Crops In Pakistan Research Articles

Adoption of Sustainable Cotton Farming Practices: A Pathway to Eco-Friendly Agriculture

Cotton is one of the key cash crops in Pakistan, significantly contributing to the economy and supporting the livelihoods of the farming community. However, this promising sector faces major threats from global warming and climate change. A study was conducted in District Muzaffargarh to assess the adoption of sustainable cotton farming practices. This area was chosen as it is a major cotton-producing region in Pakistan. A total of 270 cotton growers were randomly selected for data collection. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Additionally, five focus group discussions were conducted to gather qualitative insights. The results revealed that a limited number of cotton varieties were cultivated in the region, with SS, CKC, IUB, BS, and NIAB being the most common. An overwhelming majority of the farmers had cotton fields of up to 5 acres. Hand sowing was the most common planting method. Among water stewardship practices, irrigation after weather forecasts, cleaning of watersheds, and reduced use of flood irrigation were prevalent. In terms of soil improvement practices, foliar spraying, soil analysis, reduced pesticide usage, and reliance on farmyard manure were widely adopted. Regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, rotavating crop residue, proper disposal of cotton sticks, the use of recommended pesticide doses, and the application of appropriate active ingredients were the most common practices.

Heat stress responses and mitigation strategies in wheat: an updated and comprehensive review

The main consequence of climate change on temperature is global warming. Over the past century, worldwide temperature has increased, rising by about 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit every year. Rising temperature negatively affects morphology, physiology, and yield of crops. Over the last 5 years, agriculture production in Pakistan affected due to temperature increase. Pakistan is an agriculture based developing country. About 2.2% GDP of Pakistan depends on wheat crop which is 1st major cereal crop and ranked as staple food. Nutritionally it provides proteins, dietary fibers, carbohydrates, calcium, and other important compounds but because of the harmful effects of a high temperature, yield of wheat crop in Pakistan has reduced to lowest levels in the last few years. Heat stress affects wheat plants by reducing growth, raised reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, denature cell membranes, and enzymes activity, decreasing photosynthetic activity and disturbing respiration processes. Improving wheat crop productivity is urgently needed to feed the rapidly growing population. Several techniques like Quantitative Trait Locus mapping, omics techniques, and application of nutrients have been used in the past to mitigate high temperature effect on wheat and other different crop plants. This review critically analyzes the response of wheat towards heat stress and its impacts on wheat crop as well as provides critical information on advanced strategies and techniques for the mitigation of heat stress.

Valorization of hydro-distillate of fruit peels of Citrus paradisi macfad. Cultivar. Foster: Chemical profiling, antioxidant evaluation and in vitro and in silico enzyme inhibition studies

The major commercial crops in Pakistan are citrus fruit trees, which are farmed extensively and serve as the country's principal source of foreign exchange. A local citrus plant, Citrus paradisi, variety Foster is famous for its valuable fruit and fruit juice, however, tons of peels of this fruit are thrown as waste, which otherwise can be utilized in formulating nutraceutical and cosmetics. In the present study, essential oil of fruit peels was obtained through hydro-distillation, which was then analyzed through GC-MS analysis and studied for its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of several components; major were found to be limonene, α-terpineol, caryophyllene, δ-amorphene, elemol, γ-eudesoml, nootkatone and di-isooctyl phthalate. Although, the oil showed weak free radical inhibition, it was potentially active in CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating antioxidant assays. The oil also exhibited anti-glucosidase, anti-amylase activities and also exhibited potent inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase, which makes it strong candidate for nutraceuticals and skin care products. The docking studies also substantiate our results and caryophyllene, γ-eudesoml and nootkatone showed good binding affinity α-glucosidase and α-amylase and all tested compounds showed the higher binding affinity towards the enzyme tyrosinase.

