The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and... more The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and early seedling growth was investigated. Salinity treatments S1 =8.00 dSm-1, S2 =12.00 dSm-1, S3 =16.00 dSm-1were achieved by adding NaCl in deionized water. There was a decrease in the germination %age, fresh and dry weight of radical and plumule. Whereas fresh weight of endosperm increased and oven dry weight decreased with increase in salinity levels. Among the cultivars under investigation, response of both the varieties to external salt regimes was almost same.
A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Agera... more A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora, and common native plants. These strains were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, including IAA and siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These traits were dependent on bacterial phylogenetic position but independent of isolation sources. Twenty-four phylogenetically distinct strains were selected and evaluated for their effects on the plant performance of A. adenophora and the two native plants Fallopia multiflora and Arthraxon lanceolatus. All strains had a neutral influence on germination rate; however, the germination timing and aboveground and belowground growth of the three tested plants were significantly changed. Among all tested strains, 20.8% and 16.7% were beneficial for the aboveground and belowground growth of A. adenophora, but none were beneficial to the two native species. In contrast, no strain negatively affected the performance of A. adenophora, but more than half of the strains showed detrimental effects on the belowground growth of the two native species, and approximately half of them delayed the germination timing of F. multiflora. The phylogenetic position of strains distinctly affected plant performance. The bacteria accumulated in the rhizosphere soil of A. adenophora showed a host-specific growth-promotion of A. adenophora; however, such bacteria showed no more detrimental effects on the growth of the two native species than those inhabiting the native plants. Our data suggested that the increased bacterial number and altered species structure in the soils were able to provide a competitive advantage to A. adenophora after invasion.
The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and... more The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and early seedling growth was in- vestigated. Salinity treatments S1 =8.00 dSm-1, S2 =12.00 dSm-1, S3 =16.00 dSm-1were achieved by adding NaCl in deionized water. There was a decrease in the germination %age, fresh and dry weight of radical and plumule. Whereas fresh weight of endosperm increased and ov- en dry weight decreased with increase in salinity levels. Among the cultivars under investigation, response of both the varieties to external salt regimes was almost same.
A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Agera... more A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora, and common native plants. These strains were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, including IAA and siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These traits were dependent on bacterial phylogenetic position but independent of isolation sources. Twenty-four phylogenetically distinct strains were selected and evaluated for their effects on the plant performance of A. adenophora and the two native plants Fallopia multiflora and Arthraxon lanceolatus. All strains had a neutral influence on germination rate; however, the germination timing and aboveground and belowground growth of the three tested plants were significantly changed. Among all tested strains, 20.8% and 16.7% were beneficial for the aboveground and belowground growth of A. adenophora, but none were beneficial to the two native species. In contrast, no strain negatively affected the performance of A. adenophora, but more than half of the strains showed detrimental effects on the belowground growth of the two native species, and approximately half of them delayed the germination timing of F. multiflora. The phylogenetic position of strains distinctly affected plant performance. The bacteria accumulated in the rhizosphere soil of A. adenophora showed a host-specific growth-promotion of A. adenophora; however, such bacteria showed no more detrimental effects on the growth of the two native species than those inhabiting the native plants. Our data suggested that the increased bacterial number and altered species structure in the soils were able to provide a competitive advantage to A. adenophora after invasion.
Soil with low fertility is a big problem for achieving citrus productivity. In this regard, the m... more Soil with low fertility is a big problem for achieving citrus productivity. In this regard, the management of macro and micronutrients is essential. Macro and micronutrient deficiency decreased the yield and the quality of citrus fruit. It is the need of the hour to classify the soil fertility status under changing climatic scenarios. The current soil fertility survey was conducted to examine the macro and micronutrient status in the citrus production area. In soil, three depths (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) were taken for sampling. For leaves, 4–6-months-old non-bearing twigs were sampled from 20 trees per orchard at breast height. Results showed that soil pH (7.1–8.4) was slightly alkaline, electrical conductivity (EC) was non-saline (<4 dSm−1), soil organic matter (SOM) was deficient (<0.86%), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was slight calcareous (<8%), at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths. The majority of soil samples were low in nitrogen (N) contents at all depths, i.e., (&...
