The livestock sector relies heavily on fodder crops, with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) being a prominent, high-nutritional-value legume in Southeast Asia. However, heavy weed infestation remains a major obstacle to quality production. This two-year study (2023–2024), evaluated the forage yield potential and nutritional quality of two alfalfa varieties (V1=Supersonic and V2=SGD-2002) under five weed control systems, including Weedy check (H0), Weed free (H1), Pendimethalin (H2), Flumetsulam (H3) and combination of both pre- and post-emergence application Pendimethalin + Flumetsulam (H4). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) across both seasons confirmed the highly significant effect of the herbicide factor on all yield and quality parameters, establishing weed control as the primary driver of productivity. The (H1) treatment consistently defined the biological maximum, achieving the highest fresh fodder yield (36.67 t ha-1) and superior quality (lowest Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF)). While, the (H0) resulted in severe yield loss, with minimum fresh fodder yield (12.15 t ha-1). Among the chemical applications, the (H4) was the most effective for production and suppression. This treatment consistently achieved the maximum fresh fodder yield (29.42 t ha-1) and the best weed control efficiency (up to 69%). However, the single application of (H2) performed best for nutritional quality, yielding maximum crude protein (20.33%) and lowest ADF among chemical controls. In conclusion, the (H4) combined herbicide strategy performed best overall, significantly suppressing weeds and maximizing crop productivity across both years, making it the most suitable chemical recommendation for high-yield alfalfa production.
M. Hayat, Muhammad Ahmad Butt, Umair Gull et al.· Turkish Journal of Agricultu...· 0 citations
Rice, wheat, and maize cereals are the major foundation of global food security. However, climate change makes it more challenging to achieve high crop yield, the challenge occurs due to improper management of cereal diseases and pests, and limitations of traditional breeding processes. This study aimed to update the process, limitations, and prospects of molecular tools for cereal breeding, and to explore the significance of marker-assisted selection, marker-assisted backcrossing, gene pyramiding, genomic selection, and modern breeding for improving yield, stress tolerance, and grain quality of cereals. Based on recent studies, we have explored the advances and applications of high-throughput genotyping platforms like the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and genotyping by sequencing technology in cereals. In this study, we found several limitations, such as a low number of studies with large amounts of data, genotype-environment interactions, lack of study findings at the field level, cost implications, and integration of complex multi-omics data. This study further reveals that many crucial agronomic traits are polygenic in their mode of inheritance, and the hidden genetic links make selection weak and uncertain. However, the application of molecular tools such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing, speed breeding, pan-genomics, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput phenomics provides sustainable solutions to these challenges in cereal improvement. The application of these modern breeding tools, combined with microbiome-assisted breeding and agricultural technologies in precision cereal breeding, opens new opportunities for enhancing yield and climate-smart, sustainable cereal production for global food and nutrition security.
M. Hayat, R. Cengiz, Umair Gull et al.· Plant Trends· 0 citations
Wastewater containing heavy metals can lead to soil and crop accumulation, thus posing a risk to the environment. Biochar, being a rich carbon-containing organic fertilizer, can reduce these adverse impacts by increasing soil fertility. This study was conducted to assess the biochar-treated wastewater for beetroot cultivation using Beta vulgaris L. at three locations in Faisalabad, namely, Directorate of Farms UAF, Uchkera Farm, and Satyana Farm, Faisalabad, using an RCBD factorial design with three wastewater treatments, namely, UAF sewage, Madhuana, and Paharang drains. As a result, pigments increased (Chl a/b 25%, carotenoids 25%), and physiological charac - teristics improved (RWC 25%, electrolyte leakage -20%). The elevated levels of heavy metals were lowered by biochar. Heavy metal buildup in beets was significantly enhanced by wastewater irrigation, but most metals were successfully reduced by applying biochar, improving crop safety and lowering environmental risk. In general, 2024 performed better than 2023. While biochar further improves performance and reduces the dangers of heavy metals, wastewater irrigation increases beetroot growth, yield, and stress tolerance, encouraging safer and more sustainable crop production.
Asia Arooj, F. Rasul, Farooq Ahmad et al.· Journal of Ecological Engine...· 0 citations
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