Abstract: The symbiotic interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and 70–90% of the plant species is largely studied, but ectomycorrhizal fungi, Piriformospora indica , Trichoderma sp., and dark septate endophytes (DSE), also establish beneficial interactions with plants. Despite this, the joint discussion on the biochemical, physiological, and molecular aspects of nutrient transfer, mainly from the extraradical mycelium (ERM) to the plant, is still limited. The objective of this review is to present biochemical, physiological, and molecular approaches to the plant-AMF interaction, as well as to analyze the response of plants to inoculations with different growth-promoting fungi. Here, are highlighted the characteristics of the H+-ATPases and of the transporters of NH4+ and H2PO4- involved in the absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen by the soil through the ERM of the AMF, besides the biochemical aspects of the metabolism of both nutrients in the ERM and their translocations from the ERM to the intraradical mycelium and to the host plant. Finally, the nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency in plants inoculated with AMF, Trichoderma sp., P. indica , and DSE fungi is presented. By examining, together, the biochemical, physiological, and molecular aspects of the plant-AMF interaction and the nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency in inoculated plants, it is possible to conclude that a low-input agriculture could be achieved with the use of these fungi in agrosystems.

Abstract: Fruit flies are the main pests of fruit growing in Brazil. They have been managed predominantly with the use of insecticides applied as cover spray and/or as toxic baits. Currently, the trend of management strategies is toward the adoption of methods that cause the lowest environmental impact in large areas. In this context, biological control is an excellent option to be used together with other management strategies, such as sterile insects, because it leaves no residues, does not disturb nontarget pests, and can be permanent if the natural enemy establishes itself in the field. This review paper addresses the current knowledge on the biological control of fruit flies in Brazil, highlighting the great biodiversity of its natural enemies, especially parasitoids, its biology and ecology. The classical biological control programs in Brazil are also reported, from the introduction of Tetrastichus giffardianus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), in 1937, for the control of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), to that of Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in 2012, for the control of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae). Finally, the obtained advances are pointed out, as well as the main bottlenecks and perspectives for the effective use of biological control programs against fruit flies.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to sequence the MyoD1, MyoG, MyF5, MyF6, and MSTN genes and to identify polymorphisms in Santa Ines sheep (Ovis aries). A total of 192 lambs with 240 days of age were evaluated, and these genes were sequenced to be compared with the reference sequence in the Ovis aries genome. Genotype and allele frequencies were estimated, and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested. Fragments containing 2,493 bp (MyoD1), 1,836 bp (MyoG), 2,813 bp (MyF5), 1,126 bp (MyF6), and 2,380 bp (MSTN) were obtained, and, in these sequences, 160 variants were identified. These polymorphisms were distributed as follows: 59 (MyoD1), 24 (MyoG), 63 (MyF5), 4 (MyF6), and 10 (MSTN). One hundred and four were novel polymorphisms, 45 in MyoD1, 2 in MyoG, 56 in MyF5, and 1 in MSTN. Regarding site, 61 were in intron (27 in MyoD1, 16 in MyoG, 5 in MyF5, 3 in MyF6, and 10 in MSTN), 87 in coding region (22 in MyoD1, 8 in MyoG, 56 in MyF5, and 1 in MyF6), and 12 on 3’UTR (10 in MyoD1 and 2 in MyF5). Therefore, the MyoD family and MSTN genes have several polymorphisms in Santa Ines sheep, which can be useful for association studies.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate how the parameterization and the application of different allometric values affect the obtention of the most adequate fit of von Bertalanffy’s model, in the description of the growth curve of meat-producing mammals (bovine, pigs, rabbits, and sheep). Among the nonlinear models, von Bertalanffy’s has been very often applied in several areas, with different parameterizations. This model has been commonly used with an allometric value of m = 2/3; however, for mammals, it is believed that this value can be m = 3/4. The analyzed data referring to the mass of meat-producing mammals according to their age were obtained from research institutions and from the literature. The results showed that von Bertalanffy’s model, with the allometric value of m = 3/4 and the used parameterization, provided better adjustments to quality evaluators. Besides, the model softened the overestimation of parameter a, giving a direct interpretation of parameter b, with the lowest values for curvature measurements, mainly for the parametric ones, and provided more reliable adjustments. Von Bertalanffy’s model can be used in the description of the growth curves of meat-producing mammals.

