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Drought is a major and constantly increasing abiotic stress factor, thus limiting chickpea production. Like other crops, Kabuli Chickpea genotypes are screened for drought stress through Multi-environment trials (METs). Although, METs analysis is generally executed taking into account only one trait, which provides less significant reliability for the recommendation of genotypes as compared to multi trait-based analysis. Multi trait-based analysis could be used to recommend genotypes across diverse environments. Hence, current research was conducted for selection of superior genotypes through multi-trait stability index (MTSI) by using mixed and fixed effect models under six diverse environments. The genotypic stability was computed for all traits individually using the weighted average of absolute scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of best linear unbiased predictions for the genotype vs environment interaction (GEI) effects produced by a linear mixed-effect model index. A superiority index, WAASBY was measured to reflect the MPS (Mean performance and stability). The selection differential for the WAASBY index was 11.2%, 18.49% and 23.30% for grain yield (GY), primary branches per plant (PBP) and Stomatal Conductance (STOMA) respectively. Positive selection differential (0.80% < selection differential < 13.00%) were examined for traits averaged desired to be increased and negative (-0.57% < selection differential

Highlights • Terminal heat stress leads to irreversible damage in wheat. • Marker assisted selection and gene pyramiding for portrayal of heat tolerance. • Allelic frequency and polymorphic information showed significant variability. • Markers xcfa2147 and xwmc671 could be potentail for heat stress tolerance., Terminal heat stress causes irreversible damage to wheat crop productivity. It reduces the vegetative growth and flowering period that consequently declines the efficiency to capture available stem reserves (carbohydrates) in grains. Markers associated with thermotolerant traits ease in marker assisted selection (MAS) for crop improvement. It identifies the genomic regions associated with thermotolerant traits in wheat, but the scarcity of markers is the major hindrance in crop improvement. Therefore, 158 wheat genotypes were subjected to genotyping with 165 simple sequence repeat markers dispersed on three genomes (A, B and D). Allelic frequency and polymorphic information content values were highest on genome A (5.34 (14% greater than the lowest value at genome D) and 0.715 (3% greater than the lowest value at genome D)), chromosome 4 (5.40 (16% greater than the lowest value at chromosome 2) and 0.725 (5% greater than the lowest value at chromosome 6)) and marker xgwm44 (13.0 (84% greater than the lowest value at marker xbarc148) and 0.916 (46% greater than the lowest value at marker xbarc148)). Bayesian based population structure discriminated the wheat genotypes into seven groups based on genetic similarity indicating their ancestral origin and geographical ecotype. Linkage disequilibrium pattern had highest significant (P 0.1 whereas, 58 on genome B at r2 > 0.5. Linkage disequilibrium decay (P 0.1) had larger LD block (5–10 cM) on genome A. Highly significant MTAs (P

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem in developing countries that practice sheep breeding extensively. In the current study, the protoscolicidal activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) derived from Mentha longifolia L. leaf extracts was investigated. The resultant ZnO NPs were characterized by means of various analytical techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The results showed that the ZnO NP had the highest scolicidal activity at 400 ppm concentration after 150 min of exposure time, showing 100% mortality rate. The treated protoscolices exhibited loss of viability with several morphological alterations. Hence, an easy and effective green synthesis of ZnO NPs, with efficient scolicidal potential, is reported in this study.

Oral delivery is the most convenient way to vaccinate cultured fish, however it is still problematic, primarily due to a lack of a commercially valid vaccine vehicle to protect the antigen against gastric degradation and ensure its uptake from the intestine. With the goal of advancing the potential to vaccinate orally, this study evaluates a novel silicon nanoparticle-based vehicle (VacSaf carrier). Aeromonas salmonicida antigens were formulated with the VacSaf carrier using different preparation methods to generate dry powder and liquid formulations. Twelve formulations were first subjected to an in vitro evaluation where the A. salmonicida bacterin conjugated to VacSaf carriers were found superior at inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in primary leucocyte cultures and the macrophage/monocyte cell line RTS-11 compared with A. salmonicida bacterin alone. This was especially apparent after exposure to acid conditions to mimic stomach processing. One formulation (FD1) was taken forward to oral delivery using two doses and two administration schedules (5 days vs 10 days, the latter 5 days on, 5 days off, 5 days on), and the transcript changes of immune genes in the intestine (pyloric caeca, midgut and hindgut) and spleen were evaluated by qPCR and serum IgM was measured by ELISA. The VacSaf carrier alone was shown to be safe for use in vivo, in that no side-effects were seen, but it did induce expression of some cytokines, and may have value as an oral adjuvant candidate. The FD1 bacterin formulation was effective at inducing a range of cytokines associated with innate and adaptive immunity, mainly in the pyloric caeca, compared to A. salmonicida bacterin alone (which had almost no effect), and confirms the immune competence of this gut region following appropriate oral vaccination. These results reveal that in vitro screening of formulations for oral delivery has value and can be used to assess the most promising formulations to test further.

Maize/soybean relay intercropping system is a popular cultivation system to obtain high yields of both crops with reduced inputs. However, shading by maize decreases the photosynthetically active radiation, reaching the soybean canopy in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, which reduces soybean radiation use efficiency and competitiveness. Here, we reveal that compact maize in maize/soybean relay intercropping system enhances the photosynthetically active radiation transmittance, leaf area index, dry matter production, radiation use efficiency, and competitiveness of soybean and compensates the slight maize yield loss by substantially increasing soybean yield. In this experiment, soybean was relay intercropped with different maize types (SI, spreading maize; SII, semi-compact maize; and SIII, compact maize) in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, and all the relay intercropping treatments were compared with sole cropping systems of soybean and maize. Results revealed that SIII significantly enhanced the soybean radiation use efficiency (by 77%, from 0.35 g MJ-1 in SI to 0.61 g MJ-1 in SIII) and total radiation use efficiency (soybean radiation use efficiency + maize radiation use efficiency) of maize/soybean relay intercropping system (by 5%, from 3.53 g MJ-1 in SI to 3.73 g MJ-1 in SIII). Similarly, SIII improved the competitiveness (by 62%, from 0.58% in SI to 0.94% in SIII) of soybean but reduced the competitiveness (by 38%, from 1.73% in SI to 1.07% in SIII) of maize, which, in turn, considerably increased soybean yield by maintaining maize yield. On average, over the 2 years, in SIII, relay-intercropped soybean produced 89% of the sole soybean yield, and relay-intercropped maize produced 95% of the sole maize yield. Besides, treatment SIII achieved the mean highest land equivalent ratio value of 1.84 in both years. Thus, enhanced radiation use efficiency of soybean, especially during the co-growth period, was the primary factor responsible for the high productivity of the maize/soybean relay intercropping system.

Second generation Bt insecticidal toxin in comibination with Allium sativum leaf agglutinin gene has been successfully expressed in cotton to develop sustainable resistance against major chewing and sucking insects. The first evidence of using the Second-generation Bt gene in combination with Allium sativum plant lectin to develop sustainable resistance against chewing and sucking insects has been successfully addressed in the current study. Excessive use of Bt δ-endotoxins in the field is delimiting its insecticidal potential. Second-generation Bt Vip3Aa could be the possible alternative because it does not share midgut receptor sites with any known cry proteins. Insecticidal potential of plant lectins against whitefly remains to be evaluated. In this study, codon-optimized synthetic Bt Vip3Aa gene under CaMV35S promoter and Allium sativum leaf agglutinin gene under phloem-specific promoter were transformed in a local cotton variety. Initial screening of putative transgenic cotton plants was done through amplification, histochemical staining and immunostrip assay. The mRNA expression of Vip3Aa gene was increased to be ninefold in transgenic cotton line L6P3 than non-transgenic control while ASAL expression was found to be fivefold higher in transgenic line L34P2 as compared to non-transgenic control. The maximum Vip3Aa concentration was observed in transgenic line L6P3. Two copy numbers in homozygous form at chromosome number 9 and one copy number in hemizygous form at chromosome number 10 was observed in transgenic line L6P3 through fluorescent in situ hybridization. Significant variation was observed in transgenic cotton lines for morphological characteristics, whereas physiological parameters of plants and fiber characteristics (as assessed by scanning electron microscopic) remained comparable in transgenic and non-transgenic cotton lines. Leaf-detach bioassay showed that all the transgenic lines were significantly resistant to Helicoverpa armigera showing mortality rates between 78% and 100%. Similarly, up to 95% mortality of whiteflies was observed in transgenic cotton lines when compared with non-transgenic control lines.

