Abstract Food safety with maintained fruit quality is an important challenge for postharvest industry of citrus fruits. The present study was designed to check the effects of gamma irradiation on postharvest fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin stored at 5 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 5% Relative Humidity. In the first experiment, fruits were exposed to different doses of gamma radiation (100-500 Gy), while after analyzing the results of first experiment, in the second experiment fruits were treated with 500, 600, 800 and 1000 Gy of gamma radiation. It was observed that higher doses of gamma irradiation exhibited lower weight loss and disease incidence as well as inhibiting the increase of soluble solid content (SSC) and retained higher titratable acidity (TA) and lower SSC: TA ratio. After 90 days of storage, maximum levels ascorbic acid, total phenolic contents and total antioxidants along with catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were recorded higher in fruits treated with 800 Gy. These fruit also exhibited higher score of taste, aroma and texture during storage. Overall results suggest that pre-storage treatment of 800 Gy is the most effective treatment and have potential application for quality management of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin under long term cold storage.

Abstract: Olive is grown in semi-arid climatic conditions; however, little is known about mineral changes in olive plant and nutrient requirements during the production period. Hence, the current study was conducted under Pothwar agro-climatic conditions in order to select appropriate stage of macronutrients (N, P, K) application in relation to soil and leaf nutritional status during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Soil and leaf analysis were performed at four different phenological stages (i.e. flowering, fruit setting, fruit enlargement and fruit maturity stages). The results revealed that the assessed macronutrient in leaf and soil varied significantly among varieties, phenological stages and growing year. The results revealed also that nitrogen level was found to decrease from fruit set (1.56%) to fruit enlargement stage (1.47%). Leaf and soil N, P and K contents were found higher before the flowering (stage 1) and depleted after fruit harvesting (stage 4), regardless of olive varieties. However, high yielding varieties showed lower nutrients after fruit harvesting (stage 4). Therefore, N content in leaf and soil gradually decreased during fruit growth and development. Whereas, K content in leaf and soil sharply declined from fruit maturity to fruit ripening stage. Overall, the trend of nutrient depletion showed that plants need phosphorus for fruit setting, nitrogen before and after fruit setting, and potash after pit hardening or at oil accumulation stages.

ABSTRACT During our surveys of mushrooms in 2019 and 2020, an interesting species of the genus Lepiota was collected from three different areas of Punjab (Bahawalnagar, Sheikhupura, and Muzaffarghar), Pakistan. These areas vary in their altitude and somewhat climatic conditions, nevertheless, morpho-anatomical comparisons and molecular analyses proved that these collections represented the same taxon, described here as Lepiota brunneogranulosa. This new species is characterized by a pileus with a yellowish-brown central disc, with brown colored granules on a very pale brown background, dextrinoid, ellipsoid basidiospores, frequently bi-sporic basidia, and narrowly clavate cheilocystidia. Because of the hymeniform pileus covering, and the placement in the phylogeny, based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (nrITS) and Larger Subunit (LSU), it belongs to the Lepiota sect. Lilaceae.

The ethanolic extract of resinous sediment (EERS) of Etlingera elatior young inflorescence was examined for its anticancer effect and potential antioxidant activity. The anticancer effect of the EERS was evaluated on four human cancer cell lines, HCT 116, HT-29, Hela, and MCF-7, using the MTT assay. GC-MS analysis showed that the main components found in the EERS were nonyl cyclopropane (4.44%), 1-tetradecane (3.66%), cyclotetradecane (2.41%), cyclododecane (1.92%), and 1-decene (1.72%). The antioxidant activity was determined through different methods. High amounts of TPC and TFC in the EERS were found. Moderate antioxidant capacity of the EERS was detected by DPPH and ABTS assays, with EC50 values of 44.19 and 56.61 μg/mL and a high FRAP value of 281.79 nmol Fe+2 equivalent/mg extract. In the MTT assay, the EERS showed potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values of 19.82, 37.001, 50.49, and 53.29 μg/mL against HT-29, HCT 116, Hela, and MCF-7 tumour cell lines, respectively. Moreover, the results were comparable to or less potent than the standard reference drug, 5-fluorouracil. The results showed that the EERS of Etlingera elatior inflorescence contained a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids, which may to the selective antiproliferative effects towards colon cancer in vitro

