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There is a great concern for healthcare community in antibiotic resistance and evolution of novel bacterial strains. Numerous plants act as a source of novel compounds that could be used to develop new drugs. Therefore, the current study was aimed to investigate the methanolic extract of Corylus jacquemontii for phytochemical, antibacterial, antioxidant potential. The methanolic fraction of C. jacquemontii was evaluated for quantitative phytochemical constituents. The antibacterial efficacy was investigated via well diffusion method by using a concentration of 100 µg/ml. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of extract was estimated at various concentration (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 µg/ml) through 2, 2-Diphenyl -1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (150 µg/ml). Results showed that the methanolic extract of C. jacquemontii is a rich source of many phytochemically active compounds such as alkaloids content (3.60%), flavonoids (3.40%) and terpenoids 2.30%. The methanolic extract of C. jacquemontii depicted promising antibacterial potential towards various tested bacterial strain in order of P. aeruginosa > E. coli > S. typhi > MRSA comparable to vancomycin. The highest percent mean growth inhibition (MGI) was observed against P. aeruginosa of 90.5±4.3 compared to vancomycin (61.26±6.31). The Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) noted against P. aeruginosa was 20 mm compared to vancomycin (17 mm). The quantitative test antioxidant activity of the methanolic fraction of C. jacquemontii at 250 µg/ml revealed the best antioxidant potential when the DPPH concentration of 150 µg/ml was used. The result showed that extract had a significant effect on antioxidant activity. Therefore, the present study supports the effectiveness of methanolic leaf extract of C. jacquemontii in traditional medicine and may be investigated further for mode of action on molecular basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment "Effect of Moringa leaf extract and its solution application forms on growth and yield of okra" was carried out at Agriculture Research Institute North Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan in the year 2019. Current study was consisted of two factors and was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor 'A' was solution application forms i.e. fresh Moringa leaf extract solution and dry Moringa leaf powder solution, while Factor B was Moringa leaf extract levels (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%). Different forms of Moringa leaf extract solution and levels positively affected growth and yield of okra. The maximum plant height (226.1cm), flowers plant-1 (34.5), number of fruit pickings (28.3), pod length (9.5 cm), pod diameter (14.6 mm), individual pod weight (11.3 g), pods plant-1 (34.5), yield ha-1 (14.6 tons) were noted with dry Moringa powder extract solution. Among different levels of Moringa leaf extract solution, the maximum flowers plant-1 (36.3), pods plant-1 (36.3), pod length (11.0 cm), pod diameter (15.8 mm), individual pod weight (12.0 g) and yield ha-1 (16.4 tons) were recorded with 6% of Moringa leaf extract solution, while increased plant height (242.0 cm), number of pods pickings (29.8), and days to first pod picking (50.0) were recorded with 8% of Moringa leaf extract solution. It is recommended that dry Moringa leaf powder solution at 6% may be used to improve the growth and yield of okra crop under Swat climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanacetum camphoratum is a rhizomatous perennial herb. The current study investigated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities of methanolic extracts of T. camphoratum leaves. The methanolic extract was quantitatively evaluated for alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids contents. The antibacterial activity of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum was carried out against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains through agar well diffusion assay (small wells were made with cork borer and 6µl of plant extract was added to the wells). The antioxidant activity of methanolic leaves extract was evaluated through a well established protocol 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) at various concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL). The phytochemical analysis of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum showed 2.80% alkaloids, 4.90% flavonoids and 1.80% terpenoids content. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract showed high effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria (MRSA) with 23 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI), whereas against Gram-negative bacteria, S. typhi, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with ZOI observed was 22, 18 and 20 mm, respectively. Antioxidant activity evaluated by using different concentrations of methanolic extracts showed good activity at 250 µL through DPPH, which depicted the vibrancy in phenolic, flavonoids and terpenoids contents. This insightful study highlighted the potential usage of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent and an antioxidant source in food and pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanacetum camphoratum is a rhizomatous perennial herb. The current study investigated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities of methanolic extracts of T. camphoratum leaves. The methanolic extract was quantitatively evaluated for alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids contents. The antibacterial activity of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum was carried out against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains through agar well diffusion assay (small wells were made with cork borer and 6μl of plant extract was added to the wells). The antioxidant activity of methanolic leaves extract was evaluated through a well established protocol 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) at various concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL). The phytochemical analysis of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum showed 2.80% alkaloids, 4.90% flavonoids and 1.80% terpenoids content. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract showed high effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria (MRSA) with 23 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI), whereas against Gram-negative bacteria, S. typhi, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with ZOI observed was 22, 18 and 20 mm, respectively. Antioxidant activity evaluated by using different concentrations of methanolic extracts showed good activity at 250 μL through DPPH, which depicted the vibrancy in phenolic, flavonoids and terpenoids contents. This insightful study highlighted the potential usage of methanolic leaves extract of T. camphoratum as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent and an antioxidant source in food and pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the leafhopper genus Exitianus Ball is reviewed based on around 200 specimens sampled from various regions of Pakistan during 2019-2021. The study revealed the presence of two species, Exitianus nanus (Distant) and Exitianus indicus (Distant) in the region. Their morphological descriptions, an identification key, and photographs are given. Specimens of all examined materials are deposited at the department of Entomology, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out at Livestock Research & Development Station Surezai, Peshawar in order to examine the efficacy of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition of Achai cattle. Cows were kept in three groups A, B and C. All animals were fed with basic diet, comprising of green fodder, wheat straw and compound concentrate as per their maintenance and production requirement twice daily. Group A animals were considered as control with no supplementation of yeast culture, while Group B and C animals were supplemented with 20 g/day and 40 g/day of yeast culture respectively and were considered as treatment groups. Water was provided ad libitum to all groups. Yeast culture (YC) supplementation significantly (p<0.001) increased the average daily milk yield. The highest milk yield 10.84±1.17 kg/day was recorded for cows fed with 40g YC. Cows on 20 g YC ration produced higher milk fat 3.77±0.84% (P<0.05). Cows on 40 g yeast culture ration produced higher milk protein (3.43±0.04%). Higher (P<0.05) total milk solid not fat (SNF) content was recorded for animals fed with 20g yeast culture ration. Daily feed intake was significantly (P<0.001) different among groups, highest mean daily feed intake of 38.74±3.36 kg/day was found in group C. Economically ration having 40g YC produce 145.04 liter more milk, worth (145.04 X 70 = Rs.10152.8/-) than control group, while extra cost of yeast culture was Rs.4116/-, So, result in net profit of Rs: 6036.8/-during 7 week period. It is concluded that Achai cattle ration supplementing with high level of YC were observed with increased milk fat, feed intake, Protein, SNF and milk yield. Maximum production was observed with higher proportion of 40g YC as compare to other rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), the peach fruit fly is a severe pest of many important fruits in Pakistan causing massive economic losses. Experiments were executed to reveal the ovipositional preference of B. zonata for four selected fruits belonging to different plant families, viz., banana (Musa acuminate), persimmon (Diospyros kaki), apple (Malus domestica) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The study was performed under free choice conditions by exposing all the tested fruits in the same arena to B. zonata female adults. Results revealed that tested biological parameters were significantly affected by the tested host except sex ratio. However, banana was found the most preferred host with maximum number of pupae recovery (298), maximum emerged flies (185) followed by persimmon, apple whereas tomato was least