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Date palm (2n = 36) is a monocotyledonous, dioecious plant, which belongs to the family Arecaceae. Pollens are the primary source of diversity and improvement in quality, yield, ripening time, and size. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the differential behavior of nine pollen sources, collected from different locations, upon pollination with date palm female cultivar Hillawi. Metaxenia effect of pollen grains on the maternal tissues of fruits was carried out at khalal stage, whereas the seeds obtained from these fruits were planted in a nursery for hybrid confirmation. Biochemical characteristics; proximate analysis; individual sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), total sugar, ascorbic acid, total soluble solid, and total phenolic contents; and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and enzymatic activities (catalase, peroxidase, protease, and superoxide dismutase) were significantly variable. Dendrogram for biochemical parameters of cultivar Hillawi, created using Ward's method, revealed three clusters. Among the nine pollen sources, M8 was superior because it was positively associated with most of the variables. M7 shortened the ripening time, and its progeny exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content. Fruits developed from M8 pollination exhibited higher total sugar contents, protein, antioxidant and enzymatic activity, and had shortened ripening time. For more positive correlation of pollen parents, M8 was followed by M7, M3, M5, and M4. Strong positive correlation was found among most of the traits. Biochemical analyses revealed that these traits were suitable for metaxenia studies and breeding programs, as they exhibited quality and yield enhancement. The seedlings developed from these seeds, which were a result of controlled pollination, were identified as true date palm hybrids using 12 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. Out of 12, only six primers clearly differentiated between true and ambiguous hybrids. Primer mpdCIR-10 identified the highest number of true hybrids 13 (81.25%). These findings will be useful for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has staminate (male), androgynous (hermaphrodite), and intermediate flower types. Floral characterization is difficult for breeding efficiency across many pomegranate genotypes in Pakistan, which is essential for pomegranate cultivar enhancements. The present research focused on the floral characterization and breeding efficiency of fifteen pomegranate genotypes. Flower sex ratio, floral morphological parameters, i.e., flower length, ovary width, flower notch, flower tip and stigma with style length, and fruit set percentage were examined during the experiment. In terms of sex ratio, male flowers were found to be higher among all genotypes. Due to clear differences in flower length, width, and heterostyly facilitating visual identification of the hermaphrodite flowers, genotype Ternab-2, Kandhari White, and Kandhari Red had higher fruit set (≥70%) among all cross combinations attempted. Genotype Sava had higher flower length and heterostyly of hermaphrodite flower type, but ovary width was not very distinct, leading to average crossing success (85–34%). In conclusion, single or combination of morphological characters can be used for accurate identification of hermaphrodite flowers, which can improve hybrid efficiency and fruit set after artificial cross-pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent year, the demand for guava fruit has been increasing in domestic and international markets. However, guava fruit is extremely perishable due to the short shelf life and rapid over-ripening of the fruits suggesting the need for practical tools to extend their shelf-life. In the present study, the efficiency of calcium nitrate treatment was investigated on Golla guava fruit. Fruits were treated with different concentrations (0, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) for 12 days storage at ambient condition. Among the dipping treatments, 4% calcium nitrate significantly reduced fruit weight loss (FWL), decay percentage, and suppressed the increase of soluble solids content (SSC). Moreover, 4% calcium-treated fruits had higher total titratable acidity (TA), and lower ripening index (SSC: TA ratio) and pH during the storage period. Higher ascorbic acid, total phenolic content (TPC) and higher reducing, non-reducing and total sugars along with retained higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes were observed in (4%) calcium nitrate treated guava fruits. Calcium nitrate (4%) also exhibited higher aroma, taste and flavour among the other treatments. Generally, the pre-storage calcium nitrate dipping treatment of guava fruit-maintained fruit quality for up to 12 days at ambient storage condition and could be suggested as practical solution at commercial levels in extending the shelf life