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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.

Under the climate change scenario, high-temperature stress declines crop yields. The present study was designed with the objectives to identify the stable heat-tolerant genotypes for grain yield under normal and heat stress conditions at three locations. The 80 mung bean genotypes and 3 check varieties were sown in three agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, namely, Chakwal, Piplan, and Bhakkar. The experiments were planted in two sowing dates, i.e., the normal sowing and late sowing by using an augmented randomized block design with 6 blocks at each location. The plot size for each genotype was 2.4 m2 at all the locations. All cultural and agronomic practices were carried out as per recommendations. Ten randomly selected plants were used to record the yield-related traits. An infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) was used to measure physiological traits like photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance. To study the nature of relationship among traits, Pearson correlation analysis was done using SPSS software (v. 16.0). The GGE biplots were constructed to graphically represent the genotype and GE interaction of multi-environment data using the software plant breeding tools. Three views of the GGE biplot were generated to display the comparative performance, rank, and stability of each genotype in the tested environments. Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a positive interaction of grain yield with pods plant−1, seed pod−1, 100 grain weight, and harvest index, while days to flowering and maturity had a negative association under normal and heat-stressed conditions. The GGE biplot analysis efficiently explained 85.1% of the total variation and demonstrated that among 8 vertex genotypes of polygon biplot, the G14 and G38 were heat tolerant as these genotypes outclassed others in all the heat-stressed environments. In contrast, the genotypes G51 and G74 produced maximum yield under normal conditions (E3 and E5). Among all the genotypes, genetic diversity was observed for grain yield and other morpho-physiological traits. Significant G × E interaction was observed. The genotypes G14, G38, and G51 were identified as stable and heat tolerant in most of the environments. These findings will be helpful for development of heat-tolerant mung bean breeding material in the future.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is renowned for its excellent potential of converting unavailable forms of phosphorus (P) to a simpler available form in the soil. This P availability not only...

Sesame cultivars perform differently in various environments comprising specific locations and years. Micronutrient fertilizers increase crop yields and can enhance resistance to environmental hazards and contribute to potential yield. For assessing the effect of environment and micronutrients, field experiments were carried out at three different locations (BARI, URF and NARC) of Pothwar region, Pakistan, in two succeeding years (2014, 2015). Four sesame cultivars and three micronutrients (Zn, B and Mn) with a control treatment were used in RCB design with a split-plot procedure and four replications. The results showed significant differences in the main effects of all tested factors (cultivars, micronutrients, locations and years). Maximum mean values of plant height, capsules plant−1, biomass yield and seed yield were recorded for SG-30, while TH-6 was the lowest for these parameters. Maximum mean values of capsule length, capsule weight, seeds capsules−1 and the weight of 1000 seeds were recorded for TH-6 but vice versa for SG-30. Maximum capsule length and seeds capsule−1 were observed at NARC, while other growth and yield attributes were maximum at BARI and URF, including biomass yield and seed yield. The interactive effect of cultivar × location × year was highly significant for all growth and yield traits except capsule length. Sesame cultivars revealed a differential response for all traits at three locations during both years. Application of micronutrients significantly augmented all growth and yield features of sesame. Micronutrient fertilizers (i.e., ZnSO4 at 10 kg ha−1, borax at 10 kg ha−1 and MnSO4 at 5 kg ha−1) would increase yield and yield-attributing traits in low- or medium-precipitation areas where suitable cultivars have been designated.

Waste production is associated with human inhabitation and its rate is increasing over time. Globally, the major proportion of waste is disposed of through landfilling and open dumping, which is en...

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.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious annual weed rapidly spreading in cropped areas of the irrigated Punjab and other parts of Pakistan. It has become a major threat to grazing lands and crops in Punjab province. The main objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of different herbicides with various concentrations viz. pendimethalin, S-metolachlor + atrazine, bromoxynil + 2-methyl-4-chloorphenoxyacetic acid, and atrazine at their recommended (407, 711, 445 and 469 g a.i./ha, respectively), 50% lower and 50% higher doses against Parthenium hysterophorus L. Weeds were allowed to grow in a field for three years (2010-2013) where this spring maize experiment was conducted during the years 2013 and 2014. All herbicide treatments at their recommended and higher doses significantly reduced Parthenium dry weight. Minimum density (2.3 and 2.0/m) and dry biomass (39.74 and 43.47 g/m) of parthenium weed was observed with S-metolachlor + atrazine at 711.36 g/ha treatment during 2013 and 2014, respective...

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.

Phenology, the first step of calibration of models.Robustness of APSIM-Wheat and CERES-Wheat in simulating spring wheat phenology, LAI, biomass and yield.Calibration is necessary to minimize uncertainty.Models as decision support tools in agriculture under climate variability. Crop growth in process based crop models is controlled by different parameters. Model calibration is necessary for application to new cultivars and environment. We applied a manual method to calibrate APSIM-Wheat and CERES-Wheat for the flowering day, maturity day, leaf area index, biomass and grain yield of five spring wheat cultivars under rainfed conditions in Pakistan. Five wheat cultivars of diverse origin namely Tatara, NARC-2009, Sehar-2006, SKD-1 and F-Sarhad were planted on 19th November, at Islamabad during the years 2007-2011. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times with individual plot size of 5m?3m. APSIM-Wheat and CERES-Wheat were calibrated for all five wheat cultivars using genetic coefficients estimated based upon measured data during 2008-09 cropping year and validated with independent data sets (experimental data of 2009-10 and 2010-11 cropping seasons) which were not used for models calibration. Both models were able to accurately simulate anthesis and maturity days, maximum leaf area index, biomass and grain yield, with normalized root mean square error (RMSE) less than 10%, D-index greater than 0.80 and model efficiency above 80% in most cases. The temporal changes in maximum LAI accumulation for all cultivars indicate that both measured and simulated values match each other. Evaluation with the measured data showed that performance of both models was realistic as indicated by the accurate simulation of crop phenology, LAI, biomass and grain yield against measured data. Climate variability results depicted that an increase in temperature from 0?C to 5?C resulted in a 60% average decline in the yield of wheat cultivars while increased CO2 increased yield similar to the combined effect of increased temperature and CO2. We concluded that to bring accuracy in the simulation outcomes of models, new cultivars should be calibrated to minimize uncertainty to allow judicious recommendations in response to climate variability.

