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Objective: To determine the postoperative outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic single port surgery (VATS) in the treatment of pleural empyema. Methods: This case series was conducted at Department of thoracic Surgery, Karachi. It was 16 months study from September 2020 to January 2022. Total 170 patients of both genders were included. Informed and written consent was taken from all included patients. Complete history and thorough clinical examination of patients were obtained. All operations were employing one lung ventilation, general anesthesia, and a double-lumen endotracheal tube. Each and every patient was followed up till 4 weeks to assess the postoperative outcomes. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS-21. Results: In this study mean age was 56.9±17.7 years. Out of 170 patients, 97 (57%) were male and 73 (43%) female. The postoperative outcomes of U-VATS in the treatment of pleural empyema were determined, mean operation time was 130.0±64.6minutes, mean pain score at first post-operative day was 2 ± 1.6, the mean duration of pain was 2.5±2.1 days, mean pain score after removal of chest tube was 0.33±0.9 and mean cosmetic score was 2.45±0.4. Postoperative paresthesia was observed in 9 (5.3%) cases, no wound infection was observed and satisfactory re-expansion of lung was noted in 154 (90.5%) cases. Conclusion: Even in stages 1 and 2 of the condition, pleural empyema can be effectively treated with U-VATS, and the procedure has relevant postoperative outcomes in terms of reduced discomfort, less complications, and aesthetic improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of crop cultivars with desired attributes is crucial due to the vulnerability of crop varieties to various biotic and abiotic stresses over time. This necessitates the replacement of existing varieties with genotypes that exhibit enhanced productivity potential and built-in tolerance against a range of stresses. This study highlights the development of a new desi chickpea cultivar "Thal-2020" using conventional plant breeding procedures. This variety expressed higher yield potential, bold seed size and resistance to various diseases. The breeding process commenced in 2006-07 by crossing two local genotypes, 97086 (female parent) and 950130 (male parent), to create genetic variability for bold seed size. Recombinants having higher yield along with bold grains were selected from the F2 population raised from the F1 seed. Subsequent single plant selections (SPS) were accomplished and further advancement from F3 to F5 generations were carried out through the plant pedigree selection method, mainly focusing on recombinants possessing high yield potential with bold grains. Uniform lines were selected from F6 generation and bulked. Ultimately, the promising and uniform line "TG1410" later on named "Thal-2020" was selected from F7 population during 2013-14. This selected line underwent rigorous evaluation for yield potential and disease resistance during the process of evolution. In various station, adaptation, and national yield trials, this cultivar consistently outperformed standard checks (Bittle-2016, Punjab-2008 and Bhakkar-2011) with higher yield. Notably, the candidate variety TG1410 expressed a potential yield of 4513 kg ha-1 in Provincial Yield Trial 2018-19 conducted at Gram Breeding Research Sub-Station, Kallur Kot (Bhakkar), Punjab, Pakistan. The salient features of "Thal-2020" include bold, brown-colored ram-headed grains, with 100-grains weight of 27-28g, semi-erect growth habit, medium canopy, higher yield potential and resistance to Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt diseases. This first report on the "Thal-2020" chickpea variety highlights its promising traits, including high yield potential, disease resistance, and adaptability to various conditions. "Thal-2020" offers future benefits such as enhanced productivity, reduced pesticide use, and improved economic returns for farmers. Its introduction is expected to significantly enhance the sustainability and profitability of chickpea cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second largest pulse crop cultivated worldwide. Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is the major constraints to chickpea production across the continent including Pakistan. The pathogen Ascochyta rabiei is highly variable. Chickpea cultivars contain limited resistance to pathogen due to their potential for sexual recombination. Investigations were conducted for the identification resistant sources against A.rabiei. Sixty-six chickpea accessions and one susceptible variety were tested against A. rabiei. However, four accessions TG-1427, Star Channa, PARB913/CH03 and PARB913/CH02 showed resistant reaction, eight accessions moderately resistant reaction, eleven accessions developed moderately susceptible reaction whereas twenty two accessions recorded susceptible reaction, moreover remaining twenty one accessions exhibited highly susceptible reaction with maximum ratings = 9. Ten fungicides were tested against A. rabiei at three concentrations (3g, 5g and 7g/liter of water) on the susceptible cultivars (AUG-424). Application