The status of insecticidal resistance was tested by selecting five widely used insecticides (flubendiamide, lufenuron, emamectin benzoate, chlorpyrifos and profenofos) during six consecutive years, i.e., 2016 to 2021 by using leaf dip bioassay method against Spodoptera litura at Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. The LC50 values of S. litura populations ranged from 18.04 to 24.32 µl/L for flubendiamide, 15.37 to 26.41 µl/L for lufenuron, 18.21 to 22.73 µl/L for emamectin benzoate, 13.99 to 17.34 µl/L for chlorpyrifos, and 65.1 to 67.9 µl/L for profenofos, indicating varying degrees of susceptibility. From 2016 to 2021, very low resistance (RR ≤ 10) was recorded against flubendiamide and chlorpyrifos, while moderate resistance (RR > 21–50) was observed against profenofos. Based on the cumulative resistance ratio, moderate resistance was recorded against profenofos (22.26) and lufenuron (22.04) in S. litura, followed by low resistance against emamectin benzoate (15.88), and very low resistance against flubendiamide (9.14) and chlorpyrifos (3.15). The present study found that S. litura has a frequently rising insecticidal resistance trend. Failure to manage resistance could lead to reduced effectiveness of chemical control, increased pest outbreaks, and greater economic losses for farmers.

Lycopene is a lipophilic natural antioxidant that effectively neutralizes oxygen and free radicals. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of lycopene supplemented canola meal-based diets on growth, nutrient digestibility, hematology, carcass composition, and mineral digestibility of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. Six concentrations of lycopene supplementation (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) were prepared. A feeding rate of 5% live body weight was given to the fish for three months, stocked in tanks (n=270; average weight= 5.31 ± 0.039 g). The results showed that weight gain % (288.49±9.82%), FCR (1.332±0.03), protein content (77.50±0.87%), and gross energy (75.42±0.94%) were significantly higher in the group fed 3% lycopene supplemented diets, while crude fat digestibility (77.94±1.43%) was maximum at 2% lycopene level. Furthermore, the hematological parameters were significantly improved at Test-diet IV (3% lycopene supplementation). Moreover, the body composition parameters and mineral digestibility (Ca, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Na, and P) were substantially enhanced when C. mrigala were fed the Test-diet IV. In conclusion, the supplementation of 3% lycopene in canola meal-based diets is recommended for C. mrigala fingerlings, enhancing growth performance, nutritional digestibility, and blood parameters. Keywords: Lycopene, aquaculture, fishmeal, canola meal, supplementation

Heavy metal (HM) toxicity is a major concern in aquaculture due to bioaccumulation, persistence, and toxicological nature of these pollutants. These substances enter the aquatic environment and pose a serious threat to species. Although traditional remediation methods are used to eliminate HMs, they have significant drawbacks, including low processing speed, operational challenges, high costs associated with nanoparticle production, and regulatory issues. To address these limitations, nano-bioremediation – the integration of nanoparticles with bioremediation – has emerged as a rapid, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution that mitigates HM effects. Nano-bioremediation enhances the effectiveness of HM removal by harnessing the combined properties of nanoparticles and microorganisms, reducing ecological concerns and economic costs. Furthermore, nano-bioremediation improves contaminant degradation, increases stability, and lessens environmental and aquaculture impacts. Biogenic nanoparticles are preferred due to their large-scale synthesis, scalability, rapid production, eco-friendliness, and absence of harmful contaminants. Overall, this review critically compares conventional techniques with nano-bioremediation, highlighting its advantages, applications, significance, and optimisation of nano-microbe interactions for the future.

