Forthcoming Issue

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crops, ranking third after wheat and rice. It holds the title of the "Queen" of cereals due to its wide cultivation and nutritional value it provides. Especially iron is crucial for the proper functioning of haemoglobin and blood formation. Unfortunately, insufficient consumption of iron-rich foods is the primary cause of iron deficiency in the underdeveloped countries. A research study was conducted at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, aiming to investigate the diversity of 20 indigenous maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines. Seeds were sown in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.  The study was conducted under open field conditions, focusing on genetic variations related to quality and yield traits. The results were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine variability among the inbred lines. Various parameters were recorded at maturity and after harvesting i.e., plant height, ear traits, and grain iron content. The evaluation of grain iron content revealed significant variation among the inbred lines tested. The inbred line with the highest iron content was 6162, recording 40.083 µg/g. Additionally, the analysis of other morphological and yield traits showed significant variations among the inbred lines. Three lines showed promising iron content: 6162 (40.083 µg/g), CRT-3 (36.417 µg/g), and 6199 (35.25 µg/g). Based on these research findings, there is a clear need to develop a breeding plan to enhance iron content in local maize germplasm.

White fly and other sucking insect pests are considered the minor pests of sugarcane in Punjab-Pakistan. But in the last few years, the white fly of sugarcane has become a major trouble for the sugarcane growers to handle and for sugar industries to extract proper sugar. A field trial was conducted at the seed farm of Kashmir Sugar Mills (Lat. 30.9370, Long. 72.1105). Treatments were comprised of crysopera eggs cards and insecticide(s). The insecticide(s) was sprayed with tractor mounted Jecto sprayer at the grand growth stage of autumn planted sugarcane (8th-month-old crop). Pre and post-spray population counts of whitefly were recorded. The results were compared with the control with a curved polar bar chart in R using the 'ggplot2' package. It was observed that drenching of chlorantraniloprole @ 250 ml/ha made an excellent control (~88%) and 24.2% over the control treatment. The 2nd most efficient control (86%) (22.7% over control) was recorded in a blend of pyriproxyfen + bifenthrin @ 1250 ml + 1000 ml/ha, respectively than the individual use of said insecticide (61% and 69%, respectively). Very hot and dry weather in the month of May in plains of Punjab Province-Pakistan did not support the Lab. reared crysoperla eggs cards @ 15000/ha in the field. But a large number of natural bio control agents worked well and surpassed some treatments in % mortality of whitefly.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop and plays an important role in Pakistan's economy as a cash crop. Cotton crop is cultivated primarily for fiber. The main objective of all cotton breeders is the production of a new variety with high yield and fiber quality.  The current experiment was be conducted in the research area of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Crosses were made of four varieties AGC-999, IR-3701, VH-37 and AS-01 by full Diallel mating design in the greenhouse during winter season. Evaluation of 12 crosses and 4 parental varieties were proceeded in the field during Kharif season of 2019 under RCBD (Randomized completely blocked Design) design with three replications. The data for agronomic characters and yield related traits as plant height, number of branches, number of bolls, number of nodes, seed cotton yield, ginning out turn, seed index and lint index was recorded. Mean data of seed cotton yield for all the genotypes indicated that the parent AS-01 provided the maximum yield (93.73 grams) among the parents while AGC-999 × IR-3701 had the maximum yield (82 grams) among the crosses. While VH-37, VH-37 × AS-01 and AS—01 × AGC-999 had the minimum value among parents and crosses respectively. These genotypes

This comprehensive review paper explores the transformative role of CRISPR-Cas technology in addressing critical challenges faced by agriculture in the era of climate change. The exploration unfolds across four key headings. Firstly, under "Understanding CRISPR-Cas Technology," the paper provides a foundational understanding of the CRISPR-Cas systems, elucidating their intricate mechanisms of genome editing and tracing their evolutionary trajectory in agricultural research. Moving to "Climate-Responsive Targets in Crop Genomes," the review delves into the identification of genes associated with climate resilience, discussing strategies for precise CRISPR-Cas target selection. Case studies illuminate successful gene editing applications, showcasing the potential of this technology in fortifying crops against diverse climatic stressors. The section on "Challenges and Opportunities in Crop Engineering" critically examines hurdles such as off-target effects and navigates risk assessments. It explores the evolving regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR-Cas, shedding light on the ethical dimensions of its implementation. The discussion extends to the innovative prospect of leveraging CRISPR-Cas for conferring multiple stress tolerance in crops, introducing a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture. The final section, "Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Future Prospects and Applications," envisions the future impact of CRISPR-Cas on global food security. It highlights the synergy between CRISPR-Cas and precision breeding, emphasizing the integration with conventional breeding programs. The prospective impacts on global food security and agricultural sustainability are explored, presenting CRISPR-Cas as a pivotal tool in developing resilient and high-yielding crops that can address the challenges of a changing climate. This review paper synthesizes insights from understanding the technology to addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities, envisioning a sustainable future where CRISPR-Cas plays a central role in advancing agriculture towards resilience, precision, and global food security.

