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Background: The Egyption fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, is considered a harmful pest that attacks agricultural crops, especially ripe fruits, causing economic losses. It is widespread in African sahara desert, Egypt, Pakistan and Northern India. This pest causes damage to many vegetables and fruits. The measuring of damage percentage will aid in the protection of these crops from bats attacking. Methods: The losses caused by Egyptian bats were estimated during two years (2019 and 2020) in many fruit orchards (date palm, citrus, apricot and mango) in reclaimed lands at Butt village, Dakhla Oasis, New-valley Governorate, to achieve integrated management of bat populations. Result: Only one species the Egyptian fruit bat, R. aegyptiacus, has been recorded with 167 individuals attacking fruit orchards. The highest average losses (11.1%) were found in date palms, from August to Oct., while the lowest (4.7%) were found in Apricot, during June and July. The second-highest losses were 7.6% in mango from June to August. The damage began from December to March in citrus with an average loss per cent of 7.0%. Therefore, bat dens must be monitored and dealt with to limit their populations and reduce their losses to these value crops in El-Dakhla Oasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilsonomyces carpophilus is the major fungus that produces shot hole disease (SHD) in apricots, which results in significant economic losses. This problem can be addressed through the monitoring of the diseases and spotlighting the risks connected with them. This study employed descriptive and geostatistical mapping techniques to track the spatial distribution and risk of SHD in apricot orchards in five apricot-growing valleys. The results showed a spatial distribution of the disease within the study area even varying within the valleys and orchards. A moderate spatial dependence of SHD prevalence (0.524), incidence (0.363), and severity index (0.313) were observed. GIS maps and trend analysis graphs also showed the spatial distribution of the disease from east-west and south-north directions. Climate and cultural practices favor the perpetuation of pathogens and the spread of SHD. This information will help apricot growers regarding disease management and improve sustainable profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at Biochemistry Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad Pakistan, during the year 2017-18 to assess the total phenols and antioxidants potential of mango, grapes, banana, guava, mulberry, strawberry, loquat, melon, apricot and phalsa. Fruits samples were obtained from the market of Faisalabad Pakistan, washed, dry at room temperature, extracted their juice/pulp. Thejuice was stored at 4 °C for further analysis. Juice samples were processed for Vitamin-C, pH, TSS, total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that among all the ten fruits vitamin C was higher in mango (24.33 mg/100 mL) followed by phalsa (19.74 mg/100 mL) and Grapes (11.25 mg/100 mL), whereas lower value was observed in melon (3.3 mg/100 mL) and loquat (3.4 mg/100 mL). Vitamin C for other fruits lies between these. Highly acidic pH of fresh juices of all the fruits was observed except in melon (5.82) and guava (5.38) which is less acidic. Percentage of TSS was higher in phalsa, mulberry and mangoes (13.8, 13.5 and 13.9% respectively) and lesser in melon (5.6%). Antioxidant capacity (% DPPH reduction) was found higher in grapes (91.9%) and mango (91.2%) which was statistically at par with melon (90.9%), while lesser value was observed in mulberry (51.6%). Total phenolics were significantly higher in grapes (1266.4 pg GAE/mL), whereas minimum phenolic contents were found in melon (4.1 pg GAE/mL). Therefore, it was concluded that grapes are more nutritious and healthy fruit than other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to find out the factors affecting the production of apricot in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Data were collected from 132 respondents belonging to the district Mansehra's five agriculture circles through a pre-tested interview schedule. Results were obtained through frequency, percentage and multiple regression with a dummy variable model. The majority (46.2%) apricot growers cultivated apricot on 01 kanal of land and major group (31.8%) were getting 51-70 Kg yields per tree. Moreover, 68.9% of apricot growers used chemical fertilizers, and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) application was also in practice by 62.9%. Apricot growers in major cases (59.1%) irrigated their crops in drought periods. In the majority of cases through wells/tube wells followed by canals, while onethird of total cases were only rain water-dependent. Further, more than 50% of the cases aphids, scale and flat-headed borer insect/pest attacks were reported on the apricot crop. Besides scab, brown rot and shot hole were reported by more than 60%, apricot growers. Regarding dormant practices, 65.2% apricot growers pruned their trees, 67.4% applied winter oil and 69.7% Bordeaux mixture while unfortunately, 60.6% of the respondents were not doing hoeing practice. The Regression analysis results reported application of chemical fertilizers, FYM, irrigation in drought periods, pruning, winter oil and Bordeaux mixture application were positively and significantly related to apricot production while simultaneously flat-headed borer and brown rot were found inversely but significantly related. The study recommends special attention to improve stone fruit production through increased contacts with agricultural extension and research. Moreover, proper use and availability of chemical fertilizers, FYM and irrigation, and timely use of insecticides/pesticides, healthy hoeing practices with the elimination of weeds. Access to micro-level credit by introducing in farm techniques of intercropping, proper division and allocation of lands suitable to stone fruits, vegetables, grain crops, and other cash crops and relaxation in criteria for the government's establishment orchard and non-government agriculture departments/agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to