Plant Bulletin (P. Bulletin) is open access, peer-reviewed journal that published the accepted articles in minimum time after acceptance. The publications covered by P. Bulletin are research manuscripts as well as commissioned reviews, method papers (technical papers), and commentaries recommended by its referees in all areas of experimental plant biology with an emphasis in the broad areas of, genomics, proteomics, biochemistry (including enzymology), physiology, cell biology, development, plant pathology, agronomy, horticulture, entomology, forestry, genetics, molecular analysis, functional plant breeding, systems biology and the interaction of plants with the environment.
Integrative Screening of Maize Genotypes for Heat Tolerance Based on Biomass, NDVI, and Cell Membrane Thermostability Traits
Heat stress is a major threat to sustainable maize production especially during the spring season as high temperature causes tassel blast, pollen sterility, poor seed setting and barren cobs. The adoption of heat stress mitigation strategies is the pre-requisite to reduce income risks for farmers and to ensure food security under changing climatic scenarios. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize maize germplasm under heat stress. For this purpose, a set of 125 indigenous inbred lines were screened for key heat-responsive traits i.e., cell membrane thermostability (%), shoot and root weight (g), NDVI and chlorophyll content (SPAD units). Cell membrane integrity is linked to improved chlorophyll synthesis, enhanced photosynthetic activity and higher biomass production under heat stress. The inbred lines DR-02, DR-150, DR-93, DR-139, EL-147, EL-234, and EL-36 were selected as heat tolerant, and EL-267, EL-94 and UML-1 were selected as heat sensitive lines. Incorporation of the identified heat-tolerant maize inbred lines with high cell membrane thermostability (CMT) and other key traits together could be valuable for developing future climate-resilient maize cultivars.
Maize, Heat stress, Cell Membrane Thermostability, Heat tolerance
Copyright (c) 2026 Babar Farid, Muhammad Abu Bakar Saddique, Muhammad Hammad Nadeem Tahir, Waseem Akbar, Aamar Shehzad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Screening of Advanced Chickpea Genotypes for Resistance to Ascochyta Blight under Field and Controlled Conditions
Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei ranks the most important foliar disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Pakistan and other important chickpea growing areas. The most sustainable management option is host plant resistance, but screening must be ongoing, as pathogen populations evolve and formerly useful resistance can break down. This chickpea germplasm assessment included 94 advanced chickpea genotypes from the four-breeding series consisting of NKCS, CTD, CTK and CYT. In the 2024-25 Rabi season, we did the field in augmented design with one replication and controlled assessment for Ascochyta blight resistance at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. A disease severity rating was performed with a standardised rating scale of 1–9, after the plants were artificially infected with virulent A. rabiei strains. Genetic variation was widespread in this respect. Under field conditions, 74 genotypes (78.7%) showed resistant reactions, of which 23 were highly resistant (score = 1). Under controlled conditions, 63 (67.0%) maintained resistance. The results of controlled-environment and field screening were positively and strongly correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.799, p < 0.001; R² = 0.638), indicating a significant level of agreement between them. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in mean disease severity among breeding series in both the field (F(3, 90) = 7.17, p < 0.001) and the controlled environment (F(3, 90) = 10.35, p < 0.001).The NKCS field showed the highest severity of 3.85 ± 1.69, while the CYT field showed 2.14 ± 1.49. Sixty-three genotypes were designated as resistant in both screening contexts, demonstrating consistent resistance under the conditions of this investigation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saad Aziz Ajmal, Hafiz Muhammad Asadullah, Umer Iqbal, Muhammad Jawad, Muhammad Aqeel Sarwar, Rana Abdul Samad, Usman Ahmed, Shahid Riaz Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fungal assemblage in the Grewia asiatica phyllosphere and their role in plant development
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Grewia asiatica<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> locally known as Phalsa is an important fruit-bearing plant with diverse associated microbial communities that may influence plant health and physiological performance. Fungi are the eukaryotic microorganisms which are present almost in everywhere. The present study aimed to investigate the diversity of fungal microflora associated with different plant parts of G. asiatica. Fungal microflora were isolated from different parts of G. asiatica including stem, root, fruit, leaf and soil. Further, fungal characterization was carried out to confirm the fungal species. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum falcatum. Molecular identification was further performed using ITS sequencing and phylogenetic analysis which confirmed the evolutionary relationships of the isolated species with reference sequences. A total of eight fungal species belonging mainly to the phylum Ascomycota were isolated, with Aspergillus species showing predominance across most plant parts. Fungal diversity indices revealed higher diversity in soil and stem samples, while leaf samples exhibited the lowest diversity and similarity. Heat map analysis further supported variation in fungal diversity among plant compartments. The effect of the phyllosphere microbial community on photosynthetic pigments was assessed, revealing significantly higher photosynthetic pigment contents in plants treated with the phyllosphere microbial community compared to non-treated plants. Overall, the results indicate that fungal microflora associated with G. asiatica exhibit organ-specific distribution patterns and that the phyllosphere microbial community positively influences chlorophyll content and plant physiological performance
Fungal Characterization, fungal diversity, Grewia asiatica health, Phyllosphere microflora, Phylogenetic analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Umara Mushtaq, Uzma Bashir, Waheed Anwar, Hira Saeed, karamt Ali Zohaib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synergistic influence of plant growth regulators and micronutrients on mitigation of fruit drop and enhancement of physico-chemical characteristics in Kinnow mandarin
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) in conjunction with micronutrients on fruit drop and the physico-chemical characteristics of Kinnow mandarin. The present study used 14 distinct treatments consisting of PGRs and micronutrients at varying doses with control treatment. The results indicated that the higher fruit retention and lowest pea stage, June and preharvest drop was observed in treatment NAA 40 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5% as compared to control treatment. The application of NAA 20 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5% exhibited the higher fruit weight and fruit length while higher fruit breadth and fruit volume was observed in Kinnow fruits treated with 2,4-D 20 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5% as compared to control untreated fruits. Furthermore, fruits treated with NAA 40 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5% demonstrated higher TSS, TA, and ripening index. Similarly, 2,4-D 10 ppm + Borax 0.5% exhibited a highest juice weight, peel weight and rag weight compared to the control treatment. In conclusion among applied treatments, NAA 40 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5%, NAA 20 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5%, 2,4-D 20 ppm + ZnSO4 0.5% and 2,4-D 10 ppm + Borax 0.5% was shown to be the most effective to mitigate fruit drop and enhance the physico-chemical characteristics of Kinnow mandarin.
