Search

The genus Jasminum L., of the family Oleaceae, includes many species occurring in the wild, or cultivated worldwide. A preliminary investigation based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) was performed to assess the genetic diversity among 28 accessions, representing nine species of Jasminum from various regions, representing a range of altitudes in Pakistan. A total of 21 ISSR primers were used, which produced 570 amplified bands of different sizes, with a mean polymorphic band percentage of 98.26%. The maximum resolving power, polymorphism information content, and index values of the ISSR markers recorded for primers 6, 16, and 19 were 0.40, 12.32, and 24.21, respectively. Based on the data of the ISSR markers, the resulting UPGMA dendrogram with the Jaccard coefficient divided the 28 accessions into two main clades. At the species level, the highest values for Shannon's information index, polymorphism percentage, effective allele number, Nei's genetic variations, and genetic unbiased diversity were found in Jasminum sambac L. and J. humile L., while the lowest were observed in J. mesnyi Hance and J. nitidum Skan. Based on Nei's unbiased genetic identity pairwise population matrix, the maximum identity (0.804) was observed between J. elongatum Willd and J. multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews, and the lowest (0.566) between J. nitidum Skan. and J. azoricum L. Molecular variance analysis displayed a genetic variation of 79% among the nine populations. The study was aimed to established genetic diversity in Jasminum species using ISSR markers. With the help of this technique, we were able to establish immense intra- and interspecific diversity across the Jasminum species.

Jasminum L. is the largest genus containing ~200 species found wild mostly in the tropical regions of the world. The comparative palynological study of nine Pakistani Jasminum species with SEM showed zonocolpus, trilobate, and tricolpus pollen types with simple endocolpus apertures which are plesiomorphic and conserved in the Jasminum species. The equatorial pollen view was prolate, subprolate, and perprolate with elliptic, lobate, subcircular whereas polar view was subtriangular in all species. Few characters were specific to some species like heteropolarity in Jasminum grandiflorum and foveolate exine ornamentation with rounded heterobrochate in Jasminum angulare whereas reticulate and angular homobrochate character was common in other species. The UPGMA dendrogram based on qualitative characters did not support the phylogenetic classification of the genus Jasminum as these are highly conserved. The quantitative data showed more variation in some characters whereas few characters showed little or no variation. A greater variation in pollen size was observed among the variants of same species, for example, Jasminum humile showed highly variable polar length and equatorial diameter as compared to other species. Minimum variation was observed in colpus length which divided all species in to two groups. The large lumina were specific to Jasminum nitidum and broader muri was the prominent characteristic of Jasminum angulare. Some species like Jasminum sambac and Jasminum azoricum were unable to develop true pollen due to structural or functional disabilities. So, the quantitative characters of pollen are only suitable for palynological based grouping of Jasminum species but less suitable to infer their evolutionary relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the high degree of perishability of the fruit, the peach industry faces serious challenges tackling physiological disorders, microbial/chemical decay, and the suboptimal quality of the fruit during and following cold storage. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of spray applications of calcium chloride (CaCl2) at various physiological stages of fruit growth and development, on ripening, flesh softening, chilling injury (CI) and nutritional quality of peach fruit cv "Flordaking" during low-temperature storage. The aqueous solutions of CaCl2 [0, 1, 2, and 3% (w/v)] were sprayed on peach trees during cell division, pit hardening and cell expansion stages in 2011 and 2012. At commercial harvest, the fruit were hand-picked and were subjected to cold storage at 1 ± 1°C (RH: 90 ± 5%) for 6 weeks. The data on CI index and other quality characteristics of the fruit were recorded at harvest and then weekly for up to 6 weeks. The results showed that the pre-harvest spray application of CaCl2 substantially reduced the incidence of chilling injury (CI) and delayed climacteric ripening seemingly by lowering the rates of ethylene production and fruit softening during storage as compared to control, regardless the doses of CaCl2 and its application time, however higher doses of calcium chloride proved to be toxic causing blemishes on the surface of "Flordaking" peaches. In conclusion, pre-harvest spray application of CaCl2 @ 1% may be a successful production management tool to maintain the quality and to extend storability of peach fruit during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color development in 'Feutrell's early' fruit was used to determine the time of harvest, when color changes from dark green to fully orange take place during season of peak maturity. Ten fruits from each replication were harvested on visual observation of their skin color, and were subsequently made ready for biochemical analysis of color determination by using Chromameter. Dark green color to light green fruits were ordered in (1–5) order whereas light orange to deep orange were given (6–10) numbering orders. Triplicate determinations of all samples were used for all the laboratory analysis. Fruit-peel chlorophylls were recorded as more in fruits having