ABSTRACT Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa) is a nutrient-rich pseudo cereal crop, which has been introduced in Pakistan in the past due to its high medicinal and commercial value. The plant contains huge number of phytochemicals i.e. amino acids, fiber, minerals, vitamins, secondary metabolites, bioactive proteins and peptides which could be used in various medicine for human and other animal’s health. In addition, it has been reported that the quinoa leaves, root, and seed are used in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, inflammations, fungal infections, and other numerous health problems. Besides, its high energy, nutrient content, therapeutic properties, and lack of gluten, it is considered to be useful for children, the elderly, lactose-intolerant people, and osteoporosis in women. This comprehensive study provides medical uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of quinoa. Also, the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-lipidemic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects have been reviewed. This review is providing the detail study about the phytochemicals and pharmacological evaluation of quinoa till date, and also provides pave for future investigations and exploitation of Chenopodium quinoa.
The present study was planned to identify the phenolic compounds and allelopathic effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra on germination and seedling growth Phalaris minor at Weed Science Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during winter 2018. The experiments were laid out under a completely randomized design (CRD), having three replicates. In this study seven different concentrations of G. glabra aqueous extracts (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) applied on winter weed P. minor. Data on regarding germination percentage (%), mean Germination time (days), time to 50% germination, root length (mm), shoot length (mm), root fresh weight (mg), shoot fresh weight was recorded following standard procedures. Data were analyzed using Fishers Analysis of Variance. The differences among treatments were separated using a least significant difference test (LSD). Results of experiment revealed that maximum germination percentage (%), Mean Germination time (Days), Time to 50% germination and minimum, root length (mm), shoot length (mm), root fresh weight (mg), shoot fresh weight of p. minor was recorded at 80 % concentration of G. glabra. From the present study, it is concluded that there are phenolic compounds in the wood extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra which cause allelopathic effects on P. minor.
Salinity and heavy metal stresses are great hindrances to germination and the early developmentof plants. Nickel (Ni) is an indispensable micronutrient for plants at low while toxic in highconcentrations. Citrullus colocynth L. is a medicinal cucurbit weed in desert and agriculturalareas. Germination and early development of seedlings determine the future of the plant. Thecontemporary target of the study is to appraise the influence of single and combined stresses byvarying concentrations of NaCl and NiCl 2 on germination and seedlings of C. colocynth.Germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, fresh weight and dry weight of seedlingsof C. colocynth with three levels of salt (100mM, 200mM and 400mMNaCl), three levels ofheavy metal (50, 100, 200uMNiCl 2 ) and Nine combined levels(100mMNaCl +50uM NiCl 2 ),(200mMNaCl +50 uMNiCl 2 ) (400mMNaCl +50uM NiCl 2 ) (100mMNaCl +100uMNiCl 2 )(200mM NaCl +100uM NiCl 2 ) (400mMNaCl +100uMNiCl 2 ) (100mMNaCl +200uMNiCl 2 )(200mMNaCl +200 uMNiCl 2 ) (400mMNaCl +200uMNiCl 2 ) were studied. This experiment wasconceded out in a completely randomized design with four replications. The responses showedan adverse trend with increasing stress levels. Germination and seedling growth factors declinedunder high-stress levels of salt (400mM NaCl), high HM (200 uM NiCl 2 ), and combined highsalt or high HM but positively improved on lower salt(100mMNaCl), lower HM (50uMNiCl 2 )and combined lower salt with lower HM (100mMNaCl+50uMNiCl 2 ).
Crop plants release biochemicals into surrounding environment that help in obtaining maximum yield of crop by acting bioherbicide at high concentration and plant growth hormone at low concentration. Therefore, this study was planned at Department of Agronomy in Weed Science Laboratory, University of Agriculture Faisalabad during Winter 2018 to evaluate the allelopathic effects of Cinnamomum verum (Dalchini) on weed Wild Pea (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius) and determination and quantification Phenolic compound present in aqueous extract of bark of C. verum. The experiment was laid out under completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. The aqueous extract of C. verum was used on wild pea seeds at different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 80%). Data regarding seed germination and seedling growth (shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root dry weigh) of weed was recorded following standard procedures. C. verum extract at higher concentration act as bioherbicide and produced inhibitory effects on Pisum sativum subsp. elatius. while at low concentration it shows hermetic effect and promoted the emergence and seedling growth. Among different Phenolic compound (Syringic acid, p-crumeic, Ferulic acid, Quercetion and Gallic acid) determine in aqueous extract of barck of C. verum Maximum Quercetion (12.3 %) and minimum Syringic acid (0.60 %) was found. Therefore, it was concluded from this study that aqueous extract of C. verum can be used as bioherbicide for biocontrol of weed at higher concentration (80 %) while at lower concentration (10%) as growth promoter.
