The invasive insect pest, red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date production, causing substantial economic damage. If uncontrolled, RPW leads the severely infested host tre...The invasive insect pest, red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date production, causing substantial economic damage. If uncontrolled, RPW leads the severely infested host tree to collapse and eventually die. The symbiotic associations with microorganisms and RPW in their gut may help their host insects’ establishment, development, nutrition assimilation, and survival. The objective of this research was the molecular characterization of the microbiome of RPW. In this study, the microbiome was compared among different tissues in females and males of RPW of three different morphs and larvae collected from date palm plantations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A 251-bp segment of bacterial 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and processed using the bioinformatics platform QIIME2. One ASV, corresponding to the obligate weevil symbiont Nardonella, predominated in adult female samples, constituting 56 ± 7% of total reads, but was less dominant in male samples (12 ± 3%) and larval samples (2.6 ± 1.9%). For females, samples that included reproductive tissues were almost entirely composed of Nardonella (88% - 99%). When Nardonella was excluded from analyses, there were no differences between adult females and adult males, but larval samples were more species-rich and differed in microbial composition from adults. There were no consistent differences in the microbiomes among morphs. Several specimens showed evidence of infection with host-specific strains of Spiroplasma-like members of the Entomoplasmatales, which are often pathogens or vertically transmitted symbionts. Such close microbial associates deserve additional attention as potential routes to control this destructive date palm pest.展开更多
Potential of seed priming treatments in improving the performance of early planted maize was evaluated against timely planting. Seeds of maize hybrid FH-810 were soaked in water (hydropriming), CaCl2 (2.2%, osmoprimin...Potential of seed priming treatments in improving the performance of early planted maize was evaluated against timely planting. Seeds of maize hybrid FH-810 were soaked in water (hydropriming), CaCl2 (2.2%, osmopriming), moringa leaf extracts (MLE 3.3%, osmopriming) and salicylic acid (SA, 50 mg L–1, hormonal priming) each for 18 h. Untreated and hydroprimed seeds were taken as control. Seeds primed with SA took less time in emergence and had high vigor in early planted maize. Amongst treatments, hormonal priming, reduced the electrical conductivity, increased the leaf relative and chlorophyl contents fol owed by osmopriming with CaCl2 at seedling stage. Likewise, plant height, grain rows and 1 000-grain weight, grain and biological yield and harvest index were also improved by seed priming;however hormonal priming and osmopriming with MLE were more effective in this regard. Improved yield performance by hormonal priming or osmopriming with MLE in early planting primarily owed to increased leaf area index, crop growth and net assimilation rates, and maintenance of green leaf area at maturity. In conclusion, osmopriming with MLE and hormonal priming with SA were the most economical treatments in improving productivity of early planted spring maize through stimulation of early seedling growth at low temperature.展开更多
Direct seeded rice is promising alternative to traditional transplanting, but requires appropriate crop and water management to maintain yield performance and achieve high water productivity. Present study evaluated t...Direct seeded rice is promising alternative to traditional transplanting, but requires appropriate crop and water management to maintain yield performance and achieve high water productivity. Present study evaluated the effect of seed priming and irrigation on crop establishment, tillering, agronomic traits, paddy yield, grain quality and water productivity of direct seeded rice in alternate wetting and drying （DSR-AWD） in comparison with direct seeded rice at field capacity （DSR- FC）. Seed priming treatments were osmo-priming with KCI （2.2%）, CaCI2 （2.2%） and moringa leaf extracts （MLE, 3.3%） including hydro-priming as control. Among the treatments, seed osmo-primed with MLE emerged earlier and had higher final emergence, followed by osmo-priming with CaCI2. Tillering emergence rate and number of tillers per plant were the highest for seed priming with CaCI2 in DSR- AWD. Total productive and non-productive tillers, panicle length, biological and grain yields, harvest index were highest for seed priming with MLE or CaCI2 in DSR-AWD. Similarly, grain quality, estimated in terms of normal grains, abortive and chalky grains, was also the highest in DSR-AWD with MLE osmo-priming. Benefit cost ratio and water productivity was also the highest in DSR-AWD for seed priming with MLE. In conclusion, seed priming with MLE or CaCI2 can be successfully employed to improve the direct seeded rice performance when practiced with alternate wetting and drying irrigation.展开更多
Soil organic carbon(SOC)and nitrogen(N)mineralization are important biogeochemical processes associated with soil fertility.These processes are influenced by physically,chemically,and biologically stabilized SOC fract...Soil organic carbon(SOC)and nitrogen(N)mineralization are important biogeochemical processes associated with soil fertility.These processes are influenced by physically,chemically,and biologically stabilized SOC fractions,the mechanisms of which are not well known.The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of manure and mineral fertilizers on the contents of SOC fractions to promote the mineralization of SOC and N.Treatments included:i)no fertilizer control(CK);ii)a combination of mineral N,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizers(NPK);iii)manure alone(M);iv)manure combined with NPK(MNPK);and v)a high dose of manure combined with NPK(hMNPK).The combined uses of manure and mineral fertilizers(MNPK and hMNPK)enhanced the accumulation of the unprotected coarse particulate organic carbon(C)fraction(cPOC)by 44%-72%compared to CK.Manure applications(M,MNPK and hMNPK)enhanced physically microaggregate-protected organic C(μagg),physicochemically protected organic C within the microaggregate-derived silt(μsilt)fraction(H-μsilt),and physicobiochemically protected organic C within theμsilt fraction(NH-μsilt)by 30%-56%,62%-150%,and 27%-51%,respectively.In contrast,all chemically and biochemically protected SOC fractions showed a minor response to manure application.Accumulation of cPOC,μagg,H-μsilt,and physicochemically protected organic C within the microaggregate-derived clay fraction(H-μclay)significantly contributed to the mineralization of SOC and N,resulting in a significant increase in rice grain yield with long-term manure application.In summary,long-term combined use of manure and mineral fertilizers improved SOC accumulation in unprotected and physically protected fractions,which enhanced SOC and N mineralization and benefited soil productivity in a rice-wheat cropping system.展开更多
