The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of adult Pomadasys stridens (Forsskäl, ... more The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of adult Pomadasys stridens (Forsskäl, 1775) samples (N = 192) collected during 2013 and 2014 from Karachi Coast was determined. The largest fish was 20.8 cm long and the heaviest fish was 69.0g in weight. The relationship between length and weight of adult P. stridens within the size range of length: 13.8 -20.8 cm was best given by a simple linear equation, W (g) = -2.000 + 3.3621L (cm) ± 1.0194 (r = 0.9788; r 2 =0.9580; Adj. r 2 =0.9578; F = 43337.80 (p < 0.0001). The power equation W (g) = 2.8403.L (cm) 1.0467 ± 0.01888 (r = 0.9779; r 2 = 0.9562; Adj. r 2 = 0.9560; F = 4151.086 (p < 0.0001) was not better than the linear equation in explanatory power. The LW relationship didn’t follow the cube law and indicated a negative allometry between length and weight. The relative condition factor (Kn) averaged to 1.104 ± 0.003 varying from 0.9254 to 1.044 i.e. around 1.7% only). Like, Weight / Length ratio, it was significantly higher in pre-monsoon season. Kn positively associated closely with Weight /Length ratio of the fish.
The fruit-, brood-and seed–size and seed packaging cost have been investigated in Albizia lebbeck... more The fruit-, brood-and seed–size and seed packaging cost have been investigated in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. by studying 100 pods from each of the three mother trees. The length of pod from the three plants (A, B and C) averaged to 19.84 ± 0.3532, 24.48 ± 0.5014 and 21.54 ± 0.3062 cm, respectively with an overall mean of 21.96 ± 0.25cm. The mean weight of pods from plants A, B and C was 3.42 ±0.0984, 3.66 ± 0.092 and 3.69 ± 0.101g and varied by 28.8, 25.3 and 29.62%, respectively. Six pods yielded no seeds. From remaining 294 pods a total of 2393 seeds were recovered. The waste seeds amounted to 13.29, 18.79 and 19.6 % of the total seeds in three mother plants, respectively. In all, 17.28% of the seeds were in waste class. Of 2393 seeds recovered in all, 39% were medium-sized (100-150 mg class), 19% were in very large category and 19% in the category of small seeds. Pod-based inter-tree similarity varied from 77.95 to 84.47% among the three trees. Brood size in A. lebbeck based on 294 pods averaged to 8.14 ± 0.156 seeds per pod varying around 32.78% (range: 1-16). Brood size in 73 healthy pods was asymmetrical around the grand mean of 9.26 ± 0.215 (CV: 19.80%). Brood size distribution was negatively-skewed. The seed weight distribution from composite sample of 2383 seeds (from 294 pods) was somewhat negatively skewed with mean seed weight 123.026 ± 0.1811 mg. The seed weight varied by 32.2 % (ranging from 14 to 245.0 mg). The weight of individual seed from healthy pods of three mother plants (30 pods from A, 30 pods from B and 13 pods from C) averaged to 119.90 ± 0.352, 134.52 ± 0.565 and 135.57 ± 0.668mg, respectively with a variation of 22.43 ± 2.14, 26.31 ± 1.75 and 23.19 ± 3.19%, respectively. Seed packaging cost, SPC1, in three mother plants averaged to 2.294 ± 0.1488, 2.4145 ± 0.1488 and 2.8150 ± 0.03018 g pericarp mass.g-1 seeds in mother plants A, B and C, respectively. The SPC1 varied among the pods around 35.53 and 33.75 % in mother A and B and 38.65% in plant C. The seed packaging cost, SPC2, was 0.2647 ± 0.1235, 0.2965 ± 0.01031 and 0.2923 ± 0.0234 g pericarp mass.seed-1 in three mother plants, respectively. SPC1 distributed normally in plant A and B. SPC2 varied 25.56% in plant A, 18.60% in plant B and 28.91% in plant C. SPC1 and SPC2 didn't vary significantly among the mother trees but varied substantially within trees. The results are discussed in view of available literature.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2016
The purpose of present survey was to study the diversity of AM fungal spore in different field cr... more The purpose of present survey was to study the diversity of AM fungal spore in different field crops (maize, brinjal, chillies, sponge gourd, tomato, rice, sugarcane and cotton) of Sindh i.e. their identification, quantification and their per cent root colonization. Thirteen AMF species belonging to four genera A. bireticulata and Scutellospora dipapillosa) were found to be associated with eight monocotylenous and dicotyledonous crop species grown in Sindh. Glomus mosseae, and G. leptotichum were the most frequent AMF species each of which associated with eight cultivated crops. Gigaspora margarita associated with 7 crops. Scutellospora dipapillosa associated with two crops only – maize and cotton. Generally, most of the AMF species associated with 4 to 6 different crops. Two AMF species, G. mosseae and G. leptotichum were the most frequent and maximally associated with cultivated crops (8 crops each) and G. claroideium with 7 crops. Cotton from Hyderabad region harboured maximum number of AMF species in 60% of the samples. AMF species associated with cotton of Khairpur region in substantially lesser number. Maize harboured five AMF species and Brinjal, chilies sponge gourd, sugar cane and rice harboured only 3 to 4 AMF species. The number of spores per 100g soil were the maximum (4251.7 ± 54.56) in maize and the lowest in cotton (1049.73 ± 44.05 to 1187.57 ± 79.12 spores per 100g soil). Root colonization was generally of low order and below 40%.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
The seedlings of Cassia fistula L. were studied for their morphological characters including stom... more The seedlings of Cassia fistula L. were studied for their morphological characters including stomatal and epicuticular wax crystalloids types. Germination in C fistula is Phanerocotylar-Epigeal-Reserve (≈PER) type. Cotyledons in C. fistula are isocotylar, opposite, flat leathery, sessile to sub-sessile, coriaceous and oblong-obovate in shape. Both apex and basal angles are obtuse. Cotyledons exhibited expansion during early days. Cotyledons of 1-day old seedlings were 74 to 94 mm 2 in size which increased to 255 to 267 mm 2 in size in 5-day old seedlings. There was apparently no further increase in cotyledonary size in older seedlings. Cotyledons were c 242 mm 2 in size in 40-day old seedling presumably being consumed with age when epicotyl develops. Epidermal cells polygonal in shape. An anticlinal wall of the epidermal cells was straight, arcuate or sinuous. Trichomes are present on lower hypocotyl, epicotyl, stipules and leaf. They are unicellular, unbranched, generally short, sometimes long, non-glandular, straight or curved (sword-like), hooked and with round basal cell, on veins as well as lamina. The trichome density on young leaflet (1.2 cm 2 in area) was found to be 85.12 ±2.55 trichomes per mm 2. C. fistula leaflets were amphihypostomatic. Stomatal outer ledges formed protective elliptical rim around stomatal pore. Taken together all of the organs (hypocotyl, cotyledons, epicotyl and leaflets) diverse type of stomata (nomenclature based on Prabhakar, 2004) were seen-paracytic, anisocytic tetracytic, 1½ cyclic tetracytic, staurocytic, anomocytic and abnormal contiguous stomatal type were seen in C. fistula seedlings. Basic type of stomata appeared to be the one with paracytic arrangement of subsidiaries which, however, appeared to change into anisocytic type as a result of the development of a wall within a subsidiary. Such a structure by further development of cell walls appeared to change to anomocytic type. The cotyledonary stomatal density was somewhat higher on upper surface (233.49 ± 4.085 stomata per mm 2 than lower surface (212.85 ± 4.99 stomata per mm 2). The stomatal density on ventral surface of leaflet averaged to 176.94 ± 5.38 stomata per mm 2 varying around 33.3%. In Cassia fistula, the wax crystalloids were composed of clearly discernible irregular platelets (rosettes of platelets) as per terminology of Barthlott et al. (1998)-also known as "Faballes" type.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2015
