Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates are renewable, and biocompatible plastics having physiochemical properties similar to petrochemical plastics, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Two bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were selected to produce the PHA. The standard carbon source was glucose while molasses and banana peels were cheaper carbon substrates used in a medium to grow the bacterial strains. Sudan black B and Nile blue A staining were used to confirm the PHA production via spread plate assay. PHA granules were observed inside the bacterial cell microscopically, using Sudan stain. The carbohydrate concentration was estimated in molasses (29.4mg/mL) and banana peel extract (9.8mg/mL) by the Phenol-sulfuric acid test. In batch fermentation, time profiles of PHA production and growth of microbial strains for every 3hrs were performed up to incubation of 48hrs at 150rpm. PHA was extracted by sodium dodecyl sulfate digestion and chloroform extraction method. PHA production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1.120g/L (66.82%) and 0.380g/L (44.60%) while in Bacillus subtilis was 0.476g/L (53.84%) and 0.288g/L (39.18%) utilizing molasses and banana peels, respectively after 48hrs. FTIR characterized the PHA monomer as polyhydroxybutyrate having a C=O bond at 1697.8cm-1 and 1750.0cm-1 and a CH3 group at 1395.9cm-1 and 1458.3cm-1. A statistical significance between the PHA productions was calculated by applying an unpaired t-test, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant difference was observed between glucose with both substrates, while for Bacillus subtilis, a significant difference was noted only between glucose and peel extract. renewable SDG. SDG . (SDG) assay microscopically stain 29.4mg/mL 294mgmL mgmL 29 4mg mL mg (29.4mg/mL 9.8mg/mL 98mgmL 9 8mg (9.8mg/mL Phenolsulfuric Phenol sulfuric test fermentation hrs 150rpm rpm method 1120gL gL 1 120g L g 66.82% 6682 66 82 (66.82% 0380gL 0 380g 44.60% 4460 44 60 (44.60% 0476gL 476g 53.84% 5384 53 84 (53.84% 0288gL 288g 39.18% 3918 39 18 (39.18% CO C O 1697.8cm1 16978cm1 cm 1697.8cm 1697 8cm 1697.8cm- 1750.0cm1 17500cm1 1750.0cm 1750 0cm 1750.0cm- CH 1395.9cm1 13959cm1 1395.9cm 1395 9cm 1395.9cm- 1458.3cm1. 14583cm1 1458.3cm 1. 1458 3cm 1458.3cm-1 ttest, ttest t test, t-test (SDG 2 66.82 668 6 8 (66.82 44.60 446 4 (44.60 53.84 538 5 (53.84 39.18 391 3 (39.18 8cm1 16978cm 169 0cm1 17500cm 175 9cm1 13959cm 139 3cm1 1458.3cm1 14583cm 145 1458.3cm- 66.8 (66.8 44.6 (44.6 53.8 (53.8 39.1 (39.1 16 17 13 14 66. (66. 44. (44. 53. (53. 39. (39. (66 (44 (53 (39 (6 (4 (5 (3 (

