bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY OF BIOFILM FORMING MICROORGANISMS FROM SELECTED FOODS IN ULI CAMPUS
Authors: C. EZEMBA, C. , A. ANAZOR, C. , U. ORAKWELU, M. , B. CHIKA, C. , C. MOSES, , C. ONYEKA, F. , T. EZENWAFOR, P. , C. OKOYE, P. , W. UDOYE, I. , S. EZEMBA, A. , C. MMADUEKWE, J. , O ETIKUDIKE, V. , M. EZEOKOLI, C. , N. ANAKWENZE, V. , J. OSUALA, O.
Published: July 2023

Biofilms are complex microbial ecosystems formed by one or more species immersed in an extracellular matrix of different compositions depending on the type of food manufacturing environment and the colonizing species. Food-borne diseases associated with bacterial biofilms may arise via intoxications or infections. The main aim of this work is to isolate and identify microorganisms present in some selected food borne pathogens that forms biofilms, investigate for bacterial and fungal contamination and conduct antibiotic sensitivity testing on the bacterial isolates. Biofilm forming microorganisms was isolated from some selected food samples and contact surface. The samples were cultured and sub-cultured to get pure isolates. Bacteria and fungi isolates were identified and characterized using various biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed on the various bacterial isolates. Suspected microorganisms recovered from the tests were Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., and Penicillum spp. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the bacterial isolates from food samples revealed that E. coli showed susceptibility to Tarivid (OFX) 10 mcg, Reflacine (PEF) 10 mcg, Ciproflox (CPX) 10 mcg, Gentamicine (CN) 10 mcg and Streptomycine (S) 30mcg. S. enterica showed susceptibility to Ciproflox (CPX), Gentamicine (CN) and Streptomicine (s). S. aureus showed susceptibility to Ciproflox (CPX), Streptomicine (s) and Gentamicine (CN) and P. aeruginosa was resistance to the antibiotics used. Many foodborne diseases have been found to be associated with biofilms. The source of contamination from the pathogens investigated could be from contamination of utensils by pathogens, contamination from butcher’s table and knives and from food processing industry. The investigation concluded that bacterial and fungal species associated with food contamination is found to be associated with biofilms.
INVESTIGATION FOR DEFORESTATION DRIVERS IN LUME DISTRICT, OROMIA REGION, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
Authors: WONDU HAILU , WUBE SISAY
Published: July 2023

In the globe, there are a broad range of factors, causing forest cover change. Currently, forests of Lume district are under serious problem due to both direct and indirect drivers. Thus, the major aim of this study is to in- vestigate significantly encountered driving forces usually in the district. Qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews, household surveys and focus group discussion for determining the driving forces of the change. EXCEL and R software were used for processing and analyzing data obtained from participants. From the result of socio-economic data, income and land holding size have negative impact on forest cover change. The findings from the study revealed that both proximate and underlying drivers were a main cause of forest cover change in the study area. Accordingly, Agricultural land expansion (314), urban expansion and settlement area (244) and fuel wood and charcoal (145) were the major proximate drivers observed in the site. Moreover, the finding of the study confirmed that, high rate of population growth (39%), landlessness (25%), lack of awareness (19%) and weak law enforcement (17%) were the most commonly underlying drivers of forest cover change demonstrated in the district. Advanced land use policy, diversified job opportunity, adaptation of new technologies, raising awareness of stakeholders and implementation of existed law enforcement are highly suggested to use limited resources and fulfilling the demand of growing population sustainably.
ASSESSMENT OF AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTION IN GUMEL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, JIGAWA STATE
Authors: JANDE J. A. , UMAR B. M. , IKYAAGBA E. T.
Published: July 2023

This study assessed afforestation programme and community perception in Gumel Local Government area of Jigawa state. Field data collection was done using structured questionnaire and Landsat satellite imageries. A total of two hundred (200) questionnaire were distributed to the 200 sample size drawn from the sample area using a multi-stage sampling design technique. In a similar way, Landsat data were collected for a period of thirty (30) years using Landsat TM for 1988 and 1998 with Landsat ETM for 2008 and landsat-8 operational land imager (OLI) for 2018 using Earthexplorer. A 30m by 30m resolution Landsat image of the study area was obtained from NASA website. The images were downloaded from the Global Land Cover Facility of the University of Maryland (GLCF, 2018) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and spatially referenced in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection with datum World Geodetic System (WGS). The images were extracted to Tiff formats for processing and classification using maximum likelihood classifier in Idrisi Selva. The collected data were subjected to analysis such as mean, simple percentage, graphs and tables. Results shows that between the year 1988 to 2018, afforestation in Gumel Local Government Area of Jigawa State increases significantly due to the success of the afforestation programme. It was however recommended that Government agencies in charge of forestry activity are thereby encouraged to put up measures in ensuring the avoidance of forest encroachment activities so as to ensure abundance trees and land covers.
WOODY SPECIES COMPOSITION AND RECRUITMENT STRUCTURES OF FOUR COMMON SPECIES IN AN ARID AND SEMI-ARID ECOSYSTEM OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: LEMESSA DEBISSA , MEWDED BEFKADU , ALEMU SISAY
Published: July 2023