The leaves are variously shaped in Jojoba seedlings and may be broadly categorized into two types... more The leaves are variously shaped in Jojoba seedlings and may be broadly categorized into two types. The leaves produced on the lower node (s) are generally smaller with obtuse apex in contrast to the commonly occurring leaves of upper nodes which are comparatively larger with acute apex. Of 115 leaves studied from 12 seedlings there were 85 acute apex and 30 were obtuse apex leaves (ratio: 2.83: 1). The graphically measured one-sided leaf area (LAM) of 115 individual leaves of Simmondsia chinensis (Link.) C.E. Schneider varied from 0.13 –11.57cm2 (mean = 4.11 ± 0.237 cm2; CV = 56.68%). The leaf area (LAM) was found to correlate significantly with multiplicative parameter of leaf length and breadth (LL x LB) as simple linear model (R2 = 0.963, F= 2982.04 (p < 0.0001) as well as the power model (R2 = 0.982; F = 6246.31 (p < 0.0001). Leaf area also correlated significantly with LL and LB linearly combined in a multiple linear correlation / regression model (R2 = 0.958; F = 136.0 (p < 0.0001). The coefficient k estimated arithmetically as k = Area measured / (LL x LB) averaged to 0.64713 ± 0.00823 (CV = 13.64%). On statistical comparison, the estimated leaf areas on the basis of above models were not found to vary significantly from the measured areas of the leaves (LAM) and therefore, may be used for leaf area estimation in Jojoba. However, in view of simplicity and convenience and accuracy of estimates, the method of using average k factor may be recommended for the estimation of leaf area in Jojoba. The magnitude of k averaged to 0.65879 ± 0.00717 in case of acute apex leaves, 0.61425 ± 0.02342 for obtuse apex leaves and 0.64713 ± 0.008229 for the pooled sample of the two types of the leaves.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
Seedling and stomata types in variously aged seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.F. Wight a... more Seedling and stomata types in variously aged seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.F. Wight are described. The seedling, according to Garwood's (1996) scheme of seedling classification, was Phanerocotylar-epigeal-foliaceous type-cotyledons enclosed in seed coat are raised above the soil due to rapidly growing hypocotyl and later the cotyledons coming out of seed coat and undergoing expansion. After Vogel (1980) seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa may be referred to as Macaranga type (Macaranga hispida). There appeared a greater degree of stomatal diversity in S. bispinosa-relatively higher diversity in cotyledons than in the leaves. In all, the seedlings exhibited the occurrence of anisocytic, anisotricytic, anomocytic, tetracytic, staurocytic, and infrequently the paracytic types of stomata. There were a few desmocytic stomata on the epicotylar stem only. Abnormal stomata included the stomata with common subsidiary (ies), contiguous stomata (placed juxtaposed or the two stomata placed more or less at right angle) and deformed stoma with more than one pores and stoma with no guard cells. Totipotency of guard cell was noticed in a cotyledonary stoma-division to give rise a new cell. The hypocotyl and dorsal and ventral surfaces of three-day old cotyledons of S. bispinosa had epidermal cells with straight or curvy anticlinal walls but 7-day old cotyledons showed curvy to sinuous anticlinal walls. Leaves exhibited curvy to sinuous anticlinal walls. Undulations were U-shaped. On primary simple leaf of the seedling, waviness of the epidermal cells averaged to 6.34 ± 0.206 wave crests per cell varying from 3 to 10 (CV = 27.24%). The number of undulations per cell was larger in larger cells. At least in case of cotyledons, the degree of waviness appeared to be influenced by the age of the cotyledons as undulations in the contour of epidermal pavement cells were only observed in 7-day old mature cotyledons. Three-day old cotyledons exhibited no undulations in the pavement epidermal cells.
Fifteen chilli growing areas of Sindh (University of Karachi, Malir I, Malir II, Asoo Goth, Memon... more Fifteen chilli growing areas of Sindh (University of Karachi, Malir I, Malir II, Asoo Goth, Memon Goth I, Haji Ghafoor Goth, Memon Goth II, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, New Karachi, National Nematological Research Centre (NNRC, Univ. Karachi), Gadap, Ghotki, Khairpur, Larkana and Sukkur) were studied for soil and plant nematodes. Fifty two species (33 genera) of nematodes, including three new species (Helicotylenchus Siddiqii n. sp., Paratylenchus (P) karachiensis n.sp. and Bitylenchus. capsicumi n. sp.), were encountered during this survey. As evident from the literature survey, some 34 species were migratory ectoparasite. There were four endoparasite species. Bacteria / fungi feeders were five. There was one predatory carnivorous species (Mylonchulus sp.). There were three saprophytic species. Several of the ectoparasitic species were endoparasitic at their later stages of life. All Helicotylenchus spp. were obligatory parasites, Hemicriconemoides and Hoplolaimus species were obligatory root parasites. Ten species viz. Aporcelaimellus paracentrocercus, Acrobeloides sp., Cephalobus sp., Dorylaimus sp., Discolaimus sp., Ecuminicus monohystera, Geomonhystera sp. Moshajia sp. Mylonchulus sp. and Rhabditis sp. appeared to be free living bacteria. Rhabditis sp. was also entomopathogenic and Tylenchulus semipenetrans, a semi-endo-parasitic species. Frequency and density (abundance) of nematode species was highly variable from field to field and within a field. A substantial number of species (15 in number; c 29 % of the total species) occurred in one sample site each. Cephalobus sp. and Dorylaimus sp. occurred in 11 and 10 sites, respectively. By count, 48 species had less than 50% frequency in the sample sites. The mean density of a nematode species amounted to 15.93 ± 1.794 individuals varying by 81.74%. The nematode assemblage size of a site averaged to 200.67 ± 29.67 individuals per site. The population size varied greatly among the sites by 57.25%. The largest assemblage size build up was observed in Ghotki (415 individuals per 100g soil) followed by Sukkur (346). The population size was the lowest at Memon Goth (II). In other sites it ranged from 123 to 263 individuals per site. The number of nematode species recorded from various sites varied from 5 (Haji Ghaffor Goth of Malir) to 20 in another Malir field. The number of species per site averaged to 11.67 ± 1.18 varying substantially (CV= 39.22%). Different species were differentially successful. In 15 sites studied, on the basis of density, nine species of nematodes attained the rank of leading dominant, 12 species were second dominant and 11 species attained the status of the third dominant. Longidorus elongatus, was first dominant in two sites (University of Karachi and Ghotki), Acrobeles sp., a free living nematode was leading dominant in Malir, Memon Goth I and Gadap. And Cephalobus sp, another free-living nematode, was leading dominant in Haji Ghafoor Goth, Memon Goth II and Larkana chilli fields. Helicotylenchus siddiqii predominated in Malir, Tylenchorhynchus annulatus dominated in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rotylenchus reniformis in New Karachi and Xiphinema basiri and Acrobeloides sp. predominated in Asoo Goth (Malir) and Khairpur, respectively. Meloidogyne javanica was the leading dominant of chilli plants of NNRC (Karachi) and Sukkur. The structure and organization of the assemblages of different sites was simple as species diversity of the sites was low and the dominance concentration was high. On the basis of information theory function (H’), species diversity was comparatively higher in Sukkur, Ghotki, Gadap, Memon Goth and Malir I. Equitability was lower in Khairpur and maximum in Sukkur. The relative abundance pattern of the species in sample sites was geometric as was evident by the linear plots of densities on log scale. In present studies, Species richness appeared to control diversity relatively more than the equitability. The cluster analysis of the data indicated five discrete groups of the sites, on the basis of compositional similarity: Group A.: an agglomeration product of nine sites and comprised of four sites dominated by free-living Acrobeles sp., Cephalobus sp. with subordinates such as free-living Dorylaimus sp. or parasitic subordinates such as Tylenchorhynchus brassicae, Filenchus butteus in varying proportions. The other five sites were dominated by Longidorus elongatus in association of subordinate free-living Aphelenchoides sp., Helicotylenchus siddiqii, Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, T. brassicae, Rotylenchus reniformis or Filenchus filiformis. Group B: comprised of sites from NNRC (Karachi) and Sukkur. The dominant nematode species was Meloidogyne javanica in the two sites sub-ordinated by Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus and a free-living species, Ecuminicus monohystera. Group C: comprised of two sites – Asoo Goth and Gadap dominated by Xiphinema basiri sub-ordinated by Meloidogyne incognita, Longidorus elongatus,…
