Journal of Pure and Applied Agriculture

Castor seed yield enhancement through seed invigoration with KNO3 and salicylic acid through testa removal at caruncle, under early skipped irrigation regime

Khuram Mubeen — 2026-07-13

Drought is one of the most critical factors which badly affects crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, MNS-University of Agriculture Multan which was laid down under RCBD factorial arrangements. Two genotypes, NIAB spineless castor and NIAB castor 2023 were evaluated under no drought and early water deficit condition by delaying the irrigation until symptoms of stress appears on castor plants. Moreover, the castor seeds were primed using, Testa removal at caruncle (TRC) + SA priming 40 mg/L, TRC + hydro priming, TRC+KNO₃ priming 1%, TRC + 1% KNO₃ + SA @ 40 mg/L. There were three replications for each treatment. The HSD Tuckey’s test at 5% probability level was used for assessing the significance of the treatment means. When there is no water shortage, farmers can use either of the tested cultivar i.e. NIAB Castor-2023 for improved seed yield with maximum BCR through testa removal at caruncle followed by priming with 1% KNO₃ + SA @ 40 mg/L. While, under early water deficit situation farmers can still get better castor seed yield and BCR by testa removal at caruncle and priming seeds with 1% KNO₃ + SA @ 40 mg/L. For comparable yield, however farmers may use one of the tested cultivars even by removing testa at caruncle and priming seeds with 1% KNO₃ under early water deficit conditions.

Role of planting dates on production, juice quality, physiology and antioxidant enzymes of Sugarcane bud nodes under semi-arid conditions

Abdul Rehman — 2026-07-13

Late plantation through conventional methods significantly decreased sugarcane production and juice quality due to high temperature and short period for growth. These causes lead to restricted physiological activities that ultimately resulted in the form of lower cane production. Timely planted sugarcane propagated through bud nodes improved sugarcane production; however, limited literature is available on planting dates of sugarcane especially bud nodes in improving sugarcane production. Sugarcane bud nodes were scooped with Bud chips/Bud node Scooping Machine (Intellectual Property Organization Karachi Pakistan; Patent Number 143641). The study was conducted during continuous years 2018 and 2019, to investigate the role of planting dates in improving production, juice quality, physiology and antioxidant enzymes growth of sugarcane propagated through bud nodes. Four planting dates, P₁ = 20^th February, P₂ = 10^th March, P₃ = 30^th March and P₄ = 20^th April were included in the study. Planting at 10^th March significantly improved production, juice quality, physiological traits and antioxidant enzymes compared to 20^th February, 30^th March and 20^th April plantation. During 2018 and 2019, 10^th March led to 83 and 80% higher sprouting establishment, due to a significant increase in bud nodes led to increased number of millable canes (42.10 and 45.71%), cane height (31.66 and 23.57%), cane diameter (22.97 and 23.98%), cane yield (58.01 and 58.56%) at the harvest stage. Significant sprouting establishment increased the juice quality traits compared to 20^th April sugarcane bud nodes planting. The March 10^th planting increased total chlorophyll (10.02 and 10.37%), carotenoids (7.48 and 8.83%), total soluble sugars (2.88 and 2.89%), reducing sugars (2.52% and 2.81%), proline (1.78 and 2.16%), glycine betaine (4.90 and 4.45%). These significant changes were due to timely response of antioxidant enzymes in vivo. In Crux, 10^th March planting date is recommended for higher yield and productivity.

Differential growing media combined with indole butyric acid enhances the rooting and growth of Dragon fruit cladode cuttings under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad

Malik Mohsin Abbas — 2026-07-13

The growth of dragon fruit is notably slow and limited due to various environmental, cultural, and biological factors. Poor drainage and waterlogged soil are the predominant causes, as the plant's shallow roots are particularly susceptible to rot in heavy or saturated media, hindering nutrient uptake and root development. It has flexible epiphytic characteristics and shallow root system requiring aeration. Therefore, this research focused on evaluating the impact of various growing media compositions combined with indole butyric acid (IBA) on the rooting and growth of dragon fruit cladode cuttings. The experiment had ten treatment combinations of growth medium combined with IBA, including a control, each replicated three times in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Good Soil + Silt + Compost + Peat mass 2: 2: 1: 1 + IBA 1000 ppm treatment exhibited higher survival rate, plant height, number of cladodes and cladodes length, number of roots, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight and root volume attributes in dragon fruit cv. ‘American Beauty’ as compared to control treatment under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. In conclusion among treatments, Good Soil + Silt + Compost + Peat mass 2: 2: 1: 1 + IBA 1000 ppm provide significant insights for enhancing dragon fruit production, assisting commercial growers in attaining superior yields and quality.