The spatial variations in woody species composition and recruitment structures are less explored in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. We aimed to fill this gap by undertaking the study on three sites which were purposively selected from Awash River Basin based on their area extent and altitudinal gradients. In each vegetation site, we laid out one transect line and on each transect 12 sample plots (each size: 50 × 50 m) were placed with 200 m intervals, resulting in 36 sample plots. Woody species composition difference among the three sites was tested using Adonis2 function. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination analysis was run to visualize the species composition in relation to the vegetation sites in ordination space. The difference in species richness among the sites and the effect of altitudinal variation were tested using a generalized linear model with the Poisson family. The results showed that the species composition was different among the sites and significantly dependent on altitudinal variation (P=0.001). The species richness and number of unique species was higher at Mille site when compared with other two sites, and the alpha diversities of vegetations were reciprocally related to the magnitude of beta diversity. The recruitment structure was poor in sites where the species richness was lower, although the overall patterns vary across sites. Our overall results suggest that restoration schemes need to take onto account the recruitment structure of specific species to enhance the overall health of the vegetation ecosystems, especially in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
EVALUATION OF EIGHT SELECTED ETHIOPIAN INDIGENOUS FORAGE SPECIES FOR THEIR NUTRITIVE VALUES
Authors: SEYOUM ABERA , MERSHA ASEMAHEGN
Published: July 2023

Indigenous forage species contribute to the largest proportion of the livestock feed in Ethiopia. However, their potential as livestock feed has often been overlooked. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the nutritive value of eight selected Ethiopian indigenous forage species for their nutritive value. The experiment was undertaken using a complete randomized design at Wondogent medicinal field gene bank. Results showed that Pennisetum pedicellatum (91.72%) and Medicago polymorpha (91.68%) had significantly (P<0.001) higher dry matter (DM) contents than other forage species with the exception of Medicago sativa. Ash content (15.46%) of Pennisetum pedicellatum was the highest (P<0.001) of all the species except Medicago sativa, while the highest organic matter (OM) content (90.80%) was record from Medicago polymorpha. Vicia species had (P<0.05) higher crude protein (CP) concentration (19.03%) than that of Medicago sativa (13.57%), Medicago lupulina (12.36%), Medicago polymorpha (11.57%) and Pennisetum pedicellatum (7.47%). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was higher (P<0.05) in Pennisetum pedicellatum (76.23%), whereas Sesbania sesban had the lowest (P<0.05) NDF value except Sebania grandiflora. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) was significantly higher in Medicago lupulina (53.80%) while Sesbania sesban had lower contents of both ADF (39.42%) and ADF (34.04%). However, there was no significant variation in terms of acid detergent lignin (ADL), metabolizable energy (ME) and In vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) among these forge species. Generally, with the exception of Pennisetum pedicellatum, the moderate CP, and lower fiber content of these forage species suggest that they have high nutritional value that deserves special attention.
MODERN APPROACHES TO CONTRACEPTION IN DOMESTIC AND WILD ANIMALS: A REVIEW
Authors: PADODARA R. J. , SINGH V. K. , ODEDARA A. B. , VASAVA A. A. , SHARMA A. K. , MEHTA V. M.
Published: July 2023

Contraception is the use of practices, methods, or equipment to prevent pregnancy in a sexually active female. Contraception methods, often known as birth control, pregnancy prevention, or fertility control, are intended to prevent the fertilization of an egg or the implantation of an embryo within the uterus. Hormonal contraception is a term that refer to techniques of contraception that work by affecting the endocrine system. To reduce the population of stray animals and wildlife, as well as to control rabies and damage to agricultural commodities, crops, and forest resources, advanced and effective contraceptives are required. Recently, advanced compounds are used as contraceptives like classical use of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH agonist, GnRH antagonist, and GnRH toxin conjugate-PAP in dogs and GnRH vaccines in deer, feral pigs, rabbits, and bisons. The possibility of limiting fertility by antibodies, inactivating important reproductive hormones, as established by active and passive immunization in animals, is a recent advancement in immunological contraception. Contraceptive vaccination (CV) could be a realistic and helpful alternative to currently existing contraception methods. The molecules being studied for CV development either target gamete production [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)/GnRH, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)], gamete function [sperm antigens and oocyte zona pellucida (ZP)], or gamete outcome (hCG). Veterinary candidate molecules are available like zone vaccine for dogs, bovine LH receptor vaccine, and phage peptide sperm protein vaccine. A number of target-based upcoming technologies include gene silencing, Kisspeptin, Gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH), Retinoic acid receptor antagonist, etc might make perfect and desirable contraception in animals and humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF THE EXOREIC WETLAND OF JALLABIA, SOUTHERN TUNISIA
Authors: ESSEFI ELHOUCINE , HAJJI SOUMAYA , BEDOUI SANA
Published: July 2023

Based on the climatic phases already recorded in other wetlands, an age model of sedimentation in sebkha-lagoon of Jallabia was carried out to identify the climatic cyclicity. Along an 83 cm core, four major climatic phases were downward recorded. Marine and continental sebkha sensu stricto facies were alternating between 300 yr and 600 yr were interrupted by Anthropocene-Great Acceleration transitions and Holocene-Anthropocene at 70 yr and 300 yr ago respectively. Arid and wet climate alternation within marine sedimentation between 600 yr and 1600 yr. Based on the age model and the spectral analysis, we found a 500 yr cycle. This cycle was worldwide recorded based on geochemical as well as geophysical proxies.
SPECTRAL ANALYSIS BASED ON DATA OF DIFFERENT GEOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF A CORE FROM SEBKHA ENNOUAL, SOUTHEASTERN TUNISIA: HOLOCENE SUN-DRIVEN CYCLOSTRATIGRAPHY
Authors: ESSEFI ELHOUCINE , HAJJI SOUMAYA , BEDOUI SANA
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work is to investigate the sedimentary cycles recorded along a 160 cm core carried out at the Ennoual wetland. Sampling had taken place every 2 cm in order to reucperate 80 samples. The Holocene cyclostratigraphy is controlled by the solar activity. It is Sun-driven. The spectral analysis visualizes obvious cycles probably having astronomical, atmospheric and oceanographic origins. On the one hand, based on the spectral analysis of Na and K values, millennial cycles of ≈ 2500 yr, and 1000 yr related to solar forcing are found out. On the other hand, the 1500 yr cycle is related to thermohaline circulation is extracted from the spectral analysis of Ca values.
DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE OF Chenopodium quinoa GENOTYPES TO ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZER COMBINED WITH DIFFERENT N APPLICATION RATE
Authors: AL-NAGGAR AHMED MEDHAT MOHAMED , ATTA MOHAMED MOHAMED , EL-MONEIM MAISA LOTFY ABD , AL-METWALLY MARIAM SABRY
Published: July 2023

