Host plant resistance is a prime importance and effective tool for insect pest management among scientists. In this experiment, susceptibility of two widely cultivated rice varieties in Pakistan was assessed to rice whitebacked planthoppper (WBPH). Kissan Basmati is an extra-long grain variety cultivated in core and non-core basmati area while super basmati is mostly cultivated in core area during monsoon. The raw data was statistically analyzed using age-stage, two-sex life table. The developmental period was longer on Super Basmati (21.12 d) as compared to Kissan Basmati (18.12 d) and Taichung Native 1 (16.92 d). The resistance of Super basmati to WBPH is expressed in terms of longer period of development of immature (21.12 d), extended adult oviposition period (3.86 d) and total oviposition period (25.86 d), the short adult longevity (6.75 d), and low fecundity (1.57 eggs). However, negative value (-0.0908 d− 1) of intrinsic rate of increase (r) in the population parameters for Super Basmati depicts that this variety is resistant while the Kissan Basmati (0.1942 d− 1) is susceptible to WBPH. The population parameters finite rate of increase (0.9127 d− 1) lower than 1, extended mean generation time (27.1140 d) and reduced net reproductive rate (0.0910 offspring individual− 1) showed that WBPH cannot successfully survive and reproduce on Super Basmati as compared to TN1 and Kissan Basmati. These findings suggests that Super Basmati possess valuable resistant traits and could be effectively used in rice breeding program aimed at developing white-backed planthopper-resistant cultivars.

Water and energy crises, increased greenhouse gas emissions, high labor costs, and labor shortages demand the shift from puddled transplanting to dry direct seeding. Inbred rice varieties can perform well under the dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) system. This study aims to optimize the seed rate (SR) for rice cultivars in the DDSR system. Five SRs (S1 = 15, S2 = 20, S3 = 25, S4 = 30, and S5 = 35 kg/ha) and four inbred rice varieties include Basmati 515 (V1), PK 1121 Aromatic (V2), Super Basmati (V3), and Kisan Basmati (V4) were used as experimental treatments. The study was conducted over 2 years (2019-2020). The plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), filled-grain per panicle (FGPP), unfilled-grain per panicle (UFGPP), productive tiller per m(2) (PT), unproductive tiller per m(2) (UPT), 1000-grain weight (TGW), grain yield (GY), biomass yield (BY), harvest index (HI), average grain length (AGL), average grain width (AGW), average grain thickness (AGT), broken rice (B), brown rice (BR), head rice (HR), elongation ratio (ER), and bursting (BRUS) were the response variables. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the SRs based on the GY, BY, HI, HR, and ER. The results show that the PT, UPT, TGW, and GY were highly significant (p < 0.01) in the interaction effects of year, variety, and SR. The BY, HI, AGL, AGW, AGT, B, BR, HR, ER, and BRUS were highly significant (p < 0.01) in the interaction effect of variety and SR. In the RSM model, the optimal SRs were 27, 31, 25, and 24 kg/ha for the rice varieties V1, V2, V3, and V4, respectively. The RSM model showed higher R-2 (0.81-0.99) with lower RMSE, mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values. The predicted and actual values of GY, BY, HI, HR, and ER at optimum SR of 25 kg/ha for V3 were 3.65 t/ha, 9.88 t/ha, 33.47%, 40.48%, 2.07 and 3.32 t/ha, 11.0 t/ha, 32%, 38.66% 1.94, respectively. The RSM model predicted results agreed with the actual results, as prediction errors were less than or equal to +/- 10%, which confirmed the model's reliability. Moreover, the GY has a positive correlation with BY (R = 0.5370). The HR showed a negative correlation with B (R = -0.8681) and AGL (R = -0.5015). Our findings imply that managing stand growth and weeds is critical in obtaining the required yield and quality in the DDSR system with lower SRs.

ABSTRACT Plant development and production are severely hampered by abiotic stresses such as salinity, temperature changes, heavy metals, nutrient inadequacies, and drought. Root exudates are a complex mixture of organic substances that are exuded by plants and are essential for regulating rhizosphere interactions and improving plant resilience to these stresses. This review summarizes current studies on how root exudates contribute to abiotic stress tolerance, with a particular emphasis on their interaction with the rhizospheric microbiome. The mechanisms by which root exudates enhance plant tolerance to diverse abiotic stresses are also explored. Under stressful conditions, root exudates modify microbial communities, foster favorable symbiotic relationships, and facilitate nutrient acquisition by plants. Despite the progress in comprehending these mechanisms, the specific chemical cues that stimulate these mutualistic relationships remain to be elucidated. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial to enhancing plant resilience in the face of escalating environmental challenges, and the development of sustainable solutions is imperative.

Conventional P fertilizers, like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), are highly reactive in alkaline calcareous soils, and exhibit low phosphorus use efficiency (PUE 20

The detrimental effects of crowfoot grass [Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Wild.] due to its allelopathic potential pose a significant threat to sustainable crop production. For the first time, we evaluated the allelopathic effects of different concentrations (1 %, 2 %, and 3 % w/v) of water extracts from crowfoot grass obtained from the root, shoot, inflorescence, and whole plant on rice seedlings. The allelopathic effects were studied in terms emergence, growth, antioxidants activity, chlorophyll, and total soluble phenolic contents. The maximum reductions in emergence index (-66 %), shoot length (-39 %), root length (-13 %), and dry biomass (-64 %) were observed with the application of whole plant allelopathic water extracts at a 3% concentration. The same extract at 3 % concentration resulted in a reduction of chlorophyll content (-58 %) and an increase in total soluble phenolics in rice leaves (+25 %) and roots (+7 %). Further, at the 3 % concentration, the whole plant water extracts caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (+160 %), peroxidase (+875 %), and catalase (+185 %), which revealed activation of antioxidants defense system following the application of allelopathic water extracts. However, despite these increases in antioxidant activity, the antioxidants were unable to mitigate the phytotoxic effects of the phenolics produced by the application of crowfoot grass allelopathic extracts. Thus, the inhibited emergence and growth confirm the allelopathic effect of crowfoot grass on rice seedlings.

Global agricultural output is seriously threatened by climate change, particularly rice, a commodity essential to both food security and economic stability. This study evaluates the effects of three main climatic factors—temperature, rainfall, and humidity—on rice productivity and disease dynamics in Pakistan with an emphasis on the basmati-growing area of Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab. A mixed-methods approach was used to incorporate a thorough literature study (PRISMA framework) with long-term climate and crop data analysis (1981–2018). Trends were examined using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator. The findings revealed a significant rise in temperature (+0.03 ℃/year) and humidity (+0.12%/year), along with a slight drop in rainfall (−2.10 mm/year). Additionally, the yield of Super Basmati rice exhibited a declining trend (−0.02 t/ha/year). The results demonstrate that while rising temperatures over optimal thresholds (20–36 ℃) negatively affect rice growth and reproductive activities, variable rainfall patterns, both surplus and shortage, reduce yield stability. It has been discovered that important rice diseases, namely bacterial leaf blight and sheath blight, are more common when humidity and temperature rise. Rice blast, on the other hand, had a trend that was either lower or declining because its strict environmental needs (16–30 ℃ and >90% humidity) didn't match the milder conditions that were present. Overall, the study shows that in Pakistan's rice systems, climate variability is changing both yield patterns and disease spectra. The results highlight the critical need for improved disease management, climate-resilient techniques, and flexible agronomic practices to sustain rice productivity amid changing climatic conditions.

Falsa berry (Grewia asiatica L.) is a nutritionally rich fruit that is native to the Indian subcontinent, known for its antioxidant and medicinal importance. In Pakistan, falsa berry is cultivated across various agroecological zones and fulfils the needs of the local population. Effective pollination improves fruit set, yield, and essential post-harvest characteristics of the falsa berry. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of insect pollinators on fruit yield and the physical and biochemical properties of the falsa berry. A small falsa orchard with an area of 0.05 ha was selected to test the open-pollinated and pollinator-restricted treatments. Pollinators' abundance and foraging behaviour were recorded for eight pollinator species, i.e., Apis florea, A. dorsata, Megachile lantana, M. hera, M. cephalotes, M. bicolor, Eristalinus aeneus, and E. megacephalus. Twenty plants were randomly selected for data recording. Physical parameters, including fruit weight, length, and width, were recorded, while biochemical parameters, including TSS, pH, and vitamin C, were also determined. The highest abundance of insect pollinators in the falsa field was recorded at 8:00 am, as compared to other recording times. Megachile cephalotes was the most abundant bee visiting the flower. In terms of stay time, Eristalinus aeneus, E. megacephalus, and A. mellifera spent more time per flower, as compared to other species. Open pollination resulted in higher fruit set than self-pollination. Similar trends were observed in the physical parameters: fruit weight increased by 1.4 times, fruit length by 1.35 times, and fruit width by 1.23 times. Open-pollinated fruits were available for market for a longer period than caged-pollinated fruits, with 90% marketable 3 days after harvesting. Similar trends were observed in physicochemical parameters, with open-pollinated fruits showing higher TSS and pH. These findings reveal the significance of insect pollinators in enhancing the yield and postharvest parameters of falsa berry.

Studies to appraise critical period of weed competition (CPWC) in Desi and Kabuli chickpea were undertaken during 2017-18 and 2018-19 winter growing seasons. Desi (Punjab-2008) and Kabuli (Noor-2009) chickpea crops were subjected to different durations of weed competition [competition for 20 days after sowing (DAS), 40, 60 and 80 DAS] as well as weed-free periods [weed-free till 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS]. Season-long weed check and weed-free plots were also maintained for both chickpea genotypes. Relative yield data under such treatments were fitted to logistic and Gompertz equations. Increasing period of weed competitions (from 20 to 80 DAS) had a diminishing effect on dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate of chickpea. Weed competition reduced crop dry matter by 18, 37, 51 and 56% compared to weed-free conditions when weeds competed with chickpea crop for 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS, respectively. Seasonal crop growth rate was reduced from 6.79 g m-2 day-1 to 3.61 g m-2 day-1 when weeds competed with crop from 20 to 80 DAS as against 8.51 g m-2 day-1 recorded for weed-free crop. The season-long weed competition resulted in 60% reduction in crop dry matter. Weed competition reduced chickpea yield irrespective of genotype by reducing the related components. Results revealed that weed competition even for 20 DAS was detrimental to chickpea crop. The CPWC based on 10% yield loss range from 6 to 119 and 10-118 DAS for Desi Chickpea, and 5-115 and 8-108 DAS for Kabuli chickpea during 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Information on CPWC can be used as a tool for judicious weed control in irrigated chickpea.

Climate change has increased the occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses that steadily affected the crop growth and developmental processes. Drought is one of the worst abiotic stresses, affecting 40-70% of the global arable land. In recent years, a variety of genetic, molecular, and agronomic approaches have been developed to mitigate drought's negative effects. Among agronomic approaches, the use of vermicompost is reported to improve wheat growth and development while reducing the deleterious impact of drought stress. This review emphasizes the ramifications of drought stress on plant growth, water and nutrient interactions, photosynthesis, phenology, assimilate partitioning, and respiration. The physiological, morphological, and molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in plants are described in detail. To combat drought stress tolerance, various management practices have been suggested. Drought stress decreases leaf area, stem elongation, and root multiplication, disrupts plant water relations and decreases water-use efficiency. Plants respond to prevalent drought stress in various biochemical and physiological ways; reduced water losses due to enhanced diffusive resistance, increased water absorption and efficient usage due to deep and extensive root systems, and smaller and succulent leaves to minimize transpirational losses are the major mechanism adapted by crop plants. Vermicompost, with a porous structure, encompasses high water storage potential, increase growth hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberlins, plant growth regulators, and contains high levels of macro and micro-nutrients and beneficial fungi, plays significant and positive impact on plant growth and development, particularly under environmental stresses.

Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is a nutritionally rich tropical fruit which is native to South Asia. In Pakistan, there are 50 varieties of jujube, and approximately 24,000 tons of jujube is harvested annually from a growing area of nearly 5000 hectares. The current study was conducted to investigate whether insect pollination affects fruit yield, and whether it influences the physical and biochemical properties of the fruit. We selected fifty inflorescences from each of the three jujube cultivars (Kheri, Desi, Ayuba) and covered them with muslin cloth to promote self-pollination. The same number was tagged to observe the impact of open pollination. Fruits from both treatments were counted on each panicle, harvested, and then subjected to lab investigation for measuring physical (fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, and pulp weight) and biochemical (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, and pH) parameters. A diverse range of floral visitors, including bees, flies, wasps, moths, and butterflies, were observed on jujube, with bees being the most abundant functional group. Open pollination increased fruit set (fruits per inflorescence) by 2.3–2.5 times compared to self-pollination. Similar trends were observed in physical parameters: fruit length (1.15 to 1.30 times increase), fruit width (1.15 to 1.21 times), total weight (1.60 to 1.74 times), and pulp weight (1.55 to 1.62 times). Changes in physiological parameters, including pH, vitamin C, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids, were also observed in pollination treatments of all three varieties. Open-pollinated fruit also exhibited greater length and width, but lower firmness. These findings show the vital role of insect-mediated pollination in enhancing both the yield and quality of jujube fruit, with consistent benefits observed across multiple varieties.