Dynamics and Trends of Oilseed Crops in Pakistan

Dynamics and Trends of Oilseed Crops in Pakistan

Morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata) in response to canker pathogens (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri)

Fruits play an important role in human life on our planet, since they supply a variety of essential services. One of the paramount crops in Pakistan is Citrus reticulata (Kinnow), which plays a vital role in the country's economy. The citrus crops are confronted with various challenges such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, all of which have adverse effects on the quality and yield of the fruits. Citrus canker, in particular, stands as the most fatal disease, affecting numerous citrus species worldwide, inflicting devastating consequences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of citrus canker on the morphology, physiology of leaves, and the quality of citrus fruits. The research was conducted in four major citrus-producing tehsils of the Sargodha district. The study found significant differences in morphological and physiological traits between healthy fruits and those infected with citrus canker. Healthy fruits exhibited higher values in fruit weight (FW) of 149.02 g, peel thickness (PT) of 3.76 g, rag weight (RW) of 35.95 g, leaf area (LA) of 22.49 cm2, and juice weight compared to the citrus canker-infected fruits. The significant variations in fruit weight, juice weight, chlorophyll content, vitamin C content were present between healthy and diseased fruits and leaves. A biochemical study revealed that healthy fruits had greater levels of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS-acid ratio, vitamin C, and reducing power (RP), but citrus canker-infected fruits had a higher acidity percentage. The significant decreases in important morphological and physicochemical characteristics, emphasizing the necessity for immediate disease control techniques to safeguard the citrus sector and maintain food security.

Optimum Rice Prediction from Conventional, Neural Network and Hybrid models

The objective of study was to propose the appropriate model for forecasting the area and production of rice crops in Pakistan. The data for the rice area and production was taken for the agriculture statistics from 1947 to 2020 from the official website, Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan. The conventional ARIMA methodology was applied initially to forecast the rice area and production by using the proposed ARIMA(1,1,0) model. Then ARIMA, ETS, TBATS, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and ARIMA-ETS, ARIMA-TBATS and ARIMA-ANN hybrid model were compared. It was observed that ARIMA(1,1,0) model was best for forecasting the production of rice than all other seven models with the lowest value of RMSE = 401.90 (tons) and MAE = 250.32. For forecasting the rice area, the ARIMA-ANN model was selected because it showed the lowest value of RMSE = 121.89 (Ha) and MAE = 85.82 among all the models. Rice area and production was forecast from 2021 to 2030 by the proposed models, which show that the average prediction of rice production is 7879.96 tons while the rice area would be 3010.82 hectare for the next ten years. It shows that area will be increased by 2.11 percent and rice production will be increased by 11.97 percent upto 2030.. KEYWORDS :Forecasting, ARIMA, TBATS, ETS, ANN.

Bio-Priming of Seed with Trichoderma sp. and Bacillus sp. Leads to Improved Morpho-Physiological Parameters Related to Drought Tolerance in Maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) holds an important position as a major grain crop in Pakistan flourishing across a diverse range of environmental conditions. The maize crop encounters various severe abiotic challenges with drought being the most concerning factor leading to diminished plant growth and yield. Seed priming a well-established and widely adopted technique serves as an effective mechanism to alleviate drought stress ultimately boosting both growth and grain yield. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of diverse seed priming methods on the growth and development of maize plants. Additionally, the study sought to assess the potential of various seed priming techniques in mitigating drought stress in maize. A pot experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design under natural conditions. The aim was to scrutinize the influence of different priming agents on morpho-physiological traits associated with water deficit conditions in maize. The gathered data underwent ANOVA analysis revealing variations in all parameters for both maize varieties at a 5% probability level. Specifically, the Pak-Afgoi variety displayed notable responsiveness to the seed priming approach in alleviating drought stress in maize. Furthermore, the findings underscored the evident and substantial impact of seed priming on both maize varieties across a range of studied characteristics under drought stress conditions. In conclusion, the present study suggests that seed priming holds the potential to enhance drought tolerance in maize.