Abstract The current study aimed to assess broccoli's phytochemical profile and determine its antioxidant activity. Fresh broccoli was procured from a local farm and divided into two major treatment groups (cooked and dried). There were five sub-treatments in the cooking group (conventional, microwave, boiling, blanching, and steaming) and three treatments in the drying group (sun drying, freeze drying, and hot air drying). Ascorbic acid content, total carotenoids, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for every sub-treatment. The results depicted that the antioxidant constituent of cooked broccoli was complementary to dried broccoli samples. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid content (10.80 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (3.976 mg/g), total phenolic contents (225.80 mg/g), and the total flavonoid contents (42.92 mg/g) were found in freeze-dried broccoli. Freeze-dried broccoli also showed the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH free radical scavenging assay (62.45%), hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay (53.67%), and ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.84%). broccolis s dried. . dried) subtreatments sub conventional, conventional (conventional microwave boiling blanching steaming sun drying. drying) TPC TFC subtreatment. subtreatment treatment. sub-treatment samples 10.80 1080 10 80 (10.8 mg100 mg 100 mg/10 g, g , g) 3.976 3976 3 976 (3.97 mg/g, mgg mg/g 225.80 22580 225 (225.8 42.92 4292 42 92 (42.9 freezedried Freezedried Freeze 62.45%, 6245 62.45% 62 45 (62.45%) 53.67%, 5367 53.67% 53 67 (53.67%) 65.84%. 6584 65.84% 65 84 (65.84%) 10.8 108 1 8 (10. mg10 mg/1 3.97 397 97 (3.9 225.8 2258 22 (225. 42.9 429 4 9 (42. 624 62.45 6 (62.45% 536 53.67 5 (53.67% 658 65.84 (65.84% 10. (10 mg1 mg/ 3.9 39 (3. 225. 2 (225 42. (42 62.4 (62.45 53.6 (53.67 65.8 (65.84 (1 3. (3 (22 (4 62. (62.4 53. (53.6 65. (65.8 ( (2 (62. (53. (65. (62 (53 (65 (6 (5

Abstract Microbial proteases are one of the most demanding enzymes for various industries with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutics, and textile industries to name the few. An extracellular alkaline metalloprotease was produced and purified from moderate halophilic bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus TS2, with some unique characteristics required for various industrial applications. The protease was produced in basal medium supplemented with casein and was partially purified by ion exchange chromatography followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The alkaline metalloprotease has molecular weight of 35 kDa with specific activity of 535.4 µM/min/mg. It can work at wide range of pH from 3 to 12, while showing optimum activity at pH 10. Similarly, the alkaline metalloprotease is stable till the temperature of 80 °C and works at wide range of temperature from 20 to 90 °C with optimum activity at 60 °C. The turnover rate increases in the presence of NaCl and Co+2 with k cat/KM of 1.42 × 103 and 1.27 × 103 s-1.M-1 respectively, while without NaCl and Co+2 it has a value of 7.58× 102. The alkaline metalloprotease was relatively resistant to thermal and solvent mediated denaturation. Applications revealed that the metalloprotease was efficient to remove hair from goat skin, remove blood stains and degrade milk, thus can be a potential candidate for leather, detergent, and food industry. pharmaceutics few strain TS2 TS precipitation 5354 535 4 535. µMminmg µM min mg µM/min/mg 12 10 Similarly 8 C 2 9 6 Co2 Co Co+ catKM cat KM 142 1 42 1.4 127 27 1.2 s1.M1 s1M1 sM s 1.M M s-1.M- respectively 758 7 58 7.58 102 denaturation skin milk leather detergent industry 53 14 1. s1 M1 s1.M s1M 1M s-1.M 75 5 7.5 7.

Abstract Nanoemulsions are nanoscale self-assembled entities which are manufactured for improving the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Nanoemulsion technology is one of the best ways to encapsulate the functional components as it enhances the stability and bioavailability of the compound. In the present study, nanoemulsions were prepared by ultrasonic homogenization of dispersed phase (10-22%) and surfactants (3-9%) with vitamin A (0.25-2.5%). Nanoemulsions were characterized through various optical techniques and stability was assessed using thermal shock and freeze-thaw cycle. The results revealed that nanoemulsions with high percentage of surfactants were more stable and retained smaller particle size as compared to nanoemulsions with low surfactants percentage and high dispersed phase, contributed to phase separation and colour change. These emulsions can be further tested for any toxic/allergic effect on the biological model and may be incorporated into food products. selfassembled self assembled ingredients compound study 1022% 1022 10 22% 22 (10-22% 39% 39 3 9% 9 (3-9% 0.252.5%. 02525 0.25 2.5% . 0 25 2 5 (0.25-2.5%) freezethaw freeze thaw cycle change toxicallergic toxic allergic products 102 1 (10-22 (3-9 252 0.252.5% 0252 025 0.2 2.5 (0.25-2.5% (10-2 (3- 0.252.5 02 0. 2. (0.25-2.5 (10- (3 0.252. (0.25-2. (10 ( 0.252 (0.25-2 (1 (0.25- (0.25 (0.2 (0. (0

