In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, wheat yield is subjected to availability of water and proper rate of Nano-black carbon in soil. Delay in rain and unsuitable soil health cause severe yield reduction. Therefore this experiment was conducted to compare Irrigation levels in relation to different rate of Nano-black carbon to find out high yielding fact that could enhance wheat productivity and food security. Three different-irrigation-levels (250-mm, 275-mm and 300-mm), were compared in early growth establishment in three repeats with five different rates of Nano-black carbon (5Mg ha-1, 10Mg ha-1, 15Mg ha-1, 20Mg ha-1 and 25Mg ha-1). All the other agronomic practices were kept similar for each replicate. Data was recoded on different growth parameters such as days to emergence, emergence m-2, plant height, spike length, number of spikes m-2, thousand grain weight and grain yield. The study confirmed that almost all Irrigation levels were prominent but significant reduction in different parameters was observed with variation in Nano-black carbon application that could ultimately effect soil health and productivity. From this experiment we concluded that proper rate of Nano-black carbon can significantly enhance the development of roots system which may ultimately increase the shoot growth and final yield. The present study revealed that wheat Irrigation levels (250 mm) can properly save water and increase wheat productivity in combination with Nano-black carbon addition. Different Irrigation levels retorted differently to different Nano-black carbon showing that potential did exist in Nano-black carbon for water storage and improvement of soil health under drought stress condition.

The unpredictability and large fluctuation of the climatic conditions in rainfed regions influences spring wheat yield and grain quality. These variations offer the opportunity for the production of better quality wheat. The effect of late sowing on wheat morphologyand grain yield was studied in different 40s bread wheat at the research farm of PBG, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during 2013-14. Forty wheat genotypes were tested under normal and late sowing in 5 × 8 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Combined analysis of variance exhibited significant genotype by environment interactions for days to heading, flag leaf area, days to maturity, plant height, spikes m-2, grains spike-1,1000-grain weight, biomass yield, grain yield andharvest index. Days to emergence, headings, maturity ranged from 9 to 12, 111 to 121 and 155 to 164 days under normal while under late planting it ranged from 25 to 29, 95 to107 and 137 to 143 days. Mean data under normal planting ranged between 77 to 125cm; 25 to 41cm2; 99 to 199; 10 to 13 cm 32 to 49; 52 to 88g; 8533 to 13667 kg, 1869 to 4681 kg; 21 to 35% whereas under late planting its range was 63 to 91 cm, 18 to 37 cm2, 57 to 137, 8 to 12 cm, 22 to 52, 36 to 75g, 2400 to 7933 kg, 540 to 2739 kg and 20 to 42% for plant height, flag leaf area, spikes m-2, spike length, grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight, biomass, grain yield and harvest index, respectively. Wheat genotypes planted at late condition took maximum days to emergence, while less number of days were reacquired for wheat genotypes planted at normal sowing date to get mature. Late planting negatively affected all yield contributing traits like; spikes m-2 (29%), grains spike-1 (18%) 1000-grain weight (29%), biomass (55%) and grain yield (50%).On the basis of the current exploration, it is obtained that genotype SRN 19111 was identified superior for 1000-grain weight, biomass yieldand grain yield under normal planting, while genotype PR-107 exhibited higher grain yield under late planting. Therefore, these genotypes are recommended for further extensive testing

Mung bean is one of the important Kharif pulses in Pakistan and is grown mainly for its edible seeds; therefore, fertilizers management is an important factor for improving mungbean growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted during the summer of 2013 at Palato Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Amir Muhammad Khan Campus Mardan, to determine the effect of phosphorus (P) and Zinc (Zn) on the yield and yield component of mungbean. The experiment consisted of four levels of P (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg ha-1) and four levels of Zn (0, 5, 10, and 15 kg ha-1). Data associated with the number of leaves and plant height illustrated that the higher number of leaves plant-1 (8.8) by an average was observed when P was applied at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 followed by 0 kg phosphorous (P) ha-1 (8.7) and Zn (Zn) application at the rate of 10 kg ha-1produced a maximum number of leaves plant-1 (9) followed by 15 kg ha-1(8.8) where 0 kg ZN ha-1 resulted in (7.7). Similarly, Zn significantly affected plant height, while P and interaction between P and Zn levels were non-significant. The higher plant height (95.1 cm) was observed when P was applied at the rate of 75 kg ha-1, followed by 50 kg P ha-1 (93.6 cm). Higher plant height (95.8cm) was recorded when ZN was applied at the 5 kg ha-1 followed by 10 kg ha-1(95.1cm). Higher numbers of nodules (13.1) were observed with the application of 50 kg P ha-1 followed by 75 kg P ha-1 (12.3), while the lowest (10.6) nodules were observed in the control plot. P application at the rate of 25 kg ha-1 produced a higher grain yield than 75 and 50 kg ha-1 and Zn application at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 produced a higher grain yield than 10 and 15 kg ha-1. Therefore, a lower rate of P 25 kg ha-1 and Zn 5 kg ha-1 is recommended for a higher yield of mungbean in the agro-ecological condition of Mardan.

