Transcription factor CabHLH035 promotes cold resistance and homeostasis of reactive oxygen species in pepper

Plant basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH)transcription factors(TFs)play central roles in various abiotic stresses.However,its role in plant cold resistance is largely unknown.Previously,we characterised CaNAC035 in pepper,which positively regulates tolerance to cold,salt and drought stresses tolerance.Here,we identified CabHLH035,a CaNAC035-interacting protein in pepper.To explore its functions in cold stress tolerance,we silenced the gene in pepper via virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)and overexpressed the gene in Arabidopsis.The results showed that CabHLH035 expression was induced by cold treatment,and silencing of CabHLH035 decreased cold stress tolerance.Conversely,overexpression of CabHLH035 in Arabidopsis increased cold stress tolerance.To investigate homologs genes of C-repeat binding factor(CBF)pathway proteins and reactive oxygen species(ROS)marker gene expression blocking by CabHLH035,we performed yeast one-hybrid(Y1H),dual luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments.The results showed that CabHLH035 bound to the region upstream of the CaCBF1A and CaAPX promoters.Additionally,CaCBF1A bound to the CaDHN4 promoter.Taken together,our results showed that CabHLH035 plays a crucial role in cold stress tolerance and its potential as a target for breeding cold-resistant crops.The findings provide a basis for studying the functions and regulatory network of cold stress tolerance in pepper.

Multiple-model GWAS identifies optimal allelic combinations of quantitative trait loci for malic acid in tomato

Malic acid(MA)is an important flavor acid in fruits and acts as a mediator in a series of metabolic pathways.It is important to understand the factors affecting MA metabolism for fruit flavor improvement and to understand MA-mediated biological processes.However,themetabolic accumulation of MA is controlled by complex heredity and environmental factors,making it difficult to predict and regulate the metabolism of MA.In this study,we carried out a genome-wide association study(GWAS)on MA using eight milestone models with two-environment repeats.A series of associated SNP variations were identified from the GWAS,and 15 high-confidence annotated geneswere further predicted based on linkage disequilibrium and lead SNPs.The transcriptome data of candidate geneswere explored within different tomato organs as well as various fruit tissues,and suggested specific expression patterns in fruit pericarp.Based on the genetic parameters of population differentiation and SNP distribution,tomato MA content has been more influenced by domestication sweeps and less affected by improvement sweeps in the long-term history of tomato breeding.In addition,genotype×environment interaction might contribute to the difference in domestication phenotypic data under different environments.This study provides new genetic insights into how tomato changed its MA content during breeding and makes available function-based markers for breeding by marker-assisted selection.

Performance Analysis of Intelligent Neural-Based Deep Learning System on Rank Images Classification

The use of the internet is increasing all over the world on a daily basis in the last two decades.The increase in the internet causes many sexual crimes,such as sexual misuse,domestic violence,and child pornography.Various research has been done for pornographic image detection and classification.Most of the used models used machine learning techniques and deep learning models which show less accuracy,while the deep learning model ware used for classification and detection performed better as compared to machine learning.Therefore,this research evaluates the performance analysis of intelligent neural-based deep learning models which are based on Convolution neural network(CNN),Visual geometry group(VGG-16),VGG-14,and Residual Network(ResNet-50)with the expanded dataset,trained using transfer learning approaches applied in the fully connected layer for datasets to classify rank(Pornographic vs.Nonpornographic)classification in images.The simulation result shows that VGG-16 performed better than the used model in this study without augmented data.The VGG-16 model with augmented data reached a training and validation accuracy of 0.97,0.94 with a loss of 0.070,0.16.The precision,recall,and f-measure values for explicit and non-explicit images are(0.94,0.94,0.94)and(0.94,0.94,0.94).Similarly,The VGG-14 model with augmented data reached a training and validation accuracy of 0.98,0.96 with a loss of 0.059,0.11.The f-measure,recall,and precision values for explicit and non-explicit images are(0.98,0.98,0.98)and(0.98,0.98,0.98).The CNN model with augmented data reached a training and validation accuracy of 0.776&0.78 with losses of 0.48&0.46.The f-measure,recall,and precision values for explicit and non-explicit images are(0.80,0.80,0.80)and(0.78,0.79,0.78).The ResNet-50 model with expanded data reached with training accuracy of 0.89 with a loss of 0.389 and 0.86 of validation accuracy and a loss of 0.47.The f-measure,recall,and precision values for explicit and non-explicit images are(0.86,0.97,0.91)and(0.86,0.93,0.89).Where else without augmented data the VGG-16 model reached a training and validation accuracy of 0.997,0.986 with a loss of 0.008,0.056.The f-measure,recall,and precision values for explicit and non-explicit images are(0.94,0.99,0.97)and(0.99,0.93,0.96)which outperforms the used models with the augmented dataset in this study.

Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Efficient Cluster Head Selection in WSN

Numerous wireless networks have emerged that can be used for short communication ranges where the infrastructure-based networks may fail because of their installation and cost.One of them is a sensor network with embedded sensors working as the primary nodes,termed Wireless Sensor Networks(WSNs),in which numerous sensors are connected to at least one Base Station(BS).These sensors gather information from the environment and transmit it to a BS or gathering location.WSNs have several challenges,including throughput,energy usage,and network lifetime concerns.Different strategies have been applied to get over these restrictions.Clustering may,therefore,be thought of as the best way to solve such issues.Consequently,it is crucial to analyze effective Cluster Head(CH)selection to maximize efficiency throughput,extend the network lifetime,and minimize energy consumption.This paper proposed an Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization(APSO)algorithm based on the Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy(LEACH),Neighboring Based Energy Efficient Routing(NBEER),Cooperative Energy Efficient Routing(CEER),and Cooperative Relay Neighboring Based Energy Efficient Routing(CR-NBEER)techniques.With the help of APSO in the implementation of the WSN,the main methodology of this article has taken place.The simulation findings in this study demonstrated that the suggested approach uses less energy,with respective energy consumption ranges of 0.1441 to 0.013 for 5 CH,1.003 to 0.0521 for 10 CH,and 0.1734 to 0.0911 for 15 CH.The sending packets ratio was also raised for all three CH selection scenarios,increasing from 659 to 1730.The number of dead nodes likewise dropped for the given combination,falling between 71 and 66.The network lifetime was deemed to have risen based on the results found.A hybrid with a few valuable parameters can further improve the suggested APSO-based protocol.Similar to underwater,WSN can make use of the proposed protocol.The overall results have been evaluated and compared with the existing approaches of sensor networks.

Dry Matter Partitioning and Harvest Index Differ in Rice Genotypes with Variable Rates of Phosphorus and Zinc Nutrition

Phosphorus （P） and zinc （Zn） deficiencies are the major problems that decrease crop productivity under rice-wheat cropping system. Field experiments were conducted to investigate impacts of P （0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/hm^2） and Zn levels （0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/hm^2） on dry matter （DM） accumulation and partitioning, and harvest index of three rice genotypes ＇fine （Bamati-385） vs. coarse （F-Malakand and Pukhraj）＇ at various growth stages （tiliering, heading and physiological maturity）. The experiments were conducted at farmers＇ field at Batkhela in Northwestern Pakistan for two years in summer 2011 and 2012. The two year pooled data reveled that there were no differences in percent of DM partitioning into leaves and culms with application of different P and Zn levels, and genotypes at tillering. The highest P level （120 kg/hm^2） partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The highest Zn level （15 kg/hm^2） accumulated more DM and partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The hybrid rice （Pukhraj） produced and partitioned more DM into panicles than F-Malakand and Bamati-385 at heading and physiological maturity stages. Higher DM accumulation and greater amounts of partitioning into panicles at heading and physiological maturity stages was noticed with increase in P and Zn levels, and the increase was significantly higher in the coarse rice genotypes than fine. We concluded that the growing hybrid rice with application of 120 kg/hm^2 P ＋ 15 kg/hm^2 Zn not only increases total DM accumulation and partitioned greater amounts into the reproductive plant parts （panicles） but also results in higher harvest index.

Effects of Humic Acid and Crop Residues on Soil and Wheat Nitrogen Contents

This study was conducted with the aim of finding humic acid and crop residues effects on soil and wheat nitrogen at New Development Farm, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2009-2010. The experiment was laid out in RCB design having four replications. Different levels (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 kg ha-1) of Humic acid were applied at sowing time. Mungbean (5 tons ha-1), wheat straw (10 tons ha-1) and mungbean (2.5 tons ha-1) + wheat straw (5 tons ha-1) were incorporated 30 days before sowing. Our results showed higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.32 and 0.43, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in stem, leaves and grains (2.3, 4.6 and 21.1, respectively) mg kg-1 at maturity in those plots in which 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid was applied. Higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.04 and 0.5, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in leaves (5.5) mg kg-1 at pre-anthesis, while at maturity stage in stem, leaves and grain (5.5, 2.1, 4.2 and 20.8) g kg-1 was recorded in those plots in which 5 tons ha-1 mung bean was incorporated. Our experimental results suggest the use of 5 tons ha-1 of mungbean residues with 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid to improve soil fertility availability of more nitrogen in wheat plants to increase the crop yield and grains quality.

