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2 nd I N T E R N A T I O N A L

CONFERENCE ON

H rticu tural Scien es


Theme:

Production Challenges & Food Security

2 16

February 18-20

Institute of Horticultural Sciences


University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

ABSTRACTS
2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

Horticultural Sciences
February 18-20, 2016
Theme
Production Challenges & Food Security

Organized by

Institute of Horticultural Sciences


University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences


Feburary 18-20, 2016
Ph/Fax: +92 41 9201086
Email: ichs2016@uaf.edu.pk
URL: www.pshs.org.pk/ichs2016

Editors

Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani


Dr. Raheel Anwar
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad
Dr. Muhammad Azam
Institute of Horticultural Sciences
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Technical Assistants

Mr. Jawad Hassan


Mr. Muhammad Fiaz
Mr. Muhammad Mahmood-ur-Rehman
Mr. Waqar Shafqat
Mr. Mubashir Zahid
Institute of Horticultural Sciences
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Publisher

Institute of Horticultural Sciences


University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Ph/Fax: +92-41-9201086
Email: director_ihs@uaf.edu.pk

Printer

MAS computers and Printers


Office No. 2, First Floor, Sabir Plaza
Press Market, Aminpur Bazar, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Ph: +92-41-2638382
Email: masmas184@yahoo.com

Publication Date

February, 2016

All right reserved. No part of this abstract book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing
from the publisher.

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

CONTENTS
Introduction
University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Institute of Horticultural Sciences
Host City: Faisalabad
Sponsors
Conference Committees

Oral Presentations
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Status of the U.S. Floriculture Industry and Potential for Development in


Pakistan
John M. Dole, Iftikhar Ahmad
Role of CAB International in Horticulture Research and Development in
Pakistan
Muhammad Sohail Mazhar, Babar Ehsan Bajwa
Effect of calcium carbide based formulations on growth, yield and fruit
quality of tomato
Muhammad Yaseen, Sumreen Siddiq, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Awais
Khalid, Sobia Noor, Muhammad Zahir Aziz
Assessment of atmospheric pollution of heavy metals with the help of
ornamental plants under Faisalabad conditions
Tahir Saeed, Muhammad N. Rasheed, Abid Niaz, Atif Mahmoo, Abid
Mahmood, Muhammad N. Zouq
Potential of horticultural crops to ensure food security in Pakistan
Saba Hameed, Muhammad Azher Nawaz, Waqar Ahmed, Fiaz Hussain,
Nigarish Munir, Faisal Hayat
Evaluation of Moringa olifera leaves extract on the development of citrus
nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans
Nazir Javed, Iqra Naeem, Sajid Aleem Khan, Huma Abbas, Muhammad
Kamran
The Global Cut Flower Industries and Ideas for Pakistan
John M. Dole, Iftikhar Ahmad
Effect of different pruning severities on light penetration and incidence of
creasing in sweet oranges
Zahoor Hussain, Zora Singh, Faheem Khadija, Raheel Anwar
Who gets what? Citrus marketing in Bunir district, Pakistan
Raza Ullah, Qaisar Shah Safi, Muhammad Asif Kamran
Physico-chemical analysis of five selected varieties of apple (Pyrus malus)
Muhammad Munir, Muhammad Iqbal, Haroon Rasheed, Mureed Abbass
Physico-chemical and molecular diversity in pomegranate germplasm of
Pakistan
Muhammad Nafees, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Saeed Ahmad, Faisal
Saeed Awan, Moazzam Jamil

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Estimation of gene effects through generation means analysis in tomato


(Solanum lycopersicum)
Muhammad Yussouf Saleem, Qumer Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Khan, Sajjad
Akhtar, Muhammad Asghar
Germination Capacity and viability of stored pollen of two economically
important Prunus L. species of family Rosaceae
Anjum Perveen, Shaukat Ali
Compatibility evaluation of various scented Rosa species through cross
pollination
Amjad Farooq, Shi Lei, Shahid Javed Butt, Muhammad Nadeem, David H.
Byrne
Effect of good agricultural practices versus conventional practices on date
palm in Khairpur district
Solangi Qamaruddin, Soomro Mushtaque Hussain, Jawad Hassan,
Muhammad Fiaz, Raheel Anwar
Use of genome editing to characterize gene functions in plant growth,
development and fruit quality in tomato
Bazgha Zia, Tatsiana U Datsenka, Huiming Zhang, Avtar K. Handa
Tree vigor, nutrients uptake efficiency and yield of Flordaking peach
cultivar as affected by different rootstocks
Muhammad Javed Tareen, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Hafeez-ur-Rahman,
Muhammad Naveed Tareen
Effect of foliar application of gibberellic Acid (GA3) and 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on yield and fruit quality of low seeded
Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Ehsan Ullah Khan, Liaqat Ali
Agroecosystems & Nutrient Quality in Horticultural Produce
Fruit Metabolome Shows Fluidity and is Genotype and Ecosystem Specific
Autar K. Mattoo
Infestation of plant parasitic nematodes in apple orchards in the Pothowar
region of Pakistan
Tariq Mukhtar, Muhammad Saeed, H. U. Khan, Muhammad Israr, Shahina
Fayyaz
Improved fruit set and retention in fruit crops: Role of boron and zinc A
review
Habat Asad, Ian S.E. Bally, Paul Gadek, Tony Page
Food grade chemicals: a novel approach to preserve freshness of
horticultural produce
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Mehdi Maqbool
Advances in the epidemiology and management strategy of mango
malformation disease in Pakistan
Muhammad Tariq Malik, Muhammad Zubair, Rashida Perveen, Faisal
Sohail Fateh, Javed Iqbal, Ian S.E. Bally, Mushtaq Ahmad
Growth and biochemical responses of okra to phosphorus sources
supplemented with humic acid
Maqsood Ahmed, Nadeem Fazil

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Modelling the effect of storage temperature and cut type on respiration


rate of fresh-cut mango
Abdul Moiz, Rosnita Binti A. Talib, Muhammad Iqbal1, Muhammad Azam
Khan
Identification of virulence genes in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation
Zhou Zongshan
Micropropagation studies of an endangered medicinal plant Silybum
marianum (L.) Gaertn.
Safdar Ali, Bushra Mushtaq, Sjeela Javed Muhammad Rafique Asi, Shaista
Jabeen Khan, Nuzat Habib Khan
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) -A Prized Spice
F. A. Nehvi, Salwee Yasmin
Pesticide health hazards associated with fruit and vegetable production in
Pakistan
Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad Afzal
Tomato yield, plant and soil nitrogen as affected by high tunnel and field
production systems under conventional or organic fertility treatments
Rhonda R. Janke, May Elfar Altamimi
Genetic studies of some seedling traits of tomato under normal and water
deficit conditions
Amir Shakeel, Iqra Anwar, Asif Saeed, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem,
Khurram Ziaf
Sustainable food security in developing countries and the role of World
Food Preservation Center LLC
Charles L. Wilson, Aman Ullah Malik
Low-cost Cold Storage Technologies and Use of CFD in Optimization of
Microclimate Inside Cold Stores: A review
Getachew Neme Tolesa, Tilahun Seyoum Workneh
An Arabidopsis lipid transfer protein gene At3g22600 is required for
resistance against different pathogens
Muhammad Amjad Ali, Amjad Abbas, Holger Bohlmann
Antagonistic interaction between Potato virus S and Potato virus Y in
different genetic backgrounds of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Khalid Naveed, Gaurav Raikhy, Hanu R. Pappu
Exploitation of natural products as an alternative strategy to control
postharvest anthracnose and maintain quality of fruits and vegetables
Asgar Ali
Study of spore inhibition of Ascochyta rabiei through variety of chemicals
in suspension cultures
Hira Nawaz, Amjad Abbas, Muhammad A. Ali, Khalid Naveed, Muhammad
Shahzad, Muhammad Shahid, Luqman Amrao
Production and preservation challenges of fruits and vegetables in Thal
zone
Muhammad Ahmad, Muhammad Ishaque, Farhana Nosheen, Niaz Hussain

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Evaluation of lemon varieties on Australian Bigarade rootstock


Ghulam Nabi, Abdur Rab, Abdul Samad, Nisar Naeem, Noor ul Amin
The effect of potassium application on morpho-agronomic traits of
strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Dutch)
Shujaul Mulk Khan, Shamaila Bibi, Adil Rehman, Inayat Ur Rehman, Habib
Ahmad
Comparative study of different potting media for tomato production in
containers
Muhammad Azam Khan, Waqas Khan, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi
Food security in Oman: Challenges and opportunities
Rashid Abdullah Al-Yahyai
Horticulture in Balochistan: Challenges and prospects
Muhammad Saeed
Developing protocols and standards for epicotyl grafting in mango
Ghulam Mustafa, Javed Iqbal, Atif Iqbal, Sidra Kiran, Asif ur Rehman Hafiz,
Mushtaq Ahmad, Hameed Ullah
Biological control agents of Asian Citrus Psyllid to reduce citrus greening
incidence in Punjab, Pakistan
Shouket Zaman Khan
Effect of sulfur fumigation on quality and sulfur residues in grape berries
of Kishmish cultivars stored at 1C for 60 days
Mujahid Iqbal
Field evaluation of eight Balochistani date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of Khairpur, Sindh
Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, Nazir Ahmed Soomro, Adel Ahmed Abul-Soad,
Mushtaque Ahmed Jatoi, Najamuddin Solangi
Supplementing humic acid with crushed maize grains into growing media
enhances growth and nutrient uptake of tomato transplants through
vigorous root system
Mostafa Mohamed Rady, Hafeez ur Rehman, Shoaib ur Rehman
Development of molecular method for sex identification in date palm
(Phoenix dactylifera L.) plantlets using Noval Sex-linked Microsatellite
Markers
Maryam, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Saeed Ahmad, Faisal Saeed Awan
The role of physio-morphic characters of eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.)
and its correlation with the jassid (Amrasca Biguttula Biguttula (Ishida)
population variation
Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ashfaq, Azhar Uddin Bahtti
Performance evaluation of exotic peach rootstock Red Leaf Nemaguard
for nursery raising in deciduous fruits
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah, Attiq Akhtar, Allah Bakhsh, Azhar Hussain
Studies on the effect of different spawn types and spawning rates on the
growth and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotes sapidus)
Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Salman, Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat,
Muhammad Uzair Asif

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Effect of climate and soil on morphological diversity of Moringa


germplasm
Umbreen Shahzad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Mansoor Hameed
Validation of DNA markers to determine sex in papaya (Carica papaya L.)
plants at seedling stage for enhanced productivity
Muzaffar Javed, Armghan Shahzad, Ghulam Muhammad Ali
Analysis of genetic diversity as a key to conserve Berberis baluchistanica
Ahrendt. An endemic species to Balochistan
Shazia Saeed, Muhammad Younas Khan Barozai, Alia Ahmed, Rasool
Baksh Tareen
Management strategy against rodents infesting date-palm orchards in
Nok-Kundi, Balochistan Province, Pakistan
Amjad Pervez, Syed Muzaffar Ahmed, Muhammad Anwar Arain
Phenolics profile and anthocyanin degradation in Malus crabapple flowers
Rana Naveed Ur Rehman, Yaohua You, Zhang Lei, Weifeng Chen, Pengmin
Li, Fengwang Ma
Enhancing water productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through
drip irrigation system
Muhammad Sohail Waqas, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema, Ahmad
Waqas, Saddam Hussain
Prospects of floriculture sector to improve livelihood in Pakistan
Noor Alam Khan, Shahid Nadeem
Apple value chain: a case study from Baluchistan province
Khalid Mushtaq, Sultan Ali Adil, Maqsood Hussain
Assessment of harvest and postharvest losses of citrus fruit in Pakistan
Muhammad Ather Mahmood, Mazhar Abbas, Arshed Bashir, Sonila
Hassan, Sher Baz Khan
Phenology of Tupy and Xavante blackberries grown in subtropical area
Ibrar Hussain, Sergio Ruffo Roberto, Ines Cristina Batista Fonseca, Adriane
Marinho de Assis, Luis Eduardo Correa Antunes
Population dynamics and management of citrus psylla (Diaphorina citri)
Faisal Hafeez, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Farooq, Mauhammad Latif,
Muneer Abbas, Misbah Ashraf
Endeavouring commercial heterosis for yield in indigenous single cross
(F1) hybrids in chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Muhammad Umair, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Zakria
Farid, Sultan Mehmood
Genetics of direct and reciprocal cross combinations in determinate
tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Ahsan Javed, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Nasir
Mehmood Minhas, Asia Ramzan, Tahira Noor, Atif Akram, Muhammad
Jawaad Atif.
Development of high yielding pea variety PEAS-2009
Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Khalid Mahmood Qureshi, Abdul Rashid,
Shahid Niaz

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Peat and substitutes of peat as growing media for sweet pepper (Capsicum
annum L.) nursery production
Muhammad Jawaad Atif, Ghulam Jellani, HidayatUllah, Noor Saleem,
Ahsan Javed, Atif Akram
Challenges and strategies to improve mango value chains in Pakistan
Hammad Badar
Comparative field study of biochemical and phenolic antioxidants of mint
leaves treated with bio-fertlizer and humic acid in the absence and
presence of urea fertilizer
Maryam Aslam, Bushra Sultana, Farooq Anwar, Hassan Munir
Antioxidant and antitumor potential of different extracts of Ricinus
communis and Anethum graveolens
Faiza Nazir, Raja Adil Sarfraz, Maryam Aslam
Diversity of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on citrus in Punjab
(Pakistan)
Muhammad Tayyib, Shahid Majeed Muhammad Jawwad Yousuf
Analyzing the biophoton responses of spinach to organic and inorganic
growing systems
Shaghef Ejaz, Karoline Maria Jezik, Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Werner
Stumpf, Heidrun Halbwirth, Karl Stich
Standardization of olive curing with Sodium hydroxide at different
physiological stages
Ghazal Miraj, Riaz Alam, Bibi Haleema
Quorum sensing and quorum quenching bacteria from rhizospheric
populations associated with gladiolus corms
Kashif Riaz, Sahar Jameel, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib Hussain, Yasar
Sajjad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani
Impact assessment of extension services for modern carrot husbandry in
districts of Faisalabad and Layyah: a farm level analysis
Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Amjad, Tanveer Ahmad, Asmat Batool,
Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Anam Noor
Effect of rootstocks on postharvest quality of peach fruit cv. Flordaking
Muhammad Javed Tareen, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Muhammad Naveed
Tareen, Hafeez-ur-Rahman
Impact of environmental components on plant growth in guava cultivars
during summer season
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Ahmad Ali, Bilquees Fatima, Samida
Qamar, Hafiz Sibtain Ahmad
Strengthening horticulture extension system in Punjab: Status, challenges
and strategies
Basharat Ali Saleem, Aman Ullah Malik, Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad
Azher Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz Khan

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Export quality Kinnow mandarin production in Punjab: Status, recent


advances and future prospects
Aman Ullah Malik, Basharat Ali Saleem, Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Abdul Rehman,
Muhammad Yasin, Hamid Bashir, Muhammad Ahsan, Saajid Aleem, Asif
Ali, Muhammad Nawaz Khan
Changes in the physical and biochemical fruit quality characteristics of new
indigenous mango germplasm during ripening
Asad Ali, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Iqrar Ahmad Khan
Influence of seasonal variations and storage on quality of raspberries
cultivated in greenhouse, high tunnels and open field
Liaqat Ali, Muhammad Sarwar Yaqub,Birgitta Svensson, Beatrix W.
Alsanius, Marie E. Olsson
Economic analysis of jasmine cut-flower: A case study of Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Ashfaq, Muhammad Usman
Molecular characterization of new variant of Tomato Leaf Curl Palampur
Virus from Cucurbita pepo in Pakistan
Muhammad Shafiq, Muhammad Saleem Haider, Sehrish Mushtaq
Relationship of environmental conditions with PVY disease development
in Potatoes for sustainable crop production
Muhammad Nasir Subhani, Muhammad Imran, Waseem Abbas
Effect of different N, P and K combinations for reproductive growth and
malformation physiology of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad
Jafar Jaskani, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Mohammad Shafi Ullah
A study of cost-effective and environmentally-friendly postharvest
technology of litchi
Shreef Mahmood, Mohammad Golap Hossain
Geographical variability in biochemical attributes of guava cv. Round leaf
extract
Umair Raza, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Shahid, Bilquees Fatima
Effect of different edible coatings on fruit quality and storage life of bell
pepper
Abadullah, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Muhammad Shafique, Sami Ullah,
Abdul Ahad Qureshi
Emerging international compliance issues: Challenge to fresh fruits and
vegetable exports
Najma Yousaf Zahid, Nadeem Akthar Abbasi, Tahir Mahmood
Inheritance pattern of lycopene, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid
contents in Solanum lycopersicum L. under cadmium (Cd) stress
Muhammad Mazhar Hussain, Asif Saeed, Asif Ali Khan, Atif Mehmood,
Bilquees Fatima
Environmental friendly strategies for management of basal rot disease of
onion
Arshad Javaid, Roma Akhtar

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Postharvest losses and storage potential of strawberries packed in


conventional plastic baskets
Muhammad Fiaz, Raheel Anwar, Aman Ullah Malik, Jawad Hassan
Influence of salicylic acid and storage duration on storability of persimmon
fruit
Muhammad Sajid, Islam Rashid
First report on fungi associated with market quality deterioration of
Fragaria X annasa (strawberry) in Punjab, Pakistan
Salik Nawaz Khan, Shumaila Farooq, Umar Khalid
Development of an effective and economical protocol for micropropagation of olive
Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz, Sehrish Ishaq, Tauqeer Ahmad Nadeem Akhtar
Abbasi, Ikram Ali Malik
Management of mango diseases anthracnose and blossom blight by
ecofriendly methods
Shazia Iftikhar, Anam Rasool
Morphological identification and characterization of fungal pathogens
cause diseases in mandarin varieties of Sargodha orchards
Amber Khan, Shazia Iram
Effect of foliar application of boron on fruit yield and quality of sweet
cherry cultivars
Imran Ahmad, Muhammad Sajid
Comparative study of high health and conventional mango nurseries in
Pakistan
Nazim Hussain, Asif Mahmood Arif, Shafqat Saeed, Munawar Raza Kazmi,
Faisal Sohail Fateh, Iftikhar Ahmad
Geo-statistics and GIS based spatial distribution of various soil boron
forms and selected physico-chemical characteristics in apple orchards of
Pishin, Baluchistan
Tariq Ziad, Muhammad Tariq Siddique, Azeem Khalid, Shahid Mahmood,
Humair Ahmad Malik
Effect of NPK fertilizers and commercial biofertilizers on southern blight
disease and plant growth in chili
Nighat Sana, Arshad Javaid, Amna Shoaib
Effect of different levels of pruning on ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) cv. Dehli
Suffaid at Bahawalpur
Muhammad Azhar Bashir, Faheem Altaf, Kashif Shabir, Naseem Sharif,
Muhammad Ishfaq
Water and nutrient use in peri-urban vegetable production of Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Shoaib ur Rehman, Zikrullah Safi, Sami Ul Allah, Shafique Maqsood, Hafeez
ur Rehman
Organic matter and nutrient (NPKC) losses via surface run-off in Urban
Agriculture (UA) of Kabul, Afghanistan
Zikrullah Safi, Ghulam Muhammad Bahram, Muhammad Alim Alimi,
Shoaib ur Rehman

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Research and development in mango and citrus: Australia Pakistan Linkage


Programme Experience
Iftikhar Ahmad, Munawar Raza Kazmi, Shazia Iftikhar, Faisal Sohail Fateh,
Aman Ullah Malik, Tahir Khurshid, Ian S.E. Bally
Chemometric variations in fruits of mango cvs. Faiz Kareem, Anwar
Ratole and Chaunsa during ripening at ambient conditions
Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Aman Ullah Malik, Leon A. Terry, Thiruchelvam
Thanaraj
Composite chemical treatment reduces loss of quality of button
mushroom (A. bisporus) during postharvest storage
Zia Ullah Khan, Muhammad Azam, Asad Ali, Basharat Ali, Nasir Mehmood
Khan, Noor Ul Haq
Optimal harvest stage for cut Polianthes tuberosa L. Single spikes
Muhammad Asif, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad Qasim, Rashid Ahmad
Chemical characterization of wild grown Ganoderma lucidum mushroom
through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Azam,
Muhammad Awais Ghani, Khurram Ziaf, Mohsin Bashir, Rashad Waseem
Khan Qadri

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Poster Presentations
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Optimizing planting density for cut Helianthus annuus and Zinnia elegans
Muhammad Modassar Sharif, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad Qasim
Growth and yield response of chili to impregnated phosphatic fertilizer
and humate
Sobia Noor, Abdul Rauf Tahir, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Awais
Khalid, Muhammad Zahir Aziz, Yasir Hamid
Performance of tomato in response to foliar feeding of tryptophan for
yield
Sobia Noor, Noor-ul-Ain, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Naveed,
Muhammad Zahir Aziz, Muhammad Awais Khalid
Effect of foliar feeding of ascorbic acid on growth and yield of cucumber
Sobia Noor, Naveeda Anwar, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Awais
Khalid, Muhammad Zahir Aziz, Saeed Ahmad
Comparative effect of salicylic acid and calcium carbide on some
morphological parameters of sweet peper
Muhammad Awais Khalid, Wazir Ahmed, Muhammad Yaseen, Sobia Noor,
Saeed Ahmad, Yasir Hamid, Muhammad Zahir Aziz
Optimizing planting systems for cut gladiolus and stock production
Muhammad Behzad Rafiq, Awais Ahmad, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad
Qasim
The comparative response of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Mino Early)
regarding growth, yield and quality during first year of transition to
organic farming system
Muneeb Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Amjad, Naveed Ahmed

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Effect of harvesting time, stage and storage duration on postharvest


quality of Gladiolus grandiflorus L.
Muhammad Saleem, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad Aslam Khan,
Muhammad Akbar Anjum
Screening of ornamental plants against salinity
Tahir Saeed, Muhammad N. Rasheed, Abdul Majeed, Abid Niaz, Abid
Mahmood, Muhammad N. Zouq
Foliar application of zinc sulfate improves plant growth and fruit quality of
Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Muhammad Azher Nawaz, Fiaz Hussain, Waqar Ahmed, Saba Hameed,
Basharat Ali Saleem
Protective and curative impact of bio and synthetic chemicals on the
development of meloidogyne incognita
Huma Abbas, Nazir Javed, Sajid Aleem Khan, Muhammad Kamran, Hina
Safdar
Potential of Pasteuria penetrans on Meloidogyne incognita population
development and response of tomato growth
Muhammad Kamran, Nazir Javed, Sajid Aleem Khan, Huma Abbas, Zafar
Iqbal, Yasir Iftikhar, Naila Zeerak
Morphological and yield attributes of cut Zinnia elegans Jacq. in response
to PGPRs
Faria Azhar, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Qasim
Genetic analysis of different genotypes of Rosa centifolia and Rosa
damascena from Pakistan, USA and Iran
Gulzar Akhtar, Muhammad Aslam Khan1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani,
Amjad Farooq, David H. Byrne, Faisal Saeed Awan, Mahnaz Kiani, Ahsan
Akram
Pre and postharvest treatment of salicylic acid to improve the fruit quality
and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Saqib Shehzad, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Saif ud din Taj
Morphological and physiochemical characterization of Jamun (Syzygium
cumini L. Skeels) germplasm existing in Punjab, Pakistan
Naseem Sharif, Malik Mohsin Abbas, Sitwat Riaz, Muhammad Ishfaq
Effect of different pruning intensities and times on fruit yield and quality in
phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.)
Muhammad Maaz Aziz, Naseem Sharif, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad
Ishfaq
Influence of pruning on fruit yield and quality of guava cv. Gola
Sitwat Riaz, Naseem Sharif, Malik Mohsin Abbas, Muhammad Ishfaq
Mechanical drying influences postharvest quality of turmeric rhizomes
Naveed Ahmad, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Habib Ahmad
Pollen viability and germination in essential oil roses
Amjad Farooq, Atif Riaz, Muhammad Nadeem, David H. Byrne

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132.

133.

134.

135.

136.

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139.

140.

141.

142.

Effects of cobalt sulfate on fruit quality of sweet orange cv. Washington


Navel
Zahoor Hussain, Faheem Khadija, Yasir Iftikhar, Muhammad Irfan, Rashad
Mukhtar Balal, Raheel Anwar
Evaluation of five cultivars of Stevia under local environmental conditions
Muhammad Munem Khan, Hafeez Ahmad Sadaqat, Muhammad Akram,
Farooq Ahmad Khan, Shahid Abbas, Rana Husnain Shabbir
Pre-shipment ethylene treatment influences physiological, biochemical
and phytochemical attributes of mango cv. Sindhri
Saif ud din Taj, Aman Ullah Malik, Muhammad Amin, Ahmad Sattar Khan,
Saqib Shehzad
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit overall quality as influenced by
postharvest treatments
Muhammad Jahanzeb, Muhammad Atif Randhawa, Muhammad Adil
Zubair, Asad Ali, Bilal Younas, Hassam Ishtiaq
Genotype Environment interaction for NaCl tolerance in Solanum
lycopersicum L. at seedling stage
Fazal Rehman, Asif Saeed, Hassan Munir, Amir Shakeel, Muhammad
Farrukh Saleem, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Ahsan Raza
Evaluation of tolerance in seedling tomato against NaCl stress
Muhammad Ahsan Raza, Asif Saeed, Hassan Munir, Khurram Ziaf, Amir
Shakeel, Nadeem Saeed, Adeela Munawar, Fazal Rehman
Salicylic acid confers salt tolerance in Potato plants by improving gaseous
exchange, water relations, antioxidants activities and osmoregulation
Hafiz Nazar Faried, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad Amjad,
Madiha Butt, Mohsin Bashir, Zaid Mustafa, Muhammad Ahmed Waqas
Salinity impairs ionic, physiological and biochemical attributes in potato
Hafiz Nazar Faried, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad Amjad,
Madiha Butt, Mohsin Bashir, Muhammad Rashid Shaheen, Mubeen Sarwar
Safety concerns of minimal processed fruits and vegetables
Muhammad Bilal Younas, Allah Rakha, Muhammad Sohail, Hassam
Ishtiaq, Ammar Javed
Apple industrial waste management
Muhammad Umer Younas, Muhammad Jahanzeb, Muhammad Bilal
Younas
Physiochemical revelation of essential oil of two Jasminum species
Grandiflorum and Officinale
Muhammad Saeed, Malik Abid Mahmood, Naveed Ahmad
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting cucumber in the
Pothowar region of Pakistan
Tariq Mukhtar, Muhammad Zameer Kayani, Muhammad Arshad Hussain
Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita on twelve okra cultivars and
effects on yield
Muhammad Arshad Hussain, Tariq Mukhtar, Muhammad Zameer Kayani,
Muhammad Naveed Aslam

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146.

147.

148.

149.

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xii

Reaction chili germplasm to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia


solanacearum
Muhammad Naveed Aslam, Tariq Mukhtar, Muhammad Ashfaq,
Muhammad Arshad Hussain
Virulence variations among different strains of Ralstonia solanacearum
associated with chili in Pakistan
Muhammad Naveed Aslam, Tariq Mukhtar, Muhammad Ashfaq,
Muhammad Arshad Hussain
Characterization of root and shoot characters of Black Mission fig cultivar
treated with different concentrations of indole 3 butyric acid (IBA)
Syeda Anum Masood Bokhari, Muhammad Babar Shahzad Afzal,
Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Muhammad Imran Kasana
Physico-chemical profiling of promising cultivars of litchi (Litchi chinensis
Sonn.) fruit grown under agro-climatic conditions of Multan
Muhammad Fasih Khalid, Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Akbar Anjum,
Shaghef Ejaz, Farukh Naveed
Screening of some polyembryonic varieties of mango against sudden
death disease (MSD) through inoculation
Muhammad Tariq Malik, Muhammad Ammar, Javed Iqbal, Ian S.E. Bally,
Hameedullah, Mushtaq Ahmad
Insecticidal effect of some plant extracts on citrus mealybug Planococcus
citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Muhammad Asam Riaz, Muhammad Irfan
Nawaz, Muhammad Afzal
Identification of grey mold resistant variety of tomatoes on the basis of
disease screening of selected germplasm
Imran Ramzan, Muhammad Zunair Latif, Muhammad Amjad Ali, Arslan
Sheheroz, Amjad Abbas
Effect of different doses of potassium nitrate on flowering and fruiting of
mango cv. Anwar Rataul
Malik Mohsin Abbas, Naseem Sharif, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Ishfaq
Effect of rootstock types on leaf mineral composition and physiology in
elite citrus scion varieties
Waqar Shafqat, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Muhammad Usman,
Muhammad Saqib
Efficacy of 24-EBL on physiological and biochemical attributes of Jasminum
sambac L. under greenhouse conditions
Ahsan Akram, William Bill Miller, Adnan younis, Iftikhar Ahmad, Gulzar
Akhtar
Factors affecting food security situation in rural household of district
Faisalabad
Robina Kausar, Ashfaq Ahmed Maan
Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S (CaMV35S) promoter with omega element is
active in sugar beet cyst nematode induced syncytia in Arabidopsis roots
Muhammad Amjad Ali, Amjad Abbas

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166.

Analysis of cis regulatory elements in promoters of genes from plants


Muhammad Amjad Ali, Farrukh Azeem, Amjad Abbas, Khushbakht Alia,
Habibullah Nadeem, Muhammad Hussnain Siddique
Carrot Pomace: A compelling vegetable byproduct
Hassam Ishtiaq, Muhammad Bilal Younas, Akhtar Ali, Muhammad Umer
Younas, Muhammad Jahanzeb
Screening of different exotic varieties of potato through adaptability trial
for local cultivation
Arslan Shehroz, Muhammad Amjad Ali, Amjad Abbas, Imran Ramzan,
Muhammad Zunair Latif
Enhancement of yield and quality of onion by foliar application of Indole3-butyric acid and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
Muhammad Irfan Ashraf, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Mujahid Ali,
Shagufta Kamal
Root knot nematodes associated with eggplant in different localities of
District Sargodha, and impact of Pasteuria isolates on development of
Meloidogyne incognita
Naila Zeerak, Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Kamran, Nazir Javed, S. Bashir,
Muhammad I. Nabi, Azher Iqbal, Zeeshan Hassan Jaffery
Response of different plum varieties to bud take success and budling
growth on peach rootstock under the climatic condition of district Swat
Fazal Rabi, Nadia Bostan, Gul Bostan, Sufiyan Qureshi
Nutritional management of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV) in different
tomato germplasm in relation to environmental factors
Saneela Arooj, Yasir Iftikhar, Muhammad Kamran, Muhammad Zohaib
Anjum, Bilal Jafar
Food safety and security: Aflatoxins a concern for human health
Qumer Iqbal, Muhammad Amjad, Aamir Nawaz, Tanveer Ahmad, Mazhar
Abbas
Response of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L.) to foliar application of
fertilizers
Mujahid Ali, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad Irfan Ashraf
Efficacy of different management strategies against root knot nematode
(Meloidogyne incognita) on Solanum melongena L.
Anser Farooq, Nazir Javed, Sajid Aleem Khan, Huma Abbas, Muhammad
Kamran, Imtiaz Ahmad, Waqar Ul Zaman
Integration of nematicides and plant extracts for the management
Meloidogyne incognita on eggplant
Nadeem Iqbal, Nazir Javed, Sajid Aleem Khan, Muhammad Kamran,
Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Jahan Zaib, Sumaira Saeed
Economic impact of furrow and flood irrigation systems in mango cv.
White Chaunsa
Ghulam Mustafa, Javed Iqbal, Atif Iqbal, Sidra Kiran, Asif ur Rehman Hafiz,
Mushtaq Ahmad, Hameed Ullah

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xiv

Molecular characterization of indigenous Zizyphus germplasm from


Pakistan through inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers
Riaz Ahmad, Waqas Malik, Makiya Rafiq, Muhammad Akbar Anjum
Economic feasibility and prospects of strawberry spread in central Punjab
Irfan Mehmood, Arshed Bashir, Sonila Hassan, Muhammad Qasim, Ather
Mahmood
An investigation into the factors behind the development of carrot
production pocket in Punjab
Irfan Mehmood, Arshed Bashir, Sonila Hassan, Mazhar Abbas, Rashid
Saeed
Impact of different growth retardants on growth behavior of young peach
plants
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah, Attiq Akhtar, Allah Bakhsh, Muhammad Afzal
Standardization of optimum time of budding peach nursery under Soon
valley conditions
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah, Attiq Akhtar, Allah Bakhsh, Malik Mohsin
Abbas
Comparative evaluation of various agricultural wastes on yield
performance and quality of blue oyster mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus)
Hasan Sardar, Muhammad Asif Ali, Rizwan Liaqat, Abdul Manan, Kashif
Razzaq, Fahim Nawaz
Performance of different peach (Prunus Persica) varieties in nontraditional growing region of Murree hills
Sana Asghar, Naseem Sharif, Zaghum Nawaz, Sitwat Riaz, Muhammad
Ishfaq
Establishment of spawn production facility in private sector
Muhammad Uzair Asif, Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat
Effect of substrate on growth and yield of Shiitake mushroom
Naeem ur Rehman, Najma Yousaf Zahid, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Ishfaq
Ahmad Hafiz, Tariq Mukhtar
Growth and yield response of ginger (Zingiber officinale) to different
growing media
Saniya Mehk Qammer, Najma Yousaf Zahid, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi,
Muhammad Akmal
DNA markers based authentication of indigenously developed hybrids in
chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Tahira Noor, Armghan Shahzad, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Ghulam
Muhammad Ali
PCR-RFLP of betasatallite component of begomovirus in Hibiscus rosasinensis L.
Shahab Habib, Amna Fayyaz, Muhammad Rizwan Tufail, Hafiz
Muhammad Usman Aslam, Muhammad Zeshan Ahmed, Luqman Amrao
Comparison of sugar recovery of sugar beet and sugar cane
Saddam Hussain, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema, Ahmad Waqas,
Muhammad Sohail Waqas

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182.
183.

184.

185.

186.
187.

188.

189.

190.

191.
192.

Effect of potash application on growth and yield of onion crop with drip
system
Saddam Hussain, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema, Muhammad
Sohail Waqas, Ahmad Waqas
Effect of different chemicals on vase life of Oriental lily Cv. Crystal Blanca
Muhammad Tariq, Naveed Ahmad, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar Khan,
Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez, Muhammad Amjad , Mubashir Zahid,
Muhammad Awais Ghani
Phyto-pathogens the threat for environment
Sundus Akhtar, Amna Shoaib, Muhammad Jarrar Ahmed
Effect of deficit irrigation on potato physical and chemical characteristics
under different planting patterns
Muhammad Sohail Waqas, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema,
Saddam Hussain, Ahmad Waqas
Investigating mad and fertigation effects on tomato under drip irrigation
system in greenhouse
Furqan Aslam, Gul Nawaz, Saddam Hussain, Shahzad Ahmed
Assessment of harvest and postharvest losses of mango in Pakistan
Mazhar Abbas, Muhammad Qasim, Arshed Bashir, Rashed Saeed, Sher Baz
Khan, Irfan Mehmood
Multiplication of olive cultivar under different grafting time
Ibrar Hussain, Nisar Naeem, Saqib Ali, Azmat Ali Awan
Effect of different environmental condition on different types of sweet
lime cutting
Ibrar Hussain, Ghulam Nabi, Ayub Jan, Hafeez ur Rehman, Kamran shah
Effect of seed priming and foliar application of plant growth regulators on
growth and yield of three okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
cultivars
Muhammad Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Syed Bilal Hussain,
Sajjad Hussain, Shaghef Ejaz
Response of guava (Psidium guajava L.) softwood cuttings in different
rooting mediums by using different growth regulators
Muhammad Tahir Akram, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Muhammad
Azam, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan
Antioxidant activity and physico-chemical properties of ten pomegranate
(Punica granatum L.) cultivars
Abdul Hasib Viyar, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Muhammad Tahir Akram,
Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Saad Qureshi, Izzatullah Sherzad
Grafting methods influences graft success and vegetative growth of loquat
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Ihtisham Wahid, Sami Ullah, Muhammad Shafique
Bio-stimulants improves fruit size at harvest and maintain quality of
mango fruit during storage
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Sami Ullah, Muhammad Hamid Mumtaz Qureshi,
Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Shafique

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xvi

Enzymatic profile of bell pepper influenced by edible coatings during cold


storage
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Usman Ajmal, Muhammad Shafique, Abdul Ahad
Qureshi, Sami Ullah
Impact of endophytic fungus against thermal and drought tolerance in
tomato plants
Anum Intisar, Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Safdar Ali, Muhammad Kamran, Waqas
Ashraf, Aamna Riasat, Muhammad Usman Arshad
Impact of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) coated urea and DAP on
growth and quality on onion
Ashifa Rafiq, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Summar Abbas Naqvi,
Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Tahir Akram, Muhammad
Ahsan Khatana, Abdul Hasib Viyar, Muhammad Aqeel Feroze
ELISA-based monitoring of resistance levels against potato virus X (PVX)
and potato virus Y (PVY) in potato germplasm
Misbah Iqbal Qamar, Ata-ul-Haq, Yasir Iftikhar, Ganesan Vadamalai,
Muhammad Kamran
Assessment and distribution of citrus scab disease (Elsinoe fawcettii) in
different localities of Sargodha
Zeeshan Hassan Jaffery, Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Kamran, Naila Zeerak,
Waqar Asghar, Abdul Rehman, Ehsan A. Qadir
Characterization of olive oil obtained from olive trees (Olea europaea) in
Potohar region (Salt Range) of Pakistan
Muhammad Saad Qureshi, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Muhammad Jafar
Jaskani, Rashid Ahmad
Effect of drought stress on growth and flowering of perennial verbena
Muhammad Ahsan Khatana, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad
Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Mohsin
Bashir, Muhammad Tahir Akram
Correlation for major contributing yield traits in chillies (Capsicum annuum
L.)
Muhammad Umair, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Zakria
Farid, Sultan Mehmood, Humayun Khan, Ghulam Jellani, Uzair Qasim,
Khalid Mahmood Quershi
Genetic variability and correlations for yield and yield-related traits in
green chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Zahoor Elahi, Uzair Qasim, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Tahira Noor, Asia
Ramzan, Taj Naseeb Khan, Muhammad Sudheer Tariq, Muhammad Farooq
Identification of PVY and resistant germplasm in potato through protein
based methods
Muhammad Jahan Zaib, Shamim Akhtar, Nazir Javed, Sajid Aleem Khan,
Huma Abbas, Babar Khan
Effect of different casing soils on quantitative indices of Agaricus bitorquis
(strain AS-56)
Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat, Muhammad Uzair Asif, Hasan Sardar,
Muhammad Asif Ali

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207.

208.

209.

210.

211.
212.

213.

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216.

217.

Establishment of mushroom cultivation unit for demonstration and growth


trials of wild and exotic mushrooms
Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Rizwan
Liaqat
Evaluation of low cost irrigation methods for enhanced onion productivity
Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez, Mariam Munir
Salicylic acid induced morpho-physiological changes in okra under water
stress conditions
Mariam Munir, Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez
Effect of foliar application of GA3 and macronutrients on growth and
flowering of rose species
Sabir Aziz, Muhammad Qasim, Azma Iqbal, Adnan younis, Atif Riaz
Enhancement of germination and seedling vigor of Zinnia elegans through
physical and physiological seed enhancement techniques
Azma Iqbal, Muhammad Qasim, Sabir Aziz, Adnan younis, Atif Riaz
Variation caused by gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate on the
morphological characters, lycopene and vitamin C contents of tomato
Qurat-ul-Ain, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Ali Aslam
Variability caused by ethyl methane sulphonate in tomato fruit and its
nutrient profile in M1 generation
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Qurat-ul- Ain, Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz, Ali Aslam
Economic analysis of chrysanthemum cut-flower in Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Ashfaq, Asghar Ali
Optimization of the growth conditions for the development of
Colletotrichum capsici causing anthracnose of chilies
Aleena Mushtaq, Muhammad Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Atiq, Shahbaz
Talib Sahi
Integrated management of blossom end rot of tomatoes
Aleena Mushtaq, Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Muhammad Mohsin Raza,
Muhammad Atiq
Score as an effective fungicide for in vitro management of Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides causing anthracnose of mango
Raja Qualib Hussain, Akhtar Hameed, Muhammad Waqar Alam, Nadia
Liaqat, Kashif Riaz
Marigold extracts could effectively control Root Knot Nematode
(Meloidogyne incognita) on eggplant
Nadia Liaqat, Sahar Jameel, Asad Ullah, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib
Hussain, Kashif Riaz
An improved method for planting gladiolus corms for increased flower and
corm production
Sahar Jameel, Kashif Riaz, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib Hussain, Yasar
Sajjad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani
Score as an effective fungicide for in vitro the management of the most
prevalent pumpkin seed associated fungal pathogen A. alternata
Kaneez Fatima, Akhtar Hameed, Sobia Samreen, Raja Qualib Hussain,
Sahar Jameel, Kashif Riaz

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228.

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xviii

Quorum quenching bacterial consortia for controlling gladiolus corm rot


caused by Burkholderia gladioli
Kashif Riaz, Sahar Jameel, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib Hussain, Yasar
Sajjad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani
NAHL degrading bacterial consortia from potato rhizosphere as biocontrol
agents for controlling potato black leg disease
Kashif Riaz, Sohaib Sarfraz, Sahar Jameel, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib
Hussain, Sultan Habibullah Khan
Effect of seed treatments with different levels of nitrogen on plant growth
and seed yield of pea (Pisum sativum)
Asmat Batool, Muhammad Amjad, Tanveer Ahmad, Khurram Ziaf, Asad
Ullah, Muhammad Awais Ghani
Effect of halo-priming on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) seed
vigor under various salinity levels
Asmat Batool, Tanveer Ahmad, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Anam
Noor, Muhammad Mahmood ur Rehman
Effect of different levels of nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of Kinnow
mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) grown under high planting densities
Anam Noor, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Muhammad Amjad, Saeed Ahmad,
Asmat Batool
Influence of pollen resources on fruit size and quality in inter-varietal
crosses in mango
Muhammad Usman, Shirjeel Zawar, Bilquees Fatima, Saeed Ahmad
Effect of cold storage on physico-chemical attributes, bioactive
compounds and anti-oxidative defensive enzymes of litchi fruit
Sahar Rashid, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Sajid Ali, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib
Shah, Aman Ullah Malik, Abdul Rehman
Controlled atmosphere storage delayed pericarp browning and
maintained antioxidant status of litchi fruit
Sajid Ali, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah, Aman Ullah
Malik, Muhammad Shahid
Fungicide application influences tree vigour, nutrient level and fruit quality
of blood red sweet orange
Ahmad Sattar Khan, Raheel Anwar, Saeed Ahmad, Tayyaba Shaheen
Fruit softening and oxidative phenomenon during mango ripening
Kashif Razzaq, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana
Different levels of potash and pruning intensities influence Kinnow
mandarin fruit quality grown under high planting densities
Nida Mahren, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Shahzad
Maqsood Ahmad Basra, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem
Pre and postharvest management of mango fruit fly: An overview
Muhammad Naeem Abbas, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Raheel Anwar, Aman
Ullah Malik, Muhammad Ahsan Khan
Extension in the harvest window of mango fruit through indigenous
accessions
Abdul Rehman, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana

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232.

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237.

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239.

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242.

Nutritional and pomological diversification in apricot (Prunus armeniaca


L.) cultivars of Chitral and Gilgit valley (Pakistan)
Muhammad Waseem, Summar Abbas Naqvi, Muhammad Salman Haider,
Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Muhammad Shahid, Mansoor Hameed, Iqrar
Ahmad Khan
Protoplast fusion technology: A perspective for citrus scion and rootstock
improvement
Sadaf Altaf, Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Bushra Sadia, Muhammad Jafar
Jaskani1Ali Khan
Mushrooms as a source of umami constituents
Muhammad Ahsan Khatana, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir,
Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Mohsin Bashir, Muhammad
Zeshan Rafique
The good about Oyster mushrooms
Adil Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Khurram Ziaf, Waqar Karim,
Asif Ali Khan, Mohsin Bashir, Anam Zahid, Fozia, Muhammad Asif Ali
Nutritional and medicinal profiles of Shiitake mushrooms
Adil Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Asif Ali Khan, Waqar Karim,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Azam, Syed Ahmad Raza Gillani, Ayesha
Rasheed
The therapeutic potential of Wild Chaga (Innotus obliquus) mushrooms
Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Mohsin Bashir, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Khurram
Ziaf, Muhammad Ahsan Khatana
Performance of radish as affected by different plant spacing under agroclimatic conditions of Swabi
Adil Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Asif Ali Khan, Waqar Karim,
Ibad Ullah Jan, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Awais Ghani
Mushrooms as a source of selenium
Waqar Karim, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Asif Ali Khan,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Syed Ahmad Raza Gillani, Anam Zahid
Selection of chilli varieties on the basis of production
Waqar Karim, Ibad Ullah Jan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan,
Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Awais Ghani
Salt tolerance induction in chilli plants with exogenous application of
proline by improving ionic dynamics and antioxidant activities
Madiha Butt, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad Amjad, Hafiz
Nazar Faried, Mohsin Bashir, Waqar Abdus Sammad, Zaid Mustafa
Different irrigation levels testing on cucumber in tissue tunnel
Furqan Aslam, Saddam Hussain, Gul Nawaz, Shahzad Ahmed, Ahmad
Waqas
Influence of bulb size and phosphorus on the performance of tuberose
under the agro-climatic conditions of Swabi
Sana Khan, Ibad Ullah Jan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Asif Ali Khan,
Sadeed Iqbal, Adil Khan, Waqar Karim, Mohsin Bashir

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

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244.

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246.

247.

248.

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254.

xx

Effect of planting pattern and sowing time on growth, yield and seed
quality of two Pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars
Muhammad Waleed Abdullah, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Asmat
Batool
Effect of different plant spacing on growth and yield characteristics of
radish
Asif Ali Khan, Ibadullah Jan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Waqar
Karim, Adil Khan, Sadeed Iqbal, Sana Khan
Edible mushrooms as a source of trace elements
Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Waqar Karim, Adil Khan,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Fozia
Morel mushrooms: natures super food
Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Waqar Karim,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Ayesha Rasheed, Waseem Iqbal, Fozia
Performance of some exotic tomato varieties grown under Faisalabad
conditions
Mubashir Zahid, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais
Ghani, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Mazhar Abbas
Effect of plant growth regulators and different salinity level on
germination of coriander and mustard seeds
Tehreem Jabbar, Tayyaba, Turab Ul Hasan, Umar Iftikhar Khan,
Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir
Effect of pre-sowing salicylic acid and ascorbic acid on seed growth and
salt tolerance in cucumber plants
Khawaja Muhammad Saim, Mohammad Hanif, Muhammad Azam,
Mazhar Abbas, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri
Studies on different N, P and K combinations for vegetative growth of
mango (Mangifera Indica L.) cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad
Jafar Jaskani, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Mohammad Hanif
Studies on yield and physiochemical properties with effect of different N,
P and K combinations on mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad
Jafar Jaskani, Laraib Hameed
Morphological and physico-chemical characterization of tomato genotypes
Maryam Azhar, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Anam Noor,
Muhammad Awais Ghani, Asmat Batool
Influence of gamma irradiation on seed germination and biochemical
attributes in fenugreek
Anam Noor, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Amjad, Asmat Batool
Effect of scion on grafting success and other characteristics of apple plant
Javed Iqbal, Inayat Ur Rahman, Ibadullah Jan, Muhammad Muzammil
Jahangir, Asif Ali Khan, Sadeed Iqbal, Sana Khan, Adil Khan, Waqar Karim

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

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267.

Impact of different plant growth regulators on tomato seed germination


under different salinity levels
Rabia Saleem, Irfa Sohail, Khizra Narmeen, Madiha Liaquat, Hassan Raza,
Muhammad Azam
Hormonal priming improves germination and seedling vigour in early
carrot under high temperature conditions
Muhammad Mahmood ur Rehman, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Amjad, Riaz
Ahmad, Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez, Awais Ghani
Characterization and morphological identification of Pseudomonas species
associated with wilt disease of tomato crop
Muhammad Ashfaq, Amna Ali, Anum Nawaz, Muhammad Saleem Haider,
Muhammad Ali
Evaluation of the sensory qualities of ready to serve blends of Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis Mill.)
Mirza Arslan Abid
Effect of salinity on growth and production of tomato cultivar (Rio Grande)
Ummad Hussain
Effect of altitude variations on summer pea crop in Poonch, AJK
Sheeraz Qamar, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Muhammad Shafique, Sami Ullah
Effect of seed priming on germination and seeding growth of cocks comb
(Colosia cristata L.) under different salinity levels
Muhammad Fiaz, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Awais Ghani,
Muhammad Azam, Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez, Laraib Hameed
Invigoration of cabbage seeds through magnetic field treatment
Sobia Saleem, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais
Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Syeda Anum Masood Bokhari
Role of plant growth regulators in morphological traits and seed
production of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrical R.)
Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir,
Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Ayesha Sameen
Seedling growth and crop yield of onion in response to transplants age and
fertilizer application in nursery
Mahwish Rashid, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais
Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Ayesha Sameen
Turnip seed production in relation to spacing and potash
Imtiaz Ahmad, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais
Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Laraib Hameed
Improve the salinity stresses by using acetic acid, salicylic acid and GA3 on
seed germination in cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Syed Muhammad Zia-ul-Hassan, Rashid Hussain
Determination of phenolics profile from different cultivars of grapefruit
cultivated in Pakistan
Laraib Hameed, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani

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Effect of urea spray on deblossoming of summer guava (Psidium guajava)


crop
Kashif Shabir, Muhammad Azhar Bashir, Faheem Altaf, Naheed Akhtar,
Muhammad Ishfaq
Combating fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum) by spraying
different chemicals
Faheem Altaf, Muhammad Azhar Bashir, Kashif Shabir, Malik Mohsin
Abbas, Muhammad Ishfaq
Effect of different time of panicle pruning on mango (Mangifera indica)
malformation
Naheed Akhtar, Muhammad Azhar Bashir, Faheem Altaf, Kashif Shabir,
Mushtaq Ahmad
Current status of mango pre and post-harvest diseases with respect to
environmental factors
Anam Rasool, Shazia Iftikhar
Analysis of protein and bio control agents of stem end rot causing fungi of
Mangifera indica L.
Anam Rasool, Shazia Iftikhar
Nutritional and chemical composition of truffles
Anam Zahid, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Fozia, Ayesha Rasheed,
Muhammad Asif Ali, Asif Ali Khan, Waqar Karim, Adil Khan, Muhammad
Azam
Nutritional and medicinal importance of Maitake mushrooms
Fozia, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Anam Zahid, Ayesha Rasheed, Asif
Ali Khan, Adil Khan, Waqar Karim, Muhammad Zeshan Rafique
Nutritional and biochemical profiles of milky mushrooms
Ayesha Rasheed, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Sufyan
Ahmad, Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Waqar Karim
Plant growth enhancement using nitrogenous fertilizers in guava cv.
Round Trees
Adnan Munawar, Bilquees Fatima, Muhammad Usman
Evolution and diversity of tomato leaf curl disease complex in Pakistan
Ahtisham Arshad
Histopathological studies on die back affected mango trees in Pakistan
Asif Mahmood Arif, Munawar Raza Kazmi, Faisal Sohail Fateh, Nazim
Hussain, Iftikhar Ahmad
Soil born fertilization enhances apple fruit yield and quality in calcareous
elevated plains of Baluchistan
Tariq Ziad, Muhammad Tariq Siddique, Azeem Khalid, Shahid Mahmood,
Humair Ahmad Malik
Effects of pre-storage treatmensts of gamma radiation on storage life of of
sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. Mosambi during cold storage
Sakeena Tul-Ain Haider, Saeed Ahmad, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Shahzad
Maqsood Ahmad Basra, Naseem Akhter

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

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294.

Foliar application of growth promoters affecting tree growth and fruit


quality of Kinnow mandarin
Maryam Nair, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Shahzad Maqsood Ahmad Basra, Aman
Ullah Malik
Molecular characterization of Asian citrus psyllid using full length mtCO1
gene sequence from Pakistan
Barrira Meryum, Muhammad Shafiq, Muhammad Saleem Haider
Growth and yield attributes of indeterminate hybrid tomato as affected by
foliar application of micronutrients under greenhouse conditions
Muhammad Bilal Chattha, Malik Fiaz Hussain Ferdosi, Muhammad Nasir
Subhani, Muhammad Umer Chattha, Muhammad Usman Chattha
Effect of low level pruning on different ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) varieties
Muhammad Azhar Bashir, Kashif Shabir, Faheem Altaf, Naheed Akhtar,
Mushtaq Ahmad
Role of different chemicals in prolonging vase life of gladiolus (Gladiolus
grandiflorus) cv. White Prosperity and study of different physical factors
Shagufta Umar
Response of exotic tomato (cv. Pomodoro) to soil and foliar applied zinc
and boron
Elaf Anjum, Aijaz Hussain Soomro
Effect of different concentrations of IBA on air layering of litchi (Litchi
chinensis Sonn.)
Malik Mohsin Abbas, Muhammad Kashif Raza, Muhammad Ishfaq,
Naseem Sharif, Saeed Ahmad
Role of pectin-esterase to improve the storage life of Kinnow fruit during
cold storage
Ayesha Maryam, Saeed Ahmad
Impact of foliar application of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) under NaCl stress
Abdul Razzaq, Zahoor Ahmad Sajid
Influence of salicylic acid on salinity stress tolerance by seed priming and
foliar application
Zahoor Ahmad Sajid, Muhammad Aamir
Incidences, damage patterns and seasonal variations of gall midges
associated with mango in Pakistan
Hafiz Mahmood Ur Rehman, Riaz Mahmood, Muhammad Razaq,
Muhammad Waqar Hassan
Matter fluxes in urban and peri-urban crop production of Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Shoaib ur Rehman, Zikrullah Safi, Sami Ul Allah, Shafique Maqsood, Hafeez
ur Rehman
Heavy metal pollutant as a stress for tomato plant
Muhammad Jarrar Ahmed, Amna Shoaib, Sundus Akhtar
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivation in southern Punjab
Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Kashif Razzaq, Syed Bilal Hussain

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Effect of various doses of Imidacloprid and exposure times on growth and


flowering of Narcissus salome (daffodils) cv. Salome
Muhammad Haroon, Usman Shaukat Quershi, Imran Hassan, Muhammad
Asif Aziz
ELISA- based evaluation of potato germplasm for resistant source against
PLRV under natural field conditions
Aamir Sajjad, Waseem Waris, Muhammad Asif, Atif Shehzad, Suleman
Azmat, Muhammad Aslam Khan
DAS ELISA based evaluation of sponge gourd against CMV to find resistant
source under natural field conditions
Waseem Waris, Aamir Sajjad, Muhammad Asif, Atif Shehzad, Suleman
Azmat, Muhammad Aslam Khan
Standardization of a technique of walnuts harvesting for quality produce
Malik Mohsin Abbas, Zeshan Niaz, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad Ashfaq,
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah
Validation of molecular markers and detection of resistant genotypes
against tomato mosaic virus
Muhammad Younas, Sundas Shahzad, Sajid ur Rahaman, Muhammad
Zaffar Iqbal
Comparative Analysis of virus-specific small RNA profiles of three
biologically distinct strains of potato virus Y in infected potato (Solanum
tuberosum) cv. Russet Burbank
Khalid Naveed, Neena Mitter, Artemus Harper, Amit Dhingra, Hanu R.
Pappu
Optimization of Protocol for in vitro regeneration of selected cultivars of
banana to combat food security issues in Pakistan
Arslan Bashir, Shazia Erum, Aish Muhammad, Mustafa Sajid
Propagation of avocado through vegetative techniques under Islamabad
condition (Cv. fuerte)
Jawad Hassan, Muhammad Imran Kasana,Muhammad Noman,
Muhammad Bilal Qadri, Muhammad Fiaz, Naima Razzaq
Fruit plant certification scheme, Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem, Iftikhar Haider, Ilhammudin
Management of tomato mosaic virus through Allium cepa, Calotropis
procera and Azadirachta indica in relation to epidemiological conditions
Tariq Farooq, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Muhammad Dilshad Hussain,
Aamir Sajjad
Gucchi - a precious mushroom of Pakistan
Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal
Impact of Acetamaprid, Imidacloprid and Diafenthiuron on Bemisia tabaci
and tomato leaf curl virus disease incidence
Muhammad Dilshad Hussain, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Tariq Farooq,
Aamir Sajjad

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

INTRODUCTION
In agriculture enterprises, horticulture offers the best alternative for increasing food selfdependency, improve diet and ensure the generation of higher earnings and employments. Global
horticulture industry has seen unprecedented growth during the past three decades. Adaption of the
scientific knowledge in improving production technologies, supply chain systems and postharvest
management has greatly enhanced produce quantity and quality. But, there is still need to find
answers to several other important issues. Biotic and abiotic stresses hamper food yield. Similarly,
economic production of healthier foods, efficient energy and water use, reduction in postharvest
losses and food security are few of the major challenges to world horticultural industry. Meeting these
challenges in developing countries is even harder due to lack of resources, infrastructure and
awareness in local growers.
Pakistan is bestowed with diverse climatic and soil conditions, which are suitable for the
cultivation of many fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and medicinal plants. Fruit and vegetable
production in Pakistan is 6.52 and 3.09 million tonnes, respectively, but their export is meager.
Tropical fruits are cultivated around the costal belt of Sindh and Baluchistan provinces. The uplands
of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Gilgit Baltistan and Northern areas are suitable for the production
of temperate fruits. Major fruits of Pakistan are citrus, mango, dates, guava, apple and banana.
However, other 38 fruits are also being produced such as grapes, peaches, almond, apricot, pear,
plum, olive, fig, pomegranates, etc. Potato, tomato, chilies, okra and onion are the major vegetable
crops while roses, gladioli, narcissi, tuberoses, chrysanthemum, tropical palms and other ornamental
foliage plants are extensively produced in different regions of Pakistan. The mountainous Northern
areas are also enriched with mushrooms and medicinal plant resources. However, like other
developing countries, Pakistan is also facing challenges in production and postharvest management
of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and medicinal crops.
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) is the top ranking university of Pakistan with high
national and international recognition. It ranks 85th in Agriculture and Forestry as per QS World
Universities Rankings; 97th in the world and 20th in Asia Pacific Region in Agricultural Sciences by NTU
Ranking; and 25th best Green University as per UI Green Metric World University Ranking. UAF offers
an array of more than 160 academic and professional programs at doctoral, masters, undergraduate
and higher secondary levels in agricultural and allied sciences. Institute of Horticultural Science (IHS)
is also a premier and top ranking horticultural institute in the country which is offering under and
postgraduate degrees in pomology, olericulture, floriculture & landscape, biotechnology, medicinal
plants, and postharvest horticulture. The UAF is transforming the community through real impact of
its programs of teaching, research, technology development and outreach activities, which are
essential for agricultural and rural development and producing manpower to meet future challenges
of food security.
This international conference will provide a platform to the researchers, scientists, growers,
processors, exporters and other stakeholders to share their novel ideas for food safety and security
issues in horticulture production and postharvest management. Outcomes of the conference will
certainly help to meet the future challenges of food security in the region in particular and globally in
general. Specifically, this conference will also provide an opportunity to horticulture industry of
Pakistan for improving the productivity and exports in addition to providing the nutritional security to
rapidly increasing population of the world.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD


The University of Agriculture is a Residential Academic Institution which has its rooting back to
the Punjab Agriculture College which was founded in 1906. Since November 1st 1961 when the college
was upgraded to University, this institute has carried the responsibilities of teaching, research,
extension and short courses as major areas of its academics.
Today in the era of advanced technology for improving agriculture and related areas the
University has groomed the width of its research activities according to the requirements of the
modern world.
Being a premier central University with several faculties and constituent institutions it draws
students from all over the world.
The beautiful University campus over an area of 1,950 acres on both angles represents history
and the present era. The lush green new campus which is conglomeration of monolithic blocks built
in modern style. The old campus a reminiscent of traditional Muslim architecture reminds of the
Agriculture College, it now houses the Faculty of Sciences.
The University campus is located in the centre of the city at a distance of 12km. North-East of the
Faisalabad International Airport, about 2km. South-West of the Faisalabad General Bus Stand and
about 2km. North-West of the Faisalabad Railway Station and Government Transport Bus Stand. The
city of Faisalabad with a population of 20 lac is situated at 145km. to the West of Lahore at 184 meters
elevation, 31 N latitude and 73 longitude.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES


The Department of Horticulture was established in 1925 in the Punjab Agricultural College,
Lyallpur now University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Research in the department is organized into three
disciplines of horticulture; Fruits, Vegetables, Floriculture and Landscape. In 1990, Plant tissue Culture
Cell was created in the department. In 2003, department was upgraded as Institute of Horticultural
Sciences with four sections. A new section of medicinal and aromatic plants was added. The institute
is a leading center in Pakistan for teaching and research with 20 permanent academic staff.
Institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the relevant disciplines. It is
equipped with the complete range of resources needed to meet the modern demands for education
and research. Institute has well established experimental orchards, Sq. No.9 which is among the oldest
orchard established during 1912 to boost up horticultural production in the Punjab area. Today a good
collection of tropical and subtropical fruit plants is maintained and research facilities on nutrition,
physiology, rootstocks, unfruitfulness and production of fruits like citrus, mango, date, guava, jujuba
and grapes etc. are provided. Another garden of 120 acres is also established recently at Post-graduate
Agriculture Research Station (PARS) to cope with the increasing needs of student research. A
germplasm bank of date palm, citrus and mango is established to provide genetic diversities for
research.
Further a fully established landscape studio is established to meet the needs for advanced
landscape designing techniques. Facilities for scanning, digitizing, printing and CAD software are
provided. A Science and technology project entitled Export Quality Cut Flower Production And
Extraction Of Essential Oil of Rosa is being run by institute and three Ph.D and many M.Sc. students
are working on various aspects in this project. Recently a Citrus Sanitation laboratory is established in
the institute to establish a modern Citrus Nursery of Certified Plants through sanitation by
microbudding and micrografting techniques in vitro. Department has laboratories for graduate
research where extensive range of modern apparatus is available. A well established tissue culture
laboratory is there to demonstrate propagation and other operations related to all sort of plants in
vitro cultures.
Under Olericulture section research is being carried out on nutritional trials in different
vegetables, hybrid seed production of vegetables, effect of dates of planting and spacing on growth
and yield of vegetables and Tunnel production of vegetables (Cucumber, Tomato, Chillies). A
mushroom laboratory was established to facilitate the following aspects: development of spawn
production technology, substrate preparation and improved method of composting for button
mushroom, cultivation technology of summer white button mushroom, standardization of cultivation
technology of Oyster and Chinese mushrooms and Post- harvest handling of mushrooms.
Medicinal and aromatic plants section was added in institute with the objectives: Exploration,
exploitation and conservation of potential indigenous medicinal and aromatic plants, Development of
production and post harvest management technology of medicinal and aromatic plants, Development
of protocols for preservation of plant parts, identification/isolation of active ingredients, Providing
education, training to the growers and consultancy services to the medicinal and aromatic plant
industry. In addition institute has a well established Vegetable Research Area, Floriculture and
landscape area for ornamental plants and a fruit plant nursery.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

Vision and Mission

Institute of Horticulture is the primer and first of its kind in Pakistan with the vision.
To impart horticultural education and problem oriented operational as well as basic research for
the benefit of the farmers and horticultural development in the country.
The trained personals vested with the responsibility of providing technology know how to the
farmers and other horticultural industries personnel to increase production and export.
To help improve the quality of environment, general public health and living standards.

Strategic Thrust

To operate in an integrated network that enhances cooperation between academics, research,


industry and the consumer.
To provide appropriate cost effective technology packages for production, handling, processing
and storage of Horticultural produce.
To collaborate with national and international organizations concerned with Horticulture Science
and Technology.
To impart skills development to the middle level manpower (Field Assistant and Technicians) for
improving horticultural crop production.
To provide on-job training program for the Horticulturists

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

HOST CITY: FAISALABAD


Faisalabad is a city of textiles and is also called Manchester of Pakistan. It was formerly known
as Lyallpur and is situated 150km to the South-West of the provincial capital of Punjab, Lahore. Other
than the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, numerous agricultural research institutes are also
situated in this city. Faisalabad is well connected to all the major cities of Pakistan by rail and road.
Although, the city of Faisalabad is connected with a national air port but the international participants
will be received at nearest airport and land route destinations.

SPONSORS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC)


Endowement Fund Secretariate, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (EFS)
Pakistan Science Foundatin (PSF)
Pakistan Society of Horticultural Sciences (PSHS)
Australian AID (Aus AID)

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
A. Advisory Committee
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

16.

xxx

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan


(Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Ordre des Palmes Acadmiques)
Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
Chairperson, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam Khan
Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amjad
Director, Institute of Horticulture Sciences (IHS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Dr. Saeed Ahmed
Chairman, Pakistan Horticulture Foundation (HFP), Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Nadeem Amjad
Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf
Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Noor-ul-Islam
Chief Executive, Pakistan Agricultural Research Board (PARB), Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Abid Mahmood
Director General Agriculture (Research), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad,
Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali
Director General Agriculture Extension & A.R., Agriculture House, Lahore
Dr. Muhammad Javed Tareen
Director General Agriculture Research, Quetta, Balochistan
Dr. Atta Hussain Soomro
Director General Agriculture Research, Tando Jam, Sindh
Dr. Nazeer Hussain Shah
Director General Agriculture Research, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Dr. Muhammad Bashir Butt
Director General Agriculture, Muzzafarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Mirza
Director, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad
Prof. Dr. Zahir Ahmad Zahir
Executive Director, Endowment Fund Secretariat (EFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

B. Organizing Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Professor/Director, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Professor, IHS, UAF (Secretary)
Dr. Muhammad Qasim, Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Professor/Chairman, Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid
Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
Dr. Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Professor/Chairman, Department of Food and Horticultural
Sciences, University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Dr. Muhammad Saleem Jilani, Professor/Chairman Department of Horticulture, Gomal University,
Dera Ismail Khan
Dr. Moazzam Jamil, Principal, University College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, The
Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Dr. Noor-ul-Amin, Professor/Chairman, Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture,
Peshawar
Mr. Muhammad Ayub Baloch, Chairman, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture
University, Tando Jam, Sindh
Mr. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Chairman Horticulture, University of Poonch, Rawlakot, AJK
Mr. Muhammad Ishfaq, Director, Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research
Institute (AARI), Faisalabad
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Professor/Chairman, Department of Horticulture, Muhammad Nawaz
Sharif Agriculture University, Multan
Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Principal, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad
Dr. Raheel Anwar, Assistant Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad
Dr. Muhammad Azam, Assistant Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad

C. Registration Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dr. Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Bilquees Fatima, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Muhammad Fiaz, member, PSHS
Mr. Muhammad Mahmood-ur-Rehman, President, PSHS
Ms. Shaista Karim, member, PSHS

xxxi

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

D. Fund Raising Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Professor/Director, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Abid Mahmood, Director General Agriculture (Research), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
(AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Professor/Chairman, Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid
Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
Mr. Akhtar Mahmood, Director Horticulture, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Lahore
Dr. Malik Abid Mahmood, Director Floriculture (T&R), Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Dr. M. Asif Ali, Professor(RTD), IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Usman, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Mazhar Abbas, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Shoaib-ur-Rehman, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Dr. Basharat A. Saleem, Horticulture Officer, Punjab Agriculture Department, Sargodha
Mr. Ghulam Ishaq, Horticulture Specialist, USAID Punjab Enabling Environment Project/
Chemonics International Inc., Lahore
Mr. Muhammad Mahmood-ur-Rehman, President, Pakistan Society of Horticultural Sciences

E. Refreshment Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dr. Muhammad Qasim, Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Muhammad Muzamil Jahangir, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Mohsin Bashir, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Muhammad Amin, member, PSHS
Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, Office Assistant, IHS, UAF

F. Hall Management Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Mr. Muhammad Asif, Lecturer, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Mr. Mohsin Bashir, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Mahmood-ur-Rehman, member, PSHS
Ms. Munazza Hafeez, member PSHS
Mr. Qasim Munir, Daftri, IHS, UAF
Mr. Usman Ahmad, Rose Project, IHS, UAF

G. Reception, Protocol and Transport Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

xxxii

Dr. Saeed Ahmad, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan, Motor Pool In-charge, UAF
Dr. Bilquees Fatima, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Shoaib-ur-Rehman, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Dr. Summar Abbas Naqvi, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Sawal John, member, PSHS

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

H. Security Arrangement Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Dr. Haroon Zaman Khan, Principal Officer Estate, UAF (Convener)


Mr. Shahzad Mahmood, Estate Officer, Estate Management Department, UAF
Mr. Muhammad Hassan, Research Officer, Office of the Registrar, UAF
Mr. Abdul Hafeez, Deputy Registrar (G), Office of the Registrar, UAF
Dr. Ahmad Sattar Khan, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Rashid Waseem Khan, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Karim Yar Abbasi, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Mubariz Abbas, member, PSHS

I. Advertisement Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Professor,IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif, Professor/Principal Officer, Department of Public Relations and
Publications (PRP), UAF
Mr. Farjeel Javed, Assistant Professor/Director, Department of IT Resource Center and Data
Bank, UAF
Mr. Karim Yar Abbasi, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Syed Qamar Bukhari, Deputy Registrar/PRO, Department of Public Relations and
Publications (PRP), UAF
Mr. Syed Alay Haider, FM Radio 100.4, UAF
Mr. Yasir Shahzad, Draftsman, IHS, UAF
Mr. Mubashar Zahid, photographer/member, PSHS

J. Banner Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dr. Muhammad Usman, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Rashid Waseem Khan, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. M. Muzzamil Jahangir, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Waqas Masood, member, PSHS
Mr. Waqas Hussain Naeem, member, PSHS

K. Scientific Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.

Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Raheel Anwar, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Azam, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF

L. Review Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Dr. Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Ahmad Sattar Khan, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Khurram Ziaf, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Raheel Anwar, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Muzamil Jahangir, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Mazhar Abbas, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Azam, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
xxxiii

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

9.