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2017
Agriphila tristella ([Danis and Schiffermüller], 1775), a stick moth (Family Crambidae: Lepidopte... more Agriphila tristella ([Danis and Schiffermüller], 1775), a stick moth (Family Crambidae: Lepidoptera), was collected from Islamabad in 2003 and also accidentally from Karachi in the night of July 16, 2012. It is brown in colour. Eyes are large. Antennae are with alternating brown and white bands. Labial palpi are porected. Wing span of this insect is c 20 mm. Fore wing is nearly 1.5 times larger than the main body of the moth. Forewing elongated with darker spots. Termen is not perpendicular to costa. Hind wing is broad. Papilla anales large, broad rectangular in shape beset with setae. Corpus bursae balloon like without cornuti. It appears to be a new record for the moth species of Pakistan.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
The leaves of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., collected from plants grown as hedge at Oud Meth... more The leaves of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., collected from plants grown as hedge at Oud Metha, Dubai, were studied for their phenotypic traits, morphometric characteristics, leaf area estimation and surface micromorphological structure. Short phytography of the plant has been described. Leaves were variable in shape-ovate, oblong, orbicular or almost round. Leaf length (measured from umbo region to the apex) averaged to 4.18 ± 0.12 cm with a moderate degree of variation (1.4-7.5 cm, CV: 28.73%). The leaf width at the widest points on the margins averaged to 3.12 ± 0.098 cm varying around 31.33% (1.0-6.2 cm). Around 92% of the leaves showed leaf length ranging between 2.1 and 6.0 cm. Aspect ratio (Length / breadth) of leaves in C. macrocarpa, averaged to 1.373 ± 0.0268 (varying from 0.87 to 2.36 with moderate variation of 19.21%. Apex angle averaged to 97.04 ± 1.387 o varying around 14.3 %. It was lesser than 90 o in 25% of the leaves, 90 o in 11% of the leaves and greater than 90 o in 64% of the leaves (91-148 o). Leaf base angle averaged to 109.44 ± 1.095 o. It was ≤ 90 o in 5% leaves and larger than 90 o (91-143 o) in 95% of the leaves i.e., in most of the cases leaf base was obtuse. Base angle related with apex angle as, Base Angle = 55.234 + 0.559 Apex angle ± 7.780. Leaf base in umbo area embayed in sinus in some cases and gave rise to cordate type of leaf base otherwise cuneate. Apical leaf extension length (La; distance on a perpendicular from the distal most point of mid-vein to the distal most extension of the leaf tissue) averaged to 1.33 ± 0.118 (N = 9, 1.0-1.5mm) as found in only in nine leaves. La was zero (non-existent) in 91% of the leaves. Basal leaf extension length (Lb) was observed in 14 leaves only which had cordate leaf base and their umbo region embayed in sinus. Lb was zero (non-existent) in 86% of leaves. Lb averaged to 1.714 ± 0.276mm (N = 14, 0.5-4mm). Spines were bifurcate oppositely produced on node and quite variable in size-small to giant (c 10 cm). The value of mean arithmetic coefficient (k) for leaf area estimation was found to be 0.70980 ± 0.008128 varying from 0.51 to 1.0529 (CV: 11.45%) and concentrated around the mean value. Leaf area (LAM, cm 2) was found to relate to the multiplicative parameter, LL (cm) x LB (cm), as given by the equation: (LAM) = 0.702.(LL x LB) 1.002 ± 0.115, R 2 = 0.968). Leaf area per leaf, in a sample of 100 leaves, averaged to 9.884 ± 0.5427 cm 2 varying from 1.02 to 27.98 cm 2 (CV: 55.93. It was positively skewed and leptokurtic-asymmetrically distributed. In 85% of the leaves LAM varied from 12.6 to 15.0 cm 2. Under the given growth conditions, Leaf dry matter, in comparison to SLA, appeared to be a better parameter in C. macrocarpa. The leaves of C. macrocarpa were hypostomatic. Lower epidermis had stomata generally of anomocytic type but also anisocytic type of arrangement of subsidiaries was seen. Stomata were round or oval or wide elliptical measuring stomatal diameter c 33.5-35.0 µm and outer stomatal ledge aperture c. 15 µm. They were variable in size and orientation. Stomata with common subsidiary (ies) were present. Anticlinal walls of pavement epidermal cells were straight to curvy. Leaves were trichomatous when young. In a sample of 60 microscopic frames of vision, the stomtal density per mm 2 on the ventral surface of leaves averaged to 283.8 ± 5.41 stomata varying from 190.35 to 432.62, CV: 14.77%. Leaf cuticle appeared to be in form of sheet. There were, however, epicuticular crystalloids, probably waxy, in form of granules and platelets which appeared to fuse to form lumps of various shapes.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2016
The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day ol... more The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day old Gossypium hirsutum, Kosteletzkya virginica and Thespesia populnea under different concentrations of sea salt solution i.e. non saline control (EC iw : 0.4 dS.m-1), 0.5% sea salt (EC iw : 6.2 dS.m-1), 1.0% sea salt (EC iw : 12.95 dS.m-1). Results showed that primary root length was reduced in K. virginica at 1.0% sea salt, while it remained almost unaffected in the other two plants at this salinity in comparison to control. Number of secondary roots increased in G. hirsutum and T. populnea but in K. virginica they show a slight decrease. All the three plants showed promotion in the length of secondary roots at 0.5% salinity. Number of tertiary roots was enhanced in T. populnea at 0.5% salinity level, whereas the other two plants exhibit inhibition of tertiary roots. Root biomass was increased in G. hirsutum at 0.5% salinity but decreased at higher salinity. K. virginica and T. populnea showed decrease with the increasing salinity. Fresh and dry shoot biomass and plant height showed a gradual decrease in response to increasing salinity in all the three species. The number of leaves decreased gradually in K. virginica and T. populnea as the salinity of the rooting medium increased, whereas, in G. hirsutum, the number of leaves decreased under saline condition but the number of leaves were more or less same under two salinity levels. Leaf area per plant of K. virginica and G. hirsutum gradually reduced with increasing salinity. In T. populnea leaf area increased at 0.5% salinity and decreased at 1.0% salinity level. T. populnea showed more uptake of Na + and K + under non saline condition as compared to the other two plants. Uptake of Na + increased with increasing salinity in all the three plants. K + concentration increased in roots of T. populnea and G. hirsutum and decreased in K. virginica at 0.5% salinity. At 1.0% salinity level K + concentration substantially decreased in all the three plants. The results showed that K. virginica was comparatively more tolerant under saline condition, where as G. hirsutum showed the comparatively least tolerance. Over all salt tolerance during growth of above mentioned three plants at higher level of salinity show that G. hirsutum was more tolerant, where as K. virginica showed the least tolerance at seedling stage.
Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal v... more Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal value and is a potential source of oil. This book provides an account on growth performance of Thespesia populnea, under saline conditions. Allometric relationships are investigated among some important morphological and reproductive parameters of the plant. Quantitative as well as qualitative estimation of seed oil are done in Thespesia populnea trees growing under variously saline conditions. Information given in this book provides interesting knowledge for students working for agriculture and afforestation under arid and saline conditions.
Some quantitative and morphological characteristics of an Australian Acacia (Acacia stenophylla A... more Some quantitative and morphological characteristics of an Australian Acacia (Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. Ex. Benth.) are described with respect to the variation in its pod size, seed: mericarp ratio, brood size and seed size. Surface structure, phytochemical, biochemical and mineral analyses of pericarp and seed are undertaken. Seed germination is studied with regard to the best dormancy-breaking or germination-enhancing treatment. Seedling structure is described and leaf ornamentation with reference to the stomatal types is reported.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2009
The variation in composition, structure, phytomass and net primary productivity was analyzed in a... more The variation in composition, structure, phytomass and net primary productivity was analyzed in a Cenchrus setigerus Vahl. dominated community in a moist-saline site of Karachi, Pakistan. Phyto-ecological parameters of vegetation were studied at monthly interval for a year. Only 41 species were recorded from this site. On the basis of phytomass, C. setigerus was the leading dominant throughout the year. Initial density of this site, in the month of May, was 16 live plants.m The Maximum density occurred in August when it reached to 95.5.plants.m. Around 34.3% of the density at this point of time was contributed by Dactyloctenium. scindicum Boiss. (32.8 plants.m). This species exhibited two peaks of density – one in August and other in February – coinciding with rains. The density of Cenchrus setigerus was quite low initially (around 5 plants.m). It increased to around 12 plants.m after rains in August, then, with the rise of salinity, declined slowly to reach to 7 in February and 3 p...
The experiment was conducted to observe the influence of Sea salt salinity (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.... more The experiment was conducted to observe the influence of Sea salt salinity (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2% corresponding to ECiw of 0.6, 3.51, 5.24, 9.23, 12.81 and 16.67 dS.m-1 , respectively) on seedling growth and the physiological, biochemical and mineral parameters of growth in Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens. On average basis, 50% reduction in seedling growth performance in coastal sandy soil corresponded to ECiw: 14.94 ± 2.18 dS.m-1 . Phyllode concentrations of protein, total soluble sugars, proline and phenols increased significantly with the salt stress and the pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) concentrations posed a fluctuating behaviour. There was substantial increase in Na and Cl contents of phyllode (306.59 and 213.67 % over control, respectively) in extreme salinity of ECiw: 16.67 dS.m-1 . K contents declined under saline environment. K/Na ratio although declined in salinity treatments as compared to the control, it didn’t vary practically amongst the salinity tr...
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2010
History of vegetation analysis and description is discussed. Vegetation analysis in Pakistan may ... more History of vegetation analysis and description is discussed. Vegetation analysis in Pakistan may be divided into 5 periods i.e., observational, quantitative Phytosociological, multivariate analysis (ordination), population dynamics and modern multivariate and numerical techniques. It is observed that period of observational analysis of the vegetation lasts until around 1970; however in Karachi University quantitative research was started in early sixties. The use of multivariate analysis (ordination) was initiated in 1968 in Karachi University while studies on population dynamics of forest tree species were started in 1986 from Balochistan University. Until year 2000, applying multivariate techniques to vegetation analysis were confined to the Karachi University. Now workers from various Universities are applying multivariate or numerical techniques for vegetation analysis. However still, these techniques are not as commonly used as they should be.
The effects of diesel oil pollution on Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. Ex. Corr. were investigated i... more The effects of diesel oil pollution on Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. Ex. Corr. were investigated in a series of artificially and freshly polluted sandy soil with 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.5, 4.0 and 5.0 mL diesel oil per 100g soil. Emergence of seedlings was impeded and germination losses occurred at high diesel oil concentrations. All the parameters of seedling growth viz. height, number of leaves, stem diameter, hypocotyl and epicotyl lengths, cotyledon area per seedling, area of the largest leaf, total leaf area per seedling and dry biomass of shoot, root and seedling declined progressively with increase of diesel oil concentration in the rhizosphere. Chlorophyll – a, b and total chlorophyll contents in fresh leaves declined significantly. Against control where around 10 internodes were produced, under diesel oil pollution only six or at the most seven internodes were produced. Diesel oil shortened the internodes. Diesel oil reduced the number of days of retention of cotyledons and primary and secondary leaves with the seedlings i.e., diesel oil pollution not only enhanced the cotyledon abscission but also the abscission of primary and secondary leaves and even the tertiary leaves under very high concentrations. In spite of the extreme diesel toxicity to T. populnea under very high diesel oil contamination, the plant showed good potential of phytoremediation against diesel pollution in sandy soil contaminated up to 10, 000 ppm of petrodiesel.
The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of adult Pomadasys stridens (Forsskäl, ... more The length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of adult Pomadasys stridens (Forsskäl, 1775) samples (N = 192) collected during 2013 and 2014 from Karachi Coast was determined. The largest fish was 20.8 cm long and the heaviest fish was 69.0g in weight. The relationship between length and weight of adult P. stridens within the size range of length: 13.8 -20.8 cm was best given by a simple linear equation, W (g) = -2.000 + 3.3621L (cm) ± 1.0194 (r = 0.9788; r 2 =0.9580; Adj. r 2 =0.9578; F = 43337.80 (p < 0.0001). The power equation W (g) = 2.8403.L (cm) 1.0467 ± 0.01888 (r = 0.9779; r 2 = 0.9562; Adj. r 2 = 0.9560; F = 4151.086 (p < 0.0001) was not better than the linear equation in explanatory power. The LW relationship didn’t follow the cube law and indicated a negative allometry between length and weight. The relative condition factor (Kn) averaged to 1.104 ± 0.003 varying from 0.9254 to 1.044 i.e. around 1.7% only). Like, Weight / Length ratio, it was significantly higher in pre-monsoon season. Kn positively associated closely with Weight /Length ratio of the fish.