Abstract In current study a new species Clitopilus shanglayensis (Entolomatacesae, Agaricales) was reported based on morphological and molecular confirmation from northern region of Pakistan. Morphological parameters which differ the species from other species include white yellowish pileus (05-06 cm wide), light brown stipe and pale yellowish lamella. The fungal molecular markers nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and larger subunits (LSU) were sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and LSU sequences by using Maximum Likelihood method (ML) revealed that the novel species reported from current study had distinct characteristics features than other species. A complete detail description, color photographs and evolutionary relatedness of novel species Clitopilus shanglayensis were mentioned. Keywords: Agaricales, Clitopilus, Entolomatacesae, Molecular, Phylogenetic analysis,
Northern Pakistan is known for its rich medicinal flora however, more than 150 species are at a greater risk of becoming endangered, mainly due to natural disaster, climate change, nomadic grazing and over harvesting for its ethno-botanical use. Proper domestication and conservation measures is necessary to conserve the medicinal flora. Experimental trials to examine the growth of medicinal plants in the location: Swat and Chitral, wild habitats, fertilizer and control (no fertilizers). Data show that various treatments significantly effected plant Height (cm), plants density m-2, root yield kg ha-1, and Income Rs ha-1 in both the locations. The economical analysis of the data revealed that the maximum income for Glycyrrhiza glabra (840,000 PKR ha-1) and Trillium govanianum (481,325 PKR ha-1) was recorded in NPK applied plots. Simlalry, minimum (220,000 PKR ha-1) for Glycyrrhiza glabra and (104,854 PKR ha-1) recorded for Trillium govanianum in their wild habitat in both the locations. Likewise, maximum morphological growth, yield and income of medicinal plants in Swat valley was higher than Chitral. Furthermore, the production of the medicinal plants in wild habitat is comparatively lower and thus improved production technology is suggested to get higher yield. The findigs revealed that Swat valley is most suitable and productive for the cultivation of medicinal plants as compared to the location Chitral. In addition, growing medicinal plants will be popularized among the farming communities of Pakistan and the gerplasm of these endangered species will be conserved for future use. Key words: Medicinal plants, Endangered wild flora, domestication, cultivation, conservation.
Medicinal herbs are promising source of biologically active phytochemicals, many of which possess antifungal activities against phytopathogens. This research presents in vitro antifungal activity and analysis of a medicinally important herb Centaurium erythraea Rafn extracts against a highly problematic pathogen of tomato namely Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). In-vitro results prominently disclosed that the extracts showed good percentage growth inhibition (PGI) against FOL. Methanolic extract of C. erythraea at 200 mg mL-1 showed growth inhibition 93.3% while the synthetic fungicide benomyl showed highest growth inhibition of 90.2% at the same concentration. Phytochemical analysis indicated that methanolic extracts of this plant possess phytochemicals of all the major classes such as alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins etc. This study concludes that the extracts of C. erythraea are the best alternatives to fungicides to control Fusarium wilt pathogen of tomato.
A survey was conducted in the month of January 2015, to record the weed density and frequency in different crops in Agriculture Research Farm. A total two farms randomly selected for the survey. The data were recorded on the density m-2and the frequency (%). Quadrate method was use for recording data. In the first field maximum value of density m-2 (93) were recorded for Cynodon dactylon while the minimum value of density m-2 (6) were recorded for the Convolvulus arvensis and Melilotus indica. Similarly the maximum value of frequency (80%) were recorded for the Cynodon dacrylon while the minimum value of frequency (20%) were recorded for the Convolvulus arvensis . In the second field the maximum value of density m-2(56) were recorded for the Euphorbia helioscopia while the minimum value of density m-2 (6) were recorded for the Silybum marianum. Similarly the maximum value of frequency (100%) were recorded for Euphorbia helioscopia while the minimum value of frequency (20%) were recorded for fumaria indica, Silybum marianum,Coronopus didymus and Sonchus olereaceus . It is concluded that the weed prevailing in an area should be identify and managed to harvest potential yields of various crops.