Copyright (c) 2026 Malik Mohsin Abbas, Sitwat Riaz, Saqib Ayyub, Qamar Shahzad Anjum, Naseem Sharif, Mujahid Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identification and Characterization of Non-aflatoxin Producing Aspergillus Species
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites formed by Aspergillus species, mostly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Among the mycotoxins that contaminate agricultural products, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2 are the most toxic and carcinogenic. Not all species of Aspergillus produce aflatoxins; some strains are non-toxin. It is estimated that about 1.6 billion dollars of the global food crops are thought to be mycotoxin contaminated. AFs contamination in maize grains is 10.0 µg/kg in central Punjab, Pakistan. It is a major global challenge to manage Aspergillus infection, biocontrol methods are most effective and innovative by applying non-aflatoxigenic spores onto the field prior to harvest. The study aimed to estimate the incidence of aflatoxin and to identify non-aflatoxin Aspergillus species in four Tehsils of Multan district. The survey in Multan district revealed varying incidence percentage across tehsils, the highest occurrence of A. flavus (26.21%) was recorded in Tehsil Multan while lowest (13.45%) incidence was found in Tehsil Multan Saddar. The use of CMA, AFPA and PDA media in this study enabled sufficient growth, sporulation and pigmentation, allowing for a thorough identification of aflatoxin and non-aflatoxin producing Aspergillus isolates. A. flavus and A. niger isolates on CMA media under UV light at 365 nm were screened, 19 out of 20 isolates showed blue fluorescence while non-aflatoxigenic A. niger showed none. On AFPA media, A. flavus isolates indicated orange coloration underside their colonies which were aflatoxin producing and A. niger isolate did not show any coloration and considered as non-aflatoxin Aspergillus isolate. While on PDA media, the 7 days old isolates of A. flavus were detected through Ammonia Vapor Test (AVT) with a drop of concentrated ammonia hydroxide turned plum red indicating aflatoxin and A. niger showed no color change and confirmed as non-aflatoxin producing Aspergillus isolate. The use of selective media like CMA and AFPA were effective for morphological identification by distinguishing between aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates when advance tools were accessible. Incorporating non-aflatoxin producing A. niger strain into crop management can reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination, improving food safety and economic stability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hassan Riaz, Shehbaz Sabir, Amna Ikram https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fungal Diseases of Cotton in Pakistan: Trends, Threats, and Strategic Interventions for Sustainable Management
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a vital cash crop and a foundational pillar of Pakistan’s economy, particularly for its textile sector. Despite being among the top cotton producers globally, the country’s cotton yields are persistently hampered by fungal diseases. These pathogens significantly affect cotton throughout its growth stages, resulting in considerable yield losses, fiber degradation, and economic setbacks. This document describes the past and present scenario of cotton fungal diseases in Pakistan, detailing key pathogens, their epidemiology, and transmission. Additionally, the present work integrates recent findings, describes the integrated disease management strategies, examines technical developments, and discusses prevailing challenges. The paper is aimed to outline strategic suggestions for the reduction of disease effects and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Pakistani cotton production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Karamat Ali Zohaib, Sumra Ashraf, Ghzanfar Ali Khan, Beenish Rasheed, Adnan Akhter, Waheed Anwar, Muhammad Taqqi Abbas, Samina Hassan, Alia Batool https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Using Google Teachable Machine for the Classification of Wheat Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust
Wheat rust diseases, particularly leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici), are major biotic stresses in wheat production. The present study applied the deep learning technology of Google Teachable Machine for automatic detection and classification of two of these rust diseases. Images of diseased wheat plants were acquired, preprocessed, and labeled. The MobileNet architecture was used for training the model; thereafter, the performance was evaluated based on achieving 97–98% across accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score on the test set. Data augmentation and adjustment of hyperparameters improved the performance of the model. After training, the model was allowed to be converted into TFLite format for usage on mobile, enabling the detection of the disease in real time during the field visit. This approach has shown that AI could be applied in early detection of crop diseases. This no-code approach highlights potential for accessible early disease detection, though field validation is needed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ammara Arba Awan, Salman Ahmad, Furqan ur Rehman, Muhammad Ehetisham ul Haq, Qamar Anser Tufail Khan, Muhammad Burhan, Hafiz Muhammad Zia Ullah Ghazali, Sumera Naz, Muhammad Makky Javaid, Mumtaz Hussain, Muhammad Rizwan Khurshid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and Validation of an Airflow and Heat Transfer Model for Thin Layer Forced-Air Drying of Plums
Solar drying is an important method of maintaining food security and food quality through safe process of lowering the level of moisture content in Horticultural products. Although it works, one of the major problems is to optimize the process to have the energy efficiency and quality of products. The literature in the past, on plum drying has tended to involve taking the thin-layer models that simplify the convective conditions based on the fact that the mass and heat transfer coefficients are constant. This paper fills this gap by creating a more realistic more physics-based model which combines detailed airflow dynamics with product drying kinetics of forced-air plum drying. In a Completely Randomized Design with three repetitions a whole plum were dried in a chamber that was attached to a flat-plate solar collector under three temperatures (45-65 °C) and three velocities of air (0.1-1.0 ms-1). The maximum moisture loss (2.629 % WB) and moisture diffusivity (1.76 x 10-9 ms-1) was highest at 65d °C and maximum activation energy (46.97 KJ.mol-1) was highest at this temperature. The best model to have explained the drying kinetics was the Modified Page model; (R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 0.08, χ² = 0.62). The findings clearly indicate that the most significant factor which had a statistically significant bearing on moisture removal was temperature, whereas air velocity did not have a significant influence. This proven model is a sound mechanism of optimizing the mechanics of the processes, which allows the development of more effective solar dryers that do not waste energy and at the same time, they are able to maintain the quality of the product.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hussain Yousaf, Inayat Ullah, Ayesha Khan, Adnan Khan, Sanaullah Khan, Muhammad Suleman khan, Aizaz Ali, Abdullah, Baheeya Zaman, Fazal E Wahid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Intercropping Systems on Growth Traits and Yield Components of Chickpea, Linseed, and Wheat
