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The general circulation models estimated an average increase in global surface temperature about 4 °C (2.9 to 5.5 °C). Escalating temperature and extreme weather events are causing higher variations in substantial grain yield losses in cereal crops leading to food insecurity. Temperature flux, more notably high temperature,, affects plants' physio-biochemical processes, resulting in serious yield reduction and quality due to poor agronomic management in plants. Despite the impact of global insecurity on world food production, limited success has been achieved to heat stress adaptation. Extensive research has been made to assess the consequences of abiotic stresses in early growth stages and endurance under subsequent intensity. However, the consequences of abiotic, especially heat/high-temperature stress on reproductive growth, development, and phenology of cereals, received comparatively less consideration, though it has a significant effect on grain yields. Hence, it is imperative to recognize and focus on the most exposed traits of growth and yield under abiotic stress conditions. Among the abiotic stresses, heat stress adversely affects the chlorophyll and grain filling mechanisms in plants. Thus, the preservation of grain weight throughout the heat stress period is also a signal of heat tolerance at the grain filling stage. High potential grain weight under heat stress may also be a better decisive factor for the selection of cultivars for heat tolerance and resistance to changing future climatic conditions. This review summarizes the alterations in the development systems of plants in response to heat stress with a focus on integrated morpho-anatomical, physiological, and molecular adaptations. It also provides information about advanced heat tolerance mechanisms in various plant species applying different tactics together with genetic techniques for plant growth and development.

Objectives: The aim of the article was to evaluate Ki-67 expression in oral leukoplakia in snuff users and non-users. Study Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study. Setting: At different hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Period: From August 2016 –March 2017. Material & Methods: Clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of oral leukoplakia in snuff users and non-users 30 cases each were immunohistochemically examined and percentage expression of nuclear Ki-67 was evaluated by a semi quantitative method in basal, parabasal and suprabasal layers of the lining epithelium. Results: The relationship of expression of Ki-67 in parabasal and suprabasal layers of affected epithelium in snuff users was found to be statistically significant with a p value of 0.007 and 0.002 respectively. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the proliferative index is high in snuff users as compared to non-users which can be a factor for malignant transformation.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important cash crop of Pakistan. Groundnut has nutritional features like calcium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, proteins vitamin E and vitamin B complex. Little work has been done so far on groundnut quality aspects. Keeping this in mind present study was conducted comprising of eight groundnut genotypes collected from Barani Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) Chakwal which were evaluated for quality traits and their inheritance mechanism during Kharif season, 2016. Biochemical analysis for different traits were performed like protein content, oil content, calcium, phosphorous, iron, amino acid and Aflatoxin. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis for ascertaining the significance of traits. Genotype 11CG005 gave good performance regarding oil content, iron content while genotype 11CG004 performed best for protein content and calcium content and it was also in safer limits for aflatoxin content. For phosphorous content, genotype 10CG008 gave best performance whereas genotype 11CG003 showed better results for amino acid content. High heritability with high genetic advance was showed by oil content, calcium content and protein content which indicated additive type of gene action for these traits while aflatoxin, amino acid, phosphorus and iron showed moderate heritability with little genetic advance which indicated predominance of non-additive type of gene action for the studied traits. The study is helpful in generating detailed information on quality traits of groundnut that can be used in future groundnut breeding programs of the country.

Encapsulated probiotic administration can be a nutritional strategy to improve the growth performance and immune status of fish. Here commercial application of encapsulated G. candidum was evaluated as a feed supplement to fingerlings of L. rohita reared in earthen ponds under semi-intensive culture conditions. Fingerlings with an average body weight of 20 ± 2.34 g were distributed randomly in three groups and experiment was conducted in triplicate. The control group (P0) was fed 35% protein basal diet while the two treated groups, P1 and P2 were fed basal diet supplemented with 109 CFU g−1 un-encapsulated (free) and encapsulated G. candidum, respectively, for eleven weeks. Results indicated significantly (P

s Drought stress is a severe global environmental concern for the growth and development of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), which is crucial for agricultural sustainability owing to its high feed value and economic prospects. Melatonin (MT) has emerged as a multifaceted biomolecule that plays a fundamental role in regulating plants' multiple environmental stresses. However, the significant effect of exogenous MT on drought stress tolerance in the alfalfa forage crops remains inexpressible. We investigated the effects of foliar-sprayed melatonin at different doses (50, 100, 200 μM) on alfalfa seedlings' growth and physiological responses under drought stress. Our results showed that drought stress reduced morphological growth attributes (by 12 to 54%), gas exchange parameters (by 37 to 88%), photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, and Chl b contents by 29%, and 40%), mineral contents, and increased lipid peroxidation (by 69%) and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in alfalfa plants. In contrast, exogenous foliar application of MT significantly revived growth characteristics, boosted antioxidant enzyme activities, improved photosynthetic performance, decreased ROS-induced oxidative damage by increasing plant mineral elements, and lowered lipid peroxidation in plants under drought stress. In addition, MT also stimulated the accumulation of total soluble sugar and proline content by 48% and by 75% respectively, which were positively associated with improved leaf water status in drought-stressed plants. Meanwhile, our findings revealed that the highest efficiency was achieved at 100 μM melatonin. In conclusion, these findings bring a new perspective on melatonin-mediated drought stress tolerance and provide a foundational understanding of alfalfa's future cultivation in drought-prone regions globally.