This article concentrates on the properties of three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic flow of a viscous fluid saturated with Darcy porous medium deformed by a nonlinear variable thickened surface.Analysis of flow is d...This article concentrates on the properties of three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic flow of a viscous fluid saturated with Darcy porous medium deformed by a nonlinear variable thickened surface.Analysis of flow is disclosed in the neighborhood of stagnation point.Features of heat transport are characterized with Newtonian heating and variable thermal conductivity.Mass transport is carried out with first order chemical reaction and variable mass diffusivity.Resulting governing equations are transformed by implementation of appropriate transformations.Analytical convergent series solutions are computed via homotopic technique.Physical aspects of numerous parameters are discussed through graphical data.Drag force coefficient,Sherwood and Nusselt numbers are illustrated through graphs corresponding to various pertinent parameters.Graphical discussion reveals that conjugate and constructive chemical reaction parameters enhance the temperature and concentration distributions,respectively.展开更多
A field trial was conducted to evaluate the role of boron （B） application at different growth stages in improving the growth,yield and net economic return of rice at farmer＇s fields during summer season,2009.Boron ...A field trial was conducted to evaluate the role of boron （B） application at different growth stages in improving the growth,yield and net economic return of rice at farmer＇s fields during summer season,2009.Boron was soil applied （1.5 kg/hm2） at the transplanting,tillering,flowering and grain formation stages of rice;foliar applied （1.5% B solution） at the tillering,flowering and grain formation stages of rice,and dipped seedling roots in 1.5% B solution before transplanting;while control plots did not apply any B.Boron application （except dipping of seedling roots in B solution,which caused toxicity and reduced the number of tillers and straw yield than control） substantially improved the rice growth and yield.However,soil application was better in improving the number of grains per panicle,1000-grain weight,grain yield,harvest index,net economic income and ratio of benefit to cost compared with the rest of treatments.Overall,for improving rice performance and maximizing the net economic returns,B might be applied as soil application at flowering.展开更多
In this study influence of different seed priming treatments on the nutrient-homeostasis and reserve metabolism during seedling emergence and growth of rice were determined. Seed priming treatments included pre-germin...In this study influence of different seed priming treatments on the nutrient-homeostasis and reserve metabolism during seedling emergence and growth of rice were determined. Seed priming treatments included pre-germination, hydropriming for 48 h, osmohardening with KCl and CaCl2, ascorbate priming and hardening. All treatments shortened the emergence time and enhanced the energy and index of seedling emergence. Seedlings from primed seeds had greater length, number of roots and fresh and dry mass than control. Among the treatments, CaCl2, ascorbate and KCl proved better in enhancing emergence and seedling growth. Seed priming changed the pattern of N and Ca^2＋ homeostasis both of the seeds and seedlings, which were associated to enhancing s-amylase activity and reducing sugars content. Positive correlations of seedling attributes with nutrient content suggested that as a result of seed priming, most of N and Ca^2＋ were partitioned to embryo, which enhanced seedling emergence and subsequent growth of rice seedlings.展开更多
Rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is one of the most important cropping systems in South Asia. However, sustainability of this system is under threat owing to several factors, of which deficiency of micronutrients par...Rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is one of the most important cropping systems in South Asia. However, sustainability of this system is under threat owing to several factors, of which deficiency of micronutrients particularly zinc (Zn), boron (B) and manganese (Mn) is one of the major problems. Continuous rotation of rice and wheat, imbalanced fertilizer use and little/no use of micronutrient-enriched fertilizers induce deficiencies of Zn, B and Mn in the RWCS of South Asia. Here we review that (i) imbalanced fertilizer use and organic matter depletion deteriorate soil structure resulting in low efficiency of applied macro- and micro-nutrients in RWCS.(ii) The micronutrients (Zn, B and Mn) are essentially involved in metabolism of rice and wheat plants, including chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, enzyme activation and membrane integrity.(iii) Availability and uptake of Zn, B and Mn from rhizosphere depend on the physico-chemical soil properties (which differ under aerobic and anaerobic conditions) including soil pH, soil organic matter, soil moisture and interaction of these micronutrients with other nutrients.(iv) Plant ability to uptake and utilize the nutrients is affected by several plant factors such as root architecture, root hairs, transport kinetics parameter and root exudates.(v) Crop management and application of these microelements can help correct the micronutrients deficiency and enhance their grain concentration.展开更多
The growing global population presents a significant challenge to ensuring food security,further compounded by the increasing threat of salinity to agricultural productivity.Wheat,a major staple food providing 20%of t...The growing global population presents a significant challenge to ensuring food security,further compounded by the increasing threat of salinity to agricultural productivity.Wheat,a major staple food providing 20%of the total caloric intake for humans,is susceptible to salinity stress.Developing new salttolerant wheat cultivars using wheat breeding techniques and genetic modifications is crucial to addressing this issue while ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of wheat production systems within the prevailing climate trend.This review overviews the current landscape in this field and explores key mechanisms and associated genetic traits that warrant attention within breeding programs.We contend that traditional approaches to breeding wheat for Na^(+)exclusion have limited applicability across varying soil salinity levels,rendering them inefficient.Moreover,we question current phenotyping approaches,advocating for a shift from whole-plant assessments to cell-based phenotyping platforms.Finally,we propose a broader use of wild wheat relatives and various breeding strategies to tap into their germplasm pool for inclusion in wheat breeding programs.展开更多
