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Kinnow has been a high profit earning commodity throughout the whole world for many years. But the current situation is not satisfactory for export of Kinnow, as only 2.6% of Kinnow export is being done in developed countries. Most of the Pakistani production Kinnow is being exported to Middle East countries, Iran, Afghanistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia etc. One of major reasons for decreased export is losses occurred in result of various infections and lowered cosmetic quality during postharvest period. Kinnow is perishable in nature and easy peel-able soft fruit which require special care and management during production and postharvest period. The aim of this study was to investigate root causes of these problems during post-harvest chain and their management strategies, observing the preventive management strategies would help to avoid postharvest losses of citrus crop occurring through various defects, disorders and diseases. Postharvest management techniques and strategies are applied to Kinnow for extension of shelf life, freshness and appearance ultimately reducing postharvest fruit losses. Approximately, one third crop losses can be minimized through appropriate handling and management during harvesting, grading, sorting, packing, storage and transportation. Proper management of diseases, disorders and blemishes on the scientific basis can improve quality and value of the produce minimizing the losses. Infection causing pathogens in citrus fruit like Kinnow mandarin can be grouped as wound pathogens and latent pathogens waiting for suitable conditions to be active. Apart from the diseases, citrus is also vulnerable to various rind disorders and defects adversely affecting the cosmetic outlook and ultimately market acceptability. Preventive management strategies include maintenance of tree vigor, tree pruning, skirting, orchard sanitation, caring for fruit quality, observing fruit maturity standards, harvesting, packing and postharvest handling through best postharvest management practices. Observing the preventive management strategies would help to avoid postharvest losses of citrus crop occurring through various defects, disorders and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum sowing date and most suitable hybrid are two main adaptation strategies for maize crop for managing the unfavorable weather circumstances. The objective of this research was to determine the optimum sowing date and hybrid during spring and autumn seasons. Field trials were carried out in spring and autumn seasons during 2016 and 2017 at Agronomic Research Area, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. During spring season, three hybrids i.e., P-33M15, M-DK6525 and S-NK8441 were allocated in main plot and five sowing dates i.e., 15-January, 5- February, 25-February, 15-March and 5-April, were placed in sub plot during both years. During autumn growing season, three autumn hybrids i.e., P-30R50, MDK6714 and S-NK6621 were placed in main plot and five sowing dates i.e., 15-June, 05-July, 25-July, 15-August and 5-September, were applied in sub plot. Results showed that during spring season, hybrid P-33M15 performed well at sowing date 5- February as compared to other hybrids and sowing dates during 2016 and 2017. During autumn season, hybrid P-30R50 performed well at sowing date 25-July as compared to other hybrids and sowing dates in both years. In conclusion, for obtaining higher production, spring season is better as compared to autumn for maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presented a nonlinear time-fractional model of Hepatitis B in order to understand the outbreaks of this epidemic disease. The fractional parameter is used to develop the system of complex nonlinear differential equations by using Caputo sense with fractional order derivative. We investigated the qualitative analysis of the fractional-order model and also the stability of the model was checked through the analysis. Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease that can spread in a population depending on the number of susceptible people or patients with chronic disease and also depending on their dynamics in the community. The solution of the classical, as well as the time-fractional model, was procured by using LADM. Finally, numerical simulations are also established to investigate the influence of the system parameter on the spread of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and modulatory potential of the Ziziphus joazeiro bark and leaf extracts, both in isolation and in association with fluconazole, against resistant species from the Candida genus. Antifungal assays were used to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract in isolation and in combination with fluconazole using the broth microdilution method and spectrophotometric readings, followed by verification of the minimum fungicidal concentration by solid medium subculture. According to the cell viability curve, both extracts inhibited fungal growth in a concentration dependent manner, in addition to showing inhibitory concentrations similar to fluconazole. However, the extracts behaved in a fungistatic manner with minimum inhibitory concentration > 8.19 mg/mL and IC50 values ranging from 0.450 mg/mL to 9 mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration for both extracts decreased when in combination with fluconazole, with the AEL standing out against Candida albicans URM 4387, displaying an IC50 equal to that of fluconazole (0.002 mg/mL). Nevertheless, fluconazole antagonism was observed against the tested strains. Overall, the evaluation of both extracts against Candida spp. presented inhibitory concentration values greater than fluconazole. Moreover, despite these being chemically complex crude extracts, they did demonstrate antifungal effects and properties that concur with their ethno-biological aspect.