Agricultural Research Review (ARR) is an international, open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing biannual issues (June and December). Established in December 2023, ARR provides a platform for disseminating innovative and evidence-based research across all branches of agricultural and environmental sciences. The journal welcomes contributions in crop and soil sciences, horticulture, plant physiology, breeding, biotechnology, pest management, agroforestry, and agroecosystems, as well as in livestock, poultry, and fisheries sciences. It also promotes studies on climate change, food and nutrition, agricultural policy, economics, and emerging technologies that advance sustainability and food security. ISSN (Print): 3106-0021 | ISSN (Online): 3106-003X
Perspectives of Bio-Organic Fertilizer for Growth Promotion of Sorghum and Maize Under Variably Irrigated Field Conditions
The ability of specific plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to alleviate biotic and abiotic pressures on crop productivity is largely attributed to their ACC-deaminase activity. This research investigated how the inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and the application of rock phosphate-enriched organic fertilizer (OF) influenced the development of maize and sorghum during periods of drought. To simulate moisture stress, irrigation was withheld during vital growth phases. Experimental treatments included 2, 3, and 5 irrigation cycles for sorghum, and 3 and 5 cycles for maize, using the 5-irrigation setup as the ideal moisture baseline. Data showed that for plants treated exclusively with synthetic fertilizers (uninoculated), growth plummeted as water availability decreased. Conversely, the introduction of P. fluorescens significantly offset the growth inhibition caused by water scarcity. The synergy between PGPR and OF emerged as the most successful strategy for enhancing biomass in both crops, particularly when irrigation was limited to only 2 or 3 applications. Remarkably, inoculated plants subjected to water stress exhibited superior growth performance compared to well-watered (5 irrigations) plants that lacked microbial inoculation.
Iron Dynamics in Pakistani Agroecosystems: A Review
Iron (Fe) is an important micronutrient in agroecosystem performing key roles in plants like photosynthesis, respiration, and enzymatic activity but its bio availability in calcareous and alkaline soils of Pakistan remains a significant challenge. Although iron is present in abundance in earth’s crust but most often it is present in insoluble ferric oxides and hydroxides, this restricts iron uptake by major crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and pulses. In this review we will discuss current understanding of iron dynamics in Pakistani soils, and how soil chemistry, pH, redox potential, organic matter, irrigation regimes, and microbial interactions influence iron solubility and plant uptake. We highlight plant adaptive mechanisms like rhizosphere acidification, reduction of ferric to ferrous forms, and Phyto-siderophore release this enables survival under iron limited conditions, while also discuss the physiological impact of deficiency such as chlorosis, impaired photosynthesis, and reduced yield quality. Agronomic practices, ranging from iron enriched fertilizers and foliar sprays to organic amendments, biochar applications, and microbial siderophore inoculation, are discussed as sustainable approaches to increase iron availability. It is important to note that soil may be rich in iron, many people mainly women and children suffer from iron deficiency. This highlights close connection between soil health, plant nutrition and human. Bio fortification techniques, integrated soil reclamation, and nutrition focused research are therefore important to fill this gap, ensuring both agricultural productivity and improved public health. By consolidating findings from soil science, crop physiology, and nutrition, this review provides practical insight for researchers, agronomist and policymakers which are looking to improve food security and reduce iron deficiency through sustainable iron management in Pakistan’s agroecosystems.
Seed Biopriming with Azospirillum Enhances Carrot Seedling Growth and Stress Tolerance
Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a globally important vegetable crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance, yet its productivity is often constrained by abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. Seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has emerged as a sustainable strategy to enhance seedling vigor and stress tolerance. In this study, a field experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Sub-campus Burewala-Vehari, during the winter season of 2019–2020 to evaluate the effect of Azospirillum biopriming on carrot seedling growth under stress conditions. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications was employed, including hydropriming (control), seed priming with 3% and 6% Azospirillum, sugar coating (0.025 g and 0.05 g per four seeds), and soil application (0.5 g and 1 g per 8-inch band). Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and growth rate were recorded at regular intervals. Results demonstrated that seed priming with 6% Azospirillum significantly improved seedling establishment, plant height, and leaf development compared to other treatments, with performance comparable to hydropriming. The findings highlight the potential of Azospirillum biopriming as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to mitigate stress effects and improve carrot seedling quality. This work contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting microbial biopriming as a practical tool for enhancing vegetable crop resilience under adverse environmental conditions.
