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Dryland agricultural system is under threat due to climate extremes and unsustainable management. Understanding of climate change impact is important to design adaptation options for dry land agricultural systems. Thus, the present review was conducted with the objectives to identify gaps and suggest technology-based intervention that can support dry land farming under changing climate. Careful management of the available agricultural resources in the region is a current need, as it will play crucial role in the coming decades to ensure food security, reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Technology based regional collaborative interventions among Universities, Institutions, Growers, Companies etc. for water conservation, supplemental irrigation, foliar sprays, integrated nutrient management, resilient crops-based cropping systems, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture (modeling and remote sensing) are needed to support agriculture of the region. Different process-based models have been used in different regions around the world to quantify the impacts of climate change at field, regional, and national scales to design management options for dryland cropping systems. Modeling include water and nutrient management, ideotype designing, modification in tillage practices, application of cover crops, insect, and disease management. However, diversification in the mixed and integrated crop and livestock farming system is needed to have profitable, sustainable business. The main focus in this work is to recommend different agro-adaptation measures to be part of policies for sustainable agricultural production systems in future.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Silica gel on the growth and yield of Camelina sativa. A pot experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications at Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. The experiment consisted of 4 levels (0.15 mg/g, 0.30 mg/g, 0.45 mg/g and 0.60 mg/g) of each mentioned nutrient along with control. The data were recorded and analyzed according to recommended procedure for following parameters viz., germination %, root and shoot length (cm), root and shoot biomass (g), relative water content of leaf and leaf membrane stability index. It was observed that 0.60 mg/g silica gel application increased the seed germination (80%), root length (6.67) cm, shoot length (35.33) cm, root biomass (1.7) g, shoot biomass (5.57) g, relative water content of leaf (0.69) and leaf membrane stability index (0.07). The study concluded that significant effect of silica gel application is crucial and important to improve vegetative attributes of false flax.

Recently, there is an increasing trend of using metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture due to their potential role in remediating soil pollution and improving nutrient utilization from fertilizers. However, evidence suggested that these NPs were toxic to the soil life and their associated functions, and this toxicity depended on their dose, type, and size. Here, a dose-dependent (5, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 soil) toxicity of NiO NPs on poultry manure (PM: 136 kg N ha−1) decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake were studied in a standard pot experiment. The NPs doses were mixed with PM and applied in soil-filled pots where then ryegrass was sown. Results revealed that the lowest dose significantly increased microbial biomass (C and N) and respiration from PM, whereas a high dose reduced these parameters. This decrease in such parameters by the highest NPs dose resulted in 13 and 41% lower soil mineral N and plant available K from PM, respectively. Moreover, such effects resulted in 32 and 35% lower herbage shoot and root N uptakes from PM in this treatment. Both intermediate and high doses decreased herbage shoot Ni uptake from PM by 33 and 34%, respectively. However, all NPs doses did not influence soil Ni content from PM. Hence, our results indicated that high NPs dose (100 mg kg−1) was toxic to decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake from PM. Therefore, such NiONPs toxicity should be considered before recommending their use in agriculture for soil remediation or optimizing nutrient use efficiency of fertilizers.

Grain yield stability measurements under varied environmental conditions suggests selection of suitable genotype. Safflower genotypes having different origins were tested for G x E effects on yield using univariate and multivariate statistics in six test environments (three varied climate conditions and combination of years) during 2016–17 and 2017–18. Genotypes were classified as stable or unstable based on multiple stability measures. Comparative yield results reveals different genotypic grain yield response in each environment. High yield (1618.4 kg ha−1) performance and responsiveness of PI-16308 genotype to favorable environment and lowest 1419 kg ha−1 was observed for PI-26748. In lieu of varied climatic condition Env4 showed 37% extra grain yield compared to Env3.The PCA results placed Env1, Env3 and Env5 in one group for producing similar grain yield and rest of the environments showed highest variation. Results of parametric (S2di) and non-parametric (S⁽3), S⁽⁶⁾, NP⁽1⁾, NP⁽2⁾, NP⁽3⁾ & NP⁽⁴⁾) measures indicates that PI-16308 and PI-16315 can be used to improve stability. However, Wricke's ecovalence (Wi2), Shukla's stability variance (σi2), θi, θ(i), S⁽1⁾ and S⁽2⁾ could be considered for improving grain yield of PI-26748 genotype.

