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Green forage is an excellent feed source for livestock. It is an integral part of livestock production to accomplish the demands for butter, milk, and other derivatives for human utilization. Livestock contributes 11.39% towards the gross domestic product of Pakistan and 58.33% in agricultural farming. Livestock face shortage or insufficient supply of green fodder during the winter season, which ultimately reduces milk yield. Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a major forage crop in the winter season; however, several biotic and abiotic factors negatively affect its yields. Low soil fertility, particularly nitrogen deficiency, is regarded as one of the few reasons responsible for the low forage yield of oat. Low organic matter content in the soil, suboptimal agronomic practices, and harsh climatic conditions are the other major reasons for low oat yield. Seed rate and different nitrogen rates significantly alter green forage yield and quality of oat. This study assessed the impact of different seeding densities and nitrogen (N) doses on the forage yield of oat. Three seeding densities (70, 80, and 90 kg ha-1) and five N doses (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha-1) were included in the study. The interactive effect of seeding density and N doses significantly altered green forage yield and quality attributes of oat. The highest green forage yield (54.67 t ha-1) was noted for the interaction among 90 kg seed rate ha-1 and 160 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest germination count (140 m-2), number of tillers (5.97 m-2), plant height (122.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (24.50 m-2), leaf area per tiller (123.18 cm2), fresh weight (5.47 kg m-2), dry weight (1692 g m-2), dry matter yield (20.90 t ha-1), crude protein (10.54%), crude fiber (31.62%), and total ash (9.39%) were recorded for the interactive effect of 90 kg seed rate ha-1 and 160 kg N ha-1. Economic analysis revealed that interaction between 90 kg seed rate ha-1 with 120 and 160 kg N ha-1 was superior to others with higher benefit: cost ratio and net economic returns. It is recommended that the oat seed rate of forage oat crop must be kept at 90 kg ha-1 and it should be supplied 120 kg N ha-1 for higher yield, better quality, and more economic returns.

Housefly is a significant domestic pest, which causes nuisance. The use of insecticides is discouraged to manage housefly; therefore, alternative management strategies are inevitable. The current study investigated the impact of different plant extracts, i.e., Moringa oleifera (moringa), Allium sativum (garlic) and Piper nigrum (black pepper) on biological parameters of house fly. Two different concentrations (i.e., 25 and 50%) of the extracts were blended in larval diet made through mixing of wheat bran, yeast and dried milk powder. The results indicated significant differences for larval duration. Maximum larval duration was recorded for garlic followed by black pepper and moringa, respectively. In case of pupal duration, non-significant differences were observed among plant extracts. Increase rate of oviposition was noticed with moringa at 25% concentration, while decreased oviposition rate was noted for garlic with 50% concentration. Egg hatching percentage remained non-significant for the botanical extracts. The highest survival was observed with moringa, while garlic resulted in the lowest survival. The highest repellency was noticed for garlic followed by black pepper, whereas moringa resulted in the lowest repellency after 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Prolonged developmental time was observed for bot concentrations of garlic, whereas moringa noted the shortest developmental time. Thus moringa was found to be a promoter of housefly development. Minimum adult emergence was found with both concentrations of garlic followed by 50% concentration of black pepper. The 50% concentration of black pepper promoted the population of adult males, while both concentrations of moringa and 25% concentration of black pepper encouraged the population of female adults. Study outcomes depicted that tested botanical extracts had significant potential for disturbing biological parameters of housefly. The garlic extracts can potentially be used to manage housefly. However, further investigations on the larval and adult mortality are needed.

Environmental contamination caused by various pollutants due to automobile emissions is an alarming issue. One important type of the pollutants are heavy metals, including chromium (Cr) added by the exhaust of toxic smoke of vehicles. These pollutants are added to forage crops cultivated near roadsides, soil and irrigation water. However, rare studies have been conducted to infer Cr accumulation near heavy automobile emission areas. This study was conducted to determine Cr concentration in irrigation water, soil and forage. Water, forage and soil samples were collected from area impacted by heavy traffic. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to appraise Cr values in the collected samples. Chromium values ranged from 0.50 to 1.14 mg/kg in water samples and from 0.04 to 2.23 mg/kg in soil samples. It was highest in Zea mays grown soil, whereas minimum in Brassica campestris soil. The Cr values in forages ranged from 0.09 to 1.06 mg/kg. Z. mays observed the highest Cr accumulation, whereas the lowest Cr accrual was noted for B. campestris. The pollution load index (PLI) was the highest for Trifolium alexandrinum, while the lowest for Z. mays. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) ranged from 0.14 to 8.63. The highest BCF was noted for T. alexandrinum, while the lowest for Z. mays. The highest and the lowest daily intake of metal (DIM) was noted for Z. mays at different sites. Health risk index (HRI) was highest for Z. mays and lowest for B. campestris. The results add valuable information on heavy metal accumulation in water, soil and forage samples near to automobile emission area.

