Cotton is considered as a cash crop providing fiber and shelter to the population. Current study was conducted at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, during kharif season 2023. Complete randomized block design (RCBD) was used with three replications and twelve treatments; two genotypes were evaluated in the experiment. The traits were recorded during study area are; germination (%), plant height(cm), sympodial branches per plant, monopodial branches per plant, No. of bolls per plant, boll weight (g), GOT%, seed cotton yield per plant (g), 100 seed weight(g). Treatments are highly significant for germination (%), plant height (cm), sympodial branches plant-1 No. of bolls plant-1, seed cotton yield per plant (g), and 100 seed weight (g) for (NIA-Noori and Sadori) except boll weight and monopodial branches that were non-significant for the genotype (NIA-Noori). Treatments like UV-C radiation have a good effect in terms of sympodial branches plant-1, No. of bolls plant-1, boll weight (g), and seed cotton yield plant-1 for the genotype NIA-Noori, where the genotype Sadori the treatment Blue LED 480 makes a positive response for the trait sympodial branches plant-1, monopodial branches plant-1, No. of bolls plant-1 and GOT% from fuzzy seed and bold seed. Whereas, plant height (cm) shows highly significant and positive associations with sympodial branches and positive associations with monopodial branches-1, No. of bolls-plant1 and seed cotton yield. In sadori, germination (%) shows significant positive association with plant height, and monopodial branches plant-1. In Cluster analysis 5 clusters were noted for the genotype in NIA-Noori and 6 cluster were found for the genotype Sadori at 70% of similarity level, the loading factor in PC-V showed maximum positive for all traits except monopodial branches-1. In Sadori the maximum loading factor of positive parameters was obtained in PC-IV. The maximum variability present in PC-V in NIA-Noori and PC-IX in Sadori genotype. On the basis of different analysis, the concluded results are Blue LED 480 and UV-C radiation proved to have a good impact on various traits of cotton crop. Therefore, these two treatments can be used further breeding programs.

The current study demonstrates the practical application of optical seed priming technology to improve cotton seed germination, plant growth, crop yield, and fiber quality. The hypothesis of this study is that seed irradiation with different colors of light can improve germination and cotton productivity in different environments. In the priming of cotton seeds, a wider range of the light spectrum was used, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to red wavelengths. Various light sources such as blue LED, red LED, diode laser, UV-B, and UV-C were studied, along with different exposure times and energy densities. The exposure time ranged from 1.0 to 36.0 minutes, while the energy density doses varied from 88 to 7550 mJ cm-2, depending on the light source. In laboratory conditions, the investigation on the impact of optical seed priming on germination showed a maximum improvement of up to 180% compared to the control group. Among the different light sources and energy densities, blue LED light was found to be the most effective for enhancing cotton seed germination across different varieties. To validate the findings from the laboratory, large-scale field trials were conducted in two different environments in Pakistan, namely Tandojam and Faisalabad. The field trials demonstrated significant improvements in germination and yield, with increases of up to 37% and 74% over the control group, respectively. Once again, blue LED light emerged as the best light source for optical seed priming at the farm level. These field trials provided encouraging results, indicating the potential of the eco-friendly optical seed priming technique. The study suggests that optical seed priming can be a commercially viable technology for improving cotton seed germination, plant growth, crop yield, and fiber quality. By utilizing this technique, growers and researchers in developing countries can address the challenge of poor cotton germination and potentially enhance their agricultural productivity.