Dr. Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Professor/Chairman, Department of Food and Horticultural


Sciences, University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
10. Dr. Basharat A. Saleem, Horticulture Officer, Punjab Agriculture Department, Sargodha

M. Accommodation Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Dr. Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Professor/Associate Hall Warden, Department of Plant Pathology, UAF
(Convener)
Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid, Assistant Professor Agronomy/Superintendent, Faisal Hall and
Kashmir Hall, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Assistant Professor Entomology/Superintendent, Qazzafi Hall, UAF
Mr. Muhammad Asif, Lecturer/Assistant Superintendent Ayub Hall, Department of Forestry, UAF
Dr. Shoaib-ur-Rahman, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Ms. Asmat, Assistant Superintendent, Fatima Hall/Research Fellow, IHS, UAF
Ms. Tahira Naseem, member, PSHS

N. Recreation and Social Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Syed Ashar Mahfooz, Deputy Senior Tutor, Senior Tutor Office, UAF
Dr. Raheel Anwar, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Behzad Rafiq, Ex-President, PSHS
Cabinet, PSHS
Ms. Saba Shakeel, member, PSHS

O. Purchase and Treasury Committee


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Professor/Director, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Ahmad Sattar Khan, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Khurram Ziaf, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, Office Assistant, IHS, UAF
Treasurers Representative, UAF
Auditors Representative, UAF

P. Exhibition/Expo Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Dr. Ahmad Sattar Khan, Associate Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Muhammad Usman, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Muzamil Jahangir, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Mazhar Abbas, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. M. Irfan Ashraf, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Karim Yar Abbasi, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Dr. Basharat A. Saleem, Horticulture Officer, Punjab Agriculture Department, Sargodha
Dr. Naveed Akhtar, Director Horticulture, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar
Mr. Altaf-ur-Rehman Khan, Director, Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha
Mr. Muhammad Ishfaq, Director, Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research
Institute (AARI), Faisalabad
11. Mr. Ghulam Ishaq, Horticulture Specialist, USAID PEEP/Chemonics International Inc., Lahore
12. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Salam Khan, member, PSHS
xxxiv

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

Q. Poster Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Dr. Bilquees Fatima, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Raheel Anwar, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Khurram Ziaf, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Mazhar Abbas, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Summar Abbas Naqvi, Lecturer, IHS, UAF
Mr. Muhammad Abdul Salam Khan, member, PSHS

R. Tour Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dr. Muhammad Muzamil Jahangir, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF (Convener)


Mr. Altaf-ur-Rehman Khan, Director, Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha
Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan, Motor Pool In-charge, UAF
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF
Dr. Muhammad Azam, Assistant Professor, IHS, UAF

xxxv

Oral Presentations

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_106
Status of the U.S. Floriculture Industry and Potential for Development in Pakistan
John M. Dole1 and Iftikhar Ahmad2
Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United
States of America
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: john_dole@nscu.edu (J.M.D), iftikharahmadhashmi@gmail.com (I.A)

The United States floriculture industry is composed of bedding plants (intended for outdoor use),
potted flowering plants (intended for temporary indoor use), foliage plants (intended for long term
indoor use), cut flowers, and young plants (which producers use to grow crops). The industry is also
categorized by market segmentation including producers, wholesalers/retails and suppliers. Cut
flowers offer the highest potential for development in Pakistan, not only for the local market but also
for export. In the U.S. the cut flower industry grows and markets an incredible diversity of species
including flowers, foliage, branches, and fruits. These cuts may be marketed fresh, dried, or preserved.
Successful field-grown cut flowers are characterized by a number of characteristics including high
productivity, long stems, first or second year flowering, attractive flowers, fruit or foliage, reliability,
long harvest period, minimal insects and diseases, few or no thorns or spiny leaves, attractive foliage,
and long postharvest life. Each year dozens of new cultivars and species are released commercially
that appear to have potential as cut flowers, but most have not been evaluated. To assist producers
with the selection of new cut flower species and cultivars, the Association of Specialty Cut Flower
Growers in cooperation with North Carolina State University, commercial cut flower producers, and
plant suppliers conduct national trial programs to evaluate new cut flower species and cultivars. Most
promising cut flowers for Pakistan that can be grown outdoors or under protection, including annuals,
perennials, woody species, will be presented for promotion of Pakistan floriculture industry.

ICHS2016/AB_107
Role of CAB International in Horticulture Research and Development in Pakistan
Muhammad Sohail Mazhar and Babar Ehsan Bajwa
CAB International, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: m.mazhar@cabi.org (M.S.M), b.bajwa@cabi.org (B.E.B)
Horticulture is an important pillar of agriculture sector of Pakistan. Continuous research and
development efforts of the relevant organizations are finding solutions to the production and
postharvest issues of the horticultural supply chains. These efforts have resulted in more food of
better quality available for local consumption as well as 1:2.3 fold increase in horticultural exports
from Pakistan in last ~10 years. CAB International (CABI) is an international not-for-profit organization
that improves peoples lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve
problems in agriculture and the environment. CABI has contributed in the research and development
of horticulture industry of Pakistan by doing world class research in collaboration with leading national
and international organizations. Plantwise, for example, is a global success of CABI. This program
offers online diagnosis of plant pests and their respective control measures. This program has trained
~3500 plant doctors and has reached ~2 million farmers of fresh produce. Other areas of CABIs
1

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

research and development include trade and market access, knowledge management and technology
transfer, IPM and plant health, management of biodiversity and ecosystem service, climate smart
agriculture, and cross cutting capacity building. CABI is implementing ongoing research and
development projects on biocontrol and postharvest mitigation of pests of quarantine concern to
comply the Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements of importing countries of fresh produce from
Pakistan and connecting small-scale fresh produce farmers to the domestic and export markets. In
recent years, CABI has particularly included fresh produce quality and safety in its core working areas.
People at CABI believe that complex problems of fresh produce supply chains cannot be managed in
isolation and thus it is following the whole of the supply chain approach to identify sustainable
solutions of the problems. CABI offers global expertise for on-going collaboration to the potential
research and development organizations.

ICHS2016/AB_108
Effect of calcium carbide based formulations on growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato
Muhammad Yaseen1, Sumreen Siddiq2, Saeed Ahmad3, Muhammad Awais Khalid1, Sobia Noor1 and
Muhammad Zahir Aziz1
1
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
2
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: dryaseenuaf@yahoo.com (M.Y), sumreensiddiq@yahoo.com (S.S),
sandhu100hasan@yahoo.com (S.A), mawais1410@gmail.com (M.A.K), sobia_noorr@yahoo.com
(S.N), zahiraziz2407@gmail.com (M.Z.Z)
Calcium carbide (CaC2) is potent source of acetylene and ethylene gases which inhibits nitrification
and regulate plant growth, respectively. However, these gases should be released in controlled
fashion, therefore CaC2 based formulations are prepared for these purposes. These formulations were
tested under series of experiment from incubation to field studies. Results obtained from all
experiments indicated that tomato crop responded well to soil applied calcium carbide for seed
germination, early root growth, early flowering and fruiting and quality parameters. Early root growth
stimulation by ethylene released from CaC2 fetched more nutrients from soil which in turn resulted in
early flowering, plant expansion and healthy fruit formation and improved nitrogen use efficiency. All
these factors contributed directly or indirectly to increase the yield obtained. In a nutshell, application
of CaC2 effectively improved the fruit yield of tomato as well as its quality parameters. In the light of
results on morphological parameters (more number of flowering clusters, total biomass, total fruit
yield), physical and compositional parameters (color, firmness, pH, TSS, ascorbic acid and lycopene) of
all trials suggest the application of polyethylene coated CaC2 formulation at the rate of 200 mg plant1
, after two weeks of transplanting was found relatively better formulation. Overall results suggest
that addition of calcium carbide along with recommended doses of fertilizers improved fruit yield
more than 40% by improving yield contributing parameters and N use efficiency. Furthermore, quality
parameters related to physical appearance and chemical composition of tomato fruits were also
improved by the application of CaC2. These parameters are very much required for improvement in
shelf life and processing of tomato products. In conclusion, results confirm the growth regulator role
of CaC2 in improving the growth, yield and quality of tomato.
2

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_109
Assessment of atmospheric pollution of heavy metals with the help of ornamental plants under
Faisalabad conditions
Tahir Saeed1, Muhammad N. Rasheed1, Abid Niaz2, Atif Mahmood2, Abid Mahmood3 and
Muhammad N. Zouq4
1
Horticultural Research Sub-station for Floriculture and Landscaping, Ayub Agricultural
Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
2
Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Ayub Agricultural Research Institute,
Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
3
Director General Parks and Horticulture Authority Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
4
Directorate of Floriculture (Training and Research) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: tahir660729@hotmail.com (T.S)
A study was carried out to evaluate different ornamental plants for the assessment of environmental
pollution at different roads of Faisalabad having high traffic rush. The recently mature leaf samples of
three ornamental plants namely Ficus benjamina, Bougainvillea glabra and Conocarpous erectus were
collected from different locations of Jhang road, Jail road, Mall road and AARI campus (control) and
were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals. The analysis depicted that maximum concentration
of Manganese (Mn) 91.17 ppm was found in leaves of Bougainvillea at Jhang road followed by
conocarpous at AARI campus 55.7 ppm and the minimum at AARI campus 8.34 ppm by bougainvillea.
Maximum Iron (Fe) was found in the leaf samples of conocarpous 678 ppm at AARI campus while 647
ppm in bougainvillea at Jhang road and the minimum values were found in bougainvillea 217 ppm at
mall road. Maximum Zinc (Zn) 22.01 ppm was found at Jhang road in leaf samples of conocarpous
while minimum values 1.33 ppm were observed in Ficus at Jhang road also. Similarly Cadmium (Cd)
Chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) were also analyzed. The Lead (Pb) remained undetectable being very
minute.

ICHS2016/AB_115
Potential of horticultural crops to ensure food security in Pakistan
Saba Hameed1, Muhammad Azher Nawaz1,2, Waqar Ahmed3, Fiaz Hussain2, Nigarish Munir4 and
Faisal Hayat5
1
College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of
Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
2
Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University College of Agriculture,
University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
3
Sector Advisor Horticulture, USAID, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
4
College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, People's Republic of China
5
Department of Pomology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agriculture University,
Bejing, People's Republic of China
Emails: sabahameed567@yahoo.com (S.H), azher490@hotmail.com (M.A.N),
waqar199@hotmail.com (W.A), alifiaz05@gmail.com (F.H), nigarish.munir@yahoo.com (N.M),
maken_faisal@yahoo.com (F.H)
Food security exists when all people, at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe
3

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for healthy and active life. In
developing countries like Pakistan food security is an important concern to feed the ever increasing
population. The current population of the country is more than 180 million, with an annual growth
rate of 3 percent, so the food requirement is ever increasing. Food security analysis (FSA) of Pakistan
shows an alarming situation that the residents of 56 districts have extremely low access to food. The
staple food in the country comes from cereals, especially wheat; but at the same time the importance
of horticultural crops like fruits and particularly vegetables cannot be denied to ensure food security
and to overcome malnutrition problems. Currently only 6 percent of the total cultivated area (22
million ha) is under horticultural crops, and it need to be increased. Horticultural crops like vegetables
are considered a cheaper source of natural supplementary food. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are
rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe), fats, dietary
fiber and water, so they can be used to ensure daily dietary needs, food security and to overcome
malnutrition issues. The nutritional importance, high yield potential, short duration crop cycle,
diversity in crops and varieties, suitability to protected cultivation system, home gardening, urban
agriculture and vertical farming makes the vegetables cultivation a powerful tool to ensure food
security, to improve the environmental conditions and at the same time these can also be exploited
to uplift the economic status of small farmers.

ICHS2016/AB_116
Evaluation of Moringa olifera leaves extract on the development of citrus nematode, Tylenchulus
semipenetrans
Nazir Javed1, Iqra Naeem1, Sajid Aleem Khan1, Huma Abbas1 and Muhammad Kamran2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100,
Sargodha, Pakistan
Emails: nazirpp2003@gmail.com (N.J), iqra.naeem89@gmail.com (I.N), sajid_aleem@yahoo.com
(S.A.K), huma_1633@yahoo.com (H.A), mkamran.uaf@edu.pk (M.K).
1

The efficacy of different concentrations of moringa leaves extract (methanolic extracts, ethanolic
extracts, water extracts) was evaluated on development of citrus nematode. In mortality experiment
5ml of different concentrations of moringa leaves extract was placed in plastic plate. Then 1ml
nematode suspension carrying 25 freshly hatched J2 was added. Maximum J2 mortality (100%) was
observed in methanolic extracts concentration. Invasion and development of citrus nematode were
evaluated in citrus plants. Data was recorded after 1, 6 and 12 weeks to observe the penetration and
development stages including vermiform, Swollen, Sausage stage, immature females and mature
females of T. semipenetrans. Maximum reduction of T. semipenetrans was observed when soil was
treated with methanolic extract of moringa leaves. Most effective concentration of moringa leaves
extract determined by above experiments was used to assess its effect as protective and curative. The
freshly hatched 1000 J2 per plant were used as inoculum. Moringa leaves extract was applied before
inoculation as protective and after inoculation as curative effect. The plant growth parameters
including plant height, root lenght and number of leaves and nematodes parameters including number
of females/root system, no. of juveniles/root system and no of juveniles/100 ml 3 soil were recorded
after 60 days of growth. Results showed that population of citrus nematode was reduced when
methanolic extracts of moringa leaves was applied as protective application. So, methanolic extracts
were found to be more effective in protecting citrus plants from nematode infection.
4

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_120
The Global Cut Flower Industries and Ideas for Pakistan
John M. Dole1 and Iftikhar Ahmad2
Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United
States of America
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: john_dole@nscu.edu (J.M.D)

Cut flower production has spread around the world in response to increased demand for flowers both
for domestic markets and for export markets. The major cut flower producing countries for export
include the Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. However, cut flowers are grown
commercially in many countries around the world. Producers range from highly mechanized facilities
in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States to small local producers around the world.
Production facilities vary from fully enclosed greenhouses with highly controlled environments to high
(plastic) tunnels that protect the flowers from wind, rain and dust, but provide only modest
environmental control. Field production is the least intensive, but is limited by climate. The worlds
most popular flowers, such as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, and lilies, are
produced in greenhouses in temperature zones or in high tunnels in areas with ideal environmental
conditions such as high altitude areas of Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. Hundreds of annual, perennial
and woody species are field grown. The field production season for peonies, one of the most popular
field-grown flowers, moves around the world as the climates and seasons change: starting in Israel,
Italy and France (late January April), moving to northern Europe and the United States (late April
June), Alaska (June August), and finally Chile and New Zealand (late October December). A diverse
array of production techniques and equipment have been developed around the world that could be
adapted to Pakistan.

ICHS2016/AB_121
Effect of different pruning severities on light penetration and incidence of creasing in sweet
oranges
Zahoor Hussain1, Zora Singh2, Faheem Khadija3, Raheel Anwar4
University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
2
Curtin University, Perth, 6845, WA, Australia
3
Citrus research station, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
4
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: zachoundi@gmail.com (Z.H.), raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A.)

Creasing (albedo breakdown) is a physiological disorder with cracks on albedo tissues and groves on
the surface of flavedo causes considerable economic losses to oranges growers in the world. We
investigated the role of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) by using pruning severities on incidence
of creasing and fruit quality in Navelina, Washington Navel and Lane Late sweet oranges. The prunings
treatments including control (no pruning), light pruning (25% branches) and sever pruning (50%
branches) were applied after fruit harvest on 20th September, 2010 at Gingin, Western Australia. The
experiment was laid down following a split plot design, with four replications where a single tree was
5

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

considered as an experimental unit. Thirty five ripe fruit per tree were harvested randomly around the
tree canopy to determine the incidence of creasing and fruit quality. Results showed that severe
pruning (43.57%) was more effective in reducing creasing in all cultivars than light pruning (48.75%)
and control (55.95 %) due to higher level of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). Over all severe
pruning was more effective in improving rind textural properties (fruit compression force, rind
hardiness and rind tensile strength), physical properties (fruit weight, diameter, rind, albedo and
flavedo thickness) and chemical properties such as soluble solids concentration (SSC) and titratable
acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, total antioxidants, sugars and organic acids. It is concluded that severe
pruning is the best pruning practice to improve the light penetration inside tree canopy to a substantial
reduction increasing and to improve the fruit quality in sweet oranges.

ICHS2016/AB_122
Who gets what? Citrus marketing in Bunir district, Pakistan
Raza Ullah1, Qaisar Shah Safi1 and Muhammad Asif Kamran2
1
University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan
2
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: raza_khalil@yahoo.com (R.U), safinbp@yahoo.com (Q.S.S), agriecon.niab@gmail.com
(M.A.K)
Citrus is a perishable fruit and require good marketing practices, proper time and methods of
harvesting, packaging, storage and processing. There are various middlemen (market intermediaries)
involved in the marketing of citrus. This study is an attempt to examine the marketing margins of the
intermediaries involve in the value chain of citrus. Three villages in Bunir district are randomly selected
and a total of 120 sampled respondents are selected using proportional allocation method. The
findings revealed that majority of the farmers sold their orchards to the pre-harvest contractors and
as such the most widely used marketing channel was producer-pre-harvest contractor-commission
agent-wholesaler-retailer-consumers. It was also observed that considerable marketing margins were
taken by the marketing intermediaries in the citrus value chain. Main cost items in citrus production
are market charges (commission), transportation cost and packaging cost. The pre harvest contractors
share was the highest in terms of percent gross margins followed by the wholesalers. Marketing cost
and margin indicated that the producers may pocket the share of the pre-harvest contractor by
eliminating the pre-harvest contractor through initiation of self-marketing. It is recommended that
the post-harvest management/marketing skills and market intelligence of the citrus growers should
be developed to enable them practice self-marketing whereby they can easily pocket the market share
of the pre-harvest contractors by eliminating him from the marketing chain. The study has policy
ramifications for improving growers profit and consumers welfare.

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_124
Physico-chemical analysis of five selected varieties of apple (Pyrus malus)
Muhammad Munir2, Muhammad Iqbal1, Haroon Rasheed1 and Mureed Abbass1
1
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
2
Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University Dera Ismail
Khan, Pakistan
Email: drmiqbal_61@hotmail.com
Five cultivars of Apple viz Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mashadi, Kulu, and Amri were collected
from local fruits and vegetables market of Dera Ismail Khan and analyzed for organoleptic, physical
and chemical characteristics during harvesting season 2014. From the results it is revealed that
significant variation existed among the cultivars regarding all the physical and chemical characteristics.
Amongst cultivars Red Delicious surpassed all other cultivars with respect to taste, maximum fruit
weight (185.33g), size (89.04 x 73.91cm), moisture 85.41%, highest total sugars (7.75%) and wider
sugar/ acid ratio (21.01). While the highest pH of 4.21 and acidity of 0.44% were recorded in cv. Kulu.
Highest ascorbic acid content (11.51mg/100gm) were observed in Amri. From ongoing results it is
concluded that Red Delicious was superior with respect to taste and overall acceptability, attractive
colour and shape, heaviest fruits, more moisture content, highest sugars and sugar acid ratio is
recommended for consumption. However, all the cultivars were found to be suitable for export except
Mashadi, which possess inferior taste as compared to others, can be best utilized for preparation of
squashes and food concentrates.

ICHS2016/AB_125
Physico-chemical and molecular diversity in pomegranate germplasm of Pakistan
Muhammad Nafees1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani2, Saeed Ahmad2, Faisal Saeed Awan3 and Moazzam
Jamil1
1
University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Email: muhammad.nafees@iub.edu.pk (M.N).
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a native minor fruit in Pakistan, is successfully grown in warm
tropical to subtropical, arid to semiarid regions and desert zones of the world. India is the largest
produce (828 thousand tons) followed by Iran with annual production of 670 thousand tons; however,
Spain is the biggest exporter of pomegranates followed by Iran and India, respectively. Agro-climatic
conditions of Pakistan are ideal for commercial pomegranate production, however, it was neglected
minor fruit with least attention of researchers for its germplasm characterization and conservation
before this milestone research activity. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of
collected germplasm was done to estimate genetic diversity by following the pomegranate plant
descriptor (UPOV, 2011). Wild and cultivated pomegranate fruits of 115 land races were collected
from a wide range of elevation (243 to 5411 meter). Qualitative fruit traits (shape, color, stalked end,
styler end, cross section, aril color, fruit taste and seed hardness) among and between cultivated and
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

wild pomegranates were proved significantly high. Fruit weight, dimension, crown height, skin weight,
100 aril and seed weight, aril and seed dimensions and aril woody portion index was found significantly
different. Significant difference was recorded for TSS, titratable acidity, total sugars and ascorbic acid
contents. Tree structure of germplasm was established based on morphological and molecular studies
to know the impact of these characters on various commercial traits and flow of genetic material from
wild to cultivated land races.

ICHS2016/AB_126
Estimation of gene effects through generation means analysis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Muhammad Yussouf Saleem, Qumer Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Khan, Sajjad Akhtar and Muhammad
Asghar
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: mysaleem1966@gmail.com (M.Y.S), qumerhort@gmail.com (Q.I), rehman138@gmail.com
(A.R.K), akhtarsajjad21@gmail.com (S.A), mashgar01@yahoo.com (M.A)
The study was conducted to determine gene effects and mode of inheritance controlling inter-nodal
length stem thickness, pedicel length, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruits per
plant, plant height and yield per plant in tomato through generation mean analysis. Duplicate epistasis
influenced the expression of inter-nodal length, pedicel length, number of fruits and yield per plant
suggesting heterosis breeding followed by further selection to improve these traits. Nevertheless,
plant height could be improved through bulk method by delaying selection in succeeding generations.

ICHS2016/AB_131
Germination Capacity and viability of stored pollen of two economically important Prunus
L. species of family Rosaceae
Anjum Perveen and Shaukat Ali
Center for Plant Conservation, University of Karachi,Sindh, Pakistan
Email: anjum_tahir@hotmail.com (A.P)
Two Prunus species, including P. domestica L. and P. persica (L.) Seib & Zuce were observed for their
pollen germination capacity up to 48 weeks. For in vitro germination, the pollen grains were stored at
room temperature. The pollen stored at different conditions 4C, -20C, -30C and -60C. Fresh pollen
of P. domestica showed 75.0% and 70.0% germination was recorded in P. persica respectively. Among
stored conditions 32.6% and 42.5% of germination was noted at 4C, 29.4% and 39.0% on -20C, 42.7%
and 40.0% on -30C and finally freeze dried condition (-60C) showed 43.4% and 50.0% of pollen
germination after 48 weeks of storage. Freeze drying treatment method seems to be better for long
term pollen storage.

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_133
Compatibility evaluation of various scented Rosa species through cross pollination
Amjad Farooq1, Shi Lei1, Shahid Javed Butt2, Muhammad Nadeem3 and David H. Byrne4
Institute of Botany-Beijing Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 20 Nanxincun
Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, People's Republic of China
2
Department of Horticulture, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
4
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-2133, USA
Email: amjadfarooq81@hotmail.com (A.F.)
1

Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica L., Rosa centifolia L., Rosa bourboniana and Gruss an Teplitz are
important species which are being used in the production of rose oil. The improvement of existing
rose germplasm is necessary to sustain the public demand globally. In the present study, five
genotypes including Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica L., Rosa centifolia L., Rosa bourboniana, Rosa indica
and Gruss an Teplitz were crossed to check genotypic compatibility and seed setting potential under
climatic conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Results indicated that maximum fruit set percentage (83%)
was exhibited by Gruss an Teplitz followed by Rosa indica (70.33%) and Rosa damascena (53.33%).
Significant variations were recorded for time to maturity of hips, number off seeds per hip, and weight
of hips in all crosses. Overall, Gruss an Teplitz and Rosa indica were proved as a better female parents
yielding high values of number of hips per plant and fruit set percentage. The results are directly
helpful for the future hybridization program among essential oil roses.

ICHS2016/AB_135
Effect of good agricultural practices versus conventional practices on date palm in Khairpur district
Solangi Qamaruddin1, Soomro Mushtaque Hussain1, Jawad Hassan2, Muhammad Fiaz2 and Raheel
Anwar2
1
Agriculture Extension, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: soomro110@gmail.com (S.M.H.), Jawad2012@live.com (J.H.), fiaz.m2002@gmail.com (M.F)
The present research was conducted on Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Aseel and cv. Karbalain during 20142015 in district Khairpur to compare the effect of different fertilizer doses of Conventional Agricultural
Practices (CAP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on fruit quality. Three plants were selected from
each variety at three different locations i.e., Village Therhi, Village Gagri and Village Loung Fakir.
Treatments were Good Agricultural Practices (1 kg DAP, 1 Kg Urea, 1 Kg MOP, 250 gm. Zinc Sulphate
and 100 gm. Boron)/tree and (2 Kg Nitro-Phos, 1 kg CAN, 1 Kg MOP, 250 gm. Zinc Sulphate, and 100
gm. Boron)/tree applied in three split doses i.e., September, late December and first week of May,
compared with Conventional Agricultural Practices (1 bag Dap and 1 bag Urea)/ Acre with
intercropping. Data was collected from 24 fruits of each variety, while parameters were selected
weight of fruit, weight of seed, pulp weight, pulp/seed ratio, length of fruit and breadth of fruit. The
results of this study showed that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) treatments increased quality and
yield of fruits at all locations.

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_137
Use of genome editing to characterize gene functions in plant growth, development and fruit
quality in tomato
Bazgha Zia, Tatsiana U Datsenka, Huiming Zhang and Avtar K. Handa
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University. 625 Agriculture Mall
Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Email: bzia@purdue.edu (B.Z), ahanda@purdue.edu (A.K.H), datsenkt@purdue.edu (T.U.D),
lin575@purdue.edu (H.Z)
Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, is the most widely consumed vegetables crop. It has been extensively
used as a model system to investigate physiological, genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating
fruit quality including nutrition enhancement in fleshy fruits. Genome editing, the CRISPR/CAS system,
is being hailed as a novel tools to improve quality of crop plants. We have used this method to
knockout Auxin-responsive protein IAA9, a short lived transcription factor and the cytosine DNA
methyltransferase gene MET1 that regulates DNA methylation to understand their role in tomato
plant development including fruit quality. AUX/IAA9 gene family has been found to be involved in a
number of plant growth and developmental processes whereas Met1 is implicated in epigenetic
changes during plant growth and development. Characterization of transgenic plants with IAA9
knockout exhibited multiple phenotypes including a change in the leaf shape from compound leaves
to simple leaves, increased plant height, higher number of fruits per plant, lower number of seeds in
the fruit and altered lycopene and ethylene contents with increased color contents in the ripe
tomatoes. We are presently evaluating effects of knocking out the MET1 on tomato plant growth and
development including epigenetic changes specifically the fruit quality. These results will be discussed
in relation to improvement of fruit quality attributes including fruit nutritional and shelf-life.

ICHS2016/AB_138
Tree vigor, nutrients uptake efficiency and yield of Flordaking peach cultivar as affected by
different rootstocks
Muhammad Javed Tareen1, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi2, Hafeez-ur-Rahman3, and Muhammad Naveed
Tareen1
1
Directorate General, Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Pakistan
2
PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi,
Pakistan
3
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: jdtn69@yahoo.com (M.J.T.), nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), mdtn79@yahoo.com
(M.N.T.)
Peach is the second most important stone fruit crop in Pakistan. Rootstock is of prime importance for
yield and quality parameters in peach fruit industry. Current study was conducted to evaluate the
effect of three different rootstocks, GF-677, Peshawar Local (PL) and Swat Local (SL), on peach fruit
cv. Flordaking. These rootstocks were evaluated regarding trunk cross sectional area (TCSA), date of
flowering, fruit growth curve, number of fruit per tree, yield, yield efficiency and fruit size. Soil nutrient
status, and the nutrients uptake efficiency of rootstocks for N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu was assessed
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by tissue analysis. GF-677 rootstock induced largest TCSA, higher number of fruit per tree whereas,
GF-677 and PL rootstocks remained at par in yield per tree but higher than that of SL rootstock.
However, fruit size was achieved significantly higher by SL rootstock. Regarding nutrients uptake
efficiency, GF-677 rootstock showed significantly higher leaf content of N, P, Zn and Mn than PL and
SL rootstocks. PL rootstock translocated or captured significantly higher content of K and Cu than rest
of the rootstocks. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found for yield efficiency and Fe
uptake efficiency by different rootstocks.

ICHS2016/AB_146
Effect of foliar application of gibberellic Acid (GA3) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on
yield and fruit quality of low seeded Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Ehsan Ullah Khan and Liaqat Ali
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: ehsanmarwat22@yahoo.com (E.K)
Citrus particularly Kinnow mandarin occupies a prominent position in fruit industry all over the world.
Despite a significant increase in Kinnow growing area in Punjab, improvement in fruit quality and yield
is still negligible. In order to improve productivity and fruit quality, an experiment was conducted
during two successive growing seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14) to investigate the effect of foliar
application of the growth regulators (GA3, 2,4-D) at pea- sized fruit stage of low seeded Kinnow
mandarin plants. The efficacy of GA3 and 2,4-D were evaluated either in single application or in
combinations. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design having eleven
treatments and a control, and each treatment was replicated three times. Results revealed that both
the growth regulators significantly decreased preharvest fruit drop %, leading to improvement in yield
and fruit quality in both the seasons. Foliar spray containing 50 mg/L GA 3 + 10 mg/L 2,4-D led to
marked increase in fruit weight, diameter, height, volume, shape index, Juice %, TSS%, total sugars,
and Vitamin C. contents compared to control narrowly followed by plants treated with 40 mg/L GA 3.
In addition, significant decrease was observed in pre-mature and mature fruit drop % in the treated
plants compared to control. These growth regulators in the current concentration can be applied to
enhance production and improve fruit quality of Citrus without compromising on the food safety
standards.

ICHS2016/AB_147
Agroecosystems & Nutrient Quality in Horticultural Produce
Fruit Metabolome Shows Fluidity and is Genotype and Ecosystem Specific
Autar K. Mattoo
USDA-ARSs Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory,
Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Email: autar.mattoo@ars.usda.gov (A.K.M).
Conventional horticultural crop production is heavily dependent upon high off-farm inputs of
polyethylene (plastic) mulch, nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides, which potentially contribute to the
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

unintended environmental chemical pollution as well as water runoff and soil erosion. This raises
concerns for human and animal health. The integration of on-farm biological inputs into vegetable
production system is one alternative agriculture practice that can reduce dependence on off-farm
inputs. Further, there is paucity of data on the impact of agroecosystem environment on nutritional
attributes of genotypes cultivated in the fields. Previously, we have demonstrated that mulch from
legume cover crops such as hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) as a source of on-farm biological inputs increased
biomass, maintained fruit yield, reduced defoliation and increased tolerance to disease compared to
plastic mulch-grown tomato plants, while reducing both erosion and agrochemicals use (Mattoo &
Baki, 2006). Molecular studies demonstrated that hairy vetch-grown tomato plants had increased
accumulation of transcripts for genes and proteins that impart longevity and natural disease tolerance
to tomato (Kumar et al., 2004, 2005). Subsequently, we demonstrated that these attributes of V.
villosa mulch are independent of the N form availability, and that other signaling molecules are likely
involved in such an eco-friendly cultivation system (Fatima et al., 2012). One of the cellular signaling
molecules present in V. Villosa mulch that potentially contributes to the enhanced and healthy
attributes in tomato is a class of compounds called polyamines spermidine and spermine (Neelam et
al., 2008). In this talk, we will present an analysis of changes in metabolomes of seven tomato
genotypes as a function of four distinct agroecosystem environments. The data suggest that tomato
fruit metabolome is dynamic rather than static, and is modulated based on specific genetic events as
well as agroecosystem environment used to grow tomato plants. Implications of these studies on
growing healthier horticultural crops with impact on human nutrition and sustainable agriculture will
be discussed.

ICHS2016/AB_152
Infestation of plant parasitic nematodes in apple orchards in the Pothowar region of Pakistan
Tariq Mukhtar1, Muhammad Saeed1, H. U. Khan2, Muhammad Israr2 and Shahina Fayyaz3
Department of Plant Pathology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Pakistan Science Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
3
National Nematological Research Center, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Email: drtmukhtar@uaar.edu.pk (T.M).

Apple, an important tropical fruit, is being grown in the Pothowar region of Pakistan. In the present
studies infestation of plant parasitic nematodes were seen on this fruit. A total of six nematodes were
recorded infecting apple with varying populations. The overall prevalence of Pratylenchus spp. and
Tylencorhynchus spp. was found to be 69% followed by Meloidogyne spp. High populations of
Pratylenchus spp. and Tylencorhynchus spp. were recorded in apple orchards. The prevalence and
populations of other nematodes were low. In case of Helicotylenchus spp. prevalence of 29% was
observed for Golden while it was 20% in King Amri. As regards Hoplolaimus spp. maximum prevalence
of 60% was recorded for King Amri while it was only 14% for Golden. Similarly, the prevalence of
Xiphinema spp. was 29 and 20% for Golden and King Amri respectively. The prevalence of these three
nematodes on Star King was not observed. High prevalence of Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus
spp. and Meloidogyne spp. was observed on all the three varieties of apple. Variations have also been
observed in population ranges of these nematodes. Highest population ranges of Pratylenchus spp.,
Tylenchorhynchus spp. and Meloidogyne spp. were observed on all the three varieties of apple. In all
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

the Apple orchards the simultaneous infestation of two nematode species was 46%, that of three
nematode species was 39% and the rest of 15% orchards were found to be infested with four
nematode species.

ICHS2016/AB_157
Improved fruit set and retention in fruit crops: Role of boron and zinc A review
Habat Asad1, Ian S.E. Bally3, Paul Gadek1, and Tony Page2
1
College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
2
Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland,
Australia
3
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mareeba, Queensland, Australia
Email: habat.asad@my.jcu.edu.au (H.A).
Low fruit set and retention significantly affect mango breeding efficiency and contribute to low yield
of commercial mango orchards. Fruit setting and retention are multidimensional processes which are
directly or indirectly governed by nutritional factors. However there is fewer literature available on
effects of micronutrients on fruit set and retention in fruit crops particularly. This review paper
discusses the importance of micronutrients (boron and zinc) and their possible roles in fruit set and
retention in fruit crops.

ICHS2016/AB_159
Food grade chemicals: a novel approach to preserve freshness of horticultural produce
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi and Mehdi Maqbool
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A)
Fresh fruits and vegetables have relatively short postharvest life. Their storage life is limited by several
factors including transpiration, postharvest diseases, increased ripening and senescence. Many
storage techniques including low temperature, controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere
storage have been used for retention of freshness of fruits and vegetables. But these processes are
capital intensive and costly to run. Chemical-based fungicides have also been used for controlling
postharvest diseases. However, persistent use of these fungicides has resulted in the emergence of
resistant strains and also posed more risks to human beings and environment. Therefore, more
emphasis has been given to discover sustainable, non-chemical alternative techniques. A new and safe
approach is to exploit the potential of natural compounds obtained from waste materials which are
biodegradable and environmentally friendly in nature. These can generate a modified atmosphere
around the fruit by providing a semi-permeable barrier to gaseous exchange, reduce respiration rate,
water loss, and the most importantly are approved as food grade chemicals to be used on fresh fruits
and vegetables. Calcium chloride is the ionic compound of calcium and chlorine and it is commonly
used in canned vegetables. As an ingredient, it is listed as a permitted food additive in the EU for use
as sequestrate and firming agent. Chitosan is another polysaccharide obtained from the exoskeleton
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

of crustaceans, such as shrimps and crabs. It has become a potent alternative treatment for extending
storage life and to control decay of fruits and vegetables due to its natural antimicrobial effects and
elicitation activities in plant tissues. Similarly, salicylic acid is a colourless crystalline organic acid which
is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. Therefore, a comprehensive
study was designed to exploit the potential of these natural compounds which could be a simple,
inexpensive and effective alternative approach for controlling postharvest diseases, enhancing quality
and maintaining shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly during storage.

ICHS2016/AB_161
Advances in the epidemiology and management strategy of mango malformation disease in
Pakistan
Muhammad Tariq Malik1, Muhammad Zubair2, Rashida Perveen2, Faisal Sohail Fateh3, Javed Iqbal1,
Ian S.E. Bally4 and Mushtaq Ahmad1
1
Mango Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan.
2
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab 60800, Pakistan
3
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
4
Queens Land Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia
Email: mtmalik64@hotmail.com (M.T.M).
Mango malformation is economically important disease of Mangifera indica globally and expresses
itself with the production of deformed shoots and panicles on the trees. Fusarium mangiferae proved
to be the dominant fungus hosted by the majority of the malformed tissues but epidemiological
studies on this disease are still very limited. Inoculum load of the fungus F.mangiferae was monitored
through installing to passive poles spore trapping methods i.e. direct plating and glass slide extended
with suspension techniques using Fusarium specific medium (Nash-Snyder) installed on bamboo pole
in Traditional Management Block (TMB) and Improved Management Block (IMB) comprising of
different commercial varieties of mango during their vegetative, dormant, flowering and fruit
development phases. Traps were placed at six spatial levels viz. 0 (the centre), 30, 60, 90, 120 and
150m at the north side of the block border at 02 meter height weekly/month during each phenological
phase. Spore liberation trend was low in IMB as compared with TMB and resultantly, disease incidence
noted during the next flowering phase was 11.30% and 69.80% in IMB and TMB, respectively with
33.33% yield increase in IMB. Further, direct plating method and spores trapped from the center of
each block showed maximum fungus colonies in contrast to slide method and 150m spatial level,
respectively. Similarly, fruit development phase contaminated the air with maximum number of
spores followed by vegetative phase with 55% and 70% RH, respectively. Minimum spore liberation
was noted during flowering phase which might be due to the high content of mangiferin during this
phase but with almost same RH level 70%, reflecting less chances of primary infection. The study
elucidates that spores of the fungus may probably harbor the emerging buds during fruit development
and vegetative phases. Hence, this infection may be prevented with prophylactic spraying of effective
fungicides especially during these two phases. Surely, it will be new addition in the existing
management protocols of mango malformation disease (MMD) in Pakistan.

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ICHS2016/AB_163
Growth and biochemical responses of okra to phosphorus sources supplemented with humic acid
Maqsood Ahmed and Nadeem Fazil
Mirpur University of Science and technology, Department of Biotechnology, Mirpur-Azad Jammu &
Kashmir, Pakistan
Email: dr.maqsood@must.edu.pk (M.A)
Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is often the limiting nutrient in agricultural
ecosystems owing to its low availability in soils. The present work investigates the stimulating effect
of organic P sources; compost and poultry manure(PM) and rock phosphate (RP) supplemented with
humic acid (HA) on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and antioxidant activity of okra (Abelmoschus
esculentus) under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was laid out under Complete Randomized
Design and replicated thrice; the treatments include: T1 = control; T2 = RP equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha1
; T3 = PM equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1; T4 = compost equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1; T5 = RP + PM
equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 (50:50 ratio); T6 = RP + compost equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1(50:50 ratio);
T7 = RP + PM + HA (RP + PM in 50:50 ratio equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 and HA @ 100 mg kg-1 soil) ;
and T8 = RP + compost + HA (RP + compost in 50:50 ratio that is equivalent to 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 and HA
@ 100 mg kg-1 soil). The results indicated that the plant height, shoot dry weight, leaf chlorophyll and
pod yield were highest where RP and PM were supplemented with HA. Plant P uptake was maximum
in treatments receiving compost either with or without HA application. Biochemical data regarding
DPPH radical scavenging showed superiority of RP while the phenolic content showed dominance of
RP + compost with the highest phenolic content (1.22 mg GAE/g). Maximum hemolysis was observed
in PM treatment followed by compost and the least was recorded in RP + PM. The study reflects that
the application of HA and integration of RP with organic P sources increased the okra yield and
improved biochemical quality of pods.

ICHS2016/AB_165
Modelling the effect of storage temperature and cut type on respiration rate of fresh-cut mango
Abdul Moiz1, Rosnita Binti A. Talib2, Muhammad Iqbal1 and Muhammad Azam Khan1
Department of Food Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Process and Food Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Email: amdota1@gmail.com (A.M)

Rising consumer demand of fresh-cut fruits has come with greater awareness of food safety issues
such as increase in the respiration rate, browning, water loss and degradation which shorten the shelflife of the product. Therefore, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) possibly can serve as an
alternative in food-shelf life extension with increasing food safety. Modelling of respiration rate can
predict the evolution of gaseous O2 and CO2 concentrations inside packages and this helps to apply
MAP successfully. Respiration rate of fresh-cut cantaloupes in term of CO2 for both type of cut was
the highest on the 1st day, and decrease to an equilibrium value towards end of 7 days storage. The
high initial rate was due to wounding and stress caused by cutting, which promotes the cellular repair
mechanism. The subsequent reduction was due to self-regulation of the tissue respiratory activity
because of respiratory substrates stop reacting with the enzymes of the cells present in the cut
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

surface. Cubes suffered a higher weight loss compared to slices in every storage temperature. The
maximum percentage weight loss recorded was 21.15% at 30C for cubes. Combination of high storage
temperature, skin removal, and cutting styles that exposes interior tissues enhances the water
evaporation rate and resulting in higher weight loss and product degradation during the storage
period.
Temperature has significant effect on respiration rate, weight loss, total soluble solid and color of
fresh-cut cantaloupe especially cube shape, as it has more wounding /cutting injury on the surface.
This leads to cellular degradation and hence, shorten the shelf-life of the product. In addition, nonexponential equation, similar to Pelegs model can be used to estimate the evolution of O 2 and CO2
gas in a container (R2 > 0.9983) for fresh-cut cantaloupe. By knowing Q10 value, refrigeration
requirement for fresh-cut cantaloupe can be estimated, and it is best to keep both fresh-cut
cantaloupe slices and cubes at temperature below 10C as it can retain quite good appearance, aroma,
and texture within 7 storage days.

ICHS2016/AB_166
Identification of virulence genes in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation
Zhou Zongshan
Institute of Pomolgy, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Xinghai Nanjie 98, Xingcheng,
Laionning Province, People's Republic of China
Email: zszhouqrj@163.com
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose in fruits and
vegetables globally. Here we developed and optimized an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated
transformation (ATMT) system of C. gloeosporioides for insertional mutagenesis. The transformation
efficiency reached more than 400-600 transformants per 106 conidia. Using this protocol, we obtain a
large number of T-DNA insertional mutants population within a short experimental period. The
mutants displayed mitotic stability. Some pathogenicity-related mutants were obtained through the
in vitro experiments. Integrated DNA (T-DNA) flanking sequences were cloned by hiTAIL PCR (TAILPCR), and some pathogenicity-related genes were identified by the gene knock-out and
complementation experiments. These studies may provide a firm basis for an in-depth study of
pathogenicity mechanism in C. gloeosporioides.

ICHS2016/AB_168
Micropropagation studies of an endangered medicinal plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
Safdar Ali1, Bushra Mushtaq1, Sjeela Javed1 ,Muhammad Rafique Asi2, Shaista Jabeen Khan3 and
Nuzat Habib Khan3
1
Department of Botany, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
3
PCSIR Laboratories, Lahore
Email: safdaralimirza@gmail.com (S.A)
Silybum marianum is an ethnobotanically very important wild plant, but is being endangered due to
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

increasing harvest pressure. Conditions were optimized for in vitro germination of dormant seeds of
S. marianum. Hundred percent seed germination was achieved with alternating cold and warm
temperature cycle of 17 vs. 7 h on moist cotton pad in Petri-plates and in MS culture medium added
with 2 mg/L GA3. Plantlets thus obtained were used for the subsequent in vitro culture experiments.
Callus formation from seed, leaf, cotyledon, hypocotyl and root explants was achieved in culture
medium (MS) containing different combinations of cytokinins and auxins. Various plant growth
regulators used for callus induction were BAP (0.5 to 2.5 mg/L), 2,4-D (1 to 3 mg/L), IBA (0.5 to 2.5
mg/L) and NAA (0.5 to 2.5 mg/L). The most suitable combinations of auxins and cytokinins for different
explants were NAA with BAP (2.5 + 1.0 mg/L) for seed, NAA with Kin (1.5 + 2 mg/L) for hypocotyl and
leaf, 2,4-D with BAP (2.5 +1.17 mg/L) and NAA with Kin (1.0 + 1.5 mg/L) for root. Shoot induction
became visible in 151.5 to 454 d on callus cultures from different explant sources like hypocotyl,
cotyledon and seed calli, however, maximum shoot induction per callus was 61 with 100% shoot
induction frequency on cotyledon callus under NAA with Kin (1.0 +1.5 mg/L). These in vitro shoots
elongated and developed roots on MS medium without plant growth regulators and with 2,4-D 1.0
mg/L where the maximum no. of roots per shoot was recorded (60.5 ) in in vitro shoots induced from
hypocotyl callus. The plantlets were acclimatized using peat moss filled plastic cups. The regeneration
protocol established for S. marianum is efficient and reproducible.

ICHS2016/AB_170
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) -A Prized Spice
F. A. Nehvi and Salwee Yasmin
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Srinagar India.
Email: f.nehvi@rediffmail.com (F.A.N)
Saffron or golden condiment is most expensive and prized spice and is regarded as pivotal economy
regulating factor for the development. With Iran as leader, producing about 89% of global saffron
followed by India, the industry is still short of global demand thus offers an ample opportunity for
other potential countries to produce more saffron besides the horizontal expansion in traditional
saffron areas. Iran, India, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Turkey and Italy are contributing 312 Metric Tons
of saffron at the global level. Whereas United Kingdom, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spain,
Saudi Arabia, France and Italy are the major importer countries. In Europe Saffron area has shifted to
other farming systems favouring mechanization. Whereas, availability of cheap labour in Iran and India
has given sustainability to saffron farming system and huge market demand at international level has
widened its base in some other countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sourthern Khorasan province
in Iran, Castilla-La-Mancha region in Spain, Aquila submaountaneous region in Italy, Baku region in
Azerbaijan, Saffron Bolu in Turkey and Crocus Kozani region in Greece produce Grade I saffron. In India
Kashmir FAO Heritage site of Pampore contributes 16 M.T to the global production from over more
than 4000 ha benefiting 16000 farm families directly or indirectly. Financial assistance by Govt of India
to the saffron farmers and availability of farmers friendly production and post-harvest technologies
has given stability and sustainability to the farming system which was under distress before 2007.At
present saffron industry is on rise with future target to produce 60 M.T from about 12000 ha by 2020
by way of extending saffron farming system to some other non-productive areas of Jammu & Kashmir
state of India. The exchequer is expected to increase from 375 thousand $ to 900 thousand $. Saffron
a triploid perennial herbaceous plant attains a height of 25-40cm with subhysteranthous behavior
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

with corm, foliar structure and floral organs as its main parts. Plant with four distinct plant
developmental stages comes to bloom around October. For vernalization saffron requires a chilling
period like other temperate fruits and thus restricts its cultivation in such areas only that observe
subzero temperatures during December to February. Saffron farming system has been manipulated
till date through agronomic practices without any major breakthrough on account of genetic
manipulations. However, research efforts are being made to induce mutations to break the barrier of
triploidy for genetic gains together with exploiting available genetic variability through clonal
selection. For mass production of quality corms protocol for in vitro micropropogation have been
developed. Research for better quality product has given birth to a number of post-harvest
technologies from picking to storage. High B:C ratio of saffron farming system offers a great promise
for marginal farmers dealing with cereal based farming system provided favourable climatic conditios
during sprouting and shoot elongation (August & September),flowering (October) ,vegetative phase
(December to February) & dormancy (May to July). Afghanistans & Pakistans climate, soil, and labor
conditions make it a suitable place for the production of saffron, and may even give it a competitive
advantage over other saffron producers. In Afganistan & Pakistan such requirements are met by Herat,
Helmand, Ghazani, Paktia, Loghar, Nangarhar, Kabul, Vardak, Laghman, Kunar,Kapisa, Parwan,
Baghlan, Balkh, Samangan, Daykundi, Takhar,Khost, Bhadakhshan, Jowzjan and Faryab (Afganistan)
and Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche Skard,and temperate areas of Azad Kashmir (Pakistan)

ICHS2016/AB_173
Pesticide health hazards associated with fruit and vegetable production in Pakistan
Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Muhammad Luqman and Muhammad Afzal
University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
Emails: zeeshan.majeed@uos.edu.pk (M.Z.M), m.luqman@uos.edu.pk (M.L), chafzal64@yahoo.com
(M.A)
Fruits and vegetables constitute an important element of human nutrition. Pakistan, being an
agricultural country, produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These crops are highly
vulnerable to be attacked by various insect pests and pathogenic diseases against which farmers use
different types of pesticides including insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. On one hand, these
pesticides help farmers in controlling pests, thereby increasing their produce at farm level. On the
other hand, however, residues of these chemicals could pose several environmental and health
problems by entering into terrestrial and aquatic food chain. Once sprayed, most of pesticides become
decomposed in the environment by different ways. However, many environmentally resistant
pesticide residues either become adsorbed in sprayed crop including fruits and vegetables or get
drained off into canal water via irrigation and ultimately reach our body. Being lipophilic, these
pesticidal residues accumulate in our fat system and potentially cause many health hazards ranging
from immunodeficiency to mental disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer diseases, to
carcinogenic effects and birth defects. Therefore, creating awareness among fruit and vegetable
growers, marketers, and consumers' communities about these non-target effects of pesticides is the
need of the time. We should be aware how to reduce these pesticide associated risks in fruit and
vegetable sector. For instance, awareness about safety measures for pesticide application, more
environment-friendly and safer pesticide options with minimum pre-harvest interval (PHI) at farmers'
end and better processing of fruits and vegetables at consumers' end.
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ICHS2016/AB_174
Tomato yield, plant and soil nitrogen as affected by high tunnel and field production systems
under conventional or organic fertility treatments
Rhonda Rae Janke1, May Elfar Altamimi2
Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman
2
Kansas State University, United States of America
Email: rhonda@squ.edu.om
1

Organic production involves dynamic and complex interactions of crops, soil, microbes, the
environment and other factors. In 2002, we established replicated organic and conventional high
tunnel and open field plots in Kansas State University Horticulture Research and Extension Center at
Olathe, Kansas . The high tunnel project supported considerable research, education and extension
activities during its lifetime. The goal of this three year project was to improve the understanding of
the influence of organic sources on crop health, yield and quality of vegetable crop. We compared
control and high rate of selected organic fertilizer source and contrasted it to equivalent rate of
conventional fertilizer in replicated, long term field and high tunnel plots. The effect of these four
contrasting systems were measured on plant and soil nutrient status and soil quality attributes.
Objectives were: 1) Measure soil fertility and quality in relation to tomato production at high and low
rates of N- fertilization in open field and high tunnel production systems; 2) Measure plant nutrient
status in tomato petioles and compare it to nitrogen levels in soil at different growing stage; 3)
Determine the effect of N availability of organic vs conventional fertilization on N availability in the
soil to the plant and impact on crop yield under both open field and high tunnel systems. Key findings
included: 1) Yield in high tunnel was higher than field in 2008, 2009 and 2010. There were no significant
differences between source (organic versus conventional) or fertility rate treatments. 2) Tomato yields
showed a significant source effect as well as a significant fertility effect. 3) Soil available mineral
nitrogen was affected by production system (high tunnel, field), and fertility source and rate.
Differences varied by the year the growing stage (time of sampling). At some stages of crop growth
plant uptake of nitrogen and the weather (temperature and the rainfall) appear to have reduced the
available mineral nitrogen in the soil, leading to counter- intuitive results; 4) Petiole sap nitrate
reflected the fertility level treatment but not necessarily soil nitrogen status; 5) There were no
significant differences in pH changes throughout the years. Bray1-phosphorus showed significant
increase under organic management throughout the three years; 6) Organic matter varied from 20082010, increasing in the organic field and high tunnel plots but not with conventional fertility
amendments.

ICHS2016/AB_175
Genetic studies of some seedling traits of tomato under normal and water deficit conditions
Amir Shakeel1, Iqra Anwar1, Asif Saeed1, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem3 and Khurram Ziaf2
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: dramirpbg@gmail.com (A.S.), mfsuaf@yahoo.com (M.F.S.)

The present study was conducted to estimate general and specific combining ability effects of eight
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

tomato genotypes and 16 hybrids for various traits under normal and water deficit conditions. 4
testers namely TG-2, TG-9, TG-3, Z-27 and 4 lines i.e. Tom-15, Tom-25, Tibrido and Nagina were
crossed in line tester design. Crossed seeds were collected and sown in nursery. At seedling stage
plants were shifted to greenhouse and were subjected to water deficit along with control treatment.
Data was recorded for leaves per plant, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, shoot length,
root length, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, fresh root weight, dry root weight, lipid peroxidation
(MDA test) for each entry planted under water deficit and control condition. Recorded data was
subjected to line tester analysis for selection of good general and specific combiner regarding water
deficit condition. The selected good general and specific combiners genotypes may be useful in future
breeding programm. Among lines the parents Tom-15, Tom-25 and Tibrido while among testers TG-2,
TG-9 and TG-3 were found as good general combiners for most of the traits under water deficit
conditions. F1 hybrids Tom-15 TG-2, Tom-15 TG-9, Tibridio TG-3, Tom-25 TG-9, Tom-25 Z-27,
Nagina TG-9 and Nagina TG-3 exhibited their superiority for most of the traits studied and were
noted as the best specific combiners. Therefore these hybrids may be used to overcome the effects of
abiotic stresses in tomato.

ICHS2016/AB_176
Sustainable food security in developing countries and the role of World Food Preservation Center
LLC
Charles L. Wilson1 and Aman Ullah Malik2
World Food Preservation Center LLC, United States of America
2
University of California, Davis, United States of America
Emails: worldfoodpreservationcenter@frontier.com (C.L.W), malikaman1@gmail.com (A.M)
1

Developing countries are facing a number of challenges with regards to their food security. Resource
(natural and capital) limitations, lack of technical expertise, and access to new technologies and high
food losses are among the key issues. A number of reports including that from the FAO show that
about 1/3rd of food produced each year is never consumed, mainly due to high postharvest losses,
particularly in developing countries. No amount of resources can provide sustainable food security
should the same level of food losses is allowed to continue. That is why, food loss and waste
prevention has been agreed upon as the top priority by food experts and policy makers to achieve
sustainable food security. A number of initiatives in the past like the Purdue University PICS program
and some recently started e.g Save the Food by FAO and the Postharvest Education Foundation in
the USA are steps forward to further this cause at different levels. Because we have invested a
disproportionate amount of our agricultural resources into the production of food (95%) as opposed
to the preservation of food (5%) we find ourselves with a global postharvest Skill Gap and
Technology Gap. The World Food Preservation Center LLC was established to close these gaps. We
see this as a long term and sustainable way to reach food security in developing countries. Fifteen
major research universities and a research institute (ARO Volcani Center, Israel) along with GrainPro,
Inc. on six continents have accepted this challenge of providing an advanced world-class postharvest
education to young students in developing countries and conducting research on much needed new
postharvest and food preservation technologies. The World Food Preservation Center LLC aims to
educate 1000 M.Sc and PhDs from developing countries, in the area of postharvest science and
technology, who upon returning to their communities with modern postharvest scientific knowledge
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

and entrepreneurial skills, can provide local solutions to the issues and create new opportunities in
food preservation. The World Food Preservation Center LLC is also bridging the technology gap by
partnering with CRC Press (Taylor & Francis) in the production of the World Food Preservation Center
Book Series targeted toward developing countries, which will serve as resources for educators,
practitioners, and researches in these countries. All these developments will significantly boost the
overall efforts in meeting sustainable food security in developing countries including Pakistan, over
the longer term.

ICHS2016/AB_177
Low-cost Cold Storage Technologies and Use of CFD in Optimization of Microclimate Inside Cold
Stores: A review
Getachew Neme Tolesa and Tilahun Seyoum Workneh
University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, School of Engineering, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209
Emails: getachewneme@yahoo.com (G.N.T), Seyoum@ukzn.ac.za (T.S.W)
Postharvest loss (PHL) of fruit and vegetables is a major problem. World is facing to feed the ever
increasing world population. Though huge production of tropical and sub-tropical fruit and vegetables
in sub-Saharan African countries, subjected to 30-50% of PHL. The low-cost cold storage plays a crucial
role in fruit and vegetables postharvest preservation and hence tackle food insecurity and hanger.
Evaporative cooling (EC) and CoolBotTM-Air Conditioning (CB-AC) cold storage are among low cost
technologies for small scale stake holders. There is limited literature on airflow pattern, heat and mass
transfer of empty and loaded low-cost cold storages. This paper discusses the postharvest losses of
fruit and vegetables, appropriate low-cost cold storage technologies, CFD modelling of airflow
patterns, mass and energy transfer taking place inside the stores. This review identified some proven
appropriate low-cost cooling technologies for potential use in the region. Due to the complexity of
storage designs, fresh produce properties and seasonal fluctuation of atmospheric air conditions,
knowledge of transport phenomena inside the cold storage could help for optimization of cooling
process.

ICHS2016/AB_178
An Arabidopsis lipid transfer protein gene At3g22600 is required for resistance against different
pathogens
Muhammad Amjad Ali1+2, Amjad Abbas1 and Holger Bohlmann3
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,
Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Division of Plant Protection, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life
Sciences Vienna, UFT Tulln, Konrad Lorenz Str. 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
Emails: amjad.ali@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.A), amjad.ali2001@gmail.com (A.A)
1

The plant parasitic, beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii induces specialized feeding sites in the
roots of Arabidopsis which are called syncytia. The transcriptome study of these syncytia revealed
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

significant down-regulation of various defense related genes including the gene At3g22600 which
belongs to lipid transfer protein family. The objective of this study was to test if At3g22600 plays a
role in the interaction with H. schachtii using overexpression lines and knock-out (KO) mutant. For
overexpression of this gene we used pPZP3425 vector developed in our laboratory. While for the
production of promoter::GUS lines, we constructed the vector pMAA-Red which contains a
pPdf2.1::DsRed fusion as fluorescent selectable marker and a CaMV::GUS cassette within the T-DNA.
The promoter::GUS showed expression specifically in seedling roots, apical part of leaves, stem,
flowers, and slightly in silliques which was confirmed further by RT-PCR. For overexpression of
At3g22600, we used the CaMV 35S promoter after confirming that this promoter was active in
syncytia up to 10dpi. The down-regulation of At3g22600 in WT syncytia was confirmed by qRT-PCR
and promoter::GUS construct lines. The overexpression of this gene resulted in less number of
nematodes and smaller syncytia as compared to wild type and KO mutant. This gene was also induced
in wild type Col in response to virulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato and salicylic acid.
The overexpression lines of At3g22600 showed less number of bacteria as compared to wild type and
the KO mutant showed susceptibility to this pathogen. Our results indicate that At3g22600 can induce
resistance against H. schachti and Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato.

ICHS2016/AB_186
Antagonistic interaction between Potato virus S and Potato virus Y in different genetic
backgrounds of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Khalid Naveed1,2, Gaurav Raikhy2, Hanu R. Pappu2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
Emails: khalidnaveed1673@gmail.com (K.N.), hrp@wsu.edu (H.P.), gaurav.raikhy@wsu.edu (G.R.)
1

The occurrence of two or more plant viruses in a single plant is a common phenomenon. Multiple virus
infections are routine happening in cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum. The interaction between
Potato virus S (PVS) and Potato virus Y (PVY) was investigated in three commercial potato cultivars:
Defender, Desiree and Russet Burbank. Mixed infection of PVS and PVY resulted in reduced PVY
multiplication in infected plants of Defender, Desiree and Russet Burbank. The symptoms produced
by PVY in double infections with PVS were less severe in comparison to the symptoms produced by
PVY in single infections. The levels of PVS were similar in single as well as double infections showing
that PVY does not have inhibitory effect on the replication of PVS in mixed infections. The symptoms
produced by PVS were similar in single as well as mixed PVS and PVY infections. A similar kind of
interaction was observed in three cultivars, indicating that the antagonistic effect of PVS on the
multiplication of PVY is independent of the genetic backgrounds of potato.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_188
Exploitation of natural products as an alternative strategy to control postharvest anthracnose and
maintain quality of fruits and vegetables
Asgar Ali
Centre of Excellence for Postharvest Biotechnology (CEPB), School of Biosciences, the University of
Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Email: Asgar.Ali@nottingham.edu.my
Fresh fruits and vegetables have relatively short postharvest life. Their storage life is limited by several
factors including transpiration, postharvest diseases, increased ripening and senescence. Many
storage techniques including low temperature, controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere
storage have been used for retention of freshness of fruits and vegetables. But these processes are
capital intensive and costly to run. Synthetic fungicides have also been used for controlling postharvest
diseases. However, persistent use of these fungicides has resulted in the emergence of resistant
strains and also posed more risks to human beings and environment. Therefore, more emphasis has
been given to discover sustainable, non-chemical alternative techniques. A novel approach is the use
of edible coatings obtained from waste materials which are biodegradable and environmentally
friendly in nature. These can generate a modified atmosphere around the fruit by providing a semipermeable barrier to gaseous exchange, reduce respiration rate and water loss. Gum arabic is a dried
gummy exudate from the stems or branches of Acacia species. It is the most extensively used
hydrocolloid in industrial sector because of its emulsification, film forming and encapsulation
properties. Chitosan is another polysaccharide obtained from the exoskeleton of crustaceans, such as
shrimps and crabs. It has become a potent alternative treatment for extending storage life and to
control decay of fruits and vegetables due to its natural antimicrobial effects and elicitation activities
in plant tissues. Propolis is a resinous substance, obtained by honey bee from different parts of plants.
It has several antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It can also be used as an edible coating to control
anthracnose of fresh fruits and vegetables. Therefore, edible coatings based on gum arabic, chitosan
and propolis was developed which presents a simple, inexpensive and effective alternative for
controlling anthracnose, enhancing quality and maintaining shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables,
particularly in cold storage.

ICHS2016/AB_191
Study of spore inhibition of Ascochyta rabiei through variety of chemicals in suspension cultures
Hira Nawaz1, Amjad Abbas1, Muhammad A. Ali1, Khalid Naveed1, Muhammad Shahzad1, Muhammad
Shahid2 and Luqman Amrao1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: amjad.abbas@uaf.edu.pk (A. A.)
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important Leguminious pulse crop in Pakistan, mostly grown on
marginal and less fertile soils. Southern Punjab is the core area of chickpea production and it provides
80% of total produce. Because of its higher protein contents, it is important part of the diet of a
majority of the people in the country. The crop yield is lower than genetic potential of our varieties.
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

The important reason behind low yield is fungal pathogens causing wilt and blight diseases, especially
Ascochyta rabiei which causes chickpea blight. In the current study, different samples of infected plant
parts were taken and followed for the isolation of fungus. The isolated types were then evaluated
against different chemicals. Chemicals were used at different doses against the quantified spore
suspension to assess their effectiveness and determination of their specific dose. The measurement
of resistance was based on the OD at 600 nm wavelength with the help of spectrophotometer.
Additionally, 30 cultivars including the spreader line will be sown in small pots supplied with spores to
count the physiological and disease determinants of the plants. The same fungal isolates will be
proceeded for 16s rDNA based diversity through sequencing and their virulence profiling in controlled
conditions.

ICHS2016/AB_195
Production and preservation challenges of fruits and vegetables in Thal zone
Muhammad Ahmad1, Muhammad Ishaque2, Farhana Nosheen3 and Niaz Hussain4
1
Agricultural Training Institute, Karor Lal Eason, Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Sub Campus Burewala, Vehari University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Department of Home, Food and Nutrition, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
4
Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: mahmada2003@yahoo.co.uk (M.A.), mishaquepk@gmail.com (M.I.),
farhananosheen@ymail.com (F.N.), niazfm@gmail.com (N.H.)
Thal desert is characterized by sand dunes, abundant sun shine and water scarcity. Soil of this domain
is productive and virgin. However, the production capacity of this zone for fruits and vegetable is low
as compared to the average production of world standards of fruits and vegetables. To know the
reasons of this constraint, a study was conducted to interview the farmers for the low production of
fruits and vegetables. Purposive random sampling was done to interview 200 farmers at random to
probe out its reasons. It was found that farmers were incompetent and unskillful in proper raising of
the vegetables nursery and fruits grafting techniques. However, they were at home in management
of vegetables & fruits. Likewise, they were well aware of the marketing strategies of the fruits and
vegetables but there was need to improve their awareness about the nutritional significance of fruits
and vegetables. Similarly farmers were well aware about the storage and transportation of the fruits
but they were ignorant of the preservation of the vegetables and fruits. It is therefore recommended
that a comprehensive training program for boosting the commercial production of fruits and
vegetables for the nutritional awareness and economic uplift of farmers should be launched by
integrating agri-extension, Food and nutrition and horticultural departments of the universities.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_196
Evaluation of lemon varieties on Australian Bigarade rootstock
Ghulam Nabi1, Abdur Rab1, Abdul Samad2, Nisar Naeem2 and Noor ul Amin1
Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar,Pakistan
2
Horticulture Section, Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar,Pakistan
Email: ghulamnabi@aup.edu.pk (G.N.)
1

The performance of lemon varieties on Australian Bigarade rootstock was investigated in the climatic
conditions of Malakand, at Sub-tropical Germplasm Unit Sherkhana Malakand during 2014. Four
lemon varieties i.e., Mesero, Lisbon, Eureka and Corona Foothill Eureka (CF-Eureka) were budded on
Australian Bigarade (Citrus auriantium) rootstock in 2006. Experiment was laid out as single factor
RCB-Design. There were four replications per treatment, each tree was considered as one replicate.
The results revealed that CF-Eureka had significant superior vigor with tree height 4.02 m, trunk girth
(71.67cm) and 4.38 m expanded canopy, while trunk girth was also more in Lisbon and Mesero (75.33
and 64.0 cm) respectively. Statistically there were no differences in bloom time and the fruit set per
twig. However, numbers of flowers per twig were significantly more in Lisbon (35.33) followed by
Mesero (27.0). The highest fruits were set by CF-Eureka and Eureka 23.6 and 22.07 %, respectively.
Similarly, the lowest fruit dropped by CF-Eureka and Eureka 25.33 and 25.53 %, respectively. The mean
significantly high fruit weight (262.23 g), volume (785 cm 3), pulp (88.83%), Juice (36.17%), and yield
(47.33 kg Tree1) were found in Mesero lemon. The Mesero lemon also had less number of segments
per fruit. The least number of seed per fruit was recorded in Eureka. CF-Eureka was also good in juice
percentage (40.33), fruit volume (685 cm3) and yield (40.07 kg Tree1). The fruit chemical analysis
showed that Lisbon had significantly high Acidity (10.67%) and Vitamin C contents (28.33 mg 100ml-1)
followed by Eureka with 27.0mg 100ml-1. Whereas, there was no significant variation found in Juice
Total Soluble Solids in rest of the lemon varieties. It can be concluded that CF-Eureka was better in
overall tree growth on Australian Bigarade rootstock, however, the majority of yield components
variables including yield were better in Mesero lemon. While fruit chemical quality was better in
Lisbon.

ICHS2016/AB_198
The effect of potassium application on morpho-agronomic traits of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa
Dutch)
Shujaul Mulk Khan1, Shamaila Bibi2, Adil Rehman3, Inayat Ur Rehman1 and Habib Ahmad4
1
Department of Plant Sciences Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
3
Agriculture Research Station Baffa, Mansehra, Pakistan
4
Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
Email: shuja60@gmail.com (S.M.K.)
Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Dutch) belongs to the genus Fragaria of family Rosaceae. In present
study, strawberry variety of Agriculture Research Station (ARS) Baffa, Mansehra was evaluated for
different growth and yield parameters under five treatments during winter of 2013 and summer of
2014. The experiment was conducted at ARS Baffas field in Randomized Complete Block Design
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(RCBD) with three replications. In this experiment mulching was applied at the time 13th Nov, 2013.
Average values of each qualitative and quantitative characters of strawberry were evaluated according
to Least Significant Difference (LSD) statistical test. Results, showed maximum value under T3 (405
g/6.75m) for characteristics like survival percentage (83.54 %), plant height (32.05 cm), canopy size
(13.62 cm), crown diameter (2.73 cm), number of branches (35.83), number of leaves (67.00), leaf
length (5.87 cm), root length (3.51 cm), total number of fruits (43.93), days to 50 % fruiting (233.67),
fruit diameter (3.96 cm), fruit weight (411.40 g). Moreover, transplanting date 20th Sep, 2013 is
suitable to get maximum yield of strawberry variety Chandler. Our findings showed great variations
in morphological, physical and agronomic traits of strawberry variety. These variations may be
exploited to develop high yield and better quality of strawberry.

ICHS2016/AB_199
Comparative study of different potting media for tomato production in containers
Muhammad Azam Khan, Waqas Khan and Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: drazam1980@hotmail.com (M.A.K.)
The study was conducted in field area of Horticulture Department of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture
University Rawalpindi during the year of 2014. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of
different types of media mixes on growth, yield and quality of tomatoes on basic chemical and physical
properties of soil. Experiment was consisted of seven treatments including farmyard manure (FM),
poultry manure (PM), leaf compost (LC), coconut coir (CC), peat moss, mushroom waste and soil as a
control. Tomato seedling of equal size was transplanted into clay pots of 14" size. Soil sample analysis
showed significant difference in nitrate nitrogen (8.47 ppm), phosphorus (69.49 ppm), potassium
(392.71 ppm) and organic carbon concentration in T6 (farmyard manure + poultry manure + soil) as
compared to other treatments . Plant height was maximum in T6 (farmyard manure + poultry manure
+ soil) used at the ratio of (2:1:2) followed by T5 (peat moss+ mushroom waste + soil) at the ratio of
(1:1:1) increased by 33.25 % and 28.27 % respectively as compared to T 0. Number of branches, stem
diameter (1.14 cm), fresh (176.67 g) and dry (46.67 g) weight of shoot also showed maximum values
in T6 (farmyard manure + poultry manure + soil). Quality parameter including Ascorbic Acid (1.73) and
Total Soluble Solid (5.20) showed maximum values in (farmyard manure+ poultry manure+ soil).
Ascorbic acid value in T6 is 58.7 % more as compared to control. Farmyard manure + poultry manure
+ soil (2:1:2) proved to be the superior media and perform best to soil nutrition and plant growth.

ICHS2016/AB_200
Food security in Oman: Challenges and opportunities
Rashid Abdullah Al-Yahyai
College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 34, Al-Khod 123,
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Email: alyahyai@squ.edu.om (R.A.A.Y.)
Food security is of utmost importance in Oman and other Arab countries in the region. Agricultural
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production is limited by lack of arable lands and water resources. Water scarcity has great implications
on food and water security in the country, where imports are currently at 89% of its food consumption,
making it vulnerable to meeting the continuous increase in demand as the countrys population now
exceeds 4 million. Although the country is suffering from water deficit, 70% of its water resources are
used for agricultural production that contribute little to the overall food consumption. Despite these
facts, large quantities of food is wasted, reaching 60% in some commodities and similar waste occurs
in water. Environmental (ecological) and energy security has so far been sidelined and not included in
the agenda that is primarily focused on food security. This talk will highlight the challenges of food
production and how integrated approach can ensure that there will be adequate food, water, energy
and fresh air for everyone, at all times, for a healthy and active life style.

ICHS2016/AB_202
Horticulture in Balochistan: challenges and prospects
Muhammad Saeed
Horticulturist (Retired) Fruit Development Project, Quetta /Consultant
Horticulture/Agriculture/Rural Development, House No.12-C Street Number 4, Model Town
Extension Khojak Road, Quetta
Email: cameos_saeed@yahoo.com (M.S.)
Horticulture has a great potential in the Province. Of serious concern is the depletion of ground water
and drought spell from 1997-2002 was a serious setback to the horticulture development. Perennial
sources of ground water such as tube wells, wells, karezes, and springs were completely dried. The
Provincial Government from its own resources and donor assistance has taken various steps to
recharge the groundwater by construction of dams in the overdrawn basins, and to reduce the
conveyance losses from source to field. Cold storages at different production areas are constructed
by private sector through assistance by USAID / USDA and are functioning. The recommendations
made in Horticulture Policy document prepared by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock
with the help of foreign and local consultants are approved by the Government of Balochistan and are
in the process of implementation but slowly. Hopefully, it is anticipated that Horticulture will play an
important role in years to come and issues confronting the sector will be resolved through appreciable
extent.

ICHS2016/AB_205
Developing protocols and standards for epicotyl grafting in mango
Ghulam Mustafa, Javed Iqbal, Atif Iqbal, Sidra Kiran, Asif ur Rehman Hafiz, Mushtaq Ahmad and
Hameed Ullah
Mango Research Institute, Agriculture Farms, Old Shujabad Road, Mutlan, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: javedsaqi@gmail.com (J.I.)
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a highly cross-pollinated and heterozygous fruit crop in nature. It is
mandatory to keep such fruit plants true-to-type through asexual techniques, if further propagation
is required. During this era of modernization and innovative ideas a preliminary study was conducted
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to search out the most economical and short term propagation technique in mango. The freshly
extracted stones of commercial mango cultivars viz. Sindhri, SB Chaunsa, Dusehri, White Chaunsa,
Anwar Retual and Retual #12 were planted in polyethylene bags containing the standardized pot
media to also observe the performance of these cultivars as rootstock with specific scion variety i.e.
Sindhri. After the emergence of seedling mango, the epicotyl grafting was practiced at various seedling
ages viz. 05, 10, 15 and 20 days before the natural detachment of stone with emerging shoot. This
practice was done during the month of October, 2015 when maximum and minimum average
temperature was 30C and 22C while relative humidity of the atmosphere was recorded as 80% in the
lath house of Mango Research Institute, Multan. The results elucidated that the best age of seedling
mango was 10 days after its emergence for the epicotyl grafting. The maximum success by 70% was
achieved in seedlings of Sindri, SB Chaunsa and White Chaunsa whereas minimum success 60% was
recorded in seedling of cultivar Dusehri, Anwar Retual and Retual #12. It is concluded that as the
seedling age of the tested cultivars of mango increases, the success of epicotyl grafting with cultivar
Sindhri on them decreases.