Monocropping and continuous use of exhaustive crop which ultimate result soil degradation such as reduction of soil organic carbon, leaching and loss of nutrient and soil erosion. The intercropping has the potential to reduce soil degradation by leveraging complementarity and resource utilization between different crop species and increase crop productivity and carbon sequestration.A study was designed with the three crops.i.e. wheat, linseed and chickpea with the treatments i.e. T1 (sole wheat), T2 (sole linseed), T3 (sole chickpea), T4 (chickpea-linseed), T5 (chickpea-wheat), T6 (wheat-linseed) and T7 (linseed-chickpea-wheat) in randomized complete design with three replication. The results showed that intercropping concurrently in T4, T6 and T7 has a positive outcome in terms of land utilization and yield advantages by having LER values 1.025, 1.185 and 1.75 respectively. And these treatments have k>1 and positive value of AYL further validate the benefit of cultivating of these crop species together. Conversely, the T5 has no yield and benefit and has inefficiency in land utilization as evident by LER 0.873 & k=0.767 and negative value of AYL. From a statistical standpoint, intercropping has no discernible effect (p<0.05) on vegetative growth characteristics of the individual crops when they are cultivated as intercrops other than the no. of pods/plant in chickpea (P=0.0107). According to the findings of this study, the strategic adoption of diversified intercropping systems, such as combining wheat with linseed, chickpea with linseed or linseed-chickpea-wheat, can play a crucial role in supporting agricultural intensification in areas primarily dominated by smallholder farmers. Moreover, these intercropping systems have the potential to provide ecological advantages and contribute positively to the existing monocropping system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adnan Zahid, Sajid Ali, Ammara Fatima, Muhammad Bilal Chattha, Muhammad Tariq Manzoor, Memoona Aziz, Aamir Shehzad, Ahmad Raza, Nauman Shafqat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Tillage Systems and Legumes-based Intercropping on Soil Health and Cotton Yield
Conservation agriculture practices like zero tillage and legume intercropping promote sustainable crop production and improve soil health. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of conventional and zero tillage methods, nitrogen levels and intercropped legumes on soil health and production of cotton. The treatments for the study included: two tillage systems (conventional and zero), two nitrogen levels [(recommended dose (225 kg ha-1) and 20% reduced dose (180 kg ha-1)] and four cropping systems (sole cotton, cotton + mung bean, cotton + cluster bean and cotton + cowpea). Results revealed that cotton growth was better in the plots under conventional tillage and number of bolls per plant and average boll weight were 7% and 4% higher in conventional tillage plots compared with those of zero tillage plots. Seed cotton yield was 7% higher in the conventional tillage plots compared with the yield of zero tillage plots. There was no major effect of nitrogen levels on soil health parameters while growth and yield of cotton crop and intercropped legumes were better in plots where recommended dose of nitrogen was used. The findings of the study also revealed that mung bean grown as intercrop showed maximum number of pods (37) and yield (231 kg ha-1) and its intercropping resulted in 2% more seed cotton yield than the yield obtained under the plots where sole cotton was grown. Soil health was observed to be improved in the plots under zero tillage and bulk density was 17% less in the zero tillage plots. Meanwhile soil moisture, soil N, P and K contents were 3%, 13%, 9% and 2% higher respectively under zero tillage plots than plots under conventional tillage. This study, along with other conservation agriculture practices, can promote zero tillage and legume intercropping for sustainable farming.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hamza Raheem, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Habib-ur- Rahman, Muhammad Baqir Hussain, Muhammad Mahmood Iqbal, Muhammad Aqeel Sarwar, Zubair Ahmed, Tayyub Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling the incidence and distribution of RNA viruses infecting cucurbit crops in Dera Ghazi Khan Division
The Cucurbitaceae family possesses a prominent position among the horticultural crops. It contains 800 species of herbaceous plants within 120 genera. These crops are vulnerable to several abiotic and biotic stresses, and RNA viruses are the most important biotic constraints. Viruses of the genera Potyvirus, Tobamovirus, Polerovirus, and Cucumovirus cause havoc and losses in cucurbits. They can curtail the yield of cucurbit crops by up to 70%. The proper identification and prevalence of some RNA viruses is still unknown. This study was designed to calculate the identify and calculate the prevalnce of RNA viruses in the Dera Ghazi Khan Division. Surveys were conducted to gather samples, which were then analysed using serological techniques. The disease incidence (DI) was determined based on the samples that tested positive in the ELISA. The combined disease incidence of RNA viruses was 84.37% in the study area. The DI of potyviruses was 19.88%, and CMV, CGMMV, and CABYV had disease incidences of 25.77%, 18.45%, and 20.2%, respectively. The study has provided a detailed description regarding the prevalence of different RNA viruses that will serve as crucial information for the breeders to develop varieties resistant to these viruses. Moreover, there is a need for a proper management strategy against the insect vectors to stop the spread of these viruses. There is also a need for finding mild strains of these viruses, which can be used for cross-protection against virulent strains of these viruses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Sarmad Fawaz, Muhammad Ashfaq, Mirza Abid Mehmood, Unsar Naeem-Ullah, Samah Bashir Kayani, Hassan Rehman Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Screening of Salt-Tolerant Date Palm Cultivars at the Seedling Stage