Brucellosis is a major threat to public health especially in developing countries including Pakistan. This study reveals the characterisation of Brucella species affecting humans and goats in the Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from shepherds and goats and analysed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), standard plate agglutination test (SPAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The findings of the study indicated 24% (36/150) and 11.3% (17/150) positivity for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis, respectively, in human samples. In samples of goats, 26.66% (40/150) were positive for B. abortus and 16.66% (25/150) samples were positive B. melitensis by SPAT. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 24% (36/150) of human samples and 26.66% (17/150) of goat samples by targeting the IS711 locus. The remaining seropositive samples were confirmed as B. melitensis using IS711 M species-specific primer. The sequences of the amplified fragments of the 16S rRNA gene were blasted, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brucella species circulating in the Swat district were closely related to B. melitensis and B. abortus reported from India, China, Philippines, and the United States (US) showing the existence of the possible epidemiological linkage among the Brucella species. This study concluded that there was a higher prevalence of B. abortus (26.6%) in humans and goats compared to B. melitensis (16.6%). These results revealed that the Brucella species were circulating in both humans and goats in the study areas. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in goats and shepherds with a higher prevalence of B. abortus than B. melitensis. Furthermore, the Brucella species identified in Swat were phylogenetically related to the Brucella species reported from India, China, Philippines and the US. CONTRIBUTION: The proposed study covers the scope of the journal. The species of the genus Brucella affect both animals and shepherds. This study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis in shepherds and goats in different geographical areas in the Swat district. The phylogenetic analysis of the Brucella spp. identified in Swat showed close relationships to the Brucella species reported in India, China, Philippines and the US, which shows the possible epidemiological linkages between the Brucella spp.

Abstract Introduction Allergic rhinitis (AR) is estimated to affect up to 30% of the world population. With the rise in cases, newer treatment modalities have been explored. Probiotics have shown to reduce symptoms of AR and improve quality of life. A few systematic reviews have been published aiming to assess the role of probiotics in AR. Objectives To consolidate the recent evidence with an overview of systematic reviews by extracting data regarding subjective outcomes (from quality of life questionnaires, the Total Nasal Symptom Score, the Total Ocular Symptom Score, the Daily Total Symptom Score, the incidence of AR, and the Rhinitis Total Symptom Score) and objective outcomes (levels of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E [IgE], total IgE, interleukin 10 [IL-10], interferon gamma [IFNG], eosinophil, and the T helper 1/T helper 2 [Th1/Th2] ratio). Data Synthesis We conducted a literature search on the PubMed, EBSCO CINAHL, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Cochrane Library up to April 14, 2020. The qualitative assessment was performed using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) tool. A total of 419 titles were screened, and 3 systematic reviews met our eligibility criteria. Probiotics in the treatment of AR have been shown to improve quality of life, the total nasal and ocular symptom scores, the daily total symptom scores and Th1/Th2 ratio. No difference was ascertained for rhinitis total symptom score, and the rates of antigen-specific IgE, total IgE, IL-10, INFG and eosinophil. Conclusion The present review showed that there is considerable evidence that probiotics are useful in the treatment of AR. Further randomized trials targeting the limitations of the currently-available evidence can help ascertain the usefulness of probiotics in cases of AR. (AR 30 population explored from questionnaires Score levels antigenspecific antigen specific IgE , [IgE] 1 IL10, IL10 IL [IL-10] IFNG, IFNG [IFNG] eosinophil 1T Th1Th2 ThTh Th1 Th2 Th [Th1/Th2 ratio . ratio) PubMed CINAHL Source 14 2020 AMSTAR2 AMSTAR (AMSTAR-2 tool 41 screened criteria Th1/Th score 10, IL-10 currentlyavailable currently available [IgE IL1 [IL-10 [IFNG Th1Th [Th1/Th 202 (AMSTAR- 4 IL-1 [IL-1 20 (AMSTAR IL- [IL- [IL

