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The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils against fungal pathogens including the chemical analysis (GC-MS) of the most effective essential oil.

Climate variability affects the phenological, physiological, and morphological adaptability of Kiwifruit. Hence, five Kiwifruit varieties were evaluated under variable rainfed climatic conditions in Pothowar. Phenological data of all five varieties was observed at both study sites, including bud initiation, bud swelling, and bud burst. Goldflesh (GDF) and Green Flesh 1 (GF1) were observed to be late in bud burst and to have poor physio-morphological responses and plant survival rates. In contrast, Hayward (H), Bruno (B), and Greenflesh 2 (GF2) exhibited superior performance in terms of plant physiological and morphological traits (e.g., heat damage percentage, photosynthetic activity, shoot length, t runk diameter, d isease incidence percentage, and survival rate). Greenflesh 2 (GF2) plants at both study locations exhibited a lower percentage of heat damage (4.25 and 5.83) than Greenflesh 1 (6.2 and 9.87) and Goldflesh (6.11 and 8.83), respectively. Bruno had more photosynthetic activity (627.31 and 773.5 mol m-2 sec-1) than Goldflesh (330.49 and 343.71 mol m-2 sec-1) and Greenflesh 1 (346.96 and 354.25 mol m-2 sec-1, respectively). Hayward (112.56 and 183.44 cm) and Bruno (109.98 and 160.39 cm) had longer shoots compared to Greenflesh 1 (44.23 and 71.26 cm) and Goldflesh (62.49 and 111.16 cm). Bruno (1.02 and 1.6 cm) and Hayward (0.93 and 1.56 cm) had a significantly larger trunk diameter than Greenflesh 1 (0.74 and 1.3 cm) and Goldflesh (0.78 and 1.3 cm), respectively. Hayward, Bruno, and Greenflesh 2 were significantly more resistant to disease incidence (0.27, 0.15, and 0.41) and plant survival was high (80%, 78%, and 79%) in all three varieties at both locations. Bruno and Greenflesh 2 proved to be the most productive varieties under variable climate conditions; thus, their material can be used to develop future Kiwifruit ideotypes in rainfed regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue mold caused by Penicillium species is a major fungal disease threatening the viticulture industry in Pakistan, responsible for deteriorating the quality of grapes during handling, transportation, and distribution. Identification-based approaches of Penicillium species provide a better strategy on accurate diagnosis and effective management. In this study, 13 isolates were recovered from symptomatic grape bunches at five main fruit markets of Rawalpindi district, Punjab province. Based on morphological data and multi-loci phylogenetic analysis, the isolates were identified as two distinct species viz. Penicillium expansum (eight isolates) and Penicillium crustosum (five isolates). Meanwhile, the pathogenicity test of Penicillium isolates presented by the inoculation of grape bunches showed various degrees of severity. For improving the fruit quality and eliminating the needs of synthetic fungicides, botanicals such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale L.), and carum (Carum capticum L.) essential oils (EOs) at concentrations of 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 mg/mL were evaluated. In vitro studies indicated that thyme EO showed a highly significant reduction of fungal growth. Furthermore, the experiments related to reducing the decay development and average weight loss percentage of grapes revealed similar findings. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that thyme EO can be used as an eco-friendly botanical fungicide against Penicillium spp. causing blue mold disease.

