Saif Ullah

Eco-system is greatly affecting due to the frequent use of chemical pesticides. The best option for controlling plant diseases is the use of natural products. Botanicals may provide an eco-friendly solution to the environmental problems caused by synthetic chemical pesticides. In current research nematicidal potential of different parts of Asphodelus tenuifolius (onion weed) were explored using chromatography and tested against eggs and juveniles of root knot nematode in vivo and in vitro. Thin layer chromatography showed that n-hexane fraction of Ashpdelus tenuifolius crude extract contained eight bioactive compounds which reduced egg hatching and increased juvenile's mortality. Dried powder and green manure of all parts of Asphodelus tenuifolius was more effective in managing Meloidogyne javanica and enhanced plant growth. Green manure of Asphodelus tenuifolius applied before transplanting of tomato seedlings were very effective in increasing tomato plant growth and reduction of root knot nematode population.

Survey of avian fauna of Bara Gali Summer Campus, University of Peshawar situated in District Hazara was conducted from April to October, 2013. A total of 21 species belonging to 5 orders and 15 families were recorded. Out of these 6 were resident, 12 were summer visitor and 3 were rare. Order Passeriformes was represented by 16 species which are Certhia himalayana, Megalaima virens, Phylloscopus trochiloides, Garrulax lineatus, Passer rutilans, Corvus macrorhynchos, Hypsipetes leucocephalus, Acridotheres tristis, Delichon dasypus cashmeriensis, Hirundo rustica, Muscicapa thalassina, Saxicola ferrea, Myiophoneus caeruleus, Parus melonolophus, Parus rufonuchalis, Parus monticolus, belonging to 11 families. Two species Dendrocopos himalayansis and Picus squamatus belongs to only 1 family of order Piciformes. Among rest of the three orders each is represented by only a single species; Accipitriformes by Accipiter virgatus, Coraciformes by Upupa epops while order Psittaciformes has been represented by Psittacula himalayana. The distribution and abundance varied with season and maximum number of species was found during the monsoon season when most of the birds migrate for breeding.