Nickel Toxicity Interferes with NO3−/NH4+ Uptake and Nitrogen Metabolic Enzyme Activity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The excessive use of nickel (Ni) in manufacturing and various industries has made Ni a serious pollutant in the past few decades. As a micronutrient, Ni is crucial for plant growth at low concentrations, but at higher concentrations, it can hamper growth. We evaluated the effects of Ni concentrations on nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activity in rice seedlings grown in hydroponic systems, using different Ni concentrations. A Ni concentration of 200 µM significantly decreased the NO3− concentration in rice leaves, as well as the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthetase (GOGAT), respectively, when compared to the control. By contrast, the NH4 + concentration and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity both increased markedly by 48% and 46%, respectively, compared with the control. Furthermore, the activity of most active aminotransferases, including glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), was inhibited by 48% and 36%, respectively, in comparison with the control. The results indicate that Ni toxicity causes the enzymes involved in N assimilation to desynchronize, ultimately negatively impacting the overall plant growth.This research was supported in part by National Key Research and Development Program (2018YFC1800305), Guangxi Major Special Project of Science and Technique (AA17202026-3), Hubei Special Project for Technique Innovation (2017ABA154), and Qatar University’s Vegetable Factory Project (QUEX–CAS–MJF–VF–18/19

Role of Nanotechnology in Precision Agriculture

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary study field that attempts to boost agricultural output through substantial nanotechnology. This study has been conducted because of the reckless use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers brought on by the green revolution, which has diminished soil biodiversity and increased disease and insect resistance. Only nanoparticles or nano chips can produce sophisticated biosensors for precision farming and deliver ingredients to plants in a nanoparticle-mediated manner. The precise distribution of nutrients and agrochemicals to plants is made possible by nano-encapsulated versions of conventional fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Nanotechnology-based tests for detecting plant viral diseases are also gaining popularity and are useful for making a rapid and accurate diagnosis of viral disorders. The advantages and future uses of nanotechnology in precision agriculture are covered in this article. Modern technologies and methods based on nanotechnology can solve many issues in traditional agriculture and could revolutionize this industry

Sensing Techniques in Precision Agriculture for Pest and Disease Management

Precision agriculture (PA) is a cutting-edge, comprehensive, and globally recognized method. PA entails the application of agronomic ideas and modern technologies to improve sustainability, agricultural output, and environmental quality. This article is mostly concerned with sensing techniques. Remote sensing is a useful technique in PA for spotting, predicting, and predetermining the levels of infestations, and for controlling pests and diseases on a variety of fruits and crops. Sensors also transform traditional farming methods into precision farming methods, which helps to cut back on unnecessary input costs and raises agricultural productivity. By using these techniques, the application of pesticides can be quickly and locally administered

Prevalence of Adverse Reactions to Different COVID-19 Vaccinations among Karachi Residents

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Karachi and rapidly spread throughout Pakistan Since February 26, 2020. &#x0D; Objectives: Vaccination is currently one of the most effective COVID-19 eradication approach. The purpose of this study was to gather data on the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.&#x0D; Methodology: It was an observational study that was carried out between the 11th and 23rd of April 2021, and the participants were Karachi residents. We looked at the proportion of self-reported local and systemic adverse effects within seven days of immunization in people who filled out Google forms and received one or two doses of the vaccine.&#x0D; Results: The vaccination ratio for male was slight higher than females. Participants aged between 51 to 60 years and 41 to 50 years had higher number of vaccinations. Sinopharm is by far the most widely used vaccine. After the first dose of vaccination, the majority of participants complained of fever, chills, muscle pain, and arm pain, whereas after the second dose, the majority of participants had no symptoms, with a few participants complaining of fever, chills, diarrhea, and muscle pain.&#x0D; Conclusion: The first and second doses' post-vaccination adverse effects were mild and predictable, and there were no hospitalizations; this data can help lessen vaccine hesitancy.</jats:p

Remote Sensing in Precision Agriculture for Irrigation Management

The ever-increasing world&rsquo;s population, the consequent heavy demand for food supply, and the lack of rain-fed agriculture to meet such demands have increased the role of irrigation in agricultural production. Water management in the irrigation system is the biggest problem, particularly in regions where the effects of climate change are noticeable. The amount and timing of the crop&rsquo;s water requirements are under debate. Information about crops, weather, and/or soil is needed for this purpose. Unfortunately, getting such information is difficult, especially when working with enormous tracts of property. Scientists have been working to find the answers to these issues for many years. The use of remote sensing to gather the necessary data is one area that has attracted interest. The advantage of remote sensing is that data collection over vast distances becomes simple and efficient. For the purpose of enhancing sustainability, crop yield, and environmental quality, precision agriculture involves the use of agronomic concepts and innovative technology to control the geographical and temporal variance related to every aspect of agricultural output. Crop water status is monitored in agricultural areas using a variety of remote sensing techniques. It mainly includes remote sensing, crop monitoring in terms of water management, the use of drones, and modern irrigation techniques for the purpose of saving water and increasing water use efficiency in crops. This review is focused on remote sensing technologies for precision irrigation used to calculate evapotranspiration, infrared thermography, crop water status, and crop attributes. The framework for achieving this goal has included precision agriculture as a valuable element. By using these techniques, we can overcome the problem of water shortage, which is crucial for agriculture