District Layyah Research Articles

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Brucellosis in buffaloes in district Layyah

Brucellosis causes huge economic losses in the dairy industry and highly contagious and zoonotic disease lead to infertility, decreased overall milk production, and abortion in dairy animals. The aim of this study was to find the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in different breads of buffalo in District Layyah. For this purpose, Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Milk Ring Test (MRT) were performed using the standard procedure. The results showed that the higher prevalence of brucellosis was found (6.6%) in tehsil Layyah compares to the other tehsils. The overall prevalence in the District Layyah was found 4.7% and Nilliravi bread was found more susceptible than the Kundi breed. The animals older than 5 years were found to be more susceptible as compared with younger animal. The prevalence of brucellosis was more in female buffaloes.as compared with the male. There was more abortion and reduction in milk in seropositive animals. It was concluded that higher prevalence of brucellosis in buffaloes and higher authorities should take measures to eliminate the seropositive animals to prevent the spread in people who are directly engaged with these animals’ veterinary staff and farmers.

Comparative Effectiveness of different therapies for Convergence Insufficiency

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different treatment options such as brock string, dot card, jump convergence and pencil push-up exercises for convergence insufficiency (CI). Methodology: After ethical approval, this quasi experimental study was conducted at District Head Quarter (DHQ) Bhakkar, Thel University Bhakkar, schools and collages of Bhakkar and district Layyah by selecting 140 patients presenting with symptomatic convergence insufficiency through non-probability convenient sampling. After informed consent, Positive Fusional Vergence (PFV), CI Symptom Survey (CISS) and near point of convergence (NPC) were measured. Then randomly divide into four groups of 35 patients by non-probability purposive sampling. Each group received one of the chosen therapy for 3 consecutive months. All patients were examined and self-structure proforma was filled as baseline data on each follow-up of therapy. Data was analyzed by IBM SPSS version 23. Results: After completion of three month of treatment, near point of convergence improved from mean 13.343 ±.219 to 8.757±.194; CI 95%: p<0.001 respectively in brock string, mean 13.486 ±.197 to 7.729 ±.169; CI 95%: p<0.001 in dot card exercise, in jump convergence mean 13.614 ±.214 to 9.057, ±.170; CI 95%: p<0.001 improvement of NPC occur and in pencil push-up 13.243 ±.208 to 8.329 ±.143; CI 95%: p<0.001. Conclusion: The dot card is most effective treatment to perform at home for CI, effective for achieving clinically significant improvements in signs and symptoms associated with CI in young adults.

Ethnobotanical evaluation and Traditional uses of medicinal flora used to treat various ailments by local inhabitants

BackgroundThe utilization of medicinal plants and their recipes is widespread across global healthcare systems, particularly prevalent in developing nations. This study focused on ethnomedicinal practices concerning wild flora in the Vehari district of Punjab, Pakistan. MethodsEmploying a semi-structured questionnaire and the Rapid Appraisal Approach (RAA) through in-person interviews, data were collected from a diverse sample of 348 informants, including 115 women and 233 men. ResultsThe study documented twenty-three wild medicinal plant species spanning seventeen plant families, with Fabaceae representing a significant portion of the collected specimens. Notably, whole plants, predominantly leaves, emerged as the primary ingredients in medicinal recipes, emphasizing the importance of these botanical resources in traditional healing practices. The highest Informant consensus factor (ICF) was 0.985, recorded for dandruff, anti-allergic, and fever. Parthenium hysterophorus, Eclipta prostrata, and Citrullus colocynthsis had the highest Use value (UV) i.e., 0.733. The highest Fidelity level (FL) was calculated for Peganum harmala (100%), Parthenium hysterophorus, Eclipta prostrata, and Citrullus colocynthsis (73.33), against joint pain and liver disease, which corresponds to the abundance of these ailments. The highest Jaccard index (JI) was calculated for district Bahawalnagar (17.8), District Vehari (16.27), District Layyah (16.09), and India (10.6), which corresponds to the similarity index with said areas. The following fifteen species were identified with new traditional recipes: Calotropis procera, Chenopodium murale, Citrullus colcynthesis, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus relegiosa, Fagonia indica, Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Acacia nilotica, Cuscuta reflexa, Eclipta prostrata, Corchorus depressus, Fumaria indica, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Peganum harmala. ConclusionThe findings reveal a rich diversity of plant species utilized for various ailments, with a notable emphasis on the utilization of whole plants, particularly leaves, in medicinal recipes. Moreover, the identification of new traditional recipes for several plant species suggests potential avenues for the discovery of innovative phytotherapeutic compounds, highlighting the importance of continued research in this field.

