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Titles and abstracts of the research papers published in January-March, 2004, Vol. 18, Issue No 1. of Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research

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INDUCED RESISTANCE BY CRESOTIC ACID (3-HYDROXY-4-­METHYLBENZOIC ACID) AGAINST WILT DISEASES OF MELON AND COTTON

Hezhong Dong, Zhenhuai Li, Dongmei Zhang , Weijiang Li, Wei Tang*

ABSTRACT: Cresotic acid (3-hydroxy-4-methyibenzoic acid) was proved to be active in controlling wilt diseases of melon and cotton plants grown in the green­house. Soil drench with 200-1000 ppm. cresotic acid induced 62-77 %, 69-79 % and 50-60 % protection against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp melonis (FOM) in melon, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp vasinfectum (FOV) and Verticillium dahliae in cotton, respectively. Since no inhibitory effect of cresotic acid on mycelial growth of these three fungual pathogens was observed in vitro, it is suggested that control of these wilt diseases with cresotic acid resulted from induced resistance. Cresotic acid induced resistance in melon plants not only against race 0, race 1, race 2 and race 1,2, but also against a mixture of these four races of FOM, suggesting a non-race ­specific resistance. Level of induced resistance by cresotic acid against FOM de­pended on inoculum pressure applied to melon plants. At 25 day after inoculation with FOM, percentage protection induced by cresotic acid under low inoculum pres­sure retained a level of 51 %, while under high inoculum pressure percentage pro­tection decreased to only 10 %. High concentrations of cresotic acid significantly reduced plant growth. Reduction in fresh weight of melon (36-51%) and cotton (42­-71%) was obtained with 500-1000 ppm cresotic acid, while only less than 8% reduction occurred with 100-200 ppm.

Key Words: Induced Resistance, Fusarium oxysporumf sp melonis; Fusarium oxysporumn f.sp vasinfectum; Verticillium dahliae; Induced Resistance; 3-hydroxy-4-methylbenzoic acid; China.

SCREENING OF CHICKPEA GERMPLASM AGAINST ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT DISEASE

S.M. Iqbal, A. Ghafoor and N. Ayub

ABSTRACT: Eight hundred and twenty four chickpea germplasm accessions were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions during 1994 to 1996. The amount of variation was higher at seedling and vegetative stage, and was due to influence of environmental change during early phase of experiment. Insignificant effects at pod formation (March-April) might be due to conducive environmental conditions for Ascochyta blight at Islamabad. Most of the resistant genotypes were originated from ICARDA which need further testing for confirmation of resistance against aggressive pathotypes. None of the genotype was resistant at pod formation stage during all the three years. However, 37, 72 and 21 genotypes were moderately resis­tant during 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The common genotypes which were resistant at seedling and vegetative stage are suggested to be utilized in breeding programme to build disease resistance pyramids due to complex nature of Ascochyta blight. Disease at seedling and pod formation stage exhibited high association al­though level of infection was higher at pod formation stage. It was suggested to screen huge germplasm lines at seedling stage under greenhouse conditions to save time and labour, genotypes those give higher level of resistance at seedling stage could be screened at pod formation stage under field conditions.

 Key Words: Germplasm; Pod Formation; Resistant Source; Screening; Seedling; Vegetative Stage; Pakistan.

COMBINING ABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SEED AND SEEDLING VIGOR TRAITS IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

M. Akram*, M. Munir and S.U. Ajmal

 ABSTRACT: Combining ability analysis was made in a 7x7 diallel cross for rate of germination index, seedling root length, seedling shoot length and seedling dry weight. Variances of general and specific combining ability were highly significant for all the traits indicating both additive and non-additive type of gene action. Higher magnitude of variances due to "gca" suggested preponderance of the addi­tive type of gene action except for seedling dry weight. IR25924-92-1-3 and TNAU (AD) 103 were good general combiners for rate of germination index where as IR50 and IR31779-19-3-3-2 were good general combiners for most of the traits studied. TNAU (AD) 103 x M148 and IR50 x IR9764-45-2-2 were the best specific combina­tions for R.G index. The best combinations R.G. index for seedling root length, seedling shoot length and seedling dry weight were TNAU (AD) 103 x M 148, IR9764­45-2-2 x M148, IR21820-154-3-2-2-x M148 and IR9764-45-2-2x M148 respectively.