Microbial Nano-Bioremediation for Wastewater Treatment: Advances in Heavy-Metal and Pharmaceutical Effluent Removal
The introduction and continued enforcement of rigorous waste-discharge regulations have heightened the need for innovative waste-treatment methods. Wastewater treatment is becoming increasingly important as the global human population grows rapidly. Hence, wastewater treatment technologies are designed to maintain high densities and activity of microorganisms that meet various purification requirements. If the pharmaceutical industry's waste is not adequately managed, it can harm the environment and public health. One advanced and promising technique for removing and reducing heavy metals from contaminated soil and water is bioremediation. Microorganism-based bioremediation has significant potential for future development due to its affordability and environmental friendliness. Numerous microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and algae, can operate as physiologically active methylators and alter harmful species. Microorganisms are essential to the bioremediation of heavy metals. By creating environmentally friendly nanomaterials to reduce these pollutants, nanotechnology may reduce industry costs. As a growing field, green biotechnology benefits from the use of microorganisms for nanoparticle synthesis, thereby lowering costs and promoting sustainable production. Nanotechnology can enhance traditional technologies across various fields, including medicine, wastewater treatment, and pollution management.
Geo-Intelligent Agriculture: Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, and IoT for Real-Time Soil and Crop Health Monitoring and Predictive Farm Management
Global agriculture is undergoing rapid technological transformation amid escalating environmental and systemic challenges, including soil degradation, climate variability, and declining resource efficiency. The convergence of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has given rise to geo-intelligent agriculture, a data-driven framework that integrates spatial analytics, real-time sensing, and predictive modeling for sustainable farm management. This study synthesizes recent advances in spatially explicit decision-making, highlighting how multisource data fusion enables real-time monitoring of soil and crop health, early anomaly detection, and predictive diagnostics. GIS-based geostatistical modeling delineates site-specific management zones, while UAV and satellite-based remote sensing deliver continuous spectral and thermal insights into crop vigor and stress dynamics. Simultaneously, IoT-enabled sensor networks provide in-situ soil and microclimatic data streams that enhance adaptive irrigation, nutrient optimization, and pest management. The integration of these systems through cloud and edge computing creates a hyperconnected, self-learning agroecosystem capable of real-time diagnostics and localized decision support. Emerging frameworks such as Geo-Conscious Agriculture extend this paradigm by incorporating ethical data governance, explainable AI, and digital twin simulations to promote climate resilience and transparency. Overall, the fusion of geospatial intelligence, IoT, and AI represents a transformative pathway toward predictive, site-specific, and sustainable agriculture, redefining the relationship between technology, ecology, and food security.
Optimizing Potassium Application Timing and Rates for Enhanced Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Productivity in a Wheat-Cotton Cropping System, Punjab, Pakistan
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important cash crop in Pakistan, yet its yield is constrained by a range of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Imbalanced fertilizer use is a key abiotic factor reducing yield, while potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient that regulates photosynthesis, water balance, fiber quality, and boll development. To assess the effect of K management, a two-year field study was carried out during the Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four treatments were tested: T1, 93.75 kg ha⁻¹ in two splits (½ at sowing + ½ at flowering); T2, 93.75 kg ha⁻¹ in three splits (⅓ at sowing + ⅓ at flowering + ⅓ at boll formation); T3, 125 kg ha⁻¹ in two splits (½ at sowing + ½ at flowering); and T4, 125 kg ha⁻¹ in three splits (⅓ at sowing + ⅓ at flowering + ⅓ at boll formation). Results showed that T4 significantly improved yield and yield components, recording seed cotton yield of 2,431 kg ha⁻¹, 22.8 bolls plant⁻¹, and boll weight of 3.15 g. Treatment T3 performed similarly, producing 2,367 kg ha⁻¹ yield, 21.2 bolls plant⁻¹, and 2.86 g boll weight. The lowest performance was noted in T1, with yield (2,132 kg ha⁻¹), 19.2 bolls plant⁻¹, and 2.58 g boll weight. The study concludes that applying 125 kg K ha⁻¹ in three splits at sowing, flowering, and boll formation is the most effective strategy to enhance cotton productivity.
