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Moringa oleifera is gaining popularity as multi-cut quality fodder in Pakistan because of its great nutritional value and biomass production. For successful quality biomass production, proper crop nutrition is vital especially during dry season. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the objective to explore the impact of variable doses of "nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)" fertilizer for maximum foliage production and improve the quality of moringa under field conditions. Three levels of NPK (No fertilizer, 25:25:50, and 50:50:100 kg ha−1) were applied in already established two years old moringa plants on 15 September 2016, at research area of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan. Dimension of each experimental unit was 3.5 × 5.5 m. After thirty days of fertilizer treatments, two cuttings were taken with the interval of 30 days. The experimental design was RCBD with factorial arrangements having three replications. Significant differences were observed in growth, biomass production, and quality of produce. The moringa plants treated with application of 50:50:100 kg NPK ha−1 produced maximum dry biomass with good quality (crude protein, fiber, fat, and ash%) during both cuttings. Nonetheless, first cutting produced more growth and biomass as compared to second cutting. While NPK supplementation increased 50% more biomass production and better quality compared to control in second cutting. Increased biomass production of moringa was associated with high chlorophyll contents, better antioxidant, and quality (crude protein, fiber, fat, and ash%) status with NPK supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is recently introduced to Pakistan as a salt‐tolerant crop of high nutritional value. Open field trials were conducted to evaluate its performance on normal and salinity/sodicity‐degraded lands at two locations of different salinity/sodicity levels, S1 (UAF Farm, Normal Soil), S2 (Paroka Farm UAF, saline sodic), S3 (SSRI Farm, normal) and S4 (SSRI Farm, saline sodic) during 2013–2014. Two genotypes (Q‐2 and Q‐7) were grown in lines and were allowed to grow till maturity under RCBD split‐plot arrangement. Maximum seed yield (3,062 kg/ha) was achieved by Q‐7 at normal field (S1) soil which was statistically similar with yield of same genotype obtained from salt‐affected field S2 (2,870 kg/ha). Furthermore, low yield was seen from both genotypes from both S3 and S4 as compared to S1 and S2. Q‐7 was best under all four conditions. Minimum yield was recorded from Q‐2 (1,587 kg/ha) at S4. Q‐7 had higher SOD, proline, phenolic and K+ contents, and lower Na+ content in leaves as compared to Q‐2. High levels of antioxidants and K+/Na+ of Q‐7 helped to withstand salt stress and might be the cause of higher yields under both normal and salt‐affected soils. Seed quality (mineral and protein) did not decrease considerably under salt‐affected soils even improved seed K+, Mg2+ and Mn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is a toxic and broad-spectrum pesticide. Owing to the extensive soil and crop application of CP to control insects/pests, its significant concentrations have been reported in different crop plants, fruits, vegetables and other food items locally and internationally. The strategies to immobilize pesticide residues in the soil are of great concern to restrict their offsite transport. A batch study was conducted to evaluate the potential of biochar and compost in enhancing CP sorption. Soil samples were supplemented with biochar and compost at two levels, i.e. 0.25% and 0.50% w/w basis. The sorption of CP was assessed at five applied concentrations viz. 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1. CP sorption exhibited linear trend and increased with increasing concentration upto 50 mg L-1 after that it decreased with its increasing levels. Freundlich model well fitted and explained the sorption behavior of CP in un-amended as well as amended soil as indicated by the correlation coefficient (R2) values (> 0.90). Both biochar and compost addition significantly increased the sorption potential of the soil. With both amendments sorption capacity increased with increasing level. However, biochar-amended soil showed significantly higher sorption capacities (Kf, 28.68 and 218.83 mg kg-1) for CP compared to compost-amended soils (15.95 and 111.85 mg kg-1) at 0.25 and 0.50%, respectively. Conclusively, above organic amendments have potential to effectively sorb CP and could be used to remediate CP polluted areas by immobilizing CP and ultimately decreasing its bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemongrass [Cymbopogon citrates (DC) Stapf] is a cosmopolitan economically important grass with a natural potential to adapt to different climates. However, the mechanisms of cross-locational adaptability are not studied in this grass species. To explore some physiological basis of cross-locational adaptability potential of lemongrass, experiments were performed on one population each from Faisalabad and Quetta, Pakistan. Both the population were planted at both the locations in a reciprocal swap arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replicates. The data were recorded on monthly basis from June to December over two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). The swap reciprocated lemongrass populations from