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Background: Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) is vital grain crop used globally as a staple food. The increasing population is posing a great challenge for agriculture sector especially to secure the availability of wheat. In Pakistan, from the last few years' wheat productivity has improved but it is still far less than other countries. Its low productivity is attributed to various factors like weeds, pests, diseases, soil fertility and moisture. To overcome these obstacles, there is a dire need to assess the genetic variability of wheat by rapid and reliable methods. Observations for nine morphological traits were noted and analysis was done at 0.05 probability level. Methods: To study the genetic variability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes a field experiment was done during 2017 and 2018 at two different locations Rara and Danna of Muzaffarabad. Hundred wheat genotypes were investigated by using simple lattice design with 4 replications. Analysis of the observations for nine morphological traits was carried out at 0.05 probability. Result: High values for phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were noted for grain yield (16.44 and 17.07%) and (14.75 and 15.94%) at both locations, separately. High heritability were obtained for plant height (98.80%) harvest index (96.84), thousand grain weight (95.47), spike length (94.91) and grain yield (92.80) at Rara and plant height (98.09), thousand grain weight (95.66), harvest index (93.32) and number of grain (91.28) at Danna. High genetic advance values were noted for number of tiller (53.45 and 42.89) at both locations. It is concluded from this research that estimation of the variability, heritability and genetic advance in the wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) is important in the plant breeding, because it might be used for improvement of novel varieties by breeders of wheat at relevant location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the world's major staple food crops, and breeding for improvement of grain yield is a priority under the scenarios of climate change and population growth. WRKY transcription factors are multifaceted regulators in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. In this study, we identify the WRKY gene TaGSNE (Grain Size and Number Enhancer) in common wheat, and find that it has relatively high expression in leaves and roots, and is induced by multiple abiotic stresses. Eleven single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in TaGSNE , forming two haplotypes in multiple germplasm collections, named as TaGSNE-Hap-1 and TaGSNE-Hap-2. In a range of different environments, TaGSNE-Hap-2 was significantly associated with increases in thousand-grain weight (TGW; 3.0%) and spikelet number per spike (4.1%), as well as with deeper roots (10.1%) and increased root dry weight (8.3%) at the mid-grain-filling stage, and these were confirmed in backcross introgression populations. Furthermore, transgenic rice lines overexpressing TaGSNE had larger panicles, more grains, increased grain size, and increased grain yield relative to the wild-type control. Analysis of geographic and temporal distributions revealed that TaGSNE-Hap-2 is positively selected in China and Pakistan, and TaGSNE-Hap-1 in Europe. Our findings demonstrate that TaGSNE overcomes the trade-off between TGW/grain size and grain number, leading us to conclude that these elite haplotypes and their functional markers could be utilized in marker-assisted selection for breeding high-yielding varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain size has a principal position in seed sector and nowadays utmost necessary trait classified by marketplace and industry. The density, shape and size of seed are the topmost components meant to lead the marketplace worth and posing additional impact on refining constraints. It has become the main element in breeding programs because it is greatly influenced by the environment, biotic and abiotic factors in addition to genetics of the crop plant. Knowledge of sequencing of different genomes of cereals could be utilized to optimize grain size attributes for high wheat production. In this review we have summarized the status of different genes and QTLs reported for genomic upgrading of grain size in wheat and related species and proposed a multidisciplinary approach for heritable enhancement of grain size in wheat. Further this study was aimed to help in understanding the genetic as well as physiological aspects of different mechanisms governing grain size in wheat and methodology for its improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present research was carried out at Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Tandojam during 2017-18. The experiment was set on two different sowings dates viz., 19th November (Normal) and 19th December (Late) for ten exotic spring wheat lines. The analysis of variance for normal sowing for genotypes, treatments and genotype x interaction revealed highly significant differences at 0.01% probability level for all the attributes. The mean performance displayed that under normal conditions, HTWYT/1 produced the most dwarf plants and maximum chlorophyll content. Maximum spike length, spikelets/spike, biological yield/plant and harvest index were seen in local check (Sindhu) and 1000 grain weight (g) was recorded in HTWYT/06. Whereas more tillers/plant, number of spikelets/spike, grain yield/plant, biological yield/plant and relative water content were noticed in HTWYT/9 at normal sowing date. HTWYT/8 demonstrated more grains/ spike; however, more biological yield/plant and harvest index was measured in HTWYT/7 under timely sowing conditions. In case of heat stress conditions, HTWYT/1 produced the shortest plants, maximum grain yield/plant and chlorophyll content. HTWYT/9 revealed the most number of fertile tillers/plant, biological yield plant-1 and relative water content, HTWYT/3 showed the longest spikes, Sindhu expressed maximum spikelets/spike, HTWYT/4 manifested number of grains per spike, HYWYT/6 showed the most grain yield/plant, 1000-grain weight, HTWYT/2 produced maximum harvest index in high temperature conditions. In case of correlation, almost all traits exhibited positive and highly significant associations with one another. The genotypes (HYWYT/1, HYWYT/6 and HYWYT/9) performed best in both heat stress and non-stress conditions were observed to be heat insusceptible for most of the traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better sowing method of a crop leads to better production by ensuring seed placement at proper depth and resulting in uniform emergence and crop stand. Different sowing methods are being used by farmers according to their wisdom but a limited information is available about the production potential and economic efficiency of sowing methods. To evaluate better sowing method for better production of wheat and its economic efficiency under irrigated conditions was studied through field experiments conducted during year 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agronomic research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Five sowing methods such as drill sowing (DS), bed sowing (BS), broadcasting (BC), broadcasting augmented with furrows (BAF) and ridge sowing (RS) were evaluated in RCBD replicated thrice. Data regarding yield and yield contributing factors during both years of study revealed that performance of wheat was better when sown by DS and BAF. DS and BAF produced significantly higher plant population 10.84% and 9.84%, grains per spike 13.45%, 12.11%, 1000-grain weight 4.96% and 4.53% and grain yield 11.95% and 11.19% respectively during 2018-19 and 2020-21 than BC. Moreover a strong correlation of wheat yield was observed with its yield contributing attributes. Economic analysis of different sowing methods during both years of study revealed the profitability of DS and BAF as more benefit-cost ratio (BCR) 7.18, 6.54% over BC, respectively was recorded with these sowing methods. It was concluded that DS and BAF are suitable methods for better wheat production and profitability under irrigated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently commercial wheat varieties are losing their resistance to sustain the yield due to impediment of photosynthetic activities in the leaves of wheat plant due