Showing papers in "Pakistan Journal of Botany in 2010"

Heavy metal contamination and accumulation in soil and wild plant species from industrial area of islamabad, pakistan

Abstract: This study was designed to assess total contents of 6 toxic metals viz., Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, and Cr in the soil and plant samples of 16 plant species collected from industrial zone of Islamabad, Pakistan. The concentration, transfer and accumulation of metals from soil to roots and shoots was evaluated in terms of Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), Translocation Factor (TF) and Bioaccumulation Coefficient (BAC). Total metal concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, and Cr in soils varied between 2.0-29.0, 61.9-172.6, 8.9 to 357.4, 7.3-24.7, 41.4-59.3, and 40.2-927.2 mg/kg. Total metal concentrations pattern in roots were: Cu>Cr>Zn>Ni>Pb>Co. Grasses showed relatively higher total Zn concentration. Accumulation of Cu was highest in shoots followed by Zn, Cr, Pb, Co and Ni. None of plant species were identified as hyper accumulator; however, based on BCFs, TFs, and BACs values, most of the studied species have potential for phyto stabilization and phyto extraction. Parthenium hysterophoirus L., and Amaranthus viridis L., is suggested for phytoextraction of Pb and Ni, whereas, Partulaca oleracea L., Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gard. and Hubb., Solanum nigrum L., and Xanthium stromarium L., for hytostabilization of soils contaminated with Pb and Cu. (author)

Plant biodiversity of Hyrcanian relict forests, N Iran: an overview of the flora, vegetation, palaeoecology and conservation.

Abstract: The Hyrcanian forests stretch from Talish in Republic of Azerbaijan and cover the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains in North Iran, in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. The vegetation is composed mostly of deciduous forests. In the lower altitudes it is represented by a number of relict Arcto-Tertiary thermophilous species such as Parrotia persica, Gleditsia caspica, Zelkova carpinifolia and Pterocarya fraxinifolia. The diversity of tree species increases at higher elevations where the subalpine forests and scrubs of low shrubs of the timber-line are replaced by alpine grasslands in the northern slopes and the Irano-Turanian thorn-cushion steppe at the exposed summits and southern slopes. So far, 3234 species belonging to 856 genera and 148 families of vascular plants have been reported from the northern provinces of Iran and Talish in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Main vegetation types of the Hyrcanian forest zone include: i) sand dune vegetation along the Caspian Sea coasts; ii) C4-dominated grass communities on rocky outcrops; iii) aquatic vegetation on wetlands; iv) riverine and valley forests; v) alluvial and lowland deciduous forests; vi) submontane and montane deciduous forests; vii) subalpine deciduous forests (Quercus macranthera); viii) successional and transitional scrub and woodlands; ix) Cupressus sempervirens and Thuja orientalis woodlands; x) juniper woodlands; xi) subalpine and alpine meadows; xii) montane steppe dominated by xerophytic and thorn-cushion species; xiii) rock cliff communities; xiv) halophytic communities; xv) Artemisia spicigera steppe and desert like dunes; xvi) ruderal habitats and xvii) cultural landscapes and artificial forests. Evidence from studies on loess/palaeosol sequences, long-term Caspian Sea-level fluctuations, and peat/lake deposits in northern Iran give some indication of the climate and vegetation history of the south Caspian region. Based on these investigations, during the early-Pleistocene, at least parts of the area were covered by steppe-like vegetation and the climate was slightly warmer than today. It is also postulated that northern Iran was an extensive area of increased dust accumulation and loess formation during the Pleistocene glaciations, which is contemporaneous with and similar to major climatic changes as in SE Central Europe and Central Asia. These studies further suggest pronounced climate changes for the north of the country in which a dry and cool climate changed to moist and warm conditions during the Pleistocene glaciations. Similarly, a markedly dry period occurred during the early Holocene for the south Caspian area, parallel to the climatic optimum in Europe. Palynological studies have also shown intensified human impact on the lowland forest composition and structure of the area over the last centuries. The forests of the south Caspian area are severely degraded and deforested; in particular, in the alluvial lowlands where only small remnants exist. There are several protected areas in the Alborz Mountains and south Caspian area which suffer from mis-management. Therefore, improving their protection quality and increasing their area or addition of new sites are crucial to guarantee conservation of this very important natural heritage of SW Asia.

