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Phosphorus (P) unavailability and lack of organic matter in calcareous soils under semiarid climates are major reasons for low maize productivity grown in these conditions. The hypothesis was teste...

Application of macronutrients in less amount along with improper application method(s) are the major factors for low yield. Experiments were designed with the objectives to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) along with suitable application method to minimize nutrients losses. The experimental site was New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar and experiments were conducted for two consecutive years i.e. 2010-11 and 2011-12. After analysis, the results indicated that both N and K significantly affected days to phenology (anthesis and maturity). Days to phenology increased linearly with increase in rate of N and K and more days to phenology were recorded when both were at their highest rates. Similarly plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, grain yield, N uptake by grains and straw were increased with increasing level of N and K and attained maximum value when N and K was applied at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha, respectively. Nutrients application method significantly affected plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, grain yield and N uptake by straw and grains with maximum values for these traits were recorded when nutrients (N and K) were applied in such a combination that 15% nutrients were supplied through foliar and 85% through soil application. Application methods had a non-significant effect on days to phenology, leaf area index and leaf area duration. It is concluded from the results that application of N and K at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha respectively in such a way that 15% is applied through foliar spray and 85% through soil application improved growth, yield and N uptake of wheat crop under the semi-arid climate.

Pulses low yield in the arid and semiarid climates are imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers and no use of organic matter (animal and crop residues incorporation). The hypothesis was tested that i...

Phosphorus (P) unavailability and lack of organic matter in the soils under semiarid climates are the two major constraints that negatively influence dry matter partitioning and yield in maize. Thr...

Under the rice&ndash, wheat cropping system (RWS), the continuous cropping of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) deplete soil fertility, and reduce crop growth and total rice biomass. In RWS, both phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are considered important nutritional constraints for reducing rice crop growth rates (CGR) and total biomass/biological yield (BY). The objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of phosphorus (0, 40, 80, 120 kg P ha&minus, 1) and zinc rates (0, 5, 10, 15 kg Zn ha&minus, 1) on CGR and BY of three rice genotypes [fine (Bamati-385) versus coarse (Fakhre-e-Malakand and Pukhraj)] in Northwestern Pakistan during summer 2011 (Y1) and 2012 (Y2). The results revealed that higher CGR at various growth stages and total BY was obtained with the integrated use of higher phosphorus (80 and 120 kg P ha&minus, 1) and zinc rates (10 and 15 kg Zn ha&minus, 1). The lower CGR and BY were recorded when P and Zn were not applied (control) or when P and Zn were applied alone. In the case of rice genotypes, the highest CGR and BY were recorded for the hybrid rice (Pukhraj) than the other two genotypes. The CGR was increased to the highest level at the heading stage as compared to tillering and physiological maturity. The increase in CGR had a positive impact on the total BY of rice cultivars. The increase in BY had a positive relationship with grain yield and grower&rsquo, s income. It was concluded from the study that the combined application of higher P and Zn rates to the coarse rice genotypes (Fakhre-e-Malakand and Pukhraj) could increase CGR, total BY, crop productivity and profitability.

In the rice&ndash, wheat (R&ndash, W) system, inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer (urea, etc.) is the largest component of the N cycle, because the supply of N from organic fertilizers is insufficient. But the 4% Initiative aims to improve organic matter and stimulate carbon sequestration in soils using best agronomic practices (sustainable management practices) which are economically, environmentally, and socially friendly. This research project was, therefore, designed to assess the impact of various organic sources (OS, animal manure versus plant residues), inorganic N (urea), and their different combinations on the N concentrations in soils and plants (i.e., grains and straw) of hybrid rice plants. The experiments were conducted on farmers&rsquo, fields in Batkhela (Malakand), northwestern Pakistan, over 2 years (2011&ndash, 2012 (Y1) and 2012&ndash, 2013 (Y2)). The results revealed that N concentrations in soil as well as in rice plants ranked first when applied with urea-N, followed by the application of N in mixture (urea + OS), while the control plots (no N applied) ranked at the bottom. Among the six OS (three animal manures: poultry, sheep, and cattle, and three crop residues: onion, berseem, and wheat), application of N in the form of poultry manure was superior in terms of higher N concentrations in both soil and plants. Applying the required total N (120 kg N ha&minus, 1) in the form of 75% N from urea +25% N from OS resulted in higher N concentrations in soil and plants in Y1. The required total N (120 kg N ha&minus, 1) application in the form of 50% N from urea +50% N from OS produced higher N concentrations in soil and plants in Y2. It was concluded from the results, that combined application of N sources in the form of urea + OS can produce good performances in terms of higher N concentrations in soil as well as in rice plants under the R&ndash, W system. Integrated use of urea (N-fertilizer) with organic carbon sources (animal manures and crop residue) could sustain rice-based (exhaustive) cropping system.