preferred host with lowest number of pupae (06) and flies emerged (05) respectively. Thus, it is concluded that banana fruit can be used as natural host for rearing of B. zonata in the laboratory due to its consistent availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present experimental study, haematological and some serum biochemical alterations were explored in six months old commercially raised eight female rabbits after oral administration of gossypol. Cotton seed cake with 0.25% free gossypol concentration was daily given to each rabbit at the rate of 4 grams per kg live weight for entire experiment period of 60 days. Analysis of fortnightly collected blood specimens revealed significantly (p <0.05) decreased hematocrit, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin concentration and inorganic phosphorous level of serum whereas significantly (p < 0.05) decreased mean corpuscular haemoglobin, red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total white cell count, monocytes and lymphocytes. The level of serum calcium and granulocytes exhibited non significant (p > 0.05) difference. It was concluded that gossypol exposure induces anaemia, microsytosis and hypophosphetaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research study was carried out in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan (KPK) at the Arid Zone Research Centre. During 2017-18 on seventeen wheat Varieties/advance lines (C-2014, PR 112, A-2014, DN-84, PR 105, Atta Habib, KT 2000, Shahkar-2013, Pak-2013, Dharabi 011, PS 2005, Tatara, Lalma-2013, Zam-04, Chakwal-50, Hashim-08, Yarik) to compare their yield performance by delay sowing in season under rainfed condition. Sowing of wheat in rainfed area of Dera Ismail khan often depends on winter rainfall which may delays its planting in the season. Between November 10 and December 20, there were five planting dates that were spaced 10 days apart in a 3 replications of a split-plot layout in a randomised complete block design. The impact of planting dates on types and advance lines was examined using both main plots and sub plots. On days to maturity, the data were kept, spike length, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight and yield. The interaction between planting dates and types has a considerable impact on wheat grain production and its characteristics. Wheat varieties Lalma-2013 and Chakwal-50 produced highest yield on Nov. 10th sowing with minimum reduction in grain yield as 2.6% and 1.2% respectively on Nov.20th sowing. The Lalma-2013 and Chakwal-50 could be the best varieties for the rainfed areas of Dera Ismail Khan as compared to local varieties when sown not later than 20th Nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was conducted for biochemical characterization of pathogen of tomato stem rot and to evaluate the effect of different doses of boron, plant extracts and a bactericide in different combinations on tomato plants. This research study was performed at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar- Pakistan. Different biochemical tests were conducted to confirm stem rot pathogen. Boron was applied at the rates of 1.97, 2.96 and 3.95 g seedbed-1. Plant extracts were neem (Azadirachta indica) and ghwaraskay (Dodonaea viscosa). Morphological traits such as plant height, maximum number of fruits plant-1 and yield were observed and severity of disease was investigated for supplement efficacy. The biochemical results obtained were all positive, which confirmed stem rot pathogen as Erwinia carotovora sub spp. chrysanthemi (gram-negative bacteria). Highest plant height (75.3 cm) and maximum number of fruits plant-1 (14.3) were recorded with A. indica when applied at 15ml L-1 along with highest dose of boron at 3.95 g seedbed-1. The severity was observed 0.0% in supplement of boron of high dose with addition to neem extract and bactericide. Maximum yield (106.7 tons ha-1) was recorded with A. indica at the rate of 15ml L-1 and boron at the rate of 3.95 g seedbed-1. It was concluded from this study that boron is beneficial at high dose (3.95 g seedbed-1) along with neem extract for controlling the disease severity and enhancing yield of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was conducted for biochemical characterization of pathogen of tomato stem rot and to evaluate the effect of different doses of boron, plant extracts and a bactericide in different combinations on tomato plants. This research study was performed at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar Pakistan. Different biochemical tests were conducted to confirm stem rot pathogen. Boron was applied at the rates of 1.97, 2.96 and 3.95 g seedbed-1. Plant extracts were neem (Azadirachta indica) and ghwaraskay (Dodonaea viscosa). Morphological traits such as plant height, maximum number of fruits plant-1 and yield were observed and severity of disease was investigated for supplement efficacy. The biochemical results obtained were all positive, which confirmed stem rot pathogen as Erwinia carotovora sub spp. chrysanthemi (gram-negative bacteria). Highest plant height (75.3 cm) and maximum number of fruits plant-1 (14.3) were recorded with A. indica when applied at 15ml L-1 along with highest dose of boron at 3.95 g seedbed-1. The severity was observed 0.0% in supplement of boron of high dose with addition to neem extract and bactericide. Maximum yield (106.7 tons ha-1) was recorded with A. indica at the rate of 15ml L-1 and boron at the rate of 3.95 g seedbed-1. It was concluded from this study that boron is beneficial at high dose (3.95 g seedbed-1) along with neem extract for controlling the disease severity and enhancing yield of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial part of the valuable water is wasted in form of conveyance losses in earthen watercourses. To assess the effect of watercourses improvement on water availability and productivity, ten watercourses were selected randomly. Out of which, five improved and other five were found unimproved. Water losses in both watercourses were measured to find water saving from improved watercourses. Conveyance losses were measured in improved and unimproved watercourses by current meter and cutthroat flume, respectively. Farmers were interviewed to find out the effect of watercourse improvement on crop productivity and water management practices using questionnaire proforma. The losses in five improved watercourses (lined sections) were 9, 28, 5, 11 and 20% per 1000 meter, respectively while that of unlined sections of the same watercourses were 23, 30, 50 and 21 % per 1000 m, respectively. Losses in unimproved watercourses were 27, 62, 55, 55 and 40 % per 1000 m, respectively. The conveyance efficiencies of five improved watercourses (lined sections) were 91, 72, 95, 89 and 80 % per 1000 m, respectively while that of unlined sections were 77, 70, 50 and 79 % 1000 m, respectively. The conveyance efficiencies of unimproved watercourses were 73, 37, 45, 45 and 60 % 1000 m, respectively. Based on the results, it can be concluded that watercourse improvement caused significant effect on irrigation water and it is therefore justified from economic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial part of the valuable water is wasted in form of conveyance losses in earthen watercourses. To assess the effect of watercourses improvement on water availability and productivity, ten watercourses were selected randomly. Out of which, five improved and other five were found unimproved. Water losses in both watercourses were measured to find water saving from improved watercourses. Conveyance losses were measured in improved and unimproved watercourses by current meter and cutthroat flume, respectively. Farmers were interviewed to find out the effect of watercourse improvement on crop productivity and water management practices using questionnaire proforma. The losses in five improved watercourses (lined sections) were 9, 28, 5, 11 and 20% per 1000 meter, respectively while that of unlined sections of the same watercourses were 23, 30, 50 and 21 % per 1000 m, respectively. Losses in unimproved watercourses were 27, 62, 55, 55 and 40 % per 1000 m, respectively. The conveyance efficiencies of five improved watercourses (lined sections) were 91, 72, 95, 89 and 80 % per 1000 m, respectively while that of unlined sections were 77, 70, 50 and 79 % 1000 m, respectively. The conveyance efficiencies of unimproved watercourses were 73, 37, 45, 45 and 60 % 1000 m, respectively. Based on the results, it can be concluded that watercourse improvement caused significant effect on irrigation water and it is therefore justified from economic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally among oil seed, sunflower is a major oil contributor with high productivity following cotton and rapeseed. Twenty-five local and imported hybrid seeds along with two check hybrids (Hysun-33 and NKS-278) collected from National Agriculture Research centre Islamabad were field tested at Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir during July and August 2019. The cultivation was carried out in three replications uniformly by applying randomized complete block design (RCBD) by maintaining R x R space of 75 cm and plant to plant space of 20 to 25 cm. The average temperature was varying between 24.3°C (75.7°F) and 34.8°C (94.6°F) throughout the season with 112.8 mm (4.44") of precipitation. By randomly selecting ten plants per plot data was recorded for various traits i.e. germination percentage, flower initiation days, full flowering days, full development days, total leaves per plant, chlorophyll content (mg/cm-2), height of plant (cm), disk length (cm), thickness of stem (mm), 1000-achene's weight (g), fresh achene's weight (g), dry achene's weight (g) and achene's yield (kg/ha). This experimental study depicts dependence and linkage of some agronomic factors with other interlinked traits i.e flowering days, maturing days, width of stem, head diameter, chlorophyll content, leaves per plant, 1000-grains weight, grain yield and oil content. The tree diagram based on average linkage distances of morph-physiological traits grouped the studied