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The present study reports the association of climatic determinants with the abundance of Aedes (Ae.) aegypti larvae in indoor and outdoor niches. The respondents were asked about the use of containers and water type present in containers and other relevant variables i.e., vegetation, location of container, etc. The meteorological data was analyzed through multiple linear regression to establish the association between prevalence of Aedes immatures and climatic determinants. The Chi-square analyses were done to determine the association between seasonal variation and abundance of Ae. aegypti immatures in various types of breeding containers and Odds Ratio (OR) was calculated. Irrespective of study districts and seasons, the results indicated a significant association of climatic determinants with the prevalence of Ae. aegypti immatures in different breeding containers. However, non-significant (X2=18.10, P=0.1127) association was observed between summer season and prevalence of Ae. aegypti immatures in different breeding containers in district Faisalabad only. A significant association of climatic determinants was observed irrespective of the season and locality throughout the year in districts DG Khan and Chakwal. The study is a maiden attempt to investigate the prevalence of Ae. aegypti immatures and their preferred breeding containers. The findings of the study will add up in the existing knowledge regarding the preferred larval breeding habitats of Ae. aegypti immatures in the study districts. Present findings will facilitate the policy makers to formulate strategies for the effective control of Ae. aegypti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is a major abiotic stress limiting the crop production worldwide. Salt accumulation in root zone and uptake of toxic ions (i.e., Na+ and Cl- ) causes disturbance in water uptake by osmotic stress, oxidative stress, salt injury of roots and specific ion toxicity to the plants reducing the crop growth and production. Silicon (Si) treatment to stressed plants exhibits positive effect on growth, physiology and ionic homeostasis of plants. A study was conducted to check the varietal response of bread wheat genotypes against moderate (75 mM NaCl) and strong (150 mM NaCl) saline conditions in hydroponics and stressed plants were treated with exogenous silicon (2 mM) to evaluate it against saline stress in wheat seedling. Fifty days old wheat seedling showed negative response to saline stress under both levels but when treated with Si, its growth traits, tissue health parameters and ionic homeostasis were improved. Exogenous silicon application improved growth traits shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight upto 75% and tissue health parameter i.e., membrane stability index and relative water contents upto 61% as compared to salinity stress. It improved the ionic homeostasis in wheat seedling by decreasing the Na+ uptake upto 43 and 84% and increasing the K+ concentration by 26 to 39% respectively under moderate to strong saline conditions. Different genotypes showed different response against salinity and exogenous Silicon application. Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 performed best in all growth, physiological and ionic parameters and also ranked as top varieties in Principle component analysis on the basis of salt tolerance index. It was concluded that Faisalabad-08 and Anaj-17 has higher salt tolerance among all wheat genotypes tested, and silicon treatment to stressed plants increases the salt tolerance and improves growth traits, tissue health and ionic homeostasis in all wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic characterization of maize genotypes is of great importance in maize breeding program to identify diverse populations and divergent genotypes. Divergence and genetic diversity were assessed in a set of 20 maize genotypes representing popcorn, white corn, sweet corn and yellow corn, through morphological characteristics and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Morphological data revealed that sweet corn genotype SCLY-1 was earlier in days to 50% pollen shedding than other genotypes while white corn genotype WL-3 was earlier in days to 50% silking. Maximum plant height was recorded for PCLY-5 (133.3 cm) while lowest for WL-4 (92.8 cm), whereas highest ears height was recorded for popcorn PCLY-1 (64.4 cm) and lowest (29.4 cm) for SCLY-5. The yellow corn had maximum (4.5 kg) grain yield at harvest as compared to sweet and popcorn (3.0 kg). Negative but weak correlation was recorded between ear height and grain yield. Cluster analysis based on yield related parameters grouped all the studied genotypes in to five sub clusters. Molecular genotyping based on four primers amplified 37 loci which were (100%) polymorphic. Maximum elven loci were identified by primer GLA-04, while minimum was reported for primer GLA-03. The loci GLD-18B1000, GLA-04B300 recorded highest gene diversity (0.500) followed by loci GLE-05B750, GLE-05B650 and GLE-05B550. The loci of primer GLD-18 (GLD-18B1000) detected highest alleles evenness and Simpson's diversity index of 1.00 and 0.526, respectively. Maximum gene diversity (0.354) among populations were recorded for yellow corn, while the minimum was detected for white corn (0.254), while genotypic diversity was same for all maize types. Cluster analysis based on molecular genotypic data grouped the maize genotypes into four distinct groups. Lack of concordance was observed while comparing the clustering based on phenotypic and molecular data. The overall diversity among the studied maize genotypes could be used in future maize breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most popular and high value vegetable crops grown for its immature fruits throughout the world. In Pakistan it is cultivated as warm season crop in open fields during summer and in plastic tunnels during winter. Optimum planting date in sweet pepper production is key to better yield as it determines the period of maximum crop potential, efficient use of resources, lesser competition of plants with weeds and insect pests. It is the need of time to understand the negative impact of climate change on phenological development of sweet pepper. Therefore, the current study was designed to mitigate the effect of climate on growth and yield of sweet pepper cultivars at agro-ecological area of Multan, Pakistan by adjusting planting date. Three transplanting dates (viz. February 15th, March 2nd and March 16th) were evaluated during year 1 whereas five transplanting dates (viz. February 1st, February 15th, March nd, March 16th and April 1st) were assessed during year 2. There were three sweet pepper cultivars (Ganga, Winner and Savio) under study. Overall plant growth (stem height, average canopy diameter, number of leaves per plant and fresh and dry mass of plant parts) was significantly higher in the earliest planting dates (viz. February 15th in year 1 and February 1st in year 2) and it reduced as the planting was delayed. Plant yield, number of fruits and average fruit weight were also significantly greater in the earliest planting dates, and significantly lesser in later planting dates. During year 1, the effect of cultivar was prominent, and Winner performed better regarding growth characteristics while the effect was non-significant on yield attributes except average fruit weight which was also significantly higher in Winner as compared with other two cultivars. During year 2, cv. Winner performed better in growth attributes, whereas significantly greater number of fruits was found in cv. Savio, average fruit diameter was greater in cv. Winner and average fruit length was higher in cv. Ganga. It is concluded that nursery of sweet pepper should be planted in 1st week of February to achieve maximum growth and yield of fruits. In cultivar selection, cv. Winner should be preferred among sweet pepper hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wastewater for growing vegetables has become a common practice in peri-urban areas of big cities of developing world including Pakistan. In addition to providing essential elements and organic matter for plant growth, wastewater may contain potentially toxic trace elements that could pose serious threat to animals and humans, if their concentrations in edible parts increase the permissible limits. To monitor the heavy metals contents in commercially available vegetables, vegetable samples were collected from three main vegetable stores designated as A, B and C, respectively of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. These samples were analyzed for dietary contents (protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates) and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni). The results revealed that among the three vegetables, spinach accumulated higher contents of heavy metals followed by lettuce and fenugreek. Multivariate analysis indicated that the vegetables collected from locations A and C had higher metal contents than the permissible limits. The samples collected from location B were safe for human consumptions. Due to high metal contents, vegetables collected from locations A and C could potentially pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards to human beings. It is concluded that proper monitoring and regulatory measures should be done regarding the source of irrigation and post-harvest handling of vegetables in order to limit the entry of toxic metals into human food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out in order to assess the effects of micronutrients (B, Fe, Zn) on the yield and quality of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Citrus is an important fruit crop of Pakistan and micronutrients are not only important for yield and quality of citrus but also for the human health. This experiment consisted of different soil treatments and foliar applications of B, Zn and Fe either alone or in