Continuous cropping of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) deplete soil fertility and reduce crop productivity as well as zinc (Zn) concentrations in rice grains and straw. Low Zn concentrations in rice grains have a negative impact on human health, while low Zn concertation in rice straw creates a nutritional problem for animals. The current high yielding rice varieties and hybrids remove large quantities of Zn from the soils, lowering the residual concentrations of soil Zn for the subsequent crop (e.g., wheat). Field experiments were conducted on farmers field in Malakand with the objective to evaluate the impact of various combinations of phosphorus (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha&minus, 1) and Zn levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 kg ha&minus, 1) on biofortification of Zn in grains and straw of rice genotypes (fine (Bamati-385) vs. coarse (Fakhre-e-Malakand and Pukhraj)). The results revealed that Zn biofortification in rice genotypes increased with the integrated use of both nutrients (P + Zn) when applied at higher rates (80 and 120 kg P ha&minus, 1, and 10 and 15 kg Zn ha&minus, 1, respectively). The biofortification of Zn in both grains and straw was higher in the coarse than fine rice genotypes (Pukhraj &gt, Fakhre-e-Malakand &gt, Basmati-385). It was concluded from this study that the application of higher P and Zn levels increased Zn contents in rice parts (grains and straw) under the rice-wheat system. We also concluded from this study that Zn concentrations in rice grains and straw are influenced by plant genetic factors and Zn management practices.

Continuous cropping of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) deplete soil fertility, reduced crop productivity, and grower&rsquo, s income. Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are considered important nutritional constraints under rice-wheat cropping system. One strategy to increase crop productivity and grower&rsquo, s income under the rice-wheat system is the balanced application of P and Zn fertilizers. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of sole and various combinations of P (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha&minus, 1) and Zn levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 kg ha&minus, 1) on productivity (grain yield and yield components) and profitability (net returns) of different rice genotypes (cultivars) (fine (cv.Bamati-385) vs. coarse (cv. Fakhre-e-Malakand and cv. Pukhraj)) and their residual effect on the income of the succeeding wheat crop (cv. Siran-2010). The results revealed that both rice and wheat productivity and profitability was higher with the combined application of both nutrients at higher rates (80 and 120 kg P ha&minus, 1 and 10 and 15 kg Zn ha&minus, 1). The highest productivity and profitability was obtained with the cultivation of hybrid rice &ldquo, Pukhraj&rdquo, (Pukhraj &gt, Fakhre-e-Malakand &gt, Basmati-385). It was concluded from this study that application of higher P and Zn levels and growing of hybrid rice increased productivity and profitability under the rice-wheat cropping system.