Exploring the Health Care Services Satisfaction of the Patients Regarding Hospitalizations at Different Hospitals of District Layyah in Punjab Pakistan

Patient satisfaction is an essential measure in providing care and effectiveness of the healthcare system. Quality care and quality facilities are the prior indicators of the health care system, which ultimately raises the level of patient satisfaction during hospitalization. Objective: To assess and explore the factors affecting the level of satisfaction of the adult patient regarding nursing care during hospitalization. Methods: Mixed methodology was used i.e., cross sectional and descriptive exploratory methods. Questionnaire was distributed to the participants through email and face to face interview were conducted after the confirmation of their consent for the interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS Software and qualitative results were written using computer assisted software NVIVO-12. Results: Quantitative study results were 5.61% satisfactions regarding nursing care. Qualitative exploration about factors which were influencing the level of satisfaction of the adult patient were lacking attention, limited knowledge, unhealthy environment, overcrowding and noise and apathy. Conclusions: Participants’ suggestive words were to develop satisfaction levels by overcoming these obstacles. This study underscores the need for interventions to address these factors and enhance patient satisfaction with nursing care in tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Effectiveness of Physical Activities in Students’ Mental Health at Elementary Level

This study investigates the effectiveness of physical activities in improving the mental health of elementary students. Preliminary analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between participation in physical activities and various indicators of mental health, including self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social competence. Certain types of activities, such as team sports and outdoor play, appear particularly beneficial. The study underscores the importance of integrating physical activities into the school curriculum to support the overall well-being and academic success of elementary students. The research was exclusively of a quantitative type. The association between students' physical activity levels and their mental health at a particular moment in time was investigated using a correlation research methodology. The elementary school children enrolled in public schools in District Layyah made up the study's population. There were 37,820 kids in the target population overall, comprising students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. There were 37820 people in total, and 380 pupils were chosen at random to make up the sample. Indicators of mental health and levels of physical activity were measured using a survey questionnaire. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from the chosen group of primary school pupils. Using the proper statistical techniques, such as inferential and descriptive statistics, the collected data was examined. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, and frequency distributions. Inferential statistics, such as correlation analysis, were used to investigate the connections between primary school kids' levels of physical exercise and their mental health outcomes. All statistical tests were conducted with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. To make it easier to grasp and analyze the results, the data analysis results were presented as tables and figures. Based on the findings, the research questions were answered and conclusions were made. This study is important because it offers guidance on how parents, legislators, and educators can help their children engage in physical activity. Evidence-based guidelines, treatments, and policies aimed at improving mental and physical well-being can be informed by the results.

Mapping the Geospatial Distribution of Citrus Greening Disease in District Layyah, Pakistan

Citrus greening disease is one of the established causes of citrus decline in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Pakistan. Citrus greening disease is being recognized based on its characteristic symptoms in the field. Symptomatology and Iodo-starch test are the parameters for rapid disease indexing in the field and laboratory and are also helpful for disease mapping. A study was carried out to record the incidence and severity of citrus greening disease within the area of new citrus plantations of Layyah district, including the tehsils viz., Layyah and Karror. The Layyah tehsil showed an incidence of 18%, while Karror showed an incidence of 5.5%. Among the cultivars, the highest disease incidence was attributed to Kinnow (Citrus nobilis x C. deliciosa) at 33% followed by Mosambi (C. sinensis) at 16% and Feutrall’s early at 5%. The highest disease severity was recorded at Layyah with 22.2%. The lowest was observed at Karror with 13.3%. Among the cultivars, Kinnow showed the highest severity, ranging from 27.22% to 36.6% and the least disease severity was recorded in Feutrall’s early of 8.3% at ± 0.05 level of significance. The present study not only helped establish the relationship between the symptomology and quick indexing of disease through iodo-starch test but also provided information through disease mapping in the new citrus plantation of Layyah district for the first time