Knowledge about differential responses of genotypes to nitrogen (N) fertilizer source and N application rate could be an invaluable aid in quinoa improvement strategies. The objectives of the present investigation were: (i) to assess the effects of genotype and its interaction with fertilizer type and N rate on quinoa traits and (ii) to identify the potential genotypes under organic and mineral fertilizers combined with low N (LN), medium N (MN) and high N (HN) rates. A two-year field experiment was conducted, using a split split-plot design with three replications. Main plots were devoted to two fertilizer types (compost and Ammonium nitrate), sub-plots to three N rates (71.4, 142.8 and 214.2 kg N/ha), and sub sub-plots to 37 quinoa genotypes. Genotypes showed a wide range for all studied traits. Seed yield of all genotypes grown under organic fertilizer was superior to that under mineral fertilizer. The superiority of organic to mineral fertilizer in quinoa productivity was highly pronounced by ICBA-Q5 (327.27%) followed by Nat-1 (309.19%) and Sekam-Bitter (254.94%). In general, the highest yielding genotypes under organic fertilizer were different from the highest yielding genotypes under mineral fertilizer. Under HN organic fertilizer, the five highest yielding genotypes were Nat-1 (12203 kg/ha), R-103 (11679 kg/ha), ICBA-Q5 (9273 kg/ha), Sekam-Bitter (8855 kg/ha) and Sekam-Sweet (7557 kg/ha). Whereas, under HN mineral fertilizer, the five highest yielding genotypes were Agritec-Beige (3818 kg/ha), Egyptian White (3216 kg/ha), NAD-1-W (3167 kg/ha), CICA-17 (3107 kg/ha) and NAD-1-B (2875 kg/ha). The genotype Sekam-Bitter showed the shortest duration to maturity (102.2 day) under HN organic fertilizer. The genotype Rainbow recorded the highest seed protein content (17.8%) under HN organic fertilizer. These genotypes could be considered useful quinoa germplasm in future breeding programs for improving seed yield, N efficiency, seed protein content and earliness traits.
A DESCRIPTIVE REVIEW ON MICROALGAE AND MICROALGAL COMPOUNDS WITH THEIR INTERACTIONS
Authors: ALI MUHAMMAD QASIM , HASAN MD. SHANZID , MAHEDI MD. REZWAN AHMED , BHUIYAN MD. KHALEDUR RAHMAN , AFRIN SADIA , KHADKA RAM BAHADUR , KOUSER MD. , ARECHE FRANKLIN ORE , REZA RAWNAK , MIAH SHAHAJAN
Published: July 2023

Microalgae are very microscopic photosynthetic organisms, that can be noticed in marine areas and freshwater environments. The cells may produce high-value chemicals that are often employed in the dietary, animal feed, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical pharmaceutical, medical, and aquaculture sectors. Algae lipids, for example, maybe turned into biodiesel and other biofuels and bio-products. We analyzed 40 scientific papers on microalgae and established this. In this study, the significance of microalgae is brought about to use for inventing new medicines, biofuels, mitigation of environmental pollution, etc., and also reveals the extensive applications of the microalgae. In near future, the marine sector will be a new scope for biological study for medicine, biotechnology, and so on. In this way, a lot of microalgal compounds have been undiscovered, hope that in the future, they will be expressed with sufficient pieces of information.
STABILITY OF Chinopodium quinoa GENOTYPES UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZER SOURCE AND LEVEL USING AMMI AND GGE-BIPLOT MODELS
Authors: AL-NAGGAR AHMED MEDHAT MOHAMED , YOUNIS ABD EL-SAMAD MAHMOUD , ATTA MOHAMED MOHAMED , EL-MONEIM MAISA LOTFY ABD , AL-METWALLY MARIAM SABRY
Published: July 2023

The interaction between genotype and environment (G×E) reduces the heritability estimate and thus the efficiency of selection. Among many methods suggested for assessment of G×E interaction, AMMI analysis and GGE-biplot model are the best in giving detailed information. The aims of the present investigation were: (i) to estimate the G×E interaction for 37 quinoa genotypes and (ii) to identify the stable and/or adaptable genotypes across 12 environments (two fertilizer types × three N rates × two seasons) by using the AMMI and GGE-biplot models. In each environment, the randomized complete blocks design with three replications was used. Analysis of variance of   AMMI indicated that genotype (G), environment (E) and G×E interaction had a highly significant influence on quinoa seed yield/ha. Based on AMMI model, NAD-1-W (G2), and Agritec-Beige (G6) could be considered stable across the test environments and among the five highest seed yielding genotypes in this experiment. R-103 (G9), Sekam-Bitter (G4), Nat-1(G8), ICBA-Q5 (G14) and CICA-17 (G12) were the highest yielding genotypes, but were considered the most unstable genotypes. The optimum environment E9 (organic fertilizer, low-N, 2018/19 season) is the most stable based on IPCAe-1 and ASV scores; therefore it is the lowest interactive environment for seed yield/ha, and is considered the ideal one for selection of adapted genotypes under organic fertilizer conditions. The environments E1 (organic fertilizer, high-N, 2017/18 season) showed good discrimination ability and representativeness, making it ideal for evaluating the genotypes of quinoa. Based on GGE-biplot model, Nat-1 (G8) was the winning genotype for the 1st mega environment that consisted of two environments. Sekam-Bitter (G4) was the winning genotype for the 2nd mega environment that consisted of four environments. R-103 (G9) was the winning genotype for the 3rd mega environment that consisted of six environments.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FIVE VARIETIES OF Olea europaea L. FRUITS AND OIL COMPOSITION GROWN IN DISTRICT LORALAI, BALOCHISTAN
Authors: PALWASHA . , ANJUM SHAISTA , AWAN AZMAT ALI , CHHEMA MUHAMMAD WAQAS ASLAM , AWAN MOHAMMAD ARABI , BALOCH ABDULLAH , HAQ INAM UL , MARRI AZHAR ALI , NOREEN FOUZIA , ISMAIL TARIQ
Published: July 2023