Optimizing nitrogen (N) application timings and rate can improve nutrient uptake and nutrient efficiencies in wheat, particularly under rainfed conditions. Climatic stress in the form of high temperature and drought resulted in the decreased crop physiological traits, hastened maturity and, ultimately, caused lower grain yield. The impact of N application rates as full and split dose at three diverse locations of rainfed Pothwar, Pakistan was studied through field experiments for two years (2013&ndash, 14 and 2014&ndash, 15). Treatments include T1 = control (no fertilizer applied), full dose of N applied at the time of crop sowing, i.e., T2 = 50 kg N ha&minus, 1, T3 = 100 kg N ha&minus, 1 and T4 = 150 kg N ha&minus, 1, and split application of N at different timings at different stages of the crop, called split application of N, i.e., T5: application of 50 kg N ha&minus, 1 (15 kg N ha&minus, 1 (sowing, BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) 0): 20 kg N ha&minus, 1 (tillering, BBCH20): 15 kg N ha&minus, 1 (anthesis, BBCH 60), T6: application of 100 kg N ha&minus, 1 (30 kg N ha&minus, 1 (sowing, BBCH 0): 40 kg N ha&minus, 1 (tillering, BBCH 20): 30 kg N ha&minus, 1 (anthesis, BBCH 60) and T7: application of 150 kg N ha&minus, 1 (45 kg N ha&minus, 1 (sowing, BBCH 0): 60 kg N ha&minus, 1 (tillering, BBCH 20): 45 kg N ha&minus, 1 (anthesis, BBCH 60). The three study sites were Islamabad (high rainfall with optimum temperature), University Research Farm (URF)-Chakwal Road, Koont (medium rainfall with moderate temperature), and Talagang (low rainfall with high temperature). Results revealed that the highest stomatal conductance (0.80 mole H2O m&minus, 2 s&minus, 1), net photosynthetic rate (20.07 &mu, mole CO2 m&minus, 1), transpiration rate (9.58 mmole H2O m&minus, 1), intercellular CO2 concentration (329.25 &mu, mole CO2 mol&minus, 1 air), SPAD values (58.86%) and proline contents (35.42 &mu, g g&minus, 1) were obtained from split application of N (T6 = split N100) compared to control and full dose N treatments. Among the sites, these physiological traits remained highest at Islamabad and lowest at Talagang, while between the years, the maximum values of the measured parameters were obtained during 2013&ndash, 14. A similar trend was observed for crop total N, N efficiencies, and agronomic traits of the crop. The results suggested that the optimum N application rate at appropriate timings can help to harvest the real benefits of N. The split dose resulted in the maximum performance of the crop from the physiological parameters to the agronomic traits of the crop.

Optimizing the nitrogen (N) timings and rate can improve nutrient uptake, and nutrient-efficiencies, especially of N in wheat under the changing climate scenario. Climatic stress in the form of high temperature and drought resulted in the decreased crop physiology and, ultimately, grain yield. Taking the example of rainfed wheat, we quantified the impact of N application rates as full and split-dose at three variable sites of rainfed Pothwar, Pakistan by conducting field experiments for two years (2013-14 and 201-15). Treatments include, T1 = Control (No fertilizer applied), full dose of N applied at the time of crop sowing, i.e. T2 = 50 kg N ha-1, T3 = 100 kg N ha-1 and T4 = 150 kg N ha-1 and split application of N at different timings during different stages of the crop called as split application of N, i.e. T5: Application of 50 kg N ha-1 (15 kg N ha-1 (Sowing) : 20 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) :15 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis), T6: Application of 100 kg N ha-1 (30 kg N ha-1 (Sowing): 40 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) : 30 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis) and T7: Application of 150 kg N ha-1(45 kg N ha-1 (Sowing) : 60 kg N ha-1 (Tillering) : 45 kg N ha-1 (Anthesis). Three study sites include viz. Islamabad (High rainfall with optimum temperature), University Research Farm (URF)-Koont (Medium rainfall with moderate temperature), and Talagang (low rainfall with high temperature). Results showed that the highest stomatal conductance (0.80 mole m-2 sec-1), net photosynthetic rate (20.07 μmole m-2s-1), transpiration rate (9.58 mmole m-2s-1), intercellular CO2 concentration (329.25 μmole CO2 mol-1 air), SPAD values (58.86 %) and proline contents (35.42 μg g-1) were obtained for split application of N (T6 = Split N100) compared to control and full dose of N treatments. Among sites, these physiological traits remained highest at Islamabad and lowest at Talagang, while among years, maximum values of the measured parameters were obtained in 2013-14. A similar trend was observed for crop total N, N efficiencies, and agronomic traits of the crop. Our results suggest that optimum N application rate and its suitable timings can help to harvest real benefits of N as in our findings, split dose resulted in the maximum performance of the crop from physiological parameters to the agronomic traits of the rainfed wheat crop.