Anthropogenic activities and natural processes are continuously altering the mountainous environment through deforestation, forest degradation and other land-use changes. It is highly important to assess, monitor and ...Anthropogenic activities and natural processes are continuously altering the mountainous environment through deforestation, forest degradation and other land-use changes. It is highly important to assess, monitor and forecast forest cover and other land-use changes for the protection and conservation of mountainous environment. The present study deals with the assessment of forest cover and other land-use changes in the mountain ranges of Dir Kohistan in northern Pakistan, using high resolution multi-temporal SPOT-5 satellite images. The SPOT-5 satellite images of years 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 were acquired and classified into land-cover units. In addition, forest cover and land-use change detection map was developed using the classified maps of 2004 and 2013. The classified maps were verified through random field samples and Google Earth imagery(Quick birds and SPOT-5). The results showed that during the period 2004 to 2013 the area of forest land decreased by 6.4%, however, area of range land and agriculture land have increased by 22.1% and 2.9%, respectively. Similarly, barren land increased by 1.1%, whereas, area of snow cover/glacier is significantly decreased by 21.3%. The findings from the study will be useful for forestry and landscape planning and can be utilized by the local, provincial and national forest departments; and REDD+ policy makers in Pakistan.展开更多
This review efficiently covers the research progress in the area of polymer bio composites in perspective of the modern-day renewable materials.In the last decade,attraction towards the bio-composite based systems has...This review efficiently covers the research progress in the area of polymer bio composites in perspective of the modern-day renewable materials.In the last decade,attraction towards the bio-composite based systems has been the topic of interest due to their potential as a substitute of conventional materials produced in important manufacturing industries.Recently,preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable polymer composites is an important achievement as an alternative of petrochemical based renewable products.Successful production of eco-friendly bio-composite materials have been achieved with natural fibers viz jute,bamboo,hair,flex,wool,silk and many others instead of synthesized fibers like carbon,glass dispersed in synthesized resins viz poly vinyl alcohol,epoxy and etc.Biomaterials based on natural fibers dispersed in natural matrix like natural rubber or polyester have also been obtained with endless applications for the mankind.The utilization of such materials for the good well of mankind is attributed to their ease of disposal and being renewable.The last but not the least,the extraordinary mechanical properties of bio-composites make them superior to many other conventional materials.This review paper addresses the recent trends,mechanical and chemical properties,synthesis,and application of bio-composites in the recent years.展开更多
Authentication of medicinally important plants is essential for increasingly demands of herbal remedies worldwide. DNA barcoding technology is currently gaining importance as a reliable tool for plant species identifi...Authentication of medicinally important plants is essential for increasingly demands of herbal remedies worldwide. DNA barcoding technology is currently gaining importance as a reliable tool for plant species identification, although one barcode gene is not enough in the exceptions. Short sequence diversity of standardized specific coding gene regions of rbcLa and matK of plastid genome together with noncoding ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) marker is used as barcode to compare and differentiate plant species. The success of obtaining sequences of the 29 analyzed plants distributed in 21 families using three different barcode genes rbcLa, matK and ITS2 were 97%, 79% and 75% respectively. Multiple sequence alignment confirmed the medicinal plants at species level by 89.28%, 86.32% and 60.86% obtained through rbcLa, ITS2 and matK barcodes sequences respectively. The genetic distance between sequence pairs (GD) and percentage identity (PI) is compared to analyze the plant identity at species level. The phylogenic trees constructed to show the relatedness and distance of the analyzed plants in the history of evolution by the analysis of richness of clades. The construction of DNA barcode library of desert medicinal plants is an introductory research arena in Kingdom of Bahrain in helping the routine identification of plants, and developing guidelines for detection of adulterants in herbal medicines as well as protection of biodiversity.展开更多
The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized c...The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96°C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30°C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.展开更多
Surface area,pore properties,synergistic behavior,homogenous dispersion,and interactions between carbon matrix and metal-nanostructures are the key factors for achieving the better performance of carbon-metal based(el...Surface area,pore properties,synergistic behavior,homogenous dispersion,and interactions between carbon matrix and metal-nanostructures are the key factors for achieving the better performance of carbon-metal based(electro)catalysts.However,the traditional hydro-or solvothermal preparation of(electro)catalysts,particularly,bi-or tri-metallic nanostructures anchored graphene(G)or carbon nanotubes(CNTs),often pose to poor metal–support interaction,low synergism,and patchy dispersion.At first,bimetallic flower-like-CuFeS_(2)/NG and cube-like-NiFeS_(2)/NCNTs nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal method.The resultant bimetallic nanocomposites were employed to derive the 2D-nano-sandwiched Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW(electro)catalyst by a very simple and green urea-mediated“mix-heat”method.The desired physicochemical properties of Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW such as multiple active sites,strong metal-support interaction,homogenous dispersion and enhanced surface area were confirmed by various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first urea-mediated“mix-heat”method for preparing 2D-nano-sandwiched carbon-metal-based(electro)catalysts.The Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW was found to be highly effective for alkaline-mediated oxygen evolution reaction at low onset potential of 284.24 mV,and the stable current density of 10 mA cm^(−2) in 1.0 m KOH for 10 h.Further,the Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with good kapp value of 87.71×10^(−2)s^(-1)and excellent reusability over five cycles.Overall,the developed urea-mediated“mix-heat”method is highly efficient for the preparation of metal-nanoarchitectures anchored 2D-nano-sandwiched(electro)catalysts with high synergism,uniform dispersion and excellent metal-support interaction.展开更多
