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Melon (Cucumis melo) seeds are rich source of oil, protein and possess numerous medicinal properties; however, these are normally treated as waste. Present study was conducted to characterize the melon seed oil and to assess its potential to improve bread quality characteristics. For the purpose melon seed oil was extracted, analyzed regarding different parameters and utilized in bread manufacturing at various concentrations (T0=5% Shortening (control), T1=4 % melon seed oil, T2=5 % melon seed oil, T3= 6 % melon seed oil, T4=7 % melon seed oil). The results showed that melon seeds contain 29.86% oil. Iodine and saponification values were found as 118.8±3.57 (mg Iodine g -1), 188.83±5.37 (mg KOH g -1) respectively. Fatty acid profile revealed that linoleic acid was found in higher concentration i.e. 62.95g/100g. The oleic acid, palmitic acid, steric acid and cis-5, 8, 11, 14, 17 eicosapentanoic acid methyl esters were present in concentrations of 20.35, 4.96, 3.01 and 1.89g/100g, respectively. It was found, the melon seed oil improved bread quality characteristics like volume, relative volume, specific volume and density when it was applied at the level of 5% (T2). It improved sensory attributes of bread samples with the best results produced by T2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Cholistan rangelands to collect information about the palatability and nutritive potential of browses that remained available throughout the year for livestock. Results revealed that ten browse species consisting of seven shrubs and three trees were observed to have preference, accessibility and abundance for grazing animals. Based on palatability Prosopis cineraria and Acacia nilotica were highly palatable, Calligonum polygonoides, Suaeda fruticosa, Salsola baryosma, Haloxylon recurvum, Capparis decidua, Calotropis procera and Tamarix aphylla were moderately palatable whereas Haloxylon salicornicum was less palatable. Free grazing animals were consisting of mix herds of sheep, goat, cattle and camel. They preferred different plants and their parts like leaf, shoot, flower, and fruits. Forage quality assessment showed significant differences (p<0.05) in nutrient values among selected species. The mean values of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, total ash, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibers, acid detergent fibers, hemicellulose and acid detergent lignin were 93.58%, 11.54%, 1.87%, 4.36%, 13.44%, 48.79%, 40.17%, 23.47%, 16.70%, and 7.22%, respectively which indicate fair level of nutrients. Consequently, this preliminary study has shown that identified browses have good palatability and feed potential for ruminants in the arid rangelands of Cholistan desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant spider species of order Araneae include Oxyopes javanus (Family Oxyopidae), Araenidae spp. (Family Araenidae), Pardosa oakleyi and Hippasa partita (Family Lycosidae) at cotton-wheat zone were studied for their predatory potential against three aphid species of canola crop under laboratory experiment. For laboratory experimentation, three species of aphids viz. Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae, and worms were used. The results showed that spider consumed all the preys with different proportions offered in multiple and single prey feeding experiments. Oxyopes javanus was ravenous predator followed by Aranidae spp. on foliage and Pardosa oakleyi and Hippasa partita on ground with female consumed high number of preys as compared to male. Field observation showed seasonal variation in aphid population which in turn affect the diet of predators. The present study suggest that dominant spider species consumed aphids when they are at peak which may help in containing aphid population and this results in successful pest management in canola crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]