In order to investigate the potential of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) for affecting yield contributing factors and Nitrate Reductase Activity, an experiment was conducted on four Vigna mungo genotypes. The four mash bean genotypes, 80, 88, 97, and ES-1, were examined against Indole Acetic Acid concentrations of 25, 50, 75, 10, 12, and 150.0 mgL-1. Plants were grown in pots which were randomly placed in the Botanical garden of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Pakistan. Four replicates of each treatment were developed and evaluated. Aforementioned amounts of Indole Acetic Acid were sprayed thrice, with intervals of ten days each. Ist spray was conducted at twenty days after germination. Nitrate Reductase Activity, grains number fruit-1, legumes number plant-1, and plant total yield were the traits chosen for study. After ten days of completion of three sprays of Indole Acetic Acid, Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA) in the leaves was evaluated, and yield plant-1and its contributing factors were noted when the crop reached at its physiological maturity. Typically, an exponential increase in the number of grains, legume per plant, total yield, and Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA) was seen as Indole Acetic Acid concentration increased from 75.0 to125.0mgL-1. By using a statistical technique, it was found that the responses of different genotypes to Indole Acetic Acid concentrations varied. MASH 97 was proved to be the most influenced in term of total yield plant-1, the number of grains plants-1 and the Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA). While, MASH ES-1 performance lagged behind all other genotypes. Keywords: Indole Acetic Acid; Legumes; Nitrate Reductase; Vigna; Yield; Pods

In the Botanical Garden and Research Laboratory of the Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan) the current work was performed to examine the effect of the foliar spray of potassium for lessening the toxicity of heavy metal in three varieties of Canola (Brassica napus L.) viz; Exceed, Cyclone and Legend. Seeds were grown in pots. They were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). When seeds germinated, some were kept without treatment (control) and others were treated with 15mg/kg and 30mg/kg of Lead along with a Potassium spray. Plants were harvested and subjected to phytochemical studies. The role of phytochemical studies (alkaloid, flavonoid, and phenolic) showed an increase in response against heavy metal stress. While the plants treated with Potassium revealed a decreased response in phytochemical studies. Plants treated with both Pb metal and K expressed a lesser increase in phytochemical compared to plants only treated with metal. This study sheds light on the effectiveness of Potassium in improving growth and dealing with metal stress to decrease the harmful effect of heavy metals. However, further studies are required to identify the mechanisms of Potassium mediated alleviation of toxicity of Pb and other heavy metals. Keywords: Alkaloid; Canola; Lead; Potassium; Phytochemicals

By knowing the nutritional status of a plant, one can better manage and use it for ethnobotanical purposes. Various nutrients are accumulated as osmotica in plants of stressful environments. The type and quantity of nutrients present in plants also determine the effectivity of medicine obtained from that plant. Hence, practical utilization of these plants as food or medicines needs to explore the exact nature and presence of the nutrient ions for discrimination of their toxic or medicinal nature. In the present study, some important nutrients in a number of xerophytic plants from Cholistan desert of Pakistan were quantified. Leave, stem and root specimens of seasonally available herbs, shrubs and trees were collected and analyzed for sodium, potassium and phosphorus contents. Each sample was replicated thrice. Obtained data were statistically analyzed and presented as Means & PLUSMN; standard deviations. Among the shrubs, maximum concentration of sodium was observed in leaves of Salsola imbricata (269.99 mg/g). The highest concentration of potassium was recorded in stem of Calotropis procera (67.78 mg/g) while maximum phosphorus was found in stem of Pseuda fruticosa (7.051 mg/g). Among the herbs, maximum sodium was found in stem of Orobanche aegyptiaca (234.95 mg/g), maximum potassium in leaves of O. aegyptiaca (270.71 mg.g) and the maximum phosphorus in root of Citrullus colocynthis (9.34 mg/g). For trees, maximum concentration of sodium, potassium and phosphorus were recorded in leaves of Tamarix aphylla (305.40 mg/g), stem of Capparis decidua (132.6 mg/g) and stem of Acacia nilotica (5.90 mg/g) respectively.

