National Agricultural Research Center Research Articles

Screening of selected wheat cultivars for leaf rust resistance genes

ABSTRACT Genetic resistance is the most economical and efficient way to reduce production losses brought on by diseases. Plant breeders continuously incorporate new, dependable sources into their breeding materials to continue developing disease-resistant genotypes. Fourteen certified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (Bahawalpur-2000, NIFA-Bathor08, Fareed-2006, Haider-2002, Imdad-2005, Lasani-2008, Marvi-2000, Moomal-2000, Manther-2003, Pirsabak-2006, Iqbal-2000, Pirsabak-2004, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002) seeds from the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) were grown in pots. DNA obtained from fresh leaves of the wheat cultivars were screened for leaf rust resistance genes (i.e. Lr-51, Lr-47, Lr-46, Lr-37, Lr-36, Lr-35, Lr-34, Lr-28, Lr-25, Lr-19, Lr-13, Lr-9, and Lr-1 using PCR. Results showed that the Lr-47 gene was present in nine wheat cultivars, Lr-1 and Lr-28 in eight, Lr-5, Lr-9, and Lr-13 in three, and Lr-19 and Lr-37 in one cultivar. In the selected wheat cultivars, the resistance genes Lr-25, Lr-35, Lr-36, and Lr-46 were not observed. This study suggests cultivating wheat varieties Haider-2002, Iqbal-2000, Lasani-2008, Manther-2003, Pirsbak-2004, Pirsbak-2006, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002 for high level of resistance to rust and protection against high production losses. In future studies, phenotypic data alongside genotypic screening will improve the assessment of leaf rust resistance in wheat cultivars, leading to a better understanding of their disease resistance profiles.

Scoping study of research trends on Nili Ravi buffalo applying scientometric analysis and network visualization

The study elucidates scientometric analysis of published scientific communications on Nili Ravi buffalo in journal(s) for having an appraisal of status-quo of the research and scientific activities. Metadata of 383 articles retrieved from Scopus were analysed to identify the most productive author(s), institution(s) vis-a-vis countries and to ascertain their collaboration trends. Keyword based analysis was performed to provide an overview of the strength areas of research on Nili Ravi for better comprehension. The results revealed that the research efforts on Nili Ravi were discernible after the year 2005. All except 1.30% articles have been an outcome of the collaborative authorship. There were only few productive authors with ≥10 records, but others contributed on the subject occasionally. Nearly 90% of the articles have been contributed by Pakistan and its' authors have worked in close collaboration with scientists from United Kingdom, United States of America, China, Canada, and South Korea. They also have conjoint symbiosis on academic/research endavours on Nili Ravi with experts from Austria, Netherlands, India, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Twelve leading institutions contributed to ≥10 articles. Publication outcome of the Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan; Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan and Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan has higher Relative Citation Impact (RCI), making it obvious that their publication(s) have wider acceptance amongst scientific populace. Most productive vis-à-vis impactful journals publishing articles on Nili Ravi have also been identified.

Fortification or biofortification: complimentary strategies or duplication of effort?

Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a global concern, with the most common deficiencies being vitamin A, iron, zinc and B vitamins (folate and B12). Addressing this requires strategies that are scalable and equitable such that they reach all members of a population irrespective of socioeconomic status and geography. Fortification and biofortification offer potential large-scale solutions, however each have strengths and limitations depending on the context, particularly the cultural and political factors that may create barriers or opportunities for effectiveness. Planning how to target scarce resources for maximum impact requires an in-depth knowledge and understanding of local food systems and market dynamics, alongside strong government policy and legislative support. A food fortification programme was launched in Pakistan in 2016, supported by UK Aid and designed to address the high prevalence of vitamin A, iron and zinc deficiency, particularly in women and children. In the same year, the first zinc biofortified variety of wheat, Zincol-2016, was released in Pakistan, supported and developed through the HarvestPlus programme in collaboration with the Pakistan National Agriculture Research Centre. This review explores the challenges faced by fortification and biofortification, initiated independently, (but around the same time) in Pakistan.

