District Faisalabad Research Articles

Factors Affecting Livelihood Diversification of Women of Farm Families Working in Textile Industries in Faisalabad District, Pakistan

Factors Affecting Livelihood Diversification of Women of Farm Families Working in Textile Industries in Faisalabad District, Pakistan

Agroforestry status, services, and its role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration under semi-arid conditions

Agroforestry systems play a dynamic role in sequestering atmospheric carbon to keep the environment safe and provide various benefits such as food, fodder, fuel wood, increased farm income, biodiversity maintenance, and soil conservation. The present study assessed agroforestry's status, services, and role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan: Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. In the current study, the administrative geographical division, which is the village, union council, Tehsil, and district, was considered for sampling. Field visits were carried out in 175 rural union councils of 14 Tehsils of selected districts to collect socio-economic data through validated questionnaires and tree inventory data to estimate carbon stocks. Research results revealed that most of the respondents in the study area were middle-aged, had about 8–10 years of education, and had less than 5 hectares of landholding. Nearly 34 % to 36 % of farmers earned 359.59 to 1438.37 USD annually, with farming as a major income source. Linear planting was the dominant form of agroforestry, with P. deltoides, D. sissoo, and E. camaldulensis being major tree species. The current number of trees ha-1 was 19–25, while the potential trees ha-1 could be 57–72 in the study area. Across 14 tehsils of selected districts, the maximum total tree carbon stock (8.97 Mg ha-1) and total tree CO2 sequestration (32.21 Mg ha-1) was estimated in Tehsil Lalian of district Chiniot while the lowest total tree carbon stock (1.82 Mg ha-1) and total tree CO2 sequestration (7.34 Mg ha-1) were estimated in Tehsil Faisalabad of district Faisalabad. The results of this study highlight that the eco-friendly advantages of agroforestry can be used to improve approvals and strategies on the selection and management of tree species, along with land use systems for designing effective carbon sequestration projects in Pakistan.

Biochemical investigation of association of arsenic exposed polymorphic variants and disease susceptibility

Our study aimed to establish the association of polymorphic variants and disease susceptibility in arsenic-induced metabolic disorders raised due to the variability of arsenic methylation in human population exposed to arsenic in drinking water. Water samples were systematically collected from various regions of Faisalabad, Pakistan, and subjected to arsenic quantification through inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). The groundwater exhibited significantly elevated arsenic concentrations (68.18 ± 21.28 μg/L) in comparison to both water and sanitation agency Faisalabad (WASA)-supplied water (9.81 ± 1.2 μg/L) and locally filtered water (8.12 ± 1.42 μg/L), as determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-test at P < 0.05. An association was established between arsenic concentration and the incidence of disease, such as diabetes mellitus. A cohort of 120 participants residing in six areas of District Faisalabad was recruited. Urine and blood specimens were collected for analysis. Urine samples underwent ICP-MS analysis in helium collision mode, utilizing germanium as an internal standard. Blood samples were collected for biomarker assessments, including HbA1c, BUN, creatinine, CRP, ALT, AST, GSH, SOD, and MDA, to investigate the evidence of diabetes mellitus. Urinary arsenic concentrations were found to be considerably higher (P < 0.05) in about 22.50 % of the participants, with a mean value of 68.43 ± 16.73 ppb. Biomarker analysis in these participants revealed mean values for BUN (37.19 ± 2.87 mg/dL), creatinine (2.58 ± 0.18 mg/dL), IL-6 (11.35 ± 6.98 pg/mL), CRP (1.90 ± 0.26 mg/dL), MDA (3.70 ± 0.18 nmol/mL), ALT (40.27 ± 5.41 U/L), and AST (38.92 ± 4.72 U/L). Furthermore, the gender-based analysis indicated the higher levels of DMA, MMA, TAs, and TiAs in males compared to females when urine samples were analyzed with HPLC-ICP-MS. Participants with the positive genotype of GSTM exhibited significantly higher levels of TAs, and TiAs concentration in their urine than those with the null genotype of GSTM. Moreover, participants with positive genotypes for GSTT1 and GSTM1 demonstrated elevated levels of DMA in their urine compared to those with genotypes of GSTT1 (−) and GSTM1 (−), although this difference did not attain statistical significance. Participants with the genotype of GSTT1 (+) displayed a considerably higher secondary methylation index than those with genotype of GSTT1 (−). MMA and DMA levels were found to be correlated with the genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 and the amounts of TAs in urine. In conclusion, our findings suggest a linkage between arsenic methylation, particularly levels of DMA and SMI, and GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms.

