Prof. Dr. Maqshoof Ahmad

4. Anjum, Muhammad Munir and Akhtar, Muhammad Fakhar U Zaman and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Iqbal, Zafar and Ismail, Ahmed Mahmoud and Elganainy, Sherif Mohamed and El-Beltagi, Hossam S. and Darrag, Hossam M. and Hadid, Maha Loutfi. 2025. “Integrated application of enriched compost and chemical fertilizers improves soil fertility, zinc biofortification, and cucumber productivity.” HARD Publishing Company 0. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/211157

5. Iqbal, Zafar and Hussain, Azhar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Dar, Abubakar and Jamil, Moazzam and Zulfiqar, Usman and El-Beltagi, Hossam S. and Saleh, Muneera A. and Vara Prasad, P.V. and Djalovic, Ivica. 2025. “Enhancing maize grain nutritional quality through combined application of Zn-enriched compost and rhizobacteria under natural arid conditions.” Elsevier BV 126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2025.104309

6. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Naseer, Iqra and Nazli, Farheen and Dar, Abubakar and Sarfraz, Rubab and Zulfiqar, Usman and El-Beltagi, Hossam S. and Saleh, Muneera A. and Rebouh, Nazih Y. and Rasulov, Xasanboy and Prasad, PV Vara. 2025. “Exploring the potential of zinc-solubilizing Bacillus strains to enhance rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity in nutrient-deficit soils.” Frontiers Media SA 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1626216

7. Iqbal, Zafar and Imran, Ayesha and Nazli, Farheen and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Dar, Abubakar and Hussain, Azhar and Zulfiqar, Usman and Saeed, Maryam and Mustafa, Abd El-Zaher M. A. and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2025. “Bio-Organic Fertilization Improves Soil and Plant Resilience Under NaCl Stress.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-03105-6

8. Luqman, Muhammad and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Dar, Abubakar and Hussain, Azhar and Zulfiqar, Usman and Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Mustafa, Adnan and Mustafa, Abd El-Zaher M. A. and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2025. “PGPR and nutrient consortia promoted cotton growth, antioxidant enzymes, and mineral uptake by suppressing sooty mold in arid climate.” Frontiers Media SA 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1551465

9. Hamza, Muhammad and Akhtar, Muhammad Fakhar-u-Zaman and Nazli, Farheen and Aziz, Humera and Rizwan, Muhammad and Hussain, Azhar and Ahmad, Maqshoof. 2025. “Effect of Compost and Lead Tolerant Bacillus sp. Strain N18 on Growth and Pb Uptake in Tomato Plants.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-02898-w

10. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Li, Lingling and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Saqib, Muhammad and Ali, Hayssam M. and Liu, Chang and Mustafa, Adnan. 2025. “Enhancing cereal crop productivity: soil fertility management in arid and semiarid regions.” Elsevier 0. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-23956-4.00020-X

11. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Maqbool, Hira and Li, Lingling and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Raza, Muhammad Ali and Saqib, Muhammad and Alsakkaf, Waleed A.A. and Ali, Hayssam M. 2025. “Zinc oxide biotransformation by mineral-dissolving rhizobacteria stimulated plant growth.” Elsevier BV 224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.120000

12. Dar, Abubakar and Farooq, Umar and Jaffar, Muhammad Tauseef and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Ullah, Muhammad Fasih and Zulfiqar, Usman and El-Beltagi, Hossam S. and Alqahtani, Mashael Daghash and Makhammadiev, Samad and Ubaydullayev, Farkhod and Rebouh, Nazih Y. a. 2025. “Integrating Pseudomonas consortia with plant-based allelopathic extracts to suppress Phalaris minor in wheat.” Informa UK Limited 72. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2025.2596441

13. Rehman, Sana ur and Tu, Qihong and El?Beltagi, Hossam S. and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Yang, Haishui and Khan, Atta ur Rehman and Amer, Mahmoud Ahmed and Shakeel, Muhammad Taimoor and Ishaq, Muhammad and Irfan, Muhammad and Manzoor, Rabia and. 2025. “Climate?Smart Tillage and Residue Return Enhance Carbon Sequestration and Yield in Cereal–Legume Intercropping Systems.” Wiley 189. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.70043

14. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Mustafa, Adnan. 2025. “Editorial: Mineral solubilizing microorganisms (MSM) and their applications in nutrient bioavailability.” Frontiers Media SA 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1662759

15. Al Farraj, Dunia A. and Nazli, Farheen and Hamza, Muhammad and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Dar, Abubakar and Hussain, Azhar and Adilov, Maxsud and Yunusov, Salohiddinjon and Saeed, Maryam and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2025. “Integrating rice straw biochar with malic acid and exopolysaccharides-producing Bacillus cereus NM28 enhances chromium stress tolerance in tomato.” Informa UK Limited 28. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2025.2544768

16. Ghazanfar, Sammia and Hussain, Azhar and Dar, Abubakar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Anwar, Hammad and Al Farraj, Dunia A. and Rizwan, Muhammad and Iqbal, Rashid. 2024. “Prospects of iron solubilizing Bacillus species for improving growth and iron in maize (Zea mays L.) under axenic conditions.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77831-7

