IJBB pakistan
The main objective of the journal is to bring the latest developments in the field of Biology and Biotechnology to professional and academic researchers. The journal publishes research papers, review articles and short communications, covering various aspects of basic and applied biology and biotechnology. Editors and members of International Advisory Board are eminent researchers in their respective fields.
The scope of the journal includes the following areas
• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Plant and Animal Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Food Sciences
• Marine Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Biochemistry and microbiology
• BioInformatics and Image Processing
• Genetics
All submissions evaluate by the members of editorial board and by external referees chosen on an international basis. Author (s) who wish to submit review articles are advised to consult the Editor-in-Chief before preparing their manuscripts. Two copies of your manuscript should be sent to Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor or Associate Editor.
Address: Department of Botany, University of Karchi
The scope of the journal includes the following areas
• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Plant and Animal Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Food Sciences
• Marine Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Biochemistry and microbiology
• BioInformatics and Image Processing
• Genetics
All submissions evaluate by the members of editorial board and by external referees chosen on an international basis. Author (s) who wish to submit review articles are advised to consult the Editor-in-Chief before preparing their manuscripts. Two copies of your manuscript should be sent to Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor or Associate Editor.
Address: Department of Botany, University of Karchi
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VOLUME 11, NO. 2 & 3, 2014 by IJBB pakistan
function after oral administration. Forty eight male albino rats were used in this daily for a period of three, six, twelve and twenty four
weeks. The animals were administered with three different doses of neem oil orally
The animals were divided in 4 different groups and each group was further divided into 4 subgroups o the basis of durations. Animals
were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period. Testes were observed for gross and microscopic findings and the serum levels of
Testosterone and gonadotrophins were studied
This study records a dose and duration dependent morphological and functional suppression of male gonads in albino rats.
found parasitizing a common edible fresh water fish Labeo rohita in district Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. Species of the genus are most
frequently recorded worldwide including Pakistan and seems to be bound to the fresh waters only.
The new species Rhabdochona bilqeesae is characterized by having well developed cephalic and cervical alae in both male and female
specimens; the number of teeth in the prostom appears to be ten. The coiled caudal region in the male specimens are provided with
spiny patches some distance above the spicules; The tail tip in the males is roughly conical and some distance above the tip, there are
4-5 rows of scale like structures which have not been reported earlier. The tail tip in females is roughly rounded. The eggs are
embryonated and have smooth walls. Labeo rohita is a new host record of this nematode in Pakistan.
the intestine of Egretta garzetta collected from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The new species is characterized by having: forty one
number of collar spines. Short Prepharynx, deeply indented testes, and larger spherical ovary.
basiri (Jairajpuri, 1964) Jairajpuri & Ahmad, 1992; Propanagrolaimus hygrophilus (Bassen, 1940) Andrássy, 2005; Prismatolaimus
intermedius (Bütschli, 1873) de Man, 1880 and Achromadora ruricola (de Man, 1880) Micoletzky, 1925, belonging to four families
have been encountered. These species are reported for the first time from Pakistan. Basirotyleptus Jairajpuri, 1964 and
Propanagrolaimus Andrássy, 2005 are new recorded genera from Pakistan.
belonging to order Tetraodoniformes is reviewed. A total of 12 species were reported of which 4 species belonging to 2 genera
belonged to Family Diodontidae, 6 species belonging to 3 genera belonged to Family Ostraciidae and 2 species belonging to 2 genera
belonged to Family Molidae. Two species Cyclichthys spilostylus (spotbase burrfish) and Ostracion rhinorhynchos (horn-nosed
boxfish) are reported for the first time from Pakistan.
August) and Post-monsoon (September to December) seasons of 2010 from coastal waters of Karachi were measured
for their size and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb and Cr) in their muscles, liver, kidneys and gills were analyzed. The
fish samples studied varied little in size - from 3.39 to 4.65% in length and 10.13 to 10.75% in weight. It was obvious
from three-way ANOVA that different metals accumulated in different concentrations in the fish (F = 365.57, p <
0.0001), the concentration of metals was significantly influenced by the seasonal variation (F = 15.81, p < 0.0001) and
also significantly varied with the organ type of the fish (F = 614.02, p < 0.0001). Seasons, organs and metal types, all
interacted significantly (F = 10.85, p < 0.001). Fe was the predominant metal amongst all and was found to be
significantly high in concentration than that of the other metals. The concentration of other metals (Mn, Cd, Pb and Cr)
didn’t differ significantly from each other. Metals accumulated predominantly in liver. Muscles, kidneys and gills were
not significantly different from each other in metals contents. Heavy metal contents of local M. cordyla were compared
with the published reports on M. cordyla from South and Southeast Asian countries.
was used to produce the enzyme through submerged fermentation at 37°C for two days in latent broth (LB) as fermentation medium.
The enzyme was purified by Ion exchange chromatography and activity was determined according to the procedure of Bernfeld. The
maximum activity in enzyme entrapped in gel slices was observed at 900C when the enzyme was incubated for 2 hours and 30
minutes. For the enzyme entrapped in calcium alginate beads, maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at 1000C when the
enzyme was incubated for 3 hours. No defined pH shift was observed in the enzyme entrapped in acrylamide gel slices whereas pH
shift towards more acidic range for enzyme entrapped in calcium alginate beads. The shelf life of the enzyme, stored at 40C, 32 and 18
days enzyme entrapped in calcium alginate beads and acrylamide gel slices respectively.
biotechnology. Cellulase enzyme activity of Trichoderma viride FCBP–142 and its mutant derivatives, Tv-UV-5.6 and Tv-Ch-4.3 was
evaluated by growing them on different substrates at different incubation temperatures, initial pH levels, incubation periods and
nitrogen sources. Optimization growth assays illustrated 2% wheat straw, 4.0 pH, 72 hours of incubation period and ammonium
sulfate as nitrogen supplement for the best enzymatic activity by all the test strains. The suitable temperature for the best mycelial
growth and enzyme activity was 30 C for each of T. viride FCBP–142 and Tv-UV-5.6, and 32.5 C for Tv-Ch-4.3. Mass production
of selected test strains indicated the aptness of wheat straw for rapid fungal proliferation and viability under optimized conditions.
Stability of mutants concerning the best cellulase activity potential, evaluated up to 10 generations, revealed that Tv-UV-5.6 and TvCh-4.3 were highly stable for enzymatic activity under pre-optimized conditions.
(Y2- and Y90), which appeared as sensitive in a previous research work (Mushtaq et al., 2010 & 2013) were used in this study to
screen killer, sensitive and neutral phenotypes (Killer-Sensitive-Pattern, KSP) in 556 isolates of yeasts belonging to 89 species and 31
genera. Y207- S. kluyveri and Y371- C. valdiviana appeared most suitable strains to screen KSP in yeast species from all substrates as
compared to Y90-W. californica which did not showed sensitivity against slime flux yeast isolates. Whereas, sensitive strain Y2-W.
californica appeared sensitive against dairy and flowers’ nectar yeast isolates only. The phenomenon of killer activity appeared as
strain character, however the ecological habitat was also found to play important role in determining the killer-sensitive pattern. The
sensitive ascomycetous yeast strains Y207-S. kluyveri and Y2- W. californica from flowers’ nectar habitat appeared killer as compared
to sensitive against yeast isolates from dairy products; whereas, Y90-W. californica which was originally isolated from dairy products
appeared killer against isolates of different yeast species from flowers’ nectar. It is inferred that the killer sensitive pattern should by
carefully studied using variety of ascomycetous and basidiomycetous sensitive and killer yeast strains from various ecological habitats
for bio-typing yeast strains.
important in terms of health care for many consumers. In recent years much attention has been made in reducing the amount of fat and
producing diet products such as low-fat ice cream. However, the type and amount of fat replacer used in the composition of ice cream
have an important effect on the texture and sensory acceptance of the final product. In this research, the effect of fat replacement via
microbial transglutaminase (0, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6g/L) and inulin (0, 2 and 4%) addition on physicochemical characteristics of
traditional prebiotic low-fat ice cream was investigated. Meanwhile, the sample containing 0g/L enzyme and 0% inulin was
considered as control treatment. The results showed that increasing the amount of transglutaminase enzyme and inulin led to an
increase in the melting resistance and viscosity of ice cream samples. Also, the increasing inulin to 4% led to be provided the
increasing overrun in significance level (p<0.05). No difference was observed in pH of the samples. Samples containing
transglutaminase enzyme in comparison with control sample had higher protein while there was no change in the protein content with
the addition of inulin in levels 2 and 4%.
