International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Cutting-Edge Research (HEC Recognised)

Aphid-Transmitted Plant Viruses

2025-08-11T10:22:08+00:00

Plant-aphid-virus interactions pose a significant threat to global crop production and food security. Aphids transmit plant viruses through persistent, semi-persistent and non-persistent modes, affecting the epidemiology of viral diseases in diverse host plants. Spatial patterns, vector behaviour, migration, and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and landscape features influence Transmission dynamics. Advances in epidemiological modelling, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and molecular diagnostics have improved monitoring and detection of aphids and viruses. Integrated vector management strategies, including cultural, biological, chemical, host plant resistance, and physical control, are limiting factors that reduce aphid populations and virus spread. However, management is challenged by the rapid reproduction of aphids, complex virus-vector-host interactions, and the adaptability of viral strains. Key knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding interactions under field conditions in tropical and subtropical systems. Future directions emphasize biotechnological and digital innovations, including nanotechnology, CRISPR/Cas-based resistance, artificial intelligence, and decision support systems to enhance disease forecasting and crop resilience. Sustainable management of aphid-transmitted plant viruses requires strengthening international collaboration and coordinated surveillance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on epidemiology, biology, and integrated management of aphid-transmitted viruses, while highlighting challenges, research gaps, and emerging innovations to support sustainable agriculture.

Toxicological Evaluation of Copper Oxychloride on Carassius Auratus

2025-06-02T08:52:43+00:00

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control pests. Cobox (copper oxychloride) is a broad-spectrum organophosphate fungicide widely used against pests. The use of pesticides not only controls pests, but it is also very harmful to non-target organisms. The present study aimed to find out the lethal concentrations (LC) LC0, LC50 and LC100 for 24, 48, 72 & 96 hours and behavioural changes of copper oxychloride on wild goldfish (Carassius auratus) at District Swat. The fish samples were collected from the River Swat at different localities and acclimatized for three weeks in aquaria. The LC0 (safe lethal concentration) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 75 mg/l, 60 mg/l, 20 mg/l and 12 mg/l, respectively. The LC50 (sublethal concentration) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 125 mg/l, 95 mg/l, 60 mg/l and 50 mg/l, respectively. The LC100 (lethal concentration) values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 190 mg/l, 125 mg/l, 95 mg/l and 60 mg/l, respectively. The behavioural changes in exposed groups included irregular swimming, loss of body equilibrium, loss of scales, increased opercular movements, over secretion of mucus, altered feeding behaviours, jerky type of movements and coming towards the water surface. It is concluded that Cobox is lethal to Carassius auratus, and the use of safer pest control methods should be adopted.

Prevalence and Incidence of Helminth Parasites in Some Marine Fishes from the Coast of Karachi, Pakistan

2025-06-24T11:13:00+00:00

Fish serve as a vital source of affordable protein globally and significantly contribute to economic activities through fisheries. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites in four commercially important marine fish species—Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Johnius dussumieri, Plectorhynchus cinctus, and Pampus argenteus—collected along the Karachi coast. From January to December 2022, a total of 113 fish samples were obtained monthly using cast nets, hand nets, and fishing rods, with the assistance of local fishermen. Examination revealed that 84.07% of the fish were infected with helminth parasites. Monthly prevalence peaked in June (45.46%) and was lowest in January (3.33%). Among the species studied, Pampus argenteus exhibited the highest mean intensity of infection (2.15 parasites per infected fish), followed by Johnius dussumieri (1.89), Plectorhynchus cinctus (1.87), and Lutjanus argentimaculatus (1.7). Seasonal variation revealed a much greater infection rate in the summer than in the winter. The results draw attention to species-specific sensitivity to helminth infections, therefore stressing possible consequences for fish health as well as food safety and control of fisheries.