Potential of AM Fungi in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals and Effect on Yield of Wheat Crop

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the potential of AM fungi in phytoremediation of heavy metals and its effect on yield of wheat crop. The experiment was conducted in CR Design with four replications during rabi 2012-13. Data showed no increase in grain and shoot yields by AMF inoculation with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at different levels but increased root yield, plant height, spike length and hundred grains weight of wheat as compared with uninoculated crop. Post-harvest soil Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contents of 2, 4.4, 2.8 and 2.9 mg·kg-1, respectively were maximum in uninoculated plants treated with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at triple of recommended level. No increases in plant P, N, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn uptakes were observed by the inoculation of AMF when compared with uninoculated crop. Maximum plant Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn uptakes of 160.5, 206, 1914.6 and 2653 g·ha-1, respectively were recorded in uninoculated plants applied with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at triple of recommended levels. Wheat roots infection intensity by AMF increased with higher AMF soil spores density. Results suggest the potential of phytoremediation of contaminated soil to be improved by the inoculation of crops with AMF.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on Grain Yield andYield Components of Hybrid Rice in Northwestern Pakistan

Field experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various organic sources, inorganicnitrogen （N） and the different combinations of inorganic N （urea） ＋ organic source on the yieldcomponents （YC） and grain yield （GY） of hybrid rice （Oryza sativa L., Pukhraj） under rice-wheat system.The experiments were conducted at Batkhela （Malakand）, Northwestern Pakistan, in 2011 and 2012.Our results revealed that YC and GY ranked first for the hybrid rice when applied with sole inorganic N（urea）, followed by the application of N in mixture （urea ＋ organic sources）, while the control plots （no Napplied） ranked in the bottom. Among the six organic sources （three animal manures： poultry, sheepand cattle; three crop residues： onion, berseem and wheat）, application of N in the form of poultrymanure was superior in terms of higher YC and GY. When applying 120 kg/hm2 N source, 75% N fromurea ＋ 25% N from organic source resulted in higher YC and GY in 2011, while applying 50% N fromurea ＋ 50% N from organic sources caused higher YC and GY in 2012. Therefore, the combinedapplication of N sources in the form of urea ＋ organic source can produce good performances in termsof higher YC and GY of rice under rice-wheat cropping system.

The Enhancement of Soil Fertility,Dry Matter Transport and Accumulation,Nitrogen Uptake and Yield in Rice via Green Manuring

Readily available chemical fertilizers have resulted in a decline in the use of organic manure(e.g.,green manures),a traditionally sustainable source of nutrients.Based on this,we applied urea at the rate of 270 kg ha−1 with and without green manure in order to assess nitrogen(N)productivity in a double rice cropping system in 2017.In particular,treatment combinations were as follows:winter fallow rice-rice(WF-R-R),milk vetch rice-rice(MV-R-R),oil-seed rape rice-rice(R-R-R)and potato crop rice-rice(P-R-R).Results revealed that green manure significantly(p≤0.05)improved the soil chemical properties and net soil organic carbon content increased by an average 117.47%,total nitrogen(N)by 28.41%,available N by 26.64%,total phosphorus(P)by 37.77%,available P by 20.48%and available potassium(K)by 33.10%than WF-R-R,however pH was reduced by 3.30%across the seasons.Similarly,net dry matter accumulation rate enhanced in green manure applied treatments and ranked in order:P-R-R>R-R-R>MV-R-R>WF-R-R.Furthermore,the total leaf dry matter transport(t ha−1)for the P-R-R in both seasons was significantly higher by an average 11.2%,7.2%and 36%than MV-R-R,R-R-R,and WF-R-R,respectively.In addition,net total nitrogen accumulation(kg ha−1)was found higher in green manure applied plots compared to the control.Yield and yield attributed traits were observed maximum in green manure applied plots,with treatments ranking as follows:P-R-R>R-R-R>MV-R-R>WF-R-R.Thus,results obtained highlight ability of green manure to sustainably improve soil quality and rice yield.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Phosphorous on Growth of Roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

