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Food safety is a global challenge with chemical residues in foods causing harm to consumers. In particular, pesticide residues in food value chains is one of the leading causes of toxicities and a major cause of human diseases globally. The increasing demand for fruits and vegetables due to rapid population growth has driven growers to enhance pesticide use to boost crop production. This study was conducted to assess the extent of pesticide residues in selected fruits and vegetables commonly sold at wholesale markets in the Lahore region, the second largest city in Pakistan. The concentrations of six commonly used pesticide residues were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a mass Photodiode Array Detector (PDA), in selected fruits (Citrus, Guava, and Apple) and vegetables (Okra, Brinjal, Spinach, Cabbage, and Cauliflower). During survey, a total of 120 samples were collected and analyzed for three commonly used pesticides (Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid, and Chlorpyrifos) residues. The results of this study revealed that nearly all samples were contaminated with pesticide residues. Among the fruits, 67% of samples and 40% of vegetable samples contained pesticide residues exceeding the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), while 33% of fruit samples and 60% of vegetable samples had pesticide residues below the MRLs. This study highlights the significant risk and threat to health posed by the accumulation of these poisonous substances in our daily food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of soil caused by untreated textile effluent poses a significant threat in Pakistan. Therefore, during this study, a pot experiment quantified the impact of untreated industrial effluent on the growth attributes and heavy metal concentration (Cu and Cd) in rice. Wastewater samples were collected from two different industries and the treatments were comprised of control (tape water), Rashid printing textile effluent (RPTE), RPTE (40% dilution), Mamtaz mehal textile effluent (MMTE), MMTE (40% dilution), and RPTE (50% dilution) + MMTE (50% dilution) applied as irrigation water. Samples were evaluated for various traits including heavy metals (Cu and Cd). The highest shoot length cm (28.3) was recorded in the control treatment followed by RPTE (40% dilution) treatment (26.0) having a similar trend for fresh and dry shoot weight (g). The highest root length (7.9 cm) was recorded in the control treatment followed by RPTE (40% dilution) treatment (6.9 cm) and the same trend was observed for fresh and dry root weight (g). A similar trend was observed for tillers plant-1. In the case of heavy metals, the highest Cd shoot concentration (mg kg-1) was recorded in RPTE while the highest Cd concentration in root was recorded in treatment MMTE, and a similar trend was observed for post-harvest soil Cd concentration. Highest shoot Cu concentration (mg kg-1) was recorded for treatment MMTE and the same trend was observed for roots while the highest concentration of Cu for post-harvest soil was recorded for treatment RPTE. The results depicted that the application of contaminated effluent leads to the development of heavy metal toxicity in the soil. Furthermore, higher concentrations of effluent not only exacerbated heavy metal toxicity but also reduced the growth of rice. Therefore, regular monitoring by government agencies is recommended to ensure the production of safe and healthy food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigna radiata (mung bean) is a well-known agricultural crop with high nutritional value and adaptability. In volatile climates, drought stress poses a threat to its production. Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) is a natural remedy that includes bioactive ingredients and eco-friendly organic fertilizer. In order to improve plant growth, productivity, water usage effectiveness, and nutrient availability, MLEs are essential for controlling drought stress. This mixture strengthens agricultural resilience and works well with habitats that lack water. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an extract from moringa leaves may help preserve Mung agriculture from drought stress. Three water conditions were used to grow the seeds: normal (control; 100% field capacity), moderate (75%), and severe (50%). Then, to aid in growth and the creation of pods, moringa leaf extracts (Control: no MLE, 5x, 10x, and 20x dilutions) were sprayed as foliar spray at various points during germination, vegetative growth, reproductive development, and pod formation. Agronomic, yield, and grain quality indicators in agricultural crops were severely impacted by water stress, although leaf extracts at a 5x dilution dramatically improved root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and the number of pods and seeds harvested under both favorable and unfavorable growing circumstances. Extract has significantly increased the germination rate to 15% compared to seed that was sowed during a drought. In a similar vein, the use of MLE raised shoot and root dry weight by 62% as compared to plants under severe drought conditions. The number of pods dramatically increased by 57% compared to the plant in drought-stricken conditions. The seeds were positively impacted by MLE with a 5x dilution as it increased their quantity by 60% in comparison to the plant under drought, which had the greatest 100 seed weight of 6.02g. Regarding the drought-stressed plant, 5x diluted MLE likewise had a positive impact on biological yield and grain yield, which increased to 73 and 93%, respectively. A 77% rise in the harvest index between the MLE-applied crop and the drought-stressed crop is also notable. From this study, it can be inferred that 5x Dilution leaf extract has a stronger bio stimulant capacity than other Dilutions, which could assist Mung bean seeds produce more seeds and lessen the effects of drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was carried out in 2022-23 at the SAU Nursery, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. To assess the influence of various Nutrient Media on seed germination growth and development of Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis L.) The experimental trial was carried out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Acacia seeds were grown in Nutrient Media comprising canal silt, farmyard manure, rice husk and dry leaves in (1:1) among the nutrient media comprising canal silt + Rice husk (1:1) has shown the best result in germination and growth parameters. Viz germination (83.33%), plant height (17.70cm), number of branches plant-1 (27.66), fresh biomass of shoot (30.27g), dry biomass of shoot (14.15g), and quality index (0.78) while the poor results was recorded in canal silt germination (23.33%), Based on Nutrient