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The study was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to monitor the impact assessment of tillage systems on soil health indicators by integrating organic and inorganic resources to sustain wheat production in arid and semi-arid conditions i.e. high temperature and low rainfall. The field experiment was conducted in 2019-20 and carried out in alkaline soil (pH 8.2) with low organic matter (0.45%) to grow wheat after rice and treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmyard manure (FYM 20.5 Mg/ha), rice crop residues application (CRA 100%) and chemical fertilizers (CF) N-P-K 100-80-60 kg/ha, respectively were used under conventional and conservation tillage systems. During this research different growth and yield parameters were noted and evaluated the level of N, P, K and organic matter contents from soil and plant at the harvest. The results indicated that the combined application of FYM and CRA with CF improved the chlorophyll contents (20% in conventional tillage and 39% in conservation tillage) which helped in nutrient translocation (N, P, K) and increased growth, biological and grain yield by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter contents in soil. Growth parameter i.e. germination percentage upto 64%, plant height 27% and spike length upto 35% were increased by T7. The conservation tillage method was the best where we used T7 i.e. CF + 25% FYM + 50% CRA, and CF + 50% FYM + 25% CRA by conserving moisture and built OM (0.90%), soil organic carbon (0.49%) and mineral nutrition in soil as well as in wheat leaves. It is concluded that the integrated use of organic and inorganic resources are helpful for sustainable wheat production by enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) to improve soil health especially in arid to semi-arid climate conditions in alkaline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on antioxidant potential of cheddar cheese utilizing milk from cow and buffalo sources during ripening was conducted in 2019-20 at Institute of Food science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan. The cheese samples were placed at the controlled atmosphere (4°C) for ripening and were ripened for 3, 6 and 9 months. This research was conducted to evaluate antioxidant ability of cheddar cheese during ripening. Freeze dried water (WSE) and ethanol soluble fractions (ESE) of cheddar (cow and buffalo) were prepared and monitored for their antioxidant activities during ripening. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) of soluble fractions (WSE and ESE) was determined. Higher TAA was found in WSE (59.900 ± 1.59 μg/g trolox equivalent) and higher reducing power was observed in ESE (27.734 ± 5.76 μg/g) of buffalo milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. Increased values were found for total phenolic content (TPC) in freeze dried WSE (69.572 ± 5.88 μg/g gallic acid equivalent) and for DPPH in freeze-dried ESE (1436.1 ± 4.95 μmol/ml trolox equivalent) of cow milk cheddar cheese after 9 months of ripening. In short, it (cheddar cheese) can be utilized in manufacturing of functional foods due to its increased antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan during the year 2015. The study was designed to check the suitability of date powder in the composition of muffins. The muffins were prepared with different ingredients (fl our, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, salt, baking powder and date powder). These muffins were tested at five treatments i.e. T0 (muffins without date powder), T1 (25% date powder + 75% sugar), T2 (50% date powder + 50% sugar), T3 (75% date powder + 25% sugar) and T4 (100% date powder). The muffins were evaluated for physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics. The water activity of date muffins was in the range 0.733-0.767. The color value in T0 (0% date powder) was 163 CTn which was the lightest in color among all treatments while T4 (100% date powder) with color value 126.5 CTn was the darkest among all treatments. The muffins in T0 were found to have minimum softness in texture (maximum compression force) i.e. 1539.5 g as compared to muffins containing 100% date powder i.e. T4 (868.5 g). The proximate analysis of muffins indicated that moisture, crude fibre and ash content differed significantly with the addition of date powder. The moisture contents of all treatments ranged from 26.35 to 34.08%. The crude protein contents for all treatments ranged from 11.46 to 15.14%. The protein, fibre and ash content gradually increased in muffins with the addition of date powder. Minimum gross energy value was observed in T0 (476.4 kcal/100g) whereas the highest in T4 (497.22 kcal/100g). The microbial analysis indicated that these muffins were microbiologically safe and can be kept for long time. The sensory analyses indicated that muffins with 50% replacement of sugar with date powder were liked the most by the judges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted at Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha during 2013 to check the suitability of date paste in wafers replacing cream. The experiment was conducted using CRD factorial experimental design with three replications and five treatments which were T0 (wafers from market), T1 (100 g of date paste), T2 (10 g of skimmed milk powder + 100 g of date paste), T3 (10 g of grinded sugar + 100 g of date paste), T4 (10 g of sugar and 10 g skimmed milk powder + 100 g of date paste). Wafers were subjected to proximate analysis, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation. Highest moisture and ash contents and lowest NFE value were observed in T2. The highest crude protein and crude fiber contents were observed in T0. The highest