To investigate the performance of organic and inorganic phosphorous on growth of Roselle （Hibiscus sabdariffa L.）, an experiment was carried out at Newly Developmental Farm （NDF）, Horticulture Section, the university of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2012. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design （RCBD） with split plot arrangement and replicated three times. The chemical fertilizer Single Super Phosphate （SSP） was used as inorganic source of phosphorus, while Organic Phosphate （OP） from organic product produced by Niha corporation containing 20% organic mineralized P205, was used as the source of organic phosphorous. Both the sources of fertilizer were applied at the rate of 10, 20, 30 40 and 50 kg. hm2 and control. The statistical analysis of data revealed that both the sources and levels of phosphorus significantly affected most of the growth parameters of Roselle except germination percentage and survival percentage. Plant height （112.09 era）, numbers of leave plant1 （177.87）, numbers of branch plant1 （4.08）, leaf areas （126.60 cm2）, days to flowering （142.83）, fresh flower weight （2.56 g）, fresh calyx weight （1.70 g）, dry calyx weight （0.43 g）, numbers of calyces （94.10）, numbers of root plant-1 （11.03）, root length （22.67 cm） and root weight （27.50 g） were observed in plants fertilized with organic source of phosphorous. Phosphorous levels significantly affected all of the parameters except germination percentage and survival percentage. The maximum plant height （124.39 cm）, numbers of branches （5.32）, numbers of leave plantl （204.89）, leaf areas （148.14 cm2）, fresh flower weight （3.32 g）, fresh calyx weight （2.04 g）, dry calyx weight （0.51 g）, numbers of calyces （105.30）, numbers of root plant-1 （12.78）, root length （24.50 cm） and root weight （29.94 g） were observed in plants fertilized with 40 kg. hm-2 phosphorous and the maximum numbers of days to flowering （148.17） were observed in the control plants. It was concluded from the experimental results that organic phosphorous at the rate 40 kg. hm2 would be used for better production of Roselle under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.

Effect of Boron Soil Application on Nutrients Efficiency in Tobacco Leaf

The present study was based on the general hypothesis that boron may affect the accumulation and utilization of other nutrients in plant. For this purpose a field experiment was carried out to find out the influence of boron on the different nutrients content in FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) at TRS Khan Garhi, Mardan, during 2010-2011. Two varieties TM-2008 and Speight G-28 were tested and six levels of boron (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 kg&middotha-1) were applied in the form of boric acid, in randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement and replicated thrice. Results indicated that the yield of tobacco crop increased with 1 kg&middotB&middotha-1 and then decreased sequence wise in both varieties. N and P concentrations were significantly affected by applied boron. Similarly, potassium was increased which is a good indication for a better quality of tobacco crop. Application of boron significantly increased the concentrations of boron nutrients ratios such as K/B;Cl/B and Mn/Fe were decreased while K/Cl and Zn/Cu ratios were increased at lower boron concentrations but decreased at higher concentrations of boron. The fertilizer use efficiency of both the cultivars showed similar trend;however, Speight G-28 was more efficient than TM-2008 in boron accumulation. The overall results revealed that the application of boron should be encouraged for balancing nutrients concentration, thus getting higher yield in the prevailing conditions.

Characterization of the Causal Organism of Soft Rot of Tomatoes and Other Vegetables and Evaluation of Its Most Aggressive Isolates

To isolate the causal organism of soft rot of vegetables, diseased samples of potato, tomato, carrot, chilies, and bell pepper, were analyzed in the lab, using nutrient agar (NA) and/or the enrichment host (Bell pepper) technique. Successful isolations were purified by sub-culturing, identified as Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora through biochemical tests and their pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation on green tomato fruits. The isolates were tested for their aggressiveness to find out the most aggressive one in term of producing maximum soft rot on tomatoes. CRD (completely randomized design), with four replication was used and data were analyzed using LSD (least significant test) test. Among the five isolates evaluated for aggressiveness on tomato fruits, chili isolate was found to be the most aggressive followed by tomato and potato isolates producing 22.3 mm, 7.9 mm, and 7.8 mm diameter soft rot lesions, respectively.