An experiment was conducted to assess the pollinator community of onion (Allium cepa L.) as well to find the pollinators contributing to a higher onion seed production. Fifteen insect pollinator species belonging to two orders and two families were found to be visiting onion flowers. The dwarf honeybee, Apis florea F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was most frequent pollinator among bees. The maximum visitation rate was recorded in the case of Eristalinus aeneus S. (Diptera: Syrphidae), while the maximum stay time was recorded for A. florea. For observing the pollination effectiveness, we used pollinator exclusive approach, and four pollination trials were maintained i.e., 100%, 50%, 25% and 0% pollination. Pollinator effectiveness was accessed in terms of yield parameters such as umbel weight, number of seed and seed weight. Compared to 0% pollination, plants with 100% and 50% pollination levels showed 44- and 19-times higher seed production in onion, respectively. Six major pollinators were tested for their pollination efficiency. The single visit efficiency in terms of the number of seeds showed that plants with A. florea pollination showed higher seed yield. There was an increase in the number of seeds and seed weight per umbel, proving that A. florea is an effective pollinator in onion production. Moreover, syrphid flies also contributed to the onion seed production, though they were less efficient pollinators.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oil seed crop with a considerable acreage of cultivated hybrids in Pakistan. Sunflower crops depend on insect pollination for seed setting, as it attracts diverse pollinator fauna, mainly due to pollen and nectar availability. This study was conducted in the agricultural landscape of Multan, Pakistan, to evaluate the role of native and social bees in sunflower seed production. The abundance and diversity of pollinators were assessed. Effectiveness was tested regarding foraging behavior, including visitation rate, stay time, and seed set efficacy for single and multiple visits (5, 10, 15). Additionally, various reproductive success parameters were recorded: flower head (pseudanthium) diameter, flower head weight, seed weight/flower head, and number of seed/flower head. The results showed that the relative abundance of honey bees was the highest (77%) in both years, followed by solitary bees (17%), while syrphid flies were the least abundant (6%) on sunflower. Among honey bees, Apis mellifera and A. dorsata were the most abundant in both years, followed by the solitary bee Xylocopa sp. Furthermore, in single and multiple seed set efficacy (5 and 10 visits), the solitary bee Xylocopa sp. produced the maximum seeds, followed by A. mellifera. Higher seed production could be achieved with a focused conservation plan of solitary and managed bees on sunflower.

Climate change in the form of heat waves, torrential rains and floods is showing impact on the food security in Pakistan. Potato is the main cash crop of the region affected by climate change. However, impact assessment of climate change for the potato-potato cropping system has not been studied yet. Hence, in the present study, we studied the impact of projected climate change and key adaptation options on the potato-potato cropping system using the DSSAT-CSM-SUBSTOR-Potato model. The model was calibrated using 2019 spring and fall season field experiments data, while evaluation was made using spring and fall season data of 2019 and 2020 respectively. After calibration and evaluation, model sensitivity analysis for carbon, temperature, water and nitrogen (CTWN) was performed, and after that, it was applied to determine the impact of climate warming and change in rainfall on spring and fall potato during mid-century. The results revealed that during the baseline period (1980–2020), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) air temperature were increased by 0.7 and 0.8 °C during the spring growing season and by 0.8 and 0.9 °C during the autumn growing season, respectively. Furthermore, it was projected that autumn potato will be more influenced due to climate change than spring potato. Under future projections, temperature change for spring planted potato will be 2.7 to 3.8 °C for Tmin and 2.1 to 3.4 °C for Tmax. However for the autumn seasons, potato increase in maximum temperature will be from 2.4 to 3.6 °C and for minimum temperature the change will be from 2.7 to 4.0 °C. Simulation outcome showed that without adaptation strategies, tuber yield will be reduced from 23 to 29

Rice is an important cereal crop commonly infested by stored grain insects, including Sitophilus oryzae L. This study evaluated the varietal resistance and nutritional composition of different rice varieties following infestation by S. oryzae. The research was carried out using completely randomized design (CRD) with 11 treatments (varieties) and 3 replications. The rice varieties PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and KSK 434 were found to be more susceptible to S. oryzae, with the highest weight loss at 45 days following infestation. Infestation by S. oryzae decreased amylose and increased protein contents. The highest amylose contents were found in PK 386, KSK 133, and KS 282, whereas the highest protein contents were in PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and Basmati 515. The faster larval development in S. oryzae occurs on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic and Punjab Basmati. The adult lifespan was longer on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic, and Punjab Basmati. The results indicate that the least affected rice varieties (KS 282, Basmati 515, Super Basmati, and PK 386) have potential to be included in integrated pest management program to control S. oryzae.