Cotton is an international agricultural commodity and the main cash crop of Pakistan of which quality and quantity are subject to various whims of nature. Climate change, insect pest complex, and weeds are reducing its productivity. Here, we have developed triple gene cotton containing EPSPS gene along with two Bt toxin genes Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab using a strategy where all three genes are cloned in the same T-DNA, followed by successful cotton transformation via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. This strategy has been developed to help cotton breeders in developing new cultivars by incorporating these genes into the non-transgenic or single Bt (Cry1Ac) gene cotton background where all three genes will inherit together. The expression of all three proteins was confirmed through immunostrips and was quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spatio-temporal expression of Bt protein in different parts of triple gene NIBGE cotton plants was determined. Maximum expression was found in leaves followed by seeds and boll rinds. Insect bioassays with cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera), armyworms (Spodoptera litura), and pink bollworms (Pectinophora gossypiella) showed more than 90% mortality. The best performing line (NIBGE-E2) on the basis of spatiotemporal expression, glyphosate assays, and insect mortality data, was used for event characterization by using the genome sequencing approach. The event was successfully characterized and named NIBGE 20-01. A diagnostics test based on event-specific PCR was developed and its ability to distinguish NIBGE 20-01 event from other commercial transgenic cotton events was confirmed. To confirm stable expression of all three proteins in the field conditions, homozygous transgenic lines were grown in the field and the expression was confirmed through immunostrip assays. It was found that all three genes are expressed under field conditions. To show that all three genes are inherited together upon crossing with local elite cotton lines, the F1 generation was grown under glasshouse and field conditions. The expression of all three genes was confirmed under field conditions. Our results showed that transgenic cotton with three genes cloned in the same T-DNA can express all genes and can be conveniently transferred into elite cotton lines through a single cross.

The enhancing seed cotton yield per acre of the crop is a prime concern of breeding programmes. To achieve high degree of heterotic response, it is essential to have knowledge about performance of desirable parents . Therefore, research was undertaken to assess the expression of heterotic effects in cross combination of upland cotton in F1 crosses. The research work was carried out using six cross combinations sown under field condition during 2018 at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam experimental farm. The crosses were obtained by the combinations of four genotypes in half diallel method. The trial was conducted in a three replications with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Observations were made for plant height (cm), sympodial branches plant-1, number of bolls plant-1 , weight boll (g) and yield of plant-1 (g). Results showed that crosses exhibited significant cross vigour while compared with mid and better parents. The crosses Sadori × CRIS-342 and Sadori × NIA-Noori displayed significant heterotic effects for characters under studied. For development of hybrid in cotton, cross combinations of these parents Sadori × CRIS-342 and Sadori × NIA-Noori will give highest heterosis for yield of plant-1, bolls plant-1 and weight of bolls. Therefore, the above F1 transgressive and heterotic hybrids can be exploited to create genetic variability followed by selection of high yielding in cotton genotypes to establish strains with superior and improved characteristics in segregating filial generations.

Exploration of consistently high performing genotypes of cotton is important for sustainable production in major cotton growing areas of Sindh, Pakistan. In present study fifteen cotton genotypes were evaluated against three check varieties CRIS-342, CIM-496 and CRIS-134 over two years (2016, 2017). These genotypes were evaluated in advance line yield trial at five different locations. Two-way ANOVA was performed to find variation in genotypes and environments. Data were analyzed using AMMI analysis for residual multiplicative interaction. The genotypes stability was estimated by measuring different parameters like IPCA score, AMMI stability value (ASV), yield sustainability index (YSI) and genotype selection index (GSI). Genotypes and multi-locations provided an opportunity to find the best genotypes in the best environment on the basis of yield performance.The genotypes G3 (NIA-83), G13 (NIA-Bt-2) and G15 (Sadori) were found as high yielding with very high stability as compared to check varieties. Hence, recommended across the studied environments. Another genotype G2 (NIA-81) was more stable and can be used as breeding material in cotton breeding program for sustainable cotton production in diverse environments/areas of Sindh province, Pakistan.

