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Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a dual nature crop, which is used for food as well as fodder, depending on plant ideotype. Sorghum forage is important for ruminants, but a major constraint is the anti-nutritional factor dhurrin, a hydrocyanic acid (HCN) producing glucoside. There are several additional effects of dhurrin, which reduce the nutritional value of sorghum fodder for livestock. This two-year study was aimed to evaluate the variation among diverse sorghum varieties, specifically for HCN content, forage yield and stem sugar content (brix value) under arid climate in Pakistan. Nine sorghum varieties were used for this experiment: JS-2002, Chakwal sorghum, Lines CS-17, Super late, PAK SS-2, Johar, JS-263, Sargodha-2011 and YSS-98. Results reveal that Sargodha-2011 had superior morphological traits for fresh forage and dry biomass yield, and stem brix value, compared to other varieties. Higher HCN contents were recorded in Super late compared to other varieties. Significant negative correlation of HCN with yield showed that improvement in yield will reduce the HCN content of sorghum. In conclusion, sorghum variety SGD-11 was shown best performing for higher biomass yield and brix value, and lower HCN content compared to other tested varieties under arid climate of Thal, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock is a major component of agriculture, and a continuous supply of nutritious forage/fodder is necessary for sustainable livestock production. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global concern for human as well as animal health, but Zn fertilisation for productivity and biofortification of forages is not well understood. Therefore, a 2-year field study was conducted to investigate the influence of soil-applied ZnSO4 on morphological traits, yield, nutritional quality and Zn biofortification in four forages. The grass forages (oat, barley, annual ryegrass and triticale) were factorially combined with four levels of soil-applied ZnSO4 (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha−1) and two harvesting stages (booting and 50% heading). The treatments were arranged in a triplicate randomised complete block design with a split–split plot arrangement where grass forage species were kept in main plots, ZnSO4 application in subplots and harvest stage in subsub plots. ZnSO4 fertilisation significantly improved morphological traits, dry-matter yield, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and shoot Zn concentration in all grass forages at both harvesting stages. Best performance for yield, quality traits, and Zn contents across all crops was observed where ZnSO4 was applied at 15 kg ha−1 and harvested at 50% heading stage. The highest economic returns were provided by triticale and annual ryegrass with 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 harvested at 50% heading. In conclusion, for a profitable forage production with good nutritional quality and Zn biofortification, triticale and annual ryegrass may be recommended with a 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 fertilisation. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global concern for human as well as animal health, but Zn fertilisation for productivity and biofortification of forages is not well studied. In our experiment, ZnSO4 fertilisation (15 kg ha−1) improved morphological traits, dry biomass yield, nutritional quality and straw Zn concentration of triticale, barley, oat and rye grass forage. In conclusion, a 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 fertilisation may be recommended to obtain higher fodder yield, forage quality and Zn biofortification in grass forages in semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient application rate and tillage practices are considered important factors in triggering the productivity of oilseed crops, especially canola (Brassica napus L.). The soil in the area is deficient in available zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S), which necessitates the supplementary application of these nutrients for sustainable crop development. The following study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effect of tillage and micronutrient on the growth, quality, and yield of canola and weed density. The present study was executed consisting of two tillage systems along with four treatments of micronutrients application including control, soil application of recommended doses of zinc (10 kg ha−1), soil application of a recommended dose of sulfur (45 kg ha−1), and combined application of a recommended dose of Zn + S (10 kg + 45 kg ha−1) during the crop growing seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The results showed that the combined use of Zn and S under different tillage systems significantly affected crop growth, yield, and quality parameters. An increase of 0.99% in plant height, 6.33% in number of branches, 33% in silique length, 6.25% number of siliques per plant, 10% in number of seeds per silique, 4.64% in thousand seed weight, 0.74% in grain yield, and 0.42% in biological yield was recoded under conventional tillage practices as compared to zero tillage. In crux, the combined application of Zn and S at 10 and 45 kg ha−1 respectively, to canola crops under conventional tillage practices could be a sustainable option to improve canola crop growth, yield, and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato production in Pakistan faces significant problems of low yields due to various biotic and abiotic stresses primarily because of a narrow genetic base of the cultivars being used. Therefore, Introduction and evaluation of the exotic tomato germplasm has become necessary to acquire elite material to develop future breeding programs. To this end, the present study was conducted for the phenotypic characterization of twenty exotic tomato genotypes along with two locally grown cultivars in semi-arid subtropical climate. Data were collected for morphological, fruit quality and fruit yield traits. A significant (p<0.05) phenotypic variation was observed for all the studied traits. Maximum yield was obtained from "Rober" i.e., 1508.31 g per plant. The maximum shelf life was observed in the Cromco, with the least weight loss (2.45%) and loss in the firmness of fruit (22.61%) in 4 days. Correlation analyses revealed a strong genetic association among morphological and yield related traits. High estimates of the heritability (ranged from 79.77% to 95.01% for different traits), along with a high genetic advance (up to 34%) showed the potential usefulness of these traits and genotypes to develop breeding programs to improve the tomato yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity is generally affected by water limitation and inadequate nitrogen supply especially under semi-arid environment. The current study was conducted to determine whether the crop yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) could be manipulated through alteration of nitrogen and irrigation application. To meet the desired objectives, a two-year field study was carried out in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, in a split-split plot arrangement with three factors i) irrigation in main plots, ii) nitrogen in sub-plots, and iii) twenty genotypes in sub-sub plots on a sandy loam soil. The analysis of variance revealed that the wheat performance was affected by genotypes and alteration of irrigation and nitrogen application with respect to IWUE and final grain yield. IWUE under water stress conditions was observed 56% higher than normal irrigated. Much