To understand the behaviour of P in calcareous soils, two diverse lime containing soil series of ... more To understand the behaviour of P in calcareous soils, two diverse lime containing soil series of Peshawar (19 %) and Guliana (4 %), were selected for P adsorption capacity. A 50 mL solution containing 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240 and 360 mg P L -1 (initially applied P, IPA) was applied to 5 g of respective air-dried soils taken in triplicates in conical flasks and was shaken for 30 h. In strongly calcareous Peshawar soil series, adsorption of P ranged from 85.7 to 1366 mg kg -1 which was almost double of the P adsorbed in low lime Guliana soils series at the iso-equivalent level of IPA. Both simple and modified Langmuir and Freundlich models were best fitted (r 2 > 0.95 on average) for the P adsorption pattern in both soils. However, for maintaining 0.2 mg P L -1 soil solution, the amount of P2O5 required was 33.51 kg ha -1 for Peshawar and 17.47 kg ha -1 for Guliana on the basis of adsorption calculation, which is much lower than the amount of P fertilizer as determined in series of field experiments. To maintain the critical soil solution [P], it is recommended to add proportionately more P fertilizers to highly calcareous soil.
Plants are sources of diverse classes of natural products, some of which have biological activity... more Plants are sources of diverse classes of natural products, some of which have biological activity such as phytotoxins, nematocidal, antimicrobial, phytoalexins, provide nutrition to soil microbes and are allelopathic. In fact the chemical compounds that are released from plant organs (i.e. leaves, stem, roots, flowers and seeds), have an effect on the environment and are known as allelochemicals. These allelochemicals comprises of low molecular weight compounds (such as sugars, inorganic ions, vitamins, nucleotides, amino acids and phenolics), as well as high molecular weight substances (polysaccharides and enzymes and other proteins). Furthermore, the allelochemicals from the source plant can enter the environment through leaching, volatilisation, root exudation and seed-coat exudation in order to protect themselves from the threat around them. The aim of this study is to give a picture of different classes of allelochemicals and their properties. Besides, this review will provide an insight regarding the utilisation of the compounds of interest as a growth regulator, antimicrobial, nematicidal, and/or natural herbicide. Certainly, this paper will help in promoting green agriculture and controlling pollution caused by synthetic chemicals.
Recording qualitative and quantitative traits of landraces is useful in maintaining genetic diver... more Recording qualitative and quantitative traits of landraces is useful in maintaining genetic diversity. Landraces of sweet corn are grown for local markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, province of Pakistan. This study was commenced to document changes in growth attributes of sweet corn under different mi-cro-environments induced through altered planting dates. Four landraces {Mingora (MNG), Mansehra (MNS), Swabi (SWB) and Parachinar (PRC)} with cv. Azam (check) were planted on five dates at almost one month interval at New Developmental Farm University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plots was used. Planting dates and landraces alone or in combination significantly affected all parameters studied. Sweet corn attained maximum leaf area index , absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) when planted in July during both years. Whereas, maximum plant height and plant dry weight were recorded in early plantings (April/March) during both years. Landrace SWB recorded maximum leaf area index, plant height, plant dry weight, absolute growth rate and crop growth rate in both years.
Incorporation of biochar to agriculture field has the potential to be a primary factor in maintai... more Incorporation of biochar to agriculture field has the potential to be a primary factor in maintaining soil fertility and productivity particularly in nitrogen and organic matter limiting environments. Clear experimental evidences to support this view, however, are still lacking. Keeping in view the significance of biochar and limited information on its role in crop production, the current experiments were designed to evaluate the potential use of biochar in crop production for 2 years. The experiment consisted of three factors namely: (1) Biochar (0, 25 and 50 ton ha-1), (2) FYM (5 and 10 ton ha-1) and (3) nitrogen (75 and 150 kg ha-1). A control treatment (all at nil level) was included in the experiment for comparison. All the treatments were replicated three time in RCB design at New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan. As per expectation inorganic N and FYM application increased maize yield in comparison to control. Furthermore, BC treatments increased maize grain ear-1 and grain yield by 21 and 11% over no BC treatments (where FYM and N was applied but no biochar) while caused 29 and 35% in comparison to control respectively. Similarly, maize biological yield was increased by 14 and 39% over no BC and control treatments respectively. Beside crop yield, soil properties like carbon content, N status, Phosphorus, crop N uptake and crop P uptake was significantly increased by BC treatment over no BC treatment. Overall, application of BC showed convincing results as compared to sole application of N and FYM, however, problems associated with BC production in Pakistan are needed to be addressed in future research.
