MN KHALID's scientific contributions

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) are highlighted for their beneficial effects on plant development and stress tolerance. Plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), including various bacterial and fungal species, are identified as key players in enhancing plant growth, nutrient absorption, and disease resistance. The interactions between plants and soil microbes, such as nutrient mobilization and disease prevention, are explored in detail. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding plant-microbe interactions for developing sustainable agricultural practices. It discusses the potential of beneficial microorganisms, such as biological control agents (BCA) and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in improving crop productivity and disease management. The molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense responses and microbial interactions are investigated to develop innovative crop protection strategies. Furthermore, the review article delves into the role of microorganisms in mitigating abiotic stresses, such as salt, drought, and pollution. Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) are highlighted for their ability to enhance nutrient absorption, nitrogen fixation, and resistance to salt stress through induced systemic tolerance (IST). Phytoremediation techniques, which utilize bacteria coexisting with plants to remove organic contaminants and heavy metals from soils, are also discussed. Overall, the review article underscores the significance of plant-microbe interactions in agriculture and environmental remediation. It calls for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying these interactions and to develop effective strategies for harnessing the potential of beneficial microorganisms in promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance.

This paper explores the critical role of international cooperation in addressing the challenges imposed by a changing climate on global agriculture. As climate change threatens food security, this paper investigates the power of unity in transcending geographical and disciplinary boundaries to foster collaborative initiatives. The urgency of developing crops resilient to climate fluctuations is underscored, emphasizing the diverse challenges different regions face and the need for adaptable solutions. Global collaborations catalyze progress, creating a dynamic shared knowledge and resources ecosystem. The abstract outlines the significance of breaking down barriers, be they geographical or cultural, to facilitate a comprehensive approach to breeding crops capable of withstanding a spectrum of climatic conditions. Knowledge exchange and capacity building emerge as key components of successful global collaborations, ensuring communities worldwide have the skills and resources needed for local implementation. The abstract highlights the transformative potential of united efforts, providing a glimpse into a future where international cooperation stands as a cornerstone in pursuing resilient global agriculture amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

This exploration delves into the pivotal realm of "Advances and Challenges in Wheat Genetics and Breeding for Global Food Security." Tracing the historical perspectives of wheat genetics from ancient agricultural practices to modern breeding programs, the narrative unveils a rich tapestry of human intervention in shaping this staple crop. Recent innovations, including Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), Genomic Selection (GS), and CRISPR-Cas9, propel wheat genetics into a new era of precision breeding, holding profound implications for global food security. Examining the contributions of wheat genetics and breeding to food security reveals a mosaic of enhanced yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. As the world grapples with the intricate challenges posed by a changing climate, the role of wheat in adaptation and resilience takes center stage. However, the journey forward is not devoid of complexities. Ethical considerations in genetic manipulation demand thoughtful navigation, and regional nuances underscore the need for customized approaches to breeding. This abstract encapsulates a multidimensional exploration of wheat genetics and breeding, envisioning a future where scientific advancements converge with ethical considerations to address the evolving demands of global agriculture. In this narrative, the title serves as a compass, guiding the reader through the advances that propel us toward food security and the challenges that necessitate collective wisdom and collaboration on a global scale.

With changing weather patterns, increased CO2 levels, and more frequent extreme weather events, the need to adapt crops to a warmer world is paramount. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions in adapting crops to climate change. The approach taken in this review paper involves examining the greenhouse effect, the causes of climate change, and the evidence supporting its existence. We also explore how changing weather patterns affect crop growth and the physiological effects of increased CO2 on plants. Additionally, the impact of extreme weather events on agriculture is discussed. This study reveals the importance of developing heat-resistant crop varieties and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices. By embracing genetic modifications, innovative farming practices, and technology in agriculture, we can enhance agricultural resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on crop production. Adapting crops for a warmer world is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture. The findings of this study emphasize the need for continued research, innovation, and policy interventions to address the challenges posed by climate change. The results underscore the importance of building resilient agricultural systems and promoting sustainable practices for the well-being of present and future generations.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an ancient oilseed crop cultivated for its rich oil, protein, and essential nutrients. However, changing environmental conditions due to climate change poses significant challenges to sesame production. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, can severely impact sesame yield and productivity. Integrating genomic approaches and biotechnology in sesame breeding offers significant promise for developing resilient sesame cultivars with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance. GWAS (Genome-wide association studies) have identified genes and QTL (quantitative trait loci) associated with drought and salinity tolerance in sesame. The genomic selection offers several advantages over traditional breeding methods, enabling the efficient development of stress-tolerant sesame cultivars. Biotechnological tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, allow for precise modification of specific genes, facilitating the introduction of desirable traits into sesame cultivars. The integration of these approaches offers promising opportunities for the targeted improvement of tolerance against abiotic stresses in sesame. However, addressing ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding the use of biotechnology in plant breeding will be vital for ensuring the safe and responsible application of these technologies. This review paper provides an overview of integrating genomic approaches and biotechnology in sesame breeding programs focused on improving drought and salinity tolerance and discusses the potential for developing resilient sesame cultivars in the face of climate change.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is vital to soil health and plays a critical role in crop production. This review paper examines the impact of SOM on soil health, crop production, and the challenges and opportunities associated with managing SOM. The paper emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research, technological advancements, and supportive policies in addressing SOM dynamics and management complexities. The review highlights the role of SOM in nutrient supply, soil structure improvement, water-holding capacity, and microbial activity enhancement, which are fundamental for sustainable agricultural systems. Various management practices to enhance SOM, including organic amendments, cover cropping, conservation tillage, and crop rotation, are discussed. Despite the benefits of managing SOM, challenges such as slow formation rates, trade-offs with other agricultural objectives, and economic viability exist. Addressing these challenges requires further research, knowledge exchange, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies. Future perspectives and research needs include advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, harnessing emerging technologies, understanding the interactions between SOM and climate change, exploring novel management practices, quantifying ecosystem services, addressing knowledge gaps, and providing policy support and incentives. Sustainable soil management strategies can be developed by embracing these perspectives and addressing the identified research needs. These strategies optimize SOM levels, promote soil health, enhance crop productivity, and contribute to global food security and environmental sustainability. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in their efforts to enhance SOM management and promote sustainable agriculture.