of fresh guava fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts (PE's) has emerged as a safer alternative to manage the fungal pathogens affecting tomato productivity. The current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of methanolic fenugreek extract against Alternaria solani, a causal agent of early blight disease in tomato. Fenugreek extract was used at different concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% under in vitro conditions. Results concluded that 25% fenugreek extract significantly reduced the radial growth (2.5 cm) of A. solani under in vitro conditions. Based on in vitro results, three concentrations (5%, 15% and 25%) of fenugreek extract was examined under greenhouse and field conditions. The outcomes expressed that 5% fenugreek extract reduced the disease severity up to 30.19% under greenhouse conditions and up to 40.53% under field trials. Although, application of fenugreek extract had exhibited non-significant impact on vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. However, its application had proved better results as compared to those plants which are infected with A. solani but received zero application of fenugreek extract. Furthermore, the effectiveness of plant extracts was evaluated by variant photosynthetic, antioxidative, polyphenolic and hypersensitive response of A. solani affected tomato plants. The 25% fenugreek extract application had augmented the chlorophyll pigments along with the significant increment of superoxide dismutase (174.16 U mg-1 protein), peroxidase (7.61 µmol min-1 g-1 protein) and catalase activity (4.73 nmol min-1 g-1 protein). Similar outcomes were observed regarding phenolic compounds, where 5% fenugreek extract application had enhanced flavonoid levels (26.62 mg QuE g-1), tannins (1.28 mg TE g-1 extract) and total phenolic contents (2.39 mg GAE g-1) in tomato leaves demonstrating its protective effect against early blight. In dose response, 25% fenugreek extract was most effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing H2O2 levels. The outcomes of study exhibited the fenugreek extract as an effective strategy to be used against A. solani to control early blight infection in tomato plants. Thus, it can serve as suitable fungicide alternative for resource-poor agriculture areas mainly in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the position of top ranked fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. 'Kinnow' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry and occupies the share of 95% out of total citrus production in Pakistan. But there is an alarming problem of single rootstock culture. Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) has monopolized the citrus industry in Punjab province. Rough lemon is susceptible to phytophthora and waterlogging. There is an absolute need for substitute rootstock for higher yield and improved fruit quality of Kinnow. A rootstock scion interaction research trial was conducted during 2017 to 2019. Kinnow was grafted on eight rootstocks, i.e. Cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Experiment was laid out according to Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock was considered as single treatment and replicated thrice. Performance of six year old Kinnow trees grafted on different rootstocks was evaluated on the basis of physicochemical quality attributes of fruits. Data was taken for two consecutive years and average was calculated. Results revealed that rootstocks had a significant role in manipulating the morphological and biochemical quality attributes of Kinnow fruits. Kinnow fruits from the trees grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock showed the maximum fruit diameter (84.03 mm), peel weight (28.99 g), rag weight (87.68 g) and individual fruit weight (221.85 g). Poor performance of Troyer citrange regarding morphological quality parameters was observed. Total soluble solid (TSS) (13.76 °Brix), Vitamin C (69.38 mg/100 ml) and Total antioxidants (72.32 % inhibition) in Kinnow juice were maximum on Fraser hybrid. Carbohydrate analysis of Kinnow juice by HPLC method revealed that concentration of sucrose, fructose and glucose was highest in Fraser hybrid rootstock. Poor performance of Troyer citrange and C-35 rootstocks was recorded regarding all biochemical parameters of Kinnow. It is concluded that physicochemical quality of Kinnow is manipulated by different rootstocks. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks can be used as alternate rootstocks for citrus industry of Pakistan to substitute the traditional rootstocks like rough lemon and sour orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of drought tolerance in wheat is based on a complex genetic mechanism and involves many genes. Gene expression is contingent upon various transcription factors which are proteins in nature, hence themselves being products of specific genes known as Transcription Factor genes. In the present studies, one such gene family; the NF-Y Gene Family has been explored for its role in conferring drought tolerance in wheat. One hundred genotypes of wheat were screened at seedling stage for morphological traits related with drought tolerance. Expression analysis of nine NF-Y genes was carried out to observe their expression patterns and drought responsiveness. The genotypes 29-SAWSN 11-12 (1014) and Chakwal-50 were the highest performers, while Nax-2 5924 was the lowest performer under drought. The reportedly drought responsive gene Traes_3AS_9151583B9.1 expressed differentially in case of drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Its ortholog, Traes_2BS_F23D9EA93.1 gave a similar expression pattern, thereby indicating its potential drought responsiveness. The results of expression analysis supported the results of phenotypic evaluation. The information generated might be useful for breeding drought tolerant wheat by harnessing the potential of drought responsive Ta-NFY genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unplanned development of cities creates several problems like deterioration of environment, unbalanced ecosystem and poor community interrelation. Furthermore, shifting rural communities to urban areas can damage the urban forestry by conversion of natural habitat into concrete heat island. In this scenario, for improvement of urban environmental quality, people's perception and opinion could be helpful for better implementation of urban management decisions. The objectives of this study were to examine the perception of urban dwellers towards urban trees and to explore the variation in opinion for managing the diverse types of urban spaces. The present study was conducted in 3rd most populous city of Pakistan viz. Faisalabad, divided into four categories i.e. parks, hospitals, institutions, and urban communities. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted by four hundred respondents with a hundred from each category to analyze people's perception, attitude, and preference towards urban trees. Results depicted diversity among respondents related to age, education, profession, and monthly income. Three most abundant tree species in Faisalabad named Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (17%), Conocarpus erectus L. (43%) and Vachellia nilotica (L.) P. Hurter & Mabb. (12%) were disliked due to various problems like accidents, garbage, sewerage problems, and electric transmission issue, respectively. Moreover, it was also assessed that demographic characters i.e. gender, age, education, income, and profession have a strong association on liking and disliking of urban trees. This study helps to analyze the people's perception, attitude, and preference towards urban vegetation and provide valuable information for establishing future green belts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a major fruit in Afghanistan, having a long history as wild and domesticated throughout the country. Best fruit accessions were evolved in the world through selection and utilization of genetic resources that were missing in the country. In our studies, various morphological (qualitative and quantitative) traits were recorded in fruits of 20 pomegranate accessions from Afghanistan. Principle component analysis (PCA) proved a high level of morphological diversity 93% in Afghan pomegranate germplasm with maximum variability covered in the first six components (84.03%) with the highest share of fruit and aril weight and wood portion index. The result of the first three components showed the variable PCA percentage 29.72%, 17.74% and 12.08%, respectively among pomegranate accessions based on the different quantitative traits. Our results concluded that there is a great diversity among the twenty pomegranate accessions from Afghanistan. Morphological diversity estimated in Afghan pomegranates makes it possible to improve genotypes. Hence these accessions can be taken for further breeding program by researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to characterize eight olive genotypes (local and exotic) growing in Potohar region (Salt Range) of Pakistan. The genotypes "BARI Zaitoon-I", "Earlik I", "Earlik-II", "Frantoio", "Mariana", "Nocellara", "Naqvi" and "Sorani" were collected from different locations of Potohar. On the basis of morphological attributes, maximum leaf length was observed in genotypes "Mariana" (6.26 cm) and "BARI Zaitoon-1" (6.24 cm), while maximum leaf width was observed in genotypes "Frantoio" (158 cm) and "Naqvi" (153 cm). Regarding fruit weight, maximum fruit weight was measured in "Mariana" (5.41 gm) while the minimum fruit weight (0.93 gm) was observed in genotype "Earlik II". In biochemical assessment of fatty acids composition, palmitic acid (13.80- 10.12%), palmitoleic acid (2.08-1.03%), oleic acid (77.14-70.47%) and linolenic acid (1-0.21%) were found in mentioned ranges. Similarly, total polyphenols and peroxidase value found in selected genotypes were in following ranges 321-144 mg kg-1 and 15-3.03 meq of O2/kg, respectively. The information from study revealed that biochemical profiling of olive genotypes could be helpful for olive oil processing industry and for breeders to conduct their future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring substance that is toxic at high concentration for all life forms. It enters into environment through natural and anthropogenic sources. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on maize growing in selenium contaminated soil. Salicylic acid and sodium nitroprusside are important growth controller molecules which regulate physiological functions in plants and protect plants from environmental stresses. Two maize varieties (Pioneer 33H15 and Cargill 6142) were used in this experiment. Two concentrations of SA and SNP (50µM and 100µM) were used as a foliar spray and selenium was applied @ 20 mg kg-1. Results showed that selenium stress caused a reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters and activities of enzymes such as SOD, POD and CAT. Though, foliar application of SA and SNP considerably reduces the negative impacts of selenium by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes as they play an important role in modulating the cell redox balance, thereby protecting plants against oxidative damage. There was significant improvement in membrane stability index (68.33%), relative water contents (78.47%) along with increase in activities of SOD (23%), POD (16.37%) and CAT (70%) in Pioneer 33H15 where SA was applied @ 100µM. These results suggested that foliar application of SA might be more useful for improving maize growth by alleviating harmful effects of Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (Cr) is an ecological poison and its concentration is reaching to lethal intensities in soil and plants by irrigating the soil with raw industrial effluents, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan. Poultry manure and gypsum are recognized for their capability to immobilize heavy metals in soils for plant uptake and filtering to ground water. The current trial was conducted under controlled conditions to evaluate the viability of poultry manure (PM) and gypsum applications to mitigate Cr toxicity in spinach grown-up in soil watered with textile effluent. The trial was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three repetitions. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (Poultry Manure @ 0.5%), T3 (Poultry Manure @ 1%), T4 (Gypsum @ 0.3%) and T5 (Gypsum @ 0.6%). Chromium uptake by shoots and roots of spinach were enhanced in control plants where only textile effluent was applied. Chromium uptake in roots was higher than shoots. Application of poultry manure and gypsum reduced the Cr toxicity. The shoot length and dry weight of spinach was higher where PM was incorporated @ 1% as compared to gypsum and control. The extent of Cr toxicity mitigation by PM application @ 1% was higher when compared with control. The outcomes of this investigation demonstrated that application of PM @ 1% to the soil could be utilized as a viable approach for diminishing Cr concentration in spinach plants in Crcontaminated soils irrigated with untreated textile effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ampelographic and genetic analysis of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes is important for their breeding or any crop improvement program. This information has proved significantly helpful in maintaining germplasm and to develop new superior genotypes by selecting suitable planting material. This study revealed the morphological (qualitative & quantitative) traits and genetic diversity for 30 grapes genotypes, which were collected from Potohar (salt range) region of Pakistan. The data information for ampelographic (qualitative & quantitative) traits were recorded for consecutive 3 years and data was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) method. Further, twelve SSR markers were used for grapes genotyping. Two SSR primers VVS4 and VVMD25 showed monomorphism in these genotypes while remaining ten SSR primers VVMD7, VVMD24, VMC4H6, VrZAG21, VVMD32, VrZAG25, VrZAG79, VMC4F3, VMC4A1 and VrZAG62 showed polymorphism in 30 grapes genotypes. The highest PIC value and maximum number of alleles were observed in primers VMC4A1, VVMD32 and VrZAG62. The result also identified a synonym genotype which showed 95.83% similarity between genotypes, BRI-001 and Sundar Khani. The Euclidean distance metric and the Ward's agglomeration method were used in an unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis of all cultivars. This cluster analysis divided the genotyped into two main groups having further classes and subclasses between them, which revealed high potential for specific breeding goals. Hence, these data could be used for protection or patenting processes of existing or new grapes cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]