GENE ACTION STUDIES FOR SOME ECONOMIC TRAITS IN SPRING WHEAT

Nazar Muhammad Cheema, Muhammad Ihsan, Muhammad Ashraf Mian,
 Ghulam Rabbani, Muhammad Azeem Tariq and Abid Mahmood*

 

ABSTRACT: Gene action studies were conducted for grain yield and some other important economic traits in 25 cross combinations of spring wheat under rainfed conditions. The genotypes exhibited significant differences for number of productive tillers/plant, spike length, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield/plant. Combining ability analysis revealed that mean squares due to Specific Combining Ability were significantly higher than those of General Combining Ability and reciprocal effects. Larger portion of the total variance was attributable to the SCA effects in all the traits studied indicating that these traits were predominantly controlled by non-additive type of gene action. Cross combinations GPW-273 x GPW-37, GPW-272 x GPW-36 and GPW-272 x GPW-37 proved good specific combinations which may produce segregants with more number of productive tillers/plant, more number of grains/spike and higher seed weight resulting in the development of high yielding wheat varieties for the rainfed areas.

Key Words: Spring Wheat; General Combining Ability Effects; Specific Combining
Ability Effects; Reciprocal Effects; Variance; Mean Squares; Yield Components; Pakistan.

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GRAIN YIELD STABILITY ANALYSIS OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) GENOTYPES 
FROM NWFP OF PAKISTAN

 

Abdul Jabbar Khan, Akhtar Ali, Farooq-i-Azam, Muhammad Tariq*

ABSTRACT: Twelve bread wheat genotypes including Tatara as commercial check were evaluated at eight different locations under rainfed conditions in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. These genotypes were exposed to different soil types, soil fertility, moisture levels and temperatures. Genotype x Environment interaction mean squares were highly significant for grain yield. NRL 0405, NRL 0415 and NRL 0418 produced good yield with greater regression coefficient (bi >1.0) and non-significant mean square deviation suggesting specific adaptation in favorable environments. NRL 0417 with regression coefficient value of 0.874 and grain yield of 2938 kg ha-1 performed well in harsh environments. NRL 0409, Tatara, NRL 0412, NRL 0414 and NRL 0416 having bi values close to unity with higher grain yield showed consistent performance over different environments and could be considered as stable and widely adapted.

 

Key Words: Wheat; Genotypes; Grain Yield; Adaptation; Rainfed Conditions; Pakistan.

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EFFECT OF FERTILIZER ON SPRING SEASON SUNFLOWER

 

Muhammad Yousaf*, Jehan Bakht**, Muhammad Ashraf and Ihsanullah*

ABSTRACT: Judicious nutrients management plays a critical role in increasing per unit area of sunflower. As sunflower is a new crop in Pakistan, information on the appropriate dose of N, P and K is urgently needed. Considering the importance of major nutrients with regard to yield, fertilizer impact on two commercial hybrids of sunflower (Parsun-1 and SF-187) was studied. Field experiments were conducted at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad in two spring seasons during 2001 and 2002. In these experiments, low, medium and high rates each of N, P and K (0, 50, 100,150 kg ha-1) were applied with central treatment design with 11 treatments that gives four point curves for N, P and K. A sub plot size of 4.5 m x 5 m with 6 rows 5 m length spaced 75 cm apart with plant to plant distance of 20 cm was used with four replications. Statistical analysis of the data showed that days to R9 (physiological maturity) increased with increase in fertilizer levels as compared with control. Days to maturity ranged from 120 to 127 days. Parsun-1 matured 4-5 days later than SF-187. Head diameter, 100 seed weight and seed yield increased with increase in fertilizer levels in all combinations in comparison with control. Highest seed yield (3586 kg ha-1) was produced by treatment with 150:100:100 N P2O5 K2O kg ha-1, whereas, lowest yield (2840 kg ha-1) was observed in control plot. Oil content varied insignificantly with different combinations of NPK and ranged from 38% to 44%. Increasing nitrogen (N) rate had decreasing effect on oil content. Hybrid Parsun-1 had comparatively higher oil content than hybrid SF-187.

