BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 18, 2015
Nigella sativa is an important component of several traditional herbal preparations in various co... more Nigella sativa is an important component of several traditional herbal preparations in various countries. It finds its applications in improving overall health and boosting immunity. The current study evaluated the role of fixed and essential oil of Nigella sativa against potassium bromate induced oxidative stress with special reference to modulation of glutathione redox enzymes and myeloperoxidase. Animals; 30 rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided in three groups and oxidative stress was induced using mild dose of potassium bromate. The groups were on their respective diets (iso-caloric diets for a period of 56 days) i.e. control and two experimental diets containing N. sativa fixed (4 %) and essential (0.3 %) oils. The activities of enzymes involved in glutathione redox system and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analyzed. The experimental diets modulated the activities of enzymes i.e. glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) positively. ...
Inflammation is the natural body defense mechanism for the removal of injurious agents, necrosed ... more Inflammation is the natural body defense mechanism for the removal of injurious agents, necrosed cells and tissues from the body. This study was aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and platelet aggregation effects of three medicinal plants of Pakistan. Methanolic extract of garden pea inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 35 microg/mL) and platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 38 microg/mL) in a dose dependent fashion. Methanolic extract of Desi chickpea inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) induced platelet aggregation (IC50 value = AA = 46 microg/mL) in dose dependent fashion while was found not active against PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Methanolic extract of Kabuli chickpea was found not active against both arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and PAF-induced platelet aggregation. The best potential to inhibit in vitro COX-2 activity showed garden pea (Pisum sativum: the synthesis of PGE2 reduced by ...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 17, 2014
Nigella sativa fixed (NSFO) and essential (NSEO) oils have been used to treat diabetes mellitus a... more Nigella sativa fixed (NSFO) and essential (NSEO) oils have been used to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications. Present study was undertaken to explore and validate these folkloric uses. Sprague dawley rats having streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus were used to assess the role of NSFO and NSEO in the management of diabetes complications. Parameters investigated were antioxidant potential, oxidative stress, and the immunity by in vivo experiments. The results indicated that STZ decreased the glutathione contents (25.72%), while NSFO and NSEO increased the trait significantly (P < 0.05). Experimental diets increased the tocopherol contents (P < 0.01) and enhanced the expression of hepatic enzymes (P < 0.01). Correlation matrix further indicated that antioxidant potential is positively associated…
The present investigation has been carried out to determine the proximate composition, amino acid... more The present investigation has been carried out to determine the proximate composition, amino acids, metal contents, oil composition as well as the antioxidant capacity of the seeds of Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. and Lepidium sativum L. Proximate composition indicated a great difference in oil (14.09 ± 0.66, 28.03 ± 1.05) and fibre (16.55 ± 0.31, 6.75 ± 1.20) contents for I. hederacea and L. sativum, respectively. Fatty acid profile indicated that oleic acid (19.50 ± 0.37, 30.50 ± 0.16) and linoleic acid (52.09 ± 0.48, 8.60 ± 0.38) are the major fatty acids. γ-Tocopherol and -tocopherol (28.70 ± 0.14, 111.56 ± 0.37) were the most abundant in the seed oil of I. hederacea and L. sativum, respectively. Results of TEAC, FRAP and TRAP antioxidant assays indicated that L. sativum has much greater antioxidant potential than I. hederacea.
Ethanolic extracts of Ferula assafoetida resin, Grewia asiatica leaves, Ipomoea hederacea seeds, ... more Ethanolic extracts of Ferula assafoetida resin, Grewia asiatica leaves, Ipomoea hederacea seeds, Lepidium sativum seeds, Nigella sativa seeds and Terminalia chebula fruits were tested in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The antibacterial study performed against eight bacterial species viz., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Micrococcus luteus, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus subtilis indicated that the investigated plants have potent activity against all the tested microorganisms. The antifungal activity of these extracts was performed against nine fungal strains, viz., Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, Yersinia aldovae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus effusus, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichophyton rubrum. The extracts showed moderate as well as significant activity against the different fungal strains.
