Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability

This comprehensive meta-analytic study explores the relationship between nanotechnology patenting trends and research and development (R&D) expenditures, focusing on the dynamic Asian markets. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates rigorous quantitative data analysis using SPSS Statistics and Microsoft Excel and a thorough review of existing literature. The study addresses three key questions: 1) The nanotechnology patenting trends evolution across different Asian countries, 2) Correlation between R&D expenditure and the number of patents granted and Variance among countries, 3) Patterns emerge in the ratio of nanotechnology patents to nanoscience research articles, and the share of nanotechnology patents influences overall patent activity in Asian countries. The findings reveal a robust positive correlation between higher R&D expenditure and increased patent application numbers across major patent offices, such as the EPO, Germany, and USPTO. However, the data also highlights substantial disparities in the emphasis and strategic prioritisation of nanotechnology across the region, as evidenced by the ratio of nanotechnology patents to nano-articles and the share of nanotechnology patent applications to total patent applications. Importantly, the reliability of the data was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a high-reliability score of 0.734, ensuring the integrity and consistency of the findings. Furthermore, regression analysis was employed to explore the influence of R&D expenditure on nanotechnology patent activity. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between R&D investments, patent outputs, and the strategic positioning of nanotechnology within the broader technological landscape. These findings can inform policymakers and industry stakeholders in fostering innovation, intellectual property generation, and technological progress, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology.

A field study was undertaken during the winter season of 2024–2025 at CRC-3, Turari, Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.), to assess the influence of intercropping and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the performance of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications, comprising eleven treatments: T₁—cauliflower as sole crop without AMF; T₂—cauliflower as sole crop with AMF; T₃—cauliflower (without AMF) + coriander; T₄—cauliflower (with AMF) + coriander; T₅—cauliflower (without AMF) + fenugreek; T₆—cauliflower (with AMF) + fenugreek; T₇—cauliflower (without AMF) + carrot; T₈—cauliflower (with AMF) + carrot; T₉—coriander as sole crop; T₁₀—fenugreek as sole crop; and T₁₁—carrot as sole crop. The results revealed that intercropping systems significantly influenced the growth and yield of cauliflower, and these effects were further enhanced by the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at the time of transplanting. Application of AMF at 10 kg ha⁻¹ significantly improved growth and yield attributes of cauliflower. Among the treatments, T₆ (cauliflower + fenugreek with AMF) recorded the highest gross curd weight, net curd weight, yield per plot, and yield per hectare. This treatment also exhibited the highest values of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria population, land equivalent ratio (LER), and monetary advantage index (MAI), indicating the biological and economic superiority of the system.

Soil salinization is a significant ecological issue that reduces soil fertility, inhibits plant growth, and decreases crop productivity. The impact of biochar and ZnO nanoparticle (ZnO-NP) based nanopriming on early seedling growth in wheat under salinity stress was investigated. Experimental trials were conducted in (i) a soil-based bioassay under greenhouse conditions with 1.3% (w/w) biochar, (ii) a greenhouse seed bioassay to assess the effects of ZnO-NPs, and (iii) at different concentrations of biochar and ZnO-NPs (50 mg/L and 100 mg/L), either alone or in combination, to determine which treatment was most effective under varying salinity levels (low, medium, and high) for wheat genotypes (V1: Gohar and V2: Van). Results showed that germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), mean daily germination (MDG), germination vigour index (GVI), stress tolerance indices including PI and GSTI, as well as seed content, were significantly reduced by increasing salinity levels. The V1 (Gohar) genotype showed that the combined application of 1.3% biochar and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs was most beneficial for seed germination; in contrast, the V2 (“Van”) genotype responded best to individual treatments of either 1.3% biochar or ZnO-NPs at 50 or 100 mg/L, depending on the salinity level. Overall, the V2 genotype exhibited the highest salinity stress tolerance. These findings demonstrate that biochar and ZnO nanoparticles, applied separately or together, have great potential for improving wheat seedling establishment in saline environments. The research highlights the emerging role of biochar and pre-sowing nanopriming in the agro-industry for soil enhancement, stress management, and crop productivity.

Pesticide misuse in vegetable farming poses significant environmental and health risks in Jaipur District, Rajasthan, driven by constraints such as limited knowledge, high costs, and inadequate administrative support. This study employed a multivariate and machine learning approach to investigate constraints among 120 vegetable growers, to identify and rank technological, economic, environmental, and administrative constraints to pesticide use; to examine their variation by socio-economic characteristics; and cluster farmers by constraint profiles. A structured questionnaire assessed 28 constraint items, analyzed using descriptive statistics, MANOVA, K-Means Clustering, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Results revealed severe knowledge gaps and environmental concerns. Education significantly influenced economic constraints with Middle-level educated farmers reporting the highest barriers. Clustering identified three groups i.e., a small outlier group with low soil and market concerns, a moderate group focused on pest resistance, and a large group emphasizing administrative and health issues. EFA extracted five constraint dimensions, explaining 68.23% of variance. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including enhanced extension services, subsidies for eco-friendly pesticides, and education on sustainable pest management, to promote safe pesticide practices and mitigate risks in Rajasthan’s vegetable sector.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underscores the urgent need for environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient technologies to address global challenges related to food security, energy demand, environmental degradation, and climate change. This review aims to critically evaluate the role of sustainable biotechnology as a green technological approach for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The literature for this review was systematically selected from peer-reviewed research articles, review papers, and authoritative reports indexed in major scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened based on relevance, scientific rigor, and their contribution to sustainability-oriented biotechnological applications across agriculture, energy, environmental remediation, and industrial processes. Key findings highlight those biotechnological interventions such as biofuels, biofertilizers, biopesticides, bioplastics, bioenzymes, bioremediation, and waste valorization offer effective alternatives to conventional chemical-based technologies. These approaches contribute to reduced environmental pollution, enhanced resource efficiency, improved soil and crop productivity, waste minimization, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, these innovations support multiple SDGs, including zero hunger, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and ecosystem conservation. Despite notable progress, significant gaps remain in terms of large-scale implementation, cost competitiveness, regulatory standardization, lifecycle sustainability assessments, and public acceptance. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary approaches, integration of biotechnology with circular economy models, development of standardized performance metrics, and supportive policy frameworks to facilitate commercialization and adoption. Overall, sustainable biotechnology represents a promising pathway for achieving long-term environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience.