JOURNAL PLANTARUM

INVESTIGATION OF MORPHO-ANATOMICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS UNCOVERS FOUR CRUSTOSE LICHENS ADDING NEW RECORDS FOR PAKISTAN

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The discovery of new lichen species worldwide greatly enhances basic biodiversity research and informs their prospective applications in ecological, pharmacological, and environmental fields. Nonetheless, extensive areas of the world—especially in South Asia—are under-investigated for lichen diversity, resulting in considerable deficiencies in both regional and global taxonomic databases. The Kaghan Valley in northern Pakistan, characterised by its unusual topography and diverse weather conditions, is an understudied region. This study records lichen species from this region that are new to Pakistan. We employed a thorough taxonomic approach that included macroscopic and microscopic morphological evaluations, standard chemical spot tests, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for secondary metabolite characterization, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using molecular markers. Utilizing this extensive methodology, we identified four species: Lecidea lactea, Lecanora formosa, Rufoplaca arenaria, and Umbilicaria decussata, which are classified within the families Lecanoraceae, Lecideaceae, Teloschistaceae, and Umbilicariaceae, respectively. We offer comprehensive taxonomy annotations, morphological characterisations, and molecular phylogenetic diagrams that substantiate these identifications. This study enhances the existing catalogue of Pakistan's lichen flora and emphasises the necessity of employing diverse evidence to clarify species identities in inadequately explored areas.

ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF SELECTED EUPHORBIACEAE SPECIES ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT CROPS

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts from Euphorbia helioscopia L., Euphorbia milii Des Moulins, Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, and Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. on the seed germination and early seedling development of Triticum aestivum (wheat), Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Pisum sativum (pea) and Oryza sativa (rice). The filter paper method was used to assess the effects of three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) of each plant extract on the selected test species. The aqueous extract of Euphorbia milii significantly inhibited seed germination in spinach (65%), rice (11%) and wheat (7%). Euphorbia helioscopia exhibited a promotive effect on germination of spinach and rice, while suppressing seedling growth across all test species. All donor species, except Euphorbia prostrata, distinctly inhibited seedling development in rice. Moreover, Putranjiva roxburghii and Euphorbia milii demonstrated species-specific and concentration-dependent effects on both germination and seedling development. Current findings showed the inhibitory potential of Euphorbia helioscopia. These results suggest that the incorporation of such plant extracts into agricultural soils could exert either stimulatory or inhibitory influences, dependent upon the associated crop species. Therefore, a complete investigation regarding the effects of allelopathic species is needed before introducing them in agricultural practices.

PESTICIDE USE PRACTICES AND RISK PERCEPTION AMONG FARMERS IN CHAKWAL DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

Faiza, Asma Jabeen — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pesticides are used to eradicate pests and are advantageous for increasing crop yields. They do, however, pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Farmers are especially at risk since they come into intimate touch with these pesticides. Assessing farmers' pesticide use habits, risk perception, and the effects of pesticides on the environment and human health are the objectives of this study. Using a purposive sample, farmers from five tehsils in District Chakwal were chosen for a questionnaire survey. SPSS version 21 was utilized for the analysis of the gathered data. It is evident from findings that farmers who frequently overuse pesticides, without wearing personal protective equipment have resulted in several health problems. Professional training from agriculture extension departments and NGOs on the proper use of pesticides is essential to prevent risks.

ETHNOMEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS FOR TREATING VARIOUS AILMENTS AMONG THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF TEHSIL YAZMAN, DISTRICT BAHAWALPUR, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plant-based medications have long been utilized to treat a wide range of human ailments. This study aimed to document the traditional knowledge of indigenous communities in Tehsil Mandi Yazman, District Bahawalpur, Pakistan, regarding the use of medicinal plants. From 2022 to 2023, semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and group discussions were used to gather ethnobotanical data. A total of 150 participants (90 men and 60 women) from various villages were interviewed, focusing on 50 plant species belonging to 25 families. The Poaceae family was the most represented, with 6 species. The ethnobotanical data showed that 65% of the plant species were utilized for medicine, 22% as food, 5% for wood, 3% as fodder, 2% for ornamental purposes, 1% for crafting, and 1% as insect repellents. Of 50 species, 21% are trees, 34% shrubs, 44% herbs. The findings indicate that the local community continues to rely heavily on medicinal plants for treating various health conditions. This study underscores the need of safeguarding traditional knowledge and offers essential insights for regional governmental entities to formulate policies for environmental conservation and the sustainable utilization of plant resources.