Household Poverty and Gender Inequality in Education: A Case Study of District Layyah (Pakistan)

The study uses logistic regression on the primary data collected through the Layyah district field survey to investigate the relationship concerning gender inequality in education and poverty. This study found that gender differences in educational attainment negatively impacts household poverty. When the proportion of females enrolled in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education increases, the likelihood of household poverty declines. The likelihood of a home being poor is further refuted by the intensification in the female-to-male literacy ratio. The likelihood of poverty is positively correlated with the size of the household and the number of children under five but negatively correlated with the qualifications of the household head, age of the household, specialized or methodical abilities of the household head, and possession of the home.

Impact of Punjab Rural Support Program on Poverty Alleviation: A Case Study of District Layyah

The study examined the impact of the microcredit facility under Punjab Rural Support Program in reducing poverty in Layyah. Pakistan Rural Support Program focuses on alleviating poverty and harnessing development initiatives in rural regions. 100 respondents are inquired about family size, nature of work, level of schooling and microcredit facility to understand impacts of microcredit in reducing destitution. Pay differential is determined as pay after micro-credit and pay before micro-credit and pay differential is utilized to know impact of microcredit in reducing poverty. Two econometrics models have been developed, standard econometrics tests are applied on the model. The assessed results show that microcredit money improves the borrowers' pay and consequently reduces neediness in the region of Layyah. Level of training, family size, and nature of business are significant determinants of pay differential and destitution measures. The legitimacy of the evaluations has been checked utilizing different econometric tests. This study has proposed that to make the program more responsive, the easy availability of microcredit must be ensured and complexities in the aspect should be diminished, strategies and vision must be communicated and reached to people. The project scope of the plan can be enhanced and infrastructural techniques can be made exceptionally advantageous.

The ethnobotanical study of native plants of district Layyah

The current ethnobotanical survey described the medicinal plant use in Layyah city. Layyah has a diverse flora of medicinally significant plants that can be used in various medicines. Traditional plant-based medicine is the best option due to its low cost, effectiveness, and lack of side effects. For this survey, 87 people were chosen, including locals and Hakeems. Techniques such as questionnaires and interviews were used. In addition, information was gathered through fieldwork and group discussions. The use value, the relative frequency of citation, and the information consensus factor were used for data analysis. Fabaceae was declared the dominant family, with 33 species calculated from this survey. All plant parts, medicinal uses, and medicine dosages were observed. The leaves were the most commonly used plant part, and paste and juice were the most common preparation methods. Trees were more common in all plants than herbs and shrubs. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Data collection, botanical characterization.

ANTHELMINTIC EFFECT OF HERBAL COMPOUNDS (BIO-DEWORMER) AGAINST GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAMELS

Parasitic infections particularly gastrointestinal helminths are the leading cause of production losses in all dairy animals and in camels as well. Synthetic anthelmintics have been used for many years for the control of helminths. However, helminths have developed resistance against most of these synthetic anthelmintic agents including Levamisole, Oxfendazole, Albendazole, Piprazine, and Triclabendazole. Ancient herbs still have excellent therapeutic effects. While facing emerging synthetic anthelminthic resistance, there is a need to focus on plant-based alternative medicines. Phytochemical findings revealed the presence of various biologically active compounds in plants or their extracts that may have anthelmintic effects. This research aimed to study the effect of herbal combinations on 20 mature camels in District Layyah. The 20 camels were split into four groups: C1, C2, C3, and C4, each group contained five camels. The research trial was continued for four weeks. The treatment was given in different concentrations from week 1 to week 4 (Group C1 350 mg/kg, Group C2 400 mg/kg, Group C3 450 mg/kg, and Group C4 as a control one). During research, Blood, serum, and fecal samples were collected to analyze their hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and fecal egg count. The result revealed that herbal compound gives concentration-related responses, as groups C1, C2 and C3 showed 33.76, 46.60, and 70.23% fecal egg reduction, respectively. In the control group, C4 fecal egg count increased by 0.03%. HPLC analysis of a methanolic extract of an herbal compound showed that the levels of gallic acid, quercitin, and cinnamic acid were 2.37, 3.28, and 0.46 ppm, respectively. Likewise, serum biochemistry of all groups of camels showed no toxicity and adverse effects of herbal compounds. Hematological parameters showed very positive results of herbal compounds on RBCs, WBCs, PCV, and hemoglobin values.

