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The agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of enhancing crop productivity and mitigating environmental impacts. Optimizing nutrient management is vital for sustainable agriculture, particularly in sloping terrains like the Himalayan region, where damaged soils require restoration. This study explores the synergistic effects of urea, poultry manure, and zeolite on wheat growth and yield in degraded mountainous soils. A total of twelve treatments were implemented in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments included a control (T1); urea nitrogen at 120 kg N ha−1 (UN120) (T2); poultry manure (PM) at 120 kg N ha−1 (T3); zeolite-1 (Z1) at 5 t ha−1 (T4); zeolite-2 (Z2) at 5 t ha−1 (T5); UN120 + Z1 (T6); PM + Z1 (T7); UN120 + Z2 (T8); PM + Z2 (T9); ½ UN + ½ PM + Z1 (T10); ½ UN + ½ PM + Z2 (T11); and ½ UN + ½ PM + ½ Z1 + ½ Z2 (T12). The UN120 treatment demonstrated significant improvements in wheat growth, with notable increases in shoot length (79.7%), shoot fresh weight (50.8%), root length (50.6%), chlorophyll content (53.6%), and leaf area (72.5%) compared to the control. Wheat yield and its components experienced significant improvements when treated with urea nitrogen (UN) and zeolites. Among these treatments, UN120 exhibited the highest efficacy. Nutrient content analysis revealed substantial increases in shoot nitrogen (70.6%), phosphorus (33.3%), and potassium (15.6%) with UN120 treatment compared to the control. The concoction of UN and PM with zeolites further enhanced nutrient levels. Integrating mineral nitrogen sources with organic amendments and zeolites proved effective in enhancing wheat productivity in degraded mountainous soils. Despite positive results, further research is essential for widespread recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of arsenic (As) tolerant and sensitive varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has yet to be explored despite of alarming situation of arsenic toxicity. To fill this gap, the study aimed to explore the role of antioxidants, phytochelatins, and ascorbate–glutathione for As tolerance in wheat. A total of eight varieties were exposed to different arsenate treatments (0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 10,000 μM) initially to screen effective treatment as well as contrasting varieties via Weibull distribution frequency for further analysis. The Weibull analysis found 200 μM as the most effective treatment in the present study. Selected varieties were analyzed for accumulation of total As and As speciation, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase), phytochelatins, and ascorbate–glutathione cycle (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase). Tolerant varieties showed less accumulation and translocation of total As, arsenate, and arsenite to the shoots compared with sensitive varieties under 200 μM treatment. Low concentration in tolerant varieties correlated with better growth and development response. Tolerant varieties showed higher induction of metabolites (glutathione, phytochelatins) compared to sensitive ones. Furthermore, tolerant varieties showed better performance of antioxidant and ascorbate–glutathione cycle enzymes in response to As exposure. The findings of the present study provided great insight into the wheat tolerance mechanism upon As exposure between contrasting varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low soil fertility and high fertilizer costs are constraints to wheat production, which may be resolved with integrating fertilizer phosphorus (P) and farm-yard manure (FYM). Study objectives were to evaluate P source impacts on soil, P efficiency, and wheat growth in a calcareous soil. Methods: Treatments included P fertilizer (0, 17, 26, or 39 kg P ha-1) and/or FYM (0 or 10 T ha-1) in a: 1) incubation experiment and 2) wheat (Triticum aestivum spp.) field experiment. Results and Discussion: Soil organic matter increased (30-72%) linearly for both fertilizer and FYM, whereas pH decreased (0.1-0.3 units) with fertilizer only. Addition of fertilizer and FYM increased plant available P (AB-DTPA extractable soil P) an average of 0.5 mg P kg-1 soil week-1 with incubation. The initial increase was 1-9 mg P kg-1, with further increase after 84 d of ~3-17 mg P kg-1. There was also a significant increase of available P in the soil supporting plants in the field study, although the magnitude of the increase was only 2 mg kg-1 at most for the highest fertilizer rate + FYM. Grain (66 to 119%) and straw (25-65%) yield increased significantly, peaking at 26 kg P ha-1 + FYM. The P Absorption Efficiency (PAE), P Balance (PB), and P Uptake (PU) increased linearly with P rate, with the highest levels at the highest P rate. The P Use Efficiency (PUE) was highest at the lowest rates of P, with general decreases with increasing P, although not consistently. Principal component analysis revealed that 94.34 % of the total variance was accounted for with PC1 (84.04 %) and PC2 (10.33 %), with grain straw yield significantly correlated to SOM, PU, and PAE. Regression analysis showed highly significant correlation of PB with P-input (R2= 0.99), plant available P (R2= 0.85), and PU (R2= 0.80). The combination of FYM at the rate of 10 T ha-1 and fertilizer P at 26 kg P ha-1 was found as the optimum dose that significantly increased yield. It is concluded that FYM concoction with fertilizer-P not only improved SOM and residual soil P, but also enhanced wheat yields with reasonable P efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Red rice, rich in fibre and phenolic contents, is one of the underutilised grains. Therefore, the present study developed the wheat/red rice flour (RRF) composites followed by its utilisation in pan breads. It led to an increase in ash and fibre contents of resultant flour combinations, but gluten network became weaker. The values for water absorption were unaffected with RRF replacements ≤15% of wheat flour. Moreover, the proximate estimates of RRF added breads demonstrated increased moisture and fibre contents. Substituted bread combinations were harder with increased gumminess and springiness values; however, cohesion decreased. The per cent change in cohesion and hardness of individual breads upon storage was lesser in composites compared to control suggesting decline in staling phenomenon. Nutritional assessment of both RRF containing flour and breads showed higher total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to their respective controls. Composite breads also demonstrated reduced glycaemic index suggesting its importance for diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a multi-beneficial amendment, biochar is very useful to be applied for improving soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the influence of wood biochar and mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers viz , [(control; 100% NPK (120:90:60 kg ha−1); 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar; 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar; 25% NPK + 15 tonne biochar and 20 tonne biochar ha−1)] on wheat yield and soil properties under different management practices [(raised bed (more than 30 cm above the ground) and flat-bed)]. Split plot two factors randomised completed block (RCB) design with three replications were used where management practices were placed to main plot, while treatments were assigned to subplots. Maximum spike length, grain per spike, 1000 grain weight, grain and biological yield were obtained with application of 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 under both raised and flat-bed, which were statistically at par to 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1. The grain and biological yield observed at 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar and 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1 were significantly higher than that of 20 tonne biochar ha−1. However, maximum soil organic matter, extractable P and K contents with slight increases in soil pH and EC was observed at 20 tonne biochar ha−1. Moreover, almost all agronomic parameters were significantly better in raised bed compared to flat-bed sowing. Hence, the present study suggested that 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 is suitable for improving wheat yield and soil properties. Biochar significantly decreases nutrient and pollutant leaching in soils. Biochar application could decrease P loss from applied P fertilisers due to leaching, reducing the pollution risk from P in water and soils. The present study assessed the effect of biochar and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilisers on wheat yield, other agronomic parameters and selected soil properties under raised- and flat-bed cultivation. The study would be useful for further enhancing wheat yield in irrigated and rainfed areas on a sustainable basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contaminated irrigation water caused a significant buildup of its level in the agricultural soil and edible tissues of wheat. High levels of As negatively impact grain quality, wheat yield, and human health consequently. It is still unknown how wheat varieties respond to As stress at the proteomic level. Therefore, the present study aimed to deliver mechanistic details regarding the role of proteins in tolerance mechanism against As