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

Energy is a crucial factor and a capital of a country's resources leading indicator. World's energy focus is shifting towards alternate renewable, cheap and environment-friendly resources that can provide long-term sustainability for survival. Due to the fossil fuels depletion and their ever-growing cost, the need to shift focus towards renewable energy resources has increased a lot. To overcome the above-said problems, there is a need to look for a feasible and robust solution for thermal applications in remote areas. Biomass gasification proved to be one of the most efficient and clean waste-to-energy conversion processes in contrast to direct combustion of agricultural waste. Other than controlled burning of biomass, it can be subjected for different purposes like a thermal, synthesis of ethanol, engine running, and for fuel cell applications. An excessive amount of impurities like char, ash, tar, and particulate matter are making these syngas non-feasible for thermal or engine applications. To overcome the above-stated problem, a downdraft gasifier with cyclone separator and hybrid biomass filter was fabricated using locally available materials in the workshop of the Dept. of Farm Machinery and Power at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Uniform distribution of 2.54-5.08 cm2 sizes of feedstock was used for gasification. Air was used as a gasifying agent. The reactor capacity was 0.19 m3. The values of performance parameters for wood waste and corncobs were recorded as fuel consumption rate (0.002195, 0.002323) kg-s-1, the volume of gas produced (24.56, 26.33) m3, operating time (5480, 5164) s, cleaning unit efficiency (81.79, 79.9) % and gas yield (2.04, 2.19) m³-kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a crucial factor and a capital of a country’s resources leading indicator. World’s energy focus is shifting towards alternate renewable, cheap and environment-friendly resources that can provide long-term sustainability for survival. Due to the fossil fuels depletion and their ever-growing cost, the need to shift focus towards renewable energy resources has increased a lot. To overcome the above-said problems, there is a need to look for a feasible and robust solution for thermal applications in remote areas. Biomass gasification proved to be one of the most efficient and clean waste-to-energy conversion processes in contrast to direct combustion of agricultural waste. Other than controlled burning of biomass, it can be subjected for different purposes like a thermal, synthesis of ethanol, engine running, and for fuel cell applications. An excessive amount of impurities like char, ash, tar, and particulate matter are making these syngas non-feasible for thermal or engine applications. To overcome the above-stated problem, a downdraft gasifier with cyclone separator and hybrid biomass filter was fabricated using locally available materials in the workshop of the Dept. of Farm Machinery and Power at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Uniform distribution of 2.54-5.08 cm² sizes of feedstock was used for gasification. Air was used as a gasifying agent. The reactor capacity was 0.19 m³ . The values of performance parameters for wood waste and corncobs were recorded as fuel consumption rate (0.002195, 0.002323) kg-s-1, the volume of gas produced (24.56, 26.33) m³, operating time (5480, 5164) s, cleaning unit efficiency (81.79, 79.9) % and gas yield (2.04, 2.19) m³ -kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this present study was to explore antioxidant and bioactive profile of ginger and turmeric. For the purpose, turmeric and ginger (Haldi and Adric) were procured from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab-Pakistan. The study was comprised of different phases. Both of the spices were characterized for their chemical composition and mineral profile. Bioactive compound was extracted by using solvent followed by quantification through the high-pressure liquid chromatography. Furthermore, antioxidant potential including total phenolics content, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power test (FRAP assay) was analyzed. Results revealed that the antioxidant profile including free radical scavenging activity (47.67 ± 0.19 mg/100 g) and DPPH (80.16 ± 0.23%) of turmeric ginger powder extract was much higher than turmeric and ginger powder extract. Similarly, total phenolics content (103.39 ± 0.58 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoids (4.27 ± 0.05 mg CE/100 g) were much higher in turmeric ginger powder as compared to turmeric powder and ginger powder, respectively. Conclusively, turmeric ginger powder showed higher antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: Weeds are one of major threats to crop yield and quality. Weeds compete with cane crop and reduce the yield significantly in a very short period. Planned use of all available farm resources leads to integrated control strategy. The current study aimed to study the use of inter row rotary weeder for integrated weeds management to control population dynamics of weeds in sugarcane crop. The objective of experiment is to find out economical, feasible and easy to use approach to minimize the weed density below the threshold level in sugarcane crop and to minimize the use of chemicals for weeds control to promote