Editorial

Sarhad Journal of Agriculture - Volume 42, Issue 3 (2026)

Prof. Dr. Amanullah

Editor-in-Chief, Sarhad Journal of Agriculture
Professor of Agronomy, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan
Vice President, Pakistan Society of Agronomy

Email | [email protected]

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1320.1324

Introduction

Sarhad Journal of Agriculture (SJA) (Online ISSN: 2224-5383) is the official, peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Established in 1985, the journal has been continuously publishing high-quality scientific research and serves as an international platform for the dissemination of original research, reviews, and short communications that advance agricultural sciences and promote sustainable agricultural development.

SJA publishes high-quality, original research covering all major disciplines of agricultural sciences, including Agronomy and Crop Production, Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Seed Science and Technology, Plant Protection, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Agricultural Biotechnology, Microbiology, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Water Management, Precision and Digital Agriculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, Agroforestry, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Agricultural Extension, Social Sciences, and Food and Nutrition Security.

The journal welcomes innovative research that addresses contemporary global challenges, including food security, climate resilience, sustainable intensification, resource-use efficiency, environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, circular agriculture, carbon-smart farming, One Health, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research articles are submitted by scientists, researchers, and academicians from Pakistan and around the world and undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process conducted by highly qualified national and international experts to ensure scientific excellence, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance. The journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics, transparency, and editorial quality in accordance with internationally recognized best practices.

The Sarhad Journal of Agriculture is managed by an internationally recognized Editorial Board under the leadership of the Editor-in-Chief and the Patron (Vice Chancellor, The University of Agriculture Peshawar). Through its commitment to excellence in research publishing, SJA aims to foster international scientific collaboration, promote interdisciplinary agricultural research, and disseminate knowledge that contributes to sustainable agricultural production, environmental stewardship, rural development, and global food security.

Aims and Scope

Sarhad Journal of Agriculture (SJA) is an open-access, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research articles, review papers, and short communications across all fields of agricultural sciences. The journal provides an international platform for scientists, academicians, students, and professionals to disseminate innovative research and emerging developments in crop production, plant protection, animal sciences, biotechnology, natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, food security, environmental sciences, agricultural economics, and related disciplines. SJA is committed to promoting scientific excellence, sustainable agricultural development, and the global exchange of knowledge by providing immediate, free, and unrestricted access to all published articles.

A Milestone Transition: From Quarterly to Bimonthly Publication

In response to the journal’s growing national and international recognition, we are pleased to announce the transition of the SJA from quarterly publication (4 issues per year) to bimonthly publication (6 issues per year). This important milestone reflects our commitment to accelerating the dissemination of high-quality scientific research and serving the global agricultural research community more effectively. With the continued support of our authors, reviewers, editorial board, and readers, we are confident that SJA will continue to grow and, Insha’Allah, progress toward monthly publication (12 issues per year) in the near future.

This Issue: A Global Scientific Endeavor

This issue contains 20 manuscripts, including 18 original research articles and 2 review papers, covering pages 1088–1324. The published articles represent contributions from researchers across diverse geographical regions and scientific disciplines, reflecting the increasing international visibility, scientific quality, and global impact of the Sarhad Journal of Agriculture.

Research Articles

1

Comparative Study of Biochemical Accuracy, Reliability, Relevancy between Traditional and Automated Methods for Blood Analyses in Broiler Chickens

Authors: Ahmed A. Al-Salhi, Amena L. Al-Shareefi, Nawal J. Shanshool, Saif Sh. Kamel

Pages: 1088-1096

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1088.1096

2

Navigating Climate Uncertainty: Determinants of Agricultural Adaptation Strategies in District Peshawar

Authors: Nazish Ehsan, Uzair Ahmad

Pages: 1097-1107

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1097.1107

3

Fungal Strain (Str-1) Extracted From Okra Roots Mitigates Chromate Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Authors: Abdullah, Sartaj Aziz, Ihteram Ullah, Sajid Ullah, Maham Jamshed, Nurul Haq, Habib ur Rehman

Pages: 1108-1118

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1108.1118

4

Optimal Postharvest Handling Protocols for Consolida ambigua - A Novel Specialty Cut Flower

Authors: Tazkia Hussain, Iftikhar Ahmad, Huda Hameed, Muhammad Asif

Pages: 1119-1128

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1119.1128

5

Autoclave-assisted Rice Bran Stabilization: Effect on Lipase, Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Authors: Zafar Iqbal, Noorullah, Zulqarnain, Ubairah Majid, Abdul Majid, Saeed Ullah Khattak