Due to a reduction of world water resources, rice cultivation has shifted from flooded to aerobic... more Due to a reduction of world water resources, rice cultivation has shifted from flooded to aerobic condition. This shift may alter soil physico-chemical conditions and cause reduced availability and uptake of nutrients, especially boron and zinc in calcareous soils, and may ultimately reduce yield. Thus a field experiment in a calcareous soil was conducted in which basal application of boron & zinc alone, or in combination, was undertaken in rice grown aerobically (T1), flooded for the entire growth period (T2) or flooded for two weeks after transplanting, given supplemental irrigation up to panicle initiation and then flooded from panicle initiation to physiological maturity (T3). The study showed that rice crop was significantly reduced growth in term of Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Total Dry Matter accumulation (TDM) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) when it was grown in aerobic condition. However, the crop was not affected significantly d...
Nitrogen (N) losses are prevalent under South East Asia’s due to high N fertilizer inputs, but lo... more Nitrogen (N) losses are prevalent under South East Asia’s due to high N fertilizer inputs, but low N fertilizer use efficiency. This leaves a large quantity of reactive N at risk of loss to the environment. Biochar has been found to reduce N losses across a variety of soil types, however, there is limited data available for semi-arid climates, particularly at a field-scale. Herein we present an exploration of the biological and chemical enhancement effects observed of a cotton stalk-based biochar on wheat growth and yield under arid field conditions. The biochar was treated with urea-N and biofertilizer (bio-power) in different treatment setups. The six experimental treatments included; (i) a full N dose “recommended for wheat crops in the region” (104 kg N ha−1) as a positive control; (ii) a half N dose (52 kg N ha−1); (iii) a half N dose + biofertilizer (4.94 kg ha−1) as a soil mixture; (iv) a half N dose + biofertilizer as a seed inoculation; (v) a full N dose as broadcast + bioc...
Fertilizer, particularly phosphatic is a costly input which requires appropriate management to ac... more Fertilizer, particularly phosphatic is a costly input which requires appropriate management to acquire economic and sustainable crop yield. A field experiment was conducted to explore the role of different phosphorus sources and methods of application on growth and yield of wheat crop at Multan, Pakistan during winter 2007-08. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements with three replications. Wheat variety, Inqlab-91 was used in the experimental trial. The experiment was comprised of two fertilizer sources (DAP & NP) and four application methods: Control (M 0), Broad cast (M 1), Side dressing at planting (M 2), broadcast at planting + at 1 st irrigation (M 3) and Broadcast at 1 st irrigation (M 4). The application of phosphorus with side dressing at planting increased fertile tillers, spikelets per spike, 1000-grain weight and recorded significantly higher wheat grain yield (5.68 t ha-1) as compared to other methods of applicati...