stress. Two wheat varieties (BARANI-70 and NARC-2009) were exposed to arsenate treatment (200 µM) in a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the impacts of arsenic stress using proteomics. Roots of both varieties were used for protein extraction, digestion, and LC-MS/MS analysis to identify differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). Furthermore, various bioinformatic tools were used to study subcellular localization, functional categories, and pathway analysis. The findings identified 67 DAPs in BARANI-70 (up-regulated=56; down-regulated=11) and 89 DAPs in NARC-2009 (up-regulated=34; down-regulated=55). Subcellular localization revealed significant up-regulation of DAPs in mitochondria and chloroplast for BARANI-70 but down-regulation in NARC-2009 under As stress. Functional analysis revealed significant upregulation of DAPs for glutathione, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, lactoylglutathione lyase, and glutathione-s-transferase in BARANI-70. Pathway analysis showed regulation of DAPs involved in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and glycolysis-TCA particularly in BARANI-70 compared to NARC-2009. Furthermore, BARANI-70 showed better growth response under As stress compared to NARC-2009. Thus, better synthesis of stress-responsive DAPs and important pathways in BARANI-70 contributed towards its tolerance against As stress. The present research supports the use of tolerant varieties and identified protein biomarkers to enhance crop resilience against As stress. [Display omitted] • BARANI-70 showed significant upregulation of DAPs compared to NARC-2009. • Stress-responsive proteins were highly upregulated in BARANI-70. • BARANI-70 showed upregulation of mitochondrial, and chloroplast located proteins. • Glycolysis-TCA cycle pathway was significantly regulated in both varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow rust (YR) globally affects wheat crops. It may turn into an epidemic, resulting in significant yield losses if the environment is suited to YR spread. The provision of resistant wheat cultivars is a sustainable protection strategy against YR. The current study aimed to use a combination of classical analytical tools to identify potential wheat lines through screening under YR stress for utilization in YR-resistance breeding. A total of 14 parents, which included 9 lines and 5 testers, were formed into 45 cross combinations via line × tester mating format. The tested germplasm was grown in a triplicate randomized full-block design, under optimal and yellow rust (YR)-stress conditions. Data were recorded on different morphological, physiochemical, yield and component traits at appropriate crop stages. A pre-combining ability analysis revealed significant inter-genotype variations. A combining ability study identified non-additive gene action in the inheritance of most of the investigated traits. Four potential parents (PR128, AN179, KS17 and WD17) and two crosses (PR128 × WD17 and AN179 × KS17) retained higher combining ability values for yield traits under YR-stress. A cluster analysis based on the overall performance found divergent classes among the screened genotypes. The clustering of different genotypes was shifted under YR-stress, which suggests variable genotypic response. Through factor analysis, we assessed and confirmed genotypes performing consistently under YR-stress. The identified genotypes may be used for disease-resistance breeding in wheat. Based on their positive correlation with grain yield, we suggest the use of peduncle length and tillers per plant as phenotypic markers for wheat selection and breeding. The knowledge base generated through the current study will add to the ongoing research on sustainable wheat breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this study was to evaluate the interactive effects of glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], and their mixture on the growth of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, i.e., var. Punjab-2011 and var. Anaj-2017 under lead [0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2] stress. A pot experiment was conducted for this purpose. Pre-sowing seed treatment with 1 mM glycine, alanine, and calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] was applied under two levels of lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] stress, i.e., control and 0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2. Lead (0.5 mM) stress significantly decreased root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, and chlorophyll contents, while it increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and peroxidase (POD) in both wheat varieties. Lead (0.5 