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), belongs to the Aceraceae family, is a cost-effective and nutritionally important crop. Although considered moderately salt tolerant, excessive salt accumulation caused by irrigation with brackish water severely reduces yield and survival rates. The physiological and anatomical mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in date palm remain only partially understood. This study aims to evaluate the salt tolerance in four commercially important date palm cultivars at the seedling stage under NaCl stress levels of 0, 6, 8, and 10 dS m⁻¹. The objective was to identify cultivars with higher tolerance and those more susceptible to salinity stress. Morphological and physiological parameters were recorded under both control and saline conditions, and the data was analyzed through the ANOVA (analysis of variance) test. Significant genotypic variation was observed for traits such as days to emergence, root and shoot biomass (fresh and dry), shoot and root length, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and cell membrane thermostability. The results revealed that while date palms can withstand high salinity, the degree of tolerance varies across cultivars. Shoot Na⁺ exclusion emerged as a key determinant of salinity resistance and may serve as a reliable criterion for screening tolerant genotypes. Importantly, two cultivars (Zahidi and Aseel) exhibited superior tolerance and can be utilized as genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing salt resistance. The identification of these tolerant cultivars offers practical opportunities for cultivation in salt-affected areas, thereby sustaining productivity and improving the resilience of date palm cultivation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Zulqarnain, Plosha khanum, Shoaib Ur Rehman, Zahid Rashid, Amina, Tanveer Ahmad, Rao Wali Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pathogenicity and Management of Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum, the causal organism of Bacterial Blight of Cotton in Dera Ghazi Khan
Bacterial blight of cotton, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm) is a major threat to cotton production in Pakistan. The pathogenicity of Xcm was evaluated against different cotton varieties to assess the susceptibility of local cotton varieties against the bacterial pathogen. Furthermore, multiple management strategies were performed in the field conditions to find out the suitable management strategy against the bacterial blight in Dera Ghazi Khan. The bacterium was isolated from affected cotton leaves, which produced yellow, mucoid colonies on nutrient agar media, confirming its identity as Xanthomonas using physical features and Gram staining. Three cotton varieties (BS-313, FH-333, and FH-Lalazar) were tested for pathogenicity, and the results showed that all were susceptible. FH-Lalazar had the highest disease severity (70.91%), followed by BS-313 (61.49%) and FH-333 (58.04%). Neem (Azadirachta indica) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) extracts were applied at a 15% concentration as Botanical extracts, and both decreased the severity of disease in comparison to the untreated plants. Neem extract was more effective (lowering the disease severity of the variety FH-333 to 49.22%) as compared to moringa extract. Kasugamycin and copper oxychloride decreased the severity to 10.45% in FH-333, demonstrating the superiority of chemical control. Tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin also reduced the disease severity, but not as much as kasugamycin. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and LSD test, p < 0.05) confirmed that the differences among treatments were significant, with chemical treatments showing the highest efficacy in reducing disease severity. These findings indicate that none of the tested cultivars exhibited resistance, and botanical extracts showed promise as environmentally friendly substitutes, although chemical treatments remain the most dependable option. For the sustainable management of bacterial blight in cotton under local conditions, an integrated strategy combining plant extracts, resistant varieties, and selective chemical use is advised.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Ali, Saliha Nazar, Awais Hanif, Abdul Hannan, Sagheer Atta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Leather Meal Biocompost Enhances Mustard Yield by Improving Crop Nitrogen Utilization under Soil Salinity Stress
Soil salinity is a major concern for agricultural productivity and requires sustainable approaches to enhance crop production. Organic fertilizers serve as innovative solution for enhancing crop yields and mitigating adverse effects of salinity. This field study investigated the effects of organic fertilizers, viz. vermicompost (VC) and leather meal biocompost (LMBC) on the growth, yield, and oil content of mustard (Brassica juncea L., cv. Mustard Raya), applied alone or in combination with inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on a saline soil. The treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications, included 100% inorganic N, 100% VC, 100% LMBC, 50% VC + 50% inorganic N, and 50% LMBC + 50% inorganic N. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied to all experimental units as basal dose. The results revealed that the application of 100% inorganic N and 50% LMBC + 50% inorganic N significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced number of seeds per siliqua (21.1 and 19.7), 1000-seed-weight (7.1 g and 6.7 g), seed yield (2301 kg ha-1 and 2171 kg ha-1), stover yield (5891 kg ha-1 and 5639 kg ha-1) and oil content (39.3% and 38.1%), respectively. The maximum plant height (210.6 cm) and number of siliqua per plant (587.6) were recorded with 100% inorganic N treatment only. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that leather meal biocompost, when co-applied with 50% inorganic N, proved to be a sustainable strategy in enhancing mustard yield and oil content under saline conditions, while reducing N fertilizer input up to 50%. This reduced N input contributes to more sustainable nutrient management on saline soils, with potential long-term soil health benefits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Inzamam Ali Jamali, Hassan Shah Rashdi, Liaqat Ali Bhutto, Abdul Hafeez Memon, Zia ul-Hassan, Taj Muhammad Rattar, Aaqib Shah Rashdi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Incidence of Root Knot Nematodes of Cucumber in high plastic tunnels at Quetta and its Management in Greenhouse Conditions
