PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH -

ABSTRACTS -23(3-4)

EFFECT OF PLANTING DATE ON YIELD OF WHEAT GENOTYPES IN SINDH
Zafar Khokhar*, Imtiaz Hussain**, Badruddin Khokhar* and Muhammad Sohail**
 

ABSTRACT: Due to reduction in tillering period and increased risk of hot weather during grain filling, late planting results in linear reduction in wheat grain yield. A study was undertaken to determine the effects of planting dates on growth and yield of different wheat genotypes in Sindh. The trial was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement having four replications during 2000-01 and 2001-02 at Sakrand, Sindh. Four sowing dates i.e. November 1 and 15, December 1 and 15 were in main plots, whereas six wheat genotypes (V-7001, V-7002, V-7004, MPT-6, Abadgar-93, and Anmol-91) were in sub plots. Because of better tillering, plant growth, growth period, number of grain per unit area and grain weight, November 15 planted wheat had maximum grain yield of 5904 kg ha-1, followed by November 1 and December 1 which gave 5302 and 4948 kg ha-1 respectively. Wheat planted on December 15 resulted in minimum grain yield of 4756 kg ha-1. Wheat genotype, V-7002 had significantly (P<0.05) higher grain yield of 5578 kg ha-1 in comparison with other genotypes. Whereas genotype MPT-6 had grain yield of 5366 kg ha-1 that was also significantly higher than other genotypes. However, V-7004 had minimum grain yield of 4716 kg ha-1 in comparison with other genotypes. While evaluating performance of different genotypes on different sowing dates, V-7002 resulted in maximum yield on November 15 and late planting. On the other hand, V-7004 had lower yield on all planting dates. Results from the study revealed that maximum grain yield could be achieved with wheat planted in first fortnight of November and any delay in wheat planting might reduce wheat yield.

Key Words: Wheat Genotypes; Planting Date; Yield Components; Pakistan.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION FREQUIENCIES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF DIFFERENT
WHEAT GENOTYPES IN SINDH
Badaruddin Khokhar*, Imtiaz Hussain** and Zafar Khokhar*
 

ABSTRACT: Irrigation at critical growth stages could improve wheat yield significantly. A study was conducted during 2000–2002 to determine effect of different irrigation levels on growth and yield of different wheat genotypes in the province of Sindh. The trial was laid out in split block design at Wheat Research Institute, Sindh, Sakrand, in which four irrigation treatments I3 (irrigation at crown root, booting and soft dough stage), I4 (irrigation at crown root, tillering, booting and soft dough stage), I5 (irrigation at crown root, tillering, booting, anthesis and soft dough stage) and I6 (irrigation at crown root, tillering, booting, anthesis, soft dough and hard dough stage) were in blocks and six wheat genotypes; V–7001, V–7002, V–7004, NARC–9 and CO–9043 and Abadgar–93 were planted. Number of irrigation did not have any significant effect on plant height, whereas plant height was affected significantly in different cultivars. Application of five irrigations at different wheat growth stages resulted in higher spike length, higher number of grains and wheat grain yield. Wheat variety Abadgar–93 and V–7004, had taller plants in comparison with cultivars NARC–9 and V–7004 however, wheat grain yield was not affected significantly among different cultivars.
 

Key Words: Wheat; Genotypes; Irrigation; Yield; Growth Stages; Pakistan.

IMPACT OF HUMIC ACID AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD
OF RAINFED WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)
Rahmat Ullah Khan, Abdur Rashid*, Mohammad Sohail Khan** and Erdogan Ozturk***
 

ABSTRACT: The high cost of inorganic fertilizer, use of natural fertilizer resources for increasing crop production on sustainable basis has become imperative. Two field experiments were conducted to study the potential of humic acid (HA) as a low-cost natural fertilizer and to determine its effect on the yield of rainfed wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Naseer) at the research farm of Arid Zone Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan during two successive winter seasons, 2007-08 and 2008-09. The treatments consisted of HA alone (3 kg ha-1 or 1.5 kg ha-1) and in combination with full (60:40 kg ha-1) and half (30:20 kg ha-1) the recommended rates of NP fertilizers. Results showed that in the first growing season (2007-08), the combination of 3 kg ha-1 HA with half (30:20 kg ha-1) rate of NP produced the highest grain yield (1314 kg ha-1) and increased the yield by 46.9% over the control. In the second growing season (2008-09), application of 3 kg ha-1 HA alone produced significantly (P<0.05) higher grain yield (2999.9 kg ha-1) and increased the yield by 24% over the control and saved 100% cost of the chemical fertilizer. Results suggested that HA applied alone at 3 kg ha-1 or in combination with half (30:20 kg ha-1) rate of NP fertilizers appeared to be the most economical rate to obtain the maximum yield of wheat under the rainfed conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. HA has great potential as a low cost natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility on sustainable basis.
 