 

Key Words: Helianthus annus; Fertilizer; NPK; Yield; Yield Components; Pakistan.

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BLOCKS WITHIN REPLICATION IMPROVE EXPERIMENTAL EFFICIENCY IN PRELIMINARY 
YIELD TRIAL ON GROUNDNUT

 

M. Asif Masood*, S.N.Malik**, Nazakat Nawaz**,Saleem Abid*

ABSTRACT: Randomized complete block designs (RCBD) have frequently been used in preliminary yield trials of different crops which are conducted at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), even though these experiments comprised relatively large number of entries/treatments. RCBD becomes less efficient for large number of treatments to estimate treatment effects compared with incomplete block designs. The objective of this study was to estimate the relative efficiency of an Alpha lattice design compared with a RCBD when evaluating common parameters of groundnut. Preliminary yield trial on groundnut was conducted at NARC. Estimated relative efficiency (ERE) values were calculated for plants/plot, maturity percent, dry pods yield (g), 100-kernel weight (g), shelling percentage and 20-pods length (cm). ERE values (1.10, 1.14, 1.26 and 1.17) for maturity percent, dry pods yield (g), 100-kernel weight (g) and 20-pods length (cm) respectively indicate where the precision to estimate treatment effects is gained significantly from using an alpha lattice design instead of RCBD. Whereas ERE values (0.99 and 0.90) respectively, for the remaining parameters; plants per plot and shelling percentage indicated that the precision between Alpha lattice design and RCBD was similar.

Key Words: Groundnut; Estimated Relative Efficiency; Precision; Alpha Lattice Design, 
Randomized Complete Block Design; Pakistan.

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OPTIMIZATION OF EXPLANT STERILIZATION CONDITION IN SUGARCANE CULTIVARS

 

Sabaz Ali Khan*, Hamid Rashid**, M. Fayyaz Chaudhary* and Zubeda Chaudhry**

ABSTRACT: Research work was carried out to optimize conditions for surface sterilization of the shoot tip explants of three elite sugarcane cultivars HSF-240, CP-77-400 and CPF-237 for in vitro culturing. Clorox (commercial bleach containing 5.25% v/v sodium hypochlorite) was used in different concentrations at various time intervals. Clorox along with 100 mg/l and 500 mg/l cefotaxime was used to control contamination. Among the different concentrations of clorox, 50% clorox for 30 min along with 500 mg/l cefotaxime (antibiotic) was optimal with 90%, 80% and 70% contamination control in the cultivars HSF-240, CP-77-400 and CPF-237 respectively. A maximum growth of 90% and 70% was observed for cultivars HSF-240 and CPF-237 respectively, at 50% clorox along with 500 mg/l cefotaxime for 30 min. The maximum growth (85%) was observed at 50% clorox for 20 minutes along with 500 mg/l cefotaxime for cultivar CP-77-400. A total of 60% browning was observed for cultivar CP-77-400 at 100% clorox concentration for 30 minutes. High concentration (100%) of clorox caused great reduction of the explant growth.

 

Key Words: Sugarcane; Surface Sterilization; Cefotaxime, Clorox, Concentration; Time; Pakistan.

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RATOONING RAPESEED (BRASSICA NAPUS L.): EFFECT ON YIELD COMPONENTS AND SEED YIELD 
UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

 

Rahmat Ullah Khan*, Hans-Henning Muendel** and Fayyaz Chaudhry***

ABSTRACT: Experiments were conducted with rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cv. Westar at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to determine the effect of topping at different growth stages on yield components and seed yield under the rainfed conditions of Islamabad. Topping treatments (stages) included an untopped check, the removal of the 2/3 top growth at each of pre-bud, bud, and first flower, as well as removal of all secondary branches at first flower. Ratooning/topping significantly reduced the yield components, seed yield and delayed the maturity. However removing secondary branches had the least antagonistic effect on plant height, biomass, seeds per plant produced very close or even higher than the check plots and also increased the seed yield both the years, respectively.