higher values of IWUE under water stress indicated that the existing optimum water requirements of the crop needs to be revaluated. The regression model indicated that addition of nitrogen and irrigation patterns along with morphological traits cannot explain variation in yield related traits more than 65% under semi-arid conditions. Therefore, for better crop yields in semi-arid environment, more physiological parameters should be considered in evaluation of yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is a crop of tropical and subtropical regions but the seed cotton yield is highly influenced by abiotic stresses like drought and heat. Response of cotton genome to abiotic stresses is highly complex and involve many genes. A comprehensive study, involving cotton genotypes developed through conventional and synthetic tetraploid method, was designed to (i) study the introgression of heat and water stress tolerance by using wild relatives (ii) evaluate genetic markers for marker assisted selection against water and heat stress. Two separate experiments for water and heat stress tolerance with a common control were established. Treatments in each experiment include a control and a stress treatment. Heat stress was applied by sowing crop two month earlier than the control treatment, whereas water stress was imposed by withholding alternate irrigation. Analyses of variance depicted highly significant (P B 0.01) effect of genotypes and both stresses on boll retention, boll weight and seed cotton yield. Interaction of genotypes with stress in both experiments was also highly significant (P B 0.01). Genotypes derived from interspecific crosses performed consistently in stress conditions compared to control which prove it a reliable method to introgress stress related genes from wild parents. Four genes reported for water stress tolerance and five genes reported for heat stress tolerance were evaluated by field results for efficient marker assisted selection (MAS). Results verified drought stress genes but heat stress genes could not explain genetic variability caused by heat stress. It is concluded from the results that separate genes may be responsible for heat stress tolerance for vegetative and reproductive stages, therefore, selection criteria should include both the traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a little information is available on the genetic association of basic within-boll yield components of segregating populations. A total of 25 genotypes were evaluated for genetic diversity using SSR markers in 2012; of these, eight diverse genotypes were selected to attempt the generation of five crosses. From the progeny of these five crosses, five F3 populations were developed. Data for within-boll yield components were recorded by taking 30 observations (one observation average of five bolls) from each population, and analysed for genotypic and phenotypic correlations followed by the path coefficient analysis from the genotypic correlation. The highest genotypic correlation was observed between seed cotton yield per locule and number of seeds per boll (ranging from 0.654 to 0.972 for different crosses). Except number of seeds per locule and lint percentage, all the other within-boll yield components had a highly significant positive correlation with seed cotton yield, whereas the former two had a negative correlation. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of seeds per boll had a maximum direct effect on yield (ranging from 0.776 to 0.895 for different crosses), and also had a relatively high magnitude of the indirect effect via other traits. Differences were observed in the magnitude of correlation coefficients and direct/indirect effects for different populations, but the direction of genetic association always remained the same. The present study showed that number of locules per boll, seed cotton yield per locule, number of seeds per boll and seed cotton yield per boll can be used as efficient selection criteria for the improvement in seed cotton yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nitrogen can be critical in determining fiber yield and quality in cotton. Major purpose of this 3-years (2017, 2018, and 2019) study in Faizabad-Iran was to investigate the effect of nitrogen rates, excess on the need for maximum yield and its interaction with environment on fiber quality of bolls with different spatial and temporal distribution in cotton canopy. Field experiment was a split-plot design with four replications. Main plots included two nitrogen rates (LN: 100 and HN: 200 kg ha−1). Sub plots included four boll growth habits: U P E R –Upper bolls Early in the season; L O E R –Lower bolls Early in the season; U P L A –Upper bolls Late in the season; L O L A –Lower bolls Late in the season. Results showed that fiber yield and fiber quality in terms of fiber uniformity and fiber strength were not affected by experimental factors and their interactions. In all years, LN led to an optimum micronaire (3.5–4.9 µg inch−1) and medium length (25.4–28.6 mm) fibers in all growth habits. However, in 2017, HN combined with lower temperature (25.2 °C) during the boll development decreased LAI to boll number ratio (source restriction), delayed maturity, and shifted fiber yield to U P L A boll growth habit with fine (micronaire < 3.5 µg inch−1) and short length (< 25.4 mm) fibers. In 2018 and 2019 with 1.7 °C and 2.3 °C higher temperatures than 2017, HN increased LAI to boll number ratio (sink restriction), led accelerated maturity, and shifted fiber yield to U P E R and L O E R boll growth habits, while with the increase of nitrogen, the difference between growth habits in terms of fiber quality was observed only in 2018 that led to production of coarse (micronaire > 4.9 µg inch−1) and long length (> 28.6 mm) fibers in U P E R and L O E R growth habits. In 2019, the lowest lint yield distribution was observed in U P L A treatment, but the fiber quality parameters were similar in all growth habits. These results may conclude that nitrogen consumption, in excess of what required for maximum yield, affects the source-sink relationship and leads to the formation of bolls with different fiber quality within a canopy, and the response of these processes to nitrogen is affected by the environment. • High N did not improve fiber yield but decreased fiber quality. • Low N led to an optimum micronaire and medium-length fibers in all seasons. • In cold weather, high N led to fine and short fibers. • In warm weather, high N led to coarse and long length fibers. • High N changed lint yield contribution and its quality within canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fodder production and livestock farming are major farming activities in peri-urban areas of Faisalabad. A baseline survey was conducted to study socio-economic aspects and farming practices of the fodder growing areas in 2010-11. A total of 109 households, selected by snowball method, were interviewed based on a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that all households were headed by male and most of them (53%) had only completed primary education or even less. Agriculture was the predominant occupation as 89% of the households rely on it for income. Average income per household was US$ 550 per month with great variability. Berseem, maize and sorghum were identified as major commercial crops of the area grown by around 90% of the respondents. Most of the farmers (86%) rely on integrated fertilizer use (combination of mineral fertilizer and farm yard manure). Alternate canal and tube well watering was common as reported by 80% of the respondents. Major