Key Words: Triticum aestivum; Rainfed; Grain Yield; Humic Acid; Chemical Fertilizer; Pakistan.

ADOPTION OF SUGARCANE VARIETIES IN THE SUGARCANE GROWING AREAS OF PAKISTAN
Aslam Memon, A. M. Khushk* and Umer Farooq**
 

ABSTRACT: Sugarcane is an important crop of Pakistan in various ways. The present study aimed to indirectly investigate into the potential of saving land and water resources by re-allocating sugarcane area to relatively more productive recommended sugarcane varieties. Secondly, this exercise shall also provide feedback to researchers in sugarcane crop as well as sugar mills for assessing the types of varieties performing better, relative to others. The study document the extent of adoption of recommended sugarcane varieties in Pakistan. The study was based on the primary data collected through a formal survey of sugarcane growers in the different agro-ecological conditions in three provinces of Pakistan during 2007-08. The major study findings showed that nearly one-fifth of total farm area was allocated to sugarcane crop by sample farmers with more than 70% and 76% of total sugarcane areas were devoted to recommended varieties during 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively. More than 25 sugarcane varieties were cultivated by sample farmers in Pakistan. Majority of the farmers planted only one variety. Among recommended varieties, Thatta-10 and CP-77-400 were relatively the most commonly planted. Thatta-10 in Sindh, HSF-240 in Punjab and CP-77-400 in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province (KP) captured significantly large area than other varieties. Based on varietal adoption indicators, although improvements were registered for most of the indicators, however, their magnitude was quite small indicating slowness of varietal diffusion. Very high variations in varietal diffusion indicators were also observed across provinces, farm size and tenancy status categories.In conclusion, despite that major proportion of total sugarcane area was planted under recommended varieties, the varietal diffusion process among sugarcane growers all over the country was taking place on informal grounds and was extremely slow. Therefore, strong institutional efforts from agricultural extension department as well as sugar mills are needed to rapidly diffuse the more recently released varieties among the farmers. The sugarcane growers in KP are suggested to increase varietal diversity on their farms to avoid any risk of complete crop failure due to any reason. Sugar mills in all three provinces are suggested to take serious note of status of adoption of different sugarcane varieties through a collective action in their respective provinces. Activities like planting demonstration plots of promising varieties on farmers’ fields, launching special sugarcane varietal promotion campaigns for spreading desirable varieties during planting seasons and active involvement of provincial departments of agricultural extension in their efforts of varietal promotion are some suggestions put forward for encouraging cultivation of newly released recommended sugarcane varieties in the area.
 

Key Words: Sugarcane; Recommended Varieties; Varietal Diffusion; Adoption Indicators; Farming Categories; Pakistan.

ECONOMICS OF NON-CONVENTIONAL OILSEED CROPS IN THE CENTRAL PUNJAB
Mazher Abbas*, Muhammad Waqas Akram**, Ikram Saeed*** and Arshed Bashir*

ABSTRACT: The study was conducted to assess the economics of non-conventional oilseed crops in the Punjab. Therefore 60 respondents were taken from Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and Chiniot districts of Central Punjab. Percent area allocated to canola crop was comparatively higher at medium farms as compared to small and large farms. The results of the study showed higher yield of canola at large farms as compared to medium and small farms. Average gross revenue by small, medium and large farmers was Rs. 35913.10, Rs. 39635.54 and Rs. 39868.80 acre-1 respectively. Average of net income by small, medium and large farmers was Rs. 21194.59, Rs. 20608.26 and Rs. 19956.50 respectively. Benefit cost ratio for small, medium and large farmers was 2.44:1.00, 2.08:1.00 and 2.00:1.00 respectively. The study revealed that canola production in Central Punjab is profitable enterprise. However, the profitability of canola at small farms was higher as compared to other farm size categories. There is sharp increase in input prices from year to year basis while output prices remained same over the year. The Government should effectively control the input prices to avoid the exploitation of farmers. Extension efforts are required to disseminate suitable canola technologies including high yield, short duration varieties to maximize the returns of canola growers. Public efforts are urgently required to ensure timely disposal of canola produce and prompt payment.
 