Micronutrient (iron, zinc and boron) deficiencies are a basic and prominent factor affecting grape quality and yield in the Pothwar region. To overcome these deficiencies, different levels of micronutrients were applied foliarly on grapevines at five different berry developmental stages during two consecutive growing seasons (2018 and 2019). The data suggested that foliar treatment of micronutrients significantly increased the yield, number of bunches per vine, bunch weight, yield per vines, bunch length, berry number per cluster, berry diameter, berry weight and cluster compactness. The biochemical quality attributes of berries, including sugars (reducing, non-reducing as well as total sugars), ascorbic acid content, pH and TSS values, were at their highest levels in grapevines supplemented with Fe, Zn and B treatment at 200 ppm, respectively, i.e., the highest concentrations used. Biochemical leaf values, including chlorophyll a and b and leaf micronutrient content (Fe, Zn and B), were also highest in grapevines that were sprayed with Fe, Zn and B at 200 ppm. Overall, the results revealed that the performance of grapevine cv. ‘Flame Seedless’ growing in agroclimatic conditions of the Pothwar region was improved as a result of the foliar application of Fe, Zn and B at 200 ppm. The results also suggested that a further increase in the concentration of each nutrient might be helpful to obtain berries of improved quantity and quality.

Peaches are well-liked amongst the stone fruits in Pakistan. The peach industry faces significant losses, from harvesting to marketing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of foliar sprays of salicylic acid (SA) on the fruit quality of peaches (cv. ‘Flordaking’) at the harvest and postharvest life or stages. Different concentrations of SA (control, 1, 2 and 3 mM) were sprayed on the plants at three growth stages of fruit, i.e., the cell division, cell enlargement and pit-hardening stages. In general, all the SA treatments improved the fruit quality at harvest and maintained higher levels of flesh firmness, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid during storage. However, fruit weight loss, soluble solid contents, membrane leakage, chilling injury, color development, disease and decay incidence and the climacteric peak of ethylene were lowered by SA treatment after six weeks of low-temperature storage. SA at a 3-mM concentration was proven to be the most effective in maintaining the quality for a longer period of time during low-temperature storage. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the application of SA at fruit development stages can improve the harvest quality and storability of ‘Flordaking’ peaches.

Composts especially spent mushroom composts (SMC) have been used for their ability to degrade toxic organic pollutants. Due to extreme toxicity, endosulfan (C9H6Cl6O3S) is categorized as a ...

Heavy metals phytoextraction potential of swollen duckweed (Lemna gibba Linn.) and lesser duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis Welw.) was determined under greenhouse conditions by exposing to untreated i...

Climatic factors particularly the temperature fluctuations and rain pattern shift significantly impact the production and yield of peanut and unavailability of resilient varieties exacerbate this impact. To deal with the cropping pattern change and yield losses, due to climate vagaries, a study was conducted to develop early maturing hybrids using line into tester mating design. The F1 hybrids from the parental lines were produced in the year 2018 using Line×Tester mating design and then grown in the field in the year 2019 for further evaluation and comparison with parental lines for early maturity and yield-related attributes. Based on general combining ability estimate V22 (line) and V6 (tester) were found best parents whereas based on the specific combining ability significant results for V22×V1 and V20×V15 were observed for selection of better parents and hybrid combinations. Results based on heterosis and heterobeltosis analysis of the combinations for studied attributes showed that V22×V6 followed by V22×V15 are the best hybrids for earliness and better yield. These parents and combinations can further be used for the development of short duration variety.

Salinity and drought stress, singly or in combination, are major environmental menaces. Jatropha curcas L. is a biodiesel plant that can tolerate long periods of drought. However, the growth performance and stress tolerance based on physical, chemical, and physiological attributes of this plant have not yet been studied. To address this question, J. curcas seedlings were grown in a completely randomized design in plastic pots filled with soil to evaluate the effects of salinity and drought stresses on growth, ionic composition, and physiological attributes. The experiment consisted of six treatments: control (without salinity and drought stress), salinity alone (7.5 dS m&minus, 1, 15 dS m&minus, 1), drought, and a combination of salinity and drought (7.5 dS m&minus, 1+ Drought, 15 dS m&minus, 1+Drought). Our results revealed that, compared with the control, both plant height (PH) and stem diameter (SD) were reduced by (83%, 80%, and 77%) and (69%, 56%, and 55%) under salinity and drought combination (15 dS m&minus, 1+Drought) after three, six, and nine months, respectively. There was 93% more leaf Na+ found in plants treated with 15 dS m&minus, 1+Drought compared with the control. The highest significant average membrane stability index (MSI) and relative water content (RWC) values (81% and 85%, respectively) were found in the control. The MSI and RWC were not influenced by 7.5 dS m&minus, 1 and drought treatments and mostly contributed towards stress tolerance. Our findings imply that J. curcas is moderately tolerant to salinity and drought. The Na+ toxicity and disturbance in K+: Na+ ratio were the main contributing factors for limited growth and physiological attributes in this plant.