Ethnomedicinal uses of herbs from northern part of Nara Desert, Pakistan.

Abstract: Ethnobotanical survey of Nara Desert, Sindh, Pakistan was carried out during 1998-2001. Local inhabitants are extremely knowledgeable about the utilization of indigenous flora of the study area. They use them in fever, flue, cough, asthma, digestive troubles, piles, diabetes, urinary diseases, male sexual diseases, gynecological diseases, joints pain/rheumatic pains and inflammation, ear diseases, tooth problems, cuts and wounds, skin diseases, cooling agents and miscellaneous uses. In the present communication, 63 plant species belonging to 50 genera and 29 families are included. The major plant families which contributed in folk herbs included Fabaceae (7 spp.), Boraginaceae (6 spp.), Amaranthaceae (5 spp.) and Cucurbitaceae (4 spp.). For each species, botanical name, vernacular name, part(s) used, medicinal use, method of preparation and applications of the herbal remedies are provided.

Silicon alleviates the adverse effects of salinity and drought stress on growth and endogenous plant growth hormones of soybean (glycine max l.)

Abstract: Agricultural industry is subjected to enormous environmental constraints, particularly due to salinity and drought We evaluated the role of silicon (Si) in alleviating salinity and drought induced physio-hormonal changes in soybean grown in perlite The plant growth attributes ie, shoot length, plant fresh weight and dry weight parameters of soybean improved with elevated Si nutrition, while they decreased with NaCl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) application The adverse effects of NaCl and PEG on plant growth were alleviated by adding 100 mg L -1 and 200 mg L -1 Si to salt and drought stressed treatments It was observed that Si effectively mitigated the adverse effects of NaCl on soybean than that of PEG The chlorophyll contents were found to be least affected as an insignificant increase was observed with Si application Bioactive GA1 and GA4 contents of soybean leaves increased, when Si was added to control or stressed plants Jasmonic acid (JA) contents sharply increased under salinity and drought stress but declined when the plants were supplemented with Si Similarly, free salicylic acid (SA) level also increased with NaCl and PEG application However, free SA level further increased with the addition of Si to salt treated plants, but decreased when Si was given to PEG treated plants It was concluded that Si improves physio-hormonal attributes of soybean and mitigate adverse effects of salt and drought stress

Effects of gamma radiation on germination and physiological aspects of wheat (triticum aestivum l.) seedlings

Abstract: This investigation was carried out to determine the effects of gamma radiation on germination and physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings. Two wheat genotypes (Roshan and T-65-58-8) were irradiated with 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy. The results showed that MGT (Mean Germination Time), root and shoot length, and seedling dry weight decreased with increasing radiation doses but final germination percentage was not significantly affected by radiation doses. Biochemical differences based on proline content revealed that seedling irradiated at 100 Gy contained highest amount of proline (1.71 mg/g FW), whereas only 0.92 mg/g FW of proline was detected in nonirradiated seedlings. The highest amount of total chlorophyll content was obtained in seedlings irradiated at 100 Gy. Furthermore, the concentration of chlorophyll a was higher than chlorophyll b in both irradiated and non-irradiated seedlings. Chlorophyll and proline contents, and root and shoot dry weights in cv. Roshan were higher than those in T-65-58-8 mutant. These results show that the up-regulation of some physiological characteristics and seedling growth of wheat following gamma radiation treatment may be used for aboitic control such as drought and salt stress.

Response of two genetically diverse wheat cultivars to salt stress at different growth stages: leaf lipid peroxidation and phenolic contents

Abstract: The effect of root zone salinity on two hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (S-24, salt-tolerant; MH-97, salt-sensitive) was appraised at different growth stages. Grains of the two cultivars were sown in Petri-plates at two salt levels (0 and 150 mM of NaCl). After 8 days of germination, the seedlings were transplanted into plastic tubs containing either 0 or 150 mM of NaCl in full strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution. Changes in growth, lipid peroxidation and phenolic contents were examined in the cultivars at different growth stages (vegetative, booting and reproductive) under salt stress. Higher MDA contents were observed in cv. MH-97 as compared to that in S-24 under saline regimes at different growth stages. Salt-induced effect in terms of lipid peroxidation was more pronounced at the booting and reproductive stages as compared with that at the vegetative stage in both cultivars, however, the accumulation of leaf total phenolics was higher at the booting stage as compared with that at the other stages. A significant variability in salt response was found among different growth stages in both cultivars. Correlations among growth and biochemical parameters showed a significant negative correlation between growth and MDA content but a positive correlation between growth and phenolic contents, which shows that phenolic compounds were involved in the mechanism of salt tolerance of the two cultivars by showing enhanced antioxidant activity which resulted in reduced membrane damage and hence improved growth.