PEARL-21: SIX ROWED, HIGH YIELDING, HEAT STRESS RESISTANT, AND EARLY MATURING BARLEY CULTIVAR

Pearl-21, an early maturing barley cultivar that was developed keeping in view the fluctuating climatic scenarios as drought stress is severely impairing the yield of crops in Pakistan. The exquisite genotypes were received from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Lebanon. The superior line was screened out from the international barley segregating population received from ICARDA. It was evaluated under code B-14035 in station yield trails for two years (2014-15 & 2015-16). It excelled by 15.26% and 7.38% in provincial barley yield trials during 2017-18 and 18.77% and 10.18% in national barley yield trials during 2018-19 in contrast to commercial checks Haider-93 and Sultan-17, respectively over four locations. It also presented encouraging results in rainfed yield trials. Pathological studies depicted that the proposed cultivar had exceptional resistance against rust diseases. Pearl-21 has plant height ranging from 95-99 cm with semi-erect growth habit both at the seedling and booting stage. It has a high tillering trend (140 productive tillers per meter). It took only 99-101 days to head while, 123-130 days for maturity. It bears 60-70 seeds per ear and has 34-38g thousand-grain weight. The prominent features it encompasses are drought and lodging tolerance and short duration. Due to encouraging steady performance for better grain yield, resistance against rusts, and quality Punjab Seed Council approved it in 2021 with the name “Pearl-21” for general cultivation in Punjab, Pakistan.

Morphological identification and in vitro management of Alternaria alternata causing fruit rot of persimmon

Persimmon is one of the major fruit crops in Pakistan. Fruit rot of persimmon is a continuing threat to growers and is accountable for enormous economic loss. The investigations were done on persimmon fruit that were collected from local markets of Lahore. Diseased persimmon fruits were isolated and identified on the basis of cultural and morphological characteristics. On PDA, the cultivated isolates continuously produced dark brown to black colonies. Conidia had a small, conical beak with both transverse and longitudinal septa, and they were olivaceous to dark brown in color. Conidiophores were either branched or unbranched, short, septate, hyaline to olivaceous brown. Frequency of isolated fungi was calculated. The maximum percentage of A. alternata (61.00 %) was recorded followed by C. gloeosporioides (14.30 %) and B. theobromae (10.70 %). The least isolated pathogen was R. stolonifer (6.00 %) with a mean value of 5.00%. Evaluation of various plant extracts, such as (Cascabela thevetia, Euphorbia milii, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria rubra, Quisqualis indica, Syzygium aromaticum) was performed with Agar Well Diffusion Technique through CRD design The findings showed that with medicinal plants that were extracted with methanol and ethanol, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum showed significant results at higher concentrations and showed maximum zone of inhibition while Cascabela thevetia was least effective against S. sclerotiorum.

Chemical and nutritional management of powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea on pumpkin vines

Pumpkin is a popular vegetable crop in Pakistan and India which is grown in rainy season. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors have an impact on this crop. Sphaerotheaca fuliginea is one of the biotic agents that poses a major risk to the crop, leading to significant losses in both quantity and quality. Applying nutritional supplements to strengthen resistance against pumpkin powdery mildew infection is an economical and ecologically sustainable approach to managing the disease. Three treatments including 1% potassium monophosphate, 1% potassium silicate, and their combination (1:1) given in the field have been tested in order to control the disease. The spraying procedure used before the inoculation revealed that the disease was infected. A maximum 49% decrease in disease was achieved in the control group when potassium silicate and mono potassium phosphate were combined. The distinctive effects of 1% potassium silicate and 1% potassium phosphate mono shown, for comparison control, a 43% and 39% lower incidence of disease, respectively. In the field, tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of three fungicide combinations: Bravo (chlorothainal), score (Difenaconzole), and Bravo + score. The standard concentration of each combination was tested against S. fuliginea. The disease control was reduced by 61% when the two fungicides were combined (Bravo+ score). Compared to the control, the partition effect score and Bravo produced a 56% and 54% reduction in disease, respectively. By choosing an appropriate formulation and application technique of nutritional supplements can be effectively used in inhibiting the growth of S. fuliginea.