Several biotic and abiotic stresses significantly decrease the biomass accumulation and seed yield of sesame crops under rainfed areas. However, plant growth regulators (such as Paclobutrazol) can improve the total dry matter and seed production of the sesame crop. The effects of the paclobutrazol application on dry matter accumulation and seed yield had not been studied before in sesame under rainfed conditions. Therefore, a two-year field study during 2018 and 2019 was conducted with key objectives to assess the impacts of paclobutrazol on leaf greenness, leaf area, total dry matter production and partitioning, seed shattering, and seed yield of sesame. Two sesame cultivars (TS-5 and TS-3) were treated with four paclobutrazol concentrations (P0 = Control, P1 = 100 mg L−1, P2 = 200 mg L−1, P3 = 300 mg L−1). The experiment was executed in RCBD-factorial design with three replications. Compared with P0, treatment P3 improved the leaf greenness of sesame by 17%, 38%, and 60% at 45, 85, and 125 days after sowing, respectively. However, P3 treatment decreased the leaf area of sesame by 14% and 20% at 45 and 85 days after sowing than P0, respectively. Compared with P0, treatment P3 increased the leaf area by 46% at 125 days after sowing. On average, treatment P3 also improved the total biomass production by 21% and partitioning in roots, stems, leaves, capsules, and seeds by 23%, 19%, 23%, 22%, and 40%, respectively, in the whole growing seasons as compared to P0. Moreover, under P3 treatment, sesame attained the highest seed yield and lowest seed shattering by 27% and 30%, respectively, compared to P0. This study indicated that by applying the paclobutrazol concentration at the rate of 300 mg L−1in sesame, the leaf greenness, leaf areas, biomass accumulation, partitioning, seed yield, and shatter resistance could be improved. Thus, the optimum paclobutrazol level could enhance the dry matter accumulation and seed production capacity of sesame by decreasing shattering losses under rainfed conditions.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Silica gel on the growth and yield of Camelina sativa. A pot experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications at Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. The experiment consisted of 4 levels (0.15 mg/g, 0.30 mg/g, 0.45 mg/g and 0.60 mg/g) of each mentioned nutrient along with control. The data were recorded and analyzed according to recommended procedure for following parameters viz., germination %, root and shoot length (cm), root and shoot biomass (g), relative water content of leaf and leaf membrane stability index. It was observed that 0.60 mg/g silica gel application increased the seed germination (80%), root length (6.67) cm, shoot length (35.33) cm, root biomass (1.7) g, shoot biomass (5.57) g, relative water content of leaf (0.69) and leaf membrane stability index (0.07). The study concluded that significant effect of silica gel application is crucial and important to improve vegetative attributes of false flax.

Cotton fibre quality is a multigenic trait. Genetic modification of different genes to achieve high quality fibre is difficult without knowing the mechanism lying behind genes interaction. Based on background knowledge an attempt to explore the potential structural interactions between Gossypium hirsutum Wlim5 domain1 and Gossypium hirsutum ACTIN-1 proteins was done in current study. Sequence features of the LIM domain1 of GhWlim5 protein were identified through multiple sequence alignment analysis, and a phylogenetic tree was built to identify evolutionary relationships between sequences. Conservation indicated the evolutionary importance of side chain residues and the presence of several aliphatic and/or bulky residues, which stabilize the protein core and facilitate packing of zinc fingers. The structures of GhWlim5 domain1 and GhACTIN-1 proteins were modelled and validated through computational methods. Validation of GhACTIN-1 and GhWlim5 domain1 structures indicated good structural quality with 99.7% and 100% of the favoured number of residues in allowed regions and Z-score, within the ranges of − 9.87 and − 4.17, respectively. Docking analysis indicated various possible modes of interaction between these two proteins with favourable binding affinities. Based on our strong binding interaction results between GhWlim5 domain1 and GhACTIN-1 proteins, we further investigated the role of over-expression of GhWlim5 by transformation in cotton plants under fibre specific promoter and transgenic plants displayed significant increases in fibre strength.

Climate warming is impacting the phenology, growth and productivity of diverse cropping systems at local, regional and global levels. Long-term observed chickpea-mungbean system (CMS) phenological changes were used for the determination of the relationship between crop practices, climate warming and phenology for the making strategies for CMS to minimize negative climate change impacts. Observed thermal trend from sowing to maturity was ranging from 0.82 to 1.15 °C decade−1 for chickpea and 0.64 to 0.97 °C decade−1 for mungbean during 1980–2018. Observed chickpea phenology stages was earlier for mean value of 7.04 (sowing; S), 6.76 (emergence; E), 4.31 (anthesis; A), 2.15 (maturity; M) days decade−1, whereas chickpea phases were decreased averagely 2.73 (S–A), 2.16 (A–M), 4.89 (S–M) days decade−1. Mungbean, ‘S’ 6.24, ‘E’ 5.97, ‘A’ 3.76, and ‘M’ 2.01 days decade−1 were occurred earlier. Period of mungbean phenology phases were lessened with averaged 2.45 (S–A), 1.76 (S–M) and 4.23 (A–M) days decade−1, respectively. Phenological stages and phases of both crops chickpea and mungbean correlated negatively with rising temperatures at all sites studied. By using CROPGRO-Chickpea and CROPGRO-Legume models for usual chickpea and mungbean cultivars at the sites for 38 years duration indicated that model predicted phenology stages were accelerated with thermal trend more as compared with observed stages. This showed that, during last decades, growing newly evolved cultivars of pulses having more thermal time requirement have significantly offset the increased temperature induced changes in chickpea (33%) and mungbean (20%) phenology. Therefore, for the mitigation of climate warming influences, newly evolved cultivars for CMS must be familiarized that need greater demand for degree days and having higher tolerance to temperature.

Maize can be sown in spring and fall seasons in Pakistan under maize–maize cropping system. Due to seasonal variability in meteorological parameters, optimization of planting time for maize hybrids is vital to harvest improved productivity in maize-maize system. This study was designed to explore the effect of diverse sowing dates on phenology, growing degree days (GDDs), photo-thermal-units (PTUs) and helio-thermal-units (HTUs), and its impact on radiation-use-efficiency (RUE) and grain yield (GY) in different maize hybrids under maize-maize cropping system. Two-year experiments were conducted to optimize planting dates for hybrids during 2016 and 2017. In spring, three hybrids were sown on Jan 15, Feb 5, Feb 25, Mar 15 and Apr 05. During fall, three hybrids were planted on Jun 15, Jul 05, Jul 25, Aug 15 and Sept 05. Results showed that spring early (Jan 15), while fall late (Jul 25) sowing took more days to complete 50% tasseling, silking and maturity. However, maize sown on Feb 05 and Jul 25 accumulated more GDDs to attain 50% tasseling, silking and maturity. Maize sown on Feb 05 and Jul 25 had more leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), RUE and GY, which was linked with higher accrual of GDDs, PTUs and HTUs. Likewise, hybrids P-33M15 and P-30R50, during spring and fall observed higher values of all above cited traits. Moreover, positive-correlation was witnessed among days taken to complete different phenophases, LAI, CGR and 1000-grain weight, total biomass, GY and RUE. However, higher GY and RUE was obtained in spring than fall. In conclusion, maize sown on Feb 05 and Jul 25 using hybrids P-33M15 and P-30R50, during spring and fall crops, respectively produced more GY and higher RUE due to more accumulation of GDDs, PTUs and HTUs. Thus the spring season seemed more productive than fall season under maize-maize cropping system.

