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Background. The aim of the study was to investigate the cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, and proximate and phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia adhatoda. Methods. Methanolic leaf extract of J. adhatoda was screened for phytotoxic activity by using root length inhibition and seed germination assays. Cytotoxic activity was calculated using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Plant extracts were also investigated for their proximate composition. The presence of several phytochemicals was tested by employing different methods. Results. Decrease in seed germination and root length, 62.67% and 83.11%, was proportional to the increasing concentration of the methanolic extract of the plant. Cytotoxicity assay results indicated that the methanolic extract possessed significant cytotoxic potential with an LC‐50 of 217 µg/ml. Proximate analysis revealed that the leaves of J. adhatoda contain 9.4% moisture, 90.6% dry matter, 19.25% crude protein, 4.5% crude fat, 8.0% crude fiber, and 11.5% total ash. Conclusion. Methanolic extracts of J. adhatoda leaves showed significant cytotoxic effects and may have potential use in medicine. The J. adhatoda foliar extract shows good inhibitory effects against seed germination and root growth. Therefore, it might be used as soil additive in crops to control weeds. Further research is required to detect and isolate phytotoxins from the plant that might replace synthetic herbicides with eco‐friendly herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green-synthesized nanoparticles have a tremendous antimicrobial potential to be used as an alternative to hazardous fungicides. In this study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed by using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized AgNPs were subjected to different characterization techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the surface plasmon resonance band in the range of 400–450 nm, and zeta analysis revealed that the synthesized AgNPs ranged 4–30 nm in size. Scanning electron microscopy depicted tiny fused rectangular segments and the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector confirmed the presence of metallic silver ions. Fourier-transform infrared analysis revealed the presence of phenols as main reducing agents in the plant extract. Foliar application of different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) of AgNPs was applied on wheat plants inoculated with Puccinia striiformis to assess the disease incidence against stripe rust disease. AgNPs at a conc. of 75 ppm were found to be more effective against wheat stripe rust disease. Furthermore, the application of AgNPs enhanced morpho-physiological attributes and reduced nonenzymatic compounds and antioxidant enzymes in wheat. The present study highlights the potential role of the green-synthesized AgNPs as a biological control of yellow rust disease.

In agriculture sector demand for nanotechnology-based products in current years, have led to the increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs). Biologically prepared NPs have gained a lot of attraction due to ecofriendly, cost effective, and biocompatible processes. Therefore, current work was design to investigate the effects of green synthesized SiO2 NPs on Vigna radiata L. These SiO2 NPs was evaluated via UV, XRD, SEM and EDX. The average crystalline size of SiO2 NPs was found to be 58.6 nm identified by XRD. Six days old plants (two leaf stage) exposed to SiO2 NPs at 2, 20, 200 and 2000 ppm. Significantly increased in plant length and weight was observed at all concentrations at different intervals, except 20 ppm of SiO2 NPs reduced the plant weight. However, the antioxidant enzymes at 20 ppm treated plant showed various effects. The production of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased as compared to control while Catalase (CAT) slightly decrease on third days as compared to initial days but increased as compared to control. Peroxidase level (POD) was initially increased but then reduced later, superoxide dismutase (SOD) also reduced as compared to control. Less Si uptake show at 20 ppm. FT-IR exhibited that 3289.92, 2921 and 610 cm−1 frequency represent the bonds, which show the dominance of lipids in control plant. While, in SiO2 NPs treated plant (20 ppm) lipid content decrease. The slight decrease in phenolics, while increase in bromo means alkaloids are produced in maximum amount as compared to control plants. Evans blue staining and membrane damage quantification also indicated the slight damage at 20 ppm as compared to control. According to the whole findings, 20 ppm is a little toxic for plant growth. It may be due to a moderate dose. These results suggest that SiO2 NPs exhibit positive effects at higher concentrations and slightly reduce the growth at (20 ppm) mild concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytosociological survey was carried out during 2014-2016 using a stratified random sampling design at 15 different localities in Kotli District, AJK Pakistan. Quantitative data on species composition and environmental variables were collected from 450 quadrats. Based on cluster analysis, three different plant associations were recognized viz subtropical scrub forest association, subtropical pine forest association and subtropical broad leaf humid association which are clearly separated on a two dimensional Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) diagram. The number of plant species per site varied from 17 to 47; Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were 1.83-3.19 and 0.75-0.95 respectively; Menhinick and Margalef species richness values were between 0.68-1.35 and 2.48-5.95 respectively, Equitability values between 0.65-0.90 and Evenness values between 0.37-0.71. DCA and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated altitude and aspect to be the main determinants of the plant species distribution patterns and classification and grouping of vegetation into different associations. CCA indicated that both species diversity and richness showed strong correlations with altitude as well as aspect and grazing intensity. All the forest stands were immature (33.8-54.7%) with average tree density varying between 280 to 2060 ha-1, and basal area between 1.99-19.18 m²/ha-1. The results clearly reflect the deteriorating forest structure in this region, demanding urgent conservation measures involving effective participation by local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytosociological survey of moist temperate forests of Lasdana, District Bagh Azad Kashmir was conducted during 2016-2017. Quadrat method was used for sampling vegetation in three layers viz herbs, shrubs and tree. The flora comprised of 128 plant species distributed among 105 genera and 46 families. Elven plant communities were recognized on the basis of importance value. They were grouped in to three plant association using cluster analysis and Detrended correspondence analysis viz. Gallium-Adiantum-Frageria association, Pinus-Sarcococca-Poa association and Abies-Vibemum-Cynodon association. Diversity was high at middle elevation and low at upper and lower altitude. Richness was negatively correlated with altitude. Whereas, evenness and equitability has little or no influence of altitude. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that altitude, phosphorous, pH and electrical conductivity play major role in defining distribution pattern of plant communities and species. The investigated forests are disturbed with poor regeneration potential and low species diversity. Therefore, immediate conservation measures along with participation of local community are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were undertaken to detect SNP markers related with physiological and biochemical traits in 92 genotypes from Pakistani historical set and synthetic hexaploid wheat collections. The field experiment was conducted during 2013-2015 seasons under controlled and drought conditions. Genotyping was done using high-density Illumina iSelect 15K SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) array, and finally 7739 high quality SNPs were used in mapping. Linkage disequilibrium decay was observed at 11cM genetic distance for whole genome collection using 700 unlinked markers. In total, there were 1174 MTAs recorded for biochemical parameters at P<0.001 in stressed conditions using MLM approach, among them, 647 MTAs were flanked for more then one trait. Genome A, B and D contributed 431, 553 and 190 MTAs respectively. Highest number of MTAs were found on chromosome 2B. Further FDR test was used to detect noval MTAs discussed in paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is considered as the most significant cereal crop. Nitrogen plays a vital role in the life cycle of wheat. It is the key nutrient of plants required for the production of chlorophyll and other essential cell components like proteins, amino acids and nucleic acids. N status determines the crop yield. Accurate, rapid and dynamic diagnosis of nitrogen status is important for assessing plant vigor, estimating crop production and optimizing nitrogen management in different crop plants. This review article focuses on current methods and tools used for the N determination in wheat. Kjeldahl digestion and Dumas combustion are considered as accurate methods for N estimation but they are destructive, expensive and time consuming. In field N estimation is done through Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll meter SPAD. These are time saving and non-destructive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper consists of an imperative ethnobotanical assessment related to utilization of wild plant resources by the native rural community of Kaghan valley and also reflects the pragmatic findings of the ethnobotanical survey. The elementary purpose of the study was to document indigenous knowledge of plants particularly medicinal, fodder, food, ethnoveterinary, fuel and construction etc. To document the ethnobotanical information the whole area was surveyed, semi-structured questionnaire was designed for taking interview and total 123 informants were selected. Plant specimens were collected, photographed, dried and properly identified. Total 104 plant species belonging to 99 genera and 51 families were found to be used for various purposes by the local community for achieving their basic needs. Different quantitative techniques like Frequency of citation (FC), Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Use values (UV) were used for determining the most preferred plants, local importance and their use reports. Ethnobotanical data shows that most frequently used extensive category was met by fodder/forage species (46 spp., 44.2%), followed by medicinal (45 spp., 43.2%), others (39 spp., 37.5%), food (24 spp., 23%), fuel (18 spp., 16.3%) and ethnovetinary (5 spp., 4.8%). Quantitative techniques like Frequency of citation (FC) are used for determining the most preferred plants and the Relative frequency of citation (RFC) shows the local importance of each species. High use value depicts that there are many use reports for a plant, indicating that the plant is important, and low use value (approaches to 0) indicates that there are few reports related to its use, however, use report does not distinguish whether a plant is used for single or multiple purposes. There is a need to educate the collectors regarding collection, storage, drying, pressing, preserving, packing and marketing. All this is done to increase the economic benefits from native flora. For quick production of medicinal plants, there cultivation should be encouraged by providing facility to the farmers and equipping them with standardize techniques. The study confirmed that most of the plants are used for fodder and medicinal purpose. Plants having more use reports will have high use values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (syn. Z. alatum Roxb.) is an important medicinal plant commonly called Timur or Indian prickly ash. The ethnopharmacological study of Z. armatum revealed the use of different plant parts for curing various ailments including cholera, chest infection, fever, indigestion, stomach disorders, gas problems, piles, toothache, gum problems, dyspepsia, as carminative, antipyretic, aromatic, tonic, and stomachic. Keeping in view the medicinal potential of the plant, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, reducing power, and phosphomolybdate assay using different concentrations (7.81 μg/mL–250 μg/mL). Ascorbic acid was taken as standard. The results indicated that the free radical scavenging activity ranged from 40.12% to 78.39%, and the reductive potential ranged from 0.265 nm to 1.411 nm while the total antioxidant activity ranged from 0.124 nm to 0.183 nm. The antioxidant potential evaluated by three assays increased in a concentration dependent manner and ascorbic acid showed better antioxidant activity than leaf extract. Results obtained through different tests confirmed redox protective activities of Zanthoxylum armatum. Further in vitro and in vivo research should be performed, so this plant can be further utilized in drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]