Soil Carbon Sequestration,Water Use Efficiency(WUE) and Biological Nitrogen Fixation(BNF) Under Conservation Agriculture in Rain-fed Dry Area of North-west Pakistan

Land degradation,unbalanced nutrition,change in climate and its extreme variability are the factors affecting the sustainability of agriculture and food security.In North-west Pakistan,more than 50%of the cultivated area is rain-fed and the crop productivity is low.Conservation agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing soil carbon sequestration and then improved soil fertility,WUE and crop productivity.A field experiment

Evaluation of different formulations of IGRs against Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective: To test the relative efficacy of pyriproxyfen and methoprene on mortality,deformity, inhibition and emergence to adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus.Methods: Serial dilutions(0.01–0.05 mg/L) of methoprene, pyriproxyfen 0.5 water dispersible granules(WDG) and pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG were used to assess mortality and inhibition of 3rd instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Each concentration and control was replicated four times in completely randomized design.Data on larval mortality, growth inhibition, deformities and adult's emergence was recorded weekly. On the basis of best comparative performance, the efficacy of pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG at 0.1 g/m3 was also tested in the field by collecting treated water samples monthly for 1–6 months after field application. Twenty five 3rd instar larvae of Aedes and Culex spp. of the same cohorts were used for bioassays and compared with larvae in control cups containing 1 L of untreated tap water.Results: Results revealed variations in fatality of different insect growth regulators(IGRs) to the 3rd instar larvae of Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. Among the IGRs, pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG was found best that exhibited significantly high emergence inhibition against Culex and Aedes spp. Based on the results, the IGRs were classified in terms of the tested parameters in order of pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG > pyriproxyfen 0.5WDG > methoprene. In case of field studies, pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG, pool data of the entire target treated sites showed minimum adult emergence from water sampled of habitats treated with 0.1 g/m3 of pyriproxyfen 1.0 WDG.Conclusions: It is thus concluded that IGRs can be utilized as environment friendly control measures for Culex and Aedes spp. of mosquitoes on small and large scale. This will reduce the use of conventional insecticides by the public health authorities and help in reducing selection pressure of insecticides.

Stability analysis of different cotton genotypes under normal and water-deficit conditions

Cotton plant observes significant reduction in seed cotton yield when subjected to water stress.To find out genotypes having better drought tolerance,seven genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L.were tested under two moisture levels,i.e.,normal and water deficit stress conditions at five locations of Punjab,Pakistan(Faisalabad,Sahiwal,Vehari,Rahim Yar Khan,and Bahawalpur)in 2013 and 2014.Genotype×environment interaction(GEI)was studied using the genotype main effects and genotype by environment interaction(GGE)biplot and additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis.The genotypes G3(7001/11)and G6(FH-942)were stable under normal condition,while under drought condition,the stable genotype was G5(FH-326)when analysed using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction(AMMI)biplot scheme.While GGE biplot analysis on the basis of best performance revealed that under normal condition the genotypes,G1(L-13/10)and G2(FH-2056/10),carrying the common position in biplot.Whereas,under water deficit stress condition,G5 was the best adaptive genotype at all five locations.In the same way,ranking of genotypes showed that the G5 was the ideal genotype under both conditions.So,it is concluded that the genotype G5(FH-326)was found best for water deficit stress condition and can be cultivated under water scarce areas of Punjab.

In vitro larvicidal potential against Anopheles stephensi and antioxidative enzyme activities of Ginkgo biloba,Stevia rebaudiana and Parthenium hysterophorous

Objective:To investigate in vitro larvicidal and antioxidant enzymes potential of the medicinal plants Ginkgo biloba（G.biloba）,Stevia rebaudiana（S.rebaudiana） and Parthenium hysterophorous（P.hysterophorous） against Anopheles stephensi（An.stephensi） 4th instars larvae. Methods:For evaluation of larvicidal potential,the ethanolic,methanolic and dichloromethane leaves extracts of three different plants were used in dose-dependent experiments in two media, while the antioxidant enzymes activities were investigated using four different methods viz., superoxide dismutase,peroxidase,ascorbate and catalase.Results:An.stephensi has developed resistance to various synthetic insecticides,making its control increasingly difficult.The comparative performance of ethanolic extracts（65%-90%） was found better than the methanolic extract（70%-87%） and dichloromethane extract（60%-70%）.Among the three plants extracts tested in two media,S.rebaudiana exhibited higher larvicidal activity with LC50（24 h） in methanolic extract than P.hysterophorous and G.biloba.G.biloba and P.hysterophorous exhibited the strongest antioxidative enzymes activity and S.rebaudiana were less active and no significant difference was observed.Conclusions:These three plants exhibit larvicidal potential and can be further used for vector control alternative to synthetic insecticide due to eco-friendly and diseases control,furthermore these plant species have potent antioxidative enzyme activities, therefore,making them strong natural candidate particularly for diseases which are caused due to free radicals.