Plant density and nitrogen (N) are important factors which influence growth regime. An experiment... more Plant density and nitrogen (N) are important factors which influence growth regime. An experiment was planned to study two landraces of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) viz. Mansehra (MNS) and Swabi (SWB) in comparison to the local maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar (cv. Azam). The treatments also included four N levels along with four plant densities. The trial was performed at two locations ; at the New Developmental Farm (NDF), University of Agriculture Peshawar, and at Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak. Treatments significantly affected days to silking, plant height, crop growth rate (CGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR) of sweet corn. Landrace SWB, silked late with higher plant height, AGR and CGR. N-fertilization significantly increased plant height (31 %), AGR (25 %), and CGR (26 %) as compared to control (0-N). Increase in plant density increased plant height (5 %) and CGR (64 %), while AGR decreased by 6 % under highest density.
An experiment was conducted at two locations during spring 2008 at the New Developmental Farm (ND... more An experiment was conducted at two locations during spring 2008 at the New Developmental Farm (NDF) and the Cereals Crop Research Institute (CCRI). Two landraces of sweet corn Mansehra (MNS) and Swabi (SWB) were planted with Cv. Azam. Furthermore, four densities and N levels were used in randomized complete block (RCB) design with split-plot arrangement. Phenology, yield and yield components responded positively to locations, landraces, nitrogen and density. Significantly higher number of kernels ear 1 , grain weight and grain yield were found at NDF. Landrace SWB was tasseled and matured late, while Azam was recorded highest for kernel ear-1 (KPE), total grain weight (TGW) and grain yield (GY) followed by SWB. Moreover, days to tasseling and maturity, KPE, TGW, and GY in Nfertilized plots were significantly higher as compared to control. Maximum GY was observed in plots with a density of 100000 plants ha 1 ; however, it was comparable to GY obtained under the dense population of the plants (density of 120000 plants ha 1).
Islamand and Anjum. Yield and yield components of wheat as affected by different seed rates and n... more Islamand and Anjum. Yield and yield components of wheat as affected by different seed rates and nitrogen levels. Abstract An experiment was conducted to study yield and yield components of wheat under different seed rates and nitrogen levels. Five seed rates (S1 = 60 kg ha-1 , S2 = 80 kg ha-1 , S3 = 100 kg ha-1 , S4 = 120 kg ha-1 and S5 = 140 kg ha-1) and five nitrogen levels (N0 = Control, N1 = 40 kg ha-1 , N2 = 80 kg ha-1 , N3 = 120 kg ha-1 and N5 = 140 kg ha-1) were tested in the experiment. Results showed that maximum tillers m-2 (334), leaf area index (4.50), grains spike-1 (60), 1000-grains weight (41.91 g), grain yield (3957 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10172 kg ha-1) was produced by the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1. Similarly nitrogen fertilization at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 resulted maximum (348) tillers m-2 , leaf area index (4.42) grains spike-1 (63), 1000-grain weight (42.19 g), grain yield (4145 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10579 kg ha-1). In case of interaction between seed arte and nitrogen it was observed that maximum tillers m-2 , leaf area index, grains spike-1 , 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biological yield was produced by plots received seed at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 and nitrogen with 120 kg ha-1 , while maximum leaf area index was recorded from the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1 and fertilized with 80 kg N ha-1 .