Effect of polyethylene glycol induced drought stress on physio-hormonal attributes of soybean

Abstract: Drought stress is a major abiotic constraint limiting crop production world wide. In current study, we investigated the adverse effects of drought stress on growth, yield and endogenous phytohormones of soybean. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions of elevated strength (8% & 16%) were used for drought stress induction. Drought stress period span for two weeks each at pre and post flowering growth stage. It was observed that soybean growth and yield attributes significantly reduced under drought stress at both pre and post flowering period, while maximum reduction was caused by PEG (16%) applied at pre flowering time. The endogenous bioactive GA1 and GA4 content decreased under elevated drought stress. On the other hand, jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) content increased under drought stress. On the basis of current study, we concluded that application of earlier drought stress severely reduced growth and yield attributes of soybean when compared to its later application. Furthermore, increases in the endogenous contents of JA, SA and ABA in response to drought stress demonstrate the involvement of these hormones in drought stress resistance.

Antibacterial activity of Curcuma longa varieties against different strains of bacteria.

Abstract: Crude extracts of curcuminoids and essential oil of Curcuma longa varieties Kasur, Faisalabad and Bannu were studied for their antibacterial activity against 4 bacterial strains viz., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus licheniformis and Azotobacter using agar well diffusion method. Solvents used to determine antibacterial activity were ethanol and methanol. Ethanol was used for the extraction of curcuminoids. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and diluted in methanol by serial dilution method. Both Curcuminoids and oil showed zone of inhibition against all tested strains of bacteria. Among all the three turmeric varieties, Kasur variety had the most inhibitory effect on the growth of all bacterial strains tested as compared to Faisalabad and Bannu varieties. Among all the bacterial strains B. subtilis was the most sensitive to turmeric extracts of curcuminoids and oil. The MIC value for different strains and varieties ranged from 3.0 to 20.6 mm in diameter.

Effect of calcium chloride treatments on quality characteristics of loquat fruit during storage

Abstract: In order to study the effectiveness of Calcium chloride treatments on postharvest quality and storage behavior of “Surkh” cultivar of loquat, fruit was dipped in three concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) of Calcium chloride for two minutes and stored in soft board cartons at 4˚C in a cold store for 10 weeks period. The fruit was harvested at mature ripe stage, clipped, sorted and washed before applying the treatments. Changes in weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), browning index (BI), ascorbic acid, titratable acidity (TA) and relative electrical conductivity (REC) were studied. One percent CaCl2 did not affect quality parameters of the fruit compared to control treatment, whereas, 2% and 3% CaCl2 retained maximum firmness, TSS, ascorbic acid content reduced browning index (BI) , relative electrical conductivity (REC) and weight loss up to 4-5 weeks.

Indigenous knowledge of folk medicine by the women of Kalat and Khuzdar regions of Balochistan, Pakistan.

Abstract: Kalat and Khuzdar regions of province Balochistan possess a rich history and culture of tribal society with regard to medicinal plants. Women use medicinal plant resources of the area for their ailments mainly digestive complaints, stomach problems, fevers, liver complaints, diabetes, children diseases and birth related problems. Information on useful folk medicines known to the women through experience of ages is usually passed on from generation to generation. Ethnomedicinal field surveys and field studies are important for systematic documentation. In the present paper 61 species of medicinal plants belonging to 56 genera of 34 families are traditionally used as medicines by the women for treatment of various diseases. Maximum number of species belongs to family Lamiaceae (9 species) followed by Asteraceae (7 species), Apiaceae, Papilionaceae (Leguminosae), Solanaceae and Zygophyllaceae (3 species each). It is concluded that, at present transmission of such knowledge from saniasi, herbalists and hakims to folks has been tremendously decreased as indicated by old women of the area. However, due to the ethnobotanical research activity in Balochistan, awareness in the local community and overall global trend towards the herbal medicine resurgence of the transmission of knowledge from the herbalist to local community has been initiated. Traditional herbalist or jogi do not tell the specific prescription to the local people as indicated from the present research. Hence most of the prescription possessed by the folks is related to the problems of digestive systems, fever or cough etc. Folk knowledge may be preserved and utilized for conservation.