Salinity stress can be mitigated by using the physiological seed enhancements. Kharchia 65 (salt tolerant) and PI.94341 (salt sensitive) genotypes were evaluated under salt stress (20 dS/m) by vari...

Objectives Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a member of the Arecaceae family is grown on large areas in the world with varying climatic and soil conditions. However, date palm productivity is severely being affected by ongoing climate changes. Identifying suitable production areas for date palm under changing climatic conditions could help to sustain its production. The objective of the current study was to predict the range expansion/contraction in the production areas of date palm in a semi-arid region. Methods CLIMEX model was used to estimate the expected expansion/contraction in the potential distribution areas of date palm under current and future climatic conditions. Two climate change scenarios [(CCSs) i.e., A1B and A2] were used and production suitability was predicted for three timespans [i.e., 2030 (early-century), 2050 (mid-century) and 2100 (late century)]. Results The model estimated significant suitable area (71.21%) for date palm cultivation under current climatic conditions. Climate change seemed to have no impact on production areas until early-century. However, range contraction (8 and 10% decline under A1B and A2 scenarios, respectively) in the suitable areas was predicted for mid-century. Nonetheless, severe range contraction (27.98 and 33% decline under A1B and A2 scenarios, respectively) was predicted in the production areas for late-century. Most of the climatically suitable areas during early-century became unsuitable during late-century. Moreover, the model predicted northward shift in the production areas for date palm. The range contraction was higher under A2 climate change scenario due to higher warming trend compared to A1B scenario. Conclusion The results of the current study indicate that plenty of areas are suitable for date palm cultivation. Thus, date palm cultivation could be increased in these areas for augmenting the production. Climate warming will result in the range shifts; thus, cultivation of future orchards should be planned in the most suitable areas in order to avoid the negative consequences of climate change on date palm production in the country.

Housefly is a significant domestic pest, which causes nuisance. The use of insecticides is discouraged to manage housefly; therefore, alternative management strategies are inevitable. The current study investigated the impact of different plant extracts, i.e., Moringa oleifera (moringa), Allium sativum (garlic) and Piper nigrum (black pepper) on biological parameters of house fly. Two different concentrations (i.e., 25 and 50%) of the extracts were blended in larval diet made through mixing of wheat bran, yeast and dried milk powder. The results indicated significant differences for larval duration. Maximum larval duration was recorded for garlic followed by black pepper and moringa, respectively. In case of pupal duration, non-significant differences were observed among plant extracts. Increase rate of oviposition was noticed with moringa at 25% concentration, while decreased oviposition rate was noted for garlic with 50% concentration. Egg hatching percentage remained non-significant for the botanical extracts. The highest survival was observed with moringa, while garlic resulted in the lowest survival. The highest repellency was noticed for garlic followed by black pepper, whereas moringa resulted in the lowest repellency after 30, 60 and 90 min. Prolonged developmental time was observed for bot concentrations of garlic, whereas moringa noted the shortest developmental time. Thus moringa was found to be a promoter of housefly development. Minimum adult emergence was found with both concentrations of garlic followed by 50% concentration of black pepper. The 50% concentration of black pepper promoted the population of adult males, while both concentrations of moringa and 25% concentration of black pepper encouraged the population of female adults. Study outcomes depicted that tested botanical extracts had significant potential for disturbing biological parameters of housefly. The garlic extracts can potentially be used to manage housefly. However, further investigations on the larval and adult mortality are needed.