Quetta and Faisalabad exhibited differential growth patterns from their native counterparts thus showing flexibility among the populations. Enhanced tillering, root proliferation and increased dry shoot and root weight was observed in the Quetta population adapted in Faisalabad. However, Faisalabad population adapted in Quetta produced taller plants with longer roots, while tillering and number of leaves were greatly reduced in the Quetta adapted population as compared to its counterpart in Faisalabad. Tissue analysis for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) data revealed that both the native and adapted populations in Faisalabad accumulated greater H2O2 and MDA in summer months while Quetta population did so in the winter months, thus showing that summer months in Faisalabad and winter months in Quetta to be stressful for the populations in the respective locations. Both native and adapted populations in Quetta displayed dark green leaf color, which was accompanied by increased chlorophyll a and b contents in summer months in Quetta and winter months in Faisalabad, while carotenoids accumulation was greater in the season with high temperature in Faisalabad and chilling temperature in Quetta. Fitting regression equation and finding correlation between maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity (RH) revealed negative correlations of temperatures with growth, H2O2 and MDA at both the locations in native and adapted population, while positive correlation of chlorophylls and carotenoids at Quetta and negative ones at Faisalabad, while RH was regressed with none of these attributes (data not shown). This implied that temperature was a major determining factor in the adaptation of populations at either location based on flexibility in physiological adjustments at both the locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of novel wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) germplasm is imperative to develop salt tolerant varieties. In the first phase, 400 accessions were screened against high salt stress (200 mM NaCl) on the basis of Na+accumulation in leaf blade, and 40 genotypes with contrast reaction to salinity were selected. Salt tolerant group (25 genotypes) had higher leaf K+/Na+ratio, maximum root and shoot lengths, leaf fresh/dry weights and chlorophyll content as compared to the salt sensitive group (15 genotypes). In second phase, physiologically based screening was performed on selected genotypes against varying salinity levels (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl). GGE biplot analysis indicates that genotypes TURACO, V-03094, V0005, V-04178, Kharchia 65 and V-05121 were the most salt-tolerant and declared winners as depicted by more gaseous exchange relations and growth potential which was strongly correlated with proper Na+, K+discrimination in leaf and root tissues. Genotypes PBW343 2, NING MAI 50, PGO, PFAU, V-04181, PUNJAB 85, KIRITATI, TAM200/TUI and TAM200 were poor performer due to more Na+accumulation in leaf ultimately retarded growth. In conclusion, low Na+accumulation in leaf can be used as the best screening criteria, employing a large set of genotypes in a breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiourea, also chemically named as Thiocarbamide, is a nitrogen and sulfur containing compound. It has three functional groups, amino, imino and thiol, each with important biological roles. Thiourea is being increasingly used to improve plant growth and productivity under normal and stressful conditions. Use of thiourea as seed priming agent, foliar spray or medium supplementation is more effective under environmental stress than under normal conditions. When used as seed pretreatment, thiourea increased the seed germination; while application as foliar spray improved the gas exchange properties and when used as medium supplementation, it improved the root growth and its proliferation. This indicates that thiourea is more effective in the tissues where it is applied. Although to a differential extent, thiourea is effective in improving plant growth and development under drought, salinity, heat stress and heavy metal toxicity. At physiological level, it improves the leaf gas exchange, nutrient acquisition by the root and assimilation thereafter. At biochemical level, exogenously applied thiourea improves the sugar metabolism and enhances the proteins biosynthesis. At molecular level, thiourea application modulates the pattern of gene expression regardless of the stress applied. Signaling of gene expression is a likely mechanism induced by thiourea. In a nutshell, even though considerable advancement has been made in understanding the biological roles of thiourea in modulating different mechanisms in plants, thiourea needs to be explored further for its biological roles in plants than the relevant information available thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of exogenously-applied Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf extract (MLE) on delaying the leaf senescence and modifying the source-sink relationship in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied. MLE (3.3%) was used as seed osmopriming (SP) and/or foliar spray (F), and water as hydropriming (HP). Among seedling attributes, improved shoot and root lengths, leaf and root scores were found for SP and/or F treatments. Increase or decrease in stem dry weight simultaneously with grain dry weight