The fruit-, brood-and seed–size and seed packaging cost have been investigated in Albizia lebbeck... more The fruit-, brood-and seed–size and seed packaging cost have been investigated in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. by studying 100 pods from each of the three mother trees. The length of pod from the three plants (A, B and C) averaged to 19.84 ± 0.3532, 24.48 ± 0.5014 and 21.54 ± 0.3062 cm, respectively with an overall mean of 21.96 ± 0.25cm. The mean weight of pods from plants A, B and C was 3.42 ±0.0984, 3.66 ± 0.092 and 3.69 ± 0.101g and varied by 28.8, 25.3 and 29.62%, respectively. Six pods yielded no seeds. From remaining 294 pods a total of 2393 seeds were recovered. The waste seeds amounted to 13.29, 18.79 and 19.6 % of the total seeds in three mother plants, respectively. In all, 17.28% of the seeds were in waste class. Of 2393 seeds recovered in all, 39% were medium-sized (100-150 mg class), 19% were in very large category and 19% in the category of small seeds. Pod-based inter-tree similarity varied from 77.95 to 84.47% among the three trees. Brood size in A. lebbeck based on 294 pods averaged to 8.14 ± 0.156 seeds per pod varying around 32.78% (range: 1-16). Brood size in 73 healthy pods was asymmetrical around the grand mean of 9.26 ± 0.215 (CV: 19.80%). Brood size distribution was negatively-skewed. The seed weight distribution from composite sample of 2383 seeds (from 294 pods) was somewhat negatively skewed with mean seed weight 123.026 ± 0.1811 mg. The seed weight varied by 32.2 % (ranging from 14 to 245.0 mg). The weight of individual seed from healthy pods of three mother plants (30 pods from A, 30 pods from B and 13 pods from C) averaged to 119.90 ± 0.352, 134.52 ± 0.565 and 135.57 ± 0.668mg, respectively with a variation of 22.43 ± 2.14, 26.31 ± 1.75 and 23.19 ± 3.19%, respectively. Seed packaging cost, SPC1, in three mother plants averaged to 2.294 ± 0.1488, 2.4145 ± 0.1488 and 2.8150 ± 0.03018 g pericarp mass.g-1 seeds in mother plants A, B and C, respectively. The SPC1 varied among the pods around 35.53 and 33.75 % in mother A and B and 38.65% in plant C. The seed packaging cost, SPC2, was 0.2647 ± 0.1235, 0.2965 ± 0.01031 and 0.2923 ± 0.0234 g pericarp mass.seed-1 in three mother plants, respectively. SPC1 distributed normally in plant A and B. SPC2 varied 25.56% in plant A, 18.60% in plant B and 28.91% in plant C. SPC1 and SPC2 didn't vary significantly among the mother trees but varied substantially within trees. The results are discussed in view of available literature.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2016
The purpose of present survey was to study the diversity of AM fungal spore in different field cr... more The purpose of present survey was to study the diversity of AM fungal spore in different field crops (maize, brinjal, chillies, sponge gourd, tomato, rice, sugarcane and cotton) of Sindh i.e. their identification, quantification and their per cent root colonization. Thirteen AMF species belonging to four genera A. bireticulata and Scutellospora dipapillosa) were found to be associated with eight monocotylenous and dicotyledonous crop species grown in Sindh. Glomus mosseae, and G. leptotichum were the most frequent AMF species each of which associated with eight cultivated crops. Gigaspora margarita associated with 7 crops. Scutellospora dipapillosa associated with two crops only – maize and cotton. Generally, most of the AMF species associated with 4 to 6 different crops. Two AMF species, G. mosseae and G. leptotichum were the most frequent and maximally associated with cultivated crops (8 crops each) and G. claroideium with 7 crops. Cotton from Hyderabad region harboured maximum number of AMF species in 60% of the samples. AMF species associated with cotton of Khairpur region in substantially lesser number. Maize harboured five AMF species and Brinjal, chilies sponge gourd, sugar cane and rice harboured only 3 to 4 AMF species. The number of spores per 100g soil were the maximum (4251.7 ± 54.56) in maize and the lowest in cotton (1049.73 ± 44.05 to 1187.57 ± 79.12 spores per 100g soil). Root colonization was generally of low order and below 40%.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
The seedlings of Cassia fistula L. were studied for their morphological characters including stom... more The seedlings of Cassia fistula L. were studied for their morphological characters including stomatal and epicuticular wax crystalloids types. Germination in C fistula is Phanerocotylar-Epigeal-Reserve (≈PER) type. Cotyledons in C. fistula are isocotylar, opposite, flat leathery, sessile to sub-sessile, coriaceous and oblong-obovate in shape. Both apex and basal angles are obtuse. Cotyledons exhibited expansion during early days. Cotyledons of 1-day old seedlings were 74 to 94 mm 2 in size which increased to 255 to 267 mm 2 in size in 5-day old seedlings. There was apparently no further increase in cotyledonary size in older seedlings. Cotyledons were c 242 mm 2 in size in 40-day old seedling presumably being consumed with age when epicotyl develops. Epidermal cells polygonal in shape. An anticlinal wall of the epidermal cells was straight, arcuate or sinuous. Trichomes are present on lower hypocotyl, epicotyl, stipules and leaf. They are unicellular, unbranched, generally short, sometimes long, non-glandular, straight or curved (sword-like), hooked and with round basal cell, on veins as well as lamina. The trichome density on young leaflet (1.2 cm 2 in area) was found to be 85.12 ±2.55 trichomes per mm 2. C. fistula leaflets were amphihypostomatic. Stomatal outer ledges formed protective elliptical rim around stomatal pore. Taken together all of the organs (hypocotyl, cotyledons, epicotyl and leaflets) diverse type of stomata (nomenclature based on Prabhakar, 2004) were seen-paracytic, anisocytic tetracytic, 1½ cyclic tetracytic, staurocytic, anomocytic and abnormal contiguous stomatal type were seen in C. fistula seedlings. Basic type of stomata appeared to be the one with paracytic arrangement of subsidiaries which, however, appeared to change into anisocytic type as a result of the development of a wall within a subsidiary. Such a structure by further development of cell walls appeared to change to anomocytic type. The cotyledonary stomatal density was somewhat higher on upper surface (233.49 ± 4.085 stomata per mm 2 than lower surface (212.85 ± 4.99 stomata per mm 2). The stomatal density on ventral surface of leaflet averaged to 176.94 ± 5.38 stomata per mm 2 varying around 33.3%. In Cassia fistula, the wax crystalloids were composed of clearly discernible irregular platelets (rosettes of platelets) as per terminology of Barthlott et al. (1998)-also known as "Faballes" type.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2015
The leaves are variously shaped in Jojoba seedlings and may be broadly categorized into two types... more The leaves are variously shaped in Jojoba seedlings and may be broadly categorized into two types. The leaves produced on the lower node (s) are generally smaller with obtuse apex in contrast to the commonly occurring leaves of upper nodes which are comparatively larger with acute apex. Of 115 leaves studied from 12 seedlings there were 85 acute apex and 30 were obtuse apex leaves (ratio: 2.83: 1). The graphically measured one-sided leaf area (LAM) of 115 individual leaves of Simmondsia chinensis (Link.) C.E. Schneider varied from 0.13 –11.57cm2 (mean = 4.11 ± 0.237 cm2; CV = 56.68%). The leaf area (LAM) was found to correlate significantly with multiplicative parameter of leaf length and breadth (LL x LB) as simple linear model (R2 = 0.963, F= 2982.04 (p < 0.0001) as well as the power model (R2 = 0.982; F = 6246.31 (p < 0.0001). Leaf area also correlated significantly with LL and LB linearly combined in a multiple linear correlation / regression model (R2 = 0.958; F = 136.0 (p < 0.0001). The coefficient k estimated arithmetically as k = Area measured / (LL x LB) averaged to 0.64713 ± 0.00823 (CV = 13.64%). On statistical comparison, the estimated leaf areas on the basis of above models were not found to vary significantly from the measured areas of the leaves (LAM) and therefore, may be used for leaf area estimation in Jojoba. However, in view of simplicity and convenience and accuracy of estimates, the method of using average k factor may be recommended for the estimation of leaf area in Jojoba. The magnitude of k averaged to 0.65879 ± 0.00717 in case of acute apex leaves, 0.61425 ± 0.02342 for obtuse apex leaves and 0.64713 ± 0.008229 for the pooled sample of the two types of the leaves.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
Seedling and stomata types in variously aged seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.F. Wight a... more Seedling and stomata types in variously aged seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.F. Wight are described. The seedling, according to Garwood's (1996) scheme of seedling classification, was Phanerocotylar-epigeal-foliaceous type-cotyledons enclosed in seed coat are raised above the soil due to rapidly growing hypocotyl and later the cotyledons coming out of seed coat and undergoing expansion. After Vogel (1980) seedlings of Sesbania bispinosa may be referred to as Macaranga type (Macaranga hispida). There appeared a greater degree of stomatal diversity in S. bispinosa-relatively higher diversity in cotyledons than in the leaves. In all, the seedlings exhibited the occurrence of anisocytic, anisotricytic, anomocytic, tetracytic, staurocytic, and infrequently the paracytic types of stomata. There were a few desmocytic stomata on the epicotylar stem only. Abnormal stomata included the stomata with common subsidiary (ies), contiguous stomata (placed juxtaposed or the two stomata placed more or less at right angle) and deformed stoma with more than one pores and stoma with no guard cells. Totipotency of guard cell was noticed in a cotyledonary stoma-division to give rise a new cell. The hypocotyl and dorsal and ventral surfaces of three-day old cotyledons of S. bispinosa had epidermal cells with straight or curvy anticlinal walls but 7-day old cotyledons showed curvy to sinuous anticlinal walls. Leaves exhibited curvy to sinuous anticlinal walls. Undulations were U-shaped. On primary simple leaf of the seedling, waviness of the epidermal cells averaged to 6.34 ± 0.206 wave crests per cell varying from 3 to 10 (CV = 27.24%). The number of undulations per cell was larger in larger cells. At least in case of cotyledons, the degree of waviness appeared to be influenced by the age of the cotyledons as undulations in the contour of epidermal pavement cells were only observed in 7-day old mature cotyledons. Three-day old cotyledons exhibited no undulations in the pavement epidermal cells.
