Annals of Agriculture and Life Sciences Journal (AALSJ)

Pathological Threats to Vegetable Production in Pakistan: An Entomological and Fungal Perspective

Ahmad Ali Sanjani — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 17:56:35 +0000

Abstract

Vegetable production in Pakistan faces growing threats from fungal pathogens and insect-borne viral diseases, both of which are intensifying under conditions of climatic variability. This study integrates plant pathology and entomology to analyze the eco-pathological dynamics of major vegetable crops, including potato, tomato, onion, chili, and cucurbits. Using a simulated survey of 200 farms across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, the study assessed disease incidence and severity, insect vector abundance, virus prevalence, climatic drivers, and farm-level management practices. Results indicate that potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and tomato Fusarium wilt were most severe in the northern and central provinces, while onion downy mildew (Peronospora destructor) and chili anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsici) were most prominent in Sindh. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), aphids (Aphis gossypii), and thrips (Thrips tabaci) were strongly correlated with viral disease outbreaks, particularly tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Statistical models confirmed that rainfall and humidity drive fungal epidemics, while rising temperatures increase vector densities and viral transmission. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that climate influences yield losses indirectly through pathogen severity and vector activity. Resistant varieties and higher adoption of Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) significantly reduced outbreak risks, although emerging resistance to fungicides and insecticides was observed. The findings emphasize that Pakistan’s vegetable sector is highly vulnerable to climate-mediated pathological threats, but resilience can be enhanced through resistant varieties, IPDM adoption, early warning systems, and improved farmer training. Addressing these challenges is critical for safeguarding food security, farm incomes, and agricultural sustainability in Pakistan.

Enhancing Agricultural Extension Through Digital Tools: Evidence from Quantitative Analysis in Pakistan

Ahsan Hassan Khan — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:01:30 +0000

Agricultural extension services are vital for improving farmers’ knowledge and promoting the adoption of improved practices. Digital tools, including mobile applications, SMS alerts, and social media, have emerged as innovative channels for knowledge dissemination. This study investigates the impact of digital tools on knowledge transfer and adoption of agricultural practices among farmers in Pakistan. A quantitative survey was conducted with 400 farmers using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires measured digital tool usage, knowledge transfer, and adoption behavior. Regression and mediation analyses indicated that digital tool usage significantly enhances knowledge transfer (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), which partially mediates the relationship with adoption of practices (indirect effect = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22–0.38). Education was found to strengthen the effect of digital tools on knowledge transfer, while age had no significant moderating effect. These findings suggest that integrating digital tools into agricultural extension programs can improve farmers’ engagement and adoption of recommended practices. Policy implications include promoting digital literacy, developing localized content, and complementing digital initiatives with traditional extension services.

The Role of Digital and Precision Agronomy in Enhancing Crop Productivity in Resource-Constrained Settings

Akmal Rasool — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:05:05 +0000

Agricultural extension services are central to improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. In recent years, digital tools have emerged as innovative platforms for extension, offering opportunities to overcome barriers of distance, cost, and timeliness. This study investigates the impact of digital tools on knowledge transfer and adoption of agricultural practices among farmers in Pakistan. A quantitative survey of 400 farmers was conducted using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires measured digital tool usage, knowledge transfer, and adoption behavior. Regression and mediation analyses revealed that digital tool usage significantly enhances knowledge transfer (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), which partially mediates the relationship with adoption of practices (indirect effect = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22–0.38). Education was found to strengthen the effect of digital tools on knowledge transfer, while age did not show significant moderation. The study concludes that integrating digital tools into agricultural extension services can substantially improve knowledge dissemination and adoption of improved practices. Policy recommendations include promoting digital literacy, tailoring extension content to local contexts, and leveraging public-private partnerships to scale digital advisory platforms.

Entomological Perspectives on Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate Change and Mosquito Dynamics in Pakistan

Irshad Haqqani, Rehmat Khan — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:07:55 +0000

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) represent a growing global health concern, and Pakistan is particularly vulnerable due to its climatic variability, rapid urbanization, and weak public health infrastructure. This paper investigates the entomological dimensions of mosquito-borne diseases in Pakistan, with emphasis on the interaction between climate change and vector ecology. Using an eco-epidemiological framework and the vectorial capacity model, the study integrates entomological survey data, climatic records, and disease incidence reports. Simulated results reveal that Aedes aegypti larval indices in Punjab and Sindh consistently exceed WHO epidemic thresholds, while adult densities peak during the monsoon season, correlating strongly with rainfall and temperatures between 28–30°C. Vectorial capacity analysis shows that transmission potential for dengue quadruples under optimal climatic conditions. Regression models further confirm that temperature and rainfall are significant predictors of larval abundance, while malaria transmission remains more closely associated with rainfall and irrigation practices, especially in Sindh and Balochistan. Spatial hotspot mapping highlights dengue concentration in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, whereas malaria persists in rural and irrigation-dense regions. These findings confirm that climate change is intensifying mosquito dynamics and disease transmission cycles in Pakistan. The study concludes that climate-resilient entomological surveillance, integrated vector management, and improved urban sanitation are critical to mitigating the public health risks of vector-borne diseases under changing climatic conditions.

Sustainable Irrigation Practices and the Water–Food–Energy Nexus in Pakistan

Shakeel Jan , Arabi Ihsan — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Water scarcity, inefficient irrigation, and rising energy demands threaten Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and long-term food security. Agriculture consumes more than 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater resources, with traditional flood irrigation systems leading to massive wastage, soil salinisation, and declining groundwater levels (Qureshi, 2020). This paper examines sustainable irrigation practices through the lens of the water–food–energy (WFE) nexus, analysing how interventions such as drip irrigation, laser land levelling, and conjunctive water management can improve agricultural resilience while reducing energy costs. A review of recent studies highlights structural challenges including weak governance, fragmented institutions, and limited farmer awareness, which hinder adoption of efficient technologies (Mukherji & Shah, 2022). Findings suggest that integrating sustainable irrigation into national water policy, incentivising renewable energy use in agriculture, and strengthening farmer education programs are critical for addressing Pakistan’s looming water–food–energy crisis.

Keywords: irrigation, water–food–energy nexus, Pakistan, sustainable agriculture, water management, food security