to rust attack. However, approval of Subhani-21 by the Government gives new hope to reshape food security to the farmers of irrigated areas of Punjab to enhance wheat yield by tolerance the unexpected disease peril. The genotype of Subhani-21 having parentage of ACHU/SAUAL*2/5/SERI.1B//KAUZ/HEVO/3/AMAD*2/4/KIRITATI was selected in South Asian Bread Wheat Genomic Prediction Yield Trial (SABWGPYT) received from the material of Centro Internationale de Majero Minto Y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico during 2015-16 along with other trials/nurseries. The mentioned genotype with the code of HYT 55-33 was evaluated for yield and other traits against national check varieties in regular, provincial and national yield trials conducted at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad during 2017-2020. In regular yield trial, this line produced towering yield of 11.29 and 30.04% against check varieties of Faisalabad-08 and Ujala-16, respectively at station yield trials. In provincial uniform wheat yield trial (PUWYT), the proposed line out yielded 1.74% against check variety over 21 locations including rain-fed areas in Punjab. However, for wider adaptability alongwith yield stability testing in national uniform wheat yield trial (NUWYT), the candidate line excelled the check varieties of Faisalabad-08, Pakistan-13 and local check by 0.3, 1.35 and 11.43%, respectively in Punjab during 2018-19. In the second year of NUWYT, the HYT 55-33 (Subhani-21) gave more yield of 5.71, 14.45 and 15.47% than Ghazi-19, Pakistan-13 and local check, respectively over 20 locations in Punjab in 2019-20. Rust resistance index was very good as 8.6 and 6.8 against leaf rust and yellow rust, respectively. This new variety was medium tall (110-115 cm) and without anthocyanin pigment at seedling stage. It took 110-119 days to complete heading while duration to get maturity was medium (145-155 days) and possesses good tillering capacity (400 tillers per m2). Its glume was about 8.60 mm in length and 5.8 mm in width and its attachment was strong. Its test weight (75.7 kg/hl), thousand grain weight (40-50 g), protein content (14-16 %), starch content (53.9 %) and gluten content (32.7%) were recorded appreciable to fulfill the quality standards for wheat grain when compared with the commercial varieties. The yield potential of this new variety (Subhani-21) was declared as 7000 kg/ha. In short, this variety could be sown to get more yield with no disease attack without compromising the yield/nutrition status of produce as compared to local varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is remarkable history of wheat breeding research in the country. The initial enrichment work on wheat crop in Punjab is dated back to the year 1893 when Willium James Farrer in Australia distributed a number of crosses for trials at Lahore Botanical Garden but results were very discouraging. An Experimental Farm at Lyallpur was opend in 1901 and some trials of wheat were started there. Agricultural College and Research Institute at Lyallpure was established in 1906. Mr. D. Miline, first Economic Botanist of Punjab became the Head of the Botany Section of the College in 1907. First survey of main wheat growing tracts of the Punjab was made in 1907 and Mr. D. Miline gave out T9 as the first wheat variety in 1911 from the local collection while 8A (approved in 1919) was the first wheat variety to be placed on the Departmental list of Approved Seeds. In 1926, a separate post of Cerealist was created and the work on the improvement of wheat became the sole responsibility to the Cerealist. From 1911 to 1944, eight wheat varieties were approved. Quality was a guiding factor in wheat breeding in the region of Punjab throughout the colonial era. No new wheat variety could be resealed during first decade after independence. Two varieties C271 and C273 were evolved and released in 1957. First high yielding wheat variety, Mexi-Pak, was approved in 1965. It revolutionized wheat production and Pakistan became pioneer of Green Revolution in wheat production in the region. After Mexi-Pak many world famous varieties like Chenab-70, Lyallpur-73, Yecora, Pak-81, Inqilab-91, Bhakkar-2002, Seher-2006, Faisalabad-2008, Dharabi-11, Glaxy-2013, Bhakkar Star, Ghazi-19 and Akbar-19 were developed and approved from time to time keeping in view the ever changing biological scenario, climate change and prospective consumers/markets. The province is now fastly moving towards Hybrid Wheat though in the trial phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stripe (yellow) rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is a major disease in many wheat growing regions. The objective of this study was to characterise stripe rust resistance in a common wheat landrace PI388231, originated from Sindh province of Pakistan, which confers high to moderate levels of resistance against Pst pathotypes prevalent in Pakistan. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed by crossing PI388231 with the susceptible parent Avocet 's'. Screening of this population with Pakistani Pst pathotype 574212 in glasshouse indicated the presence of a single gene and the locus was temporarily named YrPak. Bulked segregant analysis using the targeted genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) platform located YrPak on the short arm of chromosome 5B. YrPak-linked SNPs were converted into kompetitive-allele specific PCR (KASP) markers and were genotyped on the parents. Five KASP markers sunKASP_330, sunKASP_334, sunKASP_335, sunKASP_338 and sunKASP_341 that showed clear clustering between parents were tested on the entire RIL population. Markers sunKASP_338 and sunKASP_341 flanked YrPak. The markers sunKASP_338 and sunKASP_341 amplified alleles alternate to those linked with YrPak in 86% and 83% of wheat cultivars tested, respectively. This population segregated for two adult plant resistance genes in addition to YrPak. The presence of pleiotropic locus Yr46/Lr67/Sr55 was confirmed using the gene specific marker TM10_67T and the second gene remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The farmer's practice of buring the crop residues to clear the land before sowing is seen in various crop zones in Pakistan. In rice-wheat cropping system in Punjab, rice stubble is considered as a big problem for farmers. The crop stubbles damage the implements like cultivator rotavator that is why farmers prefers to burn these stubbles before preparation. The burning of rice stubble ease the field operations for wheat sowing but deteriorate the air and soil quality. To solve this problem of farmers, a research experiment was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agronomic Research Station Farooqabad to evaluate the effect of various sowing techniques on yields parameter and economics of wheat crop under rice wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid down with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included viz.T1: sowing with happy seeder (Zero tillage), T2: sowing of wheat without burning of rice stubble (Conventional Technique), T3: sowing of wheat by field preparation with Rotavator (two times), T4: sowing of wheat after burning stubbles of rice crop. The results of all treatments were significantly differed with each other. Maximum plant height (95 cm and 97 cm), numbers of productive tillers/m² (325 tillers/m² and 328 tillers/m2), thousand grain weight (39 g and 42 g), grain yield (3880 and 3700 kg/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.36 and 2.25) were recorded from the treatment where wheat crop was sown with happy seeder (zero tillage) during study years 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively than other techniques. It was concluded that farmers mayfetch higher yield and economics in wheat by sowing with happy seeder in rice wheat cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to evaluate the health risks associated with accumulation of cadmium in the different genotypes of wheat, grown in agricultural regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Five genotypes irrigated with three varied water sources were selected randomly from each region. Among all sources of water, types of soil, and grain samples, the cadmium (Cd) quantities were found (2.24–2.82 mg/L, 1.75–4.16 mg/kg, 0.86–1.90, respectively), exceeding the maximum permissible limits (0.01 mg/L, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, respectively) described by FAO/WHO. The pollution load index (PLI) exhibited by all of the samples was higher than 1.00, the permissible limit; however, other factors including bioaccumulation, translocation, bio-concentration, daily intake, and enrichment values of Cd were less than 1.00. Moreover, the health risk index for cadmium in all types of wheat grain samples was less than 1.00. The study concluded that the continuous use of wastewater resources may lead to the accumulation of cadmium in the vital body organs that may cause severe health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living organisms need essential macro and micronutrients received from their diet to sustain metabolism. Bio fortification is a significant technique to enhance trace minerals concentration in the grains, basically to improve the nutritional value of cereal and solve health issues in less privileged areas. Zinc (Zn) is widely involved in various human metabolisms and thus Zn deficiency has many harmful effects on human health and growth. In daily human food, bioavailability of zinc can be improved through an increase in zinc contents or Zn promoters (specific substances which support absorption of Zn in the body) or a decrease in anti-nutrients of Zn (that basically decrease absorption of Zn). Cereal grains contain Phytate which delays the absorption of Zn, Ca and Fe in human intestine. In specifically wheat grains, Zn concentration can be improved while phytate concentration reduced by application of Zn. By keeping in view the all stated facts a trial in the field was conducted during 2016-2018 at Soil Bacteriology Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Isolation of zinc mobilizing bacteria was carried out in lab. Efficient isolates were selected for the experiment. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the bio fortification potential of wheat crop by exogenously applied micro nutrient (Zn) and PGPR (zinc mobilizing bacteria). Soil application with three Zn levels (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4.7H2O) and PGPR (zinc mobilizing bacteria) were applied according to randomized complete block design (RCBD). Recommended dose of fertilizer was applied to all treatments. The results clearly indicate that biofortification of zinc with PGPR increases the yield (3456-4016 kg/ha) and also improves the plant height (104.7 - 105.7 cm) of wheat crop. By the application of zinc through soil has significant effect on nutrient availability and their amount in wheat grain, straw and hence on all growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akbar-2019 is a new wheat variety released by Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, for irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan to maintain food security through gradually replacement of the existing susceptible cultivars to avoid yield losses due to unexpected disease wave. This genotype BECARD/QUAIU # 1 was selected from 34th ESWYT Trial from CIMMYT, Mexico during 2013-14. It was further evaluated (variety code V-14154) for yield performance in regular, provincial and national uniform wheat yield trials conducted by Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2014-18. It performed better than commercial check varieties Faisalabad-08 and Galaxy-13 by giving 1.44 and 4.28 percent higher grain yield, respectively in provincial uniform wheat yield trials during 2015-16 over 19 locations while in national uniform wheat yield trials (2016-17 and 2017-18) in diverse agro-ecological zones, it beat check variety Fsd-08 by 7.05 and 1.40% better grain yield, respectively. Rust resistance index was very good as 7.42 and 8.97 against yellow rust and leaf rust, respectively. The genotype was medium tall (115-120 cm), semi-erect in growth habit with tapering-shaped head and whitish straw color. It matured in 140-145 days and born good tillering capacity (380-430 tillers/m2). The seed was amber and bold with good 1000-kernel weight of 40-42 grams. Its quality traits were also good for protein (12.5-14.9%), starch (53.7-55.8%), gluten (25.0-30.0%) and test weight (71.4-76.4 kg/ha) alongwith good chapatti making quality. It produced highest grain yields for consecutive three years (2016-17 to 2018-19) while sown during 1st fortnight of November at seed rate of 100 kg/ha and with fertilizer dose of 120-90-60 N-P-K (kg/ha). Akbar-2019 was approved in the year 2019 for general cultivation in irrigated areas of Punjab due to promising stable performance over the years for better grain yield, nutritional quality and resistance against rusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of potential toxic metals; cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in the wheat variety (Fsd-2008) irrigated by sewage water. Various indices were examined such as bioconcentration factor, enrichment factor and health risk index in order to better understand the transport and accumulation of metals through the food chain. Seeds of wheat variety were sown toward the end of October 2014 and flooded with different combinations of local sewage water and groundwater. Determination of metal concentration in soil and wheat samples was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Analysis of mean metal concentration in soil that was irrigated by five different water treatments revealed that the mean concentration of Cd was less in the soil of treatment III, IV and V. Results also indicated that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu and Cr increased and that of Ni and Pb decreased by sewage water irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the best parents for using in breeding program to develop drought tolerant genotypes, combining ability analysis was performed for root shoot ratio and relative water contents by using seven genotypes as female and five as male in a line × tester fashion. Thirty five crosses along with twelve parents were grown at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during the year 2017 in randomized complete design in three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and combing ability factor analysis. General combining ability (GCA) and Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant for both traits. The parent genotypes 9860, Manthar 2003 and 9610 transmitted high relative water contents and root shoot ratio to its off spring based on positive and significant value of GCA in both moisture environments.. Cross combinations Aas 2011×9610 and Manthar 2003×9495 indicated highest positive significant SCA effects for root shoot ratio and relative water contetns in normal and water deficit conditions. Therefore, these hybrids can be recommended for water deficit tolerant heterosis breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha during the year 2015 -16 to calculate the heritability, heterosis and heterobeltiosis among 40 F1 hybrids developed from crossing diverse parents. Results showed that Millat-11×UAF1057 had the highest heritability for number of grains spike-1 (89.4%) followed by Seher-06 × Galaxy-13 (89.22%) for 1000-kernel weight and grain yield plant-1.The cross CIM-130 (2012-13) × Millat-11 showed the highest heterosis for peduncle length (74.49%). CIM-54 2012-13 × SA42/Shafaq showed high heterosis for number of spikes plant-1 (41.05%). The cross Galaxy-13 × Pb-11 showed high heterosis for number of spikelets spike-1 (27.88%).The cross (Galaxy-13 × UOS-540) showed high heterosis (55.23%) and heterobeltiosis (54.59%) for 1000-grain weight and 55.41% and 54.84% for number of grains spike-1 (27.88%). The cross (Inq-91/Prl/Fsd-08 × Lyp-73) showed high mid parent heterosis for grain yield plant-1 (89.27%) and over better parent (45.51%). The cross (Pb-11×CIM E-5 2012- 13) showed high heterobeltiosis for number of grains per spike (54.84%) and 1000 grain weight (54.59%). The cross combination AARI-11 × Galaxy-13 showed highest negative heterobeltiosis for days to heading (-3.65). Pb-11 × Galaxy-13 showed highest negative heterobeltiosis for days to maturity (-4.74%). Pb-11×Millat-11 showed high positive value of heterobeltiosis for grain yield plant-1 (53.56%). It was concluded that crosses showing high heritability for yield attributing traits should be selected and moved further for varietal developmental procedure. with PGPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat diseases remains the major constraint to wheat production across Pakistan, including rusts and powdery mildews. Although significant attention is given to rust diseases, powdery mildew is a less considered diseases so far, mainly due to lack of information on the prevalence across Pakistan. Surveillance for powdery mildew status assessment was conducted across Pakistan during three wheat crop seasons i.e., 2015-2016 to 2017-2018. A total of 437 fields (from 63 districts) were surveyed in 2016, 480 fields (from 69 districts) in 2017 and 294 fields (from 34 districts) in 2018, revealing a high prevalence of powdery mildew in the northern Himalayan parts of Pakistan. Powdery mildew was more severe during 2018 followed by 2017, while it was the minimum during 2016. In Sindh province, none of the 253 fields surveyed over three years, had powdery mildew, while in Punjab the disease was absent in more than 98% fields. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the disease was detected in 17% fields, while in Kashmir the disease was present in only 11% of surveyed fields. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the disease was detected in four fields from three surveyed districts. Among the five provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, powdery mildew was a major problem in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. Among the cultivated varieties surveyed, severe infestation (>40% severity) was observed for wheat varieties Galaxy-2013, PS-2005, Faisalabad-2008, Shahkar and some local lines. Future wheat improvement programmes must be encouraged to consider resistance to powdery mildew, particularly for lines to be cultivated in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatehjang-2016 is a drought tolerant, rust resistant and high yielding wheat variety with erect growth habit developed at Barani Agricultural Research Station, Fatehjang for rainfed areas. The variety was developed from the local cross "ERA F 2000/4/FONG CHAN #3/TRT'S'//VEE#9/3/COOK/VEE'S'//DOVE'S '/SERI" attempted during 2003-04 and generation advancement was carried out through modified bulk pedigree method. Fatehjang 2016 was evaluated for its yield performance and adaptability in several trials including preliminary, regular, micro and national uniform yield trials during 2010-2015 under the varietal code 09FJ34. It out-yielded the check variety BARS-09 producing 19.87 percent higher grain yield in micro yield trials carried out at six different localities of Punjab during 2012-13. In national uniform yield trials (2013-2015) conducted at different agro-ecological zones throughout Pakistan, Fatehjang-2016 exhibited its supremacy producing 7.07 and 6.81 percent higher yields than composite local check in Punjab and Pakistan, respectively. This genotype is medium duration (166-175 days) with stiff, waxy stem having 5-6 nodes. It possesses high tillering capacity (435/m2). Seed is bold in size, amber red in colour with opaque surface and ovate shape. Its 1000-grain weight (47.5g), grain protein (15.6%db), wet gluten (32.5%) and test weight (78.2 kg/hl) is also high. It possesses good chapatti making quality. It performed better when sown from 20th Oct to 10th Nov in rainfed areas of Punjab with 125 kg ha-1 seed rate and 90-60-30 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer dose. This variety showed better tolerance/resistance against rusts, drought and lodging. Fatehjang-2016 was approved for cultivation in rainfed areas of Punjab during the year 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam, Pakistan during the year 2016. This study is a first attempt of its kind to analyze the extent of market integration in the whole country using an advanced dynamic model, which takes into account the unobserved transaction costs via thresholds. It is based on secondary data, monthly wholesale price data collected from five regional markets from January 1988 to April 2011. Price series were tested for stationarity with the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test and it was found that all prices are integrated of order one. Co-integration was also identified using Johansen's co-integration test. Firstly, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was applied to the data to analyze the extent of market integration. The Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (TVECM) with a band of non-adjustment was then applied to incorporate transaction costs, without relying on observations for these costs. It was found that linear VECMs provide misleading results as compared to TVECMs. Short-run adjustments in the TVECM model provide further insight depending on regimes as well as on the markets. In most cases, higher and significant adjustments were found in the upper regime. Lahore market showed the highest adjustment of 68 percent, whereas Hyderabad market adjusted for 34 percent in the upper regime. Multan market adjusted significantly to the shock in Lahore market with 65 and 36 percent in lower and upper regimes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty spring bread wheat genotypes (G) from eleven research centers in Pakistan were included in national uniform wheat yield trial (NUWYT) conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, in 2010×2011. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with four replications. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among 43 traits of the 20 genotypes. The descriptive statistics of different traits of the 20 genotypes averaged over replications showed high variability among the genotypes for the traits. The highest coefficient of variation was observed for lodging followed by grain-weight: chaff-weight ratio, non-productive tillers, chaff weight, spike filling rate, vegetative: reproductive periods ratio, kernel filling rate and crop growth rate during seed fill duration. Euclidean distances as measure of genetic diversity were calculated using 51 agronomic and physiological traits for 190 possible pairs of the 20 genotypes. Euclidean distances ranged from 4.37 for G2-G6 pair to 16.80 for G12-G16 pair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat landraces represent a large reservoir of genetic variation of various traits. In this study 28 entries from a collection of 40 maintained in AARI, Faisalabad initially collected from northern Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan) were evaluated for their genetic diversity using microsatellite (SSR) primers. The 40 entries comprised of landraces and earlier local cultivars (C numbers) with all possessing a spring growth habit. Major phonological and biotic stress passport data is on record. The morphological examination of these entries showed that those designated as T2, T3 (Triticum durum), T7 (T. sphaerococcum), T18 (T. aestivum) C-217 (C-516xC-591) and C-258 were agronomically elite as to plant habit. SSR primers amplified total 122 bands out of which 83 were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphism was 68%. XGWM-337 and XGWM-194 were found to be highly polymorphic. T7, T12 (T. aestivum) and C-258 were found to be genetically most diverse landraces using the SSR markers. The polymorphism indicator and phenology profile are the basis for selecting from these germplasm for adding diversity to wheat breeding programs nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2009-10 and 2010-11. Involving 20 crosses and five wheat varieties/lines (Kohistan-97, Chakwal-86, 6529-11, 6544-6 and 7086-1). This material was studied to find out gene action controlling some vital polygenic yield related attributes like plant height, spike length, peduncle length, number of tillers per plant and grain yield per plant. Layout system was RCBD with three replications. Highly significant differences among genotypes were observed for all traits except plant height and number of tillers per plant for which differences were significant. The graphical presentation demonstrated that number of tillers per plant was ruled by partial dominance with additive type of gene action. The prevalence of partial dominance type of gene action for number of tillers per plant showed that it can be gradually improved by selection. Dominance was observed for plant height, spike length, peduncle length and grain yield per plant. It showed the potential for availability of transgressive segregates in later filial generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rice-wheat cropping system, use of zero tillage alongwith mulch may play a crucial role for soil moisture conservation and agricultural sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2010-11 to investigate the effect of different tillage systems and mulch practices on water conservation in wheat under rice-wheat cropping system. Split plot design was used with four tillage methods (happy seeder, zone disc tiller, conventional tillage and deep tillage) in main plots and four mulch practices (no mulch, wheat straw @ 4 t/ha, rice straw @ 4 t/ha and plastic sheet) in subplots. Wheat yield parameters such as number of fertile tillers (351/m2), number of grains per spike (57.5), biological yield (15.0 Mg/ha) and grain yield (5.4 Mg/ha) were significantly higher in deep tillage as compared with other tillage treatments while water use efficiency (0.026 kg/kg) was higher and same in deep tillage and zone disc tiller. Plant height and 1000-grain weight remained non-significant under different tillage systems. 