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Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a highly destructive pathogen of tomato causing wilt disease. In search of an alternative strategy to synthetic fungicides for the control of this pathogen, methanolic stem extract of a winter weed Chenopodium murale L. was investigated against this pathogen. The methanolic stem extract (1 to 5 %) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) suppressed the fungal growth by 39-74 %. This extract was partitioned using 3-organic solvents of different polarities. Bioassays with different concentrations (1.562 to 200 mg mL-1) showed the best antifungal activity was of chloroform > n-hexane > ethyl acetate sub-fraction causing 51-100 %, 52-98 % and 29-98 % reduction in biomass of FOL, respectively. GC-MS analysis of chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed 20 and 8 compounds, respectively. Acetic acid, butyl ester (22.72 %), cyclopentanol (20.15 %), 2-hexanol (21.36 %), oleic acid (13.92 %), morphine (12.97 %) and β-sitosterol (11.79 %) were abundant compounds in these two sub-fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to explore the bioactive compounds from the n-hexane fraction of methanolic extract of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) roots. For this purpose, C. quinoa roots were collected, shade dried, and crushed into a fine powder. The powdered material was extracted in methanol, filtered, and the filtrate was partitioned with n-hexane, followed by GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction. The quantitative determination of this fraction revealed the presence of 15 phytochemical constituents of diverse nature. Among these, octadec-9-enoic acid (44.18%); n-hexadecanoic acid (18.87%); methyl (Z)-octadec-9-enoate (12.87%); methyl hexadecanoate (4.30%); 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (3.63%); phthalic acid (3.08%); methyl octadecanoate (2.27%) and 1,12-tridecadiene (2.00%) were prevailing as the most abundant to moderately occurring compounds. A thorough literature survey was carried out to collect information regarding the pharmaceutical properties of the identified compounds. It showed some of the identified compounds namely dodecanoic acid; tetradecanoic acid; 2-benzoyl-d-galactosan; n-hexadecanoic acid; methyl octadecanoate; octadec-9-enoic acid; and 2,3- dihydroxypropyl elaidate possess antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and/or anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a newly introduced crop in Pakistan. We evaluated the antifungal efficacy of root extracts of 4-quinoa varieties (PI 596293, Ames 13730, Ames 13737 and PI 634919) against the most harmful soil inhabiting fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Methanolic root extracts (1 to 5 %) of these varieties reduced the fungal biomass by 33-70 %. Due to its higher antifungal activity, Ames 13737 variety was selected for further studies and fractionated with 4-organic solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) based on their increased polarities. All concentrations of chloroform and the lowest concentration of n-butanol (1.562 mg mL-1 ) completely inhibited the pathogen growth. These fractions were further subjected to GC-MS analysis that revealed the presence of 7-antifungal phytoconstituents (decane; undecane; oleic acid; benzene, 1,2,3-trimethyl; cycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethyl-; cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl- and 9-octadecanoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester). This study concluded that chloroform and n-butanol fractions of root extract of quinoa possess strong antifungal potential against M. phaseolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophomina phaseolina is a wide host ranged soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. It infects more than 500 host plant species belonging to 100 families. Many important oil-seed and leguminous crops are known to be attacked by this devastating plant pathogen. In the present study, antifungal potential of flowers of a leguminous tree Acacia nilotica subsp. indica , was assessed against this pathogen through bioassays guided fractionation. Initially, methanolic extracts of 1 %–5 % of leaf, flower, root-bark and stem-bark of the plant species under consideration were evaluated for their antifungal potential against the target pathogen. Among these, the best antifungal activity was shown by flower extract. The reduction in growth of the test fungal strain was 27–49 %, 4–40 % and 2–27 % due to flower, root-bark and leaf extracts, respectivey, over control. Flower extract was partitioned using n- hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n- butanol as the solvents. Bioassays guided study of these fractions of methanolic extract of flower revealed that high antifungal potential was shown by n- hexane and chloroform fractions against M. phaseolina causing 26–53 % and 28–50 % decline in fungal biomass, respectively, as compared to that of control. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction revealed the presence of 27 compounds in this fraction. Among these cyclopentanol,-1-methyl (10.93 %) was the predominant compound followed by methyl, 4,4-dimethyl butanoate (7.04 %), 1-pentanol (6.80 %), 2-propanol, 1-cyclopropyl (6.11 %), 1H,imidazole-4-5-dihydro-2-methyl (5.93 %), trichloroethane (5.91 %), carbonic acid-ethyl hexyl ester (4.59 %), 1,4-butandiol,2,3-bis(methylene)- (4.54 %) and [S]-3,4-dimethyl pentanol (4.48 %). • Macrophomina phaseolina , a soil-borne fungal pathogen, infects over 500 plant species across 100 families, notably oil-seed and leguminous crops. • The study assessed the antifungal properties of Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, focusing on methanolic extracts from various plant parts. • Flower extracts exhibited the highest antifungal activity, reducing fungal growth by 27–49 %. • The methanolic flower extract was fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, with n-hexane and chloroform fractions showing significant antifungal effects (26–53 % and 28–50 % reduction in fungal biomass, respectively). • GC-MS analysis of the chloroform fraction identified 27 compounds, with cyclopentanol,-1-methyl (10.93 %) being the predominant compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In field studies, we evaluated the herbicidal effects of Melia azedarach L. leaf extract against a weed Rumex dentatus L. and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. We isolated and identified a bioactive constituent in the methanolic extract of M. azedarach leaves with column chromatography and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The leaf extract of M. azedarach at 10 % (w/v) concentration significantly reduced the R. dentatus weed biomass up to 65.24 % and subsequently increased the wheat yield by 41.4 %. While, the leaf extract of M. azedarach at 10 % concentration + Bromoxynil (70 g a.i.) + MCPA (70 g a.i) significantly reduced the R. dentatus weed biomass up to 96.77 %, with an increase of 67.6 % in wheat yield. In lab. study, 11 purified fractions (1, 2, 3, ..., 11) from methanolic leaf extract of M. azedarach were tested for their herbicidal activity on leaf discs of R. dentatus. Fraction 7 showed the highest herbicidal activity and was identified as a-selinene through GC-MS analysis. It showed herbicidal activity against R. dentatus at 0.5 mg mL-1 concentration, but was not harmful to wheat. In lab bioassays, 2,4-D [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid] was used a reference compound that caused necrosis in R. dentatus at a concentration of 0.25 mg mL-1. This study concluded that the a-selinene identified from M. azedarach may be developed as natural herbicide to avoid the harmful effects of synthetic herbicides. Besides, structure of a-selinene can be used as an analogue to synthesize commercial herbicides. To further improve the herbicidal activity of this compound, its derivatives need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, five Penicillium species, namely, P. italicum, P. expansum, P. simplicissimum, P. oxalicum, and P. citrinum, were identified using ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and β-tubulin markers and screened for their in vitro antagonistic potential against a soil-borne fungal pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina, in a dual-culture