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 (2025)
27 Nov 2025 (Vol - 56 , Issue- 11 )
30 Nov 2025 (Vol - 56 , Issue 11 )
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
Morphological, Pathogenic and Molecular variability of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. Causing Root and Stem rot of Sesame
The root and stem rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. is most important disease of sesame and its causing 5-100% yield losses. Fifteen isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina collected from different major sesame growing areas of India. In cultural and morphological variability, the mycelia growth (fluffy, submerged & partially submerged), colony colour (black, grayish white, blackish grey, grayish black), colony texture (cottony & velvety), and colony diameter (75 to 90mm), sclerotia weight (0.05 to 0.32 mg), intensity (11.66 to 84.66/100X magnification), shape (oblong, irregular & round), distribution (scattered & uniform) and size ranged between 97.858 x 70.382 to 201.880 x 140.169 µm. Among the fifteen isolates of M. phaseolina, MP-1 (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) isolate of M. phaseolina was more virulent and aggressive as it produced maximum intensity of sclerotia per microscopic field and MP-13 was least virulent having maximum size (201.880 µm x 140.169 µm). Pathogenic variability among 15 isolates of M. phaseolina through cut stem inoculation method was performed for all the isolates of M. phaseolina and MP-1 (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) isolate causes mean maximum linear stem necrosis (13.96 cm) on different susceptible varieties of sesame, and considered as most virulent and aggressive isolate. Molecular identification and its variability in fifteen isolates of M. phaseolina using universal fungal ITS 1 (forward) & ITS 4 (reverse) primer. Sequences of the ITS region of all the isolates (MP-1 to MP-15) showed 100 percent identity to each other and all the isolates are 95-99 percent similar when compared to a M. phaseolina ITS sequence reported in GenBank (NCBI), which indicates that all the isolates were identified as M. phaseolina. A potential pathogen is often blessed with biodiversity within its population. Basically, variation in pathogen is desirable trait for its existence in nature. This variability among the pathogens underlies their ability to withstand the host environment and its interaction.
Potential of Entophytes and Medicinal Plants Extract for the Management of Leaf Spot of Kalmegh Caused by Corynespora cassiicola
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is an important medicinal crop indigenous to India and Sri Lanka that has been valued in ancient oriental and ayurvedic medicine for its immunopotenting ability against many diseases. All parts of the plant, such as leaves, roots, stems, etc., have value in the national and international markets, and any kind of damage due to diseases decreases value in terms of both quality and quantity. Kalmegh is susceptible to various diseases that reduce the yield and quality. Among different diseases, leaf spot disease caused by Corynespora cassiicola is an important disease of Kalmegh. Therefore, the present study was conducted to develop eco-friendly management strategies for Kalmegh leaf spot disease. With chemical fungicides having adverse effects on the environment and also on human health, new alternatives to disease management such as utilisation of plant parts or leaf extracts, introduction of biocontrol agents, exploration of native endophytes, as well as use of some eco-friendly fungicides to some extent for the commercial profit of the farmers. A total of six plant extracts, two bioagents, three fungal endophytes, and four bacterial endophytes isolated from the leaves and stem of the plant were evaluated against the three pathogens, and the results revealed that among the fungal bioagents, including Trichoderma asperellum and fungal endophytes, the highest inhibition against Corynespora cassiicola, Fusarium oxysporum, and Sclerotinia spp. was exhibited by the endophytic strain KLEPF-2 (49.50%), KLEPF-1 (55.13%) and Trichoderma asperellum (80.33%) respectively. In in vitro evaluation of the pathogens with bacterial endophytes and Pseudomonas fluorescens, the maximum inhibition against Corynespora cassiicola and Fusarium oxysporum was exhibited by Pseudomonas fluorescens by 80.89% and 75.47%, whereas the maximum inhibition was against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum shown by strain KLENB-1 (100%). Among the botanicals tested, Mugwort (Artemisia annua) was found to be most effective in inhibition of all three test pathogens at both 5% and 10% concentrations. Mugwort inhibited 100% mycelial growth in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In the course of the study on integrated management of Corynespora leaf spot in Kalmegh under pot conditions, application of Azoxystrobin + Tebuconazole @ 0.1% at the onset of disease development was found to be most effective, with 72.03% reduction observed over control. In conclusion, this study anticipates the use of Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens alongwith endophytes may be integrated for the successful management of kalmegh leaf spot disease. This recommendation only after testing at the farmer's field may be recommended for organic production of Kalmegh.
