Abdul Majeed - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Abdul Majeed

Humanities and Social Science Reviews , 2021

Article History Education is a leading driver in reshaping society, human capital formation, poli... more Article History Education is a leading driver in reshaping society, human capital formation, political stability, and the economic development of a country. In Pakistan, higher education is referred to as post-higher secondary schooling and is delivered by higher education institutes (HEIs), both in a public and private capacity, which includes degree colleges, universities, and degree awarding institutes. HEIs impart a diverse range of educational programs in life sciences, engineering, and social sciences, etc. Graduates passed out from these institutes provide their services to strengthen society, the government, and the economy of the country. However, the efficiency of these contributions towards overall national development is strongly linked with the quality of education the graduates receive from the HEIs. HEIs can produce productive, skilled, and competent graduates if they can deliver standard and quality education which depends on their financial resources, faculty resources, conducive environment, education-delivery-system, and policies. This review attempts to highlight major challenges associated with higher education in Pakistan and discuss prospective strategies to overcome the underlying challenges.

European Journal of Ecology

Crop plants have defined roles in agricultural production and feeding the world. They are affecte... more Crop plants have defined roles in agricultural production and feeding the world. They are affected by several environmental and biological stresses, which range from soil salinity, drought, and climate change to exposure to diverse plant pathogens. These stresses pose risk to agricultural sustainability. To avoid the increasing biotic and abiotic pressure on crop plants, agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture for attaining desirable yield and production of crops. However, the use of agrochemicals is also challenging the integrity of ecosystems. Thus, to maintain the integrity of ecosystem, sustainable measures for elevated crop production are required. Allelopathy, a process of chemical interactions between plants and other organisms, could be used in the management of several biotic and abiotic stresses if the basic mechanisms of the phenomena and plants with allelopathic potentials are known. Allelopathy has a promising future for its application in agriculture for natu...

This study reports the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf, root and flower extracts of Artemisi... more This study reports the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf, root and flower extracts of Artemisia annua and Taraxicum officinalis at 20, 40 and 60% concentration on the germination of maize and wheat in laboratory conditions. Compared to control, germination percentage of two crops was significantly declined by the leaf extracts of two weeds. Root extracts had also inhibitory effects on germination but flower/inflorescences of weeds did not alter final germination of wheat and maize. Among tested extracts, 60% concentration of A. annua had more drastic effects on wheat and maize than lower concentrations. Maize was found comparatively tolerant to aqueous extracts of weeds than wheat. A. annua was recorded as more phytotoxic than T. officinalis while wheat showed more susceptibility than maize to the applied allelopathic stress. The order of phyto-toxicity of plant parts on germination inhibition was recorded as leaf > root > flowers.

Weed incursion in cultivated fields is a serious biological problem, which causes considerable y... more Weed incursion in cultivated
fields is a serious biological problem, which
causes considerable yield losses of
economically important field crops through
allelopathy and competitive interactions.
Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
and yellow melilot (Melilotus officinalis)
are among the most prevalent weeds in
cultivated fields of Pakistan, particularly in
wheat fields. Like many other weeds, they
may pose allelopathic and competitive
challenges to field crops. The objective of
this study was to evaluate allelopathic
potentials of the two weeds on germination
and seedling growth of wheat under
laboratory conditions. Amounts of 15, 20,
25 and 30% concentrated leaf aqueous
extracts of C. maculosa and M. officinalis
were prepared and tested for their effects on
germination percentage, radicle and
coleoptile lengths of wheat. Germination,
radicle and coleoptile lengths of test crop
declined significantly at higher
concentration (25-30%) of the extracts of
two weeds. However, concentration of
M. officinalis up to 20% had either no effect
or stimulatory effects on the studied growth
characteristics of wheat. Highest
germination inhibition and decreased
seedling growth were caused by leaf
extracts of C. maculosa at 30% extract
concentration. Growth inhibition was
generally dependent on the extract
concentration. The study indicated that both
plant exhibited allelopathic activity and
growth inhibitory effects on wheat at higher
concentration; however, extracts of
C. maculosa were more phytoinhibitory

Nitrogen deficiency in rice fields particularly in developing countries is one of the major abiot... more Nitrogen deficiency in rice fields particularly in developing countries is one of the major abiotic constraints which is generally managed by the extensive application of nitrogen fertilizers. Though, the application of chemical fertilizers efficiently increases soil fertility and productivity of the crop; however, ecological and environmental problems are grave concerns for ecosystem and environmental sustainability rendered by the unbalanced use of these chemicals. Instead, application of bio-fertilizers in cultivated fields have been well known for reducing heavy inputs of fertilizers and thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Cyanobacteria, which have diverse range of species, many with beneficial agro-activities and nitrogen fixation capabilities, can serve as bio-fertilizers in rice fields because of greater dependency of rice crop on fixed nitrogen for its growth and production requirements. This paper focusses on the use of cyanobacteria as potential bio-fertilizer in rice fields and their beneficial roles in promoting growth and productivity of the crop.