EFFECT OF COMBINATION METHODS ON INSECT DISINFESTATION AND QUALITY OF PLANT NUTS

Almond, groundnut, pinenut and walnut, were radiated (0.25 kGy) after packing in coloured and clear polyethylene bags (0.04mm) and subsequently stored for 24 weeks at room (16-36℃) and low temperatures (10-20℃). The effect of these treatments on insect infestation and quality was studied. It was observed that radiation (0.25 kGy) treatment in combination with low temperature (10-20℃) completely checked the insect infestation of nuts during 24 weeks of storage. Peroxidation was higher in samples stored at room than at low temperature. Storage period had a marked adverse influence on sensory quality of nuts, however, samples kept at low temperature were comparatively rated higher.

POST—DEHYDRATION SHELF LIFE EXTENSION OF FRUITS AND NUTS

Post- dehydration storage life of fruits and plant nuts such as apricot, raisin, date, fig, almond, peanut, pinenut and walnut, was studied. The results showed that radiation dose of 1.0 kGy completely, inhibited insect infestation. Low dose radiation (0.25kGy) plus 20℃ and vacuum extended the storage life for 6 and 12 months in dry nuts and fruits respectively without affecting nutritional quality except ascorbic acid. Packaging in opaque pouches under vacuum proved better than other treatments in maintaining nutritional and sensoric quality.

RADIATION EFFECT ON BIOSYNTHESES OF ASCORBIC ACID AND RIBOFLAVIN IN GERMINATING CHICKPEA

The influence of irradiation on biosyntheses of ascorbic acid and riboflavin in germinating chickpea seeds at ambient (25-35℃) conditions, was investigated. The rate of syntheses of these vitamins significantly increased with increasing germination time upto 120 h depending upon the treatment (P【0.05). Maximum amounts of ascorbic acid, 22.32 and 16.84 mg/100g, were found in the 0.10 kGy sample after 120 h of germination in tap and distilled water respectively. However, a radiation dose of 0.15 kGy resulted in the development of maximum values of riboflavin, 11.40 and 11.38 μ g/g, on germination in tap and distilled water respectively. A significant linear relation (r = 0-954 to 0.997) was observed between the biosyntheses of these vitamins and the germination time upto 120 h of irradiated and unirradiated chickpea seed (P【0.05).

Determination and inheritance of phytic acid as marker in diverse genetic group of bread wheat

Phytic acid (Myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexa-kisphophate) is a storage form of phosphorus and can accumulate to the levels as high as 35% in the wheat kernel. Phytic acid acts as an inhibitor for macronutrients as well as micronutrients and located in the bran of wheat kernel. Due to its inhibitory role, a high concentration of phytic acid is undesirable as it hinders the bio-availability of some essential nutrients such as Fe, Mg, Ca, Zn and Cu, etc. In order to check the inheritance of phytic acid in wheat kernels, phytic acid concentration was initially determined in kernels of 10 wheat genotypes to identify two contrasting genetic groups for diallel analysis. Based on pre-screening results of 10 wheat genotypes, five wheat genotypes (3 with high and 2 with low phytic acid concentration) were crossed in all possible combinations during 2007-2008 by 5 × 5 full diallel mating fashion to insight the inheritance of phytic acid and other yield contributing traits. All 20 F1 hybrids and five parental genotypes revealed significant differences statistically, except plant maturity. The narrow and broad sense heritability estimates varied widely among traits for spike length (0.17, 0.62), spikelets spike-1 (0.35, 0.74), tillers plant-1 (0.05, 0.52) and phytic acid concentration (0.01, 0.86). The values for phytic acid concentration ranged from 0.56% to 3.43% among F1 hybrids and 1.06 to 3.67% for parental genotypes. F1 hybrids, Ps-2005 × Ghaznavi (0.56%), AUP-4006 × Ps-2004 (0.74%), Janbaz × Ps-2004 (0.89%) and Janbaz × Ps-2005 (1.01%), had the lowest concentration of phytic acid. The study concluded that F1 hybrids with low phytic acid concentration could yield desirable segregants.