Abstract Background: Waste-land weeds present around the fields exert their allelopathic influence on crops through their leaf leachates and rhizospheric soils. Objective: A study was conducted to investigate the phytotoxic action of four common waste-land weeds Parthenium hysterophorus L., Achyranthes aspera L., Lantana camara L. and Withania somnifera L. through their aqueous extracts and rhizospheric soils against winter crops Avena sativa L., Cicer arietinum L., Hordeum vulgare L. and Triticum aestivum L. Methods: Experiments were conducted in Agronomy laboratory in College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha. In first experiment, 5% (w/v) water extract from entire plant of each weed was applied to germinating seeds of crops whereas in second experiment, crop seeds were subjected to the rhizospheric soil of each weed for germination test. Results: Results revealed that aqueous extracts of weeds were more phyto-inhibitory compared to their rhizospheric soils. Minimum germination percentage (42.5%), germination index (7.4), seedling vigor index (665.3), root length (3.27 cm), seedling length (14.15 cm) and seedling biomass (74.2 mg) of crops were recorded in response to aqueous extract of P. hysterophorus. Root growth of the crops was affected more compared to the shoot growth. Minimum germination percentage was observed in A. sativa (13.3) by the action of L. camara aqueous extract. Rhizospheric soil of L. camara and P. hysterophorus resulted in minimum germination percentages (57.5 and 58.3, respectively) and seedling vigor indices (1472.5 and 2008.4, respectively) of crops. The lowest germination (30%) and germination index (3.7) was observed for T. aestivum seeds germinated in the rhizospheric soil of W. somnifera. Among crops, A. sativa and C. arietinum were more susceptible to the aqueous extracts whereas T. aestivum to rhizospheric soils of weeds. Conclusions: It can be concluded that waste-land weeds especially P. hysterophorus and L. camara negatively affect the crops by their allelopathy.

The current study evaluated antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Sigesbeckia orientalis L. (St. Paul’s Wort) (AESO) in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Following OECD guidelines safe doses of AESO were assessed in rats for the main study. Serum/bood glucose, α-amylase, and lipids levels and histopathological evaluations were conducted to assess antidiabetic and associated antihyperlipidemic efficacies of AESO. AESO was found to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glucose and lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins) levels was observed in AESO treatment groups. Serum α-amylase, high-density lipoproteins, and total body weight was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with AESO. Histopathological data showed improvement in hepatocyte and pancreatic β-cells islets architecture. HPLC analysis identified quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid in AESO which are suggested to be responsible for observed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic attributes. Further studies to standardise the extract and evaluation of safety profile in long-term toxicity studies are recommended for safe and effective antidiabetic nutraceuticals development.

The objective of this study was to assess the improvement in knowledge and attitude of Pharmacy student towards diabetes by implementing one week long education program. Study design: Study was conducted between April 25, 2011 to April 29, 2011 which engaged the 3rd professional year Pharm. D. students comprising two groups: experimental and control groups. Lectures and visual presentations on diabetic education and practice were conducted for five days. Three surveys were performed on two groups i.e. non intervened control, non- intervened experimental and intervened experimental surveys. Questionnaire was used as survey tool comprising of 46 questions under ten categories. Results: Scores in all diabetic knowledge aspect was increased after education intervention and was significantly (P<0.05) different from that of control group. Conclusion: The marked increase in knowledge about diabetes among pharmacy students illustrates the importance of educational intervention. Educational programs may markedly increase the educational skills, efficiency and confidence of pharmacy students as well as professionals.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar cómo mejorar el conocimiento y la actitud de los estudiantes de Farmacia hacia la diabetes, mediante la implementación de un programa de educación de una semana. Diseño: El estudio se realizó entre el 25 y el 29 de abril de 2011, entre estudiantes de 3er año de la carrera de Farmacia, conformados en dos grupos: uno experimental y otro de control. Se llevaron a cabo conferencias y presentaciones visuales en educación y práctica de la diabetes durante cinco días. Tres estudios se realizaron en dos grupos: el grupo control y experimental no intervenido y el de estudio experimental intervenido. Un cuestionario se utilizó como herramienta de estudio con 46 preguntas en diez categorías. Resultados: Las puntuaciones en el conocimiento sobre todo aspecto de la diabetes se incrementó después de la intervención educativa, lo que fue significativo (P <0,05) diferente de la de grupo de control. Conclusión: El marcado aumento en el conocimiento sobre la diabetes entre los estudiantes de farmacia ilustra la importancia de la intervención educativa. Los programas educativos pueden aumentar notablemente la capacidad educativa, la eficiencia y la confianza tanto en los estudiantes de farmacia, así como en los profesionales.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar como melhorar o conhecimento e a atitude dos estudantes de Farmácia para o diabetes, mediante a implementação de um programa de educação de uma semana. Projeto: O estudo se realizou entre 25 e 29 de abril de 2011, entre estudantes de 3º ano do curso de Farmácia, conformados em dois grupos: um experimental e outro de controle. Foram levadas a cabo conferências e apresentações visuais em educação e prática do diabetes durante cinco dias. Três estudos foram realizados em dois grupos: o grupo controle e experimental sem intervenção e o grupo de estudo experimental com intervenção. Um questionário foi utilizado como ferramenta de estudo com 46 perguntas em dez categorias. Resultados: As pontuações no conhecimento sobre todo aspecto do diabetes foi incrementado depois da intervenção educativa, o que foi significativamente (P <0,05) diferente das do grupo de controle. Conclusão: O marcado aumento no conhecimento sobre o diabetes entre os estudantes de farmácia ilustra a importância da intervenção educativa. Os programas educativos podem aumentar notavelmente a capacidade educativa, a eficiência e a confiança tanto nos estudantes de farmácia, bem como nos profissionais.