In present study, different foliar treatments were applied on peanut to check their ameliorative effect on Fe deficiency. In hydroponics experiments, foliar applications of FeSO4, Fe-EDTA, sequestrene and ferric chloride were applied to check their effect on Fe deficiency chlorosis in two varieties of peanut already screened as BARI-2000 (Fe deficiency tolerant) and BARD-699 (Fe deficiency sensitive). Sequestrene proved to be more effective in increasing the growth of plant. Photosynthetic rate increased up to 58 and 70% in BARI-2000 and BARD-699 respectively as compared to control with foliar application of sequestrene. Similarly higher active Fe concentration was recorded in both genotypes. Up to 14 and 41% increase in active Fe concentration was observed. Various morpho physiological parameters including root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh and shoot dry weights, SPAD values, photosynthetic and transpiration rates showed that BARD-699 was more responsive to foliar applications, while foliar application of sequestrene can be used in correcting Fe deficiency in both genotypes. Active Fe was significantly correlated with different morphological parameters in both genotypes. The results of presense experiment suggested that foliar applications were helpful in correction Fe deficiency in peanut and growth can be enhanced.

Silicon has the potential to improve drought tolerance in crops. Seeds primed with silicon were used in the present study to explore its potential benefit to withstand water stress. Seeds of two wheat varieties, NARC-2009 and Chakwal-50, were sown in pots after priming with distilled water and different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) of silicon sources (silicic acid, sodium silicate and silica gel) at PMAS, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi. Maximum silicon uptake at three-leaf stage (0.028 µg g−1 dry weight (DW)), anthesis (0.072 µg g−1 DW) and maturity (0.103 µg g−1 DW) was recorded for silica gel. Silicon uptake increased significantly in response to increase in Si concentration from 0.5% to 1.5%. Leaf membrane stability index, epicuticular wax, relative water content and proline remained maximum – 78.90%, 2.6 mg g−1 DW, 83.88% and 54.90 µg g−1 – for silica gel treatments compared with others. Silica gel with 1.5% silicon concentration resulted in maximum spike length (14.3 cm), biological ...

Long-term impact of buctril super (bromoxynil) herbicide in the wheat fields on soil microbial population, nitrate-N, Olsen-P, total organic carbon (TOC) and enzyme activities was evaluated in 18 sites in Pakistan. Nine sites were randomly selected from those places where bromoxynil herbicide had been used for the last 10 years designated as soil ‘X’ and other nine where no herbicide was used in that period designated as soil ‘Y’. Very importantly, it was found that long-term application of this herbicide in wheat fields reduced the actinomycetes and fungi population up to 19.7 and 14.3%, respectively, urease and dehydrogenase activity by 17.5 and 28.2%, respectively, and reduced nitrate-N, Olsen-P and TOC up to 55, 17 and 28.57%, respectively. Presence of high clay and organic matter contents enhanced the detrimental effect of herbicide by prolonging its persistence as compared to light-textured soils with low organic matter. As in Pakistan this herbicide is being used most frequently in wheat fields, da...

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.

Silicon (Si) distribution and accumulation in plant organs is widely reported as beneficial to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. The investigation on distribution of Si in plant organs under water stress conditions was studied through experiments conducted at Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan during 2007–2009. Treatments (Si200: 200 ml l−1 of potassium silicate and Si0: control or absence of silicon) were replicated thrice with two sorghum cultivars; SPV462 (drought susceptible) and Johar-1 (drought tolerant) screened using osmotic media of PEG-6000 (−4.0, −6.0, −8.0 and −10.0 MPa). The results exhibited increased leaf water potential, leaf area index, SPAD chlorophyll with increased silicon concentration in leaves and roots of drought-tolerant genotype as compared to SPV462. Johar-1 exhibited maximum values for net assimilation and relative growth rate under silicon treatment in comparison to silicon absence. Similarly, maintenance of transpiration rate, because of accumulation of silicon in leaves resulted in optimum leaf water potential and optimum growth of crop.

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal and farmer's field in Talagang) in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan, to assess relative efficiency of two sources of sulfur (S) in enhancing nitrogen (N) fixation and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The treatments were four combinations of two levels of S (15 and 30 kg ha−1) from two sources [gypsum and ammonium sulfate (AS)] and a no-S control. Application of S significantly increased seed yield up to 12% and 14% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Response (kg seed yield kg−1 S) at economic optimum dose (EOD) was greater for AS than for gypsum. Sulfur application enhanced the S uptake at both locations significantly. Sulfur harvest index and S economic yield efficiency ratio were greater at Talagang than at Chakwal. Sulfur application resulted increases in N uptake by 19% and 20% and N fixation by up to 19% and 30% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was more effecti...

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

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 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.

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.