combinations. The results revealed that the highest concentrations of these three micronutrients in soil were found where 20 g B, 40 g Zn and 100 g Fe were applied per plant, respectively through soil application. The highest concentrations of these micronutrients in the leaves of Kinnow were found in the individual treatments of foliar spray of 0.03 % B, 0.1 % Zn and 0.25 % Fe, respectively, followed by the combined application of B, Zn and Fe with concentration of 0.03%, 0.1% and 0.25%. Soil that had combined treatment, B: 10 g plant-1, Zn: 20 g plant-1, Fe: 50 g plant-1 gave the highest yield of fruit and juice content. Fruit drop was the highest in control and the lowest for 20 g B soil application. Total sugars, reducing sugars and TSS were the highest for 40 g Zn as soil application, followed by the combined treatment of B:10 g plant-1, Zn:20 g plant-1, Fe:50 g plant-1 . The non-reducing sugars were the highest in the case of combined soil application of B, Zn and Fe. It is concluded that the micronutrients application is a suitable approach for increasing the quality and yield of Kinnow [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasmosisis a disease of circulatory cells that might impose drastic effects on different blood parameters and thereby camel's health. The present study describes the hemato-biochemical changes in camels naturally infected with subclinical anaplasmosis. The study comprisedof2 groups viz., group-I(15 Anaplasma positive camels identified by PCR)and group-II (15 healthy- PCR negative camels) which served as negative control. The student t-test as statistical tool revealed significant (p<0.05) decrease in hemogram [red blood cells (2.78±1.08), HGBconc. (7.41±2.78), HCT(11.22±3.52)] with accelerated (p<0.05)leukocytes count(20.29±6.08) in infected animals. Remarkable serum biochemical alterations were increased liver enzymes (GGT 18.0±1.0; LDH 68.67±27.024) with significantly low iron. The study concluded significant alterationsin blood parameters of camels naturally infected with subclinical anaplasmosis thatrequired further studies to be conducted in order to set a reference guide of blood parameters for the diagnosis of anaplasmosis in camels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to determine the immunological response of Dera Din Panah (DDP) and Nachi breeds of goats towards artificial infection with Haemonchus (H.) contortus which is considered among the most widely prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) associated with the lowered production, elevated morbidity and mortality in goats under various farming systems. To this end, a total of 48 goats of DDP and Nachi breeds (24 of each breed) were administered with third stage infective larvae of H. contortus through early and late infection protocols. The serum and plasma samples were tested for immunoglobulins isotypes and histamine concentration through ELISA test, respectively. Adult worm antigens were used to detect the different antibodies in infected and control goats while histamine concentration was measured through commercially available histamine-ELISA kit. Results revealed that both breeds reflected a significant (P<0.05) difference in expression of IgG, IgE antibodies and concentration of histamine. Nachi breed showed a compromised immune response towards artificial infection with H. contortus as compared to DDP. Overall, lower production of antibodies (IgG, IgE) and plasma histamine depicted that Nachi goats are comparatively more susceptible to H. contorts infection as compared to DDP goats. In conclusion, difference in immune response towards H. contortus infection may formulate the basis of selective breeding of resilient goat breed (DDP) in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the combined effect of location, transplanting date and transplanting density on phenology, growth, yield and radiations use efficiency of rice, a 2-year experiment was conducted at 3 locations (Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Faisalabad) in Punjab (Pakistan). Six transplanting dates (10th June, 20th June, 30th June, 10th July, 20th July and 30th July) and three transplanting densities (1, 2 and 3 seedlings per hill) were randomized in main and sub-plots, respectively under Randomized Complete Block Design with split plot arrangement. The results indicated that most of the studied parameters were affected significantly. In case of locations, both years average maximum Paddy yield (3249 kg ha-1), Leaf area index (5.56), Crop growth rate (25.35 g m-2 day-1),Paddy yield radiations use efficiency (1.26 g MJ-1) and Biological yield radiations use efficiency (5.23 g MJ-1) were recorded at Gujranwala. Among transplanting dates, average maximum Paddy yield (3688 kg ha-1), Leaf area index (6.05), Crop growth rate (28.94 g m-2 day-1),Paddy yield radiations use efficiency (1.38 g MJ-1) and Biological yield radiations use efficiency (5.37 g MJ-1) were recorded in 30th June, 20th June, 20th July, 30th June and 20th July