Bracon hebetor (Say) is an eco-friendly and important biological control agent against numerous destructive insect pests worldwide. Its beneficial role is increasingly attracting the attention of growers seeking sustainable pest management solutions. However, some conventional and novel insecticides exhibit toxic effects on B. hebetor. The present study aimed to assess the toxicity of six commonly used synthetic insecticides, emamectin benzoate, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, lufenuron, and flubendiamide, against the larval parasitoid B. hebetor under laboratory conditions (29 ± 1°C; 60 ± 5% RH). The experiment was conducted at the Toxicology Laboratory of the Entomological Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan, using the vial residual method. Among the tested insecticides, chlorpyrifos was the most toxic to B. hebetor, with LC₅₀ values of 1901.16, 249.79, 81.13, 44.85, and 34.99 mg/L at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post-exposure, respectively. Acetamiprid and imidacloprid exhibited moderate toxicity, with LC₅₀ values of 31.75 mg/L and 223.95 mg/L at 48 h, respectively. In contrast, lufenuron showed lower toxicity (LC₅₀ = 877.87 mg/L at 48 h), while emamectin benzoate and flubendiamide were the least toxic, with LC₅₀ values of 580.28 mg/L and 2,325.36 mg/L, respectively. These findings indicate varying levels of toxicity among the tested insecticides, highlighting the need for careful selection of insecticides to minimize adverse effects on B. hebetor. To maintain ecological balance and promote biological pest control, insecticides with the lowest impact on B. hebetor should be used judiciously.

Bemisia tabaci is a perilous pest of cotton and other crops due to its wide host range. It is responsible for the large scale economic devastation owing to the transmission of various lethal diseases. In Pakistan, B. tabaci is threatening the agricultural stability and food security by damaging the crops through direct and indirect means. Globally, the most prevalent practice to control B. tabaci is application of insecticides. Unfortunately, the persistent and erroneous use of insecticides is responsible for control failure and resistance in whitefly. Activation of detoxifying enzymes in Bemisia tabaci population with evolving resistance has been vastly studied. Resistance in whitefly against insecticides leads to the adverse results for growers. This experiment conducted to study the activities of detoxifying enzymes CarE and GST and kinetic parameters Km and Vmax in B. tabaci. Biochemical assay revealed that carboxylesterase activity recorded significantly high (2.15-fold) in Multan population and Bahawalpur (2.09-fold) as compared to other districts Jhang and Toba Tek Singh and susceptible strain. Detoxifying enzyme glutathione s-transferase activity (GST) recorded high in Bahawalpur population (3.83-fold) as compared to Multan, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh and susceptible strain. The activities of CarE and GST recorded significantly lower in Jhang and Toba Tek Singh populations as compared to other districts. Kinetic parameter (Km) value for CarE was significantly high 4.71 mmol L− 1 of Multan and Bahawalpur 4.07 mmol L− 1 as compared to Toba Tek Singh 2.99 mmol L− 1 and Jhang 2.46 mmol L− 1 populations. The values of Km for GST were noted higher in Bahawlpur 5.72 mmol L− 1 and Multan 5.24 mmol L− 1 populations as compared to other districts. Vmax values for CarE was recorded significantly higher 14.42 µ mol min− 1 for Multan population as compared to other districts and susceptible strain. Vmax values for GST activity were recorded higher in Toba Tek Singh 11.37 µ mol min− 1 as compared to other Vmax values of remaining districts and susceptible strain. The systematic study of enzymes to evaluate the pivotal role of detoxifying enzyme involved in detoxification process of insecticides and results will be used to make rational choices about insecticides selection to prevent resistance in B. tabaci in future.