Case Study on Carbon Emissions from Irrigation Methods in Bonsucro and Non-Bonsucro Sugarcane Farming Systems

2025-06-12T03:53:54+00:00

Sugarcane is an important cash crop for Pakistan’s economy, which is a sustainable source of rural livelihoods and raw material for various sectors, but its cultivation is at risk due to its high irrigation demand and the environmental impact created by irrigation practices. The extraction of groundwater through tubewell turbines consumes a higher amount of diesel fuel, which ultimately becomes a source of CO₂ emissions, thus threatening the sustainability standards. This study compares two sugarcane farming systems that are sources of carbon footprint: one is Bonsucro (following sustainability standards), and the other is a non-Bonsucro farmer (following conventional standards). Data was collected by questionnaires and field surveys. The number of emissions was calculated based on irrigation sources, including canal water, solar systems, and diesel turbine systems. The findings indicated that Bonsucro-certified farmers not only relied on green energy but also adopted mulching practices and irrigation scheduling, which resulted in a significant reduction in the number of irrigations and emissions compared to other conventional farmers. When only tubewell turbines were used, Bonsucro irrigation practices caused a decrease of 15% carbon emissions. However, the integration of a solar-powered system further improved it by up to 18%. This comparative analysis presents the significance of sustainable irrigation sources in sugarcane farming, which lowered the carbon footprint and supported climate-resilient agriculture.

Genome-Wide Identification, Structural Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Dof (DNA-Binding with one finger) Transcription Factor in Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)

2025-04-17T11:06:20+00:00

Dofs are plant-specific transcription factors involved in diverse functions, including growth, development, hormonal and Abiotic stress response regulation. Although genome-wide analysis of Dof genes has been performed in many species, these genes have yet to be analyzed in lima bean. The current study was aimed at exploring and characterizing the Dof gene family across the genome of the lima bean. Forty PlDof genes in the genome of lima bean were detected during the present study, and named as PlDof1-PlDof40 based on their location on the chromosome in the ascending order. PlDof12 was recorded as the largest gene with 1560 bp CDS, 519 amino acid protein length (PL) and 57.126 kDa protein molecular weight (PMW), while PlDof-23 was found as the smallest one with only 522 CDS, 173 PI and 19.75 kDa PMW, respectively. Nucleus was predicted as a major residence for all 40 PlDof proteins. Isoelectric points and GRAVY were found in the range of 5.35 to 8.91 and -0.269 to -0.746, respectively. The varying number of exons reveals that deletions/additions have occurred during evolution, resulting in variation in motif number. Motif1was conserved in all PlDof genes. The phylogenetic tree reveals that paralogs contributed 33% to the PlDof gene family expansion. Ka/Ks ratios of paralogs reveal that they were all under purifying selection. The promoter region has environmental, developmental, light and hormone-responsive elements that might contribute to the diverse function of PlDof. This study provides a basis for the functional validity of PlDof genes.

Determination of Lethal Concentration of COBOX to Salmo Trutta Fario and its impact on Behavioural Responses

2025-05-25T06:31:30+00:00

Pesticides are substances, either biological or chemical, that are used to eradicate, suppress, or manage pests like weeds, ants, cockroaches, and insects. Besides the target organism, pesticides can also affect non-target organisms. The present research was aimed at finding the lethal concentrations and harmful effects of Cobox (pesticide) on the behaviour of Salmo trutta fario. It has been determined that Cobox is extensively used in different regions of District Swat, Pakistan. Fish samples were stocked in aquaria based on body weight and acclimatized for four weeks. Light light-dark period was kept as 12:12 hours was kept. To determine LC (lethal concentration; LC0, LC50 and LC100), the pesticide was added in different amounts to each aquarium. The LC0 for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were determined as 40, 17.5, 10 and 7.5 mg/L, respectively. The LC50 values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were found as 50, 22.5, 17.5 and 10 mg/L, respectively. The LC100 values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours determined were 60, 30, 25 and 15 mg/L, respectively. In response to the poisonous effect of the Copper oxychloride, fish behaviour changed from normal to abnormal, including jumping out of the aquarium, marks on skin, losing balance, secreting mucus all over in bodies, moving their gills rapidly and disrupting swimming. It was concluded that Cobox affects the mortality and behavioural responses of Salmo trutta fario.