Varietal Reaction of Cucumber against <i>Cucumber mosaic virus</i>

Family Cucurbitaceae is primarily found in the warmer regions of the world. It is the major family for economically important species, particularly edible fruits. In Pakistan cucurbits occupies an area of 28,600 ha with a very low production in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa due to many biotic and abiotic stresses. The reason is also the lack of growers’ awareness about the diseases and the cultural practices adopted to provide favorable environment for development of epidemics. Viral diseases such as Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) cause losses as high as 100%. Various control strategies are being used to control CMV. The aim of the current study was to screen out different verities and to find the most resistant one against CMV. CMV isolate was collected from farmer’s field at the site of TaruJaba during a survey of cucurbit crops. The identity of the virus was confirmed through DAS-ELISA using diagnostic kit (ADGEN, UK). Seventeen cucumber germplasm seeds were sown in earthen pots in which fourteen were germinated and exhibited characteristics symptoms of the virus while none of them showed resistance against CMV. Symptoms’ expression was delayed in summer green and local green till 12 days post inoculation. While in khyber, Diamond, VEGAF1 and Yousaf, symptoms started to appear soon after inoculation categorizing them as highly susceptible. No resistance is found in available commercial germplasm, so more germplasm from different area of Pakistan should be tested for resistance against CMV. If no resistance is found locally imported, germplasm can be evaluated for a source of resistance against the prevalent isolates of CMV.

Residual Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (<i>Zea mays L.</i>) under Different Cropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted to examine the residual influence of biochar applied previously to an established experiment at the Agriculture University Research Farm, Peshawar on soil properties and yield of maize crop during summer 2016. The experiment was established in RCB design with split plot arrangements having cropping systems (CS) in main plots and biochar (BC) in sub-plots. Cropping systems were: 1) wheat-mung bean;2) wheat-maize;3) chickpea-maize;and 4) chickpea-mung bean. During the past three seasons, each cropping system received biochar at 0, 40, 60 and 80 t&#183ha&#451 along with recommended dose of NPK in each season. For this study, maize was planted after chickpea and wheat in summer 2016. The results showed that grain yield, cobs weight and total N uptake of maize was significantly greater for chickpea-maize than for wheat-maize cropping system. Soil organic C was also significantly higher in soil under chickpea-maize than under wheat-maize cropping system. However, other yield components such as stover yield, harvest index and N concentration in grain and stover of maize and soil properties such as pH, EC and mineral N were non-significantly affected by cropping systems. With respect to residual effect of biochar grain yield of maize and bulk density of soil were maximum for treatment receiving biochar at 40 t&#183ha&#451 whereas cobs weight soil pH and mineral N were highest receiving biochar at 60 t&#183ha&#451. Moreover, N concentration in stover, N uptake and soil organic C were maximum for treatment receiving biochar at 80 t&#183ha&#451. However, stover yield, harvest index, N concentration in grain, and soil EC were non-significantly affected by biochar treatments. However interactions between CS × BC were significant for yield and yield parameters of maize and for soil properties (bulk density mineral N), while non-significant for harvest index, soil organic C, pH and EC. It was concluded that chickpea-maize cropping system performed better in terms of improving yield and yield components of maize and in improving soil properties. Application of biochar to previous crops also improved yield and yield parameters of the following maize as well as soil properties. Thus we recommend that legumes must be involved in cropping system for sustainable and higher productivity and improved soil properties. However, further studies are suggested to find out suitable dose of biochar for sustainable and economic crop productivity and soil fertility.

Developmental Response of <i>Pieris brassicae</i>(L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on Different Cauliflower Cultivars under Laboratory Conditions

Cauliflower is popular vegetable in Pakistan and it is severely attacked by Pieris brassicae (L). There are different cauliflower cultivars available in this area. The aim of this study was to determine the developmental response of Pieris brassicae on ten cauliflower cultivars. An experiment was conducted during 2012-13 at the Entomology section of the Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab Peshawar under laboratory conditions of 20&degC ± 2&degC, 50% ± 5% RH and 12:12h photoperiod. Pieris brassicae eggs were collected from a cauliflower field ARI Tarnab and the larvae placed after hatching on fresh leaves often cauliflower cultivars. The results showed that the larval development of P. brassicae was short (35 days), longer larval length (32.41 mm), larval mortality was low (6.6%) and pupal weight was high (0.50 g) on Clima cultivar. On the other hand, a longer larval developmental period (37 days), higher larval mortality (86.66%), shorter larval length (24.55 mm) and lower pupal weight (0.42 g) were recorded on cultivar AX-2034.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungal Inoculation with Compost on Yield and Phosphorous Uptake of Berseem in Alkaline Calcareous Soil

