Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Research Articles

STUDY OF GENETIC VARIABILITY OF LENTIL (<i>Lens culinaris</i> Medik) GERMPLASM FOR MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD TRAITS

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is one of the oldest crops in the world, an autogamous, diploid species and one of the most common grain legume crops. Lentil is a significant member of the Fabaceae Family. The majority of its production occurs in marginal lands with rain-fed conditions. Lentils have a strong impact on genetics and alter yield percentages in loamy soil. Lentil production and acreage have declined badly during the last ten years. During 2022–2023, a field experiment was conducted at the Pulses Research Area of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute in Faisalabad. Two hundred genotypes with four slandered checks were tested in this research i.e Masoor - 93, Pb M-2009, Markaz-2009, and Pb M-2019. Markaz-2009 was approved variety of NARC, and the other three checks were commercial varieties developed by PRI Faisalabad. Two hundred genotypes used in the experiment, were carried out in rows of four meters each, with a row-to-row spacing of 30 cm and a plant-to-plant 10cm spacing. The variability in yield, heritability, genetic development, and relationships among the 200 accession of lentil germplasm were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyses the data. The significant outcomes and variations for all attributes among genotypes expressed by the principal component analysis were observed. Estimated heritability requirements ranged from 30 to 50% for plant height, pods per plant, plant biomass, days to 90% maturity, days to 50% flowering, and days to seed production. Plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of pods per plant all were significantly correlated positively with yield, whereas plant stand, days to 90% maturity and plant biomass significantly correlated negatively with yield per hectare. Days to 50% flowering and seed production have a strong positive relationship with days to 90% maturity. The results revealed significant yield variance and traits that affect yield for the genotypes studied, which will aid in the improvement of lentil genotypes in the area. From 200 accessions, the PLL-15501, ILL-1697-1939, PLL-15508, PLL-15504, and PLL-13515 lines displayed the highest plant height, whereas the AARIL-08515, AARIL-04533, PLL-10511, PLL-14518, and PLL-15501 lines displayed the highest number of branches per plant. Maximum pods per plant shown in entries like AARIL-98502, PLL-10507, PLL-13515, PLL-14522, PLL-15502, and PLL-19502. The data statistically analyzed to identify the best genotypes for the characters previously described.

First Report of Wilt Caused by Fusarium nanum (FIESC 25) on Mungbean (Vigna radiata) in Pakistan.

Mungbean, Vigna radia (L.) R. Wilczek, is ranked 2nd next to chickpea (Cicer arietinum) in total cultivation and production in Pakistan. In August of 2022 and 2023, mungbean plants (cv. PRI Mung-2018) were found wilting in a field at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Wilted leaves turned yellow, died, but remained attached to the stem. Vascular tissue at the base of the stem showed light to dark brown discoloration. Roots were stunted with purplish brown to black discoloration. Symptomatic mungbean plants were collected from fields at five different locations (20 samples/location). Disease incidence was similar among the five fields, ranging from 5 to 10% at each location depending upon type of germplasm and date of sowing. For fungal isolation and morphological identification, symptomatic stem and root tissues were cut into ~5 mm2 pieces with a sterilized blade. Tissues were surface-sterilized for one min in a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, rinsed twice in sterilized water, air dried on sterilized filter paper, and aseptically placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 0.5 g/L-1 streptomycin sulphate. Plates were incubated for 3-4 days at 25 ± 2°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Single-spore cultures were used for morphological and molecular analyses. Isolates on PDA grew rapidly and produced abundant white aerial mycelium that turned off-white to beige with age. Macroconidia were hyaline, falcate, typically 3-to-6 septate with a pointed apical cell and a foot-shaped basal cell, measuring 24.5-49.5 x 2.7-4.7 μm (n = 40). Globose to obovate chlamydospores measuring 5.8 ± 0.5 μm (n = 40) were produced singly or in chains and were intercalary or terminal and possessed roughened walls. The morphological data indicated the isolates were members of the genus Fusarium (Leslie and Summerell 2006). To obtain a species-level identification, a portion of translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2) region were PCR amplified and sequenced using EF1/EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998), Fa/G2R (Hofstetter et al. 2007), and 5f2/7cr (Liu et al. 1999) primers, respectively. DNA sequences of these genes were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers MW059021, MW059017 and MW059019, respectively. The partial TEF1, RPB1 and RPB2 sequences were queried against the Fusarium MLST database (https://fusarium.mycobank.org/page/Fusarium_identification), using the polyphasic identification tool. The BLASTn search revealed 99.9% identity of the isolate to F. nanum (Xia et al. 2019), formerly FIESC 25 of the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (MRC 2610, NRRL 54143; O'Donnell et al. 2018). To confirm pathogenicity, roots of 3-5 leaf stage mungbean seedlings were soaked in a 106 spores ml-1 conidial suspension of the fungus for 15 min and then planted in 10 cm pots containing sterilized soil. Mock-inoculated plants with sterile water served as a negative control. Twenty pots that were used for each inoculated and control treatment were maintained at 25 ± 2°C, 14:8 h photoperiod, and 80% relative humidity in a growth chamber. After 15 days, leaf yellowing, internal browning from the base of stems and root discoloration was observed in all the inoculated plants. The uninoculated negative control plants remained asymptomatic. Fusarium nanum was re-isolated from artificially inoculated plants and identified by colony growth, conidial characteristics on PDA and molecular analyses (TEF1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of wilt caused by F.nanum on mungbean in Pakistan. In Pakistan, mungbean cultivation in irrigated areas has increased in recent years. It has been introduced frequently in citrus orchards, crop rotation of maize and sesame, intercropping with sugarcane and as green manure. However, citrus, maize, sesame and sugarcane are also hosts of Fusarium spp. Therefore, this information warrants sustainable crop protection and may have an impact on further interaction of F. nanum with other wilt pathogens.