the Campus of University of Karachi and germinated without any dormancy breaking treatment in pots filled with
garden sandy loam soil maintained at 75% MWHC. Maximum germination was 50% achieved within a week. The
seedlings were studied when they were 20-day (younger) and 50-day old (elder). The seedling was of Phanerocotylar –
Epigeal Reserve type. The major allocation of biomass in 20-day seedlings was in leaves and in 50-day seedlings in
leaves and hypocotylar stem. The major growth spur in seedlings during the 30-day period from 20th to 50th day was in
hypocotylar and epicotylar stem and root. Tap root had profuse laterals. Numerous root nodules 3.5 - 5mm in diameter
were present generally on the main root. Cotyledons were large, green fleshy –food laden, concave inside and convex
outside with no visible venation. They were wholly consumed within 50 days after germination. Internode size reduced
from base to apex regularly. The hypocotyl was green, shining and provided with little prickles. Epicotyl is hairy. The
primary leaves were simple opposite, erect, glaucous dorsally and pubescent ventrally. The subsequent leaves were
pinnately trifoliate (ternate) with three leaflets. Each leaf had small, green and linear-lanceolate stipules. Glanduliform
stiples present. Epicotyl was longer than hypocotyl. The total leaf area of elder seedlings was (209.08 ± 15.71 cm2) -1.6
times to that in the younger seedlings. The leaf venation was pinnate camptodromous (festooned brachidodromous)
type. Vein-endings were straight or curved and unbranched. Two types of trichomes were seen – branched trichomes
and capitate glandular trichomes. The leaves were hypo-amphistomatic – paucistomatic dorsally and multistomatic
ventrally. The cotyledonary stomata were of paracytic type but on ventral surface of leaf five types of stomata (sensu
Prabhakar, 2004) - paracytic, anisocytic, anisotricytic, anomocytic and staurocytic were present; paracytic being the
most abundant and staurocytic the least. Stomata on dorsal side of leaf were rare and of paracytic type only along the
main vein. Both surfaces of leaf had capitate glandular trichomes (6.16 per mm2 on ventral surface and much infrequent
on the dorsal side). The number of stomata on ventral surface of the leaf tended to be normally-distributed amongst the
100 sampling fields of the microscope vision (each of 0.10174 mm2) at 45 x 10 X magnification. The mean density of
stomata per mm2 was 110.28 ± 2.07 (68.80 – 157.3; CV: 18.73%).
management of root infecting fungi. All plants parts extract @100, 50 and 25% w/v showed significant suppression in the infection of
root-rot fungi viz., Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Growth parameters like shoot and root length,
shoot and root weight, and leaf area increased in all the treatments as compared to the control. Where as the 50% extract of P.
juliflora was most effective for the control of root-rot fungi of cowpea and mungbean plants and showed significant reduction of root
rot fungi.
standard blotter method, agar plate method and deep-freezing methods as suggested by ISTA. At least 93 species belonging to 44
fungal genera were isolated mutually from all the seed samples analyzed. Agar plate method was found to be the best for the isolation
of fungi. Species of Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Rhizopus and Trichoderma were isolated through all methods. Blotter
method was the best for the isolation of Chaetomium and Fusarium species, while species of Curvularia and Drechslera favoured
growth on PDA medium. Surface sterilization of seeds with 1% Ca (OCl)2 has reduced the incidence of superficial fungi. Modification
was also introduced in all three methods by increasing the incubation time period. The current work with papaya as host plant was
carried out supposedly for the first time; hence all the fungal species mentioned hereby are new reports from papaya seeds from
Pakistan.
associated root fungi. Several analyses have been developed and modified to improve the ability to detect and characterize the patterns
by the growth of species and population in various scale. Analysis of spatial pattern for disease and pathogen are of interest for the
understanding and management plan to control the increase or spread within plant populations due to the numerous shared channels.
Statistical approaches encounter and give quantitative information of infections caused by many soilborne plant pathogens which are
generally found in clusters of patches. Reliable approach for the use of spatial data can be established either by the research objective
or by the measurement types and sampling designs procedures. We applied several mathematical tools to quantify the quantitative
nature of Meloidogyne javanica and its associated soil fungi and soil characteristics in the development of nematode populations in
the tomato grown field.
to the emerging hatchlings. The paper discusses observations as well as some experiments conducted elsewhere in support of the
evidence that light is the main factor responsible for disorientation of marine turtle hatchlings. Types of such artificial light sources
and proposals to modify them to minimize disorientation in the interest of better conservation have been described.
family Palmae has been studied from Pakistan and Kashmir by using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM). Palynologically, the genus Phoenix L. is a stenopalynous taxon. Pollen are usually asymmetrical, iso-heteropolar,
monosulcate, mostlyellipitic -oval or oblong- subroundedin polar view and boat-like (longitudinally) or kidney shaped (transversely)
in equatorial view. Two pollen types are recognized on the basis of the shape of pollen viz., Phoenix dactylifera-type and Phoenix
roebelenii-type. Key to the studied species is also given. Pollen morphology is significantly helpful at specific level within the pollen
type.
determined as percentage, by considering optimal mass as reference and could be used in conjunction with body-mass index (BMI) to
classify an individual as obese or wasted. This work puts forward a regression model (named as KJ-Regression Model) to evaluate
optimal masses of children and adults, whose heights and masses lie below third percentile or above ninety-seventh percentile. For
such cases, CDC growth charts, converted into tabular form, cannot be used to determine numerical values of percentiles. Sigmoid
function and linear interpolation were used to compute heights and masses corresponding to extreme percentiles (below 3rd or above
97th). In addition to growth curves (plots of height and mass versus age), which include plots corresponding to 0.01th, 0.1th, 1st, 99th,
99.9th and 99.99th percentiles, mathematical formulae are given to compute heights and masses corresponding to any value of
percentile (between zero and hundred). Height and mass tables for boys and girls with entries to 5 decimal places, including those
corresponding to extreme percentiles, are given in additional files.
of Landi Kotal Valley, Khyber Agency was documented. It is noted that 2 species were monocot while 32 were dicot. Lamiaceae and
Solanaceae are represented by 4 species each, Asteraceae by 3 and Asclepiadaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Mimosaceae, Moraceae and
Oleaceae are represented by 2 species each. Apocynaceae, Cannabaceae, Celastraceae, Colchicaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Fumariaceae,
Liliaceae, Meliaceae, Papillionaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae, Simaroubaceae, Zygophyllaceae are represented by 1 species each. It is
concluded that 29 different diseases and ailments are cured through using these species. Different parts including bark, flowers, fruits,
leaves, root, rhizome and seeds of these plants are used by the local inhabitants. All these species are collected from the wild and are
regularly utilized by the local inhabitants. Various anthropogenic activities, over exploitation, over harvesting, grazing, soil erosion
and unscientific collection are depleting the local flora and eroding the genetic diversity therein. The inhabitants of the Landi Kotal
valley are mostly dependent on these plant species and it is important to carry out measures for the conservation of local knowledge
and plant natural resources especially medicinal plants growing in the valley for future planning and research endeavors.
localities i.e. Abdullah Banda, Borany, Chinarkot, Fazal Abad, Konaye Khwarh, Kotkay, Monrh, Muslim Khwarh, Shahe Kot and
Tarano. Pteridaceae was the leading family with 4 genera (30.76%) and 9 species (36%); followed by Dryopteridaceae with 3 genera
(23.07%) and 4 species (16%); Aspleniaceae with one genus (7.69%) and 4 species (16%). Thelypteridaceae, Equisetaceae and
Selaginellaceae with one genus (7.69%) and two species (8%) each. Athyriaceae and Marsilaceae with one genus and one species
each. The most frequently occurring genera were Pteris L., Adiantum L., Asplenium L., Athyrium Hook., Dryopteris (Bedd.) Hay.,
Selaginella L., Lastrea Hook., Anogramma Link., Cheilanthes Swartz., Equisetum L., Marsilea L., Polypodium L. and Polystichum L.
vast areas in Sindh especially in Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Badin and Malir in Karachi were analyzed by gas chromatograph
(GC) after and before washing with water. These vegetables are not only consumed locally but are exported to different countries
especially to Europe, Far East and Middle East and help earn foreign exchange of more than 10 million rupees. Pakistan has already
signed WTO and in the near future we would not be able to grow efficiently these vegetables in the pesticide free environment which
would mean that the present technique of washing would help us in our export and comply with WTO restrain to some extent. From
15% to 64% average reduction in residues of different pesticides were calculated. A significant reduction (6-100%) in residues was
observed in vegetables (carrot, Radish, tomato, cucumber, coriander, mint, and sugar beat. Moreover, a positive correlation (Adj. r2 =
0.762) was observed between reduction in residues and pesticide‘s solubility in water (mg/L) i.e. Deltamethrin (DEL), fenitrothion
(FEN), cypermethrin (CYP), profenofos (PRO) and malathion (MAL).
Reserve type. The total leaf area per seedling increased exponentially with age with relatively larger rate of leaf-areaincrement by the 40th day of seedling age. The major allocation of biomass in 60-day old seedlings was in leaves - 49.65%
of the seedling total dry mass (190.77 ± 34.47 mg). Tap root had profuse laterals. Cotyledons were obovate large, green
fleshy and food laden. They were wholly consumed within around 50 days after emergence. From base to apex, first
internode was the largest one and internodal size of subsequent internodes reduced to nearly half of the first internode. The
hypocotyl was pale green, terete. Epicotyl hairy. The primary leaves were simple alternate, bilobed, pubescent ventrally.
Each leaf had small, green and linear-lanceolate stipule. Leaf apex obcordate and leaf base cordate – embayed in sinus.
