Punjab Region Research Articles

Efficacy of nano-zinc oxide and iron oxide formulations on shelf life of strawberry

The research investigates the transformative impact of nano-zinc oxide and iron oxide formulations on prolonging the shelf life of strawberries. A total of 16 distinct treatments were applied through foliar application, and a nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (FeO) formulations were administered. Each square meter received 42 ml of the solution in triplicate, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the formulations' impact on shelf-life enhancement. Notably, the combined application of ZnO and FeO NPs at 150 mg/l, specifically T15 (Z3F3), exhibited superior effectiveness in preserving the crop. T11 (Z2F2), featuring 100 mg/l ZnO and 100 mg/l FeO, closely trailed T15, showcasing significant improvements in parameters such as ascorbic acid content (49.66 mg/100g), and anthocyanin content (39.82 mg/l), etc. at nine days after harvesting. Besides this, TSS (7.25 obrix) in T14 and acidity (0.65%) in T5 and T9 at nine days intervals. These findings advancing the strawberry preservation methods in the agriculture and food industries and establishes the superiority of simultaneous applications of nano-formulations in T15 (150 mg/l ZnO + 150 mg/l FeO) and T11 (100 mg/l ZnO + 100 mg/l FeO). These formulations emerge as optimal solutions for extending the shelf life of strawberry fruits, particularly the Cv. Winter Dawn under Punjab Region, India, and could implement in similar climatic condition around world.

Exploring clinical specialists’ perspectives on the future role of AI: evaluating replacement perceptions, benefits, and drawbacks

Background of studyOver the past few decades, the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surged in popularity, and its application in the medical field is witnessing a global increase. Nevertheless, the implementation of AI-based healthcare solutions has been slow in developing nations like Pakistan. This unique study aims to assess the opinion of clinical specialists on the future replacement of AI, its associated benefits, and its drawbacks in form southern region of Pakistan.Material and methodsA cross-sectional selective study was conducted from 140 clinical specialists (Surgery = 24, Pathology = 31, Radiology = 35, Gynecology = 35, Pediatric = 17) from the neglected southern Punjab region of Pakistan. The study was analyzed using χ2 - the test of association and the nexus between different factors was examined by multinomial logistic regression.ResultsOut of 140 respondents, 34 (24.3%) believed hospitals were ready for AI, while 81 (57.9%) disagreed. Additionally, 42(30.0%) were concerned about privacy violations, and 70(50%) feared AI could lead to unemployment. Specialists with less than 6 years of experience are more likely to embrace AI (p = 0.0327, OR = 3.184, 95% C.I; 0.262, 3.556) and those who firmly believe that AI knowledge will not replace their future tasks exhibit a lower likelihood of accepting AI (p = 0.015, OR = 0.235, 95% C.I: (0.073, 0.758). Clinical specialists who perceive AI as a technology that encompasses both drawbacks and benefits demonstrated a higher likelihood of accepting its adoption (p = 0.084, OR = 2.969, 95% C.I; 0.865, 5.187).ConclusionClinical specialists have embraced AI as the future of the medical field while acknowledging concerns about privacy and unemployment.

Tillage and nutrient-management practices for improving productivity and soil physico-chemical properties in maize (Zea mays)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system under rainfed conditions in Kandi region of Punjab

Tillage and nutrient-management practices for improving productivity and soil physico-chemical properties in maize (Zea mays)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system under rainfed conditions in Kandi region of Punjab

Effect of Different Organic Manures on Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Production in Central Region of Punjab, India

The present investigation was carried out at Experimental Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India during summer season, 2018. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and fourteen treatments having basal dose of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 except in control. The present study was done to find out the effect of different levels of organic manures i.e. poultry manure and vermi-compost on the production of the chilli (Capsicum annuum L.).All the growth parameter i.e. plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering and yield attributes such as number of fruits plant-1, average fresh fruit weight (g), fruit length (mm), fruit breadth (mm), yield plant-1(g) were found maximum in treatment 12 (T12) which was carried out at 25% FYM+25% Poultry manure+50% Vermi-compostamong all the treatments which was statistically at par with treatment T14(50% Poultry manure+25% FYM+25% Vermi-compost) and T2 (RDF @ N-75, P-30, K-30 kg ha-1) in most of the attributes but the control (T0)shown the poor results in all the attributes. These results suggested that the optimum production of chilli can be obtained with application of 25% FYM+25% Poultry manure+50% Vermi-compost.