The adaptive mechanisms in Agave species enable them to survive and exhibit remarkable tolerance to abiotic stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR is a highly reliable approach for validation of targeted differential gene expression. However, stable housekeeping gene(s) is prerequisite for accurate normalization of expression data by qRT-PCR. Till date, no systematic validation study for candidate housekeeping gene identification or evaluation has been carried-out in Agave species. A total of 17 candidate housekeeping genes were identified from the de novo assembled transcriptomic data of A. sisalana and rigorously analyzed for expression stability assessment under drought, heat, cold and NaCl stress. Different statistical algorithms like geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and RefFinder on expression data determined the superior housekeeping gene(s) for accurate normalization of the gene of interest (GOI). The comprehensive evaluation revealed the β-Tub 4, WIN-1 and CYC-A as the most stable, while EEF1α, GAPDH, and UBE2 were ranked as the least stable genes in pooled samples. Pairwise combination by geNorm showed that up to two housekeeping genes would be adequate to normalize the GOI expression data precisely. Validation of identified most and least stable housekeeping genes was carried-out by normalizing the expression data of AsHSP20 under abiotic stress conditions. Copy number of AsHSP20 gene supports the reliability of the genes used for normalization. This is the first report on the screening and validation of the housekeeping genes under abiotic stress condition in A. sisalana that would assist to understand the stress tolerance mechanisms by novel gene identification and accurate validation.

Maize is sown during spring and autumn seasons in Pakistan; however, studies on inter-seasonal variability on maize productivity, agronomic and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) are limited. Therefore optimization of nitrogen (N) rate and hybrids selection for each season is critical to harvest better yield in maize–maize cropping system. Two independent field experiments were conducted to optimize N rates for different hybrids to improve maize productivity and NUEs in spring and autumn seasons during 2016 and 2017. During spring season, three spring-hybrids (P-33M15, M-DK6525 and S-NK8441) and during autumn season, three autumn-hybrids (P-30R50, M-DK6714 and S-NK6621) were sown under five N levels i.e., 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 kg ha−1. Maize yield and related traits, and NUEs were improved with each higher level of N application. Highest and lowest grain yield, agronomic and economic NUEs were recorded at 320 kg N ha−1 and without N application, respectively in both seasons. Likewise, highest grain yield and NUEs were observed by spring-hybrid P-33M15 and autumn-hybrid P-30R50, while lowest were obtained by spring hybrid S-NK8441 and autumn hybrid S-NK6621 during both years. Nonetheless, maximum net income and benefit: cost ratio was observed by spring-hybrid P-33M15 and autumn-hybrid P-30R50 at higher N level (320 kg ha−1) and maize cultivation without N was not profitable in both seasons. Maize cultivation with N application at 320 kg ha−1 seemed a viable option to get maximum productivity, economic returns and NUEs of maize–maize cropping system in irrigated arid environment of southern Punjab, Pakistan and might be for other areas having similar environmental conditions.

Lowland rice is an important cereal crop that plays a key role in the food security and the economy of Thailand. Terminal water stress (TWS) in rainfed lowland areas poses threats to rice productivity due to stress occurrence at terminal crop stages and extreme sensitivity of rice to TWS. A two-year study was conducted to characterize the performance of yield and yield attributes of twelve Thai lowland rice genotypes under TWS, to identify stress-tolerant genotypes using stress response indices and to identify promising stress indices which are correlated with grain yield (GY) under well-watered (WW) and TWS conditions for their use as rapid identifiers in a rice crop breeding program for enhancing drought stress tolerance. Measurements were recorded under WW and TWS conditions. Highly significant variations were observed amongst assessed genotypes for their yield productivity responses. According to stress response indices, genotypes were categorized into stress-tolerant and stress susceptible genotypes. Genotypes Hom Pathum, Sang Yod, Dum Ja and Pathum Thani-1 were found highly stress tolerant and relatively high yielding; genotypes Look Pla and Lep Nok were stress tolerant, whereas genotypes Chor Lung, Hom Nang Kaew and Hom Chan were moderately tolerant genotypes. Hence, stress-tolerant genotypes could be potentially used for cultivation under rainfed and water-limited conditions, where TWS is predicted particularly in southern Thailand to stabilize rice productivity. Stress tolerance indices, including stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity index (MPRO) and harmonic mean index (MHAR), indicated strong and positive associations with GY under WW and TWS; thus, these indices could be used to indicate stress tolerance in rice crop breeding program aimed at a rapid screening of lowland rice genotypes for stress tolerance.

Simple Summary Toluene, as one of the volatile organic solvents, has important industrial applications and can be used in a wide range of consumer and commercial products. It can be inhaled and absorbed easily by the human body and can therefore affect the individual’s health through damaging different body tissues, including the ovary. This organic solvent has been one of the most well-studied neurotoxins in recent decades. Studies reporting its effects on ovarian function are still limited. To advance our knowledge on the effect of toluene on female reproduction, an in vivo study using female Wistar rats was investigated. We found that toluene exposure affected ovarian structure and hormone balance by increasing progesterone and testosterone levels. In addition, it has disrupted most of the ovarian markers involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation. Interestingly, Toluene exposure induced both apoptosis and autophagy, confirming the crosstalk between both mechanisms. The promising results of this study may contribute to the prevention of reproductive problems in society by raising the awareness about the use of this hydrocarbon. Abstract Toluene has been shown to be highly toxic to humans and animals and can cause damage to various tissues. However, studies reporting its effects on ovarian function are still limited. In this study, we investigated the in vivo effect of toluene using female Wistar rats. We found that toluene exposure decreased ovarian weight and affected ovarian structure by increasing the number of abnormally growing follicles. Moreover, it significantly increased progesterone and testosterone levels. We also showed that toluene exposure decreased GDF-9 protein and its encoding gene. In addition, it inhibited the expression of most of the genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, such as Insl3, ccnd2 and actb. The TUNEL assay showed that apoptosis occurred at the middle and high doses only (4000 and 8000 ppm, respectively), whereas no effect was observed at the low dose (2000 ppm). Interestingly, we showed that toluene exposure induced autophagy as LC3 protein and its encoding gene significantly increased for all doses of treatment. These results may suggest that the activation of autophagy at a low dose of exposure was to protect ovarian cells against death by inhibiting apoptosis, whereas its activation at high doses of exposure triggered apoptosis leading to cell death.