Biochemical and Physiological Insights into Heat and Drought Stress Tolerance in Chickpea Pollens and Yield

2025-07-09T13:19:53+00:00

This study aimed to investigate the impact of temperature extremes (heat and cold) and salinity stress on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production, particularly focusing on yield losses and physiological responses under these abiotic stresses. A review of recent experimental and field studies was conducted, incorporating statistical analyses of yield reductions and stress tolerance traits. Data synthesis included quantitative assessments of yield loss percentages and evaluations of antioxidant enzyme activity levels in different chickpea genotypes. Findings revealed that heat stress during the reproductive phase could reduce chickpea yield potential by 30-40%, while combined heat and drought stress might cause yield declines of 40-45%. Stress during pod filling adversely affected pollen viability and pod set, leading to shrivelled pods. The analysis also highlighted that certain chickpea genotypes exhibited higher activities of proline and antioxidant enzymes (linked to the ascorbate-glutathione cycle), which play key roles in heat tolerance. Temperature stress during early growth and reproductive phases significantly diminishes chickpea production by disrupting physiological and reproductive processes. The results underscore the urgent need to develop climate-resilient and stress-tolerant chickpea cultivars tailored for different agroecological regions. To address these challenges, the study recommends leveraging modern genetic tools such as CRISPR and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to breed chickpea cultivars with superior stress tolerance. Sustained investment in biotechnology and targeted breeding programs will be essential for securing chickpea productivity under changing climate conditions.

Incidence of Upward Fixation of Patella and Evaluation of Stab Method and Pinhole Method for Medial Patellar Desmotomy (MPD) in Cholistani Cattle

2025-06-17T09:07:43+00:00

Patellar fixation is a functional disease seen in cattle's tibia-femoral-patellar articulation. Medial Patellar Desmotomy (MPD) is a surgical procedure used in cattle and equine to treat certain disorders that affect the patella or kneecap in animals, as the lameness associated with the patellar fixation affects the working and feed-searching ability of animals. The upward fixation of the patella is one of the important diseases of cattle that leads to lameness, reduced production and increased culling of cattle and buffaloes. Mainly, two techniques of MPD, including the stab method and the pinhole method, are used frequently in the field conditions for correction of upward fixation of the Patella. The present study was conducted primarily to study the incidence of cases of upward fixation of patella cattle in Bahawalpur and comparison of its correction techniques, i.e., stab method and pinhole method. It was shown that the incidence of upward fixation of the patella was 0.04% (170 / 4, 20,000). In the current study, data from 170 Cholistani cattle were recorded clinically as having upward fixation of the patella. The condition (upward fixation of the patella) was more prevalent in female cows than in males. There were 30% males (51/170) and the remaining 70% (119/170) were female animals. The total cases that were found in field conditions were treated by two surgical techniques: the Pinhole method and the Stab method. It was found that the Stab method of surgical correction of upward fixation of the patella was better than the pinhole method, with minimal complications, early recovery, and fast wound healing. It was found that the wound healing was 5.9 times faster in the stab method as compared to the pinhole method, while the odds of age, sex, season, and parity had no significant effect on the wound.

Response of Different Concentrations of Liquid Pollen Applications on Fruit Set, Yield and Fruit Physical Properties of Dhakki and Zahidi Date Palm

2025-08-02T05:17:55+00:00

The main cause for low fruit set %, retaining ability, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant is the improper pollination in most of the commercial date palm varieties in different date palm growing countries of the world. Palms were fertilized by the suspended pollen spray method. Results of this study revealed that the maximum days to fruit set (23.40 and 22.10), fruit set (96.47 and 91.46%), fruit drop (43.7 and 26.81%), bunch weight (11.13 and 6.41 kg), and fruit yield (178.13 and 64.13 kg plant-1) was recorded with the maximum pollen strength of 8 g L-1 in both the cultivars Dhakki and Zahidi, respectively. On the other hand, the minimum values of these parameters were shown by the pollen strength of 2 g L-1 in both the date palm cultivars. Overall, the cultivar Dhakki achieved maximum values of fruit quality traits, with fruit size, fruit weight, and pulp weight. Hence, based on this study, the liquid pollen application of 8 g L-1 is suggested for attaining maximum fruit set and yields in date palm under the Agroecological situations of Dera Ismail Khan.