Measuring the Community Knowledge of the Importance of Nuclear Medicine Treatment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Public awareness and understanding of nuclear medicine are crucial for its acceptance and adherence as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. However, limited knowledge about nuclear medicine persists globally, including in Saudi Arabia. This study assesses the community's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward nuclear medicine treatment in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire targeting 1,500 Saudi residents aged 18 and above. The survey collected demographic data and assessed awareness, perceptions, knowledge of applications, and attitudes toward nuclear medicine. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Among respondents, 317 (20.91%) were male and 158 (10.42%) female, with the majority aged 35–44 years (516; 34.04%) and holding a bachelor’s degree (516; 34.04%). Only 236 (10.2%) participants reported prior awareness of nuclear medicine, and 152 (6.57%) described themselves as "very knowledgeable." Concerns about radiation exposure (152; 6.57%) and side effects (254; 10.98%) were prevalent. Additionally, 236 (10.2%) recognized nuclear medicine's role in treating cancer, while 254 (10.98%) identified its use in neurological disorders. Support for public awareness campaigns was strong (236; 10.2%), with 254 (10.98%) expressing interest in learning more about nuclear medicine. Chi-square tests revealed no significant association between gender (χ² = 0.196, p = 0.658) or age group (χ² = 3.435, p = 0.329) and awareness levels. There are significant gaps in public knowledge and perceptions of nuclear medicine in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational campaigns is essential to improve awareness, dispel misconceptions, and enhance acceptance. Such efforts will play a vital role in promoting nuclear medicine as an effective healthcare solution.
Assessing the Prevalence of Anti-Anxiety Drug Use Without Prescription Among University Students in Saudi Arabia
The misuse of anti-anxiety medications without prescription is a significant concern among university students, driven by academic stress, anxiety, and inadequate mental health support. This study explores the prevalence and determinants of this practice among university students in Saudi Arabia. This quantitative, cross-sectional study surveyed 1,000 university students aged 18 and above from various institutions across Saudi Arabia. A pretested online questionnaire gathered data on demographics, awareness, prevalence, motivations, and perceptions. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and correlation analyses, were used to interpret the findings. The study found that 23.5% of participants used anti-anxiety drugs without prescription, with 39.6% obtaining these from pharmacies and 48.2% citing academic stress as the primary motivator. Awareness of anti-anxiety drugs was high (74.8%), yet 53.6% were unsure about specific medications. Significant gender and age differences were observed, with older students (25-34) showing higher prevalence rates. The majority of respondents (87.7%) expressed willingness to discontinue misuse if adequate mental health support was available. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced university mental health services, stricter regulation of medication access, and targeted educational campaigns. Addressing the root causes of non-prescription drug use can mitigate misuse and improve student well-being. Future research should focus on longitudinal outcomes of implemented interventions.
Exploring Community Knowledge on the Adverse Effects of Slimming Pills for Obesity Management
Obesity is a significant global public health issue, with Saudi Arabia reporting notably high prevalence rates. This condition elevates the risk of chronic diseases, prompting the popularity of slimming pills as a perceived convenient weight management option. Despite their appeal, slimming pills are associated with adverse effects such as cardiovascular complications, liver toxicity, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Public awareness about these risks, however, remains limited. This study investigates community knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to slimming pills in Saudi Arabia. It examines the influence of demographic factors and aims to identify prevalent misconceptions to guide effective public health strategies. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 2,570 participants aged 18 years and above in Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered via an online questionnaire disseminated through social media platforms. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 26.0 to identify associations between demographic variables and participants' knowledge and perceptions. The sample predominantly consisted of females (72%) and individuals aged 18-24 years (36.43%). While 89.49% of participants were aware of slimming pills, only 29.18% considered them safe. Over 77% recognized potential adverse effects, and 26.08% reported personal or observed side effects. Social media (41.79%) was identified as the primary source of information, though 65.96% expressed low confidence in the reliability of this information. Logistic regression analysis revealed that awareness significantly predicted beliefs in adverse effects (β = 1.4183, p < 0.001), while higher education levels and existing health conditions correlated with reduced risk concerns. Although awareness of slimming pills is high, significant gaps in community knowledge and misconceptions about their safety persist. Reliance on unverified information sources remains a critical barrier to safe weight management practices. Public health interventions, including culturally appropriate educational campaigns and stricter regulation of online health content, are essential to address these issues and promote informed practices.