Parthenium is an invasive weed and has adverse effect on agriculture, biodiversity and human health in our ecosystem. This experiment was carried out to find the allelopathic water stress of parthenium effect on maize growth dynamics using 3 sigmoidal growth model. Soil was collected from weed infested field. Allelopathic water stress (AWS) greatly reduced weed density as compared to control. Allelopathic water stress of parthenium at higher concentration (PWS-100%) reduced maize germination and affect chlorophyll content, leaf area, plant height, shoot biomass, root biomass. As at lower concentration (AWS-25% and 50%) enhance maize growth parameters. This study revealed that allelopathic water stress of parthenium at lower concentration increase maize growth and decrease a weed density up to minimum level.
Hundreds of plant species, including many economically important crop plants, are attacked by a highly destructive soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In the present study, methanolic root extract of septicweed [Senna occidentalis (L.) Link] was evaluated against M. phaseolina. Different concentrations of the extract (0.5 to 3.0%) considerably decreased fungal biomass by 33–43%. Nine compounds were recognized when the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. The major compound was 11-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (26.49%) followed by (5β)pregnane-3,20β-diol, 14α d-mannose (13.85%);, 18α-[4-methyl-3-oxo-(1-oxa-4-azabutane-1,4-diyl)]-, diacetate (13.61%); ethyl iso-allocholate (11.37%); pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (11.01%); and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E,E)- (9.76%), which might be the cause of antifungal activity.
Climate change is the principal concern of present day agriculturists, environmental scientists and ecologists. Climate change and its negative impacts is still not fully understood and the concept is still criticized for its validity. The present research work consists of two phases. The first phase analyzed the farmers’ perception of climate change and its likely impact on weeds distribution by conducting a formal survey and in the 2nd phase a laboratory experiment was conducted on Parthenium weed selected from study area in Weed Science Department, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar to correlate the findings of both phasesin July-September, 2016. The field survey was carried out in Jan-May, 2016 in Swabi district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan. 100 farmers from the study area were randomly interviewed through a questionnaire comprised of all relevant parameters to assess their perception of climate change and its consequences. Most of the farmers (61%) believed in climate change and its negative consequences and complained of lower efficiency of their farming in the changed scenario. They had noticed climatic variations, for the last 20 years, in the form of summers extension, winters flexion, unexpected and changed pattern of rainfalls (58% responses for increase) with summer rainfalls earlier (68%) and winter rainfalls later (35%), severe and destructive floods (75%), storms or strong winds (77%), hailstorms (67%) and higher insects/ pests attack causing harm to crops (68%), livestock/ animal (64%) and humans. The changed scenario also posed difficulties to farmers in managing agricultural activities like abundance of weed species (62% farmers strongly agreed) especially the invasive ones e.g. Parthenium hysterophorus, Silybam marianum and Rumex crispus etc. They noticed increase in weed species (78%), frequency (69%) and interaction (78%) among native and invasive weeds. These weeds had aggressive (75%) and uncontrollable growth (68%), out competed the crops (82%), and survived longer (55%). From the field study Parthenium weed was concluded (82%) as the most responsive invasive weed to climate change and was selected for lab study. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. The treatments comprised of 5 different temperature regimes of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C in controlled situation in an incubator. The analysis illustrated that high germination % (34.50%) of Parthenium weed seeds occurred at higher temperature (30°C) than optimum (25°C) which was 29.25%, following the same pattern for the growth which remained more (19.75) and (17.45) at higher temperatures of (30°C) and (35°C) respectively than optimum (16.95). The conclusion of lab experiment was that the rise in temperature is favoring the growth of Parthenium weed. This weed is reported in the surveyed area to be highly aggressive and competitive for the indigenous flora expanding its domain in the area.
