Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of dec... more Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of decomposition and mineralization. In recent year's special attention have been made to fungi because of its ability to produce good number of new and interesting bioactive secondary metabolites, which are of pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance. Several decades of research and numerous articles on fungi have resulted in a surfeit of knowledge of the group. The data in part however, has been biased by the biological activities of the fungal extracts used, and one question that should come to our mind is "how much do we really know about fungal species? Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on the biological assays of fungal extracts are reviewed in this paper.
Soybean, Glycine max (L) Merrill, is the most important grain legume in the world that has a fair... more Soybean, Glycine max (L) Merrill, is the most important grain legume in the world that has a fairly wide range of adaptations to different climatic conditions. The present study was conducted to assess genetic variations on 139 Soybean genotypes collected from different countries including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Pakistan, Tiwan, USA, Yugoslavia and China. A total of 17 bands have been identified for 139 Soybean genotypes which include 9 monomorphic bands and 8 polymorphic bands. Total number of bands was found highest for India (215) while these were lowest for Yugoslavia (33). Cluster analysis, clustered these accessions into 10 clusters without having any indication of grouping on the basis of their relationships to their regions. Pairwise comparisons based on Nei and Li similarities for inter-population genetic distances of soybean accessions ranged from 0.14 to 1.12. Genetic distances for soybean germplasm from different countries were found highest for Brazil (0.97±0....
Research & Reviews: Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 2014
Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of dec... more Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of decomposition and mineralization. In recent year’s special attention have been made to fungi because of its ability to produce good number of new and interesting bioactive secondary metabolites, which are of pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance. Several decades of research and numerous articles on fungi have resulted in a surfeit of knowledge of the group. The data in part however, has been biased by the biological activities of the fungal extracts used, and one question that should come to our mind is “how much do we really know about fungal species? Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on the biological assays of fungal extracts are reviewed in this paper.
Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) is one of the most popular, essential and widely used vegetab... more Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) is one of the most popular, essential and widely used vegetable as ranked number two vegetable of the world after potato. A field trial was conducted in experimental field, Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three treatments replicated three times. The treatments were T1= (20% nitrogen, 20% P O , 20% K O), T2= Urea+DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate), T3= poultry manure and a control 2 5 2 (T0). The study was carried out to investigate the effects of different nutrient sources on growth parameters of tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) i.e. plant height, root length, root weight, number of branches, shoot weight, number of fruits, fruits weight plant and yield ha etc. The results revealed that all the growth and 1 1 yield parameters were significantly affected by NPK (foliar spray), except root weight which includes; plant height (75.3 cm), root length (22.4 cm), ...
Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictc... more Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictcum Aestivum L) and Soybean (Glycine max L). ... Afzal, Aftab (2008) Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictcum ...
Research & Reviews: Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 2014
In agriculture practices fertilizer is an important source to increase wheat yield. Among fertili... more In agriculture practices fertilizer is an important source to increase wheat yield. Among fertilizer application methods, one of the most important methods of application is foliar nutrition because foliar nutrients facilitate easy and quick consumption of nutrients by penetrating the stomata or leaf cuticle and enters the cells. It is determined that during crop growth supplementary foliar fertilization increase plants mineral status and improve crop yields. Foliar feeding of mineral nutrients at tillering , jointing, booting and various stages of wheat crop in utilization of nutrients has been shown mucheffective and increase the yield. Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on foliar application of plant mineral nutrients on growth and yield of wheat are reviewed in this paper.
Abiotic stress is an important environmental problem limiting crop growth and productivity. Micro... more Abiotic stress is an important environmental problem limiting crop growth and productivity. Micronutrients have ability to overcome stress up to some extent. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of priming with micronutrients (Zn and Cu) on Brassica rapa grown under NaCl stress. Seeds were primed with 100 and 200 ppm ZnSO and CuSO and then treated with different concentrations (0 mM, 60 mM, 4 4 90 mM, 120 mM) of NaCl. Effect of NaCl, ZnSO and CuSO were observed on germination, seedling growth 4 4 separately. It was observed that germination and different seedling growth parameters viz. shoot length, root length, fresh and dry biomass were decreased under different concentrations of NaCl (without treatment of ZnSO and CuSO ). It was also observed that treatment with different doses of ZnSO and CuSO exhibited 4 4 4 4 increase in germination and seedling growth in both salinity levels as well as in non-saline conditions.
