Asghari Bano

University of Wah · Biological Sciences

We evaluated the effects of Taraxacum officinale L. and Ricinus communis L. on growth and physiology of sunflower and maize plants. Seeds of sunflower (cv Parson 3) and maize (cv TP 1217) were surface sterilized and soaked in 0.3 % and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of T. officinale L. and R. communis L. prior to sowing, plants were grown in pots under nat...

Oil refineries generate several tones of oily waste which is dumped in an open pit within the vicinity of oil field. The disposal or removal of such waste through excavation is costly and laborious. Therefore oil refineries are looking for rapid and economic methods to remediate such waste. Rhizoremediation is successfully adapted to remediation hy...

Primary metabolites are ubiquitous in nature and actively involved in growth while secondary metabolites (SMs) are involved in interaction with the environment. In plants terpenes are the largest group of secondary metabolites that play an important role in defense mechanisms against the herbivores and pathogens. Plant secondary metabolites such as...

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of PGPR on Vigna radiata L. resistance against Macrophomina phaseolina-associated charcoal rot. The seeds of Vigna radiata L. (cv. NM-11 and cv. Chakwal) were inoculated with two bacterial strains i.e., Pseudomonas stutzeri (KX574858) and Pseudomonas putida (KX574857). Under unstressed conditions, bot...

The current investigation designed to estimate the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Ag-nanoparticles. Tube well and HIT water comprising Mn and Fe above recommended values were used as treatments while tap water irrigation was treated as control. The HIT water showed 24, 200, and 64.11% higher content of N...

The current investigation designed to estimate the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Ag-nanoparticles. Tube well and HIT water comprising Mn and Fe above recommended values were used as treatments while tap water irrigation was treated as control. The HIT water showed 24, 200, and 64.11% higher content of N...

Background: Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight are the most important diseases of chickpea. The current study was designed to investigate the individual and combined effect of salicylic acid (SA) with Pseudomonas stutzeri and Pseudomonas putida to suppress Fusarium wilt and promote growth of chickpea varieties: Thal-2006 and Punjab-2008. Methods:...

To feed the ever-increasing population under changing climate scenarios, it is imperative to investigate the role of halophytes, which are equipped with special adaptation mechanisms to cope under extreme conditions of salinity. In the current review, we aimed to report newly identified bioactive secondary metabolites that might play a role in esta...

To feed the ever-increasing population under changing climate scenarios, it is imperative to investigate the role of halophytes, which are equipped with special adaptation mechanisms to cope under extreme conditions of salinity. In the current review, we aimed to report newly identified bioactive secondary metabolites that might play a role in esta...

Nitrogen is one of the essential elements which plays a key role in plant growth and development. Beneficial microorganisms are eco-friendly and sustainable source of agroindustry. Bacteria either free-living or as endophytes in plant roots can fix atmospheric nitrogen to nitrogenous compounds in the soil and make them readily available to plant ro...

Nitrogen is one of the essential elements which plays a key role in plant growth and development. Beneficial microorganisms are eco-friendly and sustainable source of agroindustry. Bacteria either free-living or as endophytes in plant roots can fix atmospheric nitrogen to nitrogenous compounds in the soil and make them readily available to plant ro...

The present study was aimed to evaluate Tamarix baluchistanica (Qaiser), Tamarix androssowii (Bunge) and Tamarix mascatensis (Bunge) for scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) free radicals and larvicidal potential against mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus; an important vector fo...

Phytostimulant for better agriculture practices.

The consistent use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in traditional agriculture has not only compromised the fragile agroecosystems but has also adversely affected human, aquatic, and terrestrial life. The use of phytostimulants is an alternative eco-friendly approach that eliminates ecosystem disruption while maintaining agricultural producti...

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and sowing methods on physicochemical properties, nutrients and heavy metals content of rhizosphere soil and their translocation to plant. Wheat cv. Inqlab-91 seeds were inoculated with cultures of Pseudomonas mendocina Khsr2, Pseudomonas putida Khsr4,...

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and sowing methods on physicochemical properties, nutrients and heavy metals content of rhizosphere soil and their translocation to plant. Wheat cv. Inqlab-91 seeds were inoculated with cultures of Pseudomonas mendocina Khsr2, Pseudomonas putida Khsr4, Pseudomo...