color dark green which on the other hand, had gradually decreased in orange colored fruits. The carotenoids, however, have showed the opposite trend. Titratable acidity and ascorbic acid were observed as lessened in green coloration fruits, while the pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total dissolved salts (TDS), and sugar values showed an increasing tendency in orange-colored fruits. Values of reducing sugars and antioxidants were noted as decreased in orange colored fruits while anthocyanins were increased in that produce. Nonetheless, phenolic contents, flavonoids and flavonols were not significantly affected in coloration. Dark green to light green fruits possessed more titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant as well as phenolic contents, and were more useful from nutritional point of view. Light orange to deep orange colored fruits had more sweetness, palatability, and tastiness to appeal increased consumer's acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) is a known devastating pathogen and menace threat to several important vegetables worldwide including Pakistan. This study was conducted to determine the incidence, distribution and genetic variability of CMV isolates infecting cucurbits and solanaceous vegetables in the Pothwar region of Pakistan, a rich region for vegetable production. Symptomatic leaf and fruit samples were subjected to double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) using polyclonal antibodies for CMV. Moreover, it was further characterized by Triple Antibody Sandwich ELISA (TAS-ELISA), molecular assays and genetic recombination. The pathogen was prevalent in all districts and detected in all 10 tested vegetables i.e. cucumber, round gourd, watermelon, melon, pumpkin, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, smooth gourd, chilli and tomato, with an average incidence ranging from 11.85% to 25.89%, with the highest incidence in district Attock (25.17%) followed by Rawalpindi (23.04%), Jhelum (18.57%), Chakwal (18.30%) and Islamabad (14.45%). Cucumber, tomato, watermelon and chilli were found to be most affected by CMV with an average disease incidence (D.I.) of 45.38%, 21.15%, 19.39% and 19.05%, respectively. Capsid protein (CP) cistron nucleotides based In silico restriction and Phylogenetic analyses revealed that among 10 Pakistani CMV under studied isolates; the four viz., AAJAC, AARpCu, AAHAWM and AACCu isolates were grouped as member of CMV subgroup IB and they shared 94.96% identity with each other while rest of the six isolates viz., AARCF, AARwCu, AARTF, AAHAPu, AAICu and AAJABG grouped in to CMV subgroup II with 92.8% identity among themselves. In recombination detection analysis, the Pakistani CMV isolate AAICu (MH119070) was found likely to be a recombinant between the Indian (X89652) and Pakistani (MH119068) isolates with recombinant breakpoints between 370th and 630th nucleotides. Further research is needed to comprehend the economic impact of the virus and breeding programs for screening of resistant genotypes as per recombinant strains and there is also a need to focus on training of farmer communities to manage disease through adaption of resistant cultivars and controlling vector populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste production is associated with human inhabitation and its rate is increasing over time. Globally, the major proportion of waste is disposed of through landfilling and open dumping, which is environmentally unsafe due to emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Thus, in order to avoid emission of GHGs from wastes it is important to use techniques that can convert wastes to energy/nutrients on eco-friendly economical way. Furthermore, quantification of the impacts of these waste management techniques on ecosystem is also needed through the application of tools like modeling, remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and life cycle assessments (LCA). Thus, this review was conducted by considering focus on potential of nutrient and energy recovery techniques from various types of wastes and approaches to enhance the efficiency of the process. The outcomes depicted that the aerobic and anaerobic digestion is suitable to deal with biodegradable and organic fraction of the waste, but anaerobic digestion seem to be more sustainable waste management techniques. Additionally, the review covers the techniques to drive energy and recover nutrient from non-biodegradable proportion. Different modern analytical tools; such as remote sensing, GIS and simple/dynamic models could be useful tool to help in the decision-making processes for waste managements. These tools can help us to design integrated solid waste management processes. Finally, we suggest that LCA should be considered to determine the environmental load of material/product from its production to final disposal (from cradle to grave). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on examining the effect of vegetables extract foliar application on storage quality of the grapes grape (Vitis vinifera L. cvs. 