Effect of Leaf Extract of Syzgium cumini and Curcuma longa on Gut Fauna of Heterotermes indicola
Termites cause substantial economic losses globally, and their symbiotic gut protozoa play a key role in cellulose digestion and survival. Plant-based termiticides offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the termiticidal and protozoa-suppressing effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Syzygium cumini and Curcuma longa on Heterotermes indicola. Leaves of both plants were extracted in ethanol using a Soxhlet apparatus. Three extract concentrations (10%, 5%, and 3% v/v) were tested in a no-choice bioassay. Mortality rates were recorded over 72 hours, and gut protozoal counts were quantified using hemocytometry. Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent activity. S. cumini showed the highest mortality (95.33%), followed by C. longa (90.33%) at 10% concentration. Similarly, gut protozoal counts were reduced to 120 × 10³/mL with S. cumini and 190 × 10³/mL with C. longa at 10% concentration, compared to 520 × 10³/mL in the control. The ethanolic leaf extracts of S. cumini and C. longa are promising candidates for the development of botanical termiticides. Their dual effect on termite mortality and gut protozoa highlights their potential for sustainable termite control strategies.
Aloe Vera Leaf Extract as a Biopriming Agent to Improve Germination Performance in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Seeds
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), locally known as “Karela,” is an important summer vegetable in Pakistan belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its cultivation is often constrained by a thick seed coat that restricts water uptake and gas exchange, leading to poor germination. Seed priming has emerged as an effective strategy to overcome this limitation and improve early seedling vigor. In this study, Aloe vera leaf extract (AVE), containing bioactive compounds such as vitamins, salicylic acid, enzymes, and amino acids, was evaluated as a biological priming agent. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with treatments including non-primed control, hydropriming, and osmopriming with AVE (0.5 and 2.5%) for 24 and 48 hours. Germination parameters such as emergence speed, germination percentage, germination rate index, mean germination time, vigor index, root length, root-to-shoot ratio, and total biomass were recorded. Results showed that seed priming substantially enhanced germination and seedling growth. The most effective treatment was soaking seeds in 2.5% ascorbic acid for 48 hours, which achieved 90% germination energy, 88.15% seed moisture, and significantly higher root growth compared to untreated seeds. Shorter priming durations or lower concentrations (0.5% AVE or hydropriming for 24 hours) also improved results, but less consistently. Overall, priming with 2.5% ascorbic acid for 48 hours was identified as the most effective approach for improving bitter gourd seed germination and vigor, offering a practical method for growers to enhance crop establishment.
Boron Deficiency in Pakistani Soils and Its Impact on Cotton Physiology
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient critical for plant growth and development, playing a vital role in cell wall synthesis, membrane integrity, and reproductive processes. Despite its importance, boron deficiency is a prevalent issue in Pakistan, significantly affecting soil fertility and crop productivity. This review consolidates findings from various studies, highlighting the alarming extent of boron deficiency across different regions of Pakistan. Results from several studies reveal that boron deficiency varies widely, ranging from 5% to over 92% in soil samples, depending on the region, soil type, and cropping systems. Critical deficiencies have been reported in major agricultural areas such as Punjab, Sindh, Kashmir, and the Pothohar plateau, with implications for key crops including wheat, cotton, rice, and orchards. These deficiencies often result from calcareous soil conditions, high soil pH, and improper nutrient management practices. Addressing boron deficiency through balanced fertilization strategies, precision agriculture, and region-specific interventions is crucial to improving crop yields and ensuring sustainable agricultural production in Pakistan. This review provides an insightful synthesis of the spatial extent, causes, and impacts of boron deficiency, emphasizing the need for targeted soil and crop management strategies to mitigate this critical issue.