Pages: 1129-1136

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1129.1136

6

Biological and Boron-mediated Control and the Induction of Systemic Resistance in Cucumber against Root Rot Disease caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

Authors: M. Ghaith Ghayyib, Kadhim Z.K. Al-Karaawi

Pages: 1153-1167

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1153.1167

7

Efficacy of Synthetic Herbicides, Organic and Inorganic Mulches, and Allelopathic Extracts for Sustainable Weed Control in Tomato

Authors: Rashid Anwar, Muhammad Saddique, Muhammad Fawad, Meher Ali, Abdus Samad Khan

Pages: 1168-1177

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1168.1177

8

Effect of Weed Management Strategies on the Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Quality of Boro Rice (BRRI dhan 102)

Authors: Kawsar Hossen, Khandaker Bushra Rahman, Md. Ismail Hossain, Mst. Sharmin Jahan Tithi, Mahin Islam Talha, Md. Liton Mia, Sumaiya Akter, Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Md. Riyajuddin Karim, Tahmina Ferdous

Pages: 1178-1186

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1178.1186

9

Evaluation of Lethal Toxicity of Commonly Used Pesticides on Three Species of Honeybees in Tehsil Taunsa, Punjab, Pakistan

Authors: Muhammad Tauseef, Hadia Gul, Nasr Ullah Khan, Muhammad Mohibullah, Salma Shaheen, Douglas Law, Muhammad Shakeel, Daniel K.Y. Tan, Muhammad Yasin

Pages: 1187-1196

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1187.1196

10

Evaluation of Microbial and Chemical Contamination in Drinking Water and the Role of Household Purification Systems in Improving Water Quality

Authors: Hawraa A. Mohammed, Noor al-huda M. Ali, Khansaa A. Hussein, Asawer H. Sharif

Pages: 1197-1210

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1197.1210

11

Synergistic Shade and Biochar Application for Improving Microclimate Conditions and Physiological Performance of 6-Month-Old Cocoa Trees

Authors: Mutiara Nengsy Lengkang, Nasaruddin Nasaruddin, Ifayanti Ridwan

Pages: 1211-1224

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1211.1224

12

Usage Patterns of Agricultural Information Sources across Agro-Ecological Zones of the Punjab, Pakistan

Authors: Muhammad Luqman, Adeel Mustafa, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Usman, Tahir Munir Butt

Pages: 1225-1235

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1225.1235

13

Evaluation of Rice Bran Extract as a Low-Cost Medium for the Culture of Spirulina Arthrospira platensis

Authors: Zakeya Sultana, Tanzila Gias, Mousumi Das, Umme Kaniz Fatema, Md. Amzad Hossain

Pages: 1236-1245

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1236.1245

14

Assessment of Herbicide Effectiveness in Weed Suppression and Agronomic Output in Dry Direct-Seeded Rice

Authors: Israt Jahan, A.K.M. Mominul Islam, Md. Masud Rana, Tapon Kumar Roy, Sabina Yeasmin, Md. Parvez Anwar, Md. Moshiur Rahman

Pages: 1264-1275

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1264.1275

15

Role of Sorting Efficiency at Packing Stations in Reducing Fruit Fly-Infested Mangoes at Post-Harvest Stage in Western Burkina Faso

Authors: Jérémy Kaboré, Rémy Anogmain Dabiré, Sylvain Nafiba Ouédraogo, Lucien Sawadogo, Muhammad Umair Ajmal, Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Issaka Zida, Hervé Bama

Pages: 1276-1284

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1276.1284

16

Impact of Nano-Biological Synbiotic on Performance, Physiological Traits, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

Authors: Teeb Adel AlMaamouri, Hiba Sh. Hussein, Teeb A. Altabtabaai, Saif Sh. Kamel

Pages: 1285-1296

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2025/42.3.1285.1296

17

Assessing the Effect of Mulching and Bio-fertilization and Nanoformulated NPK on Nutrients Profile of Soil and Plants of Three Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars

Authors: Zahraa Ali Hussain, Zeina Sami Rashid

Pages: 1297-1310

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1297.1310

18

Effect of Agricultural Sulfur Application and Humic Acid Foliar Spray on Some Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Fig Seedlings (White Adriatic Cultivar)

Authors: Mohammad Tarkhan Abo Almekh

Pages: 1311-1319

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1311.1319

Review Articles

19

Climate-Smart Agriculture to Enhance Agricultural Production: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review