Midrib extension (≤ 1mm) in the apical notch. Leaves and cotyledons showed photonastic movement. Epicotyl was longer
than hypocotyl but hypocotyl was thicker (generally twice) than epicotyl. The total leaf area of 60-day old seedlings was
(2256.57 ± 193.74 mm2). Cotyledons were 5-6(7)-nerved and leaves were 9-nerved. The cotyledonary and foliar venation
was brachidodromous type. The cotyledons and leaves were amphistomatic. The number of subsidiary cells associated with
different types of stomata varied from two to eight. Paracytic, anisocytic, anisotricytic, anomocytic and staurocytic types of
stomata were found on leaves and cotyledons (sensu Prabhakar, 2004). Abnormal stomatal types included a staurocytic type
with two abutting pores and other included a group of contiguous anisotricytic type of stomata with variously shaped
subsidiaries and the one anisotricytic stomata with two abutting pores. The epicotylar stomata were of paracytic type.
Stomata were comparatively smaller on leaf (c 13 μm) than on the cotyledons (c 18 μm). Seedling characteristics are
compared with available data for other Bauhinia species.
were determined by means of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Perkin-Elmer Analyst 700 single beam) in the
bottom ash of stem wood of Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. Ex. Benth. burnt in an open hearth. The metals were in following
order of concentration:
Major metals: Ca >> > K > Fe > Mg > P > Mn > Na > Zn > B > Cu
Trace metals: Pb > Cr > V > Co > Ni > Cd
The metallic contents were compared with that of some African and Australian Acacia species, some Pinus species and
that in the bottom ash of some energy-generating units of European countries reported in the literature. The heavy metals
contents in A. stenophylla bottom ash were found within permissible limits from land application viewpoint for forest
nutrification in acidic soils deficient for K, Ca and P.
traditionally as food, fodder and fuel. In this study the salinity tolerance of this crop was investigated at earlier phase of
crop production. Experiments were conducted to find out seed germination and seedling growth at variable salinity
levels 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3% sea salt under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that
all investigated parameters were significantly affected by stress applied. A progressive decline in germination percent
germination, rate of germination, coefficient of germination velocity and mean germination index were recorded to
decline with increasing sea salt concentrations. However, mean germination time increased with increasing salinity.
Similarly, under greenhouse conditions seedling emergence and shoot height were significantly reduced at 2.54 and 2.1
dS.m
-1, respectively. Present studies indicated that this crop is salt sensitive at germination stage.
Pakistan. Delayed planting can also improve grain protein contents. Grain protein in wheat is a major source of plant
protein in human food and therefore, grain quality is decided on grain protein. Grain protein and yield of wheat are
affected by environmental conditions and can be regulated by planting time besides genetic factors. In this study, three
wheat genotypes viz. Aas-2011, Sehar-2006 and AARI-2010 and two planting times viz. December 1 and 15, were
investigated to determine the planting impact on grain protein and crop productivity. Significant increase in grain
protein (19% higher) was recorded in late planted wheat than early one. Wheat genotypes also varied in protein
contents. Genotypes Aas-2011and Sehar-2006 proved superior with 16% more grain protein content over AARI-2010.
Thousand grain weight was significantly affected by planting date and genotype. Grain protein was found nonsignificantly negatively correlated (r = - 0.1789) with grain yield (n = 24). Grain yield and biomass did not vary
significantly with some days delay in planting time and genotypes. It is evident from the results that optimum grain
protein in wheat can be attained by considering appropriate planting time and genotypes.
P-I 195 895 and Thori-78 (Check) were evaluated for yield potential during the year 2012-2013. The experiment was
conducted in a three replicated Randomized Complete Block design at Oilseeds Section, A.R.I. Tandojam. The study
was aimed to identify safflower genotypes on the basis of yield potential that can well suit the area and perform well,
secondly progenies from these could also be obtained so as to reach varietal development in safflower. The results
revealed that among safflower genotypes, for primary branches cultivar P1-205 077, for secondary branches cultivars
P1-205 077, P1-405 995 and P1-405 990, in capsules.plant-1 cultivars P1-405 995, P1-205 077 and P1-405 990, in
seeds.capsule-1 cultivar P1-405 995, for seed index cultivars P1-405 995, P1-405 990, P1-253 566 and P1-205 077; and
in seed yield.plant-1 cultivars P1-253 566, P1-405 995; P1-195 895 and P1-405 990; surpassed the commercial check
Thori-78.
action, whereas specific combining ability (SCA) is due to dominant and epistatic gene effects of five inbred parents
and heterotic effects of 10 F1 hybrids, developed from half-diallel crosses. Mean squares due to GCA and SCA
variance was highly significant for all the characters studied; number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield
per plant, seed index and ginning outturn. The variance due to GCA and SCA for mean squares was highly significant,
which suggested that additive and non-additive gene action is involved for controlling all the characters. The SCA
variance were higher than GCA which indicated the preponderance of dominance of genes for number of bolls per
plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield per plant, whilst GCA variance were higher than SCA which manifested the
predominance of additive gene for seed index and GOT. Among the parents MNH-886, CIM-506 and CRIS-134
proven best general combiner for all the traits except seed index. It further suggested that these parents can be exploited
in crop improvement to maintain the traits studied. As per hybrid combinations MNH-886 X CIM-506, CRIS-134 X
MNH-886 and BH-36 X MNH-886 were specific combiners for all the traits studied except GOT. Consequently these
can be used for exploitation in hybrid crop development program.
combinations of phosphorus (P) fertilizer with or without farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and nutrient
contents of wheat during 2010-2011. The chemical and organic fertilizers were well mixed before sowing the crop. The
experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD). Single super phosphate as P source (@
20, 30, 40 and 50 kg/ha) and farmyard manure @ 20kg/ha were applied. Statistically significant differences in
biological yield and grain yield were recorded. Maximum wheat grain yield of 4580 kg/ha-1 was obtained where
phosphorus was applied @ 50 kg/ha along with FYM. Minimum grain yield and biological yield were recorded with
no fertilizer. On the basis of results, it is suggested that P @ 50 kg/ha-1 with FYM for wheat is relatively more suitable
in rainfed conditions.
important bivalve species, Meretrix casta, collected from May 2010 to April 2011, from the intertidal region of the
Sonmiani Bay, Balochistan, Pakistan. Some 445 males and 451 females of Meretrix casta measuring 10-77 and 14-
77mm and weighing 0.2-72.5 g and 0.7-96 g respectively were studies. The overall sex ratio was slightly in favour of
females (50.33) and 49.67 were males 2 1.151.Allometric variations in various parameters were calculated with
empirical equation W = aLb after transferring on logarithms. The relationship between length versus meat of the shell
was stronger interpreted from R2= 0.776 and weak relationship in wet tissue weight and shell height R2=0.054 was
estimated. The growth was estimated with the von Bertalanffy growth model estimate L∞ = 72.45mm, growth
coefficient K = 0.960 year-1, score 0.408.
aim is to achieve and sustain a therapeutic level at the site of action for extended period of time. Therefore, to
withstand drug levels at the target site for a sufficient time, novel drug delivery techniques are developed.
Ophthalmic drug delivery route has seen significant advancement for future perspective. This article reviews
various novel systems for ophthalmic drug delivery.
The concentration of various major and trace metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P. Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Fe, Cd. Pb, Cr, Ni, Co, and V)
were determined by means of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Perkin-Elmer Analyst 700 single beam) in the
bottom ash of stem wood of Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. Ex. Benth. burnt in an open hearth. The metals were in following
order of concentration:
Major metals: Ca >> > K > Fe > Mg > P > Mn > Na > Zn > B > Cu
Trace metals: Pb > Cr > V > Co > Ni > Cd
The metallic contents were compared with that of some African and Australian Acacia species, some Pinus species and
that in the bottom ash of some energy-generating units of European countries reported in the literature. The heavy metals
contents in A. stenophylla bottom ash were found within permissible limits from land application viewpoint for forest
nutrification in acidic soils deficient for K, Ca and P.
contemporary biotechnology (Mobini-Dehkordi and Javan, 2012). Term amylases refer to different enzymes such as
α-amylases, β-amylases and amyloglucosidases which are capable to hydrolyze starch into different saccharides on
the basis of linkages (Rameshkumar and Sivasudha, 2011). These enzymes are extensively used in various industries
like paper, food, textile, detergent, brewing and distilling (Pandey et al., 2000; Rao et al., 2007).
There are various sources from where amylase can be obtained such as plants, animals and microorganisms
however enzymes of microbial origin are considered important as they generally possess characteristics that meet
industrial demands (Vihinen and Mantsala, 1989, Fogarty and Kelly, 1990, Negi and Banerjee, 2006) and
specifically Bacillus species are the most effective producers of α-amylases (Saha et al., 2014). Despite the fact that
several microorganisms can produce amylases, obtaining a strain with suitable characteristics remains a challenging
task. One of the important attribute of nearly all of the enzymes used in industrial applications is thermostability and
that’s the reason thermophilic microorganisms considered as potential source for the production of amylases
(Srivastava and Baruah, 1986, Sonnleitner and Fiechter, 1983). This study is concerned about the analysis of soil
samples obtained from various locations for isolating amylolytic enzyme producing strains, and to characterize the
strain productivity and the enzyme produced, particularly their behavior toward temperature and pH.
nematode and a fungi Plasmodiophora brassicae. The seedlings were planted in infected soil collected from Kork,
district Khuzdar, Balochistan. Sections of necrotic and galled roots were cut 6–8 µm thick using a rotary microtome.