Xanthium strumarium L. (Common cocklebur) is a noxious weed prevailing in different ecosystems around the world. It incurs significant yield and economic losses in different cropping systems globally. Successful management of any weed species depends on sound knowledge of seed germination biology. However, detailed knowledge on seed germination biology of the species is missing. Therefore, we investigated the impact of different environmental factors on seed germination and seed burial depths on seedling emergence of two X. strumarium populations. The impact of different sorghum mulch doses (0-10 t ha-1) on seedling emergence of the tested populations was also explored. Seed germination was evaluated under different photoperiods (0, 12 and 24), constant temperatures (0-50°C with 5°C stepwise rise), and different levels of pH (3-12), salinity (0-600 mM) and osmotic potential (0 to -1.6 MPa). Seedling emergence was observed for seeds buried at different depths (0-15 cm). Seeds of both populations proved non-photoblastic; however, higher germination was recorded under 12-hour photoperiod. The seeds germinated under a wide range of constant temperatures (10-45°C), pH (4-10), osmotic potentials (0 to -0.8 MPa) and salinity levels (0-400 mM NaCl). However, the highest germination was observed under 30-31°C temperature and neutral pH (7.51-7.52). Seeds were able to withstand 400 mM salinity and -1.00 MPa osmotic potential. Seedling emergence was initially improved with increasing burial depth and then a sharp decline was noted for the seeds buried >3 cm depth. Most of the seeds of both populations did not emerge from >8 cm depth. Different sorghum mulch doses linearly suppressed seedling emergence of tested populations, and 5.83-5.89 t ha-1 mulch application suppressed 50% of seedling emergence. Seedling emergence was completely retarded with 8 t ha-1 sorghum mulch. The tested populations germinated under diverse environmental circumstances indicating that the species can become troublesome in marginal habitats and cropped lands. Deep burial of seeds and application of sorghum mulches suppressed seedling emergence. Thus, deep burial followed by shallow tillage and application of sorghum mulches could be used as a successful strategy to manage the species in agricultural fields. Nonetheless, management strategies must be developed to control the species in other habitats.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is among the most important cereal crops widely cultivated in the world. Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) competes with wheat for moisture, sunlight, space and nutrition. The successful management of weeds requires sound knowledge of their biology and response to different herbicides. This study inferred the impact of different constant temperature regimes and seed burial depths on seedling emergence and biomass production of wild oat. Moreover, the impact of different post-emergence herbicides applied at different growth stages on biomass production of wild oat was tested. The influence of different wild oat-wheat density (WWD) combinations on biomass production of wheat and wild oat was also inferred. Different constant temperature regimes significantly altered seed germination and biomass production of wild oat. The highest seed germination percentage and biomass production were noted under 15°C and 20°C, whereas the lowest values were recorded under 30°C. Similarly, days to start emergence, seedling emergence percentage and biomass production of wild oat was significantly affected by different seed burial depths. The lowest and the highest values of these parameters were observed under 4 and 10 cm depth, respectively. Different post-emergence herbicides and wild oat growth stages significantly altered biomass production. The highest reduction in fresh and dry biomass was recorded with herbicides' application at 2-4 leaf stage compared with anthesis stage. Clodinofop resulted in higher reduction of fresh biomass, whereas higher reduction in dry biomass was noted with Sulfosulfuron. Seed germination of both species was not affected by different WWD combinations, except for the treatment where no seed was sown of both species. These results indicate that deep burial of seeds could prevent seedling emergence, whereas post-emergence herbicides must be applied at 2-4 leaf stage of wild oat for its effective management.

Intercropping legumes with cereals has been a common cropping system in short-season rainfed environments due to its increased productivity and sustainability. Intercropping barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) could increase the grain yield of barley and improve resource use efficiency of the intercropping system. However, non-optimum planting geometry has been a hurdle in the adaptation of barley-based cropping systems. This study was aimed at optimizing the planting geometry, and assess the productivity and profitability of barley-Egyptian clover intercropping system. Ten different planting geometries, differing in number of rows of barley, width and number of irrigation furrows and planting method were tested. Intercropping barley with Egyptian clover improved 56-68% grain yield of barley compared with mono-cropped barley. Barley remained dominant crop in terms of aggressiveness, relative crowding coefficient and competitive ratio. The amount of water used was linearly increased with increasing size of barley strip from 3 to 8 rows. The highest water use efficiency (4.83 kg/cf3) was recorded for 8-row barley strip system with 120 cm irrigation furrows compared to rest of the planting geometries. In conclusion, 8-rows of barley planted on beds with Egyptian clover in 120 cm irrigation furrows had the highest net income and cost benefit ratio. Therefore, it is recommended that this planting geometry can be used for better economic returns of barley-Egyptian clover intercropping system. However, barley strips with >8 rows were not included in this study, which is limitation of the current study. Therefore, future studies with >8 barley rows in strip should be conducted to infer the economic feasibility and profitability of wider barley strips.

Forage availability limits livestock production in the world's semiarid regions. Dry matter (DM) yields of cereal forages, such as maize ( Zea mays ), can be increased by planting adapted legumes. Randomized complete block studies with three replications in 2005 and 2006 at Faisalabad, Pakistan compared forage DM yield of sole maize and maize mixed with cluster bean ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba ), cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], and sesbania ( Sesbania sesban ) at 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 seed ratios of the recommended seeding rate for maize and each legume, respectively. Maize DM yield was reduced ( P −1 for sole maize and 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 maize–sesbania seed ratios, respectively; 5% LSD for the legume × seed ratio interaction = 0.44). Legume proportion of mixture DM yield was highly correlated to the seed ratio for all legumes ( R > 0.97, P R > −0.60, P R = −0.05, P > 0.83). Land equivalent ratio was similar among mixtures averaging 1.23. Producers in semiarid regions can increase forage DM yield over sole maize by planting sesbania with maize.