Understanding of the growth promotory or inhibitory allelopathic effects of agroforestry trees on... more Understanding of the growth promotory or inhibitory allelopathic effects of agroforestry trees on other plants is necessary for selection of suitable crops to be cultivated in their vicinity. In this experiment, aqueous leaf extracts of three agroforestry trees (Populus deltoides, Melia azedarach and Morus alba) were evaluated on germination and seedling growth of wheat applied at concentration 1, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g L-1 while distilled water was used as control treatment. Lower concentration of extracts (1 and 1.5 g L-1) of P. deltoides stimulated percent germination, root and stem height and dry biomass while higher concentration (2 and 2.5 g L-1) had no effect on these parameters. Mean germination time (MGT) was not affected by the extract and its concentration. Aqueous extracts of M. azedarach and M. alba at concentration > 1 g L-1 significantly lowered the studied parameters except MGT which was significantly prolonged. Negative allelopathy was more evident at the highest aqueous extract concentration (2.5 g L-1) of the two trees. Extracts of M. alba were found more growth inhibitory than those of M. azedarach. The study suggests that lower concentration of leaf extracts of P. deltoides imparts stimulatory while M. azedarch and M. alba have negative allelopathic effects on wheat germination.

The present study was carried out to investigate traditional knowledge of ethno medicinal plants ... more The present study was carried out to investigate traditional knowledge of ethno medicinal plants of District Charsadda, KP Pakistan. The local people of the area used surrounding natural resources that is wild plants for medicinal purposes and to cure different diseases. Due to poor condition of the modern health care facilities and poverty, indigenous people of the district partially depend on local medicinal plants. The present studies mainly focus on the information regarding indigenous uses of plants for medicinal purposes. The interviews were carried out in local community to investigate local people and knowledgeable persons (Hakims, Women and Heerdsmen) who are the main user of medicinal plants. The first investigation revealed a total of 60 plants species belonging to 34 families. The dominant families were found to be Asteraceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae which represented 6, 5 and 4 species respectively. The study area was visited frequently during flowering and fruiting seasons of plants in 2014. Plants were collected from a range of localities, identified, preserved and deposited with

Butterflies are the most beautiful and attractive insects in class insecta, order Lepidoptera. Ec... more Butterflies are the most beautiful and attractive insects in class insecta, order Lepidoptera. Economically they are important as pollinators as well as environmental indicators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fauna diversity of butterflies in Tehsil Shabqadar, District Charsadda. A total of 250 specimens were collected and identified which yielded 3 families, 10 genera and 13 species. Nymphalidae family comprised the largest number of individuals followed by Pieredae and Papilonidae. The species were lime butterfly, Bellusaurota. The most encountered species found was Catopsiliapyrenthe whose 43 specimens were collected. The least encountered species was Bellusaurota and Catopsiliapomona. 12 species with 10 genera belonging to 3 families from 13 study sites suggests that this region may have a diverse butterfly fauna. Similar surveys on large scales are recommended to fully evaluate the butterfly fauna of District Charsadda.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has been remained an important agricultural crop in resolving globa... more Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has been remained an important agricultural crop in resolving global food issues through decades. The crop has experienced enormous growth in terms of production throughout the world in recent decades because of improvement in agricultural mechanization, fertilizers application and irrigation practices. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of this valuable crop is still vulnerable to losses due to prevalence of different viral, bacterial, fungal and nematodes infestations. Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is one of the most threatening pathogenic diseases which not only results in direct crop losses but also cause farmers to embrace huge monetary expenses for disease control and preventive measures. The disease is well known for notorious 'Irish Famine' which resulted in drop of Irish population by more than 20% as result of hunger and potato starvation. Globally, annual losses of crop and money spend on fungicides for late blight control exceeds one trillion US dollars. This paper reviews the significance of late blight of potato and controlling strategies adopted for minimizing yield losses incurred by this disease by the use of synthetic fungicides. Advantages and disadvantages of fungicides application are discussed.