Abstract: The present study was planned to investigate the phytochemical compounds present in Aloe vera and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Aloe vera gel powder with different solvents. The phytochemical compounds were screened qualitatively and glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, proteins, triterpeniods gave positive results while alkaloids and phlobatannin gave negative results. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of Aloe vera gel powder extract using three different solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone) were analyzed. The ethanolic extract showed maximum polyphenol (28.44 ± 2.67 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (63.90± 2.39 mg CE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (51.09±0.33%). Antibacterial activity of extracts was examined by agar diffusion method with four microbial species (Salmonella typhi, Escherchia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in ethanol extract of Aloe vera gel powder. Hence, Aloe vera gel powder can be used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in food preservation and to prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. Keywords: Aloe vera gel powder; Antibacterial activity; Antioxidant capacity; Phytochemicals; Solvents; Total polyphenols http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80068

Abstract: The objective of this work was to induce and detect somaclonal variation in arracacha ( Arracacia xanthorrhiza ) plants regenerated via indirect morphogenesis, in order to evaluate the potential of this technique to produce new genotypes for breeding purposes of this crop. Calli were induced from petiole segments on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium supplied with 0.1 mg L -1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The regeneration of plants via indirect morphogenesis was carried out on half-strength MS medium without plant growth regulators. Fifteen randomly chosen plants were subjected to flow cytometry and “inter-simple sequence repeat” (ISSR) analysis. Ploidy level remained stable in all tested regenerants (2n=4x=44), with no changes in the genome. Eighteen ISSR primers produced a total of 1,584 fragments in all samples. Two ISSR primers produced four polymorphic fragments in 26.7% of the tested samples. Somaclonal variation in arracacha is a result of plant regeneration via indirect morphogenesis and can be detected by ISSR markers.

Abstract: Phosphate solubilizing bacteria can reduce dependence on chemical phosphorus (P) fertilizers by mineralizing and solubilizing indigenous soil P. What’s why, we assessed the interactive effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (with and without PSB) and phosphorus levels (60, 90 and 120 kg P2O5 ha-1) on P uptake and yield of wheat crop under field conditions. Two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. The PSB inoculation significantly enhanced plant height (3%), 1000 grains weight (12%), grain (6%), biological (13%) and straw yield (18.5%) of wheat over control. Inoculation with PSB also significantly improved plant P concentration and uptake (26% each) over un-inoculated control. Similarly, with increasing application rates of P from 60 to 120 kg P2O5 ha-1 the tested parameter were significantly improved except straw yield. The interactive effect of PSB and P exhibited significant effect on 1000 grains weight while the rest of parameter didn’t respond significantly. However, generally PSB inoculation with P enhanced yield attributes and improved P use efficiency over sole application of P. Thus it may be concluded that PSB should be applied with P to enhance wheat yield and P use efficiency. Keywords: Alkaline soils; PSB inoculation; Phosphorus uptake; Wheat http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80124