Introduction Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Mimosaceae), known locally as shirish, is an unarmed de... more Introduction Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Mimosaceae), known locally as shirish, is an unarmed deciduous woody tree, 12-21 m in height, having pale bark with glabrous young shoots. It is cultivated in many parts of Pakistan in farmlands, along roadsides, on irrigated plantations, along rivers, and as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its pleasant appearance (1,2). The plant has a remarkable reputation due to its food, feed, and medicinal value. It is considered a potent alexipharmic, and every part of it is prescribed for the treatment of bites and stings from venomous animals. Its leaves are reported to be good for ophthalmic diseases, night blindness, syphilis and ulcer (3,4), cold, cough, and respiratory disorders (5,6). The leaves are also used as cattle fodder, mulch, and manure due to high nitrogen contents (7). The bark is bitter, cooling, alexiteric, and anthelmintic, and cures diseases of blood, leucoderma, itching, skin disease, piles, excessive perspiration, inflammation, bronchitis, and toothache and strengthens the gums and teeth; it is used for leprosy, deafness, boils, scabies, syphilis, paralysis, and weakness (8). After drying and pounding, it is used as a soap substitute. Its roots alleviate spasms and stimulate the cardiovascular system, besides having anticancer and spermicidal properties (9). The flowers are aphrodisiac, emollient, and maturant, and their smell is useful in hemicranias (4). Flowers are used for the treatment of spermatorrhea. Its seeds are eaten after boiling by native people. The seeds are aphrodisiac, astringent, and used as brain tonic as well as for treating gonorrhea, while the seed oil is applied topically to cure leucoderma (10). Seeds are also used to cure piles, diarrhea, and scrofulous swellings. The pod extract is believed to possess antiprotozoal, hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties (6,11). Besides use as fuel wood, it is grown as fodder for camels, goats, sheep, and other cattle in Pakistan, which eat its leaves, twigs, seeds, and pods. The plant is also used as a windbreak crop. Despite its versatile uses, there are limited data on the composition of seeds and pods as well as the antioxidant capacity of the stem, pods, and root of A. lebbeck. In continuation of our series of efforts to explore compositional studies and antioxidant potential of legumes of Pakistan (12-20), we have analyzed the composition of seeds and pods and the antioxidant activity of the stem, root, and pods.
For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is consider... more For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is considered as a potential screening tool. Field experiments were conducted to scrutinize the response of NDVI to yield behavior of different wheat cultivars and nitrogen fertilization at agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) during the two years 2008-09 and 2009-10. For recording the value of NDVI, Green seeker (Handheld-505) was used. Split plot design was used as experimental model in, keeping four nitrogen rates (N1= 0 kg ha−1,N2= 55 kg ha−1,N3=110 kg ha−1, andN4= 220 kg ha−1) in main plots and ten wheat cultivars (Bakkhar-2001, Chakwal-50, Chakwal-97, Faisalabad-2008, GA-2002, Inqlab-91, Lasani-2008, Miraj-2008, Sahar-2006, and Shafaq-2006) in subplots with four replications. Impact of nitrogen and difference between cultivars were forecasted through NDVI. The results suggested that nitrogen treatment N4(220 kg ha−1) and cultivar Faisalabad-2008 gave maximum NDV...
The present study was undertaken to determine a suitable growth stage of maize crop for the appli... more The present study was undertaken to determine a suitable growth stage of maize crop for the application of nitrogen fertilizer for maximising yield and yield components of maize under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Maximum grain yield (5.27 t haG 1) alongwith highest harvest index (37.00%) per hectare was obtained for the crop raised by split N fertilization i.e. 1/3 at sowing + 1/3 at lst irrigation + 1/3 at flowering and lowest grain yield (2.93 t haG 1) and harvest index (23.50%) in control.
Effect of different tillage intensities in combination with herbicide application or interculture... more Effect of different tillage intensities in combination with herbicide application or interculture on growth and yield of maize was investigated at Student Farm, Department of Agronomy University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 1997. Maximum grain yield (4.92 t hG 1) along with highest net benefit (Rs. 38660/=) per hectare was obtained for the crop raised with tilling the soil twice followed by herbicide application against the lowest grain yield (2.72 t haG 1) and net benefit (Rs. 20890/ =) per hectare for the crop grown at zero tillage followed by interculture.
Background: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and... more Background: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils from stem and leaves of Perovskia abrotanoides and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these oils. Results: GC-MS analysis of essential oil identified 19 compounds with (E)-9-dodecenal being the major component in stem and hexadecanoic acid in leaves. In contrast, GC-MS analysis of fixed oil showed 40 constituents with α-amyrin the major component in stem and α-copaene in leaves. The antioxidant activity showed the highest value of 76.7% in essential oil from leaves in comparison with fixed oil from stem (45.9%) through inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The antimicrobial assay tested on different microorganisms (e.g. E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, Nitrospira, S. epidermis, A. niger, A. flavus and C. albicans) showed the higher inhibition zone at essential oil from leaves (15.2 mm on B. cereus) as compared to fixed oil from stem (8.34 mm on S. aureus) and leaves (11.2 mm on S. aureus). Conclusions: The present study revealed the fact that essential oil analyzed from Perovskia abrotanoides stem and leaves could be a promising source of natural products with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as compared to fixed oil.