plate assay. Among all the tested strains, P. italicum showed the highest antagonistic potential against M. phaseolina by reducing its growth up to 57% over control, followed by P. citrinum (42%), P. simplicissimum (21%), P. expansum (11%), and P. oxalicum (9%). In order to find out the mechanism of action of P. italicum, genomic DNA of M. phaseolina was exposed to P. italicum secondary metabolites. The findings showed that these metabolites completely degraded the fungal DNA after the 48-h incubation period. To further explore the antifungal mechanism of action of P. italicum, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of its metabolites were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds identified in these fractions were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (25.19%), decane (19.72%), dodecane (18.05%), benzene, nitro- (14.62%), benzene, 1,3,5-trimethyl (14.37%), benzene, 1,4-diethyl (11.62%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (9.02%), and 1-nonadecene (8.99%), which could be responsible for control of M. phaseolina growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is an important tree species that is known to posses anthelmintic, contraceptive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and sedative properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify various compounds present in the leaf extract of neem and to enlist various biological activities of these compounds through literature survey. Methodology: Extract of neem was obtained by soaking 100 g dry powdered leaves in 1000 mL methanol followed by filtration. This was successively fractioned using n-hexane and chloroform. Results: GCMS analysis of the chloroform fraction was performed and 7 compounds namely 2-pentanol, acetate (9.72%); decane (8.96%); 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0.4.1]undecan-1-ol (6.56%); nonanoic acid, 9-(3-hexenylidenecyclopropylidene)-, 2- hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (7.13%); quinoline-4-carboxamide, 2-phenyl-N-n-octyl- (9.79%); nonacosane (44.27%) and tetratriacontane (13.43%) were identified. Conclusion: Literature survey showed that the identified compounds possessed antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a soil-borne necrotrophic plant pathogen that causes diseases in over 500 plant species including vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants. An in vitro study was undertaken to assess the potential of thiophenate methyl 70% WP, metalaxyl+mencozeb 72% WP and fosetyl-Al 80% WP to control this pathogen. Five concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm) of each fungicide were prepared by mixing the appropriate quantities of each product in autoclaved malt extract agar. For comparison, a control treatment (0 ppm) without fungicides was also included. Metalaxyl+mencozeb was found the best fungicide with 29-84% control of fungal growth in different concentration. The other two fungicides viz. thiophenate methyl and fosetyl-Al were less effective and controlled the fungal pathogen by 10-35% and 30-48% over control, respectively. Regression analysis showed a linear or a polynomial relationship between the concentration and the fungal growth with R² = 0.9631, 0.9797 and 0.9106 for thiophenate methyl, metalaxyl+mencozeb and fosetyl-Al, respectively. This study concludes that metalaxyl+mencozeb is a highly effective fungicide for the control of S. rolfsii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing diseases in more than 500 plant species. It causes southern blight disease in chili. Chemical fungicides are used to control this disease, which also pollute the environment. The present study was designed to assess the potential of two species of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) viz. Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescence, and an allelopathic weed, Anagallis arvensis L., for the control of southern blight disease of chili. Results: Initially, three PGPR strains, viz. B. megaterium OSR3, B. megaterium ZMR6, and P. fluorescence PF-097, were selected for their in vitro antagonistic assessment against S. rolfsii by dual culture technique on potato dextrose agar medium. OSR3 showed the highest antagonistic potential (68%), followed by PF-097 (54%) and ZMR6 (33%). In a pot experiment, the two best strains of PGPR, namely OSR3 and PF-097, and dried biomass of A. arvensis (DBA) in different concentrations (1, 2 and 3%) were used to manage southern blight disease of chili. In positive control treatment (S. rolfsii only), plant survival was low (73%) than the negative control (100%). OSR3, PF-097, OSR3 + 2% DBA, and PF-097 + 2% DBA significantly enhanced plant survival over positive control. The highest increase in chili growth over positive control was recorded due to OSR3, followed by PF-097 inoculations. Contents of carotenoid and chlorophyll were significantly decreased due to the fungal pathogen and improved due to PGPR strains. Application of the two PGPR strains and different concentrations of A. arvensis distinctly increased the catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol peroxidase (PPO) activities over positive control. Conclusions: The present study concluded that PGPR strains B. megaterium OSR3 and P. fluorescence PF-097 can control southern blight disease effectively and increase growth and yield of chili. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to identify antimicrobial phytoconstituents present in n-butanol soluble part of methanolic flower extract of Cassia fistula L. The flowers were dipped in methanol for two weeks, filtered and the solvent was evaporated on a rotary evaporator. The n-butanol fraction was separated in a separating funnel and analyzed by GCMS. There were 18 phytoconstituents in this fraction. The most abundant compound was 1H-indene, octahydro-, ciswith 35.13% peak area followed by cyclohexene, 1-butyl- (21.88%) and cyclohexane, butyl- (12.87%). Other compounds included 9-heptadecanol (3.70%), behenic alcohol (1.63%), decane, 3-methyl- (2.90%), cyclohexane, 1- methyl-3-(1-methylethenyl)-, cis- (1.25%), 3-hexanol, 5-methyl- (1.67%), acetaldehyde isopentyl propyl acetal (1.69%), undecane (2.12%), 1,3-dioxane, 2-ethyl-5-methyl- (1.13%), acetaldehyde butyl pentyl acetal (3.04%), acetaldehyde dipentyl acetal (3.24%), cycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethyl- (1.11%), Cyclooctasiloxane, hexadecamethyl- (1.77%), cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl- (1.48%), n-hexadecanoic acid (2.01%), and tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (1.46%). A thorough literature survey showed that n-hexadecanoic acid; cyclohexane, butyl-; cyclooctasiloxane, hexadecamethyl-; cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl- and behenic alcohol in n-butanol fraction possess antifungal, antibacterial and/or antiviral properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to assess the herbicidal activity of metabolites of Penicillium citrinum against parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). Two growth media viz. malt extract (ME) broth and potato dextrose (PD) broth were used for preparation of fungal metabolites by growing the fungus in these media for 15 days. The metabolites were evaluated in laboratory bioassays using their original (100%) and diluted (50%) concentrations, and compared with a negative control as well as with original and diluted growth media. In general, both the growth media had insignificant effect on germination and various growth parameters except root length where original ME broth significantly increased this parameter. Both the concentrations of the metabolites prepared in different growth media significantly (P = 0.05) suppressed germination and various shoot/root growth parameters over control. Metabolites prepared in PD broth exhibited more activity than the metabolites prepared in ME broth. There was up to 31%, 77%, 92% and 77% decrease in germination, shoot and root lengths, and seedlings dry weight due to metabolites in ME broth, while these parameters were decreased by 57%, 89%, 94% and 93% due to application of metabolites in PD broth, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne plant pathogen that causes root diseases in hundreds of plant species. It also causes collar rot disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The present pot study was carried out to investigate the effect of soil amendment with