Journal of Pure and Applied Agriculture

Chloroplast engineering and RNA interference: A dual-technology approach for insect pest control

Babur Ali Akbar — 2025-06-30

The integration of chloroplast engineering and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies represents a groundbreaking approach for sustainable insect pest management in agriculture. This review highlights the combined potential of these technologies to address the escalating challenges posed by insect pests, particularly in the context of increasing resistance to conventional insecticides. Chloroplast engineering provides a robust platform for the high-level expression of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), essential for effective RNAi-mediated gene silencing in pests. The unique features of chloroplasts, such as their high copy number, transgene stability, and maternal inheritance, significantly reduce the risk of gene flow and non-target effects, making them an ideal system for dsRNA production. Recent advancements in transplastomic plants have demonstrated the efficacy of this approach in controlling economically significant pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and cotton bollworms. The review discusses the mechanisms underlying plant-mediated RNAi and explores innovative dsRNA delivery methods, such as nanoparticle-based systems, which have the potential to enhance RNAi efficacy. Additionally, the review addresses the environmental and biosafety considerations of RNAi-based pest control, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. By leveraging the strengths of chloroplast engineering and RNAi, this integrated approach not only provides a sustainable and effective strategy for pest management but also paves the way for future innovations in crop protection and agricultural sustainability. This review underscores the importance of continued research and development in this field to address the growing challenges of global food security and environmental protection. The integration of these technologies offers a promising solution to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, mitigate the impact of insect pests on crop yields, and promote a more sustainable agricultural future.

Development and characterization of protein-rich cookies fortified with red kidney beans: A nutritional approach to combat malnutrition

Tehreem Zahid — 2025-06-30

Malnutrition is a severe issue in developing countries due to the rapidly growing population, urbanization and industrialization, and a reduction in agricultural lands. It ultimately is an alarming situation for food security, thus, there is a need to look for alternate sources for food and nutrition security. This work aimed to enhance the compositional and functional properties of the cookies. In this study, different concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, 12%) of red kidney beans were used to prepare cookies (T_0, T₁, T₂, T₃and T₄). Nutritional, functional and sensorial attributes were assessed. Results showed that the inclusion of red kidney beans in cookies increased the protein and crude fiber contents by 1.75 and 1.40 times, respectively than the control sample. Functional properties of cookies such as water holding capacity and oil holding capacity were significantly increased (P<0.05). However, bulk density and water absorption capacity of cookies were significantly decreased (p<0.0%). Dietary fiber and mineral composition (iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) in cookies significantly improved (p<0.05). Moreover, the sensorial attributes indicated that adding 9% red kidney beans to cookies was acceptable. In short, the addition of red kidney beans in cookies may help to mitigate malnutrition.

Bacillus- aided boron nutrition improves productivity of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Muhammad Farooq — 2025-06-30

Boron (B) deficiency can significantly impact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield. Although B is present in soil upto 200 ppm but only 5% of it is available for the plants while the rest is in non-available form. However, some plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), termed as B solubilizing bacteria, has the potential to augment B availability in the rhizosphere. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of B application, with and without the use of B solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus MN54), on B availability, wheat performance and grain B concentration in two wheat cultivars (Faisalabad-2008 and Lasani-2008). Boron was applied to wheat through seed priming (0.01 M B), seed coating (250 mg kg^-1seed), soil application (1.00 kg ha^-1) and foliar spray (0.01 M B), with hydropriming as control treatment. The results revealed that plants treated with Bacillus MN54 showed higher concentrations of organic acids in their root exudates, leading to improved wheat yield and grain B concentration. Furthermore, the combined application of B and Bacillus MN54 by various methods further improved the efficacy of the inoculant. Specifically, B and Bacillus MN54 application as seed priming resulted in the highest levels of organic acids in root exudates and grain yield (27%) followed by soil B + Bacillus MN54 application (25%) compared to control. Notably, the application of B and Bacillus MN54 as soil (21%) and foliar (23%) treatments yielded the highest grain B concentration. In conclusion, seed priming with B in combination with Bacillus MN54 has the potential to simultaneously improve wheat grain yield and grain B concentration.