 

Key Words: Rapeseed; Rainfed;Yield Components; Seed Yield; Ratooning; Pakistan.

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EXPLOITATION OF ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF CHENOPODIUM SPECIES TO CONTROL 
CHARCOAL ROT PATHOGEN OF SUNFLOWER

 

Muhammad Amin and Arshad Javaid*

ABSTRACT: In vitro antifungal activity of aqueous leaf, stem, root and inflorescence extracts of three Chenopodium spp. viz., C. album L., C. murale L. and C. ambrosioides L. was evaluated against Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) G. Goid., the cause of charcoal rot of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Aqueous extracts of all parts of the three test Chenopodium species invariably and significantly reduced the biomass of target fungal species. There was 34-90%, 40-94% and 52-85% reduction in fungal biomass due to different aqueous extracts of C. album, C. murale and C. ambrosioides, respectively. Highest antifungal activity was exhibited by 4% root extract of C. murale followed by 4% root extract of C. album resulting in 94% and 90% suppression in test fungal species biomass, respectively.

 

Key Words: Sunflower; Chenopodium; Species; Fungistatic; Aqueous Extracts;
Macrophomina phaseolina; Pakistan.

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FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY POTENTIAL OF DUAL -TYPE PEARL MILLET VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED 
CONDITIONS OF NARC, ISLAMABAD

 

M. Imran, Allah Bakhsh, Sartaj Khan, Ashiq Hussain , Zulfiqar Ali Gurmani* and Muhammad Qasim**

ABSTRACT: Seven dual-type (Fodder + Grain) pearl millet varieties were tested at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad during 2004 and 2005 for plant height, leaves per tiller, tillers per plant, leaf area, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and fodder quality. It was concluded that the cultivar DBR-3 proved superior to all other cultivars because of its maximum green fodder yield, dry matter yield and medium fodder quality. As regard plant height and number of tillers per plant, the variety DBR-3 was at par with the variety MB-87 (released variety used as check 1). Leaves per tiller of variety DBR-3 was at par with the highest cultivar PARC-MS-6. There were no significant differences in different quality parameters of millet varieties except in crude protein and ash. The highest crude protein and ash was observed in cultivar PARC-MS-6 and PARC-MS-3 respectively.

 

Key Words: Pennisetum americanum; Varieties; Agronomic Characters; Yield; Yield Components ; Pakistan.

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SULPHUR STATUS OF SOILS AND CONTRIBUTION OF RAINFALL TO SOIL SULPHUR IN POTHWAR REGIONS

 

R. Khalid*, K. S. Khan, M. Yousaf, M. Younas** and Z. I. Ahmad**

ABSTRACT: A study was carried out to evaluate two important sources of sulphur (S) in Pothwar soils i.e., inorganic S and addition through rainwater. Soil samples from 15 important soil series of the Pothwar were collected at two soil depths i.e., 0-15 and 15-30 cm and analyzed for plant available S (SO4-S) contents The rainwater samples were collected from two different locations in the Pothwar throughout the year and analyzed for S contents. The data indicated that S contents in soils ranged from 5.0 to 22.5 µg g-1 with an average of 10.0 µg g-1 at 0-15 cm and 13.4 µg g-1 at 15-30 cm soil depths. Five out of 15 soil series were deficient in S (< 10 µg g-1) at both soil depths; six were deficient only at the upper soil depth, while the remaining four soils had satisfactory S level (10-30 µg g-1) at both the soil depths. Most of S deficiency was observed in well drained soils of Rawalpindi and Attock areas, having high rainfall, while satisfactory level of S was observed in soils of Chakwal area with medium to low rainfall. The contribution of S from rainwater was very small. Total S added through rain was 15.8 kg ha-1 year-1 at Rawalpindi and 17.3 kg ha-1 year-1 at Chakwal areas. The major part (45-50 %) of the total atmospheric S additions occurred through heavy summer (monsoon) rains.

