Evaluation of different fungicides against stalk rot of Maize caused by Fusarium moniliforme

Maize is the world's leading crop and is widely cultivated as a cereal grain, it is the only food cereal crop that can be grown in diverse seasons, ecologies and uses. Maize yields in Pakistan are very poor due to insect pests and diseases. Among them, the stalk rot of maize caused by Fusarium moniliforme is very important. Keeping in view the huge losses caused by the disease, the present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selected fungicides against the disease development under field conditions and on the plant growth and yield parameters. A total of six fungicides were used such as Scoure, Plyrem, Topguard, Ridomil, Fenatac M, and Cobox with three different concentrations i.e., (50, 100 and 200 ppm). The effect on disease incidence, growth and yield parameters such as plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight, and biological yield (t acre-1) were recorded. The results showed that all applied fungicides significantly affect against stalk rot of maize caused by F. moniliforme. The maximum plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight and biological yield (t acre-1) was noted under Ridomil and Scoure fungicides, followed by Topguard, Cobox, Plyrem and Fenatac M. Whereas, the minimum plant height, root length, root weight, leaf weight per plant, grain weight, and biological yield (t acre-1) was observed under control plants where no fungicides were applied

Better Cotton: An Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

Cotton is the largest industrial sector in Pakistan. However, due to bad traditional practices and use of high amount pesticides, the whole industry lost about 10-15% of cotton. For reasons of socioeconomic and environmental harm, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) launched "Better Cotton" in Pakistan. Better cotton production is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cotton due to its efficient resource utilization and lower environmental externalities. CABI encourages farmers to implement better cotton production principles and criteria, use better cotton standard system and good agricultural practices (GAP), and provide participatory training for small, medium and large-sized farmers and farm workers in their "learning groups" and medium-sized farmers' fields. The aim of this short communication article is to put together a concise review of Better Cotton production. In this short communication we briefly present the history, importance, aim, distribution and principles of Better Cotton Initiative

Pathological Study On Experimental Infection With Mycoplasma Mycoides Subspecies Capri In Different Age Groups of Goats

Introduction: To determine clinico-pathology caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri (PG3) in goats of different age groups and antibody titers. Methods: Twenty-one goats of three age groups viz; 1, 2 and 3 years with 7 goats of each age. Goats were divided in four groups i-e; G1, G2, G3 each contain 5 goats of each age while G4 comprise 6 goats; 2 from each group. Goats in G1, G2 and G3 were infected with Mycoplasma mycoides (PG3) dose (1×107 CFU/ml/kg) whereas, G4 was kept as control. Clinical examinations were recorded at 12-h intervals. The blood samples collected were tested through cELISA and the specimen of trachea, lungs, kidney, and liver were collected at the end of experiment for gross and histopathology. Results: Temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate nasal discharge, coughing and lacrimation were noted higher in G1 compared to G2 and G3 groups. Gross pathology showed severe multifocal and diffused necrosis G1 compared to G2 and G3 groups. Histopathology showed sloughing of tracheal mucosa in all groups while hypertrophic secretary glands in G1. Lungs showed emphysema in all groups except G4. Kidneys showed glomerulonephritis while Liver showed congestion and hyperemia in all groups. cELISA, revealed the antibody titers rose from 1st to 3rd week post infection afterwards, reduced slowly. Antibody titers were higher in G1 compared to G2 and G3 groups. Conclusion: Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri (PG3) can cause infection in goats of all ages, yet the infection is more severe in young animals compared to old