Wheat cultivars can be severely affected by new race of leaf and stripe rust which possessing Yr27 resistance gene in Pakistan and worldwide during previous four years. Thus, great importance could be given to develop new wheat cultivar that could resist leaf and stripe rust diseases. Yellow rust disease is caused by certain pathogens like basidiomycete fungus Puccina striiformis Westend f. species tritici Eriks, it is one of the most devastating foliar diseases of wheat in Pakistan and worldwide. Two years experiments were conducted in Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan to evaluate the potential response of wheat hybrid lines (18A-1 and 18A-2) in comparison with local check (Ghaneemat-2016) against yellow rust disease.Results exhibited that wheat hybrid 18A-1 depicted resistant (R) with coefficient of infection (CI) of 0.1. Hybrid wheat 18A-2 showed host reaction (10MR) with coefficient of infection (4.0). Contrary to this, local wheat variety (Ghaneemat-2016) showed moderate susceptibility (30MS) type of host reaction with 24 CI value during season 2018-19. A moderate resistant (MR) type of host reaction with CI (16.0) was observed for local variety (Ghaneemat-2016) during season 2019-20. Among wheat hybrids 18A-2 depicted no visible infection while 18A-1 exposed resistant 1R type of host reaction with CI (0.2) during 2019-20.Chinese wheat hybrids have the high potential to resist against yellow rust as compared with local check variety. Higher weeds density, fresh and dry weeds density increased by increasing irrigation frequencyfor local check Ghaneemat-2016 when sown early (15th November). Conclusively, from the study it is statedin wheat breeding program, identification of molecular markers facilitates the marker assisted selection of the resistance genes against yellow rust diseases, furthermore molecular markers should be used for marker assisted permitted that efficiently screening the large population.
With growing concern towards human health and ecological concerns related to prolonged use of herbicides, research is undergoing globally for alternate weed managing methods. Allelopathy is one of the very efficient methods for management of weeds. Experiment was conducted during 2016 & repeated in 2017 under laboratory conditions in Kharif (summer) season using completely randomized design for allelopathic potential assessment of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) with 03 replicates. The treatments under study comprised: control (check), bermudagrass & sorghum root & shoot powders @ 15 and 30 g kg-1 soil as well as water extracts @ 15 and 30 ml kg-1 soil. It is obvious from the present data that allelopathic plants powders & water extracts caused significant adverse effects on tested weeds i.e. Sawari (Echinochloa colonum L.), Saon (Echinochloaa crusgalli L.) and Kabah (Cyperus rotundus L.). Bermuda grass and sorghum water extracts exhibited strong allelopathic efficacy on germination, roots & shoots length, as well as fresh & dry biological weight of weeds included under study. It is further argued that greater inhibitory effects on weeds were caused by extracts prepared from bermudagrass and sorghum in comparison with their powders. Hence, it is evident from the results that bermudagrass & sorghum materials possess phytotoxic potential which can suppress growth of target plant. This allelopathic herbage could be utilized by soil incorporation or extract for weed management in rice as environment friendly strategy.
Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. is an invasive perennial weed that causes a high degree of loss in crops productivity, and it is difficult to control. Therefore, some experiments were conducted to optimize the efficacy of the used herbicides via some additives and other herbicides against S. elaeagnifolium. In the fig fields, the efficacy of glyphosate showed better control when applied with additives and other herbicides that could be ranked as follows; fluroxypyr ≥ pyraflufen-ethyl ≥ metribazine ≥ bromoxynil-octanoate. Applied glyphosate with additives can sever as a substitute to other herbicides combination in the early growth to give a better weed control, while glyphosate with pyraflufen-ethyl, fluroxypyr, and metrabzine in the presence of additives delayed the revegetation times of weed from 70 up to 85 days. Application in August was proved to reduce the fruiting and subsequently their future infection of S. elaeagnifolium. Accordingly, these mixtures of herbicides led to remarkable timing reduction effects in soil microbe’s counts and activity diminished within four weeks after application whereas, fungi were the most restrained microorganisms to herbicides treatments. Among the selective herbicides, pyraflufen-ethyl, and fluroxypyr could be used to suppress the weed growth in the emergency of growing Triticum aestivum and Zea mays respectively. Finally, promoting the effectiveness of the herbicides was profitable by choosing the proper time of application and the suitable mixtures, thus must be devoted to integrated program for better weeds control.