Evaluation of climate-resilient and profitable cropping system under semi-arid agro-ecological conditions of Khanewal, Pakistan

Saba Iqbal — 2026-07-13

Cotton-Wheat cropping system has long been the prevailing agricultural practice in many irrigated regions of South Punjab, Pakistan. However, due to rising input costs and increasing climate variability, its profitability and sustainability have declined over time. In response to these challenges, this study was designed to identify high climate-resilient, more profitable and resource-efficient cropping systems as alternatives for better livelihood of the regional farming community. This study evaluated the economic and system performance of thirteen cropping systems involving wheat-, canola-, and berseem-based rotations under irrigated conditions. Key indicators were assessed to figure out system sustainability. These were: benefit-cost ratio, system profitability (PKR/ha/day), system productivity (kg/ha/day), land use efficiency (%), relative economic efficiency (%) and heat use efficiency (kg/ha/^◦C). The results revealed substantial variation among different cropping systems. Among wheat-based systems, mungbean-wheat followed by sesame-wheat emerged as the most profitable and efficient, outperforming rice-wheat and maize-wheat. In canola-based systems cotton-canola showed relatively better results in terms of profitability and efficiency. For berseem-based systems, cotton-berseem and sesame-berseem proved to be highly profitable and resource-efficient. In terms of heat use efficiency, among the wheat-based systems, maize-wheat recorded the highest heat use efficiency. For canola-based systems, maize-canola exhibited the highest heat use efficiency. Similarly, among the berseem-based systems, maize-berseem again showed superior thermal efficiency. The data showed that mungbean wheat, sesame-wheat, cotton-canola and cotton-berseem are better cropping systems for the Khanewal, South Punjab region and are recommended as the most viable cropping systems in view of maximizing profitability and resource efficiency under changing climate scenario.

Bio-efficacy of green synthesized silver nitrate and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)

Muhammad Daud — 2026-07-13

The development of high resistance in the polyphagous insect pest Spodoptera litura to conventional insecticides highlights the pressing need to find alternative environmentally friendly control measures. This study demonstrates the insecticidal potency of green-synthesized silver nitrate (AgNO₃ NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) against 2^nd-instar larvae of S. litura. The larval leaf-dip bioassay revealed a significant mortality, depending on concentration and exposure time. The nanoparticles were synthesized by using 6 different plant extracts and tested in distilled water and ethanol (solvent) at three concentrations (3, 5, and 7 ml). Data was noted at 24, 48, and 72 h intervals. The highest mortality of larvae (90.3%) was recorded for AgNO₃NPs synthesized from a Z. officinale. Also, ethanol-based suspensions of ZnO NPs showed high efficiency, resulting in 83.3% mortality. In contrast, O. basilicum nanoparticles suspended in distilled water established the lowest insecticidal activity for AgNO₃ and ZnO nanoparticles, both after 72 h interval. These results demonstrate that green synthesis is a rapid and non-toxic method for generating an effective nanoparticle. The high potency of these green synthesized nanoparticles, particularly nanoparticles derived from Z. officinale spots them as a promising and sustainable implement for the integrated management of S. litura. Furthermore, these findings provide a foundation for the development of plant-mediated nanoparticle-based bioinsecticides that could reduce reliance on conventional chemical insecticides and contribute to environmentally sustainable pest management. Future studies should evaluate their field performance, long-term stability, and potential effects on non-target organisms before large-scale application.

Combined effect of drying techniques and variety on physiochemical characteristics, phytochemical contents and quality of dried figs (Ficus carica L.)

Sahar Rashid — 2026-07-13

Figs are highly nutritious fruits but at same time they are highly perishable with very short span for fruit availability. So, fruit preservation is needed to meet food security issues. Drying is a practical preservation technology that helps maintain quality and makes figs available year‑round. This study evaluated the effects of three drying techniques (Sun Drying, Solar Drying, Electric Hot Air Drying) on the physicochemical and Phytochemical characteristics of two local varieties Black Ball and Pink Rose. The experiment was laid out according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) under factorial arrangement. Results indicated that Pink Rose dried through solar drying outperformed other techniques with respect to maximum fruit weight (14.53 g), largest fruit area (1392 mm²), and highest dried fruit recovery (36.36%). Electric hot‑air drying required the shortest drying time (72.33 h), while sun drying needed the longest (167.9 h). Pink Rose subjected to solar drying preserved the highest levels of total soluble solids (25.50%), total sugars (28.10%), and ascorbic acid (12.53 mg/100 g). Black Ball exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (110.53 mg/100 g), whereas Pink Rose showed the highest phenolic content (132.63 mgGAE/100 g) when processed by solar and electric hot‑air drying, respectively. Overall, solar drying offers substantial advantages over conventional sun drying by minimizing the drying time, increasing microbial protection, enhancing retention of bioactive substance, thereby providing a more efficient approach to preserving figs.

