Muzafar H . Sirohi | Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) Khairpur Pakistan (original) (raw)

Papers by Muzafar H . Sirohi

Journal of Insect Conservation, 2015

The apparent reduction of solitary and primitively eusocial bees populations has remained a huge ... more The apparent reduction of solitary and
primitively eusocial bees populations has remained a huge
concern over the past few decades and urbanisation is
considered as one of the factors affecting bees at different
scales depending on bee guild. As urbanisation is increasing globally it necessitates more research to understand the complex community dynamics of solitary and primitively eusocial bees in urban settings. We investigated the urban core of a British town for diversity and abundance of solitary bees using standardized methods, and compared the results with nearby meadows and nature reserves. The study recorded 48 species within the town, about 22 % of the total species and 58 % of the genera of solitary bees in the United Kingdom. Furthermore we found the urban core
to be more diverse and abundant in solitary and primitively
eusocial bees compared to the meadows and nature reserves.
Of particular note was an urban record of the nationally
rare Red Data Book species Coelioxys quadridentata and its host Anthophora quadrimaculata. This research demonstrates that urban settings can contribute significantly to the conservation of solitary and
primitively eusocial bees in Britain.

Conservation Biology, 2017

Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological imp... more Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological
importance of cities. The abundance and diversity of native bee species in urban landscapes that are absent
in nearby rural lands evidence the biological value and ecological importance of cities and have implications
for biodiversity conservation. Lagging behind this revised image of the city are urban conservation programs
that historically have invested in education and outreach rather than programs designed to achieve highpriority
species conservation results. We synthesized research on urban bee species diversity and abundance
to determine how urban conservation could be repositioned to better align with new views on the ecological
importance of urban landscapes. Due to insect pollinators’ relatively small functional requirements—habitat
range, life cycle, and nesting behavior—relative to larger mammals, we argue that pollinators put highpriority
and high-impact urban conservation within reach. In a rapidly urbanizing world, transforming how
environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement and contribute to the development
of more sustainable urbanization

Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 2019

Sensory methodology was used to examine the effect of fat aroma on the perception of fattiness an... more Sensory methodology was used to examine the effect of fat aroma on the perception of fattiness and sweetness of
milk. Four samples of milk (5% fat-5% sweet, 5% fat-10% sweet, 10% fat-5% sweet and 10% fat-10% sweet) were
prepared by using sucrose for sweatiness and cream for fattiness. The samples prepared were presented to twelve
trained panellists. Their response was recorded and analysed by using Compusense software. Significant
difference (p<0.05) was found in sweet perception, whereas, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in
fat perception. Descriptive analysis suggested that rating of sweetness intensity rose with the increase of both
sucrose and fat concentration. In contrast, rating of fat content of milk was poorly linked to fat stimulus. It was
concluded that fat aroma does effect on the perception of sweetness whereas, increasing concentration of sucrose
levels masked the fattiness of milk. The finding suggests that sucrose disguises the sensory attribute of fat in milk
and this phenomenon can assist to describe why sweet-high fat food products are usually regarded only as
carbohydrate rich foods. These findings will help food industrialist to adjust the fat content of food products
since this can effect on the taste perception. Moreover, the understanding about effect of fat on the sensory
properties of milk will help in developing fat alternatives for addition to fat-free milk.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

The Badro Mountain is a part of Kirthar Mountain range, which is important for its ecological val... more The Badro Mountain is a part of Kirthar Mountain range, which is important for its ecological value and conservation of species and habitats. The areas is becoming popular among the tourists and nature lovers for its wide variety of ecological features which support the range of biological diversity. We surveyed the Badro Mountain and its base area for floristic inventory. The entire collected plant specimens were processed through recommended methods for drying and preparing herbarium sheets and preserved, for future reference, at Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, Sindh. The study recorded 64 floral species of 25 plant families. The species of family Poaceae (21%), Fabaceae (14%), and Apocynaceae (6%) were found to be more frequent in the study area. More than 75% of the identified species were perennial. The vegetation was dominated by a higher number of shrub species (40%) followed by herbs (38%). The analysis revealed the Phanerophyte (36%) and Chamaephyte (27%) as a common life forms of the species. The study also recorded a critically endangered species, Convolvulus scindicus (Convolulaceae). Conservative measures are required to protect the declining population of threatened species. The study demonstrates vegetation variations and plant biodiversity conservation in arid mountainy region of Kirthar ranges of Sindh.