Waste management is necessary for environmental and economic sustainability, but it depends upon socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors. More countries are shifting toward recycling as compared to landfilling; thus, different researchers have presented the zero waste concept, considering the importance of sustainability. This review was conducted to provide information about different well established and new/emerging technologies which could be used to recover nutrients from wastes and bring zero waste concepts in practical life. Technologies can be broadly divided into the triangle of nutrient accumulation, extraction, and release. Physicochemical mechanisms, plants, and microorganisms (algae and prokaryotic) could be used to accumulate nutrients. Extraction of nutrient is possible through electrodialysis and crystallization while nutrient release can occur via thermochemical and biochemical treatments. Primary nutrients, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are used globally and are non-renewable. Augmented upsurges in prices of inorganic fertilizers and required discharge restrictions on nutrients have stimulated technological developments. Thus, well-proven technologies, such as biochar, composting, vermicomposting, composting with biochar, pyrolysis, and new emerging technologies (forward osmosis and electro-dialysis) have potential to recover nutrients from wastes. Therefore, reviewing the present and imminent potential of these technologies for adaptation of nutrient recycling from wastes is of great importance. Since waste management is a significant concern all over the globe and technologies, e.g., landfill, combustion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification, are available to manage generated wastes, they have adverse impacts on society and on the environment. Thus, climate-friendly technologies, such as composting, biodegradation, and anaerobic decomposition, with the generation of non-biodegradable wastes need to be adopted to ensure a sustainable future environment. Furthermore, environmental impacts of technology could be quantified by life cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, LCA could be used to evaluate the performance of different environmentally-friendly technologies in waste management and in the designing of future policies. LCA, in combination with other approaches, may prove helpful in the development of strategies and policies for the selection of dynamic products and processes.

Sorghum is an important forage crop having good drought tolerance and high dry matter accumulation in a short growing season, and grown under diversified environments. Based on this, a 2-year field study was executed to evaluate the effect of seed rate and nitrogen (N) levels on the fiber quality of forage sorghum cultivars harvested at different growth stages under semiarid condition. Three forage sorghum cultivars (‘JS–2002’, ‘JS–263’ and ‘Chakwal Sorghum’) were sown with three N levels (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1) by using three seed rates (75, 100 and 125 kg ha−1). Results showed that cv. ‘JS–2002’ had higher contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and cellulose, while ‘JS–263’ produced greater soluble carbohydrate, total digestible nutrients (TDN), relative feed value (RFV) and net energy (NE) than other cultivars. Increasing N rates (0–120 kg ha−1) enhanced ADF, ADL, RFV and NE, but not NDF and TDN. Similarly, increased seed rate enhanced accumulation of NDF, ADF and ADL, while caused reduction of TDN, RFV and NE. In conclusion, cv. ‘JS–2002’ performed better than the other two cultivars, whereas, sorghum seeded at 75 kg ha−1 with 120 kg N ha−1 application produced better quality forage at 50% heading stage.

Field experiments were carried out during two consecutive years at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, with the hypothesis that seed rate and nitrogen (N) application improves plant morphology, yield production and brix value of forage sorghum cultivars. Twenty-seven treatment combinations comprising three sorghum cultivars, namely, ‘JS–2002,’ ‘Chakwal sorghum’ and ‘JS–263’ were sown with three seed rates (75, 100 and 125 kg ha−1) and three N levels (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1). Experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with split–split plot arrangement in triplicate. Seed rate changed the plant morphology, yield traits and brix value variably. Increasing N application (0–120 kg ha−1) had a positive impact on growth and yield traits except brix value. Results revealed that ‘JS–2002’ surpassed the other two cultivars for plant height, number of leaves, leaf area per plant, leaf to stem ratio, green forage yield and dry biomass yield, dry matter content and brix value at given developmental stages at seed rate of 125 kg ha−1 with applied N level of 120 kg ha−1, during both the years. The highest N application (120 kg ha−1) in ‘JS–2002’ gave an increase of 45% forage yield as compared to control.