Hydrocarbons contamination is a worldwide threat to soil ecosystem. The present study was designed to evaluate the remediation potential of bacterial consortium, viz. Bacillus cereus (Acc KR232400), Bacillus altitudinis (Acc KF859970), Commomonas (Delftia sp.) (Acc KF859971), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Acc KF859973), with alfalfa and maize p...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of PGPR consortium and fertilizer alone and in combination on the physiology of maize grown under oily sludge stress environment as well on the soil nutrient status. Consortium was prepared from Bacillus cereus (Acc KR232400), Bacillus altitudinis (Acc KF859970), Comamonas (Delftia) belonging to...

In soil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have resulted in severe environmental deterioration, compromised soil characteristics, and negatively affect all life forms, including humans. Developing appropriate and effective clean-up technology is crucial in solving the contamination issues. The traditional methods to treat PHAs contaminated so...

The drought ameliorative effects of poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel (HG), biochar (BC) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were evaluated on soybean exposed to drought stress. Prior to sowing, soybean seeds were soaked for 3–4 h in the broth culture of Planomicrobium chinense (MF616408) and Pseudomonas putida (KX574857), while BC (5 g/kg so...

This research work was performed to evaluate the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to control charcoal rot disease of Mung bean. The PGPR, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Pseudomonas putida were used to inoculate the seeds of two varieties of Mung cv. NM-11 and cv. Chakwal prior to sowing. The growth of fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (...

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of bacterial secondary metabolites against induced salt stress. Five bacterial strains were isolated from three different habitats: Khewra salt range, oily sludge field in Chakwal, and garden soil of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. The 16S rRNA gene and BLAST analysis of bacterial strain...

The present study was conducted to evaluate the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) PGPR isolates from high total dissolved solids (TDS) bearing produced water on the water quality, soil physicochemical properties and growth and physiology of sunflower irrigated with high TDS bearing produced water having salinit...

The development of sustainable, ecofriendly, and cost-effective methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials is an important aspect of nanotechnology these days. The present study was aimed at synthesizing cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles by using plant extracts of Aerva javanica, bacterial isolates from rhizospheric soil of Potentilla atrosanguine...

Present investigation aims to characterize Pseudomonas moraviensis (wild type) and its IAA deficient mutants and further to evaluate their role on physiology of chickpea plants (Cicer arietinum L.) under induced salt stress. Extracellular and whole cell protein contents as well as proline production in the M9 media and M9 media containing 4% NaCl o...

The growth and persistence of rhizobacteria in soils are highly impacted by moisture stress. In this study, we report the first transcript analysis of four Pseudomonas strains (PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS4) isolated from the root-soil interface of rice and maize associated with different moisture levels during water deprivation. Filtered Pseudomonas sp. c...

During the last two decades the world has experienced an abrupt change in climate. Both natural and artificial factors are climate change drivers, although the effect of natural factors are lesser than the anthropogenic drivers. These factors have changed the pattern of precipitation resulting in a rise in sea levels, changes in evapotranspiration,...

Oily sludge contains a wide range of carcinogenic and toxic organic and inorganic compounds that enter into the terrestrial environment and may be toxic to plants. Plants grown over oily sludge-contaminated soil may undergo changes in physiology and in the antioxidant enzymes system due to the presence of toxic hydrocarbons. Information is scarce r...

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of four plant growth promoting rhizobacteria; Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus pumilus, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Exiguobacterium aurantiacum isolated from saline soil on the uptake, accumulation and translocation of essential nutrients and heavy metals in Zea mays L. grown in saline sodic field....

Fusarium verticillioides is an important fungal pathogen of maize, causing stalk rot and severely affecting crop production. The aim of this study was to characterize the protective effects of formulations based on Jacaranda mimosifolia leaf extracts against F. verticillioides in maize. We compared different seed treatments comprising J. mimosifoli...

The aim of this study was to determine the affectivity of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on some biochemical and agronomic parameters of maize exposed to drought stress. Two PGPR species viz. Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas putida were applied as bioinoculant. Different methods of application of PGPR were used at different developmenta...

The aim of this study was to determine the affectivity of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on some biochemical and agronomic parameters of maize exposed to drought stress. Two PGPR species viz. Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas putida were applied as bioinoculant. Different methods of application of PGPR were used at different developmenta...