SINDH UNIVERSITY RESEARCH JOURNAL (SCIENCE SERIES), 2019

Potassium (K) nutrition play a vital role in improving plant health by mitigating the severity of... more Potassium (K) nutrition play a vital role in improving plant health by mitigating the severity of disease, drought and salinity stresses and improve yield of plants. We assessed the performance of three rice genotypes (DR-92, DR-51 and IR-6) using potassium treatments under saline environment. The experiments were laid down in completely randomized design with five potassium treatments (T=0.0, T2= 37.0, T=40.7, T= 44.4 and T= 48.1 kg ha-1) at Green house, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. The recommended rates of N:P fertilizer (160:90 kg ha-1) were applied. Five seedlings of twenty-five days old were transplanted in each pot filled with ten kg of naturally occurring saline soil (EC 6.25 dS m-1). Agronomic parameters were recorded at the time of maturity. Ionic analysis i.e. the contents of K+, Na+ and K+/Na+ ratio were determined in shoot dry matter and grains. The results revealed a significant increase in vegetative and yield components of rice genotypes at higher potassium applications. Moreover, Na+ contents in grain and straw samples of rice genotypes decreased with increasing potassium applications. Overall, genotype DR-92 followed by DR-51 performed better with potassium application to mitigate salt stress.

International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences , 2019

The food industry is always in search of best processing technologies to achieve a natural compou... more The food industry is always in search of best processing technologies to achieve a natural compound with maximum purity. An increase in interest of functional food has brought a sharp rise demand of naturally occurring compounds achieved via natural processes. The traditional solvent extraction processes have shown certain limitations; such as flammability, toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and limited recovery. The studies on cost-effective and eco-friendly processes are still limited. This review focuses on an innovative, environmentally clean tool for food processing technologies and their role in improving food sustainability. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) technique, however, is already in use for more than 40 years by academia and industries. This can be a successful tool for food processing and can be used for the extraction of selective components. Development of a sustainable and environmentally clean process to achieve natural ingredients is an area undergoing intense studies in food science. Here, we discuss principle applications of SFE to extract natural ingredients from different food materials and by-products. A supercritical fluid is non-flammable, non-toxic, eco-friendly and easily recoverable. These can be easily eliminated from the extract by altering the pressure and temperature conditions. Supercritical fluids are preferred method of extraction from solid samples, different fractional liquids and for chromatographic separations. The cost of SFE is competitive, moreover, in some cases, SFE is the only way to achieve product satisfaction. The design and development of analytical and industrial plants are reviewed. An overview of commercial applications and illustrations of recent development describes new horizons for SFE in food processing industries.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

The exopolysaccharide production by three Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated by optimizing two... more The exopolysaccharide production by three Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated by optimizing two parameters (temperature and time). In addition, the role of EPS on viscosity of solutions was observed. Bacterial cultures were grown in MRS broth supplemented with 0.5 % (w/v) cysteine HCl in anaerobic conditions. Among the
different time (24 h, 48 h and 72 h) and temperature (30ºC, 37ºC and 42ºC) conditions, high EPS production was observed at 42 ºC after 72 h of incubation. At these conditions maximum amount of EPS was produced by Bifidobacterium breve 11815 with the yield of 94.64 ± 0.25 ug/ml, followed by B. longum 11818 and B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 with the yield of 90.53 ± 0.34 ug/ml and 58.8 ± 0.25 ug/ml respectively. Viscometric analysis of EPS performed by viscometer showed highest viscosity of milk (23 ± 1.41 cp) by using EPS produced by B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12. This study suggests that the foods in which bifidobacteria are used as starter culture
should be incubated at 42 ºC to obtain maximum probiotic dose and EPS. Finally, EPS produced by B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 can be used for reducing syneresis and improving texture and viscosity of food products.