dry biomass of a weed Chenopodium album L. and two antagonistic fungi, namely Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride, on growth and yield of chickpea variety Noor 2009 in soil infected with S. rolfsii. The pathogen-contaminated soil was amended either with 1, 2, or 3% C. album dry biomass, T. harzianum, and T. viride alone, or combinations of either of the two Trichoderma species and plant dry biomass. The lowest shoot and root dry biomass and grain yield of chickpea were recorded in S. rolfsii inoculation alone without any soil amendment (positive control). Plant growth and yield were significantly and gradually increased over positive control with an increase in C. album dry biomass application in the soil. Likewise, soil application of either of the two Trichoderma species significantly enhanced plant growth and yield over positive control under biotic stress of S. rolfsii. Combined application of either T. harzianum or T. viride with 3% dry biomass of C. album also proved highly effective in alleviating biotic stress of S. rolfsii on growth and yield of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume that is attacked by the fungal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, responsible for collar rot disease. In the present study, the pathogen was isolated from diseased chickpea seedlings and identified on molecular basis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin markers. To control this pathogen, an in vivo study was carried out, using Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) leaf dry biomass (1, 2, and 3%) as soil amendment. A broad-spectrum fungicide mancozeb was selected as a reference and the data regarding plant growth and mortality rates were calculated. In positive control, the highest seedling mortality (56%) was recorded in comparison to negative control (0%) after 30 days of sowing. In 1, 2, and 3% concentrations of A. indica dry leaf biomass, the seedling mortalities were 49, 38, and 38%, respectively. On the other hand, the mancozeb-treated seedlings showed the lowest plant mortality rate (28%). Soil treatments with mancozeb as well as with 1 and 2% leaf biomass concentrations showed marked differences in root and shoot dry biomasses over positive control. In a laboratory bioassay, methanolic leaf extract of Neem of 0.5 to 3.5% concentrations reduced biomass of S. rolfsii by 86–90% over control. The present study concluded that 2% A. indica leaf amendment was the most useful concentration for management of collar rot disease of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to find out mycochemical profile of culture filtrates of Alternaria japonica through GC-MS analysis. The fungus was incubated for 21 days using malt extract broth as growth medium. Culture filtrate was filtered and concentrated by evaporating water at 45 °C. Filtrates were partitioned using n-hexane followed by chloroform. Both the organic solvent fractions were analyzed through GC-MS. In n-hexane and chloroform fractions, 14 and 10 compounds were identified, respectively. Major compounds in n-hexane fraction were o-xylene (36.9%); ethyl benzene (19.3%), hexane, 2-4-dimethyl- (16.8%), 1-2 dimethylbenzene (7.56%), cyclohexane, 1-ethyl-1-methyl (3.36%), heptane, 2,5-dimethyl- (3.36%) and octane, 4-methyl- (2.52%). Likewise, predominant compounds in chloroform fraction were octane-4 methyl (24.62%), carbonic dihydrazine (16.41%), octane, 2,4,6-trimethyl (12.56%), hydrazine, (1,1-dimethylethyl) (8.75%), 16-hexadecanoyl hydrazide (7.66%) and stearic acid hydrazide (7.08%). Literature surveyed showed that many compounds identified in both the fractions possess antimicrobial, pharmacological, antioxidant, antidepressant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smokeless tobacco denotes tobacco-containing products that are consumed without combustion by different methods like inhaling through the nose, sucking, or chewing. It has been estimated that there are 17 million smokeless tobacco users in Pakistan and the most frequently used forms of smokeless tobacco are Paan, Naswar, and Gutka. Naswar accounts for 60% of the total tobacco consumed in Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The levels of carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines in Naswar are higher than several smokeless tobacco products in the world. Evidence indicates that both globally and in Pakistan, smokeless tobacco control has almost always remained a neglected area compared to smoking control. The authors recently conducted a mixed-methods research study on smokeless tobacco control in Pakistan (STOP), focusing on Naswar and its supply chain in the Khyber Pakhtunkwa province of Pakistan. In this study, discussions with 38 points of sale and exclusive Naswar vendors, it was found that there was a clear agreement among the participants to support a ban on the sale of Naswar to minors, and similarly, they opposed illicit trade of these products. The participants partially agreed on the content disclosure of Naswar, its advertisement, and promotion. Mass media campaigns, group educations, and the use of special brochures or posters are recommended for the improvement of awareness and compliance among vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes basal rot disease of onion (Allium cepa L.) resulting in significant yield losses of the crop. The present study was conducted to assess the disease management potential of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm., and its effect on onion plant physiology. In laboratory bioassays, different concentrations ranging from 1% to 7% of methanolic extracts of leaves, stems and roots of C. didymus reduced fungal biomass by 60-84%, 51-85% and 73-87%, respectively. In a pot trial, dry leaf biomass of C. didymus was mixed in the soil at 1%, 2% and 3% in combination with F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae and their effect on disease development, plant growth and various physiological parameters was studied in comparison with a negative control (without any addition of pathogen or plant material) and a positive control inoculated only with the fungus. The highest disease incidence (47%) was recorded in positive control. Application of 2% and 3% dry leaf biomass of C. didymus as soil amendment significantly reduced disease incidence to 13% and 3%, respectively. Similarly, plant mortality was reduced to 0% due to 2% as well 3% dry leaf biomass treatments. The highest chlorophyll, sugar and protein content were recorded in treatment where F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae was inoculated with 1% dry leaf biomass incorporation. On the other hand, the highest phenolic content and peroxidase activity were recorded due to combined application of the pathogen and 3% dry biomass incorporation. Present study concludes that soil amendment with 2% leaf dry biomass of C. didymus can effectively manage the basal rot of onion without any adverse effect on plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, within the management of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) much attention is being paid to the traditional microbiological and clinical indicators. Evaluation of the impact of MDR-TB treatment on patients’ Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has remained a neglected area. Objective: To evaluate the impact of MDR-TB treatment on patients HRQoL, and determine the predictors of variability in HRQoL along the course of treatment Methods: A prospective follow up study was conducted at the programmatic management unit for drug resistant TB of Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Culture confirmed eligible MDR-TB patients were asked to self complete SF-36v2 at the baseline visit, and subsequently after the completion of 12 months of treatment and at the end of treatment. A score of <47 norm-based scoring (NBS) points on component summary measures and health domain scales was considered indicative of function impairment. General linear model repeated measures ANOVA was used examine the change and predictors of change in physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores over the time. Results: A total of 68 out of enrolled 81 eligible MDR-TB patients completed SF-36v2 questionnaire at the three time points. Patients’ mean PCS scores at the three time points were, 38.2±4.7, 38.6±4.4 and 42.2±5.2 respectively, and mean MCS were 33.7±7.0, 35.5±6.9 and 40.0±6.9 