Impact of indole-3-acetic acid and naphthalene acetic acid foliar application on onion growth with or without mulching
Onion is the most important crop throughout the world. Onion yield production in Pakistan is lower than in some other countries. Consumption of onions increases day by day due to an increase in population. An experiment was conducted at UAF Sub-campus Burewala during winter 2019-2020 to assess the effect of IAA and NAA on the growth, yield and development of onion. Three levels of IAA (100, 200, 300 ppm) and three levels of NAA (50, 100, 150 ppm) were tested under RCBD layout with fourteen (14) treatments and two replications. Different parameters like (Leaf length, Leaf number, Neck diameter, Rate of increase in leaf length, Leaf number increase rate, Rate of increase in neck diameter) were recorded and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that 100 ppm IAA, particularly under mulched conditions, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced all morphological attributes. Although direct yield data were not collected, the substantial improvement in growth parameters suggests a potential increase in bulb yield. Keeping in view the results of the experiment onion crop with 100 ppm IAA is recommended.
Silicon-microbe symbiosis: redefining plant stress adaptation
Increased environmental stresses are among the most limiting factors for agricultural productivity across the world. Reliable and environmentally friendly techniques are needed to sustainably meet growing global food demands. Plant-microbe interactions can alleviate stress, with the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that is now widely in use. It has been known that PGPRs enhance plant growth and tolerance to heavy metals by different action mechanisms. Application of silicon (Si) can also stimulate plant growth and heavy metal stress tolerance in plants. Here, we compare the mechanisms, as far as they are known, through which Si and PGPRs can alleviate heavy metal stress in plants. Both alleviate a similar suite of abiotic and biotic stresses, with a few interesting exceptions, though mechanisms differ. The review paper suggests that the combined use of Si and PGPRs can be a powerful and sustainable strategy to enhance plant growth in sub-optimal conditions, and hence, experiments assessing the combined use of Si and PGPRs on plants suffering abiotic and biotic stress can be fruitful in the future.
Interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate crop stress for sustainable agriculture
Crop stress, caused by both biotic and abiotic factors, poses a major and growing threat to global food security. With the world’s population growing and projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, demand for food production is expected to increase by 70%. Nevertheless, global food systems are increasingly threatened by crop stress events, which are both more common and more severe, as the impact of climate change continues to intensify their frequency and severity. This review examines crop stress responses through physiological, genetic, and molecular pathways. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary strategies in tackling these challenges, drawing on knowledge from agronomy, horticulture, genetics, and environmental science to formulate innovative and sustainable solutions. The review underscores the need for precision agriculture, utilizing new technologies-including GPS, remote sensing, and IoT-to fine-tune crop management and reduce stress. It also discusses the potential role of advanced breeding methods such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and CRISPR/Cas9 in breeding stress-resistant crop varieties. In addition, this review highlights the importance of sustainable practices like IPM, agroforestry, or efficient water use in improving crop resilience. Emerging technological innovations serve as transformative tools for stress management and enhancing transparency in agricultural supply chains, particularly through AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology.
Molecular Insights to Comprehend Maize's Resistance to Drought and Nitrogen Deficiency
Maize is vulnerable to various abiotic stresses. Drought and low nitrogen stress are the two major constraints that hinder maize growth, development, and productivity. Severe drought stress leads to stomatal closure, restricting CO2 intake, decreasing chlorophyll content, and ultimately reducing photosynthesis. Nitrogen (N) is the essential macronutrient required for proper growth and development of crop. N is a vital component of many biomolecules. N deficiency affects many biological processes in plants, such as, development, architecture, flowering, senescence, photosynthesis and photosynthates allocation. Thus, drought and nitrogen stress change the physiological and developmental process in plants, at molecular level plant respond by changing and reprogramming of genes and metabolism. The purpose of the review is to gain insight molecular aspects of plants stress response, to understand the role of transcription factors, and miRNA, and to enumerate latest developments in the transgenic approach to intercept drought and nitrogen deficiency. Also discusses how plants respond to signaling networks in drought and nitrogen deficiency. To create drought-tolerant germplasm, recent techniques and tools such as transcriptomic analysis, plant transformation, manipulation of TF, and genome editing tools might play a crucial role.