of Pyraclostrobin and Azoxystrobin proved most effective and expressed minimum disease incidence 8.37 and 10.97% respectively on comparison to control 77.31%. Results of the present investigation will help the farming community and researchers for timely management of A. blight. Resistant accessions that were identified in this study will be useful for developing blight resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bhakkar-2011, a bold seeded, wilt resistant and high yielding variety of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), was developed from a cross between two genotypes (90243 x Paidar-91). The hybridization work was initiated at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during the year 1995-96 using pedigree method of selection. The segregating population was evaluated for desirable traits and advanced to F6 generation. The pure line was selected from F6 generation during 2001-02. It was tested in various station yield trials from 2002-03 to 2006-07 before moving to adaptability trials. It was then evaluated simultaneously in coordinated uniform yield trials and national uniform yield trials during the years 2008-09 and 2009-10. The variety produced 5.34-39.4 percent more seed yield in different yield trials over respective checks with a yield potential of 4000 kg per hectare. Its plant habit is semi-erect with 60-65 cm plant height. It has narrow leaves. Number of primary branches varies from 2-4 whereas secondary branches range from 11-15 depending upon abiotic and biotic factors. It takes 90-95 days to 50 percent flowering after sowing while flowering duration is 60-65 days. Number of pods per plant varies from 90-96 with 2-3 seeds per pod while pod shattering is absent. Its seed is bold in size having higher 1000-seed weight (276 g). It performs better at seed rate of 75 kg per hectare with 15 cm plant spacing and 32-84-0 kg NPK per hectare. With resistance bold seededness, high yield potential and suitability for both irrigated and rainfed conditions are major attributes of new chickpea variety Bhakkar-2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16 year old female presented with complain of fever, shortness of breath and upper abdominal pain. Investigation and clinical examination suggestive of empyema thoracis. At thoracotomy Margagni's hernia was found. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the incidental diagnosis of Morgagni's hernia presenting as a thoracic mass in a patient with empyema thoracis. The rationale behind reporting this case is to create educational awareness regarding the rarity of this hernia and its associated presentation with empyema thoracis, both of which were managed surgically during a single procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume. In Pakistan, yield potential of chickpea is low due to the prevalence of Fusarium wilt. Present investigations were conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan during winter 2021. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) following three replications. Thirty chickpea genotypes were examined for their resistant levels against Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum ciceris (FOC). Six exhibited resistant response with <10% disease incidence and seven genotypes were moderately resistant (11-20% DI) against wilt pathogen. However, five genotypes recorded moderately susceptible response (21-29% DI) and five genotypes showed susceptible response (30-50% DI) moreover; the remaining seven genotypes expressed highly susceptible response with maximum percent disease index (PDI) (>50%). Maximum and minimum disease incidence was recorded on CH-32/10 (7.26%) and D-15024 (69.61%) genotypes, respectively. It is concluded that chickpea resistant genotypes including CH-32/10, TG-1410 identified in present study might be helpful in different breeding programs against wilting pathogen. Among six fungicides (Fosetyle aluminium, Derosal, Shinkar, Ridomil gold, Cabrio Top, Acrobate) Fosetyle aluminium caused maximum disease reduction (75.16%) at the concentration of 3 g/liter of water followed by Derosal carbendazim) (65.76), Shinkar (59.44), Ridomil gold (52.41), Cabrio Top (44.17) and acrobat (41.86) respectively on comparison to control. Results are also helpful for the farmers for timely management of fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume. In Pakistan, yield potential of chickpea is low due to the prevalence of Fusarium wilt. Present investigations were conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan during winter 2021. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) following three replications. Thirty chickpea genotypes were examined for their resistant levels against Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum ciceris (FOC). Six exhibited resistant response with <10% disease incidence and seven genotypes were moderately resistant (11-20% DI) against wilt pathogen. However, five genotypes recorded moderately susceptible response (21-29% DI) and five genotypes showed susceptible response (30-50% DI) moreover; the remaining seven genotypes expressed highly susceptible response with maximum percent disease index (PDI) (>50%). Maximum and minimum disease incidence was recorded on CH-32/10 (7.26%) and D-15024 (69.61%) genotypes, respectively. It is concluded that chickpea resistant genotypes including CH-32/10, TG-1410 identified in present study might be helpful in different breeding programs against wilting pathogen. Among six fungicides (Fosetyle aluminium, Derosal, Shinkar, Ridomil gold, Cabrio Top, Acrobate) Fosetyle aluminium caused maximum disease reduction (75.16%) at the concentration of 3 g/liter of water followed by Derosal carbendazim) (65.76), Shinkar (59.44), Ridomil gold (52.41), Cabrio Top (44.17) and acrobat (41.86) respectively on comparison to control. Results are also helpful for the farmers for timely management of fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of genotype × environment interaction is crucial for plant breeders to introduce new cultivar(s) with improved and stable yield performance. The productivity of chickpea crops is very low in Pakistan. It requires the selection of genotypes with optimal productivity for diverse environmental conditions. Fourteen different chickpea genotypes were assessed using the linear mixed model to evaluate genotypes across four diverse chickpea growing regions, including Attock (Punjab), Bhakkar (Punjab), Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Larkana during the year 2017–19. The environmental effect was pronounced and contributed significantly to variation (25.8%) in grain yield. Analysing genotype × environmental interactions at multiple locations facilitates ranking superior genotypes that excel in specific or diverse environments. Notably, the genotypes, viz., Fakhr-e-Thal and Bhakkar-2011, demonstrated superior performance in terms of overall grain yield. Utilising a multitrait stability index, Bittal-2016 and Thal-2006 exhibited the most stable genotypes across various environments and were observed suitable for diverse growing regions. While, for specific environmental conditions, genotypes, i.e., KK-1, Noor-2013 and Fakhr-e-thal, exhibited higher yields and stability. This showed their adaptability to the particular environment. The present study revealed that Larkana as the mega environment was conducive to higher yield, while Attock, Bhakkar, and Karak sites were less favorable for KK-3, DG-89, and Dasht. The BLUP outperformed the AMMI in our analysis of evaluating multi-location trials. The integration of WAASBY and MTSI indices proved useful in differentiating between high yielding genotypes and those with stable performance. These tools are essential for breeders aiming to select genotypes that will perform consistently across diverse environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long term respiratory complications of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) are of great concern. Many studies have reported altered respiratory patterns in COVID-19 recovered individuals and most of them were from severe to critically ill patients. The association of viral load at the time of infection with symptoms of long COVID-19 specifically on pulmonary functions after months of recovery is still not known. This study was aimed to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral load during mild-moderate COVID-19 disease on pulmonary functions in middle-aged population after 6–8 months of acute infection. Methods: This study included 300 (102 healthy controls and 198 COVID-19 recovered) individuals between age 30–60 of either gender. Mild-moderate COVID-19 recovered individuals were recruited between a period of 6–8 months post-acute infection. Spirometry was performed with MIR-Spirolab-III. The association of spirometry pattern was compared with SARS-CoV-2 viral loads during acute infection. Results: We observed up to 70% of the participants presented with either shortness of breath (11.5%), body aches (23.5%), recurrent cough (4.4%), recurrent respiratory infections (9.5%) and/or fatigue (33.3%) at follow up. In our study, 35.5% of COVID-19 recovered individuals had abnormal respiratory patterns (33.5% had restrictive and 2% had obstructive patterns). Viral load ≤ 20 CT value was associated with restrictive respiratory patterns (p = 0.004). No association was found between viral load and disease severity (p = 0.23). Conclusion: In this study, we found one third of mild-moderate COVID-19 recovered individuals have restrictive respiratory patterns after 6–8 months of recovery. These findings had a strong association with SARS-CoV-2 viral loads during acute infection which has been reported for the first time in our study. Studying the relationship between viral load and pulmonary functions can contribute to identifying potential risk factors for long COVID and developing preventive measures to mitigate the long-term impact on lung health. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is well known for related micro and macrovascular complications. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus leads to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular impairment, myocardial dysfunction, and skeletal muscle changes which affect multiple organ systems. This study was designed to take an extensive view of cardiorespiratory dynamics in patients with type 2 DM. Methods: One hundred healthy controls (HC) and 100 DM patients were enrolled. We measured and compared the breathing patterns (spirometry), VO2 max levels (heart rate ratio method) and self-reported fitness level (international fitness scale) of individuals with and without diabetes. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.22 and GraphPad Prism v8.0. Results: We observed restrictive spirometry patterns (FVC <80%) in 22% of DM as compared to 2% in HC (p = 0.021). There was low mean VO2 max in DM as compared to HC(32.03 ± 5.36 vs 41.91 ± 7.98 ml/kg/min; p value <0.001). When evaluating physical fitness on self-reported IFiS scale, 90% of the HC report average, good, or very good fitness levels. In contrast, only 45% of the DM shared this pattern, with a 53% proportion perceiving their fitness as poor or very poor (p = <0.05). Restrictive respiratory pattern, low VO2 max and fitness level were significantly associated with HbA1c and long-standing DM. Conclusion: This study shows decreased pulmonary functions, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) and IFiS scale variables in diabetic population as compared to healthy controls which are also associated with glycemic levels and long-standing DM. Screening for pulmonary functions can aid optimum management in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is a viral disease caused by one of four dengue stereotypes (Flavivirus: Flaviviridae) that are primarily transmitted by Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes aegypti (L.). To safeguard public health, it is crucial to conduct surveys that examine the factors favouring the presence of these species. Our study surveyed 42 councils across four towns within the Bhakkar district of Punjab Province, by inspecting man-made or natural habitats containing standing water. First, door-to-door surveillance teams from the district health department were assigned to each council to surveillance Aedes species and dengue cases. Second, data collection through surveillance efforts, and validation procedures were implemented, and the verified data was uploaded onto the Dengue Tracking System by Third Party Validation teams. Third, data were analysed to identify factors influencing dengue fever cases. The findings demonstrated the following: (1) Predominantly, instances were discerned among individuals who had a documented history of having travelled beyond the confines of the province. (2) Containers associated with evaporative air coolers and tyre shops were responsible for approximately 30% of the Aedes developmental sites. (4) Variability in temperature was responsible for approximately 45% of the observed differences in the quantity of recorded Aedes mosquito developmental sites. (5) Implementation of dengue prevention initiatives precipitated a 50% reduction in Aedes -positive containers, alongside a notable 70% decline in reported cases of dengue fever during the period spanning 2019 to 2020, while the majority of reported cases were of external origin. Aedes control measures substantially curtailed mosquito populations and lowered vector-virus interactions. Notably, local dengue transmission was eliminated through advanced and effective Aedes control efforts, emphasising the need for persistent surveillance and eradication of larval habitats in affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major food legume which ranks third in the world. Wilt and blight, two damaging diseases of chickpea, are prevalent in Pakistan, and this has resulted in a low output of the crop. Except for exploiting the host plant's resistance mechanism, the available control techniques are neither practicable nor cost-effective. To determine the sources of resistance in chickpea germplasm that is currently available.278chickpea genotypes (168 Desi and 110 Kabuli) originated from different springs were evaluated for disease resistance against Ascochyta rabiei in poly house and 102 different genotypes were screened for Fusarium oxysporum resistant sources in the sick field at Arid Zone Research Institute Bhakkar. Experiments were laid out following augmented design without replications during 2019-20 and highly susceptible check (AUG-424) was replicated as indicator for disease advent. The disease frequency was assessed twice at different growth stages and genotypes were categorized as per ICARDA rating scale (1-9). Ascochyta blight incidences revealed that39 lines displayed resistant (R) reaction and 12 had moderately resistant reaction (MR) in desi. However, 38 were found resistant and 26 genotypes were recorded as moderately resistant in kabuli chickpea, respectively. Similarly, 102 genotypes were sown in sick plot for screening against F. oxysporum, out of which only10 entries showed resistant and 21 moderately resistant reaction. The collected information was the most valuable to be used in breeding program for exploiting the genetic resistance and its direct use in severely blight and wilt hit areas may be preferred on the basis of resistance type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple blotch disease is exerting a severe threat on onion production. The current study was conducted for screening of accessions against purple blotch disease