AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America
AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America (AMA) (issn: 00845841) is a peer reviewed journal first published online after indexing scopus in 1982. AMA is published by Farm Machinery Industrial Research Corp and Shin-Norinsha Co. AMA publishes every subjects of general engineering and agricultural engineering.
WOS Indexed (2026)
30 Jun 2026 (Vol - 57 , Issue- 07 )
31 Jul 2026 (Vol - 57 , Issue 07 )
Aim and Scope :
AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America
AMA, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America (ISSN: 00845841) is a peer-reviewed journal. The journal covers Agricultural and Biological Sciences and all sort of engineering topic. the journal's scopes are in the following fields but not limited to:
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunication
Electronic Engineering
Computer Science & Engineering
Civil and architectural engineering
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Industrial and Commercial Design
Information Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Food Engineering
Histopathological Characterization and Lesion Scoring System for Marek's Disease-Associated Comb Lesions in Commercial Layer Chickens
Marek's disease (MD) remains a significant concern in commercial poultry, with comb lesions serving as important diagnostic indicators. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characterize the histopathological features of MD-associated comb lesions in commercial layer chickens. Fifty comb samples exhibiting gross MD-like lesions were collected from 25 commercial layer farms in Namakkal District and Thalaivasal (Salem District), Tamil Nadu, India. Affected birds ranged from 36 to 58 weeks of age. Samples underwent comprehensive gross pathological examination, histopathological analysis with standardized scoring, and molecular confirmation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gross examination revealed characteristic pale, thickened comb bases in the majority of cases, with some birds showing additional swelling, ulceration, and scab formation. Histopathological examination confirmed MD in 20 of 50 samples (40% positivity rate). A standardized scoring system (0-5) was developed based on pleomorphic lymphoid cell (PLC) infiltration patterns. Distribution of lesion scores was: Score 0 (no lesions) - 30 cases (60%); Score 1 (multifocal mild perivascular PLC infiltration) - 10 cases (20%); Score 2 (focal moderate perivascular PLC infiltration with vasculitis and hyperkeratosis) - 3 cases (6%); Score 3 (multifocal moderate perivascular PLC infiltration) - 2 cases (4%); Score 4 (diffuse moderate perivascular PLC infiltration) - 3 cases (6%); and Score 5 (diffuse severe PLC infiltration extending to comb center with vascular congestion) - 2 cases (4%). Progressive disease severity correlated with increasing lymphoid cell infiltration from perivascular regions to central comb tissue. PCR analysis provided molecular confirmation of MD virus presence in histologically positive cases. This study establishes a 40% diagnostic confirmation rate for clinically suspected MD cases in commercial layers from Tamil Nadu. The developed histopathological scoring system effectively categorizes disease severity based on lymphoid infiltration patterns. Combined histopathological and molecular diagnostic approaches provide robust confirmation of MD, contributing to improved disease surveillance and control strategies in commercial poultry operations. The predominant involvement of mature laying hens (36-58 weeks) suggests the importance of monitoring MD in older commercial flocks.
Managing chilli wilt disease in the hills of Uttarakhand caused by Fusarium solani through potential strains of the Trichoderma spp.
The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate native Trichoderma isolates for the eco-friendly management of wilt disease of chilli caused by Fusarium solani, which is considered the most common fungal species associated with chilli. Chilli wilt disease is a significant threat worldwide, resulting in 50-80% yield losses during severe outbreaks. In the present investigation, seventy soil samples were collected from seven districts of Uttarakhand, viz. Tehri, Nainital, Pauri, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi, Almora and Chamoli, and the elevation ranged from 1370 m to 3200 m above the mean sea level. The soil samples were used to isolate Trichoderma isolates, and the method adopted for isolation was the serial soil dilution plate method on the Trichoderma-specific medium (TSM). The Trichoderma isolates were characterized based on cultural, morphological and microscopic observations. Further, potential Trichoderma isolates were evaluated for their antagonistic activity, antibiosis activity, change in pH and phosphate solubilizing activity under in-vitro conditions. After in-vitro screening, seven putative novel Trichoderma isolates viz., TB1, TS26, TS18, TS23, TCH6, TDG, and TS40 were selected. Further, they were evaluated as bio-control agents using seed bio-priming technique for the wilt disease suppression in chilli caused by Fusarium solani under glasshouse conditions. In the present investigation, the performance of potential Trichoderma isolates was found to be significantly superior to T2 (Fusarium inoculated soil; Negative control) with respect to wilt disease suppression. Among all the treatments, T8 ( Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TDG) having a value of 90%, recorded a maximum Percent Disease Reduction (PDR), followed by T3 (Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TB1), with a PDR of 86.67% which was found to be statistically at par with T8 , while T9 (Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TS40), T4 (Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TS26), T6 (Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TS23) and T7 (Fusarium inoculated soil + Seed biopriming with Trichoderma isolate TCH6) were recorded with values of 73.33%, 70%, 70%, 66.67% and 63.33% PDR respectively. However, no PDR was recorded in T2 (Negative control). This study highlights the potential of Trichoderma spp. as a potential bio-control agent with a broad action spectrum and offers a sustainable alternative to fungicides for managing wilt disease in chilli in the hills of Uttarakhand.