Reduced early crop growth and limited branching are amongst yield limiting factors of linola. Field response of seed priming treatments viz. 50 mmol L−1 salicylic acid (SA), 2.2% CaCl2 and 3.3% moringa leaf extract (MLE) including untreated dry and hydropriming controls was evaluated on early crop growth and yield performance of linola. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced emergence time and produced the highest seedling fresh and dry weights including Chl. a contents. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced crop branching and flowering and maturity times and had the maximum plant height, number of branches, tillers, pods and seeds per pod followed by MLE. Increase in seed weight, biological and seed yields was 9.30, 34.16 and 39.49%, harvest index (4.12%) and oil contents (13.39%) for CaCl2 osmopriming. Positive relationship between emergence and seedling vigor traits, 100-seed weight, seed yield with maturity time, 100-seed weight and seed yield were found. The study concludes that seed osmopriming with CaCl2 or MLE can play significant role to improve early crop growth and seed yields of linola.

The present investigation on Brassica juncea L. genotypes is an attempt to study variations and to generate variability through hybridization and also to obtain genetic information on some yield attributes for selection in segregating generations. Eight promising genotypes were selected and crossed in all possible combinations under complete diallel system. Data was recorded for seed yield and some important yield attributes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the traits and therefore further analyzed using Hayman’s approach, which showed existence of both additive and dominance gene effects governing all the traits. However, estimates for genetic components of variation revealed that additive effects were more important for seeds per siliqua and 1000-seed weight indicating possibility of selection for these traits in early segregating generations. Dominance effects were more prominent with presence of over-dominance for plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length and seed yield per plot, thus suggesting that selection could be effective in latter generations. Only siliqua length showed the presence of directional dominance, while asymmetrical distribution of dominant genes among the parents was identified for all the traits. Key words: Indian mustard, genetic analysis, gene action, yield attributes, complete diallel.

Dengue virus (DENV) belonging to the family Flaviviridae consists of 4 serotypes (DEN-1, 2, 3 & 4) causing severe illnesses like dengue fever (DF), Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Dengue fever has become an emerging disease in Pakistan during the past 5-7 years with an increase in the number of cases every year since 2006. The current study aimed at identifying the serotypes of dengue virus involved in 2011 outbreak of Pakistan. Samples were collected from all provinces of Pakistan. Patients were confirmed in the hospital by antibody captured Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These ELISA positive serum samples were inoculated on HeLa cell line to raise the viral titer of dengue virus and then RT-PCR was done for serotyping of dengue virus. Initially D1, D2 primers were tried for serotyping of dengue virus but poor results were obtained. Then serotype specific primers were designed having equal fragment length targeting NS1 gene. This approach was successful in serotyping of dengue virus from Pakistani population. On Real time RT-PCR, Dengue virus (DENV) was detected in 43.33% (n=26) patientsout of 60 analyzed samples. Among 26 positive cases, 76.9% (n=20) were children and 23.1% (n=6) were adultsand 46.1% (n=12) were male and 53.8 % (n=14) were females. ELISA results of26 PCR positive cases show that 53.8% (n=14) were positive for IgM, 15.4 % (n=4) were positive for IgG and 30.8 % (n=8) were positive for both IgG and IgM. In this study DEN-2 was detected in 13.3% (n=8) patients, DEN-3 was detected in 16.67% (n=10) patients and DEN-2 & DEN-3 coinfection was detected in 13.3% (n=8) patients. We did not detected DEN-1 & DEN-4 in 2011 outbreak of Pakistan in 60 analyzed samples. By this study we can conclude that DEN-2 and DEN-3 were the main serotypes involved in 2011 outbreaks in Pakistan.