The frequency of heavy rains is increasing with climate change in regions that already have high annual rainfall (i.e., Sichuan, China). Crop response under such high-rainfall conditions is to increase dry matter investment in vegetative parts rather than reproductive parts. In the case of soybean, leaf redundancy prevails, which reduces the light transmittance and seed yield. However, moderate defoliation of soybean canopy could reduce leaf redundancy and improve soybean yield, especially under high-rainfall conditions. Therefore, the effects of three defoliation treatments (T1, 15%, T2, 30%, and T3, 45% defoliation from the top of the soybean canopy, defoliation treatments were applied at the pod initiation stage of soybean) on the growth and yield parameters of soybean were evaluated through field experiments in the summer of 2017, 2018, and 2019. All results were compared with nondefoliated soybean plants (CK) under high-rainfall conditions. Compared with CK, treatment T1 significantly (p &lt, 0. 05) improved the light transmittance and photosynthetic rate of soybean. Consequently, the leaf greenness was enhanced by 22%, which delayed the leaf senescence by 13% at physiological maturity. Besides, compared to CK, soybean plants achieved the highest values of crop growth rate in T1, which increased the total dry matter accumulation (by 6%) and its translocation to vegetative parts (by 4%) and reproductive parts (by 8%) at physiological maturity. This improved soybean growth and dry matter partitioning to reproductive parts in T1 enhanced the pod number (by 23%, from 823.8 m−2 in CK to 1012.7 m−2 in T1) and seed number (by 11%, from 1181.4 m−2 in CK to 1311.7 m−2 in T1), whereas the heavy defoliation treatments considerably decreased all measured growth and yield parameters. On average, treatment T1 increased soybean seed yield by 9% (from 2120.2 kg ha−1 in CK to 2318.2 kg ha−1 in T1), while T2 and T3 decreased soybean seed yield by 19% and 33%, respectively, compared to CK. Overall, these findings indicate that the optimum defoliation, i.e., T1 (15% defoliation), can decrease leaf redundancy and increase seed yield by reducing the adverse effects of mutual shading and increasing the dry matter translocation to reproductive parts than vegetative parts in soybean, especially under high-rainfall conditions. Future studies are needed to understand the internal signaling and the molecular mechanism controlling and regulating dry matter production and partitioning in soybean, especially from the pod initiation stage to the physiological maturity stage.

The phenological changes of a long-term observed rice-wheat system (RWS) were used to determine the relationships among management practices, climate change, and crop phenology to devise adaptation strategies for RWS for mitigating the potential impact of climate change. The study comprised of 10 sites of observed and simulated rice-wheat system phenological data for the historical period from 1980 to 2014 in Punjab, Pakistan. The observed climate warming from sowing or/transplanting to maturity ranged from 0.50 to 1.20 °C decade−1 for rice and 0.77 to 1.07 °C decade−1 for wheat. The observed rice phenological stages were advanced by an average of 7.90 (sowing (S)), 6.60 (transplanting (T)), 4.30 (panicle initiation (PI)), 5.00 (anthesis (A)) and 6.40 (maturity (M)) days decade−1, while rice phenological phases were reduced by an average of 1.4 (S-T), 6.40 (T-M), 3.00 (PI-A), 4.70 (PI-M) and 4.10 (A-M) days decade−1. For wheat, sowing (S) and emergence (E) dates were delayed by an average of 9.50 and 1.30 days decade−1, while anthesis (A) (5.30 days decade−1) and maturity (M) (5.40 days decade−1) dates were advanced. The duration of wheat phenological phases was reduced by an average of 5.50 (S-A), 5.70 (S-M) and 4.60 (A-M) days decade−1. The S and E dates were positively correlated with increasing temperature and the A and M dates and phases (S-A, A-M, and S-A) were negatively correlated with increasing temperature for all study locations. Using the CSM-CERES-Rice and CSM-CERES-Wheat models for standard, field-tested cultivars of rice and wheat for all locations for the 35-year period showed that the simulated phenology stages were earlier with climate warming compared to the observed phenology stages. A significant portion of the negative impact of warming on rice (35%) and wheat (21%) was offset by growing new cultivars that had higher thermal time requirements. Thus, to mitigate climate change impacts, new cultivars for RWS should be introduced that require higher growing degree days and have a high temperature tolerance.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber initiation from ovule epidermal cells happen from 0 to 5 DPA, invertase (INV) and sucrose synthase (SuSy) are crucial for fiber initiation, cell expansion, and elongation. We used two commercial cotton varieties, Xuzhou 142-normal wild-type (WT) and Sea Island PimaS-4 (PimaS-4) as controls and compared with three fiber mutants, Xuzhou 142-fl (fl), Xuzhou 142-N (N) and Ligon lintless (Li). SuSy, INV activity, sugars and malate content were measured at fiber cell initiation and early development stage. Increased Susy activity was detected in WT, PimaS-4 and Li ovules at 0 DPA than the fiber mutant lines fl and N. On the other hand, fl mutant showed high sucrose contents than N and Li during 0 to 1 DPA. No significant changes happen in studied cotton lines with respect to INV from 1 to 5 DPA altogether. There was a significant difference in total soluble sugars and malate contents between WT and fl cotton ovules at early elongation stage (5 DPA). The results revealed that SuSy activity at anthesis day indicates the fate of ovule epidermal cells to bulge out and form fiber initials. The reduced SuSy activity in fl ovules at 0 DPA results in a lack of fiber cell initiation and lead to fiberless seed phenotype. The study will pave the way towards unraveling the mechanism of fiber initiation and development by exploring the role of different fiber-related genes.

Sulphur (S) is considered to improve the nutrient uptake of plants due to its synergistic relationship with other nutrients. This could ultimately enhance the seed yield of oilseed crops. However, there is limited quantitative information on nutrient uptake, distribution, and its associated impacts on seed yield of sesame under the S application. Thus, a two-year field study (2018 and 2019) was conducted to assess the impacts of different S treatments (S0 = Control, S20 = 20, S40 = 40, and S60 = 60 kg ha−1) on total dry matter production, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, S uptake and distribution at the mid-bloom stage and physiological maturity. Furthermore, treatment impacts were studied on the number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight, and seed yield at physiological maturity in sesame. Compared to S0, over the years, treatment S40 significantly increased the total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and S (by 13, 22, 11% and 16%, respectively) at physiological maturity, while their distribution by 13, 36, 14, and 24% (in leaves), 12, 15, 11, and 15% (in stems), 15, 42, 18, and 10% (in capsules), and 14, 22, 9, and 15% (in seeds), respectively. Enhanced nutrient uptake and distribution in treatment S40 improved the total biomass accumulation (by 28%) and distribution in leaves (by 34%), stems (by 27%), capsules (by 26%), and seeds (by 28%), at physiological maturity, as compared to S0. Treatment S40 increased the number of capsules per plant (by 13%), number of seeds per capsule (by 11%), and thousand seed weight (by 6%), compared to S0. Furthermore, over the years, relative to control, sesame under S40 had a higher seed yield by 28% and enhanced the net economic returns by 44%. Thus, our results suggest that optimum S level at the time of sowing improves the nutrient uptake and distribution during the plant lifecycle, which ultimately enhances total dry matter accumulation, seed yield, and net productivity of sesame.

Wheat crop experiences high temperature stress during flowering and grain-filling stages, which is termed as “terminal heat stress”. Characterizing genotypes for adaptive traits could increase their selection for better performance under terminal heat stress. The present study evaluated the morpho-physiological traits of two spring wheat cultivars (Millet-11, Punjab-11) and two advanced lines (V-07096, V-10110) exposed to terminal heat stress under late sowing. Early maturing Millet-11 was used as heat-tolerant control. Late sowing reduced spike length (13%), number of grains per spike (10%), 1000-grain weight (13%) and biological yield (15–20%) compared to timely sowing. Nonetheless, higher number of productive tillers per plant (19–20%) and grain yield (9%) were recorded under late sowing. Advanced lines and genotype Punjab-11 had delayed maturity and better agronomic performance than early maturing heat-tolerant Millet-11. Advanced lines expressed reduced canopy temperature during grain filling and high leaf chlorophyll a (20%) and b (71–125%) contents during anthesis under late sowing. All wheat genotypes expressed improved stem water-soluble carbohydrates under terminal heat stress that were highest for heat-tolerant Millet-11 genotype during anthesis. Improved grain yield was associated with the highest chlorophyll contents showing stay green characteristics with maintenance of high photosynthetic rates and cooler canopies under late sowing. The results revealed that advanced lines and Punjab-11 with heat adaptive traits could be promising source for further use in the selection of heat-tolerant wheat genotypes.

