Agriculture

The influence of harvesting stage (yellow-orange, orange and orange-red stage) and storage duration (Control, 10, 20 and 30 days) has significantly affected the quality attributes of the persimmon. The fruits, which were harvested at orange-red stage, had significantly higher weight loss (28.67 %), total soluble solids (13.23), electrical conductivity (4.85 S/m) and pH(6.57) among the various treatments. Besides, the persimmon fruits that were harvested at the orange-red stage had a significantly lower fruit firmness, ascorbic acid and titratable acidity. Moreover, the storage duration of 30 days had also affected the various quality parameters of the persimmon fruits (including, weight loss, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity, pH, disease incidence) quite drastically. Certainly, the interaction between harvesting stage and storage duration had a pronounced impact on weight loss, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity and pH of the fruits. In our study, we have found that the fruits, which were harvested at yellow stage and were stored for 20 days performed well among all treatments except control (fresh fruits). It is, therefore, concluded that to minimize the quality losses of persimmon, the fruits should be picked at yellow stage and stored for a maximum of 20 days.

This study was conducted to determine the production potential and optimum sowing date for various landraces of sweet corn. The research was carried out at New Developmental Farm, NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan during 2007 crop season. Sowing dates were 25 April (D1), 25 May (D2), 16 June (D3), 26 July (D4) and 18 August (D5). Sweet corn landraces Mingora, Mansehra, Swabi, Parachinar and cv. Azam were used. All parameters were significantly affected by sowing dates, landraces and their interaction. Days to 50 % tasseling and 50 % silking decreased as the date of sowing was delayed from D1 to D5. Days to maturity decreased as the date of sowing was delayed from D1 to D3 and then increased again as sowing was delayed from D3 to D5. Sweet corn landrace Swabi produced maximum (17292 kg ha -1 ) biological yield from D1 sowing compared to minimum (7083 kg ha -1 ) produced by Parachinar on D5. Azam produced maximum grain yield (4097 kg ha -1 ) and harvest index (27.21 %) when sown on D4, where as minimum grain yield (621 kg ha -1 ) and harvest index (7.16 %) was observed for Parachinar and Mingora respectively on D5 sowing. . 2009. Phenology and yield of sweet corn landraces influenced by planting dates. Sarhad J. Agric. 25(2): 153-157.

An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of different levels of phosphorus and potassium on the yield and yielding components of maize (Zea mays L.) at Agricultural Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during crop season 2003. Randomized Complete Block (RCB) Design with four replications in a split plot arrangements was used. Two varieties, i.e. Azam and Kissan-90 and three level each of P and K i.e. (30, 60 and 90 kg ha -1 ) was used. The results of different potassium and phosphorus levels depicted that higher rates of both the fertilizers have significantly increased the number of grains ear -1 , weight ear -1 , and 1000-grains weight. For grain yield potassium sole effect was non significant but it interacted significantly with maize varieties and phosphorus levels. Sole effect of phosphorus as well as combine effects of phosphorus with varieties, and potassium levels was found significant for grain yield of maize. Varieties showed significant difference for 1000-grains weight and grain yield. Overall, it is concluded that variety Azam with 90 kg P ha -1 and 60 kg K ha -1 performed well for maximum grain yield as compared to variety Kissan-90.

Field trial was conducted to study the effect of tillage practices, mineral N and organic manures on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) at the New Developmental Farm of Agricultural University, Peshawar during summer 2010. The experiment was consisted of ten fertilizer treatments (control, nitrogen alone, FYM alone, poultry manure alone, 75% N (mineral) + 25% FYM, 50% N (mineral) + 50% FYM, 25 % N (mineral) + 75% FYM, 75% N + 25% PM, 50% N (mineral) + 50% PM and 25% N (mineral) + 75 % PM) and three tillage practices (reduce, conventional and deep tillage). Nitrogen (N) treatments were kept in the sub plots, whereas tillage practices (T) was allotted to the main plots. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications. The results revealed that tillage practices and N significantly affected all parameters under study. Interactions between N x T were remained non significant for all parameters . Application of mineral N with organic manure in combination resulted in increased yield and yield components. Application of half mineral N and half PM produced higher ear length, grain ear -1 , grain yield and biological yield of maize, while 50% FYM and 50 % N resulted in maximum rows ear -1 and grain row -1 . Tillage influenced yield and yield components of maize and higher number of rows ear -1 , grain row ear -1 , grains ear -1 , ear length, thousand grain weight, grain yield and biological yield was produced by conventional tillage. It was concluded that organic and inorganic N application and conventional tillage had beneficial effect on yield and yield components of maize.