Analysis of Eating Disorders and Social Media Impact on health

Background: The proliferation of social media has significantly altered how individuals perceive body image and manage eating behaviors, leading to increased concern regarding the potential exacerbation of eating disorders. This study explores the intricate relationship between social media usage and the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. Objective: This study aims to determine the impact of social media on the health outcomes of individuals, specifically focusing on the development and intensification of eating disorder symptoms. It seeks to understand the role social media plays in shaping body image perceptions and eating behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the regions of Punjab and Sindh, involving 550 participants over the age of 18 who were regular users of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok. Standardized questionnaires and interviews were utilized to collect data on social media usage habits, eating behaviors, body image perception, and mental health status. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v27.0, employing correlation and regression techniques to examine the associations between social media exposure and symptoms of eating disorders. Results: The participant group consisted of 65% females and 35% males, with a mean age of 25.6 years. High engagement with social media was noted, with Instagram (80% usage, 2.5 hours/day) and YouTube (85% usage, 2.0 hours/day) being the most popular platforms. Significant correlations were found between social media addiction scores and various domains of eating disorders: restriction (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), binge eating (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), purging (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), and body dissatisfaction (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlations highlighted strong interrelationships among different eating disorder behaviors and social media addiction, indicating a pervasive influence across all examined aspects. Conclusion: The study confirms a significant association between social media usage and the exacerbation of eating disorder symptoms. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy body image and eating behaviors on social media platforms.

Do Authentic Leadership And Organizational Citizenship Behavior Affect The Relationship Between Talent Management And Job Performance Among Teachers Of Private Sector Universities, Pakistan

The purpose of the research was to determine how talent management, authentic leadership, organizational citizenship behavior, and job performance are connected to one another. This research also looked at the link between talent management and job performance and the mediating roles that authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behavior play. Using the Organizational Citizenship Behaviour scale (Podsakoff, MacKenzie, Moorman, & Fetter, 1990), the Authentic Leadership scale (Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing, & Peterson, 2008), the Job Performance scale (Goodman and Svyantek, 1999), and the talent management scale (Human Capital Institute, 2008), data were gathered from 539 teachers working in private institutions in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochestan, Punjab, and Sindh. According to the findings, there was a positive correlation between TM and AL (r =.496), TM and OCB (r =.391), and [1]TM and JP (r =.235). Additionally, a strong positive correlation between OCB and JP (r =.274) and AL and JP (r =.357) was also verified by the data. The inclusion of AL and OCB as mediators resulted in a drop in the regression coefficient of TM's impact on JP from 0.43 to 0.18. Therefore, the connection between TM and JP was partly mediated by AL and OCB.

Prevalence of haemoparasites infection in diseased bovine and canine of Bhatinda district of Punjab, India.

Infections caused by tick-borne haemoparasites pose a significant global threat to both human and animal health. Within this category, various haemoparasites species belonging to genera like Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Ehrlichia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Theileria sp., are particularly concerning due to their ability to cause diseases in a wide range of hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The present cross-sectional study involving 580 animals provides annual insights into the prevalence of major haemoparasites infections in the Bathinda region of Punjab. The observed trends indicate that haemoparasites infections were most common in cattle, followed by buffalo and canines. Risk factor analysis revealed that crossbreed cattle were more susceptible to infection, with a prevalence of 35.73% (95% CI 4.28-45.17). Amongst the cattle, adults exhibited a higher vulnerability to haemoparasites infections, with a prevalence of 35.89% (95% CI 5.50-33.64). Conversely, companion animals showed the opposite pattern, with a prevalence of 18.18% (95% CI 9.11-169.27). Furthermore, female dogs had a higher risk of haemoparasites infection, with a prevalence of 16.28% (95% CI 8.36-218.7). In light of these findings, it is imperative to emphasize early diagnosis, prompt antiprotozoals drug treatment, and effective control of tick vectors for the successful recovery of animals afflicted by haemoparasites infections.