Alpine life zones exist at the cold edge above the tree line in mountains where tree species do n... more Alpine life zones exist at the cold edge above the tree line in mountains where tree species do not grow, however, a large plant diversity thrives due to alpine climate adaptations to short growing seasons and low temperatures. Keeping this phenomenon in view, study was designed to determine the influential environmental variables responsible for structuring the plant communities in the alpine pastures and cold desert of Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan. The vegetation of the aforementioned study area was quantified by following the Line transect (50 meters) method along the geographic, slope, edaphic and climatic gradients. All the recorded data of plant species and environmental variables were analyzed by various statistical softwares’ (i.e., PCORD, CANOCO and R 3.6.1). Thirty-nine species recorded in 13 stands were grouped into two major plant communities (i.e., Poa-Bistorta-Primula and Bistorta-Poa-Primula). Poa-Bistorta-Primula community has the highest number of plant species ...
The ecotonal zones support populations that are acclimated to changing, fluctuating, and unstable... more The ecotonal zones support populations that are acclimated to changing, fluctuating, and unstable conditions, and as a result, these populations are better equipped to adjust to expected change. In this context, a hypothesis was tested that there must be vegetation dominated by unique indicator plant species under the influence of ecological gradients in the ecotonal zone of Manoor Valley (northwestern Himalaya), Pakistan. Keeping the aforementioned hypothesis in mind, detailed field studies were conducted during different seasons in 2015-18. Line transect sampling and phytosociological characteristics (density, frequency, cover, and their relative values and Importance Value) were implemented as ecological methods. This investigation documented 97 plant species recorded from seven sampling sites. The community distribution modelling revealed that the ecological variables separate the seven sampling sites into two major plant communities (Indigofera-Parrotiopsis-Bistorta and Ziziphu...
Agriculture in the current era is highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedic... more Agriculture in the current era is highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides. Excessive applications of these chemicals on crop plants has increased the production cost, jeopardized the environment and has depleted the non-renewable resources. Potential threats to non-renewable resources and soil, water, air environments have led to seek alternative approaches for sustainable crop production and clean environment. To lessen these adversaries, not only scientific community, but industry and farmers are also continuously involved in research, development and adoption of new sustainable technologies. The tiny organisms in rhizosphere have shown their potential to play ubiquitous role in sustainable agricultural development and have been in continuous use since over the last century. In this chapter, different aspects of microbial applications for sustainable agriculture are elaborated. Applications of bacteria-containing biofertilizers, their types and benefits to crops have been discussed. Reports on plant growth promotion through phytohormones, siderophores and enzymes production by rhizobacteria are also detailed. Moreover, sustainable control of plant diseases through biocontrol and amelioration of abiotic stresses including; drought, salinity, climate change and heavy metals by using rhizobacteria are also encompassed in this chapter.
Abstract Pakistan has rich history of indigenous folk medicine, and of the 6000 species of higher... more Abstract Pakistan has rich history of indigenous folk medicine, and of the 6000 species of higher plants found in the country 12% are used in medicinal formulations. This immensely important knowledge of folk practices to cure different ailments has been learned after centuries and is mostly verbally communicated. Therefore, a field study was designed to investigate the plant biodiversity and accumulate the indigenous knowledge about the uses of plants of Tehsil Oghi, District Mansehra, Pakistan. A total of 141 local inhabitants were interviewed through a structured questionnaire followed by multivariate approaches to evaluate the data based on the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Plants specimen were preserved, mounted and labeled on the herbarium sheets, cataloged and deposited for voucher numbers in Herbarium, Government Post Graduate College , Mansehra, Pakistan. In present study, a total 104 species belonging to 88 genera and 54 families were recorded from the study area; herbaceous growth form dominated the study area with 56 species, followed by trees with 30 species and shrubs 14 species. Among all 54 families, Rosaceae species were dominant with 12 species, followed by Asteraceae with 8 species. Out of the reported 104 species, 94 plant species are medicinal, 22 plant species are edible fruits, 37 plant species are fuel wood, 24 plant species are timber wood, 38 plant species are fuel wood, 9 plant species are vegetables, while 34 plant species are ornamental. The present study revealed the importance of the flora of this unexplored area and also provides the baseline study for future biological, phytochemical and pharmacological experimentations.
ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 after emerging in China has caused a global pandemic th... more ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 after emerging in China has caused a global pandemic that is risking the lives of millions. COVID-19 has spread across the world at a very rapid rate raising concerns of capacity limitations and lack of unified responses at the global level, particularly from the world’s most developed countries. The spread of further infection has been curtailed by lockdown and mass social distancing that has been enforced in most parts of the world. There are no clinical data yet suggesting that any available candidate vaccine will be effective for COVID-19 which will be a critical need for eventually preventing this disease. Extensive research is underway with some success in identification of monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 recovered patients, which may inform on vaccine development. The clinical evaluations of COVID-19 vaccines need to follow standardized protocols that are essential for safeguarding humans. In absence of a vaccine or a widely available effective therapy, quarantine and other preventive measures are essential in curtailing the risk of pandemic spread.
The development of vegetation communities is typically influenced by their response to variation ... more The development of vegetation communities is typically influenced by their response to variation in environmental , geographic and as well as physiographic gradients. The current study was planned to evaluate the influence of environmental gradients upon the structure of plant communities and to highlight their respective indicators in subalpine pastures of the Himalaya, Pakistan. In relation to this aim, ecological techniques were used following the Line transect (50 m) method to quantify the vegetation structure of the study area. Soil samples were collected from each sampling site and edaphic gradients were examined using standard protocols. Weather station data (Kestrel 4000) was used to determine the climatic gradients, GPS data was used to record the geographic and physiographic gradients. PCORD software was used to recognize communities through two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), R and CANOCO software was employed for ordination analysis to find variation directories of different plant species. A total of 56 plant species, recorded from 21 sampling sites, were grouped into four plant communities with the help of environmental gradients. The highest index of similarity was recorded between the Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia communities and highest dissimilarity between Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa communities. The highest number of plant species (50 species), maximum alpha diversity (H ′ = 3.38) and beta diversity was reported in Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia community (0.95), but Pielou's evenness was highest (0.89) in Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa among all recorded communities. Besides, the edaphic (i.e. organic matter, phosphorous, pH and soil texture) and climatic factors (temperature, humidity) were the strong environmental gradients that were responsible for structuring and hosting the diverse plant communities in subalpine meadows. Techniques adapted in the current study for identification of vegetation indicators could further be used for conservation management.
In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities ... more In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015–2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sati...
Plants have evolved several metabolic pathways as a response to environmental stressors such as l... more Plants have evolved several metabolic pathways as a response to environmental stressors such as low temperatures. In this perspective, it is paramount to highlight physiological mechanisms of plant responses to altitudinal gradients as a proxy to evaluate changing environments. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of elevation on the physiological attributes of two plant species along an altitudinal gradient. Our hypothesis was that the altitudinal gradient influences proline, protein, and sugar contents, as well as abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) concentrations. We studied these physiological components in leaves collected from four different altitudinal ranges in Himalayan region of Pakistan from two native herbs, namely Bistorta affinis and Sibbaldia procumbens. Leaves were collected at the initial blooming phase from each altitudinal range, viz. 2850 m, 3250 m, 3750 m and 4250 m. We observed that most abiotic factors decrease with altitude which induces cold a...
Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of dec... more Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of decomposition and mineralization. In recent year's special attention have been made to fungi because of its ability to produce good number of new and interesting bioactive secondary metabolites, which are of pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance. Several decades of research and numerous articles on fungi have resulted in a surfeit of knowledge of the group. The data in part however, has been biased by the biological activities of the fungal extracts used, and one question that should come to our mind is "how much do we really know about fungal species? Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on the biological assays of fungal extracts are reviewed in this paper.
Soybean, Glycine max (L) Merrill, is the most important grain legume in the world that has a fair... more Soybean, Glycine max (L) Merrill, is the most important grain legume in the world that has a fairly wide range of adaptations to different climatic conditions. The present study was conducted to assess genetic variations on 139 Soybean genotypes collected from different countries including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Pakistan, Tiwan, USA, Yugoslavia and China. A total of 17 bands have been identified for 139 Soybean genotypes which include 9 monomorphic bands and 8 polymorphic bands. Total number of bands was found highest for India (215) while these were lowest for Yugoslavia (33). Cluster analysis, clustered these accessions into 10 clusters without having any indication of grouping on the basis of their relationships to their regions. Pairwise comparisons based on Nei and Li similarities for inter-population genetic distances of soybean accessions ranged from 0.14 to 1.12. Genetic distances for soybean germplasm from different countries were found highest for Brazil (0.97±0....
Research & Reviews: Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 2014
Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of dec... more Fungi from the start are very important for human life. They play main role in the process of decomposition and mineralization. In recent year’s special attention have been made to fungi because of its ability to produce good number of new and interesting bioactive secondary metabolites, which are of pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural importance. Several decades of research and numerous articles on fungi have resulted in a surfeit of knowledge of the group. The data in part however, has been biased by the biological activities of the fungal extracts used, and one question that should come to our mind is “how much do we really know about fungal species? Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on the biological assays of fungal extracts are reviewed in this paper.
Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) is one of the most popular, essential and widely used vegetab... more Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) is one of the most popular, essential and widely used vegetable as ranked number two vegetable of the world after potato. A field trial was conducted in experimental field, Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three treatments replicated three times. The treatments were T1= (20% nitrogen, 20% P O , 20% K O), T2= Urea+DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate), T3= poultry manure and a control 2 5 2 (T0). The study was carried out to investigate the effects of different nutrient sources on growth parameters of tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum L.) i.e. plant height, root length, root weight, number of branches, shoot weight, number of fruits, fruits weight plant and yield ha etc. The results revealed that all the growth and 1 1 yield parameters were significantly affected by NPK (foliar spray), except root weight which includes; plant height (75.3 cm), root length (22.4 cm), ...
Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictc... more Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictcum Aestivum L) and Soybean (Glycine max L). ... Afzal, Aftab (2008) Role of Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Trictcum ...
Research & Reviews: Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, 2014
In agriculture practices fertilizer is an important source to increase wheat yield. Among fertili... more In agriculture practices fertilizer is an important source to increase wheat yield. Among fertilizer application methods, one of the most important methods of application is foliar nutrition because foliar nutrients facilitate easy and quick consumption of nutrients by penetrating the stomata or leaf cuticle and enters the cells. It is determined that during crop growth supplementary foliar fertilization increase plants mineral status and improve crop yields. Foliar feeding of mineral nutrients at tillering , jointing, booting and various stages of wheat crop in utilization of nutrients has been shown mucheffective and increase the yield. Keeping these facts in view, the literatures on foliar application of plant mineral nutrients on growth and yield of wheat are reviewed in this paper.
Abiotic stress is an important environmental problem limiting crop growth and productivity. Micro... more Abiotic stress is an important environmental problem limiting crop growth and productivity. Micronutrients have ability to overcome stress up to some extent. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of priming with micronutrients (Zn and Cu) on Brassica rapa grown under NaCl stress. Seeds were primed with 100 and 200 ppm ZnSO and CuSO and then treated with different concentrations (0 mM, 60 mM, 4 4 90 mM, 120 mM) of NaCl. Effect of NaCl, ZnSO and CuSO were observed on germination, seedling growth 4 4 separately. It was observed that germination and different seedling growth parameters viz. shoot length, root length, fresh and dry biomass were decreased under different concentrations of NaCl (without treatment of ZnSO and CuSO ). It was also observed that treatment with different doses of ZnSO and CuSO exhibited 4 4 4 4 increase in germination and seedling growth in both salinity levels as well as in non-saline conditions.