ICHS2016/AB_207
Biological control agents of Asian Citrus Psyllid to reduce citrus greening incidence in Punjab,
Pakistan
Shouket Zaman Khan
Sub-Campus, Burewala-Vehari, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: zamankhan2286@gmail.com
Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a damaging pest of
citrus in Pakistan and around the globe because it is an important vector of Candidatus liberibacter
asiaticus, a phloem-dwelling bacterium which causes huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, a lethal
and incurable disease of citrus. Weekly population phenology of ACP and its associated
entomophagous arthropods (i.e., parasitoids and generalist predators) were studied in relation with
flush phenology and weather factors at two different study sites, Square No.9 and PARS in the
University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Campus, on two different types of citrus, Kinnow (Citrus
reticulata) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Populations of the psyllid increased with rise in
temperatures, significantly decreased with relative humidity and reduced with rainfall. Two main
peaks of adult ACP populations were seen in March-April (higher ones) and September-October. In
Square No.9, only relative humidity while at PARS, both maximum temperature and relative humidity
played important role in psyllid population fluctuation. Among predators, only spiders significantly
increased with weather factors. Percentage branches with different ACP stages increased with
increase in temperatures and decreased with relative humidity and rainfall. Parasitism rates of both
primary parasitoids were observed in March-April and then from July-August to October-November.
An average temperature of 12-15C and relative humidity of 50-60% in February-March were
associated with main peak flush (90-100% of branches with flush) while average temperatures of 2830C and relative humidity of 65-75% were associated with the 2nd highest flush peaks in AugustSeptember. One or two small summer peaks of adult ACP were also recorded promoted by rains in
June-July. Spiders and adult coccinellids showed negative while coccinellids larvae showed a positive
association with flush growth. ACP density on sweet orange was significantly higher than Kinnow at
both experimental sites, suggesting that sweet orange is a more favorable host for ACP. Tamarixia
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radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam and
Argarwal, 1975) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were main parasitoid species inhibiting the Punjab region
of Pakistan. Tamarixia radiata have more reproduction potential than D. aligarhensis on citrus and
more abundant parasitoid species. Maximum parasitism rates were recorded usually in April and from
August to November. No parasitism was recorded in hot summer (May-June) and frosty cold winter
months (December-End February). Maximum relative abundance of T. radiata was in March-April and
from August to October in Kinnow while from August to November in sweet orange. Maximum relative
abundance of D. aligarhensis was in March and August-September in Kinnow while it was from August
to November in sweet orange.

ICHS2016/AB_208
Effect of sulfur fumigation on quality and sulfur residues in grape berries of Kishmish cultivars
stored at 1C for 60 days
Mujahid Iqbal
Postharvest and Food Technology, Agriculture Research Institute, Sariab, Quetta, Balochistan,
Pakistan
Email: majidibrar2003@yahoo.com
Grape berries of Kishmish cultivars were fumigated with sulfur at the rate of 2 grams per kilogram of
fresh fruit for 20, 30, and 40 minutes and stored at 1 oC for 60 days. TSS increased with storage time
and it was highest on day 60 of storage and lowest on day 0. Similarly the weight loss was also
increased in storage and it was highest on day 60 of storage. The pH was also increased and it was
highest on day 60 of storage. Without washing the grapes berries were not recommended for eating
purposes, because the sulfur residues were high and were not permissible for eating. After washing
with water the SO2 residues reduced greatly and became permissible for eating for 20 and 30 minutes
fumigated berries, but it was still not permissible for 40 minutes fumigated berries; which was higher
from 350 ppm, which is recommended for eating.

ICHS2016/AB_209
Field evaluation of eight Balochistani date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars under agroclimatic conditions of Khairpur, Sindh
Ghulam Sarwar Markhand1, Nazir Ahmed Soomro1, Adel Ahmed Abul-Soad2, Mushtaque Ahmed
Jatoi1 and Najamuddin Solangi1
1
Date Palm Research Institute, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
Email: gmarkhand@gmail.com (G.S.M.)
Off shoots of eight date palm cultivars from Balochistan namely Aab-e-Dandan, Begum Jangi, Gogna,
Halini, Koozanabad, Muzawati, Peshna and Shakri were brought and cultivated in 2004 to test the
adaptability of these cultivars under the agro-climatic conditions of Khairpur, Sindh. The vegetative
growth, flowering characteritics, fruit physical and chemical properties at various maturity stages i.e.
Kimri, Khalal, Rutab and Tamar, bunch number and yield per palm were recorded during 2012 and
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2013. Cv. Aab-e-Dandan, cv. Shakri and cv. Gogna emerged as early harvesting varieties in first and
second week of July while cv. Begum Jangi, cv. Halini and cv. Muzawati recorded as late harvested
varieties in mid of September. An appropriate performa was designed to drop the scientific and
commonly used physical properties such as fruit length and diameter, seed length and diameter, flesh
weight & chemical properties such as moisture content, pH, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing
sugars and non-reducing sugars at different maturity stages. It is worth to mention that there is no
any published data available on these cultivars regarding their vegetative and fruit characteristics
before. It was concluded from the study that the climatic conditions of Khairpur are very much suitable
for planting of Balochistani date palm cultivars.

ICHS2016/AB_216
Supplementing humic acid with crushed maize grains into growing media enhances growth and
nutrient uptake of tomato transplants through vigorous root system
Mostafa Mohamed Rady1, Hafeez ur Rehman2 and Shoaib ur Rehman3
Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: hafeezcp@gmail.com (H.U.R.)
1

Peat moss, vermiculite and perlite are most commonly used growing media in under- and developed
world. The present study investigated the response of three growing media including peat (P),
vermiculite (Verm) and crushed maize grain (CMG) added with or without humic acid (HA) on tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) transplants for seedling establishment, plant growth, some
physiological attributes and nutrient uptake for two growing seasons in 2013-14. All three growing
media viz. peat, vermiculite and CMG mixed with or without HA in following composition were:
2:1:0:0, 1.5:1:0.5:0, 1.5:1:0.5:250 respectively. Tomato seeds of hybrid Champion hybrid were sown
in Styrofoam flats (one seed per cell) under greenhouse conditions maintained with average day and
night temperatures of 24 3C and 16 2C, respectively. The relative humidity ranged from 62.065.1%, and natural day-length for 11-12 h. None of the media affected the seedling emergence and
survival percentage, however, maximum increase in stem diameter and root system volume was
observed for growing media when CMG supplemented with and/or without HA. Similar response was
observed for transplant height, no of leaves and total leaf area per transplant, leaf and root dry weight
and total dry weight per transplant of 30 days old tomato transplants. Maximum relative water
contents (RWC) and membrane stability index (MSI) with reduced electrolyte leakage was also found
for HA supplemented media followed without HA but with CMG. Highest increase in N, P and K transfer
ratios was also observed in tomato transplants added with HA, albeit N transfer ratio was statistically
similar for CMG added with and/or without HA. In conclusion, supplementing HA with CMG as
biostimulant rich in mineral nutrients, plant hormones and secondary metabolites can be used into
standard growing media for sustainability of horticultural transplants.

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ICHS2016/AB_215
Development of molecular method for sex identification in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
plantlets using Noval Sex-linked Microsatellite Markers
Maryam1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Saeed Ahmad1 and Faisal Saeed Awan2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,
Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: maryamuaf1472@gmail.com (M.)
1

Microsatellite markers containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are a valuable tool for genetic
analysis. The date palm is a dioecious and slow flowering so it is very difficult to identify the gender of
the trees until it reaches the reproductive age (5-10 years). For speeding up the breeding programs
and to assist the research for genetic improvements of the date palm, early selection and
differentiation of young seedlings into male and female is necessary. Our objective was to identify
microsatellite markers that could be used to differentiate between male and female date palm
(Phoenix dactylifera) in saplings to cultivate the large number of productive female trees. 12
microsatellite primers were used with 13 date palm samples which showed that microsatellites were
highly polymorphic, having a great number of alleles. Total 124 alleles were scored with a mean of
9.08 alleles per locus while allelic range varied from 5 to 16 using primers mpdCIR15 to mpdCIR57,
respectively. These primers produced 15 polymorphic loci specifically in male date palm samples and
the seedlings harboring the unique fragments were further characterized as male plants. Increasingly
38.46% of these loci were scored as homozygous alleles while 61.53% heterozygous allelic loci were
determined. Primer mpdCIR48 produced a specific locus (250/250) in all male samples whereas the
same locus was absent in female samples. Similarly a locus of 300/310 bp reoccurred in 6 date palm
male samples which indicated that this is a promising candidate marker to detect the sex in date palm.
The data resulted from combination of 12 primers enabled the seedling samples of date palm cultivars
to divide into two groups i.e., male and female regarding their sex expression comparative to the
parents (male + female) using the principle coordinate analysis (PCoA).

ICHS2016/AB_217
The role of physio-morphic characters of eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) and its correlation with
the jassid (Amrasca Biguttula Biguttula (Ishida) population variation
Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ashfaq and Azhar Uddin Bahtti
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: ali.klasra@gmail.com (M.A.), ashfaq.iags@pu.edu.pk (M.A.), info@pakof.com (A.U.B.)
The jassid is the major pest of brinjal. The experiment was conducted on the six brinjal genotypes in
institute of agricultural sciences university of the Punjab Lahore. The study was conducted to know
the impact of physio-morphic plant characters on the jassid fluctuation. The maximum variations were
observed among the resistance and susceptible brinjal genotypes due to plant height, hair density,
number of primary branches, length of hair and moisture percentage. The effects of plant characters
of brinjal were interrelated with the population of jassids and calculated their impact by processing
the data into simple and multiple linear regression equation. The hair density on the lamina showed
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the maximum impact 52.1% for the population fluctuation of jassid. While, by the simple linear
equation the moisture percentage, plant height and number of primary branches showed nonsignificant and positive correlation. The hair density and length of hair on the lamina and veins showed
a highly significant negative correlation with the jassids population while midrib of hair density showed
the negative and non-significant effects

ICHS2016/AB_219
Performance evaluation of exotic peach rootstock Red Leaf Nemaguard for nursery raising in
deciduous fruits
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah1, Attiq Akhtar1, Allah Bakhsh1 and Azhar Hussain2
Horticultural research Station, Nowshera (Soon Valley), District Khushab, Pakistan
2
Barani Agricultural Research Station, Chakwal, Pakistan
Emails: ashrafsumrah@gmail.com (M.A.S.), attiqakhtar@gmail.com (A.A.),
allahbakhsh64@gmail.com (A.B.), azharhort@yahoo.com (A.H.)

Red Leaf Nemaguard is resistant to Nematode and soil moisture fluctuations for nursery production
of deciduous fruit plants. The response of Red Leaf Nemaguard as rootstock for Almond, Peach,
Apricot and Plum was studied at Horticultural Research Station Nowshera (Soon Valley), Khushab. The
highest performance for growth behavior of nursery plants was observed in peach followed by Plum.
Sprouting (82.39%), scion growth rate (6.68 cm/month) while scion and stock girth remained 1.96 and
1.31 cm at the end of December. Moderate plant height (46.39 cm) was obtained with 53.21% success
rate of budded plants in Peach. The results were followed by Plum budded on Red Leaf Nemaguard
by sprouting percentage (72.36%), scion and stock growth rate remained 6.3 cm. Highest plant height
(46.71 cm) and success percentage (71.44%) was recorded at the end of December. It was proved that
Red Leaf Nemaguard is successful rootstock for commercial nursery production of Peach and Plum
where nematodes are problem for nursery production.

ICHS2016/AB_224
Studies on the effect of different spawn types and spawning rates on the growth and yield of
oyster mushroom (Pleurotes sapidus)
Muhammad Asif Ali1, Muhammad Salman1, Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat1, Muhammad Uzair Asif2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: mushroomuaf@hotmail.com (M.A.A.)

Mushroom cultivation is most efficient and economically feasible biotechnology for the transition of
lignocellulose waste materials into eminent quality protein food. The experiment was conducted in
Medicinal and Mushroom laboratory Institute of Horticultural sciences University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad. This study was conducted to check the effect of different spawn types and spawning rates
on the growth and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotes sapidus). Each Spawn type (wheat grain,
sorghum grain and pearl millet grain) was added at different spawn rates (1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%).
Cotton waste (300 gm) with 2% lime concentration was used as substrate in Polypropylene bags of 632

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

10 inches. The parameters which were evaluated as, Time taken for initiation of spawn running (In
days), Time taken for completion of mycelial growth (In days), Time taken for initiation of pinhead
formation (In days), Number of pinheads formation, Number of mature fruit bodies, Number of
flushes, Yield (g) of 1st 2nd and 3rd flush and total yield per bag (g) with fresh weight and dry weight
of mushroom during this study. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD)
under factorial design. The number of treatments was four and each treatment was replicated six
times. Rapid mycelial growth (29.83 days) was found in T2 (2% millet grain spawns) whereas mycelial
growth was slowest (38.83 days) in T0 (1% wheat grain spawns). Maximum yield (289.7 g) was
obtained in T0 (1% of sorghum grain spawns) but minimum yield (219.45 g) was calculated in T3 (2.5%
of wheat grain spawns).

ICHS2016/AB_228
Effect of climate and soil on morphological diversity of Moringa germplasm
Umbreen Shahzad1,2, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Mansoor Hameed3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Campus Layyah, Pakistan
3
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: umbreenshahzad@bzu.edu.pk (U.S.)

The characterization, preservation and utilization of Moringa as a native plant of Pakistan is of great
concern from biodiversity, ethno-botanical, dietary and pharmaceutical perspectives. This study was
designed to unravel the morphological diversity of the Moringa germplasm present in ten districts of
Punjab province through the morphological markers and its relationship with the soil, environment
and geographical positioning. During the survey of ten districts, 137 Moringa trees were evaluated to
record the diversity present in the tree, leaf, flower and fruits. The interaction of diversity with soil
and meteorological factors was evaluated. The canonical corresponding analysis (CCA) showed
relationship of morphological diversity with the distribution of the accessions which were strongly
influenced by the different meteorological parameters. The temperature regimes influenced leaflet
area. The potassium content of the soil strongly affected the distribution of the Moringa plantlets of
districts Khanewal and Layyah. The soil nutritional status is determined by the nitrogen, phosphorus
and soil organic matter and the pod area and pod length was associated with the soil nutritional status.
Soil characteristics e.g. electrical conductivity and total soluble solids strongly influenced leaf area.
Similarly the leaf area and stem diameter varied with soil sodium adsorption ratio, pH and saturation
percentage. Moreover, the cluster analysis depicted morphological diversity in accessions and
revealed that there were some escapees individuals which did not group with other accessions of their
areas. This showed the fact that environment and the soil factors also caused some changes in the
morphology of the plants. The tree qualitative characteristics indicated that the accessions from the
hot and the dry regions (Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan) had more intensity of hairiness on
their vegetative and reproductive parts. The surveyed area was focused on the feral plant cultivation.
This cultivation was done through plantation of the cuttings of the limbs in the near bye areas so they
were the true representatives of the existing wild plants and no cultivated variety was available in the
focused area. The wild individuals of Moringa are quite suitable for the specific environmental
conditions and well adapted to the soils; therefore, these characteristics can be utilized for the
breeding of improved cultivars to fulfill the needs of the nations nutrition.
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ICHS2016/AB_229
Validation of DNA markers to determine sex in papaya (Carica papaya L.) plants at seedling stage
for enhanced productivity
Muzaffar Javed1, Armghan Shahzad1,2, Ghulam Muhammad Ali1+2
PARC Institute for Advanced Studies in Agriculture, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC)
Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
2
National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology, National Agricultural Research Center
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: armghan_shehzad@yahoo.com (A.S.)
1

Sex nature detection in papaya (Carica papaya L.) at seedling stage is extremely significant for crop
yield enhancement because it accelerates the detection of the fruitful plants and alleviates
unnecessary cost incurred by farmers for maintaining unproductive male plants that contribute to 4050% of the population. Only 5% male plants are required for fertilization in the field. Different DNA
markers were applied to find out the sex types of 120 plants of sinta; a dioecious papaya cultivar. This
specie consist three types of sex (male, female and hermaphrodite) determined by a multiallelic locus.
There are no morphological differences at seedling stage in different sexes. No statistical correlation
between the leaves shape, stem diameter, leaf number and height with subsequent expression of
maleness or femaleness of papaya plant was found. In order to use DNA markers based genotyping in
papaya for sex identification, five DNA markers were utilized. Evaluation of these markers revealed
that DNA markers viz. PKBT-5, T12, W11, SDP, and Napf-76 were successfully amplified. These markers
were then validated at reproductive stage when plants produced flowers and fruits. Among these DNA
markers W11 and PKBT-5 successfully identified sex in papaya plants, as their maleness gene
amplification was 100% in male papaya plants. Hence, these DNA markers can be used for sex
determination in papaya at seedling stage to save resources and efforts to grow unwanted
unproductive male plants. This exercise can enhance production of Papaya by 90-100% as the
population of female plants can be increased in the field by 90-100%.

ICHS2016/AB_232
Analysis of genetic diversity as a key to conserve Berberis baluchistanica Ahrendt. An endemic
species to Balochistan
Shazia Saeed, Muhammad Younas Khan Barozai, Alia Ahmed and Rasool Baksh Tareen
Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Emails: shazia_botany@yahoo.com (S.S.), barozaikhan@gmail.com (M.Y.K.B.),
mars_sisters@yahoo.com (A.A.), rbtareen@yahoo.com (R.B.T.)
Berberis is an important genus of Berberidaceae. This genus is of great economic and medicinal value.
Berberis baluchistanica (endemic to Balochistan) is selected for this study is used traditionally by local
communities to cure different ailments such as internal injuries and infection of human and livestock,
thus over collection of this significant taxa leads to its population depletion. Genetic diversity of B.
baluchistanica has been studied for the first time from five different sites of Zarghoon and Sra Ghurgai
(Takatu-mountain range) of Balochistan by using Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR). Out of total sampled
genotypes five were selected for this study. The morphological and molecular variation was estimated
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by Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System (NTSYS) pc version 2.10. DNA Amplification
of all genotypes was studied by using SSR markers. Out of seven primer pairs of SSR markers, four
amplified twenty seven allelic variants with twenty two polymorphic bands (81%). Polymorphic bands
(%) with an average of 5.5 amplified per primer. UPGMA method was used for cluster analysis
indicating some genetic variability in investigated population. The average genetic similarity
coefficient among the genotypes indicated that Zarghoon area population is genetically more diverse
when compared with Sra gurgai. Data analyzed providing a base line study for this important species
to be conserved by implementing different conservation strategies.

ICHS2016/AB_233
Management strategy against rodents infesting date-palm orchards in Nok-Kundi, Balochistan
Province, Pakistan
Amjad Pervez, Syed Muzaffar Ahmed and Muhammad Anwar Arain
Vertebrate Pest Control Institute, Southern zone Agricultural Research Centre, Pakistan Agricultural
Research Council, Old Block 9&10, Karachi University Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
Email: dramjadvpci57@gmail.com (A.P.)
The rodent species of genus Nesokia might have migrated to Pakistan from, Iranian Balochistan and
infested thousands of date-palm trees at Nok-Kundi and Mashkale, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Losses of
Rs.21.32 million in a single crop season were calculated in Nok-Kundi orchards only to determine the
seriousness of the problem and to justify control operations. In order to manage this rat species,
studies were conducted on the biology and food preference including control trials. The species
causing infestation was identified as short-tailed mole rat (N.indica). Food habit studies confirmed
that rat species throughout the season feeds principally upon the date-palm fruits, stem, grasses and
roots but date-palm stem was the chief of the diet. Bait enhancement studies revealed that 5%
addition of date fruit in bait base may significantly enhance the rodenticidal bait acceptance, both of
acute and chronic in rats to achieve a successful control of this economically important rodent pest of
date-palm trees.Evaluation of most suitable bait base was conducted from no-choice and choice tests.
Results revealed that rats preferred the rice most over wheat, millet, maize, peanut and sunflower
seed. Burrow baiting was found most efficient technique to eradicate rat pest menace in view of
prevailing ecological conditions and drifting of sand due to high velocity of dusty wind covering the
bait stations. High mortility (100%) was recorded through use of 5g sachet of milk powder bait
containing sodium monofluroacatate (1080) inserted deep into live burrow for safety of grazing
ruminants and livestock. Zince phosphide (2%) and brodifacoum (0.005%) baits showed 75.43% and
85.71% population mortality. Burrow fumigation with Aluminum Phosphide tablets resulted up to
95.45% reduction in rodent activity.

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ICHS2016/AB_234
Phenolics profile and anthocyanin degradation in Malus crabapple flowers
Rana Naveed Ur Rehman, Yaohua You, Zhang Lei, Weifeng Chen, Pengmin Li and Fengwang Ma
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F
University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
Email: naveed138@gmail.com (R.N.U.R.), lipm@nwsuaf.edu.cn (P.L.)
This study aimed to focus on phenolic profile and their concurrent variation during different growth
stages in immaculately red flowers of Malus crabapple. In addition to this, in planta active anthocyanin
degradation had also been taken into account with respect to hydrogen peroxide concentration. Our
results showed that Malus crabapple flowers are rich source of diverse array of phenolic intermediates
and their respective concentration is mainly determined by environmental factors and genotypic
response for homeostatic adoptability. Individual flower concentration of gallic acid, caffeic acid and
syringic acid increased significantly. Similarly all flavonol enhanced as flower developed except
epicatechin which sharply reduced during final stage. Among five floral stages, fifth stage appeared to
be 'fate determining' since most of flavanol (quercetin-3-xyloside, quercetin-3-rhaminose, quercetin3-glucoside and quercetin-3-arabinoside) among per flower increased until fourth stage and degraded
suddenly during last stage. While among combined flower samples cyanidin-3-galactoside degraded
consistently exhibiting reciprocal relationship with hydrogen per oxide concentration. But aqueous
reaction system of anthocyanin and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) showed that whole of the anthocyanin
had not been degraded during H2O2 scavenging instead some other enzyme system was also involved
to reinforce those degradation manifestations in plant cell. Our results suggested that concentration
of each phenolic compounds is congruent to their functional ability in plants. The information about
altering concentration of phenolic profile would be useful for choosing precise time with maximum
concentration about key molecules which might concern for future needs.

ICHS2016/AB_241
Enhancing water productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through drip irrigation system
Muhammad Sohail Waqas1, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema1, Ahmad Waqas2 and Saddam
Hussain1
1
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Water Management Research Centre, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: sohailwaqasrana@yahoo.com (M.S.W.)
Water deficiency is one of the most important factors restraining plant growth and dry matter which
is the reduction of product quality and lack water soil or air, often during the plant life cycle. Therefore
there is dire need to adopt the modern efficient irrigation methods for crop production. To address
this issue a field experiment on autumn potato was conducted at Water Management Research Centre
(WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The study aims to determine the effects of
different irrigation methods and irrigation regimens on potato yield and yield components. Two
planting schemes with irrigation treatments were ridge-furrow sowing with furrow irrigation (F) and
bed-furrow sowing under drip irrigation (D) with three irrigation schedules (i) irrigation to conserve
the available water for crop (DIR1), (ii) irrigation when 10% of the available water was consumed (DIR2)
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and (iii) irrigation when 15% of the available water was consumed (DIR 3) and it was replicated thrice.
Irrigation regimens influenced tuber yield, and tuber yield was registered as follows F > DIR1>
DIR2>DIR3. Water saving was recorded as 65%, 58% and 50% in DIR 3, DIR2, DIR1 respectively as
compared to furrow irrigation. Tuber yield was recorded as 14.42 ton/acre, 11.80 ton/acre, 11.13
ton/acre and 10.45 ton/acre in F, DIR1, DIR2 and DIR3 respectively. Percentage plant emergence was
97.83 % in F and DIR3. Average number of tubers/plant was found to be higher in F that is 6.48 and
lessen in DIR3 5.14. Maximum number of tillers was found in F. Deficit irrigation yield more nonmarketable tubers while treatment F yield maximum number of marketable tubers. Average yield of
potato in Pakistan is 8 ton/acre while potential yield of potato crop is 15 ton/acre. It was concluded
that potato was severely affected by water stress and planting configuration didnt have any
significant effect on different traits.

ICHS2016/AB_245
Prospects of floriculture sector to improve livelihood in Pakistan
Noor Alam Khan, Shahid Nadeem
Directorate of Floriculture, Department of Horticulture Research and Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: floriculture100@gmail.com (N.A.K.)
Floriculture is an innovative and high tech driven business. Floriculture in Pakistan is a neglected and
still in embryonic stages. While enormous genetic diversity, varied agro climatic conditions, versatile
human resources etc. offer Pakistan a unique scope for judicious employment of existing resources
and exploration of avenues yet untouched. It is the need of the time to produce skilled personals and
explore new means to increase farmers income and explore marketing to boost the economy as well
as increases export. Floriculture is a profitable business because of higher income per unit area in
comparison to other crops. The demand in domestic and international markets makes floriculture a
profitable business. Low yield, poor management practices, lack of skilled manpower, high
postharvest losses and inefficient marketing system are the main issues to be addressed. A lot of
opportunities exists for creation of model nurseries and cooperative farming. Year-round flowers
production is an added advantage for Pakistan compared to western countries. The stiff competition,
seasonal demand and oversupply in the international market demands for high quality flowers
production. Introduction of essential oil extractor as cottage industry can play a big role to boost
floriculture industry. Adoption of the pattern of AVRDC (Taiwan) and PTC + (Netherlands) for farmers
training and floriculture development.

ICHS2016/AB_246
Apple value chain: a case study from Baluchistan province
Khalid Mushtaq, Sultan Ali Adil and Maqsood Hussain
Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Emails: khalidmushtaq@uaf.edu.pk (K.M.), khalidmushtaq69@yahoo.com (K.M.)
Apple Value Chain encompasses the full range of activities and services required to bring the produce
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from farm to sale in local, national, or international markets. The value chain includes input suppliers,
producers, market actors, processors and buyers. They are supported by a range of technical, business
and financial service providers. Apple is a major fruit of Pakistan. Having good storability
characteristics, the fruit is available for consumption, fresh as well as stored, almost throughout the
year. Baluchistan and northern areas of KPK are the two apple producing areas in Pakistan that have
a share of 83 & 16 percent in production respectively. The present study focuses on Baluchistan, being
a major apple producing area and information was collected from different actors of the apple value
chain which includes farmers, pre-harvest contractors, transporters, commission agents (Arhati),
wholesalers (Pharia), traders (Ladania), retailers, processors and exporters with the objective to gain
insights into marketing and economic gains across the value chain. During field visits it was revealed,
that there are two types of marketing practices commonly followed by the farm owners i.e. farm
managed, operated and marketed by owner himself and farm sold to pre-harvest contractor (PHC) at
maturity stage. The analysis shows that there is a gap between the sales value of farms self-marketed
by the farm owner and those sold to the PHC. It explains that by moving ahead in the value chain, by
self-marketing the produce, there is room to sell the produce at a much premium price through usage
of latest marketing techniques and modern packaging. The economic gains across the value chain are
distributed like Rs.4.82/kg, Rs.5.05/kg, and Rs.17.57/kg, for commission agents, wholesalers and
retailers respectively. Further, the study reveals that farmers capacity building, processing
infrastructure support, and market linkages could be the major components of the apple value chain
development strategy in Baluchistan. In addition, in-kind assistance to apple farmers including picking
ladders, harvesting bags and field plastic crates can also be an extended strategy.

ICHS2016/AB_248
Assessment of harvest and postharvest losses of citrus fruit in Pakistan
Muhammad Ather Mahmood, Mazhar Abbas, Arshed Bashir, Sonila Hassan and Sher Baz Khan
Social Sciences Research Institute (PARC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab
38850, Pakistan
Email: mazhersipra@gmail.com (M.A.)
Pakistan has diversity in soil and climatic conditions that favors the production of variety of fruits and
vegetables. Citrus enjoys a unique position among all the fruits in Pakistan. It is the number one fruit
crop in Pakistan in terms of area, production and export volume. The postharvest losses in fruits and
vegetables in Pakistan are as high as ranging from 30-40 percent of the produce. A large portion of
citrus fruit in Pakistan is lost during harvesting and after harvest. Little empirical work has been carried
out for estimating postharvest losses in citrus. The present study was conducted with the major
objective to estimate the postharvest losses in citrus fruit. A total of 115 respondents were
interviewed arbitrarily involved in the production, handling and consumption of citrus fruit. The results
revealed that complete and partial losses in citrus production and marketing were estimated about
8.15 percent and 19.83 percent respectively. The losses at different stages of fruit production relating
picking (4.28 percent), carrying (0.92 percent), grading-packing (0.52 percent), loading-transportation
(0.03 percent), unloading-auction (0.82 percent), wholesaling (5.87 percent) and retailing (15.55
percent) were reported in case of citrus. These losses were mainly caused by fruit pressing during
harvesting and packaging. For minimizing the harvest and postharvest losses at farmers/producers
levels, trainings should be imparted to the harvesting labor in citrus growing areas of the country in
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collaboration with research institutions working in the country in post-harvest handling. It is essential
to impart the necessary skills and upgrade the capacity of all the stake holders involved in the
production and handling of citrus fruit.

ICHS2016/AB_249
Phenology of Tupy and Xavante blackberries grown in subtropical area
Ibrar Hussain1, Sergio Ruffo Roberto1, Ines Cristina Batista Fonseca1, Adriane Marinho de Assis2 and
Luis Eduardo Correa Antunes3
1
Agricultural Research Center, Londrina State University, Celso Garcia Cid Road, Londrina, PR, Brazil
2
Plant Production Department, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus Capao do Leao, RS,
Brazil
3
Embrapa Temperate Climate, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
Email: ibrar_horti@uel.br (I.H.)
The objective of the study was to evaluate the phenological stages duration of Tupy and Xavante
blackberries grown under subtropical conditions, aiming to optimize the production system. The
experiment was conducted at Experimental Station, Agricultural Research Center, Londrina State
University, PR, Brazil, during two consecutive seasons, 2013 and 2014. A completely randomized
design was used as a statistical model with five replications, and each plot was composed of five trees.
It was evaluated, through visual observations, the duration in days of each phenological stage of both
cultivars, as follows: start of bud sprouting; start of flowering; start of fruit maturation; start of fruit
harvest; end of flowering; and end of harvest. It was also evaluated the duration in days of the
following fruit development stages: flower bud; full open flower; unripe green berry; ripening pink
berry; and ripe berry. The phenological development of Tupy and Xavante blackberries were directly
influenced by the winter conditions, changing bud sprouting, flowering and fruit harvesting periods.
In 2013 season, Tupy had comparatively late start of growth cycle than Xavante but both ended
fruit harvest at same time in early summer. In 2014 season, Xavante maintained the characteristic of
earliness, and Tupy also resumed growth cycle comparatively earlier to last season. The fruit
development duration was quite similar for both cultivars. Tupy and Xavante grown in subtropical
mild winter conditions have comparatively unique phenological periods, earlier and shorter than
temperate regions, thus, the possibility to grow blackberries under two annual crops to optimize the
system of production is proposed.

ICHS2016/AB_250
Population dynamics and management of citrus psylla (Diaphorina citri)
Faisal Hafeez, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Farooq, Mauhammad Latif, Muneer Abbas and Misbah
Ashraf
Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850,
Pakistan
Emails: faisalhafeez143@yahoo.com (F.H.)
Effective management of phytophagous insect pests revolves around three basic Principals i.e biology,
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ecology and behavior. To date very little information is documented on ecological parameters of citrus
psylla (Diaphorina citri). The objective is to record the seasonal dynamics in relation to density
dependent and independent factors. Seasonal dynamics (per six inch twig for adults/nymphs) was
studied fortnightly during May 2013 to April 2015. Field studies showed that D. citri remained present
(under leaves, twigs and/ tender branches and shoots) on citrus plant through-out the year as adult
stage. Peak population was recorded from Toba Tek Singh (5.80, 11.08 & 12.24) followed by Faisalabad
(2.93, 5.95 & 7.72) and Sargodha (2.81, 5.68 & 6.27) in the month of April during three years. However,
maximum nymphal population was recorded at the end of March and 1st fortnight of April, from
Faisalabad (26.33, 31.73 & 29.75) followed by Toba Tek Singh (22.67, 20.07 & 21.06) and Sargodha
(16.80, 19.13 & 17.06). In the same consequence, two parasitoids (Tamarixia radiata &
Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis) were active, during the months of March, April and October, November.
But the population of former is more as compared to latter. Moreover, seven insecticides (six new
chemistry along-with a carbamate) were evaluated for field efficacy against D. citri. Thiamethoxam
and thiacloprid were proved highly toxic and potent exhibiting maximum mortality after 24 hrs and 3
days whereas emmamectin benzoate was highly effective (94.34% mortality) after seven days,
followed by spirotetramate and carbosulfan that are statistically different from each other. It is
concluded that D. citri remained present and colonized on citrus plant. The effective parasitism is low
due to fewer parasitoids population. Conservation and augmentation of natural enemy population
integrated with cultural and selective chemical control techniques is dire need of the time to minimize
pest population.

ICHS2016/AB_265
Endeavouring commercial heterosis for yield in indigenous single cross (F 1) hybrids in chillies
(Capsicum annuum L.)
Muhammad Umair, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Zakria Farid and Sultan Mehmood
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: umair1900@hotmail.com (M.U)
Chilli (Capsicum annum L) is the third most important member of family Solanaceae and has its value
in human diet since 7500 BC as a vegetable, spice and condiment. Pakistan has 74.4 thousand hectares
of land acquired by chillies, with a production of 190 thousand tonnes. Due to its consistent use;
chillies has always an escalating demand thus, making it necessary for plant breeders to develop high
yielding hybrids. For the purpose of assessing the commercial heterosis for yield and its allied traits in
indigenously developed F1 hybrids. Eight quantitatively inherited traits in seven indigenous chilli
hybrids were compared with their parents and one international hybrid (222-hybrid/standard).
Statistical analysis depicted significant difference for all the parameters considered. Almost all the
hybrids showed negative commercial heterosis for the trait i.e.; days to 50% flowering which indicated
their earliness. Hybrid 5 4 showed maximum earliness (-41.9 %, i.e., 22 days) as compared to
standard (53 days). Hybrid 1 4 gave maximum commercial heterosis (34.04 %) for plant height over
222-hybrid. Maximum (35.88 %) commercial heterosis for fruit length was given by hybrid 1 2.
Commercial heterosis for fruit weight was recorded to be 93.18% greater in 1 2 (12.75g) as compared
to standard (6.6 g). Hybrid 1 4 (697) resulted 80.6 % greater number of fruits per plant than 222hybrid (386). Locally developed single cross F1 hybrid 1 2 gave 168.4% greater green fruit yield than
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international hybrid which was used as a check. This research work highlighted both early and high
yielding chilli hybrids which can be further utilized as promising hybrids after further evaluation.

ICHS2016/AB_266
Genetics of direct and reciprocal cross combinations in determinate tomato (Solanum
lycopersicum L.)
Ahsan Javed, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Nasir Mehmood Minhas, Asia Ramzan,
Tahira Noor, Atif Akram and Muhammad Jawaad Atif.
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: ahsanjarid@gmail.com (A.J)
Four parents/lines viz; KHT-103, KHT-107, ST-100 and T-1360 were used to develop direct and indirect
cross combinations to study their genetics. Combining ability and its variances were estimated by
analysis Griffings Model-1 procedure. The hybrids were evaluated for days to 50% flowering, number
of flowers per cluster, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, fruit length, fruit
width, single fruit weight, days to 50% maturity, plant height and yield. The gene action for these traits
was studied. The ratio of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variance
revealed preponderance of non-additive genetic behavior for all parameters under study except fruit
length (mm), fruit width (mm) and number of clusters per plant. The parent T-1360 was best general
for yield. The hybrid T-1360 ST-100 (0.47**) showed maximum positively significant SCA results for
yield.

ICHS2016/AB_269
Development of high yielding pea variety PEAS-2009
Nausherwan Nobel Nawab1, Khalid Mahmood Qureshi2, Abdul Rashid2 and Shahid Niaz2
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Vegetable Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850,
Pakistan
Email: nnnawab24a@gmail.com (N.N.N)
1

'Peas-2009 is a high yielding and early maturing pea (Pisum sativum L.) variety suitable for both early
and mid season planting. It is a selection from the cross of Knight Arkle developed following pedigree
selection procedure. Plants are mostly single stem, determinate, green in colour and bear flowers
between 32-34 days after sowing. It is tolerant to diseases and heat. Seed of this variety is sweet, bold,
and green in colour and fetches high market price due to attractive pod size and shape. Pods are 9.511.0 cm in length with 9.0 seeds per pod on an average basis, with a 100-seed weight of 72 g. Average
green pod yield of this variety in early season planting and mid season planting is about 5.85 Mtha-1
and 8.55 Mtha-1 respectively. The overall percent increase in yield of Peas-2009 is about 35.34 % more
than the standard variety (Meteor Faisalabad). This high yielding pea variety is suitable for cultivation
in all the pea growing areas.
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ICHS2016/AB_270
Peat and substitutes of peat as growing media for sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) nursery
production
Muhammad Jawaad Atif1, Ghulam Jellani1, HidayatUllah1, Noor Saleem1, Ahsan Javed1 and Atif
Akram1
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: jawaadatif@gmail.com (M.J.A)
The experiment on peat and substitution of peat as growing media for sweet pepper (Capsicum annum
L.) nursery production was conducted at Directorate of Vegetable, DHRD, NARC, Islamabad during
2013-14. This work presents data on germination (%), days to emergence, seedling shoot length (cm),
seedling height (cm), seedling vigor index, and dry matter accumulation (%). Maximum germination %
(93.967), seedlings shoot length (24 cm), seedling vigor index (3037.4 %) and minimum days to
emergence (15.333) were observed in T9 (Peat, compost and Traditional practicing media in 1:1:1
ratio). Maximum seedling height (35 cm) was recorded in T 6 (Peat and Traditional practicing media in
1:1 ratio). Maximum dry matter accumulation (38.100) was recorded in T8 (Peat and Traditional
practicing media in 1/2:1 ratio). The objective of this study was to find best suited proportion of
medias to compare the growth and development of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings as
affected by 3 different types of growing media (peat, compost and traditional practicing media) alone
and in different combinations. From the results it can be inferred that peat, compost and traditional
practicing media (1:1:1 ratio) has significant effect as compared to other treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_277
Challenges and strategies to improve mango value chains in Pakistan
Hammad Badar
Institute of Business Management Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Email: hammad.badar@uaf.edu.pk (H.B)
Pakistan is ranked among the leading mango producing and exporting countries in the world.
However, the mango industry in Pakistan is currently faced with number of challenges which hinder
its potential contribution to the economy. Thus, the study was conducted to identify challenges and
strategies to improve mango value chains in Pakistan. Adopting a value chain approach, data were
gathered through consumer focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with the industry
stakeholders belonging to the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Thematic content analysis of data
collected from value chain actors indicated heterogeneous and diversified structure of Pakistans
mango industry due to involvement of number of value-chain actors such as input suppliers, growers,
pre-harvest contractors, commission agents, exporters, wholesalers and retailers, as well as
consumers. In addition, different public stakeholders were also involved in providing support services
to the industry. Theses value chain actors were linked through three types of chains that carried the
flow of mangoes from growers to consumers. Broadly, they were identified as traditional, modern and
export chains, and each had its own dynamics in terms of chain flows and governance. Long and
unorganised traditional value chains governed by spot market transactions carried the major flow of
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low to high quality mangoes to consumers of all income classes. Modern value chains served the needs
of middle and high income consumers by supplying better quality mangoes and export value chains
that supplied mangoes to foreign consumers. The study identified challenges that came from
weaknesses not only in specific tiers of the value chains, but also in value chains as a system and in
the ability of public stakeholders to deliver adequate support. The study suggested the promotion of
information flows within value chains and improvement of chain governance by building collaborative
relationships between the value chain actors.

ICHS2016/AB_280
Comparative field study of biochemical and phenolic antioxidants of mint leaves treated with biofertlizer and humic acid in the absence and presence of urea fertilizer
Maryam Aslam1,2, Bushra Sultana2, Farooq Anwar3,4 and Hassan Munir5
Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University, Faisalabad
2
Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz
University, AlKharj-11942, Saudi Arabia
4
Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha-40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
5
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: maryamaslam192@gmail.com (M.A)
1

The important constrain to limited crop production and food security in developed as well as
developing nations around the globe and more specifically among poor farmers of Pakistan is soil
infertility. The problems of the resultant land degradation can be reduced by implementing good
farming strategies. Organic fertilizers are known to improve bio-diversity and can be a huge depository
to cope excessive carbon dioxide. While comparing chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers slowly
release the desired soil nutrients to the growing plant and hence nutrient supply is maintained for
longer time period. The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of root priming
treatments on a list of biochemical and antioxidant parameters on mint leaves grown in two soil
modes i.e. presence (A) and absence of urea (B). Bio-fertilizer and humic acid (6 h, 9 h and 12 h) were
used as roots priming agents. Bio-fertilizer was applied to roots 30 minutes prior to sowing while roots
primed with humic acid were sowed before 6 h, 9 h and 12 h of priming. Biochemical parameters
showed proline contents as 15.09-43.17 g/g FM in A and 12.78-37.23 g/g FM in B; MDA content as
4.45-27.15 and 16.54-35.51 g/g FM and total soluble proteins as 3.95-18.71 g/g FM in A and 5.4721.67 g/g FM in B. The variation regarding total chlorophyll content (TCC) and carotenoid content
was found to be 2.406-5.310 in A mg/g FM and 1.745-6.713 mg/g FM in B; and 0.218-0.457 mg/g FM
in A and 0.313-0.679 mg/g FM in B, respectively. While determining phenolic contents, the results
found in A and B experiment was as 9.28-18.54 and 4.54-13.49, respectively. Antioxidant analysis
showed the following results; reducing Power as 0.882-1.345 and 0.816-1.136 at 10 mg/mL and DPPH
as 0.186-0.441 and 0.212-0.489 (IC50). Further, HPLC analysis was performed for the quantification of
phenolic acids. Overall study showed that growth regulators as root priming agents performed well
against control samples (in which no roots were primed), however, non-significant differences (P >
0.05) were seen in two treatments, Bio-fertilizer and Humic acid (6 h priming). The comparable results
were also seen in two soil modes. Therefore, it can be said that application of urea (a synthetic
fertilizer) in the soil can be minimized and preferred for the safer and ecofriendly production of mint.
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ICHS2016/AB_281
Antioxidant and antitumor potential of different extracts of Ricinus communis and Anethum
graveolens
Faiza Nazir1, Raja Adil Sarfraz2 and Maryam Aslam1
Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Central Hi-Tech Laboratory, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: faizanazirphd@gmail.com (F.N)
1

The methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Anethum graveolens and Ricinus communis was
studied for antitumor potential, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The
antitumor potential was determined by potato disc assay. While the antioxidant activity, total phenolic
and flavonoids were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay, FolinCiocalteau assay and
aluminium chloride method respectively. The maximum antitumor potential of methanol extracts of
Anethum graveolens was 89.40% at 10,000 g/mL and that of Ricinus communis was 88.34% at 1.0
g/mL. The maximum antioxidant activity was found for methanol extract of Ricinus communis.
Maximum flavonoids were found in ethanol extract of Ricinus communis. The total flavonoids were
found in the range of 83.83 to 669.83 mg QE (Quercetin Equivalent) /g plant extract. Maximum total
phenolic contents were found in methanol extract of Ricinus communis i.e. 12.67 mg GAE (Gallic Acid
Equivalents)/ g plant extract. It was concluded that methanol extract of Ricinus communis was source
of high phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and antitumor potential.

ICHS2016/AB_282
Diversity of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on citrus in Punjab (Pakistan)
Muhammad Tayyib1, Shahid Majeed2 Muhammad Jawwad Yousuf3
Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Entomological Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
Email: muhammadtayyib81@yahoo.com (M.T)
1

The present research was conducted to collect and identify whitefly species associated with Citrus
plants from Punjab, Pakistan. It is situated 29.240 N to 33.560 N latitude, 70.250E to 74.310 E and
altitude vary between 125 to 2291 meter. Whiteflies are moth like, minute insects belonging to family
Aleyrodidae. These are polyphagous, feed on large number of host plants like crops, fruit plants,
ornamentals, weeds and vegetables. This research has resulted in the identification of 7 species under
4 genera. Seven species viz., Aleurocanthus russellae, Aleurocanthus woglumi, Bemisia giffardi,
Dialeurodes citri, Dialeurodes kirkaldyi, Dialeurolonga elongata, and Dialeurolonga lagerstroemiae
were identified from the pupal cases mounted on slides. The specimens were collected from 20
different localities of Punjab viz., Bahawalpur, Bhukkar, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujrat,
Islamabad, Jhelum, Kallar Kahar, Lahore, Lodhran, Multan, Muree, Okara, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi,
Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sialkot and Vehari. A taxonomic key for the identification of species is also
prepared. Species richness has been calculated by using Shannon Weinor index of biodiversity. Species
richness value is maximum for Sargodha, followed by Faisalabad and Multan.

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ICHS2016/AB_285
Analyzing the biophoton responses of spinach to organic and inorganic growing systems
Shaghef Ejaz1, Karoline Maria Jezik2, Muhammad Akbar Anjum1, Werner Stumpf2, Heidrun Halbwirth3
and Karl Stich3
1
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan (60800), Pakistan
2
Division of Vegetables and Ornamentals, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural
Resources and Life Sciences, A-1180 Vienna, Austria
3
Institute of Chemical Engineering, University of Technology, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
Email: shaghef.ejaz@bzu.edu.pk (S.E)
Stress conditions noticeably enhance spontaneous emission of bioluminescence or biophoton in
plants. The ultra-weak bioluminescence or biophoton is the emission of photons at an intensity less
than 1000 photons/sec/cm2. This radiation is induced by electronically excited molecules that exist in
living cells. Biophotons provide novel information to visualize the physiological states of plants.
Generation of reactive oxygen species as a result of abiotic stress or pest/pathogenic infestation has
been found to be accompanied by this ultra-weak photon emission. These bioluminescence markers
provide informative view of oxidative stress signaling and oxidative stress damage in plants during
adverse conditions. A highly sensitive system based on the technique of photon counting imaging
using photomultiplier tubes has been developed to determine the dynamics of photon emission.
Considering biophotons as oxidative status markers, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the
organically and inorganically grown spinach. Results showed that strongly enhanced biophoton
emission was observed in inorganically cultivated spinach leaves. Further, nitrate content, and specific
activity of polyphenol oxidase and dihydroflavonol reductase were also higher in these plants.
Comparatively, organically grown spinaches showed low biophotons emission along with higher trolox
equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ascorbic acid content and total flavonols. Similarly, specific
activities of peroxidase, chalcone synthase, avanone 3-hydroxylase and flavonol synthase were found
to be higher in organic spinach. Inverse correlation of biophotons count with TEAC, antioxidants and
specific activities of enzymes involved in flavonoids biosynthesis was also evident in organically grown
spinach. This study highlights the potential of biophoton imaging to monitor oxidative stress in plants
grown under different growing systems. Furthermore, biophotons generation might be a reliable
marker in diagnosing oxidative status of leafy vegetables.

ICHS2016/AB_289
Standardization of olive curing with Sodium hydroxide at different physiological stages
Ghazal Miraj1, Riaz Alam2 and Bibi Haleema3
Biochemistry Section, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab. Peshawar, Pakistan
2
Olive Research & Development Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road
45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
3
Plant Physiology Section, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan
Emails: ghazalmiraj@gmail.com (G.M), riazalamhort@gmail.com (R.A), haleema_12@yahoo.co.in
(B.H)
1

Fresh olives are naturally very bitter because they are rich in oleuropein. Olives curing or removing
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the bitterness is the most important step for its post-harvest management and storage. Experiment
was conducted during 2013 at Bio-chemistry Section, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab,
Peshawar, to standardize the curing of olive at three physiological stages i.e. full green, lemon green
and semi ripen. The olive fruits of the three maturity stages were kept separately in different Sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) solutions (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%). Control treatment was given by soaking the
fruit in simple water. After complete curing, washing of olives was done by dipping the olive in clean
water and then washed after 1 hour time interval until complete removal of NaOH. Washing of olives
was tested by applying phenolphthalein (1% w/v in alcohol) on the olives. Results showed that 1 %
NaOH solution took more time in curing (60 hrs) where high concentrations of NaOH (2.5% & 3%)
resulted in early curing i.e. 33 hrs and 24 hrs respectively but consequently more time in washing (68
hrs). It was concluded from the results that the full green olives may be cured with 2 % NaOH solution
for 39 hours and then washed for 48 hours. The lemon green olives can be cured for 48 hrs with 1.5%
NaOH and 36 hours washing afterwards. The semi ripened olive fruit cured with 1.5% NaOH in 46
hours and took 4 hours for complete washing.

ICHS2016/AB_295
Quorum sensing and quorum quenching bacteria from rhizospheric populations associated with
gladiolus corms
Kashif Riaz1, Sahar Jameel1, Akhtar Hameed1, Raja Qualib Hussain1, Yasar Sajjad2 and Muhammad
Jafar Jaskani3
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad
Campus, Abbottabad. KPK, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, , University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R), saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.H),
rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), ysar_uaf@yahoo.com (Y.S), jjaskani@uaf.edu.pk (M.J.J)
Gladiolus is an important cut flower holding a noticeable position in the international flower market.
The beneficial properties of rhizosphere associated bacterial populations are regulated by quorum
sensing (QS, cell density dependent gene regulation) and quorum quenching (QQ, attenuation of QS).
In this study the QS activating (Pseudomonas and Burkholderia sp) and NAHL degrading (Acinetobacter
and Bacillus sp) culturable bacteria were isolated from gladiolus corms (one month post germination)
using serial dilution method on nutrient agar medium. QS and QQ properties were verified through
bacterial biosensor strains (C. violaceum CV026 and A. tumefaciens NTLR4) on TLC plates. These were
identified through BLAST searches of their PCR amplified 16srDNA sequences. Molecular
characterization of rhizosphere bacteria associated with gladiolus rhizosphere is important for gaining
an insight into the structure and function of these microbial populations which can be further put to
use for beneficial purposes.

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ICHS2016/AB_298
Impact assessment of extension services for modern carrot husbandry in districts of Faisalabad
and Layyah: a farm level analysis
Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Amjad, Tanveer Ahmad, Asmat Batool, Muhammad Muzammil
Jahangir and Anam Noor
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, , University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: tanveerihs@gmail.com (T.A)
A case study was conducted in two Districts (Layyah and Faisalabad) of Punjab province during the
year 2014-15. An intensive extension campaign was launched in this area under the project Improving
farmers profitability and human nutrition through popularization of carrots to assess the impact of
this project. Information regarding farmers trends to carrot cultivation, extension skills and major
limitations for carrot production was collected. Results depicted that a considerable number of
farmers have knowledge about seed rate (60%), best sowing time (90%), use of recommended
fertilizers (58.33%), intercropping (70%), pests and disease information (90%) and also awareness of
pesticides (70%). However; there are some constraints such as the involvement of middle man (83.3%)
and high input costs (85%). In light of these results, profitability of carrot cultivation can be promoted
by providing guidance on market avenues and price fluctuations, by boosting up the role of mass
media like newspaper, radio and television, creating awareness about the use of pesticides,
encouragement for direct marketing and promoting the education within the farming community.

ICHS2016/AB_300
Effect of rootstocks on postharvest quality of peach fruit cv. Flordaking
Muhammad Javed Tareen1, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi2, Muhammad Naveed Tareen1 and Hafeez-urRahman3
1
Directorate General, Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Pakistan
2
PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi,
Pakistan
3
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: jdtn69@yahoo.com (M.J.T.), nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), mdtn79@yahoo.com
(M.N.T.)
Peach is the most important stone fruit crop after apricot in Pakistan. Mostly, high yields are
dependent upon the selection of proper rootstock along with some promising scion varieties. The
peach fruit being highly perishable requires great care during harvest and postharvest handling. In this
study the effect of three different rootstocks; (GF-677, Peshawar local and Swat local) were evaluated
on peach fruit cultivar Flordaking. The rootstocks were evaluated by determining performance of the
fruits at 0 C during five weeks storage period. Effect of the rootstocks on different fruit quality
parameters were observed during the storage life included; percent weight loss, skin color luminosity
(L*), chroma (C*) and hue angle (h), fruit flesh firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity
(TA), SSC:TA ratio, fruit juice pH, sugars (total, reducing and non-reducing sugars), ascorbic acid
(vitamin C) and free radicals scavenging activity. The post-harvest performance; storage period,
decreased weight losses, higher flesh firmness, lower SSC, highest TA was found in fruits of trees
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grafted on GF-677 rootstock whereas pH of fruit juice was recorded with no difference between GF677 and PL rootstocks and higher in SL rootstock. Highest SSC:TA ratio was observed in fruits from SL
rootstock. Quality parameters of; skin color, GF-677 rootstock showed significantly higher L*
(lightness), lowest changes in C* while, for h the treatments showed similarity in their performance.
The rate of increase in total and reducing sugars was significantly lower in GF-677 rootstock. Free
radicals scavenging activity and ascorbic acid content were significantly higher in the fruits from GF677 as compared to other two rootstocks.

ICHS2016/AB_302
Impact of environmental components on plant growth in guava cultivars during summer season
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Ahmad Ali, Bilquees Fatima, Samida Qamar and Hafiz Sibtain
Ahmad
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: m.usman@uaf.edu.pk (M.U)
Different guava cultivars were explored for changes in vegetative and reproductive growth patterns
and to identify phenological stages during the summer season. Increase in leaf blade length (LL), width
(LW) and ratio length/width (LL:LW) was significantly higher in the initial 0-16 days interval for leaf
growth, and afterwards no marked increase was observed. Average ratio LL:LW was greater in cvs.
Round and Pyriform compared with cv. Pink Flesh. Flower bud growth (BG) was significantly higher
from 0-10 days in cvs. Round and Pyriform followed by cv. Pink Flesh. Fruit size of cv. Round was
markedly higher (68.46 mm) compared with cvs. Pyriform and Pink Flesh (53.24 mm and 46.74 mm)
and fruits attained market maturity in 65-70 days. Expression of growth increment in different
cultivars relative to cv. Pink Flesh at day 15 (12.08 mm; taken as the lowest fruit size) revealed that
final fruit growth at harvest (85 days) was 3 times greater in cv. Pink Flesh, 4 times in cv. Pyriform
and 5 times in cv. Round. Pearsons correlation analysis revealed significant correlation among
cultivars and temperature. Vegetative growth was positively correlated to temperature in cv. Pink
Flesh and Pyriform. Leaf growth in different genotypes was negatively correlated to Rain fall (%).
Both temperature and relative humidity were positively correlated to genotypes for fruit
development; however, rainfall and sunshine showed no significant impact. These studies helped to
identify the key environmental components related to foliage and fruit growth across guava
genotypes. However, further extensive studies are suggested for better understanding of
environmental and genotypic relationships in plant growth and development.

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ICHS2016/AB_304
Strengthening horticulture extension system in Punjab: Status, challenges and strategies
Basharat Ali Saleem1, Aman Ullah Malik2, Muhammad Luqman3 and Muhammad Azher Nawaz4,
Muhammad Nawaz Khan5
1
Department of Agriculture, Extension Wing Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Agriculture Extension, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha,
40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
4
Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100,
Sargodha, Pakistan
5
Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: basharatuaf@yahoo.com (B.A.S.), basharatuaf@gmail.com (B.A.S.), malikaman1@gmail.com
(A.U.M)
Overtime horticulture has emerged as one of the most potential enterprises in augmenting the growth
of economy. To meet the food requirements of ever growing population of the world there is an
increasing trend of fruits and vegetable production around the globe, with maximum increase of
vegetables in Asia (50% over the period) There is wide range of options for horticultural crop
diversification which ensures nutritional security. It also offers more employment opportunities and
scope for poverty alleviation through labour intensive farm operations all the way to large agro
industries. This sector has tremendous potential for improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers
who are in large majority in the country. Different research studies have proved that production of
diverse variety of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers are more profitable for small land holders due to
their capacity to produce value added agricultural commodities. Despite of its significance at national
and household level this sector has been facing a number of constraints and challenges. In the existing
agricultural extension system and rural advisory services, generally in the whole country and
specifically in the Punjab province, there are no dedicated extension services for the F&V growers.
Further, extension services also lack capacity for rendering services for horticultural produce
processing and export. The major focus of agricultural extension department has always been on
production of major agronomic crops. The horticulture extension has always been like an extra
activity. Further the extension agents are seldom trained especially for horticultural crops to
strengthen their competencies. The Extension Field Staff (EFS) need to be equipped with Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP) related to fruits and vegetables to ensure food production and processing
on sustained basis. Since decades there are some posts of Assistant Horticulture officers at divisional
level and Horticulture Officer at regional level but not specific for horticulture extension as these are
attached posts. An independent directorate for horticulture extension in the Punjab is under
development without any clear organizational set up. Scanty existence of horticultural extension in
present extension system is lagging behind the horticultural crops. Establishment of dedicated
horticultural extension may bring multifarious benefits like provision of timely advisory services to
growers and processors and reducing the ever persisting information gap for improving overall supply
chains. In addition, through use of more modern e-based and mobile extension tools, accessibility to
good agricultural practices in production and processing will be more convenient, being readily
available.

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ICHS2016/AB_305
Export quality Kinnow mandarin production in Punjab: Status, recent advances and future
prospects
Aman Ullah Malik1,2, Basharat Ali Saleem3, Iqrar Ahmad Khan2, Abdul Rehman4, Muhammad Yasin5,
Hamid Bashir6, Muhammad Ahsan6, Saajid Aleem4, Asif Ali7, Muhammad Nawaz Khan8
1
University of California, Davis, United States of America
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Agriculture, Extension Wing Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
4
Deptartment of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
5
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
6
Deptartment of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
7
Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
8
Citrus Research Station, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: malikaman1@gmail.com (A.U.M), basharatuaf@yahoo.com (B.A.S.), basharatuaf@gmail.com
(B.A.S.)
Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour Citrus deliciosa Tenora) is the mainstay of our citrus industry.
The overall area under citrus in the country is approaching 500, 000 acres, with Kinnow planation
closer to 70%. Pakistan is an important global producer (over 2.2 million tons) and exporter (374, 000
tons) of citrus, mainly Kinnow mandarin. Despite the vibrant figure of export, quality fruit production
of Kinnow is under serious threat due to blemishes caused by several biotic and abiotic factors, along
with some serious quarantine concerns (citrus canker, and fruit fly). A recent survey showed that due
to cosmetic quality issues, the farm gate rejection varied from 20 to 50%, with some orchards
completely rejected by exporters. Analysis revealed that about 47.5% blemishes were related to
diseases (mainly scab+melanose, and canker), 29.5% linked to insect pest (mainly mites and thrips)
and 15% physiological/physical nature. While the symptoms of melanose were widespread, the
disease isolation work showed presence of only Elsinoe fawcettii (scab causing pathogen) on fruit.
Overall, Alernaria alternata was the most severe fungal pathogen, although Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides was the most severe fungal pathogen of twigs. In vitro studies showed Score and
Nativo as effective fungicide against E. fawcettii. Lack of orchard hygiene, over irrigation, unclean
harvest tools, and carry over plant debris and soil etc could be the potential causes of widespread
spread disease inoculum. As far as the improvement in Kinnow quality are concerned, there is real
potential to improve it through recommended practices at critical stages of fruit growth and
development. As an outcome of the campaign against citrus diseases by Punjab Agriculture
Department, this year the disease intensity is lower as compared to last year. Adoption of Good
Agricultural practices (GAP), optimum crop nutrition especially potash fertilizer and micronutrients
application, increasing organic matter in the soil and use of recommended spray program and correct
techniques for pesticide application, as well as sanitation in harvest and fruit handling operations are
the key measures. Overall, this paper provides an in depth analysis of the Kinnow quality issues, recent
advances and international perspective (USA, Australia, South Africa work) on the subject along with
sustainable quality improvement strategies.

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ICHS2016/AB_313
Changes in the physical and biochemical fruit quality characteristics of new indigenous mango
germplasm during ripening
Asad Ali1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana2 and Iqrar Ahmad Khan1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulutre, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab
60800, Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K)
1

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important tree fruit commercially cultivated in tropical to
subtropical areas throughout the world. Along with existing commercial mango varieties, Pakistan is
naturally blessed with a wide range of unexplored indigenous mango germplasm. Very little
information is available about the physical and biochemical fruit quality characteristics of these
indigenous germpalsm during ripening. Therefore, present study was conducted to evaluate physical
and biochemical fruit quality parameters of these potential indigenous mango germplasm during
ripening to find out the best stage of fruit consumption with highest nutritional value and taste.
Physical, physiological and biochemical quality characteristics of fruits were recorded periodically at
1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days of fruit ripening. Results indicated that soluble solid contents (SSC) of all mango
germplasm increased as the ripening period progressed; however, highest SSC was recorded by MLT239, MLT-658, KHW-644 and KHW-250 fruits on day-7 to day-9 of ripening. Titrateable acidity
(TA) of all the mango germplasm exhibited a decreasing trend during ripening period. Highest
carotenoid contents were found in MLT-251 and KHW-250 and KHW-643 fruit. Total
antioxidants were highest in mango accessions MLT-239, KHW-250, MLT-658 and KHW-644
at full ripe stage. Data regarding total phenolic contents showed a decreasing trend from day-1 to day9 of fruit ripening and among all germplasm significant higher results were found by fruit of KHW644 and KHW-250. In conclusion, majority of indigenous germplasm exhibited best eating quality
and nutritional values at day-7 to day-9 of fruit ripening. Fruits of the mango germplasm also showed
variation in their harvest maturity and physic-chemical fruit quality characteristics.

ICHS2016/AB_315
Influence of seasonal variations and storage on quality of raspberries cultivated in greenhouse,
high tunnels and open field
Liaqat Ali1, Muhammad Sarwar Yaqub1,Birgitta Svensson2, Beatrix W. Alsanius2 and Marie E. Olsson2.
1
Horticultural Sciences, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia
University of Bahawalpur, 63100-Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box 103, SE-23053
Alnarp, Sweden.
Emails: liaqatali@iub.edu.pk (L.A.), liaqat_uaf@yahoo.com (L.A.)
The present study examined the seasonal and environmental variation for phytochemical differences
and shelf life after harvest with the raspberries cultivated in open field (OF), high tunnels (HT) and in
greenhouse (GH). The quantitative analysis were made by high performance liquid chromatography.
Significant differences were found for data analyzed for different years, time of harvest, and their
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interactions with storage time. The content of total sugars increased from early to late season harvest
by 24% and 48% in the two investigated years in OF production, and by 16% and 62% in GH production,
though it decreased by 30% and 15% in HT production. Generally, the highest values for titratable
acidity were found at the late harvest in GH and HT production. During storage, the content of glucose
and fructose increased, while the content of sucrose decreased, and often the smallest changes found
during storage with fruit harvested late in the season. The vitamin C content was lower in HT and OF
raspberries at the end of the season, while the ellagic acid content in general decreased from early to
late harvest time in all production systems. Anthocyanin content varied significantly with time of
harvest, though no consistent pattern was found, generally increased during storage. Significant but
smaller changes were found for Total Phenolic in GH and HT production though OF raspberries was
twice in one of the investigated years as compared with the others. In average for both years, no
changes during storage were found in the content of total phenolic, ellagic acid and vitamin C. In
conclusion, the sugar concentrations showed the greatest variability, with differences between years,
within season, and during storage.

ICHS2016/AB_327
Economic analysis of jasmine cut-flower: A case study of Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Ashfaq and Muhammad Usman
Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Email: ashfaq9@hotmail.com (M.A)
Floriculture has been considered as a potential business due to divergence of farmers towards high
value floral crops and consumption of flowers in social events as well as for industrial production in
Pakistan. The present study was designed to estimate the production cost, net income and BCR of
jasmine cut-flower. Purposive sampling technique was used for the data collection. Data were
collected from districr Kasur, Lahore and Sheikhupura. A total of 50 respondents of jasmine cut-flower
were interviewed. To determine the impact of different socioeconomic and agronomic factors on the
production of Jasmine a Cobb-Douglas production function was employed. The results of the findings
revealed that total cost of production of the jasmine small farmers (Rs.275531) was less as compared
to medium and large farmers. The total cost of production of the jasmine medium farmers (Rs.278111)
was high as compared to small (Rs.275531) and less than that of large farmers (Rs.293016). Total
average cost of production of all farms was Rs.279719. The total revenue of the small, medium, large
and all sampled farmers in the area was Rs.666385, Rs.615441, Rs.640017 and Rs.630346,
respectively. The net income was the highest of the small farmers i.e. Rs.390854 followed by large
farmers (Rs.347001) and medium farmers (Rs.350627). The BCR of the sampled small, medium, large
and all farmers was 2.42, 2.21, 2.18 and 2.25, respectively. The results of the econometrics model
implied that the variable of education of the farmers, land preparation cost, FYM cost, fertilization
cost and irrigations applied had positive and significant while the variable of chemical cost had
negative and significant impact on the dependent variable (yield of jasmine). The educated people
need to be encouraged to adopt cut-flower business. The farmers should be encouraged to prepare
good quality land to get better and high quality yield of jasmine flowers.

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ICHS2016/AB_330
Molecular characterization of new variant of Tomato Leaf Curl Palampur Virus from Cucurbita
pepo in Pakistan
Muhammad Shafiq and Muhammad Saleem Haider, Sehrish Mushtaq
Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAGS), University of Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: shafiqnibge@gmail.com (M.S.)
Cucurbita pepo L., of the family Cucurbitaceae is commonly known as zucchini, courgette or summer
squash when immature and pumpkin or winter squash when mature. Begomoviruses associated with
shortening of leaves, vein swelling and enations in C. pepo, was cloned and sequenced. These were
compared with reported sequences in NCBI database using BLAST analysis and preliminary results
showed that clone MU6 and MU7 have highest nucleotide sequence identity of 97% and 98% to
Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) DNA-A and DNA-B isolated from tomato in India.
Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis grouped MU6 (DNA-A) and MU7 (DNA-B) into wellsupported clades together with ToLCPMV. Thus, both clones: MU6 and MU7 are new variant of
ToLCPMV from Pakistan. Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of the partial repeat construct of
ToLCPMV clone obtained in this study to Nicotiana benthamiana induced severe upward leaf curl
symptoms and flow of viral DNA were detected in infected plant leaves. To our knowledge this is the
first report of ToLCPMV infecting Cucurbita pepo in Pakistan.

ICHS2016/AB_331
Relationship of environmental conditions with PVY disease development in Potatoes for
sustainable crop production
Muhammad Nasir Subhani1, Muhammad Imran1 and Waseem Abbas2
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakar, Pakistan
Email: nasirsubhani.iags@pu.edu.pk (M.N.S.)

The correlation of maximum and minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity {R.H, %}, wind speed
(km/h) and rainfall (mm) with PVY disease severity in potatoes were determined at variety level during
2014. None of the variety had significant correlation with rainfall. Three varieties had significant
correlation with wind velocity, twenty varieties had significant correlation with relative humidity, five
varieties had significant correlation with minimum temperature and sixteen varieties/lines had
significant correlation with maximum temperature. Seven varieties had highly significant correlation
with maximum temperature. Twenty one varieties had highly significant correlation with minimum
temperature. None of the variety had highly significant correlation with relative humidity. None of the
variety had highly significant correlation with rainfall. Twenty four varieties had highly significant
correlation with wind speed. The correlation of maximum and minimum temperature ( oC), relative
humidity {R.H, %}, wind speed (km/h) and rainfall (mm) with aphid was also determined at variety
level. Sixteen varieties had highly significant correlation with maximum temperature. All varieties
had highly significant correlation with minimum temperature. Only one variety SH- 5 had highly
significant correlation with relative humidity. None of the variety had highly significant correlation
with rainfall. Twenty four varieties had highly significant correlation with wind velocity. Eleven
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varieties had significant correlation with maximum temperature. No variety had significant correlation
with minimum temperature. Twenty two varieties had significant correlation with relative humidity.
None of the variety had significant correlation with rainfall. Three varieties had significant correlation
with wind velocity. There was significant correlation of Air temperature (max and min) relative
humidity and wind velocity with PVY disease incidence and Aphid population.

ICHS2016/AB_337
Effect of different N, P and K combinations for reproductive growth and malformation physiology
of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Rashad
Waseem Khan Qadri, Mohammad Shafi Ullah
Institute of Horticultural sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
Malformation, arguably the most important disease of mango worldwide, it is widespread and
destructive and is of growing concern because its etiology and control are not well understood. The
experiment was conducted at experimental fruit garden of Institute of Horticultural Sciences,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2006. The objective was to find out the effect of different
fertilizer combinations such as T0 (control), T1 (N1000g), T2 (P1500g), T3 (K1500g), T4 (N1000g + P750g), T5 (N1000g
+ K750g), T6 (P1500g + K1500g) T7 (N1000g + P750g + K750g) on reproductive growth and malformation physiology
of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cv.Dushari. Various parameter were recorded such as total number of
panicles per tree, total number of flowers per panicle (male & female flowers), total number of fruit
drop% age (Initial and Final), maturity time, sex ratio, malformation intensity percentage, time of
emergence, size of panicle, growth rate compared with healthy panicles. The result revealed that
reproductive growth was performed better in T7 over all other treatments. Fertilizer performed better
in combination and can be applied on commercial level to increase the orchard output and reduce the
intensity of malformation.

ICHS2016/AB_346
A study of cost-effective and environmentally-friendly postharvest technology of litchi
Shreef Mahmood and Mohammad Golap Hossain
Department of Horticulture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur
5200, Bangladesh
Email: shreefmahmood@yahoo.com (S.M.), golap12hstu@gmail.com (M.G.H.)
Sulphur-based treatments are an established method of reducing postharvest loss of litchi, but due to
increasing concerns of health and environmental issues these methods have been limited in many
countries. The present study, therefore, aimed to develop a safe, environmentally-friendly
postharvest method for litchi. The experiment was carried out at the laboratory of Horticulture, Hajee
Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh during the period from
April 2015 to June 2015. Two cultivars of litchi namely, Bombai and Madraji were stored in
polyethylene bag, bamboo basket with litchi leaves and open conditions at 5C and ambient
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temperature for 9 days. In all cases, fruits that were stored in open conditions rapidly lost weight and
became unmarketable within 3 days due to rapid pericarp browning. In contrast, fruits kept in
polyethylene bag reduced weight loss and retained pericarp colour greatly during storage. Decay
symptom was observed when the fruits stored in ambient temperature either in polyethylene bag or
in bamboo basket with litchi leaves; however no decay symptom was found in fruits kept at 5C
irrespective of storage treatments. The changes of TSS, pH, ascorbic acid and total phenolics in the aril
were minimum in the treatment of polyethylene bag than that of bamboo basket with litchi leaves
and open conditions. Overall, fruits of both cultivars showed similar storage behavior and maintained
better fruit quality at 5C than ambient temperature.

ICHS2016/AB_350
Geographical variability in biochemical attributes of guava cv. Round leaf extract
Umair Raza1, Muhammad Usman1, Muhammad Shahid2, Bilquees Fatima1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: m.usman@uaf.edu.pk (M.U).

In the current study leaves of different strains of guava cv. Round collected from geographically
different localities were assayed for their antioxidant activity and other biochemical compounds.
Strains DGSM1-2, SBGSM5, MGSM5, and GGSM1 were found significantly higher for antioxidant
activity (81-82%) compared with other strains (43-50%). Total phenolic compounds (TPC) were found
more in strain DGSM1 (340 mgGAEg-1) and GGSM1 while SBGSP4 showed the lowest content (181
mgGAEg-1). Strains DGSM1-2 and MGSM5 were rich (>600 mgCEg-1) in total flavonoid compounds (TFC)
while different SBGSP (1-5) strains contained the lowest amount of TFC (190-200 mgCEg-1). Total
soluble sugars (TSS) and proteins were the highest in strain SBGSM5 (71 mgg -1; 363.52 mgg-1) while
the lowest TSS and protein values were found in WGSP1 (31.79 mgg-1; 167.24 mgg-1). High variability
was found among similar strains obtained from different localities compared with their genotypic
variation. These studies indicate higher availability of total phenolics, flavonoids and their potential
for higher antioxidant activities in indigenous guava strains. These natural resources could be
exploited as source of nutraceuticals and for their preventive role against chronic diseases.