Cotton is a dynamic fibre crop in the world. It is susceptible to salinity stress, a major abiotic factor affecting crop growth, yield and fibre quality. In present study, six cotton genotypes were crossed in half diallel fashion to obtain 15 F 1 hybrids. Parents and their F 1 were sown under three salinity levels i.e. normal (S1 = 3.7 dSm -1 ) moderate (S2 = 10 dSm -1 ) and high (S3 = 15 dSm -1 ) following split-plot arrangement under completely randomized design. Three salinity levels were maintained in main plot while 21 genotypes (15 F 1 and 6 parents) were sown in the subplot. Three replications were maintained for all parents and their F 1 crosses. At maturity, data were recorded for seed cotton yield, fibre length, fibre strength and fibre fineness for parents as well as for crosses. The data were analyzed using the Griffing approach to determine the combining ability effects and genetic components. Parent CIM-602 followed by FH-142 showed good GCA performance for all the observed traits at different levels of salt stress. MNH-886 × CIM-616 and CIM-616 × CIM-602 were best specific combiners for most of the traits under normal and salinity stress. While FH-142 × CIM-602 was the best specific combiner for fibre quality traits under all treatments. Further utilization of these genotypes might be helpful for the development of salt-tolerant cultivars.

Sixteen newly evolved upland cotton strains developed through conventional and mutation breeding techniques along with two commercial check varieties viz., CIM-496 and CRIS-134 were evaluated two years at five locations in province of Sindh, Pakistan. Information was recorded on seed cotton yield from all location and analyzed statistically. To assess the stability for yield between genotypes and stomata studies was performed. The results from the combine analysis of variance depicted that the mean square for seed-cotton yield for genotypes and genotype x environment interaction (G × E) were highly significant. Genotypes NIA-M-30 showed the maximum seed cotton yield (3.509 ton/ha) with low regression coefficient (b=0.893) and deviation from regression coefficient (S2d=0.015). Other four genotypes viz., NIA-80, NIA-83, NIA-Bt-2 and NIA-Perkh also produced higher yield (3.36, 3.32, 3.31and 3.25 ton/ha respectively) with regression coefficient (b=0.972, 0.918, 0.99 and 0.916 respectively) and deviation from regression coefficient (S2d=0.025, 0.003, 0.00 and 0.024 respectively), indicated wide adaptability to the range of environments. While the cotton genotypes NIA-HM-327, NIA-84 and NIA-HM48 showed high regression coefficient (b= 1.204, 1.331 and 1.291 respectively), which suggest their specific adaptation to favourable environments.

Background Sucking insect pests cause severe damage to cotton crop production. The development of insect resistant cotton cultivars is one of the most effective measures in curtailing the yield losses. Considering the role of morphological and biochemical host plant resistance (HPR) traits in plant defense, 12 cotton genotypes/varieties were evaluated for leaf area, leaf glanding, total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, total phenolics, tannin and total flavonoids against fluctuating populations of whitefly, thrips and jassid under field conditions. Results The population of these insects fluctuated during the growing season and remained above threshold level (whitefly > 5, thrips > (8–10), or jassid > 1 per leaf) during late June and early July. Strong and negative association of whitefly ( r = − 0.825) and jassid ( r = − 0.929) with seed cotton yield was observed. Mean population of insects were the highest in Glandless-1 followed by NIA-82 and NIA-M30. NIAB-Kiran followed by NIAB-878 and Sadori were the most resistant, with the mean population of 1.41, 1.60, 1.66 (whitefly); 2.24, 2.32, 2.53 (thrips) and 0.37, 0.31, 0.36 (jassid), respectively. The resistant variety NIAB-Kiran showed less soluble sugars (8.54 mg·g − 1 ), soluble proteins (27.11 mg·g − 1 ) and more phenolic (36.56 mg·g − 1 ) and flavonoids (13.10 mg·g − 1 ) as compared with the susceptible check Glandless-1. Moreover, all insect populations were positively correlated with total soluble sugars and proteins. Whitefly populations exhibited negative response to leaf gossypol glands, total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids. The thrips and jassid populations had a significant and negative correlation with these four biochemical HPR traits. Conclusion The identified resistant resources and HPR traits can be deployed against sucking insect pests’ complex in future breeding programs of developing insect resistant cotton varieties.