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Phytochemical potential and GC–MS analysis of propolis from Punjab region of India

Propolis is a beehive product produced from honeybees by mixing β-glycosidase enzyme and beeswax with exudate collected from plant resins. The main goal of this study was to investigate the phytochemical potential and GC–MS profiling of the main constituents of propolis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were analysed by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Methanolic extract exhibited highest antioxidant activities, ethanolic extract had the highest total phenolic content, and maximum amount of flavonoid was observed in the chloroform extract. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Results revealed that propolis from Derra Bassi can be used as natural antioxidant, also extracting solvents had a significant impact on the phytochemical activities and with its standardisation can be used for prevention of diseases related with free radicals.

Seeds of Change: Assessing Wheat Knowledge and Socio-profile in Rural Areas of Kharar, Tehsil of Punjab, India

This study investigates the socio-profile status, agricultural practices, and knowledge acquisition among farmers in rural villages of the Punjab region, India. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from farmers residing in five villages through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The demographic analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with a significant proportion falling within the 40-60 years age bracket, highlighting the maturity of the farming population. Educational attainment varied, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance access to higher education and vocational training programs. Findings indicated a high prevalence of smartphone usage among farmers, presenting opportunities for leveraging digital technology in agricultural extension services. Family compositions leaned towards nuclear families, while landholding patterns showcased the varied socio-profile landscape within the farming community. Peer networks and institutional support emerged as significant sources of agricultural information, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in knowledge dissemination. A notable increase in knowledge was observed among farmers after video presentations on wheat varieties, highlighting the efficacy of multimedia approaches in agricultural education. The study aimed to assess the impact of a video presentation on wheat cultivation on farmers' knowledge. Data from 60 farmers showed significant improvements in various aspects of wheat cultivation knowledge, including identifying suitable wheat varieties, understanding sowing and harvesting timing, and recognizing common wheat diseases. The mean percentage increase in knowledge was 103%, indicating the effectiveness of the educational program. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods. Continued support and education efforts are essential for sustaining and enhancing these positive outcomes. However, the preference for sowing previous year's seeds over newly released varieties indicates the persistence of traditional practices and the need for targeted interventions to promote varietal adoption. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design context-specific interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring food security for rural populations in the Punjab region and beyond.

Inventorizations of Angiosperm Flora of Malwa Region of Punjab, India with Particular References to Weed Diversity of Kharif Crops

Inventorizations of Angiosperm Flora of Malwa Region of Punjab, India with Particular References to Weed Diversity of Kharif Crops

Assessment Metrics: Insights into Students’ Perceptions across Higher Education Institutions

In every facet of educational practices, assessment is recognized as a driving force, and students' views on it serve as a crucial measure of its overall effectiveness. The current quantitative research pursuit primarily aims to determine how the assessment metrics affect students’ perceptions studying in higher education institutions. The study represents a population of 41,427 from seven public sector higher education institutions conveniently selected throughout the various regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Through a random sampling, the study examined students' experiences amongst a total of 1324 students, which were composed of 485 male participants and 839 female participants, for a better understanding of phenomena. The survey was conducted with the use of the Students’ Perceptions of Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), which was a specifically designed tool for gathering data about students' experiences with assessment metrics. The investigation used descriptive techniques like means and ANOVA tests to analyze the students’ views on the assessments. The results showed notable differences in the way students from different higher education institutions perceive the suitability, clarity, and fairness of certain assessment methods. These insights are significant for the key stakeholders and policymakers in the process of upgrading assessment strategies and ensuring fair and authentic practices in academics.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infection and its Associated Risk factors in Pregnant Women Visiting Hospitals of Southern Punjab

Background: Hepatitis B and C infections remain formidable challenges to global health, with significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially among pregnant women. These infections pose substantial risks not only to the infected individuals but also to their unborn children, due to the potential for vertical transmission. In Pakistan, particularly in the Southern Punjab region, the prevalence and impact of these infections demand rigorous investigation to inform public health strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections among pregnant women visiting selected hospitals in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and to identify associated risk factors, thereby contributing to the formulation of targeted intervention strategies. Methods: Employing an analytical cross-sectional design, this study involved 422 pregnant women from the outpatient departments of Gynecology at Nishtar Hospital, Shahbaz Sharif Hospital in Multan, and Bismillah Medical Complex in Kahror Pacca, between December 1, 2023, and March 5, 2024. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Hepatitis B and C seropositivity was determined through specific serological tests. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on the prevalence rates and the identification of major and minor risk factors for the transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Results: The study found an 8.3% prevalence rate for Anti-HCV and a 5.2% prevalence rate for HBsAg among the participants. Notable risk factors included ear or nose piercings, history of blood transfusions, and previous cesarean sections. Socio-demographic analysis revealed higher rates of infection among participants with lower educational levels, those residing in rural areas, and among certain age groups and parity statuses. Conclusion: The observed prevalence rates of Hepatitis B and C infections among pregnant women in Southern Punjab highlight the critical need for enhanced screening programs, targeted vaccination initiatives, and comprehensive education campaigns to mitigate the risk of vertical transmission and reduce the burden of these infections.