Background: In deserts, precipitation causes unequal distribution of nutrients along altitude of dunes. This can influence the nutrients uptake and distribution of plant species. Objective: The objective of the studies was to explore the concentration and uptake ratios of various ions in soil of Thal desert along with finding some floristic indices of medicinal plants endemic to the desert. The sites were selected in district Muzaffar Garth (Pakistan). Methods: Sand dunes for the studies were selected as being of almost equal heights and with typical vegetations type. Plants and their samples were selected and collected in replicates and data were analyzed statistically. Soils samples were brought to laboratory for determination of electrical conductivity, nutrients, organic matter and bi-carbonates. The relationship with uptake was drawn after analysis of samples. Results: In the upper most altitude EC, nitrogen and sodium contents were the most in quantity. While the contents of bicarbonate, phosphorus and organic matter were maximum in lower most altitude of dunes. Regarding the nutrient’s status, maximum potassium concentration (125.70mg/g) was in Aerva javanica leaves. Maximum potassium uptake and accumulation percentage (311.26%) Aerva javanica stem. Maximum phosphorus concentration (5.41mg/g) in Haloxylone stockii bark. Maximum phosphorus uptake and accumulation percentage (253.65%) Aerva javanica flower. Maximum sodium concentration (13.51mg/g) was in Haloxylone stockii stem. Maximum sodium uptake and accumulation percentage (93.81%) was in Crotollaria burhia stem. As regard the floristic indices, at the most top 1st altitude zone of sand dune, maximum frequency was of Caligonum polygonoides, Aerva javanica, Crotollaria burhia and Symbopogon jawarancusa. In 2nd altitude, maximum frequency was of Haloxylone stocksii, Caligonum polygonoides, Aerva javanica and Crotollaria burhia. In altitude 3, maximum frequency was of Aerva javanica and Fogonia arabica. Similarly, in altitude 1, maximum density was of Symbopogon jawarancusa. In altitude zone 2, maximum density was of Crotollaria burhia and in 3rd altitude zone, maximum density was of Aesphodalus tenuifolius. Conclusion: It is concluded that altitudinal variations of soil physio-chemical properties were found in sand dunes. Also, vegetation varied along soil physical and chemical properties.

The experimental studies were performed for finding antagonistic role of PGRs viz., Kinetin a Polyamine (Spermidine) for soil supplied Chromium toxicity on mash genotypes with age. Four varieties i.e., 80, 88, 97 and ES-1 were sown. Earthen pots were used and placed in complete randomization arrangement. Chromium (Cr) doses were applied @ 30mg/kg and 60mg per kg soil. This was done by adding CrCl3 salt in solutions form after 30 days of sowing. Spermidine and Kinetin were sprayed as 1.0 mM and 100.0 mM solutions respectively after 30 and 40 days of sowing. Growth analysis studies were carried when plants were of 30 and 46 days age. Chromium (Cr) at low level of concentrations in soil lowered the relative increase in plant height more effectively during growth interval 2 while, at higher toxicity levels, metal affected the shoot growth in the growth interval 1. Kinetin spray decreased the relative increase in plant height during growth interval 1while, Spermidine affected so during growth interval 1, increased the parameter. Chromium, at both levels of its concentration in soil, decreased the root growth rate more effectively during growth interval 2. Kinetin reduced relative increase in root length during growth interval 1 and increased it in the next growth interval. However, Spermidine effects started in the growth interval 1 and reached its maximum during growth interval 2. Chromium at lower concentration (30mg/kg soil) decreased the relative increase in leaf area during both intervals of growth. Exogenous Kinetin positively affected relative increase in leaf area and its effect being more pronounced in Ist interval of growth. Spermidine affected this attribute in the same manner but to lesser extent. Metal toxicity became effective during growth interval 2. Kinetin and Spermidine application to plants increased the net assimilation rate during both intervals comparatively more in growth interval

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the role of kinetin and spermidine in modifying the metal uptake and biomass accumulation by mash bean. Four mash bean varieties were grown in pots. In one group of plants, chromium (Cr) was added in doses of 30 and 60 mg kg(-1) of soil material. In another group, lead (Pb) was added in doses of 20 and 40 mg kg(-1) of soil material. Plants were sprayed twice, at the age of 20 and 30 days, with 1.0 mM strength of spermidine and 100.0 mM that of kinetin. Each treatment was replicated four times. The pots were arranged in complete randomization. Data of four replicates were taken at the physiological maturity of plants. Concentrations of chromium and lead elements in the root stem and seeds were determined, in addition to dry biomass. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Costat statistical package software. Significant reductions were recorded in the concentrations of elemental heavy metals in the root, stem and seeds induced by kinetin and spermidine. Furthermore, biomass was increased by kinetin and spermidine. In plants grown under chro-mium stress, kinetin and spermidine were found more effective in reducing the concentration of chromium in roots and shoots but the analogous effect was insignificant regarding the reduction of chromium concentration in seeds. When lead stress was imposed, spermidine was found to be more effective in reducing concentrations of lead in the root and shoot but kinetin was proven to be less effective in this regard. The effects of both PGRs were found to be pronounced in alleviating the metals' toxicities in terms of plant air dried biomass.