 

Key Words: Oilseed Crops; Sulphur Source; Pothwar Soils; Soil Depth; Inorganic S; Atmospheric S; Pakistan.

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PHOSPHORUS AFFECTS PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF CUT FLOWERS OF 
GLADIOLUS CULTIVARS IN PESHAWAR

 

Muhammad Zubair and Faridullah Khan Wazir*

ABSTRACT: The experiment was conducted to introduce a highly profitable crop that will benefit the people through extending the employment and business opportunities. Eight cultivars of gladiolus namely Deciso, Hong Kong, Jessica, Jester Ruffled, Madonna, Peters Pears, Rose Supreme and White Friendship were fertilized with phosphorus @ 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 to investigate and standardize the optimum level of phosphorus. Years had a significant effect on all floral characters except floret size at color showing and spikes corm-1. Size of full open florets, spike lengths both at first floret and full spike opening, florets spike-1, were more in second year (2004-05). Phosphorus levels influenced floret size at color showing and full open stage as well as spikes corm-1. Phosphorus applied in different years had a significant effect only on the size of full open first florets. Cultivars were significantly different in all floral characteristics studied during the experiments. Interaction between years and cultivars significantly affected all floral characteristics except size of first florets at color showing. According to the interaction of phosphorus and cultivars, cultivars did not respond significantly to phosphorus levels. Interaction among years, phosphorus levels and cultivars had a significant effect only on size of full opened first florets. Cultivars Rose Supreme proved superior and hence recommended for commercial cultivation in Peshawar. Other cultivars like Jessica, Deciso, Jester Ruffled and Peters Pears also yielded convincing results and are also recommended for satisfying the market's demand. Phosphorus @ 200 kg ha-1 is recommended for gladiolus cultivars.

Key Words: Gladiolus grandiflorus; Florets; Corm; Phosphorus; Spikes; Pakistan.

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PREPARATION OF COMPOST FROM FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASTE

 

Khalid Iqbal, Tahira Shafiq*, Amana Nadeem**

ABSTRACT: Solid waste management is a problem of major relevance for all societies. Finding acceptable strategies to cope with such a problem is becoming quite a hard task, owing to the increasing awareness of environmental issues by population and authorities. To co-op with this problem, present study was conducted. The annual municipal solid waste collected from Lahore contained on average 87.31 % organic matter, 3.89% stone, 1.46% wood, 1.58% polythene, 2.97% paper, 2.05% straw and 0.92% cloth and proximate analysis of organic matter indicated average 2.0% protein, 9.1% ash, 76.6% moisture, 9.2% fat and 3.1% fiber. In this study organic waste of fruit and vegetable was collected, segregated and composted in a lab scale composter. Before composting the concentration of carbon ranged between 28.0 and 33.5 % and nitrogen 1.20 and 1.29%. But after composting C ranges 19 to 26.5% and N 1.9 to 2.3%. The C/N before composting was 23 to 27 and after composting it was 9 to 15. The C/N decreased after composting due to the utilization of C and N by microbes. On the other hand the concentration of P, K and Fe ranged between 0.14 to 0.18%, 1.12 to 1.6% and 440 to 451mg/kg before composting and after composting these values were as 0.26 to 0.30%, 1.58 to 1.64%, and 675 to 684mg/kg respectively. Reduction in pollution threat to environment due to huge piling of organic waste is an extra benefit.

 

Key Words: Compost; Environment; Pollution; Municipal; Waste; Solid; Carbon; Nitrogen; Pakistan.