Fifteen chilli growing areas of Sindh (University of Karachi, Malir I, Malir II, Asoo Goth, Memon... more Fifteen chilli growing areas of Sindh (University of Karachi, Malir I, Malir II, Asoo Goth, Memon Goth I, Haji Ghafoor Goth, Memon Goth II, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, New Karachi, National Nematological Research Centre (NNRC, Univ. Karachi), Gadap, Ghotki, Khairpur, Larkana and Sukkur) were studied for soil and plant nematodes. Fifty two species (33 genera) of nematodes, including three new species (Helicotylenchus Siddiqii n. sp., Paratylenchus (P) karachiensis n.sp. and Bitylenchus. capsicumi n. sp.), were encountered during this survey. As evident from the literature survey, some 34 species were migratory ectoparasite. There were four endoparasite species. Bacteria / fungi feeders were five. There was one predatory carnivorous species (Mylonchulus sp.). There were three saprophytic species. Several of the ectoparasitic species were endoparasitic at their later stages of life. All Helicotylenchus spp. were obligatory parasites, Hemicriconemoides and Hoplolaimus species were obligatory root parasites. Ten species viz. Aporcelaimellus paracentrocercus, Acrobeloides sp., Cephalobus sp., Dorylaimus sp., Discolaimus sp., Ecuminicus monohystera, Geomonhystera sp. Moshajia sp. Mylonchulus sp. and Rhabditis sp. appeared to be free living bacteria. Rhabditis sp. was also entomopathogenic and Tylenchulus semipenetrans, a semi-endo-parasitic species. Frequency and density (abundance) of nematode species was highly variable from field to field and within a field. A substantial number of species (15 in number; c 29 % of the total species) occurred in one sample site each. Cephalobus sp. and Dorylaimus sp. occurred in 11 and 10 sites, respectively. By count, 48 species had less than 50% frequency in the sample sites. The mean density of a nematode species amounted to 15.93 ± 1.794 individuals varying by 81.74%. The nematode assemblage size of a site averaged to 200.67 ± 29.67 individuals per site. The population size varied greatly among the sites by 57.25%. The largest assemblage size build up was observed in Ghotki (415 individuals per 100g soil) followed by Sukkur (346). The population size was the lowest at Memon Goth (II). In other sites it ranged from 123 to 263 individuals per site. The number of nematode species recorded from various sites varied from 5 (Haji Ghaffor Goth of Malir) to 20 in another Malir field. The number of species per site averaged to 11.67 ± 1.18 varying substantially (CV= 39.22%). Different species were differentially successful. In 15 sites studied, on the basis of density, nine species of nematodes attained the rank of leading dominant, 12 species were second dominant and 11 species attained the status of the third dominant. Longidorus elongatus, was first dominant in two sites (University of Karachi and Ghotki), Acrobeles sp., a free living nematode was leading dominant in Malir, Memon Goth I and Gadap. And Cephalobus sp, another free-living nematode, was leading dominant in Haji Ghafoor Goth, Memon Goth II and Larkana chilli fields. Helicotylenchus siddiqii predominated in Malir, Tylenchorhynchus annulatus dominated in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rotylenchus reniformis in New Karachi and Xiphinema basiri and Acrobeloides sp. predominated in Asoo Goth (Malir) and Khairpur, respectively. Meloidogyne javanica was the leading dominant of chilli plants of NNRC (Karachi) and Sukkur. The structure and organization of the assemblages of different sites was simple as species diversity of the sites was low and the dominance concentration was high. On the basis of information theory function (H’), species diversity was comparatively higher in Sukkur, Ghotki, Gadap, Memon Goth and Malir I. Equitability was lower in Khairpur and maximum in Sukkur. The relative abundance pattern of the species in sample sites was geometric as was evident by the linear plots of densities on log scale. In present studies, Species richness appeared to control diversity relatively more than the equitability. The cluster analysis of the data indicated five discrete groups of the sites, on the basis of compositional similarity: Group A.: an agglomeration product of nine sites and comprised of four sites dominated by free-living Acrobeles sp., Cephalobus sp. with subordinates such as free-living Dorylaimus sp. or parasitic subordinates such as Tylenchorhynchus brassicae, Filenchus butteus in varying proportions. The other five sites were dominated by Longidorus elongatus in association of subordinate free-living Aphelenchoides sp., Helicotylenchus siddiqii, Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, T. brassicae, Rotylenchus reniformis or Filenchus filiformis. Group B: comprised of sites from NNRC (Karachi) and Sukkur. The dominant nematode species was Meloidogyne javanica in the two sites sub-ordinated by Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus and a free-living species, Ecuminicus monohystera. Group C: comprised of two sites – Asoo Goth and Gadap dominated by Xiphinema basiri sub-ordinated by Meloidogyne incognita, Longidorus elongatus,…
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2017
Agriphila tristella ([Danis and Schiffermüller], 1775), a stick moth (Family Crambidae: Lepidopte... more Agriphila tristella ([Danis and Schiffermüller], 1775), a stick moth (Family Crambidae: Lepidoptera), was collected from Islamabad in 2003 and also accidentally from Karachi in the night of July 16, 2012. It is brown in colour. Eyes are large. Antennae are with alternating brown and white bands. Labial palpi are porected. Wing span of this insect is c 20 mm. Fore wing is nearly 1.5 times larger than the main body of the moth. Forewing elongated with darker spots. Termen is not perpendicular to costa. Hind wing is broad. Papilla anales large, broad rectangular in shape beset with setae. Corpus bursae balloon like without cornuti. It appears to be a new record for the moth species of Pakistan.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2019