Gamma irradiation is the process of exposing subject materials to gamma rays – a type of highly e... more Gamma irradiation is the process of exposing subject materials to gamma rays – a type of highly energetic electromagnetic rays – which have extraordinary potentials of penetrating deep into subject materials. Owing to its high penetrability, gamma irradiation is generally used in agriculture for possible healthy mutations in plants and for control of microbial spoilage of agricultural products. Growth, production and post-harvest storage of vegetables-which serve important source of human diet-need to be improved for provision of healthier diets to the increasing population of humankind. Pre-sowing treatment of vegetable seeds (or other propagating organs) with mutating agents such as gamma irradiation may cause a reshuffling of genes associated with quality and quantity controlling traits in both positive and negative directions. These genetic changes give rise to mutant progenies which may exhibit superiority or inferiority in characters over their parent plants. Similarly, post-harvest rot of vegetables during storage due to microbial attack results in losses which may be effectively controlled by the use of gamma irradiation. The aim of this review is to evaluate vegetative growth response of different cultivated plants particularly vegetables to gamma irradiation. Radiation treatment as post-harvest controlling technique of fresh produce is also discussed.

Ten single lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected from naturally late blight infecte... more Ten single lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected from naturally late blight infected fields of different regions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during 2011 were characterized for aggressiveness based on their infection frequency, latent infection period, lesion area, lesion expansion rate and relative area under lesion expansion curve after their inoculation onto detached leaflets of potato cultivar Desiree. Significant variations were observed among different isolates originating from different locations for their aggressiveness potential and epidemiological components. Aggressiveness level determined on composite aggressiveness indices was also variable for the studied isolates. The study indicated that population of P. infestans in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province comprises diverse isolates with low to high aggressiveness potentials as measured by the epidemiological components.

Glycoalkaloids are secondary metabolites found in Solanum tuberosum L. and other members of Solan... more Glycoalkaloids are secondary metabolites found in Solanum tuberosum L. and other members of Solanaceae, which have potential role in the defense of host against certain fungi, nematodes, herbivores and other stress conditions. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible relationship between late blight disease severity and foliar glycoalkaloids of potato cv. Desiree. Disease severity and total glycoalkaloids contents determined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 days after inoculation with Phytophthora infestans showed no relationship when compared to control. Values of total glycoalkaloids contents of potato foliage with different late blight disease severity were almost consistent with control plants, which were inoculated with sterile distilled water; although TGA levels in diseased plants showed slight but non-significant elevations than control. Results indicated that disease severity had no effect on foliar TGA concentrations; however, age of plant and length of inoculation period corresponded to higher glycoalkaloids contents and disease severity of leaves.

Aqueous extracts of sundried powder of leaves and bark of three test plants Eucalyptus citriodora... more Aqueous extracts of sundried powder of leaves and bark of three test plants Eucalyptus citriodora Hook., Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. were evaluated for their efficacy on epidemiological components (disease severity, lesion size and area under disease progress curve) of late blight of potato caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in pot culture during 2008. Among the tested plants, aqueous extracts of A. indica and P. roxburghii significantly contributed in reduction of disease severity, lesion size and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) after potato leaves were inoculated with P. infestans. Extracts of E. citriodora had no effect on the studied epidemiological parameters of late blight disease comparative to control. Results demonstrated that extracts of A. indica were more effective than P. roxburghii in controlling late blight disease. Similarly, leaf extracts were found to be more effective in minimizing disease severity, lesion size and AUDPC than bark extracts. Further research is needed as to whether these extracts can be used as commercial formulations for management of late blight disease.

Post-harvest quality losses of fruits and vegetables during storage are global horticultural prob... more Post-harvest quality losses of fruits and vegetables during storage are global horticultural problems. The use of synthetic chemicals and fumigation to minimize such losses and to extend shelf life of fresh produce are primarily effective strategies; however they are vigilantly accepted by consumers because of potential health risks and environmental problems they pose. The aim of this study was to evaluate gamma irradiation doses 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kGyfor their effect on shelf life and chemical attributes of Strawberry (Fragariaxananassa) cv. Corona stored for nine days at room temperature. Berries irradiated with 1.0 and 1.5 kGy showed significantly prolonged storage life (5.75 and 7.75, days respectively) when compared to non-irradiated control fruits (3.25 days). Non-radiated fruit samples showed maximum decay (94.5 %) and weight loss (58 %) at 9th day of storage; however, irradiation significantly reduced these two quality parameters especially at higher doses which corresponded to lower weight loss and fruit decay. Neither radiation treatment nor storage period had significant effect on total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH of fruits. Results indicated that radiation doses 1.0 and 1.5 kGymight be used as consumers' acceptable doses for shelf life extension, minimum weight loss and decay, without affecting the chemical quality of strawberry.