Authors: Shabrin Jahan Shaili, Md Mahedi, A.K.M. Kanak Pervez

Pages: 1137-1152

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1137.1152

20

Precision Agriculture Technologies for Better Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Authors: Ali Sabah Alhasan, Ali Fadaam Almehemdi, Raad Farhan Shahad, Hayder Abbas Drebee, Dalal Tareq Al-Ameri, Osama Majeed Hilal, Alaa Taima, Dhafer Alhajim, Hayyawi W.A. Al-Juthery, Raid Shaalan Jarallah

Pages: 1246-1263

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2026/42.3.1246.1263

 

Table 1: Article type distribution

Article type

Number

Percentage

Research Articles

18

90%

Review Articles

2

10%

Total

20

100%

 

Table 2: Author appearances by country

Country

Number of appearances

Percentage

Pakistan

38

37.6%

Iraq

27

26.7%

Bangladesh

25

24.8%

Burkina Faso

5

5.0%

Indonesia

3

3.0%

United Kingdom

2

2.0%

Australia

1

1.0%

Total

101

100%

 

Table 3: International vs. national authors

Category

Number of appearances

Percentage

International authors

63

62.4%

National authors (Pakistan)

38

37.6%

Total

101

100%

 

Table 4: Author affiliation within Pakistan

Affiliation

Number of appearances

Percentage

Agriculture University Peshawar

15

39.5%

Other KP Universities/Institutions

12

31.6%

Other Pakistani Institutions

11

28.9%

Total

38

100%

 

Table 5: Country-wise summary

Country

Appearances

Articles

Percentage

Pakistan

38

8

37.6%

Iraq

27

7

26.7%

Bangladesh

25

4

24.8%

Burkina Faso

5

1

5.0%

Indonesia

3

1

3.0%

United Kingdom

2

2

2.0%

Australia

1

1

1.0%

Total

101

20

100%

 

Table 6: Author distribution by article

Article No.

Total authors

Country distribution

1

4

Iraq (4)

2

2

Pakistan (2)

3

7

Pakistan (7)

4

4

Pakistan (4)

5

6

Pakistan (6)

6

2

Iraq (2)

7

5

Pakistan (5)

8

10

Bangladesh (10)

9

9

Pakistan (7), UK (1), Australia (1)

10

4

Iraq (4)

11

3

Indonesia (3)

12

5

Pakistan (5)

13

5

Bangladesh (5)

14

7

Bangladesh (7)

15

8

Burkina Faso (5), Pakistan (2),

UK (1)

16

4

Iraq (4)

17

2

Iraq (2)

18

1

Iraq (1)

19

3

Bangladesh (3)

20

10

Iraq (10)

Total

101

100%

 

Table 7: Summary statistics

Metric

Value

Total author appearances

101

Total articles

20

Average authors per article

5

Countries represented

7

International appearances

63 (62.4%)

National appearances (Pakistan)

38 (37.6%)

 

Acknowledgments

I extend my deepest gratitude to:

All Authors for entrusting their valuable research to SJA and contributing to the advancement of agricultural science.

All Reviewers for their time, expertise, and constructive feedback, which are indispensable to maintaining the quality and integrity of our publications.

Prof. Dr. Sar Zamin Khan, Vice Chancellor of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, for his unwavering support as Patron of the journal and his vision for SJA’s growth and evolution.

ResearchersLinks Ltd for providing cutting-edge publishing tools and ensuring our contents are visible, accessible, and optimized for major indexing services.

The Editorial Board for their dedication and professionalism in managing the peer-review process.

Call for Submissions

We invite scientists, researchers, and students from around the world to submit their original research and review articles to Sarhad Journal of Agriculture. With our transition to bimonthly publication and the goal of becoming a monthly journal, we are well-positioned to provide rapid publication and maximum visibility for your work. Our commitment to open access ensures that your research reaches the widest possible audience.

A Vision for the Future

As Editor-in-Chief, I reaffirm SJA’s commitment to publishing innovative, evidence-based research that addresses the needs of farmers, policymakers, and the scientific community. We encourage submissions from early-career researchers and established scientists alike, providing mentorship and support throughout the publication process.

Together, we can advance agricultural science, enhance food security, and build a sustainable future.

Happy Reading!

Prof. Dr. Amanullah
Chief Editor
Sarhad Journal of Agriculture
The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]

Link to the Journal Home Page:
https://researcherslinks.com/journal/Sarhad-Journal-of-Agriculture/14

Link to SJA Volume 42 (3rd Issue, July 2026):

https://researcherslinks.com/journal-details/Sarhad-Journal-of-Agriculture/14/current-issue