mM) stress increased the accumulation of free proline, glycinebetaine, total free amino acids, and total soluble protein contents. Although var. Punjab-2011 was higher in root fresh and dry weights, shoot length, and total leaf area per plant, however, var. Anaj-2017 showed less reduction in shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and shoot length under lead stress. Under lead stress, Punjab-2011 was higher in grain yield and number of grain plant−1, chlorophyll a contents, membrane permeability (%), POD activity, total free amino acids, and glycinebetaine (GB) contents as compared to Anaj-2017. Pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) increased shoot dry weight, number of grains per plants, 100-grain weight, number of spikes, and chlorophyll a contents under normal and lead-stressed conditions. Wheat var. Anaj-2017 showed higher growth and yield attributes as compared to var. Punjab-2011. Results of the current study have shown that pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) can overcome the harmful effects of lead (Pb) stress in wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pioneer investigation to explore metabolomics in wheat under arsenate stress. • Arsenate reductase was significantly up-regulated in sensitive variety. • A total of 136 differential expressed metabolites were identified. • Tolerant variety showed upregulation of stress-responsive amino acids. • TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, and amino acid pathways were regulated. The present study conducted metabolomics profiling (targeted and untargeted) in the roots of two wheat varieties (BARANI-70 and NARC-09) under arsenate stress in a hydroponic experiment. The findings indicated a better growth response of BARANI-70 compared to the NARC-09. From amino acid profiling, a total of 26 amino acids (AAs) were quantified in roots. BARANI-70 showed higher induction of stress-responsive AAs compared to the NARC-09. From untargeted metabolomics, a total of 136 metabolites were identified: AAs, fatty acids, purines, carnitines, LysoPCs, and others. The KEGG pathway identified pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, TCA cycle, glutathione metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis that were regulated to improve the defense of tolerant variety. BARANI-70 emerged as a tolerant variety based on the psychological response, As accumulation, and behavior of stress-responsive metabolites. This study should facilitate the breeding of low-As accumulating wheat varieties for future application to ensure sustainable production and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is important crop with two major categories as winter and spring wheat. Winter wheat was first time introduced in Rawalakot to check the adaptability and suitability hence winter wheat varieties had never been tested in the hilly areas of Azad Kashmir. For this purpose, 83 genotypes of wheat were used including six winter wheat check varieties and Pakistan-2013 as local check and intercropping of universal susceptible as spreader. Yellow rust data was taken by using Modified Cobb's scale to assess the disease severity and presence of resistance. Four winter wheat advanced lines 141137, 170915, 170196 and 170917 were found resistant. Analyses of variance have shown significant differences for all parameters apart from spike length, number of spikelets per spike and 1000-grain weight. Principal component analysis revealed 85.43% variability. The cluster analysis divided the genotypes in 5 clusters on the basis of genetic similarity and distance. Fourteen advanced lines were found more diverse and could be utilized in further breeding providing an opportunity for winter wheat to be adopted in this region. And among 14, four resistant genotypes can be used as source of yellow rust resistance in winter wheat and spring wheat breading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat leaf rust disease, caused by Puccinia triticina poses severe threat to the 80% of the wheat cultivated across Pakistan. One hundred and twenty-nine leaf rust samples collected from Sindh during 2017-18 wheat cropping season were processed and eleven single uredinial isolates were revived and analyzed using North American set of differentials. Seven virulent profiles were found amongst these isolates. LKTSS was most common, found in four isolates; LKFJS was identified in two isolates. MKPSS, LKFKS, PKKSS and LKHSS were identified in single isolate only. Virulence was absent for Lr2a, Lr9, Lr19, Lr27+31 and Lr28. Whereas only a single isolate PKKSS was virulent to Lr2c and isolate LKFKS to Lr18. Virulence for the leaf rust genes