A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of sugar beet extract (SBE) and glycine betaine (GB) in mitigating the adverse effects of drought stress on two maize cultivars. Seeds (caryopses) of two maize cultivars, Sadaf (drought-tolerant) and Sultan (drought-sensitive) were sown in plastic pots. Plants were subjected to different (100%, 75% and 60% field capacity (FC)) water regimes. Then, different levels of SBE (3% and 4%) and GB (3.65 and 3.84 g/L) were applied as a foliar spray after 30 days of water deficit stress. Drought stress significantly decreased plant growth and yield attributes, chlorophyll pigments, while it increased relative membrane permeability (RMP), levels of osmolytes (GB and proline), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolics and ascorbic acid as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes in both maize cultivars. Exogenous application via foliar spray with SBR or GB improved plant growth and yield attributes, chlorophyll pigments, osmolyte concentration, total phenolics, ascorbic acid and the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes (SOD, POD and catalase; CAT), but reduced leaf RMP and MDA concentration. The results obtained in this study exhibit the role of foliar-applied biostimulants (natural and synthetic compounds) in enhancing the growth and yield of maize cultivars by upregulating the oxidative defense system and osmoprotectant accumulation under water deficit conditions.

Excessive application of synthetic chemicals to crops is a serious environmental concern. This review suggests that some potential natural compounds can be used as alternatives and could be applied directly to plants to improve crop growth and productivity. These phytoextracts can serve as biostimulants to induce abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in different crops growing under diverse environmental conditions. The biosynthesis and accumulation of a variety of chemical compounds such as glycinebetaine, vitamins, nutrients, and secondary metabolites in some plants are of great value and an environmentally friendly cheaper source than several synthetic substances of a similar nature. The review summarizes the information regarding the potential role of different plant phytoextracts and suggests subsequent applications to modulate crop stress tolerance. Future studies should focus on the relative effectiveness of these plant-based extracts compared with their synthetic counterparts and focus on practical applications to signify sustainable practices linked with the use of natural products.

Background: Exercise intolerance is present even in the early stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is associated with poor prognosis. Respiratory muscle dysfunction is common and may contribute to exercise limitation. Objective: To determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pulmonary hypertensive patient. Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted at Services Hospital Lahore after approval from Medical Superintendent. A total of n=18 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups, both group received deep breathing exercise (DBE) and 2^nd group received additionally Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with pressure threshold Inspiratory muscle training device. All participants received 12 sessions in two weeks; the duration of each session was of 20 minutes. The outcome variables were functional capacity and quality of life (SF-36). In functional capacity, of the blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), partial pressure of oxygen (SpO₂), distance walk (6min walk test) and level of dyspnea were recorded The data was evaluated at baseline and after 12^th session. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.11±7.11 years, with 9 male and 9 female. After 2 weeks, the general health, social activities and energy were significantly (p<0.05) improved in experimental group. But no significant difference (p≥0.05) was observed between the group regarding activity limitation, physical and emotional health items of quality of life (SF-36). When comparing the Blood pressure and heart rate, no significant difference was observed between the groups, after 2 weeks of intervention (p≥0.05). While SpO₂,6 MWT and dyspnea score was significantly (p<0.05) improved in experimental group as compare to control group. Conclusion: The Deep breathing and inspiratory muscle training both are equally effective with respect to improving the quality of life but IMT is more efficient as compared to Deep breathing for improving dyspnea and it also improves the pulmonary functional and exercise capacity. Key words: breathing exercises, dyspnea, inspiratory muscle training, pulmonary hypertension, quality of life.