Micronutrient deficiency in the soil is one of the major causes of mango fruit and yield's po... more Micronutrient deficiency in the soil is one of the major causes of mango fruit and yield's poor quality. Besides, the consumption of such a diet also causes a deficiency of micronutrients in humans. Boron deficiency adversely affects the flowering and pollen tube formation, thus decreasing mango yield and quality attributes. Soil and foliar application of B are considered a productive method to alleviate boron deficiency. A field experiment was conducted to explore the Boron most suitable method and application rate in mango under the current climatic scenario. There were nine treatments applied in three replications. The results showed that application of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) significantly enhanced the nitrogen, potassium, proteins, ash, fats, fiber, and total soluble solids in mango as compared to the control. A significant decrease in sodium, total phenolics contents, antioxidant activity, and acidity as citric acid also validated the effective functioning of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) as compared to control. In conclusion, T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) is a potent strategy to improve the quality attributes of mango under the changing climatic situation.
Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the econo... more Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fr...
Agronomic biofortification is the purposeful utilization of mineral fertilizers to increase the c... more Agronomic biofortification is the purposeful utilization of mineral fertilizers to increase the concentration of desired minerals in edible plant parts for enhancing their dietary intake. It is becoming crucial to enhance the dietary intake of K for addressing hidden hunger and related health issues such as cardiac diseases and hypertension. This study was designed to enhance the potassium concentration in edible parts of spinach through its foliar application under saline environment. The salinity levels of electrical conductivity (EC) = 4, 6, and 8 dS m−1 were applied using sodium chloride (NaCl) along with control. The levels of K for foliar sprays were 5 and 10 mM, along with control. The present experiment was performed under two factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design (CRD). After 60 days of sowing, the crop was harvested. Data regarding growth, ionic, physiological, and biochemical parameters, i.e., shoot dry weight, relative water content, electrolyte leakag...
Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the econo... more Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fruit retention, sugar contents, ash contents and TSS of mango compared to control. A significant increase in mango fruit weight and yield per plant validated the efficacious role of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar over control. Furthermore, the maximum significant decrease in fruit juice acidity signified the imperative functioning of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar in alkaline soil. In conclusion, 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar application can improve mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. More investigations on different soil types, climatic zones and mango varieties are recommended to declare 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar as the best treatment for improvement in the quality and yield of mango fruit in alkaline soils.
The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and... more The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and early seedling growth was investigated. Salinity treatments S1 =8.00 dSm-1, S2 =12.00 dSm-1, S3 =16.00 dSm-1were achieved by adding NaCl in deionized water. There was a decrease in the germination %age, fresh and dry weight of radical and plumule. Whereas fresh weight of endosperm increased and oven dry weight decreased with increase in salinity levels. Among the cultivars under investigation, response of both the varieties to external salt regimes was almost same.
A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Agera... more A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora, and common native plants. These strains were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, including IAA and siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These traits were dependent on bacterial phylogenetic position but independent of isolation sources. Twenty-four phylogenetically distinct strains were selected and evaluated for their effects on the plant performance of A. adenophora and the two native plants Fallopia multiflora and Arthraxon lanceolatus. All strains had a neutral influence on germination rate; however, the germination timing and aboveground and belowground growth of the three tested plants were significantly changed. Among all tested strains, 20.8% and 16.7% were beneficial for the aboveground and belowground growth of A. adenophora, but none were beneficial to the two native species. In contrast, no strain negatively affected the performance of A. adenophora, but more than half of the strains showed detrimental effects on the belowground growth of the two native species, and approximately half of them delayed the germination timing of F. multiflora. The phylogenetic position of strains distinctly affected plant performance. The bacteria accumulated in the rhizosphere soil of A. adenophora showed a host-specific growth-promotion of A. adenophora; however, such bacteria showed no more detrimental effects on the growth of the two native species than those inhabiting the native plants. Our data suggested that the increased bacterial number and altered species structure in the soils were able to provide a competitive advantage to A. adenophora after invasion.
The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and... more The response of two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to NaCl salinity at germination and early seedling growth was in- vestigated. Salinity treatments S1 =8.00 dSm-1, S2 =12.00 dSm-1, S3 =16.00 dSm-1were achieved by adding NaCl in deionized water. There was a decrease in the germination %age, fresh and dry weight of radical and plumule. Whereas fresh weight of endosperm increased and ov- en dry weight decreased with increase in salinity levels. Among the cultivars under investigation, response of both the varieties to external salt regimes was almost same.