Morphological, phenotypic and nutritional characterization of exotic and local tomato germplasm under tunnel

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruit. By characterizing local germplasm, exclusive breeding material is successfully identified and improved varieties could be created. The research conducted between November 2020 and 2021 at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Pakistan used developmental, vegetative and fruit traits to individualize sixty tomato inbred lines for 17 morphological traits. The study showed that 6 qualitative and 11 quantitative morphological traits exhibited a wide range of variation, while 8 traits showed a high coefficient of variation among genotypes according to biplot principal component analysis (PCA). According to biplot PCA, the first component contributed 17.6% of the variation, while the second component contributed 13.0%. Together, the first and second components explained 30.6% of the variation. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between genotypic traits and phenotypic traits. A very positive correlation was observed between inter-nodal distance, flower per cluster and immature fruit color. The morphological data for firmness, pericarp thickness, fruit width, TSS, inter-nodal distance, number of flowers and fruits per cluster showed specific characteristics that can be used to distinguish the genotypes. The highest value of lycopene of 21.2 mg kg−1 fresh weight was observed among the genotypes. We conclude the results of this study, presenting the crop quality and yield characteristics that could be used in future plant breeding and genetic enhancement of tomato germplasm for improved food security. Based on yield characteristics, Nyagous, Korneseivje and Earliana were selected as the best and most promising genotypes.

Effects of meteorological variables on potato leaf roll virus and potato virus y infections on different potato varieties under natural and mulched conditions

After rice and wheat, potatoes are the third most important staple crop in Pakistan, but due to various virus diseases attacks, yield remains very low. Among viral pathogens, potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and potato virus Y (PVY) are the most destructive viruses present in all potato-growing areas. A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Plant Virology Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, to evaluate the effects of meteorological variables on the development of virus infections (PLRV and PVY) on different potato varieties under natural and mulched conditions. Results indicated that the development of infections of PVY and PLRV was delayed in different potato varieties under mulched conditions. The potato variety Simply Red had the highest PLRV and PVY disease incidences under unmulched and mulched circumstances, while Sahiwal Red and Ruby had the lowest infection rates. The least PVY disease incidence was noted under mulched conditions on FD-81-1. Mulched conditions were better in the reduction of diseases than unmulched conditions. The average high temperature (HT) ranged from 21.9 ◦C to 27 ◦C was most favorable for the development of PLRV and PVY on all six tested potato varieties in both conditions. The average low temperature (LT) ranged from 8 ◦C to 15 ◦C was favorable for the progression of PLRV and PVY diseases in both conditions. The relative humidity (RH) range of 50-60% was conducive for the development of PLRV and PVY diseases. It is concluded that mulching application is an essential tool to enhance the yield of potato crops by reducing their specific diseases.