Lr1, Lr16, Lr24, Lr28, Lr17, Lr30, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr3bg, Lr14b, Lr20, Lr13, Lr23, Lr22b were found along with Morocco under controlled condition. Overall high frequency of leaf rust phenotypes were identified in limited number of samples. The avirulence/virulence information of Lr genes should be utilized in gene deployment and breeding programs, particularly for Sindh province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bran is detached from cereals during roller‐milling operations and considered as a byproduct of milling. Bran carries phenolics and antioxidants in appreciable quantities which can be heightened by modification. In the present project, four cereals were under study that is, wheat, barley, millet and sorghum. Bran was separated from cereal grains and was subjected to size reduction that is, fine (1 mm) and coarse (2 mm) and enzymatic modification by using xylanase and cellulase. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids through HPLC. TPC and TFC were recorded highest in xylanase‐treated millet bran (0.304 mg GAE g−1 and 211.42 μg g−1QE respectively). In vitro antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and FRAP was found to be highest in coarse millet bran (89.51% inhibition) and native sorghum bran (722.52 μMFeSO4 g−1) respectively. Phytic acid was observed highest in xylanase‐treated barley bran (5.80 g per 100 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are important micronutrients for the growth and development of plant. Improving N availability to plants improve biomass production and also increase the shoot Fe content and accumulation of Zn in wheat plants. Experiments were conducted at the Cereal Crop Research Institute (CCRI) Pirsabak, Noweshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the response of wheat to N, Zn and Fe application. Treatments included three levels of N (90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1), three concentrations of Zn and Fe (i.e. 1, 2, 3 kg ha-1) each along with two controls i.e. no micro nutrients no water (control-I) and no micro nutrients + water (control-II). The N was soil applied and MN as foliar spray at booting stage. Days to anthesis, leaf area tiller-1, leaf area index, plant height, days to physiological maturity and biological yield were significantly increased by both N and Zn while the same parameters except days to anthesis, days to physiological maturity were also significantly enhanced by using Fe. Result revealed that higher leaf area tiller-1 (113 cm2), leaf area index (2.3), plant height (100 cm), biological yield (11431 kg ha-1) by 150 kg N ha-1, 3 kg Zn ha-1 and 1 kg Fe ha-1 of wheat as compared to the control-I. In conclusion, 16% increases in biomass production was observed with Zn and Fe at the rate of 3 and 1 kg ha-1 respectively along with 150 kg N ha-1 over no fertilization thus combination of the 150 kg ha-1, 3 kg Zn ha-1 and 1 kg Fe ha-1 is recommended for improving biomass and leaf area. Further studies are recommended to understand the mechanistic approach of such improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six advance wheat lines namely B4N11, B6N5, B6N12, BRF1, BRF3 and BRF17 and four wheat cultivars namely Zam-04 (ZM04), Kohat-10 (KT10), Pirsabak-08 (PS08) and Janbaz (JZ) were crossed in line × tester mating to develop 24 F1 hybrids. The resultant hybrids along with parents were evaluated during cropping season 2012-13 at Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan under rainfed environment, using RCB design with 3 replications. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and narrow sense heritability for maturity and yield components traits were determined. The main objective of the research was identification and proper selection of best performing wheat parental genotypes and best F1 crosses, based on GCA and SCA estimates. Significant differences were observed among the wheat genotypes for all the studied traits. The estimates of σ2gca and σ2sca and its ratio (σ2gca/σ2sca) indicated that non-additive genetic expression were pre-dominant for most of traits studied. Line BRF3 and testers ZM04 were good general combiners for most of traits under consideration, while F1 hybrids B4N11 × PS08, B4N11 × JZ, BRF1 × ZM04, BRF1 × KT10 were best specific combiners observed for several important traits including grain yield plant-1 which can be subsequently utilized in future wheat breeding to develop high yielding new wheat cultivars from transgressive segregants recovered in latter generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing concerns about arsenic toxicity, information on tolerance and responsible genetic factors in wheat remains elusive. To address that, the present study