International Journal of Biosciences

Soil salinity is one of the most distressing ecological stresses which reduces the agrarian produ... more Soil salinity is one of the most distressing ecological stresses which reduces the agrarian production. However, the impact of
salinity varies among species and genotypes. The experiment tested the salt tolerance of ten rice genotypes including, four
aromatic (DR-67, Latifee, Super Basmati and DR-66) and six non-aromatic genotypes (DR-92, DR-51, IR-6 Shahkar, NIA-19A
and Shua-92 check). The study used two factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with four salinity levels (T1-2.3
(control), T2-6.0, T3-9.1 and T4-12.8 EC dS m-1), at Green house, Department of Botany, Shah Abdul Latif University
Khairpur. Initially, a nursery of all genotypes was developed in a normal soil. The seedlings (25 days old) were transplanted
into pots filled with 10 kg air of dried soil. Each pot contained one plant hill-1 and three hills pot-1. The recommended rate of
NPK (160:90:37 kg ha-1) fertilizer was used. The results indicated that almost all agro-morphological traits like shoot height,
root length, total tiller numbers and productive tiller numbers, total number of filled grains, 1000 grains weight, spikelet
fertility percentage root and shoot dry weight, and harvest index percentage were reduced significantly with a rise in salt
concentrations. Genotypes DR-92, DR-51 and IR-6 accumulated less sodium (Na+), more potassium (K+) and had higher
K+/Na+ ratio in straw and grain samples hence were less affected against all salinity levels as compared to other rice genotypes.
On contrary, genotypes Super Basmati and DR-66 showed meager performance regarding all tested traits against all salinity
levels.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

Adulteration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with olive oil and sunflower oil remained major issue in e... more Adulteration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with olive oil and sunflower oil remained major issue in edible oil industry.
Herein, rapid, sensitive and precise method for the determination of all type of tocopherols in different vegetable
oils includinhg sunflower oil, olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is reported. Reverse Phase High Performance
Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detector was used for tocopherol determination. A simple, quick
and sensitive method to estimate the antioxidant quantity is proposed. In this method oils were diluted in
methanol and injected directly into column (no saponification procedure). Methanol and water (98:2) mixture
was used as mobile phase. Three tocopherols (α, γ and δ) were detected at 292 nm wavelength with UV detector.
Method had good limit of detection (LOD) (7ng/g) and reproducibility (C.V% 0.9, 0.8 and 0.4 for α, γ and δ
tocopherols, respectively). Result showed the best source for α-tocopherol was sun flower oil (146.65±1.7mg/kg).
Oil richest in δ-tocopherol was olive oil and δ-tocopherol was absent in extra virgin olive oil. The current study
suggest the new parameter (ratio of α/γ) as first screening indicator of authenticity of purity of extra virgin olive
oil for differentiation of various cultivators of same generic source.

Pure and Applied Biology, 2019

The monsoon rain brings a green carpet of landscape to Thar Desert including Karoonjhar mountains... more The monsoon rain brings a green carpet of landscape to Thar Desert including Karoonjhar mountains range. We explored Nagarparkar, District Tharparkar, Sindh to record post monsoon botanical inventory of the region. The study confirmed 89 plant species of 26 plant families. The vegetation was dominated by Poaceae (18 spp.) and Fabaceae (15 spp.) families. About two third of the families were represented by single species. The vegetation was rich with grasses and herbs making about 60% of the species while the rest includes tress shrubs and subshrubs. The lifespan analysis revealed the dominance of perennials. The life form spectrum shows the abundance of Phanerophytes (30%), Chamaephyte (28%) and Therophyte (25%) across the region. The present study demonstrates vegetation variations triggered by monsoon down pours and indicates the presence of various microhabitats in the study area. The current inventory would be useful for further ecological studies and conservation of species and habitats. These records would help to detect invasive species, their distribution and other environmental impacts on plant species in future.