traits in two clusters oil contributing traits and yield contributing traits. The cluster (i) included oil contributing traits i.e. flower initiation days, days to flower completion, maturity days, plant height and germination percentage. The cluster (ii) grouped the yield contributing traits chlorophyll content, fresh seed weight, no. of leaves, head diameter, stem thickness, dry seed weight and 1000 grains weight. The correlation studies confirms the results and describes positive and highly significant correlation among initiation of flowering days (0.099**), completion of flowering days (0.015**), seedling percentage (0.022**) with oil percentage. The leaves per plant (0.830*), chlorophyll content (0.749*), height of plant (0.527*) and head diameter (0.406*) were significantly correlated with grains yield. Scatter plot involving PC1 and PC 2 contributing maximum variation (37.57% and 18.92%) reveals hybrids arrangement based on average distances on biplot 0942, 0951, 0924, 0821, NKS-278, Hysun-33, 0932 reported maximum diversity. The hybrids i.e. 0942, 0951, SH-K-6, SH-K-4, 0917, 0916, Sun-star-333, Hysun-33, 0927 and 1023 exhibited maximum seedling emergence, chlorophyll content, leaves per plant, grain yield and oil content hence recommended to be included in future breeding programs of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was divided into two phases, in first phase rice flour of selected local varieties were investigated for physicochemical, amylose, functional and pasting properties. Where, in second phase of the study flour of low and high amylose rice varieties were blended in various ratios (100:00, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 00:100) and were studied again for functional and pasting profile. Results indicated that colour, moisture, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), swelling power (SP) and pasting profile of selected varieties of rice flour were significantly (p < 0.05) different from each other, except ash content. Rice flour had irregular and small to large shape. Amylose content of rice varieties ranged from 9.11% (Watni) to 27.65% (Lavange) and selected as low and high amylose rice varieties. Expectedly, study confirmed that blending of Lavange rice flour had significantly (p < 0.05) improved amylose content of Watni rice flour from 9.11% to 22.74%, WSI, WAI of watni rice flour decreased significantly from 16.36 to 10.61%, 2.77 to 2.60g/g and whereas, SP ranged from 2.45 to 3.50g/g, respectively. Likewise, blending high amylose rice variety (Lavange) improved pasting profile of low amylose rice variety (Watni). Conclusively, blending high amylose rice flour had significantly modified functional and pasting profile of low amylose rice flour, which may be useful in versatile food products, especially noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was divided into two phases, in first phase rice flour of selected local varieties were investigated for physicochemical, amylose, functional and pasting properties. Where, in second phase of the study flour of low and high amylose rice varieties were blended in various ratios (100:00, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 00:100) and were studied again for functional and pasting profile. Results indicated that colour, moisture, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), swelling power (SP) and pasting profile of selected varieties of rice flour were significantly (p < 0.05) different from each other, except ash content. Rice flour had irregular and small to large shape. Amylose content of rice varieties ranged from 9.11% (Watni) to 27.65% (Lavange) and selected as low and high amylose rice varieties. Expectedly, study confirmed that blending of Lavange rice flour had significantly (p < 0.05) improved amylose content of Watni rice flour from 9.11% to 22.74%, WSI, WAI of watni rice flour decreased significantly from 16.36 to 10.61%, 2.77 to 2.60g/g and whereas, SP ranged from 2.45 to 3.50g/g, respectively. Likewise, blending high amylose rice variety (Lavange) improved pasting profile of low amylose rice variety (Watni). Conclusively, blending high amylose rice flour had significantly modified functional and pasting profile of low amylose rice flour, which may be useful in versatile food products, especially noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections especially gastrointestinal parasites are a major constraint for blooming dairy industry of Pakistan, because it limit, the productive performance of animals. Aim of the project was to find out the prevalence of internal parasites in small and large ruminants in central zone of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For this purpose, a total of 1700 fecal samples were received from central districts and processed for coprological examination. Out of 1700 samples, 947 samples (55.7%) were positive for intestinal parasites. Specie wise prevalence of GI parasites was recorded as 51.5% in cows, 58.3% in buffalo, 73.9 % in sheep and 68.5% in goats. Trichostrongylus (32.8%) was recorded as highly prevalent in cattle followed by amoeba (10.2%) and Fasciola (6.1%), while in buffaloes fasciola was recorded higher followed by amoeba (19%) and Trichostongylus (5.35%). Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent intestinal parasite in the study area followed by Trichostrongylus in small ruminants, whereas mixed infection in goats was recorded as 21%. Different predisposing factors studied in the current study were season, location, age and sex. Prevalence was recorded higher in hot and humid months of the year because it favors the growth and development of gastrointestinal parasites. Similarly, young and male animals were found more susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites in the current study. Frequent screening of animals and deworming should be practiced for complete eradication of gastrointestinal parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension agents have significant contribution in providing effective extension services to the farming community. Therefore, it is vital for administration and management of the extension organizations to investigate competency level of their staff so that training can be provided to them for successful execution of extension tasks. Hence, this study was designed with objective to inspect professional competency level and training needs of Field Assistants of Agriculture Extension Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A sample of 234 respondents was selected and personally interviewed through pre-tested and validated interview schedule. Paired sample t-test and dummy variable regression model were used to achieve study objectives. It was found that Field Assistants were highly competent in conducting farm/home visits followed by conducting meetings and organizing extension campaigns. Highest training needs in professional competency were reported in use of Information and Communication Technologies, use of audio-visual aids and ability of motivating farmers. Regression analysis showed that rural domicile, job experience, and higher educational level of Field Assistants have positive and significant effect on the development of their competency. Therefore, it is suggested to provide in-service training for the Field Assistants in the identified areas for the adequate acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural extension as a mean of dissemination of agricultural latest technologies to the farming communities and motivating them for its adoption can be achieved through better use of communication among relevant stakeholders. The existing extension and communication strategies used in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have many limitations. The present study was thus conducted to compare and analyze the farmers' perceptions regarding use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in agriculture extension at three selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Based on the multi-stage sampling technique, population for the current study, 3 zones from 5 were purposively selected on the basis of their different agricultural condition. Selection of sample size was made using Yamane formula. The number of respondents as per formula was confined to 188 respondents in district Mansehra, 153 respondents in district Swabi and 59 respondents from district Karak, where data were collected randomly. Five point Likert scale was used to record responses of the respondents. The results of the study clearly showed that majority of the farmers in the study area were literate (73%) and comparatively was greater in district Mansehra (77%), while least in district Swabi (64%) using ICT for agricultural purposes and observed a significant correlation between the literacy and ICT i.e. 0.77. The results also showed that 39% respondents from District Mansehra, and 33% from district Swabi were fulltime farmers, used ICT. The results also showed that regarding the effectiveness of ICT tools in crop production, printed material; TV and Mobile Phone were used in districts Mansehra, Karak and Swabi respectively. Similarly, it was also inferred that ICT is very effective tool for communication between farmers and with extension workers. Hence, ICT is the most effective and useful tool for the improvement of overall extension delivery system, so agriculture extension department may establish a formal structure to initiate free SMS and voice message service in the easiest and understandable languages for increasing overall coverage of the extension delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds can cause significant decrease to the crop yields therefore; it is crucial for the Field Assistants to be competent in providing extension services to the farming community regarding weeds management. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the weeds management competency level of Field Assistants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Extension Department. Data from 234 randomly selected Field Assistants were collected through pre-tested and validated interview schedule to achieve study objectives. Results showed that highest ranked weeds management competencies at possessed level were familiarity with the names of commonly occurring weeds, ability to identify various types of weeds and aware about indirect weeds control methods. Moreover, it was found that Field Assistants required highest training needs in familiarity with biological weed control followed by critical threshold level of weeds and critical period of weed competition. Findings of Rank Based Quotient revealed that lack of promotion, training opportunities and incentives or motivation were the top most constraints that respondents faced in building the required competencies. Therefore, it is a dire need to provide practical in-service training to the Field Assistants in the identified areas for the adequate acquisition of weeds management competency. Moreover, there is need to minimize the identified constraints so that the Field Assistants could acquire the requisite weed management competency and provide beneficial recommendations to the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Mardan and Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan during 2018. The main objective of the study was to find the influences of farmers' characteristics on knowledge gap of sugarcane recommended production management practices in the research area. Data were collected personally through face to face interview schedule from 285 sample respondents randomly selected from eight villages of the eight selected union councils. The empirical results indicated that farmers of district Mardan had 41 percent knowledge gap with cane yield 58387 kgs/hectare and sample farmers of district Dera Ismail Khan had 33 percent knowledge gap with 82184 kgs/hectare. The results showed that in both districts sugarcane farmers had medium knowledge gap (37%) with cane yield 70912 kgs/hectare. Findings revealed that one-year improvement in the education level of the farmers would bring likely 58 percent decrease in the knowledge gap. Similarly, a year increase in the cane farming experience of the farmers would likely bring 6 percent reduction in the knowledge gap of the farmers. The results further explained that land owners had more knowledge gap than that of tenant farmers while contact with the agriculture extension department reduces the knowledge gap of sugarcane recommended management practices. The results further show that the coefficient value of knowledge gap of district Mardan farmers is high than the farmers of district D.I. Khan research area. The study suggested that government should provide proper education facilities to the farming community for reducing illiteracy. Agricultural extension department should provide training and special information about sugarcane recommended management practices in the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most demanding crops in terms of water and fertilizer inputs. To meet irrigation water demand, growers use surface and ground water resources. These resources are in decline Realizing the importance of water and fertilizer, tomato yield under deficit irrigation regimes, and different Nitrogen (N) levels were studied during 2015 and 2016 at the research farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, using factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD). These factors were four irrigation levels; full irrigation (I0), 15% deficit (I15), 30% deficit (I30) and 45% deficit (I45); and four nitrogen doses; 100% of recommended dose (120 kg ha-1) (N100 ), 85% of recommended dose (N85), 70% of recommended dose (N70) and 55% of recommended dose (N55). Io was based on 30% of management allowed deficit. Effect of Nitrogen doses on Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was found to be highly significant and showed an increasing trend of 7, 25 and 68% with reducing Nitrogen doses. However, the effect on dry-to- fresh weight ratio, plant height, days to 50% flowering, were found to be non-significant. Results indicated that deficit irrigation (I15, I30 and I45) had significant effect (P<0.05) on plant height and NUE. Plant height tends to decrease by 1.3 and 5.5% with deficit irrigation. NUE also decreased by 17, 16 and 24 with deficit irrigation. Compared to I0, while the effect on dry to fresh weight ratio and days to 50% flowering was found to be non-significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increasing trend of growing off-season vegetables in order to get best prices for the agricultural products and also provide food throughout the year. Growing vegetables in tunnel have been adopted by many farmers. However, growing off-season vegetables in tunnels entails added efforts and cost. Through this research study the economic analysis of Tunnel farming of off-season vegetables has been done for district Peshawar. Primary data was collected from eighty-four farmers who had grown off-season vegetables through tunnel-farming, and seasonal vegetables without tunnel and their productivity were compared. It was found that output per acre in tunnel was significantly higher than that of without tunnel. All the three vegetables viz tomato, cucumber and bottle gourd gave higher revenue, however tomato gave the highest return. Growing vegetables through tunnel farming involve higher cost in the shape of structure installation and inputs. Tunnel-farming is scientific farming and the growers need to be properly educated and trained. Establishing of cold storage facilities will greatly help farmers to fetch higher income. Additionally, credit facilities to the farmers would help potential progressive growers to adopt tunnel-farming and grow off-season vegetables, thus getting higher yield per acre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphania botrys L. is an annual herbaceous plant and has been utilized for the treatment of different ailments like asthma, cold, influenza, head ach, liver and digestive problems and healing of wounds. The aim of the study was to explore phytochemical constituents of methanolic crude extract (MCE) and various solvent fractions and in-vitro antimicrobial activities of whole plant of D. botrys. Qualitative phytochemical screening of MCE and solvent fractions of D. botrys showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterols, however in n-hexane fraction (HxF) only flavonoids and saponins were detected. In quantitative analysis, among all the solvents, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had highest amount of phenol (27.4 mg/g), flavonoids (15.5 mg/g) and alkaloids (3.14 mg/g), while MCE displayed maximum amount of saponins (34.3 mg/g). In the proximate analysis, nitrogen freed extract was present in higher amount (38.45±0.83%) followed by protein (30.26±0.72%) while crude fibers were found least in amount (1.43±0.53%). Among different minerals, reasonable amount of calcium (3268±0.53 µg/g), potassium (2873±0.71 µg/g), sodium (591±0.23 µg/g) and iron (223 ± 0.46 µg/g) were found while no cadmium and chromium was detected. MCE and EAF displayed considerable antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas campestris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing 12.6±0.54 mm and 20.6±0.53 mm zone of inhibition, respectively which was analogous to that of cefixime, used as standard drug. In case of antifungal activity MCE hindered the growth of Fusarium oxysporum effectively, causing 19.3±0.41 mm zone of inhibition, while the activity of other solvent was moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defense compounds containing sulfur, play vital roles in the plant's survival under abiotic and biotic stresses. Cysteine (Cys) is the first organic molecule in the cell containing reduced sulfur and acts as a precursor for many sulfur-containing compounds including Glutathione (GSH). GSH functions to protect the plants against different forms of stresses. In this study, the feedback-insensitive serine acetyltransferase (SAT); a rate-limiting enzyme for Cys biosynthesis from tobacco i.e. NtSAT4 was successfully cloned into three types of overexpression constructs i.e. pBinAR_NtSAT4 (targeted to cytosol), pBinAR-TKTP_NtSAT4 (targeted to plastids) and pBinAR-SHMT_NtSAT4 (targeted to mitochondria). For stable transformation of B. napus floral-dip and tissue culture based approaches were tested using different formulations of phytohormones for calli, shoots and roots induction in a variety of genotypes. While false positive lines were obtained in the result of floral-dip method, the tissue culture based method led to successful regeneration of shoots on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing BAP 3 mgL-1 and developed roots in ½ MS media supplemented with IBA 3 mgL-1 in case of OSCAR cultivar. Successful selection of transgenic lines was achieved using selective antibiotic kanamycin 50 mgL-1. NtSAT4 gene integration into the plants genome was confirmed by PCR using the NtSAT4 gene specific primers. The positive transgenic lines were successfully acclimatized to soil and glass house conditions. The developed transgenic lines have the potential to overproduce high levels of cysteine and glutathione for enhanced stress tolerance especially against heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern leaf blight (NCLB) of maize is most infectious foliar disease in Himalayan region of the Asia, caused by fungus Exerohillum turcicum. We evaluated resistant genotypes against NCLB under agroclimatic condition of Rawalakot and assessed the yield loss due to impact of NCLB. Maize plants were artificially inoculated at four to six leaf stages. Thirty genotypes were screened in first field trail in June 2016. Genotypes had significant differences for NCLB severity and reactions and were classified into resistant, susceptible and moderate categories on the basis of 0-5 disease severity scale. The percent disease incidence ranged from 20- 60% and area under disease progressive curve (AUDPC) 22-362dsu (Development stage unit). On the basis of disease rating scale and pathological traits, it was reported that three parental genotypes Karamat-Bar-25, SZP- 13200, NCEV-1530-11 had lowest values for all pathological traits and severity rating of 5R, 5R and 10R