ABSTRACT Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the world’s worst diseases of citrus trees. The research was conducted to characterize positive citrus samples of two local varieties, ‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and ‘Mosambi’ orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck), based on morphological, physical and biochemical characters. Physical and biochemical parameters of greening infected and healthy samples of both the cultivars were significantly different. Citrus fruits were lopsided and half to full green in the HLB infected trees compared to healthy. The HLB infected leaves samples were small and narrow. Fruit diameter, leaf area, and juice weight of HLB infected samples were significantly less than healthy samples. The rind thickness of infected fruits (70% and 80%) was significantly higher than healthy ones (20% and 30%). Starch content of leaves from mandarin (5.54 μg mL-1) and orange (6.12 μg mL-1) were significantly higher in HLB infected plants, while juice percentage of HLB infected fruit samples was lesser in mandarin and orange (22.73%, and 14.70%, respectively) than healthy fruits (38.22% and 31.30%, respectively). Acidity was significantly increased in juice of HLB infected mandarin and orange fruits (0.57%, and 0.53%, respectively). Similarly, there was significant reduction in biochemical parameters; total sugars in mandarin and orange (5.16% and 4.79%), total soluble solids (8.54% and 8.28%), total chlorophyll (13.50 and 14.92 mg mL-1) and ascorbic acid (34.28% and 34.12%) in HLB infected samples of both cultivars. This study determined differences of physical and biochemical parameters of two local citrus varieties, commonly cultivated in the Asian region.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo examinar a influência da diversidade do conselho de administração na qualidade da divulgação de RSC (QCSR) e propor que essa relação é padronizada de forma diferente em diferentes contextos e nações, devido às suas características distintivas. Metodologia: A teoria da visão baseada em recursos (VBR) é usada para avaliar a relação hipotética por meio de uma investigação empírica de 64 empresas financeiras paquistanesas, aplicando uma regressão de efeitos aleatórios e o método generalizado de momentos (GMM). Resultados: Os resultados indicam que as diversidades de idade, gênero, nível educacional e formação educacional influenciam positivamente a divulgação da QCSR. No entanto, as diversidades de nacionalidade, etnia e mandato não têm relação significativa com a divulgação de QCSR. Os resultados foram posteriormente verificados por uma regressão robusta e análise de sensibilidade. Contribuições: Usando a teoria da VBR, o presente artigo fornece uma contribuição adicional sobre o papel desempenhado pela diversidade do conselho de administração no desempenho estratégico de uma empresa, sobretudo a divulgação da RSC. O artigo contribui para a literatura ao constatar que não existe uma regra unânime para a diversidade do conselho de administração que sirva de apoio à RSC, devido às características únicas de diferentes jurisdições e contextos institucionais.

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of board diversity on the quality of CSR disclosure (QCSR) and propose that this relationship is patterned differently in different contexts and nations, due to their distinctive characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The resource-based view (RBV) theory is used to evaluate the hypothesized relationship through an empirical investigation of 64 Pakistani financial firms, by applying a random-effects regression and the generalized method of moments (GMM).] Findings: The findings indicate that age, gender, educational level, and educational background diversities positively influence QCSR disclosure. However, nationality, ethnic, and tenure diversities have no significant relationship with QCSR disclosure. The results were further checked by a robust regression and sensitivity analysis. Originality/value: Using RBV theory, this paper provides an additional contribution concerning the role played by board diversity in a firm’s strategic performance, particularly CSR disclosure. The article contributes to the literature by finding that there is no unanimous rule for board diversity supporting CSR, due to the unique characteristics of different jurisdictions and institutional contexts.