 Key Words: Combining Ability; Seedling Vigor; Gene Action; Direct Seeding; Germination Index; Pakistan.

CROP PRODUCTIVITY AND NET RETURNS IN WHEAT-GRAM INTERCROPPING

Mohammad Munir*, M. Saeed and M. Imran**

ABSTRACT: Studies on wheat-gram intercropping under different size of wheat strips were carried out to determine the agro-economic relationship of two impor­tant crops of Pakistan. Experimental treatments were wheat alone in 30cm spaced single rows, gram alone in 30cm spaced single rows and wheat in 100cm spaced 4-­6-, 8- and 10-row strips. Strip-planted wheat was intercropped with gram. In each wheat strip size, three 30cm spaced rows of gram were sown in space between wheat strips. Intercropping of gram in space between 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-row strips of wheat decreased wheat grain yield by 27.36, 25.63, 21.53 and 18.01%, respectively. How­ever, at the cost of this much reduction in wheat grain yield, additional harvests of 741, 387, 301 and 263 kg/ha of gram seed from 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-row wheat strips, respectively, were obtained which compensated more than the losses in wheat pro­duction. The highest net income of Rs. 10229/ha with benefit-cost ratio of 1.90 was obtained from wheat grown in 100cm spaced 4-row strips + 3 rows of gram while minimum net return was of Rs. 6679/ha with benefit 10-row strips + 3 rows of gram.

Key Words: Wheat-gram Intercropping; Strip Size; Net Income; Benefit-cost Ratio; Wheat Grain-Yield Equivalent; Pakistan.

 EFFECTS OF FOOD DIETS ON INSECT DEVELOPMENT AND ITS SENSITIVITY TO GAMMA RADIATION

Sana Ullah Khattak, Anila Azhar and Mohammad Shahid*

 ABSTRACT: Taking red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), as a study case, studies on the effect of different food diets on insect development and losses and its sensitivity to gamma radiation, were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. The results revealed that all the three major parameters (develop­ment, losses and sensitivity) varied significantly (P< 0.05) with respect to fed diet. Developmental period was highest (43.5 days) in wheat starch and lowest (22 days) in wheat flour + 5% yeast (Standard diet). A significantly highest progeny (948) was produced in barley and lowest (105.3) in wheat starch. Maximum adult weight (37.35 mg/20 adults) was recorded in sorghum and minimum (33.4) in starch. Percent weight loss was highest (21.25) in barley and lowest (8.0) in starch. Barley flour was found as the most preferred diet. Radiosensitivity in relation to diet indicated that adults reared on wheat starch were most sensitive. Comparing the dose re­sponse, insect mortality was dose, diet and post irradiation duration dependent. However, 2.5kGy proved quite lethal. No significant effect of radiation was observed on moisture and protein contents of the diets, except reducing sugars.

Key Words: Diet; Development; Losses; Flour Beetle; Radiosensitivity; Mortality; Pakistan.

 EVALUATION OF SUGARCANE CULTIVARS FOR RESISTANCE TO COLLETOTRICHUM FALCATUM WENT.

 L. K. Khokhar, F. Sohail* and M.A. Qureshi**

ABSTRACT: Screening for resistance against Colletotrichum falcatum was per­formed in 96 test lines of sugarcane by artificially inoculation method under field conditions for two consecutive years (1998-99). Out of these 96 cultivars, 43 were graded intermediately resistant and 53 intermediately susceptible on the basis of 0-9 scale.