Year to year change in weather poses serious threats to agriculture globally, especially in developing countries. Global climate models simulate an increase in global temperature between 2.9 to 5.5 &deg, C till 2060, and crop production is highly vulnerable to climate warming trends. Extreme temperature causes a significant reduction in crop yields by negatively regulating the crop phenology. Therefore, to evaluate warming impact on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production and management practices, we quantified agrometeorological data of 30 years by applying multiple crop modelling tools to compute the expected rise in temperature, impact of crop phenology, yield loss, provision of agrometeorology-services, agronomic technologies, and adaptation to climate-smart agriculture. Model projections of 15 agrometeorology stations showed that the growing duration of the sowing-boll opening and sowing-harvesting stages was reduced by 2.30 to 5.66 days decade&minus, 1 and 4.23 days decade&minus, 1, respectively, in Pakistan. Temperature rise in China also advanced the planting dates, sowing emergence, 3&ndash, 5 leaves, budding anthesis, full-bloom, cleft-boll, boll-opening, and boll-opening filling by 24.4, 26.2, 24.8, 23.3, 22.6, 15.8, 14.6, 5.4, 2.9, and 8.0 days. Furthermore, present findings exhibited that the warming effect of sowing-harvest time was observed 2.16 days premature, and delayed for 8.2, 2.4, and 5.3 days in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in China. APSIM-cotton quantification revealed that the sowing, emergence, flowering, and maturity stages were negatively correlated with temperature &minus, 2.03, &minus, 1.93, &minus, 1.09, and &minus, 0.42 days &deg, C&minus, 1 on average, respectively. This study also provided insight into the adaptation of smart and better cotton by improving agrotechnological services.

Cotton fiber quality is a complex trait which is influenced by environmental stresses. Breeding alone is not found up to the mark to get the desired fiber quality. Combination of approaches to bring all fiber quality traits through gene pyramiding can only be attained by genetic modification followed by breeding. Genetic modification is increasingly being used in biotechnology. Improved cotton fiber quality is always preferred by the textile industry. Researchers are working hard to reveal genes involved in controlling various fiber characteristics; resultantly several genes have been identified. Studies determined the effects of variation in expression of fiber-related genes transcription factors, and genes expressing phytohormones can have its impact on altering the fiber quality. Introduction of single gene cannot impart the desired results, but combination of fiber-related genes and transcription factor controlling gene expression can be useful strategy for fiber improvement. This chapter highlights the structure and composition of fiber at various developmental stages and also the impact of transgene in improving fiber traits.

Salinity is one of the major challenges that the current agricultural system is facing. High salt concentration inhibits the uptake of water by plants and interrupts the cellular ions equilibrium resulting in osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It inhibits photosynthesis, disrupts the metabolic balance, and damages cellular structures, and ultimately results in the reduction of crop yield. It constrains the activity of the photosystem II complex and induces the loss of chlorophyll pigments. The indepth knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in plant tolerance to salinity can help to identify the candidate genes/proteins that mitigate crop losses due to high salt conditions in the soil. To minimize the salinity-induced damage plants possess some innate defense systems such as synthesis of osmolytes to maintain cell turgor, regulation of ion homeostasis to cater to ions imbalance in the cell, activation of the antioxidant system to limit excessive ROS generation, and maintain the cellular redox balance. At the molecular level, salt stress stimulates various transcriptions factors (AP2/ERF, bZIP, NAC, MYB, WRKY) and regulates the gene expression of both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic peroxidase, etc.) and nonenzymatic components (ascorbic acid, glycine betaine, tocopherols, flavonoids) of the antioxidant machinery, ion transporters (High-affinity K+ transporters, Na+/H+ exchanger, salt overly sensitive, etc.), photosynthesis-related proteins (OEE, cytochrome b6f, CAB, RuBisCO, etc.), proteins concerned with carbohydrate and energy metabolism (ATP synthase, GAPDH, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, etc.) and signaling proteins (14-3-3-like proteins, annexin, calreticulin, etc.) to reduce the adverse effects induced by salinity especially in halophytes. In this chapter, recent advances on the deleterious effect of salinity on the plant processes and the various tolerance mechanisms used by plants are discussed. Besides, the latest integrative analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics, studies of plants under salinity stress were further taken into account to strengthen the understanding of plant response to salinity.

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.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a halophytic crop that shows resistance to multiple abiotic stresses, including salinity. In this study we investigated the salinity tolerance mechanisms of six contrasting quinoa cultivars belonging to the coastal region of Chile using agro-physiological parameters (plant height (PH), number of branches/plant (BN), number of panicles/plant (PN), panicle length (PL), biochemical traits (leaf C%, leaf N%, grain protein contents), harvest index and yield (seed yield and plant dry biomass (PDM) under three salinity levels (0, 10, and 20 d Sm&minus, 1 NaCl). The yield stability was evaluated through comparision of seed yield characteristics [(static environmental variance (S2) and dynamic Wricke&rsquo, s ecovalence (W2)]. Results showed that significant variations existed in agro-morphological and yield attributes. With increasing salinity levels, yield contributing parameters (number of panicles and panicle length) decreased. Salt stress reduced the leaf carbon and nitrogen contents. Genotypes Q21, and AMES13761 showed higher seed yield (2.30 t ha&minus, 1), more productivity and stability at various salinities as compared to the other genotypes. Salinity reduced seed yield to 44.48% and 60% at lower (10 dS m&minus, 1) and higher salinity (20 dS m&minus, 1), respectively. Grain protein content was highest in NSL106398 and lowest in Q29 when treated with saline water. Seed yield was positively correlated with PH, TB, HI, and C%. Significant and negative correlations were observed between N%, protein contents and seed yield. PH showed significant positive correlation with APL, HI, C% and C:N ratio. HI displayed positive correlations with C%, N% and protein content., All measured plant traits, except for C:N ratio, responded to salt in a genotype-specific way. Our results indicate that the genotypes (Q21 and AMES13761) proved their suitability under sandy desert soils of Dubai, UAE as they exhibited higher seed yield while NSL106398 showed an higher seed protein content. The present research highlights the need to preserve quinoa biodiversity for a better seedling establishment, survival and stable yield in the sandy desertic UAE environment.

Heavy metal stress is a leading environmental issue reducing crop growth and productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid agro-ecological zones. Cadmium (Cd), a non-redox heavy metal, can indirectly increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing cell death. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 &micro, M) on physiological and biochemical parameters in two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars: JS-2002 and Chakwal Sorghum. The results showed that various concentrations of Cd significantly increased the Cd uptake in both cultivars, however, the uptake was higher in JS-2002 compared to Chakwal Sorghum in leaf, stem and root. Regardless of the cultivars, there was a higher accumulation of the Cd in roots than in shoots. The Cd stress significantly reduced the growth and increased the electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both cultivars, but the Chakwal Sorghum showed more pronounced oxidative damage than the JS-2002, as reflected by higher H2O2, MDA and EL. Moreover, Cd stress, particularly 50 &micro, M and 100 &micro, M, decreased the activity of different antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). However, the JS-2002 exhibited higher SOD, POD and CAT activities than the Chakwal Sorghum under different Cd-levels. These findings revealed that JS-2002 had a stronger Cd enrichment capacity and also exhibited a better tolerance to Cd stress due to its efficient antioxidant defense system than Chakwal Sorghum. The present study provides the available information about Cd enrichment and tolerance in S. bicolor, which is used as an important agricultural crop for livestock feed in arid and semi-arid regions.