The increasing deforestation with an alarming rate is the prime cause of upsetting the balance in the natural ecosystem and the livelihood of local communities.Sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts c...The increasing deforestation with an alarming rate is the prime cause of upsetting the balance in the natural ecosystem and the livelihood of local communities.Sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts can equilibrium this destruction and maintain the protected areas.In this regard,soil management strategies for reforestation of the degraded forest land can be helpful.In this review,the potential of using biochar,a solid carbon rich product of biomass thermochemical conversion,as a soil amendment in forest soils has been discussed.The production procedures of biochar,availability of feedstocks and the biochar properties are discussed using the existing knowledge.The positive effects of biochar are soil quality depended and change with varying geographical locations.Therefore,long-term field trials examining a range of biochars,soils,and forest types are required for a better understanding of this issue.Careful planning to match biochar with the soil properties is essential to obtain maximum benefits of biochar as a soil amendment.展开更多
Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of date palms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Large scale infestation of RPW to da...Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of date palms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Large scale infestation of RPW to date palm trees leads to excessive feeding activity of the RPW larvae, which is carried out by microorganisms present within RPW and producing a wet fermenting material inside the trunk. Culture dependent-bacteria were isolated from feeding waste and identified by the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene using 8F and 1492R universal primers. Among the culture-dependent isolated bacteria, 80% were identified by comparing 16S rRNA gene sequence in NCBI database, using BLAST program in GenBank. 85% of the identified bacteria were Gram-positive while the rest of them were Gram-negative. A high abundance of bacteria were from the Bacillaceae family and sixteen different species of Bacillus were identified in comparison with NCBI GenBank. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of identified bacterial strains have been submitted to GenBank. The phylogenetic relationship was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequences, the Gram-negative bacteria came in one clade while Gram-positive different Bacillus sp. and strains showed evolutionary closeness to each other and accordingly, they came in one major clade under three different sub-clades in the phylogenetic tree. The findings of new Bacillus strains in the natural habitat of the date plam trees in the Kingdom of Bahrain, pledge a vast area of research on RPW bio-control research arena.展开更多
Jaalwala Distributary was selected to see the consequences of concrete lining on the underlying saline groundwater table. Its middle and tail portions were concrete lined whereas the head portion was still unlined. Vi...Jaalwala Distributary was selected to see the consequences of concrete lining on the underlying saline groundwater table. Its middle and tail portions were concrete lined whereas the head portion was still unlined. Visual MODFLOW 2011.1 was used to simulate the effects of concrete lining on saline groundwater in two-dimensional format. Simulation results showed a gradual rise of electrical conductivity (EC) up to 7000 μS/cm and decline in water table depth to nine feet (2.74 m). It observed negligible inflows from the distributary through its western boundary due to formation of a permanent barrier in the way of seepage of any kind. Results have further predicted that freshwater layer available beneath the Jaalwala Distributary (before its lining) will finish ultimately and the below present saline water also move upward to take this vacated place. Hence it was concluded to line the canals of saline water areas from their sides which will not only protect them from erosion but canal water theft as well.展开更多
Optimizing yield and nutrients content in crop production is the high time demand of arable farming. Vermicompost furnishes one of the most promising alternatives to costly chemical fertilizer. Therefore, a greenhouse...Optimizing yield and nutrients content in crop production is the high time demand of arable farming. Vermicompost furnishes one of the most promising alternatives to costly chemical fertilizer. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted at NARC, Islamabad, to investigate the effect of different levels of vermicompost [having C/N=15/1 and 14 Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)] on growth, yield and nutrients content in hybrid tomato (National Tunnel Tomato-04-08) under greenhouse conditions during Rabi 2015. The data revealed that different rates (0.5 t·ha-1, 1 t·ha-1, 1.5 t·ha-1 and 2 t·ha-1) of vermicompost produced varied and significant (P -1) at the application of 2.0 t vermicompost ha-1 followed by 3.226 t·ha-1 where vermicompost was applied @ 1.5 t·ha-1. N, P and K content in tomato fruit and plant increased significantly with the application of increasing levels of vermicompost. The highest content of N (3.7%), P (0.67%), K (5.17%) in tomato fruit and N (3.4%), P (0.32%), K (3.2%) in tomato plant respectively were registered with soil application of vermicompost @ 2.0 t·ha-1. This study confirms that the vermicompost has a tremendous potential of plant nutrients supply for sustainable crop production.展开更多
The simple and environmentally friendly fabrication of cost-effective nanocomposites with low-metal usage is a promising approach for high-performance supercapacitors.Most developed nanocomposites rely on expensive ca...The simple and environmentally friendly fabrication of cost-effective nanocomposites with low-metal usage is a promising approach for high-performance supercapacitors.Most developed nanocomposites rely on expensive carbon materials,such as graphene and carbon nanotubes,high metal loading(>50 wt%),and complex preparation protocols.In this study,we present a straightforward method for fabricating noble-metal-free bimetallic and trimetallic molybdates(FeMo and NiCoMo)anchored on heteroatom-doped hollow-core carbon nanofibers(HCNFs).Heteroatoms such as B,F,and N were successfully doped into the HCNFs.The homogenous anchoring of FeMo-or NiCoMo-oxide nanoparticles on both the inner and outer surfaces of the HCNFs was confirmed—this is,to the best of our knowledge,the first report of such a structure.In a three-electrode system,NiCoMo-HCNFs demonstrated an excellent specific capacitance of 1419.2 F/g and a capacitance retention of 86.0%after 10,000 cycles.The fabricated device exhibited a high specific capacitance of 225.7 F/g,power density of 45.5 W/kg,and energy density of 10,089.3 Wh/kg,with 86.1%capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.For the reduction of 4-nitrophenol,the FeMo-HCNFs and NiCoMo-HCNFs achieved excellent kapp values of 30.14 and 87.71×10^(-2)s^(-1),respectively.Due to their simple preparation,cost-effectiveness,high activity,and robustness,FeMo-HCNFs and NiCoMo-HCNFs are promising candidates for energy storage and environmental catalysis applications.展开更多