Effects of sewage water irrigation on heavy metals accumulation in vegetables in peri-urban areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Untreated sewage effluents are frequently used for irrigation, posing a risk of heavy metal accumulation in edible crops. The present study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals in water, soil, and two commonly consumed vegetables, Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), collected from Ghulam Muhammad Abad (Site-I) and Chokera (Site-II) in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Water and soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and heavy metals, while plant samples were evaluated for biomass, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities, and metal accumulation. Heavy metals, including Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Hg, were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results showed that water EC exceeded safe limits (Site-II: 29.86 NTU), while soil EC remained below 1 dS m⁻¹, indicating no salinity issues. Heavy metal concentrations in water exceeded WHO permissible limits, particularly Cd (0.50 mg L⁻¹ at Site-II) and Hg (1.92 mg L⁻¹ at Site-II). Soil samples had elevated Co and Pb levels, with Site-II showing 6.09 mg kg⁻¹ Co and 5.39 mg kg⁻¹ Pb. In vegetables, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb exceeded safe limits, with spinach showing Cd (3.58 mg kg⁻¹) and Co (4.71 mg kg⁻¹), and cauliflower showing Cd (3.92 mg kg⁻¹) and Co (5.55 mg kg⁻¹). Heavy metal exposure significantly reduced root and shoot lengths (up to 74% decrease in fresh biomass and 59% in dry biomass) and photosynthetic pigments, while antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT: 142 Unit g⁻¹ F. wt, POD: 125 Unit g⁻¹ F. wt) were elevated, indicating oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that the continued use of untreated sewage water for irrigation poses substantial health risks through heavy metal accumulation in food crops. The study highlights the urgent need for monitoring and remediation strategies to ensure food safety.
Growth analysis of various onion genotypes for yield and pharmaceutical traits
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a globally significant biennial crop cultivated as an annual, with its growth and bulb development highly sensitive to thermo-photoperiodic regulation. Understanding genotype-specific phenological responses is critical for optimizing yield and nutraceutical potential. This study characterized the growth dynamics, yield traits, and pharmaceutical compound accumulation in onion genotypes under field conditions, identifying thermo-sensitive stages and genotypic variability. A field experiment was conducted at PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan, using a randomized design. Seven genotypes were evaluated for morphological (plant height, leaf count, bulb weight), physiological (CGR, NAR), and pharmaceutical traits (phenolics, flavonoids) at 7-day intervals until harvest. Vegetative growth peaked at 97 days after transplanting (DAT), with bulbing initiation triggered by rising temperatures (>25°C).104 DAT emerged as a critical thermo-sensitive stage, where heat stress significantly reduced bulb yield (15-20%) and altered secondary metabolite profiles. SWAT-1 outperformed other genotypes, exhibiting 22% higher yield and 30% greater flavonoid content, linked to sustained crop growth rate (CGR) during bulbing. Pharmaceutical compounds peaked during late vegetative growth (75-90 DAT) but declined post-bulbing, indicating a trade-off between storage organ development and defense metabolite production. The 97-104 DAT window is pivotal for yield stability and nutraceutical quality, with genotypic divergence in thermal resilience. SWAT-1’s robust performance underscores its potential for breeding programs targeting climate adaptation and enhanced phytochemical content.
