Pakistan is one of the largest citrus producer and leading exporter of Kinnow in world. Average production of this vital fruit comparatively lower than potential and in result, minor contributions comes to national economy and livelihoods of the growers. Present study was designed to analyze factors impeding citrus supply chain in Toba Tek Singh District of the Punjab province. Through multistage sampling technique 120 citrus growers were selected. Data were collected through face to face interview technique with the help of structured, validated, reliable and pre-tested questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings unveiled that black marketing of fertilizers, shortage of labor; lack of technical knowledge and shortage of finance were major factors impeding production of citrus crop. Monopoly of middle-man; late payments by the dealers; lack of storage facilities; high storage cost and less price of citrus set by the government were leading barriers of marketing. Study recommended that development of effective marketing system, subsidies on inputs and initiation of direct marketing for small farmers in particular. Study further urges development of affordable machinery for growers to encounter labor shortage problems.
The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a polyphagous insect pest is a major threat to a wide range of crops worldwide. Aiming to evaluate the life history traits of M. persicae, feeding on different host plants, we used five vegetables: cabbage, Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae); chinese cabbage, B. rapa (Brassicaceae); chili pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae); crown daisy, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae); and eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae). TWOSEX-MSchart software was used for the statistical analysis about the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The highest fecundity (69.65 individuals) rate of M. persicae, intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.425 d−1), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.531 d−1), net reproductive rate (R0 = 69.65 offspring), and shortest mean generation time (T = 9.964 d) were recorded on the chili pepper plant. Whereas, lower fitness occurred on cabbage. The findings attained from population growth parameters indicate that chili pepper is the most susceptible plant, while cabbage is resistant to aphids. Population projection results also supported this statement, as the final total population size on cabbage was significantly lower than other plants. The reported information would be useful for devising integrated pest management programs, particularly those involving M. persicae. This information also suggests the adaptability of M. persicae causing economic damage to these vegetable cultivars.
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