Key Words: Colletotrichum falcatum; Saccharom officinarum L.; Yield; Inoculation; Resistant; Susceptible; Pakistan

 EVALUATION OF SUGARCANE GENOTYPES, FOR YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING TRAITS UNDER THATTA CONDITIONS

Riaz Noor Panhwar, Haji Khan Keerio* and Allah Rakhio Keerio**

 ABSTRACT: Performance of twelve sugarcane genotypes viz. Th-7, Th-9, Th-10, Th-12, Th-14, Th-18, Th-23, Th-27, Th-31, Th-32, Th-33 and Th-34 developed from local fuzz along with two check varieties BL-4 and BF-129 was studied in advance varietal selection trial at National Sugar Crops Research Institute, Thatta during 2000-2001. Data were recorded for cane girth, number of internodes/stalk, stalk height, mill able cane/ma, cane yield t/ha and brix percentage. On the basis of over all performance three genotypes namely Th-34, Th-10 and Th-33 were found promising and produced highest average cane yield 116, 115 and112 t/ha, respectively ­against the check varieties BL-4 (110 t/ha) and BF-129 (98.5 t/ha). The average Brix ­values recorded for Th-10, Th-34 and Th-33 were 23.7, 23.2 and 22.9%, respectively ­against the check verities BL-4 (21.8%) and BF-129 (22.8%). Thus it was concluded that genotypes Th-34, Th-10 and Th-33 might prove best commercial varieties in future. However, potential of these genotypes need to be tested in different environmental conditions to elicit substantial conclusions.

Key Words: Sugarcane; Fuzz; Seedlings; Genotypes; Brix % Yield Components; Cane Yield, Thatta; Pakistan. 

 INFLUENCE OF AGING ON CULINARY AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BASMATI 385 RICE GRAIN

 Liaquat Ali, Akbar Ali, M. Arshed Karim, S. Shahid Ali and Ghulam Hassan*

 ABSTRACT: The influence of aging of milled rice on physico-chemical charac­teristics was studied during 1989-90 and 1990-91. Rice from freshly harvested paddy was stored in a cloth bag at room temperature. Analysis of rice was done for 24 months, starting from zero at a uniform interval of one month. However, the effect of aging on cooking time was not significant. Water absorption and volume expan­sion increased throughout the aging period. Similarly, cooked grain length was minimum (13.9 mm) in freshly milled rice, it increased gradually with the storage period and obtained a maximum value (15.5 mm) after 2-year storage. Bursting of grains during cooking decreased from 11.5% to 2.0% on storage. Loss of total Sol­ids in washing water and gruel was the highest (14.9%) at the beginning of the experiment which decreased significantly and reached the lowest value (3.2%) at the completion of the studies. The effect of aging on protein content, alkali spread­ing value and gel length was, however, non-significant. Amylose content decreased slightly during aging but remained in the intermediate amylose group.

Key Words: Rice; Storage; Aging; Culinary; Chemical Properties; Pakistan.

 WATER CHEMISTRY AND ITS RELATION WITH ALGAE OF LOTUS LAKE, ISLAMABAD

 M. K. Leghari, M.Y. Leghari* and Muqarrab Shah**

 ABSTRACT: The study of water chemistry and algae of Lotus Lake, Islamabad was carried out from June 1, 2000 to May 31, 2001. Physico-chemical analysis of water taken from the same sampling point as that used for algae were taken from the monthly basis record in the laboratory. The physico-chemical analyses used in this study were temperature, pH, free carbondioxide, dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, humidity, total hardness, orthophosphate etc. and total 25 physio-chemical parameter were obtained as well as 107 species belonging to 47 genera of 5 algal groups. Cyanophyceae (57 species 53.3% belonging to 18 genera), Chlorophyceae (32 species 29.9% belonging to 24 genera), Euglenophyceae (11 species 10.3% be­longing to 2 genera), Dinophyceae (6 species 5.6% belonging to 2 genera), Charophyceae (1 species 0.9% belonging to 1 genus) were recorded.

