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Genus Pinus is a widely dispersed genus of conifer plants in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the inadequate accessibility of genomic knowledge limits our understanding of molecular phylogeny and evolution of Pinus species. In this study, the evolutionary features of complete plastid genome and the phylogeny of the Pinus genus were studied. A total of thirteen divergent hotspot regions (trnk-UUU, matK, trnQ-UUG, atpF, atpH, rpoC1, rpoC2, rpoB, ycf2, ycf1, trnD-GUC, trnY-GUA, and trnH-GUG) were identified that would be utilized as possible genetic markers for determination of phylogeny and population genetics analysis of Pinus species. Furthermore, seven genes (petD, psaI, psaM, matK, rps18, ycf1, and ycf2) with positive selection site in Pinus species were identified. Based on the whole genome this phylogenetic study showed that twenty-four Pinus species form a significant genealogical clade. Divergence time showed that the Pinus species originated about 100 million years ago (MYA) (95% HPD, 101.76.35–109.79 MYA), in lateral stages of Cretaceous. Moreover, two of the subgenera are consequently originated in 85.05 MYA (95% HPD, 81.04–88.02 MYA). This study provides a phylogenetic relationship and a chronological framework for the future study of the molecular evolution of the Pinus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is an important stone fruit crop cultivated at commercial scale in Pakistan. While, appropriate selection of rootstock has significant impact on the quality of peach fruit. Therefore, in the current study the influence of three rootstocks viz. 'GF-677′, 'Peshawar Local' and 'Swat Local' were evaluated on the quality of 'Flordaking' peaches following cold storage during two consecutive years. The fruit from these rootstocks were kept at 0 °C for five weeks were studied for various fruit physical (weight loss, colour, firmness) and biochemical (pH, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC:TA ratio, fruit juice pH, sugars (total, reducing and non-reducing sugars), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and free radicals scavenging activities) were evaluated. During both years, fruit harvested form trees grafted on 'GF-677′ exhibited reduced fruit weight loss, changes in Chroma (C *) and highest fruit firmness, Lightness (L*), ascorbic acid contents and radical scavenging activities as compared to fruit harvested from tree grafted on other rootstocks. In conclusion, the post-harvest quality of scion 'Flordaking' peach fruit was significantly influenced and best quality can be obtained when it is grafted on 'GF-677′ rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower occupies the fourth position among oilseed crops the around the world. Eceriferum (CER) is an important gene family that plays critical role in very-long-chain fatty acids elongation and biosynthesis of epicuticular waxes under both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of sunflower CER genes during drought stress condition. Thus, comparative analysis was undertaken for sunflower CER genes with Arabidopsis genome to determine phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal mapping, gene structures, gene ontology and conserved motifs. Furthermore, we subjected the sunflower cultivars under drought stress and used qRT-PCR analysis to explore the expression pattern of CER genes during drought conditions. We identified thirty-seven unevenly distributed CER genes in the sunflower genome. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that CER genes were grouped into seven clades in Arabidopsis , Helianthus annuus, and Gossypium hirsutum. Expression analysis showed that genes CER10 and CER60 were upregulated in sunflower during drought conditions, indicating that these genes are activated during drought stress. The results obtained will serve to characterize the CER gene family in sunflower and exploit the role of these genes in wax biosynthesis under limited water conditions. Cuticular waxes protect the plants from drought stress, so we observed the expression of wax bio synthesis genes in recently sequences genome of Helianthus annuus. We observed that expression of wax biosynthesis genes CER10 and CER60 was upregulated when the plants were subjected to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower is an important oil-seed crop in Pakistan, it is mainly cultivated in the spring season. It is severely affected by drought stress resulting in lower yield. Cuticular wax acts as the first defense line to protect plants from drought stress condition. It seals the aerial parts of plants and reduce the water loss from leaf surfaces. Various myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factors (TFs) are involved in biosynthesis of epicuticular waxes under drought-stress. However, less information is available for MYB, TFs in drought stress and wax biosynthesis in sunflower. We used different computational tools to compare the Arabidopsis MYB, TFs involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and drought stress tolerance with sunflower genome. We identified three putative MYB genes (MYB16, MYB94 and MYB96) in sunflower along with their seven homologs in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic association of MYB TFs in Arabidopsis and sunflower indicated strong conservation of TFs in