Molecular evidence of β-lactam resistant Staphylococcus aureus in equids with respiratory tract infections: Frequency and resistance modulation strategy

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains in Staphylococcus aureus (β-lactam and methicillin-resistant) is an overwhelming issue worldwide. Using the purposive sampling technique, 217 equids samples were collected from district Layyah which were subjected to culturing followed by genotypic identification of mecA and blaZ genes by PCR. This study revealed that by phenotypic methods, a prevalence of 44.24%, 56.25%, and 47.92% was found for S. aureus, MRSA, and β-lactam resistant S. aureus in equids. While genotypically, MRSA was found in 29.63% and β-lactam resistant S. aureus in 28.26% of equids. In-vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing against S. aureus isolates harboring both mecA and blaZ genes showed a high resistance against Gentamicin (75%), followed by Amoxicillin (66.67%) and Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole (58.34%). In an attempt to re-sensitize the resistant bacteria to antibiotics, a combination of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was used which revealed synergistic effect of Gentamicin and Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole with Phenylbutazone; and Amoxicillin with Flunixin meglumine. Analysis of risk factors revealed significant association with the S. aureus-associated respiratory infection in equids. Phylogenetic analysis of mecA and blaZ genes showed a high resemblance of study isolate's sequences with each other and variable resemblance with already reported isolates obtained from different samples of neighboring countries. This study reports the first molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of β-lactam and methicillin resistant S. aureus in equids in Pakistan. Moreover, this study will help in the resistance modulation of resistant antibiotics (Gentamicin, Amoxicillin, Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole) and provide a good insight into planning an effective therapeutic regime.

Alterations in serum Thyroid and Reproductive hormone levels in occupationally exposed pesticides sprayers

Background: Pesticides contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that have potential to perturb the normal thyroid and reproductive hormone axis. The aim of present study was to estimate the variations in serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) tetra-iodothyronine (T4) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone levels in occupationally exposed pesticide sprayers in comparison to controls.
 Methods: For this purpose, blood samples of (n=50) pesticide sprayers were collected from District Layyah, south Punjab, Pakistan. Whereas, samples (n=25) of healthy control subjects were obtained from University of the Punjab, Lahore. Levels of T3, T4, TSH and testosterone in the serum were estimated by ELISA technique. The data obtained was analyzed by applying Un-paired Student “t” test at with significance level of P < 0.05. Graph pad prism version 6.0 software was utilized for statistical interpretation.
 Results: Pronounced (P < 0.0001) decrease of both T3 and T4, whereas, a significant increase in TSH (P = 0.005) level was evidenced in pesticide sprayers as compared to controls. Moreover, a significant decrease (P < 0.001) was noted in the level of testosterone in pesticide sprayers as compared to controls.
 Conclusion: Pertinently, the pesticides are a potent source of inducing imbalances in T3, T4, TSH, and testosterone secretion. Pesticide sprayers are, therefore, recommended to use prophylactic measures like wearing face masks and opt safer protocols in order to avoid direct hazardous exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Evaluation of Different Triazole Fungicides for the Management of Leaf Rust of Wheat Under Agro-Ecological Zone of District Layyah

Evaluation of Different Triazole Fungicides for the Management of Leaf Rust of Wheat Under Agro-Ecological Zone of District Layyah