Cotton production requires identification and crop growing of firm cultivars

Changes of the climate bring ahead new pressure for cotton cultivation in Pakistan especially in Sindh province. In present study thirty four elite lines along with three local check varieties (Sadori, NIA-Noori and NIA-Ufaq) were tested under early 20th March and normal 20th April, 2015-16 and 2016-17 sowing dates at NIA, experimental farm. Four lines produced (22) sympodial branches plant-1, two lines took more boll weight (4.0 g), five lines obtained long staple length ranges from (30.0 to 30.8 mm), eight elite lines took higher seed index ranges from (8.6 to 8.7 g) and three lines produced higher seed cotton yield kg ha-1 ranges from (2206 to 2314) under normal sowing date 20th April in comparison with early sowing 20th March seed cotton yield kg ha-1 ranges from (780 to 1049).

Four varieties viz., Chandi-95, CIM-448, NIAB-Karishma and NIAB-78 were crossed in complete diallel fashion (4 x 4) to determine gene action for ginning out turn percentage (GOT), staple length, micronaire value and lint index. Results demonstrated that GOT % was controlled by complete dominance whereas, staple length, micronaire value and lint index were conditioned by partial dominance type of gene action. Chandi-95 had maximum dominant genes for staple length, micronaire value and lint index, while NIAB-78 had maximum dominant genes for GOT % and lint index. The variety NIAB-Karishma recorded the highest array means for GOT % and micronaire values followed by Chandi-95 and NIAB-78 for staple length and lint index, respectively. Whereas, cross combination NIAB-Karishma x NIAB-78 manifested highest values within array means for GOT%, micronaire value and lint index indicating good potential for the improvement of these characters.

Eight mutant lines developed through mutation breeding technique using chemical mutagen along with parent line (Sadori) were evaluated at NIA, experimental farm. Quantitative and qualitative traits were analyzed statistically. The chemical mutagen Ethyle Methane Sulphonate (EMS) was used at the rate of 0.03%. The mutant lines (viz. NIA-M5, NIA-M10, NIA-M16, NIA-M20, NIA-M23, NIA-M29, NIA-M33 and NIA-M35) with parent Sadori were included in this study. The results revealed that three mutants (NIA-M20, NIA-M35 and NIA-M5) took (7.2%, 8.1% and 8.1%) higher plant height than parent (111 cm), two mutants (NIA-M5 and NIA-M20) obtained (36.8% and 42.1%) more sympodial branches plant-1 than parent (19.0). Three mutants (NIA-M20, NIA-M5 and NIA-M10) produced (16.8%, 22.4.0% and 25.4%) more number of bolls plant-1 than parental line (67.0). Five mutants (NIA-M5, NIA-M35, NIA-M20, NIA-M23 and NIA-M29) had higher fiber length (mm) (10.2%, 8%, 5.7%, 5% and 4.0%) as compared parent Sadori (28.0 mm). Two mutants (NIA-M20 and NIA-M29) showed higher fiber strength (g/tex) (5.5% and 8.3%) than parent (34.4%). Two mutants (NIA-M5 and NIA-M20) produced higher seed-cotton yield kg ha-1 (24.0% and 25.4%) over parent Sadori (3563 kg ha-1). The selected mutant lines on the basis of higher seed-cotton yield (kg ha-1) and enhanced fiber length (mm) compared to parent (Sadori) will be promoted in preliminary yield trials. Heritability and genetic advance were noted for early days to maturity, higher plant height (cm), sympodial branches plant-1, lengthy fiber (mm), bolls plant-1 and seed-cotton yield (kg ha-1).