17. Murad, Sadia and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Ali, Sajjad and Al-Ansari, Nadhir and Mattar, Mohamed A. 2024. “Efficacy of DAP coated with bacterial strains and their metabolites for soil phosphorus availability and maize growth.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61817-6

18. Malik, Natasha and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Malik, Zaffar and Hussain, Azhar and Waseem, Muhammad and Ali, Ahmad and Rizwan, Muhammad. 2024. “Isolation and characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria and their effects on germination.” Elsevier BV 214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108955

19. Pataczek, Lisa and Armas, Juan Carlos Barroso and Petsch, Theresa and Hilger, Thomas and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Schafleitner, Roland and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Cadisch, Georg. 2024. “Single-Strain Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and Rhizobium phaseoli Affects Nitrogen Acquisition of an Improved Mungbean Cultivar.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02001-7

20. Aimen, A, A. Hussain, M. Ahmad, A. Dar, M. Jamil, R. Iqbal, D.A. Al Farraj and M.R.A. Gawwad. 2024. “Enhancing sunflower resilience: Zinc-solubilizing bacteria mitigate cadmium uptake and translocation.” University of the Aegean 26. https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005820

21. Azhar Hussain (azharhaseen@gmail.com); Rashid Iqbal (rashid.iqbal@iub.edu.pk) Co-authors: Mahmood K. Hussain A. Ahmad M. Dar A. Akhtar M.F.Z. Iqbal R. Alsakkaf W. Alkahtani J. AbdelGawwad M.R. 2024. “Optimizing Drought Resilience in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Through Synergistic Actions of Drought-Tolerant Rhizobacterial Strains and Brassinosteroids Hormone Application: A Jar Trial Study.” Global NEST Journal 26. https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005730

22. Ishrat Fatima1 , Maqshoof Ahmad1,*, Azhar Hussain1 , Abed Alataway2 , Ahmed Z. Dewidar2,3 and Mohamed A. Mattar2,3,4. 2024. “Enhancing Chickpea Growth through Drought-Tolerant Bacterial Strains Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Aerva javanica.” Pak. J. Agri. Sci. 61. DOI:10.21162/PAKJAS/24.264

23. Baloch, Sadia Babar and Ali, Shahzaib and Bernas, Jaroslav and Moudrý, Jan and Konvalina, Petr and Mushtaq, Zain and Murindangabo, Yves Theoneste and Onyebuchi, Eze Festus and Baloch, Faryal Babar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Saeed, Qudsia and Mustafa, Adnan. 2024. “Wood ash application for crop production, amelioration of soil acidity and contaminated environments.” Elsevier BV 357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141865

24. Hammad Anwar1, Moazzam Jamil1, Azhar Hussain1*, Abubakar Dar1, Maqshoof Ahmad1, Saleh H. Salmen2, Mohammad Javed Ansari3, Rashid Iqbal4,5*. 2024. “Zinc-coated urea and zinc-solubilizing microbes: synergistic strategies for improving zinc bioavailability in dry region soils.” Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology 1. https://doi.org/10.35495/ajab.2024.091

25. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Etesami, Hassan and Mustafa, Adnan. 2024. “Editorial: Mineral solubilizing microorganisms (MSM) and their applications in nutrient bioavailability.” Frontiers Media SA 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1345161

26. Iqbal, Zafar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Raza, Muhammad Ali and Hilger, Thomas and Rasche, Frank. 2024. “Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacillus sp. Modulate Soil Exoenzyme Activities and Improve Wheat Growth.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-023-02340-5

27. Mahmood, K., A. Hussain, M. Ahmad, A. Dar, M.F.UZ. Akhtar, R. Iqbal, W. Alsakkaf, J. Alkahtani and M.R.A. Gawwad. 2024. “Enhancing drought resilience in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) through synergistic application of drought-tolerant rhizobacteria and brassinosteroids under drought stress.” University of the Aegean 0. https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.005730

28. Murad, Sadia and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Dar, Abubakar and Latif, Muhammad and Iqbal, Rashid and Abdel Gawwad, Mohamed Ragab and Ali, M. Ajmal. 2024. “Comparative efficacy of coated diammonium phosphate formulations for improving crop productivity and nutrient uptake in maize.” HARD Publishing Company 34. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/188001

29. Dar, Abubakar and Habiba, Umme and Jaffar, Muhammad Tauseef and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Farooq, Umar and Nadeem, Sajid Mehmood and Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Zulfiqar, Usman and Mustafa, Abd El-Zaher M.A. and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2024. “Suppression of canary grass (Phalaris minor) with simultaneous use of rhizobacteria and sunflower allelopathy.” Elsevier BV 32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2024.100997

30. Dar, Abubakar and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Jaffar, Muhammad Tauseef and Kremer, Robert Jhon. 2024. “Bacterial allelopathy: An approach for biological control of weeds.” Oxford University Press (OUP) 135. https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxae219