Soil zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major cause of Zn-malnutrition, low yields, and low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat. Improving grain Zn concentration and NUE in wheat without compromising yield has become a global concern. A study was therefore conducted to explore the potential of Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB) and Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for improving Zn biofortification and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat. Two strains of ZnSB (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (YZn1) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (WZn1)) were isolated from field soil and selected for study based on Zn solubilization efficiency, IAA production, and Zn release efficiency. The potential of soil and foliar applications of ZnONPs separately, or in combination with consortia of ZnSB, to enhance wheat Zn concentrations, productivity and NUE was evaluated. The treatments tested were: Control (T1), ZnSB (T2), ZnSO4 (soil application; T3), ZnONPs (foliar application; T4), ZnSB + ZnONPs (soil and foliar applications respectively; T5), and ZnONPs + ZnSB (soil applications of both) + ZnONPs (foliar application) (T6). Soil application of ZnONPs when combined with ZnSB and a foliar application of ZnONPs (T6) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved yield and yield traits compared to the control (T1) and ZnSO4 (T3) treatments. Notably, T6 increased chlorophyll SPAD value, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, harvest index (HI), and grain Zn concentration by 27.61

COVID-19 has caused a deep economic impact on the lives of small and marginal farmers due to travel restrictions, market closures, and social distancing requirements. Due to COVID-induced labor scarcity and water shortage in India, direct-seeded rice (DSR) has emerged as a viable alternative to puddled transplanted rice (PTR). However, there was plenty of labor available in Pakistan and Bangladesh for rice cultivation during COVID-19 times. Therefore, both countries did not observe the shift from PTR to DSR. The cost of inputs, such as seed, fertilizer, pesticide, and fuel, was high due to a supply–demand conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic in three countries. Farmers faced weed problems and physical and/or economical non-availability of suitable machinery for DSR cultivation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the later years of 2022 and 2023 (post-COVID), the area under DSR decreased by 88% in India, while it remained stagnant in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. is a stronger competitor of rice for resources than other weeds. An adequate knowledge of the biology, ecology and critical period of competition of E. crus-galli with dry-seeded rice (DSR) is fundamental in designing effective, sustainable and integrated weed management programs. Experiments were conducted in the 2013 dry and wet seasons to determine the effect of two E. crus-galli densities (40 and 80 plants m(-2)) emerging at four intervals (2, 15, 30 and 45 d after rice emergence, DARE) with and without rice interference on the growth and biomass accumulation of both rice and weed, and the productivity of rice. The E. crus-galli plant height decreased with the interference of rice plants. The maximum height of 115-130 cm and number of tillers of 477-508 m(-2) in rice plants were recorded when grown alone, and these growth parameters declined to 105-109 cm and 315-352 m(-2), respectively, when rice emerged simultaneously with E. crus-galli. Other rice growth parameters (stem, leaf, panicle and shoot biomass, and leaf area) and grain yield attributes (panicle density, per panicle filled spikelets and grain weight) decreased significantly with increases in E. crus-galli density at the early emergence time. A delay in E. crus-galli emergence from 0 to 45 DARE caused a significant reduction in E. crus-galli biomass, which resulted in less reduction in rice biomass and leaf area index. Rice grain yield, grain weight, and harvest index improved significantly with a delay in weed emergence up to 45 DARE. The highest grain yield was recorded when rice was grown alone (6.8-7.3 t ha(-1)), which was similar to the yield produced in the plots wherein E. crus-galli sown at 40 plants m(-2) (6.9-7.0 t ha(-1)) and 80 plants m(-2) (6.4-6.7 t ha(-1)) emerged at 45 DARE. The lowest grain yield (4.3-4.9 t ha(-1)) was recorded in the plots wherein E. crus-galli emerged simultaneously with rice. This study established that E. crus-galli emergence at 45 DARE could not cause an economic yield loss because of less biomass accumulation and lower survival rate.

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