'Perlette' and 'King's Ruby'). The vines were sprayed after fruit set twice at 15 days interval at concentrations of 0, 0.20%, 0.30% and 0.40%. Fruit were harvested and kept under cold-storage at 0.5 ±0.5°C and 90% RH for 28 days. The physicochemical properties of treated and untreated berries were analyzed at 7 days intervals during the cold storage. The results showed that the pre-harvest application of vegetable extracts reduced the weight loss and inhibited the fruit decay. Treated grape also had higher ascorbic acid contents, total phenolics, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, and higher soluble solid contents, titratable acidity, and reduced sugar:acid ratio. The concentration of 0.30% and cultivar 'Kings Ruby' gave the best result as compared to untreated control. In conclusion, pre-harvest vegetables extract application on berries showed higher antioxidant activities in grape berries, and maintained their post-harvest quality. These results indicated that foliar spray of vegetables extract could effectively improve the fruit quality, mainly through the reduction of phenolic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to characterize the exotic olive cultivars on morphological as well as phenological basis and to assess their adaptability in Pothwar (Chakwal area) climatic condition of Pakistan. Majority of the parameters indicated significant variability between the cultivars and positive significant correlation were obtained between the parameters. Cultivars Ottobratica and Arbequina could be used for pollination purpose against maximum cultivars due to the longest flowering duration. Maximum fruit set percentage was recorded in cultivar Arbequina (5.49%) while poor fruit set was observed in cultivar Koroneiki (1.15%) with the mean of 2.66 for all cultivars. Maximum yield per plant was obtained from the cultivar Coratina (22kg) while minimum was recorded from the cultivar Leccino (2.5kg) with mean of 10.54kg. It is concluded from the correlation that bold size cultivars like Coratina, Gemlik, Jerboui and Nabali could be recommended for projection of olive industry in Pakistan under the climatic condition of Chakwal as fruit set percentage has positive correlation with fruit weight. The grouping of above mentioned cultivars in bi-plot on the basis of oil percentage, fruit set percentage and yield per tree also confirmed the recommendation of cultivars. Overall the trait of final fruit set percentage showed the greatest variability among all the traits among all the cultivars. Five cultivars included Coratina, Gemlik, Nabali, Picholine and Jerboui were most suitable for oil and yield production under the climatic condition of Pothwar, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peach industry faces serious economic losses because of the short “green” life of the fruit at postharvest. In the present study, we investigated the effects of putrescine (PUT) application on the quality characteristics, pattern of ripening, storage behaviour and shelf life of peach fruit during low-temperature storage. The aqueous solution of PUT (0, 1, 2 and 3 mM) was applied to the peach trees at three distinctive stages of fruit growth and development. The fruits, harvested at the commercial stage of maturity, were stored at 1 ± 1 ◦C and 90 ± 2% relative humidity for 6 weeks. The data for fruit firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AsA) content, rate of ethylene production, chilling injury (CI) index and colour perception were collected at harvest and then on a weekly basis throughout the storage period. The results showed that spray application of PUT significantly reduced the incidence of CI and reduced the rates of fruit softening, loss in fruit weight, SSC, TA, AsA content and fading of skin colour during storage, regardless of the doses of PUT applied, or the time of application. However, the positive effects on the quality characteristics of peach fruit, including CI, were more pronounced with the higher doses of PUT, specifically when applied at 2 mM. In conclusion, CI in peach fruit may be substantially alleviated by the spray application of 1–3 mM PUT during fruit growth without compromising the quality of the fruit for up to 6 weeks in low-temperature storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) has been in high demand since ever. High quality of fruit and increased yield are desired characters both for the researchers and the growers. The impact of foliar application of chitosan (CHT), Salicylic Acid (SA) and Putrescine (PUT) on fruit yield and physico-chemical characteristics of "Yolo Wonder" bell pepper cultivar was studied for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Results indicate application of chitosan (0.5), putrescine (3 mM) and SA (3 mM) increased fruit weight, fruit diameter, and yield as compared to control and other treatments. Fruit firmness was increased in PUT (2 mM, 3 mM) and SA (3 mM) as compared to control. Furthermore, fruit harvested from these treated plants did not affect days to fruit maturity and number of fruits per plant. Higher PUT (3 mM) and SA (3 mM) concentration proved significantly better in reducing disease incidence. Present research proves SA and PUT sprays more effective than CHT for improving fruit physical and chemical characteristics such as fruit size, fruit weight, yield, fruit firmness, and vitamin C content. Finally, the biostimulants used in this study can easily be used to improve yield and quality of bell pepper without compromising the food safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have established an efficient protocol for in vitro callogenesis from leaf explants of Troyer citrange (Poncirus trifoliata x Citrus sinensis) and Feutrell's early (C. reticulata x C. sinensis) using modified MS medium enriched with varied concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Indirect shoot organogenesis was also achieved from leaf derived calli on medium comprising varied concentrations of BAP, Kinetin (KN) and NAA. Best interaction for callus induction was observed by Troyer citrange with modified MS medium containing 0.5 mg L-1 2,4-D, 0.5 mg L-1 NAA and 0.5 mg L-1 BAP, which resulted in 99.66% of leaf segments producing calli within 16.33 days. Morphological differences were also noticed for calli texture and color with different concentrations of 2,4-D, NAA and BAP used. Compact and hard calli were noticed on MS medium with 0.1 mg L-1 NAA and 0.5 mg L-1 BAP however, medium including 