The present investigation has been carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the metha... more The present investigation has been carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts obtained from four cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) seeds. Phenolic compounds present in the extracts showed the antioxidant and antiradical properties when investigated using a linoleic acid peroxidation model, FRAP, ORAC and TRAP assays, as well as DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The HPLC analysis of the cowpea extracts showed the presence of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acids. The results indicated that methanolic extract of the cowpea resembled in the aforementioned activities those from other leguminous seeds and pulses. Phenolic constituents contained in cowpea may have a future role as ingredients in the development of functional foods.
Legumes are an important component of the common mans' diet in Pakistan and various species of le... more Legumes are an important component of the common mans' diet in Pakistan and various species of legumes are grown throughout Pakistan. Little work exists on determination of metal contents and antioxidant activity of pods and leaves of food legumes. Current research is designed to quantify metal contents of leaves and pods of selected legumes and to establish antioxidant profiles of crude methanolic extracts of leaves and pods of said species. Presence of higher amounts of all necessary mineral contents indicates that said legumes may find their place in livestock feed as well as human diet. On the basis of employed analytical methods, the tested legume extracts may be considered easily accessible natural sources of antioxidants and valuable additions to forage for grazing animals due to mineral contents present in their leaves and pods.
Three field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm, Bahauddin Zakariya University, M... more Three field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan during the winter season 2010-11 to study the response of 3 winter cereal crops viz., wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to nitrogen split application in terms of growth, final yield, radiation and nitrogen use efficiencies (R&NUEs). There were 2 variables; 3 cultivars each of wheat (Sahar-2006, Lasani-2008 and AARI-2010), oat (CK-1, F-411 and Ravi) and barley (Jao-87, Haider-93 and BO-7022) crops and 4 nitrogen split applications i.e., NS 1 = whole N at sowing, NS 2 = ½ N at sowing + ½ N at 1 st irrigation, NS 3 = 1/3 N at sowing + 1/3 N at 1 st irrigation + 1/3 N at 2 nd irrigation and NS 4 = ¼ N at sowing + ¼ N at 1 st irrigation + ¼ N at 2 nd irrigation + ¼ N at 3 rd irrigation). The wheat cv. Sahar-2006, oat cv. CK-1 and barley cv. BO-7022 out yielded other cultivars by producing total dry matter 574 to 722 g m-2 , 429 to 533 g m-2 and 455 to 555 g m-2 , respectively. Similarly, the respective grain yield values for these cultivars were 265 to 350 g m-2 , 205 to 265 g m-2 and 202 to 263 g m-2 , respectively. For wheat, oat and barley crops radiation use efficiency (RUE) ranged from 1.14 g MJ-1 to 1.47 g MJ-1 , 0.85 g MJ-1 to 1.08 g MJ-1 and 0.91 g MJ-1 to 1.13 g MJ-1 , respectively. In general, wheat, oat and barley had higher RUE values at 3 rd N split application and the lowest were found in case of 4 th N split application regime. Over all agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (ANUE) for wheat, oat and barley ranged from 10.96 to 19.20 kg kg-1 , 7.04 to 13.30 kg kg-1 and 17.00 to 30.60 kg kg-1 , respectively. Among N split applications, 3 rd N application produced the higher ANUE of 16.96 to 19.20 kg kg-1 , 11.74 to 13.30 kg kg-1 and 29 to 30.60 kg kg-1 in case of wheat, oat and barley crops, respectively. Over all, economic nitrogen use efficiency (ENUE) for wheat, oat and barley ranged from 3.03 to 5.