Nowadays, lower post-release survivorship of hatchery-reared fish in natural aquatic bodies has attained great attention and research is in progress to determine the reasons for their higher mortality. It is assumed that hatchery rearing environments negatively affect the physiological stress response of the fish. Thus, understanding how rearing environments modulate this is important for the well-being of fish. Here, an attempt has been made to assess the influence of two early rearing environments, i.e., barren (BR), mimic the conventional hatchery rearing environment; without any substrate and enrichment items and structurally enriched (ER), containing multi-colored gravel substrate, cobbles and plants, on the stress regulators i.e., HPI-axis and brain monoaminergic system of fish. Three-day old grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) postlarvae were reared up to the fingerling stage in the aforementioned environments. For the stress assay, fish were subjected to net capture followed by 30 min confinement in a small container at a lower water level. The pre- and post-stress responses were compared by evaluating their water-borne cortisol and the mRNA level of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), dopamine D1A receptor (DRD1A) and hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (HTR2B) in the whole brain through qPCR analysis. Results of two-way ANOVA revealed significantly low (p < .001) post-stress concentration and release rate of water-borne cortisol and pre- and post-stress expression of CRH, DRD1A and HTR2B genes in the ER than BR fish. It is concluded that a structurally complex early rearing environment reduces the stress level in fish.

Amongst various environmental constraints, abiotic stresses are increasing the risk of food insecurity worldwide by limiting crop production and disturbing the geographical distribution of food crops. Millets are known to possess unique features of resilience to adverse environments, especially infertile soil conditions, although the underlying mechanisms are yet to be determined. The small diploid genome, short stature, excellent seed production, C4 photosynthesis, and short life cycle of foxtail millet make it a very promising model crop for studying nutrient stress responses. Known to be a drought-tolerant crop, it responds to low nitrogen and low phosphate by respective reduction and enhancement of its root system. This special response is quite different from that shown by maize and some other cereals. In contrast to having a smaller root system under low nitrogen, foxtail millet enhances biomass accumulation, facilitating root thickening, presumably for nutrient translocation. The low phosphate response of foxtail millet links to the internal nitrogen status, which tends to act as a signal regulating the expression of nitrogen transporters and hence indicates its inherent connection with nitrogen nutrition. Altogether, the low nitrogen and low phosphate responses of foxtail millet can act as a basis to further determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we will highlight the abiotic stress responses of foxtail millet with a key note on its low nitrogen and low phosphate adaptive responses in comparison to other crops.

The ability of a species and population to respond to a decrease or an increase in temperature depends on their adaptive potential. Here, the critical thermal tolerance (CTmax and CTmin) of four populations: Labeo rohita, Catla catla, and their reciprocal hybrids L. rohita♀× C. catla♂ (RC) and C. catla♀ × L. rohita♂ (CR) being acclimatized at four acclimation temperatures (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) were determined. All populations indicated substantial variations (P 0.05) in CTmax and CTmin values. L. rohita displayed, comparatively the highest CTmax with largest total and intrinsic polygon zones as well as the upper and lower acquired thermal tolerance zones followed by RC and CR hybrids, while C. catla showed significantly the highest CTmin value and the smallest intrinsic and acquired thermal tolerance zones. Both hybrids illustrated low parent heterosis (≤11%). Additionally, the highest expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 (heat shock proteins) genes, serum lysozyme level, respiratory burst activity and lowest lipid peroxidation level under lower and higher temperature shock further illustrated strong physiological mechanism of L. rohita in contrast to C. catla, to deal with acute temperature, while hybrids, especially F1 RC hybrid appeared as a good option to replace C. catla in relatively higher and lower temperature areas.

Vegetable oils are a key component of human dietary need and health worldwide. Oil quality of sunflower is better than all others because of the higher percentage of the linoleic acid that is the most appropriate character missing in all other oilseed crops. Changing climate and extreme weather events are making crop highly vulnerable and threatening global food security. Application of different crop models was evaluated to quantify the sunflower genotypes selection, assessment of phenotypic plasticity, physiology, and estimation of seed yield and oil concentration in response to the climate variability. The present study evaluated the worldwide sunflower modelling performance, and a case study of SUNFLO hybrid modelling technique was assessed for crop model adaptation to new genotypes under contrasting environment. Extended field experiment was conducted at 52 locations (28 genotypes) at the 75% of the total sunflower cultivated region in France. Compared to initial models the experiential correlation decreased mean square error (MSE) on an average of 54% for seed yield production, and 26% for oil content concentration. The study also identified smart management practices and evaluated the performance of different models and concluded with the utilization of hybrid modelling skills. Further research expresses the thrust to use system modelling for screening the existing hybrids on grounds of their responses to several growth parameters and adaptation capacity to rapidly changing climatic conditions. This will eventually minimize the yield losses and help in increasing the crop yield even in limited resources. The present study is also proposing a clear optimization framework for genetic diversity of sunflower hybrids and management practices under changing climatic scenario.