Organic materials from various sources have been commonly adopted as soil amendments to improve crop productivity. Phosphorus deficiency and fixation in alkaline calcareous soils drives a reduction in crop production. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of rock phosphate enriched composts and chemical fertilizers both i...

Hydrocarbons contamination is a worldwide threat to soil ecosystem. The present study was designed to evaluate the remediation potential of bacterial consortium, viz. Bacillus cereus (Acc KR232400), Bacillus altitudinis (Acc KF859970), Commomonas (Delftia sp.) (Acc KF859971), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Acc KF859973), with alfalfa and maize p...

The present investigation deals with the comparative study of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), salicylic acid (SA), and Ag-nanoparticle (AgNPs) on the physiology, sugar metabolism and yield of two varieties of wheat V-1 (GA 2002) and V-2 (Inqalab-91), differing in sensitivity to yellow rust. The study was based on the hypothesis that ba...

Jacaranda mimosifolia trees are grown in frost-free regions globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methanol crude extract and various fractions of increasing polarity of J. mimosifolia leaves for bioactive metabolites, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The anti-inflammatory potential of the various fracti...

Jacaranda mimosifolia trees are grown in frost-free regions globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methanol crude extract and various fractions of increasing polarity of J. mimosifolia leaves for bioactive metabolites, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. The anti-inflammatory potential of the various fract...

Microorganisms use oily sludge as a source of carbon. However their activity is retarded in oily sludge because of the presence of toxic hydrocarbons in oily sludge. Microbial activity in such soils can be enhanced once consortium is prepared from various genera of microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons inoculated to oily sludge contaminated so...

Moisture stress in rainfed areas has significant adverse impacts on plant growth and yield. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) plays an important role in the revegetation and rehabilitation of rainfed areas by modulating plant growth and metabolism and improving the fertility status of the rhizosphere soils. The current study explored the...

Oily sludge contains a wide range of carcinogenic and toxic organic and inorganic compounds that enter into the terrestrial environment and may be toxic to plants. Plants grown over oily sludge–contaminated soil may undergo changes in physiology and in the antioxidant enzymes system due to the presence of toxic hydrocarbons. Information is scarce r...

The present study evaluates the effects of plant growth hormones (PGR), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) Rhizobium pisi (DSM 30132 strain) applied alone and in combination, on pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Florida plants under well-watered and drought stressed conditions. Prior to sowing seeds w...

The preceding climate change demonstrates overwintering of pathogens that lead to increased incidence of insects and pest attack. Integration of ecological and physiological/molecular approaches are imperative to encounter pathogen attack in order to enhance crop yield. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of two plant growth promoting r...

Demand for agricultural crop continues to escalate in response to increasing population and damage of prime cropland for cultivation. Research interest is diverted to utilize soils with marginal plant production. Moisture stress has negative impact on crop growth and productivity. The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth reg...

Background: Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50-55% oil, 20% protein, 14-20% carbohydrate and 2-3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv. T...

Phytohormones are endogenously produced organic substances indispensable for regulating plant growth and yield and also play major role in inducing tolerance to plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses. The convergence points among hormone signal transduction cascades are considered as cross-talk which are crucial for plant development as...

Under stress environment of oily sludge, plants develop oxidative stress which effect nutrients uptake, activity of oxidative defence enzymes, cause ion imbalance and toxicity in plants. The present study was designed to develop a combination of bacterial consortium alone and with fertilizers that can help to improve alfalfa growth and plant defenc...

Microbial secondary metabolites are low-molecular-weight bioactive compounds produced during the late growth phase of microorganisms. They are functionally diverse and show a variety of biological activities such as antimicrobial, plant growth stimulator, insecticidal, and herbicidal activities. Secondary metabolites including terpenes, phenolics,...

The present research work was conducted to assess the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of M.phaseolina (the causal agent of charcoal rot) and on growth parameters of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek. The PGPR of genus Pseudomonas was used to inoculate the seeds of Mung cv. NM-11 variety prior to sowing. The soil was in...

Background: Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50-55% oil, 20% protein, 14-20% carbohydrate and 2-3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv....

Water stress causes significant losses to agriculture crops mostly grown in rainfed condition. Water stress affects the plant–water relation that causes specific and nonspecific damages to crop. Water stress is categorized as the dominant abiotic stress that is responsible for secondary stresses including oxidative stress that has hazardous effects...