Ethnobotanical studies on useful shrubs of District Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan.

Abstract: The ethnobotanical data on the shrubs of District Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan was documented during 2007-2008 and 38 species of 36 genera belonging to 25 families were found useful in every day life of local inhabitants as medicinal, fuel, shelter, fodder/forage and in making agricultural tools. Most of the shrubs were noticed having more than one ethnobotanical uses. Family Rhamnaceae was recorded unique among all the families in having comparatively the highest number of species i.e., 4.

Role of silicon in mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress on growth and photosynthetic attributes of two maize (zea mays l.) cultivars grown hydroponically

Abstract: An experiment was conducted in an aerated hydroponic system to examine the ameliorating effects of varying levels of silicon on growth and some key gas exchange characteristics in two maize cultivars subjected to salt stress. Various components of the experiment were two maize cultivars (Sahiwal-2002 and Sadaf), two salt treatments (0 and 150 mM NaCl) and nine Si levels (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8 and 3.2 mM) in Hoagland’s nutrient solution (full strength). Salicic acid [Si(OH)4] was used as a source of Si. After the application of Si and NaCl treatment plants were allowed to grow for 28 days. Exogenously applied varying concentrations of Si significantly improved the growth of both maize cultivars under saline regimes. However, more improvement was observed under non-saline conditions as compared with that under saline conditions. Exogenously applied Si levels in the rooting medium also improved some key plant gas exchange characterstics such as net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and leaf sub-stomatal CO2 concentration (Ci) of both maize cultivars both under non-saline and saline regimes. Furthermore, the Si-induced growth improvement in the rooting medium was positively correlated with plant photosynthetic attributes. Of different exogenously applied Si levels, 0.8, 1.6 and 2.8 mM proved to be relatively more effective in enhancing the growth as well as gas exchange attributes as compared with other levels. Overall, exogenously applied Si was found beneficial for improving salt tolerance of maize plants.

The role of micronutrients in crop production and human health

Abstract: The soils in Pakistan across 22 Mha cultivated area are predominantly alluvial and loessal, alkaline in pH, calcareous and low in organic matter. These factors are mainly responsible for nutrient fixation in soil and low availability to plants. Zinc (Zn) deficiency in Pakistan was the first micronutrient disorder recognised in early 1970s as a cause of hadda disease in rice. After identification of Zn deficiency, extensive research has been carried out during last four decades on micronutrient deficiencies in soils and their drastic effects on crops. Subsequently, field-scale deficiencies of zinc (Zn) boron (B) and iron (Fe) have been established in many field and horticultural crops. The most widespread deficiency is of Zn as 70 % of the soils of Pakistan are Zn deficient and observed in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, sunflower, sugarcane, brassica, potato and in many other crops along with citrus and deciduous fruits. Boron deficiency is another major nutritional disorder which severely affects rice, cotton, wheat, sugarbeet, peanut, citrus and deciduous fruits. The third field-scale disorder is Fe chlorosis which has been exhibited in peanut, chickpea, cotton, citrus, ornamentals and many tree species. Copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) deficiencies are of localized occurrence. The mineral elements like Zn, Fe and Cu are as crucial for human health as organic compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, protein and vitamins. The daily dietary intake of young adult ranges from 10-60 mg for Fe, 2-3 mg for Cu and 15 mg for Zn. Intake less than these values can cause slow physiological processes. These micronutrients deficiencies in soil are not only hampering the crop productivity but also are deteriorating produce quality. High consumption of cereal based foods with low contents of micronutrients is causing health hazards in humans. The contents of micronutrients in food can be elevated either by supplementation, fortification or by agricultural strategies i.e., biofortification and application of micronutrients containing fertilizers. Food fortification and supplementation are too expensive, not practical to be applied on large scale and not easily accessible to poor masses. The development of micronutrient efficient genotypes can be a successive tool to overcome the micronutrient disorders in soil and for improvement in human health. However, the harvesting of micronutrient enriched grains from field would mine out more micronutrients. The cultivation of these genotypes can be integrated with the application of micronutrients containing fertilizers. Addition of such fertilizers will not only correct the deficiencies but also improve the fruit size and quality of crops. In general, 2-5 kg Zn ha -1 may be adequate for improved crop production, however, soil applied Fe is generally ineffective except for Fe-sequestrine. Repeated sprays of Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) or chelated Fe cure the chlorosis and improve the quality of food stuff. However, despite being highly cost effective, currently micronutrient use is negligible.