The phytotoxicity of nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest, given the broad applications of nanomaterials in different fields. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major forage crop grown worldwide with a high protein content. The molecular regulation mechanisms involved in nanomaterial-treated alfalfa were examined in this research. In our lab, 18 cDNA libraries of Golden Empress (GE) and Bara 310SC (SC) under control (CK), middle (10 g kg−1)- and high (20 g kg−1)-graphene stress treatments were constructed in 2019. All clean reads were matched to the reference Medicago_truncatula genome, the mapping ratio was higher than 50%, and a total of 3946 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. The number of DEGs that reflect transcriptional activity is proportional to the degree of stress. For example, 1241/610 and 1794/1422 DEGs were identified as significant in the leaves of GE/SC under mid- and high-graphene treatment, respectively. Furthermore, GO analysis of the DEGs annotated in some significant biochemical process terms included ‘response to abiotic stimulus’, ‘oxidation-reduction process’, ‘protein kinase activity’, and ‘oxidoreductase activity’. KEGG pathway analysis of the DEGs revealed strongly mediated graphene-responsive genes in alfalfa mainly linked to the ‘biosynthesis of amino acids’, ‘isoflavonoid biosynthesis’, ‘linoleic acid metabolism’, and ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’ pathways. In addition, hundreds of DEGs, including photosynthetic, antioxidant enzyme, nitrogen metabolism, and metabolic sucrose and starch genes, have been identified as potentially involved in the response to graphene. Physiological findings revealed that enzymes related to the metabolism of nitrogen play a crucial role in the adaptation of graphene stress to alfalfa. Ultimately, in response to graphene stress, a preliminary regulatory mechanism was proposed for the self-protective mechanism of alfalfa, which helps to explain the phytotoxicity of the molecular mechanism of nanoparticle-treated crops.

For human food security, the preservation of 7.4 million ex-situ germplasm is a global priority. However, ex-situ-conserved seeds are subject to aging, which reduces their viability and ultimately results in the loss of valuable genetic material over long periods. Recent progress in seed biology and genomics has revealed new opportunities to improve the long-term storage of ex-situ seed germplasm. This review summarizes the recent improvements in seed physiology and genomics, with the intention of developing genomic tools for evaluating seed aging. Several lines of seed biology research have shown promise in retrieving viability signal from various stages of seed germination. We conclude that seed aging is associated with mitochondrial alteration and programmed cell death, DNA and enzyme repair, anti-oxidative genes, telomere length, and epigenetic regulation. Clearly, opportunities exist for observing seed aging for developing genomic tools to increment the traditional germination test for effective conservation of ex-situ germplasm.

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), a highly chlorinated pesticide, was used worldwide in the 1950s and 1960s. HCH toxic residues are still detected in environmental compartments. Thus, effective, viable and eco-friendly strategy is required for its remediation. In this study, degradation of four HCH isomers was evaluated by amending contaminated soil using four treatments of spent mushroom compost (SMC) of Pleurotus ostraetus. The soil was incubated for 5 weeks and was sampled every seven days. Quantitative attenuation in HCH was calculated using gas chromatography–electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and metabolite was identified using gas chromatography–mass selective detector (GC-MSD). Maximum reduction 58%, 26%, 45%, and 64% for α-, β-, γ- and δ-HCH isomers, respectively, using SMC and soil (both unsterilized) showed that this treatment was the best for bioremediation of HCH in soil. However, when one of the factors, either soil or SMC, was sterilized, a significant reduction in HCH degradation was noticed. The second most reduction of isomers was seen during treatment where unsterilized SMC was added in sterilized soil followed by treatment where SMC was sterilized but soil was not. Abiotic control did not remove any significant quantities of HCH. Simple first-order (SFO) kinetic confirmed that SMC reduced the half-live manifolds as compared to biotic control. Only one metabolite δ-PCCH was identified during the course of study.

A series of 2-adamantyl-5-arylthiazolyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 7a–x together with thiazoles 13 and 14 were synthesized. Compounds 7a–l, 13, and 14 were tested in vitro with the aim of identifying novel lead compounds active against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 and human immunodeficiency virus type-2 activity in MT-4 cells. Title compounds were also tested against representatives of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp.), various mycobacterial strains (Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium smegmatis), yeast (Candida albicans), and mold (Aspergillus fumigatus). None of the compounds showed antiviral or antimicrobial activity, except compounds 13 and 14 exhibited anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1 activity with EC50 values of 1.79 and 2.39 μM with Selectivity index = 18 and 4, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 7a and 7j showed a marked cytotoxicity against the human CD4+ lymphocytes (MT-4). Therefore, 7a and 7j were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against two solid tumor-derived cell lines, which exhibited IC50 values of 8.1 ± 0.10 µM and 4.8 ± 0.08 µM against Hep-G2 cell lines, respectively.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important legume and oilseed crop, native to South America and grown in all tropical and temperate regions of the world. A simplified and rapid direct gene delivery system in peanut was developed by vortexing silicon carbide whiskers with callus and with plasmid harboring chitinase and hygromcin genes. The effects of callus age and whisker quantity on transformation efficiency were evaluated. Transformation efficiency (6.88%) was highest when 200 mg of whiskers were used with 5 µg plasmid for 2 g of 20-day-old callus. Hygromcin-resistant calli were regenerated to complete plants which produced seeds normally. Transgene insertion and number of transgene copieswere confirmed by PCR and southern blot analyses, respectively. Transgene expression was evaluated by a pathogenecity test and RT-PCR analysis. In transgenic events, the resistance level to leaf spot disease was far higher than in control plants.

Research was conducted to quantify the level of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contamination in battery industry effluent and to assess the remediation potential of three invasive aquatic macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Hydrocotyle umbellata by growing on industrial effluent collected from Lead acid Battery industry.The effluent was heavily contaminated with Pb (10mg/l) and sulphuric acid (pH 2- 2.1). Due to high Pb concentrations and low pH (2-2.2) the plants were unable to survive. Mortality rate of E. crassipes was 96 % while P. stratiotes and H. umbellata were 100% rotten. The experiment was repeated after adjusting the effluent pH to 7-7.5 to increase the plant life.Plant parts and wastewater samples were analyzed after every 3 days interval uptil 21st day. The amount of Cr, Cd and Cu in the effluent was 0.076 mg /L, 0.036 mg /L and 0.097 mg /L, which was in permissible limits of NEQs (1.0 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l and 1.0 mg/l) respectively. Pb was found 10 times higher i.e. 10 mg/l than the permissible limit 0.5 mg/l. E. crassipes removed Pb>Cr>Cu>Cd while P. stratiotes and H. umbellata reduced Cd, Cr, Cu more than Pb from the effluent. E. crassipes was most efficient Pb removing plant in 21 days of experiment.

