Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a member of the Fabaceae family, is recognized as the world's oldest and most significant forage crop, often called the 'queen of forage'.  There are various distinct fungal, bacterial and viral diseases commonly found in alfalfa. There are many challenges to alfalfa production but leaf spot has a major threat to alfalfa crop in Pakistan. It is caused by Curvularia buchloes. It causes significant economic losses worldwide.  Keeping in view high yield losses due to this disease, this research was mainly dealt with disease management. Alfalfa crop was growing in green house and field. Curvularia spp. was acquired from Fungal Molecular Biology Lab (FMB-CC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Culture was revived for pathogenicity confirmation. Different disease management strategies included fungicides and silver nanoparticles were used. Silver nanoparticles were biogenically synthesized using a fungal/bacterial strain, and their antifungal potential was evaluated. Selected fungicides at different concentrations were also used to evaluate and in combination with Silver nanoparticles to find out the optimum and most effective combination and concentration reduce the growth of fungal pathogens. Data was statistically analyzed. The research was conducted in experimental area of the Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad under randomized complete block design (RCBD).

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a member of the Fabaceae family, is regarded as the queen of fodder. It is also the oldest and most significant forage crop in the world. Alfalfa is susceptible to various bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases, with stem and crown rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, posing a major threat. These diseases significantly reduce alfalfa productivity. Significant annual yield losses are anticipated due to this disease. Since sclerotinia disease affects a variety of hosts, it is becoming a significant global issue, with annual reports of significant yield losses. Given these significant losses, this research primarily focused on disease management through screening for resistant alfalfa cultivars. In the greenhouse, pathogenicity was confirmed by following the Koch's postulates. Five alfalfa germplasm types were evaluated for resistance sources. The best method for managing stem and crown rot disease was V3. Disease severity data was documented using the Welty disease rating system (grades 0-6). To compare the means of several alfalfa varieties, the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) was applied at a 5% probability level. Statistical analysis was performed using a Factorial design within a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Guava (psidium gujava L.) belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is an important fruit crop of tropical and subtropical regions. Production of guava is affected by many biotic or abiotic factors. Biotic factors, particularly fruit flies (Diptera), cause heavy losses. This research aimed to control fruit fly infestations. The entomopathogenic fungus Hirsutella spp. was utilized as a biocontrol agent against the fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata. In vitro bioassays of bio-control agent Hirsutella against Bactrocera zonata was performed. Data were statistically analyzed. The mycelial growth and entomopathogenic activity of fungus against B. zonata were observed under optimal laboratory conditions maintained at 23±1°C for 10-12 days. Hirsutella spp. achieved significant control of Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Under lab conditions, the concentrations of Hirsutella culture was applied as protective treatment which was more efficient as compared to curative one. Hirsutella spp. demonstrated significant potential as a biological control agent for effectively suppressing fruit fly population. Hirsutella showed significant results as a preferable substitute for both the environment and human health. Different concentrations of Hirsutella was applied against B. zonata and significantly different effects showed at mortality percentage. Different concentrations of Hirsutella was applied against B. zonata and significantly different effects showed at mortality percentage. Significant mortality in adult 93.4% and in pupae 62.9% was observed at high amount of fungal concentration (1x1020 conidia/mL). The least mortality was showed at minimum concentration applied (1x1010 conidia/mL). Mazximum mortality was observed at (1 x1020 conidia/mL) concentration at adult stage. These results indicate Hirsutella spp. an effective, environmentally safe biocontrol agent for B. zonata, supporting its integration into fruit fly management strategies.

Keywords: Biocontrol, Bactrocera Zonata, Hirsutella spp, insect bait method, entomopathogenic fungi.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a member of the family Fabaceae, is one of the oldest and most important forage crops in the world, commonly referred to as the “Queen of Forages.” Despite its high nutritional value and agronomic significance, alfalfa is susceptible to a wide range of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Among these, stem and crown rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, represents a serious threat to alfalfa production. This disease significantly contributes to yield losses, with a substantial portion of the crop potentially lost each year. Due to its wide host range, S. sclerotiorum has emerged as a global problem, impacting various economically important crops and resulting in considerable annual losses. Keeping in view high yield losses due to this disease, this research has been mainly deals withEtiological and Molecular Characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum associated with Stem and Crown Rot in Alfalfa. There is also a need to study and understanding of the conditions for S. sclerotiorum inoculum production for managing and controlling the stem and crown rot disease caused by S. sclerotiorum. During survey maximum disease incidence was recorded. Morphological characterization of the pathogen was based on the size of sclerotia and morphology of the ascospore. S. sclerotiorum were characterized on the basis of morphological as well as molecular technique (using ITS primers-ITS1/ITS4). The sequences were submitted to Fungal Molecular Biology Laboratory Culture Collection University of Agriculture Faisalabad (FMB CC UAF) given accession number FMB 0123. Single parsimonious phylogenetic tree was constructed in which queried sequences present in separate clade indicated that all queried sequences are phylogenetically diverse from other sequences present in separate clade indicated that all queried sequence is phylogenetically diverse from other sequences present in comparison and has maximum similarity with S.sclerotiorum.

