JOURNAL PLANTARUM

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL IN DIVERSE WHEAT CULTIVARS UNDER NATURAL GROWTH CONDITIONS IN PAKISTAN

2025-07-13T18:02:02+01:00

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a globally important cereal crop and a natural source of phytochemicals with significant antioxidant properties. Despite the well-established therapeutic potential of wheat leaf extracts, comparative biochemical profiling of locally adapted Pakistani cultivars remains limited. Five Pakistani wheat cultivars, PERWAZ, MEXI-PAK, PAVON, LU-26, and IQBAL-2000, were grown under natural outdoor conditions for 60 days without fertilizer application. Growth parameters (plant height, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight) were recorded at harvest. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu micro-colorimetric method and total chlorophyll content (TCC) by spectrophotometry. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (α = 0.05), and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using Statistics 8.1. Highly significant differences were observed in TPC [F(4,10) = 707,645.5, p < 0.001] and TCC [F(4,10) = 25,543.4, p < 0.001] across cultivars. LU-26 recorded the highest TPC (723.200 ± 0.300 mg/g F.W) and TCC (0.1895 ± 0.0005 mg/g), while IQBAL-2000 exhibited the lowest TPC (350.867 ± 0.666 mg/g F.W) and PERWAZ the lowest TCC (0.1057 ± 0.0003 mg/g). Shoot length and dry weight also differed significantly among cultivars (p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation was detected between dry weight and TCC (r = -0.844, p < 0.001), indicating a trade-off between structural biomass and chlorophyll accumulation. LU-26 demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential among the five cultivars tested, supporting its suitability for wheatgrass-based functional food applications and as a priority candidate in breeding programs targeting enhanced phytochemical profiles.

EFFECT OF ANTIMICROBIAL FINISH ON MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF POLYESTER FABRIC

2026-01-17T17:52:15+00:00

This study investigated the effect of plant-based antimicrobial finishes on the mechanical and functional properties of 100% polyester fabric (twill weave, 82 GSM). Crude aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, and Litchi chinensis leaves were prepared and applied to pre-treated fabric using the pad-dry-cure technique in the presence of a polyurethane binder. The fabric was scoured and bleached prior to finishing to ensure uniform treatment. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and tear strength, were evaluated according to EN ISO 13934-1 and ASTM D1424-07 standards, respectively, in both warp and weft directions. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the ASTM E2149 shake flask method against selected Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungal strains. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm the presence of functional groups associated with the applied finish, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine surface morphology and coating deposition on treated fabrics. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in mechanical properties of treated samples compared to the untreated control (p < 0.05). Fabrics treated with Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis extracts exhibited the highest enhancement in tensile and tear strength, which is attributed to the formation of a uniform surface coating. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated effective inhibition of microbial growth, with treated fabrics showing up to 100% reduction in microbial colonies even after repeated laundering cycles. Overall, the application of plant-based antimicrobial finishes provides an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to enhance both durability and antimicrobial performance of polyester fabrics.

ENHANCING BACILLUS LIPASE PRODUCTION: A COST-EFFECTIVE APPROACH UTILIZING AGRICULTURAL BY-PRODUCTS

2026-03-17T01:57:26+00:00

Microbial lipases have significant importance in many industries due to their multidimensional applications. Optimization of cultural conditions can play an important role in their productivity. The present research was based on the isolation of different lipolytic strains of Bacillus sp. from oil-contaminated soil, different food products and drainage water. A total of 15 strains were isolated, and 07 showed positive results in Tributyrin Clearing Zone assay. Among them, Bacillus sp. UOE-14 (isolated from oil contaminated soil) was quantitatively selected for further studies. Different parameters were studied for enhanced lipase production. Analysis of the data revealed that maximum enzyme activity was observed (27.9 U/mL/min) after 48 h incubation. Effect of pH, agricultural by-products and carbon sources were also studied, and results indicated that pH 8.5, wheat bran, and glucose were the most effective, yielding a 14% lipase increase. NaNO₃ as the inorganic nitrogen source was selected because it enhanced lipase production by up to 13% (56.5 U/mL/min). It was also observed that Shan ghee as substrate had great potential to enhance lipase activity (67.4 U/mL/min). The optimal temperature was 30°C for Bacillus sp. UOE-14 as at this temperature, lipase activity increased by 8.5% (73.7 U/mL/min). This investigation indicated that different parameters have significant influence on enzyme production and by applying these cultural conditions, lipase production was increased.