crude fiber contents were observed in T1. The lowest gross energy value was observed in T4. Maximum total plate and yeast and mold counts were observed in T0. After sensory tests by the judges T2 was the most preferred because of its excellent color, flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptability scores. The sensory scores decreased after storage period of 90 days. It is suggested that date paste can be used to prepare date wafers of good sensory and nutritional value which provides substantial amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dietary fiber, and minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the nutritional qualities of fruits, apricot-date bars were developed at the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan during the year 2009-10. For this purpose date paste, dried apricot paste, skim milk powder, roasted gram flour, peanuts and sodium chloride were used in different four propotions. The results indicated that water activity, colour and texture of bars were affected significantly with the addition of dried apricots. Moisture was also significantly affected which ranged from 17.14 to 19.21 percent and 71.49 to 72.81 percent whereas crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and ash were not significantly affected with the addition of apricot paste. The quantities of sodium, calcium, iron, manganese and zinc remained unchanged, whereas potassium increased significantly in these treatments. In-vitro protein and starch digestibilities ranged from 85.90 to 86.88 percent and 0.238 to 0.244 mg/g, respectively. There was no change observed in the quantities of free fatty acids. The total phenolic contents ranged from 225.20 to 263.84mg/100g. Microbiological analysis revealed that these bars were in the safe limits in bacterial and mold loads and might be stored for longer time. The studies further revealed that potential exists to produce economical fruit bars with commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in the Post Graduate Laboratory, National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during the year 2010. Twenty one date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties were investigated at tamr stage for their physical characteristics, textural profile analysis and total phenolic content. Significant differences were recorded in the physical characteristics, textural profile and total phenolic content among varieties. Maximum fruit weight (13.89g), flesh weight (12.89g), fruit length (4.56cm) and volume (11.94cm³) were recorded in Dhakki. Edible/non-edible ratio of different date varieties ranged from 1.94 (Desi simple) to 14.50 (Aseel Sindh). Maximum water activity was found in Desi basray (0.482) and minimum in Karblain (0.323). The highest peak force of puncture test as an index of hardness during textural profile analysis was recorded in Dora (59.64g) and maximum value of fruit colour was observed in Desi red small (149.10CTn). Phenolic content ranged from 296.67 to 140.67mg (GAE) /100g fresh fruit weight. The results conclude that Dhakki, Aseel Sindh and Hillavi are suitable for table purpose while other varieties are suitable for processing and converting into date products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cereals viz. oats (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were evaluated in pure stands as well as in mixtures of 50: 50 ratios with common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) under rainfed conditions of Pothowar to address the problem of nutritious green fodder for livestock. The experiment was sown during second week of October, 2007 in a randomized complete block design at Koont Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The results revealed that oatsvetch mixture performed better at all growth stages under rainfed conditions of Pothowar in terms of green and dry matter yields. By this mixture, 35.06 tons per hectare green fodder and 9.29 ton per hectare dry matter yield was obtained which was 17 and 19 percent higher than oats pure stand, respectively. Similarly, it was calculated that overall oats-vetch mixture yielded 63 and 78 percent higher dry matter than barley-vetch and wheat-vetch, respectively. So oats-vetch mixture can be recommended for higher biomass under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventeen maize entries comprising advanced breeding lines and commercial varieties alongwith a check "Soan-3" were evaluated at Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during 2008. Analysis of variance revealed that maize varieties differed significantly for days to 50 percent silking, plant height and grain yield per hectare. Varieties Sahiwal-2002 and AZC-3 took maximum days (56) to 50 percent silking whereas variety EV-1097 took minimum days (44). The highest plant height (222 cm) was attained by Margala and Sahiwal-2002 against the lowest (155 cm) by Agaiti-2002. Maize variety EV- 5098 produced higher grain yield (5.804 t/ha) whereas variety AZC-3 produced the lowest (3.332 t/ha). Islamabad Gold and Sahiwal-2002 produced significantly at par grain yield with the check. The maize varieties showed wide genetic back ground and hence yield ranged from 3.332 to 5.804 tons per hectare. Varieties EV-5098, Sahiwal-2002 and Islamabad Gold were found as the most promising. These varieties possess the potential to increase average maize grain yield in D.I.Khan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in Soil Chemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The objective was to assess the micronutrients status (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B) of soils under mango orchards of Multan and Lodhran districts. For this purpose 540 soil samples were collected from all tehsils of two districts. After