Performance and Instability of Oilseed Crops in Pakistan

This comprehensive study spanning from 1971-72 to 2021-22 consistently discerned distinct patterns of variability and instability within Pakistan's oilseed crops. Analyzing instability in the cultivation area, yield, and production of oilseed crops is crucial for effective planning and strategy formulation. The study encompasses the analysis of nine oilseed crops, namely cotton, rapeseed-mustard (including canola), sesame, groundnut, sunflower, castor seed, linseed, soybean, and safflower. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) and the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index (CDVI) were employed to assess fluctuations and instability in the cultivation area, production, and yield of these crops. The findings highlighted that cotton exhibited a high degree of instability in production and yield, while rapeseed-mustard (including canola) consistently displayed a high degree of production volatility, underscoring the critical need for a sustainable and steady supply of these commodities. Sesame output revealed frequent instability, demanding prompt and effective mitigation actions. Groundnut production consistently demonstrated mild inconsistency, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring to ensure supply stability. Sunflower cultivation faced substantial insecurity, necessitating comprehensive stabilization techniques. Soybean production continually grappled with significant insecurity across all factors, emphasizing the importance of robust risk management. Safflower production consistently posed challenges due to extreme instability, requiring ongoing solutions. Linseed regularly manifested moderate instability, indicating room for improvement with better management. Castor seed production showed considerable volatility in cultivation area and production but low yield instability, underscoring the significance of targeted stability solutions. Addressing insecurity in Pakistan's oilseed crop sectors is crucial for food security, requiring proactive measures like improved forecasting, resource allocation, and informed policy-making for long-term stability.

Does Support Price Policy Drive Yield Rate? An Econometric Investigation of Wheat and Sugarcane Crops in Pakistan

The governments of developing economies incentivize the cultivators of their most strategic crops by offering them minimum support price for their yield. This study aims at identifying distinctively the short-run dynamics and the long-run causal linkage of support price and yield rates for two major food crops of the country; wheat and sugarcane. Employing advance time-series econometric estimators of Error Correction Model (ECM) and Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) cointegration regression, results indicate the valid existence of hypothesized relationship over both short and longer time horizons. Each year, the short-term divergence of two crop yields from their long-run equilibrium paths turns out to be corrected with high speed of adjustment. The long-run association between two variables is also found evident with decent magnitude and high degree of statistical significance. These findings favour the use of support prices as a long-term policy tool for encouraging cultivation of wheat and sugarcane crops in country. However, the overall welfare consequences of such a policy should never be over-rated in a society like Pakistan which is largely characterized by horrific levels of corruption and innumerable administrative bottlenecks.

Nutritional enhancement in black seed (Nigella sativa L.) using bacteria‐based biofertilizers

AbstractNigella sativa L. is an aromatic spice, utilized as an original and peculiar flavoring ingredient in a variety of culinary applications and pharmaceuticals. Black seed (Nigella sativa L.) belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is an undercultivated crop in Pakistan. The present study was planned keeping in mind sustainable development goals SDG 3 (good health and well‐being) and SDG 15 (life on land). The effects of several rhizospheric bacterial strains and synthetic fertilizers on the development of N. sativa and nutrition were studied using a completely randomized experimental design. For this purpose, plant growth‐promoting effects of different strains (Azospirillum brasilense, Azospirillum lipoferum, and Pantoea agglomerans) and synthetic fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus) were assembled to check their effects individually and in combination form. Azospirillum lipoferum and Pantoea agglomerans inoculation significantly enhanced the morphological characteristics of N. sativa, whether applied individually or in combination, with positive effects on seedlings, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of flowers, stamens numbers, follicles number, number of tentacles and seed production. N. sativa plants that were simultaneously inoculated with Azospirillum lipoferum and Pantoea agglomerans showed the highest potential for antioxidant activity, particularly in petroleum ether extracts. In the methanolic extract, a higher amount of radical scavenging was observed as compared to positive and negative control. There was also increase in fat, moisture and carbohydrate contents of the combination inoculated plant. So, from the present study, in Pakistan, the technique is recommended to enhance the yield and nutritional value of N. sativa.

Detection of cotton leaf curl disease’s susceptibility scale level based on deep learning