Mycological surveys reveal two new species of genus Lepiota (Agaricaceae) from the semi-arid climatic region of Punjab, Pakistan

Mycological surveys reveal two new species of genus Lepiota (Agaricaceae) from the semi-arid climatic region of Punjab, Pakistan

Climate Change and Water Security Scenario of an Agrarian Locale in Upper Punjab

Climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and water-related hazards as rising temperatures disrupt precipitation patterns and the entire water cycle. Water is crucial for all types of living creatures; therefore, its availability and quality are important for humans, too. However, water-related issues have increased all over the world, and people are facing more difficulties than in the past. Water scarcity is the most obvious issue, which results from the imbalance between water demand and supply. It has numerous negative effects on community health and societal development. This study was undertaken in the agriculturally oriented rural locale of district Rawalpindi in Pothwar, region of Punjab, Pakistan. The study primarily assessed the magnitude of water scarcity and, further investigated the impact of water scarcity on the health of the local community and looked into the problems faced by women and children. A sample size of one hundred respondents was selected using the probability technique of Simple Random Sampling. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in collecting and analyzing data for this field research. The major sources of water in the locale are distant natural wells. The research indicated that local inhabitants faced many difficulties in tapping distant natural water resources to meet their daily needs. Water is generally stored in plastic drums and plastic tanks, but some local people have also constructed underground concrete tanks. The water used for drinking and meeting various others' needs is contaminated, impure, unclean and hard. As a consequence, several diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, kidney disorders and jaundice are common in the locale inhabitants because of water scarcity, which forces the people to use water from contaminated resources. Further, they have to bear expenses on the disease treatment, and spend extra money for fetching water.

Spatial distribution and source identification of metal contaminants in soil and rice grain samples: a study on exploration of soil quality and risk assessment.

The present study aims to assess soil quality and potential health risks associated with soil pollution of the Batala region of Punjab, India. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH (6.69-7.43), electrical conductivity (0.17-0.33 mS/cm), and total organic carbon (1.01-5.94%) were observed to be within permissible limits. The maximum mean content (mg/kg) of heavy metals in soil was found as Fe (4060.93), Zn (444.33), Mn (278.5), Pb (23.16), Cu (21.78), Ni (20.16), Co (7.14), and Cd (1.85) which were below the prescribed limits but beyond the geochemical background limits of world soil. For rice grain samples, metal content (mg/kg) was seen as Fe (307.01) > Zn (12.41) > Mn (7.43) > Cu (4.57) and was below the permissible limits. The mean bioaccumulation factor for various metals was in the order as Zn > Cu > Fe > Mn. Single and integrated soil pollution indices revealed that among 18 sites, six were highly contaminated. The ecological risk index (Er) has shown that contamination of soil with Cd, Zn, and Ni was higher than that of other metals studied. The estimated daily intake of metal (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were higher for children than those for adults. Spatial variability based on metal pollution load and soil quality was also determined using cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). During CA, soil samples from 18 sites formed three statistically significant clusters based on the level of metal pollution at the specific site. PCA showed that all variables were reduced into two main components 1 and 2 with eigenvalues as 3.82 (47% variance) and 1.53 (19.7% variance), respectively.

Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to varying levels of irrigation and nitrogen under trickle fertigation

An experiment was conducted during 2022 and 2023 at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to 3 irrigation levels [I1, 70%; I2, 85% and I3, 100% of IWR] and 3 nitrogen fertilization levels [N1, 70%; N2, 85% and N3, 100% of RDN] in split plot design. On individual effect basis, the fruit yield first increased with the increase in amount of applied irrigation water in I2 (95.6 t/ha) and then decreased in I3 (93.5 t/ha). Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was the highest in I2 (3.73 t/ha-cm). Plant growth, tomato yield and IWUE were significantly higher in N2 than that were found in N1 and N3. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreased with increasing nitrogen levels (N2 and N3) but it increased with increasing amount of water applied (I3). The treatments having deficit irrigation level as I1 and I2, significantly enhanced the lycopene content (27 to 33 µg/g) and reduced the nitrate content (74 to 95 mg/kg) in the fruit over full irrigation level I3. Nitrate content was highest in N3 (100 mg/kg). Among all the combination of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization levels the interaction of I2N2 (85% of IWR and RDN) was found the best to grow the drip-irrigated tomato crop. This combination gave optimum plant growth (87.5 cm), fruit yield (100 t/ha), IWUE (3.93 t/ha-cm), NUE (0.79 t/kg) and good quality fruit. The findings can be utilized for irrigation planning and nitrogen management in tomato cultivation and to conserve available fresh water resources in water scare regions of Punjab. In order to promote trickle fertigation at village level, the awareness programs for farmers could be conducted.

The Impact of Anthropogenic Activities and Water Pollution on the Fish Diversity and Ecosystem Health of the Chenab River in the Punjab Region of Pakistan

Background: The Chenab River, a major waterway in the Punjab region, is subject to various anthropogenic activities that threaten its ecological integrity. Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urbanization have altered the water quality and affected the river's fish diversity, raising concerns about the long-term health of the river's ecosystem and its implications for human health. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the impact of human activities and water pollution on fish diversity and ecosystem health in the Chenab River. It sought to identify significant pollutants and assess their correlations with ecological indicators. Methods: A comprehensive quantitative analysis was conducted using secondary data spanning ten years. Descriptive statistics were calculated for various environmental parameters, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, urbanization rate, water pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and concentrations of heavy metals, nitrates, and phosphates. Correlation and regression analyses were employed to explore the relationships between these parameters and fish species richness and abundance. Results: The study revealed a mean industrial discharge of 584.43 tonnes and agricultural runoff of 290.82 tonnes. Water quality parameters fluctuated with a mean pH of 7.65 and dissolved oxygen levels averaging 8.38 mg/L. Fish species richness exhibited a mean of 49.30 with a standard deviation of 20.842, while fish abundance had a mean of 3089.16 with a standard deviation of 1256.84. Regression analysis showed dissolved oxygen as a significant predictor of fish abundance (p = .051), whereas turbidity and heavy metals had a negative impact, though not statistically significant (p = .100 and p = .092, respectively). Conclusion: The Chenab River's fish diversity and ecosystem health are influenced by anthropogenic pollution, with dissolved oxygen emerging as a critical factor for maintaining fish populations. The findings suggest a need for targeted environmental regulations to improve water quality and protect aquatic life, which is inextricably linked to human health and livelihoods.

Evaluation of Cadmium and Copper Levels in Food Chain Under Arid Regions of Punjab, Pakistan

Evaluation of Cadmium and Copper Levels in Food Chain Under Arid Regions of Punjab, Pakistan

Effect of calcium and magnesium nutrition on vegetative growth and tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum)

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate on the growth and tuber yield in potato (Solanum tuberosum L). Experiment was carried out in split-plot design comprising of nine calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate treatments i.e.T1- Ca(NO3)2 @ 0.5%, T2- Ca(NO3)2 @ 1%, T3- Ca(NO3)2 @ 2%, T4- MgSO4 @ 0.5%, T5- MgSO4 @ 1%, T6- MgSO4 @ 2%, T7- Ca(NO3)2 @ 1% + MgSO4 @ 1%, T8- Ca(NO3)2 @ 2% + MgSO4 @ 2%, T9- Control on two potato varieties i.e. Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Chandramukhi. Data collected on different parameters were analyzed using CPCS1 software. Among all the calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate treatments, application of Ca(NO3)2 @ 2% + MgSO4 @ 2% was found to be the best for most of the parameters studied and between the varieties Kufri Jyoti was found highly significant for the different parameters under study. Hence it can be concluded that commercial cultivation of potato in the central region of Punjab can be successfully supplemented with application of Ca (NO3)2 + MgSO4 and variety Kufri Jyoti.