Students’ Socialization Level and Academic Achievement at Secondary Level

This study sought to determine the effect of socialization with specific reference to the academic achievement of secondary schools students in District Layyah. Moreover this has been interpreted as the socialization effect at secondary level of education: the school is considered to be the most important socializing agent transmitting social values and providing best opportunity for the transmission of academic activities through socialization. The issue is primarily a concern of policymakers, who are concerned about the type of teacher-student contact that leads to behavior problems among students. So that the training of instructors can be planned and organized. The main objectives of the study to address the most burning questions like What was the current situation of socialization level and academic achievement among secondary school students?, What were the difference between male and female students' levels of socialization? And is there any relationship present between a student's level of socialization and their academic achievement at the secondary level? Similarly, a descriptive correlational design of study was used to examine these research questions through survey design. In this study, a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was conducted 763 students by using simple stratified sampling technique The students’ socialization level is measured in the second section (B), which has 32 items. As a research tool, the third (C) component includes kids' families, teachers, classmates, and friends. There are twenty items in all and academic achievement measured through the grade 9th marks of the students .The results showed that socialization level have a great value for academic related purposes, particularly as teaching and learning and most of the respondents agreed that socialization build their confidence and they have a good communication with others.

The Role of Social Media in Proliferating Violent Behavior Among College Students in District Layyah, Pakistan

The usage of social media is the biggest catalyst that causes behavioral transitions among the younger age cohort. In the recent era of digitalization, the youth especially college students are addicted to various social media apps such as Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter, Whats app, and Youtube. This younger age bracket used digital media to watch violent-based entertainment content, pornographies, and video games. Aligning this,cross-sectional survey research design was conducted in the four registered colleges of Layyah, Pakistan. A total sample size of N=263 respondents was selected through a de-facto method. Questionnaire was used as a tool for the data collection process. The responses of the participants were gathered and analyzed through SPSS Version-21. The findings of the study revealed that the younger students above the age of 18 years i.e. n=157 (59.7%), who belonged to the nuclear family system(n=123, 46.8%), had low parental education (n=53, 20.2%), and had a family income of ?30,000PKR (n=96, 36.5%) were more involved in the usage of social media apps which proliferates their violent behavioral conduct. Moreover, playing violent video games (n=210, 79.8%), watching action-based movies (n=217, 82.5%), destruction of someone's possessions (n=164, 62.4%), and watchinga person shooting (n=177, 67.3%) were the major parameters that played an imperative role in amplifying the violent behavior among college students. In conclusion, to share carrier goals, information, innovations, and methods of expression, students used social media sites for various action-based audio-visual content. The vigilance provided by the parents along with college administration and teachers can help to mitigate the role of social media in proliferating violence among youth in the study context.

Impact of Mycorrhizal Fungi from Different Rhizospheric Soils on Fungal Colonization, Growth, and Chlorophyll Contents of Cenchrus ciliaris

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plants and are primarily responsible for nutrient transfer and survival of both partners. The present study was conducted to explore the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizospheric soil of perennial grass species (Saccharum spontaneum, Saccharum bengalense, Setaria verticillata, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, and Typha angustata) around the district Layyah. In the subsequent experiment, the rhizospheric soils were used as inoculants, and their impact on mycorrhizal colonization in the plant and soil, and growth and physiological attributes, of Cenchrus ciliaris were investigated. The maximum hyphal, vesicles, arbuscules, dark septate endophytic and ectomycorrhizal colonization, and spore percentage were observed in the case of R-S5, i.e., rhizospheric soil, collected from Saccharum bengalense. However, the maximum (0.9310) Simpson’s index of diversity was observed in the case of R-S4, i.e., rhizospheric soil collected from Setaria verticillata. Different mycorrhizal fungal morphotypes scattered over three genera, i.e., Acaulospora, Glomus, and Scutellospora, were recorded both from rhizosphere and trap cultures. The application of spores from rhizospheric soil collected from S. bengalense (R-S5) caused the maximum increase in plant height (19.5%), number of leaves plant−1 (17.6%), leaf area (108.0%), and chlorophyll contents (29.4%) of Cenchrus ciliaris, compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi significantly improves the mycorrhizal characteristics of Cenchrus ciliaris and its rhizospheric soil and ultimately enhances the growth and physiological parameters of Cenchrus ciliaris.

