Journal of Pure and Applied Agriculture

Tomato wilt disease (Fusarium oxyporium f. sp. Lycopersici): A threat to tomato production and humanity

2025-01-23T05:35:51+05:00

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops globally. Its production is constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors. Fusarium wilt is one of the most destructive diseases in tomato plants caused by Fusarium spp. The disease reduces the plant fruit yield significantly, it can wipe off a whole field completely during the endemic season or when the environment is favourable for the pathogen. The infected plant shows a wilting sign at the initial stage and later dies off. Difficulty in managing the disease could be attributed to its survivability of the pathogen on different mediums for a long period and its existence in diverse pathogenic races coupled with poor understanding of its management by most tomato growers. The use of chemical fungicides are majorly relies on as an effective method in managing tomato wilt and the method is not eco-friendly. This review explained various methods that can be adopted in managing the disease without jeopardizing human health and the environment at large. The review provides diverse control methods to be integrated in managing Fusarium wilt. Understanding the biology and management of fusarium wilt in tomatoes will reduce the great loss it causes in tomato production. By integrating biological control methods, crop rotation, resistant tomato varieties, and cultural practices, farmers can significantly reduce the severity of the disease. Additionally, increasing awareness and knowledge about Fusarium wilt among tomato growers is essential for improving disease management strategies.

Genomic editing techniques for ensuring food security: CRISPR Cas, TALEN, ZFN, RNAi and mutagenesis

2025-01-23T05:43:46+05:00

The agricultural sector is increasingly challenged by problems such as resource scarcity, nutrient deprivation, climate change, biotic and abiotic stress amid the increasing need of food security for ever-increasing global population. Traditional breeding methods, though applicable, are often time-consuming and ineffective in immediately addressing these issues. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR Cas, TALEN, ZFN, RNA interference (RNAi), and mutagenesis, offer transformative solution by enabling precise and fruitful modifications to plant genomes. These techniques facilitate rapid crop improvement, improve yields, and increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby fostering sustainability in agricultural systems. This review examines the principles, applications, and limitations of these genome editing techniques, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate techniques for attaining goals and applications. Every technique has its pros and cons. CRISPR Cas stands out for its simplicity and efficiency, while TALEN and ZFN offer higher specificity. RNAi provides a means to modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, and mutagenesis generates genetic diversity through inducing random mutations by physical and chemical means. Understanding the functioning mechanisms, strengths and weaknesses of each technique is vital for its application in optimizing crop productivity and addressing global food security. This review aims to guide researchers in choosing the most suitable genomic editing tools to boost crop productivity and resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.

Correlation analysis of polygenic traits of rice under salinity stress

2025-01-23T05:50:26+05:00

Salinity is a major issue affecting rice production. To address this emerging issue, an experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates under three salt treatments: 1.2 dS/m, 8 dS/m, and 12 dS/m Data were recorded for the traits like plant height (PH), tiller per plant (TPP), panicle length (PL), total spike length (TSL), grain per panicle (GPP), days to flowering (DTF), 1000 grain weight (TGW), root length (RL), root dry weight (RDW), and shoot dry weight (SDW). Recorded data was subjected to Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) study which shows that a significant amount of variation was present among the recorded data. A correlation study also revealed that grain per panicle showed a significantly positive correlation with thousand grain weight (0.79**), panicle length (0.29**), tiller per plant (0.30**), root length (0.21**) while it showed negatively significant correlation root dry weight (-0.42**) under normal condition. Under salinity condition (T1) grain per panicle showed a significantly positive correlation day to flowering (0.63**), thousand grain weight (0.85**), panicle length (0.33**), tiller per plant (0.33**), shoot dry weight (0.50**) with it showed negatively significant correlation with root dry weight (-0.48**). Under salinity level (T2) grain per panicle showed passively significant correlation with panicle length (0.32**), tiller per plant (0.34**), root length (0.36**) indicating potential pathways for improving yield in rice. The G10 (NIAB IRRI-9), G5 (PAK-386) and G13 (KSK-434) were found to be salt tolerant genotypes because they performed better for most of the traits under study while G4 (KISSAN BASMATI), G15 (PAK 2021) and G25 (K-134) were found to be salt susceptible genotypes as they performed significantly poor for most of study traits. The best performing germplasm under salt stress can be a desirable genotype for future breeding programs and early selection criteria for generating high yielding according to the findings.