Boron requirement of mungbean was assessed from yield response curves based on field experiment during 2010-11. Four cultivars, i.e., NM-11, NM-2006, Chakwal Mung-2006 and AZRI Mung-2006 were grown in a boron (B)-deficient calcareous soil by applying B at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kg ha−I. Boron application significantly increased grain yield and B uptake by all the mungbean cultivars over control. Maximum grain yield increases were: cv. NM-11, 20%; cv. NM-2006, 24%; cv. Chakwal Mung-2006, 26%; and cv. AZRI Mung-2006, 28%. The cultivars varied in B efficiency and cv. NM-11 was most B efficient (83%) while cv. AZRI Mung-2006 was the least B efficient (78%). Fertilizer B requirement (kg ha−1) for 95% of the maximum grain yield was: 0.60 for cv. AZRI Mung-2006, 0.70 for cv. Chakwal Mung-2006, 0.75 for cv. NM-2006, and 0.85 for cv. NM-11. Plant tissue critical B concentration in leaves was higher than in seeds.

The present study was aimed to investigate the Cd tolerance of bacteria isolated from municipal effluent irrigated soils. Thirty bacterial strains were isolated and screened for their Cd+ tolerance by growing on nutrient agar plates amended with varying amount of Cd+. Out of them four bacteria (GS2, GS5, GS10 and GS20) were found highly Cd tolerant (600 ppm Cd). The minimum inhibitory concentration of Cd+ was found 200 ppm. The isolates showed optimum growth at 30 °C and pH 7.5-8.5. Growth curve study against different concentrations of Cd (0-600 ppm) revealed that GS2 was more tolerant among selected strains showing only 33% reduction in growth compared to 64% by GS5 and 77% by both GS10 and GS20 at 600 ppm Cd. Inoculation of maize seeds with Cd tolerant bacteria for root elongation demonstrated up to 1.7 fold increase in root elongation (in the absence of Cd) and up to 1.5 fold (in the presence of 50 ppm Cd) compared to the un-inoculated plants. The results of the study revealed that the bacterial isolates exhibiting great Cd tolerance and growth promoting activity can be potential candidates for bioremediation of metal contaminated soils and wastewaters.

Bt-cotton germplasm, consisting of 75 genotypes was evaluated against cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) under high inoculum pressure in the field and using graft inoculation in glasshouse by visual symptom scoring assessments. None of the tested genotype was found disease free under both evaluation tests. Under field conditions in 2011, 3 genotypes were found resistant, 4 moderately resistant, 3 tolerant, 2 moderately susceptible and one susceptible; in 2012, 3 genotypes were tolerant, 7 moderately susceptible, 5 susceptible and 38 highly susceptible; in 2013, one was moderately susceptible and 51 were highly susceptible with varying degree of percent disease index (PDI) and severity index (SI). However, through graft evaluation in glasshouse, none of the graft inoculated plant was symptomless. All tested genotypes showed disease symptoms with SI values ranging between 5.0 and 6.0, and latent period between 12 and 14 days. Of the 75 genotypes evaluated using graft inoculation, 11 were found susceptible with SI values of 5.0 to 5.4 while remaining 64 were highly susceptible with SI values of 5.5 to 6.0. Inoculated plants of all tested genotypes exhibited severe disease symptoms within 10 days after the appearance of initial symptoms. No reduction in SI value was observed until the end of the experiment i.e., 90 days after grafting. Information generated under the present study clearly demonstrates that no sources of resistance to CLCuD are available among the tested Bt-cotton genotypes. So, a breeding programme is needed to introgress the CLCuD-resistance from other resistant sources to agronomically suitable Bt-cotton genotypes.

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of applied zinc (Zn) on the seed yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and to determine the internal Zn requirement of pea with emphasis on the seed and leaves as index tissues. The experiment was carried out at two different locations (Talagang, Chakwal district and National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad) in the Potohar Plateau, Pakistan by growing three pea cultivars (Green feast, Climax, and Meteor). The soils were fertilized with 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 kg Zn ha−1 along with recommended basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and boron (B). Zinc application increased seed yield significantly for all the three cultivars. Maximum increase in the pea seed yield (2-year mean) was 21% and 15% for Green feast, 28% and 21% for Climax, and 34% and 26% for Meteor at Talagang and NARC, respectively. In all cultivars, Zn concentrations in leaves and seed increased to varying extents as a result of Zn application. Fertiliser Zn requirement for near-maximum seed yield varied from 3.2 to 5.3 kg ha−1 for different cultivars. Zinc concentrations of leaves and seeds appeared to be a good indicator of soil Zn availability. The critical Zn concentration range sufficient for 95% maximum yield (internal Zn requirement) was 42–53 mg kg−1 in the pea leaves and 45–60 mg kg−1 in the seeds of the three pea cultivars studied.