文摘The invasive insect pest, red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date production, causing substantial economic damage. If uncontrolled, RPW leads the severely infested host tree to collapse and eventually die. The symbiotic associations with microorganisms and RPW in their gut may help their host insects’ establishment, development, nutrition assimilation, and survival. The objective of this research was the molecular characterization of the microbiome of RPW. In this study, the microbiome was compared among different tissues in females and males of RPW of three different morphs and larvae collected from date palm plantations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A 251-bp segment of bacterial 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and processed using the bioinformatics platform QIIME2. One ASV, corresponding to the obligate weevil symbiont Nardonella, predominated in adult female samples, constituting 56 ± 7% of total reads, but was less dominant in male samples (12 ± 3%) and larval samples (2.6 ± 1.9%). For females, samples that included reproductive tissues were almost entirely composed of Nardonella (88% - 99%). When Nardonella was excluded from analyses, there were no differences between adult females and adult males, but larval samples were more species-rich and differed in microbial composition from adults. There were no consistent differences in the microbiomes among morphs. Several specimens showed evidence of infection with host-specific strains of Spiroplasma-like members of the Entomoplasmatales, which are often pathogens or vertically transmitted symbionts. Such close microbial associates deserve additional attention as potential routes to control this destructive date palm pest.
基金Endowment Fund Secretariat, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan in providing financial support for completion of this study
文摘Potential of seed priming treatments in improving the performance of early planted maize was evaluated against timely planting. Seeds of maize hybrid FH-810 were soaked in water (hydropriming), CaCl2 (2.2%, osmopriming), moringa leaf extracts (MLE 3.3%, osmopriming) and salicylic acid (SA, 50 mg L–1, hormonal priming) each for 18 h. Untreated and hydroprimed seeds were taken as control. Seeds primed with SA took less time in emergence and had high vigor in early planted maize. Amongst treatments, hormonal priming, reduced the electrical conductivity, increased the leaf relative and chlorophyl contents fol owed by osmopriming with CaCl2 at seedling stage. Likewise, plant height, grain rows and 1 000-grain weight, grain and biological yield and harvest index were also improved by seed priming;however hormonal priming and osmopriming with MLE were more effective in this regard. Improved yield performance by hormonal priming or osmopriming with MLE in early planting primarily owed to increased leaf area index, crop growth and net assimilation rates, and maintenance of green leaf area at maturity. In conclusion, osmopriming with MLE and hormonal priming with SA were the most economical treatments in improving productivity of early planted spring maize through stimulation of early seedling growth at low temperature.
文摘Direct seeded rice is promising alternative to traditional transplanting, but requires appropriate crop and water management to maintain yield performance and achieve high water productivity. Present study evaluated the effect of seed priming and irrigation on crop establishment, tillering, agronomic traits, paddy yield, grain quality and water productivity of direct seeded rice in alternate wetting and drying （DSR-AWD） in comparison with direct seeded rice at field capacity （DSR- FC）. Seed priming treatments were osmo-priming with KCI （2.2%）, CaCI2 （2.2%） and moringa leaf extracts （MLE, 3.3%） including hydro-priming as control. Among the treatments, seed osmo-primed with MLE emerged earlier and had higher final emergence, followed by osmo-priming with CaCI2. Tillering emergence rate and number of tillers per plant were the highest for seed priming with CaCI2 in DSR- AWD. Total productive and non-productive tillers, panicle length, biological and grain yields, harvest index were highest for seed priming with MLE or CaCI2 in DSR-AWD. Similarly, grain quality, estimated in terms of normal grains, abortive and chalky grains, was also the highest in DSR-AWD with MLE osmo-priming. Benefit cost ratio and water productivity was also the highest in DSR-AWD for seed priming with MLE. In conclusion, seed priming with MLE or CaCI2 can be successfully employed to improve the direct seeded rice performance when practiced with alternate wetting and drying irrigation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41877105,4190709398,and 41620104006)。
文摘Soil organic carbon(SOC)and nitrogen(N)mineralization are important biogeochemical processes associated with soil fertility.These processes are influenced by physically,chemically,and biologically stabilized SOC fractions,the mechanisms of which are not well known.The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of manure and mineral fertilizers on the contents of SOC fractions to promote the mineralization of SOC and N.Treatments included:i)no fertilizer control(CK);ii)a combination of mineral N,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizers(NPK);iii)manure alone(M);iv)manure combined with NPK(MNPK);and v)a high dose of manure combined with NPK(hMNPK).The combined uses of manure and mineral fertilizers(MNPK and hMNPK)enhanced the accumulation of the unprotected coarse particulate organic carbon(C)fraction(cPOC)by 44%-72%compared to CK.Manure applications(M,MNPK and hMNPK)enhanced physically microaggregate-protected organic C(μagg),physicochemically protected organic C within the microaggregate-derived silt(μsilt)fraction(H-μsilt),and physicobiochemically protected organic C within theμsilt fraction(NH-μsilt)by 30%-56%,62%-150%,and 27%-51%,respectively.In contrast,all chemically and biochemically protected SOC fractions showed a minor response to manure application.Accumulation of cPOC,μagg,H-μsilt,and physicochemically protected organic C within the microaggregate-derived clay fraction(H-μclay)significantly contributed to the mineralization of SOC and N,resulting in a significant increase in rice grain yield with long-term manure application.In summary,long-term combined use of manure and mineral fertilizers improved SOC accumulation in unprotected and physically protected fractions,which enhanced SOC and N mineralization and benefited soil productivity in a rice-wheat cropping system.