Epidemiology, pathogenicity and sustainable management of Fusarium oxysporum causing leaf spot disease in Banana: Insights from Sindh Province, Pakistan

Rawal Ahmed Qambrani — 2026-07-13

Banana leaf spot disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, poses a significant threat to banana cultivation. This study was conducted in Matiari and Tando Allahyar districts revealed notable regional differences in disease prevalence. In Matiari, the area of Tajpur exhibited highest incidence (45%), compared to Soomra Mori (33.5%) and Shahpur (24%). Similarly, in Tando Aallahyar, Nasarpur recorded prevalence of (35%), whereas Peer Kathi and Rashidabad showed lower incidence of (25% and 17%), respectively. Isolation and identification of the pathogen confirmed F. oxysporum as dominant causal agent, with higher prevalence observed in Matiari (64.7%) compared to Tando Allahyar (35.3%). Pathogenicity tests conducted through root-dipping and injecting methods demonstrated significant disease induction, root-dipping method resulting in highest disease incidence (16.5%) compared to 10.5% in injecting method. Root-dipping method also consistently showed the maximum number of disease spots (11.5%), followed by injecting method with (9%). Plant growth was significantly impacted by infection. Control plants displayed (24.5 cm in height), followed by plants inoculated via injecting method at 19.20 cm, while root-dipping method led to most severe stunting with (16.5 cm) in height. Efficacy of botanical extracts at different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) against F. oxysporum was evaluated. Neem extract exhibited minimum fungal growth (6.5 mm at 40%) concentration. In comparison, Ginger and garlic extracts showed growths of (18.5 mm and 27.5 mm), respectively, while maximum fungal growth up to (98 mm) in control. Similarly, fungicides at various concentrations (50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm), minimum linear colony growth under Topsin-M was observed (3.4 mm at 200 ppm) Curzate and Aliette recorded higher linear growths of (8.5 mm and 17.5) mm, with maximum growth noted at (98 mm) in control. These findings offer valuable insights into developing integrated management strategies to banana leaf spot disease.

Comparison of fruit characteristics of exotic mango cultivars under agroclimatic conditions of Shujabad, Punjab, Pakistan

Faheem Khadija — 2026-07-13

Mango (Magnifera indicia L.), the king of fruit, 2^nd most important fruit crop in Pakistan after Citrus, is facing serious threats in terms of growth, yield and quality. The current study was conducted on the exotic cultivars of mango which are planted at Mango Research Station-Shujabad and the results showed significant differences among the different exotic cultivars of mango under the climatic conditions of Shujabad-Pakistan. However, the higher fruit weight (411.67 g) was observed in the mango cv. Indo-Chinese Late followed by the Sapa (319.67 g), and Carabao Lamao (229.67 g). However, the minimum fruit weight was observed in mango cv. Banana Long (57.33 g), Dasi (89.00 g) and Crimson blush (107.33 g). During the current study, mango seed and stone characteristic was observed and the results showed significant differences among the exotic cultivars of mango under the climatic conditions of Shujabad-Multan-Pakistan. The higher seed weight of Sapa (22.83 g), followed by the Indo-chinese Late (17.83 g), Crimson Blush (15.83 g). While the minimum seed weight was observed in mango cv. Carabao Lamao (1.90 g) followed by Banana Long (7.83 g). It is concluded from the current study that exotic mango cv. Indo-Chinese Late performed better as compared to all other exotic cultivars of mango under climatic conditions of Shujabad.

Physico-chemical and mineral characterization of eight apple varieties: Identifying unique attributes and health benefits