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 18, 2015
Nigella sativa is an important component of several traditional herbal preparations in various co... more Nigella sativa is an important component of several traditional herbal preparations in various countries. It finds its applications in improving overall health and boosting immunity. The current study evaluated the role of fixed and essential oil of Nigella sativa against potassium bromate induced oxidative stress with special reference to modulation of glutathione redox enzymes and myeloperoxidase. Animals; 30 rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided in three groups and oxidative stress was induced using mild dose of potassium bromate. The groups were on their respective diets (iso-caloric diets for a period of 56 days) i.e. control and two experimental diets containing N. sativa fixed (4 %) and essential (0.3 %) oils. The activities of enzymes involved in glutathione redox system and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analyzed. The experimental diets modulated the activities of enzymes i.e. glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) positively. ...
Inflammation is the natural body defense mechanism for the removal of injurious agents, necrosed ... more Inflammation is the natural body defense mechanism for the removal of injurious agents, necrosed cells and tissues from the body. This study was aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and platelet aggregation effects of three medicinal plants of Pakistan. Methanolic extract of garden pea inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 35 microg/mL) and platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 38 microg/mL) in a dose dependent fashion. Methanolic extract of Desi chickpea inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) induced platelet aggregation (IC50 value = AA = 46 microg/mL) in dose dependent fashion while was found not active against PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Methanolic extract of Kabuli chickpea was found not active against both arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and PAF-induced platelet aggregation. The best potential to inhibit in vitro COX-2 activity showed garden pea (Pisum sativum: the synthesis of PGE2 reduced by ...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 17, 2014
Nigella sativa fixed (NSFO) and essential (NSEO) oils have been used to treat diabetes mellitus a... more Nigella sativa fixed (NSFO) and essential (NSEO) oils have been used to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications. Present study was undertaken to explore and validate these folkloric uses. Sprague dawley rats having streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus were used to assess the role of NSFO and NSEO in the management of diabetes complications. Parameters investigated were antioxidant potential, oxidative stress, and the immunity by in vivo experiments. The results indicated that STZ decreased the glutathione contents (25.72%), while NSFO and NSEO increased the trait significantly (P < 0.05). Experimental diets increased the tocopherol contents (P < 0.01) and enhanced the expression of hepatic enzymes (P < 0.01). Correlation matrix further indicated that antioxidant potential is positively associated…
The present investigation has been carried out to determine the proximate composition, amino acid... more The present investigation has been carried out to determine the proximate composition, amino acids, metal contents, oil composition as well as the antioxidant capacity of the seeds of Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. and Lepidium sativum L. Proximate composition indicated a great difference in oil (14.09 ± 0.66, 28.03 ± 1.05) and fibre (16.55 ± 0.31, 6.75 ± 1.20) contents for I. hederacea and L. sativum, respectively. Fatty acid profile indicated that oleic acid (19.50 ± 0.37, 30.50 ± 0.16) and linoleic acid (52.09 ± 0.48, 8.60 ± 0.38) are the major fatty acids. γ-Tocopherol and -tocopherol (28.70 ± 0.14, 111.56 ± 0.37) were the most abundant in the seed oil of I. hederacea and L. sativum, respectively. Results of TEAC, FRAP and TRAP antioxidant assays indicated that L. sativum has much greater antioxidant potential than I. hederacea.
Ethanolic extracts of Ferula assafoetida resin, Grewia asiatica leaves, Ipomoea hederacea seeds, ... more Ethanolic extracts of Ferula assafoetida resin, Grewia asiatica leaves, Ipomoea hederacea seeds, Lepidium sativum seeds, Nigella sativa seeds and Terminalia chebula fruits were tested in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The antibacterial study performed against eight bacterial species viz., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Micrococcus luteus, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus subtilis indicated that the investigated plants have potent activity against all the tested microorganisms. The antifungal activity of these extracts was performed against nine fungal strains, viz., Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, Yersinia aldovae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus effusus, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichophyton rubrum. The extracts showed moderate as well as significant activity against the different fungal strains.