Modeling the transformation dynamics of organic and inorganic nitrogen in rivers
This study investigated the transformation of organic and inorganic nitrogen in river water mediated by microorganisms through controlled laboratory experiments. Water samples were incubated in darkness for 20 days, and concentrations of particulate organic nitrogen (PON), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrite (NO₂⁻), and nitrate (NO₃⁻) were measured. Both labile and recalcitrant fractions of PON and DON exhibited substantial variability among rivers and even across sampling sites within the same river. Decomposition rate coefficients for total organic nitrogen (TON), PON, labile PON (LPON), DON, labile DON (LDON), NH₄⁺, and NO₂⁻ were estimated using three modeling approaches. Data from five Bangladeshi rivers fit well with differential equations based on exponential decay models, yielding an average kTON of 0.025 day⁻¹. In Model 2 (PON → DON → NH₄⁺ → NO₂⁻ → NO₃⁻), mean decomposition rates were 0.028 day⁻¹ for PON, 0.187 day⁻¹ for DON, 0.492 day⁻¹ for NH₄⁺, and 0.830 day⁻¹ for NO₂⁻. In Model 3 (LPON → LDON → NH₄⁺ → NO₂⁻ → NO₃⁻), rates were 0.091 day⁻¹ for LPON, 0.451 day⁻¹ for LDON, 0.648 day⁻¹ for NH₄⁺, and 0.950 day⁻¹ for NO₂⁻. These decomposition coefficients for nitrogen fractions provide valuable parameters for river water quality modeling and nutrient cycling assessments.
Assessing Biochemical Composition of Citrus Juice and its Health Impact in Hypertensive Adults
The nutritional composition of citrus juice was evaluated, and its potential health effects were investigated through a controlled, small-scale human intervention study. Participants meeting predefined inclusion criteria consumed citrus juice over several weeks, during which changes in key health parameters were monitored. Citrus juice intake did not significantly affect blood glucose levels or diastolic blood pressure. However, notable improvements were observed in systolic blood pressure, triglyceride concentrations, and both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. Minor reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were also recorded, though these may have been influenced by dietary variations among participants. A modest decrease in body weight was observed, suggesting that weight loss is more closely linked to overall dietary habits than to citrus juice consumption alone. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating citrus juice into the diet may support improved lipid profiles and contribute to cardiovascular health.
Allelopathic Potential of Cassia fistula Aqueous Extract in Suppressing Germination and Growth of Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
In winter 2018, the study was conducted during the winter season at the Weed Science Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to find out whether Amaltas (C. fistula) causes allelopathy in C. arvensis. A total of three replicates were used in a CRD design. Extracts of Amaltas were mixed at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% and added to field bindweed seedlings at 0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8%. Water extracts from C. fistula were used in laboratory experiments. This study used established methods to gather data on seedling emergence, seedling shapes, and the weights of C. arvensis seedlings. A Fisher analysis of variance was used, and results with a 5% probability level were considered significant. It was found that the aqueous extracts from C. fistula significantly suppressed the growth and germination of field bindweed. In particular, the percentage of germination, average germination time, germination index, and the time required for half of the seeds to germinate were all affected by the presence of C. fistula extracts. These compounds also notably cut down on the seedling shoot length, root length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight. It is possible that the phenolics and flavonoids in extracts of C. fistula subdued growth by disrupting the systems important for seeds to grow and expand. It was suggested in the study that water extracts of C. fistula could act as natural herbicides to help manage weeds sustainably. In-depth findings could lead to better application rates, timing, and methods, as well as reveal which allelochemicals cause these effects.
Synergistic Effects of Pseudomonas and Trichoderma on Mungbean Growth and Yield under Salinity Stress
Farming systems are now facing serious difficulties due to salinity which is mostly caused by climate change. A variety of methods which incorporate mungbean, are in use to reduce the effects of salinity and increase plant growth, crop yields and make soils richer by fixing nitrogen. Separately and together, identified Pseudomonas bacterial and Trichoderma fungal strains were used in this research to investigate their impact on mungbean growing under saline conditions. Pot experiments were carried out in nature at salinities of 1.4 dS m-1 and 5.0 dS m-1, following a random arrangement of treatments. Results from the data indicate that salinity stress affects the development, nodulation and production of mungbeans. These different plant parts increased under salinity stress when Pseudomonas and Trichoderma were used, both singly and together, in mungbean. In this study, using Pseudomonas and Trichoderma together led to improved growth, more nodules and greater grain output under salt conditions.