Regulation in gas exchange and quantum yield of photosystem ii (psii) in salt-stressed and non-stressed wheat plants raised from seed treated with triacontanol

Abstract: To assess the effect of exogenous application of triacontanol (TRIA) as a presowing seed treatment on wheat under saline conditions, a greenhouse experiment was performed. Seeds of two wheat cultivars, MH-97 (moderately salt sensitive) and S-24 (salt tolerant) were primed with TRIA for 12 h. Plants raised from TRIA-treated seeds were grown in full strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution for 24 days under non-saline conditions, after which time, they were subjected to 0 (control) or 150 mM NaCl. After 21 days of salt application, data for different growth, plant pigments and gas exchange characteristics were recorded. Salt stress of the root growing medium markedly decreased shoot and root fresh biomass, net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate (E), while no significant effect of salinity was observed on chlorophyll pigments (a, b and a/b ratio), quantum yield of PSII, substomatal CO2 concentration and water use efficiency (A/E). Exogenous application of TRIA as seed priming did not ameliorate the inauspicious effects of salt stress effectively, although it slightly increased photosynthetic rate in both wheat cultivars, transpiration rate in MH-97 and water use efficiency in S-24 under saline conditions.

Physiological responses of Phaseolus vulgaris to different lead concentrations.

Abstract: Studies were carried out on the phytotoxicity of lead on some physio-biochemical parameters that is chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid and phenolic content of Phaseolus vulgaris. Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings were treated with 25, 50 and 100 ppm concentration of lead acetate and a control (without any treatment) and sown in pots. Increasing lead acetate levels lead to several disruptions of Phaseolus vulgaris plants, which are reflected by reductions of protein, chlorophyll, carbohydrate DNA and RNA content. However phenolic content of plants were increasing with increasing levels of heavy metal lead. The effect of lead toxicity was more pronounced at 100 ppm as compared to 25 and 50 ppm lead concentration.

Jatropha curcas seed oil as a viable source for biodiesel.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to explore the utility of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seed oil for biodiesel production. The preliminarily evaluated Jatropha oil was transmethylated under optimized set of reaction conditions: methanol/oil molar ratio (6:1), sodium methoxide catalyst concentration (1.00%), temperature (65°C) and mixing intensity (600 rpm) providing 94.00% yield of Jatropha oil methyl esters (JOMEs)/biodiesel. The gas chromatographic (GC) analysis showed that JOMEs mainly comprised of six fatty acids: linoleic (49.75%), stearic (16.80%), oleic (13.00%), palmitic (12.15%), arachidic (5.01%) and gadoleic (2.00%) acids. 1 H-NMR spectrum of JOMEs was also recorded. The thermal stability of the JOMEs produced was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fuel properties of the biodiesel produced were found to be within the standards specifications of ASTM D 6751 and EN 14214.

Screening for salt tolerance in maize (zea mays l.) hybrids at an early seedling stage

Abstract: An efficient and simple mass screening technique for selection of maize hybrids for salt tolerance has been developed. Genetic variation for salt tolerance was assessed in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) using solution-culture technique. The study was conducted in solution culture exposed to four salinity levels (control, 40, 80 and 120 mM NaCl). Seven days old maize seedlings were transplanted in themopol sheet in iron tubs containing 1⁄2 strength Hoagland nutrient solutions and salinized with common salt (NaCl). The experiment was conducted in the rain protected wire house of Stress Physiology Laboratory of NIAB, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Ten maize hybrids were used for screening against four salinity levels. Seedling of each hybrid was compared for their growth under saline conditions as a percentage of the control values. Considerable variations were observed in the root, shoot length and biomass of different hybrids at different salinity levels. The leaf sample analysed for inorganic osmolytes (sodium, potassium and calcium) showed that hybrid Pioneer32B33 and Pioneer30Y87 have high biomass, root shoot fresh weight and high K/Na ratio and showed best salt tolerance performance at all salinity levels on overall basis.