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the split and combinated application of foliar zinc (ZnF) + soil Zn (ZnS) on Zn concentration in the grains (ZnCG) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse during two seasons. In the first experiment, two common bean cultivars received six ZnF rates (0, 120, 240, 480, 720, or 1,200 g ha-1), with split applications at the R5, R7, and R8, or R7 and R8, or R8 plant stages. In the second experiment, one cultivar received three ZnS rates (0, 5, or 10 kg ha-1) combined with ZnF rates (0, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, or 10 kg ha-1). In the first experiment, with the ZnF increment, ZnCG increased linearly from 15.3 to 20.7 mg kg-1. ZnF splitting did not affect ZnCG. In the second experiment, ZnF without ZnS did not affect ZnCG. ZnS doubled ZnCG in comparison with the treatment without ZnS application. At 5 kg ha-1 ZnS, the highest ZnCG (67.5 mg kg-1) was obtained with 7.8 kg ha-1 ZnF. At 10 kg ha-1, the highest ZnCG (66 mg kg-1) was obtained with 4.9 kg ha-1 ZnF. ZnF splitting is not advantageous over a single application, and the combination of ZnF and ZnS increases ZnCG in common bean, in greenhouse conditions.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to elaborate the agricultural zoning of climatic risk (ZARC) for Physalis peruviana , through the thermal and water requirements of the crop in Southeastern Brazil. Air temperature (TAR) and precipitation (PANO) data from 1,530 meteorological stations covering the entire region were used. Regions climatically favorable to physalis were considered when TAR was between 13 and 18oC, and PANO between 1,000 and 2,000 mm per year. Regions where TAR was above 30oC, or less than 13oC, were considered inapt. Maps were created with this information, through the use of mapping technologies to identify the climatic characteristics, and establish the agricultural aptitude classes, such as apt, inapt, and marginal for the cultivation of physalis. Southeastern Brazil showed a thermal variation from 16.5 to 22.6°C, and water amplitude from 800 to 2,800 mm. ZARC shows that 10% of Southeastern Brazil is climatically apt for the cultivation of Physalis peruviana , corresponding to the following regions: central and southern Minas Gerais, western Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo, and eastern and southern Sao Paulo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to select cowpea genotypes simultaneously for high yield of immature grains, adaptability, and genotypic stability, taking into account genotype x environment interactions. The mixed models restricted maximum likelihood (REML)/best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) were used. Sixteen cowpea genotypes were evaluated in nine environments, consisting of a combination of location (Pentecoste in the state of Ceara, Acarau in Ceara, Teresina in Piaui, and Mossoro in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) and year (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017). In all trials, a randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. Significant differences were observed for effects of genotypes and the genotype x environment interaction. Environmental variance was the largest component of phenotypic variance, followed by the genotype x environment interaction and genotypic variances. The immature grain yield of the evaluated cowpea genotypes interacts strongly with the studied environments, resulting in a low genotypic correlation between environments. The MNC00-595F-27, MNC05-847B-123, and BRS Tumucumaque cowpea genotypes present high yield of immature grains, adaptability, and genotypic stability, being the most suitable for cultivation in the states of Ceara, Piaui, and Rio Grande do Norte or in other environments with similar soil and climatic conditions.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to simulate the geographical distribution of the incubation period of coffee leaf rust in Coffea arabica, using data of two regional climate models, Eta-HadGEM2-ES and Eta-MIROC5. The scenario of high greenhouse gas emission (RCP 8.5 W m-2) was used for the states of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo, Brazil, for current and future climate scenarios. The behavior of six different regression equations for incubation period (IP), available in the literature, was also analyzed as affected by data from the regional climate models. The results indicate the possibility of an increase in the affected area in the studied region, when the IP is less than 19 days, from 0.5% for Eta-MIROC5 to 14.2% for Eta-HadGEM2-ES. The severity of coffee leaf rust in future scenarios should increase in the hottest and wettest months of the year, extending to the driest and coldest months. The potential of rust infection is estimated differently by the studied equations. In higher temperature scenarios, the Kushalappa & Martins equation indicates a very high severity potential.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional content and grain yield of three corn (Zea mays) crops in response to phosphate fertilization with an organomineral fertilizer based on poultry litter or a mineral fertilizer, when cultivated on a Rhodic Khandiudox with a high initial phosphorus content. The experiment was carried out in the field in a randomized complete block design in a 2×4+1 factorial arrangement (organomineral or mineral fertilizer × 20, 40, 60, or 80 kg ha-1 P + control treatment with no phosphate fertilization), with four replicates each. Available P and total organic carbon (TOC) contents in the soil at the end of the crop cycle, plant tissue P contents, and grain yield were determined. The agronomic efficiency index (AEI) was estimated based on corn grain yield. After three harvests, soil available P and TOC contents did not increase significantly due to fertilizer use, but were directly related to P doses. In a Rhodic Khandiudox with a high initial P content, the use of an organomineral fertilizer based on poultry litter promotes higher corn crop yield, with an AEI 20% higher than that of the mineral fertilizer.