Multidimensional Assessment of Hybrid Rose Cultivars: From Ornamental Features to Bioactive Compounds
Roses are used in Landscaping, pharmaceutical industry and cosmetic manufacturing. Hybrid rose fall under the Rosa hybrida category, and they're really significant both economically and genetically. These beautiful cut flowers come from the crossbreeding of Hybrid Perpetual and Tea rose. Roses tend to react differently in new environments. So, it’s important to look into which varieties perform best for the specific area being studied if we want to commercialize them. So, in this study, we looked at eight different Hybrid rose cultivars, including Eye Paint, Fragrant Plum, Midas Touch, Elina, Ana Marie Trechslin, Morstylo, Bora Bora, and Broceliande, to see how they perform in the Potwar region's climate. We assessed various traits, including growth, flowering, and even some pharmaceutical characteristics, to find the best variety for this area. Our findings showed that Elina and Bora Bora are standout performers, showing good plant height, plenty of branches, fewer prickles, lots of flowers, longer vase life, and higher levels of total phenolics, ascorbic acid, and total flavanols. On the flip side, the cultivars Eye Paint and Morstylo didn’t do as well.
Economic analysis of different sowing methods of cotton crop in Punjab Province-Pakistan
After proper seedbed, crop stand mainly depends upon proper seeding depth as too shallow seed is prone to bird’s attack while too deep seed may not germinate well due to heavy load of soil on the seeds. For proper yield of any crop, plant population and row to row distance plays an important role which can only be achieved if appropriate sowing machines are used. But which planting method is most suitable depends upon economic outcomes. In this backdrop, present study was planned to try in exploring most efficient and economically viable option of sowing particularly among three planting methods viz. Ridge planting (dibbling method), Drill (flat planting) and Planter (bed cum planting method) with the purpose of guiding farmers to improve outcomes along with increasing the productivity of cotton under challenges of labor and water shortages. According to survey results, planter technology was the most economical venture vis-a-vis ridge and drill sowing methods on account of lowest total cultivation costs, highest yield and accordingly highest revenue per acre. Time saving at sowing was inspiring attribute of cotton seed planter while lack of finances and lack of timely availability of the planter for sowing seed cotton were among reported barriers in order of importance for wider adoption. Findings suggest that this is high time for the government to win confidence of the farmers by introducing bed-cum-planter on cost sharing basis.
Utilization of Kitchen Waste for Enhanced Potted Vegetable Production
The growing concern over food waste and chemical fertilizer dependency has increased interest in sustainable alternatives for home gardening. This study evaluates the potential of processed kitchen waste as an organic fertilizer for improving the growth and yield of potted fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with sixteen treatments and three replications, involving five organic waste sources-used tea, potato peels, onion scales, garlic scales, and eggshells-each applied at three dosage levels (0.025g, 0.25g, 2.5g). All waste materials were cleaned, dried, and ground into powder before application. Fenugreek was grown in silt-filled pots, and data on plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry biomass, and dry matter content were recorded throughout the growth cycle. The results revealed that garlic scales at 0.25g significantly enhanced fresh biomass (24.2 g), while used tea and onion scales improved early plant height and leaf number due to their readily available nutrients and bioactive compounds. Eggshells and potato peels also contributed to plant growth, but had slower nutrient release. The control treatment, without any organic amendment, consistently showed the lowest performance across parameters. Overall, the findings indicate that kitchen waste, especially garlic scales and used tea, can serve as effective, low-cost organic amendments in small-scale vegetable cultivation. The study supports the integration of kitchen waste recycling into urban and home gardening practices as a sustainable approach to reduce waste and enhance food production.