Olive, a premium oilseed crop is being grown in Pakistan for two decades. The scientists are convinced that Balochistan, is most suited for olive cultivation in Pakistan. It is estimated that about 86 varieties and 19 cultivars of Olive are being under plantation in the country. However, there is not much research data available for the varietal comparison in the agro-ecological situation in Balochistan especially Loralai. In order to investigate 05 promising olive exotic and locally acclimatized varieties under Loralai conditions, for their qualitative characteristics and quantitative traits, a study was conducted in the Katvi Farm Loralai. In this respect the technological/morphological and qualitative traits of all five cultivars Sorani, Carolea, Biancolilla, Koronieki and Kaissy were determined. The results after the analysis of data depicted that Kaissy is the largest sized fruits 26mm with thickest pulp amongst the five tested varieties followed by Carolea 25mm whereas, Koroneiki produced higher number of fruits with smaller size of 13mm and thinner pulp. Biancolilla gave highest yield/tree 23.3 followed by Carolea and the lowest yield was given by Kaissy variety. Oil % age was highest for Sorani (11.67%), followed by Biancolilla with % age values 9.33. Chemical analysis revealed that acidity of oil samples of all five cultivars was <0.3, peroxide value of 20 except for kaissy >20. Maximum Polphenols contents were found in Sorani variety. K270 value was lower in all cultivars. In this study, Sorani was found to be most productive in terms of higher yield and highest oil content, while Kaissy is recommended for dual purposes owing to its bigger sized fruit and moderate oil production. It is recommended that Sorani variety of Olea Europea may be cultivated under environmental conditions of Loralai to get maximum economic and health benefits.
REVIEW ON “CRISPR-CAS9- A GENOME EDITING TOOL FOR PLANT DISEASE MANAGEMENT”
Authors: NISA RAHEEBA TUN , JAN SHAHEEN KAUSAR , BHAT FAROOQ AHMAD , RATHER TARIQ RASOOL , NABI ASHA , WANI ALTAF AHMAD , AKBAR REHANA , ANJUM NAHIDA , BASHIR MONEESA , SHAH ISHFAQ MAJEED , SHABIR ZOHRA
Published: July 2023

Agricultural crop production is critically restrained by many plant pathogens and pests, particularly where a number of them exist concurrently. A use disease-resistant plant variety is one of the most effective ways to reduce the negative impacts of plant pathogens on crop production and yield. Recent advancements in novel breeding techniques offer the potential to expedite disease resistance breeding in a variety of plants. Because of its ability to make precise alterations in plant genomes and trait stacking through multiplexing, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has become as the most effective technique for genetic enhancement. CRISPR/Cas9 is a fast evolving genome editing tool that has been successfully used in many species, including experimental and agricultural plants. Disease resistance is rapidly engineered by CRISPR-based genome editing tools by directly targeting specific nucleotide sites of plant pathogens. This method is highly effective, having low risk of off-target effects as compared to other genome editing techniques, and is reasonably simple to use. CRISPR-Cas technology produce incredible broad-spectrum disease resistance in crops with the assistance of CRISPR-Cas technology where specific host susceptibility genes are targeted (Susceptibility-gene approach) or DNA of plant pathogens is cleaved (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) in order to restrain their emergence. CRISPR-Cas technology is successfully being employed to enhance crop immunity and tolerance to number of plant pathogens, and thereafter leading to the development of disease-resistant crops. In this review, we will discuss about theCRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing technology and its utilization in plant disease resistance.
EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: KHAJJAK ABDUL HAFEEZ , MEMON NOOR-UN-NISA , WAHOCHO NIAZ AHMED , SHARIF NASEEM , MINAO TANVEER FATIMA , SIDDIQUE IMRAN MUHAMMAD , JAMALI MUZAMIL FAROOQUE , AKHTAR NASEEM , AZAM MUHAMMAD , IRSHAD URWA
Published: July 2023