Background: Growth and nutritional status of plant are affected adversely by heavy metals while improved by plant growth regulators. The experiment was aimed to explore the ameliorative potential of indole acetic acid (IAA) for toxicity of Pb. Methods: Two varieties i.e., M-8 and MN-92 of mung bean were grown in pots arranged under complete randomization. Fifteen days after germination, Pb was added @ 10 and 20 mg/kg soil as solutions of PbNO3. Indole acetic acid @100.0 mM was sprayed twice at 15 and 30 days of age. Stem length, root length, leaf area and nutrient ions were recorded at physiological maturity. Three replicates from each treatment were evaluated. Result: The alleviation role of IAA for stem length was recorded as 21.46 and 26.14% for low and high lead stress. The root length was compensated to 34.78 and 31.40% for the respective low and high lead toxicity. Leaf area was affected as 18.11 and 17.32% by IAA. Similarly, Nitrogen contents were nullified to the extents of 15.34 and 8.13%. Phosphorus contents were changed as 11.62 and 4.65% while potassium contents were as 10.14 and 19.36%. The rectifying potential of IAA for leaf biomasses were as 7.64 and 7.43%.

Background: Nickel can act as micronutrient essential for nitrogen fixation in legume crops or it can cause toxicity when present in high concentration. Rhizospheric supplement of Nickel be at a dose not beyond its beneficial level. Methods: An experiment was conducted for mash bean genotypes to evaluate the toxic level of Nickel concentrations. Seeds of four genotypes were sown in earthen pots filled with homogenized loamy soil. Nickel was added as its chloride salt solutions at the age of twenty days @ 15.0, 30.0, 45.0, 60.0, 75.0 and 90.0 mg kg-1 soil. Yield plant-1 and its contributing factors were recorded at physiological maturity of crop. Result: At low concentration, Nickel appeared to be non toxic and high doses reduced yield attributes. The lowest significantly effective dose which affected the parameters was 45 mg kg-1 except for number of legumes plant-1 for which same was true at 60 mg kg-1. While, the most effective dose was 45 mg kg-1 for each attributes. The observations were excluded from the ongoing trend when 15 mg kg-1 Nickel reflected positive role. Of the genotypes, MASH 80 was the least productive while MASH 88 was the most productive. In terms of grain numbers, MASH 97 was the least sensitive.

The experiment was conducted for evaluation of the mitigating role of foliary sprayed iron sulphate for chromium toxicity effects on two varieties of Canola (Brassica napus L.) viz; CON-1 and Dunkled. The seeds of these two varieties of Canola were grown in earthern pots which were placed in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Agronomic practices such as irrigation, thinning and fertilizers were applied to maintain the health of plants. After 30 days of germination, Chromium concentrations of 15 and 30mg/kg soil were raised by adding CrCI3 salt. Iron was supplied foliarly as FeSO4.7H(2)O solution. After 40 days of germination plants were harvested and studies for various phytochemicals determination were carried out. All the studied characters varied significantly under various treatments. Two varieties differed in their responses to different treatments except for phenolic contents of their shoots and flavonoid contents of their roots. Phenolic contents of shoot increased, by low and high doses of chromium, as 48.20% and 83.60% respectively. This enhancement was lowered to values of 34.90% and 58.10% respectively by applying ferrous sulphate. Of root, increases in phenolic contents by low and high doses of chromium were as 103.10% and 143.70% respectively. This increase was set back to the values of 50.60% and 73.70% respectively by ferrous sulphate. Flavonoid contents of shoot were enhanced by chromium as 141.20% and 182.80% respectively while the values were lowered as 92.10% and 127.10% respectively by ferrous sulphate. As regard the flavonoid contents of root, chromium increased the contents as 193.20% and 275.90% respectively while ferrous sulphate set lowered these values to 106.70% and 148.80% respectively. Increase in alkaloid contents of shoot by chromium were 55.00% and 80.10% respectively. Ferrous sulphate limited these as 35.13% and 53.02% respectively. Alkaloid contents of root increased as 64.60% and 92.40% respectively by metal treatments. Under same metal treatments, accompanied by ferrous sulphate, increases were as 22.70% and 47.50% respectively. Metal treatments increased tannin contents of shoot by 164.04% and 251.60% respectively while under ferrous sulphate application this enhancement was lowered to values of 57.30% and 116.80% respectively. Tannin contents of root increased by low and high doses of chromium as 172.50% and 272.10% respectively while these values were as 101.40% and 180.80% when ferrous sulphate was sprayed.