plant species. From gene structure analysis, it was observed that intron and exon organization was family-specific. MYB TFs were unevenly distributed on sunflower chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis indicated the segmental duplication of the MYB gene family in sunflower. Quantitative Real-Time PCR revealed the up-regulation of three MYB genes under drought stress. The gene expression of MYB16 , MYB94 and MYB96 were found many folds higher in experimental plants than control. The present study provided the first insight into MYB TFs family's characterization in sunflower under drought stress conditions and wax biosynthesis TFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement for grain seed storage proteins (SSPs) is integral for rice breeding to achieve superior nutritional quality. In present investigation, a sum of 44 QTLs for PC, GLU, GLO, ALB and PRO were detected on all 12 chromosomes, with single QTL explaining 3.70–12.47 % of phenotypic variation. The majority of detected QTLs located in the region of RM7158-RM3414 including Waxy (Wx) gene along with qPC1. The highly positive significant correlation showed traits under investigation are related to each other. Three QTLs (qPC6, qPC7 and qGLU6) had shown relatively higher rate of phenotypic contribution suggesting influence of environmental conditions. Whereas, a pair of epistatic QTLs, GLO and PRO were also detected meanwhile, the M-QTLs were the primary genetic basis for PC, GLU and ALB, respectively. The outcome of present study will help to unearth the genetic foundation of protein and fractions of protein for future grain nutritional quality improvement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen rice lines and one cultivar were investigated for morphological traits and genetic diversity under normal and drought stress condition. Mean squares of years, environment and lines × environments were significant for all traits under observation, except for days to heading and grain yield/plant in years, days to heading in environment and days to heading and harvest index in lines × environments, respectively. The 10 SSR markers, covering seven chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) generated polymorphic alleles with sum of 72 alleles on seven chromosomes with 9 markers across the fifteen rice lines. Furthermore, genetic diversity values for all SSR markers varied from 0.94 to 1.00 with an average of 0.98. In addition, the PIC values ranged from 0.83 to 0.99 with an average value of 0.94. The promising lines of present investigation can be utilized in future plant breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as an efficient tool for sustainable crop improvement. Roots are the "principal hidden organ" that has a crucial function in vascular plants. Receptor-like protein kinase 1 (RPK1) has been reported to regulate root architecture system (RAS), abiotic stress, and yield both in Arabidopsis and rice. We employed a CRISPR/Cas9-based system, namely LR-1 and LR-2 constructs having double guided RNAs transformed via agrobacterium for targeted mutagenesis of TaRPK1 genes to alter the root architecture and hence yield in Triticum aestivum. Sequencing confirmed seven CRISPR/Cas9-based mutated T0 lines of LR-1 constructs and six T0 lines of LR-2 constructs, with an overall mutation efficiency of 41.93%. The T0 plants displayed higher monoallelic mutation compared to the diallelic mutation. 37.5% monoallelic mutation at target site 1 within the D genome by gRNA1 was observed by the LR-1 construct. The LR-2 constructs showed a higher monoallelic mutation frequency of 26.67% at target sites 1 and 2 within A, B, and D genomes. The deletions were mainly short, however longer deletions such as 12d, 17d, 19d, and 20d were detected by gRNA2 of LR-1 construct. Transgenic lines revealed significant alteration in morphology and RSA with a significant increase in number of effective tillers, grain weight, root length, root depth, root volume, and root surface area while reduced root diameter, root angle, and spike length, compared to the wild plants. Tillers and total grain weight increased significantly, suggesting edited lines increased grain production by decreasing spike length. The study validates that CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted editing of TaRPK1 is a practical approach for modifying RAS and hence yield enhancement in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, food security will be a matter of concern for policy makers. In desert countries the food commodities are mostly imported from other countries as their local production is not enough to meet the domestic needs and Saudi Arabia has no exception. Most of the cereals and red meat are imported. Major limiting factors in agriculture production are land and water, such that by 2050, Saudi Arabia is expected to import all of its domestic needs. Meanwhile, there are many land and water saving technologies which have the potential to help produce enough to meet the domestic energy requirements. Promotion of traditional crops, hydroponics and greenhouse farming, seawater harvesting, investing in bio-salinity research and rainwater harvesting are among those technologies. Therefore, role of extension agent is critical to promote the innovative technologies as well as creating awareness among farming community to implement the guidelines to