Planting at proper time and selection of suitable variety are important components of cropping system. The present study was conducted at New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan during 2008 to document some phenological stages and grain yield of landraces of sweet corn planted on different dates. RCBD with split plot arrangement was used. Sweet corn landraces, MNG, MNS, SWB, PRC and cv. Azam were planted on 5 dates i.e. 17 March, 30 April, 17 May, 21 June, and 26 July. Days to tasseling, silking, maturity, grain yield and harvest index were significantly affected by sowing dates, landraces and their interaction. Days to tasseling and silking enhanced as the planting was delayed. Days to maturity decreased when sowing was delayed from March to June, however further delay in sowing increased number of days to maturity. Azam gave maximum grain yield (4569 kg ha -1 ) followed by landrace SWB sown on 26 th July. Maximum harvest index was recorded by Azam when planted on 21 st June and 26 th July.

Experiments on the "Yield and quality of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) as affected by different levels of fico-micron and boron" were conducted at Tobacco Research Station, Khan Ghari, Mardan (Pakistan) during 1998-1999. The experiments were set up in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. Commercially available fico-micron (21.45% Zn, 25.69% Fe, 23.001% Mg and (29.4885%) Cu at rates of 0, 40, and 45 kg ha -1 , along with Boron (B) at rates of 0, 5 and 10 kg ha -1 were applied after seven days of transplantation. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that different micronutrient levels significantly affected leaf area, green and cured yield, while grade index, nicotine and reducing sugar percentages were not affected significantly. Maximum leaf area and cured yield were recorded when plants were treated with fico-micron and B at the level of 40:10 kg ha -1 . Maximum green leaf yield was obtained by applying fico-micron and B at the rates of 45:10 kg ha -1 . Highest grade index was observed in plots treated with fico-micron and B at the rate of 40:0 kg ha -1 . Maximum reducing sugar was recorded when plants were treated with 0:10 kg ha -1 dose of fico-micron and B, while maximum nicotine percentage was recorded for 40:10 kg ha -1 dose of fico-micron and B. As a whole, 40:10 kg ha -1 doses of fico-micron and B indicated its clear superiority over the other levels.

The present study was conducted during 2006 to evaluate the potential and opportunities of Eco-tourism and the problems faced by the stakeholders (tourists, tour operators and tourist's guides) in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. For this purpose these stakeholders with the sample size of 10, 12 and 48, in three villages of upper Hunza were purposively selected. The data were collected through pre-tested interview schedule. The study revealed that 69% of the sample respondents were not satisfied with the existing policies and steps of government for tourism development. Thirty seven percent of the sample respondents described the role of NGO's as average in promotion of eco-tourism. The Karakoram high way was thought to be a source of attraction by the 53% of the sample respondents. Rivers and streams were also thought to be a major source of attraction by 74% of sample respondents, as for mountains 84% of respondents strongly agreed, moreover 63% of the respondents agreed that biodiversity of mountains is a source of attraction. Fifty six percent of the sample respondents agreed that climbing is the source of attraction in the area. Policy formulation and implementation was thought to be a major obstacle in the way of promoting eco-tourism in the study area as, 77% of the sample respondents strongly agreed. Most of the respondents (57%) agreed that the poor infrastructure is an obstacle, 81% of the sample respondents strongly agreed that security is also an obstacle. Moreover visa problem, flight problem and religious extremisms are also the major obstacle in promotion of eco-tourism in the area which should be addressed through its own decentralized tourism policy formation mechanism. Moreover visa extension facility, establishment of tourism training institute and the improvement in poor infrastructure especially the communication, transportation, operation of direct foreign flights to Gilgit and Skardu should be made available at minimum tolerable costs. . 2009. Eco tourism in Northern Pakistan and challenges perspective of stakeholders. Sarhad J. Agric. 25(1): 113-120.