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important vegetables in Pakistan and worldwide and being affected with root knot nematode in high plastic tunnels. The study was conducted to survey high plastic tunnels at Quetta, Balochistan Pakistan and samples have been disease samples have been collected. The maximum disease incidence in the high plastic tunnels was recorded 30% at Baleli area and minimum 10% at Sariab and Nausar areas. Management experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of various nematicides on the growth, and physiological traits of cucumber plants. Treatment includes chemicals viz., Carbofuran, Fostiazate, Fluopyrum, Oxamyl, and Cadusafos, compared against an untreated control group of cucumber pants. Carbofuran consistently produced the highest values across all parameters, including number of fruits per plant (7.10), fruit weight (28.80 g), fruit length (13.2cm), seed number per fruit (40.0), number of leaves (19.2), plant height (47.8 cm), fresh shoot weight (78.8 g), fresh root weight (23.80 g), dry shoot weight (46.5 g), and dry root weight (14.0 g). Fostiazate and Fluopyrum followed in performance, showing significantly better results than Oxamyl, Cadusafos, and the control for most parameters. Oxamyl and Cadusafos displayed moderate improvements over the control on various parameters. The untreated control consistently recorded the lowest values in growth and yield characteristics. Notably, Carbofuran also induced the lowest number of root galls (6.0), significantly below other treatments, with Cudusaps showing the highest gall count (28.0). These results demonstrate that chemical treatments of Carbofuran followed by Fostiazate substantially enhance cucumber growth and are recommended for management of root knot in green house condition
Copyright (c) 2025 Raees Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphological Characterization and Toxigenicity Screening of Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Maize in Pakistan
Aflatoxin contamination of maize is a major problem in Pakistan, posing a threat to food safety and human health. This study aims to characterize Aspergillus flavus isolates from maize samples collected from different locations in Punjab on the basis of morphology. Screening of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates was also one of the objectives of this study. Maize samples were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and pure cultures were sub-cultured onto four differential media to identify the isolates using macro- and micro-morphological characteristics. Differential media included were Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Czapek Dox Agar (CZA), Modified Rose Bengal Agar (RBA), and Aspergillus flavus parasiticus Agar (AFPA). These specialized media enable species identification based on macro-morphological characteristics. The isolates were then cultivated on Coconut Agar Media (CAM) and Yeast Extract Sucrose media (YES) to determine their aflatoxin-producing potential based on ammonia vapor test focusing on reverse colony color changes. This study provided valuable information on the prevalence of aflatoxin-producing A. flavus isolates in maize in four districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The study contributes to developing early detection and management techniques for aflatoxin contamination. Our research aims to maintain the economic value of this important staple crop while substantially contributing to improving food safety and security in Pakistan. Further significance of the findings has been discussed.
Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxins, morphology, aflatoxin profiling, maize, nutrient media
Copyright (c) 2025 Amna Bibi, Waseem Akbar, Sehrish Mushtaq, Ashir Masroor, Sohail Akhtar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating Neem's Potential as an Eco-Friendly Insecticide in Brassica Cultivation
Brassica crops including cabbage and cauliflower are extremely crucial to food security but are extremely susceptible to bacterial diseases like Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola (Psm) that drastically lower yield and quality. Even traditional chemical pesticides, popular in use, are too dangerous to human health and the environment because of the accumulation of residues. This paper was an evaluation of the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as an effective alternative to the use of chemicals. Gel diffusion laboratory tests established that the neem extract, especially the 75% one, was effective in preventing bacterial growth, whereby Xcc was more suppressed than Psm. Field trials showed that neem treatment at the Economic Threshold Level (9% disease incidence) was effective in reducing disease severity and disease incidence and keeping crop healthy with minimal losses in yield. Neem has potential as an environmentally friendly biopesticide due to its biodegradability, no toxicity, and no residue effects. This body of evidence highlights the potential of A. indica in the management of diseases integrated together with its potential in enhancing sustainable production of Brassica.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adnan Zahid, Sajid Ali, Ammara Fatima, Ahmad Raza, Nauman Shafqat, Asma Ayub, Aisha Zahra, Muhammad Bilal Chattha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimizing the Proportions of Essential Oils as Aedes aegypti Repellent using Response Surface Methodology
Mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by Aedes aegypti, pose significant global health risks. Chemical repellents such as DEET are widely used; however, concerns regarding toxicity and environmental safety have increased interest in natural alternatives. Essential oils, with diverse bioactive properties, represent a promising option, though their repellent efficacy depends on the type and proportion of active compounds. This study employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the proportions of neem, lemongrass, sesame, and mint oils for developing an effective plant-based repellent. A total of 27 formulations were prepared and tested against A. aegypti. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed the statistical significance of the model, demonstrating that repellent activity was strongly influenced by essential oil composition. The optimized formulation consisted of 37.931 parts neem oil, 69.338 parts lemongrass oil, and 2.828 parts sesame oil, with no mint oil. This combination achieved a predicted effectiveness score of 51.548 and a desirability index of 1.00, indicating high performance and stability. Results highlighted neem and lemongrass oils as the primary contributors to repellency, while sesame oil enhanced formulation stability. Overall, the study successfully optimized an essential oil-based repellent, offering a safe, natural, and sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals with potential for further development and commercialization.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abid Farid, Hajra Bibi, Rasheed Akbar, Azhar Rashid, Gul Zamin Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Soil Erosion Challenges: Environmental Health and Sustainable Agriculture Solutions