Osmopriming Combined with Boron-Tolerant Bacteria (Bacillus sp. MN54) Improved the Productivity of Desi Chickpea under Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions

Chickpeas are rich source of protein and predominantly grown in boron (B)-deficient sandy-loam soils in Pakistan. Boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) could tolerate higher B levels in soil and increase B availability to the plants. Field trials were conducted under irrigated (district Layyah) and rainfed (district Chakwal) conditions to evaluate the interactive effects of pre-optimized B application methods and BTB (Bacillus sp. MN54) on the nodule’s population, grain quality, productivity, and grain-B concentration in desi chickpea during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. Boron was applied as soil application (1 kg B ha−1), foliar application (0.025% B), osmopriming (0.001% B), and seed coating (1.5 g B kg−1 seed) with or without BTB inoculation. Untreated seeds receiving no B through any of the methods were regarded as control. The individual and interactive effects (up to three-way interaction of location × BTB inoculation × B application methods) of year, location, B application methods and BTB inoculation significantly altered the growth and yield-related traits of desi chickpea. The four-way interaction of year × location × BTB inoculation × B application methods was non-significant for all recorded growth and yield-related traits. Regarding individual effects, the higher values of growth and yield-related traits were noted for 2020–2021, rainfed location, BTB inoculation and B application through seed priming. Similarly, in two-way interactions 2020–2021 with rainfed location and BTB inoculation, rainfed location with BTB inoculation and osmopriming and osmopriming with BTB inoculation recorded higher values of the growth and yield-related traits. Osmopriming combined with BTB inoculation significantly improved dry matter accumulation and leaf area index in both locations. Boron application through all the methods significantly improved grain quality, yield grain B concentration. The highest grain and biological yields, and nodules’ population were recorded with osmopriming followed by soil application of B combined with BTB inoculation. The highest plant B concentration (75.05%) was recorded with foliar application of B followed by osmopriming (68.73%) combined with BTB inoculation. Moreover, the highest economic returns (USD 2068.5 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (3.7%) were recorded with osmopriming + BTB inoculation in 2020–2021 under rainfed conditions. Overall, B application through osmopriming and soil application combined with BTB inoculation could be used to increase productivity and profitability of desi chickpea, whereas foliar application is a better method to enhance grain and plant B concentration.

Efficacy of Flood relief measures - 2010: A case study of district Layyah, Punjab-Pakistan

In 2010, Pakistan experienced a massive flood that took the lives of 1985 individuals, in addition to causing huge damage to livestock, shelters, and domestic goods. Multiple local and international organizations extended support to the victims of the 2010 Pakistan flood. Beside relief support, media highly criticized their relief activities. The study was conducted in the district of Layyah, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The study primarily aims at determining aspects of the flood relating to: ground situation and extent of damages, quality of services provided by the government and non-government organizations (NGOs). The study gathers data and analysis of data was carried out with simple statistical techniques. Ground situation in the country appeared alarming: flood affected 160,000 square kilometer of land, damaged to crop approached US$ 0ne billion, and affected around 20 million people. In the study area 40 % of livestock could not survive, 94.5 % houses were completed abolished and 38.7 % of domestic goods were heavily damaged. District government role was appreciated by 66.4 % of the respondents. Around 50 % of the respondents reported against the performance of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and National Disaster Management Authority. 96.2 % of the respondents recognized the role of NGOs while respondents suggested working of NGOs through district governments.

First report of crown gall disease caused by Agrobacterium radiobacter on olive plants in Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan.