GRAINS OF TRADITION: EXPLORING RICE-BASED FOODS IN PAKISTAN

2026-01-17T18:24:57+00:00

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods in the world and holds significant value in the daily diet and part of culture of Pakistan. Present review emphasizes the variety of rice-based dishes adored across the country, converging their social role, ingredients, and cooking methodology. Using a quality descriptive method, the research focusses on current history, culinary archives, and public vision. The study highlights traditional rice dishes, main meals such as biryani, pulao, and khichri including desserts like kheer, firni, and zarda. It also hints on fermented foods and extruded snacks made from puffed rice. By-products like rice bran oil and rice starch are also considered owing their nutritional benefits and potential uses in different local industries. Rice plays an important role in Pakistan’s food ethos, there is astonishingly little literature on these traditional foods. Retrieving and publishing them will not only preserve this heritage but it will also expand the opportunities for innovation and value addition in this sector. Overall verdicts that rice is profoundly allied with nation’s culture, civilizations and economy.

PHYTOCLIMATE ANALYSIS AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN LIFE FORM AND LEAF SIZE SPECTRA OF FLORA OF DISTRICT SWABI, PAKISTAN

2025-09-26T13:35:15+01:00

This study was carried out in eight different stands in District Swabi during the four consecutive seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter in 2019-2020. These stands were selected on basis of physiognomic contrast, floristic composition and edaphic factors for the study of ecological characteristics of flora. The objective of this study was to explore seasonal variation in phytoclimate and leaf size spectrum in the research area. A total of 145 species were identified in spring (March-May) followed by 131 species in summer (June-August), 126 species in autumn (September-November) and 77 species in winter (December-February). The life forms and leaf size spectra of flora in research area were studied with the help of the Raunkiaer’s classification. Therophytes were the dominant life form in all four seasons: spring (66.3%), summer (48.8%), autumn (50.8%), and winter (46.7%), followed by hemicryptophytes and megaphanerophytes. Similarly, microphylls were the most common leaf size spectra in all four seasons: spring (40.0%), summer (45.8%), autumn (44.5%), and winter (35.0%), followed by nanophylls, leptophylls, and mesophylls. Therophytes and microphylls were found to be the most common life forms and leaf size spectra in all four seasons of the study. The dominance of therophytes and microphylls indicated that the area is under biotic pressure due to deforestation and overgrazing and has extreme climatic conditions. Further study is needed to enumerate the data and suggest plans for the biodiversity and conservation of the area. These findings underscore the need for integrated conservation strategies to manage grazing pressure and deforestation.

ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTHELMINTIC PROPERTIES OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF CYPERUS EXALTATUS RETZ. AND SCIRPUS MARITIMUS L.

2025-10-08T06:50:46+01:00

The present research study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial and anthelmintic potential of two sedges i.e. Cyperus exaltatus Retz. and Scirpus maritimus L., of family Cyperaceae from Lahore, Pakistan. Antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic properties were determined using the crude extracts of plant parts i.e., leave, stem, inflorescence and rhizome. The aqueous extract of C. exaltatus inflorescence exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against bacterial strains i.e. Bacillus subtilis (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative), while the ethanolic extract of C. exaltatus inflorescence exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans and Penicillium commune. Maximum inhibition zone was found in ethanolic extract of S. maritimus inflorescence against bacterial strains while the maximum zone of inhibition was recorded in water extract of S. maritimus stem against fungal strains. Water extract of inflorescence of S. maritimus showed maximum anthelmintic activity while n-hexane extract of rhizomes of C. exaltatus showed the least activity. It is observed that these plants have ethnopharmacological potential for the investigated assays and could serve as source for synthesis of novel drugs.

