waqar khan

Laccase-like multi-copper oxidases (LMCOs) are a group of enzymes involved in the oxidation of numerous substrates. Recently, these enzymes have become extremely popular due to their practical applications in various fields of biology. LMCOs generally oxidize various substrates by linking four-electron reduction of the final acceptor, molecular oxygen (O2), to water. Multi-copper oxidases related to laccase are extensively distributed as multi-gene families in the genome sequences of higher plants. The current study thoroughly investigated the LMCO gene family (Br-Lac) and its expression pattern under various abiotic stresses in B. rapa L. A total of 18 Br-Lac gene family members located on five different chromosomes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis classified the documented Br-Lac genes into seven groups: Group-I (four genes), Group-II (nine genes), Group-III (eight genes), Group-IV (four genes), Group-V (six genes), and Group-VI and Group-VII (one gene each). The key feature...

Punica granatum L. (wild) belongs to family Punicaceae, a woody plant, predominantly found on calcareous and alkaline soils. The species is extensively utilized as food and firewood and for the extraction of various chemicals due to its therapeutic properties. To understand the ethno-botanical and ecological status of the species on a regional scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the Dir (L) area using close and open-ended questionnaires. Data collected from 124 respondents were analysed quantitatively using statistical analysis to calculate indices like Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use value (UV) and multivariate analysis. GPS data used for the presence data of the plants were used to develop GIS thematic maps. Geo-referenced data on P. granatum was collected from the study area, using GPS. Results suggest that the plant is mostly used as a remedy for dry cough, as an astringent, people used powder form of fruit peelings. It was documented in the present investig...

Intra-specific genetic variation was studied in 28 genotypes of Cleome viscosa L. growing in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was found that genotypes showed the utmost allelic variation for leaf upper and lower surface with emerald green (75%), and yellow green (75%) respectively, other leaves lower and upper surfaces were (25%) green and yellow green (26%) respectively. The majority of C. viscosa genotypes were (50%) yellow flowers while others were with (29%) white yellow colour and (21%) dull yellow. Most of the seeds were with black (46%). The protein profiling was carried out on 12% gel electrophoresis; seven reproducible bands with molecular weight ranges from 180 to 10 KDa were detected in C. viscosa, the locus contribution toward genetic disagreement (LCTGD) of C. viscosa was 57%. Notably, L-3, L-4 L-5, was monomorphic in C. viscosa and was treated as species specific. L-1, L-2, L-7 were polymorphic. These bands showed 79%, 4%, 14% and 79% variation respectiv...

This study contributes to the current ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Swat Valley, Pakistan. District Swat possesses remarkable biodiversity owing to its varied topographical and climatic conditions, prompting a distinct human-plant association. Our hypothesis is that the presence of such a great biodiversity has shaped into a formal ethnobotanical culture in the area transmitted through generations. We suspect that the versatility of some plant species has greater influence on the culture. Therefore, the prime objective of the study is to understand this unique human-plant relationship in the valley and to create scientific roots for the selection and practice of herbs in the ethnobotanical domain of the district. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with the locals. The data collected were used for calculating some important indices, i.e. relative frequency of citation (RFC), participant agreement ratio (PAR), frequency of citation (FC), Smi...

Jumonji (JMJ) genes play major roles in the modulation of chromatin at certain stages of plant development such as flowering, development of androecium and gynoecium, circadian regulation, and brassinosteroid signalling. However, the information on this gene family in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) is limited. In this study, 19 PbrJMJ genes were identified and divided into five groups. Their gene structures and conserved domains shared a resemblance within the same groups. 18 PbrJMJ genes were presented on 8 of the 17 chromosomes in the pear. In the expansion of the PbrJMJ genes family, the whole-genome duplication event played a critical role, and the evolution of the PbrJMJ family was mainly affected by purification selection pressure. Gene expression analysis revealed that PbrJMJ genes were distributed in various tissues of P. bretschneideri. PbrJMJ14 and PbrJMJ29 were highly expressed in the pollen. Inhibition of PbrJMJ14 and PbrJMJ29 expression resulted in reduced pollen tube length, suggesting that they play a role in regulating pollen tube growth. In summary, these results provide evolutionary insight into PbrJMJ genes and lay a foundation for further analysis of their functions.