The demand for agricultural crops continues to escalate with an increasing population. To meet this demand, marginal land can be used as a sustainable source for increased plant productivity. However, moisture stress not only affects crop growth and productivity but also induces plants' susceptibility to various diseases. The positive role of plant...

With ongoing climate change, the severity, frequency and duration of different abiotic stresses have threatened the agricultural productivity around the globe. Major abiotic stresses like drought and salinity have reduced agricultural land both in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. Further decline in yield is inculcated by plant pathogens....

This study aimed to assess the role of two Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas stutzeri (KX574858) and Pseudomonas putida (KX574857) against charcoal rot instigated by Macrophomina phaseolina in soybean (Glycine max L.) varieties; Ajmeri and NARC grown in pots under greenhouse condition. Macrophomina inocula were added to the s...

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important minerals required for plant growth occupying a strong position among soil macro nutrients. Soil P deficiency is often fulfilled by phosphate fertilizers. P deficiency in soils is due to less total P contents in the soil and fixation of added P from chemical fertilizers as well as other organic sources lik...

Background: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the role of Plant Growth- Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Ag-nanoparticles on two varieties (American variety, Poinsett 76 and Desi variety, Sialkot selection) of cucumber plants. Methods: Cucumber seeds prior to sowing, were inoculated with two strains of PGPR, Pseudomonas putida (KX574...

Tryptophan role in microbial biosynthesis of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) is very distinct. In present study IAA producing bacteria Pseudomonas moraviensis was applied on wheat for improving growth and physiology; in the presence or absence of L-tryptophan in saline sodic field. Aqueous solution of tryptophan was added to the rhizosphere soil at 10 mg...

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) play an important role in mitigating abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the parallel changes in physiological processes coupled with metabolic changes induced by PGRs and PGPRs that help to cope with drought stress in chickpeas. The present investigation w...

The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be applied to improve the growth and productivity of plants, with potential to be used for genetic improvement of drought tolerance. However, for genetic improvement to be achieved, a solid understanding of the physiological and biochemical changes in plants indu...

High temperature induces several proteins in plants that enhance tolerance to high temperature shock. The fate of proteins synthesised in microbial cells or secreted into culture media by interacting microbes has not been fully elucidated. The present investigation aimed to characterise plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from the...

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of PGPR inoculation on growth and yield of maize as well as on reclamation of saline sodic soil of Soil Salinity Research Institute Pindi Bhattian Pakistan, during 2015-16. Seed of maize genotype “Islamabad Gold” were soaked (2-3 h) prior to sowing in the broth culture of 4 bacterial strain...

Heavy metal toxicity in industrial polluted area is imparting serious consequences on crops. Two Pb-tolerant bacteria were isolated from maize growing in a dumping site of Attock Oil Refinery, Rawalpindi. The oil-polluted field had a higher geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) value for Pb than standard. The soil accumulated...

Drought is one of the key restraints to agricultural productivity worldwide and is expected to increase further. Drought stress accompanied by reduction in precipitation pose major challenges to future food safety. Strategies should be develop to enhance drought tolerance in crops like chickpea and wheat, in order to enhance their growth and yield....

Drought is one of the key restraints to agricultural productivity worldwide and is expected to increase further. Drought stress accompanied by reduction in precipitation pose major challenges to future food safety. Strategies should be develop to enhance drought tolerance in crops like chickpea and wheat, in order to enhance their growth and yield....

The present investigation was based on the hypothesis that the endophytes residing in the roots of halophytes have better adaptation to saline conditions. Six halophytic herbs were collected from Khewra salt range (EC = 4.7 dS m⁻¹ and SAR = 25.7). From these herbs, root pieces of Cenchrus ciliaris were shade dried; finely ground to powder and three...

Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions due to its potential to grow on marginal land and having good percentage of seed oil contents which is an important parameter for biofuel production. However, it is an ignored crop in Pakistan. In order to improve the crop productivity and reduce the u...

ANOVA Tables_Supplemental file. (DOCX)

The effects of Bacillus cereus were investigated on wheat in the presence or absence of L-tryptophan, in a saline sodic field. An aqueous solution of L-tryptophan was added to the rhizosphere soil at 1 µg/L, after 8d of seeds germination with irrigated water. The survival efficiency measured as colony forming unit revealed that B. cereus was salt t...