ELUCIDATING THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CYPERUS FLAVESCENS: A COMPREHENSIVE IN VITRO ANALYSIS

Tariq Mahmood, Ayesha Arooj, Amraiz Khan, Zubaria Tul Ain, Sobia Kanwal — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the huge importance of allopathic drugs, the origin of drugs was basically from medicinal plants that can’t be denied. In current research, one medicinal plant Cyperus flavescens L. was collected from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and preserved for evaluation and biological profiling of the plant. Qualitative evaluation depicted the presence of 16 different biologically active compounds. Methanolic and chloroform extracts of whole parts of the plant was tested in vitro for its phenolic content, flavonoid content, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial assays. The quantitative evaluation displayed the maximum phenolic content (53.90 ± 0.01 GAE mg/g), and maximum flavonoid content (42.23 ± 0.07 QE mg/g) in methanolic extract of C. flavescens. Furthermore, C. flavescens in methanolic extract shown the maximum DPPH scavenging capacity (52.72 ± 0.3 μg/mL), the maximum antioxidant capacity (164.32 ± 0.37 μg/mL), and maximum total reducing power was (238.93 ± 0.61 μg/mL). Moreover, the anti-bacterial study revealed that the maximum inhibition was observed in C. flavescens (4 ± 0.4 mm) again S. aureus (Gram-positive), while the maximum ZOI against R. jostii (Gram-positive) in C. flavescens (3 ± 0.5 mm), and maximum ZOI against S. saprophyticus (Gram-positive) in C. flavescens (3 ± 0.8 mm). Highest cytotoxicity potential depicted in C. flavescens in methanolic extract with LC50 (136.98 ± 0.34 μg/mL), and analysis of functional groups including C-H rock, C-N stretch, C-H wag, C-H bends, and C-Br stretch in the plant extracts was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, pronounced activities are also recommended for the discovery of new drugs.

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION AND A NEW RECORD OF GENUS CUNNINGHAMELLA (MUCORALES) FROM PAKISTAN

Nausheen Yousaf, Naila Younis — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, two species of industrially important and pathogenic zygomycete genus Cunninghamella, C. bertholletiae and C. echinulata, have been described, illustrated, identified on morphological details. One species, C. bertholletiae is a common opportunistic human pathogen of mucormycosis, is reported here as a new record for Pakistan. C. echinulata has an industrial relevance by producing large quantities of lipids. Both fungi have been isolated from rhizosphere of rice and wheat plants. Identification of these taxa was confirmed by morphological and microscopic characterization. A comprehensive key to identify Cunninghamella species from Pakistan is also provided in this paper.

ALLELOPATHIC CORRESPONDENCE IN SOIL ECOSYSTEM BETWEEN MICROBES AND PLANTS

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Allelopathy is a form of ecological competition that takes place rather regularly in natural settings and has a significant influence on how biocenoses carry out the responsibilities that are essential to their continued existence. In the last few decades, numerous significant discoveries have been made about the isolation and identification of plant and microorganism metabolites with allelopathic activity, as well as their function in the ecosystems of soil. These findings have led to several critical breakthroughs. These findings were uncovered in connection with the allelopathic activity of the metabolites. As a further consequence of these findings, the relevance of these metabolites has also been brought to light. In this article, the allelopathic qualities of plants and microbes, as well as the primary applications and mechanisms of allelochemicals, as well as the stability of allelochemicals in soil ecosystems, are investigated in depth. In addition, the primary applications and mechanisms of allelochemicals are discussed. In addition to discussing the consequences of anthropogenic activity, this article also addresses the one-of-a-kind qualities that allelopathic activity possesses when it is present in an environment that is experiencing change. These characteristics are only seen when allelopathic activity is present in an environment where anthropogenic activity is also present. Allelopathic interactions between various species are essential to the process of biocenosis, which depends largely on these interactions. Allelopathy is something that must be taken into consideration for the future of research since it can regulate phytopathogens, which is imaginable. Because of this, allelopathy is something that needs to be taken into consideration.

PERFORMANCE OF WHEAT PROGENY UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION: EFFECTS ON GERMINATION AND SEED RESERVE UTILIZATION

Lubaba Komal, Atif Kamran, Summera Jahan, Zargoona Naz — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the impact of biochar amendments under deficit irrigation on seed germination performance, mineral content, and early growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum). A controlled experiment was conducted using three wheat varieties (Dilkhsh-2020, Akbar-2019, and Faisalabad-08) under two irrigation levels (100% and 50% field capacity) and three levels of soil applied biochar (0, 1.25, and 2.50 g/pot). The seeds used were the yield of previously conducted field trial and observed for their germination viability. Results showed that biochar significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced seed germination percentage and rate, particularly under water-limited conditions, where the Dilkash-2020 outperformed other varieties. Mineral analysis revealed increased nutrient contents in seeds from biochar-amended soils i.e. 82% higher nitrogen and 77% higher potassium in 2/5 g/pot biochar as compared to control under deficit irrigation. Biochar at 2.5 g/pot under deficit irrigation increased germination index (9%), seedling length (9%), seedling vigor (27%), water uptake (23%), stress tolerance (13%), root to shoot ratio (12%), and uniformity index (4-5%) as compared to normal irrigation. Multivariate analysis identified strong correlations between germination performance, nutrient content, and soil applied biochar, particularly under deficit irrigation. The findings emphasize potential of biochar in mitigating water stress, enhancing seed germination, and improving seed’s nutrient use efficiency, offering insights for sustainable crop establishment in water scarce environments.