Analyzing Socioeconomic Impacts of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Rural Pakistan

2025-08-09T08:17:23+00:00

The growing global demand for food and other agricultural products has placed unprecedented pressure on natural ecosystems, leading to widespread environmental degradation, resource depletion, and ecological imbalances. While modern intensive farming systems have greatly enhanced productivity, they have also contributed significantly to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions, posing serious challenges to environmental sustainability. In response to these emerging problems, this research study examines potential methods to enhance food production through sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation impacts under field conditions in Sindh, Pakistan. Specifically, the role of organic farming, IPM (integrated pest management), conservation tillage, efficient water management techniques, drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and crop diversification. The research paper employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis with primary and secondary data, to conduct real-time experiments on sustainable agricultural practices at the Latif Experimental Farm of Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. This research offers significant benefits by contributing to sustainable agricultural transitions and providing strategic insights for long-term food security and environmental preservation. It aims to support the move towards tangible, environmentally sustainable agriculture. It also provides both regional and global actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, farmers, stakeholders, development organizations, and academic universities to support the transition toward tangible, environmentally sustainable agriculture benefits. Agricultural Challenges and Sustainable Solutions Intensive farming, driven by global demand, causes environmental degradation, necessitating research into sustainable practices to boost food production while minimizing ecological impact, especially in regions like Pakistan.

Advances in Genetic Mapping of Cotton for Yield, Fiber Quality, and Stress Resistance

2025-08-14T16:04:24+00:00

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a major global cash crop providing natural fibre and supporting textile and agriculture industries. However, its productivity is negatively impacted by pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses, which are inadequately addressed by conventional breeding. Recent advances in genome sequencing and molecular breeding offer new opportunities to improve fibre quality and stress resistance. This review highlights the role of genetic mapping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in uncovering genes linked to key traits. High-throughput sequencing and genome-editing approaches, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, enable precise improvement of cotton genomic characteristics. Integration of high-density molecular markers with genomic selection accelerates breeding program by enabling early trait identification. Studies demonstrate that combining traditional breeding with genomics reduces the limitations of polyploidy and genetic bottlenecks, while enhancing yield stability under stress. Future directions include wider adaptability of genome-assisted breeding, functional genomics, and high-throughput phenotyping to strengthen cotton resilience against climate variability and biotic challenges. This review concludes that genomics-integrated breeding can deliver long-term improvements in fibre quality, productivity, and stress tolerance, thereby supporting sustainable cotton production.

Human–Snow Leopard Conflict and Conservation Interventions in Pakistan

2025-08-28T05:06:25+00:00

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an ecologically and evolutionarily significant species that is involved in the high-mountain ecosystems of Pakistan. However, several stressors, especially fragmentation of habitat, reduction in prey and persistent human-wildlife conflict, have continued to negatively jeopardize the long-term survival of the species. Four key types of interventions are reviewed in the present synthesis, namely, community-based conservation initiatives, predator-proof livestock enclosures, compensation and insurance programs, and habitat restoration programs. The recent academic analysis has recorded various conservation efforts in the contemporary literary scene, which provides a systemic evaluation of the usefulness of the entire spectrum of the species subject under analysis. Depredation of livestock remains the primary hotspot of the human wildlife conflict, often triggering a retaliatory culling, which in itself discourages support of conservation programs by the population. This means that to face such challenges of new fast fast-evolving natural environment dynamics requires adaptive management, participatory governance and enhanced cross-sector cooperation. There are three particular gaps in knowledge identified in the current review: (1) standard conflict data is needed, (2) the snow leopard population should be monitored more robustly, and (3) transboundary conservation planning should be better enabled. By reducing these shortfalls, one will, in turn, shape the improvement of policies. It is vital to reduce such gaps so that we can protect the species and, at the same time, maintain the socioeconomic welfare of human groups living within the shared environment.