might contribute for soluble stem reserves towards grain weight as showed by delayed leaf senescence in SP or combined SP+F treatment. The SP and F treatments had also earlier spike emergence and anthesis stage. Plant height, tillers number, biological and grain yields per plant were also recorded highest for SP+F treatment followed by SP. Thus, MLE being rich in zeatin, a cytokinin maintained the green photosynthetic area and enhanced grain filling that might contributed towards improved grain yield when applied as SP or in combination with foliar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa is a known medicinal plant utilized for the food supplementation and treatment of various diseases. A study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of moringa leaf extract (MLE) and moringa seed extract (MSE). For the purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and both MLE and MSE up to 2200 mg/kg were orally administered in an acute toxicity trial of the extracts. A sub-acute toxicity trial was also done by daily administration of the extracts at 600, 1000 and1800 mg/kg body weight orally for 21 days and distilled water was given to the control group. In acute toxicity test, moringa extracts caused no death in animals even at 2200 mg/kg dose. In sub-acute toxicity study non-significant differences were observed in all the haematological and biochemical parameters at all doses of MLE and MSE in rats group compared to the control. Moreover, food intake of all the treated rats was reduced compared with the control and significant changes were observed in the body weight of the rats. Hence, the study concluded that both moringa leaf and seed extracts were safe for remedial purpose and can safely be used for human and animal feed purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity/sodicity (EC/SAR) of soil arises due to combination of cations and anions, which disturbs plant metabolism. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), ranked as a medium salt-sensitive species, is grown in Spring and Autumn seasons in the subcontinent, with differential growth behaviors in both the seasons. In this study sprouting potential, growth and tissue ionic and nutrient status in natural and simulated soil conditions were determined to compare the effects of two growing seasons and natural and simulated saline/sodic soil using salinity/sodicity tolerant (CPF-246) and sensitive (S-2003-US-778) sugarcane clones. The EC (dS/m)/SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) treatments were 4/26 and 5/30 in the selected natural field and those of 5/25 and 6/30 in the simulated soil. The data were recorded after 30 days of sowing the setts for nodal bud sprouting, length and dry mass of shoot and root, tissue ionic contents for Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, N (NO3- -N), P (PO4 3--P) and S (SO42--S). In both the seasons, CPF-246 had greater sprouting percentage, and sprouts length and dry weights than S-2003-US-778. There was an increase in the tissue concentration of Na+ and Cl- in both the clones under either soil conditions. The EC/SAR treatments reduced the amounts of K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, N, P, S and K+/Na+ ratio both shoot and root as compared to respective controls although the reduction was greater in shoot than root. Sugarcane growing seasons had differential influence on the salinity/sodicity tolerance, since reduction in the studied parameters was greater in the au tumn season. Of the two sugarcane growing media natural field conditions were more adverse than the simulated conditions. A comparison of sugarcane clones revealed that CPF- 246 was more tolerant of salinity/sodicity conditions than S-2003-US-778 when grown under of the soil types and seasons. In conclusion, although natural saline/sodic fields were quite more damaging, the salinity/sodicity sensitivity in sugarcane is determined by tissue concentration of macronutrients, and the seasons have great influence on the performance of sugarcane clones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study elucidates the impact of different priming strategies on seed emergence and growth of milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] and also evaluation of the efficacy of various extraction methods for optimal extraction of silymarin from milk thistle seeds. Seeds were primed with distilled water, Humic acid (2%), potassium chloride (2%) and moringa leaf extract (3%) for 24 h. Untreated seeds were used as control. Primed and non-primed seeds were sown in plastic pots. Seed priming treatments significantly improved the performance of milk thistle seeds as indicated by higher values of final emergence and lower values of mean emergence time and time taken to 50% emergence as compared to non-primed seeds. Silymarin was extracted from seeds of milk thistle by applying various techniques like Reflux, Soxhlet, maceration and microwave assisted extraction by using various solvents. Extraction with Soxhlet and microwave assisted techniques were proved better as compared to the others. The results indicated that in both spectrophotometric and HPLC quantification, silymarin contents were found maximum in extracts prepared with methanol by microwave assisted extraction technique followed by Soxhlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K+) nutrition ensures growth and quality of crops both under normal and