1.0 mg L-1 2,4-D, 0.9 mg L-1 NAA and 0.5 mg L-1 BAP resulted in friable and smooth calli by both cultivars. Exuberant shoot regeneration response (65.33%) with an average of 6.2 shoots/calli was recorded on MS medium with 2 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA by Feutrell's early. Our findings are the pre-requisite for various biotechnological tools like mutation breeding, somaclonal variations, genetic transformation and somatic hybridization which may be helpful in citrus varietal improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell pepper is an important vegetable commodity; getting the intention of industry for fresh exports. However, short postharvest life is one of the major limitations. Comprehensive investigations were made for the possibility of extending storage life of bell pepper through UV-C (Shortwave ultraviolet radiations) and different edible coatings. The UV-C and different edible coatings had significant effects on the shelf life of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) cv. "Royal Wonder" stored at low temperature. UV-C irradiation (3 and 5 min at 254 nm) as well as edible coatings including; Aloe gel (1.5 and 2.5%), cinnamon oil (0.30 and 0.40%) and chitosan (1 and 1.5%) were applied on the fruit of bell pepper cv. "Royal Wonder". The treated fruit was kept in cold storage for 24 days at 8±1°C with 80-85% RH. The fruit samples were analyzed for physical and chemical attributes with an interval of three days. The results indicated that, all the treatments maintained fruit quality and storage life, but UV-C application for 5 min and 1.5% Aloe gel delayed the changes in firmness, titratable acidity (TA), levels of ascorbic acid, soluble solids content (SSC) and fruit color development during storage. Moreover, weight loss, electrolyte leakage and disease incidence was also lowered by these treatments. Postharvest fruit performance indicated that UV-C application for 5 min and 1.5% Aloe gel significantly maintained the quality of pepper as compared to control up to 24 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit fly infestation adversely affects guava crop especially during summer and resulted in significant economic losses. Bagging techniques can protect fruits from pests and eliminates the use of pesticides, thus improves the quality of fruit. In the present study, different materials (newspaper bags, perforated polyethylene bags, muslin cloth bags and netted cloth bags) were used for on-tree bagging of guava fruit to improve fruit quality. The maturity of the fruit remained at par in bagged and unbagged fruits except newspaper bags where it was delayed significantly. Bagged fruit had shown less damage from fruit fly, other pests and diseases in comparison to controls where hardly any fruit was without pest attack. Polyethylene bags reduced the damage by fruit fly to maximum extent followed by newspaper and muslin cloth bags. Economic analysis indicated that all bagging techniques were cost effective. However, fruit covered with perforated polyethylene bags exhibited maximum BCR (benefit cost ratio) with better fruit quality. Moreover, newspaper bagged fruit exhibited the lowest weight loss (2.72%), maximum fruit firmness (84.1N) and highest pH (4.35) during storage. Un-bagged fruits had the highest value for weight loss (5.46%), while least value for fruit firmness (50.3 N). Highest values for reducing sugars (3.45%), non-reducing sugars (3.03%) and total sugars (7.34%) were observed in fruit covered with perforated polyethylene bags. Amongst various bagging treatments the perforated polyethylene was found to be the best regarding sensory evaluation. In case of harvest maturity, yellow ripe stage performed better in the organoleptic characteristics at the time of ripening but had the shortest storage life in comparison to green mature and green yellow stages, therefore suitable only for local market. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies of soil are causing wide spread nutritional disorder in horticultural crops, grown in the calcareous soils. Keeping in view the limitations of classical statistics for explaining spatial heterogeneity a survey in the farmer grown apple orchards was conducted for indexing micronutrient using geo-statistics and GIS as a diagnostic tools. Geo-referenced soil samples were collected from 30 apple orchards. Recently matured leaves were sampled from associated apple trees. Widespread deficiency of Zn existed in the foliage of apple orchards followed by site specific Mn, Fe and Cu, respectively. Bioavailable Zn in soil was deficient in 30, 33 and 50%, and marginal in 10, 15 and 30% of total analyzed samples collected from the surface (0-15 cm), subsurface (15-30 cm) and lower soil depth (30-45 cm). Moderate to strong spatial dependence of studied micronutrients in three soil depths provided an opportunity to prepare contour maps for classifying the whole area in to various zones on the basis of having differential micronutrient content levels for regional scale information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the ample increase in peach growing area, improvement in quality and average yield is still negligible. The influence of foliar application of calcium chloride (CaCl2), putrescine (PUT) and salicylic acid (SA) on fruit yield and physicochemical characteristics of 'Florida King' peach cultivar was evaluated for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012). Results indicated that, application of CaCl2 (1%), PUT (1, 2 and 3 mM) and SA (2 and 3 mM) increased fruit weight, fruit diameter, pulp: stone ratio and yield compared to control. In addition, fruit harvested from these growth elicitors treated trees did not show significant difference in total soluble solids and total sugar contents. All treatments resulted in higher fruit firmness, acidity and ascorbic acid contents than control. Higher calcium treatments proved toxic and significantly increased the calcium level in leaves and fruit. From present work it can be referred that spraying of CaCl2, PUT and SA, significantly affected yield, and physico-chemical characteristics of peach cv. 