aimed to screen the wheat varieties against arsenic based on growth parameters, yield, grain accumulation, and associated genes. A total of 110 wheat varieties were grown in arsenic-contaminated regions to record physio-morphological traits. The wheat 90K Infinium iSelect SNP array was used for the genome-wide association model to identify genomic regions. Wheat varieties such as Punjab-81, AARI-11, and Daman showed arsenic concentrations >45 μg/kg in similar conditions as well as the impact on grain yield, chlorophyll, Thousand Kernel Weight, and plant height. Contrastingly, varieties like Kohistan-97, As-2002, Barani-70, and Pari-73 showed grain concentrations <5 μg/kg grown under highly contaminated conditions. Three significant loci associated with arsenic accumulation in grain were identified on chromosomes 6A (qASG1-6A) and 6B (qASG3-6B and qASG4-6B). Annotation at these loci identified 39 wheat genes among which several were important for growth and tolerance against stress. The candidate gene (TraesCS6B02G429400) responsible for Glutathione-S-transferase was identified in the present study and must be investigated further using a transcriptomic approach. The present study provided background information for breeding prospects to improve wheat yield and tolerance against arsenic. [Display omitted] • Pioneer field-based study to screen tolerant wheat varieties against As stress. • Tolerant wheat varieties showed less As accumulation in grains. • Three significant loci responsible for grain accumulation of As were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six advance lines IR1, IR2, IR3, RF1, RF2 and RF3 and four cultivars Pirsabak-08 (PS08), Janbaz (JZ), Zam-04 (ZM04) and Kohat-10 (KT10) were crossed in line × testers fashion in spring 2011 to produce F1 hybrids. The experimental material consisting of 34 genotypes (10 parents and 24 F1 hybrids) were evaluated under irrigated conditions in triplicated randomized complete block design at Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan during 2011-12. Data were recorded on tillers plant-1, spike length, grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, biological and grain yield plant-1. Mean of 24 F1 hybrids was greater than mean of 10 parents for all traits studied. Among lines RF3 and testers ZM-04 were good general combiners for most of the yield traits including grain yield plant-1. Cross combination RF3 × PS08 proved as good specific combiner showing positive SCA effects for all traits including grain yield plant-1. Crosses viz. IR1 × JZ, RF2 × ZM04 and RF2 × KT10 proved as good specific combiners for all traits except 1000-grain weight. Another three set of crosses viz. IR2 × JZ, RF1 × KT10 and RF1× JZ proved as good specific combiners for all traits except grains spike-1, biological yield and grain yield plant-1, respectively. All aforementioned crosses expected to yield transgressive segregants with more grain yield compared to their parents as these cross combinations had positive SCA effects for grain yield plant-1. GCA to SCA variances ratio revealed predominantly non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of all traits in wheat. Development of high yielding varieties with improved traits is therefore suggested through selection in late segregating generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first review to critically analyze published data on arsenic in wheat. • Wheat is an emerging source of carcinogenic risk. • Compilation help to increase knowledge of wheat tolerance against As. • Arsenomics will help to gain a deeper understanding of As tolerance mechanisms. • The use of tolerant varieties is the best-suited mitigation option against As menace. Arsenic (As) due to its widespread has become a primary concern for sustainable food production, especially in Southeast Asian countries. In that context, the present review presented a comprehensive detail of the available literature marking an assortment of As-induced impacts on wheat. The conclusive findings of past research suggest that As tends to grossly affect the germination, elongation, biomass, grain yield, and induce oxidative stress. Several human studies are suggestive of higher cancer risks (>1 × 10−6) due to the ingestion of wheat grains. However, the body of proof is limited and the scarcity of information limited understanding about tolerance mechanism in wheat against As. Therefore, the paper provided a reference from tolerance mechanism based studies in other crops like rice and maize. The generated knowledge of arsenomics would pave the way for plant breeders to develop resistant varieties for As to ensure sustainable food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. is a