saline soils. In view of that a study was conducted to assess the impact of various doses of K+ on growth, bio-chemicals, protein and oil contents of four soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes under saline condition. Soybean genotypes were grown in pots having treatment combination of salinity (control, 6 and 12 dS m-1) and K+ doses (control, 50 and 75 kg ha-1). The results showed that sufficient K+ nutrition enhanced plant growth, biomass production, protein and oil percentage of soybean genotypes both in normal and saline condition. Water relation in plant as well as chlorophyll contents and leaf area improved with the application of potassium under salinity stress. Across K+ application rates, all soybean genotypes significantly varied from each other. K+ accumulation was positively correlated with growth and other parameters of soybean genotypes, but these relationships were stronger in case of genotypes No.62 and No 13 as compared to Ajmeri and William-82 genotypes. Soybean genotypes No. 62 and No. 13 classified as potassium efficient genotypes while Ajmeri and William-82 categorized as potassium inefficient genotypes on the basis of growth and K uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought tolerance is the major area of thrust nowadays, due to the water scarcity and climate change scenario, around the globe. Looking for the novel cotton germplasm tolerant to drought is an important breeding objective of the major breeding programs. On the basis of these grounds, 42 cotton varieties were evaluated for their genetic potential to perform under limited water conditions (60% field capacity). The germplasm was subjected to the seedling stage drought stress, to observe genetic variation within germplasm for various traits related with drought stress viz. shoot length (cm), root length (cm), excise leaf water loss (ELWL) and relative water contents (RWC). These traits were used as stress indicators and significant variation was observed for these estimates. Among the seven tolerant accessions, DPL-26 and 149F were identified as the highly tolerant due to their least SSI estimates for most of the characters studied. Likewise among the susceptible lines, FH-1000 and NF-801 were identified as highly susceptible. Our studies showed the presence of genetic variability for the trait of interest and it exhibits its potential for exploitation in the future breeding for drought tolerance. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted to assess the role of mucilage in seed desiccation, germination, and its interaction with fungus in Rough lemon, Sachtion citrumelo and Yuma citrange rootstock seeds of citrus fruits. Water loss percentage was minimum (with or without mucilage) in Rough lemon seeds (20.28%) and (31.25%) at 25°C and 35°C respectively, with high germination percentage (3.33%) while maximum water loss (29.50%) was observed in Sachtion citrumelo at 25°C having low germination percentage (1.33%). However, Yuma citrange showed maximum water loss (34.39%) at 35°C with germination percentage (1.67%). The pathogenic fungus which infected the seeds was isolated, purified and identified as Aspergillus niger. Fungus growth on seeds of Rough lemon, Sachtion citrumelo and Yuma citrange was 14.08 mm, 10.65 mm and 9.36 mm, respectively on 6th day of inoculation. It is obvious from the results that mucilage played significant role in desiccation, germination as well as fungal habitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a pseudocereal, is a new introduction in Pakistan. Crop is abiotic stress tolerant, low input requiring and economic produce is grain of superior nutritional profile as compared to common cereals. Its production technology has yet to be explored according to local conditions. For obtaining high crop yields nutrient in balanced amount is a basic requirement. To evaluate the influence of different nitrogen doses on the productivity of quinoa, a field experiment was conducted on two promising genotypes A9 and CPJ-2 with five nitrogen levels (0, 50, 75, 100, 125 kg ha[sup -1]) in two splits. Nitrogen fertilization (75 kg N ha[sup -1] and higher N levels) caused early completion of vegetative phenological stages. Genotype CPJ2 was early maturing as compared to genotype A9. Soil application of nitrogen (75 kg N ha[sup -1] and higher N levels) improved all growth and yield related traits resulting in increased biomass production, economic harvest and harvest index. Percent increase in grain yield over control was also affected by nitrogen application. Comparatively genotype A9 was high yielding than CPJ-2. Furthermore, N supplementation of soil (75 kg N ha[sup -1]] and higher N levels) improved leaf chlorophyll content of both quinoa genotypes. In conclusion, soil application with N @ 75 kg N ha[sup -1] was found best level of N to attain maximum economic harvest of quinoa. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current water scarcity is an emerging issue in semi-arid regions like Pakistan and cause of deterioration in productivity of crops to reduce crop yield all over the world. Silicon is known to be better against the deleterious effects of drought on plant growth and development. A pot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Si nutrition (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) on the growth of a relatively drought tolerant (P-33H25) and sensitive (FH-810) maize hybrids. Two levels of soil water content were used viz. 100 and 60% of field capacity. Water deficit condition in soil significantly reduced morphological and physiological attributes of maize plants. Silicon application significantly improved the plant height, leaf area per plant, primary root length, dry matter of shoot and roots and plant dry matter, water relation and gas exchange characteristics of both maize cultivars under water deficit condition. Poor growth of drought stressed plants was significantly improved with Si application. The silicon fertilized (100 mg/kg) drought stressed plants of hybrid P-33H25 produced maximum (21.68% more) plant dry matter as compared to plants that were not provided with silicon nutrition. Nonetheless, silicon application (150 mg/kg) resulted in maximum increase (26.03%) in plant dry weight of hybrid FH-810 plants that were grown under limited moisture supply i.e., 60% FC. In conclusion silicon application to drought stressed maize plants was better to improve the growth and dry matter could be attributed to improved osmotic adjustment, photosynthetic rate and lowered transpiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress due to its severity badly effects productivity in cereals, while the foliar application of growth-enhancing substances may be helpful in reducing the drought effects. This study evaluated the efficacy of foliar applied growth enhancers i.e. Moring oleifera leaf extract (MLE), benzyl amino purine (BAP, 50 mg L-1) and K (SOP, 2%) against water spray as control in wheat cv. Sehar-2006. Three irrigation levels were maintained at 100, 75 and 50% field capacity designated as well watered, moderate and severe drought stressed. Increasing drought stress significantly reduced plant growth and yield. The foliar applied MLE and BAP produced maximum leaf area, Chl a and b under well watered conditions and minimum in control under severe stress. Total leaf soluble proteins were also higher in well watered and drought stressed plants applied with BAP. Foliar applied MLE increased POD, catalase, ascorbic acid and leaf K+ contents under moderate drought, while total phenolic contents under severe drought condition. BAP application exhibited enhanced SOD levels under severe drought. Highest grain yield per plant was also recorded for foliar applied MLE under well watered, moderate and severe water stress than other growth enhancers. Nonetheless, foliar applied growth enhancers particularly moringa leaf extracts ameliorated the adverse effects of drought by enhancing antioxidant levels and plant secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor germination due to low temperature at early stages badly affects the performance of spring maize. The present study was conducted to look into the effect of seed priming with moringa leaf extract (MLE, 3%), sorghum water extract (SWE, 10 mL L-1), ascorbic acid (ASA, 50 mg L-1), salicylic acid (SA, 50 mg L-1) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 2 μM) alone or in combinations on germination and emergence of hybrid maize at 12°C and 25°C. Untreated seeds were used as control. At optimum temperature, most of growth promoting substances significantly improved germination attributes while at low temperature, higher final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI) and reduced time to 50% germination (T50), mean germination time (MGT) were attributed to SWE+ASA, MLE+H2O2, ASA+H2O2, MLE+SWE+H2O2, MLE+SA+H2O2, ASA+SA+H2O2, MLE+SWE+ASA+H2O2 and SWE+ASA+SA+H2O2 priming treatments as compare to control and hydropriming. Higher shoot length, root length and seedling dry weights were also linked with these treatments at both the temperatures. However, in net house study, better emergence attributes and improved seedling performance was observed in seeds treated with MLE+H2O2 followed by SWE+ASA, SWE+ASA+SA+H2O2 and ASA+SA+H2O2 as compared to other priming treatments. Improved performance of maize seedlings was due to high α-amylase activity and sugar contents. Results revealed that these seed priming combinations were very effective in improving seed germination under cool conditions, while field appraisal of these combinations is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early plantation of spring maize crop is practiced to avoid heat stress during seed set but low temperature causes poor and erratic stand establishment. Foliar application of antioxidants, plant growth regulators and osmoprotectant can improve early seedling growth. Foliar spray of ascorbic acid (AsA), salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) @ 20 and 40 mg L-1 was applied on spring maize seedlings at 3rd leaf stage. Foliar application improved shoot and root lengths, which was associated with higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), chlorophyll and nutrients contents. A positive correlation was observed between shoot length and shoot N, P and K contents, leaf SOD and chlorophyll contents, while root length was positively correlated with root N, P and K contents. It is concluded that early seedling establishment can be improved by exogenous application of AsA, SA and H2O2 owing to enhanced antioxidants defense system and nutrient homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important yield limiting factor in rice. This study evaluated the response of split application time of N on total dry matter accumulation and yield in dry direct seeded rice (DSR). Total