The present study was conducted to explore the nutrient ions status, their uptake ratio and floristic indices of some medicinal plants of Cholistan desert of Pakistan from Drawar fort area. Vegetations on sand dunes of approximately equal size were evaluated with three replications. In soil of zone 1 (top of dune), maximum frequency (100) of Caligonum polygonoides and minimum (33.34) of Salsola imbricata and Capparis decidua were recorded. In soil of zone 2, maximum frequency (100) of Caligonum polygonoides while minimum (33.33) of Calotropis procera while in zone 3, 100% frequency of lonely species Symbopogon jawarancusa was observed. In soil of zone 1, maximum concentrations were of sodium (Na), bicarbonate (HCO3), nitrogen ((N) and organic matter (OM) while in soil of zone 2, EC, pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were maximum. Leaf K and Na were the highest (27.10mg/g) and (118.36mg/g) respectively in Prosopis cineraria. Leaf P was the highest (0.42mg/g) in Prosopis cineraria also. Maximum stem Na (333.00mg/g) was in Salsola imbricata. In flowers, highest P (0.42mg/g) was found in flower of Salsola imbricata.

Ameliorative role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) on stressed Foeniculum vulgare plant was studied. The experiment was conducted for seeking the ameliorative role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) on growth, ions and non-enzymatic antioxidants of stressed Foeniculum vulgare plant. Experiment was performed by growing seeds in sandy loam soil filled in pots placed with complete randomization. Drought was imposed by withholding water quantity according to soil saturation percentage. After 20 days of germination, thinning of plants was done and three plants were left in each pots. Plants were foliarly sprayed twice with 2%, 4% and 6% MLE with an interval of 10 days. Data were collected after 45 days of germination taking three plants of each treatment as replicates. Statistical analysis was performed to compare means. Water Stressed resulted in significant reductions of shoot length, root lengths and plant proliferation as number of branches. When MLE were applied on stressed plants then a significant increase in growth attributes were found. Phosphorus, potassium and terpenoids concentrations were increased by MLE. Stress reduced the phosphorus contents in stem and leaves; Potassium and alkaloid contents of these were compensated by MLE applications. However, terpenoids contents were increased in stem and root. Stress was ameliorated more effectively by 4% MLE

Plants are adapted to stressful environments by synthesizing secondary metabolites as antioxidant having either toxicological or medicinal properties. Before utilizations of metabolites one should explore reality about their nature. By testing their in vitro effects on blood, their curing or toxic potential for influence on physiology and health status of an individual can be evaluated. In this experiment, secondary metabolites of some shrubs of Thal desert of Pakistan were extracted in ethanol and used to explore their in vitro effects on some hematological attributes as enlisted in tables. Results were statistically analyzed using Analysis Of Variance. Means of data were compared to control by DMR (Duncan's multiple range) procedure. Ethanolic extract increased the leucocytes count granulocytes percentage, monocytes lymphocytes MCV, MCH and platelets except extract of Haloxylon stem. HBG were decreased by extract of stems of Leptadenia, Calligonum and Salsola. Leptadenia stem extract also decreased the platelets. Lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and RBC were increased by most of the plant extracts. The practical application of the plant secondary metabolites needs careful further extensive study.