Citrus Greening (CG), also called Huanglongbing (HLB), is an invasive bacterial infection of citrus crops, caused by Diaphorina citri, or citrus psyllid. This bacterium is a major threat to productivity as well as export of citrus crops. In the current research, the population dynamics of D. citri was surveyed on Mosambi, Feutrell and Kinnow orchards of district Faisalabad from June 2023 to 2024. In addition, different abiotic factors i.e. temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine, and evaporation rates were assessed to investigate their relation with the distribution of D. citri. The month of September and October were found to be the most active time period of D. citri growth, while, their lowest population was witnessed from the month of December till March. The population of D. citri was maximum when abiotic factors, i.e. 21.54 degrees C-34.32 degrees C temperature, 57.42 degrees C-82.57% relative humidity, 7.57 hours sunlight duration, 1.90 mm evaporation, and no rainfall were recorded. The population of D. citri was negatively correlated with humidity and rainfall; however, temperature, sunshine, and evaporation rates were observed to be positively correlated. These findings will be helpful for D. citri pest management in district Faisalabad.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Malarial infection, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito, is still a serious public health concern, especially in endemic areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Pakistan. The study aims to investigate the frequency of malarial infection in district Faisalabad. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across the district Faisalabad to study the frequency of malarial infection. Blood samples were collected from 1460 suspected malaria cases between May 2023 and April 2024 at various government sector hospitals across the six administrative units (tehsil) of district, Faisalabad. For the purpose of the diagnosis of malarial patients, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were employed. RESULTS: RDTs detected 649 (44.4%) positive cases, while microscopy and PCR detected 452 (30.6%) and 459 (31.4%) cases, respectively. Among Plasmodium species, P. vivax was the most frequently detected, followed by P. falciparum and mixed infections. Significant differences were observed in diagnostic outcomes across the three methods. Notably, 55 RDT-positive cases were found to be negative by both microscopy and PCR, indicating potential false positives due to antigen persistence. The highest positivity rate was observed in the 1-15 years age group among males as well as in the months of June and July. These findings highlight the need for confirmatory diagnostics alongside RDTs to improve accuracy and support malaria surveillance and control efforts in endemic regions. Positivity rates varied across municipalities, with Faisalabad city showing the highest burden. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that while RDTs offer rapid malaria detection, they are prone to false positives due to persistent parasite antigens, especially in mixed infections. PCR and microscopy provided more accurate results and revealed significant differences in diagnostic outcomes. Moreover, the study highlights a significant frequency of malaria in district Faisalabad, with P. vivax being the dominant species. The data indicate higher susceptibility among males and children aged 1-15 years, particularly during the peak months of June and July. These findings highlight the need for confirmatory diagnostics to accompany further investigations. RDTs to improve accuracy and support malaria surveillance and control efforts in endemic regions.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the major staple food of Pakistan. Many insect pests attack the wheat crop. In the present study, the overall population of insect pests, i.e., aphids, midges, grasshopper, wasps, and crickets, along with natural enemies such as spiders, coccinellids, and Chrysoperla were surveyed, correlated with abiotic factors and their diversity on the wheat crop was studied. The highest insect population was found in March, according to the statistics. Overall, the arthropod populations per plot (8 × 12 m2) were as follows: aphids (148.08), spiders (3.65), midges (149), wasps (22), grasshoppers (3.5), Chrysoperla (7.75), and coccinellids (4.39). These populations were observed in relation to temperatures ranging from 13.9 to 24.5 °C, 135 mm of rainfall, and relative humidity (RH) levels of 85

In an innovative approach to biological pest management, the entomopathogenic efficacy of endophytically colonized Beauveria bassiana and topically applied Bacillus thuringiensis was evaluated against various larval instars (2nd, 4th, and 6th) of the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Initially, date palm leaf petioles were inoculated with five distinct isolates of the fungus to ascertain their endophytic potential over two years. Subsequently, the most proficiently colonized fungal isolate was selected for subsequent experimentation. During individual entomopathogen applications, larval instars of RPW were presented with plant petioles and colonized with fungus at 30 days post-inoculation or immersed in bacterial inoculum. Iota n combined treatments, larvae were exposed to both entomopathogen-treated plant petioles concurrently. The tested bacterium was administered at three concentrations (30, 40, and 50 mu g/ml). Larval mortalities were markedly lower in treatments involving individual entomopathogens, whereas integrated applications yielded higher mortalities. Treatments associated with heightened larval mortalities corresponded to diminished pupation, adult emergence, and egg eclosion rates. Furthermore, the simultaneous application of both entomopathogens bolstered larval mortalities of RPW both additively and synergistically, with concentration also playing an important role. Similarly, the developmental periods of various insect stages were substantially influenced by combined entomopathogen applications. The inherent prevalence of these pathogens and their ability to colonize crop plants internally for extended periods render them promising agents against cryptic-feeding insects like RPW. However, further evaluation of suitable entomopathogen strains and optimal doses under field conditions is imperative before formulating concrete recommendations for date palm growers.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of maize crops, posing a serious threat to food security. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of fungal isolates (Ma: Metarhizium anisopliae and Bb: Beauveria bassiana) and nematode species (Sc: Steinernema carpocapsae and Hb: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) alone and in-combinations against the 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The entomopathogens alone induced mortality ranging from 31.67 to 80.00

