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7 pages, 217 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effects of Deficit Irrigation on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Tomato Under Semi-Arid Regions

by Muhammad Sanwal Bakhsh, Maha Sarfraz, Noor Ilahi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Hasnain Shamshad, Muhammad Usman, Iqra Mobin and Maryam Bibi

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 51(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025051001 - 6 Nov 2025

Viewed by 414

Abstract

This research evaluated deficit irrigation effects on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth, yield, and quality in semi-arid Pakistan during 2023–2024. Four treatments were applied: 100% ETc (control), 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc used a randomized complete block design. The treatment with 80% ETc maintained similar yields as full irrigation. It improved water use efficiency from 1.25 kg/m³ to 1.39 kg/m³. Plant height, SPAD values, and leaf area decreased with increasing water stress. Fruit quality parameters, including total soluble solids, improved under moderate deficit conditions. Moderate deficit irrigation (80% ETc) represents an optimal strategy for sustainable tomato production in water-scarce environments. Full article

9 pages, 1065 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Analyzing Winter Snow Cover Dynamics and Climate Change Projection Using Remote Sensing Products in the Almond-Growing Region of Neelum Watershed, Pakistan

by Waseem Iqbal, Muhammad Saqlain, Omer Farooq, Saima Qureshi, Muhammad Naveed Anjum, Muhammad Suleman, Zainab Ali, Saif Ullah, Sajjad Bashir and Ghulam Rasool

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 51(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025051002 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 372

Abstract

This study analyses the dynamics of snow cover in the Neelum Watershed of Pakistan and the expected changes in temperature and precipitation. Google Earth Engine was used to analyze the variability of winter snow cover with the help of MODIS 8-day data from 2000 to 2020. Two model combinations totaling five CMIP6 General Circulation Models were used to interpret future climate projections based on three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) for 2021–2050. The modified Mann–Kendall test was used to identify trends, and the Theil–Sen estimator was used to analyze the impact. The results demonstrate that the extent of snow-covered area increased significantly between 2000 and 2020, and approximately 6448.83 km² (approximately 87% of the watershed) was covered by snow in winter. All SSP scenarios indicated positive trends in winter precipitation with average rates of 1.87, 0.44, and 0.80 mm/yr under SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5. In all the scenarios, the minimum temperature (0.0405 °C yr⁻¹) and maximum temperature (0.0305 °C yr⁻¹) are consistently growing, as per temperature predictions. These projected changes indicate the danger of more frequent extreme weather events that will put a strain on the region’s ecosystems, agriculture, and hydropower operations. The findings offer the necessary information to inform strategies regarding climate adaptation and mitigation in the Neelum River basin. Full article

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6 pages, 527 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effects of Nitrogen Rates and Split Applications on Maize Yield in Semi-Arid Conditions

by Muhammad Shaheryar, Muhammad Umer Iqbal, Atique Ur Rehman, Momna Hayat, Muhammad Nadeem Shah and Bushra Hussain

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 51(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025051003 - 21 Nov 2025

Viewed by 209

Abstract

Efficient nitrogen management is crucial for maize productivity in semi-arid regions. A field experiment was conducted in Autumn 2023 at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, using RCBD with three replications to assess nitrogen rates (0, 80, 160, 240, 320 kg ha⁻¹) and application methods (two vs. three splits). Growth and yield traits were recorded. The results showed significant effects of nitrogen, with the highest grain yield (7.35 t ha⁻¹) at 240 kg ha⁻¹ in three splits, enhancing nutrient use efficiency. Higher nitrogen content (320 kg ha⁻¹) reduced yield, indicating diminishing returns. The optimized nitrogen rate and timing improved maize productivity in water-limited environments. Full article

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8 pages, 934 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparative Assessment of Fruit Quality Attributes and Bioactive Compounds of Apple (Malus domestica) Genotypes Grown in Gilgit-Baltistan

by Feroz Ahmed Tipu, Muhammad Tahir Akram, Muhammad Azam Khan, Umer Habib, Muhammad Ahsan Khatana, Rashad Qadri, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Hina Nawaz, Muhammad Nisar Jabbar and Muhammad Hashir Khan

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 51(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025051004 - 8 Dec 2025

Viewed by 66

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica) is a deciduous perennial tree that belongs to the family “Rosaceae”. Due to the highly suitable agro-climatic conditions for apple cultivation, it is among the widely cultivated fruits in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This study aims to evaluate elite apple genotypes in GB based on morphological and biochemical traits. Five- to six-year-old plants were selected for this study. The research employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications, and mean differences were analyzed using the LSD test. In this study, five genotypes were assessed based on morphological (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, and firmness) and biochemical attributes (TSS, TA, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, and flavonoid content). The results revealed significant variation among apple cultivars in both phytochemical and fruit quality attributes. The cultivar ‘Red Delicious’ exhibited the highest fruit weight (146.18 g), total soluble solids (TSS) (15.4 °Brix), and flavonoid content (105.75 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW). In contrast, ‘Red Full Star’ demonstrated superior firmness (7.19 kg cm⁻²), along with the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (4.00 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW) and ascorbic acid content (26.45 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW). Although the indigenous variety ‘Nus Khushu’ exhibited lower values in commercial traits, it holds substantial potential for conservation due to its unique local adaptation. The findings indicate that the “Red Delicious” and “Red Full Star” cultivars cultivated in GB are enriched with a variety of bioactive compounds that offer notable health benefits and may be utilized for future crop enhancement and breeding initiatives. Full article

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