Abstract Introduction Parotid gland tumors include a wide variety of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. The majority of these tumors are benign (80%), which usually require superficial parotidectomy, while the incidence of malignant tumors is lower (20%), requiring more radical surgery with or without neck dissection. The diagnosis cannot be established on the basis of clinical history and simple physical examination and requires complementary diagnostic methods. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) guided by ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool to evaluate parotid swellings. Objective To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors. Methods A retrospective chart review of 193 patients who underwent preoperative FNAC and parotidectomy at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from the period of January 2000 to December 2015 was performed. Results Out of 193 patients undergoing parotidectomy, 110 (57%) were males and 83 (43%) were females, the mean age being 48.21 and 43.76 years old, respectively. The mean duration of the symptoms was 41.33 months, and the most common symptom was preauricular swelling present in all patients, followed by pain, which was present in 29 patients (15%) and facial nerve weakness in 6 patients (3.1%). Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed preoperatively and the results were compared with the final histopathology, which showed sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 97.9%, positive predictive value of 93%, negative predictive value of 96.7% and diagnostic accuracy of 95.8%. Conclusion Our results suggest that FNAC is relatively an accurate method for preoperative diagnosis of parotid swelling and can prove to be a valuable tool for preoperative counseling of the nature of the disease and prognosis.

Abstract Contaminants like nitrate (NO3), phosphorus (P) and heavy metals in water are often associated with agricultural activities. Various soil and water remediation techniques have been employed to reduce the risk associated with these contaminants. A study was conducted to examine the extent of leaching of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb and Cr), NO3 and P. For this purpose sandy and silt loam soils were amended with different waste materials, namely wood ash, solid waste ash, vegetable waste, charcoal, and sawdust. The soils were saturated with wastewater. Irrespective of the waste applied, the pH and EC of the amended soils were found to be greater than the control. Charcoal, sawdust and wood ash significantly decreased heavy metals, nitrate and phosphorus concentrations in the leachate. Treatments were more efficient for reducing Ni than other heavy metals concentrations. Waste amendments differed for heavy metals during the process of leaching. Heavy metals in the soil were progressively depleted due to the successive leaching stages. This research suggests that waste material may act as an adsorbent for the above contaminants and can reduce their leachability in soils.

Citrus é fruto líder do Paquistão e famoso no mundo inteiro, especialmente Kinnow, cultivado por causa do sabor agradável e de qualidade notável. Por hectare, o rendimento de citrus no Paquistão é quase metade do potencial, devido à não-adoção de práticas de horticultura recomendadas por citricultores. A adoção da decisão sobre práticas melhoradas geralmente é influenciada por vários fatores, incluindo atributos socioeconômicos dos agricultores. A fim de determinar a relação entre os aspectos socioeconômicos e a consciência e adoção de práticas de produção de citros recomendadas presentes, este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Sargodha do centro de Punjab, Paquistão. O estudo foi baseado em projeto de pesquisa do estudo transversal e, devido à disponibilidade de amostragem, amostragem quadro probabilidade (amostragem aleatória) foi aplicada para a seleção da amostra. Por meio de amostragem aleatória, 120 citricultores foram selecionados como amostra. Questionário estruturado, aplicado por meio de entrevista, foi utilizado como um instrumento de pesquisa. A análise dos dados coletados dos citricultores direcionados revelou uma influência altamente significativa da educação sobre a conscientização e adoção. Além disso, foi encontrada associação significativa entre a área de cultivo de citrinos e conscientização e adoção de práticas melhoradas. A idade dos produtores também mostrou associação significativa com a conscientização e adoção. Além disso, a dominância dos agricultores de meia idade e a falta de conhecimento na área de estudo apontam fortemente para a necessidade de oferta de educação formal e não-formal e de formação para os agricultores. Necessidades de geração de jovens a ser focado e reorientação dos clubes de jovens pode contribuir para melhor maneira de ganhar o máximo resultado.