Experiment was conducted to study the response of different wheat varieties to various seed rates... more Experiment was conducted to study the response of different wheat varieties to various seed rates. The experiment consists of five different wheat varieties (V1 = Nasir-2k, V2 = Salim-2k, V3 = Bakhtawar-92, V4 = Fakhre-e-Sarhad and V5 = Lucky J-03) were sown at five various seed rates (S1 = 60 kg ha-1 , S2 = 80 kg ha-1 , S3 = 100 kg ha-1 , S4 = 120 kg ha-1 and S5 = 140 kg ha-1). Data recorded from the varieties treatments revealed that maximum tillers m-2 (377), leaf area index (4.10), grains spike-1 (68), 1000-grain weight (45.24 g), grain yield (4022 kg ha-1), biological yield (16660 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 61921), BCR (4.99 %) and MRR % (499.49) was noted from the plots sown with variety Fakhr-e-Sarhad. Statistical analysis of the data also revealed that seed rates were significantly affected all parameters except biological yield and harvest index. It can be inferred from the data showed that maximum ((369) tillers m-2 , grains spike-1 (65), leaf area index (4.03), 1000-grain weight (45.30 g), grain yield (4222 kg ha-1), biological yield (15030 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 62119), BCR (5.18 %) and MRR % (518.03) was noted from the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1. In case of interaction between varieties and seed rate it was observed that maximum (420.25) tillers m-2 , leaf area index (4.79), grains spike-1 (74), 1000-grain weight (47.33 g), grain yield (4676 kg ha-1), biological yield (19535 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 66863), BCR (5.47 %) and MRR % (546.95) was noted from the plots sown with FakhreSarhad and seed rate was used at120 kg ha-1 .
To assess the nitrogen use efficiency of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), an experiment w... more To assess the nitrogen use efficiency of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), an experiment was conducted at New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Agricultural University Peshawar-Pakistan. Randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plot arrangement, replicated four times, was used. Sunflower hybrids (Suncross, Gulshan-98, Aritar-93, and Peshawar-93) were allotted to main plots while nitrogen levels (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, and 225 kg ha -1 ) to the sub-plots. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that nitrogen had significant effects (P≤0.05) on all parameters under study. Days to button formation and flowering decreased with increase in nitrogen levels. The delayed button formation (35.63) and flowering (52.06) were observed in controlled plots, while earlier button formation (31.94) and flowering (48.56) were noted when 225 kg N ha -1 was applied to the crop. Among hybrids Peshawar-93 took less days (45.29), while Gulshan-98 took more days (56.42) to flowering. Maximum plant height (87.54 cm), seed yield ha -1 (1302.75 kg) and leaf area plant -1 (9909.5 cm 2 ) was recorded in plots with highest dose of nitrogen (225 kg ha -1 ). Maximum leaf area plant -1 (8777.53 cm 2 ) has produced by Suncross. Values of nitrogen use efficiency were higher in controlled plots (342) and lower (5.83) in plots with highest dose of nitrogen (225 kg ha -1 ). Out of tested hybrids, Suncross produced maximum yield with maximum dose of nitrogen. It is therefore suggested that Suncross should be sown in Peshawar Valley by farmers with N application at the rate of 225 kg ha -1 .
Crop residue incorporation is an environment friendly strategy which is becoming a common soil ma... more Crop residue incorporation is an environment friendly strategy which is becoming a common soil management practice for sustainability of soil fertility. To study the impact of various placement techniques of different crop residues (i.e. legume residue and wheat straw), fertilizer-N and their various combinations on maize crop; an experiment was conducted at New Developmental Research Farm of University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Khyber Pakthunkhwa. The crop residue/fertilizer was applied at three-placement depths i.e. surface, shallow (3 cm) and deep (6 cm) incorporation for evaluating its utilization efficiency by maize. Randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement was used in the experiment. Placement depths of the residues/fertilizer showed inconsistent results and did not express significant differences for most of the observations. However, shallow incorporation of the treatments showed good results in terms of ears per plant, total aboveground biomass yield, grains per ear and grain yield. Recommended rate of N-fertilizer and mixture of half fertilizer and full rate of legume residues showed better performance than all other treatments. Maize showed better utilization of N-fertilizer and responded with best results in terms of 1000-grain weight, aboveground biomass and grain yield. Mixture of half fertilizer and legume residue increased performance of maize showing good results for ears per plant and grains per ear. Control (no residue/no fertilizer) showed poor results for almost all traits. While wheat straw amended treatments also had poor effect on the overall growth and development of maize.
