Agricultural Sciences Journal

SCREENING OF RICE GERMPLASM AGAINST DROUGHT STRESS USING MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

2024-02-12T11:06:48+00:00

Oryza sativa L. is a staple diet for billions of people in the world. Different rice varieties' drought stress responses and their effects on both qualitative and quantitative variables. Rice is the second main exportable product of Pakistan and the agriculture sector has shown remarkable growth, with the crop sector posting a growth of 6.58% in Fiscal year 2022. Drought have a bad effect on the vegetative and reproductive stages of crops. Drought stress can reduce crop yield production. The RCBD design, two-way ANOVA factorial analysis, Tukey test, Genetic advance and Heritability were used for this experiment. This study specifically focuses on the response of rice genotypes to drought stress and its effect on morphological parameters such as plant height, panicle length, stem diameter, flag leaf length and width, number of panicles per plant, and 1000-grain weight. Drought tolerance genotypes were screened out and used to the standard Index of IRRI to identify morphological processing in Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan. Total 35 rice genotypes were sown under drought stress with checked variety. Six varieties perform better production under drought stress conditions. These varieties like Pokkoli, Vehari, Nonabokra, Kalomonk, PK10683, and Basmati 375 show better perform under drought stress. The findings of this research can contribute to the development of drought-tolerant rice varieties and enhance food security in drought-prone areas. The importance of qualitative parameters, such as panicle curvature and awning, is also explored, with potential implications for the visual appearance and market preferences of rice grains. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the genetic basis and potential breeding strategies for improving drought tolerance in rice.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF PRECISION GROUNDNUT DIGGER-INVERTER

2024-08-17T11:57:24+00:00

Conventional groundnut digger blades are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and have high yield losses (up to 30%). The objective of this study was to adopt a precision groundnut harvesting technology in the country to reduce groundnut harvesting losses and to compare its performance with the conventional digger blade. Agricultural Engineering Institute, NARC, PARC imported a precision groundnut digger-inverter from the USA. This machine was tested at farmer’s fields and its performance was compared with the conventional digger. Data from both machines were collected for total digging losses, viz exposed pod losses, unexposed pod losses, damaged pod losses, and undug pod losses from different locations in the Pothohar region of Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed that total pod losses using an imported precision digger shaker harvesting machine were 4.76%, whereas the total losses of a conventional digger were 28.26%. The operational cost using a conventional digger was Rs. 4,400/a, which was reduced to Rs. 2,350/a using a precision digger-inverter. The net benefit in terms of recoverable losses was Rs. 14,050 per acre. It is concluded that a significant amount of losses is reduced and farmer profit increases by adopting precision groundnut digger-inverter. There is a need to upscale this technology in the country's groundnut growing areas to reduce harvesting losses.

TRACING THE DIVERSITY OF CULTIVATED TRANSGENIC COTTON IN PAKISTAN BY SSR BASED DNA FINGERPRINTING

2024-08-13T07:56:46+00:00

The introduction of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is one of the success stories of applying biotechnology in agriculture. It also decreased the use of insecticides and the production cost as an environmental and economic benefit, respectively. The use of selective genotypes as a parental material for Bt cotton breeding has resulted in the multiplication of limited germplasm. The main objective of the study was to find out the genetic diversity of cultivated Bt cotton genotypes by fingerprinting. Twenty-two SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic differences in Bt cotton genotypes, collected from two different sources i.e., research institutes and open market. Results showed that the Polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from zero to 0.673. A UPGMA based dendrogram divided all the genotypes into four main clusters. Eighty-six percent similarity was observed between VH-282 and AS-01 while the lowest similarity of 45% was found between IUB-222 and FH-167.This diversity of newly introduced transgenic genotypes will help to detect the diverse lines to be used in future for broadening the genetic base of Bt cotton in Pakistan. Another observation was that a genotype, FH-114 oBtained from two sources was clustered in two different clades. This showed the presence of name variants for a particular genotype depicting adulteration of seed available in seed market which need to be addressed. Though the adoption of Bt cotton was rapid, but the economic impact of this adoption was not significant in Pakistan as compared to other developing countries. The identified problem might be one of the reasons, limiting the benefits of this technology to be harvested out of it.

ANALYZING WHEAT VARIETY NAWAB-21 FOR AGRONOMIC, PATHOLOGICAL AND ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION ATTRIBUTES UNDER MULTILOCATIONAL TRIALS

2024-06-14T05:45:53+00:00

Wheat variety Nawab-21 is one of the elite genotypes of CIMMYT germplasm Harvest plus yield trial (7-HPYT, 2016-17) with high zinc contents and more yield potential as compared to earlier evolved biofortified and non-biofortified wheat varieties. The variety was initially screened out at the Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan in station yield trials, where it gave 5537 kg ha^-1grain yield which was 11% higher than the check varieties. In multi-locational yield trials, the variety’s yield potential was recorded as 7007 kg ha^-1in Alipur region. The variety also came-up when tested in National Wheat Disease Screening Nursery’s (NWDSN) for disease (rusts) resistance in both years of national uniform wheat yield trials (NUWYT 2019-20 and 2020-21). Nawab-21 is medium in maturity with head emerging from the flag leaf between 90-95 days and matures within 140-145 days.