An experiment was managed for study of alleviating potential of Ascorbic acid for salinity effects on Canola (Brassica napus L.). The experiment was conducted in pots arranged with complete randomization. Sandy loam soil was mixed thoroughly and pots were filled with six kg of soil. Seeds of the two Canola varieties namely AC-Exel and Cyclone were grown. After 15 days of germination, thinning of plants was carried out to keep three plants in each pot. After 25 days of germination, salinity treatments of 50.0 and 100 mM with 50mg L-1 foliar spray of Ascorbic acid was applied. Two sprays were applied at interval of fifteen days. After 40 days of emergence, studies were carried out taking three replicates of each treatment. The effects of Ascorbic acid and salinity treatments were highly influential in changing the root length, dry biomass of root, growth of shoot, biomass of shoot and biomass of leaves. However, the change in leaf area was not significant. The response of two varieties varied significantly to different treatments in term of root and shoot biomass. Salinity stress reduced the growth and biomass production while significant promotion by Ascorbic acid solely and as ameliorative role for both levels of salinity was noted. The mitigating effects of Ascorbic acid were clearer for high salinity level because higher salinity level, as stress, revealed clear differences.

Background: Heavy metals have their adverse effects on growth and physiology of plant. Plant growth regulators help in improving the growth and physiological phenomenon in plants. A pot culture experiment was devised to explore the ameliorative potential of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) for toxicity of rhizospheric lead (Pb) on two varieties of Mung bean [Vigna radiate (L.) Wickzek]. Methods: Seeds of two varieties i.e., M- 8 and MN-92 were grown in earthen pots filled with sandy loam soil and were arranged under complete randomization. Fifteen days after germination, the lead (Pb) was added @ 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg soil as solution Pb NO3. Indole Acetic Acid @100.0mM was foliarly sprayed twice at 15 and 30 days of plants emergence. Physiological parameters i.e., Photosynthetic Rate, Transpiration Rate, Stomatal conductance, Sub Stomatal CO2 Concentration and biomass production in the form of stem, root and leaf dry weights were determined at the age of physiological maturity for three replicates. Result: By application of IAA, photostnthetic rate reduction was declined from 24.61% to 17.78% under 10mg Pb stress and from 55.54% to 27.35% under 20mg Pb stress. Stomatal conductance reduction was declined from 0.56% to 0.28% under 10mg Pb stress and from 3.37% to 1.68% under 20mg Pb stress. Alleviation of Pb stress by IAA for transpiration rate was non significant. Similarly, the role of IAA for alleviation of Pb stress in term of dry weights of stem,root and leaves were non significant statistically.

The presence of secondary metabolites and various ions in a plant determines its phytophamacological potential. Desert plants are adapted to stressful environmet by synthesizing secondary metabolites and ions accumulation as osmoticum.The present study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Thal desert plants in term of their metabolites and nutrient ions concentrations. Five specimens of seasonally available herbs and three of trees of Thal desert plants were colected. After collection specimens were analysed for alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, sugar and ion contents. The data were analyzed statistically and means were compared by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Among the herbs Panicum antidotale root showed highest terpenoid, K+ ion and Ca+ ion contents. The herb Aerva javanica stem showed lowest alkaloid, tannin, soluble sugar, phosphorus, potassium and calcium contents. Among trees specimens, Tamarix aphylla leaves showed highest soluble sugar, phosphorous, potassium and calcium contents. Stem of Acacia modesta showed the lowest alkaloid, terpenoid, phosphorous and potassium contents.

The present study was conducted to quantify the diversity of species, boundaries of the plant communities along the altitudinal gradient and correlation between environmental factors and plant assemblage as little is known about the diversity and overall vegetation pattern of the study area. The study sites were located inside the Western Himalayan mixed coniferous forest at latitude ranging between 34 degrees 47'22 " N 73 degrees 32'58 " E in the Kaghan Valley (Pakistan). Altitude of the study sites ranges from 2100-3000 m a.s.l. The study area is characterized by having extensive development of coniferous species which follows a typical structural sequence along the altitudinal gradient. Vegetation parameters were recorded from 20 sites during field survey. Soil samples from each site were collected for determining soil physical and chemical properties. Classification and ordination was used to simplify the complex data set and to know the nature of boundaries of plant communities. Axes 1 and 2 of the Detrended Correspondence analysis (DCA) were used for data interpretation of both sites and species. Four diverse groups of plant species: 1 (down slope basiophyte communities), 2 (transitional communities), 3 (upslope subalpine communities), 4 (Hill top krummholz communities) were identified. Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to detect relationship between environmental, soil variables and distribution of species in groups. The study suggests that the assemblage and distribution of the species are largely regulated by the altitude and concomitant changes in climatic and edaphic factors.