Morpho-phenological characterization of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm grown in northern zones of Punjab, Pakistan

This endeavor includes thirty grapes’ genotypes grown in northern zones of Punjab, Pakistan to determine similarities and dissimilarities in forty-four morphological traits according to the descriptor “International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)”. The relation between the genotypes was determined by principal component analysis (PCA), and similarity was worked out by using cluster analysis. The dendrogram divided the genotypes into two main groups with classes and subclasses. The variation present within the class was up to 81.72% while the difference between classes was 18.28%. The morphological quantitative traits such as bunch length, bunch width, bunch weight, peduncle length, the weight of 10 berries, number of berry in a bunch, berry length, and berry width were in the following range 27.50-11 cm, 13.75-5 cm, 583.56-77.70 g, 6.50-1.55 cm, 53.70-9.70 g, 354-28, 27.37-11.40 mm and 18.06-10.41 mm respectively, which indicated a wide level of diversity in the selected genotypes. Based on phenological attributes, “Regina”, “Perlet”, and “Early White” were found early maturing genotypes to prevent berry rotting due to monsoon rains at the final stage of ripening. The data generated in this study would be helpful to preserve the existing germplasm and be available for designing future breeding programs.

Nitrogen application rate and timing management for improved grain quality parameters of wheat crop

Nitrogen use efficiency under flood irrigation system is generally low (30%) in field crops, which is one of the fundamental factors of high production cost in the developing countries. Optimum rate and timing of N-application is otherwise important to harvest good quality grain for backing in the recent climate change scenario. Optimum N-rate (NAR) corresponds with the application timing (NAT) has resulted in good quality grains. Aim of the study was to focus on spring wheat grain quality and N use efficiency (NUE) with NAR {i.e., 0, 100, 120, 140 and 160 kg ha-1) and NAT (i.e., 100% at sowing (NAR1), 50% at sowing and 50% at tillering (NAT2), 25% at sowing, 50% at tillering and 25% at booting (NAT3) and 25% at sowing, 25% at tillering and 50% at booting (NAT4)}. Treatment impacts were investigated focusing grain yield, grain-N, and quality parameters (i.e., crude protein, gluten, amylose and amylopectin). Experiment was a randomized complete block, in three replications, conducted at Agronomy Res. Farm of the University of Agric. Peshawar in 2016-17 and repeated in 2017-18. Results showed the highest NUE in100 kg N ha-1, followed by a decreasing rate (p<0.05) for every next N-increment. While averaged on N-rates, the highest NUE observed in NAT3 which did not differ fromNAT4 but decreased (p<0.05) for treatment NAT2 with lowest for theNAT1. Pakhtunkhuwa-2015 showed higher NUE among the varieties. Grain-N, grain yield, gluten and amylose did not differ with NAR 140 and 160 kg ha-1 as well as for the NAT3 and NAT4 but decreased for NAT2 and the lowest was noted for NAT1. The N-content of wheat grain was highest in Pakhtunkhuwa-2015, followed by Pirsabak-2015 and the lowest in DN-84. Nonetheless, grain amylopectin showed a reduction with increasing NAR and/or split N-applications from one to two and/or three doses. Cultivars did not show any changes in the amylopectin. It is concluded that in recent climate changes where flood irrigation system is practiced, three N-splits (NAT3 or NAT4) resulted higher quality grains with140 kg N ha-1 to wheat crop

Bioactivities of Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, liquorice and Nicotiana tobacum against two strains of Callosobruchus chinensis L.