It is essential for sustainable economic development to comprehend how environmental factors impact public health. This study analyses this relationship in the context of Pakistan using long‐term data. This study aims to determine how environmental factors influence health production function in Pakistan to enlighten policy decisions that can improve human life and advance the cause of sustainable development. We hypothesize, based on prior research, that urbanization and rainfall will increase life expectancy in Pakistan, while deforestation, temperature, and CO2 emissions will decrease it. To verify our theory, we use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to calculate the long‐run association between the variables, as well as the Zivot–Andrews and Lee–Strazicich unit root tests to identify structural breaks. Utilizing the bound and Gregory–Hansen co‐integration tests, co‐integration is confirmed. According to ARDL estimates, there are statistically significant correlations between factors that affect Pakistan's life expectancy, such as deforestation, temperature, and CO2 emissions, as well as rainfall and urbanization. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing environmental degradation and deforestation in Pakistan. For enhancing human life and achieving sustainable development objectives in the nation, it is essential to modernize forest laws and regulations and adopt eco‐friendly technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of government effectiveness (GE) and technological innovation on economic growth and environmental degradation in Middle East & North Africa countries. The study utilizes panel data from the period of 2002–2020. The findings indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between innovation (INV) and CO2 emissions (0.0244), while GE has a significant and negative impact on CO2 emissions (−0.5753). In a similar vein, it can be observed that both INV and government efficacy exert a substantial and favorable influence on the process of economic growth (0.0353 and 0.0773). Furthermore, the interaction of INV and GE showed a noteworthy moderating effect on CO2 emissions (−0.1581). Conversely, it exhibited a more pronounced positive influence on economic growth (0.1122). The study highlights that synergizing INV with GE is essential for attaining sustainable economic growth in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop growth models can be valuable tools for researchers, academia, extension educators, and policy makers/planners for the evaluation of sustainable and long-term husbandry practices. Determining the optimum sowing window, which can be determined using crop growth models, is imperative under changing climate conditions. Thus, the main objectives herein were to 1) assess the performance of the cropping system model-crop environment resource synthesis-maize model for hybrids and sowing dates in the spring and autumn, and 2) determine the optimum sowing window in 15 districts of Punjab, Pakistan. In the spring experiment, 3 hybrids (P-33M15, M-DK6525, and S-NK8441) were planted in the main plots and then on 5 different sowing dates (January 15th, February 5th, February 25th, March 15th, and April 5th), they were planted in the subplots. In the autumn experiment, 3 hybrids (P-30R50, M-DK6714, and S-NK6621) were planted in the main plots and then on 5 different sowing dates (June 15th, July 5th, July 25th, August 15th, and September 5th), they were planted in the subplots. Model calibration and evaluation results were better in the spring and autumn. Performance of the model was good for the grain yield in the autumn (mean percentage difference (MPD): 7.47% to 8.90%) compared to the spring (MPD: 9.42% to 11.72%). Model evaluation was good for the early sowing dates (January 15th and February 5th) (error range: 6.26% to 9.65%) compared to the delayed dates (February 25th to April 5th) (error range: 9.34 to 14.91%). In the autumn, the model showed better performance for the delayed sowing dates (February 25th and August 15th) (error range: 5.22% to 9.43%) compared to the early dates (June 15th and July 5th) (error range: 8.56% to 11.27%). The model simulated good growth, development, grain yield, and yield components in the spring and autumn and of both 2016 and 2017. For the model application simulation of data over the long-term (1980 to 2017), the optimum sowing window in the spring was January 15th to March 5th and for the autumn it was July 23rd to August 27th for the 15 districts in Punjab, Pakistan. Simulation of the sowing dates for the whole year indicated that the spring was better compared to the autumn for obtaining the maximum grain yield. The results of the model were in line with the recommendations of the agricultural extension department for the sowing window for spring and autumn maize. It is therefore suggested that farmers should complete the sowing of spring and autumn maize within the sowing window to attain a higher yield of maize in arid and semiarid areas of Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Potato propagation through tubers and seed is an inefficient way of propagation thus we propose an alternative method in this study which is in vitro propagation. Plantlets were raised