Meloidogyne javanica formed egg masses inside the cortical root tissue. In most cases the permanent feeding sites
induced by the nematode adjacent to vascular tissue, consisted of large giant cells. While Plasmodiophora brassicae
infected the root-cortex, reached the vascular tissue and caused hyperplasia along with hypertrophy.
described. The testicular lobes are connected though thread like tubules which joins the vasa deferentia. The proximal
vasa deferentia are thinner than median vasa deferentia which show a whorl and its inner hard material create septum
whereas each terminal ampulla has single mature spematophore.
identification of dragonflies revealed the occurrence of nine species among three families; six species of Libellulidae
Leach, 1815; two species of Gomphidae Rambur, 1842 and one species of family Aeshnidae Rambur, 1842.
were conducted in ten genotypes of pearl millet. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for plant height,
grain yield and panicle length revealed the influence of additive gene effect is important in determining these
characters. High heritability with low genetic advance for number of tillers per plant, inter nodal length and days to
50% flowering indicated the influence of dominant and epistatic genes for these attributes. Grain yield had positive and
significant correlation with number of tillers per plant and panicle length.
Pakistan. Delayed planting can also improve grain protein contents. Grain protein in wheat is a major source of plant
protein in human food and therefore, grain quality is decided on grain protein. Grain protein and yield of wheat are
affected by environmental conditions and can be regulated by planting time besides genetic factors. In this study, three
wheat genotypes viz. Aas-2011, Sehar-2006 and AARI-2010 and two planting times viz. December 1 and 15, were
investigated to determine the planting impact on grain protein and crop productivity. Significant increase in grain
protein (19% higher) was recorded in late planted wheat than early one. Wheat genotypes also varied in protein
contents. Genotypes Aas-2011and Sehar-2006 proved superior with 16% more grain protein content over AARI-2010.
Thousand grain weight was significantly affected by planting date and genotype. Grain protein was found nonsignificantly negatively correlated (r = - 0.1789) with grain yield (n = 24). Grain yield and biomass did not vary
significantly with some days delay in planting time and genotypes. It is evident from the results that optimum grain
protein in wheat can be attained by considering appropriate planting time and genotypes.
regeneration was witnessed by addition of plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations. Callus cultures were initiated
from CL, CNR, HC and RT explants on MS basal medium added with 2, 4-D, BAP and NAA in individual and
combined applications. Excellent growth of callus was obtained in all explants with supplementation of BAP (2.0
mg/L) along with NAA (2.0 mg/L), 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/L) being operative for callus induction in only HC explants. These
calli were tested for regeneration and shoot and root organogenesis was successfully induced respectively. Hypocotyl
callus generated 4.0 shoots under the influence of 0.5 mg/L IBA and 1.5 mg/L BAP while CL explant generated 3.0
shoots per callus with slight change in concentration of BAP in same PGRs mixture (0.5 mg/L IBA and 1.0 mg/L
BAP). Along callus mediated organogenic route of regeneration, direct organogenesis was achieved as well. In direct
shoot regeneration ten shoots were formed on CNR with 1.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L Kin. Incorporation of 0.25 mg/L
IAA to the medium containing1.5 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L Kin enhanced the regeneration percentage of shoots (11 per
CNR explants). Root initiation in micro-shoots was attained on MS medium (half-strength) added with 0.1 mg/L IBA.
The well-grown plantlets were shifted to peat moss substratum and maintained in field conditions after acclimatization.
This regeneration protocol may also support genetic improvement efforts in J. curcas.
the extracted DNA from diverse plant samples. Agents supporting grinding process were liquid nitrogen, acid washed
sand and glass beads, along with a number of concentrations of two detergents i.e. SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate)
and CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide). Six plants species Croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum), Orchid (Orchis militaris), Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), Pineapple (Ananas
cosmosus) and Aloe (Aloe vera); were selected for DNA isolation and these plant species differ in their leaf texture as
well as polysaccharides and phenolics content. The results obtained showed the presence of linear relationship between
detergent and yield of the DNA with a little influence on the purity. The type of grinding agent did not significantly
affect the purity of the extracted DNA but the amount of extracted DNA is greatly influenced. The purest DNA samples
of all six plants species were selected and subjected to PCR amplification.
percentage, for all family members. Additionally, for children, target height, current-age-mid-parental height and status, indicating
tallness or stunting as percentage, were calculated. To compute parents’ obesity profiles, gender-specific heights and masses were
used to interpolate respective percentiles using age-20 values. Either parent was suggested to gain mass, if optimal mass exceeded
actual mass. In case, value of optimal mass was lesser than actual mass, father was advised to reduce mass corresponding to that
difference, provided the value was less than 10 kilograms, otherwise he should shed off 10 kilograms within the next 6 months. For
mothers, currently married or recently divorced/widowed, the recommended suggestion to lose mass was computed by adding 5
kilograms to their mass, to account for possible pregnancy and the associated fetal mass. Up to the age of 30 years, optimal mass was
taken as the mass corresponding to height percentile. For individuals older than 30 years, body-mass index (BMI) was considered to
be the reference, computed by dividing mass in kilograms by square of height in meters. Optimal mass was determined by multiplying
square of height with the ideal BMI value (24 kilogram/meter2). Linear interpolation was employed to compute target-height
percentile. Box interpolation was used to determine child’s height/mass percentiles. A comparison of optimal mass with actual mass
determined whether the child was wasted or obese. A similar procedure was adopted to compute current-age-mid-parental height.
Comparison of child’s height with gender-specific-mid-parental height at current age, indicated whether the child was tall or stunted.
When more than one profile (each profile representing a checkup) was available, ‘Growth-and-Obesity Roadmap’ was generated. This
roadmap included month-wise recommendations to pick up height and put on or lose mass (weight). These recommendations were
generated from the most-recent profile, in such a way that a child was not required to lose more than 10 kilograms within the next 6
months, in order to avoid any adverse health effects from a rapid loss of mass.
commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Therefore the need for safe and effective antimicrobial agent have
increased with time. This study was designed in an attempt to search for such natural antimicrobial agents
against fungi. A total of fifty five indigenous bacterial strains were collected from different clinical specimens.
These strains were identified by conventional methods as Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus
subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and P. vulgaris. The cell free culture supernatant (CFS) of
these strains were used in antifungal screening by using agar well diffusion assay against different fungal
strains. Of all the bacterial strains screened, 36.4% (20/55) showed antifungal potential. However, S. aureus, B. subtilis
and P. mirabilis demonstrated bioactivity against some fungal strains but 71.4% (15/21) strains of P.aeruginosa
demonstrated significant antifungal activity. The most potent antifungal strains P. aeruginosa strains MS 9 and MS 10
exhibited antifungal activity against Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium sp., Microsporum sp., Trichophyton
spp. and Saccharomyces species. However, no activity was recorded against Candida spp. The physico-chemical
characterization of these two strains MS 9 and MS 10 revealed retention of bioactivity of these metabolites both at low
temperature (00C and 40C) and at high temperature up till 700C. Similarly exposure to organic solvents such as ethanol,
methanol and formaldehyde also had no effect on their antifungal potential. The findings suggest further purification
and possible application of these metabolites as antifungal agent in future.
dropped bone mass.. Ageing female Albino rats were used in this experiment in order to detect changes and effects of
the applied medicines; An image analytical method was designed for the metamorphic measurements regarding
cancellous and cortical compact bony fraction. The transitional evaluation was studied from cancellous to compact
through light microscopy,the effects of treatment of tamoxifen and nandrolonedecanoate were also analysed. The
distance was taken from area of transition to peripheral rim/periosteum for compact bone and similarly trabeculi were
also mapped out, thus their respective width/thickness was calculated statistically,several points in terms of area of
interest (multiple discrete zones) explored through an individual bone cross section and comparative matching was
done between the groups and found to have significant difference of cortical thickness in case of combination therapy
treated group versus the other groups.
condition. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with seeds of a drought tolerant (NARC-2009) and a susceptible (PAK-2013)
wheat varieties. At tillering stage drought was induced by holding water and salicylic acid (SA) was applied at three levels (0, 5, and
10mM). The parameters investigated were shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, relative water content (RWC), membrane
stability index (MSI) and chlorophyll content. Results showed that water stress reduced the dry, fresh weights, shoot length and
chlorophyll content, RWC and MSI. It was clearly observed that SA application via root enhance water stress tolerance of wheat
seedlings and alleviated the effect of drought as compared to PAK-2013, NARC-2009 shows better results. The results of this study
indicated the role of salicylic acid (SA) in enhancing plant growth under stress condition.
detectable around the age of 8 years. A two-minute-stripped-orthopedic examination of students, in the age group seven- to
ten-years, may alert the health-care provider to early-warning signals, which are expressed as a mathematical index, named
as ‘Cumulative-Scoliosis-Risk Weightage (CSRW)’. CSRW is based on family history, age, statuses of being tall and/or
wasted, forward-bending tests, non-alignment of plumb-line, shoulder drooping, uneven scapulae, shape of midline of
back, unequal body triangles, uneven spinal dimples and positive moiré. A high CSRW calls for further examination before
sending the child for X rays. Effective methods are needed to eliminate need for unnecessary X rays, which damage bone
marrow of children. A mathematical model is proposed and tested on seven- and eight-year old students of a local school.