文摘This article concentrates on the properties of three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic flow of a viscous fluid saturated with Darcy porous medium deformed by a nonlinear variable thickened surface.Analysis of flow is disclosed in the neighborhood of stagnation point.Features of heat transport are characterized with Newtonian heating and variable thermal conductivity.Mass transport is carried out with first order chemical reaction and variable mass diffusivity.Resulting governing equations are transformed by implementation of appropriate transformations.Analytical convergent series solutions are computed via homotopic technique.Physical aspects of numerous parameters are discussed through graphical data.Drag force coefficient,Sherwood and Nusselt numbers are illustrated through graphs corresponding to various pertinent parameters.Graphical discussion reveals that conjugate and constructive chemical reaction parameters enhance the temperature and concentration distributions,respectively.
文摘A field trial was conducted to evaluate the role of boron （B） application at different growth stages in improving the growth,yield and net economic return of rice at farmer＇s fields during summer season,2009.Boron was soil applied （1.5 kg/hm2） at the transplanting,tillering,flowering and grain formation stages of rice;foliar applied （1.5% B solution） at the tillering,flowering and grain formation stages of rice,and dipped seedling roots in 1.5% B solution before transplanting;while control plots did not apply any B.Boron application （except dipping of seedling roots in B solution,which caused toxicity and reduced the number of tillers and straw yield than control） substantially improved the rice growth and yield.However,soil application was better in improving the number of grains per panicle,1000-grain weight,grain yield,harvest index,net economic income and ratio of benefit to cost compared with the rest of treatments.Overall,for improving rice performance and maximizing the net economic returns,B might be applied as soil application at flowering.
文摘In this study influence of different seed priming treatments on the nutrient-homeostasis and reserve metabolism during seedling emergence and growth of rice were determined. Seed priming treatments included pre-germination, hydropriming for 48 h, osmohardening with KCl and CaCl2, ascorbate priming and hardening. All treatments shortened the emergence time and enhanced the energy and index of seedling emergence. Seedlings from primed seeds had greater length, number of roots and fresh and dry mass than control. Among the treatments, CaCl2, ascorbate and KCl proved better in enhancing emergence and seedling growth. Seed priming changed the pattern of N and Ca^2＋ homeostasis both of the seeds and seedlings, which were associated to enhancing s-amylase activity and reducing sugars content. Positive correlations of seedling attributes with nutrient content suggested that as a result of seed priming, most of N and Ca^2＋ were partitioned to embryo, which enhanced seedling emergence and subsequent growth of rice seedlings.
文摘Rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is one of the most important cropping systems in South Asia. However, sustainability of this system is under threat owing to several factors, of which deficiency of micronutrients particularly zinc (Zn), boron (B) and manganese (Mn) is one of the major problems. Continuous rotation of rice and wheat, imbalanced fertilizer use and little/no use of micronutrient-enriched fertilizers induce deficiencies of Zn, B and Mn in the RWCS of South Asia. Here we review that (i) imbalanced fertilizer use and organic matter depletion deteriorate soil structure resulting in low efficiency of applied macro- and micro-nutrients in RWCS.(ii) The micronutrients (Zn, B and Mn) are essentially involved in metabolism of rice and wheat plants, including chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, enzyme activation and membrane integrity.(iii) Availability and uptake of Zn, B and Mn from rhizosphere depend on the physico-chemical soil properties (which differ under aerobic and anaerobic conditions) including soil pH, soil organic matter, soil moisture and interaction of these micronutrients with other nutrients.(iv) Plant ability to uptake and utilize the nutrients is affected by several plant factors such as root architecture, root hairs, transport kinetics parameter and root exudates.(v) Crop management and application of these microelements can help correct the micronutrients deficiency and enhance their grain concentration.
基金supported by Australian Research Council,Australia grants to Sergey Shabala and Kadambot H.M.Siddique。
文摘The growing global population presents a significant challenge to ensuring food security,further compounded by the increasing threat of salinity to agricultural productivity.Wheat,a major staple food providing 20%of the total caloric intake for humans,is susceptible to salinity stress.Developing new salttolerant wheat cultivars using wheat breeding techniques and genetic modifications is crucial to addressing this issue while ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of wheat production systems within the prevailing climate trend.This review overviews the current landscape in this field and explores key mechanisms and associated genetic traits that warrant attention within breeding programs.We contend that traditional approaches to breeding wheat for Na^(+)exclusion have limited applicability across varying soil salinity levels,rendering them inefficient.Moreover,we question current phenotyping approaches,advocating for a shift from whole-plant assessments to cell-based phenotyping platforms.Finally,we propose a broader use of wild wheat relatives and various breeding strategies to tap into their germplasm pool for inclusion in wheat breeding programs.