The abilities of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) to take up heavy metals from soils amended with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Both plants were grown in two soils contaminated with heavy metals (Gujranwala—silty loam and Pacca—clay loam). The soils were treated with 0, 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mM EDTA kg−1 soil applied at both 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS); the experiment was terminated at 75 DAS. Addition of EDTA significantly increased concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb in roots and shoots, and bio-concentration factors and phytoextraction rates were also increased. Post-harvest soil analysis showed that soluble fractions of metals were also increased significantly. The increase in Cd was ≈ 3-fold and Pb was ≈ 15-fold at the highest addition of EDTA in Gujranwala soil; in the Pacca soil, the increase was less. Similarly, other phytoremediation factors, such as metal translocation, bio-concentration factor, and phytoextraction, efficiency were also maximum when soils were treated with 2.5 mM EDTA kg−1 soil. The study demonstrated that sorghum was better than oat for phytoremediation.

Municipal effluent of three rural settings of Islamabad was assessed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters by collecting wastewater from inlet and center of ponds. Results showed that water quality was comparatively better at the center as Typha latifolia plants were growing toward the center of ponds. In another study, the wastewater treatment ability of T. latifolia was investigated by growing them in industrial and municipal effluent under greenhouse conditions. Water and plant samples were collected periodically (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st day after transplanting) for the measurement of Pb, Cu, and Cd concentrations. A decrease in heavy metal concentration of both effluents was observed as the experiment progressed and metal removal percentages ranged between 81% and 96%. Complementary the increase in metal concentration in plant tissues was observed over experimental period. Among plant tissues, metal concentration of Pb was highest i.e. 362 mg kg

Field studies were conducted to assess boron (B) requirement, critical concentrations in diagnostic parts based on yield response curves and genotypic variation by growing three peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars (‘Golden’, ‘BARD-479’, ‘BARI-2000’) on two B-deficient calcareous soils. Boron application significantly increased pod yield of all the cultivars over control. Maximum pod yield increases were: ‘Golden’, 16−23%; ‘BARD-479’, 21−27%; and ‘BARI-2000’, 25−31%. The cultivars varied in B efficiency and cv. ‘Golden’ was the most B efficient (81−86%) while cv. ‘BARI-2000’ was the least efficient (76−80%). Boron requirements for near-maximum (95%) dry pod yield were 0.65 kg ha−1 for ‘Golden’, 0.75 kg ha−1 for BARD-479 and 0.80 kg ha−1 for BARI-2000. Critical B concentrations in shoots and seeds were: ‘Golden’, 33 mg kg−1 and 26 mg kg−1; ‘BARD-479’, 38 mg kg−1 and 31 mg kg−1; and ‘BARI-2000’, 42 mg kg−1 and 33 mg kg−1.

Livestock industry of Pakistan is expanding day by day. To meet its growing demand high fodder yielding and nutritious varieties of fodder crops are needed. Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) is an excellent choice for this purpose. In order to explore the possibility of the better yield potential varieties of pearl millet performed in a good manner under agro ecological conditions of Faisalabad during the year 2012. A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Randomized complete block design was used with three replications; the net plot size was 1.8 m × 6 m. The experiment was comprised of nine millet varieties named Cholistani Bajra, Barani Bajra, MB-87, Sargodha Bajra 2011, 18-BY, Super Bajra-1, PARC-MS-2, 86-M-52 and FB-822. All other agronomic practices were kept normal and constant. Data on yield and yield components were recorded by standard procedure. Significant results were recorded among the varieties for forage growth and yield. The variety 86-M-52 produced maximum forage and dry matter yield because of more number of leaves (14), leaf area (3540.1 cm2) followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011. All cultivars have statistically significant differences in respect of quality characteristics. However, non-significant differences were observed among cultivars regarding ash contents. The cultivar Sargodha Bajra-2011 has the highest crude protein (10.347%) and the cultivar FB-822 has the minimum crude protein percentage (6.733%). While PARC-MS-2 has the highest crude fiber percentage (34.667%) but variety MB-87 has the minimum crude fiber (24.333%). Variety 86-M-52 proved better for getting higher forage yield followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011 than all other varieties. Sargodha Bajra-2011 is the best cultivar that performed well in respect of quality parameters under irrigated conditions of Faisalabad.

Variations in different breeding parameters in 2 adjacent populations of the Stone Curlew in Nag Valley were studied. A total of 106 active nests were spotted, with an overall mean clutch size of 1.42 eggs per nest. The nest and egg success of the Lope Valley population was 0.50 and 0.42, respectively, while the nest and egg success of the Kereichi population was 0.60 and 0.45. Poaching of eggs/chicks, habitat shrinkage, overgrazing, and fuel wood collection are thoughts to be the main factors affecting the breeding success of Stone Curlew in the area.

Laboratory batch and greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to determine the extraction efficiency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for solubilizing lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and to explore the natural and chemically induced Pb and Cd phytoextraction efficiencies of spinach and mustard after EDTA application. The EDTA was applied at 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mM kg−1 soil in three replicates. Addition of EDTA increased significantly the soluble fraction Pb and Cd over the control and maximum increases for Pb (1.42- and 1.96-fold) and Cd (1.45- and 1.38-fold) were observed with the addition of 5.0 mM EDTA kg−1 in Gujranwala and Pacca soils, respectively. Similarly, addition of EDTA increased significantly the Pb and Cd concentrations in the plant shoots, soil solution, bioconcentration factor, and phytoextraction rate. Mustard exhibited better results than spinach when extracting Pb and Cd from both contaminated soils.