Soil erosion represents one of the most significant global threats to environmental integrity, agricultural productivity, and food security. Current estimates suggest that over 75 billion tonnes of soil are lost annually, with approximately one-third of the world’s arable land classified as moderately to severely degraded. Besides decreasing the soil fertility, this process changes the hydrological cycles, enhancing the emission of greenhouse gases, and impacting national economies that rely on agriculture adversely. The current study is a synthesis of peer-reviewed materials, world soil data, and quantitative evaluations aimed at assessing the theory, cause, and effects of soil erosion as well as evaluation of the developing mitigation measures. Review uses an integrative structure integrating comparative case study, GIS-based modeling, and policy review to determine current gaps in the research field and evaluate the success of current interventions to protect the soil. The results indicate that current erosion control measures are scattered and regionally specific whereby there is inadequate integration of remote sensing, microbial stabilization of soils, and socio-economic assessment processes. To bring any meaningful improvements, new research and management approaches should be holistic and data-intensive, combining powerful models with participatory land-management and policy models. The general objective of this review is to improve the knowledge about the multifaceted mechanisms of soil erosion processes, to advance new, interdisciplinary approaches that will build soil erosion resilience and protect agricultural performance and environmentally sustainable stewardship, both locally and globally.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Saad Zia, Usama Yaseen, Muhammad Talha Ramzan, Zeeshan Ahmad, Muhammad Usama Munir Chaudhary, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Ammad Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green synthesis and Characterization of silver nanoparticles from Solanum tuberosum peel waste: Efficacy assessment through antimicrobial and antilarval activities
Silver nanoparticles serve as potent antimicrobial agents. In this study, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Solanum tuberosum peel extract, followed by characterization via UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and FTIR analysis. Antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was evaluated using agar well diffusion, and activity of StAgNPs was compared with antibiotics like CAZ, TZP and NOR, with MIC and MBC values measured. Antilarval activity against Aedes aegypti larvae was also assessed. Results indicated successful nanoparticle formation (peak at 450 nm, 80–100 nm spherical particles) and notable antimicrobial and antilarval effects at higher concentrations. These findings highlight the non-toxic, eco-friendly potential of the green synthesized nanoparticles, with applications in antimicrobial therapies and vector control, although further validation is required.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hamza Masood, Sania Riaz, Sherjeel Tariq, Syed Muhammad Hussain, Momina Shahid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genome-wide identification and characterization of indeterminate domain (IDD) gene family in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Indeterminate Domain (IDD) represents a large and evolutionary conserved gene family in plants playing critical roles in growth and seed development. Despite its agronomic significance as oilseed crop, a systematic analysis of IDD gene family is sunflower (Helianthus annus) has been lacking. In this work, 78 IDD genes were identified across six species, including 21 in H. annus. Phylogenetic analysis grouped IDDs genes into four distinct sub-groups, showing a closer evolutionary relationship between H. annus, Theobroma cacao, Zea mays, Arabidopsis thaliana, Physcomitrella patens, Selaginella moellendorffii and Oryza sativa. Gene structure analysis showed that most HaIDD genes have two intron and three exons. Conserved domain analysis identified ten different motifs related to abiotic stress tolerance. Sequence logo analysis further confirmed the high conservation of IDD family in H. annus and A. thaliana. The intracellular localization prediction showed that all HaIDD proteins were present inside nucleus. Upstream region analysis showed the existence of cis-acting element associated to abiotic stress responses, proposing a probable role for HaIDDs in stress tolerance sunflower breeding. The selection pressure was calculated by Ka/Ks ratio which indicated purifying selection because the value significantly less than one. Gene expression analysis demonstrated differential expression of HaIDDs across leaves, stamen bract, pollen, pistil, corolla, ligule, ovary and seeds. Especially, HaIDD3 showed higher expression in leaves and seeds suggesting potential role in photosynthesis and seed development. Overall, these results indicate that HaIDDs are mainly involved governing plant developmental processes and abiotic stress responses in sunflower.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zulqurnain Khan, Muhammad Hammad Nadeem Tahir, Shahid Iqbal, Muhammad Nabeel, Fatima Javeria, Shoaib Ur Rehman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing rice yield and grain zinc concentration through strategic zinc application
Rice is a staple food globally, yet its grain zinc concentration is inherently low, contributing to widespread zinc deficiency. This study evaluated the effects of zinc application methods control, seed coating (2 g Zn kg⁻¹ seed), soil application (10 kg Zn ha⁻¹) and foliar spray (0.5% ZnSO₄) under two rice production systems: direct-seeded and transplanted. The experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during summer 2023 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar zinc application in transplanted rice produced the tallest plants (97.04 cm), highest productive tillers (367.67 m⁻²), longest panicles (27.18 cm) and maximum grain yield (4.75 t ha⁻¹). Grain zinc concentration increased from 14.87 mg kg⁻¹ in control to 30.24 mg kg⁻¹ under foliar zinc, showing a 103% rise. Overall, foliar zinc application was most effective for enhancing both yield and nutritional quality of rice.