1000-grain weight (44.1 g) was higher in no mulch while number of fertile tillers, plant height, number of grains per spike, biological yield, grain yield and water use efficiency remained non-significant under other mulch treatments. Deep tillage alongwith rice mulch produced maximum net return (Rs. 63193/ha) and BCR (1.51) than all other tillage and mulch treatments. Maximum BCR (1.51) was also noted in deep tillage with no mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in the Department of Agronomy, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during the year 2008-10. The objective was to explore potential of somaclonal variation for improving drought tolerance in wheat. The proliferated calli from immature embryos of wheat (cv. GA-2002) were cultured on MS based medium supplemented with PEG-6000 (polyethylene glycol) induced osmotic stress of -9.0 bars for four weeks. PEG-6000 tolerant calli were selected and regenerated (R0). The somaclones (R0 regenerants) were grown to produce R1-seeds. The progeny of selected plants (R1-generation) and their donor parent were tested in pots for drought tolerance under simulated water stress. The results revealed that selected somaclones were less affected by water stress than their donor parent. Leaf rolling was observed in both R1 and their parent with increasing severity of stress but symptoms of leaf rolling were rather earlier and clearly noticeable in parent than R1 selected somaclones. The results further showed that R1 somaclones maintained higher leaf water potential than donor parent in response to all treatments of water stress. Maximum leaf water potential of -1.23, -1.63 and -2.21 MPa was noted in 4, 6 and 8 days of water stress, respectively compared with parent cv. GA-2002 (-1.37, -1.80 and -2.50 MPa). Compared to parental control, significant higher drought tolerance of selected R1 somaclones was evident based on symptoms of leaf rolling and leaf water relation. Somaclonal variations are potential source of genetic variability and can effectively be employed to develop drought tolerant plants in vitro. The protocol can effectively be used for in vitro screening and improvement of wheat for drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad and partially at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad during the year 2005-2011. To induce the genetic variability in wheat for salt tolerance, calli of 20 wheat varieties i.e. Ufaq-2002, SA-42, Parwaz-94, LU-26S, Pothowar, Punjab-76, Barani-83, Kohinoor-83, Faisalabad-85, Chakwal-86, Pasban-90, Inqalab-91, Punjab-96, Uqab-2000, Chenab-70, Iqbal-2000, AS-2000, Bhakkar-2002, V-03079 and V-04189 were cultured on MS medium under four salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl). The developed plantlets were transferred on rooting medium salinized with same salinity levels (MS+1mgL-1 IAA). Plants of ten wheat varieties (Ufaq-2002, Parwaz-94, LU-26S, Punjab-76, Pasban-90, Inqalab-91, Uqab-2000, Chenab-70, AS-2000, and Bhakkar-2002) developed roots and turned into complete plants. Then these complete plants having both shoots and roots were shifted to sand culture in pots to obtain regenerator seed (R0). The R0 seeds of these varieties were further evaluated for different growth parameters (shoot and root weights) to evaluate salt tolerance of wheat somaclones under same salinity levels. The results indicated that somaclones of genotype Ufaq-2002 developed tolerance to salinity at almost all salinity levels having 10.20 g fresh shoot weight, 0.945 g dry shoot weight, 9.783 g fresh root weight and 1.133 g dry root weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out at Adaptive Research Farm, Sheikhupura, Pakistan during the year 2008-09 to investigate the effect of various post emergence herbicides and/or hand hoeing treatment on broad leaved weeds in wheat. Layout system was randomized complete block design with three replications. Four post emergence herbicides such as Bromoxynil + MCPA (1250 ml/ha), Bromoxynil + MCPA (1850 ml/ha), Starane M (741 ml/ha) and Strive M (1482 mI/ha) were compared with two hand hoeings (after 1st and 2nd irrigation) and weedy check. The results revealed that application of Strive M herbicide resulted in the highest reduction of weed population (90.86%) and biomass (92.14%). It increased the tillers per unit area, spike length, grains per spike which ultimately enhanced 37.72 percent wheat grain yield over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergeneric hybridization of wheat with maize has been exploited to achieve instant homozygosity in wheat with the production of doubled haploids. A study was conducted at Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad during 2007-08 and 2008-09 to enhance the efficacy of haploid production, in terms of frequency of seed and embryo development. In wheat crop manual emasculation of spikes is laborious and time consuming. Different emasculation techniques like hand emasculation with cut and intact glumes, hot water emasculation and no emasculation 'were compared. The results reflected that laborious exercise of hand emasculation can be substituted with no or hot water emasculation methods with above 10. percent embryo frequency. Alternative technology to reduce the space required for pollinated wheat heads.was also studied by tiller culture method. Detached tillers were kept in liquid nutrient medium after emasculation to increase turnover for greenhouse materials. The results indicated that wheat spikes can be successfully cultured in a liquid medium before -anthesis till embryo rescue. There is a close similarity for grain formation and embryo development in the detached wheat spikes in liquid medium and intact plant method. Detached tiller culture was found highly successful in wheat x maize crossing (17.15% embryo formation in emasculated florets). This technique had great edge over intact plant method with respect to saving of time and space, delaying of pollination due to storage of tillers under controlled conditions, simple hot water emasculation of detached tillers and application of plant growth regulators. Solution containing 40 g/L sucrose,100 mg/L 2, 4-D and 8 mI/L sulphurous acid was identified as the best medium for culture of wheat x maize' crossed tillers for getting maximum frequency of haploid embryos per pollinated floret. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The F1 of spring wheat in a 5×5 complete diallel cross was evaluated for combining ability effects for grain yield and its components under irrigated conditions at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2009-10. The mean squares due to genotypes, GCA, SCA and reciprocals were found highly significant except for reciprocal effects of spike length, spikelets per spike and 1000 grain weights which were non-significant. The GCA mean squares were much higher for all traits than SCA and reciprocal variations depicting all traits were under control of additive type of genes except that of number of tillers per plant which was found under control of non-additive genes. Maternal effects were also considerable for all traits except spike length, spikelets per spike and 1000-grain weight. The parents FRET2/KURUKU//FRET2 followed by WBLLII/FRET2//PASTOR and ZARDANA were the best general combiners for grain yield per plant alongwith some other attributes. The crosses ZARDANA × FRET2/KURUKU//FRET2 followed by SALEEM - 2000 × SSERI / CHIBIA and SALEEM - 2000 × WBLLII / FRET2 // PASTOR proved good specific combiners for grain yield per plant and its some other attributes. The line FRET2 / KIJRUKU // FRET2 also gave the highest maternal contribution for grain yield per plant, tillers per plant but the cross FRET2 / KURUKU // FRET2 × ZARDANA gave negative maternal contribution for plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala, Pakistan during the years 2006-07 to 2008-09 to evaluate the effect of different herbicides on weed control, grain yield and yield components of wheat. The treatments comprised Atlantis 3.6 % WG (mesosulfuron - methyl + ideosulfuron methyl sodium + bio power), Axial 50 EC (pinoxadin) + Starane-M (fluroxypur + MCPA), Affinity 50 WP (isoproturon + carfentrazone - ethyl), Sencor 70 WP (metribuzin), Puma Super 7.5% EW (phenoxyprop - p - ethyl) + Starane - M (fluroxypur + MCPA), Partner 50 WP (isoproturon), Leader 75 WG (sulfosulfuron + polyethylene amines) and control (untreated check). All the herbicides provided good control of narrow and broad leaved weeds and caused significant reduction in their density as compared to control. Axial + Starane, - M, Puma Super + Starane - M, Atlantis and Leader performed better against Avena fatua L. with 98.87, 97.10, 96.89 and 91.51 percent and against Phalaris minor Retiz with 98.31, 97.99, 97.67 and 96.95 percent control, respectively. These herbicides also provided significant control of all broad leaved weeds. Number of tillers, 1000-grain weight, number of grains per spike and grain yield were significantly higher in treated plots -as compared to untreated ones. Combination of Axial + Starane-M yielded higher (4.T8 t/ha) followed by Puma Super + Starane M (4.69 t/ha), Atlantis (4.57 t/ha) and Leader (4.51 t/ha) with 62.03, 58.98, 54.91 and 52.88 percent increase in yield, respectively over weedy check plot. On the basis of economic analysis, Axial + Starane M -gave the highest net return (Rs. 34370/ha) followed by Puma Super + Starane - M (Rs. 32694/ha), Atlantis (Rs. 30691/ha) and Leader (Rs. 29614/ha) with a cost benefit ratio of 1:15.11, -1:15.21, 1:17.54 and 1:18.22, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of five herbicides on narrow leaved weeds and grain yield of wheat was studied under field conditions at Adaptive Research Farm, Vehari, Pakistan during. 2005-06 to 2007-08. The treatments consisted of Chlodenafop propargyle + Chioquintoset mexyle, lsoproturon+Carfentrazone, Isoproturon, Fenoxaprop, Metribuzin and control (weedy check). Data revealed that all herbicides decreased Phalaris minor and Avena fatua population significantly as compared to control and increased the grain yield of wheat. Average of three years results depicted that maximum grain yield (3600 kg/ha) was obtained in Chlodenafop treated plots and minimum from weedy check (2934 kg/ha). Different herbicides gave 1.53 to 22.69 percent more grain yield over-control. Fenoxaprop and Chlodenafop gave maximum weeds mortality of 88.33 and 86.21 percent against Avena fatua and 75.91 and 79.12 percent against Phalaris minor, respectively. Metribuzin was the least effective herbicide against narrow leaved weeds. Chlodenafop gave higher benefit cost ratio (4.50) followed by Fenoxaprop (3.40) and Isoproturon (3.26) as against the minimum with Isoproturon+Carfentrazone (1.37). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Agronomic Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad Pakistan during 2006-07 and 2007-08 to investigate the effect of integrated use of organic manures [farm yard manure (FYM) and sesbania (Sesbania rostrata) as green manure] and inorganic fertilizer on wheat yield. The treatments were; FYM @ 25 tons, green manure @ 4 tons, fertilizer @ 150-100-50 kg NPK, FYM @ 25 tons + 150-100-50 kg NPK, green manure @ 4 tons + 150-100-50 kg NPK, 75- 50-25 kg NPK, FYM @ 25 tons + 75-50-25 kg NPK, green manure @ 4 tons + 75- 50-25 kg NPK per hectare and control (no fertilizer). FYM and green manure were applied two months before sowing of wheat. Two years data revealed that treatment of green manure @ 4 tons + 150-100-50 kg NPK per hectare produced maximum spike bearing tillers dUring 2006-07 (474) and 2007-08 (478) followed by FYM @ 25 tons + 150-100-50 kg NPK (473 and 475). The same treatment also performed better during both years for grains per spike (53 and 56), 1000 grain weight (32.67 and 35.50 g) and grain yield (4561 and 5803 kg/ha). The lowest wheat grain yield was obtained where no fertilizer was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of inorganic fertilizer, use of natural fertilizer resources for increasing crop production on sustainable basis has become imperative. Two field experiments were conducted to study the potential of humic acid (HA) as a low-cost natural fertilizer and to determine its effect on the yield of rainfed wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Naseer) at the research farm of Arid Zone Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan during two successive winter seasons, 2007-08 and 2008-09. The treatments consisted of HA alone (3 kg ha-1 or 1.5 kg ha-1) and in combination with full (60:40 kg ha-1) and half (30:20 kg ha-1) the recommended rates of NP fertilizers. Results showed that in the first growing season (2007-08), the combination of 3 kg ha-1 HA with half (30:20 kg ha-1) rate of NP produced the highest grain yield (1314 kg ha-1) and increased the yield by 46.9% over the control. In the second growing season (2008-09), application of 3 kg ha-1 HA alone produced significantly (P<0.05) higher grain yield (2999.9 kg ha-1) and increased the yield by 24% over the control and saved 100% cost of the chemical fertilizer. Results suggested that HA applied alone at 3 kg ha-1 or in combination with half (30:20 kg ha-1) rate of NP fertilizers appeared to be the most economical rate to obtain the maximum yield of wheat under the rainfed conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. HA has great potential as a low cost natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility on sustainable basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) response to different levels of fertilizer was studied during 2005-06 on farmer's field at district Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Objectives of the study was to determine optimum and economical level of fertilizer for wheat cultivation in rainfed regions. The study comprised seven rates of NP fertilizer i.e control (T1), 25-0 kg (T2), 0-25 kg (T3), 25-25 kg (T4), 50-25 kg (T5), 75-50 kg (T6) and 100-50 kg per hectare (T7) arranged in a RCBD with four replications. The data recorded on wheat grain yield and components showed that all NP levels significantly increased the number of tillers, 1000-grain weight, straw and grain yields as against control treatment. The data further showed linear increase in different parameters of wheat with increasing fertilizer levels upto 50-25 kg NP per hectare but further increment of fertilizer inhibited the physiological growth of crop which ultimately suppressed grain yield. The highest grain yield (2450 kg/ ha) was obtained with 50-25 kg NP showing 71 percent increase over control treatment (1435 kg). The inhibiting effect of higher NP doses on yield and yield components might be attributed to the scarcity of moisture in rainfed regions. Economic analysis showed that net income from increased yield of wheat over control ranged from Rs.1407 to Rs.5686/- per hectare. Maximum net income (Rs.5686/-) with 7.01 cost benefit ratio was obtained with 50-25 kg. Thus, level of 50-25 kg NP per hectare can be recommended as an economical rate of fertilizer for growing of wheat under rainfed condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2007 to estimate technical efficiency and identify the determinants of technical inefficiency of rice-wheat farming system in Punjab. For this purpose a non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique was applied. Tobit regression model was estimated to investigate determinants of technical inefficiency of the system. The results revealed that mean technical efficiency of the system was 0.83, with minimum level of 0.317 and maximum of 1. This indicated the existence of substantial technical inefficiency in rice-wheat system in Punjab. The study further revealed that if sample farms in rice-wheat system operated at full efficiency level these could reduce their input use by 17 percent without any reduction in level of output and with existing technology. Results of the