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An increase in ride-hailing services in the sharing economy can help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which will lead to a decrease in air pollution and noise pollution, an improvement in environmental conditions, a decrease in travel costs, and an increase in social benefits to travelers. Hence, there is a great need to examine the consumer's intention toward usage of ride-hailing services in the sharing economy. The current study aims to examine the green consumption intention of eco-friendly services as an outcome of environmental responsibility and environmental knowledge. It also attempts to examine the serial mediation of green concern, value co-creation, and mediated moderation of social support as an explanatory mechanism of green consumption intention of eco-friendly services. The research design was cross-section and deductive. The respondents of the study were registered university students in Islamabad who were active consumers of major ride-hailing services in Pakistan, i.e., Uber, Careem, Uplift, InDriver, B4U Cabes, and SUVL. A total of 402 responses were gathered using purposive sampling. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in Smart PLS is used to evaluate the reliability of measurement instruments and the validity of the research model. The current study results showed that environmental responsibility and knowledge positively and significantly affect motivation to engage in green consumption. Furthermore, environmental concern and value co-creation partially mediate the proposed relationship. In addition, social support also moderates the association between green concern and value co-creation such that it strengthens the connection. The current research findings are an addition to the existing literature and have managerial applications with limitations preceded by future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widely recognized positive nature of ethical leadership, recent studies have reported inconsistent findings in the link between ethical leadership and employees' behavior. Drawing on the social cognitive theory, this study seeks to address this gap by investigating the paradoxical influence of ethical leadership on unethical pro-organizational behavior among employees. Additionally, the study aims to explore the mediating mechanism of employees' psychological capital and the moderating effect of moral identity. Three time intervals data were collected from nursing professional from public and private hospitals in Pakistan. The data were evaluated employing PLS SEM. Interestingly, the findings contradict the hypothesis and demonstrate a positive link between ethical leadership and unethical pro-organizational behavior among employees. Moreover, the relationship is mediated by employees' psychological capital. Furthermore, employees' moral identity moderates this relationship. These findings furnish important insights into the paradoxical impact of ethical leadership within organizations and challenge its universal perception of positive leadership style having significant theoretical and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Cress seeds release allelochemicals that over-stimulate the elongation of hypocotyls of neighbouring (potentially competing) seedlings and inhibit their root growth. The hypocotyl promoter is potassium, but the root inhibitor was unidentified; its nature is investigated here. Methods Low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate (LCSE) from imbibed Lepidium sativum seeds was fractionated by phase partitioning, paper chromatography, high-voltage electrophoresis and gel-permeation chromatography (on Bio-Gel P-2). Fractions, compared with pure potassium salts, were bioassayed for effects on Amaranthus caudatus seedling growth in the dark for 4 days. Key Results The LCSE robustly promoted amaranth hypocotyl elongation and inhibited root growth. The hypocotyl inhibitor was non-volatile, hot acid stable, hydrophilic and resistant to incineration, as expected for K+. The root inhibitor(s) had similar properties but were organic (activity lost on incineration). The root inhibitor(s) remained in the aqueous phase (at pH 2.0, 6.5 and 9.0) when partitioned against butan-1-ol or toluene, and were thus hydrophilic. Activity was diminished after electrophoresis, but the remaining root inhibitors were neutral. They became undetectable after paper chromatography; therefore, they probably comprised multiple compounds, which separated from each other, in part, during fractionation. On gel-permeation chromatography, the root inhibitor co-eluted with hexoses. Conclusions Cress-seed allelochemicals inhibiting root growth are different from the agent (K+) that over-stimulates hypocotyl elongation and the former probably comprise a mixture of small, non-volatile, hydrophilic, organic substances. Abundant components identified chromatographically and by electrophoresis in cress-seed exudate fitting this description include glucose, fructose, sucrose and galacturonic acid. However, none of these sugars co-chromatographed and co-electrophoresed with the root-inhibitory principle of LCSE, and none of them (in pure form at naturally occurring concentrations) inhibited root growth. We conclude that the root-inhibiting allelochemicals of cress-seed exudate remain