Characterizing wheat genotypes for zinc efficiency based on high grain yield and zinc uptake

2025-01-23T05:58:02+05:00

Given the substantial loss of crop productivity in zinc (Zn) deficient soils, the development of cultivars with improved absorption and utilization capabilities is required to sustain the productivity of low input agricultural systems. In this regard, field experiments were conducted over two years to test ten wheat genotypes for Zn efficiency at two Zn levels (0 and 5 kg Zn ha^-1). The data analysis revealed that the effects of years and years’ interactions with genotypes and Zn levels were non-significant. However, genotypes and Zn levels significantly (P < 0.05) affected grain yield, Zn uptake and Zn efficiency indicators. Zn stress factor (ZnSF) varied between 3.80 to 13.39%, signifying the differential sensitivity of wheat genotypes to Zn deficiency. For low, medium, and high-performance rankings at each Zn level, each parameter was given an index score of 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Additionally, the genotypes were divided into five groups according to their total zinc uptake and grain yield at low zinc. With a total index score of 26, SDT-V11 was classified as HGY-HZn (High grain yield-high Zn uptake) genotype. With corresponding total index scores of 25, 23, and 22, the three genotypes—SDT-V8, AST-V2, and NIA-AS-14-1—were assigned to the HGY-MZn (High grain yield-medium Zn uptake) group. Zincol-2016, with the least cumulative index score of 18, was categorized as medium grain yield-low Zn uptake (MGY-LZn) cultivar. This kind of classification will help future breeding efforts to increase the efficiency of nutrient utilization.

Genetic evaluation of root and seedling growth of tomato genotypes under cadmium stress

2025-01-23T06:05:01+05:00

Solanum lycopersicum L. is the most important crop in Pakistan, and concerns are being raised regarding the impact of cadmium (Cd) on tomato plants. This study aimed to determine the genetic differences between twenty tomato genotypes under Cd stress by comparing their root and seedling growth to determine which genotype was the most tolerant to Cd stress. This field experiment was carried out during 2020-2021 in the screen house of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with two replications. Genotypes were exposed to two treatments: treatment of plants with the specific element under consideration and a stress condition for that element; PT = control (0 ppm) and Cd stress (6 ppm). Various morphological traits were measured, including plant height, root/shoot length, and biomass. Statistical analysis was done by measuring internal consistency through principal component analysis and variance analysis. The results revealed significant differences among genotypes and identified Cd-tolerant tomato varieties suitable for breeding programs. The performance of genotypes was assessed based on key growth parameters, including root length, shoot length, biomass (both fresh and dry), and plant height. Notably, genotypes 17868, 17874, and Money Maker performed well under control conditions, exhibiting superior biomass production and root length. In contrast, Naqeeb and Cchaus showed poor performance, particularly in terms of biomass accumulation and shoot growth, indicating their reduced ability to thrive under optimal conditions. Under Cd stress, genotypes 19860, 17868, and 19865 exhibited favorable performance, primarily in terms of biomass accumulation and root growth, as it maintained relatively higher fresh root weight and shoot biomass compared to other genotypes (Naqeeb and 19899) under the same stress conditions. This study contributes valuable insights into identifying Cd-tolerant tomato genotypes, offering potential improvements for tomato cultivation in Cd-affected regions of Pakistan.