HIV Epidemic among Pakistani Inhabitants in District Faisalabad, Pakistan

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has severely impacted the most vulnerable sections of society in Pakistan. The results of the current study on the HIV epidemiology in Faisalabad, Pakistan, highlighted the importance of preventive measures. The current study attempted to assess the prevalence of HIV in Faisalabad. Moreover, it also identified potential risk factors for the spread of this pandemic in the region. A total of 1540 test results were gathered between March 2020 and July 2022 from 3 hospitals, that is, Allied Hospital, Aziz Fatima, and DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. Immuno-chromatographic Technique (ICT) was used to detect the presence of the infection. The researchers in District Faisalabad, Pakistan, surveyed 1540 locals to determine the HIV prevalence in that area. About 33 cases of HIV infection were confirmed through ICT, with a prevalence rate of 2.14%. Roughly, 25 males, however, only 8 females tested positive for HIV. Since more than half of HIV diagnoses occur in people between the ages of 15 and 30, it is essential that HIV prevention efforts focus on this demographic. The increased exposure to unsanitary needles and blood may explain why city dwellers appear more vulnerable than rural residents. The findings confirm that HIV is a serious threat to public health in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Community health professionals must work together to educate the public and come up with other solutions to this problem.

PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER- FIVE CHILDREN OF HOUSEHOLD IN SLUM AREAS OF DISTRICT FAISALABAD

Malnutrition refers to a pathological condition characterized by a lack of nutrients necessary for healthy body function. Malnutrition is one of the most common causes of death and disease among children under the age of five. About 96% percent of children in Pakistan do not receive adequate nutrition during childhood, such as soft food, milk, fruit, and vegetables. Food insecurity is a serious problem in Pakistan as a significant portion of the rural population is food insecure. A staggering 36.9% of households in the country are &amp;#39;food insecure&amp;#39; and 18.3% are &amp;#39;severely&amp;#39; food insecure. Pakistan is self-sufficient in basic food items, but only 63.1% of households have food security. Food insecurity is common, leaving women and children at greater risk of malnutrition. Drought-affected communities have exceptionally high rates of malnutrition. According to statistics in Pakistan, about 40, 29%, and 18% of children under the age of five are a stunt, underweight, and wasted, respectively. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition status in children under 5 years of age in the slums of Faisalabad District, Punjab, Pakistan. The data is based on household demographic and socioeconomic factors, including anthropometric information on children under the age of five living in a slum in Faisalabad. Anthropometric data were obtained from 150 randomly selected children from three slum areas of Faisalabad. Socioeconomic and behavioural data were collected from each mother. Three indicators were used to measure the nutritional status of children: (i) stunting, height–for– age, (ii) wasting weight–for–height, and (iii) under-weight¸ weight–for–age. These values ​​were transformed into z-scores to classify the child&amp;#39;s nutritional status. Descriptive and logistic regression techniques were used to identify factors associated with children&amp;#39;s nutritional status. According to this study, the prevalence of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among children under five years of age in Faisalabad District, Pakistan were 28%, 22.6%, and 18% respectively. Testing with logistic regression techniques revealed that demographic, socio-economic, and behavioural factors were significant predictors of all three indicators of child nutritional status. These main factors were household calorie intake and maternal education, father education, access to clean water, and maternal access to health facilities.