ICHS2016/AB_353
Effect of different edible coatings on fruit quality and storage life of bell pepper
Abadullah, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Muhammad Shafique, Sami Ullah, Abdul Ahad Qureshi
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: shafiqhort@hotmail.com (M.S.)
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different edible coatings on fruit quality
and storage life of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Yollo Wonder) under extended cold storage
at 8 1oC with 90-95% RH for 24 days. Fruits were coated with different concentrations of gum arabic
(6, 9 and 12%), Aloe vera gel (4, 5 and 6%) and cinnamon oil (0.5, 0.75 and 1%). Bell pepper fruits
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coated with 12 % gum arabic exhibited significantly reduced weight loss, membrane leakage, chilling
injury, decay incidence as compared with uncoated fruits during cold storage. Similarly, 12% gum
arabic coating treatment retained higher ascorbic acid content, fruit colour, titratable acidity, pH and
lower total soluble solids, as compared to control. These results suggest that 12% gum arabic coating
can be used to retain better fruit quality by delaying chilling injury and decay development in bell
pepper for 24 days of cold storage.

ICHS2016/AB_360
Emerging international compliance issues: Challenge to fresh fruits and vegetable exports
Najma Yousaf Zahid, Nadeem Akthar Abbasi and Tahir Mahmood
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: honey_neema@yahoo.com (N.Y.Z.)
Pakistan annually produces 13 million tons of fresh produce, divided into fruits 46% and vegetables
54%. Its market value at current factor cost is estimated around US$ 2 billion. The annual export of
fresh produce is estimated around half a million tons which earns foreign exchange of worth US$ 140
million. Fresh fruits and vegetables export is a growing industry and pace of both production and
exports can be much accelerated. In the Medium Term Development Framework 2005-10, production
of fruits and vegetables has been projected at about 18 million tons by 2009/10 and exports at US$
238 million. The major challenge being faced by the fresh fruit export industry is the increasing issues
of international compliance mainly focused on food safety (SPS measures), traceability, residues of
different agro-chemicals, lack of good agricultural practices, reduction of post harvest diseases and
pests (quarantine treatments) and issues pertaining to safety of food packaging materials. Currently,
the hazards analysis and critical control point (HACCP), Global GAP, British retailers consortium (BRC)
and monitoring of maximum residues limits (MRLs) are the major challenges. An integrated and
comprehensive approach is required to address these issues from both the Government and Private
sector to meet the export targets as addressed under the MTDF of the Government of Pakistan (US$
238 million) by the year 2010.

ICHS2016/AB_361
Inheritance pattern of lycopene, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents in Solanum
lycopersicum L. under cadmium (Cd) stress
1

Muhammad Mazhar Hussain1, Asif Saeed2, Asif Ali Khan2, Atif Mehmood3, Bilquees Fatima4
Directorate of Vegetable Research, Department of Horticultural Sciences, NARC, Park Road, 45500,
Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
3
Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute,
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
4
Institute of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: mazi_uaf@yahoo.com (M.M.H.)

A set of 13 tomato genotypes were crossed in line x tester mating design using eight lines as female
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parent and five lines as male parent to access the inheritance of quality traits (total soluble solids,
ascorbic acid contents and lycopene contents) under cadmium stress condition. Forty F1 hybrids along
with their 13 parents were evaluated in CRD design with two cadmium levels, i.e. 3 ppm, 6 ppm and
control. In the present study general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and
better parent heterosis were computed. Under both levels of stress, significant variation was found in
lines, testers, crosses and line tester interactions for all the studied traits. On the basis of GCA results
the line Picdeneato and tester 17882 were found best general combiners while SCA results indicated
that cross combinations Roma 17883 and Picdeneato Marmande were found good specific
combiners. Heterosis results indicated that cross combinations Sitara TS-01 17882, 7035 17882
and Roma 17882 performed well for most of the traits under study in terms of significant heterosis.
As non-additive type of gene action was found for most of the traits studied therefore, hybrid breeding
is recommended for developing cadmium tolerant tomato plants. Positive heterosis for lycopene
contents, ascorbic acid contents and total soluble solids could be considered best criterion for
selection under cadmium stress and these hybrids may be exploited by hybrid breeding programs for
cadmium contaminated or sewage water irrigated soils.

ICHS2016/AB_364
Environmental friendly strategies for management of basal rot disease of onion
Arshad Javaid and Roma Akhtar
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: arshadjpk@yahoo.com (A.J.), arshad.iags@pu.edu.pk (A.J.), roma61986@hotmail.com (R.A.)
Onion (Allium cepa L.), the second most important horticulture crop in the world, is attacked by a
destructive soil-borne fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, resulting in basal plate
rot disease. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential of antagonistic fungi
Trichoderma spp. (T. pseudoloningii, T. harzianum and T. reesei) and leaves of Withania somnifera for
the management of this disease. In vitro interaction studies revealed T. harzianum as the most
effective biocontrol agent against the pathogen. In pot trials, dried leaf material of W. somnifera (1%,
2% and 3% w/w) and inoculum of T. harzianum were mixed in the soil which was already inoculated
with the target fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae. The negative control had no fungal inoculum or soil
amendment, whereas positive control had only inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae. The highest
disease incidence (87%) and infection index (93%) were recorded in positive control. Different doses
of dry leaf manure reduced the disease incidence and disease index to 4166% and 1642%,
respectively. Combined application of T. harzianum and leaf material reduced the disease incidence
to 2053% and disease index to 1428%. Extract of dry leaves of W. somnifera was prepared in
methanol and fractionated using organic solvents n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol
in order of increasing polarity. Antifungal activity of these fractions was checked against the
pathogenic fungus using malt extract broth as growth medium. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the
highest antifungal activity where its highest concentration (200 mg mL-1) decreased the fungal biomass
by 24% over control. The results of the present study conclude that basal rot of onion can be effectively
managed by combined application of W. somnifera dry leaf material and biological control agent T.
harzianum.

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ICHS2016/AB_369
Postharvest losses and storage potential of strawberries packed in conventional plastic baskets
Muhammad Fiaz, Raheel Anwar, Aman Ullah Malik, Jawad Hassan
Institute of Horticultural Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: fiaz.m1990@yahoo.com (M.F), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A), malikaman1@gmail.com
(A.U.M.), jawad2012@live.com (J.H)
Strawberry is perishable fruit and prone to mechanical injuries due to high water content resulting in
short shelf life. Therefore, study was carried out to estimate the marketable fruit and evaluate shelf
life potential of strawberries packed in plastic baskets (10 kg) and transported through conventional
transport. Fruit was purchased from fruit market and transported to lab where mechanically injured
and safe fruits were sorted out to estimate losses in conventional packaging material. Grading was
also practiced to estimate the proportion of different size fruits in packing. After that fruits,
marketable fruits were kept at four temperatures 0C, 5C, 10C and 20C to evaluate against disease
incidence, quality parameters and shelf life. Study revealed that mechanically injured strawberries
were almost 60% while large and small size fruits were 53 and 47% respectively. In terms of storage
potential, strawberries kept at 20C were consumable only for two days because disease incidence
and spoilage deteriorated the strawberries. While strawberries kept at 10C were consumable till 7
days after that disease prevailed in them, anyhow strawberries kept at 5 and 1C exhibited shelf life
of 9 days. From this study it was concluded that plastic basket and conventional transport causes
mechanical injuries and reduces marketable fruits as well as shelf life therefore improvement in
packaging material and transport system is required.

ICHS2016/AB_370
Influence of salicylic acid and storage duration on storability of persimmon fruit
Muhammad Sajid and Islam Rashid
Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan
Email: sajidhort@hotmail.com (M.S.)
To assess the response of persimmon fruits to the dipping application of salicylic acid and storage
duration on storability, an experiment was evaluated at the Post Harvest Laboratory, Department of
Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during the year 2013. The experiment was laid
out in Completely Randomized Design with two factors factorial arrangement and repeated three
times. Persimmon fruits were dipped in salicylic acid at the concentration of 0, 2, 4 and 6 mML -1 for
ten minutes. After air drying the fruits were stored at ambient condition (18-24oC and 50-70% RH) and
their quality parameters were studied at ten days of interval for one month. The fruits that were
treated with 6 mML-1 of salicylic acid showed maximum fruit firmness (2.29 kgcm-2) and titratable
acidity (0.27%) and the minimum juice contents (25.55%) and total soluble solids contents (19.24
o
Brix). The untreated fruits showed highest percent disease incidence (19.17%), percent weight loss
(17.28%), juice contents (35.68%) and total soluble solids (20.97 oBrix) with lowest fruit firmness (1.47
kg-cm-2) and titratable acidity (0.23%). Storage duration significantly influenced all the quality
parameters of persimmon fruits. The fruits stored for 30 days of storage duration showed highest
disease incidence (25.00%), weight loss (21.44%), juice contents (33.15%) and TSS (21.19oBrix) with
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the lowest fruit firmness (0.83 kg-cm-2) and titratable acidity (0.24%). The freshly harvested fruits
showed highest fruit firmness (3.28 kgcm-2) and titratable acidity (0.28%) with the lowest disease
incidence (0.00%), weight loss (0.00%), juice contents (25.49%) and TSS (18.82 oBrix). The interaction
of salicylic acid and storage duration significantly influenced only percent disease incidence and
percent weight loss, while non-significantly affected the fruit firmness, juice contents, TSS and
titratable acidity. It was concluded from the results that salicylic acid effectively maintained the quality
attributes of persimmon fruits through sustaining the fruit firmness, juice contents, TSS, and titratable
acidity. However, the treatment of 4 mML-1 of salicylic acid was the most efficient as it minimized the
percent disease incidence and percent weight loss of persimmon fruit as well as maintained other
quality attributes. It was recommended from the experiment that persimmon fruits could be treated
with 4 mML-1 of salicylic acid after harvest to maintain the quality attributes for 30 days storage at
ambient condition (18-24oC and 50-70% RH) at Peshawar.

ICHS2016/AB_371
First report on fungi associated with market quality deterioration of Fragaria X annasa
(strawberry) in Punjab, Pakistan
Salik Nawaz Khan, Shumaila Farooq and Umar Khalid
Institute of Agricultural Sciences University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Email: salik_nawaz@yahoo.com (S.N.K.)
Strawberry is perishable and has short stay period in the market and is highly sensitive to market
environment. Therefore it is marketed very wisely by grower and market stakeholders. Because of
fluctuation in temperature and unpredictable rains deterioration by postharvest fungi is accelerated
in summer season. In the present study series of surveys at fortnight interval were conducted in
markets and retailer shops during the months of March to May in the markets of Lahore. Quality
deterioration in strawberry was assessed by association of postharvest pathogen s expressed as
%lesion area fruit surface and sensory parameters. Regular sampling from the available markets
exhibited inconstant intensity of fungal flora associated with postharvest losses in strawberry.
Potential causal agents from fruit surface and pulp were transferred to Potato dextrose agar (PDA)
using different isolation techniques and incubated at 252. Isolated pathogens were characterized
into surface and pulp contaminants on the basis of their association. A total of 5 fungi were isolated
from rotting strawberries. Among isolated fungi four were grouped under Surface adherents and one
as pulp contaminant. Surface associated fungi have high occurrence frequency (80%) as compared to
fungi isolated from pulp (20%). Identification was performed by macro and microscopic observation
of colonies characters growing on MEA (malt extract agar). Pure cultures of isolated fungi were
identified with the help of key developed by Barent and hunter and submitted to FCBP. It was first
report of postharvest fungi associated with strawberry available in Lahore markets. Further
investigations on relationship of packaging material with these fungi are under progress.

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ICHS2016/AB_373
Development of an effective and economical protocol for micro-propagation of olive
Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz1, Sehrish Ishaq1 Tauqeer Ahmad1 Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi1 and Ikram Ali Malik2
Plant Tissue Culture Lab, Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi,
Shamsabad, 46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Department of Agri. Economic, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: decenthafiz@gmail.com (I.A.H.)

Tissue culture is an efficient technique utilized in raising the disease free certified olive (Olea
europaea) nursery. However, this procedure is expensive to be adopted on commercial scale due to
the costly growth regulators like zeatin which is the most effective cytokinin in olive micropropagation.
Therefore, the trial was designed to find effective, economical and easily available alternatives of
zeatin for two olive cultivars Coratina and Frantoio. For this purpose, different concentrations of
coconut water, zeatin, BAP were used. Significant differences were observed between olive cultivars
(Coratina and Frantoio) and growth regulators (CW and BAP) for the number of shoots per proliferated
explants, shoot length and fresh weight. Coratina proved to be better in all the parameters producing
1.556 shoots per explants, 2.427 cm shoot length and 106.0 mg fresh weight as compared to Frantoio
in which all these parameters resulted out to be only 1.389, 1.703 cm and 96.77 mg respectively. The
interaction between the cultivars (Coratina and Frantoio) and growth regulators (CW and BAP) was
also significant. The best interaction between cultivars and growth regulators occurred at 50 ml l-1
CW & 0.025 mg l-1 BAP with Coratina producing the maximum number of shoots (2.0), shoot length
(2.707 cm) and fresh weight (143.40 mg) while compared to Coratina, Frantoio produced lesser
number of shoots (1.780), shoot length (2.533 cm) and fresh weight (132.70 mg). Among the
treatments involving the standard concentration of zeatin or BAP alone and in combination of CW and
BAP, 50 ml l-1 CW & 0.025 mg l-1 BAP proved to be the best treatment which replaced zeatin
successfully by producing 1.890 number of shoots, 2.620 cm shoot length and 138.1 mg fresh weight.
From the economical point of view, the combination of 50 ml l-1 CW & 0.025 mg l-1 BAP costs only Rs.
5.17 per plant as compared to the use of 4.0 mg l-1 zeatin which costs Rs. 7.01 per plant and reduction
in cost per plant was 26%.

ICHS2016/AB_375
Management of mango diseases anthracnose and blossom blight by ecofriendly methods
Shazia Iftikhar and Anam Rasool
Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Emails: shazia.iram@gmail.com (S.I.), anam.rasool32@gmail.com (A.R.)
Mango diseases anthracnose and blossom blight has caused intense damage to the mango yield and
export so its control is required. Fungicides are being used for their control which effects the
environment as well as human health so the introduction of different ecofriendly methods for the
control of these diseases is the need of hour. For this purpose the study on the ecofriendly
management of mango anthracnose and blossom blight has been carried out. Plant extracts of Akk
(Calotropisprocera), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Neem (Azadirachtaindica) and Garlic
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(Allium sativum) were prepared. Three different concentrations including 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% of these
plants extracts were applied in vitro on fungal isolates of Choletotrichum gleosporiodes. Results were
assessed for the best concentration application on mango trees. 5% concentration of each extract was
proved to be most effective for the inhibition of Choletotrichum gleosporiodes and 5% eucalyptus
extract displayed maximum percentage growth inhibition of 79%. Consequently 5% concentration of
each extract was sprayed on the four replicates of mango trees in field application. Results revealed
that all selected botanical extracts (eucalyptus, neem, akk and garlic) exhibited antifungal activity and
among them eucalyptus is more effectivein control of both diseases anthracnose and blossom blight.

ICHS2016/AB_377
Morphological identification and characterization of fungal pathogens cause diseases in mandarin
varieties of Sargodha orchards
Amber Khan and Shazia Iram
Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: amberkhan461@hotmail.com (A.K.)
As Citrus fruit are attacked by number of pathogens that affect the citrus fruit quality and cause heavy
economic losses. So, the study objectives to identify and characterize the fungal pathogens from
mandarin fruit of orchards of Sargodha district that are involved in citrus fruit cosmetic problems leads
to quality degradation.Sampling was done from orchards of Sargodha Punjab, Pakistan. Out of 57
samples 27 samples were selected from which pathogens were isolated on basis of symptoms of
diseases. The purified cultures of fungal pathogens were then identified and characterized. The
identified microbial pathogens include 13 different types of fungi. Fungal pathogens like Fusarium sp.,
Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Curvuleria sp., Alternaria sp., Colletotrichum sp. Guignardia sp. and
Diplodia sp. were found to be associated with the citrus fruit of Sargodha orchards. These pathogens
are attacking on mandarin varieties and become sourceof many diseases like stem end rot, green
mold, blue mold; Fusarium rot, black rot, Post bloom fruit drop, Aspergillus rot, anthracnose and
Alternaria brown spot diseases. These diseases cause serious damage to the citrus fruit and
compromised the export quality of citrus fruit.

ICHS2016/AB_382
Effect of foliar application of boron on fruit yield and quality of sweet cherry cultivars
Imran Ahmad and Muhammad Sajid
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production Science, The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar, Pakistan
Email: imran73pk@gmail.com (I.A.)
A Field Experiment Effect of foliar application of boron on fruit yield and quality of sweet cherry
cultivars was conducted at Kalam Summer Station Agriculture research Institute Mingora, Swat
during the year 2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with
split plot arrangement replicated three times. Sweet cherry cultivars (Sasha, Stella and Sunburst) were
assigned to main plot, while the boron levels (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1%) were subjected to
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subplot. During the experiment various qualitative and quantitative parameters were studied. The
mean data represent that sweet cherry cultivars, boron levels and their interaction significantly
affected all parameters. Results of the experiment showed that among the cultivars the maximum leaf
area (46.05 cm2), fruit diameter (2.54 cm), percent pulp (90.40%), total soluble solids (16.13 0Brix),
titratable acidity (0.85%), total sugars (11.58%) with minimum number of fruit kg -1 (187.71) was
recorded in sweet cherry cultivar Sunburst. The maximum fruit set (78.65%), yield (99.67 kg) plant 1
with minimum fruit drop (18.02%) was recorded in sweet cherry cultivar Stella. The foliar application
of boron also significantly influenced the quantitative and qualitative parameters of sweet cherry
cultivars. The maximum leaf area (53.59 cm2), fruit set (83.06%), fruit diameter (2.55 cm), yield
(104.11 kg) plant-1, percent pulp (89.29%), total soluble solids (16.71 0Brix), total sugars (13.59%) with
minimum fruit drop (13.49%) and number of fruit kg-1 (184.92) was recorded in sweet cherry cultivars
sprayed with 1% of boron. However the maximum titratable acidity (0.89%) was recorded in fruits of
sweet cherry cultivars of control treatments. In case of interaction most of the growth, yield and
quality attribute except titratable acidity was significantly improved. The results of the interaction
showed that the maximum leaf area ((53.94 cm2), fruit diameter (2.59 cm), percent pulp (90.59%),
total soluble solids (16.86%), total sugar (14.13%) with minimum number of fruit kg -1 (187.71) was
recorded in sweet cherry Sunburst at 1% of boron. The maximum fruit set (88.30%), yield (107.67 kg)
plant-1 with minimum fruit drop (10.76%) was recorded in sweet cherry cultivar Stella sprayed with 1%
of boron. On the basis of present study it was concluded that sweet cherry cultivars Sunburst and
Stella sprayed with 1% of boron showed best results regarding yield and quality fruits production
under the agro climatic condition of Swat Valley.

ICHS2016/AB_386
Comparative study of high health and conventional mango nurseries in Pakistan
Nazim Hussain1, Asif Mahmood Arif1, Shafqat Saeed2, Munawar Raza Kazmi3, Faisal Sohail Fateh4 and
Iftikhar Ahmad5
1
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab 60800, Pakistan
2
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab 60800, Pakistan
3
Australian High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan
4
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
5
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: nazimlabar@yahoo.com (N.H.), asif_aridian@yahoo.com (A.M.A.),
shafqatsaeed@yahoo.com (S.S.), munawarkazmi@gmail.com (M.R.K.), faisalmyname@gmail.com
(F.S.), iftahmad@gmail.com (I.A.)
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop of tropical and sub-tropical areas of Pakistan.
Young mango trees are traditionally raised in the soil under or between the canopies of large mature
trees. These traditional nurseries are responsible expose germinating seedlings to soil borne
pathogens such as Ceratocystis fimbriata that causes mango sudden decline and air and water borne
pathogens such as Fusarium subglutinans that causes mango malformation disease. These diseases
and sub-optimal growth conditions slow the development of the seedlings and increase the grafting
and transplant losses. When such trees are field planted they typically result in low yields, poor fruit
quality and high disease management costs. A recent Australian aid initiative in conjunction with
Pakistan Universities and Government has been to encourage the production of mango seedlings in
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pots using soilless media and hygiene principals. This study compared the performance of mango
seedlings grown under traditional and potted nursery systems in the Multan district of Punjab.
Seedlings grown under the high health system out performed traditionally grown seedlings in many
areas. Germinating seed were ready for potting-up in 15 days compared to 30 days, trees were grafted
after 220 days compared to 540 days and field transplant survival was 100% compared to 70%. Plant
density in the high health nursery was increased by 250%, costs reduced and workplace efficiency
increased by less weeding, and improved water use efficiency. Much of the improved performance
has been attributed to reduced incidence of disease, development of superior root systems and
improved nutrition.

ICHS2016/AB_388
Geo-statistics and GIS based spatial distribution of various soil boron forms and selected physicochemical characteristics in apple orchards of Pishin, Baluchistan
Tariq Ziad1, Muhammad Tariq Siddique1, Azeem Khalid2, Shahid Mahmood2 and Humair Ahmad
Malik3
1
Department of Soil Science and SWC PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad,
46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Department of Environmental Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad,
46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Land Resources Research Institute National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: mtariqsiddique@uaar.edu.pk (M.T.S.)
Baluchistan is the hub of apple production in Pakistan. However boron deficiency in apple orchards
grown at arid elevated plains impairs the apple fruit production. Keeping in view boron deficiency
issue in apple production system, a study was planned to assess the boron deficiency in apple orchards
of Pishin district. Initially a survey was conducted in farmer grown apple orchards. Spatial variability
in physico-chemical characteristics and boron forms has been developed in studied area soils using
Geo-statistics and GIS as diagnostic tools. Sixty soil samples (surface and subsurface) were collected
from five locations (Pishin, Barshore, Bostan, Hurmzae, Khanozae) using GPS. Readily soluble,
specifically adsorbed, oxide bond, organically bound, extractable and residual fractions were studied
for various soil boron forms. For physico-chemical characteristics pH, calcium carbonate, organic
matter, sand, silt and clay were determined and analyzed using geo-statistics and GIS. Ordinary kriging
was applied to prepare the map of spatial distribution of selected physico-chemical properties and
boron forms to classify the area for information. The best fit semivariogram model was spherical on
bases of RMSE criterion. The selected physic-chemical properties i.e., silt, clay, pH and extractable
boron were found strongly spatial dependent at surface and subsurface, while organic matter was
moderately spatial dependent at surface and strongly spatial dependent at subsurface. Boron forms
were strongly spatial at surface and subsurface.

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ICHS2016/AB_392
Effect of NPK fertilizers and commercial biofertilizers on southern blight disease and plant growth
in chili
Nighat Sana, Arshad Javaid and Amna Shoaib
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: florum1@hotmail.com (N.S.)
Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is the worlds most widely grown spice. Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., a
soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes southern blight disease in chili pepper and results in significant
yield losses. Disease is generally managed by application of chemical fungicides which also pollute
environment and adversely affect human and animal health. The present study was carried out to
manage this disease using two commercial biofertilizers namely Biopower and Feng Shou in
combination with recommended and half doses of NPK fertilizers. The highest disease incidence (74%)
and plant mortality (61%) were recorded in positive control where S. rolfsii inoculation was done
without any other treatment. The two biofertilizers either alone or in combination with two doses of
NPK fertilizers significantly reduced disease incidence to 7-26%. Likewise, plant mortality was reduced
to 026%. Under biotic stress of S. rolfsii, both the biofertilizers significantly enhanced shoot growth
over positive control either with or without recommended dose of NPK fertilizers. S. rolfsii inoculation
significantly reduced chlorophyll and protein contents while enhance peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol
oxidase (PPO) activities in chili plants. The two biofertilizers further enhanced PO and PPO activities in
non-fertilizers treatments. This study concludes that southern blight of chili can be managed by
application of Biopower and Feng Shou either with or without application of recommended dose of
NPK fertilizers.

ICHS2016/AB_396
Effect of different levels of pruning on ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) cv. Dehli Suffaid at Bahawalpur
Muhammad Azhar Bashir1, Faheem Altaf1, Kashif Shabir1, Naseem Sharif2 and Muhammad Ishfaq2
1
Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: drazharbashir67@gmail.com (M.A.B.)
The jujube or locally known as ber fruit (Zizyphus. mauritiana Lam.) is well adapted to arid climatic
conditions and a rich source of vitamin C. It goes under dormancy during May-June and needs pruning
for canopy management as well as good fruiting for coming fruiting season. How much pruning is
optimum for ber fruit depends upon variety, climatic conditions and cultural practices. The current
experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Station Bahawalpur (Pakistan) to explore the
best level of pruning and suitable time of pruning for improvement in productivity of Ber cv. Dehli
Suffaid during 2011-213. Five pruning levels i.e., pruning of previous year growth upto 25% (T1), 50%
(T2), 75% (T3), 100% (T4), & control (T5= without pruning) were applied to full grown plants of Dehli
Suffaid variety during Mid May of each year. The experiment was designed according to RCBD with 3
replications. The parameters with respect to new growth of shoot, flower, fruit and yield expressed
maximum yield (209.67 kg/plant), number of shoots (13.03), number of panicles (75.87) and number
of fruit (122.) per pruned branch in the plants where 50% pruning of tree was carried out. The plants
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where 100% branches were pruned showed delay in initiation of growth (58 days) and had minimum
yield (152 kg/plant). Plants under control (un-pruned) exhibited early initiation of growth with
minimum panicles (48.73) and fruit (79.67) per pruned branch. Fifty percent pruning from previous
growth seemed to be a judicious level of pruning in Ber cv. Dehli Suffaid compared to 25, 75 & 100%.

ICHS2016/AB_406
Water and nutrient use in peri-urban vegetable production of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Shoaib ur Rehman1,2, Zikrullah Safi3, Sami Ul Allah4, Shafique Maqsood4 and Hafeez ur Rehman5
Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of
Kassel, Germany
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Soil Science and Irrigation, Department of Economics and Extension, College of
Agriculture, Kabul University, D-1006 Kabul
4
Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, University of Kassel, Steinstr. 19, D-37213
Witzenhausen, Germany
5
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Email: shoaibhort@googlemail.com (S.U.R.)

A research study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different fertilizers and irrigation rates on
the growth dynamics and final yield of four vegetables in Faisalabad, Pakistan (2011 to 2012). The
experiment was comprised of three levels of mineral fertilizers (unfertilized control, F 0; farm yard
manure, FYM (F1) on the basis of dry matter contents (DM) ha -1 containing 108 kg N, 27 kg P, and a
mineral fertilizer treatment (F2) containing the same amount of N and P as in F1 respectively. Two
irrigation intervals with the recommended (RI) and half of the recommended irrigation (HRI) were
applied. Two vegetable species pea (Pisum sativum L.) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) were
selected for dry matter yield. Dry matter yield and concentrations of organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were assessed at final harvest. Yields were ranged from 7,500 to
13,00 (kg ha-1; P < 0.05) for pea and 4600 to 7500 for cauliflower at RI while reduced irrigation
decreased respective yields by 12% and 19%. Apparent average nutrient use efficiency remained
highest in pea with 611% for N, 319% for P and 3683% for K. Water use efficiency expressed in kg DM
m-3 of water applied was significantly higher for RI and declined across both irrigation level for pea
and cauliflower, in the sequence of F2, F1, and F0 respectively. However, pea crop exhibited more water
and nutrient use efficiency in all treatments.

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ICHS2016/AB_408
Organic matter and nutrient (NPKC) losses via surface run-off in Urban Agriculture (UA) of Kabul,
Afghanistan
Zikrullah Safi1, Ghulam Muhammad Bahram2, Muhammad Alim Alimi1, Shoaib ur Rehman3
Department of Soil Science and Irrigation, College of Agriculture, Kabul University, D-1006 Kabul,
Afghanistan
2
Department of Economics and Extension, College of Agriculture, Kabul University, D-1006 Kabul,
Afghanistan,
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: safi-zikrullah@hotmail.com (Z.S.), shoaibhort@googlemail.com (S.U.R.)

Kabul the Capital City of Afghanistan is located at elevation of 18, 00 masl. with the current population
of 4.2 millions. The constructed areas have been encircled by urban fields. Climate is highly
continental; rainfall always contributes water as a supplemental irrigation to Agricultural crops.
Sedimentations in streams, water courses, and in Kabul River are often observed. Urban fields have
been regularly used for fresh vegetables and cereals in the rotation for food and feed production.
Agriculture productions rely on fertilizers, but use of night soil and city biowastes are in abundance.
Torrential rainfalls are observed as a main source of soil erosion. The run-off degrade environment by
contamination of surface water, underground water, Kabul River and other low Laying water bodies.
A study on Organic matter and nutrient (NPKC) losses via run-off in the Urban Agriculture (UA) of
Kabul, was conducted on 2012-2014 to quantify NPK and Corg losses via runoff in the urban areas of
Kabul. Four endemic crops of Kabul Province were planted in the rotation. The results showed neglect
erosion according to the universal soil losses equation. The total average soil in two farms (n= 27) in
the duration of three years were 248.48 kg ha-1. Wheat and millet had 14.46 and 15.11 %, barley and
maize had 21.55, and 21.02 % soil, respectively. In control plots of college farm 23.89 %, Guzargah
farm 30.86 % and combined losses in both farms were (27.86 %). The average total N, P, K losses were
0.19 Kg ha-1, 0.013 kg ha-1, 0.27 kg ha-1, and Corg 2.61 kg ha-1, respectively. Statistically the variation
showed significant differences (p<0.05). Finally, based on our findings few recommendations have
been suggested to scientists, farmers and policy makers.

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ICHS2016/AB_410
Research and development in mango and citrus: Australia Pakistan Linkage Programme Experience
Iftikhar Ahmad1, Munawar Raza Kazmi2, Shazia Iftikhar3, Faisal Sohail Fateh4, Aman Ullah Malik5,
Tahir Khurshid6 and Ian S.E. Bally7
1
Former Chairman PARC, Advisor Programme, FAO Representative Office, National Agricultural
Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Country Manager, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Australian High
Commission Pakistan, Diplomatic Enclave No.1 Islamabad, Pakistan
3
Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah
Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
4
Coordinator: ASLP Mango Production Project, National IPM Programme, Department of Plant and
Environmental Protection, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500
Islamabad, Pakistan
5
Coordinator: ASLP Mango Value Chain Project, Professor Institute of Horticultural Sciences,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
6
Australian Coordinator, ASLP Citrus Project, Research Physiologist, Agriculture NSW Department of
Primary Industries 1998 Silver City Highway, PO Box 62, Dareton 2717 NSW, Australia
7
Principal Horticulturist, Horticulture and Forestry Science, Agri-Science Queensland, a service of the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 28 Peters St (P.O. Box 1054), Mareeba, Q, 4880
Email: iftahmad@gmail.com (I.A.)
The Pakistan Australia Agriculture Sector Linkages Programme (ASLP) collaboration 2006 to 2015 has
been focusing on improving value chain outcomes for horticulture sector especially citrus and mango
industries in Pakistan and Australia. Both citrus and mango have been seen major export crops that
could help spur the pro-poor economic growth through enhanced export and exporting earnings
thereby contributing to overall development and ultimately alleviating poverty in the rural Pakistan.
Three Projects namely, 1) The enhancement of citrus value chains production in Pakistan and Australia
through improved orchard management practices, 2) Integrated crop management practices to
enhance value chain outcomes for the mango industry in Pakistan and Australia, and 3) ASLP Mango
Value Chain Project, were executed under this Programme. These projects, addressing the issues from
Farm to table and involving Policy to Farmer stakeholders in the value chain, brought best practices
that could contribute to research and development of mango and citrus industry of Pakistan, playing
a key role to help produce quality fruits, improve post harvest management, resolve regulatory issues
in the export market and helped build Pakistans confidence in its ability to raise the level of Citrus and
Mango value chains to significantly contribute towards development of overall horticulture Industry.
This paper discusses and, eludes to some of these best practices that were tested and used for
developing research and development pathways according to specific needs of Pakistan.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_412
Chemometric variations in fruits of mango cvs. Faiz Kareem, Anwar Ratole and Chaunsa during
ripening at ambient conditions
Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana1, Aman Ullah Malik2, Leon A. Terry3 and Thiruchelvam Thanaraj3
1
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab 60800, Pakistan
2
Institute of horticultural Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Deaprment of Plant Science, Cranfield University, United Kingdom
Email: ishtiaqrajwana@yahoo.com (I.A.R.)
Mango being climacteric in nature exhibits rapid changes in biochemical and phytochemical quality
after harvest. Therefore the present study was planned to evaluate the changes in three commercial
cultivars of mango i.e. Faiz Kareem, Anwar Ratole and Chaunsa during ripening under ambient
(32C; 65-70% RH) conditions. During ripening, data on various fruit quality attributes such as colour,
SSC, organic acids, sugars, total phenolics and the antioxidant capacity in pulp tissues were recorded
daily until optimum ripening. Both the cultivars Faiz Kareem and Chaunsa took two days to ripe
while Anwar Ratole attained fully ripen stage after four days of storage. Highest mean value of
Chromaticity (ho; 104.2), total sugars (683.2 mg g-1 DW) including glucose (27.7 mg g-1 DW) and
fructose (88.23 mg g-1 DW); total organic acid (40.48 mg g-1 DW) such as oxalic acid (1.01 mg g-1 DW),
tartaric acid (3.16 mg g-1 DW), ascorbic acid (4.65 mg g-1 DW) and citric acid (25.33 mg g-1 DW); total
phenolics (1.92 mg GAE g-1 DW) and antioxidant capacity (15.95 mM Fe+2 g-1 DW) were found in Anwar
Ratole; while SSC (24.8 Brix), malic acid (9.35 mg g-1 DW) and sucrose (589 mg g-1 DW) remained
higher in Chaunsa fruit during ripening. Conclusively, among different cultivars Anwar Ratole
exhibited best biochemical and phytochemicals attributes during ripening.

ICHS2016/AB_413
Composite chemical treatment reduces loss of quality of button mushroom (A. bisporus) during
postharvest storage
Zia Ullah Khan1, Muhammad Azam2, Asad Ali1, Basharat Ali3, Nasir Mehmood Khan4, Noor Ul Haq5
1
Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, KPK, Pakistan
3
Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
4
Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir (Upper), Pakistan
5
Department of Bioinformatics, Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, KPK, Pakistan
Emails: ziakhujari@yahoo.com (Z.U.K.), azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A.)
Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) commonly known worldwide due its delicious taste and
beneficial effects on health. Unfortunately, it has short shelf-life. In order to enhance their shelf life in
this study, evaluate the efficiency of chemical dips for quality maintenance of button mushrooms
during storage. Three different treatments were compered i.e. (CK) water, T1 (3% w/v CaCl2, 0.5% w/v
citric acid) and T2 (3% w/v CaCl2, 0.5% w/v citric acid, 3.5% w/v sorbitol). Changes in weight, firmness,
color, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, -OH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase
(CAT) and ascorbate peroxidise (APX) were checked as a quality parameters. As compared to control
(CK), T1 and T2 treatments preserved good weight, color and texture during storage. Reductions of
H2O2, -OH, MDA and increases in the activities of SOD, POD, CAT and APX were detected. Among the
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treatments T2 was more proficient in maintaining quality and reducing oxidative stress of button
mushrooms within 6 days, while T1 showed the same effects for 12 days compared to CK samples.
This results suggest that composite chemical treatments may serve as a promising tool for maintaining
the quality of button mushrooms during postharvest storage.

ICHS2016/AB_417
Optimal harvest stage for cut Polianthes tuberosa L. Single spikes
Muhammad Asif1, Iftikhar Ahmad1, Muhammad Qasim1 and Rashid Ahmad2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Email: roymasif@yahoo.co.in (M.A.)

Floriculture is a multibillion dollar industry worldwide. Total global export of cut flowers, cut foliage
and potted plants was 20.6 USD in 2013 in which Pakistans share was negligible. However, local
floriculture industry is flourishing and use of cut flowers is also picking pace. Tuberose, Polianthes
tuberosa L., is the only cut flower, which is grown by the growers and abundantly available in the local
florets markets during summer. At present, little scientific information is available regarding it optimal
harvest stage. Therefore a study was conducted to optimize its best stage for spikes harvest to ensure
longer vase life. Spikes were harvested at four stages, viz. no floret open, 1-2 florets open, 3-5 florets
open and more than five florets open at harvest. Results showed that spikes harvested when lower
buds are fully mature and have expanded but yet not opened performed best for majority of
parameters studied, viz. vase life (days), solution uptake (mL), relative fresh weight (% of initial FW),
days to open 50% florets, dry weight %age, spike quality, average life of floret (hours), floret head
diameter (cm), floret length (cm) and open floret (%age).Therefore, cut tuberose spikes should be
harvested when lower buds are fully mature and have expanded but yet not opened for longer vase
life.

ICHS2016/AB_428
Chemical characterization of wild grown Ganoderma lucidum mushroom through Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Awais Ghani,
Khurram Ziaf, Mohsin Bashir, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: muzammil_jahangir@hotmail.com (M.M.J.)
Wild Ganoderma lucidum is globally treasured high value mushroom having health beneficial
properties and is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for nutritional and chemical characterization of wild grown Ganoderma
lucidum mushroom growing naturally in hilly areas of Pakistan. The study revealed that fruiting body
of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom mainly consisted of lipids, triterpene compounds, proteins and
polysaccharides.

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Poster Presentations

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

ICHS2016/AB_101
Optimizing planting density for cut Helianthus annuus and Zinnia elegans
Muhammad Modassar Sharif, Iftikhar Ahmad and Muhammad Qasim
Institute of Horticultural Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: modassarsharif@gmail.com (M.M.S), iftikharahmadhashmi@gmail.com (I.A)
A study was conducted to optimize spacing between plants and rows for cut Helianthus annuus and
Zinnia elegans. Seedlings were raised in 128-cell plastic plug trays containing coco coir, compost and
silt (1:1:1; v/v/v) as substrate. At two-true leaf stage, seedlings were transplanted outdoor in
thoroughly prepared flat beds at plant and row spacing of 15 15, 15 22.5, 22.5 22.5, 22.5 30, or
30 30 cm with plant populations of 40, 26, 17, 13 or 10 plants per m 2, respectively. For Helianthus
annuus, plants grown at 15 15 cm plant spacing had the highest plant height and plant canopy
diameter. While leaf area, leaf area index, stem diameter and vase life was highest for plants spaced
at 30 30 cm. Plant spacing had no effect on number of leaves per plant, harvest index, fresh and dry
weight of stem, flower quality and intermodal distance. For Zinnia elegans, plants spaced at 30 30
cm exhibited maximum plant canopy diameter, number of leaves per plant and number of flowers per
plant which may be on account of availability of more space for lateral growth, while plants spaced at
15 15 cm had highest plant height and leaf area. Leaf area index, flower diameter, stem diameter,
flower quality, internodal distance, fresh and dry weight of a stem, number of branches per plant and
vase life were similar irrespective of plant spacing. In summary, plant spacing of 15 15 cm is better
for good quality cut Helianthus annuus production while 30 30 cm spacing is optimum for production
of cut Zinnia elegans.

ICHS2016/AB_102
Growth and yield response of chili to impregnated phosphatic fertilizer and humate
Sobia Noor, Abdul Rauf Tahir, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Awais Khalid, Muhammad Zahir Aziz
and Yasir Hamid
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Emails: sobia_noorr@yahoo.com (S.N), abdulrauf.t@yahoo.com (A.R.T), dryaseenuaf@yahoo.com
(M.Y), mawais1410@gmail.com (M.A.K), zahiraziz2407@gmail.com (M.Z.A),
yasirses2007@gmail.com (Y.H)
Increasing population, high inflation, poor crop productivity and climate change increase the threats
to national food security of Pakistan. Country like Pakistan whose economy is agriculture based is at
hardest hit to adverse climatic conditions. To meet production challenges as climate effects cannot be
tackled so innovations in research sector, advances in fertilizers, genetically modified crops and
improved practices are needed. Maximum of applied inputs can be recovered by improving water and
nutrient use efficiency. Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient and its use efficiency in our soil is very low
(<15%). It is speculated that P availability can be improved by adding P solubilizing bacteria (PSB) or
soil conditioners. Therefore, impregnations of phosohatic fertilizer e.g. DAP with PSB alone or in
combination with potassium humate may be effective to improve P availability. To test this hypothesis,
an experiment was carried out to study growth response of chilies to the impregnated DAP with and
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without humate application. Impregnated fertilizer with variable rates was used with or without 10%
humic acid liquid (humate) at the rate of 10 L ha -1. Simple DAP was also included as standard for
comparison. Results showed positive effect of application of impregnated DAP alone and in
combination with humic acid as compare to un-impregnated DAP. However, combined application of
impregnated DAP and humic acid improved fruit length 16 to 30% , 19 to 37% increase in fruit yield,
13 to 71% increase in N, 38 to 69% increase in P and 11 to 47% increase in K uptake compared to DAP
alone i.e. without inoculation of PSB. It is concluded that application of impregnated phosphatic
fertilizer in calcareous soils might be useful to maintain P availability in calcareous soils.

ICHS2016/AB_103
Performance of tomato in response to foliar feeding of tryptophan for yield
Sobia Noor, Noor-ul-Ain, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Naveed, Muhammad Zahir Aziz and
Muhammad Awais Khalid
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Emails: sobia_noorr@yahoo.com (S.N), annaanjel@yahoo.com (N.A), dryaseenuaf@yahoo.com
(M.Y), mnaveeduaf@gmail.com (M.N), zahiraziz2407@gmail.com (M.Z.A), mawais1410@gmail.com
(M.A.K)
A dramatic increase in food prices during last decade brought in sharp focus on the critical need for
ensuring food security in most developing countries especially to protect the poor and vulnerable
households. Increasing population and high inflation divert our focus on a need to increase crop
production to ensure food security. The targets can be achieved by investing in agricultural research
and improve nutritional values. In this context tryptophan (L-TRP) is one of those amino acids which
are essential for plant growth and development as these are involved in the biosynthesis of plant
compounds. It acts as the main physiological precursor of the natural plant auxin (IAA) which involves
in plant growth and fruit development. Amino acid can be supplied to plants through their application
into soil or as foliar spray. Exogenous application of L-TRP stimulates auxin synthesis, plant growth and
fruit development. Therefore an experiment was carried out to study the response of tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants to foliar application of tryptophan. The experiment was conducted
according to randomized complete block design. Five different tryptophan concentrations 0.5, 1.0,
1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mg L-1 were applied as foliar spray with and without NPK fertilizers (25-50-50 kg ha-1). A
treatment without tryptophan (only fertilizer) was also included as control for comparison of results.
Data indicated that application of foliar spray of tryptophan improved plant growth and yield in terms
of 25% increase in plant height, 50% more number of flower at different interval of time, 40% more
number of fruits and 45% increase in fruit yield compared to control having no tryptophan application.
Results indicated that tomato responded significantly to foliar spray of tryptophan applied in
combination with soil applied fertilizers.

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ICHS2016/AB_104
Effect of foliar feeding of ascorbic acid on growth and yield of cucumber
Sobia Noor1, Naveeda Anwar1, Muhammad Yaseen1, Muhammad Awais Khalid1, Muhammad Zahir
Aziz1 and Saeed Ahmad2
1
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: sobia_noorr@yahoo.com (S.N), naveeda_anwar@yahoo.com (N.A),
dryaseenuaf@yahoo.com (M.Y), mawais1410@gmail.com (M.A.K), zahiraziz2407@gmail.com
(M.Z.A), sandhu100hasan@yahoo.com (S.A)
To feed the increasing population of the world there is need to increase annual crop production. The
required increase in food production can be achieved if the necessary investment is undertaken in
agricultural production are put in place. But increasing production is not sufficient to achieve food
security. It must be complemented by new technologies to enhance food production. In this way foliar
feeding of ascorbic acid is placed under experiment to check its effect on cucumber production.
Ascorbic acid, being a powerful antioxidant, involves in many metabolic processes, electron transport
as a donor and acceptor and as a co-factor for many enzymatic reactions. It is also known to help in
reducing effects of biotic and abiotic stresses like heat, chilling, salinity and disease stresses on plants.
Ascorbic acid as a foliar feeding may increase growth and yield parameters. To test this, a field
experiment was conducted following randomized complete block design with four replications. Hybrid
cucumber Saad was test crop and six concentrations of ascorbic acid (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 mg L 1
) were applied as foliar spray. Control (no ascorbic acid) was also included in treatment plan. Results
indicated that all treatments performed better than control. Among all treatments, application of
ascorbic acid @ 100 mg L-1 along with NPK gave best result. This treatment increased fruit yield 70%,
fruit length 18% and fruit diameter 8% over control. It is concluded that yield response of cucumber
was positive to foliar spray of ascorbic acid along with soil applied NPK fertilizer.

ICHS2016/AB_105
Comparative effect of salicylic acid and calcium carbide on some morphological parameters of
sweet peper
Muhammad Awais Khalid1, Wazir Ahmed2, Muhammad Yaseen1, Sobia Noor1, Saeed Ahmad3, Yasir
Hamid1 and Muhammad Zahir Aziz1
1
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
2
Department of Soil Science Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab
60800, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: mawais1410@gmail.com (M.A.K), wazir1604@yahoo.com (W.A), dryaseenuaf@yahoo.com
(M.Y), sobia_noorr@yahoo.com (S.N), sandhu100hasan@yahoo.com (S.A), yasirses2007@gmail.com
(Y.H), zahiraziz2407@gmail.com (M.Z.A)
The demand for food is increasing with the continuous increase in the worlds population. Food
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security is serious threat as 17% of world population goes hungry every day. There is need to produce
more and more accessible food. To enhance crop production use of plant growth regulators and their
synthetic compound is gaining popularity. In this way, calcium carbide (CaC 2) has occupied an
important position as sources of ethylene (C2H4) for improving growth and yield of vegetables. But
under critical environmental conditions, an abrupt release of C2H4 from CaC2 can impede growth and
yield of a crop as it initiates leaf, flower and fruit senescence. If it is applied with salicylic acid, salicylic
acid not only impedes C2H4 biosynthesis but also plays a crucial role in plant physiology as a stress
hormone. As comparative effects of C2H4 released from CaC2 and SA are not thoroughly investigated
particularly for production of vegetables, therefore, two field experiments were conducted on two
different locations. Results of both filed experiments showed that application of 200 mg plant -1
polythene coated CaC2 with foliar application 0.1 or 0.3 mM SA is relatively more economically
beneficial and effective. It improved photosynthetic activity by 7-77%, plant water use and
carboxylation efficiency by 10-211%, antioxidant and enzyme activities by 15-53% and finally fruit yield
by 5-34% with a significant increase in fertilizer use efficiency compared to control. Additionally, shelf
life and quality parameters related to chemical composition of sweet pepper fruits were also improved
by the application of CaC2 with foliar application of SA. In a nutshell, results confirm the synergistic
role of SA and CaC2 for improving physiology, growth, yield and quality of sweet pepper. Moreover,
results also indicated that SA treated plants were tolerated abrupt release of C 2H4 from applied CaC2
to a greater extent.

ICHS2016/AB_110
Optimizing planting systems for cut gladiolus and stock production
Muhammad Behzad Rafiq, Awais Ahmad, Iftikhar Ahmad and Muhammad Qasim
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: behzad2684@gmail.com (M.B.R), iftikharahmadhashmi@gmail.com (I.A)
Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids L.) and Stock (Matthiola incana L.) are high valued specialty cut flowers
and have great demand and potential due to their diversity of colors, high quality stems with attractive
spikes, uniform blooming time and acceptable vase life. Gladiolus is very demanding cut flower in
Pakistan, while stock is now introducing as a new cut flower crop in local markets. To optimize best
planting system and to encourage their adoption as a cut flower crop in Pakistan, a field study was
aimed to elucidate the effect of different planting systems viz. ridge planting, raised bed planting and
flat planting on growth, yield and quality of gladiolus and stock. Corms of Rose Supreme and White
Prosperity gladiolus and seedlings of Cheerful white, Lucindra dark Rose Double and Lucindra Dark
Rose Single stock were planted on different planting systems in two separate experiments. All three
planting systems produced uniform quality with similar characteristics of growth, yield and quality of
gladiolus. However, plants grown on ridges produced longer stem length, spike length; number of
flowers per spike and fresh weight of stems compared to flat or raised bed planting systems. For stock
cultivars, plants grown on flat beds produced stems with greater plant height, leaf area and dry weight
of stems compared to ridge or raised bed planting systems. The greatest stem diameter, number of
leaves per plant, total leaf chlorophyll contents, and number of florets per spike were produced by
plants grown on ridges. Among cultivars, Rose Supreme gladiolus and Cheerful White stock were
short-duration and more productive compared to other tested cultivars. In summary, gladiolus may
be grown on ridges while stock may be planted on flat planting system.
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ICHS2016/AB_111
The comparative response of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Mino Early) regarding growth, yield
and quality during first year of transition to organic farming system
Muneeb Ahmed Khan1, Muhammad Amjad2, Naveed Ahmed1
Directorate of Floriculture (Training and Research) Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: ahmedmuneeb47@gmail.com (M.A.K), ma_aulakh@hotmail.com (M.A.K)
1

Organic farming is gaining popularity worldwide due to its harmony with nature and the positive
effects on human health. Usually the organic produce gets better market response in health conscious
societies owing to the reported health benefits. There is tremendous potential for development of
organic vegetable sector in Pakistan due to availability of cheap labour. A study was conducted in the
winter growing season 2010-2011, to draw comparison between the recommended chemical fertilizer
treatment and different organic manure treatments to estimate the response of radish during first
year of transition to organic production. Chemical fertilizer sources applied to meet the recommended
NPK requirements were urea, sulphate of potash (SOP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP). Organic
manures included in the study were green manure (GM), farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure
(PM). Organic manures were applied singly and in all possible combinations. Growth, yield and quality
parameters were the focus of the study. Growth and yield performance of chemical fertilizer
treatment was better than organic manure treatments. The various bio-chemical attributes such as
TSS, TA, pH and vitamin C were similar in both farming systems. Among the mineral contents nitrogen
percentage was significantly higher in chemical fertilizer treatment than some of the organic
treatments while there was no significant difference regarding phosphorous, calcium, potassium,
magnesium, iron and zinc contents of radishes from both types of farming systems. However
significant differences were noted among various organic treatments regarding these minerals. The
overall performance of T8 (FYM+PM) was better than other organic treatments regarding growth, yield
and nutritional quality. The poorest performance regarding growth and yield was exhibited by control
which did not receive any of the fertilizer treatments. But interestingly control showed better results
regarding dry matter percentage than other treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_112
Effect of harvesting time, stage and storage duration on postharvest quality of Gladiolus
grandiflorus L.
Muhammad Saleem1, Iftikhar Ahmad2, Muhammad Aslam Khan2 and Muhammad Akbar Anjum3
1

College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur sub-Campus, Layyah, Pakistan


Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of food and Horticultural Sciences, University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin
Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab 60800, Pakistan
Emails: saleem1593@bzu.edu.pk (M.S), iftikharahmadhashmi@gmail.com (I.A),
rana21_pak@yahoo.com (M.A.K), akbaranjum@bzu.edu.pk (M.A.A)

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) is the second most produced cut flower after roses in Pakistan.
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Stems of cut Gladiolus White Prosperity were evaluated in order to find out optimum harvesting time
and stage along with storage durations for longest vase life. Fresh stems harvested in the morning and
afternoon showed longest vase life (8.1 and 8.0 d, respectively). Stems harvested at afternoon and
stored for one and two weeks gained maximum relative fresh weight (133.1 and 132.4% of initial fresh
weight, respectively). Water uptake, number of florets opened, floret diameter, time to start wilting
and ion leakage decreased as the time of harvest delayed and storage duration increased and was
maximum for freshly harvested stems. Freshly harvested stems with no florets opened gained longest
vase life (11.9 d). Freshly harvested stems with 1-2 and 3-4 florets opened gained maximum relative
fresh weight (137.6 and 135.7% of initial fresh weight, respectively). Dry weight increased as the no of
florets opened and storage duration increased. Total number of florets opened, time to start wilting
and ion leakage decreased as the number of florets opened and storage duration increased. Water
uptake and floret diameter were more for mature stems.

ICHS2016/AB_113
Screening of ornamental plants against salinity
Tahir Saeed1, Muhammad N. Rasheed1, Abdul Majeed2, Abid Niaz2, Abid Mahmood3, Muhammad N.
Zouq4
1

Horticultural Research Sub-station for Floriculture and Landscaping, Ayub Agricultural Research
Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
2
Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute,
Faisalabad, Punjab 38850, Pakistan
3
Director General, Parks and Horticulture Authority, Rawalpindi Punjab, Pakistan
4
Directorate of Floriculture (Training and Research) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: tahir660729@hotmail.com (T.S)

Present study was carried out at Horticultural Research Sub-station for Floriculture and Landscaping,
AARI, Faisalabad. The underground water of Faisalabad is saline. The salinity results in accumulation
of salts and ultimately stunted plant growth. An effort was made to assess the performance of
ornamental plants like Schefflera, Pittosporum and Syngonium against different levels of salinity of
Sodium Chloride salt through irrigation. The EC levels were 2 (control), 5, 10 and 20 dS/m. The plants
of Schefflera were found to be most sensitive to the salinity level of 20 dS/m reducing their leaves
from 155 (control) to 21 leaves under highest salinity level of 20 dS/m after three months of irrigation.
However, Pittosporum performed better than Schefflera showing comparatively tolerant to the
salinity, maximum number of leaves were 286 in control while 141 in highest salinity level i.e. 20 dS/m
after three months of irrigation. The plants of Syngonium also showed sensitivity to the higher salinity
levels. Maximum numbers of leaves were 33 in control while 27, 15, and 12 number of leaves in 5, 10
and 20 dS/m salinity levels respectively.

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ICHS2016/AB_114
Foliar application of zinc sulfate improves plant growth and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin
(Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Muhammad Azher Nawaz1,2, Fiaz Hussain1, Waqar Ahmed3, Saba Hameed2, Basharat Ali Saleem4
1
Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University College of Agriculture,
University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
2
College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of
Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
3
Sector Advisor Horticulture, USAID, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
4
Department of Agriculture Extension Wing, Sargodha, Government of Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: azher490@hotmail.com (M.A.N), alifiaz05@gmail.com (F.H), waqar199@hotmail.com (W.A),
sabahameed567@yahoo.com (S.H), basharatuaf@gmail.com (B.A.S)
Micronutrients play a vital role in many metabolic processes leading to increase in plant growth and
productivity. The current study was conducted to improve plant growth, production and fruit quality
of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) at
different concentrations were applied alone and in combinations (control (water spray); 0.5% ZnSO4,
1% ZnSO4, 1.5% ZnSO4; 0.5% CuSO4, 1% CuSO4, 1.5% CuSO4; 0.5% ZnSO4+0.5% CuSO4, 1% ZnSO4+1%
CuSO4 and 1.5% ZnSO4+1.5% CuSO4). The foliar application was done at the emergence of new growth
flush (September, 2012) and repeated after 15 days. The experiment was laid out according to
randomized complete block design (RCBD) and one tree was taken as an experimental unit. Lab work
(fruit quality analysis) was conducted at Post Harvest Research and Training Center, Institute of
Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan. To study the
effect of ZnSO4 and CuSO4 on vegetative growth: number of leaves per flush, number of flushes per
branch, flush length and number of flowers per branch were taken; while for reproductive growth:
fruit set and fruit drop percentage were calculated in coming flowering season (March, 2013). To
assess the effect on fruit quality, various physio-chemical parameters: fruit weight, fruit size, peel
weight, rag weight, juice percentage, number of seeds (healthy and aborted), TSS, acidity, reducing,
non-reducing and total sugars were measured. The collected data was analyzed by standard statistical
techniques. The number of leaves, number of flushes and flush length were slightly affected by the
application of zinc sulfate. However fruit set percentage, fruit drop percentage, fruit weight, fruit
diameter, TSS, Vitamin-C and sugars were significantly affected (improved) by the application of zinc
sulfate at the rate of 0.5 and 1.0%, and it can be recommended to the citrus growers for further use.

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ICHS2016/AB_117
Protective and curative impact of bio and synthetic chemicals on the development of meloidogyne
incognita
Huma Abbas1, Nazir Javed1, Sajid Aleem Khan1, Muhammad Kamran2 and Hina Safdar1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, Sargodha, Pakistan
Emails: huma_1633@yahoo.com (H.A), nazirpp2003@gmail.com (N.J), sajid_aleem@yahoo.com
(S.A.K), mkamran.uaf.edu.pk (M.K), safadr.hina@yahoo.com (H.S).
1

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is the most widespread and destructive pathogen of
vegetables as it is difficult to control due to its wide host range. Management strategies for root knot
nematodes are mainly relying on chemicals/nematicides because of limited availability of resistant
cultivars. Present investigation was planned to check the protective and curative effect of bio (Cure,
Azadirachtin) and synthetic (Cartap, Virtako) chemicals against M. incognita. Protective and curative
effect of bio and synthetic chemicals was evaluated in two sets. For protective effect, three weeks old
seedlings of tomato cv. Moneymaker were transplanted in earthen pots containing amended soil with
bio and synthetic chemicals at their recommended doses after 3 days. Seedlings which were exposed
to amended soil for 5 days were uprooted and transplanted into infested pots containing 1500 freshly
hatched J2s of M. incognita. To check curative effect, tomato seedlings were maintained in pots
containing sterilized soil, after one month these seedlings were inoculated with 1500 J2s of M.
incognita. After 4 days the inoculated plants were uprooted and transplanted into amended soil with
Cartap, Virtako, Cure and Azadirachtin. Harvesting was done after 35 days of inoculation in both sets
and data were recorded on nematode reproductive parameters; number of egg masses, galls, females,
J2s/100cm3 and reproduction rate. Results revealed that protective application of bio and synthetic
chemicals was more effect in nematode suppression as compared to curative. An increase in
reproduction rate was observed in all the chemicals in curative application. Minimum reproduction
rate was observed in Cartap (0.59) in protective application as compared to curative (0.69). The results
of present investigation suggest that that protective application of chemicals is more effective in
reducing nematode population under field conditions as compared to curative.

ICHS2016/AB_118
Potential of Pasteuria penetrans on Meloidogyne incognita population development and response
of tomato growth
Muhammad Kamran1, Nazir Javed2, Sajid Aleem Khan2, Huma Abbas2, Zafar Iqbal1, Yasir Iftikhar1 and
Naila Zeerak1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha,
Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: mkamran.uaf.pk@gmail.com (M.K), nazirpp2003@gmail.com (N.J), sajid_aleem@yahoo.com
(S.A.K), huma_1633@yahoo.com (H.A), zafarrohils@yahoo.com (Z.I), yasiriftikhar@uos.edu.pk (Y.I),
naila.zeerak786@gmail.com (N.Z)
Nematode reproduction parameters i.e., root galls, egg masses, and J2/100 ml3 were variable between
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plants nematodes inoculated and that of nematode + Pasteuria treated plants. There was 88.54%
reduction in nematode reproduction factor was recorded between nematode inoculated and that of
nematode + Pasteuria treated plants. Increase in plant growth responses of tomato including fresh
and dry weight of shoot, shoot length, and yield of nematodes inoculated tomato plants increased
when challenged with spores of P. penetrans. It increased the tomato yield 43.79 percent over that of
nematode inoculated plants.

ICHS2016/AB_119
Morphological and yield attributes of cut Zinnia elegans Jacq. in response to PGPRs
Faria Azhar, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khurram Ziaf and Muhammad Qasim
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Emails: faria.azhar@yahoo.com (F.A), iftikharahmadhashmi@gmail.com (I.A)
A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of N-Fixing PGPRs on morphological and yield
attributes of Zinnia elegans cv. Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix for specialty cut flower production. Three
PGPRs viz., Rhizobium, Azotobacter and Pseudomonas, alone or in different combinations were used
as a pre-sowing seed treatment for zinnia. Seed inoculation with Azotobacter remarkably increased
number of marketable stems per plant, while Rhizobium significantly increased flower diameter and
flower quality of cut zinnia stems. However, PGPRs had no effect on vegetative growth of the plants
as evidenced by non-significant change in plant height, plant diameter, internodal length, fresh and
dry weight of a stem, as well as vase life of plants grown from seeds with or without PGPRs. In crux,
use of Azotobacter and Rhizobium for seed inoculation can improve the yield and flower quality
without affecting the morphological attributes of zinnia. It is further suggested that duration of seed
treatment methods of application (soil and foliar) and effective stage of application should be
determined for higher impact on morphological and floral attributes.

ICHS2016/AB_123
Genetic analysis of different genotypes of Rosa centifolia and Rosa damascena from Pakistan, USA
and Iran
Gulzar Akhtar1,2, Muhammad Aslam Khan1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Amjad Farooq4, David H.
Byrne5, Faisal Saeed Awan3, Mahnaz Kiani6, Ahsan Akram2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad- 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha
3
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,
Punjab 38040, Pakistan
4
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
5
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-2133, USA;
6
Department of Ornamental Plants, Research Center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of
Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Email: gulzar_butt1849@yahoo.com (G.A)
The present research work was conducted to analyze the genetic relationship among 24 genotypes of
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R. centifolia selected from 9 districts of Punjab, Pakistan, 8 genotypes of Rosa centifolia from USA and
4 genotypes of Rosa damascena (2 from Pakistan and 2 from Iran). Thirteen microsatellite markers
were used to study genetic diversity. In Pakistan diversity was observed among the districts while high
level of homology was observed within the district. Pakistani genotypes of R. centifolia were
genetically divergent to Fantin-Latour and Paul Ricault of USA but closely related with cabbage rose 2.
Rosa damascena Faisalabad showed diversity with other R. damascena genotypes and R. centifolia
genotypes from Pakistan.

ICHS2016/AB_127
Pre and postharvest treatment of salicylic acid to improve the fruit quality and shelf life of mango
(Mangifera indica L.)
Saqib Shehzad, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Saif ud din Taj
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Email: coolboy.shehzad@gmail.com (S.S)
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the 2nd major fruit crop of Pakistan and has a short shelf life after
ripening. Salicylic acid is naturally synthesized in plants and play important role to activate the defense
system against pathogens and reduce the decay of fruits. This study was conducted to evaluate the
pre and postharvest application of salicylic acid on storage life and quality of mango cultivar
'Kensington Pride'. Fruits were harvested at full mature stage (shoulder development) and treated
with CaC2 (2g) to initiate the ripening process. After four days of treatment partially ripened fruits
were immersed in four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 8, 12 and 16 mM) for 5 minutes. Fruits were
stored at 12C for 15 days. The results showed that fruit weight loss significantly reduced in all treated
fruits as compared to control. It was also observed that SA 16 mM showed minimum reduction in TSS,
vitamin C, reducing, non-reducing, total sugars, total antioxidants, total phenolic and total flavonoids.
Our research proposed that pre and postharvest treatment of SA 16mM can be used to reduce the
postharvest storage losses of mango and also maintained the quality of mango during shelf life.

ICHS2016/AB_128
Morphological and physiochemical characterization of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels)
germplasm existing in Punjab, Pakistan
Naseem Sharif, Malik Mohsin Abbas, Sitwat Riaz and Muhammad Ishfaq
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: seemiuaf@gmail.com (N.S)
In Pakistan no systematic research efforts have been done on Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels)
collection and characterization. To exploit the potential of this underutilized fruit, present study was
carried out at Horticultural Research Institute, AARI Faisalabad. Twelve strains of jamun were selected
from different areas of Punjab. The morphological and physiochemical characters for jamun fruit and
seed included number of fruits per bunch, fruit shape, fruit apex, mature fruit color, time of fruit
maturity, fruit weight, flesh thickness, TSS, sugar, vitamin-C contents, seed weight, seed shape, seed
size were determined. Similarly traits for leaf, flowers and trees (leaf shape, leaf size, leaf base, leaf
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apex, leaf color, foliage density, petiole length, flowering time, inflorescence position, tree growth
habit, stem diameter and bark thickness) were recorded. Results showed that strain-8 being the most
dissimilar from other strains in having very small seed length (12.8mm) and more flesh ratio (83.76%).
Highly significant results have also been recorded for foliage density and number of fruits per bunch.
The intention of this study was to provide information to growers, researchers and extension workers
about selection of jamun varieties. Further it will also facilitate in understanding of jamun varieties for
processing or export potential. Additionally this study will be very efficient and powerful tool for
cultivar identification and great physio-morphological diversity.

ICHS2016/AB_129
Effect of different pruning intensities and times on fruit yield and quality in phalsa (Grewia
asiatica L.)
Muhammad Maaz Aziz, Naseem Sharif, Muhammad Afzal and Muhammad Ishfaq
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: seemiuaf@gmail.com (N.S)
The present investigation was carried out to assess the effect of different pruning intensities (factor
A) with different pruning times (factor B) on the growth and yield characteristics of Phalsa (Grewia
asiatica L.). Five pruning levels above ground (0cm. 25cm, 50cm, 75cm, 100cm) with three pruning
dates (1st January, 16th January, and 1st February) were studied. Pruning levels significantly affected
the number of branches/plant, flowering time, fruit set percentage, number of leaves per branch, days
taken to sprout, days for fruit setting, fruit size, fruit weight, TSS, acidity, sugar contents and yield.
Results showed maximum number of branches per tree (47.60), maximum number of leaves per
branch (29.75), minimum number of days taken to sprout (27.50), minimum number of days taken to
flower (38.50), minimum number of days for fruit setting (83.65) maximum fruit size 2 (0.72) and
maximum yield (6.02kg) when pruning level was carried out at 100cm above ground at 16 th January.
Moreover all the above mentioned parameters were found minimum in control and other treatments.
It was concluded that pruning level (100cm) on 16th January is most suitable to maximize Phalsa yield
and quality.

ICHS2016/AB_130
Influence of pruning on fruit yield and quality of guava cv. Gola
Sitwat Riaz, Naseem Sharif, Malik Mohsin Abbas and Muhammad Ishfaq
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: seemiuaf@gmail.com (N.S)
The study was conducted to find out the best pruning intensity level for better fruit yield and quality
in guava (Psidium guajava). Four pruning levels i.e. T0 (no pruning), T1 (25% pruning), T2 (50% pruning)
and T3 (75% pruning) were used during the month of April (after harvesting winter crop). Results
showed that maximum number of flowers per shoot (53.87), number of fruits per plant (2237), fruit
yield per plant (172.6 Kg/plant), individual fruit weight (102 g) and TSS (8.11 %) at 25% pruning level
whereas minimum number of fruits per plant (720) and fruit yield per plant (70.11 Kg/plant) was at
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75% pruning level. Maximum fruit set (46.49%) was recorded at 50% pruning level. However maximum
fruit length (64.97 mm) and fruit width (57.49 mm) was recorded at 75% pruning level. The study
provided useful information to determine the influence of different pruning levels to improve fruit
yield and quality in guava. It was concluded that 25% pruning level is most suitable pruning level to
maximize fruit yield and quality in guava cv. Gola.

ICHS2016/AB_132
Mechanical drying influences postharvest quality of turmeric rhizomes
Naveed Ahmad2, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Habib Ahmad3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan,
2
Directorate of Floriculture (T&R) Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 21-Davis Road
3
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
Emails: nahmad57@gmail.com (N.A), ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K), karor891@gmail.com
(H.A)
1

Proper drying of turmeric rhizomes is very important for the quality of final product. Therefore, studies
were undertaken to examine the effect of different methods of drying on the physico-chemical
composition and quality characteristics of turmeric rhizomes. Fresh turmeric rhizomes were subjected
to drying by two methods. In one method turmeric rhizomes were dried in open sun and in second
method they were subjected to dry in mechanical dryer at 60C. Results revealed that moisture
content of samples was reduced from 82.4 to 9.2 % within 29 days in sun drying method whereas it
took only 3 days to dry the samples to 9.1% moisture level in mechanical dryer. Slightly higher
percentages of curcumin and oleoresin were found in sun dried samples as compared to mechanical
drying. Sun dried samples of turmeric were found contaminated with aflatoxin B 1 (120 g/kg), while
there was no contantminats in mechanically dried rhizomes. The results revealed that mechanical
drying is better than sun drying as it achieved the desired moisture and quality within 3 days compared
to 29 days in sun drying, thus saving considerable time. There was no microbiological activity detected
in mechanically dried samples. Hence, mechanical drying can safely be adopted for turmeric drying at
commercial level.

ICHS2016/AB_134
Pollen viability and germination in essential oil roses
Amjad Farooq1, Atif Riaz2, Muhammad Nadeem3, David H. Byrne4
Institute of Botany-Beijing Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 20 Nanxincun
Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, People's Republic of China
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
4
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-2133, USA
Email: amjadfarooq81@hotmail.com (A.F.), afarooq@ibcas.ac.cn (A.F)
1

Rose breeders always require vigorous pollinators for crossing. The vigor of the pollen grains of the
male parent should be determinate on the priority basis. In order to get good seed set percentage,
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freshly collected pollen from Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, Rosa bourboniana, Rosa Indica and
Gruss an teplitz were evaluated for viability and germination responses. For this purpose, three
different germination media were tested including (a) 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30% Sucrose in water, (b) 0,
0.02, 0.05 and 0.1% boric acid, (c) 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30% sucrose with agar 1% combination was used
in petri dishes. While distilled water was used as the control treatment for all three different
germination media. The germination percentage of the fresh Rosa pollen was calculated with the
hanging drop technique while stainability of fresh pollen grains was estimated by staining with
acetocarmine. The experiments were laid out according to a completely randomized design with three
replications. The pollen viability in essential oil Rosa species varied from 53.50 to 65.60% in all selected
species while there was a variation in pollen grain germination percentage ranging from 51.0% to 66.0
at 15% sucrose level with 1% agar followed by sucrose and boric acid treatments. The result showed
a positive correlation between pollen viability and germination percentage. No significant differences
were observed for length, diameter and shape of pollen in all essential oil Rosa species.

ICHS2016/AB_136
Effects of cobalt sulfate on fruit quality of sweet orange cv. Washington Navel
Zahoor Hussain1, Faheem Khadija2, Yasir Iftikhar1, Muhammad Irfan1, Rashad Mukhtar Balal1 and
Raheel Anwar3
1
University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan
2
Citrus Research Station, Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Emails: zachoundi@yahoo.com (Z.H.), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
In citrus species, sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) occupies a dominant position in the orange
producing countries in the world. Sweet orange is widely consumed both as fresh fruit and juice. The
cobalt sulphate (CoSO4) with different concentration of 0,250, 500 and 750 mg L-1 was applied at golf
ball and colour break stage to improve quality parameters of sweet oranges cv. Washington Navel.
Ten ripe fruit per replication were harvested randomly to determine the fruit quality. Results showed
that the treatment of CoSO4 (750 mg L-1) was more effective than control and all other treatments.
The effects of CoSO4 on fruit weight, diameter, rind thickness soluble solids and titratable acidity as
well SSC:TA ratio in the juice have been recorded and discussed. In conclusion, the exogenous
applications of CoSO4 substantially improves physiological and biochemical properties of fruit in sweet
orange cv. Washington Navel.