The study aims to improve fiber traits of local cotton cultivar through genetic transformation of sucrose synthase (SuS) gene in cotton. Sucrose synthase (SuS) is an important factor that is involved in the conversion of sucrose to fructose and UDP-glucose, which are essential for the synthesis of cell wall cellulose. In the current study, we expressed a synthetic SuS gene in cotton plants under the control of a CaMV35S promoter. Amplification of an 813-bp fragment using gene-specific primers confirmed the successful introduction of SuS gene into the genome of cotton variety CEMB-00. High SuS mRNA expression was observed in two transgenic cotton plants, MA0023 and MA0034, when compared to the expression in two other transgenic cotton plants, MA0035 and MA0038. Experiments showed that SuS mRNA expression was positively correlated with SuS activity at the vegetative (54%) and reproductive stages (40%). Furthermore, location of transgene was found to be at chromosome no. 9 in the form of single insertion, while no signal was evident in non-transgenic control cotton plant when evaluated through fluorescent in situ hybridization and karyotyping analysis. Fiber analyses of the transgenic cotton plants showed increases of 11.7% fiber length, 18.65% fiber strength, and up to 5% cellulose contents. An improvement in the micronaire value of 4.21 was also observed in the MA0038 transgenic cotton line. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the fibers of the SuS transgenic cotton plants were highly spiral with a greater number of twists per unit length than the fibers of the non-transgenic control plants. These results determined that SuS gene expression influenced cotton fiber structure and quality, suggesting that SuS gene has great potential for cotton fiber quality improvement.

The phenotypic and genotypic characterization of eight rhizobial isolates obtained from Arachis hypogaea nodules grown under stress environment was performed. Isolates were screened for their ability to tolerate different abiotic stresses (high temperature (60&deg, C), salinity (1&ndash, 5% (w/v) NaCl), and pH (1&ndash, 12). The genomic analysis of 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes (atpD, recA, and glnII) demonstrated that native groundnut rhizobia from these stress soils are representatives of fast growers and phylogenetically related to Rhizobium sp. The phenotypic characterization (generation time, carbon source utilization) also revealed the isolates as fast-growing rhizobia. All the isolates can tolerate NaCl up to 3% and were able to grow between 20 and 37 &deg, C with a pH between 5 to 10, indicating that the isolates were alkali and salt-tolerant. The tested isolates effectively utilize mono and disaccharides as carbon source. Out of eight, three rhizobial isolates (BN-20, BN-23, and BN-50) were able to nodulate their host plant, exhibiting their potential to be used as native groundnut rhizobial inoculum. The plant growth promoting characterization of all isolates revealed their effectiveness to solubilize inorganic phosphate (56&ndash, 290 &micro, g mL&minus, 1), synthesize indole acetic acid (IAA) (24&ndash, 71 &micro, 1), and amplification of nitrogen fixing nifH gene, exploring their ability to be used as groundnut biofertilizer to enhance yield and N2-fixation for the resource poor farmers of rainfed Pothwar region. `

Strip width management is a critical factor for producing higher crop yields in relay intercropping systems. A 2‐year field experiment was carried out during 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the effects of different strip width treatments on dry‐matter production, major‐nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) uptake, and competition parameters of soybean and maize in relay intercropping system. The strip width (SW) treatments were 0.40, 0.40, and 0.40 m (SW1); 0.40, 0.40, and 0.50 m (SW2); 0.40, 0.40, and 0.60 m (SW3); and 0.40, 0.40, and 0.70 m (SW4) for soybean row spacing, maize row spacing, and spacing between soybean and maize rows, respectively. As compared to sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS), relay‐intercropped maize and soybean accumulated lower quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in all treatments. However, maize in SW1 accumulated higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than SW4 (9%, 9%, and 8% for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively). Soybean in SW3 accumulated 25% higher nitrogen, 33% higher phosphorus, and 24% higher potassium than in SW1. The improved nutrient accumulation in SW3 significantly increased the soybean dry matter by 19%, but slightly decreased the maize dry matter by 6% compared to SW1. Similarly, SW3 increased the competition ratio value of soybean (by 151%), but it reduced the competition ratio value of maize (by 171%) compared to SW1. On average, in SW3, relay‐cropped soybean produced 84% of SS seed yield and maize produced 98% of SM seed yield and achieved the land equivalent ratio of 1.8, demonstrating the highest level in the world. Overall, these results suggested that by selecting the appropriate strip width (SW3; 0.40 m for soybean row spacing, 0.40 m maize row spacing, and 0.60 m spacing between soybean and maize rows), we can increase the nutrient uptake (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), dry‐matter accumulation, and seed yields of relay‐intercrop species under relay intercropping systems.

Phytoremediation is an ecologically and economically feasible technique to remove heavy metal from soil. The aim of the study was to examine cadmium (Cd) toxicity and phytoremediation aptitude of Brassica juncea. In the present study, plants survived when exposed to different levels of Cd (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg soil) and accumulated a large amount of Cd in its root and shoot. Translocation factor (TF) of Cd from root to shoot was > 1 at both 45 and 60‐day stage of growth suggesting that B. juncea is a hyperaccumulator and strong candidate for phytoextraction of Cd. Alongside, Cd impaired photolysis of water, PSII activity, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and sugar accumulation in the plant. Cd-generated oxidative stress restricts the growth of B. juncea. The toxic effect of Cd was more pronounced at 45‐day stage of growth signifying the drifting of plant towards acquirement of exclusion strategy.

Abiotic stress is a problem of grave concern for the growth and productivity of plants in modern times. Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and extreme radiation, are responsible for huge crop losses globally. Plants face a combination of different abiotic stresses under field conditions that are lethal to plant growth and production. Exposure of plants to biotic and abiotic stress induces a disruption in plant metabolism implying physiological costs and thus leads to a reduction in fitness and, ultimately, in productivity. Abiotic stress is one of the most important features of and has a huge impact on growth, and consequently, it is responsible for severe losses in the field. The resulting growth reductions can reach more than 50% in most plant species. One of the physiological processes greatly affected by these stresses in plants is photosynthesis. The decline in photosynthetic capacity of plants due to these stresses is directly associated with reduction in yield. Application of nutrients to overcome nutrient stress positively affects plant growth, yield and quality. Transition/heavy metals such as zinc, manganese and copper are essential minerals for healthy plant growth. Micronutrients are essential for balanced nutrition in plants under abiotic stress conditions. The present chapter describes the role of macro- and micronutrients under stress conditions. In this chapter, we have discussed a variety of macro- and micronutrients which are beneficial for plant physiological development under stress conditions.

Background We identified a HIV-positive cohort in virologic failure (VF) who re-suppressed without drug switch. We characterized their drug resistance mutations (DRM) and adherence profiles to learn how to better manage HIV drug resistance. A retrospective cohort study utilizing clinical data and stored samples. Patients received ART at three Nigerian treatment centres. Plasma samples stored when they were in VF were genotyped. Result Of 126 patients with samples available, 57 were successfully genotyped. From ART initiation, the proportion of patients with adherence ≥90% increased steadily from 54% at first high viral load (VL) to 67% at confirmed VF, and 81% at time of re-suppressed VL. Sixteen (28%) patients had at least one DRM. Forty-six (81%) patients had full susceptibility to the three drugs in their first-line (1 L) regimen. Thirteen (23%) were resistant to at least one antiretroviral drug but three were resistant to drugs not used in Nigeria. Ten patients had resistance to their 1 L drug(s) and six were fully susceptible to the three drugs in the recommended second-line regimen. Conclusion This cohort had little drug resistance mutations. We conclude that if adherence is not assured, patients could exhibit virologic failure without having developed mutations associated with drug resistance.