unidentified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the management of noxious weed (Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.) in chickpea growing areas of District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. A Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with three replicates and various weed management practices were implemented. The treatments include; different herbicides (Pendimethalin, dual gold and fenxaprop-p-ethyl), mulches (Black polythene, white polythene and available weed biomass) and allelopathic weed extracts (Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Convolvulus arvensis L. and Lathyrus sp.) compared with control treatment. The study parameters include; weed density (m-2) before and after application, fresh and dry weight (m-2) of A. tenuifolius Cav., plant height (cm), number of nodes and branches plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), number of pods plant-1, number of grains pod-1, 500 seed weight (g), biological yield (kgha-1), grain yield (kgha-1) and cost benefit ratio (%). The data analysis revealed that the herbicide Pendimethalin showed the lowest A. tenuifolius Cav. density (6.10 m-2), fresh weight (1.30 kgm-2) and dry weight (0.43 kgm-2), while the control plots had the highest density, fresh weight and dry weight of A. tenuifolius Cav. Data regarding chickpea parameters, Pendimethalin showed the maximum plant height (46.66 cm), number of nodes (32.33 plant-1), number of branches (10.33 plant-1), leaf area index (1.85), number of pods (31.66 plant-1, number of grains (2.00 pod-1), 500 seed weight (165.46 g), biological yield (4532.9 kgha-1), grains yield (1438.2 kgha-1), and cost benefit ratio (1:3.1). Whereas, the lowest values for these parameters were observed in the control plots. Based on the results, it can be concluded that Pendimethalin herbicide was the most effective in controlling A. tenuifolius Cav. that has significantly increased the yield and yield components of chickpea. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl also showed positive effects on weed control and chickpea yield, although to a lesser extent than Pendimethalin. The study highlights the importance of using appropriate weed control methods to enhance crop productivity and reduce weed competition in chickpea cultivation. However, it is essential to consider factors like herbicide resistance, environmental impacts, and sustainability while formulating weed management strategies in agricultural practices. Further research may be needed to optimize the application of different treatments and to explore additional weed management techniques to maintain effective weed control in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of dry leachates of Acasia saligna was tested on the seedling growth, photosynthesis, biochemical attributes, and gene expression of the economically important crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa L.). Different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of stem extract (SE) and leaf extract (LE) of A. saligna were prepared, and seedlings were allowed to grow in Petri plates for 8 days. The results showed that all plant species exhibited reduced germination rate, plant height, and fresh and dry weight due to leachates extracts of A. saligna. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), exhibited differential regulation due to the extract treatment. The SOD was increased with increasing the concentration of extracts, while CAT and APX activities were decreased with increasing the extract concentrations. In addition, leachate extract treatment decrease chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, PSII activity, and water use efficiency, with evident effects at their higher concentrations. Furthermore, the content of proline, sugars, protein, total phenols, and flavonoids were reduced considerably due to leachates extract treatments. Furthermore, seedlings treated with high concentrations of LE increased the expression of genes. The present results lead to the conclusion that A. saligna contains significant allelochemicals that interfere with the growth and development of the tested crop species and reduced the crops biomass and negatively affected other related parameters. However, further studies are suggested to determine the isolation and purification of the active compounds present in A. saligna extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed management in okra is one of the challenging and expensive steps that ultimately result in reducing the productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of various organic and cultural practices on yield and weed management in okra at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during spring season 2021 in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The following treatments were applied in the trial. Parthenium(Partheniumhysterophorus) weed extraction (120g.L-1), Coco grass (Cyperusrotundus) weed extraction (120g.L-1), Field bind weed (Convolvulus arvensis) weed extraction (120g.L-1), mulching (Eucalyptus leaves), mulching (News Paper), hand weeding (Once) 20 days after sowing (DAS), hand weeding (Twice) 20 &40 DAS, and a weedy check. Results showed that all the studied parameters of okra crop except the number of flowers per plant were significantly affected by the applied treatments. Maximum