and marked as highly resistant (R) genotypes, whereas three parental genotypes Soan-3, Ghuari-122, Kissan-60 were evaluated as highly susceptible (S) within germplasm and had highest values for pathological traits with severity rating of 90S, 90S and 80S respectively. In second field trail (June 2017) crosses were made between selected parental genotypes in order to get F1 progeny and evaluation of F1 progenies and their parents was done in June 2018 for morpho-pathological traits to assess the impact of NCLB on yield loss and yield related attributes. Results showed that area under disease progressive curve ranged 10-402dsu while disease incidence ranged 25 to 77% and showed negative correlation with grain yield and yield traits. Parents and their F1 progenies indicated that there is improvement in new recombinants of selected parents for yield enhancement. The present study revealed the effectiveness of selection and hybridization for enhancement of resistance to NCLB and improvement of yield and yield associated traits and their utilization in future breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were undertaken to study the response of applied K in prominent soil series of Potohar Plateau of Pakistan and to correlate soil extractable K with yield components, N, P, K concentration and uptake by wheat. Two extractants namely, AB-DTPA and NH4OAc were tested for K extraction from soils. The results showed a high positive correlation between AB-DTPA and NH4OAc extractable K, plant growth and yield parameters. The amounts of soil K had positive correlation with shoot K concentration and grain yield of wheat with r = 0.48 and 0.49, respectively for AB DTPA as compared to that of 0.40 and 0.42 for NH4OAc K. On the basis of the study it was concluded that AB-DTPA soil test method can safely be used for evaluation of K status of soils derived from diverse parent material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of plant spacing on the growth and seed production of okra varieties was studied at the Horticulture Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar during spring seasons of the years 2012-13. The research experiment was conducted using RCB Design with 2 factors and 3 replications. Five okra varieties viz. Sabz Pari, Arka Anamika, Pusa Sawani, Punjab Selection and Green Star were grown at three plants spacing i.e. 20, 30 and 40 cm and were evaluated for growth and seed production. Variety Arka Anamika had the maximum plant height (136.8 cm), number of branches per plant (1.42), number of pods per plant (26.33), number of seeds per pod (60.67), seed weight per pod (3.87 g) and seed yield (4.54 t ha-1). The plant spacing of 20 cm resulted in the maximum plant height (136.92 cm) but minimum values for all other attributes. 40 cm plant spacing resulted in the maximum seeds per pod (67.28), seed weight per pod (4.61 g), hundred seed weight (6.87 g) and seed yield (4.42 t ha-1). The okra varieties and plant spacing interaction was significant for seed weight per pod only. In conclusion, 40 cm plant spacing can be recommended for optimum seed production in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cane crop production is a complex process dependent upon application and arrangement of various factors such as land, labor, finance and management practices etc. This article assessed the knowledge gap of improved cane management practices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Sugarcane growers were selected randomly and Data were collected through interview schedule from 285 respondents in D.I. Khan and Mardan districts during sugarcane cropping season, 2018. Knowledge gap index was applied as a measuring tool. The empirical results indicated that no knowledge gap was found among farmers of D.I. Khan district regarding land preparation, sowing and harvesting time while in case of Mardan district no knowledge gap was observed in sowing and harvesting time. Farmers of D.I. Khan district had low knowledge gap (1 to 20%) in cane varieties, seed quantity, sowing practices, irrigation application, stoppage of irrigation before harvesting and cane cutting whereas farmers of district Mardan had low knowledge gap in length of cane setts, sowing practices, irrigation and cane cutting techniques. Medium knowledge gap (21 to 50%) was observed in length of cane setts, row to row spacing in farmers of D.I. Khan district while in farmers of Mardan district medium knowledge gap was observed in land preparation, improved cane varieties, row to row spacing and stoppage of irrigation before harvesting. High knowledge gap (above 50%) was revealed in cane setts treatment, depth of furrows in case of D.I. Khan district while high knowledge gap in cane setts treatment, depth of furrows and seed quantity per acre in farmers of Mardan district. The results further showed that majority (73.68%) farmers had medium (26.56%) knowledge gap while 13.33 percent farmers were found with low (13.46%) knowledge gap whereas 12.98 percent farmers revealed high knowledge gap (41.48%) in the study area. District wise findings indicated that farmers of D.I. Khan and Mardan districts had 21.87 percent and 32.17 percent knowledge gap, respectively. The overall knowledge gap in the current study was recorded as 26.75 percent. Variation in knowledge gap in sugarcane production technology among the sample farmers of both districts was due to their interests in cane farming, sugar mills support, mono and poly agricultural practices, lack of agricultural extension activities etc. Training and awareness programs through various types of mass media should be launched for reducing the knowledge gap and to equip the cane farmers with latest technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most input demanding crop in terms of water and fertilizer. To fulfill the irrigation water demand, the growers use surface and ground water resources, which are declining day-by-day. Realizing the importance of water, tomato yield was studied under deficit irrigation regimes and different Nitrogen (N) levels during 2015 and 2016 at the research farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement was used for the study. These factors were four irrigation levels i.e. full irrigation (I0), 15% deficit (I15), 30% deficit (I30) and 45% deficit (I45) along with four Nitrogen doses i.e. 100% of recommended dose (120kg) (N100), 85% of recommended dose (N85), 70% of recommended dose (N70) and 55% of recommended dose (N55). Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) was used for soil moisture monitoring. Full irrigation was determined on the basis of MAD 30%. Simulation of nitrate leaching showed that Nitrate leaching was more sensitive to irrigation levels than Nitrogen doses. With the increasing level of irrigation nitration, leaching increased significantly compared to the increasing Nitrogen doses and same pattern was observed with the decreasing irrigation levels and decreasing nitrogen doses. When irrigation levels were increased by 10 and 20% nitrate leaching increased by 38 and 48%. Similarly when Nitrogen levels were increased by 10 and 20% increase in nitrate leaching was about 20 and 35% but when irrigation level were decreased by 10 and 20 % nitrate leaching also decreased by 20 and 48% and when the nitrogen level was decreased to 55% the nitrate leaching also dropped by 70%. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that deficit irrigation with low nitrogen doses can be used to minimize nitrate leaching. HYDRUS-ID can be effectively used for simulating Nitrate leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble salts and exchangeable sodium in soils are the main constraints in the agriculture ecosystem creating major threats to crop productivity and, hence, affecting socio economic condition of the farming community. Growing of salt tolerant crop genotypes of species on salt affected lands is an effective tool for getting desirable productivity. A two-factor experiment using complete randomized design with three replications in pots having silt loam soil was carried out on April 03, 2016 to examine three maize genotypes (Iqbal, Jalal, and Azam) under different salinity levels i.e. 0.4, 2.7, 5.2 and 7.6 dS m-1 at Amir Muhammad Khan Campus, Mardan, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. The analyzed data parameters were percent emergence, plant height, number of leaves, shoots and roots weight. The results revealed that all data parameters except number of leaves were affected significantly (p < 0.05) by different levels of salinity. Irrespective of maize varieties, the percent emergence, plant height, number of leaves, shoots and roots weight of Maize were reduced with linear increasing levels of salinity. Among the genotypes, maximum 1st, 2nd percent emergence (50% and 96 % respectively), plant height (94 cm), number of leaves (10), shoot weight (59 g/pot) and root weight (9 g/pot) were recorded by Iqbal genotypes followed by Jalal genotypes irrespective of various salinity levels. The results also showed that Iqbal genotype performed better at each salinity level and is concluded to be grown and extended on salt affected areas of the District Mardan as well as in central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat diseases remains the major constraint to wheat production across Pakistan, including rusts and powdery mildews. Although significant attention is given to rust diseases, powdery mildew is a less considered diseases so far, mainly due to lack of information on the prevalence across Pakistan. Surveillance for powdery mildew status assessment was conducted across Pakistan during three wheat crop seasons i.e., 2015-2016 to 2017-2018. A total of 437 fields (from 63 districts) were surveyed in 2016, 480 fields (from 69 districts) in 2017 and 294 fields (from 34 districts) in 2018, revealing a high prevalence of powdery mildew in the northern Himalayan parts of Pakistan. Powdery mildew was more severe during 2018 followed by 2017, while it was the minimum during 2016. In Sindh province, none of the 253 fields surveyed over three years, had powdery mildew, while in Punjab the disease was absent in more than 98% fields. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the disease was detected in 17% fields, while in Kashmir the disease was present in only 11% of surveyed fields. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the disease was detected in four fields from three surveyed districts. Among the five provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, powdery mildew was a major problem in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. Among the cultivated varieties surveyed, severe infestation (>40% severity) was observed for wheat varieties Galaxy-2013, PS-2005, Faisalabad-2008, Shahkar and some local lines. Future wheat improvement programmes must be encouraged to consider resistance to powdery mildew, particularly for lines to be cultivated in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six maize (Zea mays L.) open pollinated varieties (OPVS) viz; PSEV-3, Azam, Sarhad white, Jalal, Iqbal and Pahari were used in this experiment to determine their combining ability through 6 x 6 diallel mating design. The research was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications at Cereal Crop Research Institute (CCRI) Pirsabak, Nowshehra (K.P.K) Pakistan during the year 2015. The results displayed highly significant (P≤0.01) variation among above six OPVS for days to germination, plant height, leaf area, number of grains ear-1, grains moisture % at harvest, grain yield and biological yield. Mean square values due to general combining ability were highly significant (P≤0.01) for all the experimental parameters except grain yield and biological yield. Highly significant specific combining ability for direct and reciprocal crosses shows highly significant differences for all the studied parameters. PSEV-3 proved best combiner for days to germination and grains moisture % at harvest while Azam for grain yield and biological yield. Sarhad White was the best combiner for grain yield. Reciprocal effects of Jalal x Iqbal exhibited best combination for leaf area and number of grains ear-1 while Pahari × Sarhad White for grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble salts and exchangeable sodium in soils are the main constraints in the agriculture ecosystem creating major threats to crop productivity and, hence, affecting socio economic condition of the farming community. Growing of salt tolerant crop genotypes of species on salt affected lands is an effective tool for getting desirable productivity. A two-factor experiment using complete randomized design with three replications in pots having silt loam soil was carried out on April 03, 2016 to examine three maize genotypes (Iqbal, Jalal, and Azam) under different salinity levels i.e. 0.4, 2.7, 5.2 and 7.6 dS m-1 at Amir Muhammad Khan Campus, Mardan, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. The analyzed data parameters were percent emergence, plant height, number of leaves, shoots and roots weight. The results revealed that all data parameters except number of leaves were affected significantly (p < 0.05) by different levels of salinity. Irrespective of maize varieties, the percent emergence, plant height, number of leaves, shoots and roots weight of Maize were reduced with linear increasing levels of salinity. Among the genotypes, maximum 1st, 2nd percent emergence (50% and 96% respectively), plant height (94 cm), number of leaves (10), shoot weight (59 g/pot) and root weight (9 g/pot) were recorded by Iqbal genotypes followed by Jalal genotypes irrespective of various salinity levels. The results also showed that Iqbal genotype performed better at each salinity level and is concluded to be grown and extended on salt affected areas of the District Mardan as well as in central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat diseases remains the major constraint to wheat production across Pakistan, including rusts and powdery mildews. Although significant attention is given to rust diseases, powdery mildew is a less considered diseases so far, mainly due to lack of information on the prevalence across Pakistan. Surveillance for powdery mildew status assessment was conducted across Pakistan during three wheat crop seasons i.e., 2015-2016 to 2017-2018. A total of 437 fields (from 63 districts) were surveyed in 2016, 480 fields (from 69 districts) in 2017 and 294 fields (from 34 districts) in 2018, revealing a high prevalence of powdery mildew in the northern Himalayan parts of Pakistan. Powdery mildew was more severe during 2018 followed by 2017, while it was the minimum during 2016. In Sindh province, none of the 253 fields surveyed over three years, had powdery mildew, while in Punjab the disease was absent in more than 98% fields. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the disease was detected in 17% fields, while in Kashmir the disease was present in only 11% of surveyed fields. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the disease was detected in four fields from three surveyed districts. Among the five provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, powdery mildew was a major problem in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. Among the cultivated varieties surveyed, severe infestation (>40% severity) was observed for wheat varieties Galaxy-2013, PS-2005, Faisalabad-2008, Shahkar and some local lines. Future wheat improvement programmes must be encouraged to consider resistance to powdery mildew, particularly for lines to be cultivated in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most input demanding crop in terms of water and fertilizer. To fulfill the irrigation water demand, the growers use surface and ground water resources, which are declining day-by-day. Realizing the importance of water, tomato yield was studied under deficit irrigation regimes and different Nitrogen (N) levels during 2015 and 2016 at the research farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement was used for the study. These factors were four irrigation levels i.e. full irrigation (I0), 15% deficit (I15), 30% deficit (I30) and 45% deficit (I45) along with four Nitrogen doses i.e. 100% of recommended dose (120kg) (N100), 85% of recommended dose (N85), 70% of recommended dose (N70) and 55% of recommended dose (N55). Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) was used for soil moisture monitoring. Full irrigation was determined on the basis of MAD 30%. Simulation of nitrate leaching showed that Nitrate leaching was more sensitive to irrigation levels than Nitrogen doses. With the increasing level of irrigation nitration, leaching increased significantly compared to the increasing Nitrogen doses and same pattern was observed with the decreasing irrigation levels and decreasing nitrogen doses. When irrigation levels were increased by 10 and 20% nitrate leaching increased by 38 and 48%. Similarly when Nitrogen levels were increased by 10 and 20% increase in nitrate leaching was about 20 and 35% but when irrigation level were decreased by 10 and 20% nitrate leaching also decreased by 20 and 48% and when the nitrogen level was decreased to 55% the nitrate leaching also dropped by 70%. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that deficit irrigation with low nitrogen doses can be used to minimize nitrate leaching. HYDRUS-ID can be effectively used for simulating Nitrate leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six maize (Zea mays L.) open pollinated varieties (OPVS) viz; PSEV-3, Azam, Sarhad white, Jalal, Iqbal and Pahari were used in this experiment to determine their combining ability through 6 x 6 diallel mating design. The research was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications at Cereal Crop Research Institute (CCRI) Pirsabak, Nowshehra (K.P.K) Pakistan during the year 2015. The results displayed highly significant (P≤0.01) variation among above six OPVS for days to germination, plant height, leaf area, number of grains ear-1, grains moisture % at harvest, grain yield and biological yield. Mean square values due to general combining ability were highly significant (P≤0.01) for all the experimental parameters except grain yield and biological yield. Highly significant specific combining ability for direct and reciprocal crosses shows highly significant differences for all the studied parameters. PSEV-3 proved best combiner for days to germination and grains moisture % at harvest while Azam for grain yield and biological yield. Sarhad White was the best combiner for grain yield. Reciprocal effects of Jalal x Iqbal exhibited best combination for leaf area and number of grains ear-1 while Pahari × Sarhad White for grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study was conducted in order to assess possessed and required level of climate change competencies, their training needs and influence of demographic characteristics on the climate change competencies of Field Assistants of the Agriculture Extension Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A sample of 234 out of total 543 Field Assistants were selected with the help of Sekaran Sampling Technique and the respondents were distributed in four Agro-ecological zones of the province with the help of proportional allocation sampling method. Data from the respondents were collected through pretested and validated interview schedule. Data was analyzed using SPSS Ver.20. Mean, standard deviation, chi-square test and paired sample t-tests were calculated to achieve the study objectives. Results of the study revealed that Field Assistants were incompetent in competencies regarding record keeping on climate change issues, recording and reporting climate change impacts, use of cultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts, promoting cultivation of improved crop varieties regarding climate change and evaluating adaptation options. Highly significant difference at 1% level of probability between the possessed and required level of these competencies revealed that Field Assistants required trainings in these climate change competencies. Therefore, it is suggested that immediate in-service training should be provided to them in the identified competencies and also it might be included in the curriculum