Seed priming before sowing is well documented to enhance germination and emergence rate of diverse crop species. A pot study was carried out to perceive the efficacy of seed priming on germination and seedling growth of Papaya. Seeds of three papaya varieties including White Beauty, New Sunrise and Mango were used in current study. All primed and unprimed seeds were sown in earthen pots, which were filled with potting medium. Sand, garden soil and farmyard manure were mixed in equal proportion in order to obtain potting medium. The results showed that parameters under observation in this study significantly affected seed priming technique. The results exhibited that germination and other germination related attributes of the papaya seeds were observed decreased with the increasing concentration of potassium sulphate i.e. from 1% to 4%. However the length and weight of shoot and root were observed increased with the increasing concentration of potassium sulphate solution. The highly significant results for most of the germination related parameters obtained from the priming treatment where potassium sulphate was used at 1% with germination percentage (74.08), germination index (2.27) and seedling vigour index (981.28). The maximum shoot length (6.278 cm), root length (16.222 cm) and fresh weight of the shoot (0.7538 g) were noticed from the priming treatment where potassium sulphate was used at 4%. The varietal comparison showed that White beauty had the highest germination percentage (65.54), germination index (1.496) and seedling vigour index (741.29). However maximum shoot (6.222 cm) and root length (14.068 cm) were observed in New Sun rise as compared to White beauty and Mango. There was no significant difference among varieties for mean germination time, fresh weight of shoot and root.
FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE ENHANCE HEAT STRESS TOLERANCE IN TOMATO
Authors: AYUB MUHAMMAD , ABBASI KAREEM YAR , AHMAD SAEED , ANJUM NAVEEDA , AZAM MUHAMMAD , GHANI M. AWAIS , JAHANGEER M. MUZAMIL , ASHRAF M. IRFAN , YUSUF ALQA , KHAN M. ARSLAN , SIDDIQUE IMRAN MUHAMMAD
Published: July 2023

The aim of this research was to enhance heat stress tolerance potential in local tomato germplasm through exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Various concentrations of salicylic acid (e.g., control, 2.5 mM, 3.5 mM and 4.5 mM) and calcium chloride (e.g., control, 0.3 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.5 mM) were applied for the duration of forty days. Physiological parameters include (stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and water use efficiency) as well as biochemical attributes (chlorophyll content, enzyme activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxidase dismutase) of selected tomato genotypes estimated under heat stress conditions. The results revealed that SA and CaCl2 application enhanced vegetative growth of tomato genotypes as compared with control plants. An increased concentration of SA and CaCl2 showed the improved photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content and induced transpiration rate and stomatal conductance and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study proved that foliar spray of SA and CaCl2 involved in stabilizing the cell as well as cellular integrity under heat stress environment.
RESPONSE OF BELL PEPPER GERMPLASM, PHYTOEXTRACTS AND SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS TOWARDS SOUTHERN BLIGHT CAUSED BY Sclerotium rolfsii UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: ATIQ MUHAMMAD , ZAFAR FAIZAN , RAJPUT NASIR AHMED , SAHI SHAHBAZ TALIB , HAMEED AKHTAR , ALI SHAFQAT , USMAN MUHAMMAD , KACHELO GHALIB AYAZ , NAWAZ AHMAD
Published: July 2023

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is prone to attack by a number of diseases, but Southern blight is the most destructive disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. For selection of resistant source, ten varieties of bell pepper were screened out against southern blight in the research area, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results demonstrated that two varieties (TSP-041 and Corral F1) exhibited resistance response, three varieties (Freedom F1, Super Globe F1 and SP-042) expressed moderately resistant, two varieties (Asha, Extra-2) showed moderately susceptible response and the remaining three (SP-041, Aleena F1 and Sayio F1) showed susceptible response against southern blight. For management, four fungicides namely (Cymoxanil+Mancozeb, Systhane, Matalaxyl+Mancozeb, Rescue) @ 0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 and four phytoextracts (Cassia fistula, Allium sativa, Azadirachta indica and Allium cepa) at three concentrations (S/50, S/25, S/15) were evaluated against southern blight of bell pepper on susceptible variety, Savio F1 under RCBD. Out of four fungicides Systhane showed minimum plants mortality (8.676%), while Cymoxanil+Mancozeb showed 14.46, Matalaxyl+Mancozeb 16.566 and Rescue 19.24% of plants mortality as compared to control under field conditions. Among four Plant extracts A. indica   proved the most effective against southern blight followed by Cassia fistula, Allium sativa and Allium cepa as compared to control.
STUDY ON THE ISOLATION AND BIOACTIVITY ASSAY OF SOME COMPOUNDS FROM Nelumbo nucifera GAERTN SEEDS COLLECTED AT TINH TAM LAKE, THUA THIEN HUE, VIETNAM
Authors: THANH LONG DANG , TAN QUANG HOANG , QUYNH TRANG NGUYEN THI , HAN HOANG THI NGOC
Published: July 2023

In this study, we isolated and purified compounds from the n-Butanol segment of seed Concave white Lotus variety (N. nucifera) collected at Tinh Tam Lake, Thua Thien Hue province based on classical column chromatographic methods. Research results have obtained three compounds namely: Nuciferin (NH2 : C19H21NO2), Armepavine (NH8 : C19H23O3N), and Anonaine (NH11 : C17H15NO2). At the concentration of 100 µg/mL, Nuciferin was the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity substance reaching of 94.620 ± 0.657%, followed by Armepavine (74.019 ± 2.400%) and Anonaine (61.151 ± 2.349 %). The IC50 values obtained from these substances were 30.031 ± 1.506 µg/mL (Nuciferin), 43.093 ± 14.215 µg/mL (Armepavine) and 68.217 ± 6.214 µg/mL (Anonaine) respectively. The cytotoxicity results of three active ingredients showed the very low activity of the investigated substances at the studied concentrations. The IC50 value cannot be determined in the concentration range from 0.8; 4; 20 and 100 µg/mL. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, Nuciferin gave the best inhibitory activity against the human gastric cancer cell line MKN7 (23.800%), Armepavine showed the highest inhibitory activity against the oral carcinoma cell line KB (12.320%) and Anonaine showed the best inhibitory activity against the human skin cancer cell line SK-Mel-2 (19.720%). Our results initially show the prospect of using Concave white Lotus seeds as functional foods to support and improve human health.
UTILIZATION OF MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS TO ASCERTAIN SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ENHANCED NUTRITIOUS FODDER YIELD AND CONTRIBUTING ATTRIBUTES IN SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: ALI ZEBA , BIBI AMIR , FATIMA BILQUEES , IQBAL MUHAMMAD AHSAN , AWAIS MUHAMMAD , TAHIR AYESHA , SHAKIL QAMAR , ZAHID IMRAN
Published: July 2023

