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Endophytic bacteria involve in the production as well as regulation of phytohormones and siderophore and have more capacity to tolerate environmental stresses in a better way when compared with rhizosphere bacteria. A study was planned to check the capacity of endophytic microorganism to improve the growth of maize and wheat crop. Total 35 endophytic microorganism have been isolated from plant tissues out of which 20 were characterized on the basis on biochemical tests and Indole acetic acid production. Efficient 15 isolates were screened and 5 isolates were selected for field study. Field study of wheat and maize was directed at the Soil Bacteriology Section AARI Faisalabad. Recommended dose of fertilizer (NP @ 100:60 kg/ha & NPK @ 120:114:90 kg ha-1) for maize and wheat crop was applied. Results showed that inoculation with bacterial isolates confirmed great increase in yield compared to control. It was noted that the highest fodder yield (70.5 t ha-1) in case of maize and the highest grain yield (4030 kg ha-1) produced by endophytic bacteria E-3. The use of specific endophytes may be considered preferable as compared to rhizospheric bacteria as well as over the use of chemical fertilizers due to their beneficial impact on environment costs, contributing to more sustainable agricultural systems.

doi.org/10.52587/JAF040101

The aims of this study were to develop iron and zinc fortified chickpea energy bars and check their effect on cognitive development specifically working memory of the Pre-adolescent. We conducted analysis in twenty-four students from the private school of Faisalabad (Pakistan). Warises’re subtests such as arithmetic, digit-span and coding were checked through Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) were done. The evaluation of serum iron and zinc level of the children before and after the trial confirmed that the fortification induced a 3.31% increase in the serum iron level followed by 2.25% increase in the serum zinc level of school going children. There was an increase of 3.50 in the mean squares of the working memory index after the administration of fortified chickpea bars. This accentuates that fortification improved specific cognitive abilities among children including working memory. The fortification of chickpea is likely source of vitamins and minerals. Chickpeas enhance the iron absorption in the body by making it more bioavailable. This study concludes that chickpea fortification with iron and zinc can serve as an economical and healthy approach in combating learning difficulties and cognitive problems that school-going children undergo.

doi.org/10.52587/JAF040102

A study was undertaken on Thalli sheep to evaluate the non-genetic factors affected on animal’s birth weight in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Non-genetic factors along with genetic factors are important influential factors in determining the performance of animals. Data on 239 lambing records were analyzed using Statistix 8.1 software. The average birth weights calculated were 3.40 ± 3.34 kg. Significant effects of birth weight were observed by environmental factors like birth type, flock, sex of lamb, and year of birth. Non-significant i.e. (P>0.06) values were observed throughout the study for the season of birth. Males were heavier than females according to their birth weights. Similarly, single-born lambs have more bodyweight than of twins.

doi.org/10.52587/JAF040104