APPRAISAL OF YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS IN TWO AND SIX ROWED BARLEY

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ten barley genotypes were evaluated for yield and quality traits and found significant variance among these traits. Mean variance study revealed that protein (12-13%), starch (59-60%), wet gluten (8-9%) and dry gluten (3-3%) values were at par in both six and two-rowed barley, while 1000-grain weight (47-43g), test weight (61-58kg/hl) and gluten index (96-91) were greater in two rowed, whereas falling number values (263-261sec) were slightly higher in six rowed. Significant positive associations were found among starch, protein, and falling number values (FNV), whereas 1000-grain weight (GW), test weight (TW), gluten index (GI), wet gluten (WG), and dry gluten (DG) revealed positive links in 2-rowed and 6-rowed barley. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA), barley genotype “B-21034” was found in the first quadrant group with the highest values and positively correlated with GI, WG, DG, and GW. B-21008 and B-21022 were noted in the second quadrant with positive correlation with TW. PCA also showed that FNV and TW are far apart, whereas protein and starch reported in the fourth quadrant are too close. PCA revealed that genotype B-21034 showed highest index of WG, DG, GI and GW in first quadrant and can be utilized in breeding programs. For industrial purposes, Sultan-17 may be the best option due to highest values of starch and protein.

ASSESSMENT OF METABOLITES OF ALTERNARIA BRASSICICOLA AS A NATURAL BACTERICIDE

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plant pathogenic bacteria cause diseases in a variety of economic plants by using cell wall degrading enzymes. Many fungal species are used as biocontrol agents with promising results against a wide variety of plant pathogens including bacteria. Biocontrol potential of metabolites of Alternaria brassicicola was tested against three species of plant pathogenic bacteria viz. Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia under laboratory conditions. Bacterial species were grown on lysogeny broth agar medium by well diffusion and disc diffusion methods and then were exposed to fungal metabolites by using wells and discs. A significant reduction in the bacterial growth was experienced during this study under all the test concentrations of fungal metabolites. Among the tested concentrations, maximum inhibition was shown by 100% followed by 50%. No growth of bacterial colony was seen in the presence of antibacterial agent streptomycin while maximum growth was obtained in pure water. Both the employed methods were effective, however better results were obtained with disc method.

BOOSTING COTTON COMFORT: ECO-FRIENDLY ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHES FROM PLANT SOURCES

Shama Sadaf, Kamal Hassan , Ayesha Saeed , Zeeshan Ahmad — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cotton, as a natural and widely used textile fiber, is valued for its softness, breathability, and comfort. However, its cellulosic nature, high surface area, and moisture retention capabilities make it highly susceptible to microbial growth. This can lead to undesirable effects such as foul odors, skin irritation, reduced fabric durability, and potential health risks. The need to enhance cotton fabric with antimicrobial properties—while maintaining comfort and sustainability—has become increasingly significant in various applications, especially in medical, sports, and daily wear textiles. The present study was conducted to improve the hygiene and comfort properties of 100% cotton fabric through the application of a sustainable, plant-based antimicrobial finish. The antimicrobial agents were extracted from the leaves of Azadirachta indica (neem), Butea monosperma (palash) , and Litchi chinensis (lychee). These extracts were applied to the fabric using the pad-dry-cure method, with a polyurethane binder used to fix the finish. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed to ensure objective evaluation. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the ASTM E2149 shake flask method, while FTIR and SEM analyses were used to investigate chemical interactions and surface morphology. Fabric performance was evaluated in terms of bacterial resistance, air permeability, absorbency, softness, and wash durability according to AATCC and ISO standard testing methods. The treated fabric showed an 89% reduction in microbial growth, with significant improvements in breathability, softness, and wearer comfort. The antimicrobial effect remained effective for up to 25 laundering cycles, demonstrating good durability. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach provides a viable alternative to synthetic chemical treatments. However, limitations include variability in natural extract potency and the need for further optimization to suit industrial-scale production. Despite these challenges, the findings underscore the promising potential of plant-based antimicrobial finishes in creating safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible textile products suitable for medical, activewear, home furnishings, and everyday use.

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI FROM PAKISTAN AS POTENTIAL BIOCONTROL AGAINST APHID

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rose is a versatile plant with varying colors and fragrant flowers. This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of various indigenous entomopathogenic fungi from Pakistan in controlling aphid collected from different plants and reared in the lab. Different concentrations (1×105, 1×106, 1×107, 1×108 and 1×109 conidia mL-1) of four fungal species namely Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anixpoli, M. attenuatum and Verticillium lecani were applied on aphids by means of filter paper technique. The highest aphid mortality was due to B. bassiana and M. anixpoli. The later fungal species caused up to 84% aphid mortality after 72 hours incubation period. The minimum lethal time (LT), LT50 and LT90 values for B. bassiana were 71.69 and 149.7 days, respectively, while the lowest lethal concentration (LC), LC50 and LC90 values were 8.6 × 108 and 8.7 × 1010 conidia mL-1 at 72 hours. In case of M. anixpoli, the minimum LT50 and LT90 values were 76.02 and 150.02 days, , and the minimum LC50 and LC90 values were 1.0×106 and 2.23×1013 conidia mL-1, respectively. This study demonstrates that M. anixpoli and B. bassiana can be used as effective biocontrol agents against aphids in Pakistan.