Understanding the influence of thermal trends, crop management practices, and genetics on the crop developmental stages and phases is critical to develop adaptation strategies in the face of warming trends. The specific study objectives were to determine the correlation between observed potato phenology with the trends of rising temperature, and to investigate the impacts of thermal trend, crop management practices, and changes in cultivars using a modeling approach. The study was conducted at 12 sites in Punjab, Pakistan from 1980 to 2018 using phenological observations for both the spring and autumn potato crop. For the stages observed during spring, there was an average advance of 6.2 days decade−1 for sowing, 6.0 for emergence, 3.8 for tuber initiation, and 2.0 for maturity. However, for the stages observed during autumn, there was an average delay of 5.2 days decade−1 for sowing, 5.1 for emergence, 3.3 for tuber initiation, and 2.3 for maturity. The average phase duration decreased on average by 2.4 days decade−1 for sowing to tuber initiation, 1.8 days decade−1 for tuber initiation to maturity for spring, and 4.2 days decade−1 for sowing to maturity. The average autumn phase duration decreased on average by 1.9 days decade−1 for sowing to tuber initiation, 1.0 days decade−1 for tuber initiation to maturity, and 2.9 days decade−1 for sowing to maturity. With respect to the local weather observation, the average air temperature had increased 0.8 °C decade−1 for spring and autumn from 1980 to 2018. The differences in spring and autumn phenology had a statistically significant negative correlation with the increase in temperature from 1980 to 2018. When the CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato model was used for a standard variety across locations and years, the predicted phenological stages, on average, occurred earlier due to increase in temperature from 1980 to 2018, while there was less impact on the observed phenological stages. This indicated that during the last four decade, adaptation strategies such as earlier planting for spring potato, and later planting for autumn, as well as the release of new cultivars that require more thermal time compared to the traditional cultivars have been implemented by growers have compensated for some part of temperature induced warming trends of spring and autumn potato phenology.

BRs are polyhydroxylated sterol derivatives, classified as phytohormones. Plants of Brassica juncea var. Varuna were grown in pots and an aqueous solution (10−8 M) of two brassinosteroid isomers 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) of same concentration (10−8 M) was applied to their leaves. The treatment up-regulated the photosynthetic machinery directly by enhancing water splitting activity, photochemical quenching, non-photochemical quenching, maximum PSII efficiency, actual PSII efficiency, electron transport rate, stomatal movement, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate and carbohydrate synthesis. Moreover, the level of biochemical enzymes (carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase), reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) generation, antioxidant enzyme activity and mineral status (C, N, Mg, P, S, K), which indirectly influence the rate of photosynthesis, also improved in the treated plants. Out of the two BR analogues tested, EBL excelled in its effects over HBL.

Cotton is a premium source of natural fiber and is considered “white gold” in the textile industry. Fiber length, strength and fineness are the key considerations for the industry. Longer fibers are machine friendly because they are easily spinnable. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, including the development of DNA markers and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), together with genome sequencing and gene expression profiling, have provided new avenues for improving fiber production and quality. In plants, sucrose synthase (SUS) is the key enzyme that catalyzes the reversible cleavage of sucrose and uridine diphosphate (UDP) into fructose and UDP-glucose. Sucrose is the main mobile sugar in plants moving from source to sink. It regulates resource partitioning between active sinks, especially in cotton embryos and fibers, and therefore is directly involved in determining fiber yield and seed quality. SUS actively takes part in regulating the competition for nutrients among sink tissues through balancing osmotic potentials by providing hexoses and an efficient supply of UDP-glucose the substrate for cellulose synthase. Cotton transformation has been used to improve fiber characteristics by altering cell wall properties through the manipulation of expression of fiber genes. Overexpression of the SUS gene from natural or synthetic origins in cotton can be an excellent way to solve potential problems associated with poor fiber length and other fiber quality traits. Increased SUS activity can result in more hexoses, increasing the osmotic potential and thereby driving the water influx that creates high turgor pressure in fiber cells resulting in enhanced fiber elongation. Moreover, increased SUS gene transcript levels in vegetative tissues of the plant will elevate seedling biomass and seed number. Fiber length and seed number both contribute towards final yield and the SUS genes as key regulators of sink strength in cotton perform this dual function that is directly related to cotton productivity. Hence manipulation of the SUS gene family is considered a promising approach to improve cotton fiber yield and quality. This review focuses on the biochemical and physiological roles of the SUS genes and there value for cotton fiber improvement.

Food borne infection is a serious complication caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a dangerous bacteria. Antibiotics are among the remedies for the destruction of bacterial infection by predominantly targeting the bacterial cell, minimizing the side effects and overcoming antibiotic resistance. In the present study, we have developed non-toxic, biocompatible metal oxide (zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO)) nanoparticle-functionalized sebacic acid-grafted poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (SA-g-PHEMA) with encapsulation of metronidazole (MTZ) antibiotic drug. Nearly 99% of drug encapsulation was obtained. The drug-releasing properties were investigated at different pH, namely, 1.2, 2.5, 5.5 and 7.4 and maximum drug release was attained at acidic pH (5.5). Functionality changes, surface modification, elemental analysis and plane orientation were investigated using FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDX and XRD spectroscopy. Lower MIC value of MgO–ZnO/SA-g-PHEMA–MTZ nanocarrier showed higher antibacterial activity. Furthermore, 79% of biofilm inhibition was obtained against MgO–ZnO/SA-g-PHEMA–MTZ in L. monocytogenes. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay indicated that the MgO–ZnO/SA-g-PHEMA–MTZ nanocarrier highly reduced the bacterial colonization on the C. elegans worm.

Background Knowledge of spermiogenesis in reptiles, especially in lizards, is very limited. Lizards found in Arabian deserts have not been considered for detailed studies due to many reasons and the paucity of these animals. Therefore, we designed a study on the differentiation and morphogenesis of spermiogenesis, at an ultrastructural level, in a rare lizard species, Scincus scincus . Results The spermiogenesis process includes the development of an acrosomal vesicle, aggregation of acrosomal granules, formation of subacrosomal nuclear space, and nuclear elongation. A role for manchette microtubules was described in nuclear shaping and organelle movement. During head differentiation, the fine granular chromatin of the early spermatid is gradually replaced by highly condensed contents in a process called chromatin condensation. Furthermore, ultrastructural features of sperm tail differentiation in S. scincus were described in detail. The commencement was with caudal migration toward centrioles, insertion of the proximal centriole in the nuclear fossa, and extension of the distal centrioles to form the microtubular axoneme. Subsequently, tail differentiation consists of the enlargement of neck portion, middle piece, the main and end pieces. Conclusions This study aids in the understanding of different aspects of spermiogenesis in the lizard family and unfurls evolutionary links within and outside reptiles.

Yield is influenced by the length of the growing season, which is affected by weather conditions and management practices of a crop, including sowing dates and shifting of cultivars. It is necessary to understand the effects of agronomic management practices and weather variables on phenological stages and crop phases in order to develop strategies for adaptation of agricultural systems to changes in climatic conditions. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of warming trends on phenology of canola from 1980 to 2014 for central and southern Punjab, Pakistan. Sowing, emergence, anthesis and physiological maturity dates were delayed by an average of 6.02, 3.14, 3.31 and 1.89 days per decade, respectively. The duration of sowing to anthesis, sowing to physiological maturity and anthesis to physiological maturity phases decreased an average 2.71, 4.13 and 1.42 days per decade, respectively, for all 10 locations that were analysed in this study. The sowing, emergence, anthesis and physiological maturity dates were positively correlated with an increase in temperature by an average 2.71, 1.41, 1.49 and 0.85 days per °C, respectively. However, the phenological phases such as sowing to anthesis, anthesis to maturity and sowing to maturity were negatively correlated with an increase in temperature by an average of 1.22, 0.64 and 1.86 days per °C, respectively, for all 10 locations. Applying a process-based CSM-CROPGRO-Canola model using a standard cultivar (field tested) for all locations and years indicated that the simulated phenological stages occurred earlier due to the warming trend compared to the observed phenological stages. One-quarter of the negative effects of this thermal trend was compensated by growing new cultivars that had higher thermal time requirements. Therefore, new canola genotypes with a higher number of growing degree day requirement and high temperature tolerance should be a priority for evolving new cultivars.