Maryam Sarfraz — 2026-07-13

A comprehensive quality analysis was conducted on eight distinct apple varieties Kala Kula, Sparton, Winter Banana, Royal Gala, Mondial Gala, Kashmiri Ambri, Sky Spur and Golden Delicious to evaluate their proximate composition, physical attributes, biochemical properties and mineral content. The study revealed significant (p<0.05) varietal differences across all measured parameters. Proximate analysis established that all varieties had high moisture content, ranging from 67.13% in Winter Banana to 80.66% in Kala Kula. Physical and chemical quality assessments showed a wide range in verities. Firmness was highest in Winter Banana (8.04 kgf) and Golden Delicious (7.60 kgf). Titratable acidity was inversely related to pH with Golden Delicious having the highest acidity (1.03%) and Kala Kula the lowest (0.52%). Total soluble Solids (TSS) an indicator of sweetness were highest in Kala Kalu (12.1%) and Kashmiri Ambri (11.6%). Biochemically, Kala Kalu and Kashmiri Ambri were statistically superior in total sugars content (10.29% and 10.20% respectively). However ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content was highest in Sky Spur (15.36 mg/100 ml) while Kala Kalu had lowest (3.37 mg/100 ml). Antioxidant capacity was greatest in Kala Kalu (83.8%) which also along with Golden Delicious recorded the highest total phenolic content (1258 and 1250 µmol GAE/100 g) indicating strong potential health benefits. Mineral analysis confirmed that apples are a valuable dietary source of essential elements. Kala Kalu also showed high level of Magnesium (26.2 mg/100 g) and Calcium (31.6 mg/100g). In conclusion the study demonstrates substantial diversity among the apple varieties. Kala Kalu stands out for sweetness, high antioxidant activity and phenolic, while Golder delicious excels in minerals and firmness. These findings provide critical data for consumers seeking specific nutritional benefits and for the food industry in selecting appropriate varieties for processing and fresh market sales based on desired quality traits.

Hydrogel as innovative technology for moisture conservation in the Potohar Plateau of Pakistan

Madeeha Khan — 2026-07-13

The Potohar Plateau of Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the stressors of climate including high rates of evapotranspiration, irregular rainfall patterns, frequent droughts, and poor physical structure of the soil. These factors combined with each other create unpredictable crop yields, and inaccessibility of soil moisture and degradation of the land, which are significant impediments to food security and livelihood of farmers. Under these circumstances, innovative soil moisture conservation solutions are urgently required for enhancing crop resilience, and water-use efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogel technology in conserving moisture in agriculture. Their useful agricultural applications are explained in detail, and include soil amendment, seed coating and integration of drip irrigation systems. Field research has provided empirical support that the use of hydrogel can be used to increase crop yields up to 20-30% and drastically reduce the rate of irrigation and the amount of water used. Also, despite these benefits, there are barriers to adoption, such as high initial costs, lack of awareness among farmers, and environmental concerns, related to the permanence of synthetic hydrogels in soil ecosystems. The development and use of biodegradable hydrogel alternatives that are manufactured using natural polymers such as starch, chitosan and cellulose is highlighted as critical in enhancing environmental sustainability. The evaluation reveals that a multi-faceted approach is required to have a successful implementation in the Potohar Plateau. These involve specific subsidies, the bulk purchase of items in order to reduce costs, education programs of farmers, and the integration of hydrogels with other sustainable practices like mulching and conservation tillage. By addressing these challenges, the hydrogel technology can form the basis of developing climate resilience, water-efficient, and profitable agricultural systems in the water-prone areas of Pakistan, and this offers a viable long-term solution to fully intensify water-based rainfed agriculture in Pakistan.

Overview of empowering sustainable agriculture through smart farming and regenerative practices

Muhammad Arif — 2026-07-13

With rapid urbanization and the growing impacts of climate change, agriculture is facing growing pressure as the global population approaches 10 billion. These challenges will need to be addressed by a practice shift from an agricultural standpoint towards sustainability; ensuring that food security and natural resources sustainability is achieved for future generations. This review presents some of the key technologies and strategies that could be embraced by the farmers to ensure sustainable agriculture. The interconnection between smart farming (precision agriculture) and regenerative agriculture is the most important aspect of this sustainable agriculture. Precision agriculture is an application of state-of-the-art technologies such as Internet of Things sensor technologies, drones, data analysis and robotics to get maximum use from inputs, maximize productivity and minimize the environmental footprint. Rather, regenerative practices tend to be more concerned with the healing of soil, biodiversity, and the creation of a resilient agroecosystem. This review highlights the possible integration of these options and the role they can play towards sustainable intensification. Although the results are good, the use of these products is still limited because of the initial high investment costs, the lack of technical knowledge and infrastructural problems. The review stresses the importance of synergy in research, policy development and education in order to deal with these challenges. The available evidence suggests that smart farming and regenerative agriculture address different but complementary dimensions of sustainability. While digital technologies improve resource-use efficiency and precision management, regenerative practices restore ecological functions and enhance system resilience. Their integration therefore represents a more comprehensive strategy for sustainable agricultural intensification than either approach alone, although economic and institutional barriers continue to limit widespread adoption. In conclusion, ecological restoration is an effective way to adopt data-driven innovation as a pathway to environmental sustainability and global food security.