transplanted rice, respectively. In case of transplanting densities, maximum Paddy yield (3186 kg ha-1) and Paddy yield radiations use efficiency (1.25 g MJ-1) were observed in 2 seedlings per hill and maximum Leaf area index (5.88), Crop growth rate (24.11 g m-2 day-1) and Biological yield radiations use efficiency (5.14 g MJ-1) were recorded in 3 seedlings per hill transplanted rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to conduct a cross-sectional prospective survey in cattle and buffalos of districts Khanewal (southern sandy zone), Faisalabad (central plain zone) and Chakwal (northern arid zone) to determine the epidemiology of bovine babesiosis. A total of 2176 cattle and buffalos randomly selected from each of the study districts were screened through conventional microscopy of Giemsa stained blood films. PCR was performed for 207, 201 and 210 collected blood samples from Khanewal, Faisalabad and Chakwal, respectively. The DNA was amplified using species-specific primers, then subjected to 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Logistic regression and Odds ratio were applied to analyze the data statistically at 95% confidence interval. Babesiosis was found prevalent in the bovine populations of the study districts with lower cumulative distribution of 17.23% (1125/6528) through optical microscopy and higher (P<0.05) of 26.86% (166/618) through PCR. Prevalence was found highest (P<0.05) in district Khanewal (22.75-34.03%) followed in order by districts Faisalabad (18.47-29.85%) and Chakwal (10.48-16.67%). Animal species (cattle-20.19% vs buffalo-14.28%), buffalo breed (Kundi-23.25% vs Nili-Ravi-8.31%), cattle breed (exotic, cross bred and Sahiwal - 29.34%, 21.45% and 10.3%, respectively), sex (female-21.13% vs male-12.68%), age (young-23.17% vs adult-11.9%), animal keeping (tethered-23.48% vs open-11.10%), housing system (closed, semi-closed and open - 22.10%, 19.25% and 9.24%, respectively), hygienic system (very poor, poor and good - 21.04%, 19.78% and 7.07%, respectively), floor pattern (uncemented, partially cemented and cemented - 20.39%, 17.54% and 11.98%, respectively) and season (summer, autumn, spring and winter - 23.41%, 20.47%, 17.77% and 7.29%, respectively) were also found positively associated (P<0.05) with the dissemination of babesiosis in the bovine population of study districts. The study provided baseline data on the distribution of bovine babsesiosis in the selected three agro-geoclimatic zones of Punjab, Pakistan which can help in preventive management tools to reduce the risk of disease in the livestock population of Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation, assisted with different amendments, is receiving much attention around the world due to its high efficiency, low cost and ease of handling. The current study was constructed to determine the combined performance of the citric acid (CA) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-AA) to enhance chromium (Cr) extraction through sunflower. Healthy seeds of sunflower were grownup in Cr contaminated soil (0, 5, 10 & 20 mgkg-1) and externally provided with CA (0, 2.5 &5 mM) and 5-AA (0, 10 & 20 mg L-1) at juvenile stage. The results showed a significant reduction in sunflower agronomic traits and biomass under Cr stress. In response to Cr stress, higher production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly reduced soluble proteins, photosynthetic pigments and activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. The combined addition of CA and 5-AA considerably mitigated the Cr-induced toxic effects on sunflower. Citric acid (CA) and 5-AA application enhanced plants' agronomic and physiological attributes by lowering electrolyte leakage and ROS production. Furthermore, the introduction of 5-AA and CA significantly up-regulated the actions of antioxidants enzymes in leaves and root of sunflower. With increasing soil Cr concentration, more Cr uptake and accumulation was observed which was further boosted with mutual applications of CA and 5-AA. Results of our work summarize that, CA and 5-AA combined application can effectively mitigate Cr stress and enhance Cr extraction capability of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a serious environmental menace that reduces the development, growth and yield of most of the plants. Growing halophyte crops such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a promising way of productive utilization of saline soils. The present study was conducted during 2018-19, in which we investigated the comparative salt tolerance potential of two genotypes of quinoa (Puno and A1) on the basis of growth, ionic and physiological attributes. Five-week-old seedlings of both genotypes were exposed to different levels of salinity (0, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl) developed in Hoagland's nutrient solution. Results revealed that root and shoot growth, chlorophyll contents, membrane stability and relative water content remained unchanged at lower level