(2011) Assessment of leaf extracts of three medicinal plants against late blight of potato in Kag... more (2011) Assessment of leaf extracts of three medicinal plants against late blight of potato in Kaghan valley, Pakistan. Journal of Agricultural Technology 7(4): 1159-1165. This study was undertaken to assess sun-dried aqueous leaf extracts of three medicinal plants (Podophyllum hexandrum, Withania somnifera and Xanthium strumarium) against late blight of potato caused by Phytophthora infestans. Foliar sprays of 25 % (w/v) leaf extracts of the three medicinal plants at a 3 day interval significantly reduced disease severity and resulted in higher tuber yield and biological yield compared to control. Among the tested plants, leaf extracts of Podophyllum hexandrum were more effective in minimizing the disease incidence and producing better biological yield/plant (24.92 g) and tuber yield (14.93 t/ha) than other treatments. Results of this study recommends that foliar application of the tested plants extracts (at 3 d) in the order of efficiency (P. hexandrum> X. straumerium> W. somnifera) against late blight could be used for minimum disease incidence and better yields.

Chenopodium album L. is an annual weed of cultivated fields. In order to determine its allelopath... more Chenopodium album L. is an annual weed of cultivated fields. In order to determine its allelopathic potentials, water soluble leaf extracts at different concentrations (25, 50 and 75 %) were tested on growth and yield related attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a pot culture experiment. Results showed that application of concentrated extracts had detrimental effects on plant height, number of tillers and spike length which corresponded to significantly lower grain yield. However, lower concentration (25 %) of the extract promoted these parameters. Results of this study reported significantly suppressive effects of higher concentrations (50 and 75 %) on plant height of T. aestivum L. corresponding to lower grain yield.

Sunflower is a potent allelopathic plant which possesses important allelochemicals with known all... more Sunflower is a potent allelopathic plant which possesses important allelochemicals with known allelopathic activity on other plants. In this study, allelopathic effects of fresh aqueous extracts (FAE) and air dried aqueous extracts (DAE) of root, shoot and leaves of sunflower (Halianthus annuus L.) were investigated on germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in seed bioassay experiments carried out at Botany Department of Peshawar University during 2010. Results showed significantly inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts on seed germination, growth and dry biomass of seedlings of wheat and maize. In wheat seedlings, significant germination inhibition (15.21%), increased mean germination time (MGT) (57.76%), reduced plumule and radical growth (21.66 and 28.44%) and lowered seedlings dry biomass (31.05%) were recorded under dry aqueous extracts of leaf when compared to control. Germination percentage of maize was inhibited by dry aqueous extracts of leaf by 7.81%, germination index by 16.51%, increased MGT by 25.53%, decreased plumule and radical lengths by 29.00 and 36.12% respectively, and lowered maize seedling dry biomass by 34.02 %. In both experiments, dry aqueous extracts (DAE) were more phytotoxic than fresh aqueous extracts (FAE). Similarly, inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts of different parts of sunflower were recorded in the order leaf > shoot > root for both tested plants.

(2014). Effect of systemic and contact fungicides on late blight disease and tuber yield of potat... more (2014). Effect of systemic and contact fungicides on late blight disease and tuber yield of potato. Journal of Agricultural Technology 10(1):209-217. Late blight of potato is a major agricultural problem in most parts of the world where potatoes are grown. The disease is primarily controlled by rigorous application of fungicides. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of systemic and contact fungicides on late blight disease and tuber yield. Three systemic fungicides (Fostylalluminum, Curzate, Ridomil Gold) and three contact fungicides (Revus, Antracol, Blue copper) were tested for their effects on late blight of potato and consequent tuber yield in field conditions, applied as foliar sprays at seven day interval. Both types of fungicides were found highly effective in reducing disease severity level and disease progress. However, systemic fungicides more effectively controlled diseases severity and the disease progress than contact fungicides. Compared to control, disease severity and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) were significantly reduced by systemic fungicide Curzate corresponding to significant increase in tuber yield. Contact fungicides contributed to reduction in disease severity and AUDPC; however, they had no effects on tuber yield. Results recorded efficacy of the tested fungicide groups in the order systemic ˃ contact and among the systemic fungicides as Curzate ˃ Ridomil Gold.

Humanities and Social Science Reviews , 2021

European Journal of Ecology