This study investigates the effects of lead stress on tomato plants and explores the potential role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to alleviate this stress. The experiment was conducted in pots, introducing varying lead levels (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg kg⁻¹) using lead nitrate. For rhizobacterial inoculation, pre-characterized LTPGP strains S5 Pseudomonas fluorescens A506 and S10 Pseudomonas fluorescens LMG 2189 were used. Data were recorded on growth parameters (shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight), physiological attributes (chlorophyll content, proline content, electrolyte leakage, and lead accumulation), and antioxidant activities (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) in tomato plants. Results revealed that lead contamination significantly impaired plant growth, reducing shoot and root lengths by approximately 49.78–57.62%, and negatively impacted physiological attributes and antioxidant enzyme activities. However, inoculation with PGPR strains S5 and S10 led to notable improvements in growth parameters, enhanced physiological traits, and better antioxidant activities, effectively mitigating lead stress. These findings highlights the potential of PGPR to improve tomato plant resilience to lead contamination.

Land transportation is a major source of heavy metal contamination along the roadside, posing significant risks to human health through inhalation, oral ingestion, and dermal contact. Therefore, this study has been designed to determine the concentrations of vehicular released heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu) in roadside soil and leaves of two commonly growing native plant species (Calotropis procera and Nerium oleander).Two busy roads i.e., Lahore-Okara road (N-5) and Okara-Faisalabad roads (OFR) in Punjab, Pakistan, were selected for the study. The data were collected from five sites along each road during four seasons. Control samples were collected ~ 50 m away from road. The metal content i.e. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were determined in the plant leaves and soil by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Significantly high amount of all studied heavy metals were observed in soil and plant leaves along both roads in contrast to control ones. The mean concentration of metals in soil ranged as Cd (2.20–6.83 mg/kg), Pb (4.53–15.29 mg/kg), Ni (29.78–101.26 mg/kg), and Cu (61.68–138.46 mg/kg) and in plant leaves Cd (0.093–0.53 mg/kg), Pb (4.31–16.34 mg/kg), Ni (4.13–16.34 mg/kg) and Cu (2.98–32.74 mg/kg). Among roads, higher metal contamination was noted along N-5 road. Significant temporal variations were also noted in metal contamination along both roads. The order of metal contamination in soil and plant leaves in different seasons was summer > autumn > spring > winter. Furthermore, the metal accumulation potential of Calotropis procera was higher than that of Nerium oleander. Therefore, for sustainable management of metal contamination, the plantation of Calotropis procera is recommended along roadsides.

Global agriculture is facing serious problems from climate change, which will affect agricultural productivity, water availability, and rural lives. This study looks at the many effects of climate change on agriculture, emphasizing important patterns, weak points, and mitigation techniques. An rise in the severity of extreme weather events, altered precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures all cause disruptions to agricultural systems, which has an impact on animal production and crop yields. Problems with irrigation management and food security are made worse by changes in water supply and quality. Socioeconomic ramifications of vulnerable areas include decreased farmer earnings, food insecurity, and rural poverty, especially in emerging nations. Adaptation methods are critical for strengthening agricultural systems' resilience in the context of climate change. Adoption of agricultural types resistant to climate change, better water management techniques, and encouragement of sustainable land-use practices are some of these tactics. In order to promote international collaboration, integrate climate adaptation into national development objectives, and support climate-smart agriculture, policy interventions and institutional frameworks are essential. In order to adopt adaptive measures and maintain sustainable food production systems, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and stakeholders must work together to address the implications of climate change on agriculture

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is grown widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions (Ahmed et al. 2008). In Pakistan, papaya production and consumption are increasing due to its medicinal, nutritional, ...