crop required N (143 kg ha-1) was applied in different splits viz. three splits with one-half at sowing, remaining half at tillering and anthesis; one-third each at sowing, tillering and anthesis; in two splits one-half each at sowing and tillering; sowing and anthesis; and at tillering and anthesis. Maximum pre-anthesis total dry matter (TDM), LAI, CGR and NAR were recorded for two N splits applied at sowing and anthesis followed by three splits each at sowing, tillering and anthesis. Application of two splits at sowing and anthesis also produced maximum total and panicle bearing tillers, kernels per panicle, 1000-kernel weight, straw and kernel yield, and harvest index following three equal splits. Response of panicle length and sterile splikelets to N splits was non-significant. Significant and positive relationship of TDM produced at anthesis with kernel yield and growth attributes was also found. In conclusion, two or three splits particularly with N supply at sowing and anthesis were better to improve crop growth, dry matter and yield in DSR and could be attributed to better nutrient uptake and reduced N losses increasing crop NUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is a major and ever-present threat to crop production, especially where irrigation is necessary for agriculture. Two independent field experiments were carried out in natural non-saline (site-I; electrical conductivity [EC] < 4 dS m-1) and saline (site-II; EC = 10-13.8 dS m-1) fields to test the efficacy of different doses of Si (0, 75, and 150 mg kg-1) on two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with different salt susceptibility, i.e., 'Auqab-2000' (salt-sensitive) and 'SARC-5' (salt-tolerant). The crop was harvested at maturity and various ionic and yield parameters were recorded. The concomitant increase in the number of tillers, number of grains per spike, grain yield, and biological yield were observed given that Si was applied under both optimal and salt-affected field conditions. It was concluded that 'SARC-5' is better than 'Auqab-2000' under salt stress. When Si was applied, similar effects were observed in both cultivars regardless of their salt sensitivity and whether the field was saline or non-saline, and it enhanced wheat growth by improving K+:Na+, which was adversely influenced by salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the relationship of orchard location, soil and tree nutrient status with fruit quality of 'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) in district Sargodha (major 'Kinnow' producing area), Pakistan. The district was divided in four locations comprising of its four tehsils i.e., Bhalwal, Kotmomin, Sargodha and Sillanwali, while from each location seven orchards were randomly selected for soil, leaf and fruit samples collection. Soils from all locations were found slightly alkaline having deficit organic matter and P contents, while optimum in K contents. Foliar N and K contents were within optimum range from Bhalwal and Kotmomin orchards, while foliar P contents were in deficient from all locations. Fruit harvested from Bhalwal exhibited higher juice contents, soluble solids concentration (SSC) and level of ascorbic acid with lowest peel weight and thickness owing to better soils and leaf nutrient contents as compared to other locations. The results show pronounced effect of the soil and leaf nutrient conditions on physico-chemical quality characteristics of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit besides other un-foreseen factors at different locations. Over all, orchards at Bhalwal produced 'Kinnow' fruit with superior quality (higher juice contents, SSC, ascorbic acid & lower peel weight & thickness) in contrast to all other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in solution culture to understand the response of dissimilar maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes against salinity in green house at Saline Agriculture Research Centre, Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Maize plants at two leaf phase were transplanted at three different levels of water salinity [(T1 (Control) T2 [EC 2.0 dS m-1, SAR 15.0 (mmol L-1)1/2 and RSC 2.25 mmolcL-1] andT3 [EC 4.0 dS m-1, SAR 25.0 (mmol L-1)1/2, RSC 5.0 mmolc L-1 ]. The mixtures of four salts (NaHCO3, Na2SO4, CaCl2.2H2O and MgSO4.7H2O) were used to formulate saline water levels through quadratic equation. Half strength Hoagland's nutrient solution was applied for nourishment throughout experiment. After 30 days of salinity evolution, maize plants were harvested and data for shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight root dry weight, shoot length and root length were recorded. From leaf juice Na+ and K+ contents were resolute and K+: Na+ proportion was calculated. All the growing components of maize varieties were significantly abridged owing to salinity effects and genotypic dissimilarity for salt lenience was also noticed between the maize varieties. The genotypes Sahiwal-2002 and Afgoi were classified as salt lenient genotype as these produced the highest shoot biomass (21.6 g and 17.3g) and retained higher K+: Na+(0.90 and 0.67) ratio, however Sadaf, FH-963 and FH-722 were categorized as salt sensitive genotypes and produced the least shoot weight (8.8 g, 7.7g and 7.9g) and could retain the lowest K+: Na+(0.34, 0.19 and 0.21) proportions under salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]