Plasmodiophora brassica is a causal agent of brassica clubroot, and synthetic and bio fungicides showed actions against P. brassica. Under controlled-environment conditions, the mechanism of suppression of P. brassica by bio fungicides was antibiosis and mediated host resistance. To promote the delivery of bio fungicides, various formulations like granular and seed treatment were produced, so neither bio fungicides nor chemical fungicides were sufficiently compelling to reduce the population of resting spore P. brassica. Resistant cultivars substantially decreased clubroot intensity and canola yield losses. P. brassica resistance is the most consistent and economically appropriate management approach, but some studies indicate that clubroot resistance may not be robust. To build and deploy a different source of resistance constantly. The bait plants and soil modifications are not commercially practical. Crop data manipulation, soil fumigation, chemical fungicide application, and bio fungicides have much more ability to control P. brassica. The combinations of strategies that can minimize the pressure of disease in infested areas and enhance the resilience and number of the resistant gene versus P. brassica still need to be identified.

Gummosis syndrome is a serious disease of apricot trees in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. The symptoms of gummosis syndrome on branches, twigs, and the trunk of apricot trees include oozing of a gummy or resinous material, lesions or cankers, bark discoloration, and the disintegration of bark integrity. The disease can weaken branches and twigs, making them more susceptible to breakage. In severe cases, affected branches can die back. In this study, we investigated the fungal species associated with gummosis syndrome in apricots across four districts in GB: Nagar, Hunza, Gilgit, and Ghizer. We recovered a total of 40 isolates from different locations of above four districts, and the most frequently isolated fungal species was Botryodiplodia theobromae. Fusarium solani was also isolated from several locations, and Neoscytalidium spp. were isolated from a few locations in Nagar and Hunza. The spatial distribution of gummosis syndrome in apricots in GB is not uniform. The disease is more prevalent in the northern and western parts of GB, and in areas with higher elevations and cooler temperatures. The Nagar district is the most affected by gummosis syndrome, followed by Ghizer District. Our findings suggest that Botryodiplodia theobromae is the major fungal pathogen associated with gummosis syndrome in apricots in GB. Fusarium solani and Neoscytalidium spp. may also play a role in the disease. The spatial distribution of gummosis syndrome in GB suggests that environmental factors, such as elevation and temperature, may contribute to the disease. Further research is needed to develop effective control measures for gummosis syndrome in apricots in GB. This research should focus on identifying resistant apricot varieties, developing new and more effective fungicides, and developing integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Sessile plants confront the fluctuating harsh environmental conditions and react to alterations in biotic and abiotic components of environments by symbiotic association between plant and biosphere. The origins of stresses are the vicinal environment, which is composed of biotic and abiotic agents. A wide range of molecular mechanisms are opted by the plants for their self-defense. The plant faces harsh conditions due to its molecular battery. Signaling molecules engineer the plants to tolerate the stresses. Transposable elements become active due to living and nonliving agents. Physical and chemical agents cause induction in mutation. These changes are the first driving step in the evolution of plants. During evolution, environmental changes force the plants to adapt or succumb to stress. The plants respond to the ecological conditions by modulating the gene programmer.

Citrus cultivation is a vital component of the agricultural sector, offering significant nutritional and economic benefits. However, citrus plants face numerous disorders, including Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. HLB is a devastating disease caused by the bacterial species Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), primarily transmitted by the citrus psyllid and grafting. Investigating the distribution and molecular characterization of HLB in various citrus varieties and psyllid populations is crucial. Molecular techniques and iodine starch staining have been used to detect HLB symptoms. Several studies have been designed to determine the incidence and severity of HLB symptoms in different citrus varieties and locations and estimate the psyllid population density in different citrus varieties. Furthermore, these studies established a correlation between the population of psyllids and the incidence and severity of HLB in different locations and these findings suggest a potential link between psyllid infestation and the prevalence of HLB. This study highlights the prevalence of HLB in various locations and varieties, providing insights into the distribution, severity, and correlation between psyllid populations and HLB incidence. The reliability of PCR testing for Las infection confirms its effectiveness. Such findings suggest implementing integrated pest management strategies, including monitoring and controlling psyllid populations, removing infected plants, and using certified disease-free planting materials to prevent HLB spread.