respectively. Length of sickness prior to the diagnosis of MDR-TB was predictive of difference in PCS scores (F = 4.988, Df = 1, 66), whereas patients’ gender (F = 5.638, Df = 1, 66) and length of sickness prior to the diagnosis of MDR-TB (F = 4.400, Df = 1, 66) were predictive of difference in MCS scores. Conclusion: Despite the positive impact of MDR-TB treatment on patients' HRQoL, the scores on component summary measures suggested compromised physical and mental health even at the end of treatment. A large multicenter study is suggested to confirm the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major public health problem in developing countries such as Pakistan. Objective: The current study was conducted to assess the frequency of drug resistant tuberculosis including multi drug resistance (MDR- TB) as well as risk factors for development of DR-TB, in Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed, using proportion method, for 2367 culture positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) cases that were enrolled from January 2012 to December 2013 in the province of Punjab, Pakistan, against first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. The data was analyzed using statistical software; SPSS version 18. Results: Out of 2367 isolates, 273 (11.5%) were resistant to at least one anti-TB drug, while 221 (9.3%) showed MDR- TB. Risk factors for development of MDR-TB were early age (ranges between 10–25 years) and previously treated TB patients. Conclusion: DR-TB is a considerable problem in Pakistan. Major risk factors are previous history of TB treatment and younger age group. It emphasizes the need for effective TB control Program in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a devastating soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes collar rot disease in chili (Capsicum annuum L.) and causes pronounced yield losses. In the present study, S. rolfsii inoculated soil was amended with 1, 2, 3 and 4% (w/w) dry leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and their effect was studied on disease incidence, mortality, growth and physiology of the host plant. In positive control, there was 73% disease incidence that was further enhanced to 93% in 1% soil amendment treatment. However, further increase in dose of soil amendment (2% and 3%) decreased disease incidence to 66% and 53%, respectively. A similar effect of soil amendment was observed on plant mortality. A 3% dose of E. camaldulensis leaf biomass alleviated biotic stress of S. rolfsii and increased leaf dry biomass of chili by 67% as compared to positive control. Chlorophyll content and polyphenol oxidase activity were significantly lower in E. camaldulensis amended treatments over positive control. Protein content was gradually increased by increasing leaf amendment dose while reverse was recorded in case of peroxidase activity. The present study concludes that soil amendment with 3% leaf dry biomass of E. camaldulensis can alleviate biotic stress of S. rolfsii on growth of chili to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective behind any health reform should be better quality, efficiency and sustainability of health care. Reform of the system is needed to achieve this. One important aspect of the reform is greater autonomy to the major teaching hospitals, including selected district hospitals. There should be a major effort to agree what is the intention behind autonomy and exactly what is expected to be passed to the control of the major hospitals in terms of autonomy for management decisions, financial procedures and performance, planning and development, human resource management and clinical performance 1. The principle of decisions made at the lowest level practical should prevail. This means that autonomy and decentralization should also be passed down within hospitals to departmental levels 2. Needless to mention that success of any reform agenda to be implemented rests on the agreement and full backing of the majority of the stakeholders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to explore the causal organism of dieback of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook in different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Diseased samples of E. citriodora suffering from dieback were collected during January to March 2010. Purple to reddish spots were observed on leaf of this tree. Pathogen was isolated on malt extract agar medium. Isolated fungus was identified as Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. The isolated fungus was inoculated on E. citriodora leaves. The same fungus was re-isolated from the artificially inoculated diseased leaves that confirms A. alternata as causal agent of dieback in E. citriodora in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the knowledge of clinicians and their opinion about legalization, obstacles in practicing euthanasia and factors that may compel them to practice euthanasia. Methodology: A questionnaire based descriptive study was conducted at public and private hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A questionnaire was distributed randomly to 540 doctors of different specialties and general practitioners. Questions were related to their knowledge, views about legalization, factors and obstacles in practicing euthanasia. The questionnaire was collected from the doctors who filled the form and consented to participate in the study. Results: The response rate was 55%, among them 79% were males. Only 61% (185) knew the meaning of euthanasia, whereas 36% (109) knew about its guidelines and 2% (6) had no knowledge of euthanasia. Amongst clinicians who knew about euthanasia, 84% did not and 16% agreed with its legalization. Reasons mentioned for disagreement with its legalization were religion 95%, moral 61%, ethical 44%, emotional 41% and social 37%. Of those clinicians who agreed with its legalization, 90% would and 10% would not practice it on their patients. Out of them 40% would adopt no resuscitation method, 40% would administer lethal drugs and 20% would withhold or withdraw the treatment. Conclusion: Majority of responding clinicians were not aware of euthanasia and any related guidelines. They disagreed with the practice as well as legalization of euthanasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil-borne fungal plant pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. causes rot disease in about 500 plant species worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the antifungal potential of an allelopathic grass Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. for the management of this devastating plant pathogen. In laboratory bioassays, various concentrations viz. 0, 0.5, 1.0, …, 3.0 g 100 mL-1 of methanolic shoot, root and inflorescence extracts of the test allelopathic grass were appraised for their antifungal activity against the pathogen. Generally, higher concentrations of methanolic extracts of all the three parts of the grass exhibited variable antifungal activity. Shoot extract proved to be the most effective. All the concentrations of shoot extract significantly reduced the fungal biomass by 29–76% over control. Methanolic shoot extract was further fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. In antifungal activity bioassays of these fractions, chloroform fraction was found to be the most effective followed by n-hexane and aqueous fractions. All the concentrations of these fractions significantly reduced fungal biomass. Various concentrations of n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous fraction reduced fungal biomass by 27–97%, 68–100% and 32–100%, respectively. Present study concludes that chloroform fraction of methanol shoot extract of I. cylindrica possesses highly active antifungal constituents for the management of M. phaseolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal rot is a highly destructive disease of onion (Allium cepa L.) that is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend: Fr. f. sp. cepae (Hans.) Snyder and Hansen. This study was carried out to examine the potential of Chenopodium album L. leaves for the control of this disease. In a pot trial, incorporation of dry leaf biomass of C. album at 3% (w/w) significantly reduced disease incidence and mortality by 63% and 89%, respectively. In laboratory bioassays, methanolic leaf extract was successively fractionated using four organic solvents viz. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, …, 200 mg mL[sup -1]) of these fractions were examined against the selected pathogen in malt extract broth. Chloroform fraction exhibited the best antifungal activity resulting in 96-100% reduction in the fungal biomass. Through thin layer chromatography (TLC), two unidentified compounds A (R[sub f] 0.17) and B (R[sub f] 0.44) were isolated from this fraction. Antifungal activity of these compounds was compared with a commercial fungicide Mancozeb. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of compounds A and B were 62.5 and 250 µg mL[sup -1], respectively after 24 h as compared to 7.81 µg mL[sup -1] MIC of the reference compound. The results of the present study conclude that antifungal compounds in chloroform fraction of methanolic leaf extract and soil amendment with dry leaf biomass of C. album can be used as alternatives to chemical fungicides for the management of basal rot disease of onion. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted to investigate the herbicidal potential of culture filtrates of four Drechslera spp. viz. D. australiensis (Bugnicourt) Subramanian and Jain., D. biseptata (Sacc. and Roum.) Richardson and Fraser, D. hawaiiensis M.B. Ellis and D. holmii (Luttr.) Subramanian and Jain, against toothed dock (Rumex dentatus L.), a problematic dicotyledonous weed of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These culture filtrates were used either alone or in combination with half dose of a commercial herbicide Bromoxynil+MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid). Herbicidal application either alone or in combination with fungal culture filtrates completely controlled the weed growth. All the four fungal culture filtrates when used alone significantly reduced the weed biomass by 30-58% over weedy check. Consequently, grain yield in wheat was increased by 6-22%. Culture filtrates of D. australiensis and D. hawaiiensis exhibited the highest herbicidal activity resulting in 58 and 57% reduction in weed biomass over weedy check. Application of culture filtrates of D. australiensis and D. hawaiiensis resulted in Rs. 11632 (28%) and Rs. 10413 (25%) more profit than conventional weedy check, respectively. However, the highest net profit of Rs. 70100 was obtained in hand weeding treatment followed by Rs. 69128 in half dose of herbicide, which was Rs. 28444 (68%) and Rs. 27472 (66%) higher than weedy check, respectively. It is concluded that culture filtrates of D. australiensis and D. hawaiiensis contain herbicidal metabolites and can be used as alternatives to herbicides for the management of R. dentatus in organic wheat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collar rot caused by a fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, is a serious soil-borne disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Present study was carried out to manage this disease by commercial fungicides under in vitro and in vivo conditions. In vitro bioassays were carried out using four fungicides namely Tegula (tebuconazole), Thiophanate Methyl, Ridomil Gold (metalaxyl + mancozeb) and Mancozeb at 50, 100, ..., 250 ppm concentrations. All the concentrations of these fungicides significantly decreased radial growth of S. rolfsii over control. In vivo bioassays were carried out in plastic pots of 15-cm diameter and 20 cm deep with 1 kg soil in each pot. Treatments included a negative control, a positive control (with pathogen only), and two chemical fungicides viz. Thiophanate methyl and Mancozeb. There was 95% and 50% reduction in plant mortality due to Thiophanate methyl and Mancozeb over positive control, respectively, after 30 days of sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab. causes blight that is a major constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production worldwide including Pakistan. Disease is generally controlled by repeated applications of foliar fungicides that cause environmental pollution and also responsible for health hazards. The present study was carried out to investigate the antifungal potential of different organic solvent fractions of methanolic fruit extract of Melia azedarach L. against A. rabiei (Pass.) Lab. Methanolic fruit extract of this tree was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and nbutanol. After evaporation of solvents in a rotary evaporator, different concentrations of the crud organic fraction were prepared and evaluated against the target fungal pathogen. All the concentrations of organic solvent fractions significantly reduced the fungal biomass over corresponding control treatments. There was 43-87%, 75-94%, 69- 95%, 38-89% and 63-94% reduction in fungal biomass due to different concentrations of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fraction of methanolic fruit extract of M. azedarach, respectively. The present study concludes that all these fractions of methanolic fruit extract of M. azedarach possess substantial antifungal potential against A. rabiei. These fractions and their purified compounds may be used as alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of A. rabiei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was undertaken to investigate the effect of weeds, soil amendments and Biopower (a commercial biofertilizer) on vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) colonization in rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. Basmati Super. i)- Field soil was amended with recommended doses of NPK fertilizers, ii)- half N and recommended doses of P and K fertilizers, and iii)- farmyard manure. Four common rice weeds namely Cyperus rotundus L., Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link, Paspalum paspaloides (Michx.) Scribn. and Marsilea minuta L. were planted as 1:1 weed rice plant ratios in all the three soil amendments. All the treatments were with or without Biopower application. Mycorrhizal colonization was studied after 50, 80 and 110 days of rice transplantation corresponding to various growth stages viz. vegetative, flowering/panicle and maturity, respectively. The highest mycorrhizal colonization in rice was recorded at panicle stage i.e. 80 days after transplantation. Mycorrhizal colonization in rice varied with weed species, soil amendment and growth stage of rice. Generally, weeds stimulated mycelial, arbuscular and vesicular colonization in rice roots. The highest stimulatory effect on mycorrhizal colonization was due to mixed weeds in all the three soil amendments at various growth stages of the crop. Biopower application significantly enhanced mycorrhizal colonization in weed free treatment or rice plants co-cultivated with P. paspaloides and M. minuta in one or the other soil amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the health effects of biomass fuel smoke. Topics discussed by the authors include the contribution of biomass fuel smoke in air pollution and socioeconomic situation, the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) using biomass fuel, and the significance of health care intervention in reducing air pollution exposure.

In vitro bioassays were carried out to evaluate antagonistic behavior of seven species of Trichoderma namely T. pseudokoningii, T. harzianum, T. reesei, T. koningii, T. hanatus, T. viridi and T. aureoviridi, against two highly problematic soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi viz. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) Snyder & Hansn and Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. All the Trichoderma species exhibited pronounced antagonistic behavior against the target fungal pathogens in dual cultures resulting in 45-65% and 59-74% reduction in radial growth of M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, respectively. T. harzianum was found to be the most effective biocontrol agent against both the fungal pathogens followed by T. aureoviridi and T. hanatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was undertaken to investigate the antifungal potential of methanolic fruit extract of Datura metel L. (Syn. Datura alba Nees.) and its various solvent fractions against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., the cause of devastating collar rot disease of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In an in vitro study, conducted in 250-mL conical flasks, different concentrations of methanolic fruit extract (0.5, 1.0, 1.5,..., 4.0%) significantly reduced the fungal biomass by 69-94%. Methanolic fruit extract was successively partitioned among n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol in order of increasing polarity. Different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.50, 25, 50, 100, 200 mg mL-1) of these fractions were used against the test pathogen. Pronounced variability in antifungal activity was recorded with respect to extracting solvent and the extract concentration. Chloroform fraction exhibited the highest antifungal activity resulting in 36-50% reduction due to different concentrations. Ethyl acetate was found comparatively less inhibitory where only 8-35% reduction in fungal biomass was observed due to different concentrations of the extract. n-hexane, n-butanol and aqueous fractions generally stimulated the fungal growth to variable extents. The present study concludes that S. rolfsii can be controlled by natural antifungal compounds in chloroform fraction of methanolic fruit extract of D. metel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumex dentatus L. is a very common weed of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Pakistan. Present laboratory and pot trials were carried out to evaluate metabolites of Drechslera holmii, Drechslera biseptata and Drechslera australiensis as natural herbicides against R. dentatus. Fungal metabolites were prepared in M1D medium. In laboratory bioassays, original and 50% diluted metabolites of different Drechslera spp. significantly reduced seed germination, shoot biomass and root biomass of R. dentatus seedlings by 5-56%, 15-83% and 68-88%, and that of wheat seedlings by 8-20%, 16-38% and 28-38%, respectively. Metabolites of D. biseptata and D. australiensis exhibited greater herbicidal activity than metabolites of D. holmii. In foliar spray repeated pot trials, original metabolites of the three Drechslera spp. significantly reduced shoot biomass of one- and two-week old plants of R. dentatus by 54-60% and 27-46%, respectively. By contrast, the effect of metabolites of all the three Drechslera spp. was non-significant on growth of wheat plants. Metabolites of D. australiensis showed the highest herbicidal activity in pot trials. It is concluded that metabolites of Pakistani Drechslera spp. possess herbicidal potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and ten pea (Pisum sativum L.) germplasm lines were screened under artificial disease conditions for their resistance against Pseudomonas syringe pv pisi, the cause of bacterial blight disease. Different strains corresponding to the two races of P. syringae pv pisi (race 2 and 3) were used for inoculation. The race 2 showed more virulence behaviour than race 3 on pea. Thirty pea lines (27.3%) were found resistant to race 2, while 49 lines (44.5%) to that of race 3. Twenty pea lines were selected among the genetic stock for Simple Sequences Repeat (SSR) analysis. Based on SSR analysis, two major groups A and B were identified. In the group A, there were four genotypes viz. ATC909, ATC613, ATC912 and ATC1641, whereas all other genotypes were placed in group B. The resistant genotypes reported in the present study are suggested for used in breeding program to develop disease resistant pea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antifungal potential of different parts of Chenopodium album L. was examined against Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend. f. sp. cepae (Hans.) Snyder and Hansen, the cause of basal rot disease of onion (Allium cepa L.). In screening bioassays, the effect of different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, ...3.0%) of methanolic leaf, stem, root and inflorescence extracts of C. album was investigated. Extracts of different parts of the test plant species showed variable antifungal activity. The highest antifungal activity was exhibited by inflorescence extract. Different concentrations of this extract suppressed fungal growth by 24-80%. Methanolic inflorescence extract was successively extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The highest antifungal activity was shown by ethyl acetate fraction resulting in 68-100% reduction in fungal biomass. From ethyl acetate fraction, three unknown compounds viz. A, B and C were isolated through thin layer chromatography (TLC). TLC fraction A exhibited the highest antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 µg mL-1. Thus, antifungal constituents of ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic inflorescence extract of C. album can be used as natural fungicides for the management of basal plate rot of onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory and pot trials were conducted to investigate the herbicidal potential of metabolites of Trichoderma spp. viz. T. pseudokoningii, T. harzianum, T. viride and T. reesei against parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) weed. Fungal metabolites were prepared in malt extract broth and M-I-D medium. In laboratory bioassays, parthenium seed were sown on filter papers in Petri plates (9-cm diameter) and 3 mL of original and 50% diluted metabolites of the test Trichoderma spp. were applied. Metabolites of all the four fungal species showed herbicidal action. The highest herbicidal activity was observed due to metabolites of T. harzianum. Fungal metabolites prepared in M-1-D medium generally showed greater inhibitory potential against seed germination and seedlings root/shoot growth as compared to the metabolites prepared in the other medium. For foliar spray bioassays, pot grown parthenium seedling at 1- and 2-week growth stages were sprayed with original fungal metabolites. Foliar spray was carried out three times with five days of intervals. In these pot trials, metabolites of all the four fungal species reduced shoot and root growth significantly in 1-week old parthenium plants. Metabolites prepared in M-1- D medium showed greater herbicidal effect than those formed in malt extract broth. It is concluded that metabolites of Trichoderma species, particularly prepared in M-1-D medium can be exploited for the management of parthenium weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal., a medicinal plant of family Solanaceae, was used to examine its antifungal activity against Ascochyta rabiei, the causal organism of highly damaging blight disease of chickpea (Cicer ariatinum L.). In laboratory screening bioassays, different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 g 100 mL-1) of methanolic extracts of stem, root, leaf and fruit of W. somnifera were evaluated for their antifungal activity against the targeted fungal pathogen. The methanolic extracts of fruit and leaf were found highly effective against A. rabiei causing up to 41% and 43% suppression in fungal biomass, respectively. The methanolic extract of fruit was further subjected to fractionation by using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol in order of increasing polarity. Different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, ..., 200 mg mL-1) of these fractions were used against the test pathogen. Ethyl acetate fraction was found highly effective against A. rabiei exhibiting complete inhibition of fungal growth. Two compounds namely A and B were isolated from this fraction through thin layer chromatography (TLC). These compounds were then appraised to find minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the test fungal pathogen. Compound B was found more effective than A. The MIC values of compounds B and A were 62.5 Hg mL-1 and 1000 Hg mL-1, respectively. It was concluded that antifungal compounds B could be used for the management of A. rabiei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a well known allelopathic plant species. However, Pakistani farmers generally incorporate the sunflower residue in the soil with the aim to enhance soil fertility and organic matter. Field experiments were, therefore, carried out to evaluate the effect of sunflower residue incorporation on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. For rice crop, there were four treatments viz. control, sunflower residue incorporation (RI), NPK fertilizers, and NPK+RI. Two rice varieties (Basmati Pak and Basmati Super) were cultivated. Incorporation of sunflower residue markedly reduced plant growth and yield in 'Basmati Pak'. There was 34% reduction in yield of this variety due to RI. 