Cotton, a crucial cash crop in Pakistan, faces persistent threats from diseases, notably the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV). Detecting these diseases accurately and early is vital for effective management. This paper offers a comprehensive account of the process involved in collecting, preprocessing, and analyzing an extensive dataset of cotton leaf images. The primary aim of this dataset is to support automated disease detection systems. We delve into the data collection procedure, distribution of the dataset, preprocessing stages, feature extraction methods, and potential applications. Furthermore, we present the preliminary findings of our analyses and emphasize the significance of such datasets in advancing agricultural technology. The impact of these factors on plant growth is significant, but the intrusion of plant diseases, such as Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) caused by the Cotton Leaf Curl Gemini Virus (CLCuV), poses a substantial threat to cotton yield. Identifying CLCuD promptly, especially in areas lacking critical infrastructure, remains a formidable challenge. Despite the substantial research dedicated to cotton leaf diseases in agriculture, deep learning technology continues to play a vital role across various sectors. In this study, we harness the power of two deep learning models, specifically the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). We evaluate these models using two distinct datasets: one from the publicly available Kaggle dataset and the other from our proprietary collection, encompassing a total of 1349 images capturing both healthy and disease-affected cotton leaves. Our meticulously curated dataset is categorized into five groups: Healthy, Fully Susceptible, Partially Susceptible, Fully Resistant, and Partially Resistant. Agricultural experts annotated our dataset based on their expertise in identifying abnormal growth patterns and appearances. Data augmentation enhances the precision of model performance, with deep features extracted to support both training and testing efforts. Notably, the CNN model outperforms other models, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 99% when tested against our proprietary dataset.

The regulatory landscape of genetically engineered crops in Pakistan

AbstractGenome editing technology has become part and parcel of biotechnological approach to understand the genetic basis of different biological processes in an organism and for its application in different fields. The basic need of world food production demands a highly variable population of plants with maximum diversity of agronomic traits of interest. Genome editing is unique in the sense that it provides a direct approach to generate targeted variability. The worldwide availability of genome‐edited crop varieties in the global market is approaching, whereas the decision to deal with genome‐edited (GE) crops differently from genetically transformed crop varieties is under discussion all around the world. GE may add allochthonous or autochthonous sequences into the genome much like traditional transgenesis or cisgenesis. Considering this fact, the United States declared genome‐edited crops as conventional. Many countries such as Japan, UK, China, and Brazil have already legislated their GE products and their products are near to get entry to the market. In Pakistan, academic and research‐based scientific institutions have been working on genome‐edited crops by using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) Cas technology. As being a signatory of the Cartagena protocol, every case of GM (Genetically modified) or GE (Genetically Engineered) should be passed through the Technical Advisory Committee which will be decided on case‐to‐case bases depending upon its nature of random or targeted mutation. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Act, Seed amendment act, and PBR (The Plant Breeders' Rights Act) are the major constitutional acts employed and working for the regulations of GM alongside GE crops. Now, discussions of scientists, academicians and officials from regulatory body are in process for the design of GE crop commercialization policy in Pakistan. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system is now the most in‐demand piece of technology and has become an indispensable component of research and development in the field of life sciences.

Phylo-geographic analysis of whitefly on the basis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene

Abstract Bemisia tabaci is a species complex that causes damage to its broad range of plant hosts through serious feeding. It transmits plant viruses of different groups to important agricultural crops. Some important cash crops of Pakistan are sugar cane, rice, tobacco and seed oil. It shows high genetic variability and is differentiated as races or biotypes. Biotypes are, biotype Q, biotype B, biotype B2, biotype M, biotype L, biotype A, biotype H, biotype C, biotype K, biotype N, biotype R, biotype E, biotype P, biotype J, biotype S, biotype AN. Although the current report based on the Bayesian study of mitochondrial cytohrome oxidase gene1 (CO1) DNA sequences has classified the different populations of whiteflies into twelve genetic groups which are Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa silverleafing, Indian Ocean, Asia II, Asia I, Australia, New World, Italy, China, Sub-Saharan Africa non-silverleafing, Mediterranean/Asia Minor/Africa and Uganda sweet potato. Begomoviruses is largest group of viruses transmitted by B. tabaci and cause major diseases of crops such as tomato and chili leaf curl disease, cassava mosaic disease; yellow mosaic disease of legumes and cotton leaf curl disease. The main objective of current study is to inculpate knowledge regarding genetic diversity of whitefly in cotton fields across Pakistan via analysis of partial DNA sequence of mitochondrial gene Cytochrom Oxidase I (mtCO1).

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.