Rice, zinc application, foliar spray, seed coating, soil application and grain zinc
Copyright (c) 2025 Bader Ijaz, Sher Afghan, Aamir Ali, Adila Iram, Muhammad Daod Khan, Sheharyar Babar, Amina Rashid, Muneeba, Muhammad Mujahid, Muhamad Sajjad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of different growing media on seed germination and growth performance of (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) cultivation often faces challenges related to seed germination and early plant growth, which can be influenced by the choice of growing media. This study aims to identify sustainable methods to improve Calendula’s seed germination, growth, and flowering performance using different growing media. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and six treatments: T0 (Soil - Top Soil, Garden Soil), T1 (Compost manure + Bagasse + Soil), T2 (Coconut husk + Thermacoal + Soil), T3 (Compost manure + Thermacoal + Soil), T4 (Coconut husk + Bagasse + Soil), and T5 (Vermicompost + Perlite + Soil). Parameters studied included seed germination (%), germination index, number of leaves per plant, days to flower initiation, flower diameter, flower fresh weight, flower dry weight, number of flowers per plant, plant height, and root length. Germination ranged from 28% to 97%, with soil-based and coconut husk + bagasse media showing superior performance. Vermicompost + perlite enhanced flowering traits, flower biomass, and plant height, while coconut husk + bagasse resulted in the poorest floral development. Root growth remained unaffected across treatments. Overall, vermicompost + perlite proved to be the most effective medium for promoting seed germination, vegetative growth, and flowering, emphasizing the importance of appropriate substrate selection for sustainable Calendula cultivation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raheem Ullah, Saba Ambreen Memon, Muzafaruddin Chachar, Memoona Islam Majeedano, Zaheer Ahmed Chachar, Haroon Hassan, Muhammad Mubeen, Sana Shazia Jiskani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphological and Fatty Acid Diversity in Camelina sativa Mutant Lines for Low-Input Biodiesel Production in Sub-Tropical Environments
Camelina sativa has emerged as a promising oilseed crop for biodiesel and ethanol production due to its high yield potential under minimal input conditions, making it suitable for marginal and rainfed lands. In this study, a three-year field evaluation of 50 mutant lines was conducted under sub-tropical low-input conditions to assess morphological variation and oil quality. Significant genetic variability was observed across key agronomic traits such as plant height (48–78 cm), capsule number (338–5627), and seed yield (6–14 g per plant), indicating ample scope for selection. Fatty acid profiling revealed considerable variation in oleic acid (0–26.5%) and palmitoleic acid (0–63.6%), with several lines rich in unsaturated fatty acids, essential for biodiesel quality and oxidative stability. Notably, mutant lines 6783, 4844, 5958, 5989, and 6725 exhibited superior yield performance, while lines such as 6862, 6882, 5296, and 6795 showed desirable oil profiles for biofuel. These findings underline the potential of selected mutant lines to serve as climate-resilient, low-input feedstock for sustainable biodiesel production. This work contributes toward the development of environment-friendly cropping systems and energy diversification strategies aligned with climate adaptation and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) goals.
Camelina sativa; Mutant germplasm; Fatty acid composition; Low-input agriculture; Biodiesel feedstock; Climate-resilient crops
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Abubakkar Azmat, Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Mahran Aslam, Saman Arshad, HUMERA RAZZAQ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and Maintenance of Parthenocarpic Gynoecious Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) via the Induction of Male Flowers through Different Chemicals
The induction of male flowers in gynoecious cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) has become an important topic for increasing fruit set and crop yield. C. sativus has female flowers on its plant, which creates a hindrance in its breeding. Flowering in plants is a complex process influenced by morphological and physiological changes regulated by both internal and external factors. Gynoecious cucumbers produce fruits without fertilization and yield a higher crop. Efficient and environmentally sustainable methods to induce male flowers can contribute to optimizing resource utilization and reducing production costs. Sex manipulation is being done nowadays to achieve a balanced ratio of male and female flowers by the application of chemical agents. The purpose of this review was to maintain the cucumber genotypes that have high potential yield, good fruit set, good quality, and disease-resistant genotypes by using the silver nitrate, gibberellic acid, and silver thiosulfate to induce male flowers. AgNO3 showed best results at 400 and 600 ppm, and GA3 at 1500 and 2000 ppm in inducing the development of male flowers. Silver thiosulfate induced a favorable male flower ratio at concentrations of 200 mg/L and 250 mg/L. Plant hormones play a crucial role in sex expression, with ethylene and auxins promoting female flower development, while gibberellins stimulate male flower formation. Keywords: Gibberellic acid, seedless cucumber, sex expression, silver nitrate, silver thiosulphate
Copyright (c) 2025 Etlas Amin, Mehvish Tahir, Saba Aleem, Nusrat Parveen, Rasheda Aslam, Amir Latif, Niaz Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating the Role of Seed Rate in Modulating Growth, RUE and Yield of Mung Bean Cultivars
Optimizing seed rate plays a vital role in enhancing crop performance and productivity. Study was investigated with factors as two cultivars (PRI-NIAB Mung 2022 and PRI Mung 2018) and 4 seed rates (15, 20, 25 and 30 kg ha-1) were used in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement field experiment at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The collected data showed that all growth and yield characteristics were strongly impacted by seed rate. More grain yield (1301.7 kg ha⁻¹), biological yield (8.35 t ha⁻¹), total dry matter (573.2 g m⁻²) and harvest index (18.14%) obtained under seed rate of 20 kg ha⁻¹. 25 kg ha⁻¹ produced the highest LAI (2.90), but 15 kg ha⁻¹ produced the most pods per plant (51.26), grains per pod (11.73), and 1000-grain weight (60.33 g). In most metrics, including RUE, PRI-NIAB Mung 2022 fared better than PRI Mung 2018. The study overall conclusion is that, given the agro climatic conditions of Faisalabad, 20 kg ha-1 with PRI-NIAB Mung 2022 is optimal for enhancing mung bean yield.