problems reported were the scarcity of irrigation water (97%), poor access to fertilizer (55%) and marketing of the farm products (45%). It is concluded that high illiteracy rate, shortage of irrigation water and an imbalanced use of fertilizers are the major reasons for low productivity. Introducing water and nutrient efficient crops and extension services for improved technology could provide good perspectives for a sustained fodder production in these peri-urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Two cropping systems (common and drought adopted) were compared for fertilizer and irrigation effects on forage quality. [•] Irrigation water use efficiencies for crude protein (CP) and metabolizeable energy (ME) were also studied. [•] Fertilizer and irrigation did not affect the quality parameters significantly. [•] Drought adopted system proved more water efficient for CP and ME production. [•] Nutritional quality of both systems was in acceptable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of abiotic stresses, especially drought has become the major threat to cotton production worldwide due to long and intense dry spells in many cotton growing areas. Drought stress curtails the photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism (starch, sucrose synthesis), activities of several enzymes including vacuolar invertase and sucrose synthase, etc., which are involved in fiber development. Moreover, drought stressed cotton plant has poor assimilate translocation towards reproductive tissues, leading to poor pollen functioning, reproductive failure, and inferior fiber quality. The development of drought tolerant cotton genotypes using transgenes or QTL based molecular breeding approaches has proved effective in improving drought tolerance and fiber quality in cotton. The use of plant growth regulators and mineral elements can also aid in enhancing drought stress tolerance, fiber yield, and quality of cotton through initiating stress response related signaling cascades. Although, effects of drought stress in cotton are well reported, but variations in fiber quality due to the drought are not well explored. During the last few years, progress has been observed to understand these mechanisms which are critically reviewed here. This review highlights the water deficit stress induced habitual, physiological and biochemical changes during the reproductive growth leading to poor development of fiber. It also highlights the effect of drought stress on assimilate accumulation and portioning in reproductive tissues of cotton which finally converts into the fiber. This review will help devise new research to mitigate the negative impact of global climate change on world cotton production and fiber quality. • Cotton production is threatened by climate change especially drought. • Drought curtails photosynthesis and assimilate translocation. • Drought also suppresses activities of enzymes involved in fiber development in cotton. • Crop improvement and management strategies may improve drought tolerance in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower production is significantly lower in arid and semi-arid regions due to various crop management problem. Conservation of tillage provides the most excellent opportunity to reduce degradation of soil reserves and increase soil productivity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of conservation tillage and drought stress on growth and productivity of different sunflower hybrids. Experimental treatments included two sunflower hybrids ('NK-Senji' and 'S-278'), two drought stress treatments (i.e., well-watered and drought stress at flowering and grain filling stages) and three tillage practices (i.e., conservation, minimum and deep tillage). The results indicated that morphological and physiological parameters, and yield-related traits were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by all individual factors; however, their interactive effects were non-significant. Among sunflower hybrids, 'NK-Senji' performed better for morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits than 'S-278'. Similarly, conservation tillage observed better traits compared to the rest of the tillage practices included in the study. Nonetheless, conservation tillage improved growth and yield-related traits of hybrid 'NK-Senji' under drought stress. Hence, it is concluded that conservation tillage can improve the productivity of sunflower under low moisture availability. Therefore, conservation tillage could be suggested in the areas of lower water ability to improve sunflower production. Nonetheless, sunflower hybrids or varieties need thorough testing for their adaptability to conservation tillage and low moisture availability before making recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is an important nut crop extensively grown in rainfed regions of Pakistan. The crop requires low inputs; thus, could grow successfully under diverse environmental conditions. Due to pegging ability, peanut grows aggressively in sandy and sandy-loam soils. However, it has not introduced to Thal region of southern Punjab, Pakistan. A two-year field experiment was conducted to optimize sowing dates for two peanut genotypes ('BARI-2016' and 'NO-334') in Thal region (Layyah). Similarly, a yield trial was conducted at Chakwal where both genotypes are extensively grown. Five sowing dates (10th April, 1st May, 20th May, 10th June and 30th June) were included in the study. The highest seed yield was obtained with early sown crop (10th April) during both years. Pod formation reduced with increasing atmospheric temperature and no pods were formed on the plants sown on 30th June. Decreased pod formation seemed a major reason for low yield in late-sown crop. The highest yield was observed for the crop sown on 10th April, which was decreased by 40% for the crop sown on 1st May. Genotype 'BARI-2016' performed better for seed yield at both locations compared with 'NO-334'. The results suggested that genotype 'BARI-2016' is more adaptive to arid and semi-arid condition under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Sowing peanut at optimum time would increase seed yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Nonetheless, 'BARI-2016' can be grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) is a menace to cotton productivity in Africa and Asia, especially in Pakistan. Early cotton planting is one of the options for CLCuV management, but due to late harvesting of wheat crop in cotton-wheat cropping system, early planting is not feasible. To address this problem, a two-year experiment was conducted at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The experiment includes a commercially grown and approved cotton genotype IUB-13 grown at two spacings i.e. normal spacing (30 cm plant-to-plant distance) and high density population (15 cm plant-to-plant distance). In both cases, row-to-row distance was kept constant i.e. 75 cm. From the experiment, data were collected for CLCuV infestation, seed cotton yield (SCY), number of bolls per unit area (NB), boll weight (BW), above ground fresh biomass (AGFB), harvest index (HI), ginning out-turn (GOT) and fibre quality traits e.g. fibre length (FL) and fibre fineness (FF). Significant reduction in above mentioned traits was observed mainly attributed to higher CLCuV infestation in late sown cotton (30th May, 2018 and 2019). It was clearly evident from the results that yield losses due to CLCuV were effectively compensated in late sowing with high plant densities (reducing the plant spacing) due to improvement in the AGFB and