Four tests were conducted, visual (standing), visual (sitting), forward bending (standing) and forward bending (sitting) —
postural problem suspected through positive visual examinations (standing and sitting), indicated through positive midstretching test; leg-length in-equality suspected though positive visual and forward-bending tests (both standing), indicated
through uneven spinal dimples; hip weakness suspected though positive visual and forward-bending tests (both sitting),
indicated through positive Tredelenburg sign; spinal rotation suspected through positive forward-bending tests (standing
and sitting), indicated through positive moiré. This paper reports effectiveness of CSRW in predicting lateral curvatures
and spinal rotatoions.
Singh, Punjab, Pakistan was investigated during 2007-2008 and forty weed species of seventeen different angiosperm families were
identified with Poaceae having the maximum of weeds species, i.e. 10 while eleven families had only single weed species in each. The
Family Importance value Index (FIVI) of Cyperaceae and Poacaeae were 2.67 and 5.40 respectively. On the other hand, among the
dicot families, the FIVI of 7 weed species of Asteraceae was 5.55. Euphorbiaceae and Solanacae had 6.1 and 3.68 while F1V1 of each
weed species of remaining ten families ranged between 20.73 to 2.46. On the basis of percentage frequency distribution, 35 weed
species were found below average, 3 on average while one (Cynodon dactylon) assertive and one Convolvulus arvensis ascendant in
distribution.
District Bahawalpur were studied because of richness of biodiversity due to its proximity of two canals, i.e. Abu Zhabi and Abbasia,
almost no ethnobotanical research was carried out in this area. 45 herbaceous species belong to 40 genera and 16 families, all the
families belonged to angiosperm in which 4 families (Poaceae, Alliaceae, Cyperaceae and Asphodelaceae) were monocots (16 spp.)
and remaining 12 families belong to dicots (29 spp.) predominantly Poaceae was recorded, of which 11 (60%) were (24%) were
single-usage, 27 (60%) were dual-usage and 7 (16%) were multi-usage herbs were consumed as medicinal (18%), fodder (73%) and
handicraft (9%). Unfortunately, the knowledge of medicinal plants initially gained by trial and error, inherited to generations is lost
within the urge of industrialization as no written form of data exists. Therefore, the documentation of plants along with their important
uses will be beneficial, not only for the indigenous people of the area but also for the country as a whole. Also, there is a need of
sustainable use of the plants to preserve them for future generations and prevent their extinction.
abilities of genotypes that may foster selection of promising recombinants for future breeding programme. For the
purpose, a complete diallel cross between wheat varieties viz; TD-1, SKD-1, IMDAD, KHIRMAN, MOOMAL and H-
68 was made using Randomized Complete Block Design in four replications at Botanical Garden, Department of Plant
Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during 2009. Data was recorded for plant height,
spikes plant-1, tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1,weight of grains spike -1, grain yield plant-1
and 1000-grains weight. The results of GCA showed that the varieties Moomal and Khirman proved best general
combiners for all the traits under study. In the F1 generation the cross SKD-1 x Khirman secured highest SCA value for
grain yield plant-1, grains spike-1, spikelets spike-1 and tillers plant-1. While reciprocal cross, Khirman x TD-1 in F1
obtained highest SCA value for grain yield plant-1, 1000-grains weight, grains spike-1, spike length and spikes plant-1.
study revealed 37 halophytic plant species belonging to 34 genera and 18 families. Four families were of monocotyledons and 14
families were of Dicotyledons. The leading family was Poaceae with 10 species (27.03%), followed by Chenopodiaceae with 4
species (10.81%) and Papilionaceae with 3 species (8.81%). The remaining families consisted of less than 3 species each. The Halophysiotypic classification revealed that Xerohalophytes were dominant with 12 (32.43%) species, Hydrohalophytes 9 (24.32%),
Psammophytes6 (16.22%), Weedy 5 (13.51%), Xerohalophyte 3(8.11%), while Chasmophytes and Phrea with 1(2.70%) species each.
The Electric conductivity (EC) of the soil ranges from 6.9 to 15.8 dS/m and the soil texture varied from loamy sand to clay. On the
basis of biological spectrum the Thererophytes and Nanophanerophytes were dominant with 13(35.14%) species each, followed by
Chamaephytes 5 (13.51%) species, Microphanerophytes and Mesophanerophytes 2(5.41%) species each and Megaphanerophytes sand
Hemicryptophytes with 1(2.70%) species each. Leaf size spectrum was dominated by Nanophylls with 14(37.84%) species, followed
by Microphylls 11(29.73%), Leptophylls 6(16.21%), Macrophylls 3(8.12%), Mesophylls 2(5.41%) and Megaphylls with 1(2.70%)
species. Abundance status indicated that 21(56.76%) were frequent followed by dominant and rare with 8(21.62%) species.
Phenologically 27(72.97%) species were in reproductive and 10(27.03%) were in vegetative stages.
performance of newly developed mutant populations (M3 generation) originated from two commercial wheat varieties namely
Khirman and NIA-Saarang by treating them with different doses of gamma rays i.e., 150, 200, 250, and 300 Gy. The mutant
populations were evaluated along with both mother varieties (non-irradiated) under field conditions. The objectives of the study were
to determine the effect of different doses of gamma rays on various yield associated traits and to select superior mutant plants with
desired traits from mutant populations. The mean squares obtained from analysis of variance for treatments were significant for the
traits spike length, grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 at P <0.05, however, spikelets spike-1 and 1000 grain weight were nonsignificant.The mean squares for genotypes were significantly different for spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, spike length and 1000
grain weight (P ≤0.01) while grains spike-1were significantly different at P ≤0.05. The mean squares for genotype x treatment (GxT)
interaction were non-significant for spike length, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1. It was observed by taking overall
mean that NIA-Saarang produced 13.0 g grain yield plant-1 followed by Khirman (control) which produced 11.9 g grains yield plant-1.
magnitude of heterosis in line x tester during Kharif 2013. The experiment was laidout in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with three replications. Observations for sympodial branches plant-1, the number of bolls plant-1, Ginning Out Turn (GOT %),
staple length (mm) and seed cotton yield plant-1 (g) were recorded. The line Sadori and IR-2620 tester, show positive general
combining ability (GCA) effects indicating that these parents were good general combiners and cross both parents showed higher
specific combining ability (SCA) effects that specific combining ability for better performance and quality traits. Line Sadori x IR-
2620 showed greater heterosis and heterobeltiosis by sympodial branches and GOT%. While NIA-80 x Bt-555 produced greater
heterosis for weight of the bolls.
Pakistan during wheat growing season 2012-13, to determine the effects of water stress on various Phenological and
morphological traits associated with the grain and biomass yield. Twenty newly evolved wheat genotypes developed
through conventional breeding at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture Tando Jam were evaluated along with four local
varieties (Sarsabz, Khirman, TD-1 and Chakwal-86) under various water stress regimes in field conditions. The
experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results revealed highly significant differences
among genotypes, treatments and genotype x treatment interaction for different traits viz., days to 75% booting, grain
filling period, days to 75% maturity, tillers plant-1, plant height and peduncle length. Furthermore, significant decrease
was observed in days to booting, days to 75% maturity, tillers plant-1 at T1 (66.8, 45.2, 123.4) as compared toT2 (67.5,
48.1, 126.1) respectively. The maximum number of tillers.m-2 and plant height were exhibited by line IBWSN-078-
1174. Cultivar Khirman produced longer peduncle (30.9 cm), while TD-1 and Chakwal-86 took minimum number of
days for 75% booting and grain filling (59.6 and 36.8) respectively. The genotype IBWSN-078-1078 matured earlier
among all genotypes in 118.11 days.
yield potential of different wheat genotypes under water deficient condition. Twenty newly evolved genotypes through conventional
breeding were tested for the effects of water stress on grain yield, yield associated and physiological traits in comparison to four local
varieties (Sarsabz, Khirman, TD-1 and Chakwal-86). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications.
Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes, treatments and genotype x treatment interaction for
grains spike-1, 1000 grain weight (g), grain yield plant-1 (g), harvest index, leaf area (cm2) and chlorophyll content. Spikelets spike-
1
were non-significant in treatment but significantly differed in varieties and treatment x variety interaction. The biological yield was
significantly different in treatments and varieties but non-significant in treatment x variety. Significant difference of harvest index was
observed in genotypes but neither in treatments nor in treatment x variety interaction. Genotypes, treatments and their interaction
showed non-significant differences for spike length.
Average performance of genotypes with one and two irrigation(s) revealed that the lines IBWSN-078-1056 gave more grains spike-1
(66.3) and grain yield per plant (8.29 g). The maximum spike length, chlorophyll content, harvest index, biological yield, 1000 grain
weight and leaf area was noted in IBWSN-078-1071, 1072, 1078, 1090, 1095 and 1098 respectively. Cultivar Khirman produced more
number of spikelets spike-1 (23.1) among all genotypes.