Molecular detection of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus viroid-III (CVd-III), and Citrus viroid-IV (CVd-IV) in Palestine

Citrus hosts various phytopathogens that have impacted productivity, including viroids. Missing data on the status of viroids in citrus in Palestine were not reported. This study was aimed to detect any of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus viroid-III (CVd-III), and Citrus viroid-IV (CVd-IV) in the Palestinian National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) germplasm collection Field inspections found symptoms such as leaf epinasty; vein discoloration, and bark cracking on various citrus varieties. RT-PCR revealed a significant prevalence of CVd-IV; CEVd and CVd-III (47%, 31%, and 22%; respectively). CVd-III variants with 91.3% nucleic acid sequence homology have been reported. The sequence of each viroid were deposited in GenBank as (OP925746 for CEVd, OP902248 and OP902249 for CVd-III-PS-1 and -PS-2 isolates, and OP902247 for CVd-IV). This was the first to report three of citrus viroids in Palestine, appealing to apply of phytosanitary measures to disseminate healthy propagating materials free from viroids.

O raro NARC-G1 alho: quantificação comparativa de alicina com perfil morfo-bioquímico e genético

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an important cash food crop, and the biotechnology industry has considerable interest in the plant because of its medicinal importance. These medicinal properties are attributed to organosulphur compounds as the accumulation of these compounds varies according to genotype, locality, light quality, and cultivation practices. In this study, we compared a newly developed garlic variety NARC-G1 by National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan with three different garlic cultivars and highlighted the distinctive attributes like phenotypic characteristics, the content of allicin, elemental profile, and gene polymorphism. Phenotypic analysis showed NARC-G1 has significantly higher bulb weight (66.36g ± 18.58), single clove weight (5.87g ± 1.041), and clove width (17.41mm ± 0.95) which directly correlates to the size of the garlic. The analytical analysis showed the highest allicin content (4.82 ± 0.001) in NARC-G1. Genotyping of the alliinase in all four cultivars showed indels in the gene resulting in distinguishable changes in organosulphur compounds' profile. NARC-G1 is unique from other garlic cultivars and could be the best choice for mass production with proper cultivation and irrigation management. Moreover, for Pakistan NARC-G1 could be a potential contender to earn the industrial benefits with inland cultivation instead of importing garlic alleviating the economic burden.

FLOWERING ANNUALS PRODUCTION BEHAVIOR AGAINST DIVERSE NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT

The marigold and zinnia are prominent in the horticulture industry and are widely growing flowering annuals in Pakistan. The well-timed study sought to investigate the effect of different fertilizer combinations on flowering annuals marigold and zinnia. The experiment comprised a completely randomized design with four replications during 2019 and 2020 at the Plant Genetic Resource Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. The data included recording days to bud formation (DBF), days to flower persistence (DFP), flowers per plant (NFP), and days to flower senescence (DFS). Significant differences were recordable among the genotypes and treatments. Average DBF under applications of NPK fertilizers and Grow More + HB101 + Vitafeed (foliar application) revealed higher during the first year of study compared with the second year. The most effective foliar application treatment for DBF of marigold and zinnia resulted in 0.18 g Grow More + 0.18 g HB101 + 0.18 g Vitafeed. A higher number of DBF marigolds occurred for treatment 20% N + 16% P + 14% K, and the same emerged for NFP. Average days for flower persistence in marigold and zinnia were higher under manures application compared with NPK and foliar application. The higher number of DFP of both plants existed for treatment 75% leaf compost (LC) + 25% soil. The organic and inorganic fertilizers may help develop plant health, resistance to early flower senescence, and large flower size of both marigold and zinnia.

English

Soil health in terms of plant available nutrients is crucial to estimate the yield potential of agricultural land in an area. Based on the availability of soil health data, it is possible to set yield targets using various yield prediction models. This study was initiated to estimate the concentration of DTPA-extractable micronutrients in Tehsil Muzaffargarh and to develop a database that can be used to develop predictive models. Soil samples (n=11537) were collected from Muzaffargarh (0-15 cm depth). The latitude and longitude values of sampling points were recorded for the purpose of georeferencing the soil samples. Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were extracted with diethylenetriamine penta-acetate (DTPA) extraction solution and their concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Water soluble boron (B) was determined spectrophotometrically using Azomethine-H as colour developing reagent. Critical limits established by the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Islamabad, Pakistan, were used as a benchmark for grading micronutrient status. The ordinary kriging technique was used to visualize the micronutrient status in the surveyed area and digital maps were prepared using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. Results showed that the range of DTPA-extractable micronutrients Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu ranged from 0.10-5.92, 0.01-12.51, 0.09-10.00 and 0.03-8.08 µg/g, respectively. Boron concentration ranged from 0.02-1.98µg/g. Most of the soils in the studied area had adequate levels of Zn (61.9%) and Cu (48.6%) while 45.8, 43.3 and 55.4 % of the soil samples fell into the marginal category in terms of Cu, Mn, and B, respectively. The results revealed the widespread deficiency of DTPA-extractable Fe (< 4.5mg kg-1 in 74% soil samples) in Tehsil Muzaffargarh. The digitized maps developed from this study would serve as primary source to locate micronutrient deficient areas and also set site-specific yield targets along with other biophysical factors. However, these maps need ground truthing after crop harvest each year.