Effect of Cooking on Amylose Contents of Mungbean （Phaseolus aureus） and Chickpea （Cicer arietinum L.） Varieties

Keeping in view the importance of amylose for various food industries as well as its importance on domestic level, the current study was conducted to analyze the amylose content of pulses of common use e.g. mungbean （NM-92, NM-98 and Ramazan） and kabuli type chickpea （CMNKI0-99, CMNK452-2 and Hassan 2k） varieties and quantifying the influence of cooking （boiling） on the amylose contents of pulses. The data revealed that moisture and arnylose content of uncooked mungbean varieties ranged 9.01-9.47% and 20.06-22.26% respectively. The moisture and amylose content of Kabuli type chickpea varieties varied 8.52-8.79% and 20.25-22.83% respectively. Moisture content of mungbean （64.16-66.08%） as well as chickpea （55.56-61.52%） varieties increased after cooking. For all the three varieties of mungbean the observed cooking time was 11 minutes. The maximum value of amylose content was assayed for NM-98 （20.74%） followed by Ramzan （20.24%）. The cooking time of Kabuli type chickpea varieties CMNK-452-2 and CMNK-10-99 was 60 min. Hassan 2K observed more cooking time （90 min） and highest value of amylose content in cooked （19.01%） samples. The effect of cooking/varietals on sensory evaluation （appearance, flavor, texture and overall acceptability） of mungbean varieties was statistically non significant attributes. Among chickpea varieties, Hassan 2K was ranked lowest due to its small size and hard texture and the sensory attributes were statistically significant （P 〈 0.05） as compared to the other two varieties.

Amylose contents of cereals; influence of household processing on the amylose contents of these foods

Amylose is a food starch found in cereals, legumes and root vegetables. Keeping in view the importance of amylose for various food industries as well as its importance on domestic level, the current study was conducted to analyze the amylose content of common cereals e. g rice （sela, coarse and basmati）, maize yellow, Kisan and Azam varieties and wheat （Tatara, Fakhr-e-sarhad and Bakhtawar-92） varieties as well as quantifying the influence of cooking/boiling procedures on the amylose contents of cereals. The maximum amylose content were observed for wheat variety Tatara （24.28%） followed by Bakhtawar-92 （22.74%） and Fakhr-e-sarhad （19.77%）. Among maize and rice varieties studied, Kisan and course rice were rich in amylose content with values of 27.19 and 30.48% respectively. The chapti of Tatra wheat were scored highest for appearance （7.6）, flavor （7.5）, texture （7.6） and overall acceptability （7.55）. The roti of Kisan and Azam varieties got maximum appearance score of 7.6 as compared to 7.4 for maize yellow variety. Basmati rice was scored highest regarding appearance （8.4）, flavor （8.6）, texture （8.6） and overall acceptability （8.53. The moisture content ranged from 10.61 （Azam） to 8.01% （wheat variety Fakhr-e-sarhad）. Cooking reduced the amylose content of wheat bread from （19.77%-24.28%） to （15.47%-15.94%） with cooking time of 5 min, maize bread from （21.48%-27.19%） to （19.53 %-25.85%） with maximum cooking time of 10 min and boiled rice from （24.90%-30.48%） to （24.18%-30.19%） with cooking time ranging from 12 to 20 min. It can be inferred from these studies that the reduction in amylose content were more in chapti/roti preparation of wheat and maize varieties as compared to boiling of rice varieties and that significant varietals differences exist in amylose content of the uncooked samples.

Dengue fever treatment with Carica papaya leaves extracts

The main objective of the current study is to investigate the potential of Carica papaya leaves extracts against Dengue fever in 45 year old patient bitten by carrier mosquitoes.For the treatment of Dengue fever the extract was prepared in water.25 mL of aqueous extract of C.papaya leaves was administered to patient infected with Dengue fever twice daily i.e.morning and evening for five consecutive days.Before the extract administration the blood samples from patient were analyzed.Platelets count(PLT),White Blood Cells(WBC) and Neutrophils(NEUT) decreased from 176×10~3/μ L,8.10×10~3/μ L,84.0%to 55×10~3/μ L,3.7×10~3/μL and 46.0%.Subsequently,the blood samples were rechecked after the administration of leaves extract.It was observed that the PLT count increased from 55×10~3/μ L to 168×10~3/μ L,WBC from 3.7×10~3/μ L to 7.7×10~3/μ L and NEUT from 46.0%to 78.3%.From the patient feelings and blood reports it showed that Carica papaya leaves aqueous extract exhibited potential activity against Dengue fever.Furthermore,the different parts of this valuable specie can be further used as a strong natural candidate against viral diseases.