organic farming. Methods: In this research experiment, at Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad during 2017 and 2018, the treatment includes viz. Application od Click (atrazine and acetochlor) @ 3.75 Liter per hectare as Pre-emergence, Ametryn + Atrazine 80 W.P @ 2.50 kg per hectare as post-emergence, Machanical Inter-culture with Rotary weeder and cultivator plough and earthing up. These treatments in different combinations were compared with control. Result: The application of Pre-emergence weedicide Click (atrazine and acetochlor) @ 3.75 Liter per hectare + Inter culture with Rotary weeder 50 days after planting (DAP) + Inter culture with cultivator plough before earthing up (100 DAP) produced significantly higher cane yield of 105 t. ha-1 and highest net benefits per hectare of Rs. 156250/-. The lowest cane yield of 70 t. ha-1 was noted from the experimental units with Weedy check / control. If farmers use this approach, the use of post emergence weedicides will be minimized and will encourage organic farming with safe and healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control is one of the crucial factors to achieve higher yield of good quality forage maize. A field trial was conducted during summer 2013 to investigate the effect of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin (Valent 470 EW pre mixed formulation) application at varied doses to control weeds in forage maize (Zea mays L.) at Agronomy Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Application of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 470, 528.75 and 587.50 g a.i/ha was made after emergence of weeds and crop. A check with no application and hand hoeing was included for comparison. The experiment was conducted with four replications under randomized complete block design. The data regarding the weed parameters, yield and yield components of maize were recorded. The results revealed that among the herbicide treatments minimum weed density (three weeks after sowing 35.75 m2 and at harvest 12.25/m2) and dry biomass (20.80 g/m2) was observed with the application of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 587.50 g a.i./ha. Same herbicidal treatment caused significant increase in plant height (248.75 cm), stem diameter (1.45 cm), fresh weight (467.25g) and forage yield (31.47%) of maize. Therefore, use of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 587.50 g a.i./ha is the best option to manage broad leaved as well as grassy weeds in forage maize to get higher yield of forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve yield and shelf life of stock can enhance economic value to flowers growers globally. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various bio-stimulants on yield and quality of stock. Three cultivars of stock, viz. 'Cheerful White', 'Iron Rose' and 'Iron White' foliarly sprayed by bio-stimulants (Isabion and Tecamin Max) with three different concentrations (1 ppm, 3 ppm, and 5 ppm) with the different number of sprays (1, 2, or 3 sprays). The first spray was applied after one month of transplanting, while the other two were applied at fortnight intervals after the first spray. Fisher's Analysis of variance revealed that Isabion at 1 ppm as 1 spray, 3 ppm as 3 sprays, and 5 ppm as 3 sprays produced the highest plant height for three cultivars of stock. 'Cheerful White' had the highest stem length when plants were sprayed once at 1 ppm Isabion. Among cultivars, 'Iron Rose', produced highest leaf area (42.8 cm2) with 3 ppm Isabion application, when sprayed only one time. Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times with Isabion produced the thickest stem diameter followed by 2 and 1 sprays. 'Cheerful White' had maximum leaf total chlorophyll contents, followed by 'Iron White' and 'Iron Rose' (69.1 SPAD and 68.8 SPAD, respectively). Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times had the longest vase life. Cheerful White proved early cultivar of stock while Iron White were late cultivars when grown in agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Tecamoin Mix is recommended biostimulant for quality production of Mathiola incoma L. rather than isabion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve yield and shelf life of stock can enhance economic value to flowers growers globally. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various bio-stimulants on yield and quality of stock. Three cultivars of stock, viz. ‘Cheerful White’, ‘Iron Rose’ and ‘Iron White’ foliarly sprayed by bio-stimulants (Isabion and Tecamin Max) with three different concentrations (1 ppm, 3 ppm, and 5 ppm) with the different number of sprays (1, 2, or 3 sprays). The first spray was applied after one month of transplanting, while the other two were applied at fortnight intervals after the first spray. Fisher’s Analysis of variance revealed that Isabion at 1 ppm as 1 spray, 3 ppm as 3 sprays, and 5 ppm as 3 sprays produced the highest plant height for three cultivars of stock. ‘Cheerful White’ had the highest stem length when plants were sprayed once at 1 ppm Isabion. Among cultivars, ‘Iron Rose’, produced highest leaf area (42.8 cm² ) with 3 ppm Isabion application, when sprayed only one time. Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times with Isabion produced the thickest stem diameter followed by 2 and 1 sprays. ‘Cheerful White’ had maximum leaf total chlorophyll contents, followed by ‘Iron White’ and ‘Iron Rose’ (69.1 SPAD and 68.8 SPAD, respectively). Among the number of sprays, plants sprayed three times had the longest vase life. Cheerful White proved early cultivar of stock while Iron White were late cultivars when grown in agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Tecamoin Mix is recommended biostimulant for quality production of Mathiola incoma L. rather than isabion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemicals are not used safely for the quality retention and optimum storage stability of foodstuff, due to residual problems. Food irradiation is a secure process and can effectively be used to suppress the infestation, sprouting, rate of respiration, and to increase the storage duration of perishable products. This research trial was conducted at Ayub Agricultural Research, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Mango samples of sensation variety were irradiated with three different doses by using a mark-IV irradiator installed at NIAB. Data regarding firmness, Brix, titratable acidity, pH, and Vitamin-C were calculated after a one-week interval. The mango samples were placed in cold storage where temperature and relative humidity were monitored regularly during the storage period 10°C and 85–90% relative humidity. The dose of 300 Gy showed better results as compared to the other two doses, i.e., 150 and 225 Gy due to the concentrated level of rays, however, the ray level higher than 300 imparted adverse effects. Irradiation technology can successfully be applied to improve the storage life and reduce post-harvest losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The current study was designed to analyze the presence or absence of common adulterants in milk and milk products from six different regions of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Purposely, 54 samples from six different regions of Faisalabad were collected. Results revealed that milk of Faisalabad's regions was adulterated with water, starch, urea, glucose, cane sugar, soap, synthetic milk and neutralizers. The results for starch, formalin, vegetable fat, artificial color, nitrates, sodium chloride, coal tar dyes, hydrogen peroxide, annatto, detergent, sulphate adulteration was found to be non-significant. The results for soap, synthetic milk, urea, sugar cane, neutralizers and glucose were significant. It was noted that R2 milk samples had more bacterial load (3.92x108 CFU/mL) followed by R1 (3.38x108 CFU/mL). Among milk products, cream samples collected from R6 had the maximum bacterial count (1.74x108 CFU/mL). The milk samples were also analyzed for the presence of added urea by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

To study the relationship amongst leaf chlorophyll contents, yield and related parameters, 18 advanced genotypes of cotton were tested in a trial at Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad. Highly significant results were noticed in the analysis of variance. Further investigation in correlation analysis revealed that there was comendable positive association among leaf chlorophyll contents, seed cotton yield (SCY), No. of sympodia, seed index and boll weight(g). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that only 02 out of 08 PCs showed eigen value greater than 1. The contribution of first two PCs in total variability was 70.77% amongst the genotypes assessed for chlorophyll contents, seed cotton yield and related traits. Remaining six components contributed very less viz. 30.8% in total variability. Valuable positive factor loadings on PC I was attributed by seed cotton yield, chlorophyll contents, boll weight, No. of sympodia, seed index and Ginning out turn (GOT)%. In PC II, maximum positive contribution was presented by plant height whereras maximum negative factor loadings were showed by GOT% and seed index. PCA also confirmed the results of correlation studies by presenting significant positive association among leaf chlorophyll contents, seed cotton yield, No. of sympodia, seed index and boll weight. These results will be helpful in further breeding strategies for selection of genotypes with respect to chlorophyll contents, yield and associated traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a field study, the performance of mashbean in a sesame-mash intercropping system under different geometric arrangements was evaluated on a sandy-clay loam soil at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for two consecutive years. The planting pattern comprised 40 cm spaced single rows, 60 cm spaced 2-row strips and 100 cm spaced 4-row strips while mashbean was intercropped in all the three planting patterns and also grown as sole crop. The results revealed that planting sesame in the pattern of 100 cm spaced 4-row strips explored the possibility of intercropping mashbean in sesame by producing significantly maximum seed yield of mashbean (703.10 kg ha-1) and base crop i.e. sesame (687.40 kg ha-1) as compared to 40 cm spaced single rows and 60 cm spaced 2-row strips planting patterns. Besides, the intercropping sesame with mashbean in pattern of 100 cm spaced 4-row strips appeared to be feasible, convenient and gave maximum net profit (Rs.21242 ha-1) as compared to other two planting patterns and monocropped sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]