Use of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria for bioremediation is an environmentally safe and economical approach. Selected chromium-tolerant bacteria were tested in a greenhouse experiment. Different sets of pots were contaminated with three rates of Cr, i.e., 20, 30, and 40 ppm, using K2Cr2O7 and incubated for 1 month. Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seeds of Hysun-33 variety were inoculated with already screened Cr-tolerant bacteria (SS1, SS3, and SS6) along with un-inoculated seeds as control. Completely randomized design was used and two plants per pot were maintained after thinning. At harvesting, fresh as well as dry shoot and root weights were measured. Shoot and root samples were analyzed for Cr contents. The maximum increase in dry shoot and root weight (58 and 63%) was obtained by SS6 followed by SS1 (48 and 42%) and SS3 (37 and 47%) over control at various Cr concentrations. Cr accumulation in shoot and root was also enhanced by all the bacteria compared to control. Regarding the extent of total Cr uptake, SS6 enhanced Cr accumulation up to 107–171%, SS1 99.3–135%, and SS3 91–138% at 20, 30, and 40 ppm Cr, respectively. It is concluded from the study that there was a decreasing trend in growth with the increase of Cr concentration. All the bacteria improved growth and Cr accumulation significantly over control; however, SS6 found best among all Cr-tolerant bacteria. These bacteria can effectively be used for crop improvement and bioremediation.

This 1-year study, extending from January to December 2011, was conducted to investigate the role of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) as a seed disperser in Lahore, Pakistan. Ejecta of the species from two roosting sites, i.e. Jinnah garden and Lalazar garden, was collected and the plant seeds were extracted from bat boluses and guano. Various seeds of edible trees and forest plantation species extracted from ejecta of P. Giganteus included areca palm (Areca catechu), coromandel ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon), Indian gaabh (D. Peregrina), lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), mahwa (Madhuca longifolia), Indian lilac (Melia azedarach), cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), guava (Psidium guajava), and janbolanum plum (Syzygium jambolanum). Measurements of the extracted seeds' length (mm), diameter (mm), and weight (g) were taken and the seeds of jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) were found the longest (40 mm) with the maximum average diameter (50 mm) while the rambutan (N. Lappaceum) seeds were the heaviest (3.4 g). It can be concluded from the present study that P. Giganteus is a seed disperser and transporter of heavier seeds as heavier seeds are mammal-dependent for their dispersal.

El presente estudio fue disenado para determinar las variaciones morfologicas e histologicas en los organos reproductores de la ardilla de las palmeras que habita en las tierras de cultivo del centro de Punjab. Dieciseis muestras fueron recolectadas en 3 lugares diferentes del distrito de Faisalabad durante diferentes meses con el fin de obtener los ovarios y determinar la fenologia reproductiva de esta especie. Se registraron el peso corporal y las medidas corporales externas. Se realizaron autopsias de dos hembras adultas cada mes y sus ovarios fueron extraidos. Se prepararon los tejidos por tecnica de parafina y tincion H & E y se observaron las variaciones estacionales en el tamano y forma folicular. El analisis estadistico revelo que los valores de todos los parametros de los ovarios fueron significativamente mas altos durante la fase foliculogenica (enero a mayo), en comparacion con la fase baja (noviembre-diciembre) (P

This study aimed to identify high-yielding peanut genotypes with resistance to leaf spot disease. The experiments included material from fourteen local and four exotic peanut genotypes that showed highly significant differences among morphological and disease severity parameters in all the genotypes which, in turn, suggested diversity genotypes. Disease severity analysis showed that the highest disease score and damaged leaf area were observed in the genotype Kelincer and the lowest scores and leaf damaged areas were observed in Majalaya super and BARI-2000, respectively. Based on these results, the genotypes BARI-2011, Chakori, Golden, BARI-89, Majalaya Super, BARD-699, BARI-2000, SP-1, and No. 334 can be used by breeders in peanut improvement programs for the development of new cultivars with higher disease resistance and increased yield.

Critical concentration in recommended plant tissue is an important tool for diagnosing nutrient deficiency. Internal requirement of five chili (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars was estimated from yield response curves attained from a field experiment by applying 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kg boron (B) ha−I. Boron application significantly increased dry fruit yield and maximum increase ranged from 11 to 19%. The cultivars varied in B efficiency and cv. ‘Nepali’ was most B efficient (90%) while cv. ‘NARC # 4’ was the least (84%). Internal chili B requirement, associated with 95% of maximum yield attained, was 0.90 kg B ha−1. Plant tissue critical B concentration was 20 mg B kg−1in whole shoot, 24 mg B kg−1in matured leaf, and 15 mg B kg−1in seed. Results demonstrate that proposed diagnostic criteria can successfully be used to cure the B problem in chili.