weed fresh biomass (143.3g), weed dry biomass (42.2g), plant height (64.2cm), number of branches per plant (11), fruit length (11.73 cm), fruit diameter (1.8 cm) and yield (3246.6kg. ha-1) were noted in hand weeding (Twice) 20- & 40DAS followed by hand weeding (Once) 20 DAS; how ever, minimum values were noted in weedy check treatment, except weed density which was found maximum in weedy check plots. In conclusion, hand weeding twice 20 & 40 DAS is recommended in order to get best yields of okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar during rabi season 2016-17. A wheat variety Ata-Habib was selected to check its performance by adopting methods of sowing and mixed tank herbicides application. The experiment was arranged in split-plot with randomized complete block (RCB) design with 4 replications. For practical adaptation of the experiment, the sowing methods were allotted as the main plots, while tank mixed herbicides were kept in the subplots to get prominent results for the possible positive differences among the treatments. The sub-plot size measured as 1.5 X 3 m while row to row distance was kept 30 cm. Data were recorded on weed density m-2, fresh and dry weed biomass (kg), plant height (cm), spike length (cm), leaf area (cm), number of tillers (m-2), number of grains spike-1, 1000 grain weight (g), biological yield (kg ha-1) and grain yield (kg ha-1), Harvest index (%). These data parameters were formally observed with great care to avoid any repetition or error of the data. Noxious weeds were observed and recorded in the field viz. Avena fatua, Anagallis arvensis, Euphorbia helioscopia, Phalaris minor, Poa annua, Medicago denticulata, Convolvulus arvensis, Coronopus didymus, Fumaria polymorpha, Melilotus parviflora, Chenopodium album and Rumex crispus. The obtained results indicated that sowing methods were statistically significant for plant height, grains spike-1,1000grain weight and biological yield that showed a clear effectiveness of the recorded data parameters. In addition to this, herbicides applications were also statistically significant for all the parameters except grains spike-1, while the interaction of sowing methods and herbicides application were also non-significant. In sowing methods, line sowing provided satisfactory results. As general understandings various weeds were managed significantly through tank mixed herbicide applications with a ratio of 60-72% for broad leaf and grassy weeds respectively. Consequently the instant results provided 54% increased yield compared to the untreated treatments. Hence it is concluded that, line sowing in combination with tank mixed herbicides are more suitable for management of weeds in the wheat field and increased yield in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar-Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) was evaluated using various weed management techniques at the New Research Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar-Pakistan during rabi season 2013-14. The research was carried out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement, having three replications. Eight weed management techniques (Black plastic as mulch, Eucalyptus leaves as mulch, Newspaper as mulch, Cyperus rotundus (weed extract), Convolvulus arvensis (weed extract), Ammi visnaga (weed extract), Hand weeding and Control) and three cultivars of tomato (Roma, Money Maker and Rio Grand) were used. All the weed management practices were observed significantly different from one another. Management of weeds through hand weeding produced maximum plant height, branches plant-1, fruits plant-1, weight of fruit plant-1 and yield as compared to control as well as the maximum weed density was recorded in control plots. Tomato cultivars were significantly different from one another for all the parameters studied. The cultivar Money Maker had the maximum plant height, branches plant-1, fruits plant-1, weight of fruit plant-1 and yield as compared with other tomato cultivars. While maximum weed density was recorded in cultivar Roma but statistically at par with cultivar Rio Grand. It is concluded from this study that growing of cultivar Money Maker and hand weeding technique seems to be the best combination for tomato production in Peshawar for achieving highest yield of tomato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trial was initiated at Agriculture University New Developmental Farm, Agriculture University Peshawar-Pakistan during Kharif 2012 to study the weed management in maize through different control techniques. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block (RCB) with three replications. The size of each individual plot was 5 × 3 m2. Azam variety at seed rate 28kg ha-1 was sown in the field with recommended rate nitrogen and phosphorus. The data were recorded on density of weed (m-2) before treatments application, density of weed (m-2) after treatments application, dry weed biomass (g), fresh weed biomass (g), maize plant height, number of cobs per plant, grains per cob, thousand grain weight, biological and grain yield (t ha-1). Results showed that lowest weed density (38.3 m-2) was recorded in black plastic mulch treatment. The highest plant height (199.0 cm) was observed in hand weeding twice treatment followed by Dual gold 960 EC and stomp 330 E treated units (196.0 cm each). The hand weeding twice produced highest grain yield (7.035 kg ha-1) which were statistical similar with Dual gold 960 EC (6.891kg ha-1), black plastic mulch (6.585 kg ha-1), hand weeding once (6.436 kg ha-1) and Stomp (5.966 kg ha-1); while, weedy check showed lowest grain yield of 3.892 kg ha-1. It can be concluded that mulching was superior over all other methods for controlling weed and maize crop performance over all other method. The findings may be applicable to other crops-that needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was designed to study the allelopathic effect of two weeds (Cyperus rotundus L. and Sorghum halepense L.) against chickpea plants. The experiment was undertaken in the Weed Science Research Laboratory of the University of Agriculture Peshawar during winter season 2012. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Weed samples for extract purpose were dried, ground with the help of grinder and then weighed. Each time two concentrations were made from each sample @ 150 and 200 g L-1. The chickpea variety Karak-1 was used in the experiment. Ten seeds of chickpea were planted in Plastic pots with 12 cm height and 15 cm diameter filled with soil. The results showed that all the parameters of chickpea were significantly affected by the allelopathic extracts of Cyperus rotundus and Sorghum halepense. Further research is suggested to investigate the actual phenomena responsible for this variation within these tested plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy is now recognized as an interesting aspect of biological science and is gaining popularity worldwide. To investigate the allelopathic potential of weeds, an experiment was undertaken at the Department of Weed Science, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan during September 2010. Water extracts of Poa annua, Imperata cylindrica, Cirsium arvense, Datura alba and Phragmites australis were tested for their allelopathic effects against Zea mays, Avena fatua, Convolvulus arvensis, Ammi visnaga, Rumex crispus and Asphodelus tenuifolius. Experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were recorded on germination, shoot weight and shoot length of the tested species. Differential response was recorded for different weeds extracts. Maize seeds produced maximum (100%) germination and consequently maximum shoot length and weight, while the weeds germination and other parameter were significantly reduced by the weeds extracts. Phragmites totally inhibited the weeds seeds germination. A. tenuifolius seeds were totally inhibited by the all the weeds extract. These results showed that allelopathic chemicals should be adapted on large scale for better management of weeds suppression in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine dose requirements of herbicides for controlling Asphodlus tenuifolius on farmer's field in chickpea during 2005-06 and 2006-07. Five herbicides pendimethalin, s-metolachlor, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, MCPA and isoproturon with four doses were studied in the trials. MCPA produced phytotoxic effect on both weed and crop and also completely inhibited crop and weed growth. Isoproturon was less effective on A. tenuifolius with less phytotoxicity on crop. Best seed yield (1164 and 1150 kg ha-1) was recorded in preemergence herbicides at high dose as compared to fenoxapropp- ethyl (1088 kg ha-1). Next year (2006-2007) again the same herbicides were tested while MCPA was replaced by clodinafop propargyl (post-emergence) due to its phytotoxicity on crop. Almost similar results were recorded with the only difference of herbicides clodinafop propargyl. The highest seed yield of 1109 kg ha-1 was recorded each for pendimethalin and s-metolachlor while it was statistically similar with the yield of fenoxaprop-pethyl (1107 kg ha-1). Lower 0.5x and 1.0X doses of post emergence herbicides produced good results as compared to 1.5X. Pre emergence herbicides were found to be effective only at 1.5X dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of wild oat (Avena fatua) densities on wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield, its components and protein content under varying nitrogen regimes, at the Agricultural Research Farm, North West Frontier Province Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during winter 2004-5. The experiment comprised 3 nitrogen levels (75, 100, and 125 kg ha-1) assigned to main plots and 5 wild oat densities (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 plants m-2) kept in sub-plots. The data were recorded on some agronomic and physiological parameters of wheat and wild oats. The statistical analyses of the data exhibited nonsignificant differences for nitrogen levels in all the parameters studied, while oat density and the interaction of density with nitrogen levels were significant for all the parameters studied. Less than 1 wild oat plant m-2 inflicted a 1% reduction in wheat yield, while a 30% reduction in yield was predicted with the infestation of 15, 17, and 16 plants m-2 under 75, 100, and 125 N kg ha-1 fertiliser regimes. We also discovered a wild oat density related reduction in grain protein content, which is a cause for further alarm. About 16 wild oat plants m-2 reduced protein content by 1%, which is alarming for countries with vegetable-based diets, like Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]