Int. J. Econ. Environ. Geol., 2018

Soil salinity is an increasing threat for agriculture. The knowledge of physical and chemical pro... more Soil salinity is an increasing threat for agriculture. The knowledge of physical and chemical properties of the soil is vital for the assessment of the capacity of soil for better plant productivity and improvement through management practices. We assessed the soil of ten union councils of Taulka Thari Mirwah, district Khairpur. The soil was evaluated for pH, EC, organic matter and salt contents through standardized methods. The overall soil was found to be slightly alkaline (pH 8 ± 0.6 SD), with a varied texture among the sites. The soil EC (10 ± 7.9 SD dS/m) was recorded to be comparatively higher than the surrounding districts. The study did not find any significant variation in various salt contents in the area. The organic contents were lower than the advised extent. However, the management practices were suggested to improve the health of soil for better productivity.

The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2017

The effect of grazing on desert plant species from three distinct habitats i.e. Kot Diji sand dun... more The effect of grazing on desert plant species from three distinct habitats i.e. Kot Diji sand dune, Ubhan Shah flat dune and Sorah inter-dunal area of District Khairpur was studied by using quadrat method. We analyzed each plant species for cover, total plant cover of grazed, un-grazed and mean % reduction in cover (cm) from pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results revealed a considerable effect of grazing on plant species; however the impact of grazing varied from plant to plant and season to season, in the studied areas. There was highest grazing intensity of Indigofera species leading to endanger in this area. In all sites, maximum reduction in cover was observed in Indigofera oblongifolia and Indigofera argentea, with 62.8 and 57.2cm, respectively during pre-monsoon, and 61.5 and 52.8cm in post-monsoon. Aristida funiculata also possesses high grazing intensity with 40.3 and 54.2cm in pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The species Convolvulus protratus, Cassia italica, Dipterygium glaucum and Digera arvensis showed grazing intensities with 47.8, 57.4, 25.2, 42.7 in pre-monsoon season and 44.3, 35.9, 45.7,53.7 in post monsoon seasons, respectively. The low grazing intensity was observed in dominant plant communities Aerva javanica, Calligonum polygonoides, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica in a pre-monsoon season with 7.8, 17.4, 13.2cm, whereas, it was increased in post-monsoon with 11.5, 25.9, 32 in the reduction of cover (cm), respectively. These plant species were grazed by the animals at that time when ephemerals were not available in the desert during a drought period. It is suggested that partial protection and controlled grazing can be beneficial to get positive results and maintain the desert vegetation in the study area.

Journal of Insect Conservation, 2015

The apparent reduction of solitary and primitively eusocial bees populations has remained a huge ... more The apparent reduction of solitary and
primitively eusocial bees populations has remained a huge
concern over the past few decades and urbanisation is
considered as one of the factors affecting bees at different
scales depending on bee guild. As urbanisation is increasing globally it necessitates more research to understand the complex community dynamics of solitary and primitively eusocial bees in urban settings. We investigated the urban core of a British town for diversity and abundance of solitary bees using standardized methods, and compared the results with nearby meadows and nature reserves. The study recorded 48 species within the town, about 22 % of the total species and 58 % of the genera of solitary bees in the United Kingdom. Furthermore we found the urban core
to be more diverse and abundant in solitary and primitively
eusocial bees compared to the meadows and nature reserves.
Of particular note was an urban record of the nationally
rare Red Data Book species Coelioxys quadridentata and its host Anthophora quadrimaculata. This research demonstrates that urban settings can contribute significantly to the conservation of solitary and
primitively eusocial bees in Britain.

Conservation Biology, 2017

Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological imp... more Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological
importance of cities. The abundance and diversity of native bee species in urban landscapes that are absent
in nearby rural lands evidence the biological value and ecological importance of cities and have implications
for biodiversity conservation. Lagging behind this revised image of the city are urban conservation programs
that historically have invested in education and outreach rather than programs designed to achieve highpriority
species conservation results. We synthesized research on urban bee species diversity and abundance
to determine how urban conservation could be repositioned to better align with new views on the ecological
importance of urban landscapes. Due to insect pollinators’ relatively small functional requirements—habitat
range, life cycle, and nesting behavior—relative to larger mammals, we argue that pollinators put highpriority
and high-impact urban conservation within reach. In a rapidly urbanizing world, transforming how
environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement and contribute to the development
of more sustainable urbanization

Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 2019

Sensory methodology was used to examine the effect of fat aroma on the perception of fattiness an... more Sensory methodology was used to examine the effect of fat aroma on the perception of fattiness and sweetness of
milk. Four samples of milk (5% fat-5% sweet, 5% fat-10% sweet, 10% fat-5% sweet and 10% fat-10% sweet) were
prepared by using sucrose for sweatiness and cream for fattiness. The samples prepared were presented to twelve
trained panellists. Their response was recorded and analysed by using Compusense software. Significant
difference (p<0.05) was found in sweet perception, whereas, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in
fat perception. Descriptive analysis suggested that rating of sweetness intensity rose with the increase of both
sucrose and fat concentration. In contrast, rating of fat content of milk was poorly linked to fat stimulus. It was
concluded that fat aroma does effect on the perception of sweetness whereas, increasing concentration of sucrose
levels masked the fattiness of milk. The finding suggests that sucrose disguises the sensory attribute of fat in milk
and this phenomenon can assist to describe why sweet-high fat food products are usually regarded only as
carbohydrate rich foods. These findings will help food industrialist to adjust the fat content of food products
since this can effect on the taste perception. Moreover, the understanding about effect of fat on the sensory
properties of milk will help in developing fat alternatives for addition to fat-free milk.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

The Badro Mountain is a part of Kirthar Mountain range, which is important for its ecological val... more The Badro Mountain is a part of Kirthar Mountain range, which is important for its ecological value and conservation of species and habitats. The areas is becoming popular among the tourists and nature lovers for its wide variety of ecological features which support the range of biological diversity. We surveyed the Badro Mountain and its base area for floristic inventory. The entire collected plant specimens were processed through recommended methods for drying and preparing herbarium sheets and preserved, for future reference, at Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, Sindh. The study recorded 64 floral species of 25 plant families. The species of family Poaceae (21%), Fabaceae (14%), and Apocynaceae (6%) were found to be more frequent in the study area. More than 75% of the identified species were perennial. The vegetation was dominated by a higher number of shrub species (40%) followed by herbs (38%). The analysis revealed the Phanerophyte (36%) and Chamaephyte (27%) as a common life forms of the species. The study also recorded a critically endangered species, Convolvulus scindicus (Convolulaceae). Conservative measures are required to protect the declining population of threatened species. The study demonstrates vegetation variations and plant biodiversity conservation in arid mountainy region of Kirthar ranges of Sindh.

SINDH UNIVERSITY RESEARCH JOURNAL (SCIENCE SERIES), 2019

Potassium (K) nutrition play a vital role in improving plant health by mitigating the severity of... more Potassium (K) nutrition play a vital role in improving plant health by mitigating the severity of disease, drought and salinity stresses and improve yield of plants. We assessed the performance of three rice genotypes (DR-92, DR-51 and IR-6) using potassium treatments under saline environment. The experiments were laid down in completely randomized design with five potassium treatments (T=0.0, T2= 37.0, T=40.7, T= 44.4 and T= 48.1 kg ha-1) at Green house, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. The recommended rates of N:P fertilizer (160:90 kg ha-1) were applied. Five seedlings of twenty-five days old were transplanted in each pot filled with ten kg of naturally occurring saline soil (EC 6.25 dS m-1). Agronomic parameters were recorded at the time of maturity. Ionic analysis i.e. the contents of K+, Na+ and K+/Na+ ratio were determined in shoot dry matter and grains. The results revealed a significant increase in vegetative and yield components of rice genotypes at higher potassium applications. Moreover, Na+ contents in grain and straw samples of rice genotypes decreased with increasing potassium applications. Overall, genotype DR-92 followed by DR-51 performed better with potassium application to mitigate salt stress.