Optimistic and sustainable supply of soil available nutrients to crop plants enhances productivity. Integrated nutrient management (INM) approach can improve soil fertility on long term basis. The present study was conducted to determine effects of INM on quantitative and qualitative characters of two Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars “Thori-78 and Leed-00”. Five treatments using different composition of poultry litter, farm yard manure, nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers with recommended dose as a control measure were replicated thrice in randomized complete design. The results of field trial depicted maximum plant height (174.6 cm), number of heads plant-1 (42.67), number of seeds head-1 (59.0), thousand seed weight (42.26 g), biological yield (3089 Kg·ha-1) and seed yield (455.2 Kg·ha-1) recorded from combined application of FYM @ 2 t·ha-1and Half (N-P) (soil application) (T5) in Genotype “Leed-00” which was statistically different from all other treatments. Thori-78 also showed increase in yield and yield components under the same treatment (T5) i.e.2 t·ha-1 FYM and Half (N-P).No effect of INM was found on fatty acid composition of safflower cultivars. The correlation coefficients illustrated positive and significant association of seed yield with plant height (0.89), number of heads pod-1 (0.86) and number of seeds head-1 (0.83) as a result of application of selected treatment. These results demonstrated the significance of INM in safflower yield improvement under rainfed conditions.

Optimizing the nitrogen (N) timings and rate can improve nutrient uptake, and nutrient-efficiencies, especially of N in wheat under the changing climate scenario. Climatic stress in the form of high temperature and drought resulted in the decreased crop physiology and, ultimately, grain yield. Taking the example of rainfed wheat, we quantified the impact of N application rates as full and split-dose at three variable sites of rainfed Pothwar, Pakistan by conducting field experiments for two years (2013-14 and 201-15). Treatments include, T1 = Control (No fertilizer applied), full dose of N applied at the time of crop sowing, i.e. T2 = 50 kg N ha-1, T3 = 100 kg N ha-1 and T4 = 150 kg N ha-1 and split application of N at different timings during different stages of the crop called as split application of N, i.e. T5: Application of 50 kg N ha-1 (15 kg N ha-1 (Sowing) : 20 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) :15 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis), T6: Application of 100 kg N ha-1 (30 kg N ha-1 (Sowing): 40 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) : 30 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis) and T7: Application of 150 kg N ha-1(45 kg N ha-1 (Sowing) : 60 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) : 45 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis). Three study sites include viz. Islamabad (High rainfall with optimum temperature), University Research Farm (URF)-Koont (Medium rainfall with moderate temperature), and Talagang (low rainfall with high temperature). Results showed that the highest stomatal conductance (0.80 mole m-2 sec-1), net photosynthetic rate (20.07 μmole m-2s-1), transpiration rate (9.58 mmole m-2s-1), intercellular CO2 concentration (329.25 μmole CO2 mol-1 air), SPAD values (58.86 %) and proline contents (35.42 μg g-1) were obtained for split application of N (T6 = Split N100) compared to control and full dose of N treatments. Among sites, these physiological traits remained highest at Islamabad and lowest at Talagang, while among years, maximum values of the measured parameters were obtained in 2013-14. A similar trend was observed for crop total N, N efficiencies, and agronomic traits of the crop. Our results suggest that optimum N application rate and its suitable timings can help to harvest real benefits of N as in our findings, split dose resulted in the maximum performance of the crop from physiological parameters to the agronomic traits of the rainfed wheat crop.

Genetically modified (GM) plants with insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes are widely accepted but their commercial utilization highlights the biosafety issues worldwide. The risk assessment of GM crops demonstrates their impact on the ecosystem as well as non-target organisms (NTOs). Among the NTOs, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) demand more critical experimental studies as they play a significant role in plant growth. A comparative study of Bt with non-Bt cotton rhizosphere was conducted, on selected bacterial strains. During the course of the study, biochemical characterization, auxin biosynthesis and molecular characterization was done to assess the effect of Bt toxins (Cry1Ac and Cry2A) on non-target PGPR strains. A significant decrease (p0.05) were observed in other parameters like bacterial population, colony morphologies as well as biochemical activities. Thus, our study demonstrates the safe plantation of Bt crops with respect to soil bacteria.

Background Maize-soybean relay-intercropping (MSR) is a famous system of crop production in developing countries. However, maize shading under this system directly affects the light quality and intensity of soybean canopy. This is a challenging scenario in which to implement the MSR system, in terms of varieties selection, planting pattern, and crop management since the duration of crop resource utilization clearly differs. Methods Therefore, this experiment aimed to elucidate the effect of leaf excising treatments from maize top to fully clarify the needs and balance of light quality and intensity of intercrop-soybean under MSR in field conditions. The effects of different leaf excising treatments (T0, no removal of leaves; T2, removal of two topmost leaves; T4, removal of four topmost leaves; T6, removal of six topmost leaves from maize plants were applied at first-trifoliate stage (V1) of soybean) on photosynthetically active radiation transmittance (PART), red to far-red ratio (R:FR), morphological and photosynthetic characteristics and total biomass production at second-trifoliate stage (V2), fifth-trifoliate stage (V5), and flowering-stage (R1) of soybean were investigated through field experiments for 2-years under MSR. Results As compared to T0, treatment T6 increased the PART and R:FR ratio at soybean canopy by 77% and 37% (V2), 70% and 34% (V5), and 41% and 36% (R1), respectively. This improved light environment in T6 considerably enhanced the leaf area index, SPAD values and photosynthetic rate of soybean plants by 66%, 25% and 49% at R1, respectively than T0. Similarly, relative to control, T6 also increased the stem diameter (by 29%) but decreased the plant height (by 23%) which in turn significantly increased stem breaking strength (by 87%) by reducing the lodging rate (by 59%) of soybean plants. Overall, under T6, relay-cropped soybean produced 78% of sole soybean seed-yield, and relay-cropped maize produced 81% of sole maize seed-yield. Our findings implied that by maintaining the optimum level of PART (from 60% to 80%) and R:FR ratio (0.9 to 1.1), we can improve morphological and photosynthetic characteristics of soybean plants in MSR. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the light environment when considering the sustainability of MSR via appropriate planting pattern selection.

In the present study, we tested the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant flavonoid, fisetin against cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat lungs. Male Wistar rats were chronically exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) with or without administration of fisetin. Fisetin administration to CS-exposed rats resulted in a significant reduction in neutrophils and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as malondialdehyde, 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-isoprostane, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 levels in lung tissues compared to those in CS-exposed rats not treated with fisetin. Fisetin also significantly augmented lung hemoxinase-1, glutathione peroxidase-2, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) levels in CS-exposed rats. In addition, a marked reversal in CS-induced histopathological changes was noted in fisetin-treated rats. Collectively, these data demonstrate the potential of fisetin to blunt CS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the lung and to prevent tissue damage via the Nrf2-mediated upregulation of antioxidant gene expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the present study, we found that the plant flavonoid, fisetin significantly abrogated the oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage induced by cigarette smoke, a powerful pro-oxidant in rat lungs. Additionally, fisetin markedly reversed cigarette smoke-induced increases in neutrophil and macrophage cell populations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings are particularly significant considering the association of cigarette smoking with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which are central to the pathologies of a wide variety of chronic diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the present work underscores the beneficial effects of the regular consumption of plant-based foods with medicinal properties for the effective prevention of these chronic diseases.