from True Potato Seeds (TPS) in test tubes containing 10 mL of Murashige Skoog (MS) medium. Subculturing was done after every 21 days and after four subsequent subculturing, when there was an adequate quantity of stock material, uninodal cuttings of about 3–4 mm in length were prepared from in vitro proliferated potato plants by excising leaves of 1–2 mm on each side of the node. Prepared uninodal cuttings were cultured on ½ strength MS medium for root primordia development. The selected uninodal cuttings with root primordia were encapsulated with sodium alginate solution (3.5% (w/v), mixed with 1.25% charcoal and different concentration of fungicide (thiophanate methyl, sigma) to enhance the viability percentage of synthetic seed. Furthermore, these encapsulated uninodal cuttings were subjected to different storage intervals to check maximum storage. Results showed that optimum dose for fungicide is 150 mg/L as it resulted in good viability percentage, shoot number, shoot length, rooting percentage, root number, root length and ideal for bead formation with sodium alginate. Similarly, results revealed that encapsulated uninodal cuttings can be stored at a temperature of 4°C up to 45 days with a survival rate of 63.33%. Encapsulated uninodal cutting stored for 60 days showed a poor viability percentage of about 43.03%. It can be concluded that optimum dose of 150 mg/L with storage time of 45 days should be used to get a better outcome for synthetic potato seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit yield depends on spray management techniques, i.e., uniformity, time, quantity, and precision of application. Due to variability in tree canopies, it is difficult to manage spray applications properly. Old orchard sprayers apply continuous spray without differentiating between size, density and spaces between canopies, causing drift losses and environmental hazards. Keeping this in view, conventional sprayer was modified to double sided vertical boom type sprayer, which was equipped with infrared sensors, solenoid valves and Arduino Mega microcontroller, programmed with Arduino IDE. Vertical booms consist of eight nozzles, four on each side, height and width of which were adjustable according to groove age. Each pair of nozzles was controlled independently for variable rate of application with respect to canopy characteristics. Spray coverage and vertical distribution of real time variable rate sprayer (RTVRS) were analyzed and compared with conventional sprayer. Average spray coverage at discharge rates, 800 and 1200 L/hr was 5.37, 9.18 μL/cm² with RTVRS and 3.87, 6.63 μL/cm² with conventional sprayer respectively. Vertical distribution was measured for 3 m canopy height, which was divided into 3 equal sections. Percent spray deposits of RTVRS were 22.2%, 54.06%, 23.78% and conventional sprayer were 17.75%, 59.03%, 23.17% from lower to upper section, while the skewness towards top was -0.35 and -0.48 respectively. RTVRS showed promising results as compared to conventional sprayer and better replacement to address the current issues related to farmers and environment. Moreover, the cost of production is also 5 to 10 times less than imported crop sprayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most Asian countries, farmers have smallholdings ranging from one to two hectares. The tractor-mounted boom sprayers cannot practically be used in small size farms with divided plots and complex terrain. To cope with these issues, a prototype self-propelled crop sprayer was developed, including a 20-hp engine, 300 L liquid tank, and hydraulically-controlled spray boom with eight hollow cone nozzles. The spray symmetry of the hollow cone nozzle was evaluated under four pressures (2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 bar) in the laboratory. The operating parameters of the sprayer, such as forward speed (4, 6, and 8 km h−1), spray height (40, 55, and 70 cm), and pressure (3, 5, and 7 bar) were optimized by measuring three spray characteristics including droplet density, coverage percentage, and Volume Median Diameter (VMD) in the cotton field. The results revealed that the nozzle spray was symmetrical at 2.5 and 3 bar pressure as the R2 value was higher than 0.96. The field test result showed that in all treatments, treatments T14 (6 km h−1, 55 cm, 5 bar) and T22 (8 km h−1, 55 cm, 3 bar) were suitable for spraying medium-to-low concentration solution (post-emergence herbicides and fungicides) and high concentration solution (insecticides and pre-emergence herbicides), respectively. The spray characteristics at treatments T14 and T22 were 64.7 droplets cm−2, 26.7%, 230 µm, and 39 droplets cm−2, 14.9%, and 219.8 µm respectively. The field efficiency of the sprayer was 61%. The spraying cost per unit area was 55–64% less compared to manual labor cost. In conclusion, a prototype self-propelled crop sprayer is an efficient and environment-friendly technology for small farms. Operating the sprayer at the optimal parameters also saves operational costs and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out different bacterial isolates of urinary tract infection (UTI) in neonates with late onset sepsis (LOS) at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: August 