Evaluation of Chili Germplasm against Leaf Spot and its Management by Nutrients and Fungicides

Chili (Capsicum annum L.) is a widely grown vegetable in tropical and subtropical areas that is attacked by a diverse range of bacterial and fungal pathogens, causing severe yield and quality losses. Alternaria leaf spot, caused by Alternaria alternata, is the major fungal disease of chili that deteriorates the vitality of the crop. The objective of the current research is to identify the most effective nutrient combination and fungicide against Alternaria leaf spot disease and to evaluate resistant sources. The current research was conducted using six varieties (CH-121, Chilli-900 F1, Red Wing, SAYBAN, AAHP-1, and Diamond CH-121) collected from Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Seeds were sown in the Plant Pathology field area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to screen against leaf spot disease. The effect of different fungicides and nutrients to overcome chili leaf spot was studied, and three treatment combinations were prepared: (ZnSO4 (ZS) + MnSO4 (MS) + boric acid (BA) + Topsin M), (ZS + MS + BA + Mancozeb), and (ZS + MS + BA + Vitavax). Among these, the combination of (ZS + MS + BA + Vitavax) was the most effective against leaf spot disease. Minimum disease severity was observed with ZS + MS + BA + Vitavax in CH-121 (15.00), while maximum disease severity was observed with the control in Red Wing (93.67). Environmental data were collected and statistically analyzed. There was a significant (p 0.05) but positive correlation between maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed, rainfall, and disease severity. There was a negative correlation between relative humidity and disease severity. In conclusion, micronutrients were found to enhance Alternaria leaf spot tolerance in chili plants, providing a cost-effective and easily obtainable solution. The combined use of nutrients and fungicide is effective in preventing the development of resistance in pathogens against fungicides.

'MH-21,' A NOVEL HIGH-YIELDING AND RUSTS RESISTANT BREAD WHEAT VARIETY FOR IRRIGATED AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Developing high-yielding wheat varieties tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses is a challenge wheat breeder currently face. Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan, has released 65 wheat varieties, including MH-21, for several zones since its establishment in 1906. MH-21, with the varietal code V-12304, gave 11.2% and 10.28% more grain yield than the check variety (Faisalabad-08), respectively, in preliminary (2011–2012) and regular yield trials (2012–2013). Then, testing it in outstation yield trials proceeded over 21 locations in Punjab province (2013–2014) and 18 locations all over Pakistan (2014–2015, 2017–2018, and 2019– 2020) for yield and disease constancy, simultaneous with agronomic field trials and quality lab testing during 2014–2018 and 2014–2016, respectively. It exhibited an amber seed color, semi-erect growth habit at booting, erect flag leaf attitude, hairiness auricle, awned yellowish ear, and elevated shoulder and beak shape of glumes traits. DNA fingerprinting of MH-21 ensued to compare its genetic background with previously registered 21 wheat varieties. Given the promising stable performance in multi-locations over the years for better grain yield, nutritional quality, and resistance against rusts, the Punjab Seed Council approved V12304 in 2021 with the name „MH-21‟ for general cultivation in irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

FH-444: A HIGH YIELDING AND SUPERIOR FIBER QUALITY UPLAND COTTON VARIETY SUITABLE FOR COTTON GROWING AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

FH-444 is a new Bt cotton variety which was released during the year 2020-21 by Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, for irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan to maintain fiber quality and production through gradually replacement of existing cotton cultivars to avoid the yield losses caused by insect, pest and unexpected disease attacks. The FH-444 possesses drought tolerance and very good combination of traits to meet the requirements of the farmers, pickers, ginners, spinners and textile industry. The evaluation of this promising line was started during 2011-12 in different yield tests viz: preliminary & advance yield trials, Provincial Coordinated Cotton Trial (PCCT), National Coordinated Varietal Trial (NCVT), Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Trial, Agronomic trials, 1.25 Acre trials etc. In preliminary yield trials, FH-444 showed 45.96% increase in yield (3592 kg/ha) over standard variety FH-113 (2461 kg/ha) during 2011-12 while in advanced yield trials, FH-444 exhibited 23.61% increase in yield (3408 kg/ha) over standard variety FH-113 (2757 kg/ha) during 2013-14. It was also found that the effects of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) were low (1.7 %) in FH-444 during growing season of 2014-15, while FH-142 showed increased incidence of attack (4.9%). FH444 demonstrated significant resistance with respect to thrips, whitefly, jassid and pink bollworm infestation. In present study it was found that the variety FH-444 possesses higher yield potential and will contribute to improve cotton yield and production under different stress conditions.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GROWTH REGULATORS ON ROOT INDUCTION OF LIGHT WEIGHT DATE PALM SUCKERS