 Key Words: Chemistry; Physico-chemical Analysis; Algae; Lotus Lake; Water; Pakistan.

COMPARATIVE ECONOMICS, MONETARY AND YIELD ADVANTAGES FROM NPK FERTILIZATION TO ONION

Khalid M. Khokhar, Mansab A. Khokhar, T. Mahmood, S.I. Hussain, Hidayat Ullah and M. H. Laghari

 ABSTRACT: An onion variety Swat-1 was raised with different combinations of N (50 to 125 kg/ha) and K20 (25 to 75 kg/ha) with constant rate of P205 (75 kg/ha). The bulb yield increased to the maximum of 20.0 and 34.3 t/ha during 2000-01 and 2001-02, respectively with NPK @ 100-75-50 kg/ha giving 87 and 94% increase over control. Further increase in nitrogen and potash levels did not significantly in­crease bulb yield. Maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 7.07 and 1: 7.98) was observed with NPK application @ 100-75-50 kg/ha during 2000-01 and 2001-02, respectively. The corresponding per hectare yield and net return were also maximum of 20.0 and 34.3 tonnes and Rs. 42609 and Rs. 48112, respectively.

Key Words: NPK Levels; Bulb Yield; Cost Benefit Ratio; Fertilization; Onion; Pakistan.

 GROWTH AND YIELDING BEHAVIOUR OF ONION IN RESPONSE TO ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

 A.L. Arian*, A.M. Khushk**, A.F. Baloch* and Naseer Ahmed***

 ABSTRACT: A field trial was conducted for consecutive two years to determine the growth and yielding behaviour of onion in response to essential nutrients (NPK) during 1986-87 and 1987-88 at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The re­sults described that onion response for plant height bulb diameter, single bulb weight and total marketable bulb yield, to different NPK doses was remarkably sig­nificant during both the years. However, NPK dose 90-60-80 kg recorded signifi­cantly maximum marketable bulb yield as compared to rest treatments. Onion planted on ridges proved to be better yielding compared to flat planting. It is advis­able that for harvesting good marketable bulb yield in onion (Phulkara), the crop should be planted on ridges and fertilized with 90-60-80 kg/ha NPK fertilizers.

 Key Words: Allium cepa; Growth; Yield; Plant Height; Bulb Diameter; Fertilizer, Pakistan.

EFFECTS OF BROADCAST AND SIDE-BANDED FERTILIZER ON YIELD AND OTHER PLANT CHARACTERS OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUS L.) UNDER BARANI (RAINFED) CONDITIONS

 Rahmat Ullah Khan, Rohul Amin* and Muendel H. H.

ABSTRACT: Field experiments were inducted to compare differing proportions of broadcasting and side banding Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer on sunflower (HeUanthus annus L) C.V. NK 212 - during Kharif and Rabi season of 1987 and 1988 at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Nitrogen and Phosphorus were applied @ 90 kg and 60 kg P205/ha. Split application of fertilizer in equal doses sidebanded and broadcast at the time of planting resulted in the highest seed yield and in the largest head diameter of sunflower in both Spring seasons (1987 and 1988) as well as in the 1987 Kharif season. A significant increase in the 1000-seed weight was observed with split applications during the spring crop of both growing, seasons. Plant height was not increased by split applications, with lowest heights to be associated with most sidebanding of fertilizers.

Key Words: Sunflower, Fertilizer, Seed Yield, Head Diameter, Plant Height, Seed Weight, Pakistan.