SUSTAINING LIVELIHOODS IN THE ARID MARGINS: ASSESSING THE DIVERSITY AND UTILIZATION OF WILD PLANT SPECIES IN LESSER CHOLISTAN, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

2025-10-08T07:00:53+01:00

Despite being in a fragile environment with a mostly heterogeneous ethnic group, the Lesser Cholistan desert rangeland has a high diversity of wild plant uses and a rich cultural background. The study's objective was to identify potential wild plant species, explore their socioeconomic applications, and understand their contributions to household income. The data were gathered through a questionnaire by interviewing local residents during a field survey of 95 respondents, employing methods such as group discussion, household surveys, key informant interviews, market surveys, and informant consensus. Statistical tools like Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Frequency of Citation (FC) were used for data analysis. Informants from Lesser Cholistan reported the use of 55 wild plant species from 25 families, comprising 8 tree species, 17 shrubs, 19 herbs, 10 grasses, and one mushroom species. The Poaceae family was predominant (6 spp.), followed by Chenopodiaceae (5 species) and Mimosaceae (4 species). These plant species served various purposes, with a strong emphasis on their use as livestock fodder (61.8%) and traditional medicine (60%). More than half of the species (52.7%) had multiple uses, with 36% used as human food (vegetables, fruits, and salad), 21.8% for firewood, 18.2% for sale in local markets, and 9.1% for ritual purposes. Certain plants, including Capparis decidua, Prosopis cineraria, Zizyphus nummularia, and Calligonum Polygonoides, stood out due to their versatility, serving as fodder, food, healthcare, and fuelwood while also contributing to income generation. These plants are considered prime candidates for domestication and further development. The present study reveals that the respondents used various wild plants for different purposes, helping them save money and earn additional income by selling the byproducts of local plants.

GERMINATION AND GROWTH RESPONSE OF VACHELLIA NILOTICA AS AFFECTED BY MOISTURE AND THICKNESS OF SEED PALLETIZATION

2026-01-17T19:24:44+00:00

Low rainfall and high temperatures hinder successful tree plantation establishment in arid and semi-arid regions. Poor soil fertility and seed predation limit seed germination and seedling development. One protective and moisture-retaining technique is seed pelletization (seed balls). This study attempts to improve early plant establishment through seed ball technology. The seed ball technology and moisture combination's impact on the germination and growth of Vachellia nilotica was examined in this study with control (T₀), 1.0 cm (T₁), 1.5 cm (T₂), 2.0 cm (T₃), and 2.5 cm (T₄) seed ball thickness, along with 5, 10, and 15 mL of irrigation. This study was conducted at the Department of Forestry and Range Management, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangements. The plant growth parameters were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The study evaluated the effect of irrigation levels and the use of seed balls of different thicknesses on seedling growth and biomass production. The results show that shoot length, root length, stem diameter, and dry biomass were significantly influenced by these factors (p < 0.05). Treatment T₃ (2.0 cm seed ball thickness and 10 mL irrigation) had the highest values of shoot length (10.52 cm), root length (23.98 cm), stem diameter (0.138 cm), and total dry biomass (0.337 g). However, combining thicker (2.5 cm) seed balls and greater amounts of irrigation led to poorer growth. Among the treatments, T₃ was the best, and thus, it is concluded that a seed ball thickness of 2 cm with irrigation of 10 mL is best for enhancing the germination, seedling growth & biomass of Vachellia nilotica. The study demonstrated that seed ball technology has potential for use in tree planting and ecological restoration in dry and degraded areas.