Key Words: Non-conventional Crops; Canola; Economics; Small Growers; Medium Growers; Large Growers; Pakistan.

EFFECT OF VERMIWASH AND VERMICOMPOST ON SOIL PARA METERS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF
OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) IN GUYANA
Abdullah Adil Ansari* and Kumar Sukhraj**
 

ABSTRACT: Present investigations were carried out during 2006-2007 at University of Guyana, Georgetown focusing on recycling organic waste using vermitechnology and use of vermicompost and vermiwash obtained from the vermitech in varied combinations for exploring the effect on soil and productivity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Guyana. The soil quality was monitored during the experiment along with plant growth parameters of Okra. The study revealed that combination organic fertilizers vermicompost and vermiwash combination [VW+VC] compared with control [CON] and chemical fertilizers [CHM], had great influence on plant growth parameters. The average yield of Okra during trial showed a significantly greater response in VW+VC compared with the control by 64.27 %. The fruits have a greater percentage of fats and protein content in VW+VC when compared with those grown with chemical fertilizers by 23.86% and 19.86%, respectively. The combination treatment [VW+VC] also have a significant influence on the biochemical characteristics of the soil with marked improvement in soil micronutrients. The combination treatment [VW+VC] was found better suggesting qualitative improvement in the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which is substantiated by ANOVA and composite index {Rank 1 for [VW+VC] with composite index of 9}. This biological method of crop cultivation is sustainable and improves soil health rather than conventional methods based on the earlier observations.
 

Key Words: Okra; Organic Waste; Vermicompost; Vermiwash; Soil Fertility; Guyana.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS ON POPULATION OF NEMATODES AND YIELD OF GUAR
(CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA L.)
S. Shahid Shaukat*, Mian Sayed**, Aly Khan, M. Azhar Khan* and Babar Qazi***
 

ABSTRACT: The impact of different treatments on population of three nematode species associated with guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and the yield of guar were investigated. The chemical nematicides and plant extracts significantly reduced the population densities of all three nematodes. Carbofuran was most effective against all the nematodes. Apart from other three treatments, Tridax procumbens emerged as an effective phytonematicide. Helicotylenchus indicus, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne incognita had similar population density levels and were more or less equally suppressed by all the treatments in the order: Carbofuran > Tridax procumbens > Fertinemakil Plus > Withania somnifera. The yield of guar was only slightly increased but not significantly.
 

Key Words: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba; Plant Extract; Carbofuran; Fertinemakil Plus; Nematodes; Yield; Pakistan

AN ANALYSIS OF PHYTONEMATODE ASSOCIATED WITH POMEGRANATE IN KHUZDAR AND
KALAT DISTRICT, BALOCHISTAN
Aly Khan* and S. Shahid Shaukat**
 

ABSTRACT: A survey of phytonematodes associated with pomegranate was conducted encompassing 12 localities of Balochistan Province. Twelve genera were recorded from the rhizosphere of pomegranate. The most dominant species was Meloidogyne incognita. Species diversity (H’) was highest in Wadh while lowest in Ali Dasht. Equitability (J’) component of diversity was highest in Kork and lowest in Ali Dasht, while species richness (d’) component was highest in Alat. The soils associated with Pomegranate orchards were coarse-structured, alkaline with low maximum water holding capacity. In most cases similarities were low between localities.
 

Key Words: Nematodes; Pomegranate; Soil Characteristics; Diversity; Pakistan.

SUPPLEMENTATION PRACTICES OF GOATS IN THE POTHOWAR REGION OF PAKISTAN
Abid Hussain*, Imdad Hussain Mirza and Muhammad Azeem Khan**
 