31. Ali, Qasim and Shabaan, Muhammad and Ashraf, Sana and Kamran, Muhammad and Zulfiqar, Usman and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Sarwar, Muhammad Junaid and Iqbal, Rashid and Ali, Baber and Ali, M. Ajmal and Elshikh, Mohamed S. and Arslan, Muhamm. 2023. “Comparative efficacy of different salt tolerant rhizobial inoculants in improving growth and productivity of Vigna radiata L. under salt stress.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44433-8

32. Ahmad, M., A. Khalid, and Z.A. Zahir. 2023. “Phytohormones Microbial Production and Applications.” Biological Approaches to Regenerative Soil Systems 205. 9781003093718

33. Ahmad, Iqra and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Bushra and Hussain, Azhar and Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Najm-ul-Seher and Abbasi, Ghulam Hassan and Nazli, Farheen and Pataczek, Lisa and Ali, Hayssam M. 2023. “Mineral-Solubilizing Bacteria-Mediated Enzymatic Regulation and Nutrient Acquisition Benefit Cotton’s (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Vegetative and Reproductive Growth.” MDPI AG 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040861

34. Saeed, Syeda Wadia Zainab and Naseer, Iqra and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Hilger, Thomas and Shahid, Shumila and Iqbal, Zafar and Ahmad, Maqshoof. 2023. “Bacillus Strains with Catalase Enzyme Improve the Physiology and Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.).” MDPI AG 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses3040050

35. Ali, Qasim and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Kamran, Muhammad and Ashraf, Sana and Shabaan, Muhammad and Babar, Babar Hussain and Zulfiqar, Usman and Haider, Fasih Ullah and Ali, M. Ajmal and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2023. “Synergistic Effects of Rhizobacteria and Salicylic Acid on Maize Salt-Stress Tolerance.” MDPI AG 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132519

36. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Etesami, Hassan and Mustafa, Adnan. 2023. “Editorial: Mineral solubilizing microorganisms (MSM) and their applications in nutrient availability.” Frontiers Media SA 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1101426

37. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Dar, Abubakar and Luqman, Muhammad and Ditta, Allah and Iqbal, Zafar and Ahmad, Hafiz Tanvir and Nazli, Farheen and Soufan, Walid and Almutairi, Khalid and Sabagh, Ayman El. 2023. “Combating iron and zinc malnutrition through mineral biofortification in maize through plant growth promoting Bacillus and Paenibacillus species.” Frontiers Media SA 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1094551

38. Dar, Abubakar and Were, Evans and Hilger, Thomas and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Rasche, Frank. 2023. “Bacterial secondary metabolites: possible mechanism for weed suppression in wheat.” Canadian Science Publishing 69. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2022-0181

39. Shahid, Shumila and Hussain, Azhar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Jamil, Moazzam. 2023. “Efficacy of cadmium tolerant bacteria in combination with jasmonic acid to alleviate cd-toxicity in cauliflower.” Soil Science Society of Pakistan 42. https://doi.org/10.25252/SE/2023/243229

40. Hussnain, Muhammad and Shabaan, Muhammad and Faiza and Ali, Qasim and Ashraf, Sana and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Ghafoor, Umber and Akhtar, Muhammad Javed and Zulfiqar, Usman and Hussain, Sadam and Al-Ashkar, Ibrahim and Elshikh, Mohamed S. 2023. “Microbial phytoremediation of chromium-contaminated soil with biogas slurry for enhancing the performance of Vigna radiata L.” Elsevier BV 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2023.100206

41. Safdar, Hira and Jamil, Moazzam and Hussain, Azhar and Albalawi, Bedur Faleh A. and Ditta, Allah and Dar, Abubakar and Aimen, Ayesha and Ahmad, Hafiz Tanvir and Nazir, Qudsia and Ahmad, Maqshoof. 2022. “The Effect of Different Carrier Materials on the Growth and Yield of Spinach under Pot and Field Experimental Conditions.” MDPI AG 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912255

42. Latif, Muhammad and Bukhari, Syed Asad Hussain and Alrajhi, Abdullah A. and Alotaibi, Fahad S. and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Shahzad, Ahmad Naeem and Dewidar, Ahmed Z. and Mattar, Mohamed A. 2022. “Inducing Drought Tolerance in Wheat through Exopolysaccharide-Producing Rhizobacteria.” MDPI AG 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051140

43. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Mehmood, Khadija and Sheikh, Ahsan Sattar and Malik, Arif and Hussain, Azhar and Nadeem, Sajid Mehmood and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad. 2022. “Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Combating Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Plants.” Springer Nature Singapore 43. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4843-4_2

44. Inamuddin and Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun and Ahamed, Mohd Imran and Altalhi, Tariq. 2022. “Microbial Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Bioremediation.” CRC Press 0. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003188032

45. Hussain, Azhar and Jiang, Wenting and Wang, Xiukang and Shahid, Shumaila and Saba, Noreena and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Dar, Abubakar and Masood, Syed Usama and Imran, Muhammad and Mustafa, Adnan. 2022. “Mechanistic Impact of Zinc Deficiency in Human Development.” Frontiers Media SA 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.717064

46. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zafar-ul-Hye, Muhammad and Saqib, Muhammad and Akhtar, Muhammad Fakhar U Zaman and Zaheer, Muhammad Saqlain. 2022. “Seed-applied zinc-solubilising Bacillus biofertilisers improve antioxidant enzyme activities, crop productivity, and biofortification of maize.” CSIRO Publishing 73. https://doi.org/10.1071/CP21415

47. Iqbal, Zafar and Bushra and Hussain, Azhar and Dar, Abubakar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Wang, Xiukang and Brtnicky, Martin and Mustafa, Adnan. 2022. “Combined Use of Novel Endophytic and Rhizobacterial Strains Upregulates Antioxidant Enzyme Systems and Mineral Accumulation in Wheat.” MDPI AG 12. https:// doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030551

48. Perveen, Rabia and Hussain, Azhar and Ditta, Allah and Dar, Abubakar and Aimen, Ayesha and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Alataway, Abed and Dewidar, Ahmed Z. and Mattar, Mohamed A. 2022. “Growth and Yield of Okra Exposed to a Consortium of Rhizobacteria with Different Organic Carriers under Controlled and Natural Field Conditions.” MDPI AG 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010008

49. Naseem, Saher and Hussain, Azhar and Wang, Xuikang and Iqbal, Zafar and Mustafa, Adnan and Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Manzoor, Amir and Jamil, Moazzam and Ahmad, Maqshoof. 2022. “Exopolysaccharide and Siderophore Production Ability of Zn Solubilizing Bacterial Strains Improve Growth, Physiology and Antioxidant Status of Maize and Wheat.” HARD Publishing Company 31. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/140563

50. Malik, Z., M.A. Bashir, G.H. Abbasi, Bushra, M. Ali, M.W. Akhtar, M. Adil, M. Irfan, F. Sabir and M. Ahmad. 2021. “Sustainable Winter Fodder: Production.” CRC Press 31. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003055365

51. Aurangzaib, Muhammad and Ahmad, Zahoor and Jalil, Muhammad Imran and Nawaz, Fahim and Shaheen, M. Rashid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Hussain, Azhar and Ejaz, Muhammad Kashif and Tabassum, Muhammad Adnan. 2021. “Foliar Spray of Silicon Confers Drought Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Enhancing Morpho-Physiological and Antioxidant Potential.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-021-01271-5

52. Zafar-Ul-Hye, Muhammad and Yaseen, Rizwan and Abid, Muhammad and Abbas, Mazhar and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Rahi, Ashfaq Ahmad and Danish, Subhan. 2021. “Rhizobacteria having ACC-deaminase and biogas slurry can mitigate salinity adverse effects in wheat.” Pakistan Journal of Botany 54. http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2022-1(7)

53. Nazli, F., Najm-ul-Seher, M.Y. Khan, M. Jamil, S.M. Nadeem, and M. Ahmad. 2020. “Soil Microbes and Plant Health.” Springer International Publishing 111. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35955-3_6

54. Iqbal, S., U. Riaz, G. Murtaza, M. Jamil, M. Ahmad, A. Hussain, Z. Abbas. 2020. “Chemical Fertilizers, Formulation, and their Influence on Soil Health.” Springer Nature Switzerland 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48771-3_1

55. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Naseer, Iqra and Hussain, Azhar and Zahid Mumtaz, Muhammad and Mustafa, Adnan and Hilger, Thomas H. and Ahmad Zahir, Zahir and Minggang, Xu. 2019. “Appraising Endophyte–Plant Symbiosis for Improved Growth, Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation and Abiotic Stress Tolerance: An Experimental Investigation with Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).” MDPI AG 9. 10.3390/agronomy9100621

56. Anjum, Shakeel Ahmad and Ullah, Sami and Raza, Muhammad Mohsin and Raza, Mohsin and Abbas, Muhammad and Ahmad, Ijaz and Yousaf, Malik Muhammad and Zeshan, Muhammad and Abbas, Adeel and Noor, Mehmood Ali and Nawaz, Mohsin. 2019. “Exogenous Supply of Boron at Various Growth Stages Improved Wheat Yield.” ResearchersLinks Ltd 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjar/2019/32.3.422.427

57. Naseer, I., M. Ahmad, S.M. Nadeem, I. Ahmad, Najm-ul-Seher, and Z.A. Zahir. 2019. “Rhizobial Inoculants for Sustainable Agriculture: Prospects and Applications.” Springer International Publishing 245. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18933-4_11

58. Ahmad, M., S.M. Nadeem and Z.A. Zahir. 2019. “Plant-Microbiome Interactions in Agroecosystem.” Springer Nature Singapore 251. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8495-0_12.