GENETIC VARIATION OF SEEDLING TRAITS IN A RANDOM MATING POPULATION OF SUNFLOWER

Sajid Habib

 ABSTRACT: Forty Sl families obtained from a random mating population of sun­flower were evaluated in the laboratory for various seedling traits. The objectives of this study were to investigate the extent and nature of genetic variability and to determine the estimates of genotypic and phenotypic correlations among ten seed­ling traits prevailing in a random mating population of sunflower. The results indicated that significant differences existed among the 40 Sl families for all the traits evaluated. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were compara­tively high for emergence rate index, root/shoot ratio, dry root weight, fresh root weight and fresh shoot weight. The estimates of broad-sense heritability were high and significant for all the traits. The study of genotypic and phenotypic correla­tions among these traits revealed that generally, the seedlings which took more time to emerge were vigorous for most of the traits except fresh shoot length. However, rapidly emerging seedlings had higher emergence percentage. The root traits appeared to be better indicators of seedling vigor compared to other traits as these traits exhibited strong and positive genotypic and phenotypic correla­tions among them.

Key Words: Helianthus annuus L; Seedling Traits; Genetic Variation; Genotypic and Pheno­typic Correlations; Pakistan.

UNIFORMITY AND IMPERFECTION LEVELS IN 30'S POLYESTER /COTTON BLENDED YARN FROM VARIOUS BLENDING RATIOS AND TECHNIQUES

 Shahid Saleem Shad*, M. Igbal Javed** and Asim Mumtaz*

 ABSTRACT: Blending is carried out at various process stages, using various methods, equipment, machines and intermediate products. Yarn uniformity and imperfections such as thin places, thick places and neps were inversely propor­tional to the ratio of polyester with cotton in the blend. Moreover, draw frame blending proved to be the best among blowroom blending, lap former blending and simplex blending.

Key Words: Blending; Polyester; Cotton; Techniques; Ratio; Pakistan.

CLIPPING OF OATS AT VARIOUS INTERVALS ON HERBAGE YIELD FORAGE QUALITY AND SEED YIELD

 Ashiq Hussain, Sartaj Khan and Dost Mohammad*

 ABSTRACT: Oats cultivar Avon was clipped for fresh herbage yield, dry matter yield, seed yield, and forage quality under various clipping intervals at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad during three consecutive years (1987-89). Forage yield, seed yield, and crude fiber contents increased while crude protein contents decreased with advance in maturity. Highest forage yield with inferior forage quality was recorded at the 50% flowering stage. Maximum seed yield and superior forage quality as determined by maximum crude protein and minimum crude fibre contents was observed when the crop was clipped after 70 and 85 days of planting. Minimum forage and seed yields were observed in the fodder clipped after 70 and 115 days of planting respectively. It was noted that a satisfactory forage and grain yield of oats cultivar Avon could be obtained if clipped after 115 days of planting. It was also observed that if the farmer is interested in forage yield only, then harvesting oat at 50% flowering stage would produce maximum fodder yield with minimum forage quality. On the other hand, if the forage quality factor is to be combined with herbage yield then oat crop should be clipped after 100 days of planting. 

Key Words: Avena sativa L.; Clipping Intervals; Herbage Yield; Seed Yield; Forage Quality; Pakistan.

EFFECT OF RESOURCE CONSERVING TECHNIQUES ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY IN RICE-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM

Riaz A. Mann, M. Munir, and A.M. Haqqani*

ABSTRACT: Rice-wheat cropping system is the most important one in Paki­stan. The system provides food and livelihood for more than 15 million people in the country. The productivity of the system is much lower than the potential yields of both rice and wheat crops. With the traditional methods, rice-wheat system is not a profitable one to many farmers. Hence, Cost of cultivation must be reduced and at the same time, efficiency of resources like irrigation water, fuel, and fertilizers must be improved to make the crop production system more viable and eco-friendly. Resource conserving technology (RCT) must figure highly in this equation, since they play a major role in achieving the above goals. The RCT include laser land leveling, zero-tillage, bed furrow irrigation method and crop residue management. These technologies were evaluated in irrigated areas of Punjab where rice follows wheat. The results showed that paddy yield was not affected by the new methods. Direct seeding of rice crop saved irrigation water by 13% over the conventionally planted crop. Weeds were the major problem indirect seeded crop, which could be eliminated through cultural, mechanical and chemical means. Wheat crop on beds produced the highest yield but cost of production was minimum in the zero-till wheat crop. Planting of wheat on raised beds in making headway in low lying and poorly drained areas. Thus, resource conserving tillage technology provides a tool for making progress towards improving and sustaining wheat production system, helping with food security and poverty alleviation in Pakistan in the next few decades.