Peafowls, vital for maintaining insect populations and attracting tourism, susceptible to ectoparasitic infestations that could lead to ecological and economic imbalance. The need for effective parasite control in captive peafowls prompted this investigation into infestation rates in order to improve husbandry practices in wildlife park. A total of 24 specimens were examined in this study which revealed that infested Blue Peafowl had 60% male and 40% female cases while Green Peafowl showed 50% male and 25% female infestation rates and a single male White peafowl was also discovered to be infested. Goniodes pavonis emerged as the main ectoparasite that caused irritation while making birds vulnerable to secondary infections. The levels of infestation were found to be mostly high or moderate in Blue and Green Peafowl but only minimal in White peafowl. The experimental findings confirm that Blue and Green Peafowl face higher parasitic infestation rates from ectoparasites than White peafowl. Organizations must dedicate their resources to creating successful parasite control methods which protect the health of peafowls while preventing potential diseases.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop vital to food security worldwide, particularly in South Asia. Enhancing its yield potential and disease resistance through genomic tools is a pressing necessity for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to identify genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with key agronomic traits in Pakistani rice germplasm using Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Fourteen diverse rice varieties were genotyped using ApeKI-based GBS, generating high-quality sequencing data. Following quality filtering and alignment to the MSU v6.0 Nipponbare reference genome, a total of 208 highly significant SNPs (-log(10)P >= 4) were identified. GWAS was conducted using a mixed linear model incorporating population structure and kinship, while STRUCTURE analysis was employed to assess subpopulation stratification. Significant associations were identified for fifteen agronomic and yield-related traits, including days to flowering, plant height, grain weight, and disease resistance. Key pleiotropic loci such as OsGRb06041, OsGRg05186, and OsGRb22352 were linked with multiple traits. Population structure analysis revealed two main genetic clusters (K=2), reflecting the divergence between traditional basmati types and improved cultivars. This study delivers a robust genomic resource for Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) and future functional studies in rice. It highlights specific genomic regions with potential utility in breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience, and quality traits in Pakistani rice germplasm.

Stored grains are attacked by numerous insect pests, among which Rhyzopertha dominica and Trogoderma granarium are the most significant. Extensive use of phosphine has led to the development of resistance in these pests, along with residual effects on stored grain commodities. In this study, a commercially available formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Pacer) was evaluated through bioassays to determine the effects of temperature and relative humidity on its pathogenicity against R. dominica adults and T. granarium larvae. The bioassay results revealed that the efficacy of the fungal formulation was influenced by conidial dose rate, exposure period, temperature, and relative humidity. The highest mortality rates, 68.82% for T. granarium and 60.10% for R. dominica, were recorded at 30°C and 65% relative humidity with a dose rate of 9×10⁸ conidia after a 21-day exposure. Relatively lower mortality values, 50% and 48%, were observed after 14 days of exposure, respectively. The 7-day exposure period combined with 55% relative humidity proved least effective, resulting in the lowest pathogenicity against both test insects. Lower dose rates of 3×10⁸ and 6×10⁸ conidia were also comparatively less effective against both species. These findings suggest that Pacer, an entomopathogenic fungal formulation, exhibits considerable entomocidal potential for managing stored-grain insect pests and could reduce reliance on phosphine and other chemical fumigants. However, the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi in stored grain protection is strongly dependent on prevailing abiotic conditions.