Drought is a grave concern due to changing climate phenomenon which drastically affects wheat production throughout the world.Screening drought tolerant varieties of wheat are important for ameliorating productivity of water scarce areas.An experiment was conducted at physiology division Nuclear Institute of Agriculture Tandojam (Latitude: 25.433 Longitude: 68.533) Sindh, Pakistan during 2016-2017.Treatment included a factorial combination using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications.Six wheat cultivars (cv.cultivars IBWSN-1010, IBWSN-1025, TD-1, ESW-9525, Khirman and Chakwal-86) were investigated for their response at seedling stage under different water stress treatments (T-1 0, T-2 -0.5, T-3 -0.75 and T-4 -1.0 MPa) in controlled conditions.The results of experiments with reference to cultivars revealed that cultivar Khirman & IBWSN-1010 showed maximum shoot length (17.33 and 16.68 cm), while the cultivar Khirman and TD-1showed maximum root length (10.02 and 8.67 cm), shoot fresh weight (34.46 g 10 -1 shoots), root fresh wt.(71.76 g 10 -1 shoots), shoot dry wt.(13.55 g 10 -1 shoots), root dry wt.(13.62 g 10 - 1 roots),while the cultivar IBWSN-1010 observed more chlorophyll contents (0.27 mg g1 fresh wt) and ionic contents (K + and Ca2 + , and K + /Ca2 + ratio)(1.05,1.03 and 0.93 %).Among all the wheat cultivars tested Khirman and IBWSN-1010 are tolerant cultivar sand have the potential to perform better under drought conditions, whereas IBWSN-1025 and Chakwal-86 were moderately tolerant under water stress conditions.Moreover, the cultivars i.e.TD-1 and ESW-9525 are the sensitive cultivars under drought environment.It may be concluded from present in-vitro studies that osmotic stress significantly reduced the shoot/root length fresh and dry weight in all six wheat cultivars.The maximum reduction (P≤0.05) was found at higher osmotic stress induced by PEG-6000 (-1.0 MPa).

Here authors report in, a brief introduction about solar collectors and their efficiency. An overview of types of solar collector with respect to concentrated and non-concentrated solar collectors, In this research we have covered recent applications based on solar technology like; water heater, cookers, dryers, solar ponds, air-conditioning, chimneys and power plants. Recent resurgence towards flat-plat solar collectors has shown that their efficiency can be increased by controlling certain parameters such as different fluids from which are made of. These fluids included water, 0.2 wt% Al2O3, 0.4 wt% Al2O3, 0.4 wt% Al2O3 with surfactant, 0.2 wt% MWCNT, 0.4 wt% MWCNT, and 0.4 wt% MWCNT with surfactant and finally effect of pH (3.5, 6.5, and 9.5) was also highlighted. The best fluid was found to be used MWCNT.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2018 to ascertain the performance of twelve newly evolved advanced elite lines of Bt-cotton strains i.e. Silkee, Neelam-131, RCA, KZ-181, RCA-2, KZ-191, KZ-389, SB-149, Sitara-009, Sitara-10M, Sitara-11M and AAANALYSIS VOL. 5, 2019 Agriculture ISSN 2347–3819 EISSN 2347–386X DISCOVERY

Crop residues being organic in nature are rich source of organic carbon; essential nutrients need to be recycled for nutrient cycling sustaining soil quality & health and reduced environmental pollution. An experiment was carried out for preparation of banana crop residue based compost enriched with other organic sources and its nutrient analysis. Three recipes of the banana residues for compost making, designed in randomized complete block design (RCBD) were made in piles separately prepared i.e. consisting banana leaves (BL) with sugar cane press mud (SPM), goat manure (GM) and poultry manure (PM). The compost prepared was subjected to laboratory analysis for electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and C/N ratio. The results indicated that the maximum EC (6.12) was recorded for C2 and minimum EC (5.67) was recorded for C1. The results revealed that banana crop residue enriched with other organic sources hastened the composting process and significantly increased the organic matter (OM) (55.6%), organic carbon (36.35%), total nitrogen (TN) (2.77%), P (1.75%) K value (3.05%). Further, results revealed that C1= (Banana leaves with sugar cane press mud) compost blend was optimum and best, because this blend has rich nutrient contents. It was concluded that higher OM%, OC%, TN, P, K were observed for C1= Banana crop residues enriched with sugar cane press mud.