(Cirrhinus mrigala Hamilton, 1822). The new species is characterized by possessing curved medium size body, proboscis small,
cylindrical to globular, proboscis having 4 circle of hooks each having six hooks, proboscis receptacle cylindrical to saccate with
single layered muscular wall reaching to second row of collar spines. Collar spines in 14-15 rows. Body spines having 54–56 rows of
spines. Lemnisci long, unequal; Testes cylindrical the anterior smaller as compared to posterior; cement gland long, cylindrical
containing a number of nuclei; bursa well developed and eggs numerous, oval to elongated.
liver cirrhosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension and
colitis. The renal protective effects of UD are limited therefore, this study was intended to investigate the protective
effects of UD against renal toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in male wistar rats. The study included male albino
wistar rats divided in to four groups (n = 6). Group I remained healthy control rats, group II, received CCl4 (0.8 mL/Kg
body weight, subcutaneous, for 8 weeks, twice a week), group III received CCl4 (0.8 mL/Kg body weight,
subcutaneous, for 8 weeks, twice a week) together with UD (2 mL/kg UD extract i.p daily for 8 weeks), group IV
received UD (2 mL/kg UD extract i.p daily for 8 weeks) . Biochemical analysis included; plasma urea, creatinine and
BUN. Renal antioxidant enzymes catalase, SOD & GSH & lipid peroxidation product (MDA).The sixty day treatment
of rats with CCl4 resulted in renal impairments exhibited via increased plasma urea, creatinine, BUN and renal MDA
levels whereas decrease antioxidant enzymes catalase, SOD & GSH levels in CCl4 treated group compared with the
control group. The toxic effects of CCl4 were reverted by Urtica Dioica treatment and indicated by reduced urea,
creatinine, BUN & MDA and enhanced catalase, SOD & GSH levels. The histologic findings indicated
tubulointerstitial fibrosis with no mesengial proliferation in CCl4 treated rats. UD treatment along CCl4 has been shown to
revert tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rats.
Agriculture, NARC Islamabad during the year 2011. The revenue per acre under tunnels is highest from green onion production
followed by coriander and spinach production. However the revenue per acre is minimum from okra production. The revenue per acre
from radish and turnip production are rupees 70400 and 56320, respectively. The revenue per acre from cauliflower production are
rupees 26720. The comparative analysis of revenue generated from open field grown organic vegetables during 2011 showed that
revenue per acre is highest from broccoli production followed by the Kale (karram saag), turnip and radish production. The per acre
revenue from ice berg, coriander and spinach production are rupees 54400, 42240 and 16000 respectively. However from open field
production of crops per acre revenue is lowest (Rs. 7200/-) from china salad production.
predominant pathogenic fungi Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum, were found associated
with these samples. Eight fungicides viz., Thiophanate-methyl, Fosetyl-aluminium, Propineb, Carbendazim, Copper oxychloride,
Mendipropomide, Difenoconazole and Metriam were evaluated with five different concentrations viz., 1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10000 ppm by food
poisoning method. Variation in growth reduction observed with changing concentrations of fungicides. Higher concentrations of tested fungicides
were more effective than medium and lower ones. Difenoconazole at its all doses (1-10,000 ppm) caused more than 50% inhibition of F. solani.
Among 40 different treatments only Thiophanate-methyl at 10,000 ppm and Carbendazim 10,000 ppm and 1000 ppm causes more than 50%
growth reduction of R. solani as compared to control. Thiophanate-methyl, Carbendazim and Difenoconazole 1-10,000 ppm dose cause more
than 50% growth reduction of M. phaseolina. Mendipropomide at its highest used dose (10000 ppm) cause only 43% inhibition of Fusarium
oxysporum. Carbendazim and Thiophanate-methyl found equally effective against above mentioned pathogens.
growth and in the control of root rot fungi (Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, Rhizoctonia solani (Kϋhn) and Fusarium spp.) on
cowpea and mungbean. Seeds of cowpea and mung bean were treated with A. javanica parts extracts and soil was amended with
inorganic fertilizers such as Urea and DAP (Diamonium phosphate) @ 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1%. Infection of root rot fungi were
completely suppressed when seeds of both leguminous crops treated with A. javanica leaves extract and soil amended with inorganic
fertilizers @ 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1% as well as maximum enhancement in plant growth parameters was observed when Urea used
@0.01 and 0.1%.
tubers during cold storage, the present study was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam, Pakistan located at 25.24,
46.00,’N, 68.32, 12.00E during 2009 and 2010. In this study tubers of three genotypes viz, TPS=9802, TPS=9804, TPS=9805 and standard
potato variety Diamant were stored in five different packing materials viz. gunny bag, polyethylene bag, cloth bag, netted bag and wooden
crate. The results obtained from 500 g standard weight of sample. The maximum tuber weight (485.0 g) was recorded in TPS-9804
genotype kept in gunny bags. However, minimum tuber weight (262.6 g) noted by Diamant variety stored in polyethylene bag.The
maximum tuber rottening (17.79%) was recorded in Diamant variety stored in polyethylene bag as packing material. However, the
minimum tuber rottening (3.10%) was found in TPS-9804 genotype when tubers were stored in gunny bag. After taken out of material from
cold storage, tubers were kept without packing material at room temperature of 20-25 0C for sprouting up to ten days. Than the higher tuber
sprouting (92.64%) was found in TPS-9804 genotype stored in gunny bags and lower tuber sprouting (51.95%) was recorded in Diamant
variety stored in polyethylene bag. Hence TPS- 9804 genotype recommended for potato growers of Sindh province due to its better storage
capability using gunny bag as packing material.
were stocked in twelve glass aquaria tanks. The experiment was designed as 4 treatments x 6 weeks factorial replicated
thrice to assess the effect of duration of androgen treatment on growth rates of Nile tilapia. The pelleted feed used in
this study (Lucky Star tilapia starter) of 53.20 crude protein was incorporated with the steroid hormone 17α-Methyl
Testosterone (17α-MT) at 60mg/kg to feed the experimental fishes for different durations: 7-14, 14-21, 21-28, and 28-
35 days. Fish were fed daily to satiation. Statistical analysis on average body weight gain (BWG), final weight (FW),
feed intake (FI) and specific growth rate (SGR) indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences among the treatment group
at fortnightly trials. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) values recorded (1.73, 1.76, 1.77 and 1.71) in all the treatment
durations (7-14, 14-21, 21-28 and 28-35) respectively were not significantly different (P >0.05). Survival rate was
100% among the treatments. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the water quality parameters recorded
among all the treatments. Based on overall growth rates, fishes on 17α-MT administered in feed and under 21-28 and
28-35 treatment durations were the best and showed significantly higher FW, BWG, SGR and FI compared to other
treatment durations. The present study asserted that the extension of the androgen treatment for 21-28 days enhanced
the growth rate in O. niloticus and helped to attain faster growth rate in tilapia fry. This should avoid the stunted growth
of tilapias which is the bottleneck in the tilapia industries and enable aquaculturists to economize the production cost of
mass rearing of Nile tilapia.
The range distribution of this species is now extended to further west to the coast of Pakistan. The morphometric characters of the
specimens collected from off Malan and Churna Island (Balochistan) along Pakistan coast comes in conformity with those reported
from other Indo-Pacific areas.
the coastal areas of Karachi, Sindh. A total of 50 fish specimen (mean total length 14.5+2.8 cm and 60.8+3.6 g mean wet body weight)
were collected from fish harbors of Karachi and their 22 morphometric characters, 16 meristic counts and 3 biometric characters were
studied. The results showed that all morphometric data were not significantly different in all fishes. This study will help to recognizing
the morphometric of different variants in relation to identification and also help the taxonomists and fisheries scientists to distinguish
L. argentimaculatus from other species.
Karachi. Altogether nine (9) types of fresh fruit juices were analyzed for total viable count (TVC), total coliform (TCC), total fecal
coliform count (TFC). The highest bacterial load (1.2x109cfu/ml) for fresh fruit juice sample was found in banana and the lowest load
was (1.77x104 cfu/mL) found in a lemon juice. All samples of fruit juices showed the presence of coliform and fecal coliform ranging
from 7 to ≥2400 MPN/100mL. Five (5) bacterial isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp.,
Streptococci sp., Salmonella sp. Fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus sp., Penicillium sp. and Mucor sp. The
highest fungal load was found in banana, apple and watermelon and lowest in orange juice.
splits doses. The first spray was applied at 70-80% bloom (on 4th April) and followed by second spray as the post bloom treatment,
just after fruit setting (on 8th May). Three vines were used for each treatment. After the fruits were fully mature, five clusters were
randomly harvested from each vine to determine the cluster and berry eight, number of berries per cluster, berry length and width, 100
berry weight, fruit weight and fruit extract content was measured using hand refractometer and determining the percentage content of
extract in the juice solution, squeezing the out of 20 representative berries from each plant. Average cluster and berry weight of
sprayed vines increased significantly over the non-sprayed vines and the largest cluster weight depicted as fruit yield as per vine
(10.7kg) was found in the treatment with highest concentration of GA3 (25ppm). Maximum berry weight, length berry width and TSS
were 2.83 g, 1.86 cm, 1.81 g and 19.22%, respectively recorded at 25pp. More over Statistical differences were observed for cluster
weight, berry width, length and total soluble salts with GA3 at 15ppm and 20ppm.GA3 at 25ppm may be recommended for spray on the
perlet grape cultivar for obtaining higher yield and better quality/fruits.