The leaves of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., collected from plants grown as hedge at Oud Meth... more The leaves of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., collected from plants grown as hedge at Oud Metha, Dubai, were studied for their phenotypic traits, morphometric characteristics, leaf area estimation and surface micromorphological structure. Short phytography of the plant has been described. Leaves were variable in shape-ovate, oblong, orbicular or almost round. Leaf length (measured from umbo region to the apex) averaged to 4.18 ± 0.12 cm with a moderate degree of variation (1.4-7.5 cm, CV: 28.73%). The leaf width at the widest points on the margins averaged to 3.12 ± 0.098 cm varying around 31.33% (1.0-6.2 cm). Around 92% of the leaves showed leaf length ranging between 2.1 and 6.0 cm. Aspect ratio (Length / breadth) of leaves in C. macrocarpa, averaged to 1.373 ± 0.0268 (varying from 0.87 to 2.36 with moderate variation of 19.21%. Apex angle averaged to 97.04 ± 1.387 o varying around 14.3 %. It was lesser than 90 o in 25% of the leaves, 90 o in 11% of the leaves and greater than 90 o in 64% of the leaves (91-148 o). Leaf base angle averaged to 109.44 ± 1.095 o. It was ≤ 90 o in 5% leaves and larger than 90 o (91-143 o) in 95% of the leaves i.e., in most of the cases leaf base was obtuse. Base angle related with apex angle as, Base Angle = 55.234 + 0.559 Apex angle ± 7.780. Leaf base in umbo area embayed in sinus in some cases and gave rise to cordate type of leaf base otherwise cuneate. Apical leaf extension length (La; distance on a perpendicular from the distal most point of mid-vein to the distal most extension of the leaf tissue) averaged to 1.33 ± 0.118 (N = 9, 1.0-1.5mm) as found in only in nine leaves. La was zero (non-existent) in 91% of the leaves. Basal leaf extension length (Lb) was observed in 14 leaves only which had cordate leaf base and their umbo region embayed in sinus. Lb was zero (non-existent) in 86% of leaves. Lb averaged to 1.714 ± 0.276mm (N = 14, 0.5-4mm). Spines were bifurcate oppositely produced on node and quite variable in size-small to giant (c 10 cm). The value of mean arithmetic coefficient (k) for leaf area estimation was found to be 0.70980 ± 0.008128 varying from 0.51 to 1.0529 (CV: 11.45%) and concentrated around the mean value. Leaf area (LAM, cm 2) was found to relate to the multiplicative parameter, LL (cm) x LB (cm), as given by the equation: (LAM) = 0.702.(LL x LB) 1.002 ± 0.115, R 2 = 0.968). Leaf area per leaf, in a sample of 100 leaves, averaged to 9.884 ± 0.5427 cm 2 varying from 1.02 to 27.98 cm 2 (CV: 55.93. It was positively skewed and leptokurtic-asymmetrically distributed. In 85% of the leaves LAM varied from 12.6 to 15.0 cm 2. Under the given growth conditions, Leaf dry matter, in comparison to SLA, appeared to be a better parameter in C. macrocarpa. The leaves of C. macrocarpa were hypostomatic. Lower epidermis had stomata generally of anomocytic type but also anisocytic type of arrangement of subsidiaries was seen. Stomata were round or oval or wide elliptical measuring stomatal diameter c 33.5-35.0 µm and outer stomatal ledge aperture c. 15 µm. They were variable in size and orientation. Stomata with common subsidiary (ies) were present. Anticlinal walls of pavement epidermal cells were straight to curvy. Leaves were trichomatous when young. In a sample of 60 microscopic frames of vision, the stomtal density per mm 2 on the ventral surface of leaves averaged to 283.8 ± 5.41 stomata varying from 190.35 to 432.62, CV: 14.77%. Leaf cuticle appeared to be in form of sheet. There were, however, epicuticular crystalloids, probably waxy, in form of granules and platelets which appeared to fuse to form lumps of various shapes.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2016
The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day ol... more The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day old Gossypium hirsutum, Kosteletzkya virginica and Thespesia populnea under different concentrations of sea salt solution i.e. non saline control (EC iw : 0.4 dS.m-1), 0.5% sea salt (EC iw : 6.2 dS.m-1), 1.0% sea salt (EC iw : 12.95 dS.m-1). Results showed that primary root length was reduced in K. virginica at 1.0% sea salt, while it remained almost unaffected in the other two plants at this salinity in comparison to control. Number of secondary roots increased in G. hirsutum and T. populnea but in K. virginica they show a slight decrease. All the three plants showed promotion in the length of secondary roots at 0.5% salinity. Number of tertiary roots was enhanced in T. populnea at 0.5% salinity level, whereas the other two plants exhibit inhibition of tertiary roots. Root biomass was increased in G. hirsutum at 0.5% salinity but decreased at higher salinity. K. virginica and T. populnea showed decrease with the increasing salinity. Fresh and dry shoot biomass and plant height showed a gradual decrease in response to increasing salinity in all the three species. The number of leaves decreased gradually in K. virginica and T. populnea as the salinity of the rooting medium increased, whereas, in G. hirsutum, the number of leaves decreased under saline condition but the number of leaves were more or less same under two salinity levels. Leaf area per plant of K. virginica and G. hirsutum gradually reduced with increasing salinity. In T. populnea leaf area increased at 0.5% salinity and decreased at 1.0% salinity level. T. populnea showed more uptake of Na + and K + under non saline condition as compared to the other two plants. Uptake of Na + increased with increasing salinity in all the three plants. K + concentration increased in roots of T. populnea and G. hirsutum and decreased in K. virginica at 0.5% salinity. At 1.0% salinity level K + concentration substantially decreased in all the three plants. The results showed that K. virginica was comparatively more tolerant under saline condition, where as G. hirsutum showed the comparatively least tolerance. Over all salt tolerance during growth of above mentioned three plants at higher level of salinity show that G. hirsutum was more tolerant, where as K. virginica showed the least tolerance at seedling stage.
Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal v... more Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal value and is a potential source of oil. This book provides an account on growth performance of Thespesia populnea, under saline conditions. Allometric relationships are investigated among some important morphological and reproductive parameters of the plant. Quantitative as well as qualitative estimation of seed oil are done in Thespesia populnea trees growing under variously saline conditions. Information given in this book provides interesting knowledge for students working for agriculture and afforestation under arid and saline conditions.
Some quantitative and morphological characteristics of an Australian Acacia (Acacia stenophylla A... more Some quantitative and morphological characteristics of an Australian Acacia (Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. Ex. Benth.) are described with respect to the variation in its pod size, seed: mericarp ratio, brood size and seed size. Surface structure, phytochemical, biochemical and mineral analyses of pericarp and seed are undertaken. Seed germination is studied with regard to the best dormancy-breaking or germination-enhancing treatment. Seedling structure is described and leaf ornamentation with reference to the stomatal types is reported.