The prime objective of the research was to list the important ethnomedicinal plants of Nawagai village, District Buner. During the survey, 44 plant species from 27 families were observed and collected from the targeted area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Lamiaceae members were the most dominant (54%) followed by members of Asteraceae (30%), Poaceae (18%) and Solanaceae (12%). Relevant information such as field data, GPS coordinates family names, local names, therapeutic uses and plant habits were recorded for each species. For preservation purposes, specimens were mounted on herbarium sheets, and identified with the help of flora of Pakistan, flora of Australia and other relevant floristic records. During this research work all the collected specimens were preserved in the (BG&H, UOM) Botanical Garden and Herbarium, the data were also provided to the Department of Botany, University of Malakand Dir (Lower), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Pure Appl. Biol., 9(1): 91-95, March, 2020 http://dx.. Integrated scoring of salinity stress on agro-morphometric and seed storage proteins of barley landraces. Pure and Applied Biology. Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp91-. http://dx. Abstract Abiotic stress factors, especially high temperatures and salinity, represent the major constraints limiting agricultural production. In present investigation barley forty selected lines was treated in pods at three salt concentrations (25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl) and one control line. In present investigation the maximum salinity affect the yield, spike and total biomass of the plant. For the genetic diversity among barley lines two method were applied morphological evaluation under IPGRI 1994 descriptor and protein profiling, a significant genetic variation index were occur in qualitative traits on the basis of frequency distribution. As result two clusters was obtained at linkage distance 25. Cluster-1 contains 39 lines while cluster-2 contains only 1 line. In protein profiling a total of 12 bands were observed in which 10 bands were polymorphic and two bands 1 and 9 were monomorphic. the genetic diversity on band 1 is 0.65%, band 2 (0.58%), band 3 and 4 (0.45%), band 5 (0.50), band 6 (0.55), band 7 (0.60), band 8 (0.28), band 9 (0.68), band 10 (0.75), band 11 (0.70), band 12 (0.65), these bands were further divided into three zone on the basis of molecular weight. Zone one contain four bands (band 12, 11, 10, 9), zone two contain four (band 8, 7, 6, 5), zone three also contain four bands (band 4, 3, 2, 1). Band 5 dominantly present in zone two bands 10 is dominantly present in zone one which show significant genetic diversity among barley genotypes, a dendrogram tree were also construct for protein bands. As result three clusters were obtained at linkage distance 25. Cluster-1 contains 16 genotypes cluster-2 contains only 14 genotype and cluster-3 contains 10 genotypes out up 40.

A total of 60 genotypes of Brassica campestris (L) germplasm were acquired from National Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad, Pakistan for the evaluation of genetic diversity using the morphological characters and SDS-PAGE analysis. These genotypes were grown-up in Plant Garden Department of plant sciences, University of Malakand, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For the assessment of genetic diversity total of 18 morphological traits were scored and their phylogenetic relationship were plot through cluster diagram. For the estimation of genetic diversity, we used the most influential technique SDS PAGE. We observed six loci (bands) from the collected genotypes; locus-1 (band-1) contained 100% bands of protein and obvious as monomorphic locus while loci i.e. 2,3,4,5 and 6 showed 28%, 42%, 36%, 56% and 25%, respectively variation and were polymorphic. The inter species locus influence toward genetic assortment (LCTGA) was 83.33% in the attained genotypes. Profiling through SDS PAGE based on two-way cluster plotting resolved effectively the collected genotype into 4 cluster. We consider that this work provides a baseline for the understanding genetic diversity in the common crops used in Pakistan and warrants further investigation in this newly evolving field of study.

Glutenin, is consider the major storage proteins in the family of Poaceace which is also consider the main
contents in wheat cereal of this family, to commercialize the ancient domesticated cereal like barley in the race of
industrial crop and determining the uses of barley flour quality and resemblance of barley elite lines elasticity
and dough quality, experimental assay was designed in the Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology Department of
Botany, university of Malakand on 100 elite lines of the barley.to detect High Molecular weight Glutenin protein
extracted from the Barley seeds on the basis of Molecular weight, the Glu loci in barley 100 lines which score
from the gel of polyacrylamide classify into nine different size (120, 105, 90, 80, 65, 45, 30, 20 and 10 KD) bands
which further was classified into five different groups on the basis of variability present in selected barley lines
and also in their Molecular weight; absence/presence and intensity of bands were observed. Largest group was
observed is group 1 have 41% of elite lines in which 120, 105, 90, 80 and 65 KD molecular weight bands were
recorded present. And some of the lines were found unknown which are not related any of these five group
respectively, which clearly determine the novel allelic subunit and also show variation from the gene pool in
these lines, further evaluation of these lines are needed to track these loci in this cash crop.