A research trial was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of the University of Agricu... more A research trial was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2008-2009. Two wheat varieties were sown on 1 st December 2008 at the seed rate of 100 kg ha -1 . Urea, DAP and elemental sulphur were used as sources for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Sulphur (S), respectively. Treatments were: Factor-A: Varieties (V), i.e., V1 = Pirsabak-2005, V2 = Ghaznavi-98, Factor-B: N and S application (kg ha -1 ), i.e., T1 (80 kg N at sowing), T2 (140 kg N at sowing, T3 (80 kg N at sowing and anthesis: 40+40 kg), T4 (140 kg N at sowing and anthesis:100+40 kg), T5 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension:), T6 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension), T7 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis), T8 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis). The experiment was set in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Applications of 140 kg N ha -1 at sowing alongside applications of 20 kg S ha -1 at anthesis was helpful in increasing grain yields in both varieties. It was therefore recommended that foliar S should be included as an important input, alongside N, in the production technology of both Pirsabak-2005 and Ghaznavi-98 varieties of the wheat crop which are being cultivated in the Peshawar region of Pakistan.
Significant efforts are required to enable rice plant to cope with the menace of high night tempe... more Significant efforts are required to enable rice plant to cope with the menace of high night temperature (HNT) stress. As an immediate solution, use of plant growth hormones can be targeted to maximize plant tolerance against HNT stress. Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a small water soluble molecule which acts as an antioxidant and can directly detoxify active oxygen species. In this study, the potential role of AsA has been investigated for the alleviation of HNT related problems by improving the overall anti-oxidant status and physiological performance of rice. In this regard, the current research was carried out in controlled environment to study the interactive effect of HNT and foliar application of AsA on physiological traits of rice; mainly focusing on its anti-oxidative and nutrient status. Two tested genotypes showed considerable similarity in response to both HNT and AsA. HNT increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of both varieties and exogenous AsA reduced it almost to the level of control night temperature (CNT). Similarly, the HNT associated increases in Na + and K + in both root and shoot were also lowered by exogenous AsA. The anti-oxidative enzymes catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were also increased under HNT. While application of AsA led to reductions in their concentrations. POD was more sensitive to HNT than CAT and AsA also showed more pronounced effect on POD compared to CAT. Although preliminary results for the acclamatory role AsA under HNT are favorable, future detailed studies including diverse genotypes and different levels of AsA applied at various stages are imperative.
To understand the behaviour of P in calcareous soils, two diverse lime containing soil series of ... more To understand the behaviour of P in calcareous soils, two diverse lime containing soil series of Peshawar (19 %) and Guliana (4 %), were selected for P adsorption capacity. A 50 mL solution containing 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240 and 360 mg P L -1 (initially applied P, IPA) was applied to 5 g of respective air-dried soils taken in triplicates in conical flasks and was shaken for 30 h. In strongly calcareous Peshawar soil series, adsorption of P ranged from 85.7 to 1366 mg kg -1 which was almost double of the P adsorbed in low lime Guliana soils series at the iso-equivalent level of IPA. Both simple and modified Langmuir and Freundlich models were best fitted (r 2 > 0.95 on average) for the P adsorption pattern in both soils. However, for maintaining 0.2 mg P L -1 soil solution, the amount of P2O5 required was 33.51 kg ha -1 for Peshawar and 17.47 kg ha -1 for Guliana on the basis of adsorption calculation, which is much lower than the amount of P fertilizer as determined in series of field experiments. To maintain the critical soil solution [P], it is recommended to add proportionately more P fertilizers to highly calcareous soil.
Plants are sources of diverse classes of natural products, some of which have biological activity... more Plants are sources of diverse classes of natural products, some of which have biological activity such as phytotoxins, nematocidal, antimicrobial, phytoalexins, provide nutrition to soil microbes and are allelopathic. In fact the chemical compounds that are released from plant organs (i.e. leaves, stem, roots, flowers and seeds), have an effect on the environment and are known as allelochemicals. These allelochemicals comprises of low molecular weight compounds (such as sugars, inorganic ions, vitamins, nucleotides, amino acids and phenolics), as well as high molecular weight substances (polysaccharides and enzymes and other proteins). Furthermore, the allelochemicals from the source plant can enter the environment through leaching, volatilisation, root exudation and seed-coat exudation in order to protect themselves from the threat around them. The aim of this study is to give a picture of different classes of allelochemicals and their properties. Besides, this review will provide an insight regarding the utilisation of the compounds of interest as a growth regulator, antimicrobial, nematicidal, and/or natural herbicide. Certainly, this paper will help in promoting green agriculture and controlling pollution caused by synthetic chemicals.