Alleviation methods to combat toxic impact of saline water irrigation for growing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Zilla Hassan — 2025-06-30

An appropriate experimental site was selected for the collection of soil after laboratory analysis. This experiment, comprised of 3 variable factors to be tested; first test factor was saline water of different qualities having EC (electrical conductivity) of 1, 2 and 3 dSm^-1 {Water (W1), Water (W2) and Water (W3)}, which were applied at different rates {(Normal irrigation level (IL1) and 10% lesser irrigation level (IL2)} in order to save water as well as salt addition occurring from saline water. The third test factor was mulching (plastic or crop residues, M2 and M3 respectively) against no mulching (M1). The objective was to reduce evaporation resulting in lesser crop water requirements and decreased salt accumulation through decreased irrigation. All treatments were replicated thrice with completely randomized design (CRD) of statistics growing tomato crop. Saline waters of varying levels were prepared artificially and applied according to treatment proposal. Mulching was also applied to different pots according to treatment plan. Uniform dose of NPK fertilizers were used to meet nutrient requirements of plants. There was complete maintenance and protection of tomatoes from diseases and insects by appropriate measures. Irrigation with saline water started after two weeks of tomato transplanting to ensure the establishment of plants. At tomato maturity, plant sampling was taken from all pots for laboratory determinations. All the data were processed statistically using appropriate procedures. Data indicated that maximum plant height, fresh weight/yield, dry weight mass, plant diameter, number of tomato fruits/plant as well as highest amounts of N, P and K in tomato plants were noted when water having EC less than 1.0 dSm^-1 was used at normal rate and coupled with crop residues mulching. Through these techniques farmers can grow vegetables, especially tomato using poor quality water without any salt hazards.

Comparative assessment of two traps for aphid monitoring in wheat under varying growth stages and environmental conditions

Muneer Abbas — 2025-06-30

Yellow Moericke traps (YMT) and yellow sticky traps are critical components of integrated pest management (IPM), providing accurate data for population abundance and behavior. Two traps were assessed at various wheat growth stages to evaluate their effectiveness. Yellow Moericke Traps (YMT) consistently captured more aphids than Yellow Sticky Traps (YST) from the Booting to Ripening stages. Trap catches increased with rising temperatures peaking during the Heading stage. YMT consistently captured a higher number of aphids compared to YST across all nine sampling sites, with peak catches observed at the SW-12 site in both years. Aphid populations were notably higher in 2022, with YMT catches ranging from 10 to 401 and YST from 8 to 141. In 2023, a marked decline was observed, with YMT ranging from 5 to 320 and YST from 5 to 97. These facts make YMT a more reliable tool for monitoring populations trends. The correlation analysis during 2022-23 revealed a significant positive relationship between aphid catches and temperature for both trap types, with stronger correlations observed in 2023. In contrast, humidity showed a weak, no significant negative correlation with aphid catches in both years. No significant difference in correlation between the years and traps was found. The results show that Yellow Moericke Traps (YMT) consistently captured higher numbers of aphids (16,383) compared to Yellow Sticky Traps (YST) (7,098) during 2022-23, with significant differences observed (p < 0.05). Rhopalosiphum padi and Schizaphis graminum were the most abundant species, peaking during SW 03-09 and SW 05-13, respectively. YMT demonstrated greater efficiency, consistently capturing higher numbers across all aphid species and peak activity periods. This indicates higher efficacy in both attracting and capturing aphids. YMT proved to be a more dependable tool for monitoring aphid populations and tracking seasonal variations. Traps attracted thirteen species, with S. graminum, R. padi, S. avenae, and R. maidis were identified as major species.