Evaluation of mutant lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for drought tolerance at seedling and reproductive stages

2025-01-23T06:18:05+05:00

Rice productivity severely decreases due to the drought stress at seedling and reproductive stage. This study evaluated drought tolerance in 20 rice mutant lines at seedling and reproductive stages, comparing them to tolerant (Nagina-22) and susceptible (IR-64) varieties. Experiments were conducted in tunnels and fields using an Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design during the Kharif season 2023. Seedlings were subjected to 15 days of drought stress by withholding irrigation, and 14 traits were recorded. In the field, reproductive-stage drought stress was imposed for 30 days by ceasing irrigation. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p<0.05) and highly significant (p<0.01) differences among mutant lines for seedling traits under drought stress. Highly significant (p<0.01) differences were also observed for all traits during reproductive-stage drought stress. Seedling vigor is positively and strongly correlated with other traits. Seedling recovery was strongly and positively correlated with seedling height, leaf rolling, seedling dryness, and seedling vigor. Grain yield strongly and positively correlated with productive tillers per plant, panicle length, primary branches per panicle, number of spikelets per panicle, 1000 grain weight, harvesting index, filled spikelets per plant, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate and Stomata conductance rate. In quarter 1, quarter 2, quarter 3 and quarter 4 in the biplot, the traits which were closed to each other are correlated and same color of the mutant lines were similar on the bases of traits. Cluster Analysis on the basis of traits recorded after drought stress at seedling stage and reproductive stage divided the mutant lines into 3 clusters and 4 clusters, respectively. Results of the research indicated that mutant lines such as 54, 58-1, 129-1, 130-2, 582-1, 631, 931, 1227-1 and 1230-1 showed drought tolerance during drought stress at seedling and reproductive stage.

Optimization of Aloe vera gel in Ficus benghalensis fruit jam for enhanced phytochemical contents and physicochemical properties

2025-01-23T06:51:42+05:00

Ficus benghalensis fruit is known for its high mineral contents, fiber, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, making it an ideal ingredient for preparing functional food products. Aloe vera is a versatile and nutritious ingredient, widely used in food products. F. benghalensis fruit jam with different concentrations of aloe vera gel was made. According to this study, five treatments were prepared T₀ control (without aloe vera gel), T₁ (5% aloe vera gel), T₂ (10% aloe vera gel), T₃ (15% aloe vera gel), and T₄ (20% aloe vera gel), respectively. Jams were analyzed and characterized by physicochemical analysis, proximate analysis, antioxidant analysis, and total dietary fiber analysis. Results concluded that the addition of aloe vera had significant effect on the pH, titratable acidity, total sugars, and ascorbic acid contents, while non-significant effect on TSS of jam samples was observed. Results showed that aloe vera had a significant effect on carbohydrates, and moisture contents of jam samples, while a non-significant effect on crude fat, fiber, protein and ash contents were observed. Aloe vera gel significantly improved the phytochemicals and dietary fiber contents of jam samples. Future studies can explore the sensory evaluation and shelf-life analysis of Aloe vera-infused F. benghalensis fruit jam to further optimize its production and commercialization.

Identification of thermo-tolerant and thermo-sensitive cucumber genotypes on the basis of morpho-physiological and biochemical markers at seedling stage