HI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review discusses physiological and agronomic considerations for improving WUE in crop plants. • Canopy size, root architecture and tissue water maintenance are the major determinants of WUE. • Modification in planting times, seeding rates and planting geometries may help improve WUE. • Wise irrigation scheduling together with efficient system, and soil and weed management improve WUE. Water is the lifeline for crop production worldwide. However, the changing climate is causing erratic rains and frequent episodes of drought, and a continuous decline in freshwater resources. This situation requires strategies for water-efficient crop production. Wise use of water in crop production and improved crop water-use efficiency may help to produce 'more crop per drop'. This review discusses physiological and agronomic considerations for improving water-use efficiency in crop plants, which primarily depend on canopy size, leaf morphology, leaf and shoot anatomy, root architecture, water uptake capacity, and maintenance of tissue water status. Developing genotypes with improved water productivity and modified planting times, seeding rates and planting geometries will improve water-use efficiency in crop plants. Improved irrigation scheduling, use of high-efficiency irrigation systems, better soil fertility management, and mulching to reduce soil evaporation and manage weeds should further improve crop water-use efficiency in the field. Research and development gaps for increasing our understanding of the physiological responses of plants to water supply using novel approaches linked to environmental physiology are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a serious threat to agronomic crop productivity worldwide. It raises severe concerns about the food and nutrient security required to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population, while also creating grave challenges for agriculture. Silicon (Si) and strigolecton (SL) are reported to impart multiple benefits to plants exposed to abiotic stress. Therefore, the current experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of silicon (4.0 mM) and strigolecton (20 µM) on the amelioration of cadmium (25 mg kg−1 soil) stress in maize seedlings via intervention in morphological attributes, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms, and osmolyte accumulation. The results indicated that morphological attributes and photosynthetic pigments were significantly reduced in Cd-exposed seedlings. However, foliar application of Si and SL, both individually and in combination, significantly improved the growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments of maize seedlings under both control and Cd-stress conditions. Exposure of maize seedlings to Cd stress increased H2O2 levels, malondialdehyde content, and electrolyte leakage and reduced cell membrane stability. These effects were significantly negated by Si and SL supplementation, both individually and in combination. Moreover, enzymatic antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, were activated after Cd stress, but their activity was further increased with foliar application of Si or SL. In Cd-contaminated seedlings, the combined application of Si and SL enhanced soluble proline, sugars, and total phenolic contents as compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, Si and SL applications increased Si accumulation in Cd-exposed seedlings and decreased Cd uptake. It was concluded that the combined application of Si and SL improved Cd tolerance in maize seedlings by modulating morpho-physiological attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and osmolytes accumulation, and by supporting the antioxidant defense system. The findings of this study suggest that Si and SL could be safe and effective strategies for reducing Cd toxicity in maize seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér.) is an important commercial horticultural plant extensively used in outdoor landscaping. Seed emergence has always remained a problem in geranium due to its hard seed nature. Hence its germination and other emergence-related attributes need to be adequately tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the germination and seedling growth of geraniums under different types of containers. In this regard, the seeds of two varieties of geranium viz. Large FID mixed and Star mixed were planted in different types of containers. The containers included black trays plastic pots, plastic bags, and nonwoven fabric bags. The seed emergence and other germination related parameters were significantly affected by the different types of containers. However, varieties exhibited similar responses for most germination and growth characteristics. Data were collected for seed germination, mean germination time, germination index and seedling vigor index. The type of containers showed a significant impact on seedling growth and development. The taller plants with more leaves and maximum biomass production were recorded from seeds sown in nonwoven fabric type bags. The results pertaining to varieties demonstrated that Star mixed showed better emergence and vigorous seedlings in comparison with large FID mixed. The taller seedlings with maximum leaves and shoot biomass were also recorded from Star mixed grown in nonwoven fabric type bags. Based on the results, it is concluded that germanium may be raised in nonwoven fabric bags for better seed emergence and seedling growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic amendments is seen to be a promising method for enhancing crop productivity and soil health. Therefore, this study was performed for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) to determine the effects of organic biochar (BC), sugar industry press mud (MUD), and poultry manure (PM) combined with inorganic amendments on the yield and nutritional quality of forage sorghum at the College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur sub-campus, Layyah, Pakistan. The treatments were comprised of the following: control (no inorganic or organic amendments added); recommended dose of NPK (59:72:30 kg ha−1); half dose of NPK (29.5:36:15 kg ha−1); recommended dose of poultry manure (PM) at 5 t ha−1; recommended dose of press mud (MUD) at 40 t ha−1; recommended dose of biochar (BC) at 11 t ha−1; BC + half NPK; MUD + half NPK; PM + half NPK; PM + BC + half NPK; PM + MUD + half NPK; BC + MUD + half NPK; PM + BC + MUD + half NPK. The treatments were carried out in a triplicate randomized complete block design. Results revealed that combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK significantly enhanced the plant height (201 cm), number of leaves (17), stem diameter (18 mm), stem dry weight (201.7 g), leaf dry weight (30.4 g), leaf area (184.3 cm2), green forage yield (31.8 Mg ha−1), and dry biomass yield (12.7 Mg ha−1) compared with the control treatment. Forage quality traits, including crude protein (CP), brix percentage, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), showed maximum value with the combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK. ADF and ADL are linked with lower digestibility; therefore, it was concluded that the combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK can improve the productivity, dry biomass yield, and CP of sorghum, but reduces the digestibility under semi-arid conditions, such as those in Central Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K+) is an important macro-nutrient for plants, which comprises almost 10% of plant's dry mass. It plays a crucial role in the growth of plants as well as other