No abstract

Drought stress restricts the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) by disrupting its biochemical and physiological functions. The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of selenium (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg Se L−1 as a foliar application) in improving okra tolerance to drought (control (100% field capacity-FC), mild stress (70% FC), and severe stress (35% FC)) imposed 30 days after sowing (DAS). Drought (severe) markedly decreased chlorophyll (32.21%) and carotenoid (39.6%) contents but increased anthocyanin (40%), proline (46.8%), peroxidase (POD by 12.5%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX by 11.9%), and catalase (CAT by 14%) activities. Overall, Se application significantly alleviated drought stress-related biochemical disturbances in okra. Mainly, 3 mg Se L−1 significantly increased chlorophyll (21%) as well as anthocyanin (15.14%), proline (18.16%), and antioxidant activities both under drought and control conditions. Selenium played a beneficial role in reducing damage caused by oxidative stress, enhancing chlorophyll and antioxidants contents, and improved plant tolerance to drought stress. Therefore, crops including okra especially, must be supplemented with 3 mg L−1 foliar Se for obtaining optimum yield in arid and semiarid drought-affected areas.

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A field experiment was carried out to study the "Influence of transplanting dates and population densities on the growth and yield of onion" was carried out at Dargai with collaboration of Agriculture Extension Department, Dargai Malakand Division, Pakistan. The experiment was designed as Randomizes Complete Block Design (RCBD) as Split plot arrangement having two factors, transplanting dates and row spacing. Transplanting dates (15 th December, 31 st December and 15 th January) were in the main plots while row spacing (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm) were in sub plots replicated three times. Recommended dose of NPK (120: 90: 60) kg ha -1 were applied. Swat-I variety of onion was grown. The data on number of leaves plant -1 , plant height (cm), leaf width (cm), bulb diameter (cm), average bulb weight (g), number of bubs kg -1 and total yield t ha -1 were recorded. Significant variations were recorded for transplanting dates and different row spacing for all the parameters studied. The mean data showed that plants with transplanting date of 15 th December resulted best in all the parameters, i.e. maximum number of leaves plant -1

Poor soil fertility due to continuous depletion of micronutrients is a major problem for the production of Prunus domestica L. Low level of soil organic matter and calcareous parent material decrease the bioavailability of these micronutrients to plum plants. Thus, less micronutrients uptake resulted in deterioration of plum fruit quality and decreased yield. On the other hand, balance and correct combination of micronutrients used as a foliar has potential to overcome this problem. Foliar application method provides plants a chance for rapid and easy uptake of micronutrients. Therefore, the present research was carried out to select the best combination of micronu-trients using foliar method. Aim of the study was to select a balanced combination of micronutrients for better production and improved quality of plum (Prunus domestica L., variety Fazal manai) fruit. Seven treatments in three replications were applied. Our results showed that the quality of fruit was significantly improved through the application of T6 micronutrients consortia. A significant increase in total soluble solids (16%), fruit yield per tree (92%) and fruit size (12%) validated the effectiveness of treatment T6 (Zn + Cu + Fe + Mn + B = 0.5% + 0.2% + 0.5% + 0.5% + 0.1%) over control. Application of treatment T6 also enhanced quality attributes, that is, juice acid-ity (22%), juice sugar (22%) and juice contents (16%), as compared to control. It is concluded that use of treatment T6 as a foliar application is a better approach for significant improvement in quality and yield attributes of plum in micronutrients deficient conditions.