Particulate and gaseous air pollutants exceed WHO guideline values and have the potential to damage human health in Faisalabad, Metropolitan, Pakistan

First-ever measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, and TSP) along with gaseous pollutants (CO, NO2, and SO2) were performed from June 2019 to April 2020 in Faisalabad, Metropolitan, Pakistan, to assess their seasonal variations; Summer 2019, Autumn 2019, Winter 2019–2020, and Spring 2020. Pollutant measurements were carried out at 30 locations with a 3-km grid distance from the Sitara Chemical Industry in District Faisalabad to Bhianwala, Sargodha Road, Tehsil Lalian, District Chiniot. ArcGIS 10.8 was used to interpolate pollutant concentrations using the inverse distance weightage method. PM2.5, PM10, and TSP concentrations were highest in summer, and lowest in autumn or winter. CO, NO2, and SO2 concentrations were highest in summer or spring and lowest in winter. Seasonal average NO2 and SO2 concentrations exceeded WHO annual air quality guide values. For all 4 seasons, some sites had better air quality than others. Even in these cleaner sites air quality index (AQI) was unhealthy for sensitive groups and the less good sites showed Very critical AQI (> 500). Dust-bound carbon and sulfur contents were higher in spring (64 mg g−1) and summer (1.17 mg g−1) and lower in autumn (55 mg g−1) and winter (1.08 mg g−1). Venous blood analysis of 20 individuals showed cadmium and lead concentrations higher than WHO permissible limits. Those individuals exposed to direct roadside pollution for longer periods because of their occupation tended to show higher Pb and Cd blood concentrations. It is concluded that air quality along the roadside is extremely poor and potentially damaging to the health of exposed workers.Graphical abstract

Information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition and supplementation in different communities of Pakistan

Purpose This study aims to assess the information-seeking behaviors, attitudes and beliefs about pregnancy-related nutrition, food-related myths and taboos and supplementation among pregnant women in different communities of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative survey method was used in this study, which included 150 pregnant women from various locations in Lahore and Faisalabad. Findings Most participants were between the ages of 25 and 29, having 14 years of education. Regardless of age or number of children, all selected women had the same dietary awareness. Regarding myths and taboos, highly significant values (p = 0.001) were found in various studied variables. No significant difference was observed in knowledge level between age and number of children. It was observed that food myths and taboos significantly (p = 0.001) impact pregnant women’s dietary choices. Research limitations/implications This survey experienced limited representativeness; many participants provided incomplete food and nutritional information. This research was conducted in two major districts of Pakistan, i.e. Lahore and Faisalabad; therefore, the results can be generalized for a population of pregnant women living in the northeastern region of Pakistan. Practical implications This study can provide helpful insight for health-care professionals to improve pregnant women’s nutritional status and knowledge. Social implications The outcomes of this study can help guide how pregnant women might be educated and have better nutritional awareness at domestic and professional levels. Originality/value In Pakistan, there is a lack of research on pregnant women’s nutritional knowledge, and this research can assist health-care professionals in providing diversified knowledge to promote maternal health.

Determinants of Classroom Management as Perceived by Female Students at the Secondary Level

Effective classroom management is directly associated with a positive class environment and positive outcomes. In this study, we examined the different determinants of the classroom management. This study was conducted in four secondary schools (private) in the District of Faisalabad in Punjab province. Students from class 10th were considered as the population, thus from each selected school, the total number of students was 350 which served as the population of this study. All the participants were female students. Of the total population, 25 students were chosen from each selected school, thereby the total sample size of the study was 100 female students. A questionnaire was administered for the data collection and was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that perceived challenges faced by students in the classroom, with mental illness, lack of self-confidence, personal issues, and poor listening emerging as the most prominent concerns. Whereas, factors perceived to significantly affect classroom management, highlighting disabilities, lack of interest, and self-esteem as primary considerations for educators and administrators. Investing in teacher training programs that focus on aspects of classroom management can enhance their ability to create a positive and conducive learning environment.