Abstract: Calcium is present in the primary cell wall and middle lamella in the form of pectic substances of all plant tissues. The gradual penetration of calcium to cell wall results in increasing level of this ion in the cell wall and thus stabilization increases which may protects the fruit from fungal and other microbial attack or contamination. Keeping in view its importance, a post- harvest study was assessed at ARI Tarnab Farm, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to evaluate the effect of Calcium chloride (CaCI2) treatment on physio-chemical quality of pear (Pyrus communis L.) during storage. Fresh and disease free pear fruits were dipped in CaCl2 solution for (3, 6 and 9 minutes) and evaluated at 5 days interval for different physio-chemical attributes. The analysis of data showed that pear fruits dipped in CaCl2 solution for 9 minutes significantly affected the fruit juice pH, ascorbic acid, percent titratable acidity, total soluble solid, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugar. Similarly, prolonged storage duration resulted a significant increasing trend in fruit juice pH, total soluble solids and non-reducing sugar, while ascorbic acid content, percent titratable acidity and reducing sugar decreased with extension in storage duration from zero to twenty-five days. It was concluded from the results that pear fruits dipped for 9 minutes in CaCl2 solution was effective in retaining quality attributes during storage at ambient temperature (20°C with 65-70% RH). Keywords: CaCl2, Dipping time, Le-Conte, Physiological disorder, Post-harvest loses, Shelf life http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80053

Abstract: Peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) is a notifiable, contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of small ruminant causing high morbidity and mortality. It belongs to negative-sense, single-stranded RNA paramyxovirus of genus Morbillivirus. PPR occurs in populations of immunologically naive sheep and goats, illness and death can be high as >90%. The virus is commonly found in developing countries, especially in tropical countries where the disease is widespread. After the eradication of the rinderpest virus, which is closely relate to PPRV of small ruminants contaminated with SRMV are diagnosed having pyrexia, oculo-nasal discharges, necrotizing and erosive stomatitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea and broncho pneumonia, whereas, gross pathology, histological findings along with laboratory confirmation of specific virus antigen, antibodies, genome in the clinical samples through a variety of serological and molecular diagnostic tests can be useful. In addition there should be social economic surveys, disease hot spot recognition and identification of role of additional species in disease transmission. SRMV control may be achieved by confinement of contaminated animals, subtraction of theoretically tainted fomites with control at import and export of sheep with goats from contaminated areas. PPR can be controlled through mass vaccination program. In the future, the preparation of a marker vaccine with a robust companion test may assist in serosurveillance for the detection of infection in vaccinated animals to control the disease. Keywords: Control; Epidemiology; Goat; Peste des petits ruminants; Sheep; Vaccination http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80063

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the tillering dynamics of 'Suvernola' digit grass (Digitaria eriantha) when subjected to different defoliation frequencies. Four defoliation frequencies (interval among harvests) were evaluated - very high, when the grass reached 25 cm in height; high, 35 cm; medium, 45 cm; and low, 55 cm - in two seasons of the year, with higher and lower insolation, from January 2015 to January 2016. A randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. The increase in defoliation frequency increased the number of generations and the appearance, mortality, and density rates of tillers, besides decreasing their survival rate, without changing population stability. At the time of lower insolation, tiller appearance and mortality rates were higher, while tiller survival rate, balance, and density were lower. The evaluated defoliation frequencies and seasons of the year do not change the persistence of digit grass when irrigated. Higher defoliation frequencies result in a greater renewal of digit grass tillers.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of corn stunt disease and its effects on the grain yield of off-season corn (Zea mays) hybrids in different sowing seasons. The experiment was conducted in three sites in the state of Tocantins, in different sowing seasons, in a randomized complete block design, with 30 hybrids (treatments) and three replicates. Corn stunt disease incidence was assessed at 80 days after emergence, varying between hybrids and sowing seasons, with a marked effect of sowing season. The most resistant hybrids were: MG652 PW, Penta VIP, MG600 PW, NS90 PRO2, LG3040 VIP3, MG580 PW, and Defender VIP. The Formula VIP2 hybrid was the most susceptible to corn stunt disease. The incidence of the disease increased in the later sowing seasons, causing significant declines in grain yield. The most productive hybrids were: MG580 PW, SYN 5T78 VIP, 2B810 PRO, MG600 PW, Supremo VIP, 2B512 PW, NS92 PRO2, P30S31 VYH, MG652 PW, Penta VIP, SX5371 VIP3, and LG6036 PRO. Corn hybrids vary greatly in their resistance to corn stunt disease, and, the later the sowing season, the higher the disease incidence and the lower the grain yield.