59. Akhtar, M. F. and Parveen, A. and Hussain, A. and Mumtaz, M. Z. and Kamran, M. and Farooqi, M. A. and Ahmad, M. 2019. “Exploring the potential of four medicinal plants for antioxidant enzymes activity.” Akademiai Kiado Zrt. 61. https://doi.org/10.1556/034.61.2019.3-4.1

60. Zahir, A.A., M. Ahmad and G. Murtaza. 2018. “Land Degradation: Problems and Remedies.” CRC Press 12. 9781351208239

61. Hussain, A., Z.A. Zahir, H.N. Asghar, M. Ahmad, M. Jamil, M. Naveed and M.F.Z. Akhtar. 2018. “Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria for Zinc Biofortification in Cereals: A Step Toward Sustainable Nutritional Security.” Springer Singapore 203. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-0044-8_7

62. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Ahmad, Iqra and Hilger, Thomas H. and Nadeem, Sajid M. and Akhtar, Muhammad F. and Jamil, Moazzam and Hussain, Azhar and Zahir, Zahir A. 2018. “Preliminary study on phosphate solubilizing Bacillus subtilis strain Q3 and Paenibacillus sp. strain Q6 for improving cotton growth under alkaline conditions.” PeerJ 6. 10.7717/peerj.5122

63. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Pataczek, Lisa and Hilger, Thomas H. and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Hussain, Azhar and Rasche, Frank and Schafleitner, Roland and Solberg, Svein Ø. 2018. “Perspectives of Microbial Inoculation for Sustainable Development and Environmental Management.” Frontiers Media SA 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.02992

64. and Ahamd, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Jamil, Moazzam and Nazli, Farheen and Iqbal, Zafar and. 2017. “Field application of ACC-deaminase biotechnology for improving chickpea productivity in Bahawalpur.” Soil Science Society of Pakistan 36. https://doi.org/10.25252/SE/17/31043

65. Ahamd, Maqshoof and Abbasi, Waleed Mumtaz and Jamil, Moazzam and Iqbal, Muhammad and Hussain, Azhar and Akhtar, Muhammad Fakhar-u-Zaman and Nazli, Farheen. 2017. “Comparison of rhizosphere properties as affected by different Bt- and non-Bt-cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes and fertilization.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-5994-3

66. Nadeem, Sajid M and Imran, Muhammad and Naveed, Muhammad and Khan, Muhammad Y and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir A and Crowley, David E. 2017. “Synergistic use of biochar, compost and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for enhancing cucumber growth under water deficit conditions.” Wiley 97. 10.1002/jsfa.8393

67. Malik, Z. M. Ahmad, G.H. Abassi, M. Dawood, A. Hussain and M. Jamil. 2017. 2017. “Agrochemicals and soil microbes: Interaction for soil health.” Springer International Publishing AG 139. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-47744-2_11

68. Mumtaz, Muhammad Zahid and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Jamil, Moazzam and Hussain, Tanveer. 2017. “Zinc solubilizing Bacillus spp. potential candidates for biofortification in maize.” Elsevier BV 202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2017.06.001

69. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Nadeem, Sajid Mahmood and Naveed, Muhammad and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad. 2016. “Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria and Their Application in Agriculture.” Springer India 0. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2776-2_21

70. Ahmad, M. S.M. Nadeem, M. Naveed and Z.A. Zahir. 2016. “Potassium solubilizing bacteria and their application in agriculture.” Springer 293. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2776-2_21

71. Nadeem, S.M., M. Ahmad and Z.A. Zahir and M.A. Kharal. 2016. “Role of phytohormones in stress tolerance of plants. .” Springer International Publishing Switzerland 385. DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-29573-2_17

72. Nadeem, Sajid Mahmood and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Naveed, Muhammad and Imran, Muhammad and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Crowley, David E. 2016. “Relationship between in vitro characterization and comparative efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for improving cucumber salt tolerance.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC 198. 10.1007/s00203-016-1197-5

73. Nadeem, Sajid Mahmood and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir Ahmad and Javaid, Arshad and Ashraf, Muhammad. 2014. “The role of mycorrhizae and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in improving crop productivity under stressful environments.” Elsevier BV 32. 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.12.005

74. Nadeem, S.M., M. Naveed, M. Ahmad and Z.A. Zahir. 2014. “Rhizosphere Bacteria for Crop Production and Improvement of Stress Tolerance: Mechanisms of Action, Applications, and Future Prospects. .” Springer 1. DOI 10.1007/978-81-322-2068-8_1

75. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir A. and Khalid, Muhammad and Nazli, Farheen and Arshad, Muhammad. 2013. “Efficacy of Rhizobium and Pseudomonas strains to improve physiology, ionic balance and quality of mung bean under salt-affected conditions on farmer's fields.” Elsevier BV 63. 10.1016/j.plaphy.2012.11.024

76. Ahmad, Maqshoof and Zahir, Zahir A. and Nazli, Farheen and Akram, Fareeha and Arshad, Muhammad and Khalid, Muhammad. 2013. “Effectiveness of halo-tolerant, auxin producing Pseudomonas and Rhizobium strains to improve osmotic stress tolerance in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.).” FapUNIFESP (SciELO) 44. 10.1590/s1517-83822013000400045

77. Iqbal, Muhammad Asif and Khalid, Muhammad and Shahzad, Sher Muhammad and Ahmad, Maqshoof and Soleman, Nawaf and Akhtar, Naeem. 2012. “Integrated use of Rhizobium leguminosarum, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Enriched Compost for Improving Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.).” SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID) 72. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-58392012000100017