'Basmati Super' was tolerant to sunflower allelopathy, where the effect of RI was generally insignificant on plant growth and grain yield. Two commonly cultivated varieties of wheat (Inqalab 91 and Punjab 96) were sown in the same plots after harvesting the rice, without any addition of either RI or NPK. In 'Punjab 96', the effect of RI or RI+NPK was insignificant on grain yield. In contrast, in 'Inqalab 91', RI in combination with NPK fertilizers significantly reduced the grain yield by 41% as compared to NPK alone. The present study concluded that rice 'Basmati Super' and wheat 'Punjab 96' are suitable for cultivation under sunflower allelopathic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicidal activity of culture filtrates of four Drechslera spp., namely D. australiensis (Bugnic.) Subram. & B.L. Jain, D. biseptata (Sacc. & Roum.) M.J. Richardson & E.M. Fraser, D. hawaiiensis Bugnic. ex M.B. Ellis, and D. holmii (Luttr.) Subram. & P.C. Jain, prepared in malt extract broth was investigated against parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in both laboratory bioassays and pots. In laboratory bioassays, the effect of original (100%) and diluted (50%) culture filtrates of the four Drechslera spp. was studied on parthenium germination and seedling growth in 90 mm diameter Petri plates. Original culture filtrate of all the four Drechslera species significantly reduced germination, shoot length, shoot fresh biomass, root length, and root fresh biomass of parthenium seedlings by 43 to 77%, 77 to 82%, 69 to 82%, 90 to 92%, and 67 to 83%, respectively, as compared to the control. In pot trials, foliar application of original fungal culture filtrates was carried out on 1-wk and 2-wk old parthenium seedlings. Culture filtrates of all the four Drechslera spp., except D. holmii, markedly reduced parthenium shoot dry weight. Two-week-old plants were more susceptible to foliar spray than the 1-wk old plants. There was a 13 to 55% and 28 to 65% reduction in shoot dry weight of 1-wk and 2-wk old parthenium plants, respectively, due to culture filtrates of various Drechslera spp. The present study concludes that Drechslera spp. culture filtrates can be used as alternative herbicides for parthenium weed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted in heat-sterilized soil to evaluate the effect of effective microorganism (EM) application on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek var. NIAB Mung 98 in different soil amendment systems. Pot soil was amended with farmyard manure (FYM), Trifolium alexanrinum L. crop residues (TCR), and half (½NPK) and recommended dose (NPK) of chemical fertilizers. The EM application significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass in TCR-amended soil. However, grain yield was significantly enhanced in FYM, TCR, and NPK amendments by 24%, 15%, and 84%, respectively, as a result of EM application. Effect of EM application on nutrient uptake was variable with respect to soil amendment and plant growth stage. In general, EM application enhanced plant nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrition in organic amendments while its effect was either negative or insignificant in chemical fertilizer amendments. Effects of EM application on plant nutrient uptake were more pronounced at maturity than at flowering stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective microorganisms (EM) is a commercial biofertilizer that contains a mixture of co-existing beneficial microorganisms collected from natural environments. Predominantly it consists of species of photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and actinomycetes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EM application on growth, nodulation, yield, and nutrient uptake in mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] var. NIAB Mung 98 under field conditions. Field soil was amended with farmyard manure at 20 t ha-1, Trifolium alexandrinum green manure at 20 t ha-1, and recommended (NPK) and half (1/2 NPK) doses of chemical fertilizers. EM was applied in the form of a dilute solution in water (1:1000) at fortnight intervals throughout the experiment. EM application significantly enhanced shoot biomass in farmyard manure, 1/2 NPK and NPK amendments. Similarly, EM significantly increased grain yield by 24% and 46% in farmyard manure and NPK fertilizers amendments, respectively. By contrast, in green manure amendment, EM application resulted in a significant decline of 23% in grain yield. In 1/2 NPK amendment, the effect of EM application on grain yield was insignificant. Nodulation in terms of number and biomass of nodules was significantly suppressed by EM application in farmyard manure and green manure amendments. In NPK amendment, a significant increase in nodule biomass was recorded due to EM application. EM significantly enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrition of the test plant in farmyard manure amendment both at flowering stage and maturity. However, in NPK amended soil, EM application markedly enhanced plant nutrition at later growth stage only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) is a problematic weed of wheat (Triticum aestivwn L.) in Pakistan. The present study was designed to evaluate the herbicidal activity of culture filtrates of four Trichoderma spp., namely T. harzianum, T. pseudokoningii, T. reesei and T. viride, against this weed species. In a laboratory bioassay, original (100%) and diluted (50%) culture filtrates of T. harzianum and T. pseudokoningii significantly reduced shoot and root growth of A. fatua seedlings. Only original culture filtrates of T. reesei exhibited significant effects, while the effect of filtrates of T. viride was insignificant against shoot and root growth of the target weed species. Generally, original concentrations of culture filtrates of all Trichoderma spp., except T. harzianum, significantly reduced various parameters of root and shoot growth of wheat seedlings. In foliar spray bioassay, pot-grown 1-wk and 2-wk old A. fatua and wheat seedlings were sprayed with 100% culture filtrates of the four Trichoderma spp. thrice with 5 d interval each. Culture filtrates of all except T. viride significantly diminished root and shoot biomass of A. fatua plants in 1-wk old plants. The effect of foliar spray on root and shoot growth of wheat was insignificant. Present study concludes that metabolites of T. harzianum, T. reesei and T. pseudokoningii contain herbicidal constituents for the management of A. fatua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pot study investigated the effect of the combined application of two commercial biofertilizers viz. Biopower and EM (Effective Microorganisms) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield in soils amended with farmyard manure, green manure, and NPK fertilizers. Biopower is a product of the Nuclear Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan, which contains species of associative and endophytic diazotrophs. EM (effective microorganisms), a product developed by Japanese scientists, consists of co-existing beneficial microorganisms, mainly species of photosynthetic and lactic acid bacteria, as well as yeast. Applying Biopower adversely affected plant growth and yield in NPK fertilizer amendment. Conversely, this biofertilizer markedly enhanced plant growth and yield in green manure amended soil while its effect was not significant in farmyard manure amendment. In green manure amendment, applying EM enhanced grain yield by 46%. Co-inoculation of Biopower and EM evidently improved root and shoot growth in farmyard manure amended soil. This study concludes that the two biofertilizers clearly enhanced shoot biomass and grain yield in green manure amended soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out at the Institute of Mycology and Plant Pathology, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan during 2007 to investigate the phytotoxic effects of an alien weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in comparison with two native Asteraceous weed species viz. Ageratum conyzoides L. and Sonchus oleraceous L. on mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) germination and growth. The highest concentration of Parthenium leaf extract (15% w/v) reduced mungbean germination by 26 percent as compared to 11 and zero percent reduction due to same extract concentration of S. oleraceous and A. conyzoides, respectively. Shoot length of mungbean seedlings was reduced by 17-52 percent and 23-52 percent, and