completing the analysis, soils were classified into low, marginal and adequate levels of these nutrients. The results indicated that in case of Zn at upper surface (0-15 cm) 74, 90, 86, 100 percent soil samples were low (< 1.0 mg/kg) in Multan, Shujabad, Lodhran and Kehror Pakka tehsils and 95 and 62 percent samples in Jalalpur Pirwala and Dunyapur tehsils, respectively. At lower depth (15-30 cm) 95-100 percent samples were found low. In case of B at upper surface, 8, 17, 61, 25, 25 and 39 percent soil samples were low (<0.45 mg/kg) in Multan, Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran, Kehror Pakka and Dunyapur tehsils, respectively whereas 92, 83, 63, 69, 69 and 43 percent soil samples were at marginal level (0.45-1.0 mg/kg) in these tebsils. At lower depth more than 50 percent soil samples were found at marginal level (Multan80, Shujabad59, Jalalpur Pirwala54, Lodhran50, Kehror Pakka57 and Dunyapur49 %) while 20, 10, 27, 48, 30 and 23 percent were found adequate in above mentioned tehsils, respectively. Remaining soil samples had low level. B of Cu and Mn concentration was adequate in soil whereas Fe concentratin was at marginal level (2.0-4.0 mg/kg) in 3, 6, 3 and 3 percent samples in tehsils Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran, Kehror Pakka and Dunyapur. Other soil samples had adequate level of Fe (>4.0 mg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of monoculture and mixed cropping of non-traditional legumes with oats cereal was evaluated at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. Three nontraditional winter legumes i.e. common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), medics (Medicago polymorpha L.) and senji (Melilotus indica L.) were sown during first week of November, 2007 at recommended seed rates in pure stands and ratio of 50:50 of each in mixed cropping with oats (Avena sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications and plot size was 6 x 3 m2. Nitrogen fertilizer @ 80 kg and phosphorus @ 57 kg per hectare were incorporated in soil at the time of seedbed preparation. The results revealed that oats - vetch mixture produced 16 and 18 percent higher green fodder yield compared with oats - medics and oats - senji mixtures, respectively. In pure stands maximum green fodder yield was obtained from oats crop which was 51, 66 and 80 percent higher than vetch, medics and senji legumes, respectively. This increase in green fodder yield of oats cereal is the result of more efficient utilization of natural resources by Poaceae family plants than the Fabaceae family producing more tillers, number of leaves and plant height. The analysis of soil after final harvest showed more organic matter in vetch plots followed by oats - vetch mixture and lowest in pure oats crop. This showed opposite response of plants belonging to Poaceae and Fabaceae families indicating the need of mixed cropping of these plants to harvest the higher biomass and maintain soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased edible oil demand due to increasing world population diverts the attention to explore the new agro-ecology zones for soybean cultivation where traditional oilseed crops have low yield potential. Present study was conducted to determine the optimal agronomic yield environment for soybean cultivars in semi-arid irrigated conditions. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with split-plot arrangement with four replications. Three soybean varieties viz., NARC-2, RAWAL-1 and AJMERI were sown on 11th August, 26th August and 10th September 2018-19 at Agronomic Research Area, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan by keeping varieties in sub-plots and sowing dates in main plots. Data was statistically analyzed by using Fisher's analysis of variance technique and treatment means were compared at 5% probability level. Maximum and statistically similar germination count was recorded in plots where crop was sown on 11th August and 10th September as compared to 26th August planting. Flower initiation, 50% flowering, complete flowering and pod formation took place earlier in cultivar AJMERI when it was sown on 10th September. Maximum number of branches per plant (10.66) and number of pods per plant (40.96) was produced in cultivar RAWAL-1 when it was sown on 10th September. The maximum number of seeds per pod (2.63) was recorded in all tested cultivars sown at 10th September. Cultivar RAWAL-1 produced maximum biological yield (3175.9 kg/ha) and final seed yield (785.03 kg/ha) that was sown on 10th September. It was concluded that before recommending a soybean cultivar in new agro-ecological region its compatibility must be verified for active and sustained adaptation by growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, water shortage, and costlier inputs are main issues in sugarcane productivity across sugarcane growing areas of the country. Sugarcane is a valuable cash crop and rewarding sector of agriculture. Varietal development process depends upon selection of successive clonal generations; among these preliminary yield trial (Nursery-III) is fourth selection stage. Thirty four (34) clones were tested in three sets using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication during 2017-18 at research farm of Sugarcane Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The clones were evaluated using five basic biometric parameters keeping in view the farmer's and miller's demand. The genetic variability and performance of all clones was checked by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Among all 34 clones, 16 clones were promoted into next selection stage while taking HSF-240 and SPF-245 as check varieties. The clones S2015-SL-10, S2015-SL-89, S2015-SL-101 and S2015-SL-624 produced sugar yield