Recording qualitative and quantitative traits of landraces is useful in maintaining genetic diver... more Recording qualitative and quantitative traits of landraces is useful in maintaining genetic diversity. Landraces of sweet corn are grown for local markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, province of Pakistan. This study was commenced to document changes in growth attributes of sweet corn under different mi-cro-environments induced through altered planting dates. Four landraces {Mingora (MNG), Mansehra (MNS), Swabi (SWB) and Parachinar (PRC)} with cv. Azam (check) were planted on five dates at almost one month interval at New Developmental Farm University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plots was used. Planting dates and landraces alone or in combination significantly affected all parameters studied. Sweet corn attained maximum leaf area index , absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) when planted in July during both years. Whereas, maximum plant height and plant dry weight were recorded in early plantings (April/March) during both years. Landrace SWB recorded maximum leaf area index, plant height, plant dry weight, absolute growth rate and crop growth rate in both years.
Incorporation of biochar to agriculture field has the potential to be a primary factor in maintai... more Incorporation of biochar to agriculture field has the potential to be a primary factor in maintaining soil fertility and productivity particularly in nitrogen and organic matter limiting environments. Clear experimental evidences to support this view, however, are still lacking. Keeping in view the significance of biochar and limited information on its role in crop production, the current experiments were designed to evaluate the potential use of biochar in crop production for 2 years. The experiment consisted of three factors namely: (1) Biochar (0, 25 and 50 ton ha-1), (2) FYM (5 and 10 ton ha-1) and (3) nitrogen (75 and 150 kg ha-1). A control treatment (all at nil level) was included in the experiment for comparison. All the treatments were replicated three time in RCB design at New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan. As per expectation inorganic N and FYM application increased maize yield in comparison to control. Furthermore, BC treatments increased maize grain ear-1 and grain yield by 21 and 11% over no BC treatments (where FYM and N was applied but no biochar) while caused 29 and 35% in comparison to control respectively. Similarly, maize biological yield was increased by 14 and 39% over no BC and control treatments respectively. Beside crop yield, soil properties like carbon content, N status, Phosphorus, crop N uptake and crop P uptake was significantly increased by BC treatment over no BC treatment. Overall, application of BC showed convincing results as compared to sole application of N and FYM, however, problems associated with BC production in Pakistan are needed to be addressed in future research.
Plant density and nitrogen (N) are important factors which influence growth regime. An experiment... more Plant density and nitrogen (N) are important factors which influence growth regime. An experiment was planned to study two landraces of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) viz. Mansehra (MNS) and Swabi (SWB) in comparison to the local maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar (cv. Azam). The treatments also included four N levels along with four plant densities. The trial was performed at two locations ; at the New Developmental Farm (NDF), University of Agriculture Peshawar, and at Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak. Treatments significantly affected days to silking, plant height, crop growth rate (CGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR) of sweet corn. Landrace SWB, silked late with higher plant height, AGR and CGR. N-fertilization significantly increased plant height (31 %), AGR (25 %), and CGR (26 %) as compared to control (0-N). Increase in plant density increased plant height (5 %) and CGR (64 %), while AGR decreased by 6 % under highest density.
An experiment was conducted at two locations during spring 2008 at the New Developmental Farm (ND... more An experiment was conducted at two locations during spring 2008 at the New Developmental Farm (NDF) and the Cereals Crop Research Institute (CCRI). Two landraces of sweet corn Mansehra (MNS) and Swabi (SWB) were planted with Cv. Azam. Furthermore, four densities and N levels were used in randomized complete block (RCB) design with split-plot arrangement. Phenology, yield and yield components responded positively to locations, landraces, nitrogen and density. Significantly higher number of kernels ear 1 , grain weight and grain yield were found at NDF. Landrace SWB was tasseled and matured late, while Azam was recorded highest for kernel ear-1 (KPE), total grain weight (TGW) and grain yield (GY) followed by SWB. Moreover, days to tasseling and maturity, KPE, TGW, and GY in Nfertilized plots were significantly higher as compared to control. Maximum GY was observed in plots with a density of 100000 plants ha 1 ; however, it was comparable to GY obtained under the dense population of the plants (density of 120000 plants ha 1).