Mycoflora of poultry feeds and mycotoxins producing potential of Aspergillus species.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the mycoflora of poultry feeds and evaluate the aflatoxin and ochratoxins producing ability of isolated Aspergillus species. One hundred and nineteen samples of commercially prepared and farm mixed feeds were collected during 2005- 2007. The samples were inoculated on potato dextrose agar, Czapek dox solution agar, Czapek yeast autolysate agar and yeast extract sucrose (YES) agar. Mycotoxins analysis of plate cultures was performed by a HPLC technique. Fungal contamination of commercially prepared and farm-mixed and total feeds was 69.66 and 83.33 and 73.10%. Aspergillus species were the most predominant followed by Penicillium, Fusarium and Alternaria. Among the Aspergillus isolates, A. niger aggregates (37.74%) was most frequently isolated species followed by A. flavus (22.64), A. ochraceous (16.98%), A. parasiticus (13.21%), A. carbonarius (3.77%), A. fumigatus (3.77%) and A. oryzae (1.89%). Proportion of toxigenic fungi among Aspergillus isolates was 73.58%. Aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were 83.33% and 85.71% while ochratoxigenic isolates of A. carbonarius, A. niger aggregates and A. ochraceous were 50, 65 and 100%, respectively. On YES medium toxigenic Aspergillus isolates produced aflatoxins varying from 0.00095 to1.9807 µg/g whereas ochratoxin A production varied from 0.00136 to 16.7168 µg/g.

Genetic analysis of basmati and non-basmati Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars using microsatellite markers.

Abstract: Information of genetic variability and relatedness among rice genotypes is essential for future breeding programmes and derivation of superior cultivars. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic relationship among traditional and improved cultivars of Pakistani rice and to determine differences in the patterns of variation between two indica rice groups: basmati and nonbasmati. Forty-one cultivars were evaluated by means of 30 microsatellite markers distributed over the whole rice genome. A total of 104 alleles were detected by 30 markers, all of them (100%) were polymorphic. The number of alleles generated by each marker ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 3.5 alleles marker. Polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 0.259 to 0.782 with an average of 0.571. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.71**) was found between the number of alleles at SSR locus and the PIC values. Pair-wise Nei and Li’s similarity coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.99. A dendrogram based on cluster analysis by microsatellite polymorphism grouped 41 rice cultivars into 2 major groups effectively differentiating the late maturing, tall and slender-grain basmati and other aromatic rice cultivars from the early, short statured, short bold and long bold grain non-aromatic cultivars. Higher level of genetic diversity between basmati and non-basmati support the concept that former had a long history of independent evolution and diverged from nonbasmati rice a long time ago through human selection and patronage. Present investigation further indicated that genetically basmati rice is different from that of coarse indica and japonica type. The results suggested that microsatellite markers could efficiently be utilized for diversity analysis, and differentiation of basmati and non-basmati rice cultivars. In addition, marker-based identification of traditional basmati rice may help in maintaining the integrity of this high quality product to the benefit of both farmers and consumers.

Effect of salt stress on growth attributes and endogenous growth hormones of soybean cultivar Hwangkeumkong.

Abstract: The adverse effects of NaCl induced salt stress on growth attributes and endogenous levels of gibberellins (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) soybean cv. Hwangkeumkong was showed. Plant length, biomass, chlorophyll content, number of pods, 100 seed weight and yield significantly decreased in response 70 mM and 140 mM concentrations of NaCl. Under salt stress, the endogenous GA and free SA content decreased, while a significant increase in the endogenous ABA and JA contents were observed. The results showed that salinity stress drastically reduce growth and yield components of soybean by affecting endogenous growth hormones.

Communities of endophytic fungi in medicinal plant Withania somnifera.

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is known to possess medicinal properties. Medicinal plants harbour endophytic mycoflora. Only a few plants have been studied for their endophyte biodiversity and their potential to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. There is a need to understand the biodiversity of endophytic fungi and their potential of producing novel compounds of medicinal importance. A total of 643 segments (202 leaf, 391 stem, and 50 root samples) from 20 different plants were screened for their endophytic mycoflora. Thirty-three fungal strains of 24 species have been isolated, four belonged to the class Ascomycetes and 20 to class Deuteromycetes. The highest species richness as well as frequency of colonization was in stem; with the exception of Aspergillus niger, A. terreus and A. alternata, all the other fungi were found to be organ-specific. In this study most dominant endophyte was found to be A. alternata. Overall colonization frequency was measured as 14.15%. Many of the pharmaceutical compounds produced by medicinal plants are reportedly produced by their endophytic fungi. Hence, it is important to study medicinal plants for their endophytic mycoflora for biodiversity and then to determine their medicinal properties. The present work was therefore initiated to study the endophytic fungal population in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal., a commonly used medicinal plant in the subcontinent.

