irrigation-water quality varies across regions according to rainfall patterns, aquifer recharge, groundwater extraction, and local water-use practices. Important parameters for assessing irrigation-water suitability include electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and specific-ion toxicity. Boron and chloride concentrations also require attention because excessive levels can adversely affect plant growth. Furthermore, smart irrigation approaches incorporating wireless communication systems, monitoring tools, sensors, and improved control strategies can support efficient irrigation scheduling and water management. Integrating these approaches with appropriate institutional support and region-specific water-resource planning is essential for improving irrigation efficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural production in India.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0205",
      "title": "मध्य प्रदेश के सागर एवं दमोह जिलों में सिंचाई अवसंरचना और फसल उत्पादकता",
      "authors": [
        "Rashmi Asati",
        "Neeraj Topkhane"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-21",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0205",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0205/FIAR-2026-0205.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "34",
      "lastPage": "41",
      "abstract": "सिंचाई की उपलब्धता मौसमी जल सुरक्षा, फसल चयन तथा पूरक कृषि निवेशों के उपयोग के माध्यम से कृषि निष्पादन को प्रभावित कर सकती है। इस लेख में मध्य प्रदेश के बुंदेलखंड क्षेत्र के सागर एवं दमोह जिलों के बीच सिंचाई अवसंरचना और फसल उत्पादकता के अंतर का परीक्षण किया गया। विश्लेषण में मूलतः प्रस्तुत क्षेत्रफल और फसल उपज की परासों को यथावत रखा गया तथा सिंचाई आच्छादन एवं उपज परासों के मध्यबिंदुओं के अंतर की गणना की गई। शोध के अनुसार सागर में कृषि योग्य भूमि 715,000 हेक्टेयर और सिंचित भूमि 428,000 हेक्टेयर थी, जबकि दमोह में ये क्षेत्रफल क्रमशः 542,000 और 268,000 हेक्टेयर थे। गणना से सिंचाई आच्छादन क्रमशः 59.86% और 49.45% प्राप्त हुआ, जिसका अंतर 10.41 प्रतिशत अंक था। सभी छह चयनित फसलों में सागर की प्रस्तुत उपज परास अधिक थी। दमोह की तुलना में सागर के उपज मध्यबिंदु की सापेक्ष बढ़त धान में 10.53% से मसूर में 25.00% तक रही। सागर में नलकूप सिंचाई अधिक प्रमुख थी, जबकि दमोह में तालाबों और नहरों की प्रस्तुत हिस्सेदारी अधिक थी। ये प्रतिरूप सिंचाई की पहुँच और कृषि निष्पादन के बीच संबंध के अनुरूप थे। निष्कर्ष विश्वसनीय सिंचाई सेवाओं, मौजूदा सतही जल प्रणालियों के पुनर्वास और भूजल संरक्षण को सम्मिलित करने वाली जिला विशिष्ट रणनीतियों का समर्थन करते हैं।",
      "language": "hi"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0206",
      "title": "Scientific Temper and East–West Philosophical Synthesis: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision Beyond Religious Narrowness",
      "authors": [
        "Roshni Bharilya",
        "Kishori Soni"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-26",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0206",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0206/FIAR-2026-0206.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "42",
      "lastPage": "48",
      "abstract": "This article examines how Swami Vivekananda connected rational inquiry, spiritual experience, religious universality, and cultural exchange in selected lectures and writings. Through qualitative close reading of fifteen separately titled primary texts, it argues that his opposition to religious narrowness rests on three related principles: inherited authority must remain open to examination; spiritual development should express itself in human welfare; and cultural encounter should encourage reciprocal learning without compulsory assimilation. His use of scientific language makes religion answerable to questions about method and experience, although it does not establish the empirical truth of metaphysical claims. Similarly, his East–West synthesis challenges cultural contempt while retaining some broad civilisational categories. The article interprets his ideal society as an ethical aspiration rather than a detailed political blueprint. It concludes that Vivekananda’s contribution lies in bringing reason, sympathy, national self-respect, and freedom of spiritual growth into a common discussion. His vision remains intellectually productive when its universal commitments are considered alongside its historical limitations.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0207",