The present work was done in organize to estimate the genetic diversity among the Ziziphus jujube genotype.
Genetic variation is considered as a basic feature to plants breeding and makes it viable to choose plants with
appropriate traits. The methods to study genetic variation are morphological traits and SDS-PAGE. For this
purpose, seeds of 100 genotype were collected. Data were recorded of 16 morphological traits in which qualitative
are, Frequency, Irrigation, Plant population density, Tree vigorous intermediate (18%), large (71%) and small
(11%), Leaf shape, Leaf margin, Leaf colour genotype red (6%), light brown (16%), brown(36%), dark
brown(14%) and yellowish (28%), Shoot pubescence, Shoot colour, Seed shape, Shell texture was 99% and soft
shell texture are 1%, Shell colour, Shell strength and the remaining traits were show no variation. And
quantitative traits are Leaf length (21-52mm), Leaf width (10-29mm), Seed length (14-32mm), Seed width (1-9),
Petiole length (2-7mm), 100 Seeds weight (40-250g), and number of branches. In quantitative maximum
variation was found for all traits in genotype. SDS-PAGE analyses of seed storage were Which gives significant
result, in total 14 bands were observed, the entire band loci are all were polymorphic, the utmost level of variation
was found in B18 (0.85%) followed by B1 (0.96%) and B2 (0.94%), B4 (0.85%), B6 (0.75%) and B7 (0.73%).
Similarly B12 (0.2%) revealed low level B5 (0.8%), B3 (0.9%), B14 (31%), B13 (0.34%), B11 (0.41%), B9 (0.55%),
B8 (0.65%). All the traits show significant variation, for future use in selection of plant.

The present panel of work was conducted to investigate intra-specific genetic variability among Snake bean
landraces. Genetic variation is considered as a basic feature to plants breeding and makes it viable to choose
plants with appropriate traits. The methods to study genetic variation are morphological traits and SDS-PAGE.
For this purpose, seeds of 40 landraces were collected. The morphometric parameters include both qualitative
and quantitative traits. In 4 qualitative parameters significant level of variation was observed in seed shape,
seed color and pod pigmentation except legume colour. For 11 quantitative traits descriptive statistics analysis
done in which 100 seed weight show maximum coefficient of variance CV (0.37%) followed by pod length
(0.32%), While minimum coefficient of variance showed by internode length (0.10%) followed by plant height
0.16% and seed length (0.18%). In comparative correlation, the plant height show highly positive correlation
with plant biomass (.705**), seed per pod (.464**) and pod length (.362*), while highly negative correlation
obtained with leaf length (-.335*).The protein profile of 40 snake bean landraces tested through SDS-PAGE
shown 15 reproducible bands. High level of variation was observed in band B14 (0.93%), followed by B11
(0.80%), B15 (0.78%) B12 (0.75%), B13 (0.75%), B1 (0.65%), B5 (0.50%) and B8 (0.50%). Similarly low level of
variation was noted in B3 (0.15%) followed by B4 (0.33%), B10 (0.38%), B6 (0.40%), B2 (0.45%), B7 (0.48%)
and B9 (0.50%). The entire bands show polymorphism. All the traits show outmost level of divergence which is
advantageous for further improvement of best variety.

The experiment was conducted to study the phylogenetic relationship among four cultivated
Vigna species, including Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo, Vigna aconitifolia and Vigna unguiculata, using
the germplasm from National Genebank of Pakistan. Seed of 15 accessions of each species was taken
from Genebank of Plant Genetic Resources Institute, NARC, Islamabad, and these 60 accessions were
planted in the NARC field, using augmented design. Data was recorded for eight morphological
characters, including branching pattern, calyx color, corolla color, flowering period, leaf senescence,
petiole color, petiole length and twining tendency. Cluster analysis was conducted, using software
Statistica through Ward’s method. The seed of all 60 accessions was subjected to SDS-PAGE analysis.
Cluster analysis of seed storage proteins was conducted using Unweighted Pair-group Average method.
Cluster analysis for morphological characters divided the accessions into four clusters of different
species. In case of seed storage proteins, 13 clusters were observed, five of which included accessions of
different species. It was found by cluster analysis for morphological characters that Vigna radiata and
Vigna mungo are in same major cluster at linkage and they are related to Vigna unguiculata at greater
linkage distance. Phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of morphological characters indicates genetic
relationship among cultivated Vigna species. Seed storage protein analysis gives an estimate of diversity
in protein profile and the possible genetic relationship.