To get desired level of agricultural crop production, researchers are working hard to achieve appropriate plant genetics which should counterpart with management practices and prevalent environmental conditions. Plant breeders can be more effective in the development of stress tolerant crop cultivars and hybrids when the genetic mechanisms of key traits are understood. The scope of this study was to investigate the genetic potential for divergence and association analysis of fodder yield and quality contributing attributes in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench]. Twenty genotypes of sorghum from USDA and Pakistan were assessed for 10 quantitative traits to recognize the supreme genotypes with balanced fodder quality as well as nutritional aspects. Phenotypic measurements indicated significant variation in plant height (45.33cm to 104.67cm), number of leaves per plant (10.00 to 17.67), leaf area (158.20 cm2 to 356.52 cm2), inter-nodal distance (5.86 cm to 12.10 cm), stem girth (7.36 mm/inch to 11.547 mm/inch), green forage yield (259.62 g to 584.90 g), crude fibre (13.42 % to 31.64 %), crude protein (3.77 % to 6.68 %), total ash contents (8.87 % to 20.65 %) and total digestible nutrients (52.89 % to 72.47 %). Among all the genotypes under investigation U-58 and P-19 performed the best for forage yield and quality related parameters. Green forage yield, crude protein and total digestible nutrient were the traits which were positively correlated with each other in cluster 3, so can be used as selection criteria. This study provided the baseline for future breeding program to maximize the forage yield and quality attributes.
DIVERSITY ANALYSIS IN UPLAND COTTON GENOTYPES FOR FIBRE QUALITY, DISEASE REACTION AND YIELD-RELATED TRAITS
Authors: JAMIL MUHAMMAD , AHMAD SAEED , ULLAH HAFIZ MUHAMMAD ZIA , BABAR MUHAMMAD HUSSNAIN , AHMAD IDREES , JAVED KAMRAN , SHAH SYED WAQAR HUSSAIN
Published: July 2023

Erosion of genetic diversity is a side effect of widely used selection-based plant breeding schemes which ultimately ensued to cultivars bearing a narrow genetic base. The present study was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Vehari, Pakistan during the year 2020-21. The aim was to explore the genetic diversity present in the studied genotypes. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation study, K- mean clustering, and biplot analysis techniques were applied to 102 upland cotton genotypes. Sowing was completed by following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first three principal components (PC) depicted eigenvalue >1 and enfolded with 53.159% of aggregate variability. Seed cotton yield, ginning out turn (GOT), staple length, and micronaire value (MV) were loaded to PC-1. The plant stature was loaded to PC-2, while the plant population indicated relatedness to PC-3. The MV revealed a positive correlation (0.341) with GOT, while negative bonding (-0.204) with staple length (p<0.05). Cluster analysis classified the studied genotypes into 7 clusters. The highest Mahalanobis distance (16828) was noted between genotypes located in clusters 2 and 6. Biplot analysis demonstrated the unique scatter behaviour of GP-1, GP-8, GP-21, GP-38, GP-39 and VH-259 (check) genotypes being located at the vertex of the polygon. The genotypes in clusters 2 and 6 might be used as parents in future gene pyramiding schemes to breed cotton cultivars with a broad genetic base. Such imminent cultivars will be able to combat incipient stress factors due to climate change.
EVALUATION OF MASH (Vigna mungo (L.) HEPPER) LINES/ GENOTYPES FOR RESISTANCE/ TOLERANCE TO URDBEAN LEAF CRINKLE VIRUS (ULCV) AND MUNGBEAN YELLOW MOSAIC VIRUS (MYMV) USING CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Authors: BATOOL ASIA , AKHTAR MUHAMMAD , IQBAL MUHAMMAD AZHAR , AMIN MUHAMMAD AMIR , FAROOQ JEHANZEB
Published: July 2023

A field experiment comprising of 40 mash bean genotypes were conducted to screen the germplasm for Mung bean yellow mosaic virus and urdbean leaf crinkle virus. The genotypes were also evaluated for chlorophyll contents. The experiment was laid out using randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance was done to find out differences among the genotypes for MYMV and ULCV and chlorophyll contents. Significant variation was found for both diseases and chlorophyll contents. Cluster analysis revealed that cluster 3 genotypes with lower ULCV and lowest MYMV disease. The genotype 20M011 showed no symptoms of the MYMV disease followed by 21M001, 21M009, 62027, M-97,  20M004, 19M008 which exhibited disease incidence of 1%. Regarding studies of ULCV disease in same genotypes it was revealed that minimum infestation was found in genotype 20M003 4.0% followed by 19 M010, 16M004, 17 M011, 20M003, 20M012, 21M002, 21M004, 21M005, 21M006 with a value of 8.0%. The genotypes with higher tolerance may be exploited in breeding programmes aimed at the development of varieties having higher disease tolerance.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR POTATO COMMON SCAB
Authors: AKRAM WAQAR , ABBAS AMJAD , MALIK NATASHA , SALEEM MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH , ASLAM MUHAMMAD USMAN , SHEHZAD ABID
Published: July 2023