Growth improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and zinc biofortification using potent zinc-solubilizing bacteria.

Zinc (Zn) is an indispensable element for proper plant growth. A sizeable proportion of the inorganic Zn that is added to soil undergoes a transformation into an insoluble form. Zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) have the potential to transform the insoluble Zn into plant-accessible forms and are thus promising alternatives for Zn supplementation. The current research was aimed at investigating the Zn solubilization potential of indigenous bacterial strains and to evaluate their impact on wheat growth and Zn biofortification. A number of experiments were conducted at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, during 2020-21. A total of 69 strains were assessed for their Zn-solubilizing ability against two insoluble Zn sources (ZnO and ZnCO3) using plate assay techniques. During the qualitative assay, the solubilization index and solubilization efficiency were measured. The qualitatively selected Zn-solubilizing bacterial strains were further tested quantitatively using broth culture for Zn and phosphorus (P) solubility. Tricalcium phosphate was used as insoluble source of P. The results showed that broth culture pH was negatively correlated with Zn solubilization, i.e., ZnO (r2 = 0.88) and ZnCO3 (r2 = 0.96). Ten novel promising strains, i.e., Pantoea sp. NCCP-525, Klebsiella sp. NCCP-607, Brevibacterium sp. NCCP-622, Klebsiella sp. NCCP-623, Acinetobacter sp. NCCP-644, Alcaligenes sp. NCCP-650, Citrobacter sp. NCCP-668, Exiguobacterium sp. NCCP-673, Raoultella sp. NCCP-675, and Acinetobacter sp. NCCP-680, were selected from the ecology of Pakistan for further experimentation on wheat crop based on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits, i.e., solubilization of Zn and P in addition to being positive for nifH and acdS genes. Before evaluating the bacterial strains for plant growth potential, a control experiment was also conducted to determine the highest critical Zn level from ZnO to wheat growth using different Zn levels (0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001% Zn) against two wheat varieties (Wadaan-17 and Zincol-16) in sand culture under glasshouse conditions. Zinc-free Hoagland nutrients solution was used to irrigate the wheat plants. As a result, 50 mg kg-1 of Zn from ZnO was identified as the highest critical level for wheat growth. Using the critical level (50 mg kg-1 of Zn), the selected ZSB strains were inoculated alone and in consortium to the seed of wheat, with and without the use of ZnO, in sterilized sand culture. The ZSB inoculation in consortium without ZnO resulted in improved shoot length (14%), shoot fresh weight (34%), and shoot dry weight (37%); with ZnO root length (116%), it saw root fresh weight (435%), root dry weight (435%), and Zn content in the shoot (1177%) as compared to the control. Wadaan-17 performed better on growth attributes, while Zincol-16 had 5% more shoot Zn concentration. The present study concluded that the selected bacterial strains show the potential to act as ZSB and are highly efficient bio-inoculants to combat Zn deficiency, and the inoculation of these strains in consortium performed better in terms of growth and Zn solubility for wheat as compared to individual inoculation. The study further concluded that 50 mg kg-1 Zn from ZnO had no negative impact on wheat growth; however, higher concentrations hampered wheat growth.

Embedded AI for Wheat Yellow Rust Infection Type Classification

Wheat is the most important and dominating crop in Pakistan in terms of production and acreage, which is grown on 37% of the cultivated area, accounting for 70% of the total production. However, wheat yield is highly affected by stripe rust, which is considered the most devastating fungal disease, causing 5.5 million tonnes of loss per year globally. In order to minimize this loss, the accurate and timely detection of rust disease is crucial instead of manual inspection. Towards this end, we propose a system to detect wheat rust disease and classify its infection types into four classes, including healthy, resistant, moderate (moderately resistant to moderately susceptible), and susceptible. The wheat rust dataset is collected indigenously from the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. A pre-trained U <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> Net model is used to remove the background and extract the leaf containing the rust disease. Subsequently, two deep learning classifiers, including the Xception model and ResNet-50 are applied to classify the stripe rust severity levels, where the ResNet-50 model outperformed with the highest accuracy of 96%. This research presents a comparison between two state-of-the-art deep learning classifiers in terms of accuracy, memory utilization, and prediction time, which will assist the research community in selecting the most appropriate model for plant disease detection. Moreover, to assess the external validity, the performance of these classifiers is compared with the existing technique using a publicly available dataset, which confirms the validity of the results. Additionally, an intelligent edge computing rust detection device has been developed, where the trained ResNet-50 model is deployed, which facilitates the farmers to monitor the rust attack. The proposed research is aimed to assist the agricultural community to employ preventive measures in a site-specific manner based on the accurate diagnosis of rust disease & its severity, which is intended to improve the quality of the wheat as well as production.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NATURAL FLORA OF THE UNDERSTORY OF THE RUBBER PLANTATIONS IN SOUTHERN COTE D’IVOIRE: CASE OF THE RUBBER PLANTATIONS OF THE CNRA ANGUEDEDOU

Objective: The study was conducted in the rubber plantations of the National Agricultural Research Centre (CNRA) of Anguédédou in the south of Côte d'Ivoire, to characterize the natural biodiversity of the undergrowth of rubber plantations, through the floristic composition and the evolution of the number of species according to the age of the plantations. Methodology and results: The methodology focused on the surface inventory. Thus, 36 surveys of 20 m x 10 m, or 200 m², were installed and inventoried through the rubber plantations of different age classes ([1 to 5 years], [6 to 10 years], [11 to 20 years] and [21 to 40 years]), abandoned rubber plantations and secondary forest. Regeneration was evaluated in plots with a 5 m (25 m²) coastline. The results have shown that rubber plantations are rich in 130 natural plant species. With the exception of rubber plantations from 1 to 5 years and especially of abandoned rubber plantations, the influence of this crop on the natural flora is felt in plantations from 6 to 10 years, with only 34 species. However, this flora evolves with the aging of the plantations. In abandoned plantations, 75 species were inventoried with a good presence of endemic species such as Chlamydocarya macrocarpa, Angylocalyx oligophyllus, Chassalia kolly, Mussaenda tristigmatica. There are also some rare and/or endangered species such as Albizia adianthifolia, Baphia nitida, Commelina benghalensis, Culcasia scandens, Gloriosa superba, Greenwayodendron suaveolens, Millettia zechiana and Milicia excelsa. The floristic similarity between abandoned rubber plantations and secondary forest, indicates a shift from abandoned rubber plantations to forest formations with high regeneration density, mainly in abandoned plantations. Conclusion and application: The study showed that the impact of rubber culture is felt on the natural flora of young rubber plantations. However, when plantations are abandoned, the environment becomes secondary forest. This investigation deserves to be carried out in other rubber plantations of other ecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire.

Feeding potential and development of &lt;em&gt;Chrysoperla carnea&lt;/em&gt; (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on &lt;em&gt;Paracoccus marginatus&lt;/em&gt; (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under no-choice conditions

Purpose: Considering the predatory effectiveness of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), studies were carried out at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan to determine the feeding potential and developmental period of its larval instars on Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Research Method: Eggs, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus was provided to all three larval instars of C. carnea in a Completely Randomized Design experiment, replicated ten times. Findings: Results indicated that all C. carnea larval instars were found to feed on all P. marginatus stages. Overall mean consumption of C. carnea larvae on P. marginatus eggs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, and adults was 1359.8, 1409.1, 1012.4, 1165.7 and 130.30 individuals, respectively. Third instar C. carnea larvae was more voracious than 2nd and 1st instars. The shortest developmental period (12.40±0.37 days) of C. carnea larvae was recorded on 3rd nymphal instar of P. marginatus. Moreover, C. carnea larvae took 14.90±0.23, 14.00±0.25, 13.10±0.23, and 13.60±0.34 days on eggs, first, second nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus, respectively to complete their development. Originality/value: Therefore, it is suggested that C. carnea should be included as a key component in the integrated management of P. marginatus, especially its 3rd larval instar

