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In Pakistan, the low yield of eggplant is ascribed to legions of biotic constraints. Among biotic restraints, root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. are economically very important and cause losses to the tune of $ 125 billion per year throughout the world. The present studies were aimed to evaluate 21 eggplant genotypes against the most destructive nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, under greenhouse conditions. Of all the genotypes/varieties of eggplant, Janak and Pala were found resistant and moderately resistant to M. incognita respectively. Fifteen varieties/lines viz. EP-972, Kokila F1, EP-950, EP-906, Jhansi F1, Adv-301, KHBR-201, KHBR-202, KHBR-203, KHBR-204, EP-900, 2016, KHBR-205, EP-966 and Sultan were found susceptible while four genotypes namely Nirala, Dilnasheen, Wer and Bemisal showed highly susceptible reaction against M. incognita. All the genotypes showed significant differences in number of galls, eggmasses, females, root and soil populations, reproductive factors and eggmass/gall and eggmass/ female ratios. Minimum galls, eggmasses, and females were observed on resistant and moderately resistant genotypes. On the other hand, maximum values in these parameters were recorded on susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes/lines. Similarly, minimum number of juveniles were recovered from roots and soils of resistant genotype (Janak) followed by moderately resistant genotype (Pala) while maximum juveniles were recovered from roots and soils of susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes. Likewise, variations were also observed in reproduction of the nematode on 21 genotypes. Minimum reproductive factor of M. incognita was observed on Janak followed by Pala and maximum was recorded on Dilnasheen followed by Nirala. The reproductive factors on other genotypes were variable. A similar trend was observed in case of eggmass/gall and eggmass/female ratios in all the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered as one of the main cereals, used as a source of food, forage, and processed products. The loss of maize productivity is reported due to effect on roots, stalks, ears, and kernels mainly caused by many fungi. Among these fungal pathogens of maize, Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) are the most prevalent that produces highly toxigenic aflatoxins that are highly carcinogenic to the consumers. The present study is confined to isolate and characterize the A. flavus from maize seeds for accurate identification that can be helpful for determination and management of aflatoxins in maize crop. Eighty stored seed samples of maize were collected from warehouses where seeds are stored for food and feeding purposes. For the isolation of A. flavus, Potato Dextrose Agar was used. Isolated fungi were identified macro and microscopically using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. A total of 212 Aspergillus isolates were identified based on macro‐morphological and micro‐morphological characteristics. The results showed that A. flavus colonies were granular, flat with yellow‐green to deep yellow‐green colony color having a white border and compact, spherical spore heads. Rapid rate of growth was observed maturing in about 3–5 days. In microscopic features, A. flavus have apically swollen conidiophores with various conidia bearing cells in long and dry chains. Spherical conidial heads were split into several columns ranging 300–400 μm in diameter. This will be helpful for farmers, researchers and traders in future for correct identification of sources of aflatoxins. Research Highlights: Maize seed samples were collected from Pothohar region of Pakistan.The fungi were isolated on PDA.Aspergillus flavus was identified macro‐morphologically by observing growth rate, colony color and texture.Furthermore, these fungi were identified micro‐morphologically by using light and scanning electron microscope.The 212 Aspergillus flavus strains were isolated and identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]