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SOIL AND NUTRIENT LOSSES BY WATER EROSION UNDER MONO-CROPPING AND 
LEGUME INTER-CROPPING ON SLOPING LAND

 

Ijaz Ali*, F. Khan, and A.U. Bhatti**

ABSTRACT: Nutrient and sediment losses from agricultural activities due to soil erosion have resulted in the loss of soil productivity and have become the dominant source of nutrient loads to fresh water. The experiment was conducted on slopping land in northern NWFP near Thana, Malakand Agency on permanent plots of mono-cropping and inter-cropping to assess soil and nutrient losses in surface runoff in comparison with bare plots. Runoff, soil and nutrient losses were monitored during both the seasons (rabi and kharif) for three years. During rabi season, the treatments maintained were wheat mono-cropping, barley-lentil inter-cropping and bare fallow while the treatments maintained during kharif season were maize mono-cropping, maize-mungbean inter-cropping and bare fallow. The results showed that runoff, soil loss, organic matter and nutrient losses were high from bare plots as compared to cropped plots. In comparison with bare fallow, inter-cropping reduced runoff and soil losses by more than 39% and 48%, respectively. Total runoff and soil loss showed good correlation with organic matter and plant nutrient losses. The order of sediment bound nutrient loss from all plots during the experimental period was: Organic matter (organic carbon) > K > N > P. While the order of nutrient loss in runoff from all plots was: K > P > N. Losses of all nutrients in surface runoff were higher as compared to the losses of nutrients in sediment. Organic matter and nutrient losses were largely governed by the amount of surface runoff and sediment lost. It can be concluded from the results that inter-cropping proved effective cropping system for controlling long term soil, runoff and nutrient losses on the slopping land. This experiment also generated data for the construction of conservation structures in the area.

 

Key Words: Legume; Slopping Land; Monocropping; Intercropping; Soil; Nutrient; Losses; Soil Erosion; Pakistan.

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EFFECT OF MOISTURE STRESS AND TEMPERATURE DISPARITY ON GERMINATION 
RATE INDEX OF RICINUS COMMUNIS

 

Nasir Mahmood Cheema*, Fayyaz-ul-Hassan ** Ghulam Qadir** and Muhammad Zubair Rafique***

ABSTRACT: Seed potential and germination rate index is considered as the crucial parameter for plant/crop development that is mostly affected by temperature and osmotic stress. A growth chamber study was carried out to record germination rate index (GRI) of four cultivars of Ricinus communis at of 0, -7 and -14 bars by treating at 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350C. The temperature regimes and osmotic potential used during the experiment significantly affected GRI of arind cultivars under evaluation. Relative increase in mean germination rate was caused by lowering osmotic potentials and increasing temperature. The maximum value (5.75) of GRI was recorded at 350C, when there was no osmotic stress, followed by the 30oC and 25oC. Among the cultivars, GRI was of the order of DS-30 > PR-101 > PR-7/1 > Local.

 

Key Words: Castor Bean; Polyethylene Glycol; Osmotic Stress; Temperature; Seed Germination; Rate Index; Pakistan.

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EFFECTS OF TILLAGE ON RICE-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM IN PUNJAB

 

Muhammad Munir and F. D. Shehzad*

ABSTRACT: Field experiments were conducted on heavy clay loam soil and medium light soil at two locations in Punjab, to quantify the impact of no-till and other resource conservation technologies into the rice phase of the rice-wheat system rotation. Both of these locations are in the rice-wheat crop rotation zone and have different soil types. Rice variety, Basmati-385 was transplanted in the first week of July. The wheat cultivar used was Pak-81. Optimum tillage alongwith 20 days puddling produced significantly higher yield (5729 kgha-1), root length (22.3 cm), maximum root dry weight (15.5 g) and harvest index (32%). Highest sterility rate and maximum weed population was observed in minimum tillage at both locations. Total water losses were less at heavy clay loam soil as compared with the medium light soil.

 

Key Words: Wheat; Rice; Cropping System; Tillage; Pakistan.