Weed management programs should focus on environmental safety along with benefits to the farmer. We evaluated the effects of various weed control methods: ’daab’ practice (stale seed bed technique), manual hoeing, and the chemical method (mixture of Buctril Super 60EC [bromoxynil + MCPA]0.45 kg ai ha-1 and Puma Super 75EW [fenoxaprop-P-ethyl] 0.75 kg ai ha-1) in combination with different planting geometries: 22.5 cm apart single row, 22.5 cm apart crisscross double row, 30 cm apart single row and broadcast sowings on weed control and grain yield of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Sehar 2006 at the University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan, during the winters of 2009 and 2010. The chemical method, manual hoeing and ’daab’ practice gave 71.44%, 30.69% and 28.60% weed controls resulting in 11.79%, 11.09% and 4.95% increases in grain yield above that of the weedy control, respectively. The 22.5 cm apart single row sowing in combination with chemical weed control proved to be the best regarding weed control (87.23%), grain yield ( ha-1) and number of fertile tillers m-2 (509.5), whereas wheat plant height (108.2 cm), number of grains spike-1 (45.90) and 1000 grain weight (45.23 g) were higher in 30 cm apart single row sowing in interaction with manual hoeing. Grain yield showed a significant negative (b = -152.8) and positive (b = 3.21) correlation with weed biomass and fertile tillers m-2, respectively. Chemical weed control, ’daab’ practice and manual hoeing gave cost:benefit ratios of 2.50, 1.95 and 1.14, respectively. Although the chemical method seems the most profitable, the ’daab’ practice was found to be the most advantageous if environmental concerns were taken into consideration.

El programa de manejo de malezas también debe centrarse en la seguridad del medio ambiente junto con el beneficio de agricultores. Se evaluó el efecto de diferentes métodos de control de malezas, es decir, la práctica ’daab’ (técnica de la falsa cama de la semilla), azada manual, y el método químico (Buctril Super 60EC [bromoxinil + MCPA] 0,45 kg ia ha-1 y Super Puma 75EW [fenoxaprop-P-etil] 0,75 kg ia ha-1) en combinación con la plantación en diferentes geometrías: 22,5 cm de distancia en una hilera, 22,5 cm dos hileras entrecruzadas, 30 cm de separación en una hilera, y siembras al voleo sobre el control de malezas y el rendimiento de grano de trigo de primavera (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Sehar 2006 de la University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistán, durante los inviernos de 2009 y 2010. Método químico, azada manual y la práctica ’daab’ dieron 71,44%, 30,69% y 28,60% de control de malezas que resultaron en aumentos de 11,79%, 11,09% y 4,95% en rendimiento de grano sobre el control con maleza, respectivamente. La distancia de siembra de 22,5 cm en una hilera, en combinación con el control de malezas químico fue el mejor control de malezas (87,23%) en relación con el rendimiento de grano (4073 kg ha-1) y el número de macollos fértiles m-2 (509,5), mientras que la altura de planta de trigo (108,2 cm), número de granos por espiga (45,90) y peso de 1000 granos (45,23 g) se mantuvieron más altos en siembra a 30 cm de distancia en una fila en interacción con escarda manual. El rendimiento de grano mostró una correlación significativa negativa (b = -152,8) y positiva (b = 3,21) con la biomasa de las malezas y tallos fértiles de 2 m, respectivamente. El control químico de malezas, la práctica ’daab’ y escarda manual dieron relaciones costo:beneficio de 2,50; 1,95 y 1,14, respectivamente. Aunque el método químico parece más rentable, pero al mismo tiempo teniendo en cuenta las preocupaciones ambientales, la práctica ’daab’ fue más ventajosa.