Experiment on the evaluation of different biorational pest management approaches against major insect pest of cucumber was carried out under field condition at Hazara Agriculture Reseach Station (HARS) Abbottabad, Khyber Pukhtunkhawa- Pakistan. The experiment comprised of 11 treatments (modules) including control. M1 (Water pepper + Bakyan + Laser), M2 (Basil oil + Neem oil + laser), M3 (Bakyan extract + Basil oil + Laser), M4 (Bakyan extracts + Neem oil + Laser), M5 (Water pepper + Neem oil + Laser), M6 (Water pepper + Basil oil + Laser), M7 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Neem oil + laser), M8 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Basil oil + laser), M9 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + water pepper + Laser), M10 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Bakyan + Laser) and M11 (Control) followed Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications. Results revealed that all the tested modules were found better than control in reducing red pumpkin beetle and fruitfly infestation with increased cucumber yield. However, among the tested modules, Lambda cyhalothrin based modules were found the most effective in reducing Red pumpkin beetle population in 1st (1.14-1.44 beetle plant-1) and 2nd spray application (0.72 -1.06 beetle plant-1) with lowest number of infested leaves and leaf perforation by red pumpkin beetle (3.76-4.06) and (2.86- 3.20) respectively. Results further revealed that Lambda cyhalothrine based modules were recorded with lowest fruit fly infestation (8.79 – 10.04 %), with lowest fruit fly ovipositor marks (0.76- 0.86) and highest cucumber yield (7955.6 – 8622 kg ha-1) and hence consequently led towards the improved quality of the cucumber. Furthermore, M5 (Water pepper + Basil oil + Laser) and M4 (Bakyan extracts + Neem oil + Laser) were found the most cost effective modules having the highest cost benefit ratio (1:26.75 and 1:25.21) respectively. It is concluded that red pumpkin beetle and fruit fly can better be managed by spraying Lamda cyhalothirn and 2nd spray of tested botanical and 3rd spray of Laser at 14 days interval is recommended for sustainable management of major insect pest of cucumber.
Phosphorus (P) is one of the major essential macronutrients for plants, applied to soil in the form of phosphatic fertilizers and organic manures. The application of PSB to soils can replace or partially reduce use of inorganic P fertilizers and could be one of the cost effective, highly efficient, and sustainable approaches to conserve P resources. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of PSB in phosphorus (P) availability from organic, mineral and natural sources. For this purpose, a laboratory incubation experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture Peshawar. The experiment was consisting of four sources of P [poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), rock phosphate (RP) and single supper phosphate (SSP)] for obtaining 45 mg P2O5 kg-1 and two types of inoculation (control and PSB) arranged in two factorial complete randomized design with three replications. Resultantly, PSB inoculation significantly improved. P availability at all incubation interval except day zero. A 3.4%, 5.4%, 12% and 16 % increased were observed in P as compared to control, at day 7, 14, 28 and 56 respectively. Similarly, significant differences were observed in P release for P sources at all incubation intervals. Initially higher P release was observed for SSP but at day 14 onward PM and FYM proved to be the best P releasable sources as compared to mineral P sources. RP released the lowest P at all incubation intervals however it performed statistically at par to SSP at 56 days. The significant interactive effect of P sources and PSB at day 28 and 56 demonstrated that soil receiving P from organic sources inoculated with PSB released higher P than other treatments combination. Thus, it is suggested that P must be applied from organic P sources (PM and FYM) along with PSB inoculation for better P nutrition and crop yield.
Aquaponics is an innovative technology and a sustainable source of organic food in agriculture that combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation). To determine the performance of strawberry in closed loop aquaponics system, an experiment was carried out at newly established aquaponics system at Ornamental plants nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in 2019.Strawberry cv. Chandler was raised from runners in peat moss and seedlings were transplanted at different times in the Aquaponics system i.e., 15th January, 15th February and 15th March. The Experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with single factor i.e. Transplantation times with five replications. The analysis of data showed that different transplantation times significantly affected the growth, yield and quality of strawberry. However transplantation of plants on 15th February, resulted in maximum number of leaves plant-1 (7.79), fresh & dry leaves weight plant-1 (29.39 & 4.04 g ), number of fruits plant-1 (20.0), fruit weight plant-1 (140 g), root length (16.69 cm) with maximum fresh & dry root weight (35.74 & 6.32 g). Whereas transplantation of strawberry plants on 15th January took maximum days (100.20) to fruit maturity and produced fruits with minimum fruit weight plant-1 (4.66).However transplantation of strawberry plants on 15th march took maximum days to first flowering (35.00) and produced minimum root length (10.51 cm). It was concluded from the results of experiment that Strawberry cv. Chandler could be transplanted in growing beds of aquaponics system on 15th February for better production under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.