Maize ranks as the 3rd most economically valuable cereal crop worldwide but its productivity is under severe threat by an invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The 3rd instar S. frugiperda larvae are most damaging stage of lifecycle, that's why the present study is planned to evaluate the impacts of silicon dioxide (SiO2), potassium silicate (K2SiO3), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) @ 400 and 800 ppm against the 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda by using two application methods (soil drenching and foliar spray). Moreover, the impact of Si supplementation on biological parameters (pupation, adult emergence, and egg laying) was also recorded. The findings showed that SiO2 application through foliar spray @ 800 ppm concentration caused maximum mortality (12-36%) followed by K2SiO3 (8-32%) and Na2SiO3 (4-24%). The soil drenching method of silicon application was less effective in comparison to foliar spray. The surviving larvae showed negative impacts on growth and development, including pupation (48, 52, and 60%), adult emergence (41.67, 46.15, and 53.33%) and fecundity (46.20, 52.60, and 54.20) by SiO2, K2SiO3 and Na2SiO3 foliar spray @ 800 ppm respectively. The present study revealed that Si had a significant detrimental impact on immature stages of S. frugiperda. Consequently, Si treatment can reduce S. frugiperda reproduction which may ultimately decrease S. frugiperda establishment and early harm in maize. Silicon applications may offer a sustainable way to lessen S. frugiperda infestations, improving maize protection and lowering the need for conventional insecticides.

Aquaculture is the fastest industry to produce animal protein but its growth is impeded by the cost of fishmeal, an optimal protein source for fish health.In this study, we examined the feasibility of various biochar supplements with Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM).Six isonitrogenous and iso-energetic diets were prepared: Control (without biochar) and diet II (parthenium biochar), diet III (farmyard manure biochar), diet IV (poultry waste biochar), diet V (vegetable waste biochar) and diet VI (corncob waste biochar).Triplicate groups of 15 fingerlings were kept in V-shaped tanks.In present study, a trial of 90 days was conducted to assess the effects of different types of biochar on body composition, mineral status and antioxidant activity of Cirrhinus mrigala.At the conclusion of feeding trial, the protein content was highest (18.51±0.13%) in fingerlings fed with poultry waste biochar and lowest (15.35±0.11%) in fish fed with parthenium biochar.Mineral content was also significantly different in each fish group as compared to control diet.The diet contained Parthenium biochar showed poor results (P<0.05) in terms of minerals except Se (0.65±0.004 mg/kg).Antioxidant enzymes activity was the highest (P<0.05) in fingerlings fed with poultry waste biochar (peroxidase: 43.48 U/ml, catalase: 46.39 U/ml and superoxide dismutase: 48.20 U/ml) followed by the farmyard manure biochar (peroxidase: 40.77U/ml, catalase: 43.47 U/ ml and superoxide dismutase: 41.19 U/ml).The presented results showed that the different sources of biochars (poultry waste, farmyard manure, vegetable waste and corncob waste biochars), could improve the body minerals, body composition and serum antioxidant status of C. mrigala fingerlings except parthenium biochar.This study indicates that biochar could be used as supplement in fish diets to improve mineral status, carcass composition, and antioxidant activity.Novelty Statement | Our results show efficacy of various sources of biochar on the mineral status, body composition and antioxidant activity of fish which can be further recommended.

