Agar Extraction, Physical Properties, FTIR Analysis and Biochemical Composition of Three Edible Species of Red Seaweeds Gracilaria corticata (J. Agardh), Gracilaria dentata (J. Agardh) and Gracilariopsis longissima (S. G. Gmelin)........

Three species of red algae Gracilaria corticata (J. Agardh), Gracilaria dentata (J. Agardh) and Gracilariopsis longissima (S.G. Gmelin), Steentoft, L. M; Irvine and Farnham (formerly Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) were collected from four different sites (Buleji, Hawks Bay, Manora and Paradise Point) of Karachi coast. The G. corticata was the dominant species and the highest yield of agar was compared to other studied species. The physical properties such as gel temperature, melting temperature, density, viscosity and gel strength showed large variations. Interestingly, the gel temperature, melting temperature, density, and gel strength had the highest value in G. corticata samples collected, while gel viscosity recorded the highest value in G. dentata samples. Intensive spectroscopic FTIR analysis was determined in all three species of G. corticata, G. dentata and G. longissima. The bands at 414.7/cm to 3917.2/cm represents stretching and bending vibrations of alcohol O-H, amine N-H, alkane C-H, alkyne C=C, nitriles C=N, carboxyl C=O, nitro aromatic N=O, alkane C-C, nitro methane C-N, aliphatic amines C-N, sulfoxides S=O, alkene C-H alkyl halide C-Cl, C-I groups. The ash content of all studied species (G. corticata, G. dentata and G. longissima) was in the range of 20-30%, while the carbohydrate content was in the range of 22-24%. The results of this study suggested the utilization of our natural resources present in Karachi coast. This could be achieved by determining the quantity and quality of agar in the edible species of Gracilaria/Gracilariopsis.

Effect of Heat Stress for Agro-Economic Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes

In the scenario of increasing global warming, heat stress received more importance. Un- fortunately, Pakistan is also in the line of most heat affected countries of the world. In this regard, wheat being a most important staple edible crop of Pakistan is highly affected by heat stress. For combating this situation, a study was carried-out on ten bread wheat genotypes viz. Moomal, Mehran, Imdad-05, Anmol- 91, Benazir, TJ-83, SKD-1, TD-1, Abadgar and Hamal at the Experimental Field, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design (factorial arrangement) with three replications during Rabi season, 2016-17 in order to assess the response of wheat genotypes to terminal heat stress tolerance. Wheat genotypes were evaluated in two sowing dates viz., on 24th November as a normal planting and late planting on 31th December, 2016 considered as heat stress condition. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes under both sowing dates indicating suitability of the experiment to improve bread wheat genotypes for heat tolerance. Reductions in various traits were observed in late planting which indicated visible effects of heat stress on agro-economic traits. On an average plant height (cm), tillers/plant, spike length (cm), spikelets/spike, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight (g) and grain yield/plant (g) were declined by -4.63, -2.49, -3.04, -4.35, -16.29, -14.08 and -9.09 units respectively under the heat stress conditions, while the wheat genotypes like TJ-83, SKD-1 and Mehran showed minimum reductions under heat stress conditions for various traits suggesting their heat tolerance, nonetheless cultivars Moomal and Benazir expressed maximum declines under heat stress expressing their susceptibility to heat stress conditions. The remaining genotypes were found as moderately heat stress tolerant.

A Survey Report of Disease Fields of District; Swabi, Buner, Haripur and Mardan Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A survey of diseased fields of total (35) areas located in four different Districts of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa like Buner (4 areas), Swabi (23 areas) Mardan (3 areas) and Haripur (5areas) was carried out for estimation of losses and identification of root disease causing pathogens in 14 different economically important crops like Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), Ladyfinger (Abelmoscus esculentus), Chilli (Capsicum anuum), Eggplant (Solanum melongena), Maize (Zea mays), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Wheat (Triticum estivum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Mustard (Brassica compestres), Clover (Trifolium repens), Onion (Allium cepa), Turnip (Brassica rapa), Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Pea (Pisum sativum). The most common root rot pathogens found in all the areas visited were Alternaria alternate, A.solani, Rhizoctonia solani Macrophomina phaseolina and species of Fusarium viz., Fusarium solani and F.oxysporum. Two species of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita were also found causing root- knot disease. The eggplant was found upto 20-76% losses when an infection caused by the combined effect of F. oxysporum, M.phaseolina. R. solani and root-knot nematodes. Similarly, the loss of chiliplants was found 40-65% due to the combined effect of F. solani, M.phaseolina, R. solani, and root-knot nematodes. Zea mays crops were reported 50-77% losses due to Drecslera spp, F.solani, and A. solani Losses recorded by these root-rot and root-knot pathogens were found variable depending upon a combination of pathogens, temperature and soil types.