meet the country dietary needs. This paper suggests substitute expertise and methodologies that can be engaged by Saudi Arabia under prevalent situation, which can be helpful to expand national food fabrication to achieve food security in the Kingdom. Efficient role of agriculture extension is need of the hour that should be exploited and utilized in a precise and efficient manner. All the possible strategies related to agricultural extension for prevailing agricultural challenges in the Kingdom are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the forage yield and qualitative traits of different varieties of millet with different days of harvest during the summer, 2014 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) under factorial arrangement having three replications. Pearl millet seeds of three varieties viz. BS-2011, Ghana White and MB-87 were grown in 30 cm apart rows. Net plot size was 3.6 m × 8.0 m. Three different harvesting times were adopted i.e. 55, 65 and 75 days after sowing (DAS). Maximum plant height of pearl millet was recorded for cultivar BS-2011 at harvest time of 75 DAS. Maximum leaf area per plant was observed for the cultivar BS-2011 when it was harvested 75 DAS. Maximum dry matter percentage was also attained in cultivar BS-2011 where plots were harvested at 75 DAS. The highest forage yield was obtained where variety BS-2011 was grown and harvested at 75 DAS. Similarly, maximum dry matter production of BS-2011 was recorded in plots harvested at 75 DAS followed by Ghana White and MB-87 harvested at 55 DAS. Higher crude protein content was recorded where plots were harvested at 55 DAS and cultivar BS-2011 was sown. Higher crude fiber and total ash percentage was also seen in BS-2011. Finally, cultivar BS-2011 proved best for cultivation with harvest time of 75 DAS under Faisalabad conditions to obtain higher forage yield and better quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proteins containing the domain of unknown functions (DUFs) have significant roles in stress response and the growth of plants. A comprehensive genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of DUF599 was conducted to identify their roles in potato growth and response to stressed conditions. A total of nine DUF599 genes were identified, located on five chromosomes in the potato genome. The phylogenetic analysis divided StDUF599 genes into three groups in accordance with gene conserved motifs and gene structure distribution patterns. The StDUF599 promoters comprised several cis- acting factors responsive to plant hormones and abiotic stresses. The present study revealed that StDUF599 genes also possessed MBS, LTR, ABRE, and anaerobic induction responsive elements, indicating their importance in coping with abiotic stresses. StDUF599 genes were the target of several families of micro-RNAs also identified in this study. Purifying selection pressures lead to the duplication of the StDUF599 genes. Expression analysis of StDUF599-6 and StDUF599-9 in various tissues illustrated their vital role in developmental processes. It was found that StDUF599-7 and StDUF599-9 were highly expressed against heat and salt stresses. Expression profiling revealed that the StDUF599-8 gene has a significant role against GA3 and IAA. Lastly, this article forecasted that the DUF599 genes could enhance plant tolerance against several abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a worldwide problem limiting the plant growth and risking food security. This study was conducted to examine exogenous application of silicon (Si), gibberellic acid (GA 3) upon the ion transport, growth, yield, and antioxidant enzymes activities of pea plant in saline conditions. Two pea varieties Meteor-FSD and Samrina Zard were pre-treated with GA 3 (10-4 M) for 12 h. Plants were allowed to grow with or without silicon in washed silica sand. Ten days old seedlings were shifted in pots with 10 kg soil. Twenty-five days old plants were exposed to 0 and 5 dS m−1 sodium stress. Results showed that exogenous application of GA 3 + Si was the best treatment for increasing plant biomass and yield in the presence and absence of NaCl. Furthermore, application of Si or GA 3 enhanced chlorophyll content in the leaves, thereby increasing the net assimilation rate of pea varieties under NaCl stress by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity. Treatment of Si alone or in combination with GA 3 significantly reduced Na+ movement in both pea varieties. Results showed that Si has more prominent role than GA 3 alone to build-up high plant biomass, yield, soluble protein content and reduction of Na+ transport. Samrina Zard variety showed higher yield, shoot and root dry weight as compared to Meteor-FSD variety in presence and absence of salt. It was concluded that Si can be used as a nutrient for pea under saline or non-saline conditions. Moreover, application of GA 3 has a potential role for increasing salinity tolerance, mostly in sensitive pea varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An outlook for the diversity of common beans germplasm in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit valley. • An insight in the phenotypic diversity assisted with the SSR marker based diversity for ecotypes selection. • A screened gene pool, to initiate hybridization program for crop improvement. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume crop grown all over the world and is a very important food of mountain population of Pakistan for protein intake. The Western Himalayan Mountains are rich in biodiversity including unexplored landraces of the common bean crop. Unfortunately, very little attention has been given to this valuable crop in Pakistan, and it is being exported, majorly from Ethiopia, to meet the country's requirements. The exploitation, utilization, preservation and multiplication of existing germplasm within the area are very important for sustainable production of the crop and enhancing the nutrition value for the local community in mountain regions. A research study was conducted for evaluation of biological diversity of common bean landraces from Azad Kashmir and Northern areas of Pakistan using morpho-physiological and molecular markers. Thirty-five common bean ecotypes along with one check variety were collected from different altitudes of Azad Kashmir and Northern Pakistan and screened for biological diversity. Morphological characterization revealed high genetic diversity in parameters including stem anthocyanin, growth type, days to flowering, pods/plant and 100 seeds weight. Genomic characterization using SSR markers, for allelic diversity evaluation among germplasm, also provided diverse profile with 83.3% polymorphism in banding pattern. The bulk of gene pool diversity evaluated within bean landraces may help to initiate breeding program for common bean improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity affects plant growth, development, yield, and is a big challenge for wheat growth across the globe. Possible feasible solution is creation of salt-tolerant material, genetic variation is a criterion to developing genetically superior individuals. To assess the genetic variation for salt tolerance, nationally and internationally-derived 81 wheat genotypes were selected and evaluated in 0- and 150-mM salt in nutritional culture at seedling stage. Results indicate that salinity levels reveal significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences for fresh root weight (RW), shoot length (SL), fresh shoot weight (SW), total plant length (TL), total fresh weight (TW), root/shoot weight ratio (RSWR), root/shoot length ratio (RSLR), and relative growth rate for weight (RGR-Wt). While, there was no difference for root length (RL). Hierarchical Clustering and Pairwise correlation analysis showed TW, RGR-Wt, SL, SW, and RW were positively correlated among themselves, whereas RL had poor correlations with all the traits except TL and RSLR. Hence, selection of SL can improve the performance of other parameters. Based on PCA analysis, SW and RGR-Wt were the major discriminative components for wheat genotypes. Present study explained that shoot related parameters could be used as a selection criterion to categorize salt-tolerant genotypes. Outperforming genotypes 1104 and 1106 in saline conditions could be used as parents in creation of salt-tolerant wheat genotypes, and parameters such as SL, SW, TW, and RGR-Wt for early screening will be important for creating salt-tolerant and high yielding wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of heavy metals in the environment can pose a potential risk to living organisms. Ingestion of leafy vegetables, containing heavy metals, is one of the main routes through which these elements enter the human body. The present study was conducted to assess the accumulation of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in spinach grown on metal contaminated soil, and to examine the bioassimilation of these metals in spinach-fed rabbits. Spinach grown in the fields spiked with Pb (1000 mg kg-1 soil) and Zn (150 mg kg-1 soil), was fed to the rabbits for 14 days. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in the leaves of spinach were 39.1 and 113 mg kg-1, respectively. For the assessment of Pb and Zn concentration, blood samples were collected after 24 h, 7 days and 14 days of feeding, while the essential organs, i.e. liver and kidneys of rabbits were collected at the end of feeding trials. Concentrations (mg L-1) of Pb (3.28) and Zn (7.10) increased in blood after 24 h compared to control treatment and then decreased (Pb 1.12; Zn 3.32) to a steady state with the passage of time after 7 days. A significant increase in the concentrations of Pb (1.20%, 3.95% and 5.58%) and Zn (10.7%, 6.89% and 18.4%) as compared to control treatment was also found in liver, kidney and bones of the rabbits, respectively, which was further confirmed by multivariate analysis. The highest significant values of correlation coefficient (r) were observed for blood and bones, i.e. 0.992 followed by blood and liver, i.e. 0.989. The bioassimilation of Pb in the body of rabbits was in the order of bone > kidney > liver > blood, while for Zn the order was bone > liver > kidney > blood. The bioassimilation of Pb and Zn in the blood, essential organs and bones depicted the serious health risks associated by consuming the metal contaminated vegetable. [Display omitted] • Uptake of lead and zinc by spinach plant from contaminated soil. • Transfer of heavy metals to food chain and contamination of rabbit critical organs. • Health risk assessment conducted on critical parts of rabbit. • Lead and Zinc behaved differently in Bioassimilation by organs of rabbit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]