Islamand and Anjum. Yield and yield components of wheat as affected by different seed rates and n... more Islamand and Anjum. Yield and yield components of wheat as affected by different seed rates and nitrogen levels. Abstract An experiment was conducted to study yield and yield components of wheat under different seed rates and nitrogen levels. Five seed rates (S1 = 60 kg ha-1 , S2 = 80 kg ha-1 , S3 = 100 kg ha-1 , S4 = 120 kg ha-1 and S5 = 140 kg ha-1) and five nitrogen levels (N0 = Control, N1 = 40 kg ha-1 , N2 = 80 kg ha-1 , N3 = 120 kg ha-1 and N5 = 140 kg ha-1) were tested in the experiment. Results showed that maximum tillers m-2 (334), leaf area index (4.50), grains spike-1 (60), 1000-grains weight (41.91 g), grain yield (3957 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10172 kg ha-1) was produced by the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1. Similarly nitrogen fertilization at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 resulted maximum (348) tillers m-2 , leaf area index (4.42) grains spike-1 (63), 1000-grain weight (42.19 g), grain yield (4145 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10579 kg ha-1). In case of interaction between seed arte and nitrogen it was observed that maximum tillers m-2 , leaf area index, grains spike-1 , 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biological yield was produced by plots received seed at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 and nitrogen with 120 kg ha-1 , while maximum leaf area index was recorded from the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1 and fertilized with 80 kg N ha-1 .
Experiment was conducted to study the response of different wheat varieties to various seed rates... more Experiment was conducted to study the response of different wheat varieties to various seed rates. The experiment consists of five different wheat varieties (V1 = Nasir-2k, V2 = Salim-2k, V3 = Bakhtawar-92, V4 = Fakhre-e-Sarhad and V5 = Lucky J-03) were sown at five various seed rates (S1 = 60 kg ha-1 , S2 = 80 kg ha-1 , S3 = 100 kg ha-1 , S4 = 120 kg ha-1 and S5 = 140 kg ha-1). Data recorded from the varieties treatments revealed that maximum tillers m-2 (377), leaf area index (4.10), grains spike-1 (68), 1000-grain weight (45.24 g), grain yield (4022 kg ha-1), biological yield (16660 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 61921), BCR (4.99 %) and MRR % (499.49) was noted from the plots sown with variety Fakhr-e-Sarhad. Statistical analysis of the data also revealed that seed rates were significantly affected all parameters except biological yield and harvest index. It can be inferred from the data showed that maximum ((369) tillers m-2 , grains spike-1 (65), leaf area index (4.03), 1000-grain weight (45.30 g), grain yield (4222 kg ha-1), biological yield (15030 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 62119), BCR (5.18 %) and MRR % (518.03) was noted from the plots seeded with 120 kg ha-1. In case of interaction between varieties and seed rate it was observed that maximum (420.25) tillers m-2 , leaf area index (4.79), grains spike-1 (74), 1000-grain weight (47.33 g), grain yield (4676 kg ha-1), biological yield (19535 kg ha-1), net income (Rs. 66863), BCR (5.47 %) and MRR % (546.95) was noted from the plots sown with FakhreSarhad and seed rate was used at120 kg ha-1 .
To assess the nitrogen use efficiency of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), an experiment w... more To assess the nitrogen use efficiency of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), an experiment was conducted at New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Agricultural University Peshawar-Pakistan. Randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plot arrangement, replicated four times, was used. Sunflower hybrids (Suncross, Gulshan-98, Aritar-93, and Peshawar-93) were allotted to main plots while nitrogen levels (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, and 225 kg ha -1 ) to the sub-plots. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that nitrogen had significant effects (P≤0.05) on all parameters under study. Days to button formation and flowering decreased with increase in nitrogen levels. The delayed button formation (35.63) and flowering (52.06) were observed in controlled plots, while earlier button formation (31.94) and flowering (48.56) were noted when 225 kg N ha -1 was applied to the crop. Among hybrids Peshawar-93 took less days (45.29), while Gulshan-98 took more days (56.42) to flowering. Maximum plant height (87.54 cm), seed yield ha -1 (1302.75 kg) and leaf area plant -1 (9909.5 cm 2 ) was recorded in plots with highest dose of nitrogen (225 kg ha -1 ). Maximum leaf area plant -1 (8777.53 cm 2 ) has produced by Suncross. Values of nitrogen use efficiency were higher in controlled plots (342) and lower (5.83) in plots with highest dose of nitrogen (225 kg ha -1 ). Out of tested hybrids, Suncross produced maximum yield with maximum dose of nitrogen. It is therefore suggested that Suncross should be sown in Peshawar Valley by farmers with N application at the rate of 225 kg ha -1 .