ABSTRACT: Goats have helped people to survive and thrive for countless generations. Proper feeding and management is of fundamental importance to the success of any goats’ enterprise. In Pothowar region of Punjab, household and sedentary system of goat production is practiced. The availability of feed varies according to the season. Goats in the region are under nourished and producing less than potential. This study was conducted to find out the feed supplementation practices of goats in the Pothowar region. Data for this study was collected for the complete calendar year 2008. Data sheets were prepared in Urdu and provided to 100 literate female household members belonging to ten villages of tehsil Talagang of Chakwal district for data collection. According to the findings of the study, average number of goats per household was four; two does and two non-milking goats. Goats were mainly supplemented with ber (Zizyphus) leaves, wheat and mustard fodders in winter season and ber leaves, sorghum and bajra fodders in summer. Groundnut and wheat straws were main dry fodder. Wheat grains, oil seed cakes, wheat bran (choker), grams and left over dry breads were the concentrates fed to goats. On the whole about 30% metabolizable energy requirements of non-milking goats and 34% of does were fulfilled by supplementation. Goats were supplemented maximum during January-March, June, November and December and grazed for greater periods in summer and autumn than in winter and spring seasons. It can therefore be concluded that in general the months when minimum supplements were given are the better ones in terms of feed availability because majority of feed intake comes from grazing. Moreover, supplementation of goats can be improved by educating local communities about the proper supplementation and by planting palatable shrubs and fodder trees.
 

Key Words: Goats; Feeding; Population; Supplementation; Pakistan.

ASSESSMENT OF GOAT BREED IMPROVEMENT THROUGH DISTRIBUTION OF BEETAL BUCKS IN
RAINFED POTHWAR, PUNJAB
Nadeem Akmal, Hassnain Shah*, Muhammad Azam Niazi** and Waqar Akhtar*
 

ABSTRACT: The present paper is based on the assessment of goat breed improvement intervention through supply of 65 Beetal bucks in rainfed Pothwar. To judge short term impact and assessment, a survey was carried out of both buck holder and non-holder beneficiaries in six project tehsils, after one year of buck distribution. Data were collected from a sample of 38 buck holders and 31 beneficiary farmers using a structured pretested questionnaire. The main influencing factor in keeping bucks was goat breed improvement. All the sample respondents were convinced of the benefits of crosses with Beetal buck and reported that the offsprings Beetal were of higher body weight (40% higher), good looking and well built. Regarding the suitability of Beetal with fodder and forage in the area, majority of the farmers (73%) considered it more suitable. There was a price difference of Rs. 1277 for male kids and Rs. 697 for female kids of the same age than the kids from local buck crosses. The farmers believed that the price difference was not only due to the higher weight but a better look and better structure of the Beetal goat. Farming community showed keen interest in using this intervention on a regular basis.
 

Key Words: Beetal Buck; Goats Breed Improvement; Assessment; Survey; Pakistan.

PAKISTAN’S AGRICULTURAL TERMS OF TRADE
Muhammad Azam Niazi*, Hassnain Shah, Waqar Akhtar and Nadeem Akmal**
 

ABSTRACT: Changes in the terms of trade have consequences of great significance for the overall economic performance of a country. In this paper the terms of trade (1991-2003) for Pakistan’s crop sector have been worked out to reveal how the sector has performed over time in terms of profitability. Various indices were worked out to view the profitability from different angles using weights, giving due importance to all the contributing factors. The results revealed that Pakistani farmers’ profitability improved slightly during the study period but at the same time overall purchasing power of the farmers dropped. Pakistani farmers are expected to loose and consumers to gain if free agricultural trade (in selected commodities) opened with the neighboring India. It is suggested that farmer friendly policies and cost effective technologies should be transferred to farmers to make agriculture an attractive investment domestically and competitive internationally.
 

Key Words: Agriculture; Economics; Terms of Trade; Profitability; Pakistan.

RETROSPECT AND PROSPECTS OF EDIBLE OIL AND BIO-DIESEL IN PAKISTAN - A REVIEW
Sumia Bint Zaman, Sidra Majeed and Shahid Ahmad*
 