Biochemical Factors Conducive for the Development of Citrus Canker and its Management using Selected Chemicals and Plant Extracts

Citrus belonging to Rutaceae family is one of the most common fruit crops in Pakistan. Citrus canker disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri is one of the important diseases that causes huge losses to citrus production. The current study was carried out to mitigate this disease by exploitation of four chemicals and plant extracts in-vitro at three different concentrations and in greenhouse with most efficient concentration. The laboratory and greenhouse experiments were performed through inhibition zone technique and foliar spray method, respectively. Four chemicals including streptomycin sulphate, copper oxychloride, kasugamycin and oxytetracycline with different concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3% were evaluated. Under in-vitro environment, streptomycin (2.7 cm) at 3% concentration after 72 hours’ time interval exhibited the most significant results among all chemicals. Similarly, four plant extracts i.e. Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Keekar (Acacia nilotica), Kortuma (Citrullus colocynthis), and Akk (Colotropis gigantia) were evaluated at 25%, 35% and 45% concentrations. Most significant results (1.9 cm) were shown by Moringa extract at 45% concentration after 72 hours’ time interval. Most effective Phytoextract (Moringa oleifera) and chemical (Streptomycin) observed in-vitro were selected for further evaluation in greenhouse which resulted in the reduction of disease incidence by 23% after 45 days’ time interval. Current findings would provide the valuable insights for researchers and the farming community which would prove helpful in the improved management of this particular disease.

Minimization of Frost Injury in Mango cv. Sindhri via Different Irrigation Levels

Mango is one of the most important fruit crops all over the world. It is the second-most significant fruit crop in Pakistan. The standardization of irrigation needs for the mango crop is one of the primary and most crucial factors for reducing frost injury, improving fruit quality, and yield, which must be taken into account. Low moisture content in the soil increases the likelihood of frost injury, so it is essential to maintain an ideal amount of moisture to mitigate such damage. To conserve valuable irrigation water, apply water only during critical stages. Research was conducted at the Experimental Orchard of Makhdom Ahmad Aalam Anwar, Mohsin Abad, during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Mango trees of the Sindhri variety were of uniform age (20 years) for this experiment. The experimental layout was a randomized complete block design. Irrigation was applied to mango trees at three different moisture levels (35-40%, 30-35%, and 25-30%) that were measured and maintained via the HH2 Moisture Meter (Version 2.3). The mango trees showed good results at the 35-40% soil moisture level compared with the rest of the treatments, especially in terms of vegetative growth. Fruit size, yield per tree, and total soluble solids of the fruit were maximum in mango trees irrigated at 35-40%. Minimum frost incidence (21%) was observed at the 35-40% moisture level, while maximal damage by frost (37%) was noticed in plants subjected to the 25-30% moisture level. This study concludes that moisture level is more important for enhancing mango yield. It will be more supportive for future work on the impact of frost injury in the mango crop.

Efficacy of New Chemistry Insecticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis)

Solanum melongena, or brinjal, a vital vegetable crop in Pakistan, faces significant damage from the primary pest, brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis , highlighting the urgent need for new chemistry insecticides. The present study investigated the impact of various insecticides on the infestation of BSFB). All insecticides demonstrated a significant reduction in infestation compared to the control, with varying levels of effectiveness. Emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole emerged as the most effective, achieving a 13.33% infestation reduction at 15 days after spray (DAS). Lambda cyhalothrins exhibited similar infestation levels at 15 DAS but with a higher cumulative mean infestation of 13.33%. Imidacloprid and nitenpyram were the least effective, with infestation levels of 26.66% and 20.66% at 15 DAS, respectively. Intermediate efficacy was observed with other insecticides, with infestation levels ranging from 16.66% to 20.66% at 15 DAS. Following subsequent insecticide applications, a consistent reduction in infestation was observed for all treatments compared to the untreated control. Chlorantraniliprole demonstrated the highest efficacy, reducing infestation to 6.66% at 15 DAS, while imidacloprid exhibited the least effectiveness with infestation levels of 23.33% and 20% at 3 and 15 DAS, respectively. Emamectin benzoate remained the most efficacious insecticide in the third spray, achieving a notable reduction to 10% at 15 DAS. The study highlights the temporal decrease in infestation for most treatments over time, contrasting with the steady increase observed in the untreated control group. The findings emphasize the varying efficacy of insecticides in managing BSFB infestation and provide valuable insights for pest control strategies in brinjal cultivation.