Evaluation of different solid substrates for mass multiplication of an insecticides-compatible native strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsam) Vuillemin
Beauveria bassiana is a potential biocontrol agent in sustainable pest management. But identification of native strain and its mass production is still a challenge. Moreover, information on compatibility status of B. bassiana with other commonly used insecticides and information on LC50 and LT50 values of this fungus are scanty. Therefore, an investigation was carried out to isolate new indigenous strain of B. bassiana in Sub Himalayan West Bengal, India. Further, its characterization and pathogenicity study were studied against Corcyra cephalonica under laboratory condition. Different media was evaluated for its growth. The morpho-molecular characterization revealed that the isolated fungus was a new indigenous strain, UBKV Bb1 of Beauveria bassiana (Balsam) Vuillemin. Rice grain was found to be the most suitable for sporulation (5.25 x 108 CFU/gm) as compared to other substrates viz., sorghum, maize, wheat, FYM and vermicompost. In the pathogenicity study, UBKV Bb1 strain resulted the highest pooled mortality of Corcyra cephalonica larvae (30.727%) with lowest LC50 (0.64 x 106 spore/ml) and LT50 (7.65 days) values than other strains. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL was more compatible than other tested insecticides, with radial growth of 28.5 mm and inhibition of 19.42% at 7 days after inoculation. This is the first report that demonstrates the pathogenic effect of an entomopathogenic fungus against Corcyra cephalonica larva in the Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal, India.
Toward Food Security and Regional Prosperity: Negotiating Agricultural Trade in Africa
Food security remains one of the most pressing challenges in Africa, where agricultural trade is both a driver of economic growth and a potential solution to regional hunger and poverty. The negotiation of agricultural trade agreements across African states plays a pivotal role in enhancing food availability, stabilizing prices, and promoting regional prosperity. This paper examines the dynamics of agricultural trade negotiations within Africa, emphasizing the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional economic communities on food systems. It analyzes the balance between national protectionist policies and regional integration efforts, highlighting the opportunities for boosting intra-African trade in staple crops, livestock, and value-added products. The study further addresses constraints such as infrastructure gaps, non-tariff barriers, climate change, and governance issues that impede progress. Ultimately, it argues that comprehensive trade negotiations, underpinned by inclusive policies and sustainable practices, are essential for building resilient food systems, reducing dependence on external imports, and ensuring long-term regional prosperity.
FinTech Startups and Business Process Reengineering in Algerian Banking: A Case Study of Algerian Agricultural Bank Badr Banque
Financial technology (FinTech) startups are reshaping the global financial landscape by introducing innovative solutions that challenge traditional banking practices. In Algeria, where banking has historically been dominated by state-owned institutions, FinTech firms are beginning to catalyze digital transformation. This article examines the effects of FinTech startups on Business Process Reengineering (BPR) within Badr Bank, one of Algeria’s leading public banks. By analyzing international experiences and contextualizing Algeria’s financial environment, the study highlights how FinTech solutions in mobile payments, blockchain, digital lending, and AI-based financial services accelerate operational efficiency, customer engagement, and financial inclusion. The findings suggest that FinTech firms act as both disruptors and strategic partners, compelling Badr Bank to modernize its processes in alignment with global digitalization trends. Policy implications are proposed to strengthen Algeria’s regulatory and innovation ecosystem for financial services.