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ICHS2016/AB_139
Evaluation of five cultivars of Stevia under local environmental conditions
Muhammad Munem Khan1, Hafeez Ahmad Sadaqat1, Muhammad Akram2, Farooq Ahmad Khan1,
Shahid Abbas2 and Rana Husnain Shabbir1
1
Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan.
2
Agronomic Research Institute, Plant Physiology Section, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute,
Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Emails: munemdx@gmail.com (M.M.K), drhafeezsadaqat@yahoo.com (H.A.S),
akramhm88@gmail.com (M.A), farooq_pbg@yahoo.com (F.A.K), agronomistshahid@gmail.com
(S.A), husnainshabbir.pbg@gmail.com (R.H.S)
Stevia is all natural medicinal sweet plant whose extract is up to 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose
sugar and is a choice of health conscious and diabetic people in the world for sweet taste. It has various
good properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive and can be used as a cardio
tonic. The leaves of stevia are main source of sweet compounds which includes stevioside and
rebaudioside-A. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of stevia in local
conditions using five cultivars, viz. BERTONI, UNK, XING, SGI, and MOR for various plant traits. These
cultivars were propagated through cuttings. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete
block design with three replications. Data were recorded on plant height, number of branches per
plant, leaf area, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, dry matter and leaf to stem ratio. Data
were recorded using standard methods and analyzed statistically for the analysis of variance,
heritability and correlation analysis. Significant differences were observed in all cultivars of stevia.
Plant height showed significant differences among all the studied traits. Leaf to stem ratio showed
highest value of heritability (0.97) of all the characters under study. High genetic advance was
observed for number of leaves per plant (131.73) while lowest was observed for leaf to stem ratio
(0.16). Correlation analysis showed positive and significant association between number of branches
and number of leaves per plant. The genotype UNK performed well in terms of foliage with higher
number of branches and number of leaves per plant. The genotypes XING and MOR showed higher
mean values in terms of dry matter. The present study indicates that stevia can be cultivated under
local environmental conditions successfully and has the potential for further improvement in
sweetness and agronomic characters through breeding.

ICHS2016/AB_140
Pre-shipment ethylene treatment influences physiological, biochemical and phytochemical
attributes of mango cv. Sindhri
Saif ud din Taj, Aman Ullah Malik, Muhammad Amin, Ahmad Sattar Khan and Saqib Shehzad
Postharvest Research and Training Centre, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Email: maliksaif1990@gmail.com (S.U.D.T)
Physiologically mature Sindhri mangoes were exposed to ethylene (100 ppm) at 24 C for 8 hours and
subjected to simulated sea shipment (12 1C ; 85-90% RH) and air freight (25 1 C and 33 2C ; 5584

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60% RH) conditions. Pre-storage ethylene treatment did not have any negative effect on fruit quality
attributes. Peel colour, shrivelling, softness, acidity, ascorbic acid and anthracnose surged up in fruits
of 25C storage. However, ethylene, respiration rate and physiological weight loss increased in fruits
of 33C. Total antioxidants and total Phenolic contents were highest in fruits of 12C. In this research
concluded that sindhri mango fruit can be subjected to sea shipping conditions after ethylene
treatment for 28 days with post storage shelf life of 4-5 days and in case of air freight, the preshipment ethylene treatment subsequently storage at 25 1C (55-60% RH) for shelf life of 8 days and
33 2C (55-60% RH) for 6 days can be an economical strategy.

ICHS2016/AB_141
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit overall quality as influenced by postharvest treatments
Muhammad Jahanzeb1, Muhammad Atif Randhawa1, Muhammad Adil Zubair2, Asad Ali1, Bilal
Younas1, Hassam Ishtiaq1
1
National Institute of Food Science and Technology University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
2
Faculty of agricultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad,
Email: mjahanzeb2296@yahoo.com (M.J)
Guava is main fruit crop of Indian alluvial plains. In Pakistan guava is 4 th most produced fruit crop.
Guava production in Pakistan increased from 19,000 tons to 552, 000 tons from 1958 to 2008 with
annual growth rate of 6.9%. Guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.), characterized by its appealing flavor and
aroma has been catalogued as one of the most nutritious fruits due to its high content of
phytochemicals, especially ascorbic acid. Guava is considered excellent sources of antioxidant
phytochemicals, which include ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidant dietary fiber, and polyphenolics.
After acerola cherries, guava has reported the second highest concentration of ascorbic acid (ranging
from 60-1000 mg/100 g) of all fruits. The Punjab is contributing about 77.2 percent to the total guava
production of Pakistan (Agric. Stat., 2009). Approximately 30-40% of fresh guava produce is spoiled
annually in Pakistan due to use of inadequate traditional methods particularly at post-harvest stage,
which leads to a significant loss in country economy. Guava fruit is highly perishable in nature thats
why its shelf life is very low. It can be treated with two different techniques to delay the ripening of
the guava fruit. The fruits can be treated with HPMC (Hydroxy-Propyl Methyl Cellulose) and CaCl2
(Calcium Lactate) at different concentrations. The fruit can be dipped into the HPMC and CaCl2 solution
of different concentrations. Then the fruits can be stored at 10-12 C. Ca-Lactate has better results over
the HPMC.

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ICHS2016/AB_142
Genotype Environment interaction for NaCl tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum L. at seedling
stage
Fazal Rehman1, Asif Saeed1, Hassan Munir2 , Amir Shakeel1, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem2, Khurram
Ziaf3, Muhammad Yasin4, Muhammad Ahsan Raza1
1
Department of Plant Breeding and genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
4
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Emails: finitesmile@gmail.com (F.R), drasifpbg@gmail.com (A.S), amirpbg@uaf.edu.pk (A.S),
mfsuaf@yahoo.com (M.F.S.), khurramziaf@uaf.edu.pk (K.Z), hmbajwa@gmail.com (H.M),
myaseen208@gmail.com (M.Y), marazak2417@live.com (M.A.R)
Salinity is one of the worlds gravest and increasing environmental problem that limits the growth and
development in all crop plants. The pot experiment was laid out to investigate the genotype
environment interaction (GEI) of twenty five tomato accessions with two levels of salinity stress 8 and
12 dS m-1 along with control. Data were collected for some morphological and physiological traits i.e.
shoot and root length, root/shoot ratio, number of leaves, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry
root weight, leaf area, Na+ concentration, K+ concentration, K+/Na+ ratio at seedling stage. The results
showed that analysis of variance for all the seedling traits had significant relationship and genetically
more diverse and interaction plot of all studied traits represented that all accessions performed
differently at different levels of salinity. The physiological traits such as Na+, K+ concentrations and
their ratios concerned the accessions CLN-2413 and Raad-red showed promising and stable
performance under high salt concentration as depicted from graphical representation of G E
interaction plot. While the mean performance of all the genotypes under different salinity levels
revealed that due to salinity level increased all seedling traits decreased except Na + concentration
which continue to increase. On the basis of overall performance the accessions Raad-red, Subarctic,
Naqeeb, Pakit and PBLA-1932 were found significantly different and remained better in both low (8dS
m-1) and high (12dS m-1) NaCl concentrations for most of the traits like shoot length, number of leaves,
K+ concentration, and K+/Na+ ratio. The tolerant genotypes could be regarded for further breeding
program.

ICHS2016/AB_143
Evaluation of tolerance in seedling tomato against NaCl stress
Muhammad Ahsan Raza1, Asif Saeed1, Hassan Munir2, Khurram Ziaf3, Amir Shakeel1, Nadeem Saeed4,
Adeela Munawar4, Fazal Rehman1
1
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
4
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Email: marked2417@gmail.com (M.A.R)
Salinity being a serious limitation to crop production has affected the adaptive behavior of our field
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crops. Each stage of plant, either vegetative or reproductive, becomes critical on saline soil but the
most serious stages are seed germination and seedling. Discrimination of plant traits related to salinity
tolerance must be known with existence of variation in such traits so selection pressure can be applied
feasibly. The experiment having three times replicated completely randomized factorial treatments,
was conducted in glasshouse under control conditions (60-70% humidity, temperature 233 C and
photoperiod of 121 hours) with three soil salinity levels (control, 10 and 15 dSm-1). The germplasm
consisting 25 tomato genotypes was analyzed for salt tolerance indices (two root and shoot dry weight
tolerance indices, two K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ tolerance indices) and weight percent reductions of root
and shoot (both fresh weight and dry weight of root and shoot) to check salt tolerant and salt
susceptible genotypes. Principal component analysis (PCA) being highly efficient and reliable
procedure revealed that BEAVER LODGE SLICER, GLACIER, FORME DE COEUR, Rio-GRANDE and
ZARNITZA genotypes were tolerating salinity more conveniently. Whereas four genotypes LO-2752,
LO-2576, PB-017909 and LO-2831-23 were found highly salt susceptible.

ICHS2016/AB_144
Salicylic acid confers salt tolerance in Potato plants by improving gaseous exchange, water
relations, antioxidants activities and osmoregulation
Hafiz Nazar Faried1, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub1, Muhammad Amjad1, Madiha Butt1, Mohsin
Bashir1, Zaid Mustafa1 and Muhammad Ahmed Waqas2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan.
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan.
Email: hnfw1118@gmail.com (H.N.F)
Potato is an important vegetable, however salt stress drastically affects its growth and yield. A pot
experiment was therefore conducted to assess SA (salicylic acid) efficacy in improving performance of
potato cultivars, grown under salt stress (5 dS m-1). SA (0.5 mM) with tween-20 @ 0.1% was sprayed
after one week of salinity application. Salt stress effects were ameliorated by SA effectively in both
the studied cultivars. N-Y LARA, proved more responsive to SA application than 720-110 NARC which
confirmed genetic variation between cultivars. Low concentration of SA (0.5 mM) scavenged ROS by
improving antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, POD) and regulating osmotic adjustment (proline, phenolic
contents) which led to enhanced water relation (w, , p, LRWC and WUE) and gaseous exchange
(Pn, E, gs and Ci ) attributes. Moreover, SA increased K+ availability and reduced Na+ contents in the
leaves. In conclusion, salt tolerance efficacy of SA, stands authenticated in improving potato crop
performance under salt stress. However, SA effect was more pronounced on N-Y LARA reflecting
tolerant than 720-110 NARC which confirmed as susceptible. Hence, SA low concentration (0.5 mM)
and cultivation of N-Y LARA may be recommended in saline soil.

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ICHS2016/AB_145
Salinity impairs ionic, physiological and biochemical attributes in potato
Hafiz Nazar Faried1, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub1, Muhammad Amjad1, Madiha Butt1, Mohsin
Bashir1, Muhammad Rashid Shaheen1, Mubeen Sarwar1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: hnfw1118@gmail.com (H.N.F)
Potato is an important food crop however, salt stress hampering its growth and development
especially in arid and semiarid regions due to enhanced evapotranspiration and brackish underground
irrigation water. A pot experiment was therefore conducted to assess its malicious effects on two
potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars namely N-Y LARA and 720-110 NARC against various salinity
(NaCl) levels (control, 2.5, 5, 75, 10 and 12.5 dS m-1), induced after 30 days of tuber emergence. Both
the cultivars proved to be significantly (p0.05) affected by salt stress. However, N-Y LARA was less
affected than 720-110 NARC. Salinity stress drastically diminished K+ contents, water relation (w,
, p and leaf relative water contents) and gas exchange (Pn, E, gs and Ci) attributes and protein
contents. However, Na+ contents, Na+: K+, leaf electrolyte leakage, proline contents, melondialdehyde
(MDA) contents and antioxidants enzymes (SOD, CAT and POD) were increased with increasing salinity
stress. Hence, salt tolerance potential is cultivar dependent as both cultivars exhibited diverse
performance vis--vis various studied attributes against different NaCl levels.

ICHS2016/AB_148
Safety concerns of minimal processed fruits and vegetables
Muhammad Bilal Younas, Allah Rakha, Muhammad Sohail, Hassam Ishtiaq, Ammar Javed
National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Email: bilalyunas@gmail.com (M.B.Y).
From the last decade, consumers growing demand for fresh like, healthy or less processed foods is
driving the agro-industry to move towards minimal processed foods. Minimally processed foods are
fetching considerable interest of consumers with increasing awareness about health benefits linked
with consumption of fresh produce. Minimal processed foods are those which are not significantly
changed from their raw or unprocessed form and maintain most of its nutritional characteristics.
Minimal processing include washing, peeling, slicing, juicing, and removal of inedible parts. Many
scientists regard drying, freezing, fermentation and modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) as the
minimal processing techniques. Minimal processed fruits and vegetables are very much prone to the
safety risks since they are gone through mild processing condition. Three type of hazards are there
when minimally processed foods leaves production line; physical, chemical and biological hazards.
Most important hazard in processed fruits and vegetables is the microbial or biological. Minimal
processed fruits and vegetables are very susceptible to rapid microbial growth as they have high water
activity (aw) and low acidic pH. Several studies have reported on the presence of foodborne pathogens
in fruits and vegetables, such as Salmonella spp. pathogenic Escherichia coli and Listeria
monocytogenes. They can transfer from original source or through cross contamination. Storage
conditions like temperature plays a critical role in this regard. Risk of chemical hazards is comparatively
much lower than biological hazards and primarily caused by the chemicals use for cleaning purpose.
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Physical hazards are almost negligible but they can contaminate the product as broken glass or metal
piece during processing. These safety concerns can be addressed by implementation of safety
programs like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
(HACCP). These safety and quality programs lower the outbreak of above mentioned hazard and helps
in the production of safe and fresh fruit and vegetable products.

ICHS2016/AB_149
Apple industrial waste management
Muhammad Umer Younas, Muhammad Jahanzeb, Muhammad Bilal Younas
National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Email: umer.yunas95@gmail.com (M.U.Y)
Agro food sector generates large amount of byproducts or wastes which are traditionally used as fuel
or soil filling. These byproducts or wastes are enriched in dietary fiber and possess excellent
antioxidant capacity. Among fruit industry byproducts, apple pomace (AP) is the most prominent
which is generated from apple cider industry and 25-30% of apple. Conventionally, AP uses as land
filling and cattle feed. It also poses environmental hazard. However, AP is a potential food ingredient
with 42-51% dietary fiber having balanced ratio of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The proximate
composition of apple pomace contain 8% moisture, 1% ash, 3% protein, 2.3% ether extract. Apple
pomace contains 10-15% of recoverable pectin. AP charcoal uses as a water filtering agent. The
calorific value of AP is 87 Kcal/100g. It also exhibits excellent antioxidant activity which is mainly
attributed from its phenolic content 9.8 mg/g. Breakfast cereals and baked food items can easily be
incorporated with apple pomace due to their configuration. Many literatures advocates that the
supplementation of AP upto 5% can be easily done without causing any adverse effect on food item.
Addition of apple pomace changes the water absorption capacity, dough development stability of
bakery product. It significantly changes the color of food, and lower the calorific content making it
attractive to diabetic patients. Inclusion of AP significantly increases the dietary fiber content in bakery
product upto 14%. It amplifies the hydration, swelling characteristics of bakery items. AP enhances
the phenolic content in bakery items upto 3 mg/g. from above discussion it can be concluded that the
apple pomace is a potent food ingredient which should be used to enhance the functionality of food
products.

ICHS2016/AB_150
Physiochemical revelation of essential oil of two Jasminum species Grandiflorum and Officinale
Muhammad Saeed1, Malik Abid Mahmood2, Naveed Ahmad1
Directorate of Floriculture (Training and Research) Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Parks and Horticulture Authority Rawalpindi, Lahore, Pakistan
Emails: msaeed456@yahoo.com (M.S), nahmad57@gmail.com (N.A), maliks366@live.com (M.A.M)
1

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of essential oil of two Jasminum species grandiflorum and
officinale was carried out. Essential oil was extracted by n-hexane solvent extraction and hydrodistillation methods. Concrete oil recovery on fresh petal weight basis from J. grandiflorum and J.
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officinale was 0.26% and 0.30%, absolute oil recovery was 0.14% and 0.16% and essential oil yield
from hydro-distillation was 0.011% and 0.14% respectively. The color of oil extracted from both the
species was reddish brown. The specific gravity of J. grandiflorum was 0.9120 and J. officinale was
0.9100 at 30C and congealing point of the concrete oil of both species was 55C. In J. grandiflorum a
total of 40 compounds were identified. The major components were acetic acid, phenyl methyl ester
(12.20%), linalool (11.04%), 3-hexenyl benzoate (10.50%) and alpha cadinol (6.70%). In J. officinale
total 45 compounds were identified. The major components were benzyl benzoate (10.10%), cisjasmone (9.64%), 3-hexenyl benzoate (8.84%), acetic acid, phenyl methyl ester (9.00%), linalool
(7.11%), isophytol (6.39%) and alpha-farnesene' (5.39%). Minor compounds of J. grandiflorum were
3-hexenyl acetate, benz acetaldehyde, alpha farnesene, farnesal, tau-muurolol, benzyl
benzoate, nerolidol acetate, palmitic acid, geranyl linalool, methyl linolenate, 9-tricosene,
methyl aracrisate and heptacosane. Minor compounds of J. officinale were geraniol, cis-3-hexanyl
benzoate, alpha cadinol, phenyl ethyl benzoate, linolenic acid, phytol, tricosane and
heptacosane. Commercial cultivation of these species for essential oil production can provide
successfully raw material for industrial purpose.

ICHS2016/AB_151
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting cucumber in the Pothowar region of Pakistan
Tariq Mukhtar1, Muhammad Zameer Kayani2, Muhammad Arshad Hussain3
Department of Plant Pathology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Green Belt Project, Department of Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Plant Pathology Section, Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Email: drtmukhtar@uaar.edu.pk

Studies to estimate root-knot nematode infestations on cucumber were conducted during mid- to late
season at randomly selected sites in 126 villages of the four districts across the Pothowar zone of the
country. The overall mean infestation of root-knot nematodes in the region was found to be 16%. The
studies revealed variations in the incidence and severity of root-knot nematodes in the four districts.
The incidence of root-knot nematodes was the highest in Rawalpindi district (22%), followed by 14%
in Attock. Of the four districts, the minimum incidence of 11% was recorded in Jhelum district. The
maximum mean severity (3.79), measured in terms of the galling index, was found in Rawalpindi
district, while the minimum (1.86) was observed in Jhelum district. The mean severities of root-knot
nematodes in the districts of Attock and Chakwal were 2.66 and 2.19 respectively. Variations in
incidence and severity were also observed among subdivisions of the districts. Of all the associated
species of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita constituted 79%, M. javanica 19%, M.
arenaria 2% and M. hapla 1%. M. incognita and M. javanica were recorded in all of the districts, with
M. incognita predominating. M. incognita as a pure population was recorded in 30% of the villages,
while the other three species were found as mixtures. The most common mixed population was M.
incognita and M. javanica, observed in 70% of villages in the region. M. arenaria and M. hapla were
not found together in any of the population mixtures. The results indicate that cucumber is severely
attacked by root-knot nematodes, warranting adoption of strict control measures for its management.

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ICHS2016/AB_153
Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita on twelve okra cultivars and effects on yield
Muhammad Arshad Hussain1, Tariq Mukhtar2, Muhammad Zameer Kayani3, Muhammad Naveed
Aslam4
1
Plant Pathology Section, Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan,
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Green Belt Project, Department of Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
4
University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Pakistan,
Email: arshad.sikhani@gmail.com (M.A.H)
Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most widespread and damaging plant-parasitic nematodes in
Pakistan and substantially affects growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L). In the present
study, reproduction of M. incognita and its subsequent effects on yield were assessed on twelve okra
cultivars with varying levels of resistance or susceptibility. Maximum average egg masses (177.8), eggs
per egg mass (298.4) and reproductive factor of 17.1 fold were observed on highly susceptible cultivar
Sharmeeli resulting in 34.1% reduction in yield. The nematode produced 83.4 and 88.6 egg masses per
root system, 280 and 265.4 eggs per egg mass, reproduced 8 and 9 folds on susceptible cultivars Okra
Sindha and Anmol and caused 20 and 17.6% reductions in yields respectively. Egg masses, eggs per
egg mass and reproductive factors ranged from 47.2 to 53, 202.6 to 238 and 3.5 to 5.2 on moderately
susceptible cultivars causing 5.9 to 12.9% reductions in yields respectively. In case of moderately
resistant cultivars (Sanam, Dikshah, Arka Anamika, Ikra-1 and Ikra-2) the average egg masses ranged
from 20.2 to 27.4, eggs per egg mass from 178 to 193.2 and reproductive factors were less than 2. The
reductions in yields in these cultivars were 2.9 to 6.5%. These cultivars showed some tolerance to
infection by the nematode. The cultivation of moderately resistant and tolerant cultivars would help
reduce nematode reproduction enough to affect the residual nematode population density as
uninterrupted cultivation of susceptible cultivars is exacerbating the root-knot problem in the country.

ICHS2016/AB_154
Reaction chili germplasm to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum
Muhammad Naveed Aslam1,2, Tariq Mukhtar2, Muhammad Ashfaq2, Muhammad Arshad Hussain3
University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi
3
Plant Pathology Section, Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Email: naveed.aslam@iub.edu.pk (M.N.A)

Bacterial wilt incited by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious threat to economically
important solanaceous crops in Pakistan. Huge losses caused by this bacterium in Pakistan warrants
strict control strategies. Use of resistant cultivars is one of the most important alternative strategies
to dispense with the pernicious consequences of chemicals. In the present study, 28 chili cultivars
were assessed for their relative resistance or susceptibility to R. solanacearum Biovar 3 following
rating scale based on mean disease index. Two cultivars namely Skyline-II and Hifly appeared highly
resistant. Sanam was the only cultivar found to be resistant against the bacterium. On the basis of
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mean disease index 12 cultivars were categorized as moderately resistant against the bacterial wilt.
On the other hand, 7 cultivars were rated as moderately susceptible and 3were found susceptible.
Two cultivars Talhari, Maxi appeared as highly susceptible while California wonder was the only
cultivar found extremely susceptible. Resistant and moderately resistant cultivars are therefore,
recommended for cultivation.

ICHS2016/AB_155
Virulence variations among different strains of Ralstonia solanacearum associated with chili in
Pakistan
Muhammad Naveed Aslam1,2, Tariq Mukhtar2, Muhammad Ashfaq2, Muhammad Arshad Hussain3
University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
3
Plant Pathology Section, Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Email: naveed.aslam@iub.edu.pk (M.N.A)

Ralstonia solanacearum is prevalent throughout the world and is composed of a diverse group of
strains diverging in their geographical origin, pathogenic behavior and host range. In the present
studies variations in hypersensitivity response, growth and virulence were observed among 114
strains of R. solanacearum collected from eight agro ecological zones of Pakistan. Of all the 114
isolates of R. solanacearum, 88 showed positive hypersensitive reaction (HR) and mucoid growth while
26 isolates gave negative HR with non mucoid growth. Out of 114 strains of R. solanacearum consisting
of biovar 3 and 4, 22.8% were found avirulent, 25% weakly virulent, 29.3% virulent and the remaining
21.9% were highly virulent. Among 92 R. solanacearum biovar 3 strains, 21.7 % were identified as
avirulent, 25% weakly virulent, 34.4% virulent and 22.8% were highly virulent in the eight agro
ecological zones of the country. Similarly, out of 22 R. solanacearum biovar 4 strains, 27.3% each were
detected as avirulent, weakly virulent and virulent while 18.2% strains were found highly virulent.
Relationship was also found between growth and virulence among the R. solanacearum strains of the
isolates. The strains having non-mucoid growth have been found avriulent while those with mucoid
growth were weakly virulent to highly virulent. Similarly, strains showing positive HR were virulent
while those with negative HR were found as avirulent.

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ICHS2016/AB_158
Characterization of root and shoot characters of Black Mission fig cultivar treated with different
concentrations of indole 3 butyric acid (IBA)
Syeda Anum Masood Bokhari1, Muhammad Babar Shahzad Afzal2, Muhammad Akbar Anjum1,
Muhammad Imran Kasana3
1
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan, Pakistan
3
Horticultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: anumbokkhari19@gmail.com (S.A.M.B), Shahzad.babar35@gmail.com (M.B.S.A)
Fig (Ficus cracia) is cultivated through vegetative means however; the large mortality rate in cuttings
distracts the farmers to invest in fig cultivation. Several techniques have been evaluated to improve
the propagation success of fig throughout the globe. Indole 3 Butyric Acid (IBA) has the potential to
improve the root establishment of cuttings of different crops. Therefore, the current study was
designed to evaluate the role of different IBA concentrations in improving the growth and
establishment of fig cuttings. The fig cultivar Black Mission was used as an experimental material and
experiment was conducted at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
during 2015. The cuttings were dipped for 5 minutes in IBA solutions having 5 different concentrations
(1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm) along with a control treatment (0 ppm). The experiment was
laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications of each treatment. IBA had
significant effects on the establishment success of fig cuttings. Minimum mortality rate was noted in
cutting treated with 3000 ppm IBA while maximum mortality was observed in non-treated cuttings.
Similarly, maximum sprouting percentage (3.56%), leaves per cutting (5.89), shoots per cutting (4.4),
leaf area (7.65 cm 2), shoot diameter (0.58 cm), and number of roots per cutting (21.67) were noted
in cuttings treated with 3000 ppm IBA, while minimum sprouting percentage (1.33 %), number of
leaves per cutting (2.45), shoots per cutting (1.67), leaf area (4.05 cm2), shoot diameter (0.05 cm), and
number of roots per cuttings (6.67) were observed in non-treated cuttings (0 ppm). Shoot and root
length were found to be not affected by IBA treatments in the current study. The results of the study
indicate that to avoid the cutting losses due to mortality improved performance; cuttings must be
primed with 3000 ppm IBA solution prior to transplanting.

ICHS2016/AB_160
Physico-chemical profiling of promising cultivars of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit grown under
agro-climatic conditions of Multan
Muhammad Fasih Khalid, Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Shaghef Ejaz and Farukh Naveed
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
Emails: fasihkh65@gmail.com (M.F.K), sajjad.hussain@bzu.edu.pk (S.H)
In the present study, variation in physico-chemical characteristics of fruit of three litchi cultivars (Gola,
Calcutti and Bedana) grown under agro-climatic conditions of Multan was studied. Different physico93

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chemical characteristics like fruit weight, fruit diameter (Round and Polar), peel weight, peel thickness,
seed weight, rag content, moisture content, specific gravity, juice pH, total soluble solids, titratable
acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars, total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity, antioxidant activity and
total carotenoid contents were evaluated. The cultivars varied in some of the physico-chemical
characters. Calcutti cultivar showed maximum fruit weight (21.20 g), fruit diameter (Round and Polar)
(31.56 mm and 35.97 mm), peel weight (3.89 g), rag content (49.24%), moisture content (90.03%),
specific gravity (1.12), juice pH (5.45), ascorbic acid (17.05 mg/100 mL), non-reducing sugar (4.63 %)
and antioxidant capacity (10.62 mM trolox/100 mL) and antioxidant activity (96.70%). Peel thickness
(1.57 mm), seed weight (2.68 g), titratable acidity (1.20%), reducing sugar (11.24%), total sugar
(15.36%) and total phenolic contents (94.77 g GE/ mL) were more in cultivar Gola, while total soluble
solid (18.15 oBRIX) was more in Bedana. The variations were possibly due to their genetic factor as
well as due to the impact of environmental factors.

ICHS2016/AB_162
Screening of some polyembryonic varieties of mango against sudden death disease (MSD) through
inoculation
Muhammad Tariq Malik1, Muhammad Ammar1, Javed Iqbal1, Ian S.E. Bally2, Hameedullah1, Mushtaq
Ahmad1
1
Mango Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan;
2
Queens Land Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mareeba, Australia
Email: mtmalik64@hotmail.com (M.T.M)
Availability of resistant/tolerant rootstock against a soil borne disease named mango sudden death
(MSD) is one of the important long term options to save the mango industry of Pakistan.
Polyembryonic varieties may be the only tool to get the true-to-type and resistant/tolerant rootstock.
For the said task a study was conducted in the lath house containing the facilities to measure the RH
and temperature. The seedling mango were raised in the polyethylene bags containing the
standardized potting media. The bud woods of 20 polyembryonic varieties were collected from abroad
and grafted on seedling mango after the establishment of their root system in pot media and attaining
the suitable size for grafting. The scions were inoculated with the active culture of virulent strain of
Ceratocystis fimbriata through making the incision of 1.5cm and were wrapped with cellophane tape.
After some days these wraps were opened and the symptoms on leaves, twigs and on the whole plants
were observed with specific intervals with 0 to 03 disease rating scale. Carabao Lamao and Bullock
Hearts were examined with the least symptom expressions on leaves as well as on stem. However,
other varieties like R2E2, Xoai Toung, Elephant Tusk, Rosa and 13-1 also showed the minimum extent
of symptoms on leaves. Similarly, Kasturi and Banana Long reflected no sign on the stem. Hence, it is
clear from this preliminary study that Carabao Lamao and Bullock Hearts may be the best option to
use as tolerant rootstock for the control of mango sudden death disease (MSD) in Pakistan as their
performance as mango rootstock still needs to be exploited.

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ICHS2016/AB_164
Insecticidal effect of some plant extracts on citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera:
Pseudococcidae)
Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Muhammad Asam Riaz, Muhammad Irfan Nawaz, Muhammad Afzal
Department of Entomology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100,
Sargodha, Pakistan
Email: zeeshan.majeed@uos.edu.pk (M.Z.M), asam.riaz@uos.edu.pk (M.A.R),
malikirfan648@gmail.com (M.I.N), chafzal64@yahoo.com (M.A)
Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso), is one of the most widely spread mealybugs infesting
horticulture crops including citrus. It is emerging as a sever threat to citrus industry in Pakistan. This
study determined in-vitro toxicity of different botanical extracts (viz. neem, eucalyptus, sweet orange
and sour orange) against adult females and 2nd instar nymphs of citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri
(Risso). Water, ethanol and acetone were used as extraction solvents. Leaf-dip and twig-dip methods
were used for 2nd instar mealybug nymphs and adult female individuals, respectively, using 9 cm Petridishes. Five concentrations (0, 8, 16, 32 and 64%) of botanical extracts were tested in bioassays with
three replications for each. Mortality of insects was observed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment for
nymphs and at 24 and 48 h post-treatment for adults. Data was subjected to probit analysis and twoway factorial ANOVA taking time and concentration as factors. Results revealed that among three
extraction solvents tested, on average basis, water and acetone extracts were most effective against
mealybugs (both 2nd instar and adult individuals) for neem and eucalyptus extracts, followed by sweet
orange and sour orange seed extracts, while leaf extracts of both citrus cultivars in all solvents were
least effective. As expected, 2nd instar nymphs were found more susceptible to all extracts as
compared to adult female individuals, most probably due to reduced penetration of botanical extract
in adult insect due to powdery cushion of body. It is concluded that botanical pesticides can play an
important role in management of insect pests as being substitutes of toxic and hazardous synthetic
chemicals. Particularly, neem (Azadirachta indica) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) extracts could be
effective options against resistant insect pests such as citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and should
be incorporated in the pest management programs against this noxious pest of citrus.

ICHS2016/AB_167
Identification of grey mold resistant variety of tomatoes on the basis of disease screening of
selected germplasm
Imran Ramzan2, Muhammad Zunair Latif1, Muhammad Amjad Ali1, Arslan Sheheroz1 and Amjad
Abbas1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Email: imranassi22@gmail.com (I.R.)
Tomatoes are important vegetable crop widely used in the country. Due to its excessive use and high
demand the crop is grown more than once in a year and its production is also supported by vegetable
forcing. The yield is checked by various biotic and abiotic factors. Among diseases the grey mold wilt
is getting attention as future threat to crop. In the recent study, ten genotypes including some
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cultivated types including some advanced lines were sown in glass house under controlled conditions.
Nine replications are maintained for the purpose in total. The seedlings were raised in the nursery and
two weeks after sowing, were transplanted into earthen pots of medium size. The lines showed
difference in growth and all of them were not equally responsive to transplanting. The causal organism
of wilt will be multiplied in the lab for experiment purpose and will be applied to the plants four weeks
after transplanting. The inoculation will be achieved as spray of the spores of the fungus on three
replicates of plants and for other three replicates; infiltration method of inoculation will be followed.
Three of the untreated replicates would be used as untreated control. The resistant types from the
existing ten varieties will be selected on the basis of some of physiological and agronomic and disease
scaling attributes.

ICHS2016/AB_169
Effect of different doses of potassium nitrate on flowering and fruiting of mango cv. Anwar Rataul
Malik Mohsin Abbas1, Naseem Sharif1, Saeed Ahmad2 and Muhammad Ishfaq1
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850,
Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: malikmohsin144@gmail.com (M.M.A)

Mango cv. Anwar Rataul is reported as shy bearer due to less flowering and fruiting that results
ultimately in low yield. The current project was undertaken to enhance the flowering and fruiting of
this cultivar by spraying different concentrations of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3), to find out the most
economic and suitable concentrations. Four different concentrations of Potassium Nitrate i.e. 1, 2, 3
and 4 % were sprayed during the month of October and second spray was carried out during the
month of January and a comparison was made with non-sprayed (control) mango plants. The most
suitable concentration of Potassium Nitrate was evaluated @ 3.0% which produced maximum number
of inflorescences (312), maximum fruit set (0.288%), highest TSS (26.25%) and yield per plant (86.25
kg) as compared to control which produces minimum number of inflorescence (241), minimum fruit
set (0.130%), TSS(19.25 %) and the lowest yield per plant (49.25 kg).

ICHS2016/AB_171
Effect of rootstock types on leaf mineral composition and physiology in elite citrus scion varieties
Waqar Shafqat1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Muhammad Usman1 and Muhammad Saqib2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Email: waqar_shafqat@hotmail.com (W.S)
1

More than 20 tree characteristics are influenced by rootstock. These include tree size, cropping
efficiency and fruit quality attributes including fruit size. In Pakistan rough lemon rootstock is used in
Punjab and sour orange rootstock is used in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A study was designed to measure
the leaf mineral content of scion varieties Kinnow, Feutrells early and Mosambi grafted on to eight
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rootstocks Cox mandarin, Cleopatra mandarin, Fraser hybrid, sour orange, Poncirus trifoliata, Troyer
citrange, Benton citrange, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Soil analyses were carried out for nutrient
content across different rootstock treatments. Irrigation water was analyzed for canal and tube well
(subsoil) water types. The results from this study indicated that scion or rootstock has significantly
affected leaf nutrient content and physiological parameter i.e; photosynthetic rate, stomatal
conductance and transpirational rate of plant in mandarin and orange plants. The results showed that
rootstock types had significant influence on macro- and micronutrients especially the Na, Cl, N and B.
The least influenced minerals in citrus leaf were Fe and Cu. The concentration of zinc and manganese
were low in many of the scion and rootstock combinations. Rootstocks also influenced the
photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpirational rate in scion varieties. The trees are
yet unproductive but needs to explore their yield performance.

ICHS2016/AB_172
Efficacy of 24-EBL on physiological and biochemical attributes of Jasminum sambac L. under
greenhouse conditions
Ahsan Akram1, William Bill Miller2, Adnan younis3,4, Iftikhar Ahmad3, Gulzar Akhtar1
Department of Horticulture, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha,
Pakistan.
2
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, NY, USA.
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan.
4
Department of Horticulture Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 702-701, Korea.
Email: ahsanakram66@gmail.com (A.A).
1

The present study was carried out to elucidate the effect of EBL levels on growth and yield of Jasminum
sambac. Experiment was executed in KPL greenhouses, Department of Horticulture , Cornell
University, New York, USA during year 2012. Jasmine plants were planted in pots and put them in
controlled condition greenhouse. Foliar applications of 24-Epibrassinolide using in four different levels
(1, 2, 3 and 4 M) were applied after 30th 60th and 90th days after plantation. Data were recorded after
120th days. The results indicated that EBL concentration 2 M proved to be the best treatment for
morpho-physiological and bio-chemical traits like, plant height (9.25), number of leaves per branch
(21.80 ), bud diameter (6.52 ), chlorophyll contents (0.050 mg g-1), Chl.a, (0.035 mg g-1), chl.b (0.011
mg g-1), total chlorophyll contents (0.046 mg g-1), fresh and dry ratio (2.51 ), CO2 diff. (19.83),
photosynthetic rates (9.87mol m-2 S-1), stomatal conductance (57.57mmol m-2 S-2) and sub-stomatal
cavity (583.59 molmol-1) compared with rest of the treatments. However, plants treated with 3 M
showed better results for growth indices like leaf area (10.96 cm2), number of flower per plant (7.02),
flower diameter (18.08 mm), fresh weight of flower (0.172 g) and dry weight of flower (0.073 g) as
compared to rest of the treatments. In case of number of branches per plant (4.26), flower diameter
(18.08 mm) control treatment gave the maximum values compared to other treatments. The present
study revealed that 2 M exhibited good results on morpho-physiological attributes in Jasminum
sambac. Current investigations showed that EBL application enhanced the plant growth, chlorophyll
contents and photosynthesis rate of the Jasminum sambac.

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ICHS2016/AB_181
Factors affecting food security situation in rural household of district Faisalabad
Robina Kausar, Ashfaq Ahmed Maan
Department of Rural Sociology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Email: robi.uaf@gmail.com (R.K)
Food is a basic and daily need for growth. The right of entry to food is an essential demand for a human
right. The concept of household food security is the application at family level, with individuals within
the house. Many factors income, age and education eating pattern have deep effects the households
food security situation. Main objective of the study was investigating the factors affecting food
security situation in district Faisalabad. Multistage sampling technique was used for sample section.
At the first stage one tehsil was selected randomly and three Union Councils was taken from each
tehsil through simple random sample technique. At the third stage, two villages were selected
randomly and from each village 15 Head of the house was selected through systematic random
sampling. The total sample size of respondent was 180. Data was collected through well designed
interview schedule. About 71.1 percent of respondents belonged to farming occupation and about
63% of respondent did not satisfied with their food security situation a vast (72.8) majority claimed
natural and energy crises was a main cause of food insecurity about 50% respondent suggested good
salary will be helpful to maintaining better food security situation.

ICHS2016/AB_179
Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S (CaMV35S) promoter with omega element is active in sugar beet cyst
nematode induced syncytia in Arabidopsis roots
Muhammad Amjad Ali1,2, Amjad Abbas1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Emails: amjad.ali@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.A), amjad.ali2001@gmail.com (A.A)
1

In this study, we determined the expression of different reporter genes, DsRed (from Discosoma sp.)
and beta-glucoronidase (GUS) driven under the control of CaMV.2x35S+omega promoter in syncytia
induced by beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii in Arabidopsis roots at different time points after
infection. The lines, CaMV.2x35S+omega::DsRed L1, L2 and L3 contained 80, 101 and 82 syncytia in
total, respectively and all of them showed DsRed fluorescence at 5 days post inoculation (dpi). At 7
dpi, over 90% of the total syncytia were found fluorescent. Similarly, at 10 dpi and 15 dpi on an average
from three lines over 80% and 50% of the syncytia showed DsRed fluorescence respectively.
Representative syncytia with DsRed fluorescence were also photographed at different time points (5,
7, 10 and 15dpi) and are shown diagrammatically. It is quite obvious that there was very high
fluorescence in the syncytia as compared to the uninfected root segments. However, at 15 dpi, the
expression level of DsRed also slightly went down showing decreased activity of the promoter with
the passage of time. After nematode infection, the transgenic lines CaMV.2x35S+omega::GUS L1, L2
and L3 contained 58, 73 and 95 syncytia in total, respectively and over 80% of them showed GUS
staining in syncytia after 5 dpi. However, unlike expression of DsRed, the number of GUS stained
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syncytia decreased quickly to around 50% at 7 dpi and to about 5% in the 15 dpi syncytia.
Representative syncytia with GUS staining at different time points (3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 dpi) were
photographed and are shown diagrammatically. The syncytia at 3 and 5 dpi showed strong staining
while the GUS staining in case of 7, 10 and 15 dpi was more confined towards the region of nematode
attachment with the root, indicating that the activity of the CaMV.2x35S+omega promoter decreases
with the passage of time in older syncytia. The results conclude that 35S is induced in younger syncytia
and down regulated in older syncytia but can be used for expression in syncytia. Moreover, DsRed
could be used as better reporter for evaluation of gene expression in syncytia compared with GUS.

ICHS2016/AB_180
Analysis of cis regulatory elements in promoters of genes from plants
Muhammad Amjad Ali1,2, Farrukh Azeem3, Amjad Abbas1, Khushbakht Alia3, Habibullah Nadeem3 and
Muhammad Hussnain Siddique3
1
Department of Plant Pathology
2
Centre for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, 38040 Faisalabad
3
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University, Faisalabad
Email: amjad.ali2001@gmail.com (M.A.A), amjad.ali@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.A)
Transcription factors are DNA binding proteins which regulate the expression of a particular gene at
the level of transcription. They execute this function single-handedly or in collaboration with other
proteins to promote (as an activator), or suppress (as a repressor) the recruitment of RNA polymerase
to regulate the expression of a gene. An important characteristic of transcription factors is that they
have one or more DNA-binding domains which bind to very specific sequences of DNA called cis
regulatory elements or cis regulatory motifs. The expression level of genes is regulated by interaction
of transcription factors and their corresponding cis regulatory elements present in the promoter
region of the genes which are regulated. This is why the analysis of cis regulatory elements in the
promoter sequence is important to find out the chances of binding of various DNA binding proteins
i.e. transcription factors, to the promoter. This study gives an overview of different publically available
online tools for analysis of cis regulatory elements in the promoter sequences of many plant species.
Moreover, various wet lab techniques used for analyzing these elements are also the topic of this
study. For instance, AGRIS-AtcisDB, PlantCare, PLACE, PlantPAN, AthaMap, AtProbe, MEME suite and
PlantTFDB: Plant Transcription Factor Database are important databases and tools to identify and
study cis regulatory elements. This work gives an introduction of these tools and databases and the
information that how these tools can be used for promoter analysis and identification of the
regulatory elements. Moreover, promoter deletion analysis is also given in detail to find out cis
elements involved in various processes. This information will be important to understand and perform
promoter analysis aimed at finding of cis elements specific to various DNA binding transcription
factors.

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ICHS2016/AB_182
Carrot Pomace: A compelling vegetable byproduct
Hassam Ishtiaq, Muhammad Bilal Younas, Akhtar Ali, Muhammad Umer Younas, Muhammad
Jahanzeb
National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: hassam.ishtiaq@gmail.com (H.I.)
Vegetables are consumed as raw or processed to different products. The food processing industry
produces large quantities of waste or byproducts. Vegetable byproducts are inexpensive, available in
large quantities, characterized by a high dietary fiber content resulting with high water binding
capacity and relatively low enzyme digestible organic matter. Carrot pomace is a by-product obtained
during carrot juice processing. Due to the higher dietary fiber content with 55.7 % and contrasting
functional properties Carrot pomace containing about 50% of -carotene could profitably be utilized
for the supplementation of products like cake, bread, biscuits and preparation of several types of
functional products. It also has good residual amount of all the vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Vegetable pomace has become a source of environmental problem. However, dried carrot pomace
has a carotene and ascorbic acid in the range of 9.87 to 11.57 mg and 13.53 to 22.95 mg per 100 g
respectively. CP contains 9.13 % moisture, 1.39 % ash, 6.73 % protein, and 2 % fat content. CP possess
caloric value of 608 kJkg. Baked product are the best carriers for functional ingredients due to their
matrix. Incorporation of CP significantly changes the hydration properties oil binding capacity of the
product. This may be due to functional aspects of AP fibers. Color of products becomes darker as the
pomace level increased, which may be due to comparatively darker color of carrot pomace. The
hardness increased with the in pomace percentage.

ICHS2016/AB_184
Screening of different exotic varieties of potato through adaptability trial for local cultivation
Arslan Shehroz1, Muhammad Amjad Ali1, Amjad Abbas1, Imran Ramzan2, Muhammad Zunair Latif1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: arslanshehroz@gmail.com (A.S.)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the 4th most important food crop of the world after wheat, rice and
maize. It is the staple food in many European countries. Being rich in starch (one of the main three
food ingredients) and having the highest productivity per unit area, has great potential to address the
challenge of the food security. Processed potato is also used as chips and crisps etc as fast food.
There are many biotic and a biotic factors which check the production of potato and become hurdle
in achievement production potential of potato. 20 new varieties along with two checks were
evaluated. Plant to plant and row to row distances were maintained as 20 cm and 75 cm, respectively.
The trial was conducted according to the randomized complete block design with three replications.
Normal agronomic and plant protection measures were carried out in the crop. It is revealed from
experiment that exotic variety 171 gave the highest yield of 35.5 t/ha followed by Masai with 31.0
t/ha tuber yield. The check variety Simply Red 24.2 t/ha yield, while the lowest tuber yield (1.5 t/ha)
was produced by the exotic variety KWS-06-125. The maximum emergence was shown by the Variety
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Red Sun (89.7 %). The lowest emergence was shown by the variety Camel (71.7%). Regarding tuber
grades, it was noted that the maximum Ration size tubers were produced by the exotic variety
Compass (3.7%), whereas 11 varieties did not produce ration size tubers at all. The variety Red Sun
produced lowest percentage of small size tubers (12.7%) whereas maximum small size tubers (93.0%)
were produced by the variety Jitka. Regarding disease infestation, it was noted that the maximum scab
incidence (4.0%) was recorded on the variety Masai, maximum rhizoctonia attack (60.0%) was
recorded on the variety Camel and maximum tuber cracking (0.7%) was noted on the variety Vendulla.

ICHS2016/AB_185
Enhancement of yield and quality of onion by foliar application of Indole-3-butyric acid and 2,4Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
Muhammad Irfan Ashraf, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Mujahid Ali and Shagufta Kamal
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Emails: irfanflorist199@yahoo.com (M.I.A.), cmayyub91@yahoo.com (C.M.A.),
mujahidali2263@gmail.com (M.I.), shagufta_kamal@yahoo.com (S.K.)
Plant growth regulators are being used for enhancing qualitative and quantitative attributes of
vegetables. To investigate the improvement in yield and quality of onion a field experiment was
conducted. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) each with 2 ppm and 4
ppm were exogenously applied along with control. The results indicated that IBA and 2,4-D with
different concentrations led to significant increases in vegetative growth; leaf length, plant height,
number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight of leaves, fresh and dry weight of bulbs, bulbs
diameter, bulbs neck diameter, bulbs moisture percentage, bulbs dry matter percentage and
biochemical attributes like total soluble solids, titratable acidity and vitamin C contents of onion bulbs.
IBA and 2,4-D in high concentrations gave better results than other treatments. 4 ppm of 2,4-D caused
increase in number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of leaves and bulbs neck diameter as well as
biochemical constituents of onion bulbs. IBA with 4 ppm also showed significant increase in the
following vegetative growth characters like; leaf length, plant height, weight of dry leaves, leaf width
and bulbs dry matter percentage. It was concluded that quality of onion was superior with the foliar
application of 2,4-D as compared to IBA.

ICHS2016/AB_187
Root knot nematodes associated with eggplant in different localities of District Sargodha, and
impact of Pasteuria isolates on development of Meloidogyne incognita
Naila Zeerak1, Zafar Iqbal1, Muhammad Kamran1, Nazir Javed2, S. Bashir1, Muhammad I. Nabi1, Azher
Iqbal1 and Zeeshan Hassan Jaffery1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Email: naila.zeerak786@gmail.com (M.K.)
Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are sedentary, obligate, and plant endoparasitic nematodes
which cause major economic damage worldwide and in Pakistan. A systematic survey was conducted
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to obtain a reliable estimate of nematode and their level of infestation with eggplant plants at
growers field located at major vegetable production areas of district Sargodha. Roots and soil samples
was collected from the field to estimate the RKN population and data on host, locality, soil type, etc.
was also recorded. Nematode population in 10g of roots and 100 cm 3 of soil samples was determined
by the Baermann funnel techniques. The incidence of infestation was assessed by (Number of samples
with RKN total number of samples x 100). Different species of RKN was identified on the basis of
perennial patterns. Then mass culturing of RKN was done on eggplant for further experiment. Pot
studies were carried out in green house (25 2 oC) to manage the RKN by using two Pasteuria isolates
PP-J and PP-3. The influence of different levels of endospore of each Pasteuria isolate was determined
on root invasion, development and population dynamics of M. incognita in eggplant. Experiment was
conducted in four sets of treatments with five replications under completely randomized design. Data
was recorded after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days on nematode developmental stages. The results of the
current project revealed that the development of M. incognita is varied in the presence of different
isolates of Pasteuria. Both Pasteuria isolates reduced the root invasion of M. incognita and other
nematode reproduction parameters.

ICHS2016/AB_190
Response of different plum varieties to bud take success and budling growth on peach rootstock
under the climatic condition of district Swat
Fazal Rabi1, Nadia Bostan1, Gul Bostan2, Sufiyan Qureshi3
Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Peshawar
2
Pakhtunkhwah Fruit Nursery Farm, Mingora Swat
3
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Email: fazalhort@gmail.com (F.R.)
1

The experiment Response of different plum varieties to bud take success and budling growth on
peach rootstock under the climatic condition of district Swat was conducted at Agriculture Research
Institute Mingora Swat. The experiment was carried out with randomized complete block design with
three replications. Six plum varieties AU- Producer, Ruby Red, Stanley, Red Beaute, Fazli Manani and
D-Agen) were budded on one year old peach rootstocks (Swat Local). The experimental results showed
that different cultivars significantly responded differently to all the parameters studied. Minimum
days to sprouting (14.66), maximum bud take success (89.60%), number of leaves (122.14), shoot
thickness (5.55) and number of branches (4.86) was noted in variety, AU Producer budded on swat
local peach rootstock. Maximum budling growth (85.19 cm) was recorded in Red Beaute. AU Producer
and Red Beaute are recommended for active June budding as these varieties attained salable buddling
growth during one growing season while the rest of the varieties for dormant budding because these
varieties require two growing seasons to attain salable size.

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ICHS2016/AB_194
Nutritional management of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV) in different tomato germplasm in
relation to environmental factors
Saneela Arooj, Yasir Iftikhar, Muhammad Kamran, Muhammad Zohaib Anjum and Bilal Jafar
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha
Email: saneela.awan@yahoo.com (S.A.)
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum) is subjected to various biotic and abiotic factors affecting its yield.
Among them Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (TLCV) is the most devastating which cause severe yield losses in
tomato. It is naturally transmitted through whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). A field trial was conducted in
which four varieties/lines were sown and nutritionally managed and correlated with different
epidemiological factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall). The overall results revealed that,
among all these lines, only one variety showed moderately resistance response (VRI-49), two varieties
(Nagina and Money Maker) were susceptible, and one variety (VRI-20) was found to be highly
susceptible against TLCV. The results revealed that environmental conditions significantly correlated
with disease development. However, application of compost significantly showed good results as
compared to multinutrients.

ICHS2016/AB_197
Food safety and security: Aflatoxins a concern for human health
Qumer Iqbal1, Muhammad Amjad1, Aamir Nawaz2, Tanveer Ahmad3, Mazhar Abbas1
1

Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan


Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
3
College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
Emails: qumerhort@gmail.com (Q.I.), amjaduaf@gmail.com (M.A.), aamirkhanbzu@yahoo.com
(A.N.), tanveerihs@gmail.com (T.A.), rmazhart@gmail.com (M.A.)

Food security and safety is basic human need and it considered as hot issue for national and
international organizations in the recent past. Chemical as well microbial food hazards are the most
important concern now a days and among microbial food and feed hazards, mycotoxin attracted
worlds attention towards fungal invasion to food elements. Among mycotoxins, aflatoxins have been
considered as one of the most dangerous contaminant in food and feed. The contaminated food poses
a potential health risk to human such as aflatoxicosis and cancer. Thats why among mycotoxins,
aflatoxin have received great deal of attention. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin and one of the
strongest carcinogens found in nature. The filamentous fungi that are major producers of aflatoxin are
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins being highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic as
well as carcinogenic compounds that have been considered as causal agent in human hepatic and
extra hepatic carcinogenesis. In views of occurrence and toxicity, AFB1 is extremely carcinogenic while
others are considered as highly carcinogenic. Epidemiological studies revealed that due to hazardous
nature of aflatoxin and considered as potential source of causing liver cancer in human populations
mostly exposed to fungal contaminated food. The incidence of human liver cancer increased when
they ingest fungal contaminated food directly as well as indirectly from animals (milk, meat etc) when
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fed with contaminated fodder and forage. There is dire need to explore ways to tackle this problem
especially in developing countries to reduce the health issues caused by aflatoxins.

ICHS2016/AB_201
Response of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L.) to foliar application of fertilizers
Mujahid Ali, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub and Muhammad Irfan Ashraf
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Emails: mujahidali2263@gmail.com (M.I.), cmayyub91@yahoo.com (C.M.A.),
irfanflorist199@yahoo.com (M.I.A.)
In recent times foliar application of macronutrients are playing vital role in production of vegetables.
A study was conducted to check the effect of macronutrients (fertilizers) on growth, yield and quality
of cauliflower (Early local). Different treatments having solutions of urea 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 1 % of N:P:K
(15:20:15), 1% solution of N:P:K (18:18:18) and farmer practice 1% solution of N:P:K (2.41: 2.16: 1.114
kg/18.58 m-2) were applied as foliar application along with control (without foliar application).
Treatments were applied after forty days of transplanting and then four doses were applied each after
10 days. There was seen variation in plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of days taken
from transplanting to curd formation, foliage fresh weight, foliage dry weight, curd area, chlorophyll
contents, leaf area, vitamin C and N:P:K contents by the application of treatments. On the basis of
these attributes, it was noted that average performance of 1% solution of N:P:K (18:18:18) was
maximum among all other treatments including control. It is resulted that different combination in
different doses has impact on growth yield and quality.

ICHS2016/AB_203
Efficacy of different management strategies against root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)
on Solanum melongena L.
Anser Farooq1, Nazir Javed1, Sajid Aleem Khan1, Huma Abbas1, Muhammad Kamran2, Imtiaz Ahmad1,
Waqar Ul Zaman1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100,
Sargodha, Pakistan
Emails: anser_farooq@yahoo.com (A.F.), nazirpp2003@gmail.com (N.J.), sajid_aleem@uaf.edu.pk
(S.A.K.), huma_1633@yahoo.com (H.A.), mkamran.uaf.pk@gmail.com (M.K.),
imtiaz.ahmad@yahoo.com (I.A.), waqar.3056@yahoo.com (W.U.Z.)
Present investigation was conducted to compare the effect of chemical with homoepathic medicines
against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Chemical (Rugby) and homeopathic medicines
(Faline and Axiom) at different concentrations were assessed for their effect on egg hatching and
juvenile mortality of root knot nematodes. Maximum juvenile mortality and minimum egg hatching
was revealed by 1 % Rugby and combine Faline+ Axiom. Effect of treatments was also evaluated on
invasion and development of M. incognita on Solanum melongena. Maximum penetration and growth
of nematodes was recorded after 35 days. Results revealed that with the increasing number of days,
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rate of reproduction, galls, egg mass, eggs and root weight were also increased but shoot length, shoot
weight and root length reduced. Plants were harvested after 7, 17 and 35 days. Potential of Rugby,
Faline, Axiom and combine Faline+ Axiom was also checked in the green house on S. melongena. Data
were recorded on plant growth variables and nematode reproduction parameters. Rubgy and Faline+
Axiom proved best in order to manage M. incognita and improving plant growth. It may be concluded
from the present study that Rugby and Faline+ Axiom could be used effectively in nematode
management plan.

ICHS2016/AB_204
Integration of nematicides and plant extracts for the management Meloidogyne incognita on
eggplant
Nadeem Iqbal1, Nazir Javed1, Sajid Aleem Khan1, Muhammad Kamran2, Mohsin Raza2, Muhammad
Jahan Zaib1, Sumaira Saeed1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Emails: nadeemiqbal@gmail.com (N.I.), nazirpp2003@gmail.com (N.J.), sajid_aleem@uaf.edu.pk
(S.A.K.), mkamran.uaf.pk@gmail.com (M.K.), mohsin.raza@yahoo.com (M.R.),
mjahanzaibuaf@gmail.com (M.J.Z.), sumaira.saeed@gmail.com (S.S.)
Efficacy of different concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.25%) of nematicides (Rugby, Virtako) and plant
extracts (Moringa, Jatropha) at 5%, 10%, 15% concentrations was evaluated alone and concomitantly
against Meloidogyne incognita on eggplant. Treatments effect was checked on egg inhibition and
juvenile mortality of M. incognita. Rugby 1% alone and Jatropha 15% were found to be more effective
in egg inhibition. Maximum juvenile mortality was observed in concomitant application of nematicides
and plant extracts. Invasion, development and reproduction of M. incognita were evaluated on
eggplant at different concentrations of nematicides and plant extracts. Data were recorded after 7, 17
and 35 days to observe penetration and development stages including vermiform, swollen, sausage
stage, immature females, adult females and egg masses of M. incognita. Maximum reduction in
development of M. incognita was observed when soil was treated with combined application of
nematicides and plant extracts at 1% and 15 % respectively. Protective effect of nematicides and plant
extracts was also checked. The results revealed that plant growth parameters including root length,
shoot length, fruit per plant and fruit weight were increased and nematode reproduction parameters;
number of galls, egg masses and reproduction factor were decreased in concomitant application of
nematicides and plant extracts. So, combined effect of nematicides and plant extracts is more
pronounced in reducing nematode population.

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ICHS2016/AB_206
Economic impact of furrow and flood irrigation systems in mango cv. White Chaunsa
Ghulam Mustafa, Javed Iqbal, Atif Iqbal, Sidra Kiran, Asif ur Rehman Hafiz, Mushtaq Ahmad, Hameed
Ullah
Mango Research Institute, Agriculture Farms, Old Shujabad Road, Mutlan, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: javedsaqi@gmail.com (J.I.)
Water scarcity has emerged as a global threat in upcoming climate change scenario. Pakistan is also
facing problem due to inadequate supply of irrigation water for the cultivation of various agrocommodities. The situation therefore demands the use of modern practices to conserve water in
contrary to conventional system of water application. The current study was therefore planned to
compare the flood irrigation system with the furrow methods to irrigate 8-11 years old mango plants
of exportable cultivar White Chaunsa. This experiment was conducted at research area of Mango
Research Institute, Multan during 2012 2014 by using randomized complete block design. Each
experimental unit include 4 replications and 6 plants/ replication with 160x240 block size. Two
furrows with 2 feet width and 1foot depth were made under plant canopy on both sides of the mango
plants with total length of 200 feet. Plants were irrigated in both systems at 20% residual moisture
available in soil. The data was recorded for different parameters like quantity of water used/irrigation
(Liters), total water used (Liters), quantity of water saved (%), number of flushes/plant, average length
of flush (cm), average fruit yield/plant (kg), average fruit volume (cm3), TSS % and 10-scorching %. The
data collected was analyzed in RCBD following Duncan's multiple range test at 0.5% level of
significance. The furrow irrigation method saved 47.96% water as compared to conventional flood
irrigation method whereas no significant differences were observed for plant growth, fruit yield, fruit
weight and sun scorching in both irrigation systems. The present study suggests that farming
community can safely adopt furrow irrigation method instead of old traditional flooding methods.

ICHS2016/AB_211
Molecular characterization of indigenous Zizyphus germplasm from Pakistan through inter simple
sequence repeat (ISSR) markers
Riaz Ahmad1, Waqas Malik2, Makiya Rafiq2, Muhammad Akbar Anjum1
Department of Horticulture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Punjab,
Pakistan
Emails: riazahmadbzu@gmail.com (R.A.), anjumbzu@yahoo.com (M.A.A.)
1

Indian jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk), belonging to buckthorn family Rhamnaceae, is a fruit crop
that naturally grows in harsh environments. It is becoming an important fruit crop due to its wide
adaptation, early age bearing, easy management, rich nutrition and numerous uses. In this fruit crop,
information available on genetic diversity is very little. The characterization of genotypes through
molecular markers is essential for crop improvement programs and genetic studies. In the present
study, genetic relationship among 17 genotypes of Z. mauritiana Lamk and one accession of Z.
rotundifolia Lamk was studied using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 191
scorable bands were detected with 20 primers of ISSR and out of these 162 fragments were
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polymorphic (84.82%) and remaining 29 as monomorphic (15.18%). Genetic similarity ranged from
41% to 76% and suggested that 18 Zizyphus genotypes used in this study were divergent. Cluster
investigation based on UPGMA method separated these 18 genotypes in to 3 different clusters (cluster
1, cluster 2, and cluster 3). Cluster 3 was the largest cluster with 3 subclusters (3a, 2b, 3c) and
comprised of 13 genotypes. Suffon remained independent during cluster formation, indicating
maximum genetic diversity. In the present study, phenotypically similar genotypes were successfully
distinguished with ISSR markers, indicating that these have potential to differentiate the genotypes
on basis of their genetic make-up.

ICHS2016/AB_213
Economic feasibility and prospects of strawberry spread in central Punjab
Irfan Mehmood, Arshed Bashir, Sonila Hassan, Muhammad Qasim, Ather Mahmood
Social Sciences Research Institute (PARC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab,
Pakistan
Email: irfanparc@gmail.com (I.M.)
Nature has gifted Pakistan with a variety of climatic environment and its climatic condition is very
suitable for the cultivation of strawberry. This crop belongs to hilly areas of NWFP province but it is
successfully grown in specific sites of central and northern Punjab. Keeping in view the increasing
trend of short tenure high profitable crops like strawberry in central Punjab the present study was
designed to investigate the economic feasibility of strawberry production and prospects of strawberry
spread in central Punjab. The primary data has been collected from 150 strawberry growers from
Lahore and Sheikhupura districts of the Punjab. The findings of the study clearly indicate the
concentration of strawberry crop in the surveyed districts as it occupied 68.5% of rabi cropped area
followed by wheat with 29.04% area. More profitability of strawberry as compared with other
competing crops (capsicum, wheat and other rabi vegetables) was the main reason behind the
adoption. On average total cost of strawberry production was estimated Rs. 224040/ac with gross and
net revenue of Rs. 458316/ac and Rs. 234276/ac respectively. Benefit cost ratio of strawberry in
Punjab was estimated 1.00:2.05 indicating net returns of Rs. 2.05 for investing each rupee. Majority
of the growers marketed strawberry in Lahore and Faisalabad markets. In spite of more profitability,
the future prospects of strawberry cultivation in central Punjab provide a very complex scenario. The
incidence of severe attack of diseases on strawberry especially powdery mildew and downy mildew,
early fruit falling, unavailability of quality saplings and other environmental risks are hindering further
spread of strawberry crop in selected districts. The breeding research with respect to disease
resistance like powdery mildew and downy mildew and heat tolerant varieties is recommended for
having good quality sapling for production of quality strawberry fruit in the area.

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ICHS2016/AB_214
An investigation into the factors behind the development of carrot production pocket in Punjab
Irfan Mehmood, Arshed Bashir, Sonila Hassan, Mazhar Abbas and Rashid Saeed
Social Sciences Research Institute (PARC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab,
Pakistan
Email: irfanparc@gmail.com (I.M.)
In Pakistan, the production of crops like cotton, rice and some horticultural crops has recently been
spreading in areas which were not specific for the production of these crops. A similar development
has been noticed for the emergence of carrot production belt in Nankana Sahib and Sheikhupura
Districts. The self-development of a crop specific production region has developed interest of the
researchers and policy practitioners to investigate into the factors contributing to its development
without any planned effort from public sector. The study in hand is based on a formal survey of 160
carrot growers in selected districts. Wheat was the leading rabi crop grown on 40.3% of total cropped
area followed by carrot (39.3%) in selected districts. The development of local market i.e Kachi Kothi
was main factor behind the carrot spread on large scale. This local market provides quality seed, free
washing facilities of carrot for growers. The other support factors behind the spread of carrot
production in the study areas were relatively higher profitability (41.7%), land suitability (20%),
compatible with existing cropping system (18.3%) and short crop duration (10%). Majority of the
carrot growers (72%) self-marketed their output, 13% through beoparies, 10% through contractors
and 5% to commission agents. Presence of local markets (i.e. Kachi Kothi and Kotwar Mandi) was the
main factor for self-marketing of carrot. These markets have now became the hub of carrot trading
(i.e. single commodity markets) as these are close to their farms and farmers receive timely payments,
washing and cleaning facilities are also available there and low commission has been charged by
Arthies.

ICHS2016/AB_218
Impact of different growth retardants on growth behavior of young peach plants
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah1, Attiq Akhtar1, Allah Bakhsh1, Muhammad Afzal2
Horticultural research Station, Nowshera (Soon Valley), District Khushab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: ashrafsumrah@gmail.com (M.A.S), attiqakhtar@gmail.com (A.A.),
allahbakhsh64@gmail.com (A.B.), m.afzal834@gmail.com (M.A.)
1

More number of buds per shoot with suitable intermodal distance are key considerations for quality
scion wood. Growth retardants (Cycocel and Alar) were used @ 25, 50 and 75 mg/L to study their
effect on growth behavior of peach scion plants. Cycocel @ 75 mg/L produced highest buds per shoot
(50.14) with 46.34 number of buds per shoot on 91.83 cm long scion stick and 2.05 internodal length.
Alar application @ 75 mg/L produced 46.75 buds per shoot on 92.67 cm long scionstick and 2.19 cm
internodal distance. Minimum number of buds per shoot (22.45), number of shoots per plant (24.96)
and 4.67 cm intermodal distance intermodal distance was recorded in control. A pragmatic
recommendation for treatment of multiplication block of peach scion plants may be given that best
results can be obtained from the plants treated with cycocel or Alar at 75 mg/L to receive maximum
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number of buds / shoot, number of shoots /plant with suitable intermodal distance.

ICHS2016/AB_220
Standardization of optimum time of budding peach nursery under Soon valley conditions
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah1, Attiq Akhtar1, Allah Bakhsh1, Malik Mohsin Abbas2
Horticultural Research Station, Nowshera (Soon Valley), District Khushab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: ashrafsumrah@gmail.com (M.A.S.), attiqakhtar@gmail.com (A.A),
allahbakhsh64@gmail.com (A.B.), malikmohsin144@gmail.com (M.M.A.)
1

High success percentage and maximum plant size is a core requirement of commercial nursery
production of peach plants. Optimum budding time of peach nursery is very important for production
of nursery saplings with maximum plant height and budding success. Scion buds of Earligrande variety
of peach were budded on 20th May, 30th May, 9th June, 19th June, 1st July, 11th July, 21st July and 31st
July respectively by T-budding on wild peach rootstock. Maximum sprouting percentage was
observed in plants budded on 30th May, 9th June and 19th June (90.50, 89.00 and 93.00 % respectively).
Success (78.21%) and plant height (134.4 cm) was recorded in plants budded on 31 st July. Maximum
plant height (138.4 cm) was noted in plants budded on 30 th May. Minimum success (51.50%) was
noted in nursery budded on 20th May, while lowest plant height was lowest (88.82 cm) in case of plants
budded on 31st July. Successful commercial nursery production of peach may be possible by utilization
of budding season from 30th May to end June for robust nursery plants.

ICHS2016/AB_221
Comparative evaluation of various agricultural wastes on yield performance and quality of blue
oyster mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus)
Hasan Sardar1, Muhammad Asif Ali1, Rizwan Liaqat1, Abdul Manan1, Kashif Razzaq2, Fahim Nawaz3
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
3
Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Islamia
University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Email: hasan471@yahoo.com (H.S.)
Promoting the use of agricultural waste material is one of the newly prepared water and environment
friendly agriculture strategies in the world. Therefore, the effects of various agricultural waste
materials (i.e., sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs, cotton waste and their various combinations) on the
yield and quality characteristics of Pleurotus columbinus (blue oyster mushroom) were examined.
Fastest mycelial growth (24.83 days), the highest number of pin heads (28.0) and maximum number
of fruiting bodies (17.95) were noted in P. columbinus cultivated on cotton waste with respect to other
substrates. Likewise, the largest diameter (6.03 cm) of mushroom fruit body was obtained on cotton
waste, whereas stalk diameter (0.98 cm) and stalk length (3.47 cm) were found maximum on
combination of cotton waste and corn cobs (1:1). Moreover, P. columbinus grown on cotton waste
exhibited 67% higher biological efficiency as compared to sugarcane bagasse. Similarly, highest yield
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(66.16%) was obtained from cotton waste with respect to other agricultural waste materials. The
above findings suggest an opportunity for commercial cultivation of P. columbinus on various
agricultural wastes and their combinations however; cotton waste is the most suitable substrate for
such cultivation.

ICHS2016/AB_223
Performance of different peach (Prunus Persica) varieties in non-traditional growing region of
Murree hills
Sana Asghar1, Naseem Sharif2, Zaghum Nawaz1, Sitwat Riaz2, Muhammad Ishfaq2
1
Hill Fruit Research Station Sunny Bank Murree, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: seemiuaf@gmail.com (N.S.)
Horticultural performance of eight different peach varieties was evaluated under the environmental
conditions of Murree Hills at Hill Fruit Research substation Tret (1219 m). Varieties compared in this
experiment were Florida King, Peach-8, Maria Delicizia, Peach-3, Early Grand, A-669, Nactarine and
Spring Crest. Data was recorded for flowering time, petal fall, fruit setting, color break stage, maturity
period and physiochemical analysis of fruits. The flowering time for all cultivars ranged from 2nd week
of February to 4th week of March. However flowering (in 2nd week of February), fruit setting (in 4th
week of February), color break stage (in 4th week of March) and maturity (in 1st week of May) was
before in Early Grand. Data recorded showed maximum fruit weight (135 g), fruit length (6.1 cm), fruit
width (6.4 cm) and TSS (13%) in Early Grand whereas minimum fruit weight (70 g), fruit length (4.1
cm), and fruit width (4.5 cm) was in Peach-8. Varieties could be categorized as early (in May), mid (in
June, July) or late (August). (Florida king, Early Grand), (Peach-8, Maria Delicizia, Peach-3, A-669),
(Nactarine, Spring Crest) were grouped as early mid and late maturing varieties respectively. Peach
had potential for further manipulation in terms of variety improvement to attract growers for
extensive peach cultivations under changing global climatic scenario. It was concluded from this study
that the establishment of peach orchards in Murree hills is feasible and variety Early Grand can be
used for early cultivation with good physiochemical traits. Vigorous, healthy tree growth was evident
in all cultivars, however care is warranted to select varieties that are productive, and that have the
adequate fruit size for the desired market.

ICHS2016/AB_225
Establishment of spawn production facility in private sector
Muhammad Uzair Asif1, Muhammad Asif Ali2, Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat2
Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: asjidmushrooms@yahoo.com (M.U.A.)
1

A medium through which the mycelium of a fruiting culture has grown and which serves as the
inoculum or seed for the substrate in mushroom cultivation is known as spawn. When the term pure
culture spawn is used, it means that a strain or stock of known origin, which is free from
contaminating organisms. It is prepared in spawn laboratories under sterile conditions on a variety of
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substrates. Spawn making is a rather complex task and is not practicable for the average mushroom
grower. Spawn may be purchased from a number of commercial spawn manufactures, and most
mushroom farmers purchase spawn from these sources. Failure to achieve a good production of
mushrooms is frequently attributed to unsatisfactory spawn. If the spawn has not been made from a
genetically suitable fruiting culture, or if a stock has been degenerated, the yield of mushroom will be
less and sometimes complete failure of crop is experienced. The successful spawn manufacturer must
have a product which is constantly good performer and thus has the confidence of mushroom
growers. Realizing the useful aspects of mushroom spawn, a Mushroom Spawn Company has been
established in private sector in Faisalabad. Asjid Mushroom Spawn Company is the only independent
spawn manufacturer in Pakistan. Asjid produces and commercializes mycelium products for different
purposes. It keeps a large collection of strains. Of these, it produces mother cultures, mother spawn
and spawn, which are sold all over in Pakistan.

ICHS2016/AB_226
Effect of substrate on growth and yield of Shiitake mushroom
Naeem ur Rehman1, Najma Yousaf Zahid1, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi1, Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz1, Tariq
Mukhtar2
1
Department of Horticulture Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: honey_neema@yahoo.com (N.Y.Z.)
Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is most widely cultivated species of fungi due to flavor as well
as medicinal benefits. The Chinese folk fare called it an elixir of life, because of maintaining blood
circulation, preventing from premature aging and stamina generating. Present study was carried out
to utilize the locally available resources for shiitake mushroom cultivation. Sawdust is a basic
ingredient of synthetic formulation in mushroom forming. The purpose of this study was to determine
the cellulose rich sawdust for cultivation of shiitake mushroom. This fungus was cultivated on sawdust
of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), mango (Mangifera indica) and mix
along with other supplements such as sugar, wheat bran, gypsum, wheat straw etc. Cultivation on
shisham substrate resulted faster mycelial running as compared to other substrates. The shisham
sawdust substrate produced earlier production than other substrate. The highest quality and quantity
of fruiting bodies were produced on shisham sawdust. The mango sawdust did not produce any
fruiting body and observing no yield attributes. The highest biological efficiency was found on shisham
sawdust. The poplar sawdust was also showed significant results after shisham. The lowest biological
and economic yield and biological efficiency were recorded on mango and mix sawdust. The sawdust
of shisham and poplar were highly recommended in commercial mushroom farming.