2025-01-23T06:58:56+05:00

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is the important vegetable crop in Pakistan. Abiotic factors such as water, salt and heat stress reduce its yield. Among these factors, temperature is a vital abiotic factor, which seriously restricts the plant growth and development. The aim of this research was to screen out the thermo-tolerant cucumber genotypes on the basis of morpho-physiological and biochemical markers at seedling stage. It was a pot culture experiment in which seeds of ten different genotypes of cucumber were sown in plastic pots and put in the growth chamber. Six seeds were sown in each pot with three replications. The plants were exposed to three different heat stresses 23^°C+2, 40^°C+2 and 45 ^°C ± 2 ^°C. The thermo-tolerance of selected genotypes was assessed at the seedling stage. In current study, it was concluded that Safoora F₁Hybrid and Fazal F₁-Hybrid Cucumber can be categories as heat tolerant, while Khushab Local, Summer Green, Bush Green, C-200, C-400 and Cucumber Desi were regarded as heat sensitive cucumber genotypes at seedling stage because C-200 and Cucumber Desi attained minimum shoot length (0.99 cm, 0.83 cm), shoot fresh weight (9.5 g, 8.06 g), shoot dry weight (0.01 g, 0.03 g), root fresh weight (0.44 g, 0.43 g), root dry weight (0.004 g, 0.001 g), osomatic potential (12.88, 12.54 Ψ_w), Relative water content (19.87% ,15.99%), stomatal conductance (0.01 mmol m^-2 s^-1,0.00 mmol m^-2 s^-1), photosynthesis rate (0.21 μmol CO₂ m^-2 S^-1, 0.00 μmol CO₂ m^-2 S^-1 ), proline contents (4.63 μmol g^-1, 4.07 μmol g^-1), phospours contents (1.81ppm, 1.08 ppm, and potassium contents (1.52 ppm, 1.03 ppm) at 45^°C, respectively. It was concluded that Safoora F1Hybrid and Fazal F₁-Hybrid Cucumber can be categories as heat tolerant, while Khushab Local, Summer Green, Bush Green, C-200, C-400 and Cucumber Desi were regarded as heat sensitive cucumber genotypes.

Glutamine synthetase activity and root induction in callus and cell suspension cultures of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek grown under different nutritional conditions

2025-01-23T07:06:20+05:00

The activity of enzyme Glutamine Synthetase (GS) was studied in the cell suspension cultures of Vigna radiata grown under normal MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium and different nutritional deficient media i.e., nitrate (NO₃) deficient, ammonia (NH₄) deficient and glycine deficient media to study the behaviour of two weeks and four weeks old cultures. The objective of this study was to assess the metabolism of nitrogen assimilation for the production of cell lines which are more productive and high yielding. In this study, maximum GS activity was observed in the cell suspension culture of normal MS medium (26.8±0.86) and minimum in that of ammonia deficient medium (17.9±0.38). The GS activity was higher in the culture of two weeks duration viz. 26.8±0.86, 24.0±0.42, 17.9±0.38 and 23.5±0.98 as compared to that of four weeks cultures as 24.7± 2.14, 21.8±1.54, 16.7±1.31, and 23.2±0.38, respectively for normal, NO₃, NH₄and Glycine deficient media. Root induction was observed in both the callus and cell suspension cultures, which further highlights the potential for propagating more productive and high-yielding cell lines. The same hormonal concentrations used for callus initiation were employed for cell suspension cultures. These included 2,4-D (0.2 mg/l), IAA (0.25 mg/l), and Kn (0.25 mg/l), which also facilitated root induction in both culture types. These results provide valuable insights into optimizing culture conditions for the production of high-yielding and productive cell lines, which is crucial for future agricultural and biotechnological applications.

Deep neural network for crop classification using multitemporal data: A case study of Sialkot, Pakistan

2025-01-23T07:12:54+05:00

Agriculture is a fundamental sector in Pakistan’s economy, providing employment to a large portion of the population and significantly contributing to national income. However, traditional methods of crop yield estimation, such as crop-cutting surveys, are outdated, labor-intensive, and often result in inaccuracies. These methods also tend to be time-consuming, which can hinder timely decision-making in agricultural planning and resource management. The advent of freely available spatial data, particularly from remote sensing technologies, coupled with artificial intelligence, presents an opportunity to transform the way crop yields are monitored and predicted. This study investigates the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing imagery with deep learning techniques specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Satellite UNET, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of crop type classification and yield estimation. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the proposed method not only automates the process but also improves the precision of yield predictions compared to traditional approaches. Initial findings suggest that the application of deep learning models to remotely sensed data allows for real-time monitoring, enabling quicker and more informed decisions regarding food production and resource management. The primary objective of this study is to develop a reliable, scalable tool for crop yield estimation in Pakistan, facilitating timely responses to potential food shortages and contributing to the effective management of food security. This innovative approach could revolutionize agricultural practices in Pakistan, offering a modern solution to address both current and future challenges in the sector.