of the Field Assistants diploma course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in cost of production to make agriculture profitable is a major challenge and all out efforts have been made by successive government in Pakistan to pass benefits to the farmers by reducing input prices through reduction in GST, providing cash subsidy and supplying inexpensive feed gas for fertilizer industry. Currently, cash subsidy on urea is costing Rs. 12 billion to national exchequer and total tax relief (all products inclusive) costing around Rs. 40 billion to the national exchequer, respectively. Thus, total financial implication of subsidy and tax relief is Rs. 52 billion. In the existing tax regime tax rates vary greatly from 3.55% (SSP) to 11.73% (NPK). Due to these distortions farmers prefer to use higher dosages of Urea and low grade P-based fertilizers. This anomaly is negatively affecting productivity of major crops in general and high value crops in particular. Presently average weighted tax rate on all fertilizers is 5.83 percent. The imposition of uniform tax rate of 5% on all fertilizers, without cash subsidy on urea will reduce financial implication to Rs. 43 billion and at 2% tax rate financial implication will be Rs. 53.7 billion per annum. Imposition of uniform tax rates will result into decrease in market prices of fertilizers, consequently their use will be higher and balance among nutrients application will improve. The Imposition of uniform tax rate of 2% will reduce fertilizer cost for production of major crops by; 18% for wheat, 13% for rice, 20% each for cotton and sugarcane. Modest increase in crop productivity by just 5% could result in additional production of major crops (wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize) of worth Rs. 111.57 billion. While, existing production levels of major crops can be obtained by reducing area under these crops by 859 thousand hectares, and spared area can be brought into cultivation under high value crops to diversify the cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemics caused by leaf, stripe and stem rust have significant threat to agro-ecosystems and worldwide food security. Semi-dwarf wheat varieties with major gene resistance could not continue for longer period due to emergence of new rust races. However, genotypes such as Inqilab-91, Bluebird, Kenya Plume and Hope developed in early part of green revolution retained their resistance for longer period due to presence of non-specific rust resistance genes. Until now, 187 rust resistance genes (80 leaf rust, 49 stripe rust, 58 stem rust) have been described from different wheat and durum cultivars and related local species using different molecular approaches. This review provides a detailed discussion of the different aspects for controlling three rust diseases caused by P. recondita Rob. exdesm f. sp. tritici, P. striiformis West. f. sp. tritici, P. graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici and the importance of race specific and non-specific rust resistance genes in in global wheat varieties. This knowledge will help as basis for plant pathologist, plant breeders and genetics to develop non-specific rust resistant wheat varieties through gene pyramiding or marker assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study was conducted in order to assess possessed and required level of climate change competencies, their training needs and influence of demographic characteristics on the climate change competencies of Field Assistants of the Agriculture Extension Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A sample of 234 out of total 543 Field Assistants were selected with the help of Sekaran Sampling Technique and the respondents were distributed in four Agro-ecological zones of the province with the help of proportional allocation sampling method. Data from the respondents were collected through pretested and validated interview schedule. Data was analyzed using SPSS Ver.20. Mean, standard deviation, chi-square test and paired sample t-tests were calculated to achieve the study objectives. Results of the study revealed that Field Assistants were incompetent in competencies regarding record keeping on climate change issues, recording and reporting climate change impacts, use of cultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts, promoting cultivation of improved crop varieties regarding climate change and evaluating adaptation options. Highly significant difference at 1% level of probability between the possessed and required level of these competencies revealed that Field Assistants required trainings in these climate change competencies. Therefore, it is suggested that immediate in-service training should be provided to them in the identified competencies and also it might be included in the curriculum of the Field Assistants diploma course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in cost of production to make agriculture profitable is a major challenge and all out efforts have been made by successive government in Pakistan to pass benefits to the farmers by reducing input prices through reduction in GST, providing cash subsidy and supplying inexpensive feed gas for fertilizer industry. Currently, cash subsidy on urea is costing Rs. 12 billion to national exchequer and total tax relief (all products inclusive) costing around Rs. 40 billion to the national exchequer, respectively. Thus, total financial implication of subsidy and tax relief is Rs. 52 billion. In the existing tax regime tax rates vary greatly from 3.55% (SSP) to 11.73% (NPK). Due to these distortions farmers prefer to use higher dosages of Urea and low grade P-based fertilizers. This anomaly is negatively affecting productivity of major crops in general and high value crops in particular. Presently average weighted tax rate on all fertilizers is 5.83 percent. The imposition of uniform tax rate of 5% on all fertilizers, without cash subsidy on urea will reduce financial implication to Rs. 43 billion and at 2% tax rate financial implication will be Rs. 53.7 billion per annum. Imposition of uniform tax rates will result into decrease in market prices of fertilizers, consequently their use will be higher and balance among nutrients application will improve. The Imposition of uniform tax rate of 2% will reduce fertilizer cost for production of major crops by; 18% for wheat, 13% for rice, 20% each for cotton and sugarcane. Modest increase in crop productivity by just 5% could result in additional production of major crops (wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize) of worth Rs. 111.57 billion. While, existing production levels of major crops can be obtained by reducing area under these crops by 859 thousand hectares, and spared area can be brought into cultivation under high value crops to diversify the cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemics caused by leaf, stripe and stem rust have significant threat to agro-ecosystems and worldwide food security. Semi-dwarf wheat varieties with major gene resistance could not continue for longer period due to emergence of new rust races. However, genotypes such as Inqilab-91, Bluebird, Kenya Plume and Hope developed in early part of green revolution retained their resistance for longer period due to presence of non-specific rust resistance genes. Until now, 187 rust resistance genes (80 leaf rust, 49 stripe rust, 58 stem rust) have been described from different wheat and durum cultivars and related local species using different molecular approaches. This review provides a detailed discussion of the different aspects for controlling three rust diseases caused by P. recondita Rob. exdesm f. sp. tritici, P. striiformis West. f. sp. tritici, P. graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici and the importance of race specific and non-specific rust resistance genes in in global wheat varieties. This knowledge will help as basis for plant pathologist, plant breeders and genetics to develop non-specific rust resistant wheat varieties through gene pyramiding or marker assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers argued that increasing global temperature will result in waning glacier based freshwater availability in future. River Indus fed by glaciers is critical for Pakistan as it is irrigating its 80% of agricultural land. Shigari Kalan watershed is one of the water sheds located in Skardu, Northern Pakistan, which also contributes to River Indus flowing to Pakistan. The aim of instant research is to evaluate the correlation amid temperature and the rate of glacier/snow melt which could have future implications for water availability in the River Indus flowing into Pakistan for which data pertaining to snow/glacier melt from the Shigari Kalan watershed was regularly monitored during the period spread over September 2015 to November 2015 and March 2016 to September 2016. Results showed that in the flow discharges of the stream during summer months was much higher with peak in June. The snow/glacier melt increases with air temperature from 12.5 C onwards and at 20C onwards it gets exponential rate. From the results it transpires that the effect of global warming in Himalaya and Karakorum Mountains has already set in. Any further increase in global temperature as predicted in many studies will further increase glacier melt rate which could result in extinction of glaciers in the long run. Such a situation will have serious implications for Skardu and water availability in River Indus and thus for Pakistan whose major water requirements are met from snow/glacier melt from the River Indus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the possibility of orange date blended squash at different ratios, i.e. OD1 (orange 90% + date 10%), OD2 (orange 80% + date 20%), OD3 (orange 70% + date 30%), OD4 (orange 60% + date 40%), OD5 (orange 50% + date 50%) and OD6 (orange 40% + date 60%). Orange date blended squash was prepared by the combination of pulp: sugar: water, with 3: 4: 1 ratio respectively. All samples were tested for total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, ascorbic acid and sensory properties as flavor, color