FLORISTIC DIVERSITY AND ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF WILD FLOWERING PLANTS IN TEHSIL TAXILA, DISTRICT RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN

2026-01-29T06:43:59+00:00

The present study was meant for the enlisting of the wild flowering plants of Tehsil Taxila located in District Rawalpindi. The study area was thoroughly visited twice a month. Moreover, ethnobotanical knowledge was collected and documented by interviewing the locals through a questionnaire. In total 78 plant species of 72 genera belonging to 35 families were reported in the study area. Among the families of the plants, only two were monocotyledonous while the remaining 33 were dicotyledonous. The monocotyledonous families were Cannaceae and Poaceae having in total 8 genera, 8 species. The dicotyledonous families included 64 genera, 70 species. A total of 36 medicinal plant species were collected, from which 6 species were found to be related to skin diseases and 10 with digestive problems. About 30 species were being used up as food while 9 plant species were used as fodder. In addition, 9 species were commercial timber producing plants. One species was found to be useful as biofuel. Most of the discussed plants species have multiple usages in medicines and have very important commercial values. This study emphasizes the need to protect traditional knowledge and offers useful guidance for regional governments in creating plans that promote environmental conservation and the sustainable use of plant resources.

OPTIMIZATION AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CROTALARIA MEDICAGINEA CRUDE EXTRACT VIA MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION

2026-02-23T08:05:48+00:00

This study aims to establish an herbal source based on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases by using in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In-vivo studies were conducted on albino rats. MAE was optimized for the rapid recovery of phytochemicals compounds from Crotalaria medicaginea. Central Composite Design (CCD) was used with three factors (power 200–900 W, time 1–5 min, and temperature 40–70 ⁰C) using response surface methodology. Total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were response factors. The maximum level of responses was 66.56 mg-eq gallic acid and 105.94 mg-eq quercetin in 3 minutes extraction at 300 W of microwaves. In-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was then checked by different methods for optimized extracts. The maximum antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, HRSA and ABTS assay was observed as 36.74%, 94.49%, 70.96%, and 59.76% respectively comparable to standard antioxidants. Under in-viro anti-inflammatory studies, the maximum activity was observed at the highest concentration (1 mg/mL), which is 46.32%, and 96.55%. In carrageenan induced rat paw edema, xylene induced ear edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats, the highest inhibition in plant extract was observed as 47.31%, 73.66% and 51.08% which was very close to the standard drug used (77.33%, 58.23%. 56.03%). It is the first time report of MAE of C. medicaginea as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and the plant possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard drugs used.

INVESTIGATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS L. APPLYING ISSR MOLECULAR MARKERS

2026-01-29T07:18:13+00:00

Genetic diversity assessment enables plant breeders and genetic researchers to conserve unique plant genomes. Conservation of sole genetic characteristics enables plants to endure environmental fluctuations in various habitats. The main objective of this research was to investigate the genetic variation in Convolvulus arvensis L. (Bindweed) with phenotypic variant flower colors. Genomic DNA was extracted through the CTAB method from five samples each (white and pink). ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) molecular markers (UBC-825 and UBC-835) were applied to assess genetic assortment. The in-formativeness of the ISSR markers (polymorphism information content, allelic frequency, and genetic diversity) were analyzed and the dendrogram was constructed by using power markers 3.25. Five pink and two white flower Convolvulus arvensis L. samples produce amplification products in ISSR PCR analysis. UBC-835 produces polymorphic bands for both samples. The size of amplicon for pink flower and white flower samples ranges from 200bp-500bp. The in-formativeness of the ISSR marker was 50% polymorphism in samples, the polymorphism information content (PIC) value for markers was 0.1371, the mean value of allelic frequency was 0.9158, and the mean value of genetic diversity in variant samples were 0.1507 observed. Power marker (3.25) and Mega software were used for the construction of the dendrogram. Two different flower colors of bindweed may be due to influences of biotic and abiotic factors. ISSR (UBC-825 and UBC-835) molecular marker indicated limited genetic diversity within bindweed and helped analyze possible environmental fluctuations.