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad during 2017-2019 to evaluate the effect of different growth regulators on root induction of Date palm suckers. There were six treatments i.e., T0 (Control), T1 (Indol butyric Acid (IBA) @2000 ppm), T2 (IBA@4000 ppm), T3 (Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) @2000 ppm), T4 (NAA@3000), T5 (IBA@2000 ppm + NAA@2000 ppm). Growth regulators significantly affected the survival percentage, number of leaves, leaf length and number of roots plant-1. Results showed that IBA@4000 ppm gave maximum success percentage (76.3%), highest survival percentage after 90 days (43.8%), maximum number of leaves (4.5), highest leaf length (20.6cm) and highest number of roots plant-1 (24.8). In view of these results, it is concluded that IBA can be used @ 4000 ppm for better root induction of Date palm suckers.

Screening of canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars for nickel stress tolerance

The present study was conducted to evaluate variation in nickel stress tolerance in a set of 10 canola cultivars (Leand, AC Excel, Faisal Canola, Shiralee, Oscar, Punjab Canola, CON-II, Rainbow, Dunkeld, and Cyclone) at the early growth stages, i.e., germination and seedling stage. The seeds of all canola cultivar were obtained from the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Ten seeds of each cultivar were sown in each of Petri plates moistened with varying levels (15, 30 and 45 mg/L) of nickel in Hoagland nutrient solution. Data for different growth indices were recorded such as germination stress index (GSI), shoot length stress index (SLSI), root length stress index (RLSI), and seedling fresh (SFWI) and seedling dry weight indices (SDWI). Based on different growth indices, three canola cultivars, i.e., CON-II, Faisal Canola and Leand proved to be potential source of variation for Ni tolerance provided if they maintain their degree of Ni tolerance at the later growth stages. However, Oscar was the most sensitive to Ni stress of all 10 cultivars evaluated in the current study.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF BLACK MULBERRY RTS DRINK

Present study was conducted during the year 2020 at the Food Technology Section of Postharvest Research Centre, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan on the value addition of short seasoned indigenous fruit for the development of black mulberry RTS drink. The nutritional quality and effect of storage on the keeping quality of drink was evaluated. Drinks were developed by using different percentage of pulp in final ceipe, filtered, pasteurized and filled in glass bottles. The physicochemical characteristics of the drinks during shelf life were studied. Four drinks with different mulberry fruit juice percentage were prepared and stored them at ambient temperature. The total soluble solids were found to be 13.03, 13.60, 13.86 and 14.20 ⸰ Brix in T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 respectively. During the three months storage periods TSS was reached up to 14.06, 14.13, 14.16 and 14.63 for T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 , respectively. Reducing and total sugars % were increased and observed in the range of (7.20-7.47%), (7.65-7.89%), (7.75- 7.89%), (8.26-9.25%) and (12.52-12.68%), (13.20-13.69%), (13.68-14.98%), (14.52-15.4%) for T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 , respectively. Non-reducing sugar percent was observed to be reduced from 5.32 to 5.21%, 5.89 to 5.63%, 6.23-6.11% and 6.26 to 6.20% for T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 , respectively during three month storage period. Sensory evaluation showed all the treatments acceptable but highest scores for color, flavour, taste and overall acceptability were perceived in case of T4 with 25% fruit pulp at the end of storage period.

DIFFERENT PRUNING INTENSITIES INFLUENCES YIELD AND QUALITY OF GUAVA CV. GOLA

The current experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2017-18 to evaluate impact of various pruning intensities on quality and yield of guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.). Various pruning intensities viz. control (no pruning), 25% pruning, 50% pruning and 75% pruning were carried out after harvesting of winter crop (in the month of April). Results showed that maximum flower count/shoot (18 number), fruit number/plant (2237), yield/plant (172.6 kg/tree), average fruit weight (102 g) and SSC (8.11%) were found with 25% pruning intensity; whereas, minimum fruit number/plant (720) and yield (70.11 kg/plant) was found in trees treated with 75% pruning intensity. Maximum fruit length (57.49 mm) and fruit width (64.75 mm) was observed in 25% pruned trees. It can be concluded that among various pruning intensities 25% pruning level is best to increase quality and yield guava fruit.