and determining the source of resistance against Purple blotch disease of onion caused by Alternaria porri. Potential of 50 onion accessions was evaluated against A. porri during 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. After that effect of some fungicides and plant extracts was determined for disease suppression on a susceptible variety of onion. During both years of study, eight accessions (Phulkara, Texas Early, Cylon, Sunset, Red Gystal, Rubi F1, Red Flame, ON-14133) exhibited resistant response with minimum percent disease index (PDI) which ranged between 5-10%, followed by Mirpurkhas, Nasarpuri, HON-1069, Pania, Rubi F2, GSL-132, Red Moon, PK-1032, F-1122, Red Imposta, Early Red, Desi Large and Vrio-4 which showed moderately resistant response to A.porri with PDI of 11-20%, whereas, the four accession including Golden Arab, Desired, Sultan F1 and Red Nasik expressed Moderately resistant response with PDI of 21-40%. Moreover, six accessions (Yellow Gystal, Vrio-9, Vrio-5, Vrio-4, Vrio-1, and Vrio-3) expressed susceptible response with high value of PDI 41-60% whereas; nine accessions (CBS-130, ON-14121, Pink Panther, Vrio-7, Vrio-3, F1 Zeus, SE-16, Vrio-8 and Marvi) showed maximum value (Above 60%) of PDI and expressed highly susceptible response to A.porri. Among fungicides and botanical extracts, Chlorostrobin and Azadirachta indica extract expressed significant reduction in disease severity. It was concluded that out of 50, only eight accessions were resistant which might be grown successfully for higher crop production. Moreover, use of Chlostrobin and extract of Azadirachta indica may be used for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple blotch disease is exerting a severe threat on onion production. The current study was conducted for screening of accessions against purple blotch disease and determining the source of resistance against Purple blotch disease of onion caused by Alternaria porri. Potential of 50 onion accessions was evaluated against A. porri during 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. After that effect of some fungicides and plant extracts was determined for disease suppression on a susceptible variety of onion. During both years of study, eight accessions (Phulkara, Texas Early, Cylon, Sunset, Red Gystal, Rubi F1, Red Flame, ON-14133) exhibited resistant response with minimum percent disease index (PDI) which ranged between 5-10%, followed by Mirpurkhas, Nasarpuri, HON-1069, Pania, Rubi F2, GSL-132, Red Moon, PK-1032, F-1122, Red Imposta, Early Red, Desi Large and Vrio-4 which showed moderately resistant response to A.porri with PDI of 11-20%, whereas, the four accession including Golden Arab, Desired, Sultan F1 and Red Nasik expressed Moderately resistant response with PDI of 21-40%. Moreover, six accessions (Yellow Gystal, Vrio-9, Vrio-5, Vrio-4, Vrio-1, and Vrio-3) expressed susceptible response with high value of PDI 41-60% whereas; nine accessions (CBS-130, ON-14121, Pink Panther, Vrio-7, Vrio-3, F1 Zeus, SE-16, Vrio-8 and Marvi) showed maximum value (Above 60%) of PDI and expressed highly susceptible response to A.porri. Among fungicides and botanical extracts, Chlorostrobin and Azadirachta indica extract expressed significant reduction in disease severity. It was concluded that out of 50, only eight accessions were resistant which might be grown successfully for higher crop production. Moreover, use of Chlostrobin and extract of Azadirachta indica may be used for disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow moericke and sticky traps are important tools of integrated pest management (IPM), which act as indicators of population trends and fluctuation of flying insects. These traps were evaluated at different growth stages of wheat (seedling, tillering and dough stage) and trap height (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 meter) on the basis of mean aphid collection and species richness. Results indicated that population appeared in the standard week (SW) 52 of 1st year to SW 18 of 2nd year in both traps. Population peaks in the yellow moericke traps (YMT) and sticky trap (YST) were found during SW 08-14 and SW 10-14, respectively. The YMTs were 50 % more effective due to their higher attraction and killing rate of aphids as compared to the YSTs. The efficiency of attraction depends upon the size, shape, and height of trap, as well as the abiotic factors affecting them. To achieve ideal trap efficacy their height should be adjusted according to the crop growth stage. It is very important to keep traps jus above the crop canopy. Traps at 0.5, 1.0 and1.5 meter heights were more effective at seedling, tillering and dough stages, respectively. The population in the traps was correlated with the average temperature (°) and humidity (%). Temperature had positive and significant correlation with population captured in the traps while humidity had negative and non-significant correlation with per unit population attraction. There was no significant difference of correlation between the traps attraction and years. Temperature and humidity had 47 and 0.9, 53 and 13 % impact on per unit population change in the YMT during 2019 and 2020, respectively. While in YST