of NaCl (100 mM). However, these attributes decreased significantly at higher level of NaCl (400 mM). The Na+ concentrations increased, whereas K+ concentrations and the ratio of K+: Na+ showed an inverse relation to the increasing salinity levels. The comparison of both genotypes indicated that physiological attributes and plant biomass were higher in A1 than Puno due to less uptake of Na+ ions and higher K+: Na+ ratio. Therefore, A1 is more suitable genotype than Puno to be grown on saline soils in arid regions of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on idea of mineral supplementation in grazing animals through selected fodder which can indirectly reduce the threats of infections particularly of parasitic origin. To this end, correlation analysis of the trace elements including: copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was done among feedstuffs, soils and grazing sheep. Moreover, the mineral analysis was compared to the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites during spring 2015 in grazing sheep of Sialkot district, Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of GI parasite species identified was 32.81%. A significant (P < 0.05) variation in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn and Co was recorded in a total of eight collected forages. However, their levels in soils vary insignificantly. The results of present study indicated that, the burden of GI parasites was lower in animals having high level of Zn and Cu in sera. The trace element-rich forages (Cichorium intybus and Cynodon dactylon) preferably Zn and Cu found effective against parasitic infection, are advisable supplemental remedies to improve the trace element profile in grazing sheep. This mitigation strategy may ultimately improve the resilience against GI parasitic infections especially in the resource-poor countries like Pakistan. However, control studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of trace elements against GI parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both salinity and cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils are the most critical issues of global food security. Soil application of biochar could decrease toxic metal and sodium (Na) uptake by plants in the season, but its long-term residual effects on metal uptake in latter crops need evaluation. A pot experiment with rice was conducted under ambient conditions in a Cdcontaminated soil which was used in an earlier experiment on wheat where soil was treated with different rates of biochar (0, 3, and 5% w/w) and irrigated with water having different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mM). Further treatments were not applied in the current study. The results revealed that plant growth and photosynthesis reduced while Cd and Na concentrations and oxidative stress were increased in plants under combined Cd and salinity. Biochar application reduced the Cd and Na concentrations and increased the potassium (K) concentrations in plants while diminished the oxidative stress in salt-stressed rice. Biochar positively affected the plant growth and physiology in a soil treated with 0, and 25 mM salt stress. However, plant growth and photosynthesis were reduced with biochar amendments under 50 mM NaCl stress. Soil AB-DTPA extractable Cd was higher in salinized soil without biochar addition, while biochar reduced the Cd extractability. It can be concluded that all biochar amendments had a significant residual effect on decreasing Cd and Na uptake while plant growth was negatively affected at higher biochar and salinity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is the most promising approach for the remediation of Cd contaminated soils. In the present study, Cd tolerance and phytoremediation potential of Conocarpus erectus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, was evaluated in a pot experiment for a growth period of 6 months. Two-month-old plants of uniform size were transplanted in Cd- contaminated soil (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg kg-1), and their growth attributes, chlorophyll contents, root and shoot Cd concentration, bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were determined. With increasing soil Cd levels, shoot and root biomass, leaf water and chlorophyll contents (chl a, chl b and total chl) of E. camaldulensis were decreased more than C. erectus. Shoot and root Cd concentrations as well as Cd uptake were more in C. erectus than E. camaldulensis. The TF was less than one for both plant species, while BCF was more than one. It is concluded that due to relatively higher Cd tolerance and greater capacity to retain higher concentration of Cd in roots, C. erectus is a better species than E. camaldulensis for phytostabilization of Cd contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B) is an essential nutrient required in very small amount by crop plants and it can become toxic to plants when present in slightly higher amount. Increasing