PRECURSOR-INOCULUM INTERACTION FOR THE GROWTH PROMOTION OF COTTON UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

The present experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 at Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The yield of local BT cotton variety FH-142 was evaluated using different combinations of rhizobacteria (free living diazotroph and phosphate solubilizer) with auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP). The experiment was comprised of seven treatments under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice. The experiment was repeated for consecutive three years to find the effect of microbial inoculants with auxin precursor L-TRP and mean of three years was reported in the manuscript. The microbial inoculants were applied as seed coating. The bacterial inoculation showed promising results as compared to control. However, the consortium of PGPR and P-solubilizer with precursor had the significant effects on cotton yield during all three years of experiment. The consortium increased the yield parameters of cotton i.e., 1810 kg/ha in comparison with un-inoculated control i.e., 1672 kg/ha. Individual applications of PGPR and P-solubilizer also had significant effect on the yield compared to control. Hence, it was concluded that the interaction of bacterial consortium and precursor (precursor inoculum interaction) proved to be the best to improve the cotton yield.

GROWTH AND INSTABILITY OF EXPORT OF SELECTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN PAKISTAN

The present study was conducted in Faisalabad at Social Sciences Research Institute, Pakistan Agricultural Reseaerch Council, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2019. Countries wise time series data of exported fruits and vegetables were taken from AMIS for finding instability of commodities and countries. Current study focused on the compound annual growth rates of production, export quantity and value of mostly exported fruits and vegetables. Growth trends of selected commodities were executed by using semitrend growth model. Coefficient of variation technique was used to find out instability of specific commodity for specific country/market. Selected exported vegetables (potato, tomato, onion and garlic) indicated instability results for Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar and Indonesia among given markets and within the given period. Among fruits kinnow export shared 24.96, mango export results showed 22.08 percent share in total fruits export followed by 13.55 percent share of orange and 8.6 percent export share of dates dried in total export from Pakistan. Results observed for instability of exports to countries, minimum value of coefficient of variation (24.34 percent) was recorded for Bahrein market for kinnow export and Bahrein market was stable among given markets. Similarly, mango results showed that export of mango to Germany market was stable among given markets and within the given period. Export of orange to Saudi Arabia market and export of dates to Bangladesh market was stable among given markets within the given period of time. Finally, in order to lessen the instability, it can be proposed that Pakistan ought to take steps to boost the exports of primary commodity and value added products to raise revenue profitable.

Comparative study of bio-control agents against fusarium wilt in okra caused by Fusarium oxysporum pv. vasinfectum

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop that is susceptible to various pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, which causes severe disease of wilt. Chemical control using fungicides currently poses risks to human and animal health. To find ecofriendly method, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different bio-control agents (BCAs) against Fusarium wilt in Okra for eco-safe management. Okra seeds were taken from Vegetable Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute. Disease samples were collected, and the pathogen was isolated, purified, and multiplied by using potato dextrose agar media. Pure culture was used for the isolation of DNA and amplification of the ITS region was accomplished by using ITS-1 and ITS-4 primers. The fragments were visualized by running it on 1% agarose gel. The PCR product of F. oxysporum pv. vasinfectum was successfully confirmed based on size of fragment by comparing with 1 kb marker. It was verified that the selected primer pair specifically amplified the anticipated 18S rDNA fragment, measuring 500 base pairs in length. Moreover, in-vitro tests revealed that BCAs like Bacillus spp. inhibited Fusarium fungus by 41.2%, while Trichoderma inhibited it by 38.5%. Control groups exhibited no inhibition of pathogen growth. Taken together, this effort has important implications for the implementation of biological management strategies in Okra field to mitigate the impact of Fusarium wilt disease.