Citrus greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) is one of the most destructive citrus diseases. It is caused by the phloem-limited bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter spp. and is difficult to control. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant activators (Benzoic acid, Citric acid, Calcium chloride dihydrate, Di-Potassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), Potassium Di Hydrogen Phosphate KH2PO4, Salicylic acid) and copper acetate against the citrus greening. For this purpose, one-year-old citrus plants of a susceptible variety were collected from citrus research institute Sargodha (CRI) and planted (under RCBD) in the research field area of the department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. All plant activators and copper acetate were applied at three concentrations (0.5, 0.75, and 1%) and inoculum of citrus HLB was applied after one day after application of activators and copper acetate. Among all plant activators and copper acetate, salicylic acid expressed the most significant results at all concentrations against greening disease. So, it is concluded that the application of salicylic acid is a meaningful control strategy against citrus greening.

Citrus canker is the major threat to citrus production. Survey of different localities was conducted in the areas of Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Kamalia and Pir Mahal for citrus canker disease incidence recording on five citrus varieties (Grapefruit, Sweet lemon, Lemon, Musambi and Kinnow). Maximum disease incidence (65%) was recorded in Kamalia during August and September and minimum disease incidence (18%) was recorded at Pir Mahal during May, 2019. Out of fifteen localities surveyed, maximum disease incidence (65%) was recorded in Chak 712GB from august to October and minimum disease incidence was recorded at Chak 330GB during May. Grapefruit being the most affected (65% in October) and Kinnow the least (7.5% in May). Environmental factors like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind speed were correlated with citrus canker incidence on Grapefruit, Lemon, Sweet lemon, Musambi and Kinnow. Environmental factors...were positively correlated with disease incidence An increase in any of these parameters corresponded with an increase in citrus canker incidence. With every one-unit increase in maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind speed, disease incidence also increased. Characterization of environmental factors conducive for citrus canker disease development was determined on Grapefruit, Sweet lemon and Kinnow. Maximum disease development was recorded at 32-38oC maximum temperature, 18-29oC minimum temperature, 2-7.5mm rainfall, 2.5-6.5 km/h wind speed and 40-80% relative humidity. Special care of citrus orchards during August and September against citrus canker disease is suggested for citrus growers of Toba Tek Singh District.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a vital crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Okra has much economic importance in okra growing areas but okra production faces significant challenges due to various diseases among which Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum is particularly destructive. This disease can cause substantial yield losses especially under environmental conditions that favor its spread. Traditionally, management strategies for Fusarium wilt have relied heavily on synthetic chemicals. However, these approaches often contribute to increased pathogen resistance and cause risks to the environment. This review highlights the potential of plant-based extracts with antimicrobial properties as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for managing Fusarium wilt in okra. These natural solutions not only offer effective disease control but also minimize the ecological impact associated with chemical pesticides. Adopting such environmentally responsible strategies is crucial for enhancing okra production while preserving ecosystems.

Keywords: Okra, Fusarium oxysporum, biocontrol agents, antifungal properties, essential oils, plant extracts .

Okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV) is recognized as a key threat to okra crops in tropical and subtropical regions. This review has critically studied epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and management strategies related to OYVMV. The complicated interactions between the virus, its vector (Bemisia tabaci), and the okra plants have been discussed. It demonstrated that these interactions collectively influence disease severity and spread of OYVMV. Traditional control measures, including cultural practices, chemical applications, and biological control, alongside emerging molecular approaches such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, RNA interference, and marker-assisted breeding, have an important influence on the study and management of OYVMV. Challenges posed by evolving viral strains, insecticide resistance, and environmental factors analysis integrated with conventional management practices with advanced biotechnological interventions provide a comprehensive framework to guide future research and to achieve sustainable control of OYVMV in okra.

In modern agriculture, the cultivation of vegetables faces significant challenges due to the relentless onslaught of various diseases that can lead to substantial crop losses. To address these challenges, omics approaches have emerged as powerful tools for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vegetable disease resistance. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have emerged as invaluable tools for investigating vegetable disease resistance. The abstract reviews their application in deciphering the complex interactions between plants and pathogens to enhance resistance. Genomic studies identify resistance-associated genes and loci, while transcriptomics reveals defense pathways and regulatory networks. Proteomics unravel dynamic protein changes during interactions, indicating potential biomarkers and defense proteins. Metabolomics elucidates metabolic shifts in resistant plants, highlighting signaling and defense-related metabolites. Integration of omics data enables a comprehensive understanding and modeling of plant-pathogen dynamics. These approaches also expedite breeding via marker-assisted selection and genome editing. Challenges include data integration and functional validation. Nonetheless, omics approaches offer unprecedented insights into vegetable disease resistance, promising sustainable crop protection and food security.