find out the factors affecting the production of apricot in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan. Data were collected from 132 respondents belonging to the district Mansehra’s five agriculture circles through a pre-tested interview schedule. Results were obtained through frequency, percentage and multiple regression with a dummy variable model. The majority (46.2%) apricot growers cultivated apricot on 01 kanal of land and major group (31.8%) were getting 51- 70 Kg yields per tree. Moreover, 68.9% of apricot growers used chemical fertilizers, and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) application was also in practice by 62.9%. Apricot growers in major cases (59.1%) irrigated their crops in drought periods.In the majority of cases through wells/tube wells followed by canals, while onethird of total cases were only rain water-dependent. Further, more than 50% of the cases aphids, scale and flat-headed borer insect/pest attacks were reported on the apricot crop. Besides scab, brown rot and shot hole were reported by more than 60%, apricot growers.Regarding dormant practices, 65.2% apricot growers pruned their trees, 67.4% applied winter oil and 69.7% Bordeaux mixture while unfortunately,60.6% of the respondents were not doing hoeing practice. The Regression analysis results reported application of chemical fertilizers, FYM, irrigation in drought periods, pruning, winter oil and Bordeaux mixture application were positively and significantly related to apricot production while simultaneously flat-headed borer and brown rot were found inversely but significantly related. The study recommends special attention to improve stone fruit production through increased contacts with agricultural extension and research. Moreover,proper use and availability of chemical fertilizers, FYM and irrigation, and timely use of insecticides/pesticides, healthy hoeing practices with the elimination of weeds.Access to micro-level credit by introducing in farm techniques of intercropping, proper division and allocation of lands suitable to stone fruits, vegetables, grain crops, and other cash crops and relaxation in criteria for the government’s establishment orchard and non-government agriculture departments/agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of seven apricot varieties (castle Bright, Sarbaghal, Narai, Gold Cort, Badami, NJA-13 and Habi) was evaluated at Horticultural Research Station, Soan Valley, Nowshehra, Khushab, Pakistan during the year 2010 to 2012. At fruit maturity, sensory and physio-chemical analysis was carried out. The results revealed that variety castle Bright topped in fruit colour with maximum prints (8.51) and orange yellow colour which is highly appreciated in local market and matures during second week of May. The data further depicted that maximum points for flavor were attained by three varieties simulataneously i.e. castle bright (8.50), Badami (8.50) and Sarbaghal (7.75) while taste of fruit was bettr in castle Bright and Badami (8.50 each). Castle bright also attained maximum fruit weight (45.75g) and fruit size (1867.67mm2) with minimum flesh stone ratio (5.27%) and more pulp. Maximum TSS was noted in variety Badami (17.25%) followed by Castle bright (17.1%) and Sarbaghal (16.25%). Variety sarbaghal also excelled in fruit yield (39.00 kg/plant) followed by Castle Bright (32.50 kg/plant). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract: In order to ascertain physico-chemical, functional and geometrical traits of apricot fruit from Northern Areas of Pakistan, six predominantly grown varieties namely, Alman, Habi, Khakhas, Mirmalik, Neeli and Shai were selected in this study. Proximate composition as crude fat (2.1–3%), crude protein (6.18–8.7%), crude fiber (11.85–13.6%), ash (9.45–12.1%) and total sugars (56.8–64.9%) were determined on dry weight basis. The data showed variations among the investigated parameters in all varieties. Functional properties of apricot fruit viz. ascorbic acid (67.39–90.94mg/100g), total phenolic compounds (4590–7310mgGAE/100g), total carotenoids (10.09–18.13mg/100g β-carotene) and antioxidant activity (56.84–82.33%) were also recorded. The data pertaining to mineral contents (mg/100g) revealed K as the predominant element (2040–3000) followed by P, Mg, Ca, Na and Fe among all the tested samples. Furthermore, geometrical characters of apricot varieties were also determined as important sensory and technological attributes on fresh weight basis. The result from the present study showed that all the tested varieties are highly nutritious and rich in functional components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been utilized for the quantification of 24 major, minor and trace elements in dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca), dates (Phoenix dectylifera), figs (Ficus carica) and raisins (Vitis vinifera) using a low-power reactor as the neutron source. The weekly intakes of aluminium, arsenic, boron, calcium, chlorine, cobalt, chromium, iron, mercury, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, antimony, selenium and zinc have been calculated and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance/Estimated Safe and Adequate Dietary Intake values through consumption of 100 g dried fruit. Fairly adequate levels of calcium, cobalt, iron, potassium and magnesium were determined in these dried fruits while the contribution of chlorine, chromium, molybdenum and sodium to the Recommended Dietary Allowance was found to be insignificant. Apricot is a nutritionally rich source of potassium, magnesium and cobalt, while chlorine and manganese contents were found to be highest in dates. Figs are an ample source of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese, whereas raisins provide the highest intake of chromium, molybdenum and sodium. The toxic element contents of these dry fruits are considerably below the tolerance limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the incidence of the plum pox virus outside the continent of Europe. The article mentions the detection of a mixed infection of PPV-D and PPV-Rec strains on apricot trees in the Baltistan District in the Northern Pakistan. The article also provides the details of reference material.