FEEDING RESPONSE OF MORINGA OLEIFERA FRESH LEAVES ON BODY WEIGHT MILK PRODUCTION AND COMPOSITION IN BUFFALOES

Current study was designed during 2019-2020 at Agricultural Research Farm, Agronomy (Fodder Production) Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan with main objective to evaluate the varying supplementary dietary levels of Moringa oleifera fresh leaves for optimum production in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. A trial of 9 buffaloes was selected having 3-4 parity and were divided into 3 groups: A, B and C. Buffaloes in group A, B and C were supplementary fed 2 kg, 3 kg and 4 kg Moringa oleifera fresh leaves per day for one week each. The influence of Moringa oleifera fresh leaves was studies on following parameters: animal weight gain, milk yield and milk composition. The collected data were analyzed statistically. The result of this study indicated that optimum weight gain was found in the animals supplementarily fed 4 kg Moringa oleifera fresh leaves per day and average body weight of animals increased from 669, 503 and 644 kg to 678, 507 and 651 kg in group A, B and C, respectively. Similarly animals fed 4 kg Moringa oleifera fresh leaves per day yielded optimum milk production as compared to other groups of animals wherein average milk yield was increased from 5.05, 6.50 and 5.45 liters to 5.6, 6.7 and 5.9 liters in group A, B and C, respectively. Total solids in the milk were also increased in the treatment where 4 kg Moringa oleifera fresh leaves were fed to animals per day where fat % increased from 6.5, 6.9 and 6.8 to 6.8, 7.0 and 6.9, Crude protein % from 4.72, 4.5 and 4.51 to 4.81, 4.64 and 4.6 % and calcium % increased from 0.112, 0.117 and 0.101 to 0.13, 0.129 and 0.116 in group A, B and C, respectively. It was concluded that in addition to all other feeding requirements, 4 kg dietary Moringa oleifera fresh leaves might affect the body weight and production performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes positively without any ill effects on milk aroma and appearance.

EFFECT OF ALOE VERA GEL COATING ON POSTHARVEST FRUIT QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY FRUIT (FRAGERIA ANANASSA)

Current study was conducted in 2019 at Post Harvest Research Center, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan and Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to address this problem of strawberry fruit where aloe vera gel coating was applied with different concentrations (0.1%, 1.5% and 2%) at 3°C to determine its possible effects on postharvest fruit quality and to increase the shelf life. Data were recorded on different fruit related parameters like fruit weight loss, fruit shape index, firmness, disease and decay %age, pH, TSS, titrateable acidity, vitamin-c content, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars. The results showed that application of 1.5% aloe vera gel significantly increased the shelf life as evidenced by minimum fruit weight loss (5.2%), higher fruit firmness (2.75%), less disease and decay (5.8%). However, TSS (8.16 °Brix), reducing sugars (2.98%), non-reducing sugars (2.59%) and total sugars (5.57%) were found maximum for control. Highest acidity (0.88%) and vitamin C contents (53.46 mg/100g) were found in fruits treated with 2% aloe vera gel. Moreover, lowest pH (4.41) was recorded in fruits coated with 2% aloe vera gel. Results of this study revealed that the potential of using aloe vera gel at 1.5% as a coating material proved to be better to prolong postharvest life as well as to maintain quality of strawberry fruits

Alteration in Biochemical Responses in Leaves of Potato due to Common Scab Disease

The current study was designed at the research area of Plant Pathology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2017– 2020. Fresh leaves of inoculated and un-inoculated potato varieties highly susceptible (FD 76-36), moderately susceptible (FD 73-110), and resistant (Esmee)/ test lines were collected during 2017-18 and 2018-19, at 35, 65 and 95 days after sowing for biochemical analysis. Superoxide dismutase activity, Catalase activity, Per-oxidase activity, Protein and Total phenolics contents were quantified. FD 76-36 exhibited minimum SOD activity (67.733, 45.637, 24.910) %, followed by FD 73-110 (70.303,57.893, 42.513) % and Esmee (84.567, 65.167, 45.873) % after 35, 65 and 95 days of inoculation respectively as compared to control. FD 76-36 expressed minimum CAT activity (10.990, 7.473, 3.413) %, followed by Esmee (13.537, 9.630, 8.147) % and FD 73-110 (19.277, 8.147, 6.170) % after 35, 65 and 95 days of inoculation respectively as compared to control. FD 76-36 exhibited minimum POD activity (0.2133, 0.2767, 0.3600) %, followed by FD 73-110 (0.2900, 0.5567, 0.6300) % and Esmee (0.8800, 1.2733, 1.5433) % after 35, 65 and 95 days of inoculation respectively as compared to control. FD 76-36 expressed minimum protein contents (3.097, 2.873, 1.260) %, followed by FD 73-110 (7.907, 5.423, 4.267) % and Esmee (12.163, 8.633, 5.127) % after 35, 65 and 95 days of inoculation respectively as compared to control. FD 76-36 expressed minimum TPC (136.31, 115.58, 70.77) %, followed by FD 73-110 (165.85, 136.75, 86.89) % and Esmee (188.42, 158.38, 109.00) % after 35, 65 and 95 days of inoculation respectively as compared to control. The experiment was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and three replications. The experimental data were analyzed using Fisher’s analysis of variance technique and treatment means were compared by the least significance difference (LSD) test at a 5% probability level.