Evaluation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum, L.) genotypes for salt tolerance at germination and seedling establishment stages

Riaz Noor Panhwar — 2025-06-30

Sugarcane is an important cash and industrial crop of Pakistan. Salinity limits the sugarcane crop growth and production, thereby, causing economic loss to the farmers. Through cultivation of salt tolerant sugarcane varieties saline lands can best be utilized for economic crop production. The pot experiment was carried out to explore the salt tolerance ability of sugarcane genotypes under salinity levels (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 dS m^-1) at germination and seedling establishment phase. The experiment was undertaken at National Sugar and Tropical Horticulture Research Institute (NSTHRI), PARC, Thatta, Pakistan (24^o45’32.27”N, 67^o53’41.53E) during February 2021 and harvested in April 2021. The trial was laid out under completely randomized design having three replications. Ten sugarcane genotypes i.e. HoTh-127, HoTh-2109, HoTh-300, HoTh-311, HoTh-318, HoTh-326, HoTh-409, Th-910, YT-53 and YT-55 (“Ho” Houma, USA; “Th” Thatta, Pakistan and “YT” Yuetang, China) were selected for experimentation. All the salinity levels significantly affected germination and all other tested growth parameters of sugarcane genotypes. However, the decline in germination and growth traits was more prominent at higher salinity levels (6 to 10 dS m^-1). In case of genotypes performance, HoTh-326 was found better regarding germination and other growth parameters by showing maximum salt tolerance index values 87.76, 82.31, 71.60 and 61.38 as compared to HoTh-311 with minimum STI values 77.38, 64.72, 52.98 and 44.63 at EC level of 4, 6, 8 and 10 dS m^-1_,respectively. It was concluded that the sugarcane genotype HoTh-326 was found tolerant and HoTh-311 salt sensitive to salinity at germination and seedling establishment phase.

Response of maize to ridge-furrow planting with surface drip irrigation system in semi-arid conditions of upper Indus basin

Muhammad Shoaib — 2025-06-30

In Punjab, maize (Zea mays L.) is commonly cultivated using ridge-furrow or double ridge-furrow planting patterns, which require evaluation under drip irrigation. This study assessed maize performance under different planting configurations with drip irrigation during the autumn (2018, 2019) and spring (2019, 2020) seasons. Four treatments were evaluated: M₁) 75 cm spaced ridge-furrow, M₂) 90 cm wide beds, M₃) 105 cm wide beds, and M₄) 120 cm wide beds. Drip lines were installed in furrows for M₁ and on bed tops for M₂, M₃, and M₄. Across seasons, M₁ recorded the tallest plants, averaging 8.1% taller than other treatments. In autumn, M₃ produced the highest fresh ear weight (17.81 Mg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (10.95 Mg ha⁻¹), with the highest water use efficiency (WUE) of 2.05 and 1.78 kg m⁻³ in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In spring, M₂ yielded the highest fresh ear weight (20.75 Mg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (14.52 Mg ha⁻¹), with WUE values of 2.67 and 2.03 kg m⁻³ over two years. Grain protein content exhibited a negative correlation with grain yield, reaching a maximum of 12.2% in the M₄ across both seasons. In contrast, the highest grain oil content was recorded in M₃ during the autumn season and in M₁ during the spring season, with an average value of 4.44%. Results indicate that planting pattern significantly influences maize productivity and resource use under drip irrigation. For optimal yield and WUE, a 105 cm bed width is recommended for autumn maize and 90 cm for spring maize under drip irrigation.

Endophytic fungi from Oxalis stricta enhance growth, secondary metabolite production, and photosynthetic efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abdullah — 2025-06-30