Perceived Social Stigma, Family Support and Mental Health Issues in Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Background: In Pakistan, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is compounded by significant socio-economic challenges and a pervasive stigma that undermines effective treatment and prevention strategies. The psychological impacts of HIV/AIDS, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, further complicate disease management, affecting patients' willingness to adhere to treatment and disclose their status. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan and explore the relationships between perceived social stigma, family support, and mental health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients from Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad districts. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through validated Urdu versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a discrimination scale, and a family support scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and linear regression models. Results: The results indicated that the mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly high at 66.6980 ± 17.56598. A strong positive correlation was observed between perceived discrimination (DISC) and DASS scores (r = 0.890, p &lt; 0.01), while perceived family support (PFS) was negatively correlated with DISC scores (r = -0.166, p = 0.043). Regression analysis showed that increased family support significantly mitigated mental health issues, reducing the mean stress, anxiety, and depression scores among participants. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of family support in reducing mental health issues among HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan. Enhancing family involvement and reducing social stigma could improve treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

Diversity and relative abundance of braconids (Hymenoptera) among selected crops of District Faisalabad, Pakistan

Diversity and relative abundance of braconids (Hymenoptera) among selected crops of District Faisalabad, Pakistan

Comparative Efficacy of Mature Coconut Water and Peppermint Water in Managing Gestational Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Faisalabad District

Comparative Efficacy of Mature Coconut Water and Peppermint Water in Managing Gestational Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Faisalabad District

Geospatial analysis of soil resistivity and hydro-parameters for groundwater assessment

Groundwater is a precious resource for irrigating the crops in developing countries. This research was governed in Faisalabad District of Pakistan to assess the groundwater strata using GIS cum geoelectric resistivity method approach. The IX1D computer model was calibrated with root mean square error (up-to 5%), to obtain true soil layers’ resistivities and thicknesses model for each VES point based on apparent resistivity data collected by ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter using the most common Schlumberger electrode array setting. Knowledge of geo-hydraulic parameters (hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and porosity) aids in identifying the quality and potential of groundwater repositories, estimated based on modeling results (soil layers resistivities and thicknesses). Most common interpolation (inverse distance weighted) method in ArcGIS Pro was used for mapping the soil aquifer layers resistivities/thicknesses and geo-hydraulic parameters. Transmissivity, Porosity, and hydraulic conductivity values ranged from 365.46 to 1888.503 m2/day, 31.84 to 39.72% and 4.05 to 15.27 m/day for all surveys, respectively. Based on these results, aquifer layers with thicknesses 30 to 103.5 m, were distinguished as comprised of saline to low marginal quality (fine sand and clay formation), marginal to fresh quality (fine sand and gravel formation) and fresh quality groundwater (coarse sand and gravel formation).Graphical

Assessment of Molecular Diversity and Population Structure of Pakistani Mulberry Accessions Using Retrotransposon-Based DNA Markers

Both morphological and molecular markers have been extensively used to evaluate genetic diversity; however, molecular markers are considered more reliable and can lead to improved reproductive efficiency. This study utilized inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of thirty mulberry accessions from the districts of Sahiwal and Faisalabad, Pakistan. These mulberry accessions belonged to three species: Morus nigra (n = 13), Morus alba (n = 12), and Morus rubra (n = 5). The use of nine iPBS primers in this study provided a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity among the selected mulberry accessions. Nine iPBS primers were used in the study and generated 431 bands with allelic frequencies ranging from 21 to 75 and band sizes from 200 to 1500 base pairs. The primer 2230 showed the highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.47 and the highest Shannon’s information index (I = 0.53). The Morus nigra accessions had the highest levels of expected heterozygosity (He = 0.30), unbiased expected heterozygosity (µHe = 0.33), and Shannon’s information index (I = 0.45). The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) revealed a high degree of genetic variation, as estimated by the pairwise PhiPT value of 0.21, which was significant at the p &lt; 0.001 *** level. The neighbor joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and structure analysis grouped the 30 mulberry accessions into four main clusters. The distinct grouping of accessions SWLS14, SWLS6, FSDS30, and SWLS7 validated their notable genetic distinctiveness. Overall, these findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic landscape of mulberry accessions, which are essential for conservation and breeding strategies.