shoot biomass by 26-36 percent and 2.4-58 percent due to various extract concentrations of parthenium and A. conyzoides, respectively. Shoot length was stimulated by extract of S. oleraceous. In general, extracts of all three test weed species stimulated the root growth of mungbean. The results conclude that aqueous extracts of alien weed Parthenium exhibited more phytotoxic effects on germination of mungbean as did by two test native weed species belonging to same family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an alien invasive weed of neotropical origin spreading rapidly in Punjab and North West frontier provinces of Pakistan. The present study was carried out to investigate the distribution of parthenium and its allelopathic effects against maize in comparison to native associated asteraceous weed species growing in wastelands district of Lahore. Survey revealed that parthenium weed is becoming a dominant part of local wasteland flora with the highest values of relative density and frequency as compare to other asteraceous weeds. Different concentrations of selected weed extracts failed to decline the germination of maize except higher (15%) concentration of S. arvensis that resulted in reduction of 28% in germination rate as compared to the control. Data recorded on shoot length of maize reflected that the lower concentrations of C. arvense significantly suppressed the shoot length and biomass of maize. Shoot biomass of maize was again significantly reduced even at lower concentrations of A. conyzoides and C. arvense. Interestingly, Inula sp. extracts at all test concentrations resulted in an increased biomass of maize. Root length and biomass appeared to be most sensitive part of maize and retarded significantly in response to different concentrations of extracts of all the test species except for Inula sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are the symbiotic fungi that predominate in the roots and soils of agricultural crop plants. The most recognized beneficial effect of these fungi is to enhance host plant uptake of relatively immobile nutrients, in particular phosphorus (P), and several micronutrients. The AM fungi absorb inorganic P either from the soluble P pools in the soil, or from insoluble forms such as rock phosphates as well as from insoluble organic sources. Recent studies show that mycorrhizal fungi would have access to rock phosphate through localized alterations of pH and/or by the production of organic acid anions that may act as chelating agents. The AM colonization also improves plant N nutrition. Generally mycorrhizal symbiosis more influences on nitrogen (N) uptake and translocation if ammonium (NH4+) rather than nitrate (NO3-) is the nitrogen source. However, under drought stress the role of mycorrhizae in NO3- transport to the root surface may be significant as the NO3- mobility is severely restricted due to its low concentration and diffusion rate under such circumstances. However, as yet little is known about the mechanism of N uptake by the AM fungi. Uptake of micronutrients is also influenced by mycorrhizal colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the Institute of Mycology and Plant Pathology, University of Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan during 2008. Herbicidal activity of aqueous extracts of two medicinal plants of family Solanaceae viz. Withania somnifera Dunal and Datura alba Nees was evaluated against Rumex dentatus L., one of the most problematic weeds of wheat in Pakistan. Aqueous extracts of root and shoot of both test medicinal plant species resulted in pronounced suppression in germination as well as seedling growth of target weed species. However, variability in herbicidal potential of different types of employed extracts was evident. Germination was comparatively less susceptible while root growth in R. dentatus was highly susceptible to all aqueous extracts. Application of aqueous extracts caused 68 percent reduction in germination, 62 percent in shoot length, 96 percent in root length and 68 percent in seedling biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of agricultural soil with chromium (Cr) ions has threatened global crop, human and ecosystem health. Its two oxidation states viz. Cr(III) and Cr(VI) are most stable and readily available to the plants. The study explored the impact of increasing exposure (up to 500 ppm) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on bio-physical traits of 15-day-old seedlings (in vitro) as well as 60-day-old tomato plant (in vivo), and highlighted the importance of buffel grass (Cenchrus pennisetiformis) in mitigating Cr levels in the tomato plants. In vitro, Petri plate bioassays with 13 different concentrations (20–500 ppm) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) depicted the highly toxic effect of metal ions ≥ 200 ppm on all bio-physical traits of tomato seedlings. In vivo, soil spiked with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) was amended with 1% and 2% dry biomass of buffel grass. Phytotoxicity was higher in Cr(VI)-spiked soil compared with Cr(III)-spiked soil. Cr was mainly accumulated in tomato roots, and more Cr was translocated from roots to shoots from Cr(VI)-spiked soil than Cr(III)-spiked soil. Soil amendments with 2% weed biomass reduced metal toxicity in plants, particularly at 200 and 300 mg/kg of Cr. Protein profiles through SDS-PAGE revealed 12–50 kDa (mainly PR proteins) as an important region in tomato leaf, where many new bands were expressed under different treatments, particularly in the treatments provided with buffel grass. PCA-based biplot clearly separated Cr tolerance treatments from highly sensitive treatments. For the cultivation of tomato plants in Cr(III) and Cr(VI) contaminated soil (200 and 300 mg/kg), the biomass of Cloncurry buffel grass should be considered an effective and easily available phyto-management option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the 25-year existence of Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute (JPMI) in Peshawar, Pakistan. The author mentions that JPMI's parent institution Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) was established in August 1984 by Dean Professor Jamil Ahmed and Governor General Fazal Haq. The author notes that the purpose of publishing the journal is to build a forum through which the scientific work being done in the medical institutions is highlighted.

The author reflects on the global threat for the emergence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Pakistan. The author is critical on the challenges for the implementation of DOTS Plus strategies which include laboratory, treatment and logistic support. It concludes that the highest priority of the government is to prevent the MDR through effective DOTS.

Background: Ascochyta blight caused by a fungal pathogen, Ascochyta rabiei, is a serious disease of chickpea in most chickpea growing areas of the world. The disease can be controlled by fungicides to reduce the environmental pollution. Main body: This study reports the control of Ascochyta blight by using extracts and dry biomass of a weed plant, Withania somnifera (Family Solanaceae). In a laboratory bioassay, a 0.2% concentration of methanolic leaf extract of W. somnifera significantly inhibited the pathogenic fungal growth. Methanolic leaf extract was fractionated with 4 organic solvents of different polarities namely n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The effect of different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 mg ml−1) of the 4 organic solvent fractions was assessed on in vitro growth of the pathogen. Among these, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions completely inhibited the fungal growth. Ethyl acetate fraction was further subjected to thin layer chromatography to separate the potent antifungal compounds A and B. Compound A was found highly effective against the targeted fungal pathogen with MIC 31.25 μg ml−1, followed by B with MIC value of 250 μg ml−1 as compared to 7.81 μg ml−1 MIC of a commercial fungicide mancozeb. In pot trial, the soil was amended by 1, 2, and 3% dry leaf material of the test plant species. Disease incidence was significantly reduced in 3% dose. Conclusions: This study concludes that W. somnifera contains potent antifungal compounds that can be effectively exploited for the control of A. rabiei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]