Common scab (CS) is a major disease and quality issue in potato crops all over the world. Due to surface degradation market value is decreased.  In recent years, the understanding of CS has grown significantly, allowing a better identification of the causative pathogens and a better understanding of pathogenicity processes, as well as prospective techniques for modifying pathogen response for disease resistance. Effective control of the disease, on the other hand, remains challenging, and needs a better knowledge of both the host and the pathogen. Irrigation and lowering the pH of the soil are common yet ineffective management techniques. Change in environmental conditions can affect the pathogen virulence which may results in disease reduction. Improving environmental conditions to reduce CS is, paradoxically, conducive for other diseases. Disease resistant potato varieties would be the best control approach. This review, provides  an overview of potato CS caused by some Streptomyces species (viz. scabies, europaeiscabiei, turgidiscabies, that produce phytotoxins known as thaxtomins. Recent research findings on disease causes and treatment, and knowledge gaps that prevent successful control of this widespread and severe disease. This review also targets the history, symptoms and casual organisms of CS along with integrated management strategies (IMS) that includes soil amendments and agronomic practices.
OPTIMIZATION OF GROWTH REGULATORS ON In vitro PROPAGATION OF Moringa oleifera Lam. AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF FIELD GROWN TISSUE CULTURED PLANTS
Authors: CHAU MAI HAI , SAM HOANG VAN
Published: July 2023

Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the Moringaceae family attributed to several medicinal uses and a high nutritional value. To obtain plantlets of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) with identical genetic make up for propagation or field production, in vitro cultures of drumstick tree were produced. For multiple shoot induction, the stem explants of drumstick tree plantlets were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyl adenine purine (BAP) and maintained at 25 ± 2°C for 5 weeks. The results showed that multiple shoot induction was present in the stem explants that were cultured on the MS medium supplemented with BAP at the concentration range of 0.5 - 3.0 mg/l or the combination of BAP at 1.5 mg/l, TDZ at the range of 0.2 - 1.0 mg/l and NAA at the range of 0.2 -1.0 mg/l. The MS medium containing BAP at 1.5 mg/l was found to produce 95.3% shoot formation with the highest average number of 8.4 shoots per explants. For plant regeneration, the shoot explants were cultured on ½ MS + 7 g/l agar + 15 g/l sucrose supplemented with IBA and IAA at different concentration root induction. The results showed that ½ MS + 7 g/l agar + 15 g/l sucrose supplemented with IBA at 0.3 mg/l and IAA at 0.2 mg/l produced 100% root formation with the highest average number of 4.2 roots per explants and 3.5 cm in length. The medium consisting of (40% soil + 50% sawdust + 10% worm compost) gave the highest average survival rate (88.9%) after 5 weeks under greenhouse conditions. Tissue culture protocol reported in this study is an alternative means of micro propagation of drumstick plantlets with uniform genotypes for breeding selection and field production.
In Vitro CALLUS PROLIFERATION FOR PRODUCTION OF SHIKONIN DERIVATIVES AND PROTEIN PROFILING IN Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) A.DC.
Authors: RAM KHETA , PATEL ASHOK KUMAR , CHOUDHARY SUMITRA KUMARI , SHEKHAWAT N. S.
Published: July 2023

Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) A.DC. (Boraginaceae), a red dye-yielding and medicinally important plant, is commonly distributed in arid/semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. This paper highlights an in vitro callus proliferation protocol for production of shikonin and its derivatives. Immature seeds explants were found to be most favorable for callus induction (74.6±1.52%). During callus induction, the maximum percentage response (78.9±1.57) was achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS, 1962)  medium with additives supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg L-1) and 2, 4-D (2.0 mg L-1). Dye producing red colored globular and fast-growing (four-fold) callus was achieved on 2, 4-D (0.1 mg L-1), Kin (0.5 mg L-1) and BAP (0.1 mg L-1). In vivo root extract and in vitro proliferated callus extract were compared using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Six and four promising bands were recorded from in vivo root extract and in vitro callus extract, respectively on the Methanol : Chloroform (1:9) extraction system. Three different types of calli (red, dark red and green) growing on varying media composition were studied for differential gene expression using SDS – PAGE which revealed presence of seven, twelve and twelve protein bands, respectively. The presence of one extra band (21.4 kDa) in dark red callus might be responsible for dye/shikonin derivative production. The results obtained in this study are preliminary and requires further analysis of protein profile/proteome in order to understand the shikonin production mechanism in this plant.
HERITABILITY, GENETIC ADVANCE AND TRAIT INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF Chenopodium quinoa UNDER LOW, MEDIUM AND HIGH N ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZER CONDITIONS
Authors: AL-NAGGAR AHMED MEDHAT MOHAMED , ATTA MOHAMED MOHAMED , EL-MONEIM MAISA LOTFY ABD , AL-METWALLY MARIAM SABRY
Published: July 2023

Strong correlations (r) between grain yield and other related traits along with high heritability (H2b) and high genetic advance (GA) would help plant breeder to use such traits as selection criteria for high yielding genotype. The objectives of the present investigation were: (i) to assess H2b and GA for 28 traits of 37 quinoa genotypes under low-N (LN), Medium-N (MN) and High-N (HN) organic and mineral fertilizers and (ii) to identify the selection criteria for selecting high seed yield genotypes under each and across the environments. A two-year field experiment was conducted, using a split split-plot design with three replications. Main plots were devoted to two fertilizer types, namely organic (OF) and mineral (MF), sub-plots to three N rates; namely LN (71.4), MN (142.8) and HN (214.2) kg N/ha, and sub sub-plots to 37 quinoa genotypes. The best selection environment for high seed yield/plant that showed the highest H2b and GA estimates and the strongest correlations with seed yield/ha was the low-N organic fertilizer (LN-OF) and the high-N mineral fertilizer (HN-MF) environment.  Across all stressed (LN and MN) and non-stressed (HN) environments, the results indicated that seed yield/plant, biological yield/plant, nitrogen use efficiency, branches/plant, leaf area, inflorescence diameter, leaves area/plant, stem diameter, leaf area index, leaves/plant, plant height, 1000-seed weight and inflorescence weight were strongly inter-correlated and strongly correlated with seed yield/ha, had high heritability and high genetic advance and therefore could be regarded as selection criteria in breeding programs for high seed yield of quinoa under N-stressed and non-stressed environments. Further studies should be carried out on other quinoa germplasm to ascertain this conclusion.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF DIFFERENT RICE BLAST ISOLATES FROM DIFFERENT RICE GROWING AREAS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Authors: MUSTAFA SHAHBAZ , HABIB AMER , SAHI SHAHBAZ TALIB , WAKIL WAQAS
Published: July 2023