Evaluation of Synthetic and Bio-Pesticides against Mustard Aphid Lipaphis Erysimi (Kalt) (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Canola Cultivars

2025-02-28T17:24:42+00:00

Abstract

The evaluation and efficacy of different pesticides, Actara (Thiamethoxam) 25WG, botanical pesticides (Neem oil and Tobacco leaves extract 3%) against mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi in selected canola cultivars (China, Sawabi, KS-75, Oscar, and Cornel-I) was performed during during2023-24. The experiment was conducted under field conditions at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, using a split-plot design. Two sprays with an interval of 14 days of the selected chemicals were used against L. erysimi upon reaching the ETL level. Results showed that after the first spray minimum mean number of aphids per 10cm shoot (8.53 and 8.19), further SD or SE should have been calculated were recorded with maximum percent reduction (63.38 and 60.88%) of L. erysimi was caused by Thiamethoxam 25WG followed by Neem oil (10.68 and 10.66 aphids per 10cm shoot, 55.28 and 56.24%). Among the varieties after first and second spray applications, KS-75 cultivar sustained minimum mean number of aphid (11.40 and 19.34 aphids per 10cm shoot) and maximum percent reduction (34.90 and 41.86%), while the cultivar ‘Swabi’ was attracted maximum mean number of aphids (31.78 and 50.56 aphids per 10cm shoot) and followed by minimum percent aphid reduction (22.10 and 20.81%) respectively. Moreover, after 14 days of Thiamethoxam 25WG 1st and 2nd spray applications, the mean minimum number of L. erysimi (1.75 and 1.22 aphids per 10cm shoot) was recorded in canola cultivar ‘KS-75’, respectively. A significantly maximum mean number of L. erysimi was recorded 14 days after both 1st and 2nd spray applications in variety ‘Swabi’ in the control plots (86.20 and 166.43 aphids per 10cm shoot, respectively). Tobacco leaf extract (3%) performed on average in both the mean counts and percent reduction of L. erysimi; however, overall maximum mean number with negative percent population reduction in the control plots in all the treatments showed a drastic increase in L. erysimi infestation. All the physiological characteristics of the canola crop, number of sub-branches (28.69), pods (124.71), plant height (88.52) and yield (1159.4 kg.ha-1) were recorded significantly maximum in case of Thiamethoxam 25WG treated cultivar ‘KS-75’, which was followed by variety ‘China’ (27.86, 121.34, 87.57, 1046.4). The same characteristics were found minimum in the case of control plots in variety ‘Swabi’(21.83, 82.62, 67.77, 351.9l) respectively. Thus, it was concluded that Thiamethoxam 25WG proved highly effective against L. erysimi infestations in canola tested cultivars. However, among bio-pesticides, Neem oil (3%) is a better add article ‘a’ alternative against canola aphid. The tested canola cultivars ‘KS-75’ and China are recommended for the farming community based on higher yields.

Morphological Diversity and Genetic Variation in a Global Collection of Durum Wheat under Pakistani Conditions

2025-08-14T12:34:13+00:00

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is widely grown for products such as pasta and macaroni, yet studies on its genetic variability under Pakistani conditions remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of 175 durum wheat accessions collected worldwide and grown for two consecutive years at Garhi Doppata, Azad Kashmir. Morphological traits recorded included germination, plant height, spike length, tillering capacity, peduncle length, leaf angle, seed number, spikelet number, plant thickness, yield attributes, and maturity stages. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied, indicating substantial genetic variation. Correlation analysis demonstrated both positive and negative associations among yield-related traits, such as a positive relationship between plant height and heading date, and a negative relationship between seed number per spike and harvest index. The presence of wide morphological variation suggests the potential of this germplasm for improving yield, early maturity, and related agronomic traits. The study concludes that the evaluated accessions can serve as valuable genetic resources for durum wheat breeding programs in Pakistan, offering scope to combine high-yielding and adaptability traits into improved genotypes.