Southern Leaf Blight of maize (SLBM) is a severe disease affecting maize crop in Pakistan. This disease causes considerable losses in maize crop every year. To avoid this loss, a study was conducted to check the efficacy of four fungicides and one control, tested against maize variety Malka-2016. The experiment was conducted at Plant Pathology AARI Research area, Faisalabad, during 2021-22. The result showed that Propiconazole (Tilt 25% WP) was found to be the most effective fungicide to control the leaf Blight of maize followed by Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb 80%WP) and Kavach (Chlorothalonil 75%WP). The Blitox-50 (Copper oxychloride 50%WP) was the least effective against the disease. The Propiconazole (Tilt 25% WP) control the disease 80 % over the check. Similarly, Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb 80 %) controls the disease 70.83 % and Chlorothalonil by 59 %. The least effective fungicide was Blitox-50 (Copper oxychloride 50 %) which control the disease 42.5% over the check.

The effect of water deficiency was assessed on the productivity of different wheat genotypes viz., Pasban-90, T-11, C-271, LU-26, Seher-06, AARI-11, Maxi-Pak 1965, Ujala-16, Chakwal-50 and Anaj-17 using triplicate Randomized Complete Block Design under two environmental conditions i.e., normal and drought. The trials were planted in the experimental field area of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Four irrigations were applied to normal condition trial while drought one was only dependent on natural precipitation. All characters showed highly significant results for irrigation except for spike length and grains per spike. Mean values were computed from raw data and represented by graphs in which values for each trait was compared separately for both drought and normal condition of irrigation. Under drought condition of irrigation, maximum grain yield mean value was of Ujala-16 while minimum grain yield value was of Seher-06. Biplots were plotted from mean values of each trait for both conditions of irrigation separately to analyze performance of each genotype individually. The genotype which performed best under both condition for grain yield per plant was Anaj-17. The most susceptible genotype to drought was Seher-06. Under drought condition, the genotypes which performed best were Ujala-16, C-271 and Chakwal-50. The best performing genotype under normal condition of irrigation was C-271 for grain yield per plant. The results obtained could be proved helpful in selecting best wheat genotypes for improving breeding program to increase average production of economically important crop.

Wheat is a major cereal crop grown worldwide. Genus Triticum contains many species, among which T. aestivumis has commonly grown also known as bread wheat. Its genome is hexaploid, containing 42 chromosomes (2n=6x=42). To improve the response of wheat cultivars against biotic and abiotic stresses, it is genetically engineered with different biotechnological tools. Tissue culture technology has been proved vital for improving crop species in different quality and yield-related traits. Being a monocotyledons plant, wheat shows recalcitration toward tissue culture. The response of wheat to regeneration can be improved by using different growth-promoting hormones. The proposed study's objective was to increase callus induction's efficiencyproposed study was to increase the efficiency of callus inductionproposed study's objective was to increase callus induction's efficiency using different treatment of growth regulators. MS media with varying concentrations of 4, 8, and 12 mg/L of dicamba, 2, 4-D, and picloram was used to check their effect on callus induction in common wheat cultivars Anaj-2017 and Akbar-2019. Media complemented with picloram at 8 mg/L was the supreme efficiency. About 511 mg and 420 mg of callus formation were observed at 8 mg/L for picloram succeeded by dicamba which was 340 mg and 350 mg at 12 mg/L, and then by 2, 4-D, which was 112 mg and 236 mg at 8 mg/L from matured embryos of Anaj-2017 and Akbar-2019 respectively.

Cotton is very important crop regarding the global trade. It is grown for its fiber and edible oil in Pakistan. It contributes 1.5 percent to GDP and 69 percent in foreign exchange. There is need to enhance the yield per unit area of cotton by developing high yielding and stress tolerant varieties. In breeding program the parents and their crosses are selected on the basis of their combining ability. Combining ability analysis is performed to identify the general and specific combiner for yield attributed traits. This research was performed for evaluation of four lines as female parents (C-1, CIM-616, TIPO-1 and CYTO-608) and three testers as male parents (NIAB-1048, CYTO-124 and CIM-600) of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The traits such as plant height, first fruiting node, seed cotton yield, monopodial branches, sympodial branches, ginning out turn percentage, number of bolls per plant, height to node ratio and cotton seed yield was tested. The general combining ability of parental lines and specific combining ability of the F1 cross will be determined for yield related traits. The genotypes with good general combining ability and specific combining ability further exploited for hybrid/variety development programs. For most of the traits like number of monopods per plant, boll weight per plant, seed cotton yield, number of nodes per plant, 1st fruiting node, intermodal distance, ginning out turn percentage, cotton seed yield, seed index, plant height, fiber strength, fiber length, fiber uniformity and fiber fineness value had more value for dominance variance. The higher effects of GCA and SCA indicated that there is the role of additive and non-additive gene action for inheritance of traits.