Crown galls were observed on one-year-old olive plants (Olea europaea cv. Manzanilla) in the District Layyah (30.9693° N, 70.9428° E) of Punjab, Pakistan. Large tumors were evident on collars region, causing growth stunting, leaf yellowing, and overall plant dieback (Supplementary fig. 1). Total 900 of olive plant were grown including 300 young plants in five hectare orchards, around 25% of the young plants in orchard had gall formation with varying in size (2-15cm), majority of the infected plants were grown near the water channel, where soil moisture level were high (90-100%). Other olive orchards in the same area have not crown gall problem and the tumorigenic strains of bacteria can cause crown gall on plants (Nemanja Kuzmanović et al. 2015). This study was aimed to determine the pathogen of disease. The randomized collected samples were rinsed with tap water and galls were sterilized with 10% sodium hypochlorite solution for 1.5-3.0 min, washed with sterilized Distilled Water (SDW) then chopped and immersed overnight in SDW at room temperature. Isolations were carried out by plating the internal gall tissues on fresh Luria Bertani agar (LB agar) supplemented with natamycin. After incubating at 28°C for 5 days, 10 single colonies were transferred on new LBA plates for further cultivation at 28°C. After 48 to 72 h, three strains showed white to cream-colored, smooth, convex, glistening, circular with entire edges, and mucoid bacterial colonies resembling Agrobacterium spp. These three strains (BAT01, BAT02, BAT03) also showed biochemical and physiological characteristics similar to A. tumefaciens, including oxidase positive, growth at 35°C and in 2% NaCl, and alkalinity from litmus milk. They were tested negative for utilization of citrate and acid production on potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with CaCO3 (Young et al. 2015). Amplification and sequencing of these three strain's 16S rRNA region and chromosomal recA gene with the universal primers fD1/rP2 and F2898/F2899 verified the identification at species level (Weisburg et al. 1991) . BLAST analysis revealed 100% identity for 16S rRNA and recA gene between the olive crown gall strains. Accession No. of deposited sequences were given in table 1 and the reference sequences GenBank Accessions No. of A. tumefaciens is FM209485.1 and KY913787 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA of the strains from the crown gall and reference strains of various species of Agrobacterium by Maximum-likelihood method with Tamura's three-parameter model using the MEGA X software program confirmed the strain from olive was A. tumefaciens (Supplementary fig. 2). Inoculating the crown part of the plant through wounds of sterile needles plunged into young (2 to 3 day) bacterial culture (107 CFU/ml) and sterile distilled water (SDW) was screened for pathogens on 10 one-year-old olive plants cv. Manzanilla. Plants were grown at 23 ± 3°C, and tumor formation was observed 4 weeks after inoculation. Typical tumours formed and no symptoms found in control plants at inoculation sites and Koch's postulates were fulfilled with re-isolation and amplification of bacteria with recA gene region. This data shows that A. tumefaciens causes crown gall in olive plants. though it is reported before in different olive growing region in the world but This is first time reported in Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan.

Plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats: their impact on sucking pests and predators complex in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field plots in arid climate at district Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan.

Sucking pests are major threat to cotton field crop which cause unbearable losses to the crop yield. Aim of the current study was to record seasonal dynamics of major sucking insect pests including whitefly, jassid, thrips and their natural arthropod predators i.e. green lacewings and spiders in cotton field plots. The effects of surrounding field crops on pests' density and predatory efficiency of predators were also recorded. For sampling and survey of insects, the visual counting was found to be the most efficient method for recording the abundance of insects, trailed by net sweeping and tapping. Whitefly was the most dominant sucking pest found on the vegetative stage of cotton, followed by jassid and thrips. Fluctuated populations of predatory arthropods, spiders and green lacewings were also recorded during whole cropping season however, the densities of pests and predators varied with crop phenology. Spiders' population was encouraging at both vegetative and flowering stage and also the same trend of jassid and whitefly were observed at both stages of the crop. Surrounding habitats showed non-significant effect on population densities of insect pests and predators. For abiotic factors, the spiders showed strong positive correlation with humidity and temperature. However, green lacewing was only positively correlated with humidity. On the other hand, the populations of whitefly, jassid and thrips showed non-significant correlation with both temperature and humidity. Overall densities of sucking insect pests were found above economic threshold level. The plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats effect on the population fluctuation of pests as well as the predators' abundance. The future studies are also warranted to investigate the altered habitats and multiple trap cropping to find out their impact on unattended insect predators and parasitoids in cotton crop.