4 Abstract: Weed-crop competition is a complex field of study. The extent of competition is governed by a number of factors including crop species, crop cultivar, crop density, weed species, weed density, the relative time of emergence of the crop and weed, the duration of the weed presence, the efficiency of weed control and soil and environmental factors. The greatest single cause of economic loss is, however, a reduction in yield due to weeds competing with the crop for available light, nutrients and moisture. The effect of Phalaris minor and Avena fatua on wheat was investigated at agronomic research area, College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan during 2007-2008. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having four replications and a net plot size of 5×2.5m. Plant density of 2, 4, 6 and 8 m for -2 Phalaris minor and Avena fatua was maintained. The data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Maximum plant density of wheat (96.500) was observed in T 1 (control). All other parameters like total number of tillers (403.25), number of fertile tillers (400.25) and maximum plant height (86.750) was also observed in T 1 (control). Growth and yield parameters like number of spike lets/spike, number of grains/spike, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and biological yield showed significant response in the presence of Phalaris minor and Avena fatua under study. Maximum grain yield (7.0500 t/ha) was obtained in T1 (control) and T2 (6.8500 t/ha) and T6 (6.8750 t/ha), respectively. Maximum biological yield (14.875 t/ha) was obtained in T1 (control) and T2 (15.750 t/ha) and T6 (15.975 t/ha), respectively. It can be conclude from the current study that presence of weeds (Phalaris minor and Avena fatua) in wheat has remarkable adverse effect on the yield and its contributing factors. As the density increases, the crop performance is gradually declined.

3 Abstract: In agricultural system, the application of Phosphorous (P) to the soil is essential to make sure the crop productivity as the recovery of applied P by crops becomes very low during growth period. The way, phosphorus is applied is also critical in wheat growth and development. For this purpose a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different P fertilizers and their methods of application on wheat growth and yield. Different Phosphorus fertilizers Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) @ 100 kg ha were applied through: broadcasting, application with -1 the seed, application 5 cm to the right and left of the seed and 5 cm below the seed. The effects of MAP, DAP and TSP on the characteristics examined was non-significant. However, effects of application methods on plant height, the number of plants m , biological and grain yield were found to be highly significant. The -2 maximum grain yield was obtained from application of phosphorus 5 cm below the seed as compare with any other method. It was concluded that the method of P application 5 cm below the seed is successful agro- technique to improve and sustain the wheat growth.

4 Abstract: Maize is a particular cereal crop which is more affected by variations in plant density than other members of the grass family, due to its low tillering ability, its monoecious floral organization and the presence of a brief flowering period. Different maize cultivars respond differently to K application under varying plant densities, due to different root/shoot ratio, growth rate, crowding stress tolerance, intra-specific competition between plants, K uptake and utilization. Maize cultivars have the ability to withstand high plant density due to more partitioning of assilimilates to shoot as compare to root, resulting in reduction of root/shoot ratio. K application reduces the percent of senescent stalks, lodging and increased crushing strength and rind thickness. There is general consensus that the soils of Pakistan have large capacity to provide K to crop under ordinary conditions, but the increase in the intensity of cropping, excessive use of the tube well water, introduction of the high yielding cultivars requiring high K, increasing use of N and P, could hasten the removal of K from the soils and imbalance the uptake of K in relation to other nutrients. Genotypic and crop species differences exist in response to soil and fertilizer K and non-yield traits such as stal k strength or product quality must be taken into account in K management decisions. K application not only increases grain yield, but also improves quality parameters. K application improves utilization of water , tolerance to drought through stomatal conductance, acceleration in photosynthesis process, water up take through roots. Its application improves leaf area, dry matter accumulation and other allometric parameters. K in combination with N has synergistic influence in uptake, translocation and utilization of nutrients for assimilation in growth and development of final grain yield and its contributing attributes. Normally K deficiency symptoms are usually not conspicuous although grain yield is abruptly decreased (called hidden hunger), but severe deficiency do express symptoms. It is therefore suggested that luxuriant application of K is inevitable for getting successful and maximum production from maize hybrids.

Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. Furthermore, maize (Zea mays L.) crop is the 3rdcereal crop of Pakistan after wheat and rice. According to the economic survey of Pakistan, it is cultivated on the area of approximately, 1.11 million hectare and production from this area was 4.04 million tones. A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan to examine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on maize productivity. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replications. Two maize hybrids were used in this experiment. The results showed that maize yield and its component such as cobs per plant, cob length, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight were maximum when the plots were fertilized at 100 kg N ha-1 as urea + 100 kg N ha-1 as poultry manure. Further research is desired to investigate maximum yield by using organic source of fertilizer than inorganic source of fertilizer to avoid lethal effects on human health created by inorganic fertilizers. Key words: Organic farming, maize productivity, inorganic fertilizer, semi-arid conditions, Pakistan.