The current research work was conducted for the evaluation of repellent and growth inhibitory potential of Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, Nicotiana tobacum and Liquorice against Callosobruchus chinensis (L.). Each plant extract was tested with four concentrations viz; 5, 10, 15 & 20 % for bioassay experiments. Repellent potentials of acetone extract of the plants were evaluated by using the area preference method against the pulse beetle. The four dilutions of the extracted plant materials (extract) were used at one half of the filter papers (of each) while remaining halves were solely treated with acetone (used as control experimental unit) for the comparison purposes. Data regarding repellence were taken after 12, 24 and 48 hours of the post treatment. In repellency bioassay, the highest (93.32%) repellence of Callosobruchus chinensis was observed for which against 20% concentration of A. indica extract, whereas lowest repellence (78.87%) was recorded in case of Liquorice. Repellency values of 90.07% and 84.76% were recorded in extracts of M. koenigii and N. tobacum in Faisalabad strain. In case of Lahore strain highest repellence of C. chinensis was observed for which 95.16% at 20% concentration of A. indica extract was whereas relatively lowest value (82.04%) was recorded in case of Liquorice. Repellency values of 87.27% and 91.06% were recorded in extracts of M. koenigii and N. tobacum. The results regarding growth inhibitory effect revealed that highest mean progeny inhibition (78.12%) was noted at 20% dose rate of A. indica extracted plant material after longest exposure time (60 days). Comparatively lowest inhibition (28.21%) was noted after 30 days exposure period at 5% dilution of Liquorice extract in Faisalabad strain. Mean inhibition of progeny was found directly dependent on both time as well as concentration, applied. Results revealed that highest mean progeny inhibition (85.03%) was recorded at 20% concentration of A. indica extract after longest exposure time (60 days). Comparatively, lowest inhibition (35.18%) was recorded at 5% after 30 days of application of Nicotiana tobacum extract in Lahore strain. Hence, use of plant-based materials can be helpful for the ecofriendly management of the stored grains insect pests as a part of IPM program.

Isolation, identification and toxinotyping of Clostridium perfringens isolated from broilers in Pakistan

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is one of the important enteric disease in the poultry industry worldwide, caused by C. perfringens type A. This study describes the isolation, identification, and toxinotyping of C. perfringens in necrotic enteritis affected broiler chicken in Pakistan. A total of 430 intestinal samples from dead carcasses and birds suspected of NE outbreak, in and around Faisalabad, Pakistan were collected from 36 broiler farms which yielded 87 alpha toxin gene (cpa) positive C. perfringens type A isolates. The birds having 4-5 weeks of age, clinical signs, and reared in open (conventional) sheds showed higher C. perfringens isolation rate. The study concluded netB negative C. perfringens type A as a causative agent for NE outbreaks in broiler birds in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Genealogical concordance of phylogenetic species recognition-based delimitation of Neopestalotiopsis species associated with leaf spots and fruit canker disease affected guava plants

Neopestalotiopsis species are known to be involved in plant diseases as associated pathogens. The taxonomic identification of the fungal group Neopestalotiopsisis little bit difficult due to its complex evolutionary history. In the present study, seven fungal isolates were investigated from canker-affected guava plants. The phylogeny for generic placement of these isolates was analyzed to validate them as Neopestalotiopsis genus by phylogenetic signals from the 28S nrRNA region (LSU). Generated morphological data was segregated as new morpho-species of the Neopestalotiopsis genus. Hence, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), Translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) and Tubulin (TUB) genic region of these isolates were studied in juxtaposition with morphological data to resolve species limits. Both phylogenetic and morphological data revealed four novel species of the Neopestalotiopsis genus out of seven isolates studied. These Neopestalotiopsis species could be of great significance for further investigation as putative pathogens associated with canker or scabby canker disease in guava.

The competitiveness of saudi dates in global markets and its effect on future exports

The production of dates has been increasing in Saudi Arabia during 1970-2019. However, this growth has not been accompanied by a proportionate increase in exports to global markets, with only 5.5% on average of the produced dates being destined for export in the same period (1970-2019). This study compares the competitiveness of Saudi date exports to several overseas markets and its effect on future exports. Our study hypothesizes that Saudi Arabia has the competitiveness of Saudi dates exports comparing others and this competitiveness could have a significant effect on Saudi’s dates exports. We test such a hypothesis by using the market share data and the RCA for countries that were the top exporters of dates in 2019.The Partial Adjustment Model is employed to explore the impact of the competitiveness of Saudi dates on future exports. The results showed that Saudi Arabia as well as other major date-exporting countries (Iran, Iraq, Israel, Pakistan, Tunisia, and the UAE) have high competitiveness in the global market. By division of markets by groups of countries, Saudi Arabia has a comparative advantage over at least four countries among the top six exporters in three markets (Africa, Asia, and the OIC), while Saudi dates are less competitive in the American and European markets, where it never held a dominant position. The general trend equation indicates that the decline in the competitiveness of Saudi dates will continue during 2021-2025

Institutional role in coping livestock diseases on farm level in rural areas of Punjab, Pakistan