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ICHS2016/AB_227
Growth and yield response of ginger (Zingiber officinale) to different growing media
Saniya Mehk Qammer1, Najma Yousaf Zahid1, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi1 and Muhammad Akmal2
Department of Horticulture, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Soil science department, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: honey_neema@yahoo.com (N.Y.Z.)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most commercially grown crops used as medicinal spice and
condiment around the globe. It thrives best in tropical and subtropical climate with well drained sandy
loam soil, supplemented with nutrients to sustain its growth and yield. A research was conducted to
elucidate the response of different growing media on growth and yield of ginger. Five different
growing substrates were evaluated; 50% farmyard manure + 25% sand + 25% soil, 50% peat moss +
25% sand + 25% soil, 50% sand + 50%soil, 50% sawdust + 25% sand + 25% soil and 50% coconut coir +
25% sand + 25% soil. The growth parameters analyzed were; plant height, number of leaves, leaf area,
chlorophyll contents and number of tillers. The yield parameters observed were number of primary
and secondary rhizomes per plant, rhizomes fresh weight and dry weight. Data analyzed for growth
depicted that plant grown in 50% coconut coir + 25% sand + 25% soil have maximum plant height (46.5
cm), number of leaves (10.4),leaf area (30.2cm), number of tillers (5.16) while increase in chlorophyll
contents (36.8) were evaluated in 50% peat moss + 25% sand + 25% soil. However, increase in number
of primary and secondary rhizomes (5.66), fresh (142 g) and dry weight (135 g) were recorded in 50%
coconut coir + 25% sand + 25% soil. It is concluded from the general results that medium having 50%
coconut coir is the best growing medium for vigorous growth and high yield.

ICHS2016/AB_230
DNA markers based authentication of indigenously developed hybrids in chillies (Capsicum
annuum L.)
Tahira Noor1, Armghan Shahzad1, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab2, Ghulam Muhammad Ali1
National Institute of Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), National Agricultural
Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: armghan_shehzad@yahoo.com (A.S.)

In order to pool the best traits; hybrid technology offers the promising outcome. In Capsicum annuum,
hybrid production is preferred to exploit vigour, uniformity, disease resistance, stress tolerance and
other horticultural important traits. From the breeders perspective, hybrid development programme
allows a better control of intellectual property rights and safeguard of parental lines. Nowadays,
hybrids in chillies are gaining popularity due to their best performance. At present, indigenously
developed 10 elite chilli hybrids (Hybrid-1 to Hybrid-10) along with their 06 parents/inbred lines and
1 international hybrid (222-hybrid) was used for molecular study to authenticate the F 1 progeny. The
DNA based hybrid purity was carried out by using 16 inter simple sequence repeat polymerase chain
reaction (ISSR-PCR) markers. Out of sixteen, eight ISSR primers, which included six di-and two trinucleotide primers amplified clear and polymorphic bands in 1-10 hybrids with their parents. The
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number of amplicons per primer ranged from 4 (CA1, CA2) to 16 (CA9) with an average 9.125
amplicons per primers. The average numbers of polymorphic band per primer were 2.12. F 1 purity was
verified by the presence parental specific band in each hybrid. The number of polymorphic band
ranged (2 to 4) but CA1, CA2, CA3 showed no polymorphic and parent specific bands. ISSR markers
are beneficial and efficient for assessing the genetic purity of F1 hybrids and provide better opportunity
for selection of superior genotypes for breeding purposes.

ICHS2016/AB_235
PCR-RFLP of betasatallite component of begomovirus in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.
Shahab Habib, Amna Fayyaz, Muhammad Rizwan Tufail, Hafiz Muhammad Usman Aslam,
Muhammad Zeshan Ahmed, Luqman Amrao
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: afamnafayyaz@gmail.com (A.F.)
Shoe flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) is an ornamental plant. Flowers of shoe flower plants have
useful effects in heart diseases. Current study was designed to investigate the hibiscus plants in vicinity
of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad as exhibiting typical symptoms of begomoviruses such as
upward curling of leaves, veins thickening and darkening, leaf enation on lower side, and stunting of
plant size. Seven samples of young infected shoe flower plants were taken for molecular analysis.
During sample collection, 100% disease incident was observed throughout University. For molecular
studies, total DNA was isolated by CTAB method. Some gummy substances were observed, inhibiting
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To remove impurities, total DNA was treated with phenol
chloroform. For PCR amplification of betasatellites molecules from infected shoe flower sample,
universal primers beta01 and beta02 were used. Out of seven samples betasatellites were successfully
amplified from three samples. So, PCR-RFLP analysis was performed with common restriction
enzymes. PCR-RFLP analysis revealed that diverse type of betasatellite are prevailing in shoe flower,
and serving alternate host for different begomoviruses.

ICHS2016/AB_236
Comparison of sugar recovery of sugar beet and sugar cane
Saddam Hussain1, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema1, Ahmad Waqas2, Muhammad Sohail
Waqas 1
1
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Water Management Research Centre, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: saddamwahla2327@gmail.com (S.H.)
2

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an important cash crop of world sugar production. Sugar in
3
Pakistan is manufactured from cane and beet, There is about 1 million hectares of land under cane
and beet in four provinces. Pakistan ranked 5th with 50.045 million tons. (FAO, 2009). Sugar beet is an
important sugar production crop in the world. It provides almost 30% of the world sugar for human
consumption. It is considered to be an alternate sugar crop of the region. Sugar beet is grown and
processed in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. Experiment was conducted at Water
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Management Research Centre (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to investigate the
sugar recovery loss in cane and beet. The experiment was designed under Randomize complete block
design (RCBD) with two repetitions. Growth parameters of sugarcane measured during experiment
were cane yield, plant height, weight, stalks, cane diameter, commercial sugarcane and sugar yield
tested. Growth parameters of beet measured during experiment were plant height, tuber weight,
tuber yield and diameter. Results shows that weight loss in beet are 4.5, 9, 13 and 17% on 2, 3, 4 and
5th day after harvesting respectively. Sugar recovery loss is recorded 1, 2.2, 5.37 and 7.8% respectively
for the corresponding periods. It is recommended that beet should be transported and sliced within
24 hours of harvesting in the month of May and June. Water saving in case of sugar beet is 50% as
compare to sugarcane (PARC, July, 2009 - June, 2014). Losses may be considerably reduced by storing
the beet under certain cover. Sugar recovery comparison shows that much higher yield per acre as
that of sugar cane but with 20-25 percent higher recovery just in 7 months crop season. It is concluded
that sugar beet ensures higher sugar production per acre per month.

ICHS2016/AB_237
Effect of potash application on growth and yield of onion crop with drip system
Saddam Hussain1, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema1, Muhammad Sohail Waqas 1, Ahmad
Waqas2
1
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Water Management Research Centre, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: saddamwahla2327@gmail.com (S.H.)
Onions (Allium cepa L) help to protect against cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes,
and a variety of cancers. Pakistan is the 7th largest producer of onion in the world and leading by China
and followed by India (FAO, 2012). The onion crop removes large quantities of nutrients from the soil,
which must be replenished to maintain soil fertility. For a 40 mt ha-1 bulb yield this amounts to 120
kg N, 50 kg P and 160 kg K 1 (Tandon and Tiwari, 2008). Keeping in view the situation, a two year
experimental study was conducted at Water Management Research Center (WMRC) to test the effect
of Potash on onion growth and yield. The CRD (completely randomizes design) was used under four
dozes of Potash fertilizer treatments with two Replicates. The selected dozes were 50 Kg k 2O 1 as
T1, 100 Kg K2O 1 as T2, 150 Kg K2O 1 as T3 and 200 Kg K2O 1 as T4 along with recommended
dozes of N and P. Growth parameters determined during the experiment were bulb weight, bulb size
and plant height. Apart of this nutrient (NPK) uptake was also observed. Results shows that application
of 150 Kg K2O 1 recorded statistically superior with bulb yield of (53.90 mt 1 ); but further
increment on yield was not detected with higher dozes up to 200 Kg K 2O 1 . Soil sample analysis at
the end of cropping season were shown that N and K were utilized at their full potential but trace
amount of P were left behind in the soil as a loss of fertilizer. It was concluded that 150 Kg K2O 1
gives highest yield, further increase in Potash is a loss of fertilizer and it increase the input cost also.

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ICHS2016/AB_238
Effect of different chemicals on vase life of Oriental lily Cv. Crystal Blanca
Muhammad Tariq1, Naveed Ahmad2, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar Khan2, Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez3,
Muhammad Amjad1, Mubashir Zahid1, Muhammad Awais Ghani1
1
Insititute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Directorate of Floriculture (Training and Research) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Sub Campus Burewala, Vehari University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: taq.3559@hotmail.com (M.T.)
Lily is one of the foremost cut flowers in the international market but problem is the blockage of xylem
vessels and insufficient water uptake takes part in the short vase life of cut flowers. An investigation
was made to study the effect of preservative and biocides such as Sucrose (4 mg), Aluminum sulphate
(60 mg), CaCl2.2H2O (30 mg), CuSO4 (90 mg) and Ethanol (6 ml) on vase life of oriental lily cv. Crystal
Blanca. Postharvest characteristics such as vase life, solution uptake and petal quality were also
evaluated. The experiment was laid out according to Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with six
treatments and three replications while for quality change it was two way factorial. Maximum vase
life in terms of days was observed in treatment Sucrose (9.33days) followed by Aluminum sulphate
(7.00 days) and Ethanol (6.33 days). Maximum solution uptake was also recorded in CaCl2.2H20 (151.67
ml) followed by Ethanol (106.67 ml). Keeping quality Characteristics of Sucrose was deteriorated
slowly as compared to other treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_239
Phyto-pathogens the threat for environment
Sundus Akhtar, Amna Shoaib, Muhammad Jarrar Ahmed
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Email: drsundusiags@gmail.com (S.A.)
Soil borne fungi can reduce the yield and quality in vegetable crops. In the present study the diseased
samples of tomato plant i.e., root, shoot and soil were collected from the field near Institute of
Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore. Different fungi like Penicillium spp., Mucor,
Alternaria alternata, Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated from the root,
shoot and soil sample. The isolated fungi was further control by applying copper oxychloride at
different level i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%. The results revealed that Fusarium oxysporum was acting
as pathogenic fungi in the field and causing wilt symptoms in plants. While, the higher doses of copper
oxychloride showed significant reduction in each fungal growth. Further studies are required to check
the impact of copper oxychloride on the growth of tomato plant.

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ICHS2016/AB_242
Effect of deficit irrigation on potato physical and chemical characteristics under different planting
patterns
Muhammad Sohail Waqas1, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema1, Saddam Hussain1, Ahmad
Waqas2
1
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Water Management Research Centre, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: sohailwaqasrana@yahoo.com (M.S.W.)
Conversion of potato from conventional sowing methods to bed planting systems may increase water
use efficiency in commercial potato production system by reducing the amount of irrigation water but
potato is sensitive to water stress therefore it reveal harsh effect on physical and chemical properties
of potato. To investigate this issue a field experiment on autumn potato was conducted at Water
Management Research Centre (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) during 2014-2015.
This study aims to investigate the effects of different irrigation methods and irrigation regimens on
potato physical and chemical characteristics under altered planting configurations. Two planting
patterns with irrigation treatments were ridge-furrow planting system with furrow irrigation (F) and
bed-furrow planting system under drip irrigation (D) with three irrigation regimens included DIR1= Full
irrigation, DIR2= 90% of full irrigation and DIR3= 85% of full irrigation and it was replicated thrice.
Results showed that deficit irrigation poses severe effects on physical properties while didnt have any
significant effect on chemical properties of potato. Physical characteristics included physical
dimensions (tuber length, thickness and diameter), shape index, weight analysis, actual and calculated
volume, particle and bulk densities and repose angle. It was noted that treatment F showed higher
average tuber length, thickness, weight, actual and calculated volume, particle density, bulk density
and repose angle that were registered as 7.65 cm, 4.31 cm, 97.34 g, 86.25 cm3, 80.44 cm3, 1.13 g/cm3,
563.36 g/cm3 and 33o50 respectively while DIR1 showed 1.75 shape index and DIR3 showed higher
tuber diameter 6.37cm. While chemical properties included tuber moisture (%), TSS and starch
content (%) that were registered as 79.3, 5.37 and 18.6 respectively in F. It was concluded that deficit
irrigation severely affect the physical properties of potato therefore stress exercise isnt
recommended on potato at all.

ICHS2016/AB_243
Investigating mad and fertigation effects on tomato under drip irrigation system in greenhouse
Furqan Aslam, Gul Nawaz, Saddam Hussain and Shahzad Ahmed
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: agriengineerfurqan@gmail.com (F.A.)
Fertigation through drip irrigation has a potential to improve irrigation and fertilizers use efficiency.
The main objective was determined the effects of different Management Allowed Depletion (MAD)
levels alongside altered doses of fertigation (NIAB prepared and imported water soluble fertilizers) on
the growth and yield of tomato under drip irrigation system in greenhouse. Tomato (Lycopersicon
esculentum, Sahil Variety) was grown under drip irrigation system in greenhouse. There were two
MAD levels i.e. 10% and 15% with four fertilizer treatments i.e. F1 (100% conventional dose), F2 (NIAB
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developed, 75% conventional dose), F3 (NIAB developed, 50% conventional dose), F 4 (imported (NPK
20:20:20), 75% conventional dose). There were eight treatments under drip irrigation system and one
conventional/control treatment. Crop water requirement was determined by Penman-Monteith (PM)
method. CROPWAT model version (7.0) was used to compute reference ET and Irrigation Water
Requirements (IWR). Crop yield and Growth parameters such as plant height, stem dia, inter node
distance, number of leaves and leaf size was measured. The results showed that treatment T5
produced maximum crop yield of 45.09 ton/ha than other treatments and control/famer practice.
Only 5% difference in MAD level have no significant effect but quality & quantity of DoF have
significant variations among treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_247
Assessment of harvest and postharvest losses of mango in Pakistan
Mazhar Abbas, Muhammad Qasim, Arshed Bashir, Rashed Saeed, Sher Baz Khan, Irfan Mehmood
Social Sciences Research Institute (PARC), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab,
Pakistan
Email: mazhersipra@gmail.com (M.A.)
Approximately annual fruit area and production has been 0.80 million hectares and 6.56 million tonnes
respectively during 2012-13. The annual export of fruits is around 0.72 million tons (worth Rs. 38084.9
million). The post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables are major issues in these commodities,
controlling of which can contribute to their increased production and availability. In Pakistan postharvest losses are rarely estimated empirically and are mainly based on guess works. The mango is
one the major fruits in Pakistan which is exported to earn foreign exchange. The mango crop has been
grown on 170.4 thousand ha with total production of 1680.4 thousand tones in Pakistan in 2012-13.
The present research was conducted to identify type of post-harvest losses and quantify these losses
occurring at different stages of mango handling. For this purpose, the data were gathered from 25
farmers, 95 pre-harvest contractors, 30 commission agents, 45 wholesalers, 85 retailers and 116
consumers by personnel interviewing using structured questionnaires. Overall primary data of 396
stakeholders involved mango handling were collected during 2012. The descriptive statistics were
applied to quantify the harvest and post-harvest losses in mango. To check the determinants of the
adoption of recommended harvesting technologies in mangos binary logistic regression was applied.
The important findings of the research study indicated that about 31 kg/ton of mango were not
harvested due to its poor quality and small size. Nearly 18 kg/ton of mango were discarded during
harvesting and packing. In mango, the major causes of the losses were fruit injuries at different stages
of harvesting, transport and wholesaling. On average, mango fruit complete losses were estimated as
115 kg/ton while 153 kg/ton were partially damaged reducing the price 15-50 percent. The overall
losses at different stages in mango were estimated as 26.83 percent. The annual monetary loss to
Pakistan's GDP becomes 22.54 billion pak rupees by these losses. If these losses can be reduced to
half, more than 11 billion rupees can be saved annually. The results of the binary logistic model show
that one year increase in the experience of the mango producers increase the probability of adopting
the recommended harvesting techniques by 0.27 percent. The model results for the pre-harvest
contracts show that the age, education and family agricultural background shows positive relationship
with adoption of recommended harvesting techniques. Transformation of the orchards to high density
from sparsely populated by planting short statured mango trees with proper canopy management
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may reduce the mismanagement and losses at harvesting. Moreover training of the labor involved in
mango harvesting may also reduce the losses at harvesting stage.

ICHS2016/AB_251
Multiplication of olive cultivar under different grafting time
Ibrar Hussain1, Nisar Naeem1, Saqib Ali1, Azmat Ali Awan2
Horticulture Section, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan
2
Pakistan Oil Development Board, Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan
Emails: ibrar_horti@yahoo.com (I.H.), hussain0334@uel.br (I.H.)
1

Olive a major oil seed crop that exists around the world, has an important role in the economy of many
countries. The achievement of good quality plants is necessary for good orchard. The experiment on
Multiplication of olive cultivars under different grafting time was carried out at Agriculture Research
Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan during the year 2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized
complete block design with two factors, i.e., different time (June, July and August) and olive cultivars
(Frantoio, Moresca, Baincullela and Leccino). The variables studies were sprouting percentage,
number of sprouts, sprout length (cm), number of leaves and days to sprouting. Olive Cultivar shows
significance for all variables studied except days to sprouting. In case of timing maximum sprouting
percentage, number of sprouts, sprout length and leaves per sprout was recorded in olive plants
grafted in July. The plants grafted in August shows minimum days to sprouting, sprout length and
leaves per sprout, however among different cultivars maximum days to sprouting, sprouting
percentage, number of sprouts, sprout length and leaves per sprout was observed in Frantoio, while
Leccino shows minimum days to sprouting and number of sprouts. Baincullela shows minimum sprout
length and leaves per sprout. It is concluded that July is the best month for grafting olive Cultivar, with
Frantoio a good scion to be graft in July.

ICHS2016/AB_252
Effect of different environmental condition on different types of sweet lime cutting
Ibrar Hussain1, Ghulam Nabi2, Ayub Jan1, Hafeez ur Rehman1, Kamran shah1
Horticulture section, Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
Emails: ibrar_horti@yahoo.com (I.H.), hussain0334@uel.br (I.H.)

The experiment on the effect of different environmental condition on different types of sweet lime
cutting was carried out at Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan in 2010-11. The
experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in a split
plot arrangement. Three different cutting types i.e. tip cutting, softwood and semi hardwood, were
assigned to main plot and different environmental conditions i.e. Open field, plastic tunnel and shade
house were assigned as the subplot. Several growth parameters were studied. The results revealed
that semi hardwood cuttings took minimum (55.66) days to sprouting, maximum sprouting
percentage (72.61%) and leaves per sprout (4.56). Soft wood cutting attained maximum days to
sprouting (58), roots per cutting (15.25) and number of sprouts per cutting (6.63) while tip cutting
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showed lowest sprouting percentage (66.67%), sprouts per cutting (5.027), leaves per sprout (4.38)
and roots per cutting (13.33). In case of the environmental conditions, the cutting planted in plastic
tunnel showed maximum sprouting percentage (79.94%), leaves per sprout (5.32), roots per cutting
(18.61), sprouts per cutting (7.81) and minimum days to sprouting (39). while the cuttings planted in
open field showed minimum sprouting (58.31%), sprouts per cutting (4.7), leaves per sprout (4.08),
roots per cutting (11.69) and maximum days to sprouting (67.78). It is concluded that planting Semi
hardwood or softwood performs best under plastic tunnel.

ICHS2016/AB_253
Effect of seed priming and foliar application of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of
three okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cultivars
Muhammad Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Akbar Anjum, Syed Bilal Hussain, Sajjad Hussain, Shaghef Ejaz
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
Email: bilal.hussain124@yahoo.com (S.B.H.)
Growth and yield parameters of three okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cultivars i.e.
Sabazpari, Punjab Selection and Green Ferry were studied in response to plant growth regulators. The
growth regulators used for seed soaking and also for foliar application included gibberellic acid (GA 3),
-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin (kin) at the concentration of 100 mgL-1. Foliar application
of growth regulators was made after 30 and 45 days of crop sown. Seed priming with GA 3 was found
to be effective for improving seed germination, plant height at flowering. Moreover, it increased the
number of pods per plant, pod length, fruit set and pod fresh weight of okra. Foliar application of GA3
resulted in the maximum pod yield per plant. Seed primed with NAA produced the maximum number
of flowers per plant, increased pod diameter and final plant height. Foliar application of NAA resulted
in the maximum number of leaves and branches per plant. The maximum pod moisture content was
resulted by seed, primed with kinetin. Effect of cultivars was found to be significant in some
parameters. Punjab Selection was found to be effective for producing the maximum number of
flowers, number of pods, number of leaves, pod moisture content and pod yield per plant. While, the
maximum plant height at flowering and the maximum number of branches and pod length was
recorded in cv. Sabaz Pari.

ICHS2016/AB_254
Response of guava (Psidium guajava L.) softwood cuttings in different rooting mediums by using
different growth regulators
Muhammad Tahir Akram1, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri1, Muhammad Azam1, Muhammad Mumtaz
Khan2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Department Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture and Marine Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.
O. Box 34, Al-khod 123, Sultanate of Oman
Email: tahiruaf786@gmail.com (M.T.A.)
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is 4th major fruit crop of Pakistan according to its production and area and
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contains rich quantity of vitamin C. The objective of this study is to evaluate best rooting medium and
root promoting hormone for guava asexual propagation in nursery. Softwood cuttings are the easiest
way of clonal propagation for guava plants. In view of above statement an experiment was conducted
at Citrus Nursery Sanitation Project area of the Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad. Guava softwood cuttings were taken from the Gola cultivar. Cuttings were
prepared of size 12 cm in length and with 2 to 4 nodes. Two root promoting hormones IBA and
Paclobutrazol with different concentrations (200, 400, and 600 ppm) were used respectively for root
induction in guava cuttings. All these cuttings were then planted in rooting medium sand, silt and top
fertile soil and were covered with polythene sheet to maintain humidity and temperature. Maximum
leaves (12.6) were obtained with IBA 400 ppm concentration with silt media. Similarly, maximum
sprouts were also obtained with IBA 400 ppm concentration with silt (2.76) followed by soil (2.50) with
similar IBA concentration. However, maximum sprouting length (5.80) and maximum shoot length was
obtained with PB 200 (25.2) and 400 ppm concentration (25.2) in sand. Maximum stem diameter
(6.50) was obtained with IBA 400 ppm in sand and with similar growth regulator with 600 ppm
concentration in silt (6.18). While observing roots parameters maximum number of roots (31.1), root
length (12.6), root fresh weight (2620.0) and root dry weight (930.8) was obtained with IBA 400 ppm
in sand. Significantly higher survival percentage (50.0) was noted in guava softwood cuttings treated
with IBA 200 ppm in silt.

ICHS2016/AB_255
Antioxidant activity and physico-chemical properties of ten pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
cultivars
Abdul Hasib Viyar, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Muhammad Tahir Akram, Muhammad Azam,
Muhammad Saad Qureshi and Izzatullah Sherzad
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: 189hasib@gmail.com (A.H.V.)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a native fruit of Afghanistan, having great genetic resources, but
due to insufficient data about characteristics of the fruit. Hence, the knowledge of fruit characteristics
is compulsory for the preservation of cultivars or for the development of health promoting
pomegranate cultivars in breeding programs. The objective of this research was to evaluate the
antioxidant activity and physiochemical properties of ten different pomegranate cultivars (Sorkhak878, Maykosh Shinki-5025, Manayi Sor-384, Sor Zod Ras-385, Tor-390, Tashkurghani-860,
Sorkhak-296, Sorkhak-859, Nazek Post-561 and Tashkurghani-6063) selected from National
Collection of KandaharPerennial Horticultural Development Center located in the southern region of
Afghanistan. Experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications,
data were analyzed by Statistix software Version 8.1 using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
differences among means were determined for significance at P < 0.05 using Tukey HSD test.
Significant difference were observed amongst the cultivars in all fruit properties except calyx length,
rind thickness, arils and seed dimensions. The fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter and arils
percentage were in the range of 205.64-608.00 g,7.27-101.7 mm, 71.98-110.22 mm and 45.49-61.76
%, respectively. The total soluble solids content ranged from 13.90 to 17.00 (Brix), Titratable acidity
content from 0.76 to 2.56%, pH values from 3.09 to 4.22 and total sugars ranged from 6 to 8.67%. The
ascorbic acid values ranged from 45.16 to 191.40 mg 100 g1. The antioxidant activity and total
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phenolic contents of pomegranate cultivars were in ranged from 15.77 to 42.03% and 1158.90
to1540.70 mg GAE/l. Over all except Tor-390 and Sorkhak-859 cultivars are sour, while other cultivars
are sweet sour. Our observations have shown that variation among the pomegranate cultivars may be
due to the cultivar and growing regions.

ICHS2016/AB_256
Grafting methods influences graft success and vegetative growth of loquat
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Ihtisham Wahid, Sami Ullah, Muhammad Shafique
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Shamsabad, Murree Road 46300,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Emails: nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), samiullah05@gmail.com (S.U.),
shafiqhort@hotmail.com (M.S.)
Loquat growth and production has been reported to be affected by vegetative methods of
propagation. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various grafting methods on
loquat graft success and vegetative growth. The scion wood of loquat cv. Guanyu was grafted with
cleft, tongue and side grafting methods on Desi loquat seedling during spring season. The results
indicated that plants grafted with cleft method took least number of days to sprout with higher graft
survival success percentage and exhibited maximum callus formation rate as compared to others
methods. After 90 days of grafting, leaf size and number of leaves were also higher in cleft grafted
plants. However, side grafted plants exhibited maximum shoot length; while, maximum shoot girth
was observed in tongue grafted plants. Conclusively cleft grafted loquat plants showed better grafting
success and exhibited higher vegetative growth compared to tongue and side grafted plants.

ICHS2016/AB_257
Bio-stimulants improves fruit size at harvest and maintain quality of mango fruit during storage
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi1, Sami Ullah1, Muhammad Hamid Mumtaz Qureshi1, Abdul Ghaffar2 and
Muhammad Shafique1
1
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Shamsabad, Murree Road 46300,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Mango Research Station Shujabad, Pakistan.
Emails: nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), samiullah05@gmail.com (S.U.),
shafiqhort@hotmail.com (M.S.)
Application of biostimulants has been reported to improve crop vigour, yields, quality and tolerance
against abiotic stresses. Potential of putrescine (PUT) and L-tryptophan (TRY) as a pre-harvest
treatment was investigated in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Sufaid Chaunsa to maintain fruit quality
and extend storage life. Mango trees were sprayed with different concentration of PUT (0.01, 0.1 and
1.0 mM) and TRY (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) after fruit set. The treated fruit were harvested and kept under
cold storage at 13 1 C and 90-95 % RH for four weeks. Fruit size and weight were measured before
harvest. Moreover, evaluation of various physico-chemical characteristics and other quality attributes
were made at weekly intervals following cold storage. Pre-harvest application of 0.5 mM TRY
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significantly enhanced the fruit size and weight of mango fruit at harvest. During storage, mango fruit
treated with 0.5 mM TRY showed maximum firmness, total sugars and reducing sugars with minimum
fruit weight loss. However application of 0.1 mM-PUT enhanced the organoleptic properties of mango
fruit. Pre-harvest application of PUT and TRY maintained the fruit quality and extended the
postharvest life of mango in contrast to control.

ICHS2016/AB_258
Enzymatic profile of bell pepper influenced by edible coatings during cold storage
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Usman Ajmal, Muhammad Shafique, Abdul Ahad Qureshi, Sami Ullah
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi,Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: nadeemabbasi65@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), shafiqhort@hotmail.com (M.S.),
samiullah05@gmail.com (S.U.)
Edible coatings have been found to play important role in maintaining antioxidative profile and
postharvest quality of fruits. Therefore, in this study role of gum arabic and aloe vera gel on the
postharvest storage life of bell pepper fruit cv. Yollo Wonder was investigated. Bell pepper fruit
coated with aloe vera gel (4, 5 and 6%) and gum arabic (6, 9 and 12%) were packed in soft board boxes
and stored at 81oC with 80-85% RH for 21 days. Fruit were removed at 7 days interval to determine
the activities of antioxidative [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and
polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and softening enzymes [pectin esterase (PE) and poly galacturonase (PG)].
Results revealed significantly higher activities of antioxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD and POD); while
reduced activities of PPO and softening enzymes (PE and PG) were observed in coated bell pepper
fruits, as compared to uncoated fruits throughout cold storage period. Conclusively, 12 % gum arabic
coating treatment effectively maintained reduced activities of softening enzymes and higher activities
of antioxidative enzymes, as compared to other coating treatments for 21 days under cold storage
conditions in bell pepper fruit cv. Yollo wonder.

ICHS2016/AB_259
Impact of endophytic fungus against thermal and drought tolerance in tomato plants
Anum Intisar1, Shahbaz Talib Sahi2, Safdar Ali2, Muhammad Kamran1, Waqas Ashraf1, Aamna Riasat1,
Muhammad Usman Arshad1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100,
Sargodha, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: anum.intisar3@gmail.com (A.I.)
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., Family: Solanaceae) is vulnerable to different abiotic stresses.
Endophytic fungi inhabiting the root and shoot tissues can play key role against thermal and drought
tolerance in tomato plants. Hence the present research was undertaken to evaluate the potential of
fungal endophytes in tomato plants against thermal and drought stresses. The experiment was
conducted in research area of Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
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during 2014-2015. Eight varieties of tomato were transplanted under randomized complete block
design (RCBD) in field. Endophytic fungus was isolated from healthy leaves, stems and roots of Acacia
nilotica and Convulvulus arvensis and identified on the basis of morphology of fungal culture and spore
characteristics. Inoculation was done by immersing the tomato seedlings in fungal suspension of
concentration 105 spore mL-1. The endophytic fungus was re-isolated and identified from the
inoculated plants to confirm the colonization of the fungus in the plant tissues. Data regarding plant
growth was recorded and subjected to analysis of variance and statistical differences between the
mean values were determined by Students t-test. The result of the experiment depicted that
endophytic fungi had a positive influence on the growth of treated tomato roots and significantly
enhanced the root length and weight than the untreated check during water deficit conditions and
heat stress. Data regarding shoot biomass and yield also showed that endophytic fungi had a positive
impact on shoot growth and yield of treated tomato varieties.

ICHS2016/AB_260
Impact of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) coated urea and DAP on growth and quality on
onion
Ashifa Rafiq1, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri1, Summar Abbas Naqvi1, Muhammad Muzammil
Jahangir1, Muhammad Tahir Akram1, Muhammad Ahsan Khatana1, Abdul Hasib Viyar1, Muhammad
Aqeel Feroze2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal, Pakistan
Emails: ashifarafiq@yahoo.com (A.R.), agrarian420@gmail.com (M.T.A.)
Onion (Allium cepa) locally known as piaz in Pakistan, belonged to family Alliaceace, and is a biennial
herbaceous and cross-pollinated winter vegetable, onion has adventitious roots which confined in the
top 18-25 cm soil. Therefore, it cannot uptake nutrients from deep layers. Most of the phosphorus in
the top layer of soil is unavailable to plants. A field experiment was conducted during 2013-2014 in
vegetable area of Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad to analyze
the impact of fertilizers (Urea and DAP) coated with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) on plant
growth, yield and quality traits of two onion varieties (Dark Red and NaserPuri). Ten week old seedlings
were transplanted in the field. Data was collected on various traits viz., root (length, weight and
volume), leaves (length, weight and volume, number of leaves, maximum leaf length) and bulb
(diameter, weight and volume) bulb neck diameter, bulb weight before curing, bulb weight after
curing etc. and quality (TSS, vitamin C, N, P content, sugar content). Randomized Complete Block
Design was used for this experiment with three replications. Data was analyzed statistically with
software Statistix software Version 8.1 using standard statistical techniques. NaserPuri shows
significant results for PSB coated fertilizer than dark red variety in major parameters like leaf (length,
weight and volume), root (length, weight and volume), bulb (diameter, weight and volume) bulb
weight before curing, bulb weight after curing and yield per plot showed significant results for PSB
coated fertilizers. Whereas the biochemical analysis like nitrogen and phosphorus % in leaves and
reducing sugars showed significant response toward PSB coated fertilizers and NasarPuri variety. PSB
coated fertilizers gave better response for Nasarpuri variety in my research work

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ICHS2016/AB_261
ELISA-based monitoring of resistance levels against potato virus X (PVX) and potato virus Y (PVY)
in potato germplasm
Misbah Iqbal Qamar1, Ata-ul-Haq1, Yasir Iftikhar1,2, Ganesan Vadamalai2, Muhammad Kamran1
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha
Pakistan, 40100
2
Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM
Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Email: yasiriftikhar@uos.edu.pk (Y.I.), mkamran.uaf.pk@gmail.com (M.K.)

Potato virus X and Potato virus Y are two major threats in potato field that prevails in the form of
single or mixed infection. Screening of potato germplasm comprising of 10 potato varieties/lines viz.,
Tota-704, FD 71-1, FSD WHITE, FD 8-1, FD 76 24, FD 74-41, FD 74-50 N-96-25, Kuruda and SH 216 A,
were carried out against PVX and PVY. Disease incidence and severity was recorded on the basis of
disease rating scale. Samples were collected based on symptoms and subjected to serological assay,
ELISA for virus confirmation. Polyclonal antibodies were used against the detection of PVX and PVY
antigens. The disease incidence for PVX was in the range of 35% to 59% while PVY had mean disease
incidence of 60%. FD 74-41, FD 74-50 and N 96-25 showed the highest PVX incidence of 59%, while FD
76-24 showed the lowest PVX incidence with 35%. Tota-704 showed the highest PVY incidence of 67%.
On the basis of disease rating scale against PVX FD-74-41, SH 216-A, N 96-25 and FD 8-1 were
susceptible, FD 71-1, FSD White, FD 74-50 and KURUDA were moderately susceptible while Tota-704
and FD 76-24 were found moderately resistant against PVX. While Tota-704, FD 71-1, FSD WHITE, FD
8-1, FD 76 24 were found susceptible, FD 74-41, FD 74-50 and N-96-25 moderately susceptible and
Kuruda and SH 216 A moderately resistant against PVY. ELISA confirmed the viruses in the samples
from all varieties showing moderately yellow to yellow color in the ELISA plate. Screening of potato
germplasm will be helpful in formulating the management strategy against these virus diseases.

ICHS2016/AB_262
Assessment and distribution of citrus scab disease (Elsinoe fawcettii) in different localities of
Sargodha
Zeeshan Hassan Jaffery1, Zafar Iqbal1, Muhammad Kamran1, Naila Zeerak1, Waqar Asghar1, Abdul
Rehman2 and Ehsan A. Qadir
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha
2
Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha
Email: zeeshanhassan69@yahoo.com (Z.H.J), mkamran.uaf.pk@gmail.com (M.K.)
Pakistan is the 6th largest citrus especially mandarins (Kinnow) producing county of the world.
Sargodha region is the largest area of the citrus production in Pakistan. It alone produces the 90% of
total production. Citrus Scab is most prevailing pre harvest disease now a day, which has become
major threat in citrus export. In present research, assessment of citrus scab disease was done in
different citrus growers field of District Sargodha. Almost 10% of orchard was sampled by moving in
diagonal direction for reliable estimation of disease incidence. Disease assessment was accomplished
on all the directions of each plant canopy i.e. east, west, north and south. In each direction
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approximately 2-3 inch size limb was selected and total fruits were counted on each limb. Disease
infestation was recorded by the formula [Disease infestation= Infested fruits/ total fruits 100]. The
results of disease assessment revealed that disease infestation is varied significantly from locality to
locality. When disease incidence of citrus scab was compared among different locations of Sargodha,
it was evident that incidence of citrus scab ranged between 18.25 to 37.63%. Maximum (37.63%)
disease incidence was recorded in 97 Chak (Shaheenabad) while minimum (18.25%) was in Metha lakk
(Sargodha). In some localities, Ghugyani (Bhalwal), Matela (Kot momin) and Ajnala intermediate level
of disease incidence was recorded.

ICHS2016/AB_263
Characterization of olive oil obtained from olive trees (Olea europaea) in Potohar region (Salt
Range) of Pakistan
Muhammad Saad Qureshi1, Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Rashid Ahmad2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Email: muhammadxaad@gmail.com (M.S.Q.)
Olive oil possesses many beneficial effects on health as a typical ingredient of Mediterranean diet.
Pakistan lags behind in edible oils production and large quantities of resources are spent on import of
olive oil. Olea europaea is grown in Northern part of the Pakistan, and the fruit of this tree is currently
not exploited to its full potential. The present study was conducted to O. europaea as a source of virgin
olive oil based on its quality parameters and chemical composition. The fruits from 30 different olive
varieties were collected from different locations in Potohar Region (Salt Range) of Pakistan i.e. Lillah,
Choa Saidan Shah, Pind Dadan Khan, Kalar Kahar, Balksar, Talagang and Chakwal. The oil evaluated for
basic quality characteristics such as free acidity, peroxide number, specific UV absorption, total
polyphenols content and fatty acid composition demonstrated that the oils belong to the virgin
commercial grade. Regarding fatty acid composition no discrepancies with respect to the standard
olive oil composition were found. Concerning quality parameters, total polyphenols were found in low
quantity in QR Olive (123 mg kg-1) and in higher quantity in Carolea (410 mg kg-1). Whereas higher free
acidity (13 mg kg-1) and peroxide value (0.37 meq O2 kg-1) were observed in QR olive. Good practices
and controlling fruit quality could not only improve quality of the oil, but can also serve as a new
source of edible oils.

ICHS2016/AB_264
Effect of drought stress on growth and flowering of perennial verbena
Muhammad Ahsan Khatana1, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir1,
Muhammad Awais Ghani1, Muhammad Azam1, Mohsin Bashir1 and Muhammad Tahir Akram1.
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: ahsansiddique2319@gmail.com (M.A.K), muzammil_jahangir@hotmail.com (M.M.J),
cmayyub91@yahoo.com (C.M.A), awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.J), tahiruaf786@gmail.com (M.T.A),
mohsinbashir99@gmail.com (M.B)
Drought stress is one of the most critical environmental stress influencing agricultural productivity all
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over the world and cause problems in growth and development of the ornamental plants equally.
Therefore, to cope with the deficiency of water, one of the critical methodologies is to utilize drought
tolerant plant species. Knowledge of relative drought resistance is important for selecting perennial
verbena in landscape that persists during drought stress. A pot experiment was designed to check the
ability of perennial verbena against drought stress in glass house. Seeds were sown in trays and
irrigated regularly. After seedlings emergence, plants were transplanted in pots, then exposed to
drought stress by applying different intervals of irrigations along with a control. The test was
conducted with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Five drought stress
intervals were applied during the experiment. Several morphological and biochemical parameters
were studied. Data was compared by a LSD test at 5% probability level. The results showed that
perennial verbena performed better at control level and when drought interval was increased from 4
days interval to 10 days interval plants effected more at highest level of drought.

ICHS2016/AB_267
Correlation for major contributing yield traits in chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Muhammad Umair, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Taj Naseeb Khan, Zakria Farid, Sultan Mehmood,
Humayun Khan, Ghulam Jellani, Uzair Qasim, Khalid Mahmood Quershi
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: umair1900@hotmail.com (M.U)
The type of association of yield with agronomic characters is considered to be of paramount
importance in plant breeding. Pleiotropy or physiological association may result in the correlation
among various traits. Due to supreme role of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) as vegetable and spice and
overwhelming demand for its aroma, taste, flavour and pungency, association of yield with agronomic
characters were considered in the current study. The current study depicted that the values for the
genotypic and phenotypic correlations were generally alike, which indicated a very low involvement
of the environmental effects over these traits. The correlation of number of days to 50% flowering
with fresh/green fruit yield per plant was estimated to be significant but negative on both at genotypic
(-0.74) and phenotypic (-0.73) levels. Significant but negative correlation at genotypic (-0.12) and nonsignificant correlation at phenotypic (-0.12) levels also existed between the fresh/green fruit yield per
plant and plant height. However, significant and positive correlation both at genotypic (0.48) and
phenotypic (0.48) levels existed between the fresh/green fruit yield per plant and fruit length. The
results demonstrated very clearly that fresh/green fruit yield per plant is independent of pericarp
thickness both at genotypic (-0.004) and phenotypic (-0.003) and also seed weight both at genotypic
(0.23) and phenotypic (0.22) levels in chillies. A strong positive association of fruit weight, both at
genotypic (0.32) and phenotypic (0.32) levels and number of fruits per plant both at genotypic (0.55)
and phenotypic (0.55) levels with and fresh/green fruit yield per plant was also noticed. Hence the
parameters such as number of days to 50% flowering, fruit weight, fruit length and number of fruits
per plant can be considered of prime importance for enhancing fresh/ green fruit yield in chillies.

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ICHS2016/AB_268
Genetic variability and correlations for yield and yield-related traits in green chillies (Capsicum
annuum L.)
Zahoor Elahi, Uzair Qasim, Nausherwan Nobel Nawab, Tahira Noor, Asia Ramzan, Taj Naseeb Khan,
Muhammad Sudheer Tariq, Muhammad Farooq
Directorate of Vegetable, Department of Horticultural Research & Development, National
Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: nnnawab24a@gmail.com (N.N.N)
Genetic variability, genetic coefficient, heritability, genetic advance and their correlations were
investigated in the indigenously produced chilli hybrids and their parental line. The observations were
recorded on different scientifically important i.e; number of days to first flowering, number of days to
50 % flowering, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, plant height (cm) and
fresh/green fruit yield per plant (kg). Results showed a high magnitude of genotypic coefficient of
variability (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) for number of days to first flowering,
number of primary branches and number of secondary branches. The moderate GCV and PCV were
noticed for number of days to 50 % flowering and plant height which indicated the preponderance of
both the environment and genotype in the expression of a character. The correlation of fresh/green
fruit yield per plant with number of days to first flowering and number of days to 50 % flowering was
negatively significant at the genotypic level and negatively highly significant at the phenotypic level
which indicated the high and early production. The number of primary branches and number of
secondary branches had a positive significant correlation at genotypic level and highly significant at
phenotypic level with fresh/green fruit yield. High h2 with low (genetic advance) GA was recorded for
the traits like number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, plant height and
fresh/green fruit yield per plant. These results suggested the favour for heterosis due to the
involvement of non-additive type of gene action.

ICHS2016/AB_271
Identification of PVY and resistant germplasm in potato through protein based methods
Muhammad Jahan Zaib1, Shamim Akhtar2, Nazir Javed1, Sajid Aleem Khan1, Huma Abbas1, Babar
Khan1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Plant Virology Section, PPI, Ayyub Agricultural research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Emails: mjahanzaibuaf@gmail.com (M.J), ashamim31@gmail.com (S.A), nazirpp2003@gmail.com
(N.J), sajid_aleem@uaf.edu.pk (S.A.K), huma_1633@yahoo.com (H.A), babarkhan.uaf@gmail.com
(B.K)
Present study was conduct to evaluate the resistant germplasm against PVY and hypersensitive
response of potato. PVY has caused great concern in potato production both in green house and field
conditions. Six advanced varieties of potato were sown both in green house and field area of Plant
Virology Section, PPI, Ayyub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad to evaluate their response
against PVY. The most reliable source, ELISA technique was used for the confirmation of virus.
Detection of PVY was done through different methods such as symptoms, DAS ELISA and Strip ELISA
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method. Virus transmission was assessed through biologically and mechanically. Results revealed that
biological mode of transmission has more impact on disease spread. SH-5 (12-17%) was found to be
resistant, Red (27-31%), FD 35-36 (43-45%) and FD 69-1(34-37%) were moderately resistant while
Cardinal (61-65%) and Karoda (67-71%) were moderately susceptible. So, virus impact is more
pronounced on potato growth, as no variety was found to be immune.

ICHS2016/AB_272
Effect of different casing soils on quantitative indices of Agaricus bitorquis (strain AS-56)
Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat1, Muhammad Uzair Asif2, Hasan Sardar1, Muhammad Asif Ali1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Asjis Spawn, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: rizwan.liaqat@live.com (M.R.L.)

In this study two strains of heat resistant white button mushroom were grown on three different
casing soils. These materials were tested to measure response time to pinhead formation, pinhead
count, elapsed time to reach horticultural maturity from pinheads, number of matured fruit bodies,
total yield and biological efficiency. Peat moss (T1) proved best material against control (local ordinary
soil) in every measurement because Peat has a neutral pH and because of its organic content and
granular structure, stays porous even after a succession of watering, holds moisture, allows
appropriate gaseous exchanges and supports microbial population able to release hormone-like
substances which are likely involved in stimulating the initiation of fruit bodies. After peat moss Spent
Mushroom Compost, SMC, (T2) yielded better as compared to Farm Yard Manure, FYM, (T3) and
control because SMC used for casing was partially decomposed and physically it exhibited somewhat
like peat moss. FYM on adding moisture turned into a paste like form and formed a hard cake which
posed physical resistance to grow mushrooms out of it similar to the control. So FYM and ordinary soil
are not suitable for use as casing soil.

ICHS2016/AB_273
Establishment of mushroom cultivation unit for demonstration and growth trials of wild and
exotic mushrooms
Muhammad Asif Ali, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: rizwan.liaqat@live.com (M.R.L.)
This Project was started from 1st September, 2012 with the renovation of two growth rooms and store
room. Objectives of this project were transfer of mushroom production technology among interested
people, to build a demonstration facility for mushroom production in public sector, Growth trials on
most demanded mushroom types, collection of local wild and exotic mushroom germplasm,
mushroom cultivation training session in every six months, establishment of mushroom farms in
private sector and outreach activities. During this project efforts have been made to fulfill every
objective as it should be. Wild and exotic strains have been collected, training sessions were organized
twice every year, demonstration facility is up and working, growth trials have been successively
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conducted since 2013 and commercial mushroom farms have been established in private sector.

ICHS2016/AB_274
Evaluation of low cost irrigation methods for enhanced onion productivity
Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez1, Mariam Munir2
Sub-campus Burewala-Vehari, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Emails: agriosama@gmail.com (O.B.A.H.), mariammunir1534@gmail.com (M.M.)

Onion is second most important crop in the world after tomato. Due to shallow root system, absence
of root hairs and reduced leaf water potential it is considered a drought sensitive crop. Water
availability in Pakistan is continuously declining due to population explosion and limited water
storability facilities in the country. Increasing water productivity seems to be the best possible option
which should be adopted for better future. Keeping in view above aspects, a study was conducted in
winter season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Vegetable Research Area, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad to find out a low cost irrigation methods with high water productivity. Experiment was laid
out in 2 factor factorial RCBD lay out and replicated three times every year. Two onion cultivars
(Robina and Dark Red) were subject to several irrigation treatments. Apart from conventional furrow
irrigation method two new methods (alternate furrow irrigation and fixed furrow irrigation) were
tested with or without mulching. Results revealed that among onion varieties Dark Red showed
more marketable yield as compared to Robina in both growing seasons. In onion cultivar Robina
bolting, splitting and small sized bulb production was significantly increased under limited water
supply. Fixed furrow irrigation method with as well as without mulching was found unsuitable for
profitable onion production. From overall results of our experiment we may conclude that alternate
furrow irrigation method can be successfully used as an effective low cost substitute of normal furrow
irrigation method. Results revealed that despite the fact the mulching increased variable cost of
treatment, its application in alternate furrow irrigation method significantly improved onion
profitability as compared to similar non-mulched treatment.

ICHS2016/AB_275
Salicylic acid induced morpho-physiological changes in okra under water stress conditions
Mariam Munir1, Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
2
Sub-campus Burewala-Vehari, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: mariammunir1534@gmail.com (M.M.), agriosama@gmail.com (O.B.A.H.)
1

Okra is an important vegetable crop known for its high nutritional value. It needs frequent irrigation
for good economic yield. Despite the fact that Pakistan has worlds best irrigation system, it is amongst
worlds most water stressed countries. Keeping in view the upcoming water shortage in future, a study
was conducted on efficacy of two salicylic acid doses (i.e. 1mM and 2mM) sprayed at different growth
stages of okra grown under 50% water stress. Study was conducted in Faisalabad during summer
months of 2012 as well as 2013. Experiment was laid out in RCBD two factor factorial layout with 15
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treatments replicated three times every year. Data regarding morphological traits (i.e. plant height,
root length, root shoot ratio and leaf area), physiological traits (i.e. Cell membrane permeability,
relative leaf water contents, photosynthetic rate and net assimilation rate) and yield traits (i.e. total
pods per plant, pod weight, fruit and seed yield per hectare) were recorded during both years. Results
revealed that application of 1mM salicylic acid spray at 2+4 leaf stage as well as 2+4+Flowering was
equally effective in improving all morphological traits except root length. However, in others (i.e.
physiological and yield traits) application of salicylic acid at all three growth stages (i.e. 2+4+flowering)
remained far superior than application of salicylic acid at first two growth stages (i.e. 2+4leaf). Overall,
application of 2mM spray at all growth stages of okra (i.e. 2+4+Flowering) was most effective in
improving morphological, physiological as well as yield traits of okra during both years.

ICHS2016/AB_278
Effect of foliar application of GA3 and macronutrients on growth and flowering of rose species
Sabir Aziz1, Muhammad Qasim1, Azma Iqbal1, Adnan younis1, Atif Riaz1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: sabiraziz2391@yahoo.com (S.A), qasim_ihs@yahoo.com (M.Q), floriculture51@yahoo.com
(A.I), adnanyounis@uaf.edu.pk (A.Y), atiff23@gmail.com (A.R)
1

Rose (Rosa centifolia and Rosa chinensis) belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is an ornamental and
mostly grown for fragrance, flower and aesthetic value. It is used for commercial perfume industry
and cut flower crops. This experiment was aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of GA 3 and
macronutrients on growth and flowering on rose species. This experiment was conducted to assess
the morphological and physiological attributes. . The results indicated that a macronutrient (NPK)
concentration of 100ppm and a GA3 concentration of 30ppm proved best in promoting the vegetative
and reproductive growth of rose. GA3 and macronutrients increase plant growth and flowering. The
experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with nine treatments and
four replications. The means values was be compared with least significance difference test (LSD).

ICHS2016/AB_279
Enhancement of germination and seedling vigor of Zinnia elegans through physical and
physiological seed enhancement techniques
Azma Iqbal, Muhammad Qasim, Sabir Aziz, Adnan younis and Atif Riaz
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: floriculture51@yahoo.com (A.I), qasim_ihs@yahoo.com (M.Q), sabiraziz2391@yahoo.com
(S.A), adnanyounis@uaf.edu.pk (A.Y), atiff23@gmail.com (A.R)
1

Zinnia elegans is a well known summer annual plant, belongs to family Asteraceae. Zinnia has few
problems relating to its germination and has very low germination percentage. Therefore a series of
experiments was conducted to investigate the influence of seed priming (hydropriming, magnetically
treated water, for 5, 10 and 15 min, moringa leaf exract, MLE+MTW for 5, 10 and 15 min and magnetic
seed stimulation (Magnetic seed treatment with 50 mT, 100 mT, and 150 mT strength respectively.
The treatments were replicated thrice under completely randomized design. Data regarding
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germination and seedling growth were recorded and analyzed statistically. Under suboptimal
temperature magnetic field treatment with strength 100 mT for 15 min followed by Moringa leaf
extract in combination with magnetically treated water (MLE+MTW) for 15 min were most effective
treatments for seed stimulation in Zinnia elegans. This was interpreted by reduced time to 50%
germination and mean germination time and increased final germination percentage, germination
energy and germination index. In addition to these results it was also observed that mafnetic field
treatment enhanced the -amylase activity, seed total soluble sugars and reducing sugars level .

ICHS2016/AB_283
Variation caused by gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate on the morphological characters,
lycopene and vitamin C contents of tomato
Qurat-ul-Ain, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Ali Aslam
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakista
Emails: eineemalik@gmail.com (Q.A.), horticultureuaar@yahoo.com (N.A.A.),
mianaliaslam538@gmail.com (A.A.)
Modern techniques of using mutagens to create modifications in the plants for the development of
better surviving traits with high yield had gained popularity rather than conventional breeding
techniques. Variability in the morphological traits, fruit set percentage and nutrient profile of tomato
fruit was caused by the ethyl methane sulfonate treatments. Water soaked seeds of Lycopersicon
esculentum Mill. were treated with Gamma rays 5 Krad, 10 Krad and EMS of concentration 4 mM
independently. Morphological parameters were observed before fruit picking and fruits were picked
at the breaker stage and analysis and observation were made of fruits for vitamin C and lycopene
contents. These results were significant at 5% level. Results revealed that EMS 4mM concentrations
showed better results as compared to gamma ray treatments. Data was analyzed by statistix 8.1
software.

ICHS2016/AB_284
Variability caused by ethyl methane sulphonate in tomato fruit and its nutrient profile in M 1
generation
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Qurat-ul- Ain, Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz, Ali Aslam
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakista
Emails: horticultureuaar@yahoo.com (N.A.A.), eineemalik@gmail.com (Q.A.),
decenthafiz@gmail.com (I.A.H.), mianaliaslam538@gmail.com (A.A.)
Modern techniques of using mutagens to create modifications in the plants for the development of
better surviving traits with high yield had gained popularity rather than conventional breeding
techniques. Variability in the fruit traits and nutrient profile of tomato fruit was caused by the Ethyl
Methane Sulfonate treatments was done during the year of 2014 in the laboratory of PMAS-AAUR.
Water soaked seeds of Solanum Lcopersicon were treated with EMS of concentrations 8, 16, 24 and
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32 mM. Fruits were picked at the breaker stage and analysis and observation were made of fruits of
the same physiological and horticultural maturity for weight, length, firmness, total soluble solids,
vitamin C, total sugars, lycopene, - carotenes and radical scavenging activity. These results were
significant at 5 % level. Results revealed that EMS 8 and 16 mM concentrations showed better results
as compared to other EMS concentrations and EMS 8 mM concentration was found better in
comparison to control and EMS16 mM for fruit weight (72.25g), fruit length (5.825), TSS (4.15 Brix),
Vitamin C (9.543 mg/100 ml), carotenes (0.2138 mg/100 ml) and radical scavenging activity(87 %).
Inferior characters of fruits, fruit firmness (2.36 lb), lycopene contents (0.625 mg/100ml) and total
sugars (1.1075 %) resulted due to deleterious effects caused in the genes in response to EMS
application. Data was analyzed by statistix 8.1 software.

ICHS2016/AB_286
Economic analysis of chrysanthemum cut-flower in Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Ashfaq and Asghar Ali
Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Email: usmanghani99@hotmail.com (M.U)
The aesthetic value of flowers and ornamental plants, their use in social events, overall satisfaction in
working with them and high income generating power are attracting modern entrepreneurs to invest
money in the floriculture industry. The present study was aimed to estimate the production cost, net
income and Benefit Cost Ratio of chrysanthemum cut-flower. Purposive sampling technique was
employed for the data collection. Data were collected from district Kasur, Lahore and Sheikhupura. A
total of 50 respondents of chrysanthemum were interviewed. A Cobb-Douglas production function
was employed to estimate the effect of different socioeconomic and agronomic factors on the
production of chrysanthemum. Total average cost of production per acre of small, medium, large and
all farmers was Rs.133272, Rs.129634, Rs.140982 and Rs.133567, respectively. The total revenue
received from the sale of chrysanthemum per acre of the small, medium, large and all farmers was
Rs.300960, Rs.300251, Rs.307684 and Rs.299967, respectively. The gross margin per acre was the
greatest of the medium farmers (Rs.186378) followed by small (Rs.183448) and large farmers
(Rs.182462) while that of all farmers was Rs.182160. The net income was also the highest of the
medium farmers (Rs.170618). The result of the findings reveals that the sampled medium farmers
earned the highest returns per acre (1:2.26) as compared to small (1:2.26) and large farmers (1:2.18).
The BCR of all the sampled farmers was 1:2.25. The results of Cobb-Douglass production function
revealed that the variable of education, flower growing experience, land preparation cost, FYM cost,
fertilization cost has positive and significant while seed-quantity, total labor man-days and irrigations
applied has negative and significant impact on the yield of chrysanthemum. The educated and
experienced people should be motivated to engage in floriculture business. The use of FYM should be
increased and farmers be trained to prepare good quality land to fetch better and high quality yield of
chrysanthemum flowers.

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ICHS2016/AB_287
Optimization of the growth conditions for the development of Colletotrichum capsici causing
anthracnose of chilies
Aleena Mushtaq1, Muhammad Mohsin Raza2, Muhammad Atiq1, Shahbaz Talib Sahi1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
2
Iowa State University, United States
Email: aleena.qamar@yahoo.com (A.M)
Anthracnose of chilies (caused by Colletotrichum capsici) is an economically important disease which
is reducing the productivity of the crop up to 27%. The nutritious value of chilies and its extensive use
in the Asian countries as an important spicy vegetable has made it a significant crop. In the current
study, the growth conditions for the development of Colletotrichum capsici has optimized. For this
purpose, different experiments were conducted to evaluate different epidemiological and
physiological factors like temperature, pH, and media for the growth of Colletotrichum capsici. The lab
experiments were conducted for the isolation, purification and identification of the associated fungus.
The results revealed that the highest colony growth of Colletotrichum capsici was at pH 6.5 and after
9 days followed by pH level 5.5, 6, 7 and 7.5 respectively. Similarly, the maximum culture growth
(7.7cm) was at 25 C followed by room temperature. During the evaluation of media, the best media
on which maximum colony growth was observed was proved to be PDA (potato dextrose agar) as
semi-solid media where the colony growth was maximum 7.4cm, followed by MEA and Czepak Dox
media. Different physiological characters like macro and micro-conidia were also produced by mycelial
masses. To summarize the results of all the experiments, it can be said that favorable temperature is
25 C, best pH is 6.5 and the media on which maximum growth can be obtained is PDA after 9 days of
inoculation.

ICHS2016/AB_288
Integrated management of blossom end rot of tomatoes
Aleena Mushtaq1, Shahbaz Talib Sahi1, Muhammad Mohsin Raza2, Muhammad Atiq1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
2
Iowa State University, United States
Email: aleena.qamar@yahoo.com (A.Q)
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicom) is most significant crop among vegetables which is ranked second
after potato. Environmental conditions and physiological stresses are always crucial as they further
make plant vulnerable to the attack of various pathogens (parasites and saprophytes). Blossom end
rot (BER) of tomato is caused by Ca2+ deficiency in (blossom end of) fruit. The varieties/advance lines
which have performed best were TG-25, VL-15 and Roma, while Nangina, Naqeeb and Riogrand were
lowest performing. Furthermore, integrated management of BER was done by using plant hormones,
minerals, chemicals and also by irrigation and fertigation regime. The results are following. Calcium
chloride at 1.5% concentration minimum disease incidence was observed (12.10%) with 1%
concentration (20.34%) and 0.5% concentration (27.5%) ABA has given best reduction at the rate of
500mg and minimum percent disease incidence was 5.1% while Gibrallic acid has shown reduction of
disease severity up to 8.7% at the rate of 0.01g. While the irrigation quantity was optimized at the rate
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of 375ml/day/plant in warm conditions and 20mm in cool conditions per plant per day. Similarly, the
fertilizer quantity was also optimized that was 10-20-10 of the nitrogen; phosphorus and potassium
have shown the best results for an area of 4x4 feet. Although all the treatments have contributed a
lot in the management of BER yet the best results have shown by ABA; where ABA treatment has
improved the Ca2+ level in the blossom end tissues of tomato due to increase in water soluble
apoplastic Ca2+. However there is still need to evaluate the interaction of minerals in the rhizosphere
and its synergistic effects.

ICHS2016/AB_290
Score as an effective fungicide for in vitro management of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing
anthracnose of mango
Raja Qualib Hussain, Akhtar Hameed, Muhammad Waqar Alam, Nadia Liaqat, Kashif Riaz
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.K),
waqaralam2009@gmail.com (M.W.A), nadialiaqat2621@gmail.com (N.L), dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R).
Mango anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is recognized as the most important pre
and post-harvest disease in mango that considerably reduces fruit marketability. C. gloeosporioides
was isolated on different media viz. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Oat meal agar (OMG), Cornmeal Agar
(CMA) and Water agar (WA) from various sources such as leaf samples showing typical anthracnose
symptoms (deep brownish spots of various sizes scattered all over the leaf surface) mango fruits and
bark. It was noticed that PDA was the most suitable and WA was least effective amongst the tested
media for the mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides at different temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30C)
and pH (5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and 7.5). Growth of pathogen was maximum at 30oC with 6.5 pH. Amongst
the tested fungicides Score was statistically significant in reducing the mycelial growth of C.
gloeosporioides followed by Topsin-M and Halonil (42, 31, and 23% respectively) at tested
concentrations of 100 ppm (20 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm being the tested concentrations). Hence
score can be recommended as effective fungicide for future trials directed against the C.
gloeosporioides.

ICHS2016/AB_291
Marigold extracts could effectively control Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on
eggplant
Nadia Liaqat, Sahar Jameel, Asad Ullah, Akhtar Hameed, Raja Qualib Hussain and Kashif Riaz1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan.
Emails: nadialiaqat2621@gmail.com (N.L), saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J), aseeruaf@gmail.com
(A.U), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.K), rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R).
It was concluded that all the inoculated plants produced the diseased symptoms however, amongst
the tested powder plant extracts of some indigenous plants viz. Neem (Azadirachta indica), Marigold
(Tagetes erecta), Akk (Calotropis procera) and Kanair (Nerium oleander), marigold extracts were
effective in not only decreasing the root galling index (51.1%) and number of knots per plant or root
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system (37.4%) in eggplant variety (cluster king) followed by Kanair (39.05 & 24.6% ), Neem (31.3% &
21.8%) and Akk (24.64% & 14.13%) but also increased the germination (28%) and plant vigor (32%) as
compared to control plants harvested after two months post application (seed treatment and
drenching at an interval of 10 days post emergence upto one month).

ICHS2016/AB_292
An improved method for planting gladiolus corms for increased flower and corm production
Sahar Jameel1, Kashif Riaz1, Akhtar Hameed1, Raja Qualib Hussain1, Yasar Sajjad2, Muhammad Jafar
Jaskani3
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan
2
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad
Campus, Abbottabad. KPK, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J), dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.K),
rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), ysar_uaf@yahoo.com (Y.S), jjaskani@uaf.edu.pk (M.J.J)
Gladiolus, an important cut flower after roses is propagated through corms which can be sown by in
three ways i.e. as such with scales, descaled or descaled and cut into portions. It was noticed that
quorum quenching bacteria treated descaled and cut half corms not only produced more number of
flowers (15%) and corms (26%) but also showed more variation in terms of timing for flower
emergence as compared to the corms sown by two other methods. Data on growth parameters was
recorded on 1st, 3rd, 6th leaf stage, flower emergence and number of corms harvested. It was also
noticed that plants remained healthier and showed lesser disease incidence. This study proposes a
novel method of planting the gladiolus corms for increased profitability.

ICHS2016/AB_293
Score as an effective fungicide for in vitro the management of the most prevalent pumpkin seed
associated fungal pathogen A. alternata
Kaneez Fatima, Akhtar Hameed, Sobia Samreen, Raja Qualib Hussain, Sahar Jameel, Kashif Riaz
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: fatimakaneez690@ymail.com (K.F), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.H),
sobia.samreen@yahoo.com (S.S), rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H),
saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J), dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R)
Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is an important crop of tropical and temperate zones. There are various
fungal diseases that have caused moderate to heavy losses to pumpkin. A. alternata was found to be
highly associated with pumpkin seeds amongst the isolated (blotter paper method) saprophytic
(Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp) and pathogenic fungi (Stemphylium botryosum,
Chytomiumglobusum, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium semitectum) that were identified through
microscopic studies. Maximum mycelial growth of A. alternata was observed on PDA at 28 oC having
pH 6.5 amongst the tested pH levels (5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5). Three fungicides viz; Score, Precure Combi,
Topsin M at 100, 150, 200 ppm concentrations were evaluated against A. alternata using Poisoned
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Food Technique. Score at 200 ppm concentration showed statistically significant results to inhibit the
mycelial growth of A. alternata followed by Topsin M while Precure Combi (48, 27 and 16%
respectively).

ICHS2016/AB_294
Quorum quenching bacterial consortia for controlling gladiolus corm rot caused by Burkholderia
gladioli
Kashif Riaz1, Sahar Jameel1, Akhtar Hameed1, Raja Qualib Hussain1, Yasar Sajjad2, Muhammad Jafar
Jaskani3
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan.
2
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad
Campus, Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan.
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan.
Emails: dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R), saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J), akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.H),
rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), ysar_uaf@yahoo.com (Y.S), jjaskani@uaf.edu.pk (M.J.J)
Gladiolus holding an important cut flower position worldwide is often attacked corm rotting
Burkholderia gladioli under field conditions. In this study the culturable NAHL degrading bacteria,
identified on molecular basis (Bacillus and Acinetobacter sp) isolated from gladiolus rhizosphere using
serial dilution method on nutrient agar medium could be utilized to control Burkholderia based rotting
of gladiolus corms (32 and 26 % reduction in disease incidence) under controlled plant growth
conditions. QQ properties of the test strains were verified through bacterial biosensor strains (C.
violaceum CV026 and A. tumefaciens NTLR4) using TLC plate method. Both test strains were effective
individually as well as in combination when given as 3x104 cfu/ml inoculum as post planting treatment
to the corms. This study emphsizes the use of Bacillus sp as biocontrol agent against corm rot diseases
of gladiolus caused by Burkholderia gladioli.

ICHS2016/AB_296
NAHL degrading bacterial consortia from potato rhizosphere as biocontrol agents for controlling
potato black leg disease
Kashif Riaz1, Sohaib Sarfraz1, Sahar Jameel1, Akhtar Hameed1, Raja Qualib Hussain1, Sultan Habibullah
Khan2
1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), UAF, Pakistan
Email: dr.kr@uaf.edu.pk (K.R), sohaib002@gmail.com (S.S), saharjameel2466@yahoo.com (S.J),
akhtar3122@gmail.com (A.H), rajaqualib3551@gmail.com (R.Q.H), sultan@uaf.edu.pk (S.J.K)
Black leg disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum is known to cause considerable worldwide
losses in potato crop. These bacteria use N-acyl homoserine lactone (NAHL) molecules as quorum
sensing signals for the production of virulence and pathogenicity related enzymes. Several QQ
bacterial isolates (verified through biosensor based assays using Chromobacterium violaceum CV 026
and Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTLR4 biosensors) belonging to Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas and
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Rhodococcus sp (identified through the BLAST searches of their sequenced PCR amplified 16srDNA
amplicons) isolated from potato rhizosphere could be used to control the black leg disease on
artificially inoculated potato plants under controlled conditions when applied as consortia (during
plantation and post emergence). This study validates the utilization of quorum quenching strategies
as antibiotic free therapies for controlling against bacterial infections.

ICHS2016/AB_297
Effect of seed treatments with different levels of nitrogen on plant growth and seed yield of pea
(Pisum sativum)
Asmat Batool, Muhammad Amjad, Tanveer Ahmad, Khurram Ziaf, Asad Ullah and Muhammad Awais
Ghani
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: semee_uca@yahoo.com (A.B)
Pea (Pisum sativum) is the second most important legume crop in the World having a wide range of
uses for human food and fodder. It may also play a vital role in sustainable agriculture because of its
high yielding potential. Nitrogen is an important element in plant growth that is taken up by plants in
the form of nitrate or ammonium and is essential element in proteins, enzymes and chlorophyll
structure. The study was conducted during the year 2013-14. The experiment was planned to check
the effect of Nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) and Germinator on seed emergence percentage,
plant height, number of pods per plant, pod weight and number of nodes bearing first flower.
Emergence percentage (66.6) was recorded maximum in cv. Meteor treated with Germinator + 45Kg
N/ha. Maximum plant height (75.4 cm) was observed in cv. Meteor seeds treated with Np +
Germinator. Number of Nodes bearing first flower observed more (9.08) in cv. Meteor seeds treated
with 45Kg/ha Nitrogen. Maximum numbers of pods per plant were obtained in seeds treated with Np
+ Germinator (42.6). More pod weight (2133.3 mg) was observed in cv. Alena seeds treated with Np +
Germinator. Our results revealed that Germinator along with Rhizobium can significantly induce
emergence percentage and seed yield of Pea.

ICHS2016/AB_299
Effect of halo-priming on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) seed vigor under various
salinity levels
Asmat Batool, Tanveer Ahmad, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Anam Noor, Muhammad
Mahmood ur Rehman
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: semee_uca@yahoo.com (A.B).
Salinity and drought stresses are among the most significant factors responsible for substantial and
unpredictable losses in crop production, mainly the vegetable husbandry. Seed priming is a useful
method to improve seed vigor and uniform seedling emergence even under adverse optimal and suboptimal conditions. The present study was designed to lessen the adverse effects of salinity on
cabbage seeds. For this, different doses 1, 2 and 3% of each salt i.e. NaCl, KNO 3, KH2PO4, KCl, MgCl2
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and MgSO4 were used under different salinity levels [0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl]. KNO 3
1% at zero salinity level showed significant results for final germination percentage (100%), time taken
to 50% germination (1.5 days), vigor index (2227.4%). Germination energy was observed maximum
(100%) in seeds treated with MgCl2, KCl, MgSO4, KNO3 and KH2PO4 at zero salinity (0mM NaCl) level.
Whereas, increased salinity levels (200mM NaCl) had detrimental impact on seed germination (68%),
increased the time taken to 50% germination (2.4 days), decreased vigor index (54.936) and also
lowers germination energy (19%). All the treatments alleviate the adverse effects of salinity. Maximum
salinity had detrimental impact on vigor related traits. Our results indicated that all seed invigoration
treatments especially KNO3 1% could be a good treatment for cabbage seed germination even under
saline conditions but much increased salinity level did not favor vigor related traits.

ICHS2016/AB_301
Effect of different levels of nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus
reticulata Blanco.) grown under high planting densities
Anam Noor, Ahmad Sattar Khan, Muhammad Amjad, Saeed Ahmad and Asmat Batool
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: anamnoor83@gmail.com (A.N.), ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K), amjaduaf@gmail.com
(M.A), sandhu100hasan@yahoo.com (S.A), semee_uca@yahoo.com (A.B)
Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) is the leading citrus cultivar in Pakistan and role of
nitrogen (N) in the growth, productivity and quality is widely accepted. Therefore, the proposed study
was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of N on growth, productivity and quality of
Kinnow mandarin grown under high density plantation. Soil application of N in the form of urea was
carried out at different combination at different growth stages. Whereas, 500 g each of phosphorous
and potassium was applied to the experimental trees at the beginning of the experiment. Experiment
was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) under factorial arrangements
with four replicates. Data regarding leaf mineral contents, tree vegetative and reproductive growth,
yield and fruit quality parameters were collected and analyzed according to standard statistical
techniques. Results of leaf analysis for macro and micronutrients revealed significant differences after
N application. Significant increase was found in vegetative growth parameters, which includes tree
height, tree width, number of leaves per flush and leaf age by different pruning levels (severe pruning)
and N applications (750 g/tree). Pre-harvest fruit drop percentage was significantly decreased by
intensity of pruning and N3 level treated with N application (750 g/tree). The yield and number of
marketable fruit harvested showed significant difference under different levels of pruning (severe
pruning). Fruit length and juice weight percentage showed significant results by different pruning
levels (severe pruning). N application (250 g/tree) showed significant result for fruit weight. pH of juice
and titratable acidity (TA) decreased significantly with severity of pruning while total soluble solids
(TSS) and ascorbic acid increased with pruning severity. TSS and ascorbic acid increased with N
application @ 250 g/tree. Reducing, non-reducing and total sugars increased by pruning intensity
while application of 250 g N/tree showed significant results for reducing, non-reducing and total
sugars. Overall results revealed that application of N has positive impact on vegetative and
reproductive growth, fruit yield while severe pruning especially improves quality of Kinnow mandarin
fruit. Therefore, severe pruning and application of N @ 750 g/tree is recommended for better Kinnow
fruit production.
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ICHS2016/AB_303
Influence of pollen resources on fruit size and quality in inter-varietal crosses in mango
Muhammad Usman, Shirjeel Zawar, Bilquees Fatima and Saeed Ahmad
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan.
Email: m.usman@uaf.edu.pk (M.U).
Elite mango cultivars were reciprocally crossed to observe the effect of pollen source on fruit quality.
Morphological characters like crown shape, tree growth habit, leaf altitude, curvature of secondary
vein, leaf pubescence and color of developed leaves were insignificant while rest of the characters
showed significant variation. Fruit setting (%), fruit drop (%) and fruit quality was highly genotype
dependent. Fruit setting was the highest (21.27%) in cv. Sindhri and the lowest in cvs. Anwar Ratol,
Langra and Chaunsa (8-10%). Sensation produced the longest fruit (FL), fruit diameter (FD) was higher
in Langra while Dusehri developed the heaviest peel (PW), pulp wt (PPW) and ratio pulp wt: peel wt.
(PW:PPW) was higher in Sensation. Chaunsa developed the highest TSS, acidity (TA), ratio TSS:TA,
ascorbic acid (AA) content and non-reducing sugars (NRS). Total sugars (TS) and reducing sugars (RS)
were higher in Sensation and Sindhri. Pollen parent Dusehri significantly enhanced FL, PW. TSS, TSS:TA
and AA contents in cv. Anwar Ratol while reciprocal crosses showed insignificant change. Pollen parent
Chaunsa enhanced TSS and ratio TSS:TA in Sensation. Pollen parent Langra enhanced FL, PW and PPW
in cv. Sindhri while no marked change was observed in chemical characters of the fruit in reciprocal
crosses. These findings indicate significant impact of pollen parents Dusehri, Chaunsa and Langra on
enhancing fruit size and quality in other cultivars. Further physiological and genetic studies are
suggested to see the role of pollen released mRNAs that may regulate the seed and fruit development
depending upon the male parent.