Abstract: Flax is an important functional food because it is the richest source of ω-3 fatty acid i.e. α-linolenic acid (ALA). Flax also contains Lignin, flax fiber and minerals having potential health benefits against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders. The Protein of flaxseed is also useful for preventing heart diseases and improves immunity. Flaxseed oil is used in different bakery products, muffins, cakes, juices, dairy products, macaroni and pasta. This review focuses on importance of the flaxseed and composition of its oil which includes the potential health benefits and commercial uses of flax as a functional food. Keywords: Flaxseed; Food; Fiber; Linseed; Oilseed http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80173

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the cardinal temperatures and to quantify the thermal requirements for the initial development of seedlings of the native tree species Citharexylum myrianthum and Bixa orellana. A field experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 2?12 factorial arrangement (2 tree species and 12 sowing dates), with five replicates. The base, optimum, and maximum temperatures for the development of C. myrianthum were 11.4, 18.1, and 36.6°C, and, for B. orellana, 12.0, 18.4, and 46.4°C. The thermal requirements for the development of C. myrianthum was 66.7°C day per leaf, and, for B. orellana, 82.5°C day per leaf. In the initial development, B. orellana shows a large thermal amplitude and is tolerant to extreme temperatures, while C. myrianthum shows a large thermal amplitude, but a lower thermal requirement and a more rapid development than B. orellana.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate an index of the relative biomass per species, in a medium to large-sized mammal community, as well as to determine how the introduced wild boar (Sus scrofa) fits into this index, and to verify if the occupancy of sites by domestic dogs interferes with those of wild boars and how much the periods of dogs’ activity overlap those of wild boars. The biomass/effort index was measured for each native mammal species and for the introduced wild boar, in two surveyed farms in Brazil’s Western Atlantic Forest range, through the use of camera trappings that were also used to verify if dogs and wild boar overlap in space and activity time. Wild boars seem to dominate the community, just a few years after their presence was first recorded in the region. Surprisingly, several native endangered mammal species persist in the highly modified landscape of the studied areas, but their population trends are still unknown. Wild boars and dogs generally occupy the same areas; however, they do not overlap in activity time, which is an indicative that it is unlikely that the dogs can effectively protect the crops.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in soil quality due to different times of adoption of the no-tillage system in “murundu” (mound) fields converted to agriculture, as well as to identify the best indicators to explain these changes. The study was carried out on a Plinthic Altisol, in the municipality of Portelândia, in the state of Goias, Brazil. The treatments consisted of different times of conversion and of adoption of the no-tillage system - 8, 12, and 17 years - and of native area between the mounds and on top of the mounds (reference area). After 17 years of the adoption of no-tillage, there was an increase in organic carbon and nitrogen, as well as in their particulate fractions in relation to the reference area. The microbiological attributes showed greater values in the 17-year no-tillage period compared with the native area. For soil aggregation, 12 years of adoption of the no-tillage system were enough to show an increase in this variable. The main attributes to be used as soil quality indicators are microbial biomass carbon, the carbon management index, and the microbial quotient.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to compare genetic evaluations of milk yield in the Gir breed, in terms of breeding values and their accuracy, using a random regression model applied to test-day records or the traditional model (TM) applied to estimates of 305-day milk yield, as well as to predict genetic trends for parameters of interest. A total of 10,576 first lactations, corresponding to 81,135 test-day (TD) records, were used. Rank correlations between the breeding values (EBVs) predicted with the two models were 0.96. The percentage of animals selected in common was 67 or 82%, respectively, when 1 or 5% of bulls were chosen, according to EBVs from random regression model (RRM) or TM genetic evaluations. Average gains in accuracy of 2.7, 3.0, and 2.6% were observed for all animals, cows with yield record, and bulls (sires of cows with yield record), respectively, when the RRM was used. The mean annual genetic gain for 305-day milk yield was 56 kg after 1993. However, lower increases in the average EBVs were observed for the second regression coefficient, related to persistency. The RRM applied to TD records is efficient for the genetic evaluation of milk yield in the Gir dairy breed.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil toxicity to and potential as an anesthetic for juvenile silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). To determine the lethal concentration at 4 hours (LC50-4h), 210 fish (3.08±0.8 g and 7.59±0.67 cm) were exposed to 0, 20, 50, 80, 110, and 140 mg L-1 essential oil. To evaluate the anesthetic potential, nine fish were individually exposed to each oil concentration (50, 80, 110, and 140 mg L-1) used. Water quality parameters were controlled. The mortality rate and the severity and extent of the gill injuries of silver catfish juveniles at 4 hours of exposure increased with increasing peppermint essential oil concentrations, with LC50-4h estimated to be 75.06 mg L-1. The main gill injuries were: congestion of the venous sinus of the primary lamella and at the base of the secondary lamella; interlamellar hyperplasia with fusion of lamellae; epithelial detachment; dilation of the venous sinus; edema adjacent to the lamella; and aneurysm. However, this oil is an effective anesthetic for silver catfish juveniles at the concentration of 80 mg L-1, with a short time of anesthesia (<4 min) and recovery (<10 min), with no mortality.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of crude glycerol as an energy source to replace corn, in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the fattening stage. Two hundred Nile tilapia (190±4.5 g) were distributed in 20 tanks, in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of crude glycerol at 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 g kg-1, to replace the dietary levels of corn, in order to maintain a constant digestible energy. Fish productive performance and the chemical composition of the fillet were evaluated. Histological analyses of the hepatopancreas, intestine, and visceral fat were also carried out. Crude glycerol had no effect on the performance parameters; however, it caused a quadratic reduction of visceral fat. There was an increase in the moisture and a decrease in the ether extract of the fillet. A linear effect on the blood glucose levels was verified in fish fed the diet without glycerol, and the peak occurred at 90 min. There were no differences for measurements of intestinal villi height and hepatocyte area. Crude glycerol can replace corn in diets for Nile tilapia in the fattening stage, without adversely affecting fish metabolism, productive performance, or survival.