important processes related to metabolism and stress tolerance. Plants have a complex and well-organized potassium distribution system (channels and transporters). Cotton is the most important economic crop, which is the primary source of natural fiber. Soil deficiency in K+ can negatively affect yield and fiber quality of cotton. However, potassium transport system in cotton is poorly studied. Current study identified 43 Potassium Transport System (PTS) genes in Gossypium raimondii genome. Based on conserved domains, transmembrane domains, and motif structures, these genes were classified as K+ transporters (2 HKTs, 7 KEAs, and 16 KUP/HAK/KTs) and K+ channels (11 Shakers and 7 TPKs/KCO). The phylogenetic comparison of GrPTS genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, Oryza sativa, Medicago truncatula and Cicer arietinum revealed variations in PTS gene conservation. Evolutionary analysis predicted that most GrPTS genes were segmentally duplicated. Gene structure analysis showed that the intron/exon organization of these genes was conserved in specific-family. Chromosomal localization demonstrated a random distribution of PTS genes across all the thirteen chromosomes except chromosome six. Many stress responsive cis -regulatory elements were predicted in promoter regions of GrPTS genes. The RNA-seq data analysis followed by qRT-PCR validation demonstrated that PTS genes potentially work in groups against environmental factors. Moreover, a transporter gene (GrHAK/KUP/KT8) and two channel genes (GrAKT2.1 and GrAKT1.1) are important candidate genes for plant stress response. These results provide useful information for further functional characterization of PTS genes with the breeding aim of stress-resistant cultivars. • Potassium (K+) is an important macro-nutrient for plants, which comprises almost 10% of plant's dry mass. • Cotton is the most important economic crop, which is the primary source of natural fiber. Soil deficiency in K+ can negatively affect yield and fiber quality of cotton. • Current study identified 43 Potassium Transport System (PTS) genes in Gossypium raimondii genome. Based on conserved domains, transmembrane domains, and motif structures, these genes were classified as K+ transporters (2 HKTs, 7 KEAs, and 16 KUP/HAK/KTs) and K+ channels (11 Shakers and 7 TPKs/KCO). • The phylogenetic comparison of GrPTS genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, Oryza sativa, Medicago truncatula and Cicer arietinum revealed variations in PTS gene conservation. • Many stress responsive cis -regulatory elements were predicted in promoter regions of GrPTS genes. • The RNA-seq data analysis followed by qRT-PCR validation demonstrated that PTS genes potentially work in groups against environmental factors. Moreover, a transporter gene (GrHAK/KUP/KT8) and two channel genes (GrAKT2.1 and GrAKT1.1) are important candidate genes for plant stress response. • These results provide useful information for further functional characterization of PTS genes with the breeding aim of stress-resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, temperature in late February and early March raised up which cause heat stress at reproductive stage (terminal growth phase of wheat crop) which has become the major causative factor towards low wheat production in arid and semiarid regions. Therefore; strategies need to be adopted for improving terminal heat stress tolerance in wheat. In this study, we assessed whether foliar application of silicon (Si) (2 and 4 mM) at terminal growth phase i.e. heading stage of wheat imposed to heat stress (37 ± 2 °C) under polythene tunnel could improve the performance of wheat. Results of the study revealed that heat stress significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and a + b and carotenoids) leading to a lower grain yield. However, a 4 mM Si application (foliar applied) at heading stage prominently increased the chlorophyll a, b and a + b and carotenoids of flag leaf by improving the activities of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and osmoprotectants (soluble sugar protein and proline) under terminal heat stress. Improvements in the performance of wheat (chlorophyll contents, carotenoids, soluble sugar and proteins and proline and yield) with foliar application of Si were also observed under control conditions. Correlation analysis revealed strong association (r > 0.90) of chlorophyll contents and carotenoids with grain and biological yield. Negative correlation (−0.81 < r > −0.63) of physio-biochemical components (antioxidants, proline, soluble sugars and proteins) with yield revealed that under heat stress these components produced in more quantities to alleviate the effects of heat, and Si application also improved these physio biochemical components. In crux, foliar application of Si alleviates the losses in the performance of wheat caused by terminal heat stress by improving the antioxidant mechanism and production of osmoprotectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is an important global staple food crop; however, its productivity is severely hampered by changing climate. Erratic rain patterns cause terminal drought stress, which affect reproductive development and crop yield. This study investigates the potential and zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) to ameliorate terminal drought stress in wheat and associated mechanisms. Two different drought stress levels, i.e., control [80% water holding capacity (WHC) was maintained] and terminal drought stress (40% WHC maintained from BBCH growth stage 49 to 83) combined with five foliar-applied Zn-Si combinations (i.e., control, water spray, 4 mM Zn, 40 mM Si, 4 mM Zn + 40 mM Si applied 7 days after the initiation of drought stress). Results revealed that application of Zn and Si improved chlorophyll and relative water contents under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. Foliar application of Si and Zn had significant effect on antioxidant defense mechanism, proline and soluble protein, which showed that application of Si and Zn ameliorated the effects of terminal drought stress mainly by regulating antioxidant defense mechanism, and production of proline and soluble proteins. Combined application of Zn and Si resulted in the highest improvement in growth and antioxidant defense. The application of Zn and Si improved yield and related traits, both under well-watered conditions and terminal drought stress. The highest yield and related traits were recorded for combined application of Zn and Si. For grain and biological yield differences among sole and combined Zn-Si application were statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, combined application of Zn-Si ameliorated the adverse effects of terminal drought stress by improving yield through regulating antioxidant mechanism and production of proline and soluble proteins. Results provide valuable insights for further cross talk between Zn-Si regulatory pathways to enhance grain biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health. The Zn-deficiency is an important malnutrition problem known globally. Biofortified foods could overcome Zn deficiency in humans. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important, pulse crop frequently grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Mungbean could provide essential micronutrients, including Zn to humans. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the impact of Zn fertilization on the yield and grain biofortification of mungbean. Twelve mungbean genotypes (i.e., NM-28, NM-2011, NM-13-1, NM-2006, NM-51, NM-54, NM-19-19, NM-92, NM-121-25, NM-20-21, 7006, 7008) were assessed for their genetic diversity followed by Zn-biofortification, growth and yield under control (0 kg ha-1) and Zn-fertilized (10 kg ha-1) conditions. Data relating to allometric traits, yield components, grain yield and grain Zn contents were recorded. Zinc fertilization improved entire allometric and yield-related traits. Grain yield of different genotypes ranged from 439 to 904 kg ha-1 under control and 536 to 1462 kg ha-1 under Zn-fertilization. Zinc concentration in the grains varied from 15.50 to 45.60 mg kg-1 under control and 18.53 to 64.23 mg kg-1 under Zn-fertilized conditions. The tested genotypes differed in their Zn-biofortification potential. The highest and the lowest grain Zn contents were noted for genotypes NM-28 and NM-121-25, respectively. Significant variation in yield and Zn-biofortification indicated the potential for improvement in mungbean yield and grain Zn-biofortification. The genotypes NM-28 and NM-2006 could be used in breeding programs for improvement in grain Zn concentration due to their high Zn uptake potential. Nonetheless, all available genotypes in the country should be screened for their Zn-biofortification potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays an important role in the global food security, but its production is threatened by climate change, especially drought stress. Potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) are considered useful to mitigate the negative consequences of drought stress in plants. Therefore, the objective of this two-year study was to identify the best combination of K and Zn application to improve the water relations, photosynthetic pigments, yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and grain quality of maize sown under mild and severe drought stress conditions. The consisted of three drought stress levels viz. 1) well-watered as control (WW), 2) mild drought (MD) with 25 mm of potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD), 3) severe drought (SD) with 50 mm of PSMD and six K-Zn treatments: i.e. 125, 100 and 150 kg ha−1 K with 0 and 12 kg ha−1 Zn. The results indicated that K-Zn application improved the water relations and chlorophyll contents, biological yield and grain quality, irrespective of water stress treatment. The combined application of K-Zn under mild drought stress produced statistically same biological yield and grain quality as under well-irrigated without K-Zn fertilization and also produced compratively higher IWUE, biological yield and grain quality under sverer drought stress. Hence, the application of K at 150 kg ha−1 in combination with Zn at 12 kg ha−1 might be useful to improve the maize production and grain quality under drought stress. As IWUE was low in WW conditions, therefore, irrigation scheduling must be re-evaluated for optimum water use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress along with low water availability at reproductive stage (terminal growth phase of wheat crop) is major contributing factor towards less wheat production in tropics and sub-tropics. Flag leaf plays a pivotal role in assimilate partitioning and stress tolerance of wheat during terminal growth phase. However, limited is known about biochemical response of flag leaf to combined and individual heat and drought stress during terminal growth phase. Therefore, current study investigated combined and individual effect of terminal drought and heat stress on water relations, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes accumulation and antioxidants defense mechanism in flag leaf of bread wheat. Experimental treatments comprised of control, terminal drought stress alone (50% field capacity during reproductive phase), terminal heat stress alone (wheat grown inside plastic tunnel during reproductive phase) and terminal drought stress + terminal heat stress. Individual and combined imposition of drought and heat stresses significantly (p≤0.05) altered water relations, osmolyte contents, soluble proteins and sugars along with activated antioxidant defensive system in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Turgor potential, POD and APX activities were lowest under individual heat stress; however, these were improved when drought stress was combined with heat stress. It is concluded that combined effect of drought and heat stress was more detrimental than individual stresses. The interactive effect of both stresses was hypo-additive in nature, but for some traits (like turgor potential and APX) effect of one stress neutralized the other. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report on physiological and biochemical response of flag leaf of wheat to combine heat and drought stress. These results will help future studies dealing with improved stress tolerance in wheat. However, detailed studies are needed to fully understand the genetic mechanisms behind these physiological and biochemical changes in flag leaf in response to combined heat and drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effect of biochar on maize production and nutrient retention with recommended full and half dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition in loamy soil. In the first study, maize was grown in pots with four levels of biochar (0, 2, 4, and 6 t ha−1) under two levels of NP fertilizer, viz. recommended (200–150 kg NP ha−1) and it's half (100–75 kg NP ha−1) dose. The prominent improvement in plant roots traits, leaf area, plant growth, morphological and yield-related parameters were observed with addition of biochar at 2 and 4 t ha−1; while, plant height, number of grains per cob, grains and biological yield decreased with biochar addition 6 t ha−1 along with full dose of NP nutrition. In subsequent field studies, two levels of biochar along with control (0, 2, 4 t ha−1) were investigated. The more improvement in root growth, leaf area and crop growth was observed when biochar was applied at 2 t ha−1 with full NP nutrition. Biochar application at 2 t ha−1 with full NP nutrition produced the highest grain yield (6.64 t ha−1); however, biochar addition (2 t ha−1) with half NP nutrition resulted in better grain yield than full dose of NP to enhance maize production as compared with full dose of NP without biochar. Therefore, biochar addition (2 t ha−1) with half-recommended dose of NP prominently improved the maize productivity in loamy soil and serve as better in replacement of full dose of NP fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive and unwise use of synthetic fertilizers is a threat to the soil, aerial and human health. In this scenario, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for maximizing peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) production under arid regions are necessary. Use of biochar and the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) along with reduce doses of synthetic fertilizers has emerged as an eco-friendly way of reducing the dose of synthetic fertilizers for crop production. In this 2-year study, we evaluated the role of PGPRs and biochar with reduce doses of synthetic fertilizers on peanut productivity on a sandy loam soil under an arid climate. The experiment comprised of eight experimental treatments viz. (i) control, (ii) recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer (32-80-32 NPK kg ha−1), (iii) plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; SR-5), (iv) biochar (10 t ha−1), (v) PGPR + half dose of synthetic fertilizer (i.e., 16-40-16 NPK kg ha−1), (vi) biochar (10 t ha−1) + half dose of synthetic fertilizer, (vii) PGPR + biochar (10 tha−1) and (viii) PGPR + biochar (10 t ha−1) + half dose