Membrane biofouling is the coverage of membrane surfaces due to undesirable development of biofilms causing a decrease and subsequent loss of productivity in water treatment settings. Continuous use of synthetic chemicals against biofouling is inept as it leads to the emergence of multi-antibiotic resistance. Application of natural products such as plants can be apt in curbing biofouling while checking the resistance challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Rosmarinus officinalis in the control of membrane biofouling. Bacteria from biofouling environments were subjected to a biofilm confirmation test and identified at cultural, morphological, biochemical and molecular levels. Leaves of R.officinalis were extracted in solvents of varying polarity and activities. These extracts were evaluated against bacterial biofilm formation via minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and mesocosm bioassays. Biofilm formation was confirmed in 68% of the isolates identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of R.officinalis indicated the least MICs (0.313mg/L and 1.25mg/L) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Both extracts recorded the highest MBIC (50.00%) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The peak MBEC (57.88%) was obtained from the methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus and this same extract inhibited 56.23% density of bacterial biofilms on glass slides.The methanol and ethyl acetate crude extracts of R. officinalis appreciably reduced bacterial biofilms; hence, this plant can be exploited as a natural antifouling agent, with reduced toxicity and low risk of resistance.

Planting patterns and different cultivars play a significant role in forage crops quality and productivity. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment under different planting patterns and cultivars to evaluate sorghum crop yield, yield components, and quality at Agronomic Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 2015. The experiment consists of three sorghum cultivars (Jawar 2002, Sorghum-2011, and JS-2002) with a seed rate of 75 kg ha-1 at different planting patterns (P1=60 cm × 20 cm, P2=50cm × 24 cm, and P3=340 cm × 30 cm). Results showed that sorghum 2011 resulted in higher growth and qualitative attributes than other cultivars. For example, increase in plant height (237.11 cm), dry weight plant-1 (40.61 g), forage yield (57.66 ton ha-1), crude protein contents (6.12 %), fiber contents (32.12 %) and ash contents (8.73%) was observed in sorghum 2011 as compared to other cultivars. Whereas, among planting pattern P3 (40 x 30 cm ) produced maximum plant height (236.33 cm), leaves plant-1( 13.66), stem diameter (1.09 cm), forage yield (55.52 ton ha-1), dry matter yield (18.53 ton ha-1) and crude protein contents (6.06 %) as compared to P1 and P2. This study suggested that the cultivar sorghum 2011 with a planting pattern of 40 x 30 cm is a promising option to improve yield, yield components and quality of sorghum crop.

This study assessed the heavy metal decontamination potential of bio-enhanced Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis co-culture in used lubricating oil-contaminated soil. The bacterial co-culture was isolated from the soil obtained from Dutse mechanic village, Nigeria. One thousand five hundred(1500) g of sterilized soil was intentionally contaminated with used lubricating oil at three levels. The sterilized soil was biostimulated with processed compost, powdered cocoa pod husk (PCPH), and powdered cattle dung (PCD). Afterward, the mixtures were bio-augmented with the bacterial co-culture (150 mL). The concentrations of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in the used lubricating oil contaminated soil were determined at the commencement, fifth and tenth week of the study. A factorial experiment which was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) was adopted. Results generated from the As decontamination potential of Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis co-culture indicated that all the organic amendments significantly (p<0.05) enhanced its decontamination. At the fifth week, PCPH only enhanced the most Cd decontaminations (0.01020 mg kg-1, 0.00220 mg kg-1 and 0.00150 mg kg-1) compared with other organic amendments on 5%, 10% and 15% used lubricating oil contamination levels, respectively. At the tenth week, PCD only enhanced complete removal of Cd on all used lubricating oil contamination levels compared with compost and PCPH only, which attained complete removal of Cd on 5% and 15% of used lubricating oil contamination levels, respectively. The heavy metal decontamination potential of bio-enhanced Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis co-culture witnessed in this study indicates its suitability in effecting bioremediation of heavy metal impacted environments.