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate heterotic in bread wheat during crop season 2016-2017. Six parents of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were crossed in a half diallel design and their fifteen the first filial genration (F1s) were evaluated for heterosis for yield traits. The traits included: Days to 50% heading, Days to 75% maturity, Plant height (cm), Tillers plant-1, Peduncle length (cm), Spike length (cm), Spikelets spike-1, Grains spike-1, Grain weight spike-1 (g), Seed index (1000-grain weight, g) and Grain yield plant-1 (g). The analysis of variance due to genotypes, parents, hybrids and parents vs. hybrids were significant for all the characters which showed the presence of the significant amount of variability among parents, their hybrids and among parents vs. hybrids for all characters studied. Heterotic effects, the cross combinations such as WL-711 x Aas-2011 followed by Janbaz x Aas-2011 by expressing maximum desirable negative relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis were found advantageous for days to 50% heading and days to 75% maturity; Janbaz x Aas-2011 exhibited desirable negative heterosis for plant height; Sunco x Marvi-2000 followed by Sunco x Janbaz manifested desirable positive heterosis for tillers plant-1; Sunco x Janbaz for peduncle length, spike length and grain yield plant-1; Janbaz x Marvi-2000 for spikelets spike-1 and grains spike-1; Sunco x Pak-81 for grain weight spike-1 and seed index. The superiority of the above crosses over their better parents indicated their worth for hybrid crop development. Keywords: Bread wheat; Diallel; F1 hybrids; Heterobeltiosis; Relative heterosis http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80119

Abstract: The objective of this work was to compare methods of obtaining the site index for eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) stands, as well as to evaluate their impact on the stability of this index in databases with and without outliers. Three methods were tested, using linear regression, quantile regression, and artificial neural network. Twenty-two permanent plots from a continuous forest inventory were used, measured in trees with ages from 23 to 83 months. The outliers were identified using a boxplot graphic. The artificial neural network showed better results than the linear and quantile regressions, both for dominant height and site index estimates. The stability obtained for the site index classification by the artificial neural network was also better than the one obtained by the other methods, regardless of the presence or the absence of outliers in the database. This shows that the artificial neural network is a solid modelling technique in the presence of outliers. When the cause of the presence of outliers in the database is not known, they can be kept in it if techniques as artificial neural networks or quantile regression are used.