Our study analyzed the effect of foliar tissues and seed tissue for determining the micronutrient status of a crop. Zinc (Zn) requirements of onion (Allium cepa L.) leaves and seeds were estimated from yield response curves based on field experiment conducted on a Zn-deficient calcareous soil. Three onion cultivars, i.e., ‘Swat-1’, ‘Phulkara’, and ‘Sariab Red’ were grown by applying 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 kg Zn ha−1. Zinc application significantly increased seed yield of all the three cultivars of onion. The order of seed yield response to Zn fertilization was: ‘Swat-1’ < ‘Phulkara’ < ‘Sariab Red’. Fertilizer Zn requirement for near-maximum seed yield was 2 kg Zn ha−1. Zinc concentration in mature onion seed also appeared to be a good indicator of soil Zn availability status. Critical Zn concentration in seed was 18 mg Zn kg−1, and in matured leaves was 21 mg kg−1.

We studied the diet of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) in Pakistan from March 2008 to February 2009 and found that the bats fed on 20 species belonging to 11 plant families. Of these, four families (Anacardiaceae, Bignonaceae, Malvaceae, and Sapotaceae) were identified from remnants of flower petals in food boluses while the remaining families (Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Ebenaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Myrtaceae, and Sapindaceae) were identified from the seeds in the boluses and from guano samples. Plants in the family Moraceae (50.7%) comprised most of the bat’s diet. Fruit of Ficus retusa (27.5%) and F. carica (23.0%) during winter, F. glomerata (30.9%) and F. religiosa (28.1%) during spring, Psidium guajava (19.6%), F. bengalensis (18.7%) and Diospyros peregrina (17.8%) during summer, and D. peregrina (71.9%) during autumn, were the most frequently identified items. The four seasonal diets varied significantly (χ 2 = 435, d.f. = 18, P < 0.01). Results confirm that the ecological services rendered by P. giganteus, such as pollination and seed dispersal, outweigh its losses, such as damage to the ripe fruit. Hence, the species should not be regarded as a pest; rather efforts should be made to ensure its conservation.

A series of 4-amino-5-aryl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones was synthesized by reaction of aryl hydrazides with CS2 and hydrazine hydrate. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroanalytical techniques, and their urease inhibition activity was evaluated using jack bean urease. All but one of the synthesized compounds were active, and two of them were found to be more potent than the standard, with 50% inhibition concentration (IC 50) values of 17.5 ± 0.52 and 4.3 ± 0.169 μM, respectively (standard IC 50 = 21.0 ± 0.11 μM). Tentative statements regarding the role of different functional groups in binding to the enzyme active site are also presented.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global nutritional problem in crops grown in calcareous soils. However, plant analysis criteria, a good tool for interpreting crop Zn requirement, is scarcely reported in literature for onion (Allium cepa L.). In a greenhouse experiment, Zn requirement, critical concentrations in diagnostic parts and genotypic variation were assessed using four onion cultivars (‘Swat-1’, ‘Phulkara,’ ‘Sariab Red,’ and ‘Chilton-89’) grown in a Zn-deficient (AB-DTPA extractable, 0.44 Zn mg kg−1), calcareous soil of Gujranwala series (Typic Hapludalf). Five rates of Zn, ranging from 0 to 16 mg Zn kg−1 soil, were applied as zinc sulphate (ZnSO4·7H2O) along with adequate basal fertilization of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and boron (B). Four onion seedlings were transplanted in each pot. Whole shoots of two plants and recently matured leaves of other two plants were sampled. Zinc application significantly increased dry bulb yield and maximum yield was produced with 8 mg Zn kg−1...

We studied spatial differences in Barn Owl (Tyto alba stertens) diets in agroecosystems of six districts of central Punjab, Pakistan. Analysis of pellets collected over 3 years revealed the house shrew (Suncus murinus) dominated all diets. This species constituted 75.0% of the diet in the Sheikhupura District, 68.4% in the Okara District, 67.2% in the Faisalabad District, 65.6% in the Toba Tek Singh District, 59.3% in the Jhang District, and 56.3% in the Hafizabad District. Rats and mice together formed 28% of the overall diet while birds (4.2%) were consumed more than bats (2.0%). The greatest diversity in Barn Owl diets was in the Jhang District.

We investigated nesting of Barn Owls (Tyto alba) in central Punjab, Pakistan, from 1999–2002. We also documented diet of Barn Owls in southern Punjab and southeastern Baluchistan, Pakistan. Of 40 nests found in central Punjab, 33 were located in tree hollows, four in buildings, and three in nest boxes. Egg-laying was observed primarily between the second week of August and October (N = 23), with a smaller number of nests started May–July (N = 5). Fledging of the autumn nests was completed by early January, and all breeding efforts observed in May–July were unsuccessful. During the August–January breeding period, clutch size averaged 5.83 eggs (SE = 0.47; range = 1–12; N = 23) and brood size 4.15 nestlings (SE = 0.28; range = 2–7; N = 20). Shrews (59%), birds (19%), rats and mice (13%), and insects (7%) were the main prey in southern Punjab, whereas rats and mice (93%), shrews (4%), and amphibians and reptiles (3%) were the main prey in southeastern Baluchistan.

A series of new antibacterial and antifungal Schiff's bases derived from sulfonamides, as well as their transition metal complexes incorporating cobalt (II), copper (II), nickel (II) and zinc (II) were synthesized, characterized and screened for their in-vitro antibacterial activity against six Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysentriae) and four Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Staphylococcus aureous and Streptococcus pyogenes) bacterial strains and for in-vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton longifusus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Microsporum canis, Fusarium solani, Candida glaberata. The results of these studies show the metal complexes to be more antibacterial and antifungal as compared to the uncomplexed Schiffs' bases. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study the in-vitro cytotoxic properties of these synthesized ligands and their complexes. ...