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FECUNDITY AND HOST PREFERENCE OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS CHINENSIS
 (L.) (BRUCHIDAE:COLEOPTERA)

 

Muhammad Arshad Qazi*

ABSTRACT: Maximum of locally available legumes and pulses namely as green mung (Vigna radiata), black bean (Vigna mungo), lentil (Lens culinaris), white gram (Cicer arietinum), Black gram (Cicer arietinum), soybean (Glycine max), pea (Pisum sativum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were tested, to calculate fecundity on the basis of host preference to set measures of control for the pest (if any). The pest adults of Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) was used for the main experiment of fecundity because it was not reported as a major pest of legumes in Pakistan. The host preference was highly significant at 5%, the highest (199) eggs were laid on soybean followed by pea (109), green mung (98.2), black gram (98.2), black bean (83.2), cow pea (71.6) and white gram (66.4). No egg was recorded on lentil and in control.

 

Key Words: Callosobruchus chinensis; Fecundity; Bruchid; Vigna; Pisum sativum; Cowpea Beetle; Pakistan.

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DEVELOPMENT AND MONTHLY PERCENT DAMAGE OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS 
CHINENSIS L.

 

Muhammad Arshad Qazi*

ABSTRACT: Present study of development, sex ratio and determination of damage of Callosobruchus chinensis was conducted on eight legumes namely green mung (Vigna radiata), black bean (Vigna mungo), lentil (Lens culinaris), white gram (Cicer arietinum), black gram (Cicer arietinum), soyabean (Glycine max), pea (Pisum sativum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Development of Callosobruchus chinensis on the test legumes revealed that maximum number of adults (139.0) emerged on green mung, followed by cowpea (91), black gram (68), white gram (17) and pea (10). Zero development was found in black bean, lentil and soyabean. Damage by Callosobruchus chinensis to eight legumes was highest in green mung (79.59), followed by black gram (59.30), cowpea (51.04), white gram (29.98) and pea (1.70). No damage was recorded in black bean, lentil and soyabean. The pest was considered as minor pest in Pakistan, although, it has been reported as major pest from the sub-continent. Present study was an attempt to fix the barrier for the pest in the leguminous commodities.

 

Key Words: Callosobruchus chinensis, Development; Sex Ratio; Pea, Lentil, Glycine max, Black Gram; Cowpea; 
Vigna mungo; Pakistan.

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PERFORMANCE OF KAJLI SHEEP IN PAKISTAN. A. REPRODUCTION AS 
INFLUENCED BY ENVIRONMENT

 

Muhammad Akhtar Qureshi*

ABSTRACT: Data on 16470 birth records of 5311 Kajli ewes maintained at Livestock Experiment Stations Khushab, 1977-94 and Khizarabad, 1980-94) were utilized in the present study. Data were analyzed by using Harvey's Mixed Model Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood computer program. The objective was to estimate the magnitude of the reproductive performance of Kajli sheep in Pakistan. An effort was made to estimate the extent of different environmental sources of variation influencing various reproductive traits of economic importance. The mean age and weight at first service averaged 644.8±2.79 days and 40.7±0.10 kg, respectively. The weight at first service was 39.8±0.36 kg and 39.9±1.34 kg, whereas, the age at first service was 593.0±11.0 days and 616.7±7.6 days at Khushab and Khizarabad, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed that the station, year and season of birth and weight at first service significantly P<0.01) influenced the age at first service. However, the station, year and season of birth, rearing rank and age were the significant sources of variation for weight at first service. The overall average number of services per conception was 1.13±0.003 and it varied significantly due to station, year, season of birth and breeding weight. The number of services per conception was 1.1±0.01 and 1.2±0.01, respectively at both the stations. The age at first lambing was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by station, year and season of birth with an overall average of 797.03±2.79 days and it was 761.5±11.1 days and 808.0±3.5 days at Khushab and Khizarabad, respectively.