Evaluation of oat accessions for different agronomic traits under agro-climatic conditions of narc Islamabad

Oat is one of the most commonly planted forages and a significant component of crop rotation in a farming system. Keeping in view the importance of oat crop, seven oat accessions were evaluated at National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad during Rabi season 2020-21. Randomized complete block design with three replications with row to row distance 30 cm was maintained for sowing the aforementioned oat accessions. Significant variation was observed for all the studied traits except plant height and leaves tiller-1. Highest mean values were observed for Jasper and Local Saryab for number of tillers plant-1 whereas Jasper was found to have maximum values for leaf area tiller-1 and leaf area index as well. Maximum flag leaf area was displayed by accession PP2-LV65 while the highest plant height was achieved by accession Local DIK. Maximum leaves tiller-1 was exhibited by S. 2000 while Local T.Jam achieved maximum green fodder yield and maximum dry matter yield t/ha. On the basis of high values for green fodder and dry matter yield Local T.Jam can be used for onward use for variety development.

TALBINAH-21: PAKISTAN’S FIRST HULL-LESS, HIGH YIELDING AND LODGING TOLERANT BARLEY VARIETY

Talbinah-21, a first hull-less barley variety was prepared at Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad Punjab-Pakistan during 2021 and released for irrigated and moisture stress areas of Punjab as well. The proposed genotype with parental AGER/2*PETUNIA 1 with pedigree CBSW01WM00121T-0TOPY-4M-1Y-1M-1Y-OM-0AP was earmarked due to promising hull-less line and selected from the exotic breeding materials ‘’International Naked Barley Yield Trial (INBYT)’’ during 2014-15. This trial was received from International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), Terbol, Lebanon, through National Wheat Coordinator, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. Although, the yield performance was not up to the mark with respect to local check Jau-83, but the Entry No 12 expressed itself a promising hull-less line and acclimatised completely well among all 25 entries in the said trials.&#x0D;  So, keeping in view the expressivity of the line, it was added and evaluated with the variety code of B-15006 for yield performance in regular yield trial for one year during 2015-16 and in Provincial Uniform Barley Yield Trial (PUBYT) for continuous two years during 2016-17 to 2017-18. It performed better than commercial check variety of Haider-93 by 3.78% more yield in regular yield trial and 22.41 and 8.04% high grain yield in provincial trials during both years. In national uniform barley yield trial, the purposed hull-less line also excelled the yield than the check variety by 1.72% in 2018-19 and 12.9% in 2019-20. It performed also best under rainfed areas by giving 3.76% more yield than the check during 2017-18 and 23% during 2018-19.&#x0D; Disease, infestation was also found resistant. The seed is amber in colour with shape of elliptical. Protein content in the proposed genotype is ranging from 12-14.4% while thousand grain weight was found from 37-40 gram. It was found lodging tolerant and shattering resistant. The mentioned genotype (Talbinah-21) was approved in 2021 by Punjab Seed Council (PSC) for different ecological zones across the province for general cultivation.

Wheat Varietal Response to Relative SPAD Index (RSI) and Relative Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (RNDVI) under Variable Nitrogen Application and Terminal Heat Stress along with Yield Repercussion

Nitrogen (N) deficiency and heat stress (HS) are major abiotic stresses that affect the quantity and quality of wheat grains. This study was conducted to examine wheat varietal response to RSI and RNDVI at the anthesis stage and their relationship to yield and yield-related traits under variable N supply and terminal heat stress. Twelve wheat varieties were evaluated in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. The experiment was divided into three sets, i.e., N120 (120 kg N/ha), N60 (60 kg N/ha) and N0 (0 kg N/ha), based on the nitrogen fertilizer application. The physiological and yield-related parameters were recorded. Mean grain yield for all twelve varieties, averaged from two years of data, ranged between 1655.0 and 3890.1 kg/ha. Maximum RSI (0.99), RNDVI (1.03) and GY (3890.9 kg/ha) were recorded for FSD-08, while AARI-11 showed minimum RSI (0.50), RNDVI (0.56) and GY (1396.40 kg/ha). In the present study, mean CTD was lower, at N0 (3.57 °C), followed by N60 (5.07 °C) and N120 (5.47 °C) on average for the two years of data. The strong positive correlation of RSI and RNDVI with grain yield at R2 = 0.73 and R2 = 0.49 suggest that these parameters can be used as efficient and precise selection criteria for identifying nitrogen-use-efficient wheat varieties under terminal heat-stress conditions. This work will help the researchers to identify and develop nitrogen-use-efficient and thermos-tolerant wheat cultivars by minimizing the negative impacts of heat stress at the anthesis stage.

Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) rearing on artificial feed with Chrysoperla carnea predation (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

S. litura was reared on artificial meals in a controlled laboratory setting at 26.1°C, 16:8 h L:D, and 65.5% RH at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) in Islamabad, Pakistan, to evaluate its premature, mature adult stage characteristics and predation by C. cornea. On the artificial diet, the results for various parameters, including total larval duration (19.1 days, 45 percent), pre-pupal period (3.4 days, 92 percent), pupal period (7.05 days, 83 percent), and total immature duration from eggs to adult stage (33.4 days, 33 percent), as well as percent survival rate, were recorded. On a corn-based artificial diet, data on the pre-oviposition period (2.4 days), oviposition period (5.4 days), post-oviposition period (1.63 days), female fecundity (1366 eggs), and adult longevity (8.66 days) of mature stages of S. litura were collected. When supplied as prey, the predator's biological parameters and predatory capacity, C. carnea, were tested on two stages of S. litura (eggs and 1st instar larvae). The studies indicated that the prey significantly affected the total larval duration, immature duration, and % survival rate. The entire larval period was greatly minimized when C. carnea was offered eggs of S. litura for feeding. Additionally, higher % survival and fecundity were observed feeding with S. litura eggs, followed by 1st instar larvae. C. carnea consumed 443 S. litura eggs and 395 S. litura larvae during its larval development. Daily consumption of C. carnea larvae reached a maximum of 73 eggs and 53 1st instar larvae of S. litura. Comparatively, C. carnea larvae recorded maximum egg predation compared to 1st instar larvae of S. litura and the shorter developmental period when eggs were offered as prey. Moreover, 3rd instar larvae of C. carnea were found more voracious than early instars.

English

‘Markaz-2019’ is a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar developed and released by the wheat breeding program at the Crop Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2019. The cultivar was approved by the Punjab Seed Council of Pakistan in its 51st meeting (19th September 2019) held at the Punjab Seed Corporation, Lahore, Pakistan. Markaz-2019 is of known pedigree “SOKOLL//FRTL/2*PIFED”, derived and selected from the 19th Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trial (SAWYT) entry number (332) from CIMMYT during 2011–2012. Following evaluation of this candidate, ‘NR-449’ was used as candidate line for five growing seasons at NARC-Islamabad and in multi-location trials and then was officially named as Markaz-2019. Trials were conducted under rainfed conditions and grain yield and quality parameters such as grain color, size and 1000-grain weight were tested. This cultivar is a medium height wheat (107 cm) with semi-erect growth habit, stiff and hollow stem, medium to high grain volume weight in kilogram/ hectoliter (78.7 kg/hL), medium maturity (160 days), medium to high grain protein (151 g kg-1) and flour protein concentration (151 and 105 g kg-1). Markaz-2019 was released for its high yield, (ranging from 4500 kg ha-1 to 6050 kg ha-1), its improved resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis var. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina) and tolerance to drought. Its grain yield was significantly higher than check cultivars, and therefore recommended for cultivation in rainfed areas of Pakistan. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Genetic diversity of Brassica rapa germplasm of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan revealed by molecular markers

Brassica species commonly known as rapeseed are the second largest oil yielding crop of Pakistan and belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This scientific investigation was carried out to explore the genetic diversity of Brassica rapa from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. Seeds of Brassica rapa L. genotypes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were collected from Plant Genetic Research Institute (PGRI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad Pakistan. CTAB method was used for the extraction of DNA from leaf samples. SSR and ISSR markers were used to explore the genetic diversity and cluster analysis was used for data analysis. Out of 6 SSR markers, Ra2E11 and Na10-E02 showed maximum genetic diversity while Ra2-E07, Ra2-D04, and Na10-D03 showed moderate diversity while Ra2-E01 showed minimum genetic diversity. Among the elected genotypes 026503 (Bhimber), 026514 (Kotli), 026510 (Kotli) and 026539 (Bagh) showed maximum diversity with 6 SSR markers. From 10 ISSR markers ISSR 888 and ISSR 5 showed highest number of bands (7). ISSR 3, ISSR 5, ISSR 888 showed maximum genetic diversity among mustard genotypes, while ISSR 887 and ISSR 840 showed no results and ISSR 2, ISSR 4, ISSR 80, ISSR 811, ISSR 889 showed moderate diversity. Among the selected genotypes 026557 showed maximum diversity with ISSR markers. Based upon the present studies the genotypes 026503, 026514, 026510, 026539 and 026557 had been recognised as probable most significant genotypes which could be used in future plant breeding program.