and overall acceptability. Samples were stored for three months and readings were recorded at every 15 days interval. During storage intervals, TSS increased from 48.0 to 51.31°Brix, pH increased 3.82 to 4.25, titratable acidity decreased from 1.02 to 0.86%, reducing sugar increased from 16.50 to 17.76%, non-reducing sugar decreased from 28.25 to 26.98%, ascorbic acid decreased from 19.11 to 15.65mg/100g, mean score of judges for flavor decreased from 7.9 to 6.2, color means decreased from 7.6 to 5.8 and overall acceptability decreased from 7.6 to 5.7. The results demonstrated that the treatments and 90 days storage interval have great effect (p<0.05) on all the experiments of orange date blended squash. The treatment OD2 (orange 80% + date 20%), was found exceptional followed by OD1 (orange 90% + date 10%), while OD6 (orange 40% + date 60%) results found not satisfactory. Moreover, further study is needed to test suitability of orange-date (80:20) blended squash for commercial feasibility to this product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers argued that increasing global temperature will result in waning glacier based freshwater availability in future. River Indus fed by glaciers is critical for Pakistan as it is irrigating its 80% of agricultural land. Shigari Kalan watershed is one of the water sheds located in Skardu, Northern Pakistan, which also contributes to River Indus flowing to Pakistan. The aim of instant research is to evaluate the correlation amid temperature and the rate of glacier/snow melt which could have future implications for water availability in the River Indus flowing into Pakistan for which data pertaining to snow/glacier melt from the Shigari Kalan watershed was regularly monitored during the period spread over September 2015 to November 2015 and March 2016 to September 2016. Results showed that in the flow discharges of the stream during summer months was much higher with peak in June. The snow/glacier melt increases with air temperature from 12.5 C onwards and at 20C onwards it gets exponential rate. From the results it transpires that the effect of global warming in Himalaya and Karakorum Mountains has already set in. Any further increase in global temperature as predicted in many studies will further increase glacier melt rate which could result in extinction of glaciers in the long run. Such a situation will have serious implications for Skardu and water availability in River Indus and thus for Pakistan whose major water requirements are met from snow/glacier melt from the River Indus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the possibility of orange date blended squash at different ratios, i.e. OD1 (orange 90% + date 10%), OD2 (orange 80% + date 20%), OD3 (orange 70% + date 30%), OD4 (orange 60% + date 40%), OD5 (orange 50% + date 50%) and OD6 (orange 40% + date 60%). Orange date blended squash was prepared by the combination of pulp: sugar: water, with 3: 4: 1 ratio respectively. All samples were tested for total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, ascorbic acid and sensory properties as flavor, color and overall acceptability. Samples were stored for three months and readings were recorded at every 15 days interval. During storage intervals, TSS increased from 48.0 to 51.31°Brix, pH increased 3.82 to 4.25, titratable acidity decreased from 1.02 to 0.86%, reducing sugar increased from 16.50 to 17.76%, non-reducing sugar decreased from 28.25 to 26.98%, ascorbic acid decreased from 19.11 to 15.65mg/100g, mean score of judges for flavor decreased from 7.9 to 6.2, color means decreased from 7.6 to 5.8 and overall acceptability decreased from 7.6 to 5.7. The results demonstrated that the treatments and 90 days storage interval have great effect (p<0.05) on all the experiments of orange date blended squash. The treatment OD2 (orange 80% + date 20%), was found exceptional followed by OD1 (orange 90% + date 10%), while OD6 (orange 40% + date 60%) results found not satisfactory. Moreover, further study is needed to test suitability of orange-date (80:20) blended squash for commercial feasibility to this product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high input feeding system has been found most efficient in fodder-scarce areas of Pakistan. However, the economic worth of the system is questionable due to the high feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the goats. The current study was planned to improve the Beetal male kid's performance using a compensatory growth tool. A total of twelve male Beetal kids with an average weight of 20±2 kg and approximately 6 months old were randomly selected and kept for 85 days including 15 days of an adjustment period. There were two phases of the experiment. During the restriction phase; the animals were divided into three groups i.e. T1=feeding @2% of body weight (BW), T2=feeding @3% of BW, and T3=feeding @4% of BW. In the re-alimentation phase; all the animals were fed ad-libitum. The animals were kept in individual pens and were offered total mixed pelleted ration by following NRC recommended feeding standards. All the animals had free access to fresh and clean water. They were kept under the same husbandry practices. The results showed that ADG was highest (P<0.001) in T3 (887 g/d) followed by T2 and T2 due to higher intake during restriction phase. However, this was reversed in re-alimentation phase where the ADG was highest (P<0.001) in T1 (153 g/d) followed by T2 (112.10 g/d) and T3 (100.08 g/d) mainly due to compensatory growth phenomena. The ADFI data also support the ADG trend as it was higher in the groups showing higher gains. This trend was also followed by body measurements. The FCR was significantly (P=0.014) lower (6.83) in the T1 group during the re-alimentation period followed by T2 and T3. Total feed cost was also significantly (P<0.05) lower in T1 (Rs. 1938). Serum glucose was also higher (P=0.04) in group T1 (63.11 mg/dl) and least in T3 (55.97 mg/dl). This is also confirming the physiological modification in feed restricted animals that are responsible for compensatory growth. It is concluded that the growth performance of Beetal male kids can be improved by giving them restricted feeding @2% BW followed by re-alimentation which also improves the feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is one of the valuable resources for life sustenance in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In recent past, its contamination due to lack of balance between its exploitation and recharge has posed a serious menace on its utilization for various purposes. Current study was conducted in District Karak during June to November, 2009 with the objectives to assess the changes in groundwater table depths due to withdrawal and the water quality parameters and to find the effect of small dams on recharge of ground water aquifer. Water table depths data from the ground surface, discharge of the wells, water quality parameters such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Electrical Conductivity (ECw) were determined. Suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes was evaluated following various classification schemes. The results show that in most part of the study area, water table is showing slightly rising trend, except Sur Dag, Narre Khawar and Takht-e-Nasrati areas, where the water table is declining. On other hand, the numbers of tube wells extracting ground water are increasing rapidly. The wells discharges of the sampled tube wells varied from 2 to 14 l/s and the horse power of the pumping units ranged from 2 to 30 hp and the pumps efficiencies of the wells ranged from 22 to 73% with an overall average of 42%. The number of hours the farmers operates their well ranged from 2 to 10 hours per day. The water quality reveals that pH of the water varies from 8.2-8.9 while ECw ranges from 0.4-4.7 dS/m. Out of 36, only inseven villages groundwater has ECw higher than the useable limit recommended by WAPDA (1974) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio was within safe range, following various classification schemes. In Richard's salinity diagram, it is observed that 21 (60%) villages water fall in C2-S1 class indicating medium salinity having low Sodium concentration and may be suitable to salt tolerant crop. Regular assessment of water resource and constant monitoring of water quality is recommended. An appropriate measure may be adopted for recharge of the ground water aquifer through development of small dams in the catchments plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during 2014 in order to investigate about the performance of Farm Services Centers in the empowerment of farmers towards the sustainable development. Five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as Mansehra, Dir Lower, Swat, Dera Ismail Khan and Swabi were the sampled districts and 80 farmers registered with Farm Services were randomly selected from each district. Thus, sample size was making a total of 400 respondents. Primary data were collected with the help of pre-tested interview schedule through personal interview method. The results of this research study revealed that affinity toward Farm Services Centers were bulk of the educated, middle aged and small landholding farmers. Maximum of the respondents had above 20 years of farming experience. A rapid increase in the registration of farmers with Farm Services Centers was found in the last five years. Chi-square results indicated highly significant association (P≤0.05) between the duration of registration with Farm Services centers, fertilizers and farm machinery provided to the respondents. Farm Services Center's performed their commitment very well with respect to empowerment of farmers in different agrarian practices like decision making, farm management, varietal selection, management of weed, and selection of fertilizer. Private agricultural companies were also playing their role in technological breakthroughs. It is therefore, suggested that these agricultural companies must be allowed for demonstration to train farmers on their innovations under Farm Services Center's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]