基金akistan Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission(SUPARCO),for the provision of SPOT satellite imagesnational center of excellence in Geology(NCEG)+1 种基金University of Peshawar and Department of ForestryShaheed Benazir Bhutto University,Sheringal
文摘Anthropogenic activities and natural processes are continuously altering the mountainous environment through deforestation, forest degradation and other land-use changes. It is highly important to assess, monitor and forecast forest cover and other land-use changes for the protection and conservation of mountainous environment. The present study deals with the assessment of forest cover and other land-use changes in the mountain ranges of Dir Kohistan in northern Pakistan, using high resolution multi-temporal SPOT-5 satellite images. The SPOT-5 satellite images of years 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 were acquired and classified into land-cover units. In addition, forest cover and land-use change detection map was developed using the classified maps of 2004 and 2013. The classified maps were verified through random field samples and Google Earth imagery(Quick birds and SPOT-5). The results showed that during the period 2004 to 2013 the area of forest land decreased by 6.4%, however, area of range land and agriculture land have increased by 22.1% and 2.9%, respectively. Similarly, barren land increased by 1.1%, whereas, area of snow cover/glacier is significantly decreased by 21.3%. The findings from the study will be useful for forestry and landscape planning and can be utilized by the local, provincial and national forest departments; and REDD+ policy makers in Pakistan.
文摘This review efficiently covers the research progress in the area of polymer bio composites in perspective of the modern-day renewable materials.In the last decade,attraction towards the bio-composite based systems has been the topic of interest due to their potential as a substitute of conventional materials produced in important manufacturing industries.Recently,preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable polymer composites is an important achievement as an alternative of petrochemical based renewable products.Successful production of eco-friendly bio-composite materials have been achieved with natural fibers viz jute,bamboo,hair,flex,wool,silk and many others instead of synthesized fibers like carbon,glass dispersed in synthesized resins viz poly vinyl alcohol,epoxy and etc.Biomaterials based on natural fibers dispersed in natural matrix like natural rubber or polyester have also been obtained with endless applications for the mankind.The utilization of such materials for the good well of mankind is attributed to their ease of disposal and being renewable.The last but not the least,the extraordinary mechanical properties of bio-composites make them superior to many other conventional materials.This review paper addresses the recent trends,mechanical and chemical properties,synthesis,and application of bio-composites in the recent years.
文摘Authentication of medicinally important plants is essential for increasingly demands of herbal remedies worldwide. DNA barcoding technology is currently gaining importance as a reliable tool for plant species identification, although one barcode gene is not enough in the exceptions. Short sequence diversity of standardized specific coding gene regions of rbcLa and matK of plastid genome together with noncoding ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) marker is used as barcode to compare and differentiate plant species. The success of obtaining sequences of the 29 analyzed plants distributed in 21 families using three different barcode genes rbcLa, matK and ITS2 were 97%, 79% and 75% respectively. Multiple sequence alignment confirmed the medicinal plants at species level by 89.28%, 86.32% and 60.86% obtained through rbcLa, ITS2 and matK barcodes sequences respectively. The genetic distance between sequence pairs (GD) and percentage identity (PI) is compared to analyze the plant identity at species level. The phylogenic trees constructed to show the relatedness and distance of the analyzed plants in the history of evolution by the analysis of richness of clades. The construction of DNA barcode library of desert medicinal plants is an introductory research arena in Kingdom of Bahrain in helping the routine identification of plants, and developing guidelines for detection of adulterants in herbal medicines as well as protection of biodiversity.
文摘The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96°C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30°C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.
基金supported by JSPS KAKENHI(Grant number 24K15389)S.C.Kim greatly acknowledges the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea(2020R1I1A3052258)for financial support.
文摘Surface area,pore properties,synergistic behavior,homogenous dispersion,and interactions between carbon matrix and metal-nanostructures are the key factors for achieving the better performance of carbon-metal based(electro)catalysts.However,the traditional hydro-or solvothermal preparation of(electro)catalysts,particularly,bi-or tri-metallic nanostructures anchored graphene(G)or carbon nanotubes(CNTs),often pose to poor metal–support interaction,low synergism,and patchy dispersion.At first,bimetallic flower-like-CuFeS_(2)/NG and cube-like-NiFeS_(2)/NCNTs nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal method.The resultant bimetallic nanocomposites were employed to derive the 2D-nano-sandwiched Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW(electro)catalyst by a very simple and green urea-mediated“mix-heat”method.The desired physicochemical properties of Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW such as multiple active sites,strong metal-support interaction,homogenous dispersion and enhanced surface area were confirmed by various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first urea-mediated“mix-heat”method for preparing 2D-nano-sandwiched carbon-metal-based(electro)catalysts.The Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW was found to be highly effective for alkaline-mediated oxygen evolution reaction at low onset potential of 284.24 mV,and the stable current density of 10 mA cm^(−2) in 1.0 m KOH for 10 h.Further,the Fe_(2)CuNiS_(4)/NGCNTs-SW demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with good kapp value of 87.71×10^(−2)s^(-1)and excellent reusability over five cycles.Overall,the developed urea-mediated“mix-heat”method is highly efficient for the preparation of metal-nanoarchitectures anchored 2D-nano-sandwiched(electro)catalysts with high synergism,uniform dispersion and excellent metal-support interaction.
基金The first author gratefully acknowledges the financial grant in the form of fellowship(institutional fellowship)from the Tezpur University,Tezpur,Assam,India.