      "title": "Rhizospheric Fungi And Silver Nanoparticles For Management Of Tomato Vascular Wilt In Prayagraj",
      "authors": [
        "Arati Yadav",
        "Shakti Nath Tripathi"
      ],
      "published": "2026-10-26",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0207",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0207/FIAR-2026-0207.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "2",
      "firstPage": "49",
      "lastPage": "56",
      "abstract": "Tomato wilt limits crop growth and productivity, highlighting the need for effective disease management approaches. This study evaluated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a rhizospheric fungal antagonist, individually and in combination, against a wilt-associated fungus under laboratory and pot conditions. Field observations were conducted at Nawawa Urf Nimikla Uperhar, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where disease incidence was 31.60%. Symptomatic plants exhibited yellowing, drooping, stunting, wilting and vascular browning. Fungal material was isolated from symptomatic tissues, while rhizospheric fungi were recovered and screened using dual culture. AgNP antifungal activity was assessed at concentrations of 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 µg/mL. The pot experiment compared an infected untreated control, fungicide, antagonist alone, AgNPs alone and their combined application. AgNPs exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition, increasing from 31.4% at 50 µg/mL to 90.2% at 150 µg/mL. The combined treatment recorded the lowest disease severity index, 11.30 ± 0.85%, compared with 73.00 ± 3.24% in the infected control, representing 84.52% disease reduction. Corresponding area under the disease progress curve values were 148.55 ± 4.49 and 785.40 ± 10.25. The combined treatment recorded plant height of 41.95 ± 1.75 cm, fresh biomass of 33.51 ± 2.10 g/plant and dry biomass of 8.35 ± 0.20 g/plant. Fruit number reached 15.15 ± 0.23 per plant, and yield increased to 105.25 ± 3.98 g/plant, exceeding the control by 208.65%. These descriptive findings support further evaluation of the combined treatment. Future studies should optimize treatment doses and evaluate antagonist compatibility, field efficacy and environmental safety across different tomato-growing conditions.",
      "language": "en"
    },
    {
      "id": "fiar-2026-0301",
      "title": "Isolation, Identification and Plant Growth-Promoting Potential of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Solanum melongena L. under Abiotic Stress",
      "authors": [
        "Ramesh Chandra Vishwakarma",
        "Praveen Kumar Singh"
      ],
      "published": "2026-11-05",
      "received": "2026-10-17",
      "url": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0301",
      "pdf": "https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0301/FIAR-2026-0301.pdf",
      "volume": "1",
      "issue": "3",
      "firstPage": "1",
      "lastPage": "6",
      "abstract": "Endophytic fungi can improve plant nutrition and help crops tolerate environmental stress. This study isolated culturable endophytic fungi from healthy roots, stems and leaves of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and evaluated their plant growth-promoting potential under salinity and polyethylene glycol-induced drought stress. Surface-sterilized tissue segments yielded six fungal isolates, designated EF-1 to EF-6. Morphological and microscopic examination provisionally assigned the isolates to Aspergillus, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Phomopsis, Penicillium and Alternaria. The isolates were screened for indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization and siderophore production. EF-3 (Trichoderma sp.) and EF-5 (Penicillium sp.) showed the strongest combined plant growth-promoting traits. Relative to the stressed uninoculated control, EF-3 treatment increased germination by 26%, root length by 32%, shoot length by 28% and biomass by 30%; EF-5 produced corresponding increases of 22%, 28%, 24% and 27%. Treated seedlings also showed higher chlorophyll status, lower apparent oxidative stress and greater antioxidant activity. These findings identify EF-3 and EF-5 as promising candidates for further molecular identification, dose optimization and field validation before use as brinjal bioinoculants.",
      "language": "en"
    }
  ]
}