Water deficit stress in the reproductive stage of four indica rice (oryza sativa l.) genotypes

Abstract: Relative water content (RWC) in the leaf of different rice cultivars dropped significantly in relation to reduced soil water content (SWC), especially in PT1 and IR20. In contrast, the proline content in the leaf-blade and leaf-sheath increased when plants were subjected to 7% SWC. The RWC was positively related to chlorophyll degradation. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, maximum quantum yield of PSII, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency in rice grown under water-deficit conditions declined significantly in comparison to the control group, leading to a reduction in net-photosynthetic rate. In addition, when exposed to water-deficit, panicle length and fertile grains in KDML105 and NSG19 were stabilized, leading to greater productivity than in PT1 and IR20. These data were utilized as effective criteria for the classification of water-deficit tolerance. From the results, KDML105 and NSG19 were identified as water deficit-tolerant, and PT1 and IR20 as water deficit-susceptible.

Growth, Nodulation and Yield Response of Soybean to Biofertilizers and ORGANIC MANURES

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of a symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain TAL-102 and a commercial biofertlizer EM (effective microorganisms) on growth, nodulation and yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Wilczek] in soils amended either with farmyard manure or Trifolium alexandrinum L. green manure @ 20 tons ha -1 each. In green manure amendment, B. japonicum inoculation significantly enhanced number and biomass of nodules resulting in a significant increase of 27, 65 and 55% in shoot biomass and number and biomass of pods, respectively. In farmyard manure amended soil, B. japonicum inoculation significantly enhanced fresh biomass of nodules. As a result a significant increase of 45 and 47% in shoot biomass and number of pods was recorded, respectively. Generally, the effect of sole EM application on various studied parameters was insignificant in both the soil amendment systems. Combined application of EM and B. japonicum in green manure amended soil reduced shoot growth and number of pods as compared to sole B. japonicum inoculation. Conversely, in farmyard manure amendment, plants co-inoculated with B. japonicum and EM exhibited highest and significantly greater shoot biomass, and number and biomass of pods as compared to all other treatments. The present study concludes that soybean yield can be significantly enhanced by the application of B. japonicum and EM in farmyard manure amendment.

Phytotoxic studies of medicinal plant species of Pakistan.

Abstract: Allelopathic screening of 81 medicinal plant species, collected from North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Pakistan, was carried out to identify significantly higher allelopathic species for future phytochemical analyses. For this purpose, sandwich method was used to test allelopathic potentials of leaf leachates of these plant species against lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.). Two different concentrations of 10 mg and 50 mg of leaf leachates were used in the study. The radicle and hypocotyl growths were measured and compared with control treatments. It was observed that an endemic species Seriphidium kurramense, Andrachne cordifolia and Rhazya stricta were the stronger phytotoxic plants as compared to the other test species. Based on the current screening, three potential medicinal plants are recommended for future bioassay guided isolation of allelochemicals and for genetic diversity studies. It would also be interesting to see correlation between genetic markers and isolated allelochemicals.

Genetic variability, trait association and path analysis of yield and yield components in mungbean (vigna radiata (l.) wilczek)

Abstract: Genetic variability, heritability along with genetic advance of traits, their association and direct and indirect effects on yield are essential for crop improvement. Ten mungbean genotypes were studied to assess variability and degree to which various plant traits associate with seed yield. Primary and secondary branches, pods per cluster and pod length showed lesser variability while clusters per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index exhibited intermediate range of variability. Sufficient genetic variability was observed for plant height, pods per plant, total plant weight and seed yield. Moderate to high heritability estimates were found for all traits. Primary and secondary branches per plant, pod length and 100-seed weight exhibited negative and non significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with seed yield. Plant height showed positive non-significant and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation. Pods per cluster correlated significantly negative with seed yield. Clusters per plant, pods per plant, total plant weight and harvest index showed positive significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with seed yield. Positive direct effects were exerted through secondary branches, pods per plant, pod length, 100 seed weight, total plant weight and harvest index while primary branches, plant height, clusters per plant and pods per cluster had negative direct effects. The present findings could be useful for establishing selection criteria for high seed yield in the mungbean breeding.