 

Key Words: Reproduction; Performance; Environment; Kajli Sheep; Pakistan.

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PERFORMANCE OF KAJLI SHEEP IN PAKISTAN. B. FERTILITY AND LAMB 
PRODUCTION AS INFLUENCED BY ENVIRONMENT

 

Muhammad Akhtar Qureshi*

ABSTRACT: Data on 16470 birth records of 5311 Kajli ewes maintained at two Livestock Experiment Stations (Khushab, 1977-94 and Khizarabad,1980-94) were utilized in the present study. The data were ana1yzed by using Harvey's Mixed Model Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood computer program. The objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Kajli sheep in Pakistan. An effort was made to estimate the extent of different environmental and genetic sources of variation inf1uencing various reproductive traits of economic importance. Fertility was 88±1 percent and the data revealed that year of lambing and age of ewe had a significant (P<0.0l) effect on fertility. The litter size at birth and weaning were 1.16±0.003 and 1.12±0.003, respectively. The data revealed that station, year and season of lambing and age of ewe were significant (P<0.01) sources of variation for litter size at birth, whereas, station was non significant for litter size at weaning. The regression of litter size at birth on breeding weight was also significant (P<0.01). The annual number of lambs born and weaned per ewe in different age groups was 1.11±0.01 and 0.95±0.01. The flock size varied from 845 ewes to 2088 ewes with mean value of 1457 ewes. However, the mean annual replacement rate was 24.04% in both the flocks. About 31% ewes were replaced just after their first parturition i.e. longevity group 1 and continued to decrease longevity group 6. Ewe longevity group 4-6 was the most productive with respect to practical flock maintenance and net output. The ewes showed an additive increase for number of lambs born and weaned with increase of the ewe age.

Key Words: Sheep; Fertility; Lambing; Age; Litter Size; Season; Reproductive Performance; Pakistan.

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SATISFACTION OF EXTENSION FIELD STAFF ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT 
AND SERVICE CONDITIONS UNDER THE DECENTRALIZED AGRICULTURAL 
EXTENSION SERVICE PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

 

Khalid Masud, Tanvir Ali, Munir Ahmad and M. Iqbal Zafar*

ABSTRACT: Agriculture is mainstay of Pakistan's economy with Punjab as its main agricultural province. However, the average yields at farmers' fields hardly exceed 30% of the potential yields.The gap is mainly attributed to the lack of quality extension services. The criticism continues even after the introduction of the Devolution Plan 2001 under which extension services have been decentralized. The present research was undertaken to design a staff development strategy for field staff serving under the Decentralized Agricultural Extension Service, Punjab. The assessment of the satisfaction of the extension staff about their organizational environment and service conditions was considered imperative for developing this strategy. The study was confined to the AOs (Ext.) who were in direct contact with the farmers. A total of 121 AOs (Ext.) and 43 DDOAs (Ext.) supervising them in 12 districts, equally distributed in three production zones of the province, were taken as respondents of the study. Two separate questionnaires, one each for two categories of respondents, were developed having overall Cronbatch's coefficient alpha of 0.9375 and 0.8436, respectively. These were pre-tested and delivered to the respondents, after needed improvement, during their scheduled staff meetings. The response %age for questionnaires pertaining to AOs (Ext.) and DDOAs (Ext.) was 89 and 98, respectively. The AOs (Ext.) claimed having clarity about the objectives and functions of the organization but considered the need for a mission statement of the extension service. They considered the climate of their organization as partially conducive and had large area and large number of farm families to serve for extension work. They were at all not satisfied with chances of their promotion and confirmed political interference in their transfer cases and partially in promotion cases. They showed partial satisfaction with their present pay and allowances, pension benefits as well as different facilities available to them at their duty stations.

 

Key Words: Agriculture Extension; Staff; Organizational Environment; Service Conditions; Decentralization; Pakistan.

 

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