Citrus is the leading fruit of Pakistan and famous worldwide especially kinnow cultivar because of its pleasant taste and remarkable quality. The yield of citrus per hectare in Pakistan is almost half of potential due to non-adoption of recommended horticultural practices by citrus growers. Adopting a decision regarding the improvement of practices is usually influenced by various factors including farmers' socio-economic attributes. In order to determine the relationship between socio-economic aspects and the awareness and adoption of recommended citrus production practices the present study was carried out in Sargodha district from central Punjab, Pakistan. The Study was based upon cross sectional survey research design due to availability of sampling frame, probability (random sampling) was applied for sample selection. Through random sampling, 120 citrus growers were selected as sample. Structured questionnaire administered through interview was used as a research instrument. Analysis of the data collected from the targeted citrus growers revealed a highly significant influence of education on awareness and adoption. Moreover, significant association was found between citrus cultivation area and awareness and adoption of improved practices. Age also showed significant association with awareness and adoption. Moreover, dominancy of middle aged farmers and illiteracyin the study area strongly point the need of provision of formal and non-formal education and training program for farmers. Young generation needs to be focused and reorientation of youth clubs may help in better way to gain the utmost outcome.

In the present study, samples of rhizosphere and root nodules were collected from different areas of Pakistan to isolate plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Identification of bacterial isolates was made by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and taxonomical confirmation on EzTaxon Server. The identified bacterial strains were belonged to 5 genera i.e. Ensifer, Bacillus, Pseudomona, Leclercia and Rhizobium. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from 16S rRNA gene sequences showed the evolutionary relationship of bacterial strains with the respective genera. Based on phylogenetic analysis, some candidate novel species were also identified. The bacterial strains were also characterized for morphological, physiological, biochemical tests and glucose dehydrogenase (gdh) gene that involved in the phosphate solublization using cofactor pyrroloquinolone quinone (PQQ). Seven rhizoshperic and 3 root nodulating stains are positive for gdh gene. Furthermore, this study confirms a novel association between microbes and their hosts like field grown crops, leguminous and non-leguminous plants. It was concluded that a diverse group of bacterial population exist in the rhizosphere and root nodules that might be useful in evaluating the mechanisms behind plant microbial interactions and strains QAU-63 and QAU-68 have sequence similarity of 97 and 95% which might be declared as novel after further taxonomic characterization.

Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH; EC 1.1. 5.2) is the member of quinoproteins group that use the redox cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinoine, calcium ions and glucose as substrate for its activity. In present study, Leclercia sp. QAU-66, isolated from rhizosphere of Vigna mungo, was characterized for phosphate solubilization and the role of GDH in plant growth promotion of Phaseolus vulgaris. The strain QAU-66 had ability to solubilize phosphorus and significantly (p < 0.05) promoted the shoot and root lengths of Phaseolus vulgaris. The structural determination of GDH protein was carried out using bioinformatics tools like Pfam, InterProScan, I-TASSER and COFACTOR. These tools predicted the structural based functional homology of pyrroloquinoline quinone domains in GDH. GDH of Leclercia sp. QAU-66 is one of the main factor that involved in plant growth promotion and provides a solid background for further research in plant growth promoting activities.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.), a popular and economically profitable bulbous cut flower, has high demand in both Pakistan domestic and international markets on account of its attractive spikes, florets of huge forms, dazzling colors, varying sizes, and long vase life. However, its quality production is badly affected by non-uniform sprouting, poor crop stand, and old cultivars. To overcome these problems, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of humic acid (HA) applied along with NPK (17:17:17) and five exotic cultivars of gladiolus, ’Eminence’, ’Cantate’, ’Essential’, ’Corveira’ and ’Fado’, on uniform crop stand, growth, flowering, and quality of cut gladiolus. Among HA treatments, three applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting, 3-leaf, and 6-leaf stages of plant development, followed by two applications of HA and NPK, applied at planting and 3-leaf stage, proved best for early and uniform sprouting, more foliage growth per plant, greater leaf area, and total leaf chlorophyll contents, earlier spike emergence, greater number of florets per spike, longer stems and spikes, and greater diameter of a spike, higher flower quality, longer vase life, higher number of cormels per clump, and greater cormel diameter and weight. Plants grown without HA and NPK application (control) or application of NPK alone, applied at planting, had poor growth, reduced yield, and inferior quality. Among cultivars, ’Fado’ performed best for commercial cultivation, considering the applications of HA.