Fruits and vegetables (F and V) are valuable for their micronutrients, but many Fruits and Vegetables in diverse growth areas have not been scientifically validated for these components. The nutraceutical characteristics of the seeds of eight citrus fruits grown in Pakistan (Rawalpindi region) were, therefore, investigated. Expectedly, the seeds of citrus varieties differed in moisture (44.5% to 54.8%), ash (0.97% to 3.13%), crude protein (5.61% to 4.06%), crude fat (20.3% to 15.3%), crude fiber (16.4%to 9.52%) and carbohydrates (17.5% to 10.2%) contents. Potassium, sodium and magnesium were the major minerals, while iron, zinc and manganese were present in minor fractions in the seeds. Phytochemical analysis (total phenolic content, 129 to 99.1µg/g GAE and total flavonoids content, 35.11 to 13.21 µg/g QE) revealed antioxidant potential that was confirmed by a high 1,1-diphenyl 1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, showing a highly positive correlation (r2 > 0.832, 0.667 p > 0.05) with the measured antioxidant components (Total Phenolics and Total Flavonoids). The analysis shows a significant relationship between the citrus varieties and their quality parameters to guide their industrial potential as sources of nutraceuticals. Keywords: Antioxidant constituent; Citrus varieties; Minerals constituent and Proximate constituent http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90001

A pot experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to assess the effect of wheat straw derived biochar on the bioavailability of Pb, Cd and Cr using maize as test crop. Surface (0–20 cm) soil collected from the research farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar was amended with 0, 2, 4 and 6% biochar respectively. Ten kg soil was placed in pots and all pots were spiked with Pb, Cd and Cr at concentrations 0, 5, 10 and 50 mg kg−1 of each element. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, replicated three times. Maize seeds were sown in pots in wetter conditions. Soil and plant samples were taken at harvest time. Results show that soil Pb, Cd and Cr reduced from 15.5, 5.38 and 5.85 mg kg−1 in control to 1.34, 0.69 and 0.75 mg kg−1 respectively with application of 6% biochar when values were averaged over the contamination levels. Similarly, Pb, Cd and Cr accumulation in plant were reduced by the application of biochar as compared to control. As compared to control, there was a significant improvement in the plant growth with biochar at elevated levels of Pb, Cd and Cr in soil. Overall, the application of wheat straw biochar might be effective in immobilization of metal in the soil and reducing its uptake to plant. However, investigation of the residual effect of biochar is required for sustainable use of biochar for remediation of contaminated soil.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the efficacy of fertilizer priming on seed germination behavior and vigor of two maize cultivars “Azam and Phari” at Agronomy Research Laboratory, University of Agriculture, Peshawar- Pakistan during 2015. Studied treatments include hydropriming (distilled water) and osmopriming with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) at 0.5% for 24 hours. Non primed seed were used as control. Data were recorded on germination and vigor parameters according to standard procedures. Results showed that both hydro and osmo-priming significantly improved germination %, mean germination time, germination index, plumule and radical length, seedling fresh and dry weight of both cultivars as compared to control treatment. Cultivar Azam performed better in all germination and vigor attributes than Phari. It was concluded that both hydro and osmopriming with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) at 0.5% for 24 hours are practical approaches for improving growth and vigor of maize crop under harsh environment.