Abstract: Low dose of nitrogen application leads to less growth and yield, high dose leads to crop burn, organic and inorganic fertilization is another major concern for recent growers and consumers. To understand this phenomenon current experiment consisted of thirteen treatments of organic (FYM) and inorganic (urea) ratios (0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0) with and without Bioaab and control was conducted at New Developmental Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar. Two factorial, Randomized complete block (RCBD) was used with plan mean comparison having three replications. Basal dose of P and K were applied @ 90 kg ha and 60 kg ha respectively at the time of sowing. Application of Bioaab significantly enhanced grain yield (3247 kg ha), total dry matter (8993 kg ha), plant height (92.1 cm), spike length (10.1 cm), grain spike (52), thousand grain weight (46.2 g), soil electrical conductivity (0.29 dSm), soil organic matter (1.34 %), soil nitrogen (2669 mg kg), plant nitrogen (1.56 mg kg) and uptake of nitrogen (143.47 kg ha). Application of organic and inorganic ratio 60:40 significantly increased grain yield (3695.8 kg ha), total dry matter (9806.3 kg ha), plant height (97.9 cm), spike length (10.5 cm), grain spike (59.2), thousand grain weight (48.3 g), soil nitrogen (2791 mg kg), plant nitrogen (1.78 %), uptake of nitrogen (174.86 kg ha). However, soil organic matter (1.45 %) and electrical conductivity (0.30 dS m) were observed with application of N from sole organic source. Results indicates that application of Bioaab with 60:40 organic and inorganic ratios increase yield, nutrients uptake and ultimately production in wheat.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenological characteristics and yield of 'Venus' grapevine (Vitis labrusca) grafted onto different rootstocks, as well the physicochemical traits of its grapes during the 2013, 2014, and 2015 crop seasons. The evaluated rootstocks were 'IAC 766', 'IAC 572', 'IAC 313' and 'IAC 571-6'. The length of the main phenological stages of the grapevine and its thermal demands were assessed during two growing seasons and expressed as days after pruning and degree-day sum, respectively. Grapevine yield and berry physicochemical characteristics were assessed during three crop seasons. 'Venus' phenological cycle and thermal demands, as well as the chemical characteristics of its grapes, varied with the climate conditions during the crop seasons. Low temperatures increased the grapevine cycle, and higher rainfall indices caused a decrease in the soluble solids of berries, as well as an increase in their titratable acidity. The 'IAC 766' and 'IAC 571-6' rootstocks promote a greater precocity to 'Venus' grapevines, and 'IAC 572' promotes a higher grapevine yield and better physicochemical characteristics of 'Venus' grapes.

Abstract: Land degradation is a serious problem in mountainous (Northern) areas of Pakistan. Improvement of soil fertility and productivity begins with the knowledge of existing fertility status. However there is little information regarding the current fertility status of soils of northern areas of Pakistan. Therefore, present study was conducted in three union councils of District Skardu to investigate soil fertility status. A total of 30 soil samples (0-15 cm depth) from 10 sites in each of three union councils of Skardu were collected. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, NO3-N, AB-DTPA extractable P, and K. Results revealed that the soils in the three union councils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with pH ranging from 6.29 to 7.80 with no salinity problem. The EC of the soils ranged between 0.52 to 0.62 dS m-1. The soils on an average contain adequate amount of soil organic matter ranging between 1.40 to 1.67%. Soil analysis showed that 70% of the soil samples were deficient in NO3-N, 80% soil samples were deficient in extractable P while 100% soil samples were deficient in K. On the basis of the results obtained it is clearly evident that serious efforts should be made for soil and plant nutrient management in the area. Keywords: Deficiency; Fertility; Gilgit; Mountains; Nutrients; Skardu http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80154