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Energy is a crucial factor and a capital of a country's resources leading indicator. World's energy focus is shifting towards alternate renewable, cheap and environment-friendly resources that can provide long-term sustainability for survival. Due to the fossil fuels depletion and their ever-growing cost, the need to shift focus towards renewable energy resources has increased a lot. To overcome the above-said problems, there is a need to look for a feasible and robust solution for thermal applications in remote areas. Biomass gasification proved to be one of the most efficient and clean waste-to-energy conversion processes in contrast to direct combustion of agricultural waste. Other than controlled burning of biomass, it can be subjected for different purposes like a thermal, synthesis of ethanol, engine running, and for fuel cell applications. An excessive amount of impurities like char, ash, tar, and particulate matter are making these syngas non-feasible for thermal or engine applications. To overcome the above-stated problem, a downdraft gasifier with cyclone separator and hybrid biomass filter was fabricated using locally available materials in the workshop of the Dept. of Farm Machinery and Power at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Uniform distribution of 2.54-5.08 cm2 sizes of feedstock was used for gasification. Air was used as a gasifying agent. The reactor capacity was 0.19 m3. The values of performance parameters for wood waste and corncobs were recorded as fuel consumption rate (0.002195, 0.002323) kg-s-1, the volume of gas produced (24.56, 26.33) m3, operating time (5480, 5164) s, cleaning unit efficiency (81.79, 79.9) % and gas yield (2.04, 2.19) m³-kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a crucial factor and a capital of a country’s resources leading indicator. World’s energy focus is shifting towards alternate renewable, cheap and environment-friendly resources that can provide long-term sustainability for survival. Due to the fossil fuels depletion and their ever-growing cost, the need to shift focus towards renewable energy resources has increased a lot. To overcome the above-said problems, there is a need to look for a feasible and robust solution for thermal applications in remote areas. Biomass gasification proved to be one of the most efficient and clean waste-to-energy conversion processes in contrast to direct combustion of agricultural waste. Other than controlled burning of biomass, it can be subjected for different purposes like a thermal, synthesis of ethanol, engine running, and for fuel cell applications. An excessive amount of impurities like char, ash, tar, and particulate matter are making these syngas non-feasible for thermal or engine applications. To overcome the above-stated problem, a downdraft gasifier with cyclone separator and hybrid biomass filter was fabricated using locally available materials in the workshop of the Dept. of Farm Machinery and Power at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Uniform distribution of 2.54-5.08 cm² sizes of feedstock was used for gasification. Air was used as a gasifying agent. The reactor capacity was 0.19 m³ . The values of performance parameters for wood waste and corncobs were recorded as fuel consumption rate (0.002195, 0.002323) kg-s-1, the volume of gas produced (24.56, 26.33) m³, operating time (5480, 5164) s, cleaning unit efficiency (81.79, 79.9) % and gas yield (2.04, 2.19) m³ -kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, a crop variety grown on the commercial scale and under different conditions becomes vulnerable to various kinds of issues involving both biotic and abiotic plant stresses, alone or in combinations. This demands their substitution with new and improved genotypes possessing higher productivity and inherent resistance/tolerance against yield-limiting stresses. In this context, this editorial reports the development of a new chickpea kabuli variety "Noor-2019". This cultivar has improved yield potential, dietary elements (proteins, fat, ash), and more importantly, resistance against fusarium wilt and ascochyta blight compared to the existing varieties. The evolution of this strain commenced in 2002-03 cropping season by crossing K-90399 as a female parent with K-52582 as a male parent. The female parent had high yield potential, whereas the male parent had wilt resistance and was developed through introgression breeding using ILWC-126, an accession of Cicer reticulatum. Henceforth, the genetic variability was created to select for high yield and wilt resistant recombinants in subsequent generations. Resultantly, a uniform and high yielding progeny line PCK-09012, later designated as "Noor-2019" was selected and evaluated for yield, agronomy, and insect pests. This cultivar revealed a potential yield of 2882 kg ha-1 in testing phase and outperformed standard checks by producing 78.2%, 13.1%, and 28.8% higher grain yield in station, adaptation and national uniform yield trials, respectively. The plants of Noor-2019 are 60-65cm tall, semi-erect, and medium in canopy spread. Its grains are light brown, ram-headed, medium in size with a 100-seed weight of 25 g. Adoption of this cultivar across different