EVALUATION OF VARIOUS COTTON GENOTYPES THROUGH GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS

2023-10-20T20:10:45+00:00

Fifty-two varieties/strains of cotton were studied to explore the genetic divergence in the yield trials at Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad. The study aimed to identify strains with earliness, CLCuD tolerance, and superior yield with better fiber quality. Correlation analysis showed significant positive association of seed cotton yield (SCY) with boll number, boll weight(g), ginning out turn (GOT) and fiber length, while significant negative association with leaf curl disease and first flower appearance date was observed. Principal components analysis revealed that four out of 11 principal component showed Eigen value ˃1. The contribution of these PCs towards total variability was 76.8% with PC-1 with maximum (44.4%), followed by PC-2 (12.2%), PC-3 (10.9 %) and PC-4 (9.3%). Traits including yield, bolls number, boll weight and plant height exhibited noteworthy positive factor loading in PC-1, while cotton leaf curl virus, days to first boll opening and first flower had maximum negative loadings. The findings of cluster analysis indicated that the genotypes present in cluster V (FH-1131, FH-1133, FH-1214, FH-525, FH-453, FH-333, FH-1132, FH-1135, FH-416, FH-1134 and FH-938) have excellent combination of all desirable traits viz., earliness, fiber quality, seed cotton yield (SCY) and its contributing traits. As apparent from the results of cluster and principal components analyses, topmost genotypes based on genetic divergence data may also be tested in provincial and national yield trials because they have combination of better yield and quality parameters.

FRUITING BEHAVIOR AND FRUIT QUALITY OF LEADING MANGO CULTIVARS GROWN IN SOUTH PUNJAB-PAKISTAN

2024-07-19T07:33:41+00:00

Mango is an important and exportable fruit crop of Pakistan However, it is being cultivated in Indo-Pakistan region from centuries, yet farmers face decline in mango production due to lack of available knowledge about fruit bearing habits of mango trees. In order to provide this basic information, a three year study plan was carried out on 10 elite varieties of mangoes from 2018-2020 in Punjab Pakistan. Data was statistically analyzed through R statistical programing using ANOVA analysis. The data depicts that cultivar Dusehri, Late Retaul, Sansation and Sufaid Chaunsa took maximum flowering on old shoots while Azeem Chaunsa, Kala Chaunsa, Langra, Sindhri and Anwar Retaul on new shoots. Fruit bearing on old shoots was significantly higher in Dusehri (75.80), while minimum on Azeem Chaunsa (0.0). The fruit bearing on new shoots was significantly higher on Anwar Retaul (99.73), while it was minimum on Dusehri (25.06). Significantly higher fruit weight was observed in Sufaid Chaunsa and total soluble solids were higher in Kala Chaunsa while minimum were observed in Sansation (15.93). Acidity was non-significantly different among the cultivars. Hence, it was concluded that Dusehri, Late Retaul, Sansation and Sufaid Chaunsa took maximum flowering on old shoots while Azeem Chaunsa, Kala Chaunsa, Langra, Sindhri and Anwar Retaul on new shoots. Our studies provide understanding of fruiting behavior which helps in devising mango crop’s varietal-specific management system and paves the way for mango’s quality and yield enhancement.

INFESTATION OF DIFFERENT INSECT PESTS ON NOVEL COTTON CULTIVARS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON COTTON FIBER QUALITY PARAMETERS

2024-04-23T06:09:51+00:00

Pakistan is the 5^th largest producer of cotton in the world. Exports of cotton and textile products have a share of around 60 percent in overall exports of the country. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the different fiber quality parameters in relation to different insect pest populations. The introduction of this new types of cultivars may satisfy the needs of farmers for better quality and quantity, laborers who harvest crops, and other investors, including those in the cotton sector. A field research was carried out at the Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the year 2023 cotton cultivars (VH-447, FH-1133, BH-228, SLH-94, MNH-S GOLD, BH-227, FH-1214, MNH-1095, VH-442, MNH-1090, RH-BAGHO BAHAR, MNH-1050, and MNH-TP) were evaluated for resistance to sucking pests such as whitefly (Bemisia tabaci); jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula); and thrips (Thrips tabaci) as well as bollworms such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella); spotted bollworm (Earias insulana; E. vitelli); and American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). There were notable variations across the genotypes in terms of the population of sucking and bollworm insect pest infestation, which lowers cotton production and negatively affects fiber quality. FH-1133 showed the lowest average populations of thrips (1.00/leaf), jassid (0.27/leaf), and whiteflies (2.00/leaf), indicating the highest resistance. The average population (9.84%) of pink bollworm larvae in residual boll. The virus percentage on different cotton genotypes recorded after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days was 0.00, 9.00, 14.00, and 19.00%, respectively. The cultivar FH-1133 was observed to be good for all other genotypes of cotton due to its yield (2372.50 kg/acre), and it had the following lint quality attributes: GOT (46.50%), staple length (28.50 mm), fiber fineness (4.70 µg/inch), and fiber strength (33.20 g/tex).