Key Words: Rice-wheat Cropping System; Productivity; Water; Fuel; Fertilizers; Poverty Alleviation, Pakistan.

FFECT OF FERTILIZER AND INOCULATION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN cv.WILLIAMS-82 IN POT CULTURE

 Abdul Kabir Khan Achakzai and Safdar Ali Kayani*

 ABSTRACT: A pot culture experiment in response to different levels of added N fertilizer on soybean cv.Williams-82 was conducted in clay loam soil under the climatic conditions of Quetta. Fertilizer treatments were applied @ zero (control); 23; 25; 50; 75; 100 and 125 kg N/ha plus a constant dose of 60 kg P205/ha and 30 kg K20/ha in all treatments (except control). These seven fertilizer treatments were applied to both non-inoculated and inoculated pot culture crop. Results showed that nodules were found to be absent in both set of experiments which could be indirectly attributed to either sufficient level of soil N03 (5.10 mM) or deficient level of total Fe (8.25 ppm) and Cu (below detection limit) or might be directly due to any other edaphic or climatic factor(s). Results also showed that in general peti­ole length, middle leaflet area,' plant height, yield, 100 seed weight (except inocu­lated fertilized), total number of pods/plant (except non-inoculated fertilized) and pod both set of experiment are significantly different (P > 0.05) ascompared with their respective control treatment. While remaining yield attributes viz., one-seeded, two-seeded and three-seeded pods are foundas non-significantly different in re­sponse to both fertilizer and inoculum treatments. Results further revealed that pots receiving N fertilizer without inoculum mathematically out-yielded (1718 kg/ ha) in fertilizer dose of 100+60+30 kg NPK/ha, but inoculated pots out-yielded (1912 kg/ha) in fertilizer dose of 125+60+30 kg NPK/ha. It was also revealed that all growth parameters and most of the yield attributes exhibited significant positive correlation with yield. However, number of seedless and one-seeded pods also ex­hibited significant but negative association with yield.

Key Words: Glycine max; Fertilizer; Inoculation; Nodulation; Growth; Yield; Correlation; Pakistan.

PHOSPHORUS PLACEMENT EFFECT ON FIELD AND P UPTAKE BY CORN UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

 Rohul Amin*, A.H. Zaidi**, R.U. Khan and G.H. Raza*

ABSTRACT: Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different rates and methods of phosphorus application on yield and P uptake by corn (Zea mays L. c.v. Azam) under rainfed conditions. The sites were moderately calcareous having relatively high soil P test values. Grain, cob and stalk yield responded positively to all rates of P application. Band application of P (30, 45 and 60 kg/ha) was better method during 1989 and 1990, while no difference was found at 15 and 75 kg/ha during 1989 and 75 kg/ha during 1990 regarding grain yield. Similarly cob yield was significantly increased by banding all P rates (1990), which was not true during 1989. Stalk yield was not improved by banding in both the experiments. All P rates increased P uptake in grains during 1989, while high rates of P (45, 60 & 75 kg/ha) were better during 1990. No significant difference in P uptake by rain was observed when P was applied by either method in 1990. P uptake by cobs was only increased when P was banded at 45 and 60 kg/ha during 1989 and 1990, however, in stalks, it was not affected by either rates or methods of P application during 1989 though improved by high rates during 1990.

Key Words: Zea mays; Phosphorus; Application Method; Crop Yield; P uptake; Pakistan.