Crop residue incorporation is an environment friendly strategy which is becoming a common soil ma... more Crop residue incorporation is an environment friendly strategy which is becoming a common soil management practice for sustainability of soil fertility. To study the impact of various placement techniques of different crop residues (i.e. legume residue and wheat straw), fertilizer-N and their various combinations on maize crop; an experiment was conducted at New Developmental Research Farm of University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Khyber Pakthunkhwa. The crop residue/fertilizer was applied at three-placement depths i.e. surface, shallow (3 cm) and deep (6 cm) incorporation for evaluating its utilization efficiency by maize. Randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement was used in the experiment. Placement depths of the residues/fertilizer showed inconsistent results and did not express significant differences for most of the observations. However, shallow incorporation of the treatments showed good results in terms of ears per plant, total aboveground biomass yield, grains per ear and grain yield. Recommended rate of N-fertilizer and mixture of half fertilizer and full rate of legume residues showed better performance than all other treatments. Maize showed better utilization of N-fertilizer and responded with best results in terms of 1000-grain weight, aboveground biomass and grain yield. Mixture of half fertilizer and legume residue increased performance of maize showing good results for ears per plant and grains per ear. Control (no residue/no fertilizer) showed poor results for almost all traits. While wheat straw amended treatments also had poor effect on the overall growth and development of maize.
A research trial was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of the University of Agricu... more A research trial was conducted at the New Developmental Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2008-2009. Two wheat varieties were sown on 1 st December 2008 at the seed rate of 100 kg ha -1 . Urea, DAP and elemental sulphur were used as sources for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Sulphur (S), respectively. Treatments were: Factor-A: Varieties (V), i.e., V1 = Pirsabak-2005, V2 = Ghaznavi-98, Factor-B: N and S application (kg ha -1 ), i.e., T1 (80 kg N at sowing), T2 (140 kg N at sowing, T3 (80 kg N at sowing and anthesis: 40+40 kg), T4 (140 kg N at sowing and anthesis:100+40 kg), T5 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension:), T6 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at stem extension), T7 (80 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis), T8 (140 kg N at sowing + 20 kg S at anthesis). The experiment was set in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Applications of 140 kg N ha -1 at sowing alongside applications of 20 kg S ha -1 at anthesis was helpful in increasing grain yields in both varieties. It was therefore recommended that foliar S should be included as an important input, alongside N, in the production technology of both Pirsabak-2005 and Ghaznavi-98 varieties of the wheat crop which are being cultivated in the Peshawar region of Pakistan.
Significant efforts are required to enable rice plant to cope with the menace of high night tempe... more Significant efforts are required to enable rice plant to cope with the menace of high night temperature (HNT) stress. As an immediate solution, use of plant growth hormones can be targeted to maximize plant tolerance against HNT stress. Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a small water soluble molecule which acts as an antioxidant and can directly detoxify active oxygen species. In this study, the potential role of AsA has been investigated for the alleviation of HNT related problems by improving the overall anti-oxidant status and physiological performance of rice. In this regard, the current research was carried out in controlled environment to study the interactive effect of HNT and foliar application of AsA on physiological traits of rice; mainly focusing on its anti-oxidative and nutrient status. Two tested genotypes showed considerable similarity in response to both HNT and AsA. HNT increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of both varieties and exogenous AsA reduced it almost to the level of control night temperature (CNT). Similarly, the HNT associated increases in Na + and K + in both root and shoot were also lowered by exogenous AsA. The anti-oxidative enzymes catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were also increased under HNT. While application of AsA led to reductions in their concentrations. POD was more sensitive to HNT than CAT and AsA also showed more pronounced effect on POD compared to CAT. Although preliminary results for the acclamatory role AsA under HNT are favorable, future detailed studies including diverse genotypes and different levels of AsA applied at various stages are imperative.
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Papers by Zafar H Khan