PHOSPHORUS BIOFERTILIZER AS EFFICIENT FERTILIZER FOR IMPROVING NUTRIENT UPTAKES AND CORN YIELD

2024-04-18T20:41:38+00:00

Phosphorus use efficiency in soils of Pakistan is reported less than 15%. However, phosphorus (P) bio-fertilizers have potential to improve P use efficiency (PUE) in these soils on sustainable basis. A primary study was conducted under control conditions of greenhouse to compare P availability from reduced rates of phosphorus bio-fertilizer (PSB-DAP) with P available from 100% rate of DAP recommended for maize. Based on the findings, a field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 100% rate of uncoated DAP and 50-75% rate of PSB-DAP on corn yield and PUE. The treatment for both studies included; control (with fertilizers), 100% of recommended P₂O₅ from Commercial DAP (C-DAP₁₀₀), 75% of recommended P₂O₅ from PSB-DAP (PSB-DAP₇₅) and 50% of recommended P₂O₅ from PSB-DAP (PSB-DAP₅₀). Results explored that available P from PSB-DAP₅₀ and C-DAP₁₀₀ was statistically at par while PSB-DAP₇₅ at 30, 45 and 60 days of incubation. The findings of field study also revealed that PBS-DAP improved cob weight by 5-10%, chlorophyll contents by 14-23%, 1000-grains weight by 8-10%, grain yield by 10%, and P uptake by 35%, PUE efficiency by 42% compared to C-DAP₁₀₀. This work can be used as a case study to promote P bio-fertilizers among farming community and researchers in order to for make effective use of alternate P sources for crop production.

CHROMIUM TOXICITY AMELIORATED BY 24-EPIBRASSINOSTEROIDS IN CORIANDRUM SATIVUM

2024-07-24T08:45:02+00:00

Cr (VI) stress poses a significant challenge to plant growth and development, resulting in reduced yields and
economic losses in agriculture globally. Coriander is the oldest spice of the world. It is basically a leafy
vegetable rich in protein, vitamins and dietary products. 24-Epibrassinosteroids (BRs) have been identified as
regulators of stress responses, by associating with the expression of genes associated with stress. This study
aimed to investigate the effects of 24-Epibrassinosteroid on Chromium (VI) toxicity in (Coriandrum sativum)
plant. An experiment is designed to study the effect of Antioxidant hormone 24-epibrassinosteroid to eliminate
the toxicity of chromium (50 μmol and 100 μmol). The experiment consisted of two varieties (Dhania and
coriander) under Cr stress. The findings revealed that the application of 24-Epibrassinosteroids mitigate the
negative impacts of heavy metal chromium on plant growth. It resulted in significant improvements in various
parameters related to plant growth, yield and biochemical processes. Overall, the result suggested that the
application of 24-Epibrassinosteroid could effectively alleviate the detrimental effects of heavy metal stress,
ultimately enhancing the growth and productivity of coriander plants. Molecular docking presented that there is
strong affinity between 24-epibrassinosteroid (24-Ebr) and defense protein (1-Psd) with four hydrogen bonds
observed through autodock Vina. This prediction shows improved defense mechanism in peas with the
application of brassinosteroid to cope with chromium stress which needs to be farther investigated.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOPLASMA ON TOMATO IN BAHAWALPUR REGION

2024-08-19T16:23:10+00:00

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a most significant and widely planted horticultural crop over the globe,
ancestrally belonging to Solanaceae family. Its genetic formation makes it vulnerable to all pathogens (Viruses,
Bacteria, Fungi, Nematodes, and Phytoplasmas). After viruses, phytoplasmas are the rising threat to tomato
production, as they cause significant yield losses across the globe. During the field visit of tomato growing area
in Bahawalpur, tomato leaf samples showing prominent symptoms were collected and nucleic acid extraction
was performed to identify the causal agent of the disease. Extracted DNA was further processed using
polymerase chain reaction as a molecular characterization technique. After 16S rRNA employing the gene-specific primer pair P1/P7, PCR product of about 1800 bp was amplified, and retrieved sequence was submitted
to Genbank (accession Number: OQ651404). The sequence analysis was performed showing the maximum
similarity with the Candidatus Phytoplasmas isolated from field bindweed (convolvulus arvensis L) reported
from Pakistan (accession Number: MT119155). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence of
association of Candidatus Phytoplasmas with leaf shortening disease of tomato from Pakistan. The findings
require immediate attention and extensive investigation into their distribution in Pakistan, as well as appropriate
interventions.