concentration of B is often found in association with salinity. The presence of salinity and high B may result in synergistic or antagonistic effects on plant growth. A hydroponic trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of various levels of B on the growth, physiological and biochemical responses of salt tolerant and sensitive wheat genotypes under saline conditions. The present study comprised of twelve treatments including four rates of B (control, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM) and three levels of salinity (control, 100 and 200 mM NaCl). Two salt tolerant (SARC-I and Sehar-2006) and two salt sensitive (Koistan-90 and MH-97) wheat genotypes were used. The tested salt tolerant and sensitive wheat genotypes showed significant variations and responded differently to salinity and B individually as well as in combination. The salt tolerant genotypes showed better growth due to high antioxidant activity, maintenance of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and low leaf Na, B and Cl concentration in the presence of individual and combined stresses of salinity and high B as compared to sensitive genotypes. The highest level of salinity and B in combination caused the highest reduction in plant growth as compared to their respective controls. However the interactive effect of salinity and boron was antagonistic as increasing salinity reduced boron toxicity while increasing boron reduced harmful effects of salinity on growth and physiological attributes of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and drought are two important environmental problems responsible for the reduction of growth and yield of many plant species. The present study was conducted to evaluate the tolerance potential of A. nilotica and A. ampliceps against salinity and water shortage in the pots. Different salinity levels (control, 10, 20 and 30 dS m-1) were developed in the pots by adding calculated amount of NaCl. Three months old nursery plants of both species were transplanted in these pots. After two weeks of transplantation, water stress was continuously applied till the end of the experiment. After four months, data regarding shoot and root growth, nodulation, chlorophyll and relative water contents were determined following standard methods. Ionic composition (Na+, K+ and Cl-) of shoot and root was determined by wet digestion. The results demonstrated that A. ampliceps was more tolerant to salinity due to better ionic composition and physiological attributes but when salinity was combined with water stress; its tolerance potential was decreased. On the other hand, A. nilotica performed better under water stress and when salinity was combined with water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity causes decrease in maize growth and production. Maize occupies an important position in fodder and food crops of Pakistan. Recently, maize has been designated as silicon (Si) accumulator which can alleviate the salinity damage, a major constraint to agricultural crop production. With the objective to combat salinity stress in maize by Si applications using silicic acid Si(OH)4, an experiments was conducted on two contrasting maize genotypes (salt sensitive; Pak-Afgoee and salt tolerant; Ev-5098), under normal and saline conditions. Three different levels of Si (0, 1 and 3 mM) were optimized for salinity tolerance on the basis of plant morphological characters especially dry weight in hydroponics. These Si-level was further used to investigate its effect on maize in hydroponic (0 mM NaCl) and saline (100 mM NaCl). The evaluation was done on the basis of various morphological, physiological, biochemical and growth traits during the experiments. Silicon supplementation into the solution culture significantly improved the K+: Na+ with reduced Na+ and increased K+ uptake. Plant water relations with higher water potential, increase in chlorophyll fractions and its ratios, enhanced stomatal conductance. It was concluded that Ev-5098 is better than Pak-Afgoee under salt stress and silicon inclusion into the any growth medium is beneficial for maize and can improve crop growth by maintaining plant water status, better K+: Na+ and recovering the plant defense system adversely influenced by salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is an abiotic stress affecting the growth and development of plants like wheat and genotypes of wheat differ in their response to salinity. These genotypic variations in wheat for salinity tolerance are due to physiological and biochemical differences. The objective of this study was to assess the genotypic differences between two wheat genotypes 25-SAWSN-12 and 25-SAWSN-8. A hydroponic study with four replications was carried out; two treatments control and salinity (125 mM NaCl) were applied. Salinity reduced shoot and root growth, a reduction in water relations, photosynthetic attributes and membrane stability index (MSI) was also observed in both genotypes but this reduction was more