A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Agera... more A total of 390 bacterial strains were obtained from rhizosphere soils of an invasive plant, Ageratina adenophora, and common native plants. These strains were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, including IAA and siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These traits were dependent on bacterial phylogenetic position but independent of isolation sources. Twenty-four phylogenetically distinct strains were selected and evaluated for their effects on the plant performance of A. adenophora and the two native plants Fallopia multiflora and Arthraxon lanceolatus. All strains had a neutral influence on germination rate; however, the germination timing and aboveground and belowground growth of the three tested plants were significantly changed. Among all tested strains, 20.8% and 16.7% were beneficial for the aboveground and belowground growth of A. adenophora, but none were beneficial to the two native species. In contrast, no strain negatively affected the performance of A. adenophora, but more than half of the strains showed detrimental effects on the belowground growth of the two native species, and approximately half of them delayed the germination timing of F. multiflora. The phylogenetic position of strains distinctly affected plant performance. The bacteria accumulated in the rhizosphere soil of A. adenophora showed a host-specific growth-promotion of A. adenophora; however, such bacteria showed no more detrimental effects on the growth of the two native species than those inhabiting the native plants. Our data suggested that the increased bacterial number and altered species structure in the soils were able to provide a competitive advantage to A. adenophora after invasion.
Soil with low fertility is a big problem for achieving citrus productivity. In this regard, the m... more Soil with low fertility is a big problem for achieving citrus productivity. In this regard, the management of macro and micronutrients is essential. Macro and micronutrient deficiency decreased the yield and the quality of citrus fruit. It is the need of the hour to classify the soil fertility status under changing climatic scenarios. The current soil fertility survey was conducted to examine the macro and micronutrient status in the citrus production area. In soil, three depths (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) were taken for sampling. For leaves, 4–6-months-old non-bearing twigs were sampled from 20 trees per orchard at breast height. Results showed that soil pH (7.1–8.4) was slightly alkaline, electrical conductivity (EC) was non-saline (<4 dSm−1), soil organic matter (SOM) was deficient (<0.86%), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was slight calcareous (<8%), at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths. The majority of soil samples were low in nitrogen (N) contents at all depths, i.e., (&...
Micronutrient deficiency in the soil is one of the major causes of mango fruit and yield's po... more Micronutrient deficiency in the soil is one of the major causes of mango fruit and yield's poor quality. Besides, the consumption of such a diet also causes a deficiency of micronutrients in humans. Boron deficiency adversely affects the flowering and pollen tube formation, thus decreasing mango yield and quality attributes. Soil and foliar application of B are considered a productive method to alleviate boron deficiency. A field experiment was conducted to explore the Boron most suitable method and application rate in mango under the current climatic scenario. There were nine treatments applied in three replications. The results showed that application of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) significantly enhanced the nitrogen, potassium, proteins, ash, fats, fiber, and total soluble solids in mango as compared to the control. A significant decrease in sodium, total phenolics contents, antioxidant activity, and acidity as citric acid also validated the effective functioning of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) as compared to control. In conclusion, T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) is a potent strategy to improve the quality attributes of mango under the changing climatic situation.
Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the econo... more Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fr...
Agronomic biofortification is the purposeful utilization of mineral fertilizers to increase the c... more Agronomic biofortification is the purposeful utilization of mineral fertilizers to increase the concentration of desired minerals in edible plant parts for enhancing their dietary intake. It is becoming crucial to enhance the dietary intake of K for addressing hidden hunger and related health issues such as cardiac diseases and hypertension. This study was designed to enhance the potassium concentration in edible parts of spinach through its foliar application under saline environment. The salinity levels of electrical conductivity (EC) = 4, 6, and 8 dS m−1 were applied using sodium chloride (NaCl) along with control. The levels of K for foliar sprays were 5 and 10 mM, along with control. The present experiment was performed under two factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design (CRD). After 60 days of sowing, the crop was harvested. Data regarding growth, ionic, physiological, and biochemical parameters, i.e., shoot dry weight, relative water content, electrolyte leakag...
Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the econo... more Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fruit retention, sugar contents, ash contents and TSS of mango compared to control. A significant increase in mango fruit weight and yield per plant validated the efficacious role of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar over control. Furthermore, the maximum significant decrease in fruit juice acidity signified the imperative functioning of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar in alkaline soil. In conclusion, 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar application can improve mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. More investigations on different soil types, climatic zones and mango varieties are recommended to declare 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar as the best treatment for improvement in the quality and yield of mango fruit in alkaline soils.
Uploads
Papers by Umber Ghafoor