International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences , 2019

The food industry is always in search of best processing technologies to achieve a natural compou... more The food industry is always in search of best processing technologies to achieve a natural compound with maximum purity. An increase in interest of functional food has brought a sharp rise demand of naturally occurring compounds achieved via natural processes. The traditional solvent extraction processes have shown certain limitations; such as flammability, toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and limited recovery. The studies on cost-effective and eco-friendly processes are still limited. This review focuses on an innovative, environmentally clean tool for food processing technologies and their role in improving food sustainability. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) technique, however, is already in use for more than 40 years by academia and industries. This can be a successful tool for food processing and can be used for the extraction of selective components. Development of a sustainable and environmentally clean process to achieve natural ingredients is an area undergoing intense studies in food science. Here, we discuss principle applications of SFE to extract natural ingredients from different food materials and by-products. A supercritical fluid is non-flammable, non-toxic, eco-friendly and easily recoverable. These can be easily eliminated from the extract by altering the pressure and temperature conditions. Supercritical fluids are preferred method of extraction from solid samples, different fractional liquids and for chromatographic separations. The cost of SFE is competitive, moreover, in some cases, SFE is the only way to achieve product satisfaction. The design and development of analytical and industrial plants are reviewed. An overview of commercial applications and illustrations of recent development describes new horizons for SFE in food processing industries.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

The exopolysaccharide production by three Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated by optimizing two... more The exopolysaccharide production by three Bifidobacterium strains was evaluated by optimizing two parameters (temperature and time). In addition, the role of EPS on viscosity of solutions was observed. Bacterial cultures were grown in MRS broth supplemented with 0.5 % (w/v) cysteine HCl in anaerobic conditions. Among the
different time (24 h, 48 h and 72 h) and temperature (30ºC, 37ºC and 42ºC) conditions, high EPS production was observed at 42 ºC after 72 h of incubation. At these conditions maximum amount of EPS was produced by Bifidobacterium breve 11815 with the yield of 94.64 ± 0.25 ug/ml, followed by B. longum 11818 and B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 with the yield of 90.53 ± 0.34 ug/ml and 58.8 ± 0.25 ug/ml respectively. Viscometric analysis of EPS performed by viscometer showed highest viscosity of milk (23 ± 1.41 cp) by using EPS produced by B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12. This study suggests that the foods in which bifidobacteria are used as starter culture
should be incubated at 42 ºC to obtain maximum probiotic dose and EPS. Finally, EPS produced by B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 can be used for reducing syneresis and improving texture and viscosity of food products.

International Journal of Biosciences

Soil salinity is one of the most distressing ecological stresses which reduces the agrarian produ... more Soil salinity is one of the most distressing ecological stresses which reduces the agrarian production. However, the impact of
salinity varies among species and genotypes. The experiment tested the salt tolerance of ten rice genotypes including, four
aromatic (DR-67, Latifee, Super Basmati and DR-66) and six non-aromatic genotypes (DR-92, DR-51, IR-6 Shahkar, NIA-19A
and Shua-92 check). The study used two factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with four salinity levels (T1-2.3
(control), T2-6.0, T3-9.1 and T4-12.8 EC dS m-1), at Green house, Department of Botany, Shah Abdul Latif University
Khairpur. Initially, a nursery of all genotypes was developed in a normal soil. The seedlings (25 days old) were transplanted
into pots filled with 10 kg air of dried soil. Each pot contained one plant hill-1 and three hills pot-1. The recommended rate of
NPK (160:90:37 kg ha-1) fertilizer was used. The results indicated that almost all agro-morphological traits like shoot height,
root length, total tiller numbers and productive tiller numbers, total number of filled grains, 1000 grains weight, spikelet
fertility percentage root and shoot dry weight, and harvest index percentage were reduced significantly with a rise in salt
concentrations. Genotypes DR-92, DR-51 and IR-6 accumulated less sodium (Na+), more potassium (K+) and had higher
K+/Na+ ratio in straw and grain samples hence were less affected against all salinity levels as compared to other rice genotypes.
On contrary, genotypes Super Basmati and DR-66 showed meager performance regarding all tested traits against all salinity
levels.

International Journal of Biosciences, 2019

Adulteration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with olive oil and sunflower oil remained major issue in e... more Adulteration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with olive oil and sunflower oil remained major issue in edible oil industry.
Herein, rapid, sensitive and precise method for the determination of all type of tocopherols in different vegetable
oils includinhg sunflower oil, olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is reported. Reverse Phase High Performance
Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detector was used for tocopherol determination. A simple, quick
and sensitive method to estimate the antioxidant quantity is proposed. In this method oils were diluted in
methanol and injected directly into column (no saponification procedure). Methanol and water (98:2) mixture
was used as mobile phase. Three tocopherols (α, γ and δ) were detected at 292 nm wavelength with UV detector.
Method had good limit of detection (LOD) (7ng/g) and reproducibility (C.V% 0.9, 0.8 and 0.4 for α, γ and δ
tocopherols, respectively). Result showed the best source for α-tocopherol was sun flower oil (146.65±1.7mg/kg).
Oil richest in δ-tocopherol was olive oil and δ-tocopherol was absent in extra virgin olive oil. The current study
suggest the new parameter (ratio of α/γ) as first screening indicator of authenticity of purity of extra virgin olive
oil for differentiation of various cultivators of same generic source.