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83. Ahmad, M., A. Hannan, M. Yasin, A. M. Ranjha and A. Niaz. 2009. “Phosphorus application to cotton enhances growth, yield, and quality characteristics on a sandy loam soil.” Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 46. https://api.pakjas.com.pk/downloadPaper/89.pdf

4. Profiling the rhizosphere bacterial community structure and pharmaceutical applications of medicinal plants of Cholistan desert

With: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) (2018-06 - 2021-06)

Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are categorized with degraded soils due to limited availability of water and nutrients. The perennial shrubs in these regions have developed different ecological and physiological adaptations to cope with harsh conditions. Most of these desert shrubs have high medicinal value, and a number of phytotherapeutic compounds are produced by microorganisms associated with their roots. These medicinal plants are an enormous bio-resource for use in modern medicine and agriculture. The plant species vary in the chemical profile of their root exudates, which can induce variability in the microbial community in the rhizosphere. Present research proposal has been planned (i) to investigate the variation in composition, diversity and structure of rhizosphere bacterial community of medicinal plants of Cholistan desert (ii) to identify plant-specific and soil-specific effects on rhizosphere microbial community structure (iii) to determine the influence of soil moisture on rhizosphere microbial community, (iv) to evaluate the pharmaceutical applications of medicinal plants which may contribute to folk pharmacological use in the treatment of different diseases, and (v) to characterize the selected microbial strains for their plant growth promoting attributes under stressful conditions. Ten medicinal plant species of Cholistan will be selected as test specimens. Bacterial communities from the rhizosphere of 10 plants of each species (n = 100 plants total) will be explored. Soil samples (100) will be collected during monsoon (June-August) and dry months (March-May). A composite sample will be prepared by thorough mixing of soil collected from five plants. Samples will be used for determination of soil bacterial structure through terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis and for determination of soil physicochemical properties. The soil samples will also be used for isolation and characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Ten strains from the rhizosphere of each shrub (100 strains total) will be isolated by the dilution plate technique. These strains will be characterized for different plant growth-promoting characteristics under normal and stressful conditions. The selected strains will be identified and stored in the gene bank for further studies to use them as potential biofertilizers under degraded soil conditions. The plant (leaves, stem and roots) samples of selected (10) plant species will be collected. The specimens will be identified according to available record of flora of Pakistan. Plant samples will be used for proximate analyses, antioxidants activity and mineral composition.

5. Influence of salinity levels on physiology, biochemistry and anatomy of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seedlings

With: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) (2018-06 - 2021-06)

Botanically date palm is a major monocot stale fruit of arid and semi-arid regions of Middle East & North Africa. Date palm have almost one hundred cultivars and very little is known about salinity tolerance and mechanism of adaptation. Basic information available on salinity tolerance mechanism is focusing quite few cultivars (generally one to four) that is for specific regions. Increasing salinity level due to shortage of fit water for irrigation causing serious problem for date palm growers of the world in general and specifically for the growers of date palm desert areas of Pakistan. In this study screening of date palm cultivars on the basis of physiological, biochemical and anatomical changes will be carried out as very little information is available. A survey of date palm research institutes and orchards of progressive formers in date palm growing areas will be conducted. Seed samples will be collected from the surveyed areas and will be brought to the laboratory for seed treatment necessary for efficient germination. Different levels of salinity will be developed artificially in sand for pot experiment. Date palm seeds will be sown for germination under various level of salinity. After germination of date palm seedlings physiological analysis will be carried out in the field while anatomical adaptation of plant and biochemical changes will be carried out in laboratory. On completion of this study about salt stress tolerance can yield valuable information on the adaptive mechanisms of these plants and provide resources for improved date palm production in these marginal areas. The objective of current study is to find out the best adapted cultivar under saline conditions and provide a guideline for the date palm growers in Pakistan in order to reduce the mortality rate necessary for sustainable date palm production.

6. Formulation and evaluation of enriched compost with ZnO and zinc-solubilizing bacteria for improving yield and quality of cereals

With: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) (2017-04 - 2020-04)

Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient required for normal growth and functioning of plants. Its supply in adequate amounts is considered indispensable for the growth and development of plants. In plants, it plays a significant role. Zinc is important for the human diet as well. Its deficiency also affects the immune system, normal reproductive system, normal cell growth, and causes skin disorders in humans. It also acts as a cofactor for more than 100 enzymes in humans and provides protection against cancer. Strategies must be employed to increase Zn contents of cereal grains to overcome the Zn deficiency in humans. According to recent reports, more than 70% of Pakistani soils are categorized as zinc deficient. Because Zn is very low in soils, and crops grown on such soils are also Zn deficient. An adequate amount of zinc is considered essential for the growth and development of cereals (Maize, rice and wheat). It is crucial to increase the bioavailability of Zn in cereals. Zinc sulphate is the most commonly used Zn source, which contains 33% Zn. The problem with this, only 4-8% of the total applied zinc is available to plants; all other applied zinc is fixed in the soil. This is an expensive source of zinc, which leads to economic loss for farmers instead of benefit. On the other hand, ZnO is a cheaper source which contains 80% Zn. It would be effective if we enriched compost with ZnO and zinc-solubilizing bacteria. The present project is planned to formulate & evaluate enriched compost with ZnO and zinc-solubilizing bacteria for improving yield and quality of cereals. Organic wastes are available in huge amounts in the form of farm waste, city waste, poultry litter and industrial wastes. Composting provides an excellent way to manage the huge volume of organic waste and convert it into a useful soil amendment. With the use of this product, farmers will be able to get zinc biofortified cereals grain with 50% less expenditure as compared to common products available in the market. This project is focused on organic waste management to improve soil health, nutrient supply, and conserve the environment.