Though now a days Hostel life is much essential for students but still there are some restrictions. There are many complications in the hostel life. For this purpose, we investigate the student’s satisfaction with hostel facilities. During the analysis, the student’s feedback for the hostel facilities for the year 2015 and 2016 were taken and the data has been collected from the Director Management Information System (MIS). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS17) was used to analyze and shows the overall students satisfaction regarding hostel facilities. The results indicated that there is strong evidence of significance relationship between the results of the parameters (Food Quality, Cleanliness, Water supply and First aid) services. The null hypothesis is accepted except for only two parameters of Shah Abdul Latif, Shaikh Sindhi and Bakhtawar hostels.

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of monsoon rains and topography on plant communities of desert ecosystem of District Khairpur. The study was conducted at three desert sites differing in topography i.e. Kotdiji sand dunes, Ubhan Shah flat dunes and Sorah inter dunes, designated as site A, B and C respectively using quadrate method. The data of plant communities were recorded twice in a year during study period i.e. pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and compared. The 35 plant species formed five plant communities at three sites. At site A Aerva - Calligonum-Leptadenia, formed pre-monsoon community and Aerva - Leptadenia–Salvadora formed post monsoon community. At site B, Aerva-Calligonum-Leptadenia and Aerva-Leptadenia-Citrullus formed pre and post monsoon communities respectively. While at site C, Calotropis-Alhagi, were dominant at pre and post monsoon. L. pyrotechnica showed significant correlation with C. colosynthesis and S. oleoides.

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of irrigation frequencies and picking timings on seed cotton yield and yield contributing parameters of three promising cotton varieties (Sadori, Chandi-95 and Malmal). The cotton varieties were evaluated under four irrigation frequencies (five, six, seven and eight irrigations) and four cotton pickings timings based on the percent boll openings (30%, 50%, 70%) and 90% boll opening). Most of the traits like sympodial branches plant" (14.41), seed cotton yield (2686 kg ha(-1)), ginning out turn (36%), seed index (7.21g) and seed germination (63.47%) remained higher in variety Sadori compared to Chandi-95 and Malmal varieties. Results with respect to irrigation frequencies indicated the highest values for boll weight (3.23g), seed cotton yield (2843.8 kg ha(-1)), seed index (7.68g), staple length (27.61 mm) and seed oil content (20.72%) under six irrigation frequencies. The best time of picking was observed, when 50%o bolls were opened, having higher boll weight (3.30 g), ginning out turn (35.32%), seed index (7.42g), staple length (27.77 mm), seed oil content (20.91%) and seed germination (74.66 %). It is concluded from the studies that the cotton picking at 50% boll opening is best and suggested to get more viable and healthy cottonseed with higher seed germination percentage. Similarly six irrigations frequencies proved better for highest seed cotton yield and fiber quality traits.

Combining abilities of cotton varieties were evaluated using a line x tester mating design, twelve hybrids which developed from 3 testers (male) and 4 lines (females). The experiment was conducted on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2014. The data were recorded for plant height, sympodial plant -1 , bolls plant -1 , boll weight and seed cotton yield plant -1 . Chandi-95, NIA-Ufaq and Sadori displayed the highest mean performance and GCA for more or less all the traits, indicating their superiority for inclusion in future breeding programme. The crosses Chandi-95 x BT 802, Sadori x BT A-1, Sohni x BT A-1 and NIA-Ufaq x BT-802 manifested meaning full SCA effects for economic traits, which could be used either for hybrid seed programme or developing superior varieties by applying selection in late segregating generations.