conspicuous in 25-SAWSN-8 than in 25-SAWSN-12. The ionic composition showed that 25-SAWSN-12 had more K+, and less Na+ and Clconcentrations in its shoot and root while 25-SAWSN-8 behaved in an opposite way. It seems that the reduction in growth, water relations, photosynthetic attributes and membrane stability was due to the toxic effect of Na+ and less uptake of K+ caused by salt stress. The genotype 25-SAWSN-12 was able to cope with drastic effects of Na+ therefore it showed better growth under salinity as compared to 25-SAWSN-8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable nitrogen (N) losses lead to lower N use-efficiency (NUE) in salt-affected soils due to leaching and volatilization. A lysimeter experiment was conducted to determine NUE in two salt-affected soils of different texture (clay loam and sandy clay loam), using various rates of N fertilizer. The experiment used a three replicate completely randomized design. The treatments included five N rates, three higher (15, 30 and 45%) and two lower (15 and 30%) than recommended rate of 125 kg ha-1. Additionally, gypsum was added at 50 and 100% of soil gypsum requirement (SGR) in both salt-affected soils. Maximum paddy and straw yields were recorded for sandy clay loam saline-sodic soil collected from Village 132, Faisalabad (132S), using 45% higher N + gypsum at 100% SGR. Whereas clay loam saline-sodic soil, from Village 84, Faisalabad (84S) at 30% higher N rate with gypsum at 50% SGR gave the highest paddy and straw yields. In general, the clay loam soil produced more paddy yield than the sandy clay loam soil at similar N fertilization. In the sandy clay loam soil, gypsum at 100% SGR along with a 30% higher N rate increased the grain and straw yields of wheat significantly (p < 0.05) compared to application of gypsum at only 50% SGR. Nitrogen use efficiency was the highest with 45% higher N (N145) with gypsum applied @ 100% SGR compared to 50% SGR in severe salt-affected (sandy clay loam) soil during rice crop. From marginal clay loam saline-sodic soil, NUE remained higher with N130 along with gypsum @ 100% SGR which was statistically on par with gypsum @ 50% SGR. It was concluded that NUE remained highest with N130 and N145 with gypsum applied @ 100% SGR during rice crop from clay loam and sandy clay loam soils, respectively. Moreover, NUE was higher at recommended N fertilization when gypsum was applied at 100% SGR during wheat crop which was also attributed to improved soil chemical properties, i.e. pHs, ECe and SAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted on cotton crop to evaluate the effect of farm manure (FM) alone and in combination with the mineral fertilizers. FM was treated with the 1% application of effective microorganism prepared with molasses to enrich the status of FM as FM-Fermented. Cotton Varity Krishma was cultivated in field with treatments viz. control, FM @ 20Mg ha-1, FM-Fermented@ 20 Mg ha-1, ½ NPK+FM (20 Mg ha-1), ½ NPK+ FM-Fermented (20 Mg ha-1) and NPK (175-85-60 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out according to randomized complete block design with four replications. At flowering stage fully expanded younger leaves were collocated and analysed for N, P and K contents. Growth and yield parameters of cotton like plant height, sympodial branches, no. of boll plant-1, seed cotton boll plant-1 and seed cotton yield kg ha-1 were recorded. Soil was analyzed after the harvest of crop for N, P, K and organic matter contents. Data were analysed statistically. The results of the experiment indicated that application of recommended dose of NPK produced higher seed cotton yield (2660 kg ha-1) and followed by ½ NPK+FM-Fermented (2523 kg ha-1) and differed significantly from other treatments. There was positive increase in the N, P and K concentration in cotton leaves and in soil due to the combined application of ½ NPK+FM-Fermented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major environmental issue in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Acacia has very important role for salt affected barren lands due to its high salinity tolerance potential. The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic differences among Acacia ampliceps and Acacia nilotica regarding their response to salinity. Three-weeks old seedlings of both species were transplanted in half strength Hoagland nutrient solution having five salt levels (control,100, 200, 300 and 400 mM NaCl) with four replications in completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. After eight weeks of transplantation, the plants were harvested and data for shoot and root length and their fresh and dry weights were recorded. Na+, K+ and Cl-concentration of both root and shoot was determined. All the growth parameters of both species declined significantly in response to salinity. Acacia ampliceps was more salt tolerant than Acacia nilotica with better growth owing to higher K+: Na+ ratio in plant tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]