1Fish Nutrition Lab, Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. 2Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Okara, Pakistan 3Department of Life Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan Article Information Received 18 January 2023 Revised 20 February 2023 Accepted 13 March 2023 Available online 01 June 2023 (early access)

Triticum Aestivum L. is a major cereal crop grown worldwide. Wheat is staple diet for billions of people and animals feed in all over the world. This study used yield trial data from various sources to evaluate wheat cultivars under rainfed conditions. wheat has sown 1st October to 1St December. The study examined 10 wheat cultivars from three locations in one season. Some cultivars yielded consistently high across locations and seasons, while others yielded differently. The analysis also showed that soil type, sowing time, and cropping season weather affected cultivar yield performance. The study emphasizes the importance of choosing wheat cultivars that suit rainfed conditions and sowing time. RCBD design and three replications were used in this experiment. Different parameters were collected such as days to heading, days to maturity, number of tillers, no. of spikelet per spike, plant height, germination percentage, yield g/plot, and disease rust data in rainfed conditions. Randomized Complete Block design and LSD test were used for this experiment. Total 25 wheat genotypes were sown under rainfed conditions. 10 varieties perform better production under rainfed conditions. These varieties like Barani-17, Ehsan-16, Fakhar e Bhakkar, Bhakkar Star and Zincol, Akbar-19, Ujala-16, Inqlab-91, Anaj-17, Attock-19, and Ghazi-19 show better perform under rainfed condition. The findings can help wheat growers, seed companies, and policymakers choose the best rainfed wheat cultivars to boost wheat yields and food security.

Targeting the enzymes of Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) has been emerged as a novel strategy for treatment of cancer. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) is third enzyme of PPP and converts 6-phosphogluconate (6-PG) into ribulose 5-phosphate (R-5-P) and produces NADPH. The overexpression of 6PGD has been reported in many human cancers especially in breast cancer and is emerged as the potential anti-cancer drug target. The current study is focused to screen an already established library of plant extracts against 6PGD, among which Pomegranate peel extract showed significant 6PGD inhibitory activity with IC50 value = 0.090 μg/mL. Pomegranate peel competitively inhibited NADP+ and 6‐phosphogluconate to 6PGD enzyme having Ki constant value = 12.72 ± 5.54 ng/mL. Moreover, anti-breast cancer activity against MCF-7 cells determined Pomegranate peel as the potent inhibitor of cancerous cells with IC50 value = 3.138 μg/mL. Toxicity profiling of pomegranate peel extract (2000mg/kg) did not show any adverse effect on mice. Moreover, Ont the base of literature a library of known compounds of pomegranate was prepared and established and screened against 6PGD for the identification of actual responsible phytochemicals of 6PGD activity by using molecular docking. Computational tools were used to evaluate selected potent hits. Out of 26 compounds, three potent phytochemicals (Procyanidin, Delphinidin and Cyanidin) exhibited the best binding affinities with 6PGD. In addition, these phytochemicals displayed the best favorable hydrogen bonding, binding energy, and protein–ligand interactions as compare to 3PG. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that these hits form a stable binding complex with the active site of 6PGD. These findings suggest that Pomegranate peel and its secondary metabolites as the potent inhibitors of 6PGD and the best drug candidate for treatment of breast cancer.

A 90-day feeding trial was designated to evaluate how canola meal (CM)-based diet supplemented with phytase (PHY) and citric acid (CA) affects whole-body composition and hematological parameters in Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio fingerlings.Sixteen experimental diets (T 1 ─T 16 ) with varied CA (0 and 2.5%) and PHY (0 and 750 FTU/kg) levels were prepared.The fingerlings were fed at the rate of 5.0% of live fish body mass.Fifteen fish were randomly stocked into triplicate tanks for each of sixteen test diets.Significant (p<0.05) increase in crude protein (CP) and crude fat (CF) was noticed in fish fed T 12 (2.5% CA and 750 FTU/kg PHY) diets.Comparison of treatments showed maximum values of RBCs (3.57×106 mm -3 and 3.18×106 mm -3 ), PLT (83.32 and 80.35), Hb (8.92g/100ml and 8.62g/100ml) and PCV (29.07%and 30.07%) in C. mrigala and C. carpio fingerlings, respectively, when fed with T 12 diets.Conclusively, a 50% CM-based diet with 2.5% CA and 750 FTU/kg PHY supplementation, performed better in terms of whole-body composition and hematological parameters in C. mrigala and C. carpio fingerlings.