2012. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) using three replications. Four nitrogen (40, 60, 80
and 100 kg N/ha) and three phosphorus levels (40, 60 and 80 kg P/ha) were used. Number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, seed
yield (kg/ha), thousand seed weight (g) and harvest index (%) were significantly affected by nitrogen and phosphorus. While, the
parameters i.e. days to emergence and emergence (m2) were non-significantly affected. The interaction between nitrogen and
phosphorus showed that optimum grain yield (891.26 kg/ha) was at 100:80 kg N: P/ha, while, minimum seed yield (502.33 kg/ha) was
at 100:40 kg N: P/ha as compared to the control (662 kg/ha). Nitrogen and phosphorus applied @ 100:80 kg N: P/ha may be
recommended for better growth and yield of Sesame.
during the year 2013, with the hypothesis that saline water can successfully be used for growing bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L)
in soil and climatic conditions of Sindh. In this study, the saline water was used with raised bed furrow irrigation method and the soil
texture was silt loam. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments (I1, I2, I3 and I4) and three replications was
laid in the study. I1 was fresh water, I2, I3 and I4 water were with ECw 3dS/m, ECw 4dS/m and ECw 5dS/m respectively. The seeds
were sown on both sides of ridge at a depth of 2-3 cm. Plant to plant distance of 40-45 cm was maintained. Irrigation media was
prepared by mixing NaCl for required ECw in drums then applied to the experimental plots. The interval among each irrigation was
kept 7 days. The experiment results revealed that, the average soil ECe increased 0.09, 0.57, 0.96 and 1.47dS/m in I1, I2, I3 and I4
respectively. pH decreased as 0.2 with I1, I2, I3 treatments and 0.3 with I4 treatment. The infiltration rate (cm/h) and porosity (%) were
increased, thus the dry density (g/cm3) of soil profile decreased. The average yield of bitter gourd was obtained 11.47, 9.65, 7.92and
6.76 kg with treatments I1, I2, I3 and I4, respectively, thus the yield of crop was decreased as 15.84%, 30.95% and 41.07% with
treatments I2, I3 and I4 (saline water) when compared to treatments with freshwater (I1) irrigation. Agronomical data were observed
decreasing with the increasing ECw of the irrigation water. The crop water productivity (CWP) for treatments I1, I2, I3 and I4 was
found 3.07, 2.58, 2.12 and 1.81 kg/m3, crop water productivity decreased with use of saline water. The present study suggests that
farmers can use saline water having ECw ≤ 5dS/m for the bitter gourd at reduction of 41% (approximately) of the production.
was recorded from various other parts of the Indian Ocean including from India, Thailand, Northern Australia, Mozambique and
Persian Gulf. In the Arabian Sea, it was reported from Kochi, South of West coast of India. A specimen of D. microps was caught by
fishermen on 10 May, 2015 from Khori Great Bank which extends the distribution to further North along the coast of Pakistan. The
paper described salient features of the specimens collected from Pakistan.
the Campus of University of Karachi and germinated without any dormancy breaking treatment in pots filled with garden
sandy loam soil maintained at 75% MWHC. The seeds were sown in surface layer of soil not below than 1 cm. Seedlings of
10- and 60 days were studied. The seedling was of Phanerocotylar – Epigeal Reserve type. The major allocation of biomass
in 10-day old seedlings was in cotyledons followed by leaves, roots and stem. Tap root had profuse laterals. Cotyledons
large, more or less sessile, green fleshy –food laden, concave inside and convex outside, with no visible venation and
retained with the seedling for some 50 - 60 days after emergence. The hypocotyl short, green, shining. Epicotyl longer,
pubescent. The basal stem may sometimes be pruinose. The primary leaf simple, alternate. There is a great irregularity with
respect to the first appearance of imparipinnate trifoliate leaf with ovate leaflets. It may arise after 2, 4 or 6-7 simple leaves.
Leaf stipulate, apex acute (at times acuminate, basally obtuse. Aspect ratio 0.6 - 0.67. Venation brachidodromous. Angle of
divergence (AOD) moderate between 1o and 2o veins and wide between 2o and 3o veins. Areole small and veinlets endings
linear. There were four types of trichomes on very young stipules and leaves – 1) Short flat, bent near base, curved, brown,
pointed-at-the-apex and unicellular, non-glandular trichomes, 2) Septate multicellular non-glandular trichomes, 3) Very long
and thin non-glandular trichomes and 4) Stalked capitate uniseriate filiform non-glandular trichomes. Leaves multistomatic
ventrally; dorsally generally devoid of stomata except few rarely. Stomata were identified on the basis of Prabhakar (2004).
Paracytic, anomocytic, staurocytic, tetracytic and anisocytic stomata were present on the inner surface of cotyledon.
Hypocotyl had paracytic stomata. Epicotylar stomata included paracytic, anisocytic, anomocytic and anisotricytic types
where as paracytic, anisocytic, anomocytic, staurocytic and tetracytic characterized the ventral surface of leaf. Paracytic type
of stoma characterized P. pinnata and was common amongst all the organs. Abnormal stomata included paracytic stomata
with common subsidiary and contiguous paracytic stomata with no subsidiaries. Paracytic hemitricyclic stoma was also
present but very rarely. Stomata density on ventral surface of leaves averaged to 211.59 ± 2.60.mm-2 and anomocytic
stomata were larger than the paracytic stomata.
using stereo and scanning electron microscopy, and these characters have been utilized to trace out inter relationships between species
by hierarchical clustering using SPSS computer program. Five different parameters of seeds were used including seed size, shape,
colour, surface and position of hilum. Seed are found to be angular, non-angular, orbicular, elliptic, or oblanceolate. The seed
morphology not only plays a useful role in the delimitation of taxa at the generic or specific levels but it can also be used to assess the
phylogenetic relationship among different taxa.
Linn.) from Sindh, Pakistan. The new species is characterized by having body small and stout; entire tegument armed with spines, oral
sucker subterminal; acetabulum median, muscular, spherical, pre-equatorial; prepharynx small; pharynx smaller than oral sucker,
esophagus lined with thick epithelium; caeca reach posterior end. Testes two, tandem, contiguous, smooth, oval, subequal, equatorial
or just post-equatorial. Post testicular field short; ovary pretesticular, uterus short, vitelline follicles from the level of pharynx to
posterior end confluent in forebody and behind posterior testis; uroproct present and few eggs.
Bombax ceiba from Faisalabad, Pakistan.
include addition of twelve species of fungi on Morus alba from the area.
saplings. Of the 14 symptomatic samples, 9 were recovered with Fusarium oxysporum isolates, 03 isolates of Pythium
aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp., and 02 isolates of Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., from the diseased strawberry roots on mycological
media. The pathogenicity test confirmed F. oxysporum isolates as highly virulent in screen house conditions. The infected plant
growth was retorted and finally died ironic to control treatments. The strains of F. Solani and P. aphanidermatum showed apathogenic effect on the host when bio assayed @ 1.0X107 spores added to the plant soil. The F. oxysporum strains were treated in
vitro with fungicide concentrations. The fungicide Carbendazim showed the lowest LC50 value (4.5 cm diameter radius inhibition
zone) 0.032 to 0.036 ppm and Difenoconazole showed 0.04 to 0.052 ppm against the spores germination on poised mycological
medium. Carbendazim and Difenoconazole were also efficient to restrict mycelia growth on the poised mycological media with LC50
ranges from 5.4-7.9 and 5.7-13.8 ppm, respectively.
species, mostly trees, growing on roadsides in Karachi city or gardens (particularly Karachi University nursery and
various Departmental gardens on the campus). A total of twenty- two microfungal species and 12 genera were
recorded. The highest number of microfungal species (7) and genera (5) were recorded from Eucalyptus camaldulensis
and lowest number of species (2) and genera (2) were observed on the phylloplane of drumstick tree (Moringa
oleifera). Species diversity and its components, i.e., species richness and equitability, for the fungal communities were
ascertained. The diversity analysis disclosed that the microfungal general diversity (H) was high for neem or Indian
Lilac (Azadirachta indica), curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) while it was low
for Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), golden-shower tree (Cassia fistula) and drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera). On
the other hand, equitability (J) was higher for neem (Azadirachta indica), Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), oleander
(Nerium oleander) and Ashok tree (Polyalthia longifolia) and low for Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), wild
almond (Terminalia catappa) and Golden-shower tree (Cassia fistula). The microfungal assemblages were generally
dominated by the genus Aspergillus (A. niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. fumigatus). Additionally, Nigrospora sphaerica
was also abundant. High qualitative similarities of phylloplane microfungal assemblages were demonstrated between
the 20 plant species. Alpha, beta and gamma diversity of the phylloplane mycobiota was determined. Alpha diversity
was low ( = 4.35) while average beta diversity was slightly higher than alpha diversity ( =6.26). Similarity of
mycobiota associated with phylloplane of various plant species was examined and average similarity based on
Sorensen’s index was found to be 23.80 percent. The similarity was zero for 101 pairs of assemblages. The phylloplane
fungal assemblage showed a great deal of correspondence with the airspora of the area.
evaluated in vitro for biocontrol potential against Sclerotium rolfsii and Pythium aphanidermatum by dual culture plate method.
Colonies of Paecilomyces species and Sclerotium rolfsii met each other but Sclerotium rolfsii later overgrew the colonies of tested
fungi. whereas, growth of Pythium aphanidermatum inhibited by the Paecilomyces species.
comparatively non-toxic with few ecological side-effects are called “bio-rational” pesticides. The major categories of bio-rational
pesticides include botanicals, microbials, minerals, and synthetic materials. Azadirachtin based insecticides are eco-friendly and are
well known for their varied pest control properties in contrast to synthetic insecticides. They work by inhibiting development of
immature stages of many insects and by deterring feeding by adults. But their use is limited due to the instability of azadirachtin.