Associates of Distress Tolerance among Adolescents: Role of Anger, Worry and Sadness

This study examined the relationship between intolerant behavior; anger, worry, and sadness among adolescents. Participants were to be taken from the different schools of district Faisalabad of the Punjab Province 400 selected adolescents through purposive sampling. The participants' age range was 10 to 18 years old. The following criteria were to be applied to evaluate the results of the investigation. Using a demographic form, personal data about teenagers' worry management was gathered (J. L. Zeman, Cassano, Suveg, &amp; Shipman, 2010) was used to investigate emotional management. The distress tolerance scale (Simons &amp; Gaher, 2005) assesses emotional management. To investigate the findings, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and t-test analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that there is a significant positive predictive relationship between intolerant behavior and sadness among adolescents [R2=105; F (1,398) =46.6 73, p&lt;.001], Results also showed Intolerant conduct positively predicted worry in adolescents. [R2=066; F (1,398) =28.182, p&lt;.001]. Anger and intolerant conduct are positively correlated in adolescence.. [R2=109; F (1,398) =48.699, p&lt;.001]. The findings of the present study concluded that intolerant behavior is positively associated with sadness, worry, and anger.

Distribution, screening and biochemical characterization of indigenous microalgae for bio-mass and bio-energy production potential from three districts of Pakistan.

Trend of biofuel production from microalgal triacylglycerols is enhancing, because this substrate is a good sustainable and advantageous alternative to oil and gas fuel. In the present study, indigenous micro algal isolates were screened from water (n=30) and soil (n=30) samples collected from three districts of Punjab, Pakistan to evaluate their biofuel production potential. The samples were inoculated on BG - 11 agar medium plates by incubating at room temperature of 25°C providing 1000 lux for 16h light cycle followed by 8h of dark cycle for 15 d. Water samples were found to be rich in microalgae and 65.33% microalgae (49 isolates) were isolated from Faisalabad district. On the basis of microscopic morphology microalgal isolates (n=180) were selected and subjected to lipid detection by Nile red staining assay. Nile red positive isolates (n=23) were processed for biochemical (lipid, protein and carbohydrates) characterization. AIN63 isolate showed higher lipids (17.4%) content as detected by micro vanillin assay. Algal isolate AIN128 showed best protein contents (42.91%) detected by Bradford assay and AIN172 isolate showed higher carbohydrate contents (73.83%) as detected by anthrone assay. The selected algal isolates were also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for confirmation of carbohydrate, protein and lipid analysis. These indigenous algae have the potential for in-vitro biofuel production from agricultural waste.

Association between Death Anxiety, Religiosity and Coping Strategies with HIV Patients

Abstract In the 21st century, HIV poses enormous problems and burdens and is a serious worldwide health concern. This study looked into how people with HIV's perceptions of death, their level of religiosity, and their coping mechanisms. From July 2023 to March 2023, a correlational study design was conducted in Pakistan's District Faisalabad. Promoting psychological well-being and creating specialized therapies for this population depend on an understanding of these aspects. An extensive evaluation of mortality anxiety, religion, and coping mechanisms was done on a sample (N=100) of HIV-positive men and women. The goal of the study is to understand how these psychological variables interact and affect the adjustment and health of HIV-positive people. For the assessment of the current study, several questionnaires were used. The target population for the current study was chosen using the purposeful sampling technique. Percentages, means, standard deviations, and bivariate correlation were calculated as part of the study's descriptive and correlational analyses. Multiple linear regression and t-tests on independent samples analyses for inferential statistics were also carried out to test the study's hypotheses. The results showed a significant average difference in scores for the Religiosity Scale (t (98) = 2.904, p&lt;0.005) and Coping Strategies Scale (t (98) = 3.350, p&lt;0.005). This demonstrated that the individuals' reported levels of religiosity and coping mechanisms differ according to gender. According to the Death Anxiety Scale's mean difference finding (t (98) = -1.434, p &gt;.001), there were no discernible differences in reported levels of death anxiety between the gender. The findings have important ramifications for those who live with HIV, their families, medical professionals, and researchers. The value and significance for Pakistani culture are concluded by the current study.