Weeds are a major threat to global crop productivity and food security. Weeds compete with plants for applied inputs and resources and resultant cause a significant reduction in final productivity. A study was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The study was comprised of two lentil varieties (Punjab Masoor-2009, Punjab Masoor-2020) and seven treatments i.e., weedy check (control), manual weeding, Pendimethalin 33 EC @ 247 ml ha-1, S. metolachlor 960 EC @ 1976 ml ha-1, Pendimethalin +S. metolachlor @ 2223 ml ha-1, Flumetsulam 80 WG @ 18.525 g ha-1 and Flumetsulam 80 WG @ 24.7 g ha-1 arranged in RCBD design having 3 replications. According to the findings, different herbicides and cultivars had a substantial impact on growth and yield attributes of lentil. The maximum root fresh and dry weights (8.07, 1.57 g), shoot fresh and dry weights (20.08 and 5.28 g), plant height (62.05 cm), pods/plant (67.83), grains/pod (2), 1000 seed weight (25.17 g), grain yield (1934 kg ha-1) and biological yield (3730 kg ha-1) was recorded in manual weeding and lowest root fresh and dry weights (6.28 and 1.57 g), shoot fresh and dry weights (12.33 and 3.99 g), plant height (44.58 cm), pods/plant (42.83), grains/pod (1.17), 1000 seed weight (14.40 g), grain yield (1113 kg ha-1) and biological yield (2830 kg ha-1) was recorded in weedy check. In case of cultivars, Punjab Masoor-2020 had maximum root fresh and dry weights (7.90 and 1.81 g), shoot fresh and dry weights (17.17 and 5.02 g), plant height (54.99 cm), pods/plant (60.43), grains/pod (1.67), 1000 seed weight (21.09 g), grain yield (1690 kg ha-1) and biological yield (3402 kg ha-1) while cultivar Punjab Masoor-2009 had minimum root fresh weight (6.53 g), dry weight (1.68 g), shoot fresh weight (14.57), dry weight (4.62 g), plant height (53.09 cm), pods/plant (48.76), grains/pod (1.33), 1000 seed weight (18.44 g), grain yield (1586 kg ha-1) and biological yield (3292 kg ha-1). Manual weeding also resulted in lowest weeds density and weeds biomass and weedy check resulted in maximum weed density and weed biomass. Thus, it is concluded that cultivar Punjab Masoor-2020 along with manual weeding and use of Pendimethalin + S. metolachlor @ 2223 ml ha-1 can be adopted to get maximum lentil production under warm semi-arid conditions of Faisalabad.
Wheat is a widely grown cereal crop under rainfed conditions of semi-arid areas of the world including Pakistan. Unfortunately, its yield remains low due to heavy weed infestation and scarce moisture supply in the root zone from erratic rainfall. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to observe the influence of different organic mulches on the soil moisture, weeds, growth and yield of wheat crop. Four organic mulches i.e wheat straw sawdust, rice straw and rice husk were applied up to 2 inches surface layer between the rows of wheat crop. Application of wheat straw mulch conserved the highest soil moisture (72.3%) at 0-15cm depth six weeks after sowing and caused maximum weed suppression with 81.17% weed control efficiency and 63.70% weed control index as compared to unmulched control. Maximum plant height (70.8cm), productive tillers (137.33 m-2), grain weight per spike (2.37g), grains per spike (52.3), 1000-grain weight (50.66 g), biological yield (9393.9 kg ha-1), grain yield (3665.6 kg ha-1), harvest index (38.60%) and benefit-cost ratio (1.69) were observed in rainfed wheat crop treated with wheat straw mulch. Wheat crop total rainfall use efficiency followed the order of wheat straw > rice straw > saw dust> rice husk> control. The highest weed density and dry weight while lowest soil moisture and grain yield were recorded with no mulch and rice husk treatments.
This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.