Whereas, spinosad derived from a soil born bacterium- Saccharopolyspora spinosa, is also being used as an environmentally safe
product. Nicotine based imidacloprid, highly systemic and translaminar and the most widely used insecticide in the world has been
used for many years to control pests of agricultural crops, turf grass, and landscape plants; because of its low toxicity to mammals, it is
also used to control fleas and ticks on pets. Present study was carried out to find out the effectiveness of bio-rational insecticides
(biosal, spinosad and imidacloprid) in comparison with organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate (OP) insecticides (endosulfan and
profenofos) against jassid on brinjal crop. All the tested insecticides were effective against jassid except spinosad. The effectiveness of
both the imidacloprid and biosal proved to be a good alternative to endosulfan and profenofos.
minimal and justified use of pesticides. Bio insecticides have a significant pest controlling capability. Additionally, being environment
friendly and highly degradable, they have low persistency and residual effects. Neem based insecticides have significant pest
controlling properties. However, their use is limited due to the instability of azadirachtin that requires its application at short intervals.
Conversely, bacterial derived spinosad also used as an environmentally safe product. Present study was carried out to evaluate the
effectiveness of two bio-insecticides the biosal 10EC and spinosad 240SC in comparison with three conventional insecticides the
imidacloprid 25WP, endosulfan 35EC and profenofos 500EC against whitefly (Bemicia tabaci Genn.) on brinjal crop. All the three
conventional insecticides were found effective against whitefly. The effectiveness trend was found as imidacloprid> endosulfan>
profenophos i.e. 79, 67 and 65% respectively. Azadirachtin based biosal performed well with 58% reduction, whereas, spinosad was
found least effective with 41% reduction in whitefly population. Higher yield of brinjal crop indicates the higher effectiveness of
insecticides and vice versa.
increasing awareness of childhood obesity among community-health workers, pediatricians, nutritionists, teachers and
parents, efforts are made to reduce mass based on the current obesity profile of a child. However, this approach fails to take
into account the fact that a child, by the very nature of age group under study, is gaining height at the same time trying to
manage mass through a combination of diet, exercise and lifestyle adjustment (optimization approach). Optimal mass was
defined in 2011 by the author as the mass corresponding to percentile of height. Hence, a child should momentarily achieve
optimal mass when mass-percentile trajectory crosses height-percentile trajectory. However, for the purpose of maintaining
optimal mass, not only, the values, but also, the slopes of height- and mass-percentile trajectories must match (dynamicalsystem approach). This paper follows height and mass trajectories of a girl in the age range 5.88-9.44 years and illustrates
the need for gaining mass instead of reducing, although she was marginally obese at her last checkup. To help achieve the
goal of optimal-mass management, month-wise targets to attain specific heights and masses (on specific dates of a given
month) as well as lifestyle adjustment, diet and exercise plans are provided.
institution based breast cancer incidence in last 13 years and pattern of breast lumps to evaluate the association between tumor grade,
metastasis in lyph nodes and other predictive aspects like tumor size and appearance of estrogen, progesterone (ER/PR) receptors and
Her2/neu in one year.
Out of 28487 cancer patients 5667 were registered as breast cancer patients at KIRAN from 1st January 2000 to 31 December 2012.
Male breast cancers accounted for 93 (1.64%) and female breast cancers were 5574 (98.3%). The age standardized rate (ASR) of
female breast cancer is 37.13 which are highest among all cancers and the ratio is highest in the region.
One year prospective analysis of 568 breast cancer patients studied for their clinicopathological profile in which 554 (97.5%) were
female and 14 (2.4%) were male patients. TNM classification indicates that majority of patients were at stage III and IV (6% at stage
I, 20 % at stage II, 50 % at stage III and 23 % at stage IV). Majority of the cases (84%) have infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC)
followed by in infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) (11.4%) and only 4.4 % are rare carcinomas. Tumor grade I comprised only 5.6%
and grade II was 59% and grade III was 35%. Hormone receptors (ER/PR) are positive in 50% of cases (ER/PR positive in 300 cases,
only ER positive in 65 cases and only PR positive in 35 cases while ER/PR negative in 104 cases). Her2/neu showing high grade
nuclei is positive in 226 cases while negative in 230 cases.
Since majority of patients present late with advanced disease, there is a great need for breast health awareness to decrease the burden
of advanced disease.
an easy high frequency reproducible method for plant propagation and regeneration through plant tissue culture of cassava (Manihot
esculanta). Explant was initiated using Murashige and Skoog (Ms) with 3mg/L BAP and 1mg/L IBA. Adenine sulphate and glutamine
were also added at the rate of 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L respectively, along with 0.6 g/L charcoal. Different concentrations (0.5-3 mg/L)
of 6-Banzyl amino purine (BAP) and (0.025 and 0.5mg/L) of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were applied for shoot elongation and
multiplication. Most effective response of shoot length was obtained on medium having 1.5 mg/L BAP along with 0.025 mg/L NAA.
Highly proficient root length was observed on MS in combination with 0.5 mg/L NAA.
world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of whey protein concentrate and oligofructose on viability of
Bifidobacterium lactis and physicochemical and sensory characteristics of low-fat stirred yogurt. Probiotic yogurt
containing oligofructose (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) and whey protein concentrate (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were prepared and
stored at 4°C for 21 days. Microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of yoghurt samples were examined on
days 1, 7, 14 and 21 and compared with control sample (sample without oligofructose and whey protein concentrate).
The results showed that stirred yogurt with 1.5 % whey protein concentrate and 1.5 % oligofructose had the best
sensory properties. The samples containing 1.5 % of whey protein concentrate and three levels of oligofructose (0.5%,
1%, and 1.5%) had the highest levels of probiotic bacteria. According to the results of this study, stirred yogurt with 1.5
% whey protein concentrate and 1.5 % oligofructose was chosen as the best sample in terms of physicochemical,
microbiological and sensory features.
All the parameters found in the effluent are far beyond the Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) limits. This is in return rendering the effluents highly toxic and is damaging our underground water and the water in the irrigation canals at large. All effluents before being discharged into the mainstream of the public system should be extensively treated and made sure for being absolutely safe for further use.
S – 5798 (35.52mg) ≈ BR-90 (35.33) > S -5784 (33.66) > S -5797 (32.49) = S -5733 (32.48) > BR- 2/1(31.88) > S -5785 (30.33) = S – 5759 (30.32) > BR-2017 (29.90) ≈ S5825 (29.36) ≈ S -5747(29.19) > BR- 99 > S (28.96) S - 5765 (28.16) ≈ S - 5742 (27.91) ≈ S – 5761 (27.95).
Seed weight distribution in all germplasms tested, except S 5765, was symmetrical with insignificant KS-z values. Seed weight distribution of line S 5765 was leptokurtic (g2 = 1.088) and negatively skewed (g1 = - 0.761) with KS-z: 1.362 (p < 0.047). The seed weight distribution of pooled sample of seeds (N = 1500) was asymmetrical (KS-z = 1.830, p < 0.002). The mean seed weight averaged to 30.82 ± 0.1539 mg varying from 11 to 51 mg (CV: 19.33%).
Inter-germplasm similarity varied considerably. Cluster analysis indicated that there were only two broader groups on the basis of group extraction at 12 % dissimilarity – cluster I harbouring lighter seeded ( ≤ 30 mg) and cluster II with heavier seeded (≥ 30 mg) germplasms. On the basis of group extraction at a distance of 3% dissimilarity, six clusters were identifiable. Cluster 1-3 was composed of low seed weight germplasms ( ≥ 30 mg) and cluster 4-6 composed of higher seed weight germplasms (≥ 30 mg). The results are discussed in view of available literature on guar of Pakistan.
The field of biotechnology has extraordinarily influence on science, law, the administrative condition social insurance, and business. As the starting of agriculture, people have been manipulating crops to improve the yield and quantity. Product yields throughout the world are essentially diminished by the activity of herbivorous insects, pathogens and parasites. Natural environmental stresses make this circumstance significantly worse. Abiotic stresses are the important factors for crop development and improvement, causing massive yield losses over the worldwide. Many mechanisms have been utilized for engineering abiotic stress tolerance in model and other crop plants by means of established biotechnological and/or breeding techniques. The use of genetic engineering technology improvement to particular characteristics is then discussed about, including input aspects identifying with control production (herbicide and insects resistance, protection from pathogens and abiotic stresses). Crop improvement has been improved the many years by means of conventional plant breeding strategies or over different physical, chemical compound (e.g., gamma radiation, ethyl methane sulfonate) and other biological techniques (e.g., T-DNA, transposon insertion) primary to point mutations, rearrangement, duplication and insertion. Zinc finger nucleases have been effectively utilized in genome modification of different plants including tobacco, maize, soybean, and so on. The understanding of molecular basis of plant reaction to these natural environments or stresses has been an important focal point of research in the past decades. Genetically modified organisms are being utilized to lessen the yield loss because of different stresses (biotic and abiotic) and are being utilized broadly for value increase in food crops by improvement with quality proteins, vitamins, zinc, carotenoids, anthocyanin, iron and many more. Incorporation of modern biotechnology, with regular traditional practices in a sustainable way, can fulfill the objective of achieving food security for present and as well as in future.