Onion is known as one of the most vital grown vegetable crops which in addition to its quality as a vegetable is being used as salad also in all households, a variety of factors (biotic/abiotic) affects it. Onion is susceptible to various diseases and it is being affected by post-harvest diseases such as bacterial soft rot, it is a decaying bacteria, that causes heavy losses to the onion and also affects the quality by deteriorating the onion and causing heavy economic losses. The most harmful vegetable ailment is regarded as soft rot. It may be found everywhere there are fleshy storage tissues of onion. Five treatments of distinct essential oils were prepared using various concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%, and treatment six was kept as a control. All the concentrations were prepared and were applied against Dickeya dadantii causative agent of soft rot of onions on nutrient agar inoculating plates for their efficacy. The essential oils showed better antibacterial activities against the pathogen Dickeya dadantii in all three concentrations 5%, 10%, 15%. soft rot control (21.33%) was recorded in the case of peppermint oil which is considered as highest, after that by cinnamon oil (17.74%), followed by Kalvanji oil (11.74%), and other oils like Lemon oil and Sesame oil recorded (8.74%) and (3.74%) respectively. However, there was found no inhibition zone in control that was kept without applying any essential oil. The data was statistically analyzed.

This was an investigation of powdery mildew disease in peas to test a hypothesis formulated on the probability of change in nitrogen fixation and nodulation due to applied molybdenum and iron. The objective of this field experiment was to work out the effect of various concentrations of molybdenum and iron on the productivity, modulation, and nitrogen absorption of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) under two varieties namely Medawar-I and Zeena Park-I situated at Agriculture Research Station Swabi during the years 2011 and 2012. Initial rates of 25 N, 60 P2O5, and 60 K2O were applied randomly within full blocks with split-plot designs and replication. According to the results, the greatest yield and yield metrics, nodule counts, and nitrogen absorption were noted in the treatment plots when Fe 2.0 and Mo 0.50 kg ha-1 were administered concurrently for both kinds. Compared to the Zeena Park-I variety of pea, the Metawar-I variety showed much higher grain output, nodulation, and nitrogen uptake. This difference may have resulted from the variety with optimal treatments showed better performance. Instead of the plant’s ability to generate maximal modulation and uptake of nitrogen, the Medawar-I variety efficiently utilized applied nutrients for improved productivity. This difference may have resulted from the plant's ability to generate maximal modulation and uptake of nitrogen. Further, there was correlation made in the present study regarding the number of nodules and the nitrogen content of the two types of plants. During the experiment, it was proven that these two variables were directly proportional the rate at which the number of nodules that were produced increased as well as the rate of nitrogen accumulation in the plants. The fact that N concentration increases in a manner analogous to that of Fe concentration in plant leaves suggests that Fe was crucial to the pea crop. Deposition of nitrogen. The current research indicates that sufficient levels of iron and molybdenum are crucial for obtaining the highest possible yield, nodules, and nitrogen absorption in leguminous crops.

Maize (Zea mays) is supreme major agricultural commodity throughout worldwide after rice and wheat from the point of views of production, consumption and trade. FAO estimated that 25% worlds agricultural crop is annually affected with mycotoxins contaminations. Climatic alterations effect maize production in unevenly 70 percent of maize cultivating areas. In Pakistan, economically agriculture has the principal zone from point of view from labor and population employment. The growth of agriculture sector in Pakistan is 2.67%, greater from 0.58% achieved last year. Maize yield is 6.0% have 7.236 million tonnes. It contributes in national GDP is 0.6% and in agriculture the value addition is 2.9%. In 2019-20 the cultivation of maize was 1,413 thousand hectares with 2.9% increase from last year 1,374 thousand hectares. Contamination of commodities by mycotoxins is the worldwide issue. Mycotoxin is the chief health threats for humans and animals that cause important economic damages in both developed and developing countries and also economic losses to both crop growers and traders. Among numerous mycotoxins, aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes (deoxynivalenoland T-2 toxin), zearalenone, and fumonisins have established greatly attention due to the high incidence and severe health effects in humans and animals. This study aimed to evaluate aflatoxin contamination in maize seeds collected from multiple districts in Punjab, Pakistan, including Faisalabad, Kahror Pakka, Jhang, Chiniot, Lodhran, Sargodha, Gojra, Sahiwal, Arifwala, Narowal, Mailsi, and Shakargarh. Seed samples were obtained from seed shops, growers, and research institutes, covering a diverse range of maize genotypes. The seeds were surface-sterilized using 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution and rinsed with sterile distilled water. Fungal isolation was performed using Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and Coconut Agar Medium (CAM). Preliminary findings indicate the widespread occurrence of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, the primary producers of aflatoxins, in the collected maize samples. These results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and development of effective management strategies to mitigate mycotoxin contamination and ensure food safety.