Due to a reduction of world water resources, rice cultivation has shifted from flooded to aerobic... more Due to a reduction of world water resources, rice cultivation has shifted from flooded to aerobic condition. This shift may alter soil physico-chemical conditions and cause reduced availability and uptake of nutrients, especially boron and zinc in calcareous soils, and may ultimately reduce yield. Thus a field experiment in a calcareous soil was conducted in which basal application of boron & zinc alone, or in combination, was undertaken in rice grown aerobically (T1), flooded for the entire growth period (T2) or flooded for two weeks after transplanting, given supplemental irrigation up to panicle initiation and then flooded from panicle initiation to physiological maturity (T3). The study showed that rice crop was significantly reduced growth in term of Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Total Dry Matter accumulation (TDM) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) when it was grown in aerobic condition. However, the crop was not affected significantly d...
Nitrogen (N) losses are prevalent under South East Asia’s due to high N fertilizer inputs, but lo... more Nitrogen (N) losses are prevalent under South East Asia’s due to high N fertilizer inputs, but low N fertilizer use efficiency. This leaves a large quantity of reactive N at risk of loss to the environment. Biochar has been found to reduce N losses across a variety of soil types, however, there is limited data available for semi-arid climates, particularly at a field-scale. Herein we present an exploration of the biological and chemical enhancement effects observed of a cotton stalk-based biochar on wheat growth and yield under arid field conditions. The biochar was treated with urea-N and biofertilizer (bio-power) in different treatment setups. The six experimental treatments included; (i) a full N dose “recommended for wheat crops in the region” (104 kg N ha−1) as a positive control; (ii) a half N dose (52 kg N ha−1); (iii) a half N dose + biofertilizer (4.94 kg ha−1) as a soil mixture; (iv) a half N dose + biofertilizer as a seed inoculation; (v) a full N dose as broadcast + bioc...
Fertilizer, particularly phosphatic is a costly input which requires appropriate management to ac... more Fertilizer, particularly phosphatic is a costly input which requires appropriate management to acquire economic and sustainable crop yield. A field experiment was conducted to explore the role of different phosphorus sources and methods of application on growth and yield of wheat crop at Multan, Pakistan during winter 2007-08. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements with three replications. Wheat variety, Inqlab-91 was used in the experimental trial. The experiment was comprised of two fertilizer sources (DAP & NP) and four application methods: Control (M 0), Broad cast (M 1), Side dressing at planting (M 2), broadcast at planting + at 1 st irrigation (M 3) and Broadcast at 1 st irrigation (M 4). The application of phosphorus with side dressing at planting increased fertile tillers, spikelets per spike, 1000-grain weight and recorded significantly higher wheat grain yield (5.68 t ha-1) as compared to other methods of applicati...
