Response of Commercial Rice Germplasm on Agronomic Trait against Seed Contaminants

Rice exhibits a significant share as a part of human food globally as well as in Pakistan. So, it is necessarily important to cope with the ever increasing food requirements through high yield of quality rice by cultivating improved varieties. In conventional conditions where farmers by themselves also prepare there seed from the best lot of standing crop for the upcoming season. In spite of the awareness of the importance of quality seed undesired biological and inert material contamination is experienced. Therefore sample drawn from commercial lots was evaluated against microbial and inert matter contaminants. Test material comprising on five commercial fine and course varieties exhibited wide range of variation in their susceptibility response. The seeds of IR-06 had considerable less inert matter (0.57%), followed by Basmati Super (0.67%), Basmati-2000 (0.85%), KS-282 (2.14%) and KSK-133 (3.28%). Basmati Super possessed highest germination potential of 96% in comparison with Basmati-2000 (92%), IR-06 (86%), KSK-133 (82%) and KS-282 (80%). The 1000 seeds weight of KS-282 was 24 g; while, the KSK-133, IR-06, Basmati Super and Basmati-2000 had 23, 23, 22.5 and 22.5 g; respectively. The comparative study of root and shoot length showed homogenized results, as 4 out of 5 varieties recorded average shoot length up to 15 cm. The remaining one variety (IR-06) was with quite dwarf seedlings. In case of root length again IR-06 was least in its length comparitively; while, the rest having average root length not less then 6.5 cm. KSK-133 atained the maximum average root length of 10 cm. Keen analysis of seed associated mycoflora was resulted in the isolation of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium sp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp. and A. fumigatus. Moreover study would help the producers for selection of suitable variety in their fields. Key words: Mycology, Agronomy, Physical Analysis, Seed Pathology

Intra-ECO Trade: A Potential Region for Pakistan’s Future Trade

A standard gravity model was applied to estimate the magnitude of potential trade flows between Pakistan and the nine ECO member countries. The major issue in this analysis is to explore that Intra- ECO trade has great potential for Pakistan and that it got lower share than its potential. The results from the gravity model confirm that ECO has a positive and significant impact on intra-regional trade. It suggests that intra-regional trade is lower than what would be predicted by the gravity equation, suggesting greater scope for regional integration among the ECO member countries. This is especially the case between countries that have a common geographical border. The privilege of geography and the existence of trade preferences among ECO members could be expanded to cover potential trade to neighboring countries

EFFICACY OF PIPER NIGRUM (BLACK PEPPER): A REVIEW

Abstract-  Considerable literature on medicinal uses of Black Pepper is available in the traditional system of medicine. Black Pepper has been used in many traditional particularly Unani system of medicine. In this review paper, the study of Black Pepper its medicinal uses along with pharmacological actions is being presented. The plant description, its chemical constituents and properties have also been included. The paper also demonstrate the geographical distribution of Black Pepper across the world. The analysis shows that Black Pepper could be used as an effective medicine for various ailments mainly gastro-intestinal disorders in both as single as well in compound formulations.Key Words- Black Pepper,  Filfil Siyah, Unani Medicine,Â

Intestinal Obstruction Changing Etiological Trends

Background: To describe clinical presentation, etiology, and management of patients presenting with intestinal obstruction. Method: From 6th September 2004 to 6 September 2005, 50 patients with provisional diagnosis of intestinal obstruction were admitted from emergency room of Rawalpindi General Hospital. All patients were initially assessed after resuscitation in emergency room. The decision, to operate or manage conservatively, was taken by a consultant. The clinical diagnosis was matched with per-operative findings and histopathology reports. Results: Of the total 50 patients, 42 were males and 8 were female. The age distribution varied from 15 years to 70 years. Mean age was 41.7 ± 13.6.Commonest symptom with which the patients presented was generalized abdominal pain. Most common sign was tachycardia, present in 49 patients. Most common etiology leading to intestinal obstruction was obstructed inguinal hernia in 22 followed by post operative adhesions in 12 patients. Conclusion: Obstructed inguinal hernia is the most common etiology of intestinal obstruction. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention is required to decrease gut ischemia leading to increased morbidity in patient