Endophytic fungi play a crucial role in plant growth promotion and stress tolerance by producing bioactive metabolites. In this study, endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the Oxalis stricta L. (yellow wood sorrel) belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. The fungal strains were cultured in Czapek medium, and their culture filtrates were analyzed for secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenols, sugars, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), prolein, and ammonia production, using optical density (OD) measurements. The isolated strains exhibited significantly high levels of flavonoids (ranging from 2.5 to 4.1 µg/mL) and phenols (3.2 to 5.6 µg/mL), while the isolates tested positive for ammonia production, indicating their potential role in nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, greenhouse experiments demonstrated that inoculated maize (Zea mays L.) plants exhibited significant improvements in root and shoot length (increase of 34% and 41%, respectively) and biomass accumulation compared to control plants. Seedlings were further grown in water agar medium to assess the impact of fungal inoculation on IAA production and chlorophyll (A and B) content. Treated plants showed a 27% increase in IAA and a 19% increase in total chlorophyll content compared to non-inoculated plants, suggesting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and auxin-mediated growth promotion. Results showed a marked increase in IAA and chlorophyll levels in treated plants compared to the controls, suggesting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and auxin-mediated growth promotion. These findings highlight the potential of isolated endophytic fungi as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of varietal resistance and efficacy of botanical and chemical treatments against seedborne fungal pathogens in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Muhammad Ayaz Kakar — 2025-06-30

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a valuable oilseed crop cultivated for its economic and nutritional benefits; however, its productivity is often compromised by seed-borne fungal infections. Despite growing interest in environmentally friendly plant protection strategies, limited research has addressed the comparative impact of multiple fungal pathogens on different safflower varieties and the integrated use of botanical and chemical control methods. This study aims to investigate the incidence and pathogenic effects of five seed-borne fungi Alternaria carthami, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., Curvularia sp., and Fusarium oxysporum isolated from four safflower varieties (S-208, Thori-78, SAF-130, and SAF-30), and to evaluate the efficacy of selected plant extracts and commercial fungicides in controlling fungal growth. Results revealed A. niger as the most prevalent pathogen, with isolation rates between 27.50% and 61.50%, followed by A. carthami (23.00%–40.00%). The Thori-78 variety showed the highest incidence of fungal contamination, while S-208 showed the lowest. Rhizopus sp. was not isolated from S-208. Infected seeds demonstrated significantly lower germination rates, with the healthiest germination observed in non-infected S-208 seeds. In vitro antifungal tests with plant extracts Aloe vera, toothbrush plant, garlic, neem, and giant milkweed showed garlic extract as the most effective at all tested concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%), followed by neem. Among five fungicides (Aliette, Topsin-M, Dithane M-45, Carbendazim and Acrobat), Dithane M-45, Carbendazim, and Topsin-M showed the highest antifungal activity, especially at higher doses, and promoted improved plant height and biomass. This study fills a key research gap by combining varietal susceptibility analysis with integrated fungal management strategies, highlighting the potential of both botanical and synthetic agents in safeguarding safflower crops and enhancing overall agricultural productivity.

Assessment of yield and postharvest traits of three strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars grown at farmer’s field in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Asim Zulfiqar — 2025-06-30

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is highly palatable berry fruit. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals with fabulous flavour and tantalizing aroma. While previous research trials at departmental level demonstrated successful strawberry cultivation in Rawalakot, cultivar specific performance under open-field conditions at farmer’s field has not been assessed. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of three strawberry cultivars (Chandler, Seascape, Tribute) under open-field conditions. Runners of each cultivar were planted, and data were collected on vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield, and postharvest attributes. The experimental arrangements were made in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, and data analysis was performed using ANOVA in Statistix 8.1, with mean comparisons via LSD (P ≤ 0.05). Results indicated that Chandler exhibited higher vegetative growth, with the highest survival rate (97%), number of runners (4.96), leaf area (42.63 cm²), and chlorophyll content (43.23 g/ml). It also produced the highest number of flowers (14.32), fruits per plant (10.32), and fruit yield (118.32 g/plant). Chandler also excelled in postharvest quality, showing the highest total soluble solids (7.56%), vitamin C (21.34 mg/100 g), total anthocyanins (4.02 mg/100 g FW), and antioxidant activity (102.12 µg/100 mg FW). Tribute required the longest duration for flowering (51.34 days) and harvesting (92.56 days). Overall, Chandler was the most promising cultivar for superior yield and postharvest quality in Rawalakot’s open-field conditions. Moreover, the study highlights the potential future benefits for local farmers through the cultivation of strawberries.