This study was conducted to evaluate different apricot germplasms on the bases of phenotypic traits at the Agricultural Research Institute Mingora, Swat, during the year 2016. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). We choose various traits of six different varieties of apricot, i.e., Protici, Vitilo, Begali, Shernabi, Swat Selection and Luizet, which are collected from diverse agro-ecological zones were evaluated to ascertain the extent of genetic diversity and assess geographical heterogeneity among these varieties. Data on different quantitative and qualitative traits such as number of fruits kg-1, total soluble solids, fruit color, kernel taste, and stone nature were recorded through physical and biochemical tests. The variety Luizet produced the largest size fruit with an average of 17.33 fruits kg-1. Whereas, the variety Begali produced the smallest size fruits with an average of 54 fruits kg-1. The maximum total soluble solids (18.06 oBrix) were recorded in the variety Begali and Luizet followed by the variety Vitilo (17.36 oBrix). Whereas the least amount of TSS were recorded in the variety Swat selection (13.2 oBrix). The fruits of Shernabi, Swat selection and Luizet had a uniform yellow color. However, fruits of other varieties were greenish to yellowish. Furthermore, free stones were most frequent in the fruits of Protici, Vitilo, Begali, Swat Selection and Shernabi, whereas, Luizet had semi-cling stones. Our results suggest that the variety Luizet is the best in terms of fruit size, TSS, fruit color and kernel taste as compared to the other tested varieties and is recommended for cultivation under the agro-climatic condition of Swat.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is susceptible to various diseases, especially powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe betae. Using nanotechnology in agriculture could revolutionize the sector by providing new tools for fast disease diagnosis and disease resistance. This study investigated the potential of Zn nanoparticles in inducing resistance to powdery mildew in sugar beet plants through two experiments. The first experiment assessed the susceptibility of sugar beet cultivars to powdery mildew, with Puma being the most resistant and Top being the most susceptible. The second experiment examined the impact of Zn NPs in inducing resistance to powdery mildew. Zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZN) and zinc sulfate (ZS) at concentrations of 100, 50 and 10 ppm were used as foliar applications. The results showed that most treatments significantly increased levels of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, total soluble sugars, endogenous H2O2, and activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), while reducing the severity of powdery mildew disease, lipid peroxidation (MDA), phenolics concentrations and catalase activity, especially Zn at concentrations of 100 and 50 ppm compared to infected control. The physiological role of Zn NPs in inducing resistance against powdery mildew disease is attributed to the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative reactions of phenolic compounds catalyzed by PPO and/or POD. Our results suggested that ZnO nanoparticles at 100 and 50 ppm can be used as a foliar spray to reduce the harmful impacts of biotic stress caused by E. betae in sugar beet plants by inducing resistance to the pathogen.

In recent years, biochar application to soil has become more popularized due to its potential roles on soil fertility, plant growth, and development. In this review, we discussed the impact of biochar on the relative abundance of soil proteobacteria and its relationship with soil physiochemical properties under different rhizospheres. It was observed that biochar applied to different soil improved proteobacteria, and its lowest and highest relative abundance was ranged from 30-80%, respectively. A positive relationship of soil proteobacteria with soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, total carbon were observed in several studies. Both the relative abundance of proteobacteria and its relationship with soil properties depend on biochar type, soil type, and fertilizers applied to the soil. Most of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, cellulose-decomposing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria belong to proteobacteria, which plays a significant role in nitrogen recycling that is beneficial for the plant growth, yield and fruits/seeds quality. Furthermore, a positive relationship between soil proteobacteria and plant yield was also highlighted. In this context, the use of biochar plays a potential role to improve the relative abundance of proteobacteria in sustainable agriculture. We highlighted future research guidelines that might benefit the sustainable agricultural system. Moreover, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of biochar application on Proteobaceria families such as Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Epsilonproteobacteria.