Alpine life zones exist at the cold edge above the tree line in mountains where tree species do n... more Alpine life zones exist at the cold edge above the tree line in mountains where tree species do not grow, however, a large plant diversity thrives due to alpine climate adaptations to short growing seasons and low temperatures. Keeping this phenomenon in view, study was designed to determine the influential environmental variables responsible for structuring the plant communities in the alpine pastures and cold desert of Northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan. The vegetation of the aforementioned study area was quantified by following the Line transect (50 meters) method along the geographic, slope, edaphic and climatic gradients. All the recorded data of plant species and environmental variables were analyzed by various statistical softwares’ (i.e., PCORD, CANOCO and R 3.6.1). Thirty-nine species recorded in 13 stands were grouped into two major plant communities (i.e., Poa-Bistorta-Primula and Bistorta-Poa-Primula). Poa-Bistorta-Primula community has the highest number of plant species ...
The ecotonal zones support populations that are acclimated to changing, fluctuating, and unstable... more The ecotonal zones support populations that are acclimated to changing, fluctuating, and unstable conditions, and as a result, these populations are better equipped to adjust to expected change. In this context, a hypothesis was tested that there must be vegetation dominated by unique indicator plant species under the influence of ecological gradients in the ecotonal zone of Manoor Valley (northwestern Himalaya), Pakistan. Keeping the aforementioned hypothesis in mind, detailed field studies were conducted during different seasons in 2015-18. Line transect sampling and phytosociological characteristics (density, frequency, cover, and their relative values and Importance Value) were implemented as ecological methods. This investigation documented 97 plant species recorded from seven sampling sites. The community distribution modelling revealed that the ecological variables separate the seven sampling sites into two major plant communities (Indigofera-Parrotiopsis-Bistorta and Ziziphu...
Agriculture in the current era is highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedic... more Agriculture in the current era is highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides. Excessive applications of these chemicals on crop plants has increased the production cost, jeopardized the environment and has depleted the non-renewable resources. Potential threats to non-renewable resources and soil, water, air environments have led to seek alternative approaches for sustainable crop production and clean environment. To lessen these adversaries, not only scientific community, but industry and farmers are also continuously involved in research, development and adoption of new sustainable technologies. The tiny organisms in rhizosphere have shown their potential to play ubiquitous role in sustainable agricultural development and have been in continuous use since over the last century. In this chapter, different aspects of microbial applications for sustainable agriculture are elaborated. Applications of bacteria-containing biofertilizers, their types and benefits to crops have been discussed. Reports on plant growth promotion through phytohormones, siderophores and enzymes production by rhizobacteria are also detailed. Moreover, sustainable control of plant diseases through biocontrol and amelioration of abiotic stresses including; drought, salinity, climate change and heavy metals by using rhizobacteria are also encompassed in this chapter.