'Florida King'. These growth elicitors are considered safe chemicals and can be applied to enhance production and improve fruit quality of peach without compromising the food safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera (Syn Aloe barbadensis Mill.), a medicinal plant, has a great potential in cosmetic and drug industry due to presence of more than 200 bioactive compounds. Natural propagation of Aloe vera, by means of suckers, is very slow and insufficient to meet the increasing demand of pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Shoot tip was used as an explant for in vitro regeneration of Aloe vera. Explants were disinfested with the use of 0.1% mercuric chloride and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, and washed thoroughly with autoclaved distilled water. Solid MS medium was used with addition of different concentrations of 6-benzyl aminopurine and α-naphthalene acitic acid. After 7 weeks of inoculation, greatest number of shoots (11.18) and highest shoot length (12.15cm) were found in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg 1-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) along with same concentration of a-naphthalene acitic acid (NAA). Best rooting (84.67%) was found in medium supplemented with 1.5 mg 1-1 of indole butyric acid (IBA). The rooted explants were then gradually acclimatized and shifted to green house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was carried out to examine and map the Fe status in the soil and foliage of apple orchards in the Murree region to assess the Fe status. Thirteen apple orchards were selected and surveyed from apple producing area on Union Council basis. Sixty five apple trees were selected to collect plant and 130 soil samples from surface and subsurface profile. Foliage Fe concentration was deficient in 46% of the surveyed apple orchards. AB-DTPA extractant technique was used to determine soil available Fe content. Soils of all apple orchards were adequate in plant available Fe content. Factors positively influencing the availability of Fe content included organic matter, clay and silt, whereas pH, sand and calcium carbonate negatively influenced the availability of Fe in orchard soils. Contradictory behavior of soil and foliage Fe content in terms of no or poor correlation indicated a need to mitigate this contradictory behavior by evaluating various extractants and their critical values for the apple orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Jasminum L., of the family Oleaceae, includes many species occurring in the wild, or cultivated worldwide. A preliminary investigation based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) was performed to assess the genetic diversity among 28 accessions, representing nine species of Jasminum from various regions, representing a range of altitudes in Pakistan. A total of 21 ISSR primers were used, which produced 570 amplified bands of different sizes, with a mean polymorphic band percentage of 98.26%. The maximum resolving power, polymorphism information content, and index values of the ISSR markers recorded for primers 6, 16, and 19 were 0.40, 12.32, and 24.21, respectively. Based on the data of the ISSR markers, the resulting UPGMA dendrogram with the Jaccard coefficient divided the 28 accessions into two main clades. At the species level, the highest values for Shannon's information index, polymorphism percentage, effective allele number, Nei's genetic variations, and genetic unbiased diversity were found in Jasminum sambac L. and J. humile L., while the lowest were observed in J. mesnyi Hance and J. nitidum Skan. Based on Nei's unbiased genetic identity pairwise population matrix, the maximum identity (0.804) was observed between J. elongatum Willd and J. multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews, and the lowest (0.566) between J. nitidum Skan. and J. azoricum L. Molecular variance analysis displayed a genetic variation of 79% among the nine populations. The study was aimed to established genetic diversity in Jasminum species using ISSR markers. With the help of this technique, we were able to establish immense intra- and interspecific diversity across the Jasminum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has two dangerous global consequences for agriculture: drought, due to water scarcity, and salinization, due to the prolonged use of water containing high concentrations of salts. Since the global climate is projected to continue to change over this century and beyond, choosing salt-tolerant plants could represent a potential paramount last resort for exploiting the secondary saline soils. Olive is considered moderately resistant to soil salinity as compared to other fruit trees, and in the present study, we investigated the influence of NaCl solutions (ranging from 0 to 200 mM) in a salt-tolerant (cv Canino) and two of its transgenic lines (Canino AT17-1 and Canino AT17-2), overexpressing tobacco osmotin gene, and in a salt-sensitive (Sirole) olive cultivar. After four weeks, most of the shoots of both Canino and Sirole plants showed stunted growth and ultimate leaf drop by exposure to salt-enriched media, contrary to transgenic lines, that did not show injuries and exhibited a normal growth rate. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was also measured as an indicator of the lipid peroxidation level. To evaluate the role of the S assimilatory pathway in alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress, thiols levels as well as extractable activities of ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) and O-acetyl serine(thiol)lyase (OASTL), the first and the last enzyme of the S assimilation pathway, respectively, have been estimated. The results have clearly depicted that both transgenic lines overexpressing osmotin gene coped with increasing levels of NaCl by the induction of S metabolism, and particularly increase in OASTL activity closely paralleled changes of NaCl concentration. Linear correlation between salt stress and OASTL activity provides evidence that the S assimilation pathway plays a key role in adaptive response of olive plants under salt stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on biologically active compounds has been increased in order to improve plant protection against various environmental stresses. Among natural sources, plants are the fundamental material for studying these bioactive compounds as their immune system consists of many peptides, proteins, and hormones. Osmotin is a multifunctional stress-responsive protein belonging to pathogenesis-related 5 (PR-5) defense-related protein family, which is involved in inducing osmo-tolerance in plants. In this scenario, the accumulation of osmotin initiates abiotic and biotic signal transductions. These proteins work as antifungal agents against a broad range of fungal species by increasing plasma membrane permeability and dissipating the membrane potential of infecting fungi. Therefore, overexpression of tobacco osmotin protein in transgenic plants protects them from different stresses by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, limiting lipid peroxidation, initiating programmed cell death (PCD), and increasing proline content and scavenging enzyme activity. Other than osmotin, its homologous proteins, osmotin-like proteins (OLPs), also have dual function in plant defense against osmotic stress and have strong antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increasing level of biotic and abiotic stress was assessed on Kinnow fruit quality features in different ecological zones. • Comparatively biotic and abiotic stress extent was increased in warm regions under changing climate scenario. • Inferior Kinnow mandarin fruit quality with more production of lower grades fruit were recorded at warm regions. • Better quality with higher level of polyphenols and antioxidant activity were recorded at relatively moderate conditions. • Fruit quality parameters were influenced by fluctuating agrometeorological indices in climate change scenario. The quality of Kinnow fruit was assessed in different ecological zones by selecting three main districts: Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari; all of them have varying environmental conditions. Abiotic and biotic stress on fruit quality was assessed. More growing degree days, photothermal index, photo and helio thermal units were computed in Vehari, while hydrothermal units and energy use efficiency were recorded in higher values at TTS. Fruit diameter was measured from April to December and recorded with increased width in TTS and Vehari during May and June. In May, more fruit drop was noted in TTS and Vehari compared to Sargodha due to heat stress. Pests such as citrus thrips, mites and fruit fly infected fruits were recorded in higher percentage at Vehari and TTS, while citrus red scale infestation was seen more in Sargodha. In Sargodha, a higher incidence of citrus scab and melanose was noted on Kinnow fruits, while more stem-end rot infected fruits were recorded at TTS and Vehari. In abiotic stress, more wind scares were noted at Sargodha, followed by TTS, whereas stem injury and styler-end deformity were found to be non-significant. Fruit physical parameters such as width, fresh weight and peel thickness were noted more in TTS and Vehari, while more surface smoothness and firmness were observed in Sargodha. Biochemical properties such as pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugars, ascorbic acid, total dissolved salts and electrical conductivity showed higher levels in Sargodha than TTS and Vehari. More antioxidant and total anthocyanins were found in Sargodha, while higher levels of total phenolic contents were estimated at TTS and total flavonoids in Vehari. Kinnow fruit of Sargodha received more sensory scores in organoleptic evaluation. Higher percentage of A-grade fruits was harvested from Sargodha and B-grade fruits from TTS and Vehari. More numbers of fruits and weight were obtained from TTS, followed by Sargodha. Extreme events such as heat stress and smog were seen more in Vehari and TTS and subsequently their fruit quality was found to be inferior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More days were taken in Kinnow fruit during ripening phase at warm conditions as well as more agrometeorological indices were computed in fruit different phenophases. • Prior flowering, fruit-setting and cell division initiated with rapid fruit growth at warm districts of TTS and Vehari as compared to Sargodha. • Fruit peel thickness, size index, volume, diameter and weight were recorded as an increasing level in warm districts whereas fruit specific gravity and firmness were decreased in these districts during ripening process. • Timely color development, more fruit specific gravity and firmness were recorded at Sargodha due low fluctuation in climate variables had yielded exportable superior quality Kinnow fruit. • In climate change scenario, more fluctuating climatic variables were observed at warm conditions which adversely affected Kinnow fruit growth and development and also delayed in color development. Kinnow orchards of uniform age, planting density and vigor were