Purpose : The Cree of Eeyou Istchee in Northern Quebec identified Sarracenia purpurea L. as an important plant for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Traditionally the plant is used as a decoction (boiling water extract) of the leaf, however, in order to study the extract in a laboratory setting, an 80% ethanol extract was used. In this study, the phytochemistry of both extracts of the leaves was compared and quantified. Methods: Two S. purpurea leaf extracts were prepared, one a traditional hot water extract and the other an 80% ethanol extract. Using UPLC-ESI-MS, the extracts were phytochemically compared for 2 triterpenes, betulinic acid and ursolic acid, using one gradient method and for 10 additional substances, including the actives quercetin-3-O-galactoside and morroniside, using a different method. Results: The concentrations of the nine phenolic substances present, as well as an active principle, the iridoid glycoside morroniside, were very similar between the two extracts, with generally slightly higher concentrations of phenolics in the ethanol extract as expected. However, two triterpenes, betulinic acid and ursolic acid, were 107 and 93 times more concentrated, respectively, in the ethanol extract compared to the water extract. Conclusion: The main phytochemical markers and most importantly the antidiabetic active principles, quercetin-3-O-galactoside and morroniside, were present in similar amounts in the two extracts, which predicts similar bioactivity. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of beneficial microorganism (BMO) and phosphorus (P) application on dry matter (DM) accumulation and partitioning in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Siren) under full irrigated (no moisture stress) and limited irrigated (dryland or moisture stress) conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during winter 2012-13. The experiment under both moisture conditions was laid out in randomized complete block design using three replications. The results revealed that DM accumulation and partitioning into leaf, stem and spike was significantly higher in wheat under irrigated than dryland wheat. The treated plots (rest) had higher total DM accumulation and partitioned more DM into leaf, stem and spike than control at both anthesis and physiological maturity (PM). Application of P and BMO at the highest rates (90 kg P ha-1 and 30 L ha-1, respectively) had accumulated more total DM and had partitioned more DM into leaf, stem and spike at the two growth stages. We found that under irrigated condition, increase in both P and BMO levels (90 kg P ha-1 and 30 L ha-1, respectively) and under dryland condition the intermediate levels of both P and BMO (60 kg P ha-1 and 20 L ha-1, respectively) had produced higher total DM and partitioned more DM into various parts at both anthesis and PM. The percent DM partitioning into leaf was more (36%) than stem and spike (each 32%) at anthesis stage; while at PM, more DM was partitioned into spike (59%) than stem (21%) and leaf (20%). Increase in DM partitioning into spike under both irrigated and dryland wheat with proper P and BMO management showed positive relationship with grain yield that resulted in higher growers income in the study area.

A single-laboratory-validated NMR spectroscopy method was established for determining the quantity of chlorogenic acid and hyperoside from crude extract material of blueberry leaves of the species Vaccinium angustifolium var. laevifolium House. The calibration curve of chlorogenic acid showed a highly linear regression, R = 0.99998. NMR spectroscopy identification and quantification of the constituents directly from the mixture, within the error of HPLC-diode array detector analysis, were determined as 7.53 mM chlorogenic acid (64.0 mg chlorogenic acid/g powdered leaf) and 0.77 mM hyperoside (8.58 mg hyperoside/g powdered leaf). The LOD was calculated to be 0.01 mM and the LOQ 0.01 mM by the 9 min and 13 s NMR spectroscopy experiment utilized. The assay showed no significant interference from different field strengths, extraction mesh size, gravimetric scale precision, NMR spectroscopy tube type, pulse program, amount of starting dry material, or day-to-day operation. The robustness of NMR spectroscopy as a means of definitively monitoring chlorogenic acid and hyperoside content directly from crude extracts was demonstrated by Youden statistical analysis.

Through ethnobotanical surveys, the CIHR Team in Aboriginal Antidiabetic Medicines identified 17 boreal forest plants stemming from the pharmacopeia of the Cree First Nations of Eeyou Istchee (James Bay region of Northern Quebec) that were used traditionally against diabetes symptoms. The leaves of Sarracenia purpurea (pitcher plant), one of the identified Cree plants, exhibited marked antidiabetic activity in vitro by stimulating glucose uptake in C2C12 mouse muscle cells and by reducing glucose production in H4IIE rat liver cells. Fractionation guided by glucose uptake in C2C12 cells resulted in the isolation of 11 compounds from this plant extract, including a new phenolic glycoside, flavonoid glycosides, and iridoids. Compounds 6 (isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside), 8 [kaempferol-3-O-(6″-caffeoylglucoside], and 11 (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) potentiated glucose uptake in vitro, which suggests they represent active principles of S. purpurea (EC(50) values of 18.5, 13.8, and 60.5 μM, respectively). This is the first report of potentiation of glucose uptake by compounds 6 and 8, while compound 11 (isolated from Vaccinium vitis) was previously shown to enhance glucose uptake. Treatment of H4IIE liver cells with the new compound 1, 6'-O-caffeoylgoodyeroside, decreased hepatic glucose production by reducing glucose-6-phosphatase enzymatic activity (IC(50) = 13.6 μM), which would contribute to lowering glycemia and to the antidiabetic potential of S. purpurea.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a crude extract (80% EtOH in H(2)O) of stem bark of Sorbus decora led the isolation of three new pentacycle triterpenes (compounds 1-3). The structures of 1-3 were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods (IR, HREIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) as 23,28-dihydroxyursan-12-ene-3β-caffeate, 23,28-dihydroxylupan-20(29)-ene-3β-caffeate, and 3β,23,28-trihydroxy-12-ursene, respectively. Compound 2 significantly enhanced glucose uptake in C2C12 cells, but compounds 1 and 3 did not. In addition, triterpenoids 4-8, catechin, and epicatechin were also isolated. This is the first comprehensive report of the phytochemical constituents of S. decora since the initial study by Narashmachari and von Rudloff (1962) and includes evaluation of their antidiabetic activity.