Abstract Pakistan has rich history of indigenous folk medicine, and of the 6000 species of higher... more Abstract Pakistan has rich history of indigenous folk medicine, and of the 6000 species of higher plants found in the country 12% are used in medicinal formulations. This immensely important knowledge of folk practices to cure different ailments has been learned after centuries and is mostly verbally communicated. Therefore, a field study was designed to investigate the plant biodiversity and accumulate the indigenous knowledge about the uses of plants of Tehsil Oghi, District Mansehra, Pakistan. A total of 141 local inhabitants were interviewed through a structured questionnaire followed by multivariate approaches to evaluate the data based on the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Plants specimen were preserved, mounted and labeled on the herbarium sheets, cataloged and deposited for voucher numbers in Herbarium, Government Post Graduate College , Mansehra, Pakistan. In present study, a total 104 species belonging to 88 genera and 54 families were recorded from the study area; herbaceous growth form dominated the study area with 56 species, followed by trees with 30 species and shrubs 14 species. Among all 54 families, Rosaceae species were dominant with 12 species, followed by Asteraceae with 8 species. Out of the reported 104 species, 94 plant species are medicinal, 22 plant species are edible fruits, 37 plant species are fuel wood, 24 plant species are timber wood, 38 plant species are fuel wood, 9 plant species are vegetables, while 34 plant species are ornamental. The present study revealed the importance of the flora of this unexplored area and also provides the baseline study for future biological, phytochemical and pharmacological experimentations.
ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 after emerging in China has caused a global pandemic th... more ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 after emerging in China has caused a global pandemic that is risking the lives of millions. COVID-19 has spread across the world at a very rapid rate raising concerns of capacity limitations and lack of unified responses at the global level, particularly from the world’s most developed countries. The spread of further infection has been curtailed by lockdown and mass social distancing that has been enforced in most parts of the world. There are no clinical data yet suggesting that any available candidate vaccine will be effective for COVID-19 which will be a critical need for eventually preventing this disease. Extensive research is underway with some success in identification of monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 recovered patients, which may inform on vaccine development. The clinical evaluations of COVID-19 vaccines need to follow standardized protocols that are essential for safeguarding humans. In absence of a vaccine or a widely available effective therapy, quarantine and other preventive measures are essential in curtailing the risk of pandemic spread.
The development of vegetation communities is typically influenced by their response to variation ... more The development of vegetation communities is typically influenced by their response to variation in environmental , geographic and as well as physiographic gradients. The current study was planned to evaluate the influence of environmental gradients upon the structure of plant communities and to highlight their respective indicators in subalpine pastures of the Himalaya, Pakistan. In relation to this aim, ecological techniques were used following the Line transect (50 m) method to quantify the vegetation structure of the study area. Soil samples were collected from each sampling site and edaphic gradients were examined using standard protocols. Weather station data (Kestrel 4000) was used to determine the climatic gradients, GPS data was used to record the geographic and physiographic gradients. PCORD software was used to recognize communities through two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), R and CANOCO software was employed for ordination analysis to find variation directories of different plant species. A total of 56 plant species, recorded from 21 sampling sites, were grouped into four plant communities with the help of environmental gradients. The highest index of similarity was recorded between the Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia communities and highest dissimilarity between Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa communities. The highest number of plant species (50 species), maximum alpha diversity (H ′ = 3.38) and beta diversity was reported in Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia community (0.95), but Pielou's evenness was highest (0.89) in Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa among all recorded communities. Besides, the edaphic (i.e. organic matter, phosphorous, pH and soil texture) and climatic factors (temperature, humidity) were the strong environmental gradients that were responsible for structuring and hosting the diverse plant communities in subalpine meadows. Techniques adapted in the current study for identification of vegetation indicators could further be used for conservation management.
In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities ... more In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015–2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sati...
Plants have evolved several metabolic pathways as a response to environmental stressors such as l... more Plants have evolved several metabolic pathways as a response to environmental stressors such as low temperatures. In this perspective, it is paramount to highlight physiological mechanisms of plant responses to altitudinal gradients as a proxy to evaluate changing environments. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of elevation on the physiological attributes of two plant species along an altitudinal gradient. Our hypothesis was that the altitudinal gradient influences proline, protein, and sugar contents, as well as abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) concentrations. We studied these physiological components in leaves collected from four different altitudinal ranges in Himalayan region of Pakistan from two native herbs, namely Bistorta affinis and Sibbaldia procumbens. Leaves were collected at the initial blooming phase from each altitudinal range, viz. 2850 m, 3250 m, 3750 m and 4250 m. We observed that most abiotic factors decrease with altitude which induces cold a...
Uploads
Papers by Aftab Afzal