Tobit regression model showed that years of schooling, number of contacts with extension agents and access to credit variables had negative impact while farm size, age of farm's operator and farm to market distance had positive impact on technical inefficiencies of rice-wheat system in Punjab. It is suggested that government should focus on attracting young and educated people in farming by providing incentives in the form of soft loans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala, Pakistan during Rabi, 2004-05 to 2006-07 to determine the most effective method of herbicidal application for weed control in wheat. Three herbicides i.e. Affinity (isoproturon + carfentrazone) @ 2.00 kg Sencor (metribuzin) @ 0.250 kg and Proton (isoproturon) @ 2.00 kg per hectare mixed with urea and broadcast just after first irrigation. These herbicides were also sprayed in moist field after first irrigation. All herbicides and methods of application reduced weed density and biomass significantly over weedy check. However, Affinity, Sencor and Proton when mixed with urea fertilizer and broadcast just after first irrigation showed significant reduction of grassy weeds i.e. 97.18, 96.15 and 95.25 percent, respectively. However, spray of these weedicides gave good control of broad leaved weeds. Number of tillers, grain weight, grains per spike and grain yield were significantly higher in treated plots as compared to untreated ones. Significantly higher grain yield was obtained by broadcasting of Affinity (4.53 t/ha), Sencor (4.44 t) and Proton (4.37 t) after mixing with urea just after first irrigation with net return of Rs. 19358, 19274 and 17798 per hectare, respectively. Broadcasting of these herbicides in combination with urea proved to be an efficient and more economical method than spray application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cereals viz. oats (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were evaluated in pure stands as well as in mixtures of 50: 50 ratios with common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) under rainfed conditions of Pothowar to address the problem of nutritious green fodder for livestock. The experiment was sown during second week of October, 2007 in a randomized complete block design at Koont Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The results revealed that oatsvetch mixture performed better at all growth stages under rainfed conditions of Pothowar in terms of green and dry matter yields. By this mixture, 35.06 tons per hectare green fodder and 9.29 ton per hectare dry matter yield was obtained which was 17 and 19 percent higher than oats pure stand, respectively. Similarly, it was calculated that overall oats-vetch mixture yielded 63 and 78 percent higher dry matter than barley-vetch and wheat-vetch, respectively. So oats-vetch mixture can be recommended for higher biomass under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Vehari, Pakistan during the year 2003-06. Two newly evolved wheat varieties SH-2002 and AS-2002 alognwith a standard Uqab-2000 were subjected to different sowing times starting from November 1 to December 30 at ten days interval. The pooled data revealed that significantly higher grain yield (3826 kg/ha) was obtained from variety AS-2002 sown on November 10 followed by same variety sown on November 20 (3731 kg/ha). Each successive delay in sowing beyond November 20 progressively decreased the grain yield significantly. Yield was reduced by 27.24 percent in sowing of December 30 as compared to November 10. Wheat variety AS-2002 proved better than SH-2002 and Uqab-2000. Three years results concluded that regardless of the varieties November 10 to November 20 is the optimum sowing time for wheat under agro-ecological conditions of Vehari. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a field experiment conducted at Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during 2004-06 effect of bio-chemical amendments {FYM, gypsum, press mud and dhaincha (green manure)} on phosphate availability and wheat yield was studied under rice-wheat cropping pattern in salt affected soil. The result showed that all treatments significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the wheat yield. The highest yield (4525 kg/ha) was observed in green manure with dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), which was at par with pressumd. The phosphate content in soil increased each year and was significantly affected by various treatments. At the end of study, the highest P content (8.09 μg P/g soil) was recorded in green manure treatment. There was a positive correlation between P-uptake and extractable phosphate (r = 0.99). A close relationship (r = 0.99) between P-uptake and wheat yield was also observed. Moreover, the treatments were found effective in reducing pH, ECe and SAR of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Vehari, Pakistan during 2006-07 to evaluate the effect of different seed rates and row spacings on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Four levels of seed rates (125, 150, 175 and 200 kg/ha) and three row spacings (11.25, 15.0 and 22.5 cm) were tried (cv. Uqab 2002), The results showed that seed rate of 150 kg gave higher grain yield (4.10 t/ha). Among row spacings 22.5 cm performed better (3.96 t/ha) as compared to other spacings (3.82-3.87 t/ha). Interaction effect of seed rates and row spacings was non-significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Wheat Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2006-08 to estimate the level of heterosis and heterobeltiosis among F1 hybrids developed from four lines and three testers in bread wheat. Genotypic mean squares for all traits studied were highly significant genetic depicting significant variability for these traits. Heterosis and heterobeltiosis were estimated for grain yield per plant, number of tillers per plant, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, 1000-grain weight and plant height in cross combinations of four lines (HI666 / PVN'S', HUBARA'S', Faisalabad 85 and Faisalabad 83) and three testers (PBW65/ROER/3/PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC, Faisalabad 2008 and PBW502) of bread wheat. The results exhibited significant differences among genotypes and their crosses for all traits studied. The cross "Faisalabad 83 x PBW65 / ROER / 3 / PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC depicted significant and maximum heterosis and heterobeltiosis for grain yield and most of the other traits followed by "Faisalabad 85 x PBW65 / ROER / 3 / PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC". These crosses will be considered for finding transgressive segregants in late segregating generations to develop a wheat variety with higher grain yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accessions (011251, 011417, 011320 and 011393) to drought and exogenously applied abscisic acid was determined in a pot study conducted at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan during wheat-growing season 2005 and 2006. For this purpose water, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content of leaves at booting and grain-filling stages were measured. Sampling was done 3, 6 and 9 days after drought induction. Recovery was studied at 48 and 72 hours of re-watering. Marked decreases in leaf water potential as well as pigment content occurred under drought stress. Increase in protein content under drought remained a dominant response except for accession 011251. Accession 011320 was found to be the most sensitive among all accessions on the basis of greater decrease in water potential. The inhibitory effects of water stress on plant water status and biochemical contents were ameliorated by exogenous application of ABA. This ameliorating effect was found to be more significant at booting stage as compared to grain filling particularly in sensitive accession 011320. Upon rewatering, recovery from drought stress was found to be greater in case of abscisic acid treated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced line with code number V-04189 was selected at Wheat Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad in 2003-04 from bread wheat breeding material of CIMMYT on the basis of its attractive plant type, higher grain yield, bold grains and resistance to fungal diseases. It was subsequently tested in regular, provincial and national yield trials. This line consistently proved its superiority over Inqalab-91 during five years of testing. It outyielded the checks in regular yield trials. In provincial yield trials during 2005-06, it was sown at 22 locations in Punjab in early and late plantings. It stood first outyielding all entries including Inqalab-91. In national yield trials conducted by PARC at 25 locations in different agro climatic conditions of Pakistan during 2006-07 and 2007-08, the line again excelled all entries including Seher-06 and other local checks. It gave 1.51 and 3.22 percent higher yield than Inqalab-91 in normal and late planting on provincial basis during 2005-06. It yielded 3.26 and 0.67 percent higher than Seher-06 in normal and late plantings on country basis during 2006-07. It produced 1.62 percent more yield than Seher-06 in normal planting during 2007-08. 