of synthetic fertilizer. The highest pod yield (1.94 Mg ha−1), seed yield (1110 kg ha−1) and oil contents (52.6%) were recorded when biochar was applied in combination with PGPRs with half dose of synthetic fertilizers which was attributed to a greater number of pods per plant and highest seed weight in this treatment. In crux, biochar application along with PGPRs might be a pragmatic option to boost peanut yield in arid regions with reduce doses of NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise choice of potassium (K) source and application method does matter for its cost-effectiveness. This study was aimed to evaluate the best source and method of K fertilizer application to improve cotton productivity and profitability under an arid climate. Three different K sources (KNO3, K2SO4 and KCl) were applied at 100 kg ha-1 by four methods, i.e. a) basal application, b) side dressing, c) fertigation and d) foliar application of 2% K2SO4. The highest productivity and profitability were recorded with K2SO4 applied as foliar application. Total boll weight per plant was similar in foliar applied K2SO4 and basal application of KNO3. Better boll opening in foliar applied K2SO4, perhaps, played decisive role for increased seed-cotton yield. For basal application and side dressing, KNO3 produced the highest seed-cotton yield, but the benefit cost ratio was better for foliar applied K2SO4. In crux, foliar application of K2SO4 might be opted to improve the seed cotton yield, fiber quality and net returns under the arid climate. However, soil K application through K2SO4 and/or KNO3 is essential to balance the K removal from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydropriming had no advantage over the control in terms of increasing dry matter and gas exchange. • Priming methods that increased K +/Na+ and respiration were effective in reducing the effect of sodicity and salinity stress. • Nanopriming with titanium oxide was the only treatment that improved dry matter in sodic soil irrigated with saline-sodic water. • Chemopriming was one of the best treatments in all water and soil conditions, except for sodic soil irrigated with saline-sodic water. • In saline soil irrigated with non-saline non-sodic water, osmopriming with zinc sulfate was as beneficial as chemopriming and nanopriming. Salt stress is one of the most important environmental stresses affecting the growth, quantity, and quality of agronomic crops. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of seed priming on the salt tolerance of pumpkin seedlings. Seeds were primed with eight different treatments including control (pre-soaking), Hydropriming with deionized water, Nanopriming with TiO 2 , Chemopriming with putrescine, Biopriming with Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida bacterias, Hormone priming with salicylic acid, plant extract priming with Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and osmopriming with zinc sulfate. After germination, two groups of sampling were grown in two types of soil: saline (Ssa) and sodic (Sso) and they were investigated separately and irrigated with two types of water: saline-sodic (Wss) and non-saline-non-sodic (Wnss). Results showed that under Wnss/Ssa conditions, hydropriming did not affect the TAC and K +/Na+, as well as TDM and gas exchange parameters, while osmopriming increased all parameters. Likewise, in this soil-water condition, the osmopriming increased respiration and dry matter by 21.8%, while it increased photosynthesis in all four soil-water conditions. Hormone priming in Wss/Ssa conditions caused a 31% increase in dry matter, while it did not affect SOD, Proline, and TAC, moreover, respiration and K +/Na+ also increased. In Wss/Sso, nanopriming was the only superior treatment in terms of dry matter with a 10% increase compared to the control. In mentioned soil water condition, nanopriming was among the treatments with the highest values of SOD, TAC, Proline, and K +/Na+, respiration, and the lowest values of MDA and Na+. In all conditions except Wss/Sso, biopriming increased dry matter. In the mentioned condition, despite having higher SOD, and proline compared to the control, biopriming did not lead to an increase in respiration and K +/Na+. In Wss/Ssa conditions, biopriming led to the highest increase in the dry matter by 34.1%, while it had no effect on proline and TAC and increased K +/Na+ by 3.7 times compared to the control. Priming with plant extract also increased dry matter in all conditions except Wss/Sso. In the condition of Wss/Ssa, even though the priming of the plant extract did not affect TAC and proline, it caused an increase in K +/Na+ compared to the control, in addition, it was one of the superior treatments in terms of respiration. In conclusion, seed priming through ionic regulation was found to be effective in reducing the harmful effects of salinity and sodicity stress in pumpkin seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is an acute threat to plants, especially to field crops in irrigated and saline areas of the world. Rice is the second staple crop of the world after wheat, and its production is strongly affected by salinity. Therefore, to ensure food security, it is crucial to manage salt stress for sustainable rice production under saline conditions. Plant physiological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics play an important role in the adaptation of rice to saline environments. Further, the knowledge of the relationship among these characteristics is necessary to manage the salt stress and achieve optimal rice production. This review focuses on the response of rice to salinity stress; its physiological, biochemical, and genetic changes; its adaptation to saline soils through osmoregulation, ion homeostasis, apoplastic acidification, synthesis of antioxidants, genes, and hormonal regulations; and synthesis of stress-responsive proteins. Future research is needed on management strategies such as breeding for salt-tolerant cultivars, application of molecular markers to select salt-tolerant germplasm, potential of genetic transformation for salinity resistance, application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-regulating rhizobacteria, nutrient management, and seed priming techniques for sustainable rice production in saline areas. In conclusion, salt stress affects metabolism and physiology of rice and reduces the agronomic yield. Therefore, development of salt-tolerant genotypes may be a prudent strategy to manage the salinity. Focused research on integration of different management options can lead to sustainable rice production in saline areas which may contribute significantly to global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress, at reproductive phase in particular, severely reduces wheat yield but some agronomic techniques have the potential to overcome this damage. A field experiment was planned to evaluate the role of seed priming and seed size in drought tolerance of wheat. Bold (1000-seed weight 44.4 g) and small (1000-seed weight 22.4 g) sized seeds were soaked in CaCl2 solution (osmopriming; ψs-1.25 MPa) while untreated dry seeds were taken as control. Crop was grown by using primed and untreated seeds under well-watered conditions till booting stage and then put under drought stress (50% of the field capacity) or control (100% of the field capacity) till biological maturity. Drought stress substantially decreased the wheat productivity due to significant reduction in allometric i.e. crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and yield components. Moreover, osmoprimed seeds with CaCl2 over dry seeds and large sized seeds over small sized seeds maintained their dominance due to early and uniform stand establishment, improving crop allometry and productivity due to notable expansion in entire yield related traits under well-watered and drought stress conditions. In conclusion, osmoprimed bold sized seeds may have a vital role in improving wheat production by early and uniform stand establishment, improving crop allometry and productivity due to considerable expansion in yield related traits under normal irrigated and drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is the most important crop production limiting factor in the changing climate scenario and its intensity is predicted to increase in future. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop having 8% share in the world oilseed production. Although, it is a moderately drought tolerant crop, severe drought causes reduction in the seed and oil production. Therefore, to ensure sustainable sunflower achene and oil production, it is very important to understand the relationship among the physiological, biochemical, genetic and agronomic basis of drought for its sustainable management. Impact of drought stress on various aspects of sunflower has been reported earlier but there is not a single study describing the physiological, biochemical and genetic basis of drought in sunflower at molecular and crop level. In this review manuscript, influence of drought on sunflower achene yield and oil quality has been analyzed critically at both cell, plant and crop level, and the possible management options to mitigate the severity of the drought stress are proposed. Available literature describing the impact of drought stress on physiological and biochemical aspects (like, photosynthesis, water relations, nutrient uptake and oxidative damage), morphological and growth parameters and achene yield and oil quality has been discussed critically. Based on the discussion on the impact of drought stress, various management strategies, such as breeding for drought tolerance (conventional or biotechnological), exogenous application of hormones and osmoprotectants, seed treatment and soil nutrient management has been reviewed and discussed. It is concluded from discussion that sunflower responds to water stress by osmotic adjustments, turgor maintenance, carbon assimilation maintenance and hormonal regulations. A comprehensive research on integration of different management options, including agronomic management, conventional breeding and modern biotechnological advances, is needed for the sustainable improvement of sunflower achene yield and oil quality under drought stress. This may also contribute significantly under a climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress (DS) is a considerable limiting factor that reduces growth and crop productivity. Melatonin (MT) is one of the emerging plant hormones involved in improving drought tolerance in plants. Therefore, the current study was comprised of various MT levels i.e., control, 100, 200, and 300 μM factorially combined with four sorghum genotypes: YSS-1, YSS-15, Johr, and PARC-S-4. The DS was imposed at the initiation of booting (Zadoks growth scale) by withholding irrigation for 1 week. Taller plants (74.7 cm), with more leaves per plant (LLP: 12), flag leaf area (FLA: 153.7 cm2), root and shoot ratio (0.16), biomass yield (89.1 g), Brix value (9.7%) and soluble solids (SS: 13.3) were recorded with the application of 300 μM MT. In the case of cultivars YSS-1 performed with maximum plant height (74.7 cm), LPP (11), FLA (143.9 cm2), root and shoot ratio (0.14), biomass yield (87.2 g), Brix value (10.3%) and SS (11.5). The activities of antioxidants (CAT, POD, and SOD) were also significantly increased after the imposition of DS, nonetheless, the application of MT further enhanced the activities of these antioxidants to confer drought tolerance. Therefore, these findings suggested that foliar spray of MT (300 μM) could alleviate the negative impacts of DS and improve the growth, biomass yield, and nutritional quality of sorghum. • Melatonin (Mel) could improve drought tolerance in plants. • Mel improved plant height, LLP, FLA, SS, root/shoot ratio, biomass yield, brix value. • Endogenous antioxidants activity was increased by drought stress, and further by Mel. • Foliar spray of Mel (300 μM) alleviates drought stress negative impacts. • Foliar spray of Mel improves sorghum growth, biomass yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is the leading staple food in the world, particularly in developing countries, which lacks a mechanism of zinc absorption; when compared to pulses, more attention is consequently important to be given to the wheat crop. Micronutrient deficiencies and especially zinc deficiency influences one-third of the world population. In addition to this, it is also essential for the growth and development of plants and animals. A pot and field experiment was conducted to check the effect of foliar application of zinc sulphate on three different wheat varieties at the same time. Treatment consisted of three zinc levels (control, 4%, 6%) in the form of zinc sulphate (21% Zn) applications were applied on various wheat varieties (Zincol, Fakher-e-Bhakkar, Faisalabad-2008) at different growth stages (tillering, booting and heading). Different zinc levels showed different results on wheat varieties in both experiments. Results revealed that var. Fakher-e-Bhakkar was best at 6% zinc application for more plant height, the number of spikelets, spike length, 100-grain weight, biological and grain yield per plant as compared to other varieties and treatments. Antioxidants and nutritional quality (protein, gluten, starch and zinc contents) showed variable behavior both on wheat varieties and zinc application. It is concluded that Fakher-e-Bhakkar was found to be the most responsive cultivar at 6% zinc application for improvement in growth, yield-related traits and nutritional quality. So it is recommended for achieving maximum yield and yield components and grain zinc contents of wheat under agro-climatic conditions of Layyah, Punjab-Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because it is a staple food, sustainable production of wheat is crucial for global food security. Arid and semi-arid regions are worst affected by climate change, which has resulted in poor productivity of different crops, including wheat. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the effect of foliage-applied thiourea on the growth, yield, and nutritional-quality-related traits of bread wheat. The treatments consisted of thiourea levels (control, 500, and 1000 mg L−1) factorally combined with two diverse wheat cultivars (Gandam-1 and Galaxy-2013) at different growth stages (tillering, booting, and heading) and was repeated over two years. The analysis of the data shows that thiourea treatments and the cultivars significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the growth, nutritional quality traits, and morphological traits, and the interaction of the two factors was also significant. Improvement in productivity and nutritional quality was observed from the application of thiourea in both cultivars. Galaxy-2013 performed best at 1000 mg L−1 thiourea application for both productivity- and nutritional-quality-related traits at the heading stage. In conclusion, exogenous application of thiourea improves the productivity and nutritional quality of wheat on sandy loam soils in semi-arid regions; however, for wider recommendations, more trials may be conducted across various agro-ecological regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]