selected in three different ecological zones situated in the districts of Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari of Pakistan. Climate change has adversely affected plants; particularly perennial fruits cultivated in tropical (banana, mango), subtropical (citrus, olive, grapes) and temperate (apple, apricot, plum) zones owing to their slow adaptability. In this context, the fluctuating effect of agrometeorological indices and energy-use efficiency on Kinnow mandarin's fruit growth and development was evaluated. Each experiment was performed in three biological replicates. Ten fruits were randomly collected at the end of each month (April-December) from a single plant to study fruit growth and development. Similarly, physical fruit parameters were recorded from August to February. More days were passed between fruit-setting till arrival of maturity at Vehari, whereas less number of days was counted in Sargodha. More growing degree days and photothermal index were calculated at Vehari during different phenophases of Kinnow fruit as compared to Sargodha. Hydrothermal units were more recorded in Sargodha than Vehari. More yields were obtained from TTS which had increased energy use efficiency than other two districts. Fruit cell division and cell enlargement stages were commenced afore and had finished earlier in Vehari district, followed by TTS. Fruit diameter, peel and pulp thickness as well as fresh weight were recorded in higher values at TTS and Vehari. Non-significant differences were seen in moisture percentage. More fruit size and shape indices were also recorded in TTS and Vehari. Fruit volume was measured larger at TTS, whereas fruit specific gravity was recorded higher at Sargodha from August to February. More intercellular space was seen in fruit samples collected from Vehari and TTS, which at maturity had reduced fruit firmness. Fruit color was recorded as green in samples from all three districts until the beginning of color-break in October. At the arrival of ripening phase in February, more values of color parameters a, b, C and L were enumerated at Vehari. Hue angle of fruit color was found to be at 1200, depicting green color that was rotated at 600 by portraying deep yellow or orange tinge on Kinnow mandarin. Climate variables have had a substantial effect on fruit growth and development phases as well as physical characteristics. Better physical quality and timely color development of Kinnow fruit was noted at Sargodha due to milder environmental conditions compared to TTS and Vehari. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could allow growers to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and increase the sustainability of crop production. Wheat is the main staple food crop of Pakistan, and few studies have reported on the impact of PGPR on wheat crops. To determine if PGPR can maintain wheat productivity with reduced fertilizer applications, we isolated bacteria from the rhizosphere of wheat grown in sandy loam. We selected 10 strains based on in vitro assays for traits associated with PGPR: ACC deaminase activity, siderophore productivity, P-solubilization, and productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA). Furthermore, the strains were tested in three experiments (using a growth-chamber, pots with an experimental area of 0.05 m2, and a field). Strains that possessed the four traits associated with PGPR increased the shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry weight of plants in the growth chamber study. Similarly, under the pot trial, maximum crop traits were observed under the consortium + half dose, while under field conditions maximum crop parameters were detected in the case of consortium 1 and consortium 2 along with half the recommended dose of fertilizer. This confirms that this consortium could provide growers with a sustainable approach to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage in wheat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extension in the display life of cut flowers is a pre-requisite of floral industry to meet with the demands of growers, wholesalers and consumers. Various chemical preservatives and growth regulators are currently in use to enhance the shelf and decorative life of cut flowers. In this study, a well-established plant growth regulator salicylic acid (SA) was supplemented in various concentrations, viz., 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg SA L −1 in vase solution during two consecutive years 2010–11. Days taken to open floret, percent florets opened, vase life, percent fresh weight change, electrolyte leakage, activities of antioxidative enzymes SOD, POD, CAT, and free radicals scavenging activity were investigated in this study. Salicylic acid at 150 mg L −1 significantly increased the days to open florets, percent florets opened, retained higher fresh weight, and enhanced the SOD, POD, CAT and free radicals scavenging activity. The lowest electrolyte leakage and the highest free radical scavenging activity were recorded with SA levels of 200 and 150 mg L −1 , respectively. The study concludes that SA is helpful in extending the vase life of gladiolus cut flower, and the highest physiological and biochemical response was at an optimum level of 150 mg SA L −1 of vase solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rosa hybrida seed dormancy significantly hinders the germination percentage. • Genotypic variations, agroclimatic and edaphic factors influenced the seed setting and germination percentage. • Cold stratification with GA 3 proved efficient in minimizing the seed dormancy and more germination percentage was obtained. • In conventional breeding selected parents, microsatellite markers proved convenient for selection of variant hybrid seedlings. • Microsatellite