more than 13 tons per hectare. These clones may give future hope for current varietal development program subject to showing good performance in next selection stages because further selection stages will decide the fate of suchclones. The promising clones among these may be selected as candidate variety for approval after evaluating their performance in farmer's field trials and under national trials in different sugarcane growing areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variety identification assists the imperative goals such as alleviating legal claims and indorsing intellectual property rights and maintenance of genetic purity. The study was undertaken to appraise sugarcane clones for morphological physical characteristics for their use in breeding program, selection, identification and seed production. Experiment consisting of nine clones was sown at experimental area, Sugarcane Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad during 2017 and 2018. The trial was replicated thrice. Data were documented on morphological features at ten months’ age of crop. There were important differences among the clones for stalk height, cane diameter, leaf blade width and leaf length. The growth habit of S-2008-FD-25 was erect and others were semi erect. Maximum height of 455 cm was seen in S-2009-SA-8. Maximum number of leaves per plant was observed in S-2008-AUS-133. Leaf colour of all clones was green and semi erect attitude. Spines were present on sheath of S-2008-AUS-134 only. The shape of dewlap of all clones were deltoid. Splits were present in S-2005-US-54, S-2011-FD-18 and M-2238-89. Bud grooves on internodes were present on S-2011-SL-62 and PSR-97-41. The internodes were of cylindrical shape. Flowering was absent in all the clones. The morphological descriptors presented for identification of the nine sugarcane clones are twenty-eight, that are distinctive and can be used for proof of identity, variety selection breeding and commercial seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out during 2012 at Grain Research, Training and Storage Management Cell, Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to evaluate the quantitative losses caused by maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) on Eight maize genotype (NK-8441, MMRI-Yellow, 30K08, Agati-2002, SWL-2002, EV-6098, EV-1098 and Pak-Afghan) were selected. The experiment was conducted in a walk-in environmental chamber maintained at 28°C, 32°C and 35°C. Physical parameters included percent insect damaged and undamaged grains, frass weight, weight loss and number of insect emerged. Frass weight was taken three times by electrical balance, while determination of weight loss, dead as well as live adult, grain dust and other excretion produced during the insect infestation was recorded. The treatments effect showed a significant difference with one another, regarding their effectiveness. Result depicted that genotype MMRI-Yellow was observed to be most susceptible while 30K08 was found to be resistant genotype. More F1 progeny of S. zeamais was recorded at 32°C and followed by 28°C and 35°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2007-10 to observe the impact of canopy management on bio-economic efficiency of chickpea on sandy loam soil. Treatmetns comprising plant growth regulators i.e. Nephthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) was kept in main plots while four available moisture depletion levels (ASMDL 50, ASMDL 65, ASMDL 80 and ASMDL 95) were kept in sub-plots, using split plot arrangements. Naphthalene acetic acid (4.5% as sodium salt) was applied @ 600 ml per hectare at 90, 110, 130, 150 and 165 days after sowing. The results showed that NAA applied at flower blooming stage (90 days after sowing) significantly increased number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and seed yield by 12.50, 6.98, 9.59 and 13.98 percent, respectively compared with control (NAA0). Treatment combination NAA1 x ASMDL80 gave maximum pods per plant (70.68), 100-seed weight (30.15 g) and grain yield (3219.1 kg/ha). Water productivity ranged from 8.23 (ASDML50 x NAA0) to 18.18 kg per ha per min (NAA x ASSML95). Maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded at 150 DAS in case of both NAA levels. The application of 600 ml per hectare NAA at flower initiation and maintenance of irrigation at 80 percent ASMDL (total amount of water applied was 252 mm with irrigation depth of 126 mm each) proved best for higher chickpea seed yield with 4.28 BCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan, to evaluate the effect of different concentration of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) powder on physicochemical and sensory properties of orange marmalade. All treatments (0, 2, 4 6, 8 and 10% Aloe vera powder) were analyzed for titratable acidity, TSS, pH, moisture, fat, fiber and protein contents. The data indicated gradual increase in titratable acidity (0.08 to 0.18%), moisture (0.23 to 0.48%), protein (0.09 to 0.40%) and fiber (0.12 to 1.03%) among all treatments with increasing concentration of Aloe vera powder. However, a decreasing trend in pH (3.81 to 2.74), TSS (68 to 56 °Brix) and fat content (1.1 to 0.08%) was noticed with gradual increase in concentration of Aloe vera powder in orange marmalade. Sensory attributes like color, taste, texture, flavor and overall acceptability were found acceptable among all treatments but T1 (2% Aloe vera powder) was liked most and T5 (10% Aloe vera powder) was least appealing to the judges. It is concluded from present study that the addition of different concentrations of Aloe vera powder in orange marmalade significantly affected the physicochemical and sensory properties of marmalade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]