Rice blast disease is a major threat main rice growing areas due to its devastating nature and causes huge yield losses annually. The morpho-physiological variation studies of all thirty isolates performed at different temperatures, pH, carbon, nitrogen sources and various growing media i.e. oat meal agar, potato dextrose agar ,2% agar + host seed extract, and Richard basal media. Isolate of SK-5 isolate have maximum colony diameter 38.77mm recorded at 25°C and maximum dry mycelial weight 295.45 mg of SK-4 isolate recorded at the same temperature. At hydrogen ion concentration 6 SK-2 isolate have maximum colony diameter 40.97mm recorded and dry mycelial weight 295.46mg of SK-4 recorded at same hydrogen ion concentration. Isolate of SK-1 isolate have highest colony diameter 85.40mm on glucose and mycelial weight 313.35 of SK-4 isolate recorded at same source. Isolate of SK-3 isolate have highest diameter 85.54mm at the L Glycine nitrogen source and dry mycelial weight of SK-2 isolate recorded 313.35mg. On Richard basal media isolate of SK-3 has maximum colony diameter 81.13mm and SK-5 isolate 80.63mm recorded on oatmeal agar media. Isolate SK-3 has a maximum mycelial weight of 306.56mg in Richard basal media followed by SK-3 isolate 271.44 mg recorded in oatmeal media. These variation indicated that isolates collected from different locations have not morphological similar.
INFLUENCE OF HEAT STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD POTENTIAL OF PROMISING BREAD WHEAT CULTIVARS
Authors: MUNAWAR NADEEM , NIJABAT ANEELA , HUSSAIN RAMEEZ , SHAH ADEEL IJAZ , NAWAZ SAHER , NAZIR ATIA , NAVEED NAIMA HUMA , KHAN BILAL AHMAD , MAHMOOD-UR-REHMAN MUHAMMAD , SAJID ANUM , BATOOL ZOOFISHAN , SHEHZAD TAHIR , NOMAN ASAD , AHMAD SHAHERYAR , ZUBAIR MASAB , TAJAMUL FARYAL , NOORKA IJAZ RASOOL , NADEEM MUHAMMAD ATHER , ALI AAMIR
Published: July 2023

Population pressure and deforestation has catastrophic impacts on the global environment. Elevated air temperature is the most serious threat to agriculture sector especially cereal crops.  Wheat is a major cereal and consumed as staple food by 2/3rd of total population but its annual yield has drastically been reduced in response to severe heat stress exposure during various growth stages in last two decades. Therefore, there is dire need to pay an immediate attention to screen promising wheat varieties particularly in hot environments. Hence, physiological and yield potential of ten wheat cultivars (Hashim-08, Lasani-08, Farid-06, Ujala-15, Sehar-06, AARI-08, Galaxy-13, NARC-09, NARC-11 and Pakistan-13) was evaluated for two years (2019 and 2020) under early and late sown conditions in present study. Canopy temperature depression, cell membrane thermostability, pre-anthesis stem reserve mobilization, relative cell injury, relative growth performance, and stress susceptibility index were measured as stress indicator to evaluate the performance of tested wheat cultivars. Wheat cultivars NARC-09, NARC-11 and Pakistan-13 were declared as heat tolerant while Hashim-08, Lasani-08, Farid-06, Ujala-15, Sehar-06, AARI-08 and Galaxy-13 were found to be susceptible towards terminal heat stress. This wheat stock will be a useful parental material to develop tolerant varieties in wheat breeding programs.
UTILIZATION OF CRISPR CAS 9 SYSTEM IN CROP IMPROVEMENTS
Authors: SHARMA AVINASH , DEVADAS V. S. , MANPOONG CHOWLANI , SONI GAYTRI , KARTHA BHAGYA, D.
Published: July 2023

The present paper reviews the developments in the use of the CRISPR Cas 9 system for crop improvement and crop variety development. The CRISPR Cas 9 tool is a prominent and efficient technology in gene manipulation employed for crop improvement in horticultural and agricultural crops. These tools are more accurate than zinc finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator, such as effecter nucleases (TALENs) in generic manipulation. Until the year 2020, this was employed for crop improvement program of 41 food crop species, 15 industry crops, 6 oil crops, 8 ornamental crops and 1 fibre crop. The tool is utilized for morphological characters, flowering and yield, biofortification and quality improvement charters, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, self incompatibility management, male sterility, haploid induction, translation modification in crops, etc. The tool has been used in the development of several varieties such as waxy corn maize, New Kasalath rice, New TeTe Pu rice, and modified Swarna Rice fulfilling the desired traits. Further, the tool would overcome constraints of inbreeding depression, stress tolerance, embryo breakdown in the crops. Assessment of the available information shows that most of the reported work are related to improving the quality and disease resistance of crops (which are governed by mono or oligogenic genes) rather than growth and yield characters (governed by polygenic genes). This tool will be a very effective and useful method for crop improvement integrated with conventional methods leading to important developments in agriculture industry and the farming community.