mungbean, seed rate, yield, PRI NIAB Mung 2022, PRI Mung 2018
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Daod Khan, Shahid Nazeer, Rabia Nadeem, Asif Mehmood, Muhammad Saud Khan, Raza Mustafa, Muhammad Hur, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Usman Arshad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STAR CHANNA: A Climate-Resilient Innovation for Chickpea Cultivation in Punjab, Pakistan
Star Channa, a newly introduced desi chickpea cultivar, is known for its high yield potential, large seed size, and built-in resistance to key chickpea diseases such as Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight. It received approval in 2021 from the Punjab Seed Council for widespread cultivation in irrigated and rain-fed areas of Punjab, Pakistan. The variety was evolved through artificial hybridization between female parent 98004 and male parent 5A015, utilizing bulk and pedigree methods of plant selection during various stages of breeding at the Arid Zone Research Institute in Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. The selected line was tagged as TG1305 and then included in a series of yield assessments, pathological, entomological, and agronomic trials. Star Channa demonstrated a commendable average yield potential ranging from 3800 to 4000 kg/ha. It takes 88-90 days to reach 50% flowering and 138-145 days to reach 90% pod maturity. The seed size is bold, while seeds per pod ranged from 01 to 02. It has a 100-seed weight of 29-30 g, the number of pods per plant ranges from 75 to 80, the plant height is 65-68 cm, and the grain color is brown. As far as the quality is concerned, the protein percentage is high enough (23.9%) with desirable ash (3.63%) and crude fat contents (3.72%). It exhibited good yield potential when cultivated during October by maintaining a seed rate of 75 kg/ha and a fertilizer dose of 23-57-00 NPK kg/ha. In essence, Star Channa (TG1305) represents itself as a resilient and disease-resistant cultivar evolved to flourish in diverse environments and contribute to a sustainable farming system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Niaz Hussain, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Nadeem, Muneer Abbas, Mudassar Khaliq, Zubeda Parveen, Tariq Javed, Imran Habib, Fiaz Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Ecophysiological Barriers and Production Challenges of Senecio vulgaris in Temperate Zones of Poonch, AJK
This study examined the socioeconomic and ecophysiological factors influencing Senecio vulgaris distribution and cultivation in the temperate regions of Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Using a multistage sampling technique, data was gathered from 120 randomly chosen farmers in three agricultural zones using a structured interview schedule. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 was used to analyze the data using mean scores, percentages, and frequencies. According to the results, 64.2% of the respondents were primarily farmers, and 71.6% of the respondents were men. Just 7.3% had contact with extension agents, 37.4% harvested ≤2 bunches in the previous season, and the majority (59.3%) reported having trouble finding S. vulgaris. 35% only harvested once every four months, indicating a low harvest frequency. Due to a lack of institutional support, the majority of respondents (79.7%) relied on family members for crop information. Poor planting material availability (24.4%), low nutritional awareness (19.5%), and low yield (18.7%) were the main production constraints. The most practical approach for year-round production was determined to be irrigation (35%). The results emphasize S. vulgaris' endangered status and the necessity of domestication, better seed availability, and concerted efforts by farmers, extension agents, and academic institutions to promote sustainable cultivation and use.
Assessment of climate change mitigation and changed cropping patterns for extensive periods at various scales
Climate changes arise due to drastic changes in weather patterns, temperature variations, drawdown water table, wind, and atmospheric pressure. To know farmers' perception about climate change and its impact on agriculture. A study was conducted in District Dir Lower (A hilly and rain-fed area with a subsistence farming system), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study showed that there was a significant change in cropping patterns. The major crops still are wheat (90 % area), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) (30 % and 29% area, respectively). At the same time, some of the crops were eliminated due to area limitations and economic benefits i.e. Opium (Papaver somniferum L.). The increase in the number of animals or their preferences and improved crop yield were not ascribed to climate change rather were correlated with improved production technologies and adaptation strategies. Study results showed that summer has prolonged (28 weeks) and winter is getting shorter (only 8 weeks) while spring and autumn have shrunk (about 4 and 3.5 weeks respectively) significantly or in some cases disappeared altogether. The monsoon rains are received about 4 to 5 weeks later while winter rains are received about 6 to 7 weeks later as compared to the past. The temperature of the four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn) has increased by 20, 27, 30 and 27% respectively. Water table depth was reported down (by about 30 to 40 feet) in various areas of the district, especially in the areas where eucalyptus trees were grown abundantly.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Basit, Inamullah Khan, Ayesha Khan, Hamza Ali, Badshahe Rome, Shahid Zaman, Imran Ahmad, Masood Ahmad, Ahmad Naeem, Amna Shafi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of On-Farm Seed Priming Techniques for Direct-Seeded Rice in Salt-Affected Soils
The study was conducted to assess how soil moisture levels (dry vs. moist) combined with various seed-priming methods influence the growth and yield of direct-seeded rice grown in salt-affected soils. The experiment was carried out in a moderately saline field with pHs 8.68, ECe 4.30 dS m⁻¹ and SAR 34.40 (mmol L⁻¹)¹ᐟ², using a split-plot design with three replications. NIAB-IRRI-9 served as the test variety. The treatments consisted of two soil conditions—dry and moist (at field capacity)—and seven seed-priming methods: untreated dry seed; soaking in canal water for 24 hours; soaking in tube-well water for 24 hours; soaking in 2% CaSO₄ for 24 hours; soaking in 2% K₂SO₄ for 24 hours; sprouted seed; and chitted seed. Among all treatments, CaSO₄ priming gave the most favorable results, enhancing plant height, tiller production, 1000-grain weight, and overall paddy yield. The benefits of priming were particularly noticeable under dry soil conditions.
seed priming; direct seeded rice; CaSO4; salt stress, soil conditions
Copyright (c) 2025 Khalil Ahmed, Ghulam Shabir, Muhammad Shakar, Muhammad Faisal Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Sarfraz, Ghulam Qadir, Muhammad Irfan, Khalil Ahmed, Muhammad Qaisar Nawaz, Syed Saqlain Hussain, Amar Iqbal Saqib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0