Addition to the knowledge of Tribe Chlaeniini Brull, 1834 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Pakistan.

A series of fieldwork events were conducted for the collection of Carabidae specimens in different regions of Pakistan from 201418. The fieldwork yielded 378 specimens belonging to tribe Chlaeniini Brull, 1834. Fieldwork collections were supplemented by the Coleoptera collections of repositories including Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad; National Insect Museum, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad and the Natural History Museum, London. This study resulted in the identification of 32 species and subspecies belonging to three genera (Chlaenius Bonelli, 1810, Harpaglossus Motschulsky, 1858 and Pristomacherus Bates, 1873). Sixteen species have been reported for the first time from Pakistan. A new combination is proposed for the subspecies Callistomimus littoralis littoralis (Motschulsky, 1859) to Pristomachaerus littoralis littoralis (Motschulsky, 1859) comb. nov. (= Callistomimus littoralis littoralis Chaudoir, syn. nov.). An identification key was developed for the species and subspecies of the tribe Chlaeniini from Pakistan.

Influence of Treated Wastewater on the Percentage of Protein Content during Fodder Intercropping

This study aims to explore the potential use of treated wastewater in irrigating fodder crops and its effects on protein contents. A comparison of the protein contents in intercropped fodder plants irrigated with fresh water, and rainfall water, against those irrigated with treated grey water was performed under Palestinian climate conditions. Field experiments with different intercropping mixing ratios were carried out in 2017–2019 at the National Agricultural Research Centre in Palestine (NARC). Measurements of the nutritional value of each mixture specifically the protein contents were carried out to get the optimal and best conditions for preparing animal feed crops with three different water sources used. For alfalfa with vetch, the best result for protein percentages was (on average) obtained from the rain-fed experiment (17.1% protein) followed by the freshwater experiment (12.9% protein) and then by the treated grey-water experiment (12.6% protein). It appears that the best result for alfalfa with barley for protein percentages was (on average) obtained from the treated grey-water experiment (13.0% protein) followed by the freshwater experiment (11.1% protein) and then by the rain-fed experiment (10.5% protein). Statistical analysis of the data showed that percent protein for each specific mixing ratio resulted in significant differences in the protein % for the those irrigated with fresh water compared with the other types of water. The highest protein % was found to be for that irrigated with fresh water (31.9 for 10/90 alfalfa/barley ratio) followed by that irrigated with treated grey water (28.4 for 20/80 alfalfa/barley ratio) and then for the 30/70 ratio irrigated with treated wastewater (22.5%), and then for the 100/0 ratio of alfalfa/barley irrigated with rainwater (19.0). Overall, results of this study showed that cereal-legume intercropping irrigated with treated grey water can be used as a suitable management strategy for producing high-quality and high-quantity forage. Furthermore, the use of treated water can reduce the already strained demand on fresh water due to increase in population among other factors.

Influence of Manganese on Nutrient Uptake in Rice Plants under Saline Conditions

Salinity-induced nutritional disorders adversely affect the performance of crops. The consequence of salinity disorders may result on nutrient availability, competitive uptake, transport or partitioning within the plants. Present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Mn application on nutrient uptake contributing to the salinity tolerance of the rice. A hydroponic experiment was carried out in National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, on two rice varieties. Three NaCl salt concentrations, namely 0, 25, 50 mmol were used. Manganese sulphate was used for foliar and root application with four concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 mg Mn L-1). Salinity decreased the uptake of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn in both applications methods while application of Mn increased the uptake of almost all the investigated macro and micronutrients. Root applications of Mn and foliar application methods were compared where root application method was found better for most of the nutrient uptake. Interaction effect i.e salinity × Mn treatment × methods of application was significant. The results showed that Mn application can improve the nutrient uptake capability contributing to the salinity tolerance in rice.