Both the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth regulators (PGR) exert beneficial effects on plant growth even under stress, but combined effect of both of them has not been evaluated yet. Present investigation was aimed to determine the responses of 2 chickpea varieties (differing in drought tolerance) to 3 PGPR viz. Bacillus...

Two experiments (pot and field experiments) were conducted in two consecutive years to evaluate the protective effects of botanical-chemical formulations on physiological, biochemical performance and grain yield of wheat inoculated with Bipolaris sorokiniana. We compared different formulations comprising Calotropis procera, Jacaranda mimosifolia, T...

Pot & field experiment data. (XLSX)

Table A. Gene-specific primers used for RT-qPCR analysis. (DOCX)

Effective management of the nutrients and enzyme activity in the soil is necessary for maximum crop growth and productivity. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) not only adversely affects the soil nutrient status and soil physicochemical properties but also aids pollution to the ecosystem. The objective of present study was to...

Genetic improvement for drought tolerance in chickpea requires a solid understanding of biochemical processes involved with different physiological mechanisms. The objective of this study is to demonstrate genetic variations in altered metabolic levels in chickpea varieties (tolerant and sensitive) grown under contrasting water regimes through UPLC...

The use of wastewater for crop growth is a centuries-old practice that gets renewed attention with the rising shortage of freshwater resources in many arid and semiarid regions of the world. Wastewater is extensively used as an inexpensive substitute to conservative irrigation water: supporting livelihoods and generating significant value to the ag...

Bioremediation involved the use of microbes to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons. Quite a number of microbial genera isolated from extreme environment mainly from petroleum-contaminated soils (mesophilic microbes), deep subsurface reservoirs (thermophilic microbes), and sediment under the permafrost (psychrophilic microbes) once inoculated may enhance...

Drought is an important abiotic stress that limits the plant growth and productivity. Present investigation was aimed that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from moisture-stressed area impart drought tolerance in plants and tryptophan may improve their efficiency. Pseudomonas sp. (1), Bacillus cereus and Bacillus pumilus (B. pumi...

• Evidence is lacking regarding compatibility of pine bacteria as bio‐inoculants for crops. The diversity and abundance of rhizosphere bacteria of Pinus roxburghii has never been investigated with simultaneous application of culture‐dependent and culture‐independent techniques. The present study was aimed to isolate, characterise, check the bio‐ino...

The rhizo-deposition provides energy and nutritional inputs to soil with selection of large and distinct community of metabolically active soil microbiota that carries many biochemical transformations. Positive effects of Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Azospirillum on the mitigation of salt stress in inoculated plants have been documented. H...

In the climate change scenario the drought has been diagnosed as major stress affecting crop productivity. This review demonstrates some recent findings on the amelioration of drought stress. Nanoparticles, synthetic growth regulators viz. Trinexapac-ethyl, and Biochar addition helps to economize the water budget of plants, enhances the bioavailabi...

Background The plant species Aristolochia indica (AI), Melilotus indicus (MI), Tribulus terrestris (TT) and Cuscuta pedicellata (CP) are widely used in folk medicine in the villages around Chowk Azam, South Punjab, Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phytochemical composition, and the antibacterial, antifungal,...

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were isolated and characterized from sandy soils in Pakistan. The role of the rhizobacteria, in association with plant growth regulators, was studied on the roots of wheat grown under water stressed conditions. The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were characterized on the basis of colony morphology, biochem...

Correction for ‘Rhizoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon, prospects and future’ by Asim Shahzad et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 108347–108361.

The aim of this research was to study the pyrolysis oil production from Palm Oil Grade III (POG-III) and popular wood sawdust crude oil. Today, worldwide studies have been undertaken on the biomass usage and co-conversion of biomass and coal to seek out alternative fuels for supplying energy in an environmental friendly way. Substitute fuels have b...

Key results: The S. litura infestation decreased dry weight of shoots and roots by 46% and 22%, and significant reduction was recorded in tomato fruit yield. The P. putida and Rothia sp. inoculations alleviated the adverse effects of insect infestation and resulted in 60% increase in plant biomass and 40% increase in yield over infested plants. Ma...

The study was aimed to determine tolerance of PGPR in different concentration of Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Mn and Pb and to evaluate the PGPR modulated bio-availability of different heavy metals, in the rhizosphere soil and wheat tissues, grown in saline sodic soil. Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas moraviensis were isolated from Cenchrus ciliaris L. growi...