7. Evaluation of novel inoculants of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for biofortification of cereals

With: EFS-University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2017-01 - 2019-01)

More than half of the world’s population is prone to malnutrition, which is one of the most serious global health challenges to mankind. In modern plant breeding programs, scientists have focused more on high agronomic yields rather than improving the nutritional quality of crop plants. The nutritional quality of crops can be enhanced through fortification. Due to high cost and labor involvement in available fortification techniques, there is a need to develop safe, economical and environment friendly alternative strategies to improve the nutritional quality of grains. Biofortification increases the bioavailable concentrations of essential elements in edible portions of crop plants through agronomic intervention, genetic selection or use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have the ability to enhance the uptake and accumulation of nutrients (N, P, Fe, Zn and Cu, etc.) in plants through nutrient solubilization, siderophore production and exopolysaccharide production, in addition to some other growth-promoting attributes; thus, improving the quality of the produce. Biofortification through rhizobacteria has been recognized as an emerging approach to improve Zn and other nutrients concentration in grain crops. Biofortification of crop plants, especially cereals, through application of PGPR can, therefore, be a possible supplementary measure, which, along with breeding for high-yield varieties, can lead to increased micronutrient concentrations in cereals. The use of PGPR for biofortification not only helps us to deal with the problem of malnutrition through increased nutrient concentration in grains but also improves crop yield and soil fertility. The soil microbial population is a strong indicator to evaluate soil fertility status and thus dictates the availability of nutrients to crop plants. Any change in microbial population thus can affect the nutrient uptake by crop plants. The total Zn quantity is not a problem in agricultural soils, but its availability is an issue due to its immobile nature and adverse soil properties. There is Zn deficiency in Pakistani soils due to alkaline calcareous conditions. The immobile and unavailable Zn in soils can be solubilized through Zn-solubilizing bacteria. These bacteria help plants to uptake more Zn from soil through Zn-solubilizing activity, production of different organic acids and increasing the surface area of roots due to more root proliferation. Thus, solubilizing indigenous Zn from soils can be an option to improve Zn contents of cereals. Wheat and maize are main staple foods in most of the nutrient-deficient countries of the world, including Pakistan. Therefore, the current project has been planned for the sustainable production of quality wheat and maize without any hazardous impacts on the environment.

8. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)” under the main project entitled “Beans with Benefits: Integrating Improved Mung Bean as a Catch Crop into the Dry Land Systems of South and Central Asia for increased smallho

With: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Centre, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (2016-03 - 2019-03)

As per the approved plan of work, the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) having ACC-deaminase activity and rhizobia isolated from mungbean were tested as single inoculation as well as co-inoculation for improving growth, nodulation and yield of mungbean under normal and saline (5 dS m-1) conditions. For this, a pot experiment was conducted under ambient conditions in a net house. In this experiment, previously tested and well-characterized two PGPR strains (Mk20 and Y16) and one Rhizobium strain (M9) were evaluated alone and in their combinations for their potential to improve growth, nodulation and yield of mungbean under salt-stressed conditions in the presence of recommended levels of chemical fertilizers. Rhizobium and PGPR strains improved the growth, nodulation and yield of mungbean in normal as well as salinity stress conditions. Mungbean growth, nodulation and yield were decreased due to the inhibitory effect of salinity. However, the inhibitory effects on mungbean were minimized by inoculation with either Rhizobium or PGPR containing ACC-deaminase alone as well as their combinations. The response of single- and multi-strain inoculation was variable for improving the growth and yield of mungbean. Overall, a mixture of Rhizobium and PGPR strains (Mk20*Y16*M9) showed comparatively better results and significantly increased the nodule, nodule fresh biomass, root length and root dry biomass of mungbean as compared with the respective un-inoculated control under normal (1.53 dS m-1) and saline (5 dS m-1) conditions.