RADIATION OR WAXING EFFECT ON SHELF LIFE OF GUAVA FRUIT

Red and white guavas were treated with wax emulsion or irradiation (0.25-2.0 kGy) and kept for 12 days at room temperature. Initiation of rot attack occurred after 3 days which increased significantly during further storage. In the waxed fruits rottage, weight loss and vitamin loss were significantly less than controls and irradiated ones. Sensory scores decreased with storage time and they ranged 3.7-4.5, 2.1-3.9 and 2.3-2.7 in waxed, radiated and untreated controls respectively, after 12 days storage. Waxing was found to increase the. shelf life of this fruit for 3-4 d while irradiation exhibited no beneficial effects.

RADIATION EFFECTS ON SOME PHYSICO-BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN PISUM SATIVUM

Effect of irradiation treatment (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kGy) on fresh pea cultivars was investigated. Results indicated that significant decrease in colour (% transmittance) and ascorbic acid occurred due to storage period. Higher irradiation treatments showed a significant difference in colour retention in both the cultivars. Visual observation indicated no sprouting until 6th days after which sprouting started in both the cultivars irrespective of radiation treatments. At higher irradiation dose (4.00 kGy) sprouts died soon after emergence. Peas irradiated at 2.0-4.0 kGy doses showed rottage after 9-12 days of storage in both the varieties. Higher irradiation doses enhanced the rate of rot compared with lower doses, p-8 was more resistant to rottage than Moon cultivar of pea.

Horizontal and vertical gene transfer drive sediment antibiotic resistome in an urban lagoon system

Rapid urbanization has resulted in pervasive occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs)in urban aquatic ecosystems.However,limited information is available concerning the ARG profiles and the forces responsible for their assembly in urban landscape lagoon systems.Here,we employed high-throughput quantitative PCR(HT-q PCR)to characterize the spatial variations of ARGs in surface and core sediments of Yundang Lagoon,China.The results indicated that the average richness and absolute abundance of ARGs were 11 and 53 times higher in the lagoon sediments as compared to pristine reference Tibetan lake sediments,highlighting the role of anthropogenic activities in ARG pollution.Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that various anaerobic prokaryotic genera belonging to Alpha-,Deltaproteobacteria,Bacteroidetes,Euryarchaeota,Firmicutes and Synergistetes were the potential hosts of ARGs.The partial least squares-path modeling(PLS-PM)analysis revealed positive and negative indirect effects of physicochemical factors and heavy metals on the lagoon ARG profiles,via biotic factors,respectively.The horizontal(mediated by mobile genetic elements)and vertical(mediated by prokaryotic communities)gene transfer may directly contribute the most to drive the abundance and composition of ARGs,respectively.Furthermore,the neutral community model demonstrated that the assembly of sediment ARG communities was jointly governed by deterministic and stochastic processes.Overall,this study provides novel insights into the diversity and distribution of ARGs in the benthic habitat of urban lagoon systems and underlying mechanisms for the spread and proliferation of ARGs.

Health risks associated with heavy metals in the drinking water of Swat,northern Pakistan

The concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were investigated in drinking water sources （surface and groundwater） collected from Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The potential health risks of heavy metals to the local population and their possible source apportionment were also studied. Heavy metal concentrations were analysed using atomic absorption spectrometer and compared with permissible limits set by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were higher than their respective permissible limits, while Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations were observed within their respective limits. Health risk indicators such as chronic daily intake （CDI） and health risk index （HRI） were calculated for adults and children separately. CDIs and HRIs of heavy metals were found in the order of Cr 〉 Mn 〉 Ni 〉 Zn 〉 Cd 〉 Cu 〉 Pb and Cd 〉 Ni 〉 Mn 〉 Cr 〉 Cu 〉 Pb 〉 Zn, respectively. HRIs of selected heavy metals in the drinking water were less than 1, indicating no health risk to the local people. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses showed that geologic and anthropogenic activities were the possible sources of water contamination with heavy metals in the study area.