文摘The increasing deforestation with an alarming rate is the prime cause of upsetting the balance in the natural ecosystem and the livelihood of local communities.Sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts can equilibrium this destruction and maintain the protected areas.In this regard,soil management strategies for reforestation of the degraded forest land can be helpful.In this review,the potential of using biochar,a solid carbon rich product of biomass thermochemical conversion,as a soil amendment in forest soils has been discussed.The production procedures of biochar,availability of feedstocks and the biochar properties are discussed using the existing knowledge.The positive effects of biochar are soil quality depended and change with varying geographical locations.Therefore,long-term field trials examining a range of biochars,soils,and forest types are required for a better understanding of this issue.Careful planning to match biochar with the soil properties is essential to obtain maximum benefits of biochar as a soil amendment.
文摘Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of date palms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Large scale infestation of RPW to date palm trees leads to excessive feeding activity of the RPW larvae, which is carried out by microorganisms present within RPW and producing a wet fermenting material inside the trunk. Culture dependent-bacteria were isolated from feeding waste and identified by the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene using 8F and 1492R universal primers. Among the culture-dependent isolated bacteria, 80% were identified by comparing 16S rRNA gene sequence in NCBI database, using BLAST program in GenBank. 85% of the identified bacteria were Gram-positive while the rest of them were Gram-negative. A high abundance of bacteria were from the Bacillaceae family and sixteen different species of Bacillus were identified in comparison with NCBI GenBank. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of identified bacterial strains have been submitted to GenBank. The phylogenetic relationship was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequences, the Gram-negative bacteria came in one clade while Gram-positive different Bacillus sp. and strains showed evolutionary closeness to each other and accordingly, they came in one major clade under three different sub-clades in the phylogenetic tree. The findings of new Bacillus strains in the natural habitat of the date plam trees in the Kingdom of Bahrain, pledge a vast area of research on RPW bio-control research arena.
文摘Jaalwala Distributary was selected to see the consequences of concrete lining on the underlying saline groundwater table. Its middle and tail portions were concrete lined whereas the head portion was still unlined. Visual MODFLOW 2011.1 was used to simulate the effects of concrete lining on saline groundwater in two-dimensional format. Simulation results showed a gradual rise of electrical conductivity (EC) up to 7000 μS/cm and decline in water table depth to nine feet (2.74 m). It observed negligible inflows from the distributary through its western boundary due to formation of a permanent barrier in the way of seepage of any kind. Results have further predicted that freshwater layer available beneath the Jaalwala Distributary (before its lining) will finish ultimately and the below present saline water also move upward to take this vacated place. Hence it was concluded to line the canals of saline water areas from their sides which will not only protect them from erosion but canal water theft as well.
文摘Optimizing yield and nutrients content in crop production is the high time demand of arable farming. Vermicompost furnishes one of the most promising alternatives to costly chemical fertilizer. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted at NARC, Islamabad, to investigate the effect of different levels of vermicompost [having C/N=15/1 and 14 Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)] on growth, yield and nutrients content in hybrid tomato (National Tunnel Tomato-04-08) under greenhouse conditions during Rabi 2015. The data revealed that different rates (0.5 t·ha-1, 1 t·ha-1, 1.5 t·ha-1 and 2 t·ha-1) of vermicompost produced varied and significant (P -1) at the application of 2.0 t vermicompost ha-1 followed by 3.226 t·ha-1 where vermicompost was applied @ 1.5 t·ha-1. N, P and K content in tomato fruit and plant increased significantly with the application of increasing levels of vermicompost. The highest content of N (3.7%), P (0.67%), K (5.17%) in tomato fruit and N (3.4%), P (0.32%), K (3.2%) in tomato plant respectively were registered with soil application of vermicompost @ 2.0 t·ha-1. This study confirms that the vermicompost has a tremendous potential of plant nutrients supply for sustainable crop production.
基金funding partially provided by Shinshu Universitybased on results obtained from a project,JPNP 22021,commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO)partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI(Grant Number 24K15389).
文摘The simple and environmentally friendly fabrication of cost-effective nanocomposites with low-metal usage is a promising approach for high-performance supercapacitors.Most developed nanocomposites rely on expensive carbon materials,such as graphene and carbon nanotubes,high metal loading(>50 wt%),and complex preparation protocols.In this study,we present a straightforward method for fabricating noble-metal-free bimetallic and trimetallic molybdates(FeMo and NiCoMo)anchored on heteroatom-doped hollow-core carbon nanofibers(HCNFs).Heteroatoms such as B,F,and N were successfully doped into the HCNFs.The homogenous anchoring of FeMo-or NiCoMo-oxide nanoparticles on both the inner and outer surfaces of the HCNFs was confirmed—this is,to the best of our knowledge,the first report of such a structure.In a three-electrode system,NiCoMo-HCNFs demonstrated an excellent specific capacitance of 1419.2 F/g and a capacitance retention of 86.0%after 10,000 cycles.The fabricated device exhibited a high specific capacitance of 225.7 F/g,power density of 45.5 W/kg,and energy density of 10,089.3 Wh/kg,with 86.1%capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.For the reduction of 4-nitrophenol,the FeMo-HCNFs and NiCoMo-HCNFs achieved excellent kapp values of 30.14 and 87.71×10^(-2)s^(-1),respectively.Due to their simple preparation,cost-effectiveness,high activity,and robustness,FeMo-HCNFs and NiCoMo-HCNFs are promising candidates for energy storage and environmental catalysis applications.