Media, NM3 canal silt + Rice husk (1:1) performed better germination growth and development of Acacia, the present study that the Nutrient MediaNM3 =canal silt + rice husk (1:1) had better result for all parameters. It has been suggested that Acacia may be nourished with Nutrient Media Canal Silt + Rice husk (1:1) and also good in Canal silt + Dry leaves (1:1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, different chemical fungicides were used for effective management of Fusarium oxysporum, which is a causal agent of banana leaf spot disease. A survey of the banana-infected field was conducted in various regions of Sindh, Pakistan; Recorded disease incidence showed that Thatta was severely affected by leaf spot up to (46.66%), followed by Badin (28.88%) and minimum disease incidence was recorded in Hyderabad (24.44%). The pre-dominant pathogen was morphologically identified as Fusarium oxysporum; for confirmation of casual fungal, a pathogenicity test was done by two different methods i.e root dipping and drenching method. It was observed that the root dipping method of inoculation showed higher leaf spots (06) development on banana as compared to drenching method; leaf spot (03) of inoculation. To determine the efficacy of various chemical fungicides, such as Melodyduo, Aliette, Prevail, Topsin-M and Ridomil gold, were used at different doses, such as 100, 200, and 300 ppm, the findings of the study indicates that F. oxysporum was completely stopped to grew against the Prevail and Topsin-M (0.00 mm) at 100, 200 and 300 ppm, respectively, while the vegetative growth of the targeted fungi was slightly high against Ridomil Gold (18.16, 15.66 and 5.75 mm), as well Melody duo (24.33, 19.08 and 13.75 mm). Maximum mycelial growth of the pathogen was observed under Aliette (32.00, 27.83 and 26.08 mm). The Fusarium oxysporum vigorously developed under control (90mm). Present findings of the study suggested that Prevail and Topsin-M considerably retarded the mycelial growth and positively controlled the targeted pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of water-borne protozoa in drinking water and stool samples from suspected intestinal effected patients in districts Quetta and Sohbat Pur, Balochistan. For this purpose, 200 water samples were collected from different water sources of the selected study areas. Collected samples were transported to the Sardar Bahadur Khan Woman University for further processing. Similarly, 200 human stool samples were also collected and transported to the Bolan Medical complex microbiology laboratory for further processing. Staining of stool samples was done by iodine and modified acid fast stain and examined under microscope. Culturing of positive stool samples weas carried out using lock egg media to culture Entamoeba histolytica. Overall, 15% protozoan prevalence was recorded from the water samples collected among the selected study areas where higher prevalence was observed in Sohbat Pur (20%) followed by Quetta (10%). Among water bodies higher prevalence was observed in canal system (40%). Protozoan distribution was recorded higher in May and August (17.5%) in water samples. Overall, 22% protozoan prevalence was recorded from the stool samples and higher prevalence was recorded in Sohbat Pur (27%) followed by Quetta (18%). Children from age group 11-20 years were found more susceptible as compared to adults. Based on month wise prevalence, higher prevalence was recorded in August (27.5%) and lowest in July (17.5%). Entamoeba histolytica was found more prevalent (17%) as compared to Giardia lamblia (5.5%). Statistical analysis shows there is no significant difference (P>0.05) among water and stool samples of Quetta and Sohabat Pur district of Balochistan. Further importance of the current study is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various extenders on fertility, hatchability, and embryonic development in Fayomi breed chickens. Twenty males and two hundred females were divided into four treatment groups: control, grand pharma (gp) commercial based extender, short-term storage in AD2E (alone) extender at 4°C for 72 hours AD2E extender supplemented 10 ml pomegranate juice at 4°C for 72 hours, and on-farm storage in garlic extract for 3 hours. Each treatment group consisted of five males and fifty females. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results among treatment groups. Egg production rates ranged from 74% to 78%, with no significant difference observed among treatment groups (P > 0.05). Yolk weight, albumin weight, shell weight, and egg weight showed no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). However, fertility rates ranged from 20.05% to 77.43%, with significant differences observed among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, chick hatchability ranged from 17.76% to 78.51%, and embryonic mortality ranged from 21.71% to 81.27%, both showing significant differences among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Chick liveability remained high across all groups, with no significant differences observed (P > 0.05). Hatch window ranged from 24 to 33 hours, showing no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). Overall, egg quality parameters and chick liveability were unaffected by the extenders, fertility, chick hatchability, and embryonic mortality were significantly influenced by storage methods. Further optimization of preservation methods may be warranted to improve these outcomes in Fayomi breed chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite allelopathy's significance for agriculture and ecology, not much is understood about its mechanism or the adaptive tactics used by plants to defend themselves against allelochemicals. In a laboratory trial, the extracts of dry plant parts, such as leaves and berries of Melia azedarach, were used against barley seed varieties (Sanober). The extracts were formed with 0.5, 1, and 1.5g concentrations at different time periods (12, 48, and 72 h). The data was obtained by germination percentage, seedling growth, seedling weight, chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and phytochemical analysis. The order of growth inhibition was observed in berries>leaf. Berries extract showed a more inhibitory effect on seed germination. The seedling length, weight, and chlorophyll a+b were reduced, and antioxidant SOD activity was increased in the root and shoot at different concentrations of berries and leaf extract, with a slight difference as compared to the control. The phytochemical qualitative activity showed that the inhibitory effects in Sanober proved that Melia azedarach had water-soluble allelochemicals such as amino acids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and quinones that were released into the environment and had effects on different attributes of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]