Dengue virus infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Southeast Asia South and Central America with rsquo deaths annually Two factors are accountable for the severe outcomes of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever DHF one is the virulence of the virus and second is the cross reactivity of various dengue serotypes with the immune system of the host Rapid rise in the levels of various cytokines particularly Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha TNF alpha Interleukin IL Interleukin IL Interleukin IL have a major role in inducing distinctive clinical presentations of DHF These range from simple plasma leakage to hemorrhagic problems and even shock Another hallmark of DHF is the presence of cross reactive primary antibodies which produce an intense immune response in secondary infection resulting in immune mediated pathology seen in DHF There have been many attempts made in the past for the development of a suitable vaccine for dengue fever Vaccination using plasmid DNA against dengue fever is an active area of research In this review the role of different cells in the multiplication of dengue virus and viral interactions with the immune system have been discussed Special emphasis is given to the nature of DNA vaccines in general developmental efforts of a dengue fever vaccine

The effect of photothermal quotient at anthesis and maturity on kernel m -2 , kernel weight (KW) and kernel yield were examined in experiments involving three different genotypes such as: Chakwal-50, Wafaq-2001 and GA-2002 sown at five different sowing times (Planting windows) for two years (2008-09 and 2009-10) at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Islamabad. Photothermal quotient (PTQ) was calculated at anthesis (PTQ1) and maturity (PTQ2) for two years. A direct relationship was observed between photothermal quotients, kernel m -2 , kernel weight and kernel yield for all planting windows and genotypes. The maximum value (213.15) of photothermal quotient was recorded when crop was grown on 28th Oct, 2008 (PW2) during the first year and minimum value was observed (143.82) for PW5 (25th Dec, 2009) during the second year. Decrease in photothermal quotient was observed from PW2 to PW5, whereas correlation analysis depicted positive and significant association with individual kernel weight, kernel m- 2 and kernel yield with PTQ. The correlation coefficient (r) between kernel m- 2 and PTQ1 was 0.5103, while the correlation between PTQ2, individual kernel weight (0.6375) and yield (0.6507) exhibited significance. The outcomes of photothermal quotient and the relationship established through these experiments between kernel m- 2 , KW and kernel yield and PTQ may be used as a road map to minimize yield losses and select genotypes and managements according to availability of climatic resources. Keywords : Wheat, photothermal quotient, kernel weight, solar radiation, environment

Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the major yield-limiting factors in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), especially when grown in calcareous soils. The soils of the Pothwar region in Pakistan are calcareous in nature, exposing peanut to Fe deficiency. The molecular mechanisms governing Fe deficiency response in peanut have not been fully revealed. We compared 4 locally important varieties of peanut to evaluate Fe deficiency responses at the molecular level. The expression profiles of 7 important genes including AhIRT1, AhFRO1, AhNRAMP1, AhYSL1, AhYSL3.1, AhYSL4, and AhYSL6 in roots and young and old leaves of local peanut varieties were investigated 19 days after Fe deficiency treatment. Significant differences were observed for gene expression patterns among these varieties. The expression of AhIRT1 was upregulated only in Banki and BARD-699. However, some of the genes, like AhFRO1, AhNRAMP1, and other genes of the YSL family, were upregulated in BARI 2000 roots and young and old leaves, which has been reported for uptake and transport of Fe. BARI 2000 and Chakori had more accumulation of Fe in young leaves and roots in Fe deficiency conditions as compared to other varieties. This suggests that other mechanisms of Fe uptake and transport may be more important than AhIRT1 to mitigate Fe deficiency in BARI 2000 and Chakori.

SUMMARY Wide adaptability of sunflower and wide range of climatic conditions existing in Pakistan make it possible to have two crops of sunflower in a year, i.e., in spring and fall. Field experiments, one in spring and another in fall were conducted at the University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations on yield and yield components of sunflower. Five sunflower hybrids were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. Two inner rows were harvested for measurements of yield and yield components. It was observed that head size of spring crop was larger than fall crop. Contrary to head size, 1000-seed weight of the fall crop was larger than that of the spring crop. However, final yield of the spring crop was greater than that of the fall crop. It led to the conclusion that having spring crop is the best option, while fall crop could be supplementary one, to increase the production of oilseeds.

Field experiments have been conducted to quantify the growth and development of sunflower in response to seasonal variation over two seasons, i.e., Spring and Fall. Five sunflower hybrids were sown in a randomized complete block design. Growth and development parameters like stem girth, plant height and dry matter accumulation m⁻² were recorded at the time of maturity. The hybrid Suncross-42 produced the maximum stem girth in Spring which was significantly different from that of XF-263 which was the lowest in both seasons. Plant height followed a pattern similar to stem girth. The hybrid Suncross- 42 produced the tallest plants in both seasons. Stem girth and plant height are considered major contributors to total dry matter production. Dry matter accumulation m⁻² followed a pattern similar to those of stem girth and plant height. The hybrid Suncross-42 produced the maximum dry matter in both seasons. Similarly, it produced maximum seed yields in both seasons. Overall superiority of the Spring crop over the Fall crop, in terms of stem girth, plant height, dry matter and seed yield production, may be related to the duration of crop in the field and environmental factors prevailing during the crop life cycle.