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: A total of 176 neonates with LOS and culture positive UTI were enrolled. The urine samples were sent to the institutional laboratory for isolation and identification of the causative agents. Baseline information like age, gender, socioeconomic status, family system and maternal literacy were noted. Once registered, the urine samples were sent to the laboratory of the hospital for isolation and identification of the causative agents. Urine samples were collected within 48 hours of admission. Results: Of the 176 neonates, 110 (62.5%) were male while 66 (37.5%) were female. Overall, mean age was 8.64±5.22 days. There were 90 (51.1%) neonates who belonged to rural areas and 86 (48.9%) to urban areas. Poor socioeconomic status was noted in 116 (65.9%) neonates. In terms of maternal literacy, 118 (67.0%) mothers were illiterate. Overall, mean gestational age was 38.59 ± 2.17 weeks. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the predominant causative organism noted among 146 (83.0%) neonates whereas Klebsiella was seen in 23 (13.1%) while other bacterial isolates were Proteus 2 (1.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 (0.6%), Enterobacter aerogenes 1 (0.6%), Enterococcus fecalis 1 (0.6%), Staphylococcus aureus 1 (0.6%) and Group B Streptococcus 1 (0.6%). Conclusion: High frequency of Escherichia coli was observed followed by Klebsiella among neonates having urinary tract infection presenting with late onset of sepsis in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are serious pest of many crops including brinjal. Brinjal crop suffers defoliation and fruit drop due to severe attack of Tetranychus urticae about twice or thrice in a single growing season. Fertilizer management was suggested as an effective alternative to acaricides in different integrated pest management programs. This study was planned to investigate the potential of two different fertilizers (sulphur & nitrogen) with two different modes of applications (Foliar spray & basal fertigation) along with two controls (standard fertilizer & zero fertilizer). The field trials were conducted at two different locations (NARC, Islamabad & URF, Koont) and two cropping seasons (2019 & 2020). Total three brinjal cultivars were used as major plot and all six treatment were applied in RCBD design in these plots. Chlorophyll a, b and total content were recorded before and after treatments. Laboratory test were conducted for total carbohydrates (%) and crude protein content (%). Mites population recorded before and after the treatments was corelated with these factors. Mean yield from four post treatment observation was also recoded. Generated data has revealed that sulphur has acaricidal affect (40% corrected mortality) which applied through foliar spray and relatively resistant cultivar (Shamli) has height response. Population increase was maximum in basal application of nitrogen plots while maximum per unit yield was observed in T4(foliar application of sulphur) i.e. 3.38kg/10 plants at URF, Koont and 3.9 kg/10 plants at NARC, Islamabad. Acaricidal effect of sulphur was onto up to 7 days after treatment and then increase in population was started. These finding are providing a sign to move for environmentally safe management of Tetranychus urticae in brinjal crop by modifying pest behavior and utilization of its acaricidal ability. Understanding the role of fertilizer response to mite’s population will also provide a better fertilizer management tool to achieve maximum economic returns in pesticide free brinjal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of fresh fruits after harvesting is not new since it has constantly been a challenge for humankind. The growing population in developing countries, where food shortages exist, require serious food security measures to address hunger and malnutrition. Present research focused on the development, fabrication and testing of mango pulp extractor to assist small-scale fruit farmers in the countryside with a view to minimizing fruit spoilage. The unit, whose major material was food grade stainless steel (SS-304), consists of major components such as teflon brushes mounted shaft, motor, main frame, hopper, extraction compartment, pulp outlet, fruit residue outlet, perforated sieve and bearings. After construction, the machine was tested at three feed rate (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 kg/min) and extraction speed levels (500, 900 and 1400 rpm). Each of these factors was replicated three times, which resulted into 3 × 3 × 3 factorial experimental design. The optimum operating parameters for maximum pulp yield, maximum extraction efficiency and minimum extraction losses were determined. The physicochemical analysis of the extracted pulp was also carried out. Results revealed a maximum pulp yield of 77.9%, highest extraction efficiency of 96.03% and highest extraction loss of 9.3%. The mango pulp extraction machine was found to be affordable, easy to operate and maintain. The breakeven point of the machine was found to be 40 h if the machine is operated at its peak capacity. Therefore, it is recommended for small-scale farmers and for cottage industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]