A Study of Students Perception about Opportunity Cost of Virtual Learning: An Empirical Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

This study sheds light on students' preferences and perceptions regarding virtual learning, providing insights into why students might choose virtual learning over traditional or blended learning methods. By examining the opportunity cost associated with virtual learning, the study provides an economic perspective on education choices. This can help educators and students understand the trade-offs involved and make more informed decisions. For this purpose, primary data has been collected from the five districts of Punjab, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Lahore, Jhang, and Sargodha through a self-made questionnaire. The sample size of the respondents is 392 students. The dependent variables are students' perception of virtual learning (SPVL) and perception of the opportunity cost of virtual learning (OCVL). Data analysis was done by using the binary logistic model and linear regression. The results of binary logistic models show that economics cost, unit cost, gender preferences, job career, and access to the internet are significant and add positive perception to the low opportunity cost of virtual learning while cost-effectiveness is insignificant. The results of the linear regression model show that the economics cost, unit cost, and education of the respondent are significant and add a positive perception to the low opportunity cost of virtual learning while gender and marital status are insignificant. A descriptive statistics summary is used for different socioeconomic variables and for different factors to review which factors or variables positively contribute to the perception of virtual learning and its opportunity cost and which negatively. The policy recommendation is that the government should concentrate on the importance of virtual learning and take necessary measures for this implementation.

Impact of Braille Reading Proficiency on the Academic Achievement of Students with Visual Impairment at the Secondary Level

The defect or damage to vision denotes the visual impairment. The sight loss brings higher challenges to be faced by students with visual impairment, especially in the field of education. Visual impairment highly reduces the reading capability of the students. The reading competence of blind students from the print material is almost vanished. The Braille device is used to provide embossed content for reading to blind students which helps to improve their learning. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of reading proficiency on the academic achievement of students with visual impairment at the secondary level. All the students with visual impairment were the population of the study. A sample of 40 students with visual impairment (Grade IX=20, Grade X=20) was selected to collect the data for the study. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select the study sample from Govt. Special Education Schools of district Faisalabad.

Molecular characterization of mitochondrial COI gene sequences in Micraspis allardi from Pakistan.

The Coccinellidae is a highly diversified family of order Coleoptera. Coccinellid ladybirds are well known for their role as biological control agent against varied range of agricultural pests. The samples of coccinellid ladybird collected from Pakistan were identified and characterized as Micraspis allardi (Mulsant, 1866). This is one of the least-studied ladybird species with limited work on its ecological distribution as a biological control agent. The genus Micraspis has vast genetic diversity with a possible presence of unknown number of cryptic species. Sequence information of some species of the genus Micraspis are present in NCBI database. However, least molecular data or sequences describing M. allardi could be available from database. Therefore, morphological and molecular characterization was imperative for this species. Here, the samples collected from sugarcane field of Faisalabad District of Pakistan and were identified by using morphological and molecular protocols. For molecular identification, two different regions of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene (COI-5' and COI- 3') were used as molecular markers for the identification of the species. Morphological appearance, DNA sequence similarity searches and phylogenetic analysis collectively indicated it as M. allardi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report providing molecular evidence of M. allardi using mitochondrial DNA barcode region (658bp) as well as mtCOI-3' sequences (817bp). The study will help in understanding population genetics through diversity analysis, ecological role, and phenotypic structures associated with the geographic range of this species.

Molecular probing of wilt etiology in Thuja orientalis, and pathogen confirmation through Koch’s Postulates

Thuja orientalis a monoecious widely grown ornamental plant in Pakistan. T. orientalis plants were observed being severely attacked by Fusarium wilt during a survey of the landscape areas of District Faisalabad. Infected plants had severe symptoms of leaves wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis. Wilt disease-affected samples of Thuja orientalis were collected from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 2017. The associated pathogen was identified based on morphological characters and molecular characterization by using ITS primers (ITS1-F/ITS4) specific to ITS regions of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of the fungus. The morphologically characterized fungal isolates were used in pathogenicity. In the pathogenicity test, inoculated plants were compared with control plants (sprayed with distilled water). After 3-4 weeks, inoculated plants showed typical chlorosis symptoms. Pathogenicity test proved the F. solani as pathogen of wilt disease on Thuja. Keywords: Thuja orientalis, Morpankh, Fusarium solani, Fusarium wilt, pathogenicity.