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2009
The variation in composition, structure, phytomass and net primary productivity was analyzed in a... more The variation in composition, structure, phytomass and net primary productivity was analyzed in a Cenchrus setigerus Vahl. dominated community in a moist-saline site of Karachi, Pakistan. Phyto-ecological parameters of vegetation were studied at monthly interval for a year. Only 41 species were recorded from this site. On the basis of phytomass, C. setigerus was the leading dominant throughout the year. Initial density of this site, in the month of May, was 16 live plants.m The Maximum density occurred in August when it reached to 95.5.plants.m. Around 34.3% of the density at this point of time was contributed by Dactyloctenium. scindicum Boiss. (32.8 plants.m). This species exhibited two peaks of density – one in August and other in February – coinciding with rains. The density of Cenchrus setigerus was quite low initially (around 5 plants.m). It increased to around 12 plants.m after rains in August, then, with the rise of salinity, declined slowly to reach to 7 in February and 3 p...
The experiment was conducted to observe the influence of Sea salt salinity (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.... more The experiment was conducted to observe the influence of Sea salt salinity (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2% corresponding to ECiw of 0.6, 3.51, 5.24, 9.23, 12.81 and 16.67 dS.m-1 , respectively) on seedling growth and the physiological, biochemical and mineral parameters of growth in Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens. On average basis, 50% reduction in seedling growth performance in coastal sandy soil corresponded to ECiw: 14.94 ± 2.18 dS.m-1 . Phyllode concentrations of protein, total soluble sugars, proline and phenols increased significantly with the salt stress and the pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) concentrations posed a fluctuating behaviour. There was substantial increase in Na and Cl contents of phyllode (306.59 and 213.67 % over control, respectively) in extreme salinity of ECiw: 16.67 dS.m-1 . K contents declined under saline environment. K/Na ratio although declined in salinity treatments as compared to the control, it didn’t vary practically amongst the salinity tr...
International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 2010
History of vegetation analysis and description is discussed. Vegetation analysis in Pakistan may ... more History of vegetation analysis and description is discussed. Vegetation analysis in Pakistan may be divided into 5 periods i.e., observational, quantitative Phytosociological, multivariate analysis (ordination), population dynamics and modern multivariate and numerical techniques. It is observed that period of observational analysis of the vegetation lasts until around 1970; however in Karachi University quantitative research was started in early sixties. The use of multivariate analysis (ordination) was initiated in 1968 in Karachi University while studies on population dynamics of forest tree species were started in 1986 from Balochistan University. Until year 2000, applying multivariate techniques to vegetation analysis were confined to the Karachi University. Now workers from various Universities are applying multivariate or numerical techniques for vegetation analysis. However still, these techniques are not as commonly used as they should be.
The effects of diesel oil pollution on Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. Ex. Corr. were investigated i... more The effects of diesel oil pollution on Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. Ex. Corr. were investigated in a series of artificially and freshly polluted sandy soil with 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.5, 4.0 and 5.0 mL diesel oil per 100g soil. Emergence of seedlings was impeded and germination losses occurred at high diesel oil concentrations. All the parameters of seedling growth viz. height, number of leaves, stem diameter, hypocotyl and epicotyl lengths, cotyledon area per seedling, area of the largest leaf, total leaf area per seedling and dry biomass of shoot, root and seedling declined progressively with increase of diesel oil concentration in the rhizosphere. Chlorophyll – a, b and total chlorophyll contents in fresh leaves declined significantly. Against control where around 10 internodes were produced, under diesel oil pollution only six or at the most seven internodes were produced. Diesel oil shortened the internodes. Diesel oil reduced the number of days of retention of cotyledons and primary and secondary leaves with the seedlings i.e., diesel oil pollution not only enhanced the cotyledon abscission but also the abscission of primary and secondary leaves and even the tertiary leaves under very high concentrations. In spite of the extreme diesel toxicity to T. populnea under very high diesel oil contamination, the plant showed good potential of phytoremediation against diesel pollution in sandy soil contaminated up to 10, 000 ppm of petrodiesel.
The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day ol... more The effects of salinity were studied on root morphology and seedling growth in thirty five day old Gossypium hirsutum, Kosteletzkya virginica and Thespesia populnea under different concentrations of sea salt solution i.e. non saline control (EC iw : 0.4 dS.m-1), 0.5% sea salt (EC iw : 6.2 dS.m-1), 1.0% sea salt (EC iw : 12.95 dS.m-1). Results showed that primary root length was reduced in K. virginica at 1.0% sea salt, while it remained almost unaffected in the other two plants at this salinity in comparison to control. Number of secondary roots increased in G. hirsutum and T. populnea but in K. virginica they show a slight decrease. All the three plants showed promotion in the length of secondary roots at 0.5% salinity. Number of tertiary roots was enhanced in T. populnea at 0.5% salinity level, whereas the other two plants exhibit inhibition of tertiary roots. Root biomass was increased in G. hirsutum at 0.5% salinity but decreased at higher salinity. K. virginica and T. populnea showed decrease with the increasing salinity. Fresh and dry shoot biomass and plant height showed a gradual decrease in response to increasing salinity in all the three species. The number of leaves decreased gradually in K. virginica and T. populnea as the salinity of the rooting medium increased, whereas, in G. hirsutum, the number of leaves decreased under saline condition but the number of leaves were more or less same under two salinity levels. Leaf area per plant of K. virginica and G. hirsutum gradually reduced with increasing salinity. In T. populnea leaf area increased at 0.5% salinity and decreased at 1.0% salinity level. T. populnea showed more uptake of Na + and K + under non saline condition as compared to the other two plants. Uptake of Na + increased with increasing salinity in all the three plants. K + concentration increased in roots of T. populnea and G. hirsutum and decreased in K. virginica at 0.5% salinity. At 1.0% salinity level K + concentration substantially decreased in all the three plants. The results showed that K. virginica was comparatively more tolerant under saline condition, where as G. hirsutum showed the comparatively least tolerance. Over all salt tolerance during growth of above mentioned three plants at higher level of salinity show that G. hirsutum was more tolerant, where as K. virginica showed the least tolerance at seedling stage.
Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal v... more Thespesia populnea is a salt tolerant plant of family Malvaceae. This plant has great medicinal value and is a potential source of oil. This book provides an account on growth performance of Thespesia populnea, under saline conditions. Allometric relationships are investigated among some important morphological and reproductive parameters of the plant. Quantitative as well as qualitative estimation of seed oil are done in Thespesia populnea trees growing under variously saline conditions. Information given in this book provides interesting knowledge for students working for agriculture and afforestation under arid and saline conditions.
The micromorphological structure of seedlings of Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. is described, from a ... more The micromorphological structure of seedlings of Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. is described, from a dry ruderalized site of Karachi, on the basis of optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The seedling appeared to be " Phanerocotylar-Epigeal-foliaceous " type. Several types of trichomes from cotyledons and leaves and structure of the resin gland (Brown-orange bulky capitate, glandular trichome) are described. Cotyledons are amphitrichomic and amphistomatic with paracytic arrangement of subsidiary cell. R. minima leaflets were amphistomatic with much larger number of stomata on ventral surface (283.3 ± 4.39 stomata per mm 2 , N = 100, CV = 38.6%) as compared to the dorsal surface (48.06 ± 1.85 stomata per mm 2 , N = 100, CV = 38.6%). The diversity of foliar stomata included, paracytic, anisocytic, staurocytic and anomocytic types. The stomatal size on abaxial surface leaf averaged to 18.53 ± 0.36 x 13.17 ± 0.30 µm. The predominating class of stomatal width (pore + guard cells) was 10.1 – 16 µm. Stomata on adaxial surface were comparable in size (19.76 ± 0.22 x 11.19 ± 0.18 µm). Quantitative element analysis based on elements detector system (EDS) of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is described.
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