Introduction Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Mimosaceae), known locally as shirish, is an unarmed de... more Introduction Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Mimosaceae), known locally as shirish, is an unarmed deciduous woody tree, 12-21 m in height, having pale bark with glabrous young shoots. It is cultivated in many parts of Pakistan in farmlands, along roadsides, on irrigated plantations, along rivers, and as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its pleasant appearance (1,2). The plant has a remarkable reputation due to its food, feed, and medicinal value. It is considered a potent alexipharmic, and every part of it is prescribed for the treatment of bites and stings from venomous animals. Its leaves are reported to be good for ophthalmic diseases, night blindness, syphilis and ulcer (3,4), cold, cough, and respiratory disorders (5,6). The leaves are also used as cattle fodder, mulch, and manure due to high nitrogen contents (7). The bark is bitter, cooling, alexiteric, and anthelmintic, and cures diseases of blood, leucoderma, itching, skin disease, piles, excessive perspiration, inflammation, bronchitis, and toothache and strengthens the gums and teeth; it is used for leprosy, deafness, boils, scabies, syphilis, paralysis, and weakness (8). After drying and pounding, it is used as a soap substitute. Its roots alleviate spasms and stimulate the cardiovascular system, besides having anticancer and spermicidal properties (9). The flowers are aphrodisiac, emollient, and maturant, and their smell is useful in hemicranias (4). Flowers are used for the treatment of spermatorrhea. Its seeds are eaten after boiling by native people. The seeds are aphrodisiac, astringent, and used as brain tonic as well as for treating gonorrhea, while the seed oil is applied topically to cure leucoderma (10). Seeds are also used to cure piles, diarrhea, and scrofulous swellings. The pod extract is believed to possess antiprotozoal, hypoglycemic, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties (6,11). Besides use as fuel wood, it is grown as fodder for camels, goats, sheep, and other cattle in Pakistan, which eat its leaves, twigs, seeds, and pods. The plant is also used as a windbreak crop. Despite its versatile uses, there are limited data on the composition of seeds and pods as well as the antioxidant capacity of the stem, pods, and root of A. lebbeck. In continuation of our series of efforts to explore compositional studies and antioxidant potential of legumes of Pakistan (12-20), we have analyzed the composition of seeds and pods and the antioxidant activity of the stem, root, and pods.
For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is consider... more For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is considered as a potential screening tool. Field experiments were conducted to scrutinize the response of NDVI to yield behavior of different wheat cultivars and nitrogen fertilization at agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) during the two years 2008-09 and 2009-10. For recording the value of NDVI, Green seeker (Handheld-505) was used. Split plot design was used as experimental model in, keeping four nitrogen rates (N1= 0 kg ha−1,N2= 55 kg ha−1,N3=110 kg ha−1, andN4= 220 kg ha−1) in main plots and ten wheat cultivars (Bakkhar-2001, Chakwal-50, Chakwal-97, Faisalabad-2008, GA-2002, Inqlab-91, Lasani-2008, Miraj-2008, Sahar-2006, and Shafaq-2006) in subplots with four replications. Impact of nitrogen and difference between cultivars were forecasted through NDVI. The results suggested that nitrogen treatment N4(220 kg ha−1) and cultivar Faisalabad-2008 gave maximum NDV...
The present study was undertaken to determine a suitable growth stage of maize crop for the appli... more The present study was undertaken to determine a suitable growth stage of maize crop for the application of nitrogen fertilizer for maximising yield and yield components of maize under agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad. Maximum grain yield (5.27 t haG 1) alongwith highest harvest index (37.00%) per hectare was obtained for the crop raised by split N fertilization i.e. 1/3 at sowing + 1/3 at lst irrigation + 1/3 at flowering and lowest grain yield (2.93 t haG 1) and harvest index (23.50%) in control.
Effect of different tillage intensities in combination with herbicide application or interculture... more Effect of different tillage intensities in combination with herbicide application or interculture on growth and yield of maize was investigated at Student Farm, Department of Agronomy University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 1997. Maximum grain yield (4.92 t hG 1) along with highest net benefit (Rs. 38660/=) per hectare was obtained for the crop raised with tilling the soil twice followed by herbicide application against the lowest grain yield (2.72 t haG 1) and net benefit (Rs. 20890/ =) per hectare for the crop grown at zero tillage followed by interculture.
Background: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and... more Background: Current study has been designed to evaluate the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils from stem and leaves of Perovskia abrotanoides and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these oils. Results: GC-MS analysis of essential oil identified 19 compounds with (E)-9-dodecenal being the major component in stem and hexadecanoic acid in leaves. In contrast, GC-MS analysis of fixed oil showed 40 constituents with α-amyrin the major component in stem and α-copaene in leaves. The antioxidant activity showed the highest value of 76.7% in essential oil from leaves in comparison with fixed oil from stem (45.9%) through inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The antimicrobial assay tested on different microorganisms (e.g. E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, Nitrospira, S. epidermis, A. niger, A. flavus and C. albicans) showed the higher inhibition zone at essential oil from leaves (15.2 mm on B. cereus) as compared to fixed oil from stem (8.34 mm on S. aureus) and leaves (11.2 mm on S. aureus). Conclusions: The present study revealed the fact that essential oil analyzed from Perovskia abrotanoides stem and leaves could be a promising source of natural products with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as compared to fixed oil.