temperature and humidity had 55 and 0.7, 83 and 5 % impact on per unit population change during 2019 and 2020, respectively. These traps were installed in the wheat field where it attracted 14 species of aphid. Two new species Aphis nerii and Aphis fabae were reported in the agro ecological zone of Bhakkar having active periods SW 18-22 and SW 03-07, r spectively. Yellow moericke traps are highly recommended to use as indicator as well as control tool of all important aphid species of wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of IPM was followed multiple ways around the world and reached beyond the confines of the plant protection science. Excessive use of chemicals in disease and pest management has caused environmental and health problems, loss of biodiversity, and human disorders. Pests and diseases are pushing the boundaries of their biology, etiology, ecology, and crop production. Improvised techniques of integrated management play an important role in minimizing the use of chemicals. Integrated management of diseases and pests has been done successfully with the help of technology times to present with many success stories, but still in some underdeveloped countries, farmers are still reluctant to adopt integrated management because of their socio-economic behavior. Developed countries like America, Russia, Australia and Africa have made many expansions to develop sustainable IPM systems. The review in this article has focused on controlling diseases and insects through integrated management. There is a lot of diversity among diseases and pests from region to region. The focus in this article was emphasized on cultural, physical/ mechanical, biological and chemical control of integrated management. Benefits and limitations were discussed to analyse the conventional farming system. This information will be helpful to devise an effective model of disease and pest integrated management. Because understanding an epidemic is critical to implementing effective IPM control strategies, the relationship between pest, disease, and their epidemiology is long-term. This approach has proved effective for harmonious and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the study, different control practices, such as host plant resistance, imidacloprid seed treatment combined with the use of blue sticky traps, neem seed kernel extract, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and synthetic insecticides (acephate and chlorfenapyr), were tested individually and in various combinations for managing thrips (Megalurothrips distalis). A mungbean genotype, 13TM-04, known for its comparative resistance, was chosen for these trials. The treatments, whether applied alone or in various combinations, showed significant differences in efficacy when compared with each other. A combination of treatments viz., imidacloprid seed treatment+ installation of blue sticky traps and chlorfenapyr 360 SC @ 100ml/acre spray was observed to be the most successful against thrips and resulted in maximum yield 1970.1 kg/ha of mungbean. While imidacloprid seed treatment with blue sticky trap installation, alone, did not show distinctive impact on the thrips population as well as on the yield in mungbean. The imidacloprid seeds treatment remained effective up to 38 days after sowing against the thrips. The application of chlorfenapyr and acephate, either individually as sprays or in combination with other control measures, resulted in a notable reduction in the thrips population. For the management of M. distalis in mungbean combination of imidacloprid seed treatment, blue sticky traps installation and chlorfenapyr at 100 ml/acre should be applied. Current studies provide useful information to adopt integrated pest management of thrips at Bhakkar district for the local farmers for better crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Five GPX genes were identified in chickpea on a genome-wide scale. • GPX genes were highly conserved among C. arietinum, A. thaliana and M. truncatula. • CaGPX3 could play important role for salt tolerance in chickpea. Chickpea is the second most widely grown legume in the world. Its cultivation is highly affected by saline soils. Salt stress damages its all growth stages from germination to maturity. It has a huge genetic diversity containing adaptation loci that can help produce salt-tolerant cultivars. The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) gene family plays an important role in regulating plant response to abiotic stimuli and protects cells from oxidative damage. In current research, the role of GPX genes is studied for inducing salt tolerance in chickpea. This study identifies the GPX gene family in Cicer arietinum. In response to the NaCl stress, the gene expression profiles of CaGPX3 were examined using real-time qRT-PCR. The results of phylogenetic analysis show that CaGPX genes have an evolutionary relationship with monocots, dicots, chlorophytes, and angiosperms. Gene structure analysis showed that CaGPX3 , CaGPX4 , and CaGPX5 have six, CaGPX2 has five, and CaGPX1 contains 9 exons. According to the Ka and Ks analysis chickpea has one pair of duplicated genes of GPX and the duplication was tandem with negative (purifying) selection Ka < Ks (<1). In-silico gene expression analysis revealed that CaGPX3 is a salt stress-responsive gene among all other five GPX members in chickpea. The qRT-PCR results showed that the CaGPX3 gene expression was co-ordinately regulated under salt stress conditions, confirming CaGPX3 ′s key involvement in salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Light traps play important role in field sampling, monitoring, capturing, killing and biodiversity studies of nocturnal insect population. Funnel shaped light traps were used in mungbean and gram crops throughout the year. Effects of light traps were assessed by daily night collections in relation with abiotic factors based on marginal cost benefit ratio. Results indicated that total 32415 insect's captures were made with >26 insect species including 4 species of bio control agents. Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Agrotis Sp., Bemesia tabaci and Microtermes Spp. were major pests of gram and mungbean attracted in light traps. May, June and July were hottest months of the year with highest population captures of 2892, 2789 and 2475, respectively. Temperature had significant impact of 80.7 % on per unit population attraction (r=0.807). However, humidity had no significant impact (2.9 %) on per unit population attraction in light traps (r=0.029). Increasing adult catches trends of H. armigera and S. litura had significantly reduced larval populations in the field. Temperature had 12.3, 11.3, 10.5, 7.1 and 6.3 % impact on per unit population change of Agrotis Sp., Microtermes Spp., H. armigera, S. litura and B. tabaci respectively. While humidity had 25.6, 6.3, 1.6, 0.9 and 0.7 % impact on population change of Microtermes Spp., S. litura, H. armigera, Agrotis Sp. and B. tabaci respectively. MCBR indicated light traps as least cost tool and gave maximum yield having MCBR ratio 1:8.93 in comparison with farmer field (1:2.85). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2007-10 to observe the impact of canopy management on bio-economic efficiency of chickpea on sandy loam soil. Treatmetns comprising plant growth regulators i.e. Nephthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) was kept in main plots while four available moisture depletion levels (ASMDL 50, ASMDL 65, ASMDL 80 and ASMDL 95) were kept in sub-plots, using split plot arrangements. Naphthalene acetic acid (4.5% as sodium salt) was applied @ 600 ml per hectare at 90, 110, 130, 150 and 165 days after sowing. The results showed that NAA applied at flower blooming stage (90 days after sowing) significantly increased number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and seed yield by 12.50, 6.98, 9.59 and 13.98 percent, respectively compared with control (NAA0). Treatment combination NAA1 x ASMDL80 gave maximum pods per plant (70.68), 100-seed weight (30.15 g) and grain yield (3219.1 kg/ha). Water productivity ranged from 8.23 (ASDML50 x NAA0) to 18.18 kg per ha per min (NAA x ASSML95). Maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded at 150 DAS in case of both NAA levels. The application of 600 ml per hectare NAA at flower initiation and maintenance of irrigation at 80 percent ASMDL (total amount of water applied was 252 mm with irrigation depth of 126 mm each) proved best for higher chickpea seed yield with 4.28 BCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop with one of the largest area under cultivation playing a significant role in economic stability of Pakistan. Among other pests aphid is a major one which contributes towards low yield on wheat farms. Different wheat developmental periods, i.e., seedling (SS), tillering (TS), stem elongation (SES), heading (HS), dough (DS) and ripening (RS) were studied. Through evaluating, seven varieties i.e. Sahar-2006, Faisalabad-2008, Punjab-2011, Galaxi-2013, Gold-2016, Fakhr-e-Bhakkar-2017 and Bhakkar Star-2018 the most susceptible wheat stage against the infestation of aphid was investigated. Exploring most susceptible wheat stage was conducted through most common aphid species, i.e., Rhopalosiphum padi, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae on different varieties. Results indicated that heading and dough stages (Standard Weeks 10 and 11) were most susceptible developmental periods with average 10.56 and 8.36, 21.98 and 18.65 aphids per tiller during 2018 and 2019, respectively. R. padi was most dominant from mid-January to mid-April with maximum population of 100, 84.33, 44.31 and 1.64 % in 2018 as well as 100, 89.78, 22.08, and 0.29 % in 2019. S. graminum 12.97, 46.93, 64.74% in 2018 as well as 4.53, 42.00, 49.50 % in 2019. It was most dominant from 1st week of February to1st week of April. S. avenae population was 2.70, 8.75, 33.62 % in 2018 as well as 00.00, 15.13, 56.56 % during months of February, March and April, respectively. S. avenae was most dominant from 4th week of March to 2nd week of April during both years. Faisalabad-2008 and Sahar-2006 were most prone to aphid attach having maximum aphid populations during 2017-19. Fakhr-e-Bhakkar-2017 depicted minimum average aphid susceptibility having population of 2.94, 2.58 and 3.08 per tiller during years 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]