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of different additives on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of strawberry juice stored at ambient temperature (20-25 o C) for three months. The samples were numbered as, TA12=Strawberry juice (7.5brix) -no preservatives (control) and 0.1% citric acid, TA13=Strawberry juice (7.5brix) with 0.1% sodium benzoate and 0.1% citric acid, TA14=Strawberry juice (7.5brix) with 0.1% potassium sorbate and 0.1% citric acid, TA15=Strawberry juice (7.5brix) with 0.05% sodium benzoate+0.05% potassium sorbate and 0.1% citric acid, TA20=Strawberry juice (30.5brix) -no preservatives (control) and 0.1% citric acid, TA21=Strawberry juice (30.5brix) with 0.1% sodium benzoate and 0.1% citric acid, TA22=Strawberry juice (30.5brix) with 0.1% potassium sorbate and 0.1% citric acid, TA23=Strawberry juice (30.5brix) with 0.05% sodium benzoate+0.05% potassium sorbate and 0.1% citric acid. Maximum increase in total soluble solids (TSS) occurred in TA20 (120%) while minimum change occurred in TA12 (66.67%). Maximum decrease in pH was recorded in TA12 (16.23%) followed by TA20 (12.08%) while minimum decrease was observed in TA23 (7.41%). Maximum increase in titratable acidity was observed in TA12 (127.38%) followed by TA20 (120.00%) while minimum increase was observed in TA23 (92.00%) followed by TA21 (96.00%). Maximum decrease in ascorbic acid was observed in TA12 (65.82%) while minimum decrease was observed in TA23 (40.56%) followed by TA21 (43.23%). Maximum increase in reducing sugar occurred in TA22 (27.82%) followed by TA21 (27.73%) while minimum increase occurred in TA15 (13.10%). Maximum decrease in non reducing sugar was observed in TA20 (90.47%) followed by TA12 (70.42%) while minimum decrease occurred in TA13 (11.26%). On the basis of overall sensory acceptability all the samples were rejected after sometime. Among all the treatments TA12 and TA20 were rejected soon after storage due to spoilage while TA123 followed by TA21 was found most effective but were also rejected after sometime.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the major legume crops grown in Pakistan having a considerable importance as a food, feed and fodder but due to imbalanced use of fertilizers its production is low. To find the optimum level of Phosphorus and FYM for chickpea and study their effect on agronomic characteristics an experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during winter season of 2002-03. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement having four replications. Four Farm Yard Manure (FYM) levels (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha -1 ) were applied to main plots and four phosphorus levels (0, 30, 60, 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) were evaluated in sub-plots of area 12m 2 . The experimental results showed that as compared to other P treatments 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 significantly improved agronomic traits. Maximum plant height (94.7 cm), number of pods plant -1 (81.9), thousand grain weight (241.5 g), number of nodules plant -1 (87), above groud biomass yield (7793 kg ha -1 ), straw yield (3475 kg ha -1 ) and grain yield (1993 kg ha -1 ) were recorded for 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . Similarly, the results also showed that 15 t FYM ha -1 in comparison to other FYM treatments did not significantly increase all the parameters except number of pods plant -1 , biomass yield, and straw yield. Maximum number of pods plant -1 , biomass yield (7522 kg ha -1 ), and straw yield (3180 kg ha -1 ) were recorded for 15 t FYM ha -1 . The interaction of FYM and phosphorus was non significant for all the parameters. These results suggested that the application of FYM to chickpea did not affect its yield significantly while phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 60 kg ha -1 proved effective for optimum production. Citation: Basir, A., Z. Shah, M. Naeem and J. Bakht. 2008. Effect of phosphorus and farm yard manure on agronomic traits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Sarhad J. Agric. 24(4): 567-572.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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 .

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 .

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).