ICHS2016/AB_306
Effect of cold storage on physico-chemical attributes, bioactive compounds and anti-oxidative
defensive enzymes of litchi fruit
Sahar Rashid1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Sajid Ali1, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah1, Aman Ullah Malik1
and Abdul Rehman2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K)
Litchi exhibits very short shelf life. After harvest it loses its bright red colour quickly and turns brown
within 2-3 days at ambient temperature. Temperature play critical role in the development of
browning and its management is important to control postharvest browning, improve quality and
extend shelf life. Effect of cold storage on physico- chemical, and enzymatic characteristics of litchi
cultivar Gola were investigated at 51C temperature with 905% RH for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Fruit
physico-chemical characteristics were investigated after each removal. During storage, an increase in
pericarp browning index, fruit weight loss, disease severity index, fruit decay while decrease in fruit
firmness was observed. Fruit chemical characters such as TSS, TA and ascorbic acid exhibited
decreasing manner while TSS: TA ratio showed increasing trend during the storage period. An increase
in enzymes like PPO and POD was observed while antioxidative enzymes such as SOD and CAT
decreased during cold storage. Results indicate that disease severity, fruit firmness, fruit decay, TA,
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TSS, TSS: TA ratio and enzymes like SOD and CAT showed better results up to 28 days of old storage.
It is suggested that cold storage can be an effective postharvest technique to maintain overall quality
of litchi fruit up to 28 days as compared to ambient temperature.

ICHS2016/AB_307
Controlled atmosphere storage delayed pericarp browning and maintained antioxidant status of
litchi fruit
Sajid Ali1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah1, Aman Ullah Malik1 and Muhammad
Shahid2
1
Postharvest Research and Training Centre, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
2
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K)
Litchi pericarp browning is the major issue which adversely affects its market potential. So, the
influence of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on pericarp browning, biochemical quality and
antioxidative enzymes of Gola litchi fruit was investigated. Fruit were stored under air or 3% O2 + 4%
CO2 and stored at 51C with 905% relative humidity for 28-days. CA-stored fruit showed reduced
weight loss, membrane leakage and pericarp browning by maintaining higher peel anthocyanin
contents. Soluble solid contents and titratable acidity were also substantially higher in CA-stored litchi
fruit. Activities of peel catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes were significantly higher in the
fruit kept under CA-conditions. On the other hand, activities of peel polyphenol oxidase and
peroxidase enzymes were substantially lower in CA-stored litchi fruit. In conclusion, 3% O2 + 4% CO2
combination significantly delayed pericarp browning and maintained biochemical attributes as well as
antioxidant activities of Gola litchi fruit for 28-days.

ICHS2016/AB_308
Fungicide application influences tree vigour, nutrient level and fruit quality of blood red sweet
orange
Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Raheel Anwar1, Saeed Ahmad1, Tayyaba Shaheen2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Emails: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)

This study was conducted to improve the tree vigour, nutrient level and fruit quality of phytopthora
infested low bearing sweet orange. Sweet orange cv. Pineapple trees were treated with Ridomil (70g
tree-1 as soil drenching) and Alliette (2g L-1 as foliar spray) separately or in combination, with soil
drenching of CuSO4 (30g or 60g tree-1 as an amendment). Over two years of studies all the fungicide
treatments showed better tree growth in terms of gain in plant height, canopy spread and stem girth
than untreated trees. Blood Red trees treated with 2g Alliette + 70g Ridomil + 30g CuSO4 showed
highest increase in tree height and stem girth as compared to other treatments. Whilst, application of
2g Alliette + 70g Ridomil + 60g CuSO4 to Blood Red trees exhibited highest increase in the tree spread
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than other treatments. Application of fungicides brought the leaf N level of phytopthora infested
Blood Red trees from lower or deficient to optimum range. Before leaf drop in winter, leaf N level of
fungicide-treated trees again dropped down below the optimum range, however, highest leaf N level
was observed in trees treated with 2g Alliette + 70g Ridomil + 30g CuSO 4. Fungicide applications did
not significantly affect leaf P and K status of the fungicide-treated trees. Fruits harvested from
fungicide-treated trees exhibited higher fruit weight, juice per cent, SSC:TA ratio and level of ascorbic
acid, whilst, the peel weight, peel thickness and TA was reduced as compared to control trees. In
conclusion, a combined application of fungicides [Alliette (2g L-1 as foliar spray) and Ridomil (70g tree1
as soil drenching) plus CuSO4 (30g tree-1 as soil drenching)] can be used effectively to improve the
tree vigour of phytopthora infested low bearing Blood Red orange trees with better fruit quality.

ICHS2016/AB_309
Fruit softening and oxidative phenomenon during mango ripening
Kashif Razzaq1, Ahmad Sattar Khan2, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana1
Department of Horticulutre, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agriculture University, Multan, Pakistan
2
Postharvest Research and Training Centre, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K)

During ripening, mango fruit undergo a texture loss (fruit softening), which determines its shelf life,
postharvest deterioration and storage potential. Fruit softening is a desirable ripening process,
mediated by hydrolytic enzymes resulting in subsequent breakdown of cell wall polymers i.e. such as
cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin. Several pectin degrading and modifying enzymes in mango are
polygalacturonase (exo-polygalacturonase and endo-polygalacturonase), pectinesterase, endo-1,4-D-glucanas, -galactosidase, pectate lyase, cellulase, galactanase, arabinanase [arabinofuranosidase,
endo-arabinanase] and xylanase. Beside fruit softening, ripening of fruit is also a sequential oxidative
phenomenon that needs a turnover reactive oxygen species, like hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals
and superoxide anion. The generated ROS cause oxidative injury to lipid membrane, nucleic acids and
proteins. Such type of damages could be protected by the activation of different antioxidant defense
enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase and also by non-enzymatic
antioxidants like glutathione, ascorbic acid and beta carotene. An understanding of these changes
would help in formulating procedures for controlling fruit softening and oxidative stress for enhancing
shelf life and improving quality of mango fruit. In the present review an attempt has been made to
summarize the recent findings on the phenomenon of fruit softening and oxidative stress in mango.

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ICHS2016/AB_310
Different levels of potash and pruning intensities influence Kinnow mandarin fruit quality grown
under high planting densities
Nida Mahren1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1, Shahzad Maqsood Ahmad Basra2,
Muhammad Farrukh Saleem2
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K.)
This research was conducted to evaluate the interactive influence of different levels of K and pruning
intensities on quality of Kinnow mandarin grown under high density plantation. For this purpose,
treess were treated with three doses of K (250, 500 and 750 g/tree) as soil feeding along with three
pruning intensities viz. light, moderate and severe pruning. K fertilization significantly enhanced the
titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids: titratable acidity ratio (TSS:TA), total sugars and antioxidant
capacity of Kinnow mandarin fruit. Whereas pH, TA, TSS:TA ratio, ascorbic acid concentration,
reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total phenolic contents (TPC) and carotenoids of juice were
significantly affected by different pruning intensities. In case of TSS, reducing, non- reducing and total
sugars, interaction among different levels of K and pruning intensities was found significant. It can be
concluded that pruning and K treatments positively influenced the quality of Kinnow mandarin.
Severe pruning along with K application @ 750 g per tree can be recommended for good fruit quality.

ICHS2016/AB_311
Pre and postharvest management of mango fruit fly: An overview
Muhammad Naeem Abbas1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Raheel Anwar1, Aman Ullah Malik1, Muhammad
Ahsan Khan2
1
Postharvest Research and Training Centre, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
2
Department of Entomolgy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Emails: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K.), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
Fruit fly is the major threat to mango industry. Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera dorsalis are two
important fruit fly species found in Pakistani mango growing areas. They cause significant economic
losses and have quarantine importance. Different pre- and postharvest treatments are being used to
control the fruit flies. The preharvest treatments includes orchard sanitation, inter tree ploughing
along with some sprays such as decamethrin, plant based insecticides and pheromone traps. The
postharvest strategies include hot water treatments, vapour heat treatment, microwave vapour heat
treatment, forced hot air treatment along with high humidity and irradiations. Insecticidal controlled
atmosphere is also an effective mean of fruit fly control. Different countries have their own quarantine
requirements. So, an attempt has been made to review all possible available literature
comprehensively to provide essential details of pre and postharvest strategies for fruit fly control of
mango.

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ICHS2016/AB_312
Extension in the harvest window of mango fruit through indigenous accessions
Abdul Rehman1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana2
Postharvest Research and Training Centre, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulutre, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Agriculture University, Multan, Pakistan
Email: ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K)
1

Mango is known as king of fruit. In Pakistan mango fruit is 2nd important fruit crop after citrus in terms
of production. Mango orchard establishment is considered as a profitable enterprise. The season of
mango is confined up to 3-4 months having few commercial cultivars. Most of these cultivars possess
several handicaps i.e. low yield, narrow harvesting window, alternate bearing, poor fruit quality and
certain other physiological disorders. There is need to diversify the existing mango germplasm to
extend its market window with better fruit qulaity. Based upon the comprehensive study on existing
unexplored mango germplasm in Punjab 10 new mango accessions (varieties) have been selected.
These accessions have shown tremendous potential for their suitability as future commercial mango
cultivars of Pakistan. Mango orchard establishment with the introduction of new promising mango
accessions will help to increase the profitability and extend the market window. These new mango
accessions (varieties) have the potential to compete with both national and international mango
varieties thus export value can also be increased. These new selected mango accessions include some
early, mid and late season accessions (varieties) that will strengthen the existing mango industry.
Export of these mangoes can fetch higher price in international market as there will be less
competitors at their time of availability in market.

ICHS2016/AB_314
Nutritional and pomological diversification in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars of Chitral and
Gilgit valley (Pakistan)
Muhammad Waseem1, Summar Abbas Naqvi1, Muhammad Salman Haider2, Muhammad Jafar
Jaskani1, Muhammad Shahid3, Mansoor Hameed4, Iqrar Ahmad Khan1
1
Pomology Lab, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040,
Pakistan;
2
College of Horticulture, Ninjing Agriculture University, People's Republic of China
3
Protein Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department Biochemistry, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
4
Taxanomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Punjab 38040, Faisalabad
Emails: wasimm45@gmail.com (M.W), summarnaqvi@hotmail.com (S.A.N)
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is very important and highly nutritive fruit crop of the world. In Pakistan
it is mostly grown in Northern areas (Gilgit and Skardu), KPK (Swat and Chitral) and Baluchistan (Killa
Saifullah, Killa Abdullah and Loralai). Pakistan is 6th leading producer of apricot in the world. In present
study twenty six cultivars of apricot grown in Northern areas of Pakistan (Gilgit and Chitral) were
selected to explore the nutritional diversification of their fruits. HPLC analysis of sugars depicted that
fructose and glucose were in the range of 0.04 - 3.37 % and 0.05 - 6.02 % respectively. Moreover the
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data showed distinction among all the factors under investigation in all the cultivars. The biochemical
parameters of apricot fruits i.e. antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents, ascorbic acid,
anthocyanin and total flavonoids were in the range of 45.69 % - 90.45 %, 2094.4-6411.5 mg GAE/100g,
69.22 91.20 mg/100g, 0.06 2.01 mg/100 g and 13.65 46.33 mg CAE/g respectively. The activity
of antioxidant enzymes in apricot fruit viz. Peroxidase (0.24 1.93), Catalase (4.04 48.36) and SOD
(4.02 36.43) as IU per mg of protein were also studied. The data pertaining to soluble protein
contents also showed variability from 1.55 21.42 mg/100 g among all the tested cultivars. Some
pomological features of apricot fruit i.e. fruit and seed weight, shape, length, width, flesh thickness
and fruit color were also observed. The data pretending to pomological features also showed
variation. The cultivar MWC-01 showed best results regarding antioxidant activity and total flavonoid
contents. Whereas, best pomological characteristics were recorded in KMC-01. Overall results from
present study showed that all the tested cultivars are highly nutritious and beneficial related to human
health.

ICHS2016/AB_316
Protoplast fusion technology: A perspective for citrus scion and rootstock improvement
Sadaf Altaf1, Iqrar Ahmad Khan1, Bushra Sadia2, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani1Ali Khan3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of Agricultural biochemistry and biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
3
Department of plant breeding and genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040,
Pakistan
Email: sadafaltaf2003@gmail.com (S.A).
1

The traditional methods of genetic manipulation have proven ineffective for many citrus breeding
objectives. The reproductive impediments to genetic improvement of citrus including nucellar
embryony, pollen and ovule sterility, inbreeding depression and heterozygosity make citrus breeding
time consuming. Globally, citrus somatic hybridization and cybridization via protoplast fusion has
become a vital part of citrus variety improvement program. It is an important technique in plant
biotechnology which involves development of somatic hybrid plants by fusion of protoplasts of two
closely related to distantly related genotypes. Applications of somatic hybridization to citrus scion
improvement involve three strategies: a) the production of quality tetraploid breeding parents [W.
Murcott tangor (Citrus reticulata Blanco) + Snack] that can be used in interploid crosses to generate
seedless triploids, b) the direct production of triploids by haploid + diploid fusion, c) the transfer of
cytoplasmic male sterility CMS from Satsuma to seedy cultivars. Application of somatic hybridization
for rootstock improvement includes, a) Combining the complementary parents without breaking up
successful gene combinations to provide an opportunity for disease and insect resistance, soil
adaptation, and tree size control, b) Mixing of wild germplasm with cultivated one, for gene transfer
from sexually incompatible species to compatible one [W. Murcott tangor (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
+ Citrus latipes (papeda)], c) Building up of Tetrazyg rootstock, a new approach of rootstock breeding
and selection at tetraploid level using somatic hybrid parents, d) Resynthesis of important rootstocks
at the tetraploid level via fusion of selected superior parents is circumventing the problems. The
primary purpose of this abstract is to highlight the present status of this technology and its
implications in improvement of Citrus.
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ICHS2016/AB_317
Mushrooms as a source of umami constituents
Muhammad Ahsan Khatana, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Awais Ghani,
Muhammad Azam, Mohsin Bashir and Muhammad Zeshan Rafique
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: ahsansiddique2319@gmail.com (M.A.K)
Umami recognized as 5th taste appealing savory taste for the most part ascribed to MSG-like
aminoacids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and 5-nucleotides (XMP, IMP and GMP). It is created by
glutamate, ribonucleotides and chemicals which happen actually in numerous foods including meat,
dairy products, fish and mushrooms. Edible mushrooms have specific umami taste which makes
mushrooms an attractive choice in most food preparation. Recently, there is an increased interest on
the assessment of umami components in different palatable mushroom species. The umami
ingredients present in fruit body, stripes, pileus and mycelia of mushroom vary broadly relying upon
mushroom species. The accessibility of umami ingredients in mycelia in noteworthy amounts makes
the mycelia, a great source for umami ingredients to be used along with mushroom or as an alternate.
The analysis of umami ingredients in mushrooms showed that the MSG-like amino acids are available
in extensive amount than flavor 5-nucleotides and MSG-like amino acids, particularly glutamic acid,
is the major umami ingredients in mushrooms. Because of the health advantages of glutamic acid and
sodium glutamate, mushrooms are considered as nutritious, pleasant and effective food and utilized
often as a part of food. The present review article discusses mushrooms as a source of umami flavors
or umami enhancers.

ICHS2016/AB_318
The good about Oyster mushrooms
Adil Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Khurram Ziaf, Waqar Karim, Asif Ali Khan, Mohsin Bashir,
Anam Zahid, Fozia, Muhammad Asif Ali
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: adil_horticulturist@yahoo.com (A.K.)
Pleurotus genus mushrooms are becoming globally popular day by day and are consumed all over the
world due to their high nutritional values, flavor, good taste, presence of bioactive compounds and
medicinal properties. Respective species of this genus are rich in proteins with essential amino acids,
essential fatty acids, dietary fibers, important minerals, vitamins and vital physiological
polysaccharides. Due to their unique biochemical composition these mushrooms have been reported
to have anti diabetic, anti obesity, anti aging, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti hypercholesterolemia,
anti hypertensive, anti allergic, anti microbial and antioxidant activities. This review article discusses
nutritional composition and dietary importance of different wild and cultivated oyster mushrooms.

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ICHS2016/AB_319
Nutritional and medicinal profiles of Shiitake mushrooms
Adil Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Asif Ali Khan, Waqar Karim, Muhammad Asif Ali,
Muhammad Azam, Syed Ahmad Raza Gillani, Ayesha Rasheed
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: adil_horticulturist@yahoo.com (A.K)
Since ages Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms have been produced in China, Japan and Korea etc.
and are considered as second most cultivated edible mushrooms after button mushrooms. According
to scientific classification shiitake mushroom belongs to kingdom Fungi, order Agaricales and division
Basidiomycota. Shiitake mushrooms are an enriched source of antioxidants, minerals, protein, niacin
and vitamins etc. and are known to be consumed not only as a food but also have medicinal properties
for the remedy of poor blood circulation, liver trouble, upper respiratory disease, exhaustion,
weakness, frequent flu, increase energy level and for prohibition of premature aging. Shiitake
mushrooms are famous for their inspiring health related properties such as anti-tumor effects,
cholesterol lowering ability, blood pressure regulation and anti-viral properties. This review article is
entitled to provide information regarding nutritional and medicinal constituents of shiitake
mushrooms.

ICHS2016/AB_320
The therapeutic potential of Wild Chaga (Innotus obliquus) mushrooms
Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Asif Ali, Mohsin Bashir,
Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Ahsan Khatana
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: chzeshan3534@gmail.com (M.Z.F.)
Chaga (Innotus obliquus) that naturally grows in Alaska, northern Canada, northern USA and Siberia
etc. on birch trees is an edible mushroom of specific medicinal significance. This review article is
entitled to discuss production status, dietary consumption pattern, nutritional, biochemical and health
beneficial properties of Chaga mushrooms with special reference to their antioxidants components
with particular reference to boost immune system, inhibition of inflammatory cascade and allergic
reactions, combating diabetes and cholesterol levels normalization, moderating cancer by antiproliferative effects and antitumor activities in relation to consumption of Chaga mushroom in various
forms.

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ICHS2016/AB_321
Performance of radish as affected by different plant spacing under agro-climatic conditions of
Swabi
Adil Khan1, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir1, Asif Ali Khan1, Waqar Karim1, Ibad Ullah Jan2,
Muhammad Ali3 and Muhammad Awais Ghani1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
2
Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi Pakistan
3
Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Email: adil_horticulturist@yahoo.com (A.K)
To study the effect of different spacing on the performance of radish under the agro-climatic
conditions of Swabi a trial was carried out at Agriculture Farm, University of Swabi. Radish seeds were
sown at spacing of 1.5(control), 2 and 2.5 feet. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There was a significant effect of plant to plant spacing on
number of leaves, petiole width (cm), leaf blade width (cm), petiole length, root weight per plant, root
width (mid), Biomass and root length. Maximum number of leaves (41.66), petiole width (1.34cm),
leaf blade width (17.38cm), petiole length (4.16cm), root weight per plant (1625g), Root length
(43.36cm) root width (mid) (7.34cm) and biomass (1726g) were recorded in plants with spacing of 2.5
ft, while minimum no. of leaves (29.31), petiole width (0.68cm), leaf blade width (12.35cm), petiole
length (2.7cm), root weight per plant (810.3g) root length (31.75cm) root width (mid) (5.10cm) and
biomass (1076 g) were recorded in plants with plant to plant distance of 1.5ft. Based on the above
results it is recommended that spacing of 2.5 ft should be kept for optimum growth and maximum
production of radish.

ICHS2016/AB_322
Mushrooms as a source of selenium
Waqar Karim, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Asif Ali, Syed
Ahmad Raza Gillani, Anam Zahid
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: karimwaqar3@gmail.com (W.K)
Role of Selenium for human health is well documented. This review article is entitled to provide
comprehensive information regarding total selenium concentration, distribution of selenium in
fruiting body of mushroom, gills, cap and stipe of mushrooms. Bio concentration factors responsible
for selenium accumulation and various chemical forms of selenium reported in different selenium
enriched mushrooms, various cultivated mushrooms and naturally grown wild mushrooms are also
discussed here.

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ICHS2016/AB_323
Selection of chilli varieties on the basis of production
Waqar Karim1, Ibad Ullah Jan2, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir1, Adil Khan1, Asif Ali Khan1,
Muhammad Awais Ghani1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
2
Department of Agriculture University of Swabi Pakistan
Email: karimwaqar3@gmail.com (W.K)
An experiment entitled Selection of chillies verities on the basis of production was carried out at
Agriculture Research Station, Mingora-Swat. Ten different verities were sown with plant to plant and
row to row distance of 30 and 75 cm respectively. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There was a significant effect among verities
regarding days to first flowering, days to 50% percent flower while, non-significant results were
observed for parameters including percent damage plants, root rot incidence percentage, days to first
fruiting, days to fifty percent fruiting, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight and plant
height. The maximum number of days to first flowering (37) and days to 50% flowering (40) were
observed in cultivars No. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 2, 6,8 respectively. While minimum days to first flowering
(37) and days to 50% flowering (40) were observed in cultivars No. 1, 6 and 1, 4, 7, 10 respectively.

ICHS2016/AB_324
Salt tolerance induction in chilli plants with exogenous application of proline by improving ionic
dynamics and antioxidant activities
Madiha Butt, Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub, Muhammad Amjad, Hafiz Nazar Faried, Mohsin Bashir,
Waqar Abdus Sammad, Zaid Mustafa
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: madeha_98@yahoo.com (M.B)
Salinity stress is a serious threat to crop production around the globe and about 6.3 m ha lands in
Pakistan is salt affected. Chilli is an important cash crop having significant impact on Pakistans
economy and food security. Despite of economic significance of chilli, little is known about the salt
tolerance potential of chilli plants. To address this question, two chilli genotypes namely Plahi and A120 were compared in responses to salt stressed and non-stressed conditions with exogenously
applied proline (0.8 mM). Proline enhanced the ionic (K+) and antioxidant activity by improving the
osmoregulation. Plahi genotype showed higher K+ contents while less Na+ contents in leaves as
compared to A-120 genotype. Similarly, Plahi genotype accumulated more proline and glycinebetaine
with respect to A-120. Exogenously applied proline under salt stress increased the antioxidant activity
which detoxified ROS which fueled the extrusion of Na+ and re-uptake of K+. Conclusively, the present
study results suggest strengthening of salt stress tolerance mechanisms conferred by proline in order
to alleviate the salt induced injury.

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ICHS2016/AB_325
Different irrigation levels testing on cucumber in tissue tunnel
Furqan Aslam1, Saddam Hussain1, Gul Nawaz1, Shahzad Ahmed2, Ahmad Waqas2
Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Water Management Research Center, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: agriengineerfurqan@gmail.com (F.A.), saddamwahla2327@gmail.com (S.H.)

Cucumber require high amount of water about 95%. Irrigation earlier than necessary, effects on water
productivity, energy and also has a negative impact on soil condition and plant growth. Tissue tunnel
is more viable practice for temperature maintaining and control pest attack. An experiment of in time
applications of irrigation to the cucumber crop under a tissue tunnel was conducted at Water
Management Research Center (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Randomize
Complete Block Design (RCBD) was selected with three repetitions to check the effect of three
irrigation levels, 20% MAD as T1, 40% MAD as T2 and field capacity as T3. Growth parameters like
plant height, number of fruits, number of leaves and fruit weight per plants were calculated. Two
different discharge levels of drip system were selected 4 liters per hour (lph) and 2 liters per hour (lph).
The Results revealed that irrigation efficiency was 95% of 4 lph drip discharge and only 88% of 2 lph
drip discharge. Average plant height calculated in T2 was 6 ft with 4lph drip discharge and 5.3 ft. in T5
(field Capacity). Weight of fruit per plant was 1300g in T2 with 4 lph and 900g in T5 with 2 lph drip
discharge. Water saving was 20% in T1 and T2 and 40% in T3 and T4 with maximum and in T4 and T3
with minimum yield respectively. Experiment approach justified that amount of irrigation water
directly affect yield and growth parameters of Cucumber plant.

ICHS2016/AB_326
Influence of bulb size and phosphorus on the performance of tuberose under the agro-climatic
conditions of Swabi
Sana Khan2, Ibad Ullah Jan3, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir1, Asif Ali Khan1, Sadeed Iqbal2, Adil
Khan1, Waqar Karim1, Mohsin Bashir1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
2
Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Peshawar
3
Department of Horticulture, University of Swabi
Email: sannokhan5@gmail.com (S.K.)
A field experiment entitled Influence of bulb size and phosphorus on the performance of tuberose
under the agro-climatic conditions of Swabi was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, University
of Swabi during 2014. The studies were carried out to observe the effect of various bulb sizes i.e. >3,
2-3 and <2 cm diameter and phosphorus levels i.e. 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1 on growth, flowering
and bulblets production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). The experiment was laid out according
to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in two factorial arrangements with three replications.
The results showed that bulb sizes had a significant effect on days to bolting, plant height, number of
leaves, flowers per stalk, days to 50% flowering, plant canopy, bulb volume, number of bulbs plant -1
and number of bulblets plant-1. Minimum days to bolting (178.62), days to 50% flowering (183.79) and
maximum plant height (92.51 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (27.91), number of florets per spike
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(36.17), plant canopy (9.19), bulb volume (212.87), number of bulbs per plant (4.07) and number of
bulblets plant-1(28.00) was recorded in plants grown from large bulbs. The results indicated that
phosphorus levels significantly affected all parameters except number of bulblets per plant and
number of bulbs per plant. Minimum days to bolting (191.11) and maximum plant canopy (8.49) were
recorded in plants fertilized with 300 kg ha-1 phosphorus, however, maximum plant height (87.00 cm)
was recorded in plants fertilized with 150 kg ha-1 phosphorus, whereas, minimum days to 50%
flowering (212.85) and maximum number of leaves per plant (22.22), number of florets per spike
(33.87), bulb volume (189.03 cm3), number of bulbs per plant (189.03), and number of bulblets per
plant (22.00) was recorded in plants fertilized with 450 kg ha-1 phosphorus.

ICHS2016/AB_329
Effect of planting pattern and sowing time on growth, yield and seed quality of two Pea (Pisum
sativum L.) cultivars
Muhammad Waleed Abdullah, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Asmat Batool
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: waleed.abdullah2661@gmail.com (M.W.A)
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crop in the world. The yield and quality
of pea seeds are significantly influenced by different planting patterns and sowing times. The present
study was conducted in the year 2013-15 to evaluate the effect of different planting patterns (i.e.
raised beds, ridges and flat beds) and sowing times on growth, yield and seed quality of two pea
cultivars Leena Pak and Meteor. The 1st year crop was sown on December 4th, 2013 and the second
year crop was sown on November 24th, 2014. Results revealed that maximum plant height was
obtained in early sown raised bed system. Meteor showed maximum plant height and shoot biomass
per plant. Number of days taken to flower had significant response towards planting pattern and
sowing time. Early sown cultivar Leena Pak (November 24 th 2014) produced maximum number of
leaves, maximum number of pods, maximum number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, seed yield
was obtained maximum on raised beds. The combined effect of planting pattern, sowing time,
varieties and their interaction was statistically significant. From the results it can be concluded that
planting pattern and sowing time significantly affect the growth, yield and seed quality of the crop.

ICHS2016/AB_332
Effect of different plant spacing on growth and yield characteristics of radish
Asif Ali Khan1, Ibadullah Jan2, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir1, Waqar Karim1, Adil Khan1, Sadeed
Iqbal3, Sana Khan3
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, University of Swabi, Pakistan
3
Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan
Email: asifhorticulture@gmail.com (A.A.K.)
A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Farm, University of Swabi. The study was carried out
to observe the effect of various plant spacing (1.5, 2 and 2.5 feet) on growth and yield of radish. The
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experiment was laid out on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in single factorial arrangement
with three replications. The results showed that there was a significant effect of plant spacing on leaf
length, number of leaves, petiole width, root length, root weight, root width and biomass, while nonsignificant results were obtained in case of seed germination percentage, leaf colour, pubescence,
root position in soil, root width (Top), root width (Bottom) and mortality rate of radish crop. Maximum
leaf length (40.77cm), number of leaves (41.66), petiole width (1.34cm), root length (43.36cm), root
weight (1625g), root width (mid, 7.34cm) and biomass (1726g) were observed in plants with spacing
of 2.5 ft, whereas, the minimum leaf length (32.29 cm), number of leaves (29.31), petiole width (0.68),
root length (43.36cm), root weight (810.3g), root width (mid, 5.10cm) and biomass (1076 g) were
observed in plants with spacing of 1.5 ft (Control). Based on the above results it is recommended that
spacing of 2.5 ft should be kept for best growth and maximum fresh production of radish.

ICHS2016/AB_333
Edible mushrooms as a source of trace elements
Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Waqar Karim, Adil Khan, Muhammad Asif Ali,
Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Fozia
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: asifhorticulture@gmail.com (A.A.K.)
Naturally growing mushrooms are appreciated globally due to their unique flavor, taste and presence
of various bioactive compounds. However, some mushrooms from Calocybe, Macrolepiota, Lepista
and Agaricus genera can accumulate higher concentrations of lead, mercury and cadmium from
polluted areas. This review article is entitled to provide general information regarding concentration
of various deleterious metals present in different mushroom species as limited information regarding
metal speciation in various mushroom species is available. More over metal losses during culinary
handling and preservation of mushrooms is also discussed.

ICHS2016/AB_334
Morel mushrooms: natures super food
Asif Ali Khan, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Waqar Karim, Muhammad Asif Ali, Ayesha
Rasheed, Waseem Iqbal, Fozia
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: asifhorticulture@gmail.com (A.A.K.)
Morchella esculenta (L.) is considered one of the most valued wild edible mushrooms. The commercial
cultivation of this mushroom has not been successful till now. Black morel mushrooms reside in the
temperate zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These mushrooms are always grown on
land surface and cant be seen on woody trees. These mushrooms have potential role in defensive
mechanism of the body due to their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant and antimicrobial
activities. Galactomannan found in M. esculenta has the ability to provoked immune responses. M.
esculenta is an efficient source of carbohydrates and proteins. Bioactive compounds such as phenol,
organic acid and tocopherols are also found in this mushroom. The most abundant compounds found
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in this mushroom are polyunsaturated fatty acids followed by mono or polysaturated fatty acids. This
review article describes various nutritional and biochemical properties of morel mushrooms.

ICHS2016/AB_335
Performance of some exotic tomato varieties grown under Faisalabad conditions
Mubashir Zahid, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad
Muzammil Jahangir, Mazhar Abbas
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: mubashirzahid@live.com (M.Z.), amjaduaf@gmail.com (M.A.)
Tomato is an important vegetable grown all over the world and is part of our daily diet. The increased
consumption results in over increasing demand for new tomato hybrids which could perform better
under indigenous climate. For this purpose an experiment was conducted to check the performance
and variability among varieties for desired characters of some tomato varieties under climatic
conditions of Pakistan. The data was collected on ten varieties and study of analysis of variance
revealed significance difference between among varieties for all characters except sepal number, petal
number and number of locules per fruit. These three characters showed complete absence of variation
within variety. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) is exactly same as phenotypic coefficient of
variation (PCV) for these three characters and the value of broad sense heritability for those were
indicating the absences of environment influence. The PCV was higher than GCV for the consequent
characters that shows the influence caused by environment on the expression of character. Broad
sense heritability were higher for almost all characters suggesting the selection of character could be
done on phenotypic bases and heritability values for traits indicated that selection made for
phenotypic bases cloud be used for genetic improvement and hybridization. The varieties show wide
range of variation in the characters revealing vast genetic base for breeding programs. The extent of
environmental influence on the expression of these characters along with value of broad sense
heritability recommend us that rather it is fit for selection or not.

ICHS2016/AB_338
Effect of plant growth regulators and different salinity level on germination of coriander and
mustard seeds
Tehreem Jabbar, Tayyaba, Turab Ul Hasan, Umar Iftikhar Khan, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad
Muzammil Jahangir
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A)
A study was conducted to check pre-sowing treatment of Ascorbic acid, Glutathione, Citric acid and
Salicylic acid on Coriander and Mustard seeds. Seeds were treated with plant growth regulators and
sown at room temperature. Coriander seeds were treated with Glutathione and Ascorbic acid (50 and
100 ppm), while Mustard seeds were treated with Salicylic acid and Citric acid (50 and 150 ppm).
Sodium chloride (NaCl) was applied at four levels of 0 (as control), 5, 10 and 20 dSm-1 for salinity stress.
Primed seeds of each treatment were cultured in petri dishes and kept at room temperature 22 2
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C. In the present study germination percentage, germination rate, seed viability index, fresh weight,
length of shoot and root, and antioxidants (SOD, POD and CAT) will measured. In Coriander, all
concentrations of Glutathione and Ascorbic acid led to germination. However, best germination was
observed at salt stress of 10 dSm-1. In Mustard, Salicylic acid 150 ppm significantly enhanced the
germination rate at 20 dSm-1. The output of this experiment can be further suggested to the farmers
having saline soils for better germination by application of different regulators.

ICHS2016/AB_339
Effect of pre-sowing salicylic acid and ascorbic acid on seed growth and salt tolerance in cucumber
plants
Khawaja Muhammad Saim, Mohammad Hanif, Muhammad Azam, Mazhar Abbas, Rashad Waseem
Khan Qadri
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A)
This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of pre-sowing treatment of Salicylic acid (SA)
and Ascorbic acid [AsA] on seed germination and growth of Cucumber cultivar Vishawajeet. In this
research, pre-sowing seed treatment of SA, AsA at three different concentrations (50, 100, 150 ppm)
was applied during seed sowing in perti dishes at room temperature. To create salinity stress, sodium
chloride (NaCl) at four levels of 0 (as control), 5, 10 and 20 dSm-1 were used. Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was applied for statistical analysis and factors such as seed
germination percentage, viability and germination rate as well as some qualitative and quantitative
characters were assayed. The results revealed that high level of salinity reduce the germination
percentage. However, SA and AsA chemicals enhance the germination percentage in cucumber.
Results showed that 150 ppm SA as a pre-sowing seed treatment had a significant effect on growth
factors and germination rate. The higher concentration of SA and AsA led to a better germination
percentage and faster growth rate. However, pre-sowing treatment of SA and AsA in different
concentrations had no significant effect on some qualitative parameters. The results of this research
can be of use for greenhouse owners to increase the early growth rate of cucumber plants.

ICHS2016/AB_341
Studies on different N, P and K combinations for vegetative growth of mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Muhammad
Muzammil Jahangir, Mohammad Hanif
Institute of Horticultural sciences, University of Agricultural, Faisalabad
Emails: azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A.), raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
Mango is known as an important fruit of tropics and milder sub-tropics. It is considered one of the
most important fruit after citrus in Pakistan. The present study was initiated at experimental fruit
garden square 9, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The aim was
to find out the effect of different fertilizer combinations such as T 0 (control), T1 (N1000g), T2 (P1500g), T3
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(K1500g), T4 (N1000g + P750g), T5 (N1000g + K750g), T6 (P1500g + K1500g) T7 (N1000g + P750g + K750g) on vegetative
growth of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cv.Dushari. Each treatment of N, P and K were applied at
different times during February and August during 2006 to check the impact of different combinations
on vegetative growth, time of flushes emergence, flush count per tree per month, growth size of
flushes, pattern and time of regrowth. The results revealed that N alone showed more number of
flushes as compared to other, however when NPK were combined vegetative growth was found better
and significant over all other treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_342
Studies on yield and physiochemical properties with effect of different N, P and K combinations on
mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dushari
Muhammad Azam, Faqir Muhammad Tahir, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani, Laraib Hameed
Institute of Horticultural sciences, University of Agricultural, Faisalabad
Emails: azam32jb@yahoo.com (M.A), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
The yield of mango is very low in Pakistan as compared to many other mango growing countries in the
world. Many causes of the low yields are attributed to biotic and abiotic stress and poor nutrient status
of the soil as well as use of imbalanced fertilizers. The study was undertaken to envisage the effect of
different combinations of N, P and K on yield and physiochemical properties of mango (Mangifera
indica L.) cv. Dushari. Fertilizer were applied in different combinations such as N (1000g Urea), P (1500g
TSP), K (1500g SOP), NP (1000g Urea + 750g TSP), NK(1000g Urea + 750g SOP), PK(1500g TSP+ 1500g
SOP ) and NPK (1000g Urea + 750g TSP+ 750g SOP ) on mango cv. Dushari at experimental fruit garden
square 9, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Various parameter
were observed such as yield (Kg/tree), total number of fruits per tree, fruit weight (g), average fruit
weight (g), average pulp weight (g), average peel weight (g) , average weight (g), pulp-peel ratio, pulpstone ratio, total soluble solids (TSS) %, total acidity (%), TSS/Acid ratio (%), vitamin C (%),total sugars
(%), reducing sugars (%) and non-reducing sugars (%). It was found that NPK (1000g Urea + 750g TSP+
750g SOP) showed over all significant result as compared to other treatments.

ICHS2016/AB_343
Morphological and physico-chemical characterization of tomato genotypes
Maryam Azhar, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Anam Noor, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Asmat
Batool
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan.
Email: kziaf78@yahoo.com (K.Z.)
Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop grown in world. Locally available
varieties have low yield potential that is not preferred by growers and huge amount of seed is
imported by spending million of rupees. Present research was carried out with the aim to evaluate
tomato genotypes on the basis of morphological trait of plant and physico-chemical traits of the fruit.
Among thirty five selected genotypes, maximum number of flower per truss (9.1) and number of
inflorescence per plant (51.5) were observed in genotype Tom 5. Tom-17 showed better results for
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number of leaflets (8.40), leaflet width (53.86 mm), leaf rachis length (127.76 mm) and elongated
shape of the fruit. Tom-1 showed maximum fruit weight (71.46 g), fruit circumference (15.66 cm) and
number of locules (4.40). Genotype CC Haus had maximum fruit diameter (72.59 mm) and fruit yield
per plant (4.8 kg). Highest amount of TSS (5.65 Brix) was observed in genotype Tom-19. Tom-9 had
highest amount of total sugars (13.85%). CC Haus showed better results for improving fruit yield and
Tom-17 showed better results for vegetative parameters. Therefore, Tom-17 and CC Haus can be
recommended for varietal improvement.

ICHS2016/AB_344
Influence of gamma irradiation on seed germination and biochemical attributes in fenugreek
Anam Noor, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Amjad, Asmat Batool
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: amjaduaf@gmail.com (M.A.)
Seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.) were exposed to various doses of gamma
radiations i.e. 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy to study their effects on seed vigor and biochemical
attributes. Data regarding germination potential, seedling growth and biochemical characters was
recorded. Results revealed that maximum seed germination percentage (99%) was observed in 100
Gy followed by 0 Gy (95%) while minimum seed germination was found in 500 Gy (76%). Maximum
germination index (44.75) was obtained in 100 Gy and minimum value (31.21) was found in 500 Gy.
Increase in radiation dose up to 500 Gy reduced the seedling length (4.4 cm) while maximum seedling
length (5.46 cm) was observed in control. Lowest electrical conductivity (152.7 s/cm ) was obtained
in the seeds of the fenugreek, which were exposed to low dose of gamma radiation at 100 Gy, while
electrical conductivity of seed leachates increased (248.5 s/cm) with increase in radiation dose (500
Gy). Biochemical differences based on malondialdehyde (MDA) contents revealed that seeds
irradiated at 100 Gy contained highest amount of malondialdehyde contents (0.979 mol/g Fw),
whereas only (0.216 mol/g Fw) of malondialdehyde contents were detected in 500 Gy seedlings.
Although, lowest gamma-rays dose increased the germination potential and vigour index of fenugreek
seeds but the subsequent seedling length were markedly decreased. It can be concluded that
increased radiation dose have negative impact on seed vigour and biochemical attributes.

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ICHS2016/AB_345
Effect of scion on grafting success and other characteristics of apple plant
Javed Iqbal1, Inayat Ur Rahman2, Ibadullah Jan2, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir3, Asif Ali Khan3,
Sadeed Iqbal1, Sana Khan1, Adil Khan3, Waqar Karim3
1
Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan
2
Department of Horticulture, University of Swabi, Pakistan
3
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: iqbal468@aup.edu.pk (J.I.)
An experiment entitled Effect of scion on grafting success and other characteristics of apple plant
was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (North), Mingora Swat, Pakistan in 2014. Scion wood
of five apple cultivars (Summer red, Treco gala, Spartan, Red chief and Pink lady) were bench grafted
on rootstock MM-111. Increase in grafting success (100%), plant height (114.33cm), scion diameter
(17.4mm), number of leaves per plant (228) and number of branches (3.66) were noted for cultivar
Pink lady. Minimum grafting success (56.33%), plant height (37.33cm), scion diameter (8.33mm), and
number of leaves per plant (50), was noted for cultivar red chief. While minimum numbers of branches
(2.33) were noted for cultivar summer red and Treco gala. Therefore it is suggested that cultivar Pink
lady should be cultivated to obtain optimum plant growth under climatic condition of Swat.

ICHS2016/AB_347
Impact of different plant growth regulators on tomato seed germination under different salinity
levels
Rabia Saleem, Irfa Sohail, Khizra Narmeen, Madiha Liaquat, Hassan Raza, Muhammad Azam
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: rabiaanwaar430@gmail.com (R.S.), muhammad.azam@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.)
Plant growth regulator plays various physiological roles in plants, such as seed germination, root
organogenesis, abiotic stress tolerance, and senescence of cut owers. This experiment was carried
out to determine the effect of pre-sowing treatment of Citric acid (CA) Ascorbic acid (AsA) Salicylic
acid (SA) and Glutathione (GT) on tomato seed germination. In this study, tomato seeds were presoaked with AsA and CA at two concentrations as minimum or maximum (100, 300 ppm) and SA and
GA at (50, 150 ppm) was applied during seed sowing in Petri dishes at room temperature. To create
salinity stress, sodium chloride (NaCl) at four levels of 0 (as control) 5, 10 and 20 dSm -1 were used.
Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was applied for statistical analysis
and factors such as seed germination rate, viability and germination percentages as well as some
qualitative characters were studied. The result shows that when salinity level increase reduces the
germination percentage. However, Results showed that CA and AsA chemicals enhance the
germination percentage in tomato. Results showed that high level of salinity reduces the seed
germination percentage. However, CA and AsA chemicals enhance the germination percentage in
tomato. Result showed that 50 ppm AsA as a pre-sowing seed treatment had a significant effect on
growth and germination rate. AsA led a better and fast germination as compared to CA. The result of
this research can be of use for greenhouse owner to increase the early growth rate of tomato plants.

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ICHS2016/AB_348
Hormonal priming improves germination and seedling vigour in early carrot under high
temperature conditions
Muhammad Mahmood ur Rehman1, Khurram Ziaf1, Muhammad Amjad1, Riaz Ahmad2, Osama Bin
Abdul Hafeez1, Awais Ghani1
1
Vegetable Seed Laboratory, Institute of Horticultural Sciences,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: mahmood2443@gmail.com (M.M.R.)
Germination and seedling establishment are most important stages in the life cycle of plants especially
under stress conditions. Different approaches have been adopted by plant physiologists in various
crops to alleviate stresses. Seed priming has proven a helpful tool in this regard in many important
agricultural crops. The effect of seed priming with gibberellic acid (GA 3) and salicylic acid (SA) in
improving germination and seedling vigour of carrot under high temperature conditions was
evaluated. Seeds primed with GA3 (0.05mM, 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.8 mM) and SA (0.1 mM,
0.2 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.8 mM 1.6 mM) or distilled water and were sown in incubator at 3530C while
untreated seeds served as control. Higher Concentrations of GA3 and SA could not favour germination.
However, at lower concentration GA3 i.e 0.05 mM and in case of SA, 0.1 mM showed significantly
better results over the control by improvement in term of time taken to 50% germination, final
germination percentage, and seedling vigour index. Our results showed that hormonal priming, with
gibberellic acid (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) could be a good treatment to enhance carrot earlier
germination and better seedling establishment under high temperature conditions for early carrot
production.

ICHS2016/AB_349
Characterization and morphological identification of Pseudomonas species associated with wilt
disease of tomato crop
Muhammad Ashfaq, Amna Ali, Anum Nawaz, Muhammad Saleem Haider, Muhammad Ali
Institute of Agricultural Sciences. University of the Punjab, Quaid-E-Azam campus, Lahore 54590
Pakistan
Email: ashfaq.iags@pu.edu.pk (M.A.)
Bacterial wilt is an extremely serious plant disease of tomato and other crops. Infected plants wilt
rapidly and often die. The disease is caused by a soil bacterium Pseudomonas and infects plants
through the roots. The causal agent of tomato wilt (Pseudomonas species) was identified from the
collected eleven varieties of tomato plant. Eleven local varieties of tomato were sown in separate
earthen pots to be grown up to nursery and then transplanted in separate rows. Simple random
sampling technique was adopted for collection of diseased tomato samples. The growth of pathogen
was carried out on different specified culture media viz. triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and yeast
peptone glucose agar. The bacterial isolate was characterized by morphological, biochemical tests and
its phytopathogenicity was verified by simple Rapid Streaming test.
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ICHS2016/AB_351
Evaluation of the sensory qualities of ready to serve blends of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.)
Mirza Arslan Abid
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, New campus. Lahore.
Email: arslanabid91@gmail.com (M.A.B).
Aloe vera has been used for its medicinal worth for several thousand years. Its use is also mention in
the Bible where it was taken as the plant of immortality. The research was conducted at Department
of Horticulture, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpinid, Punjab, Pakistan in year
2013-14. The main objectives of this study are to develop the economical Aloe drink using available
resources and to evaluate the sensory properties of different blends of Aloe vera drink. The sensory
qualities that were evaluated include color, taste, smell, appearance and feels. For each 200 ml of
water, 14 g Aloe gel, 12.4 g Sugar, 3 Fresh mint leaves, 2 tbs of Fresh lemon juice and 0.37g of Ginger
was used. The sensory qualities that were evaluated include color, taste, smell, appearance and
feelings. The panelists were asked to record their observations and give marks to each parameter of
different blends out of 10 on the sensory sheet. The most least liked Aloe blend was T4 that include
Aloe gel, water, sugar and mint leaves. It was due to the strong smell and taste of mint leaves as mint
leaves contain menthol. The overall acceptability of T8 was at the top as it contained complete blend
of Aloe gel, mint leaves, fresh lemon juice and ginger. The potential of Aloe vera to be used in Food
Industry and Pharmaceutical Industry has been increased. Aloe vera has many antibacterial, antifungal
and antiviral active biological compounds which make it best for many disorders. An effort was made
to make Aloe drink using the available resources and to develop awareness about its importance
among the people.

ICHS2016/AB_352
Effect of salinity on growth and production of tomato cultivar (Rio Grande)
Ummad Hussain
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, New Campus Lahore.
Email: ummadhussain@ymail.com (U.H)
An experiment Effect of salinity on growth and production of tomato cultivar (Rio Grande) was
conducted at Awan Nursery Haripur during spring 2014. The experiment was design in complete
randomize design (CRD). The experiment was consist of one factor i.e. sodium chloride (NaCl) with
four treatment which were replicated four times. The seedlings were planted in pots with 14 inch
diameter. Each pot was consisted of single seedling and each replication was consisting of three pots.
The maximum plant height at flower initiation stage (62.75cm) value was recorded in T 1 (0.25 mM)
while minimum (61.00cm) was observed in T3 (0.75 mM).The maximum plant height at fruit maturity
stage (68.33cm) value was recorded in T1 (0.25 mM) while minimum (64.66cm) was observed in T3
(0.75 mM). The maximum No. of branches plant-1 (10.08) value was recorded in T3 (0.75mM) while
minimum (9.50) was observed in T0 (control). The maximum No. of fruit plant-1 (10.83) value was
recorded in T3 (0.75mM) while minimum (9.75) was observed in T1 (0.25 mM). The maximum size of
fruit (5.47) value was recorded in T0 (control) while minimum (3.37) was observed in T3 (0.75mM). The
maximum No. of picking (10.33) value was recorded in T3 (0.75 mM) while minimum (9.41) was
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observed in T1 (0.25 mM).The maximum weight of fruit (146.02g) was recorded in T0 (control) while
minimum (57.64g) was observed in T3 (0.75 mM). It was concluded from the results obtained that NaCl
has no significant effect on plant height at flower initiation stage, number of branches, number of
fruits and number of picking while plant height at maturity, size of fruit and weight of fruit was found
significant at different concentration of NaCl. On the basis of conclusion, it can be recommended that;
NaCl at the rate up to 0.75 mM has no significant effect on growth and number of fruit and hence
recommended for increased number of fruits in tomato cultivar (Rio Grande).

ICHS2016/AB_354
Effect of altitude variations on summer pea crop in Poonch, AJK
Sheeraz Qamar, Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Muhammad Shafique, Sami Ullah
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: shafiqhort@hotmail.com (M.S.)
Pea is a winter crop and its sustainable availability throughout the year requires its production at
higher altitudes where temperature remains low in summer season as compared to plain areas.
Therefore, study was conducted at three different locations in Poonch Division of Azad Jammu and
Kashmir (Pallandri, Rawalakot and Tolipir) to evaluate the effect of altitude on off season production
of pea cv. Meteor during spring season. Data was collected for quantitative traits including seed
emergence, length of plant, number of leaves plant-1, number of flowers plant-1, number of pods plant1
, length of pod, number of seeds pod -1, seeds fresh weight plant-1, seeds dry weight plant-1 and seed
yield per hectare. Results revealed that maximum seed emergence was recorded at Pallandri Gorah
location; whereas, plant stem length, number of branches, leaves, flowers and pods was significantly
higher at Tolipir location. Moreover, pod length, pod yield, seed per pod, fresh and dry seed yield was
also higher in pea plants grown at Tolipir location. Conclusively, Toilpir emerged as the most suitable
location for off season production of peas among all three locations.

ICHS2016/AB_355
Effect of seed priming on germination and seeding growth of cocks comb (Colosia cristata L.)
under different salinity levels
Muhammad Fiaz, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Osama Bin
Abdul Hafeez, Laraib Hameed
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.G.)
Present study was carried out to investigate the effect of seed priming solutions on seed germination
and seed emergence of cocks comb (Celosia cristata L.) under different salinity levels in post-harvest
and floriculture Laboratory, University of agriculture Faisalabad. Five treatments were applied viz.
Control, CaCl2 (0.56%), H2O2 (0.41%), Moringa (3%) and salicylic acid (0.004%) at three levels of salinity
(0, 50 and 100Mm) with three replications. Both experiments were carried out according to
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) under two factor factorial arrangement. The difference among
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treatment means were compared by using Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% probability
level. Data regarding to germination and emergence test was recorded and analyzed statistically.
Various parameters were recorded in germination experiment viz. final germination percentage,
germination energy, germination index, vigor index, radical length, plumule length, radical to plumule
ratio, seedling fresh weight, seedlings dry weight, time to first seed germination, time to 50%
germination, mean germination time and same parameters were studied in emergence test. All
priming treatments improved germination and emergence parameters under saline and non-saline
conditions as compared to non-primed seeds. Salinity levels significantly affected both primed an nonprimed seeds. Germination and emergence traits were suppressed with the increase of salinity level.
At low and medium salinity levels (0 and 50Mm NaCl), H2O2 performed well and significantly improved
most of germination and emergence traits. CaCl2, Moringa and salicylic acid performed well at higher
salinity level (100Mm NaCl). So it can be concluded that H2O2 proved best dose to enhance seed traits
of cocks comb followed by Moringa, CaCl2and Salicylic acid, respectively.

ICHS2016/AB_356
Invigoration of cabbage seeds through magnetic field treatment
Sobia Saleem, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam, Syeda
Anum Masood Bokhari
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.G.)
The experiment was conducted to examine the influence of magnetic field treatments on germination
and seedling vigor of cabbage seeds. Seeds were exposed to different magnetic field strengths 5, 10,
and 15 mT each for different time of exposures 15, 25, and 35 minutes. Untreated seeds were
considered as control. The experiment was laid out according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD)
in factorial arrangements. The collected data was arranged and analyzed using appropriate statistical
technique which showed that magnetic field strength 5 mT for 15 minutes, 5 mT for 35 minutes, 10
mT for 25 minutes as compared to other treatments had significant effect on growth parameters
regarding germination (%), root length (cm), shoot length (cm), total seedling length (cm) and vigor
index. The exposure of seeds to higher magnetic strength 15 mT for 15, 25 and 35 minutes showed
negative effects on some parameters like root length (cm), shoot length (cm) and total seedling length
(cm). Significant positive reduction was observed in mean germination time (days), T50 (time taken to
50 % germination) and electrical conductivity of seed leachates. Magnetic field strength 5 mT for 35
minutes and 15 mT for 15 minutes gave significant results in terms of germination index and seedling
fresh weight (mg), respectively. However, a non-significant trend was observed in case of dry weight
of seedling (mg) for interaction effect of varieties and magnetic field treatments. The results showed
that environment friendly magnetic field (MF) seed treatment might be used to influence the
germination and to improve the growth of cabbage seedling.

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ICHS2016/AB_357
Role of plant growth regulators in morphological traits and seed production of sponge gourd (Luffa
cylindrical R.)
Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Amjad, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Muhammad Awais Ghani,
Muhammad Azam, Ayesha Sameen
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.G.)
Sponge gourd is an important cucurbit crop extensively cultivated in Pakistan. The number of male
flower is more as compared to female flower in all the cucurbitaceous crops including sponge gourd.
However, different plant growth regulators are being used to balance male to female flower ratio. In
the present research, three plant growth regulators i.e. GA3, Ethrel and NAA were used with different
concentrations. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Compete Block Design (RCBD)
and replicated by three times. The results showed that application of Ethrel at the rate of 400 ppm
was better in decreasing the male flowers as compared to female flowers. The application of GA 3 at
the rate of 40 ppm significantly increased fruit vine length. The application of GA 3 at the rate of 50
ppm significantly increased fruit diameter, fruit length and significantly decreased number of days
taken to first flowering and first immature harvest. The application of NAA at the rate of 50 ppm
significantly increased germination percentage, number of seed per fruit and seed yield, while it
decreased number of days taken to germination. The application of NAA at the rate of 100 ppm
significantly increased fruit set percentage, number of fruit, fruit yield and seed yield per plant. The
application of Ethrel at the rate of 400 ppm significantly decreased male to female flower ratio. The
application of Ethrel at the rate of 500 ppm significantly increased the number of branches per plant.

ICHS2016/AB_358
Seedling growth and crop yield of onion in response to transplants age and fertilizer application in
nursery
Mahwish Rashid, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam,
Ayesha Sameen
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.G.)
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the second largest important horticultural crop after tomatoes. The main
problems in onion production in Punjab are short period of supply from Punjab, little contribution of
Punjab in overall production, and low stagnating yield of onion. Planting time, cultural practices,
method of transplant production transplant age and fertilizer application rate effect onion production.
Therefore, an experiment was designed to evaluate the effect or transplant age and different
fertilizers applied at nursery stage on onion nursery production as well as crop yield. For this purpose,
seed of four onion varieties were sown in nursery using various fertilizer levels, and transplanted
seedling of different age and were transplanted in field. The experiment was laid out according to
randomized compete block design (RCBD) under factorial arrangement in nursery and field with three
replications. Data was recorded for various growth related parameters (number of leaves per seedling,
seedling diameter, shoot length of seedling, root length of seedling, fresh weight of seedling, dry
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weight of seedling) before transplanting and yield related traits (height of pseudo stem, number of
leaves per plant, maximum leaf length, bulb diameter, bulb neck diameter, bulb weight before curing,
bulb weight after curing before removal of leaves, bulb weight after curing after removal of leaves,
bulb yield per plot (kg), number of bulbs per kg). Collected data was subjected to analysis of variance
technique to analyze the results. The results showed that in nursery, the fertilizer Germinator, P-44
and Farm Yard Manure showed the best results and second transplanting (9 weeks old seedlings)
perform best in field.

ICHS2016/AB_359
Turnip seed production in relation to spacing and potash
Imtiaz Ahmad, Muhammad Amjad, Khurram Ziaf, Muhammad Awais Ghani, Muhammad Azam,
Laraib Hameed
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: awais.ghani@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.G.)
Turnip is one of the kitchen gardening crops and is a biennial vegetable. The experiment was
conducted at Vegetable Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad to determine the different levels of potash along with different plant spacing on turnip var.
Purple Top seed production. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with ten treatments having three replications. Turnip crop was sown in the field and all cultural
operations of land preparations were observed accordingly. After 90 days of sowing Turnip root was
uprooted and stickling was made up to 2/3rd of root and leaves were also cut up to 6cm upper portion
above the crown. Their results showed that the minimum 5 days were taken to sprout in case of
treatment combinations T8 (K @80 kg/ha + 75 cm PxP). The maximum sprouting percentage 98% also
was observed with the treatment combinations T8 (K@ 80 kg/ha + 75 cm PxP). The min. 44 days were
taken to flower in case of T8 (K @ 80 kg/ha + 75 cm PxP) while 46.3 days were taken to flower in case
of treatments T1 (K@ 40 kg/ha + 60 cm PxP). The minimum seed moisture content 5.3% was observed
with the treatment combination T8 (K@ 80 kg/ha + 75 PxP) while maximum 8% was observed in case
of T0 (50kg + 50kg + 50kg NPK/ha + PxP =75 cm spacing). The maximum plant height 113 was observed
with treatment T8 (K @ 80 kg/ha + 75 cm PxP) while minimum plant height 73 cm was observed with
T0 where potassium was applied at recommended rate. The maximum grain yield 290.7 kg/acre was
observed with the treatment T8 (K @ 80 kg/ha + 75 PxP) while minimum 224.7 kg/acre seed was
observed with T0 where potassium was applied at recommended rate.

ICHS2016/AB_362
Improve the salinity stresses by using acetic acid, salicylic acid and GA3 on seed germination in
cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Syed Muhammad Zia-ul-Hassan, Rashid Hussain
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: syedhassan0099@gmail.com (S.M.Z.H.), raashid51214@gmail.com (R.H.)
This experiment was carried out to check the effect of pre-sowing treatment of Acetic Acid, Salicylic
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Acid and GA3 on seed germination and growth of cucumber local cultivar. In this research, pre-sowing
treatment of Acetic Acid, Salicylic Acid and GA 3 with concentration (300, 1000 and 250 ppm)
respectively. The seeds were dipped in petri dishes for 24 hours with different concentrations of above
mentioned PGRs at room temperature. To create salinity stress, four levels (0, 5, 10, 20 dSm -1) of
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) were used. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications
was used for statistical analysis and parameters seed germination percentage, root length, shoot
length and number of leaves were assessed. The result revealed that high salinity level reduce
germination percentage. However, AA and SA enhanced the germination percentage in cucumber.
Results showed that AA-300ppm and SA-1000 ppm as a pre-sowing treatment had significant effect
on growth factors and germination rate. The AA-300 ppm at higher salinity level showed better
germination percentage and fast growth rate. The GA 3 -250 ppm and SA-1000 ppm had no significant
effect on the qualitative parameters at low salinity levels.

ICHS2016/AB_363
Determination of phenolics profile from different cultivars of grapefruit cultivated in Pakistan
Laraib Hameed, Muhammad Azam, Muhammad Jafar Jaskani
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: laraib_hameed@yahoo.com (L.H.), muhammad.azam@uaf.edu.pk (M.A.)
Grapefruits are rapidly gaining importance in Pakistan and are known to possess various beneficial
constituents for human health. Phenolic acids have gained more importance because of their positive
involvement as health promoters. They act as antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory.
Grapefruit not only provides the traditional nutrients but also photochemical such as flavonoids.
Flavanones exhibit the major part in flavanoids. Naringin and neohesperedin is predominant flavonoid
in grapefruit, while gallic acid is a major phenolic acid, and nobiletin a major component of
polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) having much dietary importance. Three grapefruit varieties such as
Shamber, Marsh seedless and Foster will be selected for the quantification of phenolic compounds.
The phenol compounds in different fruit parts including flavedos, albedos, segment membranes, juice
vesicles and seeds of grapefruit varieties which are cultivated in Pakistan. Different parameter will be
studied such as sugars, organic acids, flavanones, polymethoxylated flavones and phenolic acids will
be quantified through HPLC. The antioxidant properties will be evaluated by using DPPH, ABTS and
FRAP method. This study will provide basic information for these valuable source of health promoting
constituents.

ICHS2016/AB_366
Effect of urea spray on deblossoming of summer guava (Psidium guajava) crop
Kashif Shabir1, Muhammad Azhar Bashir1, Faheem Altaf1, Naheed Akhtar2, Muhammad Ishfaq3
1
Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Sub-Station, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: kashifshabir909@gmail.com (K.S.)
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most popular fruit trees grown in tropical and subtropical
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countries. Guava produce two crops a year and the growers are free to take one or two crops.
However, adoption of only winter season cropping pattern has been recommended by the scientists
due to severe fruitfly infestation to summer crop. Deblossoming to check summer crop and to
promote winter crop is beneficial in guava. Manual deblossoming can be done on small scale, but on
a commercial scale chemical flower thinning is practiced. Few successful attempts have been made to
regulate Guava crop efficiently by foliar spray of urea. An experiment was conducted during 2013-15
on Guava plants cv.Larkana Surahi at Horticultural Research Station Bahawalpur (Pakistan) to
determine the optimum concentration of urea solution to deblossom summer Guava crop to get
better winter crop. Five treatments i.e., T1=control (without spray), T2=10% urea spray, T3=12%, T4=
15% and T5= 18% were sprayed on Guava plants 1st spray in mid April and 2nd one at start of May. The
experiment was laid out according to RCBD with 3 replications. The results indicated that the plants
which were sprayed with 15% urea set fruit to minimum (33%), dropped flowers to maximum (72%)
and dropped fruit to maximum (67%) as a result yield from winter crop went up to the maximum (69.0
kg/plant).

ICHS2016/AB_367
Combating fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum) by spraying different chemicals
Faheem Altaf1, Muhammad Azhar Bashir1, Kashif Shabir1, Malik Mohsin Abbas2, Muhammad Ishfaq2
1
Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: fahee909@gmail.com (F.A.)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits. It is a fact that some fruits
split during the maturity period of growth. Cracking causes a major fruit loss which is a serious
commercial loss to growers. Cracking lessens the marketability to great extent. An experiment was
conducted at Horticultural Research Station Bahawalpur (Pakistan) on Pomegranate cv. Alipuri during
2012-15 to find out the suitable chemical or combination of chemicals as a possible control measure
against fruit cracking. The treatments consisting of combinations of different chemicals were as T1
(0.05% Boric acid), T2 (0.1% Boric acid), T3 (1% KNO3), T4 (1% MgSO4), T5 (0.05% Boric acid + 1% KNO3),
T6 (0.05% Boric acid + 1% MgSO4), T7 (0.05% Boric acid + 1% KNO3 + 1% MgSO4) and T8 (control). The
experiment was laid out according to RCBD with 3 replications. Two sprays of chemicals were applied
during 1st week of June when the fruit was usually 3-4-cm in diameter and the 2nd one after one month
interval. Fortnightly irrigation in summer months and monthly irrigation in winter months were
provided. Results on 3 years average, indicated minimum fruit cracking (3.5 %), with maximum
number of fruit/plant (249), number of grains/fruit (606), fruit weight (198g), TSS (16.1 %) and
yield/plant (51 kg) in plants subjected to T7 (0.05% Borax + 1% KNO3 + 1% MgSO4).

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ICHS2016/AB_368
Effect of different time of panicle pruning on mango (Mangifera indica) malformation
Naheed Akhtar1, Muhammad Azhar Bashir2, Faheem Altaf2, Kashif Shabir2, Mushtaq Ahmad3
1
Horticultural Research Sub-Station, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Mango Research Institute, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: naheeddgk80@gmail.com (N.A.)
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important foreign currencies earning fruit crop of
Pakistan, through exporting it to many countries. Malformation is the most important disease of
mango worldwide and is of great concern. There are several approaches and control measures to
minimize this malady. The current study was conducted at Horticultural Research Sub-Station, Dera
Ghazi Khan (Pakistan) during 2012-14 to minimize this disorder of unknown etiology. Branches having
malformed panicles of mango cv. Chaunsa were pruned up to 20 cm beneath the malformed panicles
at early appearing of panicles (T1), at full appearing of panicles (T2), 1st treatment + spray of Topsin-M
@ 2 g/litre water (T3), 2nd treatment + spray of Topsin-M @ 2 g/litre water (T4) and the control (T5=
plants receiving no branch pruning and fungicide spray). Data were recorded on time taken for
initiation of growth, number of flushes emerged, number of flushes bloomed and number of
malformed inflorescences appeared from treated branches. Average of three years data indicated that
pruning of branch at early appearing of inflorescences + spray of Topsin-M @ 2 g/litre water (T3)
showed the best results as the branches took the minimum time for initiation of growth (37 days), had
the maximum new flushes (3.5) that bloomed into maximum number (3.2) with minimum number of
malformed inflorescences (1.4) significantly. The branches under control did not show any new growth
during the experimental period. Pruning of branches at early appearing of malformed panicles (T 1)
ranked 2nd in performance compared to pruning of branches at full appearing of panicles (T 2) or
pruning of branches at full appearing of inflorescences + fungicide spray (T4).

ICHS2016/AB_374
Current status of mango pre and post-harvest diseases with respect to environmental factors
Anam Rasool, Shazia Iftikhar
Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: anam.rasool32@gmail.com (A.R.)
Mango is an important fruit hence plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan via export.
Mango can suffer from serious losses by mango pre and post-harvest diseases. Environmental factors
i.e. temperature, rainfall, and humidity have serious effect on the onset of these diseases. Mango pre
harvest diseases included mango malformation, blossom blight, anthracnose and twig blight. Mongo
post-harvest diseases include anthracnose, stem end rot, Aspergillus rot and Alternaria rot. A survey
has been conducted in 37 orchards i.e. Muzafargarh (15), Multan (12) and Khaniwal (10) for the
assessment of mango pre- harvest diseases by using severity scale of 1-5. Post-harvest disease
assessment was done on collected mango fruits of respective study areas. Objective of the present
study is to assess prevalence, incidence and severity of pre and post-harvest mango diseases with
respect to prevalent environmental conditions in study area. Samples for pre and post-harvest
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diseases were collected from three study sites for the sake of causal fungal isolation. All pre and postharvest diseases were present in all three study areas. Pre harvest disease incidence was lied in the
range of 0-100%, 80-100%, 40-100%, 0-100% for blossom blight, anthracnose, mango malformation
and twig blight respectively. Mango post-harvest disease incidence was found in range of 40-90%, 1686.6%, 16-76.6% and 3.33-53.3% for anthracnose, stem end rot, Alternaria rot and Aspergillus rot
respectively.

ICHS2016/AB_376
Analysis of protein and bio control agents of stem end rot causing fungi of Mangifera indica L.
Anam Rasool, Shazia Iftikhar
Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: anam.rasool32@gmail.com (A.R.)
The aim of the research is to explore bio control agents among post-harvest fungal pathogens of
mango that are prone to cause stem end rot disease collected from different geographical regions of
Punjab and Sindh. Three different bio control agents have been applied on isolates of L. theobromae
using plant extracts. Fungal pathogens were isolated and placed aseptically in glass Petri-plates for 7
days. Different concentrations of extract were derived from the leaves of Aloe vera.Datura stromium
and euclyptus and tested on the isolated fungi. Leaves of these plants were washed with distilled
water and shade dried for a week. Those leaves were crushed into the powdered form and 50 grams
of dried powdered leaves were soaked in 50 ml of methanol for a week and volume was reduced to
20ml with the help of rotatory evaporator. For dilution 80 ml of distilled water was added into 20 ml
of plant extract, total volume of 100ml of extract was poured in 1000 ml PDA media. The results
showed that these extracts were inhibitory at 100% on Lasidiplodia theobromae. Among 3 plant
extracts tested in vitro, the extract of eucalyptus,datura and aloe vera were found to be very effective
in inhibiting the growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae. These extracts showed almost 100 % of
inhibition on first day and percentage of inhibition decreased with duration of incubation.

ICHS2016/AB_380
Nutritional and chemical composition of truffles
Anam Zahid, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Fozia, Ayesha Rasheed, Muhammad Asif Ali, Asif Ali
Khan, Waqar Karim, Adil Khan and Muhammad Azam
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: anam.zahidrana@gmail.com (A.Z.)
Edible truffles are considered as highly nutritive product for cooking in all over the world. Truffles
contain considerable amount of proteins, fat, crude fiber, ascorbic acid, calcium, magnesium, sodium,
iron, copper, phosphorus and zinc. Truffles also consist of essential amino acids such as methionine,
cysteine, tryptophan and lysine. Truffles stimulate the immune system and have active biochemical
activities i.e. antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, anti-mutagenic, antiinflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-tuberculoid. The present review article discusses the
nutritional and chemical composition of truffles.
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ICHS2016/AB_381
Nutritional and medicinal importance of Maitake mushrooms
Fozia, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Anam Zahid, Ayesha Rasheed, Asif Ali Khan, Adil Khan,
Waqar Karim, Muhammad Zeshan Rafique
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Email: fghulamhussain@gmail.com (F.)
Maitake mushrooms are appreciated globally due to their specific taste and flavor. Maitake
mushrooms are an important source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, Pantothenic acid,
carbohydrates, sugar, diateryfibers, proteins, aminoacids, selenium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium,
phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium. This review article discusses the nutritional and medical
importance of maitake mushrooms.

ICHS2016/AB_385
Nutritional and biochemical profiles of milky mushrooms
Ayesha Rasheed, Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir, Adil Khan, Sufyan Ahmad, Asif Ali Khan,
Muhammad Zeshan Rafique, Waqar Karim
Institute of Horticultural Sciences University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Email: ayesharasheed1785@gmail.com (A.R.)
Edible milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) is relatively new induction to global mushroom industry and
is becoming popular day by day in world cuisine due to its unique taste and flavor attractive color,
ease of cultivation and better shelf life. Milky mushroom is a rich source of an array of secondary
metabolites e.g. phenolic compounds, terpenes, steroids, carbohydrates, protein, fibers, lipids,
riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, pentothenic acid, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and zinc etc. This review
article discusses nutritional and biochemical aspects of edible milky mushrooms.