Several medicinal plants that stimulate glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells were identified from among species used by the Cree of Eeyou Istchee of northern Quebec to treat symptoms of diabetes. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of one of these products, the berries of Vaccinium vitis idaea, as well as to isolate and identify its active constituents using a classical bioassay-guided fractionation approach. Western immunoblot analysis in C2C12 muscle cells revealed that the ethanol extract of the berries stimulated the insulin-independent AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. The extract mildly inhibited ADP-stimulated oxygen consumption in isolated mitochondria, an effect consistent with metabolic stress and the ensuing stimulation of AMPK. This mechanism is highly analogous to that of Metformin. Fractionation guided by glucose uptake activity resulted in the isolation of ten compounds. The two most active, quercetin-3-O-glycosides, enhanced glucose uptake by 38-59% (50 muM; 18 h treatment) in the absence of insulin. Quercetin aglycone, a minor constituent, stimulated uptake by 37%. The quercetin glycosides and the aglycone stimulated the AMPK pathway at concentrations of 25-100 muM, but only the aglycone inhibited ATP synthase in isolated mitochondria (by 34 and 79% at 25 and 100 muM, respectively). This discrepancy suggests that the activity of the glycosides may require hydrolysis to the aglycone form. These findings indicate that quercetin and quercetin 3-O-glycosides are responsible for the antidiabetic activity of V. vitis crude berry extract mediated by AMPK. These common plant products may thus have potential applications for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and other metabolic diseases.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has recently been shown to potently stimulate glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells through the AMPK pathway and therefore to have anti-diabetic potential. We report here that CAPE increases glucose uptake in C2C12 muscle cells by 225+/-21% at 50 microM, and that activation of AMPK is a consequence of the metabolic stress resulting from an uncoupling-type disruption of mitochondrial function (complete uncoupling at 50 microM). We also observe that the therapeutic potential of CAPE is offset by its high potential for toxicity. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify other active caffeic acid derivatives, evaluate their ratio of activity to toxicity, and elucidate their structure-activity relationship. Twenty naturally occurring derivatives were tested for glucose-uptake stimulating activity in C2C12 cells following 18 h of treatment and for uncoupling activity in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Cytotoxicity was assessed in C2C12 cells by the release of lactate dehydrogenase over 18 h. In addition to CAPE, four compounds were identified to be active, both stimulating glucose uptake and uncoupling isolated mitochondria. Activity required that the caffeic acid moiety be intact and that the compound not contain a strongly ionized group. Both activity and toxicity were found to be well-correlated to predicted lipophilicity. However, two compounds exhibited little to no toxicity while still stimulating glucose uptake by 65-72%. These results support a therapeutic potential for this family of compounds and provide the framework for the design of alternatives to Metformin with an optimized balance of safety and activity.

A novel pharmacological mechanism of action for the anxiolytic botanical Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is reported. The methanol extract was identified as a potent in vitro inhibitor of rat brain GABA transaminase (GABA-T), an enzyme target in the therapy of anxiety, epilepsy and related neurological disorders. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification and isolation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and the triterpenoids, ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) as active principles. Phytochemical characterization of the crude extract determined RA as the major compound responsible for activity (40% inhibition at 100 µg/mL) since it represented approximately 1.5% of the dry mass of the leaves. Synergistic effects may also play a role. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.