Evaluation of Dry Pea Germplasm against Ascochyta Blight Disease under Green House Condition

Dry peas (Pisum sativum L.) are grown in the world for its utility in variety of delicious food items. Diseases like blight caused by Ascochyta pisi causes severe yield losses in its production. The current research was aimed at evaluation of response of one hundred and three dry pea germplasm genotypes against blight disease under the controlled environmental conditions in plastic tunnel. A highly susceptible check variety was planted after every two test germplasm genotypes. Disease was induced by artificial spraying of Ascochyta pisi culture. The experiment was conducted in Pulses Research Institute (PRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan from 2018 to 2020. The data was recorded according to the disease rating scale, only one germplasm genotype was found highly resistant while three germplam genotypes shown resistant response against the disease. Two germplasm genotypes showed moderately resistant response. Thirteen germplasm genotypes exhibited susceptible response. Eighty-four germplasm genotypes showed highly susceptible response against the disease. This study indicates that most of germplasm genotypes found susceptible against Ascochyta blight, but the research activity is useful to find out resistance sources of dry pea against blight disease.

Field Response of Brassica Germplasm against Alternaria Leaf Spot Disease and its Management

Brassica is an edible oilseed crop and world’s third most important oilseed source. Alternaria leaf spot disease of Brassica, caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk) is major limiting factor for its yield loss. In current study forty-two Brassica germplasm (B. napus = 17, B. juncea = 25) were evaluated against Alternaria leaf spot disease at research area of Plant Pathology Research Institute (PPRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan. These germplasms were sown in augmented design with 10 cm plant x plant and 60 cm row x row distance in single replication. A susceptible check KJ-159 was sown after every two entries. Data were recorded on 0-9 disease severity rating scale. Out of 17 germplasm of B. napus no germplasm was found to be immune. Two germplasm exhibited highly resistant while eight germplasm showed resistance response against the disease. Six germplasm were moderately resistant and only one showed moderately susceptible response. Similarly, out of 25 germplasm of B. junceas even were found moderately resistant and ten showed moderately susceptible response. Seven were susceptible while only one germplasm was highly susceptible. Then in-vitro efficacy of different fungicides was evaluated against A. brassicae. For evaluation of fungicides Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) amended with five different fungicides at different concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 200 ppm) was used. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with ten replications. Data were recorded on mycelial growth (mm) of fungus. Mancozeb (Ethylene bisdithiocarbamate) and Nativo (Tebuconazole) significantly inhibited the growth at all concentrations while Antracol (Propineb) was significantly least effective against A. brassicae. The current research provided the new resistance source of Brassica germplasm to the breeders against Alternaria leaf spot disease and its management.

Evaluating the effect of sugarcane planting methods on growth and radiation use efficiency of its different varieties

To examine the growth and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of different sugarcane cultivars (HSF 240, CP 77-400 & CPF 249) under two planting methods (2.5 feet apart single row, a farmers’ practice, and 4 feet apart dual rows deep trench plantings, a recommended practice) at Research Farm of Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad during 2019-20. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement in three repeats. The results showed maximum dry matter (3348.24 g m-2), CGR (21.49 g m-2 day-1), mean CGR (12.78 g m-2 day-1), LAI (7.81), leaf area duration (1290.32 days), along with radiation use efficiency for total dry matter (2.16 g MJ-1) and cane yield (6.32 g MJ-1) in 4 feet apart dual rows trench planting in comparison to 2.5 feet apart single row trench planting, 2.08 g MJ-1 and 5.70 g MJ-1, respectively. On the other hand, higher dry matter (3451.42 g m-2), CGR (21.54 g m-2 day-1), mean CGR (13.16 g m-2 day-1), LAI (8.01), LAD (1324.58 days), RUE for dry matter production (2.20 g MJ-1) and cane yield (6.53 g MJ-1) was recorded in variety CP 77-400, a direct introduction to SRI, as compared with local material, HSF 240 and CPF 249 and occupying large area in whole Punjab-Pakistan.