Unraveling Extinction: Causes and Cascading Effects on Ecosystem
The ongoing global biodiversity crisis is characterized by an alarming rise in extinction rates, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities, including habitat destruction, climate change, overexploitation, and the introduction of invasive species. This review critically examines the multifaceted causes of species extinction and highlights the cascading effects that can result from the loss of a single species, ultimately leading to widespread ecological disruption. Secondary extinctions, or extinction cascades, occur through complex trophic and mutualistic interactions, which destabilize community dynamics and ecosystem functions. The article explores both structural and dynamical perspectives of extinction risk, highlighting the importance of network position, interaction strength, and functional redundancy—the existence of several species that carry out comparable ecological tasks, protecting ecosystem services against the extinction of particular species. Case studies from terrestrial and marine ecosystems illustrate the real-world implications of these patterns. Additionally, emerging modeling tools and predictive frameworks are discussed, such as compensatory perturbation theory, which calls for calculated actions to counteract the consequences of species loss and stabilize ecosystems. Addressing the extinction crisis requires an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that combines ecological theory, advanced modeling, and inclusive conservation policy. This review underscores the urgency of protecting interconnected species networks to safeguard ecosystem resilience and long-term environmental stability.
Moringa Leaves Extract an Eco-friendly Priming Agent for Bitter Gourd Seed Germination, Early growth and Seed vigor
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L) is one of the Pakistan’s most famous summer vegetable crop. The thick seed coat of bitter gourd encloses the embryo, hindering germination. Thick seed coat can hinder water absorption that delay germination. An experiment was conducted in Horticulture laboratory of UAF Sub campus Burewala to assess the effect of Moringa leaves extract priming on Bitter Gourd seed germination at different levels. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is rich in growth-regulating hormones. Treatments included Control, Hydro priming and varying concentrations (3.1%, 3.7%, 4.4%, and 5%) of Moringa leaves extract under completely randomized design (CRD) layout with twelve treatments and two replications. The studied parameters (energy of germination, germination percentage, root shoot ratio, germination rate, shoot length, root length, dry matter contents, and rate vigor index) were recorded and analyzed using standard statistical procedures. Results of the experiment showed that moringa leaves extract (3.7%) for 24 hours significantly improved seed and seedling quality attributes, including higher germination (95%), root length (4.58 cm), shoot length (6.53 cm), and vigor index (10.64) compared to other treatments. Keeping in view the results of experiment, Bitter Gourd seed priming with 3.7% Moringa leaves extract recommend for early seed germination and healthy seedling growth due to its chemical nature.
Yield Assessment of Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Under Planned Nitrogen
This research aimed to investigate the influence of various levels of urea as the source of nitrogen on yield and yield-related characteristics such as plant height (PH), spikelet per spike (SPP), spike length (SL), tillers, peduncle length (PL), biomass, spike weight per plant (SWPP), grains per plant (GPP) and spikes per plant (SPP) of wheat cultivars "Aas-2002", "GA-2002" and "Ufaq". This study performed in greenhouse and consisted of six treatments in pots such as (T0) 0/5 kg, (T1) 250 mg/5kg, (T2) 375 mg/5 kg, (T3) 500mg/5kg, (T4) 562.5mg /5kg and (T5) 687.5mg/5 kilograms per pot of nitrogen applied at three different stages of growth (tillering, anthesis, and grain filling) to evaluate their effect on wheat yield. The total amount of N in the given quantity of Urea for T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 was 0, 115 mg, 172.5 mg, 230 mg, 258.75 mg, and 316.25 mg respectively. Results indicated that yield and yield-related traits responded substantially to the amount of nitrogen, but its excessive concentration shows adverse effects. Nitrogen rate at 262.125 mg/5 kg of urea was more appropriate for Aas-2002 and Ufaq, and maximum yield was obtained at this level. In contrast, the suitable N rate for GA-2002 was 320.125 mg/5 kg giving maximum output. It is concluded that three N-splits are ideal for enhancing bread wheat yield.