The present investigation has been carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the metha... more The present investigation has been carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts obtained from four cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) seeds. Phenolic compounds present in the extracts showed the antioxidant and antiradical properties when investigated using a linoleic acid peroxidation model, FRAP, ORAC and TRAP assays, as well as DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging activity. The HPLC analysis of the cowpea extracts showed the presence of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acids. The results indicated that methanolic extract of the cowpea resembled in the aforementioned activities those from other leguminous seeds and pulses. Phenolic constituents contained in cowpea may have a future role as ingredients in the development of functional foods.
Legumes are an important component of the common mans' diet in Pakistan and various species of le... more Legumes are an important component of the common mans' diet in Pakistan and various species of legumes are grown throughout Pakistan. Little work exists on determination of metal contents and antioxidant activity of pods and leaves of food legumes. Current research is designed to quantify metal contents of leaves and pods of selected legumes and to establish antioxidant profiles of crude methanolic extracts of leaves and pods of said species. Presence of higher amounts of all necessary mineral contents indicates that said legumes may find their place in livestock feed as well as human diet. On the basis of employed analytical methods, the tested legume extracts may be considered easily accessible natural sources of antioxidants and valuable additions to forage for grazing animals due to mineral contents present in their leaves and pods.
Three field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm, Bahauddin Zakariya University, M... more Three field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan during the winter season 2010-11 to study the response of 3 winter cereal crops viz., wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to nitrogen split application in terms of growth, final yield, radiation and nitrogen use efficiencies (R&NUEs). There were 2 variables; 3 cultivars each of wheat (Sahar-2006, Lasani-2008 and AARI-2010), oat (CK-1, F-411 and Ravi) and barley (Jao-87, Haider-93 and BO-7022) crops and 4 nitrogen split applications i.e., NS 1 = whole N at sowing, NS 2 = ½ N at sowing + ½ N at 1 st irrigation, NS 3 = 1/3 N at sowing + 1/3 N at 1 st irrigation + 1/3 N at 2 nd irrigation and NS 4 = ¼ N at sowing + ¼ N at 1 st irrigation + ¼ N at 2 nd irrigation + ¼ N at 3 rd irrigation). The wheat cv. Sahar-2006, oat cv. CK-1 and barley cv. BO-7022 out yielded other cultivars by producing total dry matter 574 to 722 g m-2 , 429 to 533 g m-2 and 455 to 555 g m-2 , respectively. Similarly, the respective grain yield values for these cultivars were 265 to 350 g m-2 , 205 to 265 g m-2 and 202 to 263 g m-2 , respectively. For wheat, oat and barley crops radiation use efficiency (RUE) ranged from 1.14 g MJ-1 to 1.47 g MJ-1 , 0.85 g MJ-1 to 1.08 g MJ-1 and 0.91 g MJ-1 to 1.13 g MJ-1 , respectively. In general, wheat, oat and barley had higher RUE values at 3 rd N split application and the lowest were found in case of 4 th N split application regime. Over all agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (ANUE) for wheat, oat and barley ranged from 10.96 to 19.20 kg kg-1 , 7.04 to 13.30 kg kg-1 and 17.00 to 30.60 kg kg-1 , respectively. Among N split applications, 3 rd N application produced the higher ANUE of 16.96 to 19.20 kg kg-1 , 11.74 to 13.30 kg kg-1 and 29 to 30.60 kg kg-1 in case of wheat, oat and barley crops, respectively. Over all, economic nitrogen use efficiency (ENUE) for wheat, oat and barley ranged from 3.03 to 5.
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