Response of maize varieties to nitrogen application for leaf area profile, crop growth, yield and yield components.

Abstract: An experiment was conducted at NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, to study maize varieties and Nitrogen (N) rates for growth, yield and yield components. Three varieties (Azam, Jalal and Sarhad white) and three N rates (90, 120, 150, kg N ha -1 ) were compared. Experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block design; split plot arrangement with 4 replications. Uniform and recommended cultural practices were applied during the crop growth. The results revealed that maize variety ‘Jalal’ performed relatively better crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area profile (LAP) at nodal position one to six as compared to the other two varieties (Sarhad white and Azam). This resulted higher radiation use efficiency by the crop canopy at vegetative stage of development and hence contributed higher assimilates towards biomass production. Heavier grains in number and weight were due to higher LAP and taller plants of Jalal which yielded higher in the climate. Nitrogen applications have shown that maize seed yield increase in quadratic fashion with increased N to a plateau level. Considering soil fertility status and cropping system, the 150 kg ha -1 N application to maize variety Jalal in Peshawar is required for maximum biological and seed production.

Effect of cadmium and salinity stresses on root morphology of wheat

Abstract: A hydroponics experiment was conducted in the University of Zhejiang Hangzhou, China to investigate the effect of salinity (NaCl) and cadmium (Cd) on root morphology of different wheat cultivars differing in salt tolerance. Cd and NaCl stress inhibited shoot and root dry weight, number of root tips (lateral roots), total root length, root average diameter and total root volume. Increasing concentration of Cd and NaCl had negatively affected root morphology of all cultivars under study. The combined effect of Cd and NaCl on these parameters was more than both Cd and NaCl alone. There was an obvious difference in response to both stresses among the three cultivars with Bakhtawar-92 being less affected.

Traditional ethnobotanical uses of halophytes from hub, balochistan

Abstract: An ethnobotanical study of coastal plants from Hub, Lasbela District, Balochistan is presented. Numerous field surveys were carried out to collect information about the ethnobotanical uses of plants by local people. In total 48 wild coastal plant species from 26 families used for 12 different purposes were noted. Plant uses include fodder (56%), medicine (22%), food (5%), house hold utensils (5%), for increasing milk production in cattle (3%) and other uses (8%). Most frequently used species were from Poaceae (29%) followed by Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae) (10%), Mimosaceae and Convolvulaceae (6%). About 56% of the collected plants were halophytes and rest of them were xerophytes (44%). Different plant parts were used to treat 12 disease conditions however, the use of leaves was highest (44%) followed by that of whole plants (19%). Local vegetation appears to be a major resource for the poor coastal communities which lack basic health care facilities and the information about plants has been passed on from one generation to the others in the family. With a little support, the cultivation and conservation of such natural resources, may result in sustainable maintenance and utilization of this plant wealth and uplift the socio-economic status of the people. It is also recommended that both the public and private sector should be encouraged to invest in these plants which have potential to become an economically viable industry.

Production of alpha amylase from a randomly induced mutant strain of bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its application as a desizer in textile industry

Abstract: The present study is concerned with the improvement of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain UNG-16 for alpha amylase production. The bacterial culture was exposed to UV irradiation at 1.6×10 2 J/m 2 /S for 15-60 min. However, UV induced viables did not give improved alpha amylase production; therefore chemical mutation using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS 50-300 µl/ml) was undertaken for 10-60 min. The mutant B. amyloliquefaciens EMS-6 gave 102.78±2.22 U/ml/min enzyme activity which was 1.4 fold higher than the parental strain. In stirred fermentor, the incubation period was reduced from 72 to 48 h after inoculation. The production of alpha amylase was found to be maximal when the 60% volume, 2.0 vvm air supply and 400 rpm agitation rate was maintained during the fermentation period. The incubation temperature (37oC) and size of inoculum (8.0 %) were also optimized. A 100% desizing of grey fabric (or starch removal) was obtained with 200-250 enzyme units at pH 6.5 at 60oC in 1 h.