Pure and Applied Biology, 2019

The monsoon rain brings a green carpet of landscape to Thar Desert including Karoonjhar mountains... more The monsoon rain brings a green carpet of landscape to Thar Desert including Karoonjhar mountains range. We explored Nagarparkar, District Tharparkar, Sindh to record post monsoon botanical inventory of the region. The study confirmed 89 plant species of 26 plant families. The vegetation was dominated by Poaceae (18 spp.) and Fabaceae (15 spp.) families. About two third of the families were represented by single species. The vegetation was rich with grasses and herbs making about 60% of the species while the rest includes tress shrubs and subshrubs. The lifespan analysis revealed the dominance of perennials. The life form spectrum shows the abundance of Phanerophytes (30%), Chamaephyte (28%) and Therophyte (25%) across the region. The present study demonstrates vegetation variations triggered by monsoon down pours and indicates the presence of various microhabitats in the study area. The current inventory would be useful for further ecological studies and conservation of species and habitats. These records would help to detect invasive species, their distribution and other environmental impacts on plant species in future.

Int. J. Econ. Environ. Geol., 2018

Soil salinity is an increasing threat for agriculture. The knowledge of physical and chemical pro... more Soil salinity is an increasing threat for agriculture. The knowledge of physical and chemical properties of the soil is vital for the assessment of the capacity of soil for better plant productivity and improvement through management practices. We assessed the soil of ten union councils of Taulka Thari Mirwah, district Khairpur. The soil was evaluated for pH, EC, organic matter and salt contents through standardized methods. The overall soil was found to be slightly alkaline (pH 8 ± 0.6 SD), with a varied texture among the sites. The soil EC (10 ± 7.9 SD dS/m) was recorded to be comparatively higher than the surrounding districts. The study did not find any significant variation in various salt contents in the area. The organic contents were lower than the advised extent. However, the management practices were suggested to improve the health of soil for better productivity.

The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2017

The effect of grazing on desert plant species from three distinct habitats i.e. Kot Diji sand dun... more The effect of grazing on desert plant species from three distinct habitats i.e. Kot Diji sand dune, Ubhan Shah flat dune and Sorah inter-dunal area of District Khairpur was studied by using quadrat method. We analyzed each plant species for cover, total plant cover of grazed, un-grazed and mean % reduction in cover (cm) from pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results revealed a considerable effect of grazing on plant species; however the impact of grazing varied from plant to plant and season to season, in the studied areas. There was highest grazing intensity of Indigofera species leading to endanger in this area. In all sites, maximum reduction in cover was observed in Indigofera oblongifolia and Indigofera argentea, with 62.8 and 57.2cm, respectively during pre-monsoon, and 61.5 and 52.8cm in post-monsoon. Aristida funiculata also possesses high grazing intensity with 40.3 and 54.2cm in pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The species Convolvulus protratus, Cassia italica, Dipterygium glaucum and Digera arvensis showed grazing intensities with 47.8, 57.4, 25.2, 42.7 in pre-monsoon season and 44.3, 35.9, 45.7,53.7 in post monsoon seasons, respectively. The low grazing intensity was observed in dominant plant communities Aerva javanica, Calligonum polygonoides, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica in a pre-monsoon season with 7.8, 17.4, 13.2cm, whereas, it was increased in post-monsoon with 11.5, 25.9, 32 in the reduction of cover (cm), respectively. These plant species were grazed by the animals at that time when ephemerals were not available in the desert during a drought period. It is suggested that partial protection and controlled grazing can be beneficial to get positive results and maintain the desert vegetation in the study area.