1000-grain weight of this line ranged from 36.00 to 44.62 g with good chapatti quality. It has excellent resistance against yellow and leaf rusts because of slow rusting type reaction due to minor genes accumulation. In field testing this line showed higher drought tolerance. On the basis of its excellent performance, it was approved as a new wheat variety by Provincial Seed Council under the name "Faisalabad-08" during 2008 for irrigated areas of Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of rhizobacteria containing ACC-deaminase (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase) activity was studied in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2005 for promoting wheat growth under salt stressed conditions. Minimal salt medium containing ACC as sole nitrogen source was used for growth of rhizobacteria. Disinfected wheat seeds were germinated in petri plates. Uniformly germinated seeds were selected, inoculated with selected strains and placed between two filter paper sheets. Filter paper sheets containing seedlings were placed in jars. Jars were incubated at 25 ± 1 °C in the growth room under controlled conditions. Different salinity levels (1, 3, 5, and 7dS/m) for wheat were maintained by using NaCl. Hoagland solution was used to provide nutrients for growing wheat seedlings. The results revealed that inoculation with rhizobacteria containing ACC-deaminase showed significant increase upto 2.4, 1.9 and 5.0 folds in root elongation; shoot length and seedling fresh weight over uninoculated control, respectively. ACC11 and ACC16 were the most effective rhizobacterial strains which were further tested for assessing growth promotion phenomena of rhizobacteria under saline conditions. Results showed that there were 1.0 and 2.6 folds increase in root and 4.0 and 6.8 folds increase in shoot length with ACC16 and ACC11 over uninoculated control at higher salinity level (7.0 dS/m), respectively. At EC 3 dS/m, ACC11 increased fresh weight upto 1.2 times over uninoculated control under saline conditions. The results suggested that rhizobacteria containing ACC-deaminase activity could be used as successful inoculant for improving growth of wheat seedlings under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen elite wheat candidate lines developed by the breeders of the country were evaluated under normal and late planting at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan during 2005-06. Two local checks Wafaq-2001 for normal planting and Faislabaad-85 for late planting) alongwith one long term check (Inqalab-91) were also included. The objective was to identify the best promising lines for different cropping patterns. Entries performed significantly for all parameters studied under normal and late sown conditions. Combined analysis showed that planting time interacts significantly with entries indicating genotypic response to planting time. Thus there is a possibility of selecting lines best fitting in the ecologies where wheat is grown after rice, cotton and fallow lands. Although there was a decreasing trend for heading days, height, spikelets for spike, grains per spike, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield under late sown condition, yet presence of genotypic interaction showed the possibility of obtaining higher yield under both planting times. Grain yield, heading days and 1000-grain weight had strong and positive correlation with sowing date whereas maturity days showed weak association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Soil and Water Conservation Research Institute, Chakwal, Pakistan during 2003-04 and 2004-05 to find out optimum seed rate of wheat (triticum aestivum L.) under varied annual precipitation for better utilization of available moisture. Field was ploughed up before cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) green manuring in kharif season to conserve precipitation for wheat planting in rabi season. Four seed rates (62, 74, 86 and 98 kg/ha) were tried to get different plant densities. Basal fertilizer was applied to all treatments @ 120-80-60 kg N-P2O5-K2O per hectare. To estimate optimum seed rate, 95 percent level of relative yield was used for prediction. The results revealed that 80 kg proved as predicted optimum seed rate producing higher grain yield (2545 kg/ha) in the year 2003-04 with annual rainfall of 327 mm. In second year (2004-05) 90 kg seed rate was predicted as optimum yielding higher (3697 kg/ha) with annual rainfall of 464 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conduced at Agronomic Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2003-04 and 2004-05. Fifteen wheat genotypes namely 99022, 00055, 00125, MAW-1, 00183, 01180, 91-BT-010-84, 91-BT-010-05, AS-2002, SH-2002, Ufaq-2002, Inqalab-91, SIS-12, SIS-13 ad SIS-32 were sown under mixed cropping system. Wheat seed of each genotype @ 100 kg per hectare was hand drilled in well prepared seed bed during first week of November. Data regarding different yield components and grain yield were recorded. Wheat genotype 00183 gave significantly higher grain yield during both years (4815 kg/ha during 2003-04 and 4255 kg/ha during 2004-05). This genotype depicted significantly more number of spikelets per spike (21.65) and grains per spike (64.75). However, spike length was comparatively more in variety MAW-1 on the basis of average of two years (12.80). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan during 2006-07 to determine economically viable wheat-canola intercropping system. The treatments comprised wheat alone, canola (rapeseed) alone and wheat + rapeseed (1:2, 2:3 and 3:2 rows). The results revealed that growing of three rows of wheat and two rows of rapeseed proved to be superior over farmer's practice of planting sole crops. The said combination produced higher wheat seed yield (4658.9 kg/ha) as compared to sole wheat crop (3087.5 kg/ha) and rapeseed (2618.7 kg/ha). Similarly, higher economic return of Rs. 34942 was obtained from same treatment with an increase of Rs. 11786 (51%) and Rs. 15302 per hectare (78%) over growing of sole wheat and rapeseed crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Wheat Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2006-08. Combining ability variances and effects were estimated for important agronomic traits in bread wheat using line × tester mating design. Four high yielding lines/varieties HI666/PVN"S", HUBARA"S", Faisalabad-85 and Faisalabad-83 as female (lines) and one recently released variety Faisalabad-08 and two high yielding genotypes PBW65 / ROER / 3 / PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC and PBW502 were used as male testers. Grain yield per plant, tillers per plant, spikelets per spike, 1000 grain weight, spike length, days to 50 percent heading, days to 50 percent maturity and plant height were evaluated. Among lines, Faisalabad 83 and Faisalabad-85 were good general combiners for most of the agronomic traits including grain yield per plant. The tester PBW65 / ROER /3/ PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC followed by PBW502 was found good general combiner for grain yield and some other traits studied. Faisalabad-85 × PBW502 and Faisalabad-83 × PBW65 / ROER /3/ PB6 // MIRLOW / BUC performed better for grain yield and most of other traits studied. GCA to SCA variances ratio revealed predominantly non-additive gene action for these traits. Development of new varieties with improved agronomic traits is, therefore, suggested through selection in late segregation generations of these crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]