The unpredictability and large fluctuation of the climatic conditions in rainfed regions do affect spring wheat yield and grain quality. These variations offer the opportunity for the production of better quality wheat. The effect of variable years, locations and sowing managements on wheat grain yield and quality was studied through field experiments using three genotypes, three locations for two years under rainfed conditions. The two studied years as contrasting years at three locations and sowing dates depicted variability in temperature and water stress during grain filling which resulted considerable change in grain yield and quality. Delayed sowing, years (2009–10) and location (Talagang) with high temperature and water stress resulted increased proline, and grain quality traits i.e. grain protein (GP) and grain ash (GA) than optimum conditions (during 2008–09, at Islamabad and early sowing). However, opposite trend was observed for dry gluten (DG), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), SPAD content and grain yield irrespective of genotypes. The influence of variable climatic conditions was dominant in determining the quality traits and inverse relationship was observed among some quality traits and grain yield. It may be concluded that by selecting suitable locations and different sowing managements for subjecting the crop to desirable environmental conditions (temperature and water) quality traits of wheat crop could be modified.

This study investigated lytic enzyme activities in three indigenous Trichoderma strains namely, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma sp. Native Trichoderma strains and a virulent strain of Rhizoctonia solani isolated from infected bean plants were also included in the study. Enzyme activities were determined by measuring sugar reduction by dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method using suitable substrates. The antagonists were cultured in minimal salt medium with the following modifications: medium A (1 g of glucose), medium B (0.5 g of glucose + 0.5 g of deactivated R. solani mycelia), medium C (1.0 g of deactivated respective antagonist mycelium) and medium D (1 g of deactivated R. solani mycelia). T asperellum showed presence of higher amounts of chitinases, β-1, 3-glucanases and xylanases in extracellular protein extracts from medium D as compared to medium A. While, the higher activities of glucosidases and endoglucanses were shown in medium D extracts by T. harzianum. β-glucosidase activities were lower compared with other enzymes; however, activities of the extracts of medium D were significantly different. T. asperellum exhibited maximum inhibition (97.7%). On the other hand, Trichoderma sp. did not show any effect on mycelia growth of R. solani on crude extract.

A 72-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with a sandy loam or a silt loam soil to examine the effects of farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL) and biogenic waste compost (BWC) at 10 g dw kg-1 soil on microbial biomass and activity and growth and nutrient uptake by wheat. Soil samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 72 after planting. Growth and nutrient uptake by wheat were determined on day 72. All three amendments increased microbial biomass C, N and P, dehydrogenase activity, plant growth and nutrient uptake with a greater effect by FYM and PL than by BWC. All amendments increased microbial biomass C, N and P and enzyme activity particularly on day 0. These microbial parameters decreased after day 0 indicating microbial biomass turnover. All amendments increased plant growth and nutrient uptake. It is concluded that organicamendments can stimulate microbial growth and nutrient uptake as well as plant growth and nutrient uptake. Microbes can increase plant nutrient availability by nutrient mobilisation but also because nutrients taken up by the microbial biomass initially could become available to plants when the microbial biomass turns over as the easily available C is depleted.

The effect of variability in temperature, solar radiation and photothermal quotient were studied under varying planting windows in three wheat genotypes to cope environmental vulnerability. Regression models are regarded as valuable tools for the evaluation of temperature, solar radiation and photothermal quotient effects on wheat yield to bring its resilience to climatic vulnerability. The objective of this study was to evaluate sole and cumulative impact of temperature and solar radiation on spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) yield using regression modeling approach. The data collected at maturity for grain number, grain weight and grain yield were regressed against mean temperature, solar radiation and photothermal quotient (PTQ) (temperature plus solar radiation) from emergence to anthesis and maturity, using STATISTICA9 software. Scatter-plot regression model was developed at 95% confidence interval with crop data and climate variables. Results indicate direct relationship of yield with solar radiation, cumulative effect of temperature and solar radiation, whereas yield had an inverse relationship with temperature alone. Direct relationship between PTQ and yield parameters confirmed PTQ as crop-yield determinant, thus, its management needs to be done by choosing a more appropriate sowing time and best suited genotypes as an adapted management strategy for farmers under increased climatic vulnerability. Key words: Photothermal quotient, planting windows, solar radiation, temperature, wheat.