Livestock sector seeks a multifold increase in production to sustain its role in achieving food sufficiency in the world. However, anxiety is observed in terms of its falling production particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. The livestock sector is vulnerable to numerous diseases followed by poorly adopted coping strategies. This study was conducted in the Punjab Pakistan, a prominent province in terms of livestock production. A list of 3808 livestock farmers was developed through a benchmark survey conducted in two purposively selected (Raheem-Yar-Khan and Muzaffargarh) districts. A sample of 400 livestock farmers was determined from the 40 selected villages through a multistage sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed through SPSS and tables were drawn to interpret the results. Results indicate that awareness of farmers about different diseases was considerably good but the extent of damage theses disease gives to the livestock business was not understood by the farmers. Apart from foot-and-mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia farmers rated either low threatening or very low threatening. Farmers had poor knowledge about internal and external parasites and their damage was also not recognized by them. Only tick was reported as a farm damaging parasite. Though farmers were adopting coping strategies at the farms, but clean cattle shelter, vaccination and disease prevention were the leading practices. While against the services provided by the Punjab livestock department, only vaccination against the different disease was prominent. The education and experience of the farmers had a significant association with most of the coping strategies.

Interaction of Meloidogyne incognita and fungi: a potential threat to cotton crop in Punjab

Cotton is an important cash crop of Pakistan and is severely affected with wilt in cotton-growing areas of Punjab province. Research was carried out on two major pathogens of cotton Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum and Meloidogyne incognita and their possible role in wilt disease complex. During 2017-19, a survey of cotton growing areas of Punjab (Jhang, Multan, Vehari, Mianwali, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Kabir Wala, Dakota, Basti Dharik, Tibba Sultan Pur, Rajan Pur, Chak 27 (Layyah), Chak 99B (Layyah), Lodhran, Fateh Pur and Dagar Rohtass) was conducted to collect a sample on symptomology basis of yellowing of leaves, discoloured bark of lower part of the stem, blackened xylem vessel and wilting. Data were recorded on wilt disease incidence, prevalence, associated pathogens and root-knot nematodes. Prevalence of cotton wilt was recorded the maximum 85% in areas of Vehari, Kabir Wala and Rajan Pur while the maximum incidence in both Multan and Tibba Sultan Pur was 15%. Percentage association of wilting fungi was recorded from the soil, roots, stem and leaves on placing them in artificial media and soil dilution techniques were used to determine fungi in rhizosphere such as Fusarium oxysporum, Verticillium spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Colletotrichum spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor and Pythium. Root associated fungi were isolated by Hyphal tip method and isolated F. oxysporum, Rhizoctonia spp. and Pythium spp. From stem and leaf sample, F. oxysporum, Verticillium spp., Colletotrichum spp., Alternaria spp. and Botryodiplodia spp. were recorded. Relative density nematode was recorded from different locations and highest occurrence was observed in Bahawalpur (85%) by using different extraction methods. Eggs masses of root knot nematodes were staining by using Phloxin B and nematodes inside root system was done by using acid fuchsin. Nematode reproduction parameters like No. of J2/roots system, J2 in 100ml of soils, eggs masses/root system, females/ roots system, galls/ root system were recorded. Cotton wilt caused by the interaction of Fusarium and Root knot nematode is threat to cotton industry in Pakistan and it should be treated to avoid economic losses.

Fenugreek extract application improves plant performance of Alternaria solani infected tomato plants

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.

Depletion risks of essential trace metals in a transboundary drain and its surrounding soil using GIS techniques

Hudiara drain, a big sewage water body originating from India, is an important tributary of river Ravi in Pakistan. In present study, role of the drain in build-up/depletion of metal micronutrients Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in surrounding agricultural lands has been investigated. Soil samples, up to a vertical distance of 1200 m on both sides of the drain and drain water samples were collected and analysed for metal micronutrients. Soil analysis results were interpolated by using the best optimized interpolator to generate continuous variation of the selected metals. Further patterns have been identified using proximity stat with consecutive neighbouring zones of 100 m extent. Cu and Mn concentrations were higher in some drain water samples, whereas Fe and Zn were found below guidelines in all collected water samples. In adjacent agricultural land the metals did not show uniform dispersal pattern along the drain length. However, vertical pattern of distribution indicated that drain water was controlling Cu and Zn concentrations, positively, whereas it was causing a dilution effect on Fe and Mn build-up in the surrounding agricultural lands.