markers can easily select genetically different desirable hybrids at early growth stage. Roses have complex mode of inheritance due to inter and intra-variant ploidy level in both varieties and species, which occurred as result of inbreeding depression. Improvement in ornamental crops is blooming trend for maximizing production and quality produce for market acceptability. The main objective of this work was to improve rose seed germination that resulted from successful crosses to develop new hybrid lines and interrogated by using microsatellite 'Simple Sequence Repeat Marker's (SSRs). Four different seed treatments were applied to evaluate early and maximum seed germination. The resulted seedlings were evaluated for their number of days taken to germination, seedling root length and seedling length at the time of transplantation. The means data were calculated by using standard ANOVA technique with probability level 5%. The simple sequence repeat markers were applied to illustrate the inherited diversity within hybrid population, relevant to their parents. The population was differentiated by linkage group obtained in constructed maps. In this study, NaOCl rinsing and GA 3 application on cold scarified seed has significantly improved germination percentage. The early seedling germination (29.37 days) was observed in variety Bora bora crosses. The maximum root length (2.17 cm) was observed in Gruss-an-teplitz cross. These findings depicted that seed treatments favor the growth with disinfectants. Therefore, use of growth promoter increased the success rate as compared to control treatment. Furthermore, developed hybrids progenies resulted from successful crosses analyzed for morphological extent to demonstrate the characters of hybrids plants. The possible use of marker in developed population of hybrid roses was to determine the presence or absence of inherited locus of the parents, associated with morphological characters in developed progeny. Marker assisted study helpful for the selection of newly developed progeny from locally adapted varieties for future improvement in desired characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) being an activator of certain enzymes, can regulate antioxidative activities and enhance the vase-life of cut-flowers. This greenhouse study on zinc nutrition of Oriental lily was performed with four levels of zinc, 0, 3, 6 and 9 mg Zn kg −1 of soil media, applied after two weeks of lily bulbs plantation. Maximum plant height, internodal distance, and leaf area were recorded at 6 mg Zn kg −1 soil media. Floral attributes, viz., flower-bud diameter, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, stalk length, stalk diameter, fresh and dry weight of nine flowers per treatment also showed the maximum response at 6 mg Zn kg −1 . Earlier flower initiation, extended vase-life, lesser weight loss of flower, greater membrane integrity, content of chlorophyll and protein were recorded at 6 mg Zn kg −1 . Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, relative water contents and net assimilation rate were higher at 6 mg Zn kg −1 dosage. Antioxidant enzymes, viz., SOD, POD and CAT in cut-flowers also remained at the maximum with this medium dose of zinc. This study concludes that zinc applied at 6 mg kg −1 is suitable dose for enhancing the plant growth, floral vase-life and quality of lily cut-flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Zinc affected the growth and postharvest attributes of gladiolus cut flowers. [•] Physiological correlation exists between zinc and vase life of cut flowers. [•] Antioxidative activity in cut flowers increased by improving zinc nutrition. [•] Optimum zinc level retained higher water relations and cell membrane integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Poor red pigmentation in grapes has been a serious challenge to viticulture. • Effects of ABA and Ethrel® on anthocyanin formation in grapes were investigated. • Two sprays of ABA with Ethrel® at veraison improved red pigmentation in grape-skin. • ABA- and Ethrel®-treated grapes were significantly similar in firmness of berries. Poor red pigmentation in the berries of red table grapes has been a serious challenge to viticulture industry around the globe. During 2016 and 2017, the effects of spray applications of 100–400 mg L−1abscisic acid (ABA), alone or in combination with 125 or 250 ppm Ethrel® (Eth) applied at veraison, on color development, firmness and accumulation of dietary antioxidants in 'Red Globe' grape-berries, grown under the suboptimal conditions of Saudi Arabia, were investigated. At physiological maturity, the berries harvested from the grapevines treated with two spray applications of 200 mg L−1 ABA combined with 125 ppm of Eth at veraison, applied one week apart, exhibited significantly higher levels of total anthocyanins, phenolic and flavonoid contents in the skin compared to those harvested from the untreated (control) vines. At veraison, a brief exposure of grape-berries to ethylene seems to be required to initiate the process of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The firmness of the ABA-treated berries was slightly higher than those treated with Eth alone. In conclusion, two spray applications of ABA @ 200 mg L−1, combined with the substandard dose (125 ppm) of Eth at veraison, one week apart, substantially enhanced red pigmentation and increased the accumulation of dietary antioxidants in 'Red Globe' grape-berries grown under the non-conductive climatic conditions for anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, alternative management strategies need to be developed to maintain/improve the quality of grapes including berry firmness at commercial harvest and during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]