Background: This study contributes to the current ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Swat Valley, Pakistan. District
Swat possesses remarkable biodiversity owing to its varied topographical and climatic conditions, prompting a
distinct human-plant association. Our hypothesis is that the presence of such a great biodiversity has shaped into a
formal ethnobotanical culture in the area transmitted through generations. We suspect that the versatility of some
plant species has greater influence on the culture. Therefore, the prime objective of the study is to understand this
unique human-plant relationship in the valley and to create scientific roots for the selection and practice of herbs
in the ethnobotanical domain of the district.
Methods: Primary data were collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with the locals. The data
collected were used for calculating some important indices, i.e. relative frequency of citation (RFC), participant
agreement ratio (PAR), frequency of citation (FC), Smith’s Salience Index (SI), Relative Importance Index (RII), Cultural
Value Index (CVI) and a newly proposed, Ali’s Conservation Priority Index (CPI). Index scores were used as key
identifier of the ethnobotanically important plants of the area.
Results: Residents of the Swat Valley have listed plant uses in 15 use categories. Around 9% of the respondents
have a common consensus on the selection and use of plants for the treatment of evil eye with similar results for
body cuts (8.2%) followed by psychological/neural ailments (8.0%). Respondents agree that Berberis lyceum Royle.
dominates in all five indices. Skimmia laureola Franch. also constitutes one of the central plants of the
ethnobotanical domain, ranking second in the SI, fifth in the RII, seventh in CVI, and third in the Cultural Importance
Index. It holds the thirty-fifth position in the CPI. Over 80% of the population treat different diseases with herbal
remedies. In the common ethnobotanical domain of the area, plants like Mentha longifolia L., Berberis lyceum, and
Skimmia laureola are very important and have high salience and importance values, thus suggesting these plants
are versatile for their uses in the study area.
Conclusion: In conclusion, only some plant species are prioritised for their use in the ethnobotanical domain of the
community. Medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) usage is widespread in the Swat Valley. The ethnobotanical
knowledge could be used as a tool to understand the adaptability of a specific taxon in the area and the possible
conservation risk to their existence.

Intra-specific genetic variation was studied in 28 genotypes of Cleome viscosa L. growing in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was found that genotypes showed the utmost allelic variation for leaf upper and lower surface with emerald green (75%), and yellow green (75%) respectively, other leaves lower and upper surfaces were (25%) green and yellow green (26%) respectively. The majority of C. viscosa genotypes were (50%) yellow flowers while others were with (29%) white yellow colour and (21%) dull yellow. Most of the seeds were with black (46%). The protein profiling was carried out on 12% gel electrophoresis; seven reproducible bands with molecular weight ranges from 180 to 10 KDa were detected in C. viscosa, the locus contribution toward genetic disagreement (LCTGD) of C. viscosa was 57%. Notably, L-3, L-4 L-5, was monomorphic in C. viscosa and was treated as species specific. L-1, L-2, L-7 were polymorphic. These bands showed 79%, 4%, 14% and 79% variation respectively. In the current investigation the intra-specific variation was observed limited and alone SDS-PAGE did not determine the high level of intra-specific variation; however, diverse germplasm were suggested to be acquired from various sources.

Pollen grains of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Possess antioxidant and antibacterial potential. To test this hypothesis, pollen dust was collected from the P. roxburghii trees of the University of Malakand, Dir Lower Campus and its methanolic crude extracts at various concentrations (i.e. 1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.50 μg/mL) were prepared and tested for antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS methods. The possible antimicrobial potential of the pollens was also tested using Ager Disc Diffusion method against seven different pathogenic bacterial strains i.e. pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results obtained for antioxidant activity show that in the free radical scavenging activity the DPPH value for 1000μg/mL was the highest with the value of 81.70±0.74, While the ABTS value was 78.30±0.15 for the same concentration. The IC50 values of the pollen extract of the ABTS was 23.46 µg/mL while the DPPH was 15.98µg/mL. The most sensitive bacteria recorded in the antimicrobial activity for the concentration of 100µg/mL of the pollen extract was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.666± 0.71) using the mean± standard deviation value as a measure followed by Bacillus cereus(5.666± 4.24), Escherichia coli (5.333± 0.71) and Staphylococcus aurous (4.333± 0.71). The ANOVA results obtained for the 50µg/mL of methanolic pollen extract in comparison with the controlled 50mg/mL of antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin),show a significant difference between their action of inhibition with the calculated P value being much smaller (i.e. 0.00) than the alpha level of 0.5. We conclude by reporting it for the first time that P. roxburghii pollens have antioxidant and antibacterial potential and can possibly be exploited as a food and medicine source.

The present study was conducted during 2011, nine (dicots plant species belonging to eight families were collected from Karak district. The plants were studied morphologically, as well as anatomically. The family Asteraceae was dominant followed by the Mimosaceae and Sapindaceae. Similarly, the plant Acacia nilotica (Mimosaceae) was dominant followed by Dodonaea viscose (Sapindaceae).The plants were found to be well adapted to the environment of district Karak. The morphological adaptations were observed by dense hair, powder and cuticle layers on leaves and stem. The leaves were found to be leathery, needle like and elongated shapes. Sometimes, the leaves were found to be modified into thorns and spines. Similarly, thick and short rhizome, compact epidermis, wide cortex and many water storing tissues were observed during the study. The xerophytes of district Karak were found to be well adapted in the extreme environmental factors of temperature, humidity, rainfall ratio, soil and wind velocity etc.