troublesome weed in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields. In 2017, two A. myosuroides populations that survived pyroxsulam treatment at the recommended field rate were collected from winter wheat fields in China. This study was conducted to determine the resistance level and the basis of resistance to pyroxsulam in A. myosuroides. Sequencing of acetolactate synthase (ALS) revealed a Pro-197-Thr mutation in the HB1 population and two mutations (Pro-197-Thr or Trp-574-Leu) in the SD2 population. Purified subpopulations for the Pro-197-Thr and Trp-574-Leu mutations were produced. Whole-plant dose-response tests and in vitro ALS activity assays showed that the purified sHB1 and sSD2 populations displayed moderate resistance (<10-fold) to pyroxsulam compared to the susceptible SD1 population. These results confirmed that A. myosuroides has evolved resistance to pyroxsulam and that the resistance is conferred by the Pro-197-Thr or Trp-574-Leu mutation in ALS. • Two Alopecurus myosuroides populations (HB1 and SD2) exhibited resistance to pyroxsulam. • Sequence analysis of ALS revealed Pro-197-Thr and Trp-574-Leu mutations. • The ALS activities of purified subpopulations (sHB1 and sSD2) displayed moderate resistance (<10-fold) to pyroxsulam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers enhances wheat productivity. This research was conducted on integrated management of fertilizer nitrogen and poultry manure for wheat improvement at New Developmental Research Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University, Peshawar in 2010-11. Three levels of fertilizer nitrogen (75, 100 and 125 kg ha-1) and two poultry manure levels (0 and 4 tones ha-1) were allotted to main plot while time of fertilizer nitrogen application were as: full at land preparation, full at boot stage and ½ at land preparation + ½ at boot stage, to the subplot. Poultry manure was incorporated into the soil at the time of land preparation. Compared to 75 and 125 kg/ha, inorganic nitrogen rate of 100 kg ha-1 produced more productive tillers m-2 (238), increased leaf area (27.87 cm2), grains spike-1 (42), thousand grains weight (48.38 g), biological yield (7244 kg ha-1), grain yield (2644 kg ha-1) and harvest index (36.30 %). More productive tillers m-2 (5.4%), leaf area (6.7%), grains spike-1 (5%), 1000 grain weight (4.4%), biological yield (5.8%), grain yield (16.7%) and harvest index (11.2%) were observed in PM incorporated plots compared to control. Optimum population of productive tillers (239), wider leaf area (27.9 cm2), more number of grains per spike (43), thousand grains weight (48.85 g), biological yield (7147 kg ha-1), grain yield (2701 kg ha-1) and harvest index (37.82%) resulted from split application of inorganic N in comparison to both early and late full applications. Thus, the use of 100 kg N ha-1 as half at sowing and half at boot stage with poultry manure incorporation is recommended for improving growth, yield and yield components of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted in the Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad and Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2010-11 to explore somaclonal variation for genetic variability and salt tolerant induction in ten varieties of wheat (Chenab-70, Punjab-76, Pasban-90, Inqulab-91, Punjab-96, Uqab-2000, AS-2002, Bhakkar-2000, LU-26S and Ufaq-2002) at four salinity levels. The somaclones of various wheat genotypes along with their parents were sown in pots having artificially developed four levels of salinity (0, 4, 8 and 12 dSm-1) using NaCl salt to study and compare different agronomic traits i.e. number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spike, 100 grain weight and yield per plant among themselves. It was observed that increase in salinity level decreased number of spikes, spikelets, 100 grain weight and yield per plant. The maximum 100 grain weight (4.45 g) in control treatment was observed in AS-2002(S) and Bhakkar-2000(S) (4.37g) followed by Inqalab-91(P) (3.55g) and Punjab-76(S) (3.49 g) as compared to other somaclones of wheat. Uqab-2000(S) was also at par with its parent Uqab-2002(S). At EC level of 4dSm-1, Inqalab- 91(S), Inqalab-91(P) and Bhakkar-2000(P) were salt tolerant. At EC 8dSm-1, Bhakkar-2000(P) and LU-26S(S) were noted as the best tolerant while at EC12dSm-1 Inqalab-91(S) was superior to all other genotypes. As far as yield per plant is concerned somaclones Inqalab-91(S) and Bhakkar-2000(P) were found salt tolerant at 8dSm-1 in yield per plant. It is concluded that wheat somaclones found superior to their mother plants may be released as a new variety after testing at national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]