Efficacy of Bio-Pesticides for Managegement of Sucking Insect Pests of Cotton, Gossipium hirsutum (L.)
Pages 301-305
Abdul Majeed Noonari, Ghulam Hussain Abro, Rab Dino Khuhro and Abdul Sattar Buriro
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2016.12.47
Published: 29 July 2016

Abstract: The studies were conducted consecutively for two years, 2006 and 2007 for management of cotton insect pests through eco-friendly measures. Bio-pesticides Neem seed extract, Neem oil, Asafoetida (Hing) and Tobacco leaf extract were evaluated against sucking complex. The experiment regarding evaluation botanical pesticides showed that among all bio-pesticides, the highest percent reduction of thrip (67.65%) was recorded in Neem seed extract followed by Neem oil (60.00%), Tobacco (63.59%) and Hing (Asafoetida) (52.68%) after 96 h. of application. Overall maximum mean reduction (64.69%) was recorded in Neem seed extract followed by Neem oil (57.74%), Tobacco (52.91%) and Asafoetida (46.52%). The highest reduction of jassid (71.97%) was recorded followed by Neem oil (70.06%), Hing (Asafoetida) (68.15%) and Tobacco (23.56%) after 96 h., of application of pesticides. With regards to reduction percent of whitefly revealed that maximum reduction (60.18%) was recorded in Hing (Asafoetida) followed by Neem oil (59.78%), Neem extract (59.38%) and tobacco (40.61%) after 96 h., of spray application. The botanical pesticides started reducing their toxicity after 96 h. However, the effective reduction of pests was recorded up to one week. Integrated pest management (IPM) model was developed for the control of sucking insect pests of cotton, for benefit of farming community through seminars, trainings and pamphlets. Using the safe botanical pesticides remained effective against sucking pests and is recommended against cotton pests, which showed less effective to natural enemies and environment friendly.

ACC-Deaminase, Phosphate-Solubilizing Pseudomonas fluorescens Increase Phosphorus and Decrease Cadmium Concentration to Enhance Wheat Yield
Pages 314-319
Zia-ul-Hassan, S. Khokhar, I. Rajpar, N. Depar, G.M. Jamro, A.N. Shah, Q.D. Jogi, K.H. Talpur, N. Talpur and N.A. Wahocho
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2016.12.48
Published: 29 July 2016

Abstract: Phosphorus (P) fertilization of wheat at higher dose may result in grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation. This field study envisaged yield and comparative P and Cd accumulation of wheat under different P doses, i.e. 0, 45 and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 (P0, P45 and P90, respectively) and seed inoculation with rhizobacterial strains, i.e. no Pseudomonas fluorescens (SM0), with ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM1) and with phosphate-solubilizing, ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM2). The soil was non-saline, alkaline clay loam, poor in organic matter and P content. Both P nutrition and rhizobacteria positively affected wheat growth, yield and nutrient concentration. Increased 1000-grain weight (TGW), yield and P concentration of wheat was noted at P90 over P0 (24-132%) and P45 (3.7-37%), and in case of SM2 (13-57%) and SM1 (5.4-34%) over SM0, and for SM2 over SM1 (1.4 to 2.4-fold). Grain-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (34%) and P45 (17%), and at P45 over P0 (21%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (22%) and SM1 (8%), and over SM1 at SM2 (2.7-fold). Straw-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (25%) and P45 (18%), and over P0 at P45 (8%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (18%) but increased at SM1 (9%). At all P levels, SM2 was more effective over SM1 or SM0. TGW and straw-P increased for P90 interacting with SM2 over SM0 (8.6 and 29%) and SM1 (6 and 14%), and for SM1 over SM0 (2.5 and 13%). Grain- and straw-Cd decreased due to interaction of P90 with SM2 (30 and 23%) or SM1 (6 and 7%) over SM0, and for SM1 over SM0 (26% and 17%). We conclude that adequate P nutrition and seed inoculation with ACC-deaminase, phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas fluorescens increase growth and yield of wheat due to its increased P and decreased Cd concentration.