ABSTRACT: Globally resources of petro-fuels are diminishing at a rapid rate. Efforts are underway to develop sources of bio-fuels. Out of the known sources of bio-fuels, Jatropha is one of the most promising option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate primarily the regional and global experiences to assess the potential of Jatropha farming in Pakistan and to conduct a comparative economic analysis of alternate feasible options e.g. production of oilseeds, which are also being imported in large quantities. Temporal analysis (1950-09) for edible oil consumption, production and imports is made. Projections for edible oil are worked out up to 2030. As there have been large variations in yield of Jatropha reported by various studies conducted in India and other countries, therefore most reliable data have been selected for analysis to assess the prospects in Pakistan. Comparative economic analysis is made in terms of oil contents, number of crops per year, yield and gross returns of oilseed crops and Jatropha. Analysis shows that increase in production of edible oil over the time is negligible against the large increase in requirement resulted in higher production gap being filled through imports. Projections made for edible oils illustrated that production gap is going to be wider, which is currently 1.86 million tonnes (mt) and projected to be 3.4 mt by 2030. Jatropha seed production analysis of water-yield functions revealed that yield varies from 1.1 t ha-1 in drought or dry spells to 12.75 t ha-1 with full irrigation in favorable environments. Benefit-cost analysis shows that break-even point can be achieved in fourth year of plantation of Jatropha. The projected consumption in Pakistan for petro-fuel for 2025 is 35.1 mt, which is almost double of the current consumption. Thus, the target projections for replacement of petro-fuel with bio-diesel will be 3.51 mt for which 3.5 mha of land is required, as Jatropha has to be grown in marginal areas with marginal yields. Comparative economic analysis shows that for sunflower and canola all conditions are favorable, as per frequency of crops, price and returns as oilseed get returns of 166% higher than Jatropha. Oil contents of sunflower and canola are higher than Jatropha. Analysis concludes that it is more feasible to grow oilseeds because in trade-off between food and fuel, food should win. Before launching commercial production of Jatropha in Pakistan key issues need to be addressed including maintaining the goal of food security, water scarcity, cost-effectivity, and feasibility of Jatropha in comparison with oilseeds, pulses, feed crops and fuel-wood plants.
 

Key Words: Jatropha; Edible Oil; Biodiesel; Farming Potential; Pakistan.

RESEARCH NOTE
 

EFFECT OF INDOLE BUTYRIC ACID (IBA) ON ROOTING OF OLIVE STEM CUTTINGS
Ahmed Aziz Kurd, Amanullah, Saifullah Khan, Basharat Hussain Shah and Munir Ahmed Khetran*
 

ABSTRACT: Semi-hardwood cuttings of olive (Olea europea) variety Coratina with 2–4 leaves and 15–18 cm in length were obtained from existing progeny in an orchard of Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC), Quetta, Pakistan. The basal portion of these cuttings were treated with 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm IBA solution for 3-4 seconds. The treated cuttings were immediately planted in polyethylene tubes (10 cm x 20 cm) filled with a sandy loam soil. In the control, the cuttings were planted directly in polyethylene bags without IBA application. Plants were kept in a shade house and humidity was increased manually by hand sprinkling (four times in a day). Highest rooting percentage (60%) was obtained in the cuttings treated with 3000 ppm. The maximum average number of roots per cutting (4.443) and average root length (5.687 cm) were recorded with 4000 ppm IBA treatment. Percentage of rooted cuttings decreased with increased IBA concentration, whereas, number of roots and root length increased with increased IBA concentration. It was concluded that to obtain the most roots per cutting and the longest root length, application of 4000 ppm IBA was the best and to obtain the most number of rooted cuttings, application of 3000 ppm IBA was the best.
 

Key Words: Olea europea; Variety; Indole Butyric Acid; Growth Hormone; Stem Cuttings; Pakistan.

RESEARCH NOTE
 

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS AND INSECTICIDE APPLICATION AS DUST TO
CONTROL THE ATTACK OF RED PUMPKIN BEETLE ON CUCUMBER
Tariq Mahmood, M. Sudheer Tariq, Khalid Mahmood Khokar, Hidayatullah and Syed Ijaz Hussain*
 

ABSTRACT: Studies on the comparative effect of different plant extracts (neem seed, neem leaves and tobacco leaves) and insecticide permethrin dust alone or mixed with dung, were conducted against red pumpkin beetle in the field at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad during kharif 2008. Permethrin (0.5%) alone or mixed (0.05%) with dung ash as dust controlled the attack of red pumpkin beetle on the crop with no mortality of plants. Highest mortality of plants due to foliage eating by red pumpkin beetle was observed in control where no permethrin was applied. None of the plant extracts tested in this study as dust alone or mixed with dung ash was effective in controlling red pumpkin beetle attack. Permethrin dust (0.5%) alone and ash + permethrin dust (2000: 1 a.i w/w) gave a significantly higher yield of 18.07 and 18.63 t ha-1 in cucumber, respectively.
 

Key Words: Cucumber; Plant Extract; Control; Red Pumpkin Beetle; Pakistan.