An experiment was conducted in pots under natural conditions in alkaline calcareous soil to determine berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) yield and P uptake as affected by Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation with compost prepared from fresh animal dung and rock phosphate. Data indicated that berseem shoot and roots yields increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by inoculation of indigenous mycorrhiza (AMF-I) and half dose of compost. Shoot yield increased as 98% and 76% roots yield as 60% and 52% over control and N and K fertilizers. Maximum and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant N and P uptake by berseem was observed in the treatment inoculated by commercial mycorrhiza (AMF-II) with full dose of compost followed by the inoculation of AMF-II with half dose of compost. Plants uptake of Cu, Mn and Fe was improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by the inoculation of AMF-II with half dose of compost, while Zn uptake was increased in the treatment of AMF-II inoculation with full dose of compost. Maximum and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased soil spores density of AMF as 27 spores per 20 g soil was noted by inoculation of AMF-I with half dose of compost, while maximum roots infection intensity in berseem was observed by the inoculation of AMF-I with full dose of compost. Results suggest that inoculation of AMF with compost has potential to improve berseem yields and plants nutrients uptake under given soil conditions.

A New Idea of Fractal-Fractional Derivative with Power Law Kernel for Free Convection Heat Transfer in a Channel Flow between Two Static Upright Parallel Plates

Nowadays some new ideas of fractional derivatives have been used successfully in the present research community to study different types of mathematical models.Amongst them,the significant models of fluids and heat or mass transfer are on priority.Most recently a new idea of fractal-fractional derivative is introduced;however,it is not used for heat transfer in channel flow.In this article,we have studied this new idea of fractal fractional operators with power-law kernel for heat transfer in a fluid flow problem.More exactly,we have considered the free convection heat transfer for a Newtonian fluid.The flow is bounded between two parallel static plates.One of the plates is heated constantly.The proposed problem is modeled with a fractal fractional derivative operator with a power-law kernel and solved via the Laplace transform method to find out the exact solution.The results are graphically analyzed via MathCad-15 software to study the behavior of fractal parameters and fractional parameter.For the influence of temperature and velocity profile,it is observed that the fractional parameter raised the velocity and temperature as compared to the fractal operator.Therefore,a combined approach of fractal fractional explains the memory of the function better than fractional only.

Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Fruit Quality of Peach

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar spray of micronutrients on quality of peach fruits at Horticulture Farm, University of Agriculture Peshawar during 2010. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete design with six treatments and four replications on peach orchards (early grand). Our pre-treatment soil analysis showed silt loam soil class, alkaline and calcareous in nature and adequate in organic matter. The soil was deficient in P, Zn, Fe and B, whereas adequate in Mn and Cu. The fruit quality was evaluated and maximum fruit length, diameter and yield were noted in T6 (Zn + Cu + Fe + Mn + B). The juice pH decreased and the juice acidity increased in a linear fashion after foliar spray of micronutrients. The total soluble solids of fresh fruit juice ranged 7.01%-8.88% and vitamin C ranged from 4.80%-7.90% after foliar spray. So the foliar spray of micronutrients significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the quality of peach fruit.

Mycorrhiza and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria:Potential Bioagents for Sustainable Phosphorus Management in Agriculture

Phosphorus(P)is a critical nutrient that plays an essential role in improving soil fertility for optimum plant growth and productivity.It is one of the most deficient macro-nutrients in agricultural soils after nitrogen and is considered inadequate for plant growth and production.To P availability in soils,the farmers are applying huge amounts of synthetic P fertilizers that adversely affect the wider environment,groundwater,soil fertility and microbial population.Many beneficial microbes are known to release and supply soluble P for improving growth and yield of a variety of plants in a sustainable manner in P deficient soils.Thus,inoculation of these microbes,including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)and phosphate solubilizing bacteria(PSB)to soil to enhance crop production without harming the environment,is an alternative approach to chemical fertilizers.The combined role of AMF and PSB in P solubilization is not well understood and the application and mode of action of these microbial groups are often naive due to variation in the environment.Therefore,the current review article would develop a better understanding of the interactive role and mechanisms of AMF and PSB in improving P availability from both organic and inorganic sources in a sustainable crop production system.Finally,the current review would loop out further avenues for researchers interested to commercially produce effective AMF and PSB-based biofertilizers for sustainable management of phosphorus over a wide range of agricultural crops worldwide.

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.