ICHS2016/AB_383
Plant growth enhancement using nitrogenous fertilizers in guava cv. Round Trees
Adnan Munawar, Bilquees Fatima, Muhammad Usman
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: m.usman@uaf.edu.pk (M.U.)
Eight years old bearing trees of Guava cv. Round were given foliar application of different nutrient
sources including Urea and NPK to enhance vegetative and reproductive growth. A significant increase
was observed in number of new leaves per branch with application of both nitrogen sources.
Application of Urea at 5% and 15% levels enhanced number of leaves from 20% to 40%, respectively
compared with control that showed 13% leaf drop with no new leaves. Similarly, application of NPK
at 2% to 6% levels enhanced number of leaves upto 41.66% compared with control showing 12.5%
leaf drop with no new leaf emergence. Emergence of new floral buds per branch was also markedly
enhanced after application of Urea and NPK. Urea application at 5% to 15% enhanced floral buds from
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47.88% to 58.30% compared with control showing 32% new floral buds. Similar trend was observed
after NPK application at 2% to 4% which enhanced floral buds from 62.28% to 66.25% compared with
control. Low level of NPK 2% was found better among all treatments for substantially enhancing
vegetative and reproductive growth patterns. These studies could help in regulating plant growth in
guava particularly under ultra-high density plantations.

ICHS2016/AB_384
Evolution and diversity of tomato leaf curl disease complex in Pakistan
Ahtisham Arshad
Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Email: ahtishamarshad99@gmail.com
Tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD) is the most destructive factor for tomato, vegetable and ornamental
crops in tropical and subtropical areas of Pakistan. Symptoms of ToLCD include severe upward and
downward leaf curl with cup-shape, yellowing and stunted plant growth. This disease is caused by
begomoviruses (single-stranded DNA viruses (family Geminiviridae) that are transmitted by an insect
vector from family Aleyrodidae and order Hemiptera, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, commonly known
as the silverleaf whitefly or the sweet potato whitefly). The begomoviruses are either bipartite (with
two genomic components known as DNA A and DNA B), monopartite (with a genome homolog of DNA
A component of bipartite begomoviruses) or monopartite associated with DNA satellites (mainly
betasatelites). All three types of begomoviruses are main player in ToLCD complex. An overview
presenting the emergence and evolution of ToLCD in Pakistan and its effect on future food security
future security and their control is discussed.

ICHS2016/AB_387
Histopathological studies on die back affected mango trees in Pakistan
Asif Mahmood Arif1, Munawar Raza Kazmi2, Faisal Sohail Fateh3, Nazim Hussain1, Iftikhar Ahmad4
1
Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Australian High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan
3
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan
4
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: asif_aridian@yahoo.com (A.M.A.), munawarkazmi@gmail.com (M.R.K.),
faisalmyname@gmail.com (F.S.F.), nazimlabar@yahoo.com (N.H.), iftahmad@gmail.com (I.A.)
Tree die back disorders are becoming more prominent throughout the world. These die back disorders
are caused by a range of pathogens on a range of hosts that include forestry trees, amenity trees and
fruit trees. This study was aimed to better understand the effects of tree die back on mango by
studying the disease effect on vascular tissues. Samples were taken from the collar portion, branches
and roots of infected as well as healthy mango trees to compare the vascular tissues anatomy. Samples
were prepared by boiling in water until soft and then sectioning with a rotary microtome. After
staining with safranin O tissues were mounted on glass slides. Microscopy was done using X4, X10,
X40 and X100 objectives to compare the anatomy of tissues by measuring the fiber length, fiber
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diameter, lumen diameter, vessel diameter, ray height and ray width. Fiber length was measured in
match stick sized splinters cut from the sampled tissue that had been boiled in 20% nitric acid and
potassium chlorate to separate the fibers from each other. The results indicated that the mean
measurement of affected tissues fiber length 32, fiber diameter 10, lumen diameter 45 and vessel
diameter 25 where as healthy tissue had the mean fiber length 36, fiber diameter 22, lumen diameter
55 and vessel diameter 360. This study was useful in understanding how the pathogen affected the
vascular bundles to cause the die back disease symptoms. The study confirmed that the fungi
Ceratocystis fimbriata is a factor of mango tree die back which invaded tree and disrupt its vascular
system.

ICHS2016/AB_389
Soil born fertilization enhances apple fruit yield and quality in calcareous elevated plains of
Baluchistan
Tariq Ziad1, Muhammad Tariq Siddique1, Azeem Khalid2, Shahid Mahmood2, Humair Ahmad Malik3
Department of Soil Science and SWC, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi-46300, Pakistan
2
Department of Environmental Sciences, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi-46300,
Pakistan
3
Land Resources Research Institute NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: mtariqsiddique@uaar.edu.pk (M.T.S.)

The study was conducted to examine the effect of soil boron fertilization on yield and quality of twelve
year old red delicious apple (Mallus domestica Barkh) fruit trees. The experiment was carried out in
2013-2014, in calcareous soil of district Pishin Baluchistan, at farmer field having low soil boron
contents. Variable soil boron rates, i.e., 0, 10, 12, 14, 16 g tree-1 with recommended dose of N, P, and
K were applied at Khanozae location (District Pishin, Baluchistan). Soil boron fertilization significantly
improved the fruit yield, number of fruits, fruit weight and fruit size (44.6, 20.3, 15.8, 10.2 %),
compared to non boron fertilized fruit trees. Fruits of fertilized tree had higher total soluble solids
(19.7 %) and low titratable acidity (8.9 %) compared to control however, non significant effect on fruit
firmness was observed. Boron fertilization increased the fruit and leaf boron content (39.4, 34.4 %),
compared to control. These results indicated that soil boron fertilization in apple orchard grown at
elevated plains of Baluchistan Province could improve the yield and quality of fruit in that area by
using 14 g per tree.

ICHS2016/AB_390
Effects of pre-storage treatmensts of gamma radiation on storage life of of sweet orange (Citrus
sinensis Osbeck) cv. Mosambi during cold storage
Sakeena Tul-Ain Haider1, Saeed Ahmad1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Shahzad Maqsood Ahmad Basra2,
Naseem Akhter3
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Plant Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: sakeena.uaf@gmail.com (S.T.A.H.)
The present study was carried out to optimize a radiation dose to improve the storage life of sweet
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orange cultivar Mosambi (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) during cold storage. Fruits were treated with 100,
200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy of gamma radiation and then stored at 6C for 60 days. Results revealed that
higher doses of gamma radiation were effective to maintain the fruit quality as compared to lower
doses during 60 days of storage. Fruits treated with 500 Gy of gamma radiation had minimum (13%)
fruit decay at the end of storage. Maximum increase in TSS (11.7Brix) was observed in control fruits
while minimum (11.4Brix) was recorded in the fruits treated with 500 Gy dose of gamma radiation. A
continuous decline in juice % was found during storage but minimum reduction was noted in fruits
those were treated with 500 Gy while maximum was in control fruit after 60 days storage. No
significant difference was found between the fruits of radiated and non-radiated relating to t peel
thickness, sugar contents and organoleptic parameters after 60 days storage However; ascorbic acid
contents were higher in the fruits treated with 500 Gy. It is concluded that 500 Gy) of gamma radiation
performed better b to improve the shelf life of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) in cold storage.

ICHS2016/AB_391
Foliar application of growth promoters affecting tree growth and fruit quality of Kinnow
mandarin
Maryam Nair1, Ahmad Sattar Khan1, Shahzad Maqsood Ahmad Basra2, Aman Ullah Malik1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
2
Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
Email: maryamnasir26@gmail.com (M.N.), ahmad_khan157@yahoo.com (A.S.K.)
Kinnow mandarin is leading commercial citrus cultivar of Pakistan. The low productivity and poor
quality of fruit is the major issue of Kinnow mandarin production. Foliar application of growth
promoters [such as benzyl amino purine (BAP), ascorbic acid (AA) and moringa leaf extract (MLE)]
tends to improve yield and fruit quality. Hence, study were carried out to check the effect foliar
application of MLE (3%) at premature stage, BAP (80 mg/L) and AA (300 mg/L) at fruit set stages
respectively, on Kinnow mandarin fruit yield and quality.. Data were collected for vegetative growth
(plant height, trunk width, plant diameter, leaf size, flush length), yield, physical (fruit size, fruit weight,
peel weight, peel thickness, seed weight, pulp weight and juice weight) and biochemical fruit quality
(soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH, total sugars, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars)
attributes. The results revealed that plant height, width and leaf size were improved after foliar
application of MLE. Yield was not statistically influenced by any treatment. Fruit size, weight, peel
thickness and pulp weight were not increased after application of treatments; however, maximum
fruit juice and sugars were found with 3% MLE at premature stage. Therefore, we recommend that
application of 3% MLE at premature stage will improve the health and fruit quality of Kinnow
mandarin.

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ICHS2016/AB_393
Molecular characterization of Asian citrus psyllid using full length mtCO1 gene sequence from
Pakistan
Barrira Meryum, Muhammad Shafiq, Muhammad Saleem Haider
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: agr.sci_barrira@yahoo.com (B.M.)
Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a phloem-inhibited pest of citrus; is of great importance in all citrus growing
areas. ACP acts as a vector in case of Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, which is a threat for
citrus industry. This is a bacterial disease and ACP transmits bacteria from infected to healthy trees.
Individuals of D. citriwere collected from the orchards of citrus located in Sargodha district. The full
length mtCO1 gene of ACP was amplified by PCR using specific primer, cloned (RF5) and sequenced.
Comparisons as well as phylogenetic reconstructions were performed with the nucleotide sequence
of the mtCO1 gene of the Pakistani ACP isolate with the sequences of ACP isolates available in the
databases. RF5 sequence showed maximum nucleotide sequence identity with Indian isolates. This is
the first report pf full length mtCO1 sequence from ACP from Pakistan.

ICHS2016/AB_394
Growth and yield attributes of indeterminate hybrid tomato as affected by foliar application of
micronutrients under greenhouse conditions
Muhammad Bilal Chattha1, Malik Fiaz Hussain Ferdosi1, Muhammad Nasir Subhani1, Muhammad
Umer Chattha2, Muhammad Usman Chattha3
1
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Agronomy, Bahaudin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Emails: bilal.iags@pu.edu.pk (M.B.C.), malikferdosi@yahoo.com (M.F.H.F.),
nasirsubhani@hotmail.com (M.N.S.), umer1379@gmail.com (M.U.C.), usman-80@hotmail.com
(M.U.C.)
Application of micronutrients along with macronutrients is indispensable for attaining higher yield
potential. Therefore, a field experiment was proposed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of
different micronutrients on growth and yield of two indeterminate hybrid tomato varieties viz. Sandal
and Sahil under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted at Green Circle farms,
Gatwala, Faisalabad during Rabi season 2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete
block design with three replications. The treatments include foliar application of micronutrients viz.
Zinc, Boron, Iron, Copper and mixture of all these micronutrients. All the micronutrients were applied
fortnightly @ 100 ppm in three sprays starting from 30 days after transplanting. Results revealed that
all treatments improved the plant growth parameters viz. plant height, number of branches, number
of leaves and number of fruits per plant as compared with control in both the hybrids. Tomato hybrid
Sahil exhibited more response to application of micronutrients than tomato hybrid Sandal. Highest
fruit yield per plant (1.87 kg) was produced by tomato hybrid Sahil followed by tomato hybrid Sandal
which gave (1.74 kg) fruit yield per plant. In both the hybrids, foliar application of mixture of
micronutrients exhibited the maximum fruit yield followed by application of zinc and boron.
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ICHS2016/AB_397
Effect of low level pruning on different ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) varieties
Muhammad Azhar Bashir1, Kashif Shabir1, Faheem Altaf1, Naheed Akhtar2, Mushtaq Ahmad3
1
Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Sub-Station, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Mango Research Institute, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: drazharbashir67@gmail.com (M.A.B.)
Jujube or Ber (Zizyphus. mauritiana Lamk.) is a spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree commonly found
in tropical and sub-tropical regions but well adapted to semi-arid to arid climate. It goes under
dormancy during May-June in northern hemisphere when pruning is practiced for better crop in spring
season. Every known cultivar of ber differs in response to pruning. The study under report was
conducted at Horticultural Research Station Bahawalpur (Pakistan) to find out the role of low level
pruning in improvement of productivity of Ber varieties under local climatic conditions during 201113. Plants of uniform age & size of ber varieties viz Ajooba, Anokhi, Dilbahar, Foladi, Pak white, Yazman
Local were subjected to pruning in the month of May each year leaving the main stem one meter
above from ground level. All other cultural practices were kept same for each plant under treatment.
The experiment was laid out according to RCBD with 3 replications. Ber variety Ajooba started growth
earliest of the all (20 days after pruning), Pak white has maximum main branches (6 branches) per
meter length and side branches (12 branches) per main branch. Yazman Local started growth the last
of the all (46 days after pruning), had minimum number of main branches (4.7 branches) and 7 side
branches. Fruit and yield parameters expressed maximum fruit weight (31.27 g) and fruit size (length
x diameter = 4.60 cm x 3.60 cm) in Dilbahar variety, followed by Foladi variety. Maximum yield per
plant (160 kg) was recorded in Pak white variety, followed by Dilbahar variety (130.67 kg) from the
pruned plants at low level. All varieties differed significantly in parameters when pruned at the same
time in the month of May each year.

ICHS2016/AB_398
Role of different chemicals in prolonging vase life of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cv. White
Prosperity and study of different physical factors
Shagufta Umar
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: shagufta.umar41@gmail.com (S.U.)
Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.), a popular bulbous cut flower, has high demand in both domestic
(Pakistani) as well as international markets. One of the main objectives of this experiment was to
increase vase- life .Different chemicals were used. Experiment was carried out in the postharvest lab
Directorate of floriculture 21 Davis road, to check the effect of different chemicals with doses and
parameters. Experiment was conducted by using following chemicals sucrose, AgNO3, IBA, sucrose+
IBA in different concentrations. Experiment was performed by 4 treatments each with 3 replications
by CRD.in this experiment two preservatives sucrose and AgNO3 were used donated as T2, T3, T4, T5, T6
in 2% sucrose, 4% sucrose, 6% sucrose and 50ppm AgNO3, 100 ppm AgNO3 and 150 ppm AgNO3
respectively. IBA was used as a growth regulator in 25 ppm, 50 ppm and 75 ppm concentrations. Tab
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water was used for control treatments. The results were very significant for treatments T3, T6 and T7
in most of observations. Because AgNO 3 and sucrose were used in these treatments as preservatives
.vase life of the gladiolus spikes was maximum in the treatment T6 and T3. Days of 50 % floret opened
was also maximum in treatments T3 and T6, hence prolonging the vase life by delaying the growth rate.
The trend of water up take gg-1 was maximum in treatment T7, T8, T9, because in these treatments IBA
was used as a growth regulator, so higher the growth rate higher was the rate of water up take, thus
delaying the vase life of the Gladiolus spikes. The other treatments also gave results superior to that
of control (pure water). In general, treatments with sucrose and AgNO3 hastened flower opening, but
the longevity of the spikes was increased compared to control and resulted in increased vase life.

ICHS2016/AB_399
Response of exotic tomato (cv. Pomodoro) to soil and foliar applied zinc and boron
Elaf Anjum, Aijaz Hussain Soomro
Institute of Food Science and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
Email: elaf496@gmail.com (E.A.)
The exotic Tomato cultivar Pomodoro was evaluated against varying levels of soil applied Zinc(Zn) and
Boron(B) at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam in three replicated RCB design. Soil applied Zn and
B @2 and 4kgha-1 and foliar application equally at 0.2% concentration were arranged in different
combinations. There was a significantly different response of exotic tomato to soil and foliar applied
Zn and B levels. The exotic tomato responded more positively in terms of fruit yield (16835 kg ha -1)
under Zn+B soil application @4 kg+2kgha-1 and 2 foliar sprays at 0.2% concentration, respectively in
addition to NPK @125-75-50 kg ha-1. It was concluded that NPK +foliar application of ZnSO4 and Boric
acid each @ 0.2% equally at 15 days interval resulted highly positive impact on all the growth and yield
contributing traits of tomato; where the tomato fruit yield was 16835 kg ha-1 as compared to 11711.67
kg fruit yield ha-1 without Zn and B (only NPK@125-75-50 kgha-1).

ICHS2016/AB_401
Effect of different concentrations of IBA on air layering of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
Malik Mohsin Abbas1, Muhammad Kashif Raza 1, Muhammad Ishfaq1, Naseem Sharif1, Saeed Ahmad2
1
Horticultural Research Institute, AARI, Jhang road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Email: malikmohsin144@gmail.com (M.M.A.)
Nursery experiments were conducted over two years on standardization of clonal propagation
technique in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn) by application of different concentrations of IBA during the
air layering to enhance the rooting. These attempts were carried out for the production of true to type
and trust worthy nursery plants of litchi (badana cvs.). Significantly higher success percentage (80%)
was noted in the shoots where 3000 ppm of Iba was used during air layering as compared to control
(35%). The plants produces maximum number of leaves (31.50) and maximum length sprout
(70.50cm). The study provided useful information on clonal multiplication of elite germplasm of litchi
for preserving the certain characters of the variety and its multiplication.
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ICHS2016/AB_402
Role of pectin-esterase to improve the storage life of Kinnow fruit during cold storage
Ayesha Maryam, Saeed Ahmad
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan
Email: maryam.ayesha_22@rocketmail.com (A.M.)
Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Citrus deliciosa) is the leading commercial citrus cultivar of Pakistan.
The fruit has short shelf life and after harvesting some internal changes deteriorate the quality of fruit
and heavy losses occur. Pectin esterase treatment slow down respiration of fruit buys blocking the
pores of fruit skin. Therefore this research was carried out to investigate the effects of Pectin esterase
to increase the storage life of kinnow fruits. After harvest fruits were dipped in different concentration
solution (0, 2, 3, 5 and 6%) of pectin-esterase for 2 mints and stored at 5oC for 90 days. It was observed
that treatment of pectin esterase significantly reduced the decay percentage. Lower doses showed
better results as compared to higher doses. The kinnow fruits treated with pectin-esterase @ 2%
showed minimum weight loss, higher TSS and ascorbic acid after 90 days storage experimental
storage. Similarly the kinnow treated with pectin-esterase @ 2 % showed minimum acidity. Overall
higher sensory evaluation also showed that maximum scores were received by the panellists for over
all acceptances. It is concluded the pre- storage treatments of 2% pectin esterase can safely be used
to store the kinnow fruit for 90 days storage.

ICHS2016/AB_403
Impact of foliar application of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) under NaCl stress
Abdul Razzaq1, Zahoor Ahmad Sajid2
Department of Botany, University of Education, Lahore Okara Campus, Pakistan
2
Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore -54590, Pakistan
Email: zasajid2000@yahoo.com (Z.A.S.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiomorphological and biochemical attributes of plants
grown under saline conditions and by exogenous application of ascorbic acid. The certified seeds after
priming were sown in petri-dishes with saline water (120mM) and different concentrations of ascorbic
acid (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mM). It is evident from the results of present study that presoaking of seeds with
salt (120 mM) reduced the germination percentage significantly up to 60.32% while it was 97.8% under
control conditions. The percentage germination was found to be enhanced from 60.32% (at 120mM
NaCl) to 74.68% at 0.1mM, 81.49% at 0.5mM and 86.76% at 1.0mM concentrations of ascorbic acid.
The maize seeds were planted in pots and irrigated with tap water. After that the seedlings were
irrigated with saline water of 120mM while above mentioned concentration of ascorbic acid was
applied foliarly until the pants were harvested after sixty days. Various growth and biochemical
parameters were found to be severely affected by saline conditions i.e., germination rate, root and
shoot length, fresh /dry weight, proline contents, antioxidant activities. These were found to be
improved gradually with the application of ascorbic acid. AA pretreatment confer salt resistance and
is likely to prepare the plants for forthcoming oxidative stress by increasing POD and SOD activity and
proline at the expense of protein degradation. To our knowledge optimization of effective AA
concentration through pretreatment has not been reported earlier in Zea mays. However, information
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gathered necessitates further work to evaluate AA benefit at under field conditions.

ICHS2016/AB_404
Influence of salicylic acid on salinity stress tolerance by seed priming and foliar application
Zahoor Ahmad Sajid1, Muhammad Aamir2
Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore -54590, Pakistan
2
Department of Botany, University of Education, Lahore Okara Campus, Pakistan
Email: zasajid2000@yahoo.com (Z.A.S.)
1

This study was intended to measure the impact of salicylic acid on maize under salt stress. For this
purpose effect of salinity on various morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of plants was
analyzed by launching a petridish and a pot experiment. The experiment laid out in a completely
randomized block design with five replicate for each salt (0 and 120 mM NaCl) and salicylic acid (0,
0.1, 0.5 and 1mM) treatment. The commercially available cultivars of Maize were planted in earthen
pots for 15 days. After fifteen days of growth, seedlings were irrigated with saline water (120 mM
NaCl) and salicylic acid was applied foliarly in different concentrations for 60 days simultaneously. The
seeds were also primed with same concentrations in petridishes to see their germination response.
After final treatment harvesting was carried out, leaf samples were taken for analyzing biochemical
attributes (protein contents, antioxidants enzyme activates). A decrease in seed germination
percentage from 95.22 (at control) to 25.34% (at 120 mM salt stress) and shoot length from 86.12 (at
control) to 42.36 cm (at 120 mM salt stress) was observed. Similar decresing pattern of growth was
observed in case of pot grown plants after 60 days. The results suggested that salt stress drastically
reduced shoot/ root length, fresh/dry weight and leaf area and antioxidant enzyme activities while
the application of 0.5 mM concentration of salicylic acid greatly improved all these growth and
biochemical parameters. Production of antioxidant compounds under salt stress is accelerated under
the influence of salicylic acid. So SA causes modifications in antioxidant compounds and hence
increases salt tolerance under saline conditions. However, these findings require more experiments
and researches to prove the clear alleviating effect of salicylic acid.

ICHS2016/AB_405
Incidences, damage patterns and seasonal variations of gall midges associated with mango in
Pakistan
Hafiz Mahmood Ur Rehman1,2, Riaz Mahmood2, Muhammad Razaq3, Muhammad Waqar Hassan1
1
Department of Entomology, University Collage of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the
Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur-Pakistan
2
CABI Central and West Asia, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Bukhsh Road Satellite Town, RawalpindiPakistan
3
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan-Pakistan
Emails: hmrehman@iub.edu.pk (H.M.U.R.), r.mahmood@cabi.org (R.M.),
muhammadrazaq@bzu.edu.pk (M.R.), waqar_722@hotmail.com (M.W.H.)
Gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are a new pest problems of mango in Pakistan. They have been
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reported to damage both the vegetative and reproductive parts of the mango trees. We started
research on incidence, damage patterns and seasonal abundance of mango gall midges for developing
IPM strategy in mango growing areas of Punjab. Procontarinia mangiferae Felt was recorded from
January/February to April on small leaves, inflorescence buds, axillaries and small mustard sized fruits.
Dasineura amaramanjarae Grover damaged flowers by feeding inside at the base of stamen and
carpel. It appeared in February, with peak in the March and reduced to zero in April. Procontarinia
matteiana Kieffer & Cecconi formed solitary or grouped galls on the upper and lower surfaces of the
leaves. It was active from February/March to November with two peaks of its population, first in
March/April and second in September/October. In addition, five other species of gall midges (four
from genus Procontarinia and one unidentified) were recorded inducing different kinds of galls on the
leaves of mango.

ICHS2016/AB_407
Matter fluxes in urban and peri-urban crop production of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Shoaib ur Rehman1,2, Zikrullah Safi3, Sami Ul Allah4, Shafique Maqsood4 and Hafeez ur Rehman5
Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of
Kassel, Germany
2
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
3
Department of Soil Science and Irrigation, Department of Economics and Extension, College of
Agriculture, Kabul University, D-1006 Kabul
4
Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, University of Kassel, Steinstr. 19, D-37213
Witzenhausen, Germany
5
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
Email: shoaibhort@googlemail.com (S.U.R.)

The open spaces are being cultivated for vegetable and other crops to cater the needs of peri-urban
masses. The study was conducted from June 2010 to May 2012 in Faisalabad (longitude 73 74 East
and latitude 30 31.5 North, 184 m asl). The local UPA systems are characterized by vegetable
production in the urban areas and animal fodder production at the peri-urban fringe bordering the
cereal-dominated rural areas. A study was conducted to quantify flows of carbon (C), nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at selected farms with their three typical irrigation sources waste
water (WW), mixed water (MW), and canal water (CW). A total of 26 vegetables, 14 cereals and 13
fodder production sites were chosen for flux measurements. Biennial net balances for WW were
ranged with (3200 - 7650) kg C ha-1, (8-54) kg N ha-1, (7-26) kg P ha-1, and (-370- -480 kg K ha-1, for MW
10,930 kg C ha-1, -5 kg N ha-1, 27 kg P ha-1, and -371 kg K ha-1, and for CW 11225 kg C ha-1, -16 kg N ha1
, 23 kg P ha-1, and -356 kg K ha-1, respectively. Apparent nutrient input use efficiency across farming
systems were 93% for N, 54% for P and 345% for K. In WW systems, irrigation water was the major
source of P and K with 80% of total inputs while in CW system 75% of total N came from mineral
fertilizers. The data indicate large K mining in WW farming systems which even on the K-rich study
soils may eventually require proper balancing.

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ICHS2016/AB_409
Heavy metal pollutant as a stress for tomato plant
Muhammad Jarrar Ahmed, Amna Shoaib and Sundus Akhtar
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Email: jerry1the2rebel@gmail.com (M.J.A.)
Heavy metals known to be accumulated in plants adversely affect human health. The present study
aims to control the heavy metal pollution in soil and to enhance the plant growth by compost and
Trichoderma harzianum. Tomato was selected for this study. Experiment was organized in completely
randomized design in different sets i.e., 1st set received only inoculum of T. harzianum (TH), 2nd set of
treatment received 10 ppm of Mg and Zn alone, 3rd set received Zn/Mg + compost + TH and 4th set
was incurred by C + TH. While, control treatment contained compost only. The experiment was
conducted in growth room at 25C with 16h photoperiod. Results revealed that metal alone (Mg and
Zn) showed the drastic effect on plant growth. Both the metals significantly inhibit the growth of
tomato plant. While, the polygonal interaction of compost-metal-fungi-plant showed significant
increase in plant shoot, root length and biomass as compared to other treatments. The growth trend
was found as: Compost + Zn/ Mg + TH > Compost + TH > Compost + Zn + Mg > Compost + Zn/ Mg. The
result revealed that both the bio-control (Compost and TH) could be used to control the heavy metal
pollution in soil.

ICHS2016/AB_411
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivation in southern Punjab
Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Kashif Razzaq and Syed Bilal Hussain
Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Pakistan
Email: ishtiaqrajwana@yahoo.com (I.A.R.)
Lotus (Nucifera nelumbo),one of the oldest perennial rhizomatus aquatic, ornamental, edible and
medicinal plant which is grown as a non-conventional crop commonly in China, India, Japan and
Australia. In Pakistan it is mostly grown in wetlands of various districts of southern Punjab such as
Muzaffar Garh (Wasinday wala and Gul wala), Dera Ghazi Khan (Ghazi Ghat, Saidhan Shah and Seamin
wali) Tanusa (Matwani wala and kachi canal) and Multan (Head Muhammad Wala). Locally, lotus is
considered as a floating weed collected from spontaneous growth of the plant naturally. Commercial
cultivation is available on a very small scale. Plants seldom grown from seeds or tubers, since seeds
do not produce flower in the first year and develop into tubers. Mostly, it starts flowering during the
month of July and August with pinkish and yellowish white coloured flowers in Southern Punjab. All
parts of lotus plant such as root, rhizome (locally called as Bah), leaf and flower stalk, flower, pollen,
stamen, young and mature leaves, seed and embryo are edible in various forms. These plant parts
exhibit multiple nutritional and medicinal properties. Rhizomes are sold about 1500-1800/Mond in
market. Demand of lotus especially as a flower and vegetable is growing. For people who are short of
time to maintain landscape plants, Lotus is the right choice since it requires little maintenance. So far
studies about morphological, bio-chemical and genetic characterization of wild germplasm available
in wetlands of Pakistan is lacking which need intervention by the scientific community before it is too
late.
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ICHS2016/AB_414
Effect of various doses of Imidacloprid and exposure times on growth and flowering of Narcissus
salome (daffodils) cv. Salome
Muhammad Haroon1, Usman Shaukat Quershi1, Imran Hassan1 and Muhammad Asif Aziz2
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University
Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University
Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, 46300 Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Email: koraibaloch777@gmail.com (M.H)

Flower industry has a paramount importance worldwide. Narcissus Salome; the commonly speaking
daffodils also holds good position for the aesthetic point of view. Effect of different concentrations
and exposure times on the growth and flowering in Narcissus Salome was investigated. Four
treatments T0: (control), T1: 1.5 % for (4, 6 and 8 sec), T2: 1.7 % for (4, 6 and sec) T3: 1.9 % for (4, 6
and 8 sec) were applied under two factorial design. Most of the vegetative and reproductive attributes
were significantly influenced by the imidacloprid exposure and obtained results revealed that
treatment T3 was the most affective as compared to the other treatments. This treatment gave the
inimitable outcomes, concerning the earliest germination and increase in flowering, stalk length, leaf
length, flower size and fresh and dry flower biomass. From this data it was convinced that imidacloprid
(1.9% concentration) had significant effect to improve the germination rate, plant growth and flower
quality of narcissus.

ICHS2016/AB_415
ELISA- based evaluation of potato germplasm for resistant source against PLRV under natural field
conditions
Aamir Sajjad1, Waseem Waris1, Muhammad Asif1, Atif Shehzad2, Suleman Azmat1 and Muhammad
Aslam Khan1
1
Department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of agricultural biochemistry and biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Emails: as.manc@hotmail.co.uk (A.S.), waseemwaris334@gmail.com (W.W.),
asif.chohan1683@gmail.com (M.A.), atif.shehzad47@gmail.com (A.S.), suleman_azmat@yahoo.com
(S.A.), aslamkhanuaf@hotmail.com (M.A.K.)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is affected by many diseases but potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) is most
damaging one. For this purpose research was designed to detect the residual viral titer through DAS
ELISA and its value was compared with the visually observed symptoms to evaluate the plant response.
Twenty seven advanced varieties/ lines of potato were evaluated. The evaluation of resistance source
in potato germplasm against PLRV was carried out in research area of Plant Virology Section, AARI
Faisalaba. Tubers of each variety/line was planted on the ridges replicated twice, plant to plant and
row to row spacing being 30cm and 60cm, respectively. Data was recorded according to disease rating
scale. Out 0f 27 varieties/lines no line had immunity against PLRV. Seven varieties FD 35-36, SH-5, FD69-1, FD 60-2, Lady Rosetta, Cruiser and 394021-120 were resistant, while six varieties Astrix, Santee,
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394055-40, 394005-115, 396240-181 and 39-6266-33 were moderately resistant. One line FD-7-2 was
moderately susceptible and twelve varieties/lines Cardinal, Diament, FD48-41, FD49-28, FSD Red, FSD
White, 393574-61, 391202-158, 396240-21, 394002-120, FD1-9 and Desire were found susceptible.

ICHS2016/AB_416
DAS ELISA based evaluation of sponge gourd against CMV to find resistant source under natural
field conditions
Waseem Waris1, Aamir Sajjad1, Muhammad Asif1, Atif Shehzad2, Suleman Azmat1 and Muhammad
Aslam Khan1
1
Department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
2
Centre of agricultural biochemistry and biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab
38040, Pakistan
Emails: waseemwaris334@gmail.com (W.W.), as.manc@hotmail.co.uk (A.S.),
asif.chohan1683@gmail.com (M.A.), atif.shehzad47@gmail.com (A.S.), suleman_azmat@yahoo.com
(S.A.), aslamkhanuaf@hotmail.com (M.A.K.)
Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) although susceptible to many pathogens but cucumber mosaic virus
(CMV) is most damaging one. Fifteen advanced varieties/lines were grown in the research area of the
Vegetable Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad. Disease samples were collected from those plants
showing typical mosaic like symptoms. On these 15 varieties/lines Double antibody sandwich ELISA
(DAS ELISA) was performed for the confirmation of CMV in the samples. Results indicated that there
was positive reaction with CMV used as antigen against CMV monoclonal antibodies. Out of
15varieties/lines, there was no line found to exhibit immunity against CMV virus. Ten varieties i.e. JK
Asma, White long, UTSA-V, PKBG-3, NAGA F1, Sorot F1, Rama F1, Malika F1, Adventa 1601and Desi
Tori were found highly susceptible to CMV. Three varieties i.e. Adventa 1602, Adventa 1101 and Sonal
White exhibited susceptible response against CMV. One variety i.e. Sahil Target was found moderately
susceptible against CMV. Only Adventa 1102 exhibited moderately resistant response to CMV.

ICHS2016/AB_418
Standardization of a technique of walnuts harvesting for quality produce
Malik Mohsin Abbas1, Zeshan Niaz1, Raheel Anwar2, Muhammad Ashfaq1 and Muhammad Ashraf
Sumrah1
Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab 38850,
Pakistan
Emails: malikmohsin144@gmail.com (M.M.A.), Raheelanwar@uaf.edu.pk (R.A)
An experiment to evaluate the difference amongst the quality and marketability of walnut fruits
harvested by two different technologies i.e. harvested by conventional method and harvested via new
technology, under the environmental conditions of Murree Hills during the year 2010 to 2011. The
data regarding the color of fruit/appearance, by using Hedonic Scale, maximum scores (7.8) were
recorded by the walnuts harvested by new technology and least scores (4.1) were recorded by using
the primitive technology. The data regarding the color of fruit, Texture of fruit and taste of fruit
revealed that the walnut fruit harvested and dried by new technology scored the 7.8, 7.6 and 7.4
179

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

scores respectively as compared to walnut harvested by old technology which were 5.5, 5.3 and 4.8.
The walnut harvested by new technology fetched 29.33% more market price as compared to the
walnut harvested by old technology.

ICHS2016/AB_419
Validation of molecular markers and detection of resistant genotypes against tomato mosaic virus
Muhammad Younas, Sundas Shahzad, Sajid ur Rahaman and Muhammad Zaffar Iqbal
Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad,
Punjab 38850, Pakistan
Email: sundas.shahzad@yahoo.com (S.S.)
Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is among one of the most infectious and devastating virus diseases in
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). It can lead to severe yield losses. The practical and effective method
of controlling this disease is through genetic control by introducing major resistance genes in Tomato
plant. For this purpose first thing is to find genotypically which varieties/hybrids are resistant and
which tolerant for the disease. Marker assisted selection (MAS) has become very important and useful
tool in selection of ToMV resistant tomato lines or hybrids. The objective of this research was the
validation and detection of resistant/susceptible genotypes against Tomato mosaic virus with the help
of DNA markers linked to disease sequence. So that the obtained information could be used further
in the development of varieties against TMV. Gene Tm-2 conferring resistance to ToMV has been
reported and is being utilized in tomato cultivar development. In present study, three Molecular
markers, Tm2RS-f2/r2, Tm2RSf3/r3 and Tm2aR- r3 /TM2R-r4 derived from TM-2 gene were
synthesized and assessed for validation in our local tomato genotypes. Out of these markers, marker
Tm2RS-f2/r2 was validated. This marker was derived from the gene sequence which confers
susceptibility for the disease. The validated DNA marker was surveyed on 40 tomato genotypes, out
of which 33 showed the susceptibility band while band was found absent in 7 genotypes that might
be considered homozygous or heterozygous for disease resistance on the basis of present results or it
could further be confirmed by applying the markers related to resistance. So, the present validated
DNA marker should be used in marker-assisted selection in variety development against disease.

ICHS2016/AB_420
Comparative Analysis of virus-specific small RNA profiles of three biologically distinct strains of
potato virus Y in infected potato (Solanum tuberosum) cv. Russet Burbank
Khalid Naveed1, Neena Mitter2, Artemus Harper3, Amit Dhingra3 and Hanu R. Pappu1
1
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
2
Qeensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia,
QLD, Australia
3
Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
Emails: khalidnaveed1673@gmail.com (K.N.), hrp@wsu.edu (A.H.), neena.mitter@daff.qlnd.gov.au
(N.M.), adhingra@wsu.edu (A.D.)
Deep sequencing technology has enabled the analysis of small RNA profiles of virus-infected plants
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

and could provide insights into virus-host interactions. Potato virus Y is an economically important
viral pathogen of potato worldwide. In this study, we investigated the nature and relative levels of
virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) in potato cv. Russet Burbank infected with three
biologically distinct and economically important strains of PVY, the Ordinary strain (PVY-O), tobacco
veinal-necrotic strain (PVY-N) and tuber necrotic strain (PVY-NTN). The analysis showed an overall
abundance of vsiRNAs of 20-24 nt in PVY-infected plants. Considerable differences were present in
the distribution of vsiRNAs as well as total small RNAs. The 21 nt class was the most prevalent in PVYinfected plants irrespective of the virus strain, whereas in healthy potato plants, the 24 nt class was
the most dominant. vsiRNAs were derived from every position in the PVY genome, though certain
hotspots were identified for each of the PVY strains. Among the three strains used, the population of
vsiRNAs of different size classes was relatively different with PVY-NTN accumulating the highest level
of vsiRNAs, while PVY-N infected plants had the least population of vsiRNAs. Unique vsiRNAs mapping
to PVY genome in PVY-infected plants amounted to 3.13, 1.93 and 1.70% for NTN, N and O,
respectively. There was a bias in the generation of vsiRNAs from the plus strand of the genome in
comparison to the negative strand. The highest number of total vsiRNAs was from the cytoplasmic
inclusion protein gene (CI) in PVY-O and PVY-NTN strains, whereas from PVY-N, the NIb gene produced
maximum total vsiRNAs. These findings indicate that the three PVY strains interact differently in the
same host genetic background and provided insights into virus-host interactions in an important food
crop.

ICHS2016/AB_421
Optimization of Protocol for in vitro regeneration of selected cultivars of banana to combat food
security issues in Pakistan
Arslan Bashir1, Shazia Erum2, Aish Muhammad2 and Mustafa Sajid2
1
International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
2
National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500 Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: arslanbashir29@yahoo.com (A.B.), shazia_rm@yahoo.com (S.E.),
aish.muhammad@yahoo.com (A.M.), drmustafasajid@gmail.com (M.S.)
Banana is herbaceous, monocotyledonous and evergreen perennial plant. Most of the banana
cultivars are susceptible to BBTV and it causes significant economic losses to banana production.
Micropropagation is preferred over the conventional method of propagation in banana due to faster
multiplication rate, uniformity in planting materials and production of disease-free planting materials.
The present study comprises of three exotic banana genotypes viz: Wiallium-8818 hybrid, Pisang and
Brazilian. Different combinations of IAA, NAA and BAP along with MS were prepared for optimizing
tissue culture protocol. The Clorox at 50% concentration for 20 min give minimum contamination
percentages, both fungal and bacterial, and optimum survival percentage. Seven different
combinations (T0-T6) of BAP and IAA and five combinations (RT0-RT4) of NAA and IAA were used to
optimize multiplication and rooting protocols. It was found that BAP and IAA at 2.5 mg/lt and 1 mg/lt
respectively (T5) gave maximum (6.53) mean number of shoots per explants while longest shoot
length (7.14) was recorded at MS with BAP and IAA at 1 mg/lt and 1 mg/lt (T4) respectively. Maximum
mean fresh weight value (12.96) was recorded in MS medium supplemented with BAP and IAA at 5.0
mg/lt and 1.0 mg/lt (T6) respectively. The genotype Wiallum-8818 hybrid gained maximum value for
mean number of shoots per explants (4.94) and longest shoot length (8.52) while the genotype Pisang
gained maximum fresh weight value (8.95).It was found that NAA at 0.5 mg/lt (RT4) gave maximum
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

(5.70) leaves per shoot while mean roots per shoot (4.67) was recorded at MS with 1mg/lt NAA and
1mg/lt IAA (RT3). Maximum mean value (5.58) for longest root length was recorded in MS medium
supplemented with at 1mg/lt NAA and 0,5mg/lt (RT2) respectively. The genotype Wiallum-8818 hybrid
gained maximum value for mean leaves per shoot (4.47) while variety Pisang showed maximum value
for roots per shoot (4.11) and longest root length (5.48). The propagated germplasm under in vitro
conditions were further acclimatized in the green house and transported in the research fields of Sind.
Moreover, disseminated to the local farmers in Sind.

ICHS2016/AB_422
Propagation of avocado through vegetative techniques under Islamabad condition (Cv. fuerte)
Jawad Hassan1, Muhammad Imran Kasana2,Muhammad Noman2, Muhammad Bilal Qadri1,
Muhammad Fiaz1 and Naima Razzaq1
1
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
2
Horticultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Park Road 45500
Islamabad, Pakistan
Emails: jawad2012@live.com (J.H), Kasana75@gmail.com (M.I.K), noman_pp69@yahoo.com (M.N),
bilal_butttt75@yahoo.com (M.B.Q), fiaz.m1990@yahoo.com (M.F), naimarazzaquaf@gmail.com
(N.R)
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a berry fruit of Lauraceae family grown worldwide in tropical
regions. It is commercially propagated by budding and grafting. Cleft grafting is more successful in
systematic plant development in terms of shoot number, shoot length, leaf number, leaf size, canopy
spread and stem girth than other propagation methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate
the efficacy of vegetative propagation in Avocado (Cv. Fuerte) under Islamabad condition. In this
regard one year old Avocado seedlings were selected and two types of treatments i.e., Cleft graft and
Tongue graft were performed. Experiment was performed according to CRD design with three
replications. One replication contain three plants so, 18 plants were grafted. The data collected was
statistically analyzed by LSD. Graft success, Number of shoots, Shoot length and Number of leaves
were more in Cleft graft than Tongue graft. Cleft graft showed better results than Tongue graft.

ICHS2016/AB_423
Fruit plant certification scheme, Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem, Iftikhar Haider, and Ilhammudin
Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, Pakistan
Emails: drnaeemfscrd@gmail.com (M.N.), iftikharhaider2@gmail.com (I.H.), ilhampak@gmail.com
(I.)
An organized and quality conscious nursery setup is essential for sustainable development of the
horticulture sector. Government of Pakistan launched Fruit Plant Certification Scheme in KPK during
1990s. This scheme is now being extended throughout the country. This is an interactive approach
involving public and private sectors to ensure production of true-to-type and disease free nursery
plants. The Provincial research system has to establish fruit plant Germplasm Units (GPUs) to provide
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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

quality propagating material to the nurseries. The nurseries have to produce disease free plants with
approved rootstock and scion to provide the orchardists. Federal Seed Certification and Registration
Department (FSC&RD) facilitates establishment and functioning of GPUs, registers fruit plant varieties
as well as nurseries, and regulates certification of nursery fruit plants. The expected outcomes of the
scheme are value addition to the nursery plants, establishment of true-to-type orchids of improved
varieties and production of high quality fruits with desired characteristics.

ICHS2016/AB_424
Management of tomato mosaic virus through Allium cepa, Calotropis procera and Azadirachta
indica in relation to epidemiological conditions
Tariq Farooq, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Muhammad Dilshad Hussain and Aamir Sajjad
Department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: mr.tariqfarooq@gmail.com (T.F.), aslamkhanuaf@hotmail.com (M.A.K.),
dishadpeerzada@gmail.com (M.D.H.), as.manc@hotmail.co.uk (A.S.)
Among the viruses prevalent on tomato, tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is the most important,
widespread and commonly occurring virus disease in tomato crop throughout Pakistan. To identify
resistant source against this disease, studies were conducted on screening of the tomato
lines/varieties against the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), in relation to epidemiological factors. Ten
tomato lines/varieties were collected from the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad
and transplanted in the research area of Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture
Faisalabad. The resistance/susceptibility of these lines/varieties to tomato mosaic virus was checked
under field conditions. The influence of environmental factors on disease development was studied
through correlation analysis. Out of ten tomato lines/varieties Naqeeb was found to be highly resistant
to disease whereas a line VRI-575 was found resistant. While two varieties Riogrande and Savana were
moderately resistant. One variety Baby Red, Two lines i.e., SBS-292 and GHT-2 were moderately
susceptible to ToMV. One variety Nemador and one line GSL-198 was susceptible whereas the variety
Nagina was highly susceptible to tomato mosaic virus. Different plant extracts (A. cepa, C. procera and
A. indica) were evaluated for their efficacy against the disease. The most effective treatment was A.
indica extract at 1% concentration. It gave a significant reduction in disease as compared to untreated
control. There was significant correlation of temperature, relative humidity, rain fall and wind speed
with tomato mosaic virus disease incidence.

ICHS2016/AB_425
Gucchi - a precious mushroom of Pakistan
Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal
Department of Microbiology, University of Haripur, KPK, Pakistan
Email: iqbalsh65@hotmail.com (S.M.I)
Morels grow in a specific habitat after snow melting. Local people make special efforts in March to May
to find their growing places. Morels generally appear in the open ground, in hedges and roadside under
hardwood and coniferous forests. In Pakistan, morels are mainly found in Gilgit, Swat and Jhelum-Neelum
183

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

Valleys. These are a good source of income for the natives and enjoy a prestige both as good food and
good fortune among the people of the area. The annual production of dry morels is 80-100 thousand Kg
per annum. The total quantity of morels exported from Pakistan during the last few years in given in this
paper. Marketing and world export potential markets of morels are described. Post harvest handling as
drying, grading and packing procedures has been explained. Six species of Marchella which were reported
in Pakistan had been described in detail.

ICHS2016/AB_427
Impact of Acetamaprid, Imidacloprid and Diafenthiuron on Bemisia tabaci and tomato leaf curl
virus disease incidence
Muhammad Dilshad Hussain, Muhammad Aslam Khan, Tariq Farooq and Aamir Sajjad
Department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab 38040, Pakistan
Emails: dishadpeerzada@gmail.com (M.D.H.), aslamkhanuaf@hotmail.com (M.A.K.),
tariqfarooq@gmail.com (T.F.), as.manc@hotmail.co.uk (A.S.)
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most important vegetable crops of Pakistan. There
are many viral diseases that affect tomato crop, while the Tomato Leaf Curl Virus Disease (TLCVD) is
one of the major diseases of tomato crop all over the world and it is distributed throughout the
Pakistan. Under natural conditions tomato leaf curl virus disease spreads by Bemisia tabaci. The
epidemiological factors and the population of whitefly significantly increase the spread of disease. The
study of environmental data demonstrated that increase in maximum and minimum temperature
increased the disease incidence of TLCV and population of Bemisia tabaci. The relative humidity was
negatively correlated with disease incidence and whitefly population. While the rainfall had significant
effects on whitefly population, humid condition suppressed the disease. Management of Tomato Leaf
Curl Virus disease through chemicals revealed that among the insecticides Acetamaprid was most
effective against insect vector of TLCVD.

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2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

Authors Index
Index contais an alphabetical listing of all authors of ICHS2016 abstract (both oral and poster) found
within the abstract section of this book. Authors are indexed regardless of their affiliation differences
within similar names.

A
Aamir Nawaz
103
Aamir Sajjad
178, 179, 183, 184
Aamna Riasat
122
Abadullah
55
Abdul Ahad Qureshi
55, 122
Abdul Ghaffar
39, 121
Abdul Hasib Viyar
120, 123
Abdul Majeed
76
Abdul Manan
109
Abdul Moiz
15
Abdul Rashid
41
Abdul Rauf Tahir
71
Abdul Razzaq
174
Abdul Rehman
8, 50, 124, 139, 143
Abdul Rehman Khan
8
Abdul Samad
25
Abdur Rab
25
Abid Mahmood
3, 76
Abid Niaz
3, 76
Adeela Munawar
86
Adel Ahmed Abul-Soad
29
Adil Khan 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 156,
166, 167
Adil Rehman
25
Adnan Munawar
167
Adnan younis
97, 130
Adriane Marinho de Assis
39
Ahmad Sattar Khan 51, 82, 84, 138, 139, 140, 141,
142, 143, 169, 170
Ahmad Waqas
36, 113, 114, 116, 149
Ahsan Akram
79, 97
Ahsan Javed
41, 42
Ahtisham Arshad
168
Aijaz Hussain Soomro
173
Aish Muhammad
181
Akhtar Ali
100
Akhtar Hameed
46, 134, 135, 136
Aleena Mushtaq
133

Ali Aslam
131
Ali Khan
144
Alia Ahmed
34
Allah Bakhsh
32, 108, 109
Allah Rakha
88
Aman Ullah Malik 20, 49, 50, 58, 67, 68, 84, 139,
140, 142, 170
Amber Khan
61
Amir Shakeel
19, 86
Amit Dhingra
180
Amjad Abbas
21, 23, 95, 98, 99, 100
Amjad Farooq
9, 79, 82
Amjad Pervez
35
Ammar Javed
88
Amna Ali
157
Amna Fayyaz
113
Amna Shoaib
64, 115, 177
Anam Noor
47, 137, 138, 154, 155
Anam Rasool
60, 165, 166
Anam Zahid
145, 147, 166, 167
Anjum Perveen
8
Anser Farooq
104
Anum Intisar
122
Anum Nawaz
157
Armghan Shahzad
34, 112
Arshad Javaid
57, 64
Arshed Bashir
38, 107, 108, 117
Arslan Bashir
181
Arslan shehroz
100
Arslan Shehroz
95
Artemus Harper
180
Asad Ali
51, 68, 85
Asad Ullah
134, 137
Asgar Ali
23
Asghar Ali
132
Ashfaq Ahmed Maan
98
Ashifa Rafiq
123
Asia Ramzan
41, 127
Asif Ali
50
Asif Ali Khan 56, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151,
156, 166, 167
Asif Mahmood Arif
62, 168

185

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Asif Saeed
Asif ur Rehman Hafiz
Asmat Batool
Ata-ul-Haq
Ather Mahmood
Atif Akram
Atif Iqbal
Atif Mahmood
Atif Mehmood
Atif Riaz
Atif Shehzad
Attiq Akhtar
Autar K. Mattoo
Avtar K. Handa
Awais Ahmad
Awais Ghani
Ayesha Maryam
Ayesha Rasheed
Ayesha Sameen
Ayub Jan
Azeem Khalid
Azhar Hussain
Azhar Uddin Bahtti
Azher Iqbal
Azma Iqbal
Azmat Ali Awan

19, 56, 86
27, 106
47, 137, 138, 150, 154, 155
124
107
41, 42
27, 106
3
56
82, 130
178, 179
32, 108, 109
11
10
74
157
174
146, 166, 167
161
118
63, 169
32
31
101
130
118

B
Babar Khan
Barrira Meryum
Basharat Ali
Basharat Ali Saleem
Bazgha Zia
Beatrix W. Alsanius
Bibi Haleema
Bilal Jafar
Bilal Younas
Bilquees Fatima
Birgitta Svensson
Bushra Mushtaq
Bushra Sadia
Bushra Sultana

186

127
171
68
49, 50, 77
10
51
45
103
85
48, 55, 56, 139, 167
51
16
144
43

C
Charles L. Wilson
Chaudhary Muhammad Ayyub
125, 148

20
87, 88, 101, 104,

D
David H. Byrne
Dr. Babar Ehsan Bajwa
Dr. Muhammad Atif Randhawa

9, 79, 82
1
85

E
Ehsan A. Qadir
Ehsan Ullah Khan
Elaf Anjum

124
11
173

F
F.A.Nehvi
Faheem Altaf
Faheem Khadija
Fahim Nawaz
Faisal Hafeez
Faisal Hayat
Faisal Saeed Awan
Faisal Sohail Fateh
Faiza Nazir
Faqir Muhammad Tahir
Farhana Nosheen
Faria Azhar
Farooq Ahmad Khan
Farooq Anwar
Farrukh Azeem
Farukh Naveed
Fazal Rabi
Fazal Rehman
Fengwang Ma
Fiaz Hussain
Fozia
Furqan Aslam

17
64, 163, 164, 165, 172
5, 83
109
39
3
7, 31, 79
14, 62, 67, 168
44
54, 153, 154
24
79
84
43
99
93
102
86
36
3, 77
145, 151, 166, 167
116, 149

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

G
Ganesan Vadamalai
Gaurav Raikhy
Getachew Neme Tolesa
Ghazal Miraj
Ghulam Abbas
Ghulam Jellani
Ghulam Muhammad Ali
Ghulam Muhammad Bahram
Ghulam Mustafa
Ghulam Nabi
Ghulam Sarwar Markhand
Gul Bostan
Gul Nawaz
Gulzar Akhtar

124
22
21
45
161
42, 126
34, 112
66
27, 106
25, 118
29
102
116, 149
79, 97

H
H. U. Khan
Habat Asad
Habib Ahmad
Habibullah Nadeem
Hafeez Ahmad Sadaqat
Hafeez ur Rehman
Hafeez-ur-Rahman
Hafiz Mahmood Ur Rehman
Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah
Hafiz Muhammad Usman Aslam
Hafiz Nazar Faried
Hafiz Sibtain Ahmad
Hameed Ullah
Hameedullah
Hamid Bashir
Hammad Badar
Hanu R. Pappu
Haroon Rasheed
Hasan Sardar
Hassam Ishtiaq
Hassan Munir
Hassan Raza
Heidrun Halbwirth
HidayatUllah
Hina Safdar
Hira Nawaz
Holger Bohlmann

12
13
25, 82
99
84
30, 65, 118, 176
10, 47
175
139, 140
113
87, 88, 148
48
27, 106
94
50
42
22, 180
7
109, 128
85, 88, 100
43, 86
156
45
42
78
23
21

Huiming Zhang
Huma Abbas
Humair Ahmad Malik
Humayun Khan

10
4, 78, 104, 127
63, 169
126

I
Ian S.E. Bally
13, 14, 67, 94
Ibad Ullah Jan
147, 148, 149
Ibadullah Jan
150, 156
Ibrar Hussain
39, 118
Iftikhar Ahmad 1, 5, 62, 67, 69, 71, 74, 75, 79, 97,
168
Iftikhar Haider
182
Ihtisham Wahid
121
Ikram Ali Malik
60
Ilhammudin
182
Imran Ahmad
61
Imran Hassan
178
Imran Ramzan
95, 100
Imtiaz Ahmad
104, 162
Inayat Ur Rahman
156
Inayat Ur Rehman
25
Ines Cristina Batista Fonseca
39
Iqra Anwar
19
Iqra Naeem
4
Iqrar Ahmad Khan
50, 51, 143, 144
Irfa Sohail
156
Irfan Mehmood
107, 108, 117
Ishfaq Ahmad Hafiz
60, 111, 131
Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana
51, 68, 141, 143, 177
Islam Rashid
58
Izzatullah Sherzad
120

J
Javed Iqbal
Jawad Hassan
John M. Dole

14, 27, 94, 106, 156


9, 58, 182
1, 5

K
Kamran shah
Kaneez Fatima
Karl Stich

118
135
45

187

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Karoline Maria Jezik
45
Kashif Razzaq
109, 141, 177
Kashif Riaz
46, 134, 135, 136
Kashif Shabir
64, 163, 164, 165, 172
Khalid Mahmood Quershi
126
Khalid Mahmood Qureshi
41
Khalid Mushtaq
37
Khalid Naveed
22, 23, 180
Khawaja Muhammad Saim
153
Khizra Narmeen
156
Khurram Ziaf
19, 69, 79, 86, 137, 145, 146, 150,
152, 154, 155, 157, 160, 161, 162
Khushbakht Alia
99

L
Laraib Hameed
Leon A. Terry
Liaqat Ali
Luis Eduardo Correa Antunes
Luqman Amrao

154, 159, 162, 163


68
11, 51
39
23, 113

M
Madiha Butt
87, 88, 148
Madiha Liaquat
156
Mahnaz Kiani
79
Mahwish Rashid
161
Makiya Rafiq
106
Malik Abid Mahmood
89
Malik Fiaz Hussain Ferdosi
171
Malik Mohsin Abbas 80, 81, 96, 109, 164, 173, 179
Mansoor Hameed
33, 143
Maqsood Ahmed
15
Maqsood Hussain
37
Mariam Munir
129
Marie E. Olsson
51
Maryam
31
Maryam Aslam
43, 44
Maryam Azhar
154
Maryam Nair
170
Mauhammad Latif
39
May Elfar Altamimi
19
Mazhar Abbas
38, 103, 108, 117, 152, 153
Mehdi Maqbool
13
Mirza Arslan Abid
158

188

Misbah Ashraf
39
Misbah Iqbal Qamar
124
Moazzam Jamil
7
Mohammad Golap Hossain
54
Mohammad Hanif
153
Mohammad Shafi Ullah
54
Mohsin Bashir 69, 87, 88, 125, 145, 146, 148, 149
Mohsin Raza
105
Mostafa Mohamed Rady
30
Mubashir Zahid
115, 152
Mubeen Sarwar
88
Muhammad A. Ali
23
Muhammad Aamir
175
Muhammad Adil Zubair
85
Muhammad Afzal
18, 81, 95, 108
Muhammad Ahmad
24
Muhammad Ahmad Ali
48
Muhammad Ahmed Waqas
87
Muhammad Ahsan
50
Muhammad Ahsan Khan
142
Muhammad Ahsan Khatana
123, 125, 145, 146
Muhammad Ahsan Raza
86
Muhammad Akbar Anjum
45, 75, 93, 106, 119
Muhammad Akmal
112
Muhammad Akram
84
Muhammad Ali
31, 147, 157
Muhammad Alim Alimi
66
Muhammad Amin
84
Muhammad Amjad
47, 69, 75, 87, 88, 103, 115,
137, 138, 148, 150, 152, 154, 155, 157, 159,
160, 161, 162
Muhammad Amjad Ali
21, 95, 98, 99, 100
Muhammad Ammar
94
Muhammad Anwar Arain
35
Muhammad Aqeel Feroze
123
Muhammad Arshad Hussain
90, 91, 92
Muhammad Asam Riaz
95
Muhammad Asghar
8
Muhammad Ashfaq 31, 52, 91, 92, 132, 157, 179
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah
32, 108, 109, 179
Muhammad Asif
69, 178, 179
Muhammad Asif Ali
32, 109, 110, 128, 145, 146,
147, 151, 166
Muhammad Asif Aziz
178
Muhammad Asif Kamran
6
Muhammad Aslam Khan 75, 79, 178, 179, 183, 184
Muhammad Ather Mahmood
38
Muhammad Atiq
133

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Muhammad Awais Ghani 69, 115, 125, 137, 145,
147, 148, 152, 154, 159, 160, 161, 162
Muhammad Awais Khalid
2, 71, 72, 73
Muhammad Azam 54, 68, 69, 119, 120, 125, 145,
146, 152, 153, 154, 156, 159, 160, 161, 162,
163, 166
Muhammad Azam Khan
15, 26
Muhammad Azhar Bashir 64, 163, 164, 165, 172
Muhammad Azher Nawaz
3, 49, 77
Muhammad Babar Shahzad Afzal
93
Muhammad Behzad Rafiq
74
Muhammad Bilal Chattha
171
Muhammad Bilal Qadri
182
Muhammad Bilal Younas
88, 89, 100
Muhammad Dilshad Hussain
183, 184
Muhammad Farooq
39, 127
Muhammad Farrukh Saleem
19, 86, 142
Muhammad Fasih Khalid
93
Muhammad Fiaz
9, 58, 159, 182
Muhammad Hamid Mumtaz Qureshi
121
Muhammad Haroon
178
Muhammad Hussnain Siddique
99
Muhammad I. Nabi
101
Muhammad Imran
53
Muhammad Imran Kasana
93, 182
Muhammad Iqbal
7, 15
Muhammad Irfan
83
Muhammad Irfan Ashraf
101, 104
Muhammad Irfan Nawaz
95
Muhammad Ishaque
24
Muhammad Ishfaq 64, 80, 81, 96, 110, 163, 164,
173
Muhammad Israr
12
Muhammad Jafar Jaskani 7, 31, 33, 46, 54, 79, 80,
96, 125, 135, 136, 142, 143, 144, 153, 154, 163
Muhammad Jahan Zaib
105, 127
Muhammad Jahanzeb
85, 89, 100
Muhammad Jarrar Ahmed
115, 177
Muhammad Javed Tareen
10, 47
Muhammad Jawaad Atif
41, 42
Muhammad Jawwad Yousuf
44
Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud Cheema36, 113, 114,
116
Muhammad Kamran 4, 78, 101, 103, 104, 105, 122,
124
Muhammad Kashif Raza
173
Muhammad Luqman
18, 49
Muhammad Maaz Aziz
81

Muhammad Mahmood ur Rehman


137, 157
Muhammad Mazhar Hussain
56
Muhammad Modassar Sharif
71
Muhammad Mohsin Raza
133
Muhammad Mumtaz Khan
119
Muhammad Munem Khan
84
Muhammad Munir
7
Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir 47, 69, 123, 125,
128, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152,
153, 156, 161, 166, 167
Muhammad N. Rasheed
3, 76
Muhammad N. Zouq
3, 76
Muhammad Nadeem
9, 82
Muhammad Naeem
182
Muhammad Naeem Abbas
142
Muhammad Nafees
7
Muhammad Nasir Subhani
53, 171
Muhammad Naveed
72
Muhammad Naveed Aslam
91, 92
Muhammad Naveed Tareen
10, 47
Muhammad Nawaz Khan
49, 50
Muhammad Noman
182
Muhammad Qasim
69, 71, 74, 79, 107, 117, 130
Muhammad Rafique Asi
16
Muhammad Rashid Shaheen
88
Muhammad Razaq
175
Muhammad Rizwan Liaqat
32, 110, 128
Muhammad Rizwan Tufail
113
Muhammad Saad Qureshi
120, 125
Muhammad Saeed
12, 27, 89
Muhammad Sajid
58, 61
Muhammad Saleem
75
Muhammad Saleem Akhtar Khan
115
Muhammad Saleem Haider
53, 157, 171
Muhammad Salman
32
Muhammad Salman Haider
143
Muhammad Saqib
96
Muhammad Sarwar Yaqub
51
Muhammad Shafiq
53, 171
Muhammad Shafique
55, 121, 122, 159
Muhammad Shahid
23, 55, 140, 143
Muhammad Shahzad
23
Muhammad Sohail
88
Muhammad Sohail Mazhar
1
Muhammad Sohail Waqas
36, 113, 114, 116
Muhammad Sudheer Tariq
127
Muhammad Tahir Akram
119, 120, 123, 125
Muhammad Tariq
47, 115

189

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Muhammad Tariq Malik
14, 94
Muhammad Tariq Siddique
63, 169
Muhammad Tayyab Tahir
119
Muhammad Tayyib
44
Muhammad Umair
40, 126
Muhammad Umer Chattha
171
Muhammad Umer Younas
89, 100
Muhammad Usman 48, 52, 55, 96, 132, 139, 167,
171
Muhammad Usman Arshad
122
Muhammad Usman Chattha
171
Muhammad Uzair Asif
32, 110, 128
Muhammad Waleed Abdullah
150
Muhammad Waqar Hassan
175
Muhammad Waseem
143
Muhammad Yaseen
2, 71, 72, 73
Muhammad Yasin
50, 86
Muhammad Younas
180
Muhammad Younas Khan Barozai
34
Muhammad Yussouf Saleem
8
Muhammad Zaffar Iqbal
180
Muhammad Zahir Aziz
2, 71, 72, 73
Muhammad Zameer Kayani
90, 91
Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed
18, 95
Muhammad Zeeshan Rafique
146
Muhammad Zeshan Ahmed
113
Muhammad Zeshan Rafique
145, 151, 167
Muhammad Zohaib Anjum
103
Muhammad Zubair
14
Muhammad Zunair Latif
95, 100
Mujahid Ali
101, 104
Mujahid Iqbal
29
Munawar Raza Kazmi
62, 67, 168
Muneeb Ahmed Khan
75
Muneer Abbas
39
Mureed Abbass
7
Mushtaq Ahmad
14, 27, 94, 106, 165, 172
Mushtaque Ahmed Jatoi
29
Mustafa Sajid
181
Muzaffar Javed
34

Nadeem Iqbal
105
Nadeem Saeed
86
Nadia Bostan
102
Nadia Liaqat
134
Naeem ur Rehman
111
Naheed Akhtar
163, 165, 172
Naila Zeerak
78, 101, 124
Naima Razzaq
182
Najamuddin Solangi
29
Najma Yousaf Zahid
56, 111, 112
Naseem Akhter
169
Naseem Sharif
64, 80, 81, 96, 110, 173
Nasir Mehmood Khan
68
Nasir Mehmood Minhas
41
Nausherwan Nobel Nawab 40, 41, 112, 126, 127
Naveed Ahmad
82, 89, 115
Naveed Ahmed
75
Naveeda Anwar
73
Nazim Hussain
62, 168
Nazir Ahmed Soomro
29
Nazir Javed
4, 78, 101, 104, 105, 127
Neena Mitter
180
Niaz Hussain
24
Nida Mahren
142
Nigarish Munir
3
Nighat Sana
64
Nisar Naeem
25, 118
Noor Alam Khan
37
Noor Saleem
42
Noor ul Amin
25
Noor Ul Haq
68
Noor-ul-Ain
72
Nuzat Habib Khan
16

O
Osama Bin Abdul Hafeez

115, 129, 157, 159

P
N
Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi 10, 13, 26, 47, 55, 60, 111,
112, 121, 122, 131, 159
Nadeem Akthar Abbasi
56
Nadeem Fazil
15

190

Paul Gadek
Pengmin Li

13
36

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts

Q
Qaisar Shah Safi
Qumer Iqbal
Qurat-ul-Ain

6
8, 103
131

R
Rabia Saleem
156
Raheel Anwar 5, 54, 58, 83, 140, 142, 153, 154, 179
Raja Adil Sarfraz
44
Raja Qualib Hussain
46, 134, 135, 136
Rana Husnain Shabbir
84
Rana Naveed Ur Rehman
36
Rashad Mukhtar Balal
83
Rashad Waseem Khan Qadri 54, 69, 119, 120, 123,
125, 146, 153
Rashed Saeed
117
Rashid Abdullah Al-Yahyai
26
Rashid Ahmad
69, 125
Rashid Hussain
162
Rashid Saeed
108
Rashida Perveen
14
Rasool Baksh Tareen
34
Raza Ullah
6
Rhonda Rae. Janke
19
Riaz Ahmad
106, 157
Riaz Alam
45
Riaz Mahmood
175
Rizwan Liaqat
109
Robina Kausar
98
Roma Akhtar
57
Rosnita Binti A. Talib
15

S
S. Bashir
101
Saajid Aleem
50
Saba Hameed
3, 77
Sabir Aziz
130
Sadaf Altaf
144
Saddam Hussain
36, 113, 114, 116, 149
Sadeed Iqbal
149, 150, 156
Saeed Ahmad 2, 7, 31, 73, 80, 96, 138, 139, 140,
169, 173, 174

Safdar Ali
16, 122
Sahar Jameel
46, 134, 135, 136
Sahar Rashid
139
Saif ud din Taj
80, 84
Sajid Aleem Khan
4, 78, 104, 105, 127
Sajid Ali
139, 140
Sajid ur Rahaman
180
Sajjad Akhtar
8
Sajjad Hussain
93, 119
Sakeena Tul-Ain Haider
169
Salik Nawaz Khan
59
Salwee Yasmin
17
Sami Ul Allah
65, 176
Sami Ullah
55, 121, 122, 159
Samida Qamar
48
Sana Asghar
110
Sana Khan
149, 150, 156
Saneela Arooj
103
Saniya Mehk Qammer
112
Saqib Ali
118
Saqib Shehzad
80, 84
Sehrish Ishaq
60
Sehrish Mushtaq
53
Sergio Ruffo Roberto
39
Shafique Maqsood
65, 176
Shafqat Saeed
62
Shaghef Ejaz
45, 93, 119
Shagufta Kamal
101
Shagufta Umar
172
Shahab Habib
113
Shahbaz Talib Sahi
122, 133
Shahid Abbas
84
Shahid Javed Butt
9
Shahid Mahmood
63, 169
Shahid Majeed
44
Shahid Nadeem
37
Shahid Niaz
41
Shahina Fayyaz
12
Shahzad Ahmed
116, 149
Shahzad Maqsood Ahmad Basra
142, 169, 170
Shaista Jabeen Khan
16
Shamaila Bibi
25
Shamim Akhtar
127
Shaukat Ali
8
Shazia Erum
181
Shazia Iftikhar
60, 67, 165, 166
Shazia Iram
61
Shazia Saeed
34

191

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Sheeraz Qamar
Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal
Sher Baz Khan
Shi Lei
Shirjeel Zawar
Shoaib ur Rehman
Shouket Zaman Khan
Shreef Mahmood
Shujaul Mulk Khan
Shumaila Farooq
Sidra Kiran
Sitwat Riaz
Sjeela Javed
Sobia Noor
Sobia Saleem
Sobia Samreen
Sohaib Sarfraz
Solangi Qamaruddin
Sonila Hassan
Soomro Mushtaque Hussain
Sufiyan Qureshi
Sufyan Ahmad
Suleman Azmat
Sultan Ali Adil
Sultan Habibullah Khan
Sultan Mehmood
Sumaira Saeed
Summar Abbas Naqvi
Sumreen Siddiq
Sundas Shahzad
Sundus Akhtar
Syed Ahmad Raza Gillani
Syed Bilal Hussain
Syed Muhammad Zia-ul-Hassan
Syed Muzaffar Ahmed
Syeda Anum Masood Bokhari

159
183
38, 117
9
139
30, 65, 66, 176
28
54
25
59
27, 106
80, 81, 110
16
2, 71, 72, 73
160
135
136
9
38, 107, 108
9
102
167
178, 179
37
136
40, 126
105
123, 143
2
180
115, 177
146, 147
119, 177
162
35
93, 160

T
Tahir Khurshid
Tahir Mahmood
Tahir Saeed
Tahira Noor
Taj Naseeb Khan
Tanveer Ahmad
Tariq Farooq
Tariq Mukhtar

192

67
56
3, 76
41, 112, 127
40, 41, 126, 127
47, 103, 137
183, 184
12, 90, 91, 92, 111

Tariq Ziad
Tatsiana U Datsenka
Tauqeer Ahmad
Tayyaba
Tayyaba Shaheen
Tehreem Jabbar
Thiruchelvam Thanaraj
Tilahun Seyoum Workneh
Tony Page
Turab Ul Hasan

63, 169
10
60
152
140
152
68
21
13
152

U
Umair Raza
Umar Iftikhar Khan
Umar Khalid
Umbreen Shahzad
Ummad Hussain
Usman Ajmal
Usman Shaukat Quershi
Uzair Qasim

55
152
59
33
158
122
178
126, 127

W
Waqar Abdus Sammad
148
Waqar Ahmed
3, 77
Waqar Asghar
124
Waqar Karim
145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151,
156, 166, 167
Waqar Shafqat
96
Waqar ul Zaman
104
Waqas Ashraf
122
Waqas Khan
26
Waqas Malik
106
Waseem Abbas
53
Waseem Waris
178, 179
Wazir Ahmed
73
Weifeng Chen
36
Werner Stumpf
45
William Bill Miller
97

Y
Yaohua You
Yasar Sajjad

36
46, 135, 136

2nd International Conference on Horticultural Sciences: Abstracts


Yasir Hamid
Yasir Iftikhar

71, 73
78, 83, 103, 124

Z
Zafar Iqbal
Zaghum Nawaz
Zahoor Ahmad Sajid
Zahoor Elahi

78, 101, 124


110
174, 175
127

Zahoor Hussain
Zaid Mustafa
Zakria Farid
Zeeshan Hassan Jaffery
Zeshan Niaz
Zhang Lei
Zhou Zongshan
Zia Ullah Khan
Zikrullah Safi
Zora Singh

5, 83
87, 148
40, 126
101, 124
179
36
16
68
65, 66, 176
5

193

Sponsors
Higher Education Commission
Islamabad, Pakistan

Endowment Fund Secretariate


University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Pakistan Science Foundation

Australian AID

id

Sc

ta

ie n

ces

Pa k is

So
ci

et y

ra
tu
of Hor ticul

Institute of Horticultural
Sciences, UAF

Pakistan Society of Horticultural Sciences

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