A 72-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with a sandy loam or a silt loam soil to examine the effects of farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL) and biogenic waste compost (BWC) at 10 g dw kg-1 soil on microbial biomass and activity and growth and nutrient uptake by wheat. Soil samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 72 after planting. Growth and nutrient uptake by wheat were determined on day 72. All three amendments increased microbial biomass C, N and P, dehydrogenase activity, plant growth and nutrient uptake with a greater effect by FYM and PL than by BWC. All amendments increased microbial biomass C, N and P and enzyme activity particularly on day 0. These microbial parameters decreased after day 0 indicating microbial biomass turnover. All amendments increased plant growth and nutrient uptake. It is concluded that organicamendments can stimulate microbial growth and nutrient uptake as well as plant growth and nutrient uptake. Microbes can increase plant nutrient availability by nutrient mobilisation but also because nutrients taken up by the microbial biomass initially could become available to plants when the microbial biomass turns over as the easily available C is depleted.

Water stress and high temperature variability are the major constraints for wheat crop productivity and food security in the context of climate change. Impact of high temperature and water stress at anthesis stage of spring wheat was studied through field experiments conducted during 2008 to 2009 and 2009 to 2010. Five wheat varieties of diverse origin namely Tatara, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC)-2009, Sehar-2006, SKD-1 and F-Sarhad were sown in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Physiological parameters that is, net photosynthesis (An), transpiration rate (E), SPAD chlorophyll contents and prolines were recorded at anthesis stage. The results indicated reduction of An and increased E due to high temperature and moisture stresses. Among genotypes, maximum photosynthetic rate was recorded for Tatara (30.52 μ mole/m2/s) followed by NARC-2009. The E recorded maximum in Sehar-2006 (2.80 mole/m2/s) which had low photosynthetic activity whereas minimum E observed in Tatara (2.27 μ mole/m2/s) followed by NARC-2009. Maximum SPAD value observed in Tatara (53.17) followed by NARC-2009 (49.00) where as Sehar-2006 (37.17) depicted less chlorophyll contents and ultimately reduced photosynthesis and productivity. The highest proline contents were recorded in Tatara (59.69 µg g-1) followed by NARC-2009 (55.05 µg g-1) as compared to SKD-1 (46.27 µg g-1) and F-Sarhad (50.58) which might be due to genetic potential and physiological adaptability of Tatara cultivars against stress conditions. Water stress and high temperature at anthesis led to reduction in photosynthesis resulting reduced biomass and limited yield. Therefore, genotypes having better physiological performance under biotic stresses need to be considered for cultivation under changing environment. Since Tatara performed best in our study, it is recommended for cultivation under high temperature and moisture stresses. The values of all physiological attributes (An and E) were higher during first year (2008 to 2009) as compared to second year (2009 to 2010) which was due to relatively high temperature and low moisture availability during the second year. Key words: Temperature, water stress, photosynthesis, transpiration, proline, SPAD chlorophyll, anthesis, wheat.

The impact of temperature and solar radiations were studied as determinant factor for spring wheat grain yield. The data obtained at anthesis and maturity for grain number (GN), grain weight (GW) and grain yield (Y) were examined with mean temperature at anthesis (T1) and maturity (T2), solar radiation at anthesis (SR1) and maturity (SR2) and photothermal quotient (PTQ) at anthesis (PTQ1) and maturity (PTQ2). The data obtained was subjected to Statistica 8 software and scatter plot regression model was developed at 95% confidence interval with crop data and climate variables (T1, T2, SR1, SR2, PTQ1 and PTQ2). Results clearly indicated that yield remained directly proportional to solar radiation and temperature plus solar radiation (PTQ) while inversely to temperature under optimum other environmental resources. Direct relationship between PTQ and yield parameters confirmed that it determined crop yield and its management for variable environmental conditions need to be opted by adopting suitable sowing time as an adaptation strategy under changing climate.