climatic regions of Punjab, and other provinces could contribute in attaining self-sufficiency in local chickpea production as well as plummeting import bill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was aimed to formulate a nutritious snack bar by incorporating date pit powder (by product) and soy protein isolate in date paste. Date bars were formulated after ingredients optimization and were analyzed for physico-chemical, in-vitro starch and protein digestibility, antioxidants and microbial count. Results showed that date bars are rich source of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fat with good digestibility properties. Date pit powder and soy protein isolate incorporation enhanced the total antioxidants and DPPH activity in soy date bars however, decreasing trend was observed in total antioxidants and inhibition of DPPH radical activity during 90 days of storage. Based on the results, it has been suggested that date bars may be considered as a source to meet the energy requirements of health-conscious consumers. Moreover, date pit powder and soy protein isolate can be used as nutraceutical in different functional foods as a valuable nourishment source for target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted to test the bio-efficacy of five commercial acaricidal formulationsviz., azocyclotine 25% WP (Gallop), fenpyroximate 5% SC (Unique-M), diafenthiuron 500 SC (Trophy), hexythiazon 10% WP (Nissorun) and abamectin 1.8% EC (Commando) against brinjal mites, Tetranychus urticae, on brinjal crop under field conditions. Brinjal vegetable was raised under standard agronomic practices. Field recommended dose of these acaricides were used knapsack sprayer. Results showed a significant mite reductionby allacaricides as compared to control. Among the tested acaricides, hexythiazon 10% WP (Nissorun) gave the highest reduction of mites (i.e., 41.42, 55.56 and 37.90%) after 3, 5, and 7 days of first spray, respectively. Similarly, after second spray, hexythiazon 10% WP (Nissorun) again gave maximum reduction (i.e., 41.65, 39.33 and 16.40%) of T. urticae at 3, 5 and 7 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve yield and shelf life of stock can enhance economic value to flowers growers globally. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various bio-stimulants on yield and quality of stock. Three cultivars of stock, viz. 'Cheerful White', 'Iron Rose' and 'Iron White' foliarly sprayed by bio-stimulants (Isabion and Tecamin Max) with three different concentrations (1 ppm, 3 ppm, and 5 ppm) with the different number of sprays (1, 2, or 3 sprays). The first spray was applied after one month of transplanting, while the other two were applied at fortnight intervals after the first spray. Fisher's Analysis of variance revealed that Isabion at 1 ppm as 1 spray, 3 ppm as 3 sprays, and 5 ppm as 3 sprays produced the highest plant height for three cultivars of stock. 'Cheerful White' had the highest stem length when plants were sprayed once at 1 ppm Isabion. Among cultivars, 'Iron Rose', produced highest leaf area (42.8 cm2) with 3 ppm Isabion application, when sprayed only one time. Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times with Isabion produced the thickest stem diameter followed by 2 and 1 sprays. 'Cheerful White' had maximum leaf total chlorophyll contents, followed by 'Iron White' and 'Iron Rose' (69.1 SPAD and 68.8 SPAD, respectively). Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times had the longest vase life. Cheerful White proved early cultivar of stock while Iron White were late cultivars when grown in agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Tecamoin Mix is recommended biostimulant for quality production of Mathiola incoma L. rather than isabion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple blotch disease is exerting a severe threat on onion production. The current study was conducted for screening of accessions against purple blotch disease and determining the source of resistance against Purple blotch disease of onion caused by Alternaria porri. Potential of 50 onion accessions was evaluated against A. porri during 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. After that effect of some fungicides and plant extracts was determined for disease suppression on a susceptible variety of onion. During both years of study, eight accessions (Phulkara, Texas Early, Cylon, Sunset, Red Gystal, Rubi F1, Red Flame, ON-14133) exhibited resistant response with minimum percent disease index (PDI) which ranged between 5-10%, followed by Mirpurkhas, Nasarpuri, HON-1069, Pania, Rubi F2, GSL-132, Red Moon, PK-1032, F-1122, Red Imposta, Early Red, Desi Large and Vrio-4 which showed moderately resistant response to A.porri with PDI of 11-20%, whereas, the four accession including Golden Arab, Desired, Sultan F1 and Red Nasik expressed Moderately resistant response with PDI of 21-40%. Moreover, six accessions (Yellow Gystal, Vrio-9, Vrio-5, Vrio-4, Vrio-1, and Vrio-3) expressed susceptible response with high value of PDI 41-60% whereas; nine accessions (CBS-130, ON-14121, Pink Panther, Vrio-7, Vrio-3, F1 Zeus, SE-16, Vrio-8 and Marvi) showed maximum value (Above 60%) of PDI and expressed highly susceptible response to A.porri. Among fungicides and botanical extracts, Chlorostrobin and Azadirachta indica extract expressed significant reduction in disease severity. It was concluded that out of 50, only eight accessions were resistant which might be grown successfully for higher crop production. Moreover, use of Chlostrobin and extract of Azadirachta indica may be used for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve yield and shelf life of stock can enhance economic value to flowers growers globally. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various bio-stimulants on yield and quality of stock. Three cultivars of stock, viz. ‘Cheerful White’, ‘Iron Rose’ and ‘Iron White’ foliarly sprayed by bio-stimulants (Isabion and Tecamin Max) with three different concentrations (1 ppm, 3 ppm, and 5 ppm) with the different number of sprays (1, 2, or 3 sprays). The first spray was applied after one month of transplanting, while the other two were applied at fortnight intervals after the first spray. Fisher’s Analysis of variance revealed that Isabion at 1 ppm as 1 spray, 3 ppm as 3 sprays, and 5 ppm as 3 sprays produced the highest plant height for three cultivars of stock. ‘Cheerful White’ had the highest stem length when plants were sprayed once at 1 ppm Isabion. Among cultivars, ‘Iron Rose’, produced highest leaf area (42.8 cm² ) with 3 ppm Isabion application, when sprayed only one time. Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times with Isabion produced the thickest stem diameter followed by 2 and 1 sprays. ‘Cheerful White’ had maximum leaf total chlorophyll contents, followed by ‘Iron White’ and ‘Iron Rose’ (69.1 SPAD and 68.8 SPAD, respectively). Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times had the longest vase life. Cheerful White proved early cultivar of stock while Iron White were late cultivars when grown in agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Tecamoin Mix is recommended biostimulant for quality production of Mathiola incoma L. rather than isabion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple blotch disease is exerting a severe threat on onion production. The current study was conducted for screening of accessions against purple blotch disease and determining the source of resistance against Purple blotch disease of onion caused by Alternaria porri. Potential of 50 onion accessions was evaluated against A. porri during 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. After that effect of some fungicides and plant extracts was determined for disease suppression on a susceptible variety of onion. During both years of study, eight accessions (Phulkara, Texas Early, Cylon, Sunset, Red Gystal, Rubi F1, Red Flame, ON-14133) exhibited resistant response with minimum percent disease index (PDI) which ranged between 5-10%, followed by Mirpurkhas, Nasarpuri, HON-1069, Pania, Rubi F2, GSL-132, Red Moon, PK-1032, F-1122, Red Imposta, Early Red, Desi Large and Vrio-4 which showed moderately resistant response to A.porri with PDI of 11-20%, whereas, the four accession including Golden Arab, Desired, Sultan F1 and Red Nasik expressed Moderately resistant response with PDI of 21-40%. Moreover, six accessions (Yellow Gystal, Vrio-9, Vrio-5, Vrio-4, Vrio-1, and Vrio-3) expressed susceptible response with high value of PDI 41-60% whereas; nine accessions (CBS-130, ON-14121, Pink Panther, Vrio-7, Vrio-3, F1 Zeus, SE-16, Vrio-8 and Marvi) showed maximum value (Above 60%) of PDI and expressed highly susceptible response to A.porri. Among fungicides and botanical extracts, Chlorostrobin and Azadirachta indica extract expressed significant reduction in disease severity. It was concluded that out of 50, only eight accessions were resistant which might be grown successfully for higher crop production. Moreover, use of Chlostrobin and extract of Azadirachta indica may be used for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are serious pests in rice sown under direct-seeded rice (DSR) technology. Herbicide-based weed management is becoming increasingly popular, but there is a dire need to choose appropriate herbicides and their effective dose for controlling weeds in DSR fields. A field trial was conducted to appraise the comparative efficacy of three post-emergent herbicides applied at different doses [Clover 20% EC (bispyribac sodium) at 39.54, 59.30, and 79.07 g a.i. ha-1, Pyranex Gold 30% WDG (bispyribac sodium + bensulfuron methyl) at 74.13, 111.20, and 148.26 g a.i. ha-1, and Puma Super 7.5% EW (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl) at 46.33 and 92.66 g a.i. ha-1] at 20 days after sowing (DAS) for weed control and paddy yield performance under DSR system. A weedy check was retained as control. Results revealed that Clover and Pyranex Gold applied at either dose significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the population and growth of Cyperus iria (90-97% weed density and 93-97% weed dry biomass) and Echinochloa colona (94-97% weed density and weed dry biomass) weeds over control, while Puma Super proved efficient in suppressing Leptochloa chinensis and Echinochloa colona weeds. Among all the tested treatments, application of Puma Super at 92.66 g a.i. ha-1 furnished the highest number of tillers (137.3 in 2014 and 141.3 in 2015), grains panicle-1 (77 in 2014 and 79 in 2015), final paddy yield (1983.8 and 1570 kg ha-1 in 2014 and 2015, respectively), and net economic returns (Rs. 95915 ha-1), followed by the use of Puma Super at 46.33 g a.i. ha-1 which offered the next best economic benefits (Rs. 81906 ha-1). Thus, applying Puma Super at 92.66 g a.i. ha-1 is appeared viable approach to control grassy weed flora and ensure higher paddy yield with higher economic returns when rice is sown under DSR technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel farming is getting popular in the farmer's community of Pakistan due to the possibility of growing off-season vegetable crops with high yield in a controlled environment. In the current study, the development and validation of IoT system consisting of monitoring and control units were carried out for controlling the environmental factors in tunnel farming. Three tunnels were set for monitoring the environmental factors using temperature, humidity and soil moisture sensors. Two of three tunnels were fit with control units of exhaust fans and air heaters and a water pump for controlling the temperature and soil moisture. During the testing and validation of the system, temperatures recorded through DHT-21 sensor and thermometer in tunnel 1, 2 and 3 had strong correlations of 0.9986, 0.998 and 0.9978 respectively. Similarly, strong correlations of 0.9987, 0.9994 and 0.998 were found for RH (%) measured through DHT-21 sensor and RH meter for tunnel 1, 2 and 3 respectively. For soil moisture measurement, similar correlations were observed for resistive soil moisture sensor and oven dry method. It was explored that an increase in temperature through an air heater decreases the RH in tunnel 1 and 2 compared to tunnel 3 which has higher RH because it was not installed with air heater and exhaust fan. System controlled the temperature and soil moisture within adjusted limits of 22-27 °C, 17-23 % for tunnel 1 and 19-22 °C, and 19-23 % for tunnel 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel farming is getting popular in the farmer's community of Pakistan due to the possibility of growing off-season vegetable crops with high yield in a controlled environment. In the current study, the development and validation of IoT system consisting of monitoring and control units were carried out for controlling the environmental factors in tunnel farming. Three tunnels were set for monitoring the environmental factors using temperature, humidity and soil moisture sensors. Two of three tunnels were fit with control units of exhaust fans and air heaters and a water pump for controlling the temperature and soil moisture. During the testing and validation of the system, temperatures recorded through DHT-21 sensor and thermometer in tunnel 1, 2 and 3 had strong correlations of 0.9986, 0.998 and 0.9978 respectively. Similarly, strong correlations of 0.9987, 0.9994 and 0.998 were found for RH (%) measured through DHT-21 sensor and RH meter for tunnel 1, 2 and 3 respectively. For soil moisture measurement, similar correlations were observed for resistive soil moisture sensor and oven dry method. It was explored that an increase in temperature through an air heater decreases the RH in tunnel 1 and 2 compared to tunnel 3 which has higher RH because it was not installed with air heater and exhaust fan. System controlled the temperature and soil moisture within adjusted limits of 22-27 °C, 17-23 % for tunnel 1 and 19-22 °C, and 19-23 % for tunnel 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three insecticides viz Regent, Tracer and Match were evaluated as slow toxicants against subterranean termites, Heterotermes indicola L (Isoptera:Termitidae). The experiment was performed using termite workers of H. indicola to which these insecticides were dipped in blotting paper once only, in start with the following concentration i.e. 0.000312, 0.000156, 0.00078, 0.00039 and 0.000195%. The total mean percent of mortality after ten days results concluded that Regent (Fipronil 5% SC) was 91.79, 86.40, 78.94, 74.18 and 62.06%, while Tracer (Spinosad 240 SC) was 72.60, 63.53, 60.60, 59.06 and 28.60%, and finally Match (Lufenuron 5% EC) was 49.40, 31.06, 26.19, 22.18 and 10.66%, repectively. Maximum mortality and avoidance was obtained by toxicity of Regent, as it was capable of obtaining 100% mortality even before day ten on every concentration therefore, Regent was considered highly toxic. Tracer was found to be slow acting agent. 100% mortality was recorded by using the 1st concentration of Tracer on day 7, on day 9 by using the 2nd concentration, while on day 10 by using the 3rd concentration of Regent. Match was unable to cause 100% mortality by using any of the tested concentrations. Based on the mortality recorded among the three insecticides the last two (0.000039 and 0.0000195%) concentrations of Regent caused 100% mortality on the 7th and 8th days. The 1st three (0.000312, 0.000156 and 0.000078%) concentrations of Tracer caused 100% mortality on the 7th, 8th and 9th day, and the 1st concentration of Match caused 80% mortality on the 10th day. These concentrations were found the most effective and are recommended as slow acting toxicant in the baits for H. indicola control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]