9. Exploring the impact of integrated use of biochar and microbial inoculants on the Physico-chemical properties of soil and growth of crops in the desert region of Bahawalpur

With: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (2016-02 - 2017-02)

The world population, currently ~7 billion, continues to increase so that by 2020 it is estimated to reach ~8 billion. To accommodate the growing population, there is a marked decrease in agricultural lands as most of it is being utilized for constructing new housing societies. The urgency of feeding the world’s growing population while combating soil pollution, salinization, and desertification has given plant and soil productivity research vital importance. Thus, more than ever, obtaining high yields is the main challenge for agriculture and exploring new agricultural lands such as deserts, which have been left unutilized for years. Use of biochar has gained popularity as a carbon-negative material which resists environmental change as it draws carbon from the atmosphere into the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar application to soil positively affects the properties of soil, like soil structure, water retention capacity, fertility, and carbon sequestration of degraded soil. Comparative to other soil amendments, biochar is a relatively slow-degrading product, so the associated benefits of nutrient retention, water retention and overall soil fertility are long-lasting. Chemical fertilizers are typically fossil fuel-based; thus, biochar provides additional indirect climate change benefits by reducing fertilizer needs. Work on using biochar for increasing soil fertility and remediating polluted soil has been carried out, but the use of biochar as a soil amendment for restoring desert soil has not yet been investigated in Pakistan. The use of biochar can help convert the barren desert soil to productive farmlands and release the pressure off the ever-decreasing cultivated areas. The use of rhizobacteria to improve plant growth has been well established; however, scanty information is available on the use of biochar in combination with rhizobacteria for improving crop growth. The present research project aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different biochar treatments along with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the physico-chemical properties of desert soil and on the growth promotion of the maize crop.

10. Demonstrating the effectiveness of biofertilizer for improving the productivity of chickpea in Cholistan-Bahawalpur

With: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), USA (2014-07 - 2015-07)

Chickpea can be grown on marginal lands with residual moisture, where high-input crops fail to give economic returns. It is able to fulfill much of its nitrogen requirement from the atmosphere by forming a symbiotic association with soil bacteria called Rhizobium, and thus does not need much fertilizer. Therefore, it can be successfully grown under water-limited conditions and in rain-fed areas. Biofertilizer developed from novel strains of Rhizobium and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which can improve the growth and nodulation of chickpea, enables it to withstand periods of drought. The present project was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of biofertilizers for improving the productivity of chickpea in the Cholistan area of Bahawalpur. In order to promote and demonstrate the importance of biofertilizers in Cholistan, 10 field trials were sown in different villages of Cholistan. The biofertilizer, along with enriched compost and farmyard manure, was applied under field conditions with three replications under a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The data regarding nodulation, growth, yield, nutritional quality and physiological parameters were recorded from both sets of demonstration trials and analyzed statistically. In the economic part of this study, a probit model was employed to determine the factors contributing to the adoption of biofertilizers in the study area for the cropping season 2014-15. In the probit model, 6 independent variables were included to check the impact of biofertilizer adoption. The results of field studies showed that the application of biofertilizer, farmyard manure and enriched compost significantly enhanced the nodulation, growth, yield, grain quality and physiology of chickpea under field conditions. The results of economic studies showed that of the six variables under study, three did not differ significantly from zero, and the remaining variables were statistically explaining behavior of farmers regarding adoption of such practice. The results of probit regression analysis regarding biofertilizer use indicated that young and educated farmers were more likely to take the risk of any new treatment as compared to old-aged farmers. The average/mean value of schooling years of biofertilizer adopters was high as compared to non-adopters. The average age of adopters (32 years) was less as compared to non-adopters (43 years). Similarly, the tenancy status coefficient was significant, and 80% of the adopters had their own land. Land ownership is an indicator of household wealth. It can be concluded that the use of biofertilizer in combination with organic nutrient sources is significantly effective in improving the productivity and profitability of chickpea. So, the farmers of the Cholistan area should be recommended to adopt the biofertilizer technology along with organic manures that will not only enhance the grain yield but also rejuvenate the soil health. Moreover, it is also concluded that mostly the wealthy households were ready to adopt new interventions; therefore, more access to education and land ownership of young farmers can increase the chances of adoption of biofertilizer use in the farming community.

11. Strengthening of Soil Microbiology/Biotechnology Laboratory at the Department of Soil Science

With: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) (2014-06 - 2014-12)

SUMMARY: The Department of Soil Science at the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Islamia University, is a newly emerging department. The College of Agriculture has been established under the HEC-funded project. The PC-1 of the college was passed in 2007, and the scientific instruments were purchased in 2013 due to the late construction of the college building and hiring of Faculty members. The instruments that were approved at that time were not according to current requirements. Also, the budget allocated for the purchase of instruments at that time was far less than the current prices of instruments. So, we have purchased some instruments after revising the prices, and we are short of some instruments which are needed at the time. In the current era, use of biofertilizer is a practical, environment-friendly and sustainable approach, which could consequently result in better crop yield. The use of biofertilizer is an emerging biotechnological approach, and this technology can play an important role in the socio-economic development of the farming community in the area due to the highly critical role of biofertilizers under stressed environments in arid and semi-arid conditions. The improved laboratory facilities in the area of soil microbiology and biotechnology were required for M.Sc. (Hons.) Soil Science and PhD Soil Science students. The present project was submitted to strengthen the microbiology/biotechnology facilities at the Department of Soil Science, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.Outcome: The instruments approved in the project have been successfully procured and are now available for research activities at the Soil Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.