Effect of Different Doses of Compost on Growth and Yield of Cotton

Effect of Different Doses of Compost on Growth and Yield of Cotton Cotton is main cash crop of Pakistan that is also called "white gold". Majority of farmers from Punjab and Sindh cultivate it and earn high value in market to improve their livelihood. It is very important crop for cotton industry and people because, it provide raw material to industry and job to workers who serve in this sector from sowing to harvesting,ginning to weaving and selling. Cotton sector play important role in National economy as it is also a rich source of edible oil. In current scenario, growing cotton is becoming costly due to use of expensive inputs. To play part in reducing input cost of cotton present study conducted. The study aimed to evaluate efficacy of compost developed from crop refuse at zero cost. For this purpose performance of three cotton varieties MNH 886, FH 142 and IR 901 checked at five doses100 Kg, 200 Kg, 300 Kg, 400 Kg and 500 Kg of compost per acre. Results revealed that MNH 886 performed good among all three varieties on all doses followed by FH 142 and IR 901 respectively. MNH 886 performed good than all others, where maximum seed germination recorded 72.67%, plant height 138.93 cm, root length 35.43 cm, numbers of branches11.56, numbers of bolls 45.78 and yield 1840 Kg per acre on 500 Kg compost per acre recorded.However, minimum seed germination 48.56%, plant height 93.02 cm, root length 25.24 cm, numbers of branches 8.67, numbers of bolls 11.89 and yield was recorded 1042 Kg on 100 Kg compost per acre. Same trend of maximum growth at 500 Kg and minimum at 100 Kg compost observed on FH142 and IR901.

Comparative Study of Mineral Content in Different Varieties of Green Tea

Camellia sinensis L. leaves composed of different concentrations of mineral contents play a vital role in human nutrition and health. In this study, locally processed three different green tea varieties i.e. P3, P5 and P9 were used for mineral content determination at National Tea and High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari, Mansehra, Pakistan. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, flame photometer and Kjehldal apparatus were used for the determination of mineral concentration in all the collected tea samples. Mineral composition of tea samples were identified in the following quantity order: high level of nitrogen (37300 to 41380 mg/L), calcium (515.6 to 522.1 mg/L) and phosphorus (742 to 1220 mg/L) were observed in all tea samples compared to other minerals. Cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were highest in P3, while least amount was identified in P5, variety. On the contrary, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and lead (Pb) contents were maximum in P5, while minimum were in P3. This study revealed that the levels of mineral elements in different varieties of green tea vary from the permissible level but the monitoring of their levels in tea plant is obligatory for future risk measurements.

Mini Review An-overview on Buffalo Condensed Milk and its Products with Emphasis of Their Biochemical Properties

In this review an-overview is presented to study the effects of condensation, skimming and physio-chemical quality of buffalo milk. Skimming process had significant influences on chemical and sensory qualities of milk. Previous researchers discussed the remarkable changes in the physical and physio- chemical characteristics of condensed milk i.e. moisture, ash content and acidity, specific gravity of skimmed milk as compared to the whole milk. It has been also concluded from the different studies that the physical properties like, exterior, colour, flavour and body texture of milk were comparatively reduced by condensation and skimming and the density of skimmed milk appeared thinner and products achieved the variable score in different above mentioned physio-chemical properties. This review will discuss the effects of condensation and skimming on whole milk and their byproducts and their physical and physio- chemical properties in comparative aspects skimming and condensation whole milk.

Bioavailability of Ca, K, Mg and Na in Arabian Yellow Finned Sea Bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) with Estimated Daily Intake for Human Consumption

Yellow finned sea bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) is a commercially important fish of coastal water of Pakistan. It is widely consumed by the people within and outside the country. Therefore, the paper investigates the concentration of macro-minerals (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in its meat and gills. The concentrations of different elements demonstrated statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between meat and gills of the fish. Significantly higher concentrations of calcium and lower concentrations of potassium and sodium were recorded in gills compared to those in meat. In meat, mean concentrations were found in the order Na (5.41%) > K (3.44%) > Ca (2.16%) > Mg (0.24%), while in gills, the mean concentrations were Ca (57.72%) > Na (3.43%) > K (1.19%) > Mg (0.31%). Statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) were noted between the body weight and the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the meat of fish. The results are also compared with estimated daily intake and dietary reference intake values. The present study suggests that Acanthopagrus arabicus is an important source of macro-minerals for human consumption.

Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Iron and Zinc Values in Meadows with a Semi-Arid Climate

Seasonal changes in the climate, as well as in plants and species living in this environment, which causes serious problems. Current work was carried out to evaluate the seasonal impact on the concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in soil, forages and animals. A semi arid dry climatic area of Pakistan was selected to find out the seasonal effects on soil and availability of Zn and Fe, and its translocation to forages and animals. Twenty seven forages were collected and 320 ruminant samples collected from two sites in four seasons. Effect of spatial-temporal variations were studied on the ruminants of four physiological stages (Does, Bucks, Wether and Juvenile). Different sources from goats including blood, feces and urine were collected for the analysis of Zn and Fe. Results showed that both elements in soil were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by season and site x season. In forages, only site showed significant effect on Fe and Zn, while Zn was affected non-significantly (P > 0.05) by season and site x season. Zn and Fe in goats were non-significantly affected by season and source x stages, while significantly affected by sites and sources. All values of both elements were in safe limits except deficiency of Fe (1.69 to 2.33 mg/L) in blood. Results of health indices were also in the limits. Current work encircles the spatio- temporal effects on mineral availability in the food chain and also concern the health effects related to ruminant health.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Biological Important Algae Hydrodictyon reticulatum L.

The recent research was directed to explore the phytochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Hydrodictyon reticulatum L. The samples were then identified morphologically and anatomically. By using different solvents algal extracts were prepared. The phytochemical activity of algal samples were performed to determine the presence or absence of alkaloids, steroids, tannin, triterpenoids, saponin, terpenoids, quinine, coumarins, phlobatannins, phytosteroids and flavonoids. Two bacterial strains S. aureus and E. coli were used to determine the antibacterial activity of algal extracts. The greatest activity was appeared by the methanolic extract against the fungal strain S. aureus i.e. 12.5±0.088 mm, while the aqueous extract showed the maximum anti-bacterial activity that was 12.2±0.058 mm beside E. coli. These findings were relatively equivalent to the results of standard Amkasin that was normally used as antibiotic in the market. The results of antifungal movement was indicated greatest having the solvent (CH3)2CO separate i.e. 1.8±0.058 mm against A. niger. While methanol extricate indicated 2.35±0.058 mm against the strain F. solani. DPPH rummaging activity, TAA and TPC were performed to determine the action of reticulatum. In the event of DPPH the most extreme IC50 recorded was from the chloroform extricate. While in TPC methanol extricate indicated most extreme esteem 67.14±0.54 mm and in TAA ethanol showed greatest esteem i.e. 0.88±0.01 µg/L. These results demonstrated that the Hydrodictyon reticulatum had phytochemical, cancer prevention agent and antimicrobial potential and suggested for pharmaceutical use.

Effect of Endectocides and Antibiotic Dung Poisoning on Mortality of Dung Beetle Species

We explored the effect of endectocides (deltamethrin and trichlorophenol) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline) on dung beetle species, 0nthophagus gazella and 0nitis excavatus under laboratory conditions. 0. gazella and 0. excavatus were collected from pastures and crop lands of Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. The selected endectocides and antibiotics were applied on dung pats placed over soil @ 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 ppm and kept in glass containers of 2' x 2' x 1.5' size. The laboratory bioassay was carried out at 28 ± 2 °C temperature and 65 ± 5 % RH with 12:12 of light to darkness ratio. Our results demonstrated that deltamethrin, trichlorophenol and oxytetracycline were toxic to both species, 0. gazella and 0. excavatus after two weeks of the exposure. Comparatively higher dung beetle mortality was recorded in both deltamethrin and trichlorophenol when applied @ 1 ppm as compared to 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 ppm concentrations in 0. gazella and 0. excavatus showed significantly higher mortality against oxytetracycline (53.3 % and 93.3 %, respectively), trichlorophenol (80 % and 94 %, respectively) and deltamethrin (88% and 76 %, respectively) at 1 ppm concentrations, whereas no mortality was recorded in all concentrations of enrofloxacin. 0. gazella and 0. excavatus responded negatively to the presence of different concentrations of veterinary parasiticides. In addition to the hazardous effect of 0. gazella and 0. excavatus, the study reports that these dung beetle species can be exploited as bio-indicators for environmental assessment in ecosystem studies.