EFFECT OF LIQUID POLLEN CONCENTRATIONS ON FRUIT SET, YIELD, AND QUALITY OF DHAKKI AND ZAHIDI DATE PALM IN D.I. KHAN

Abstract

Fish represent a crucial source of affordable protein globally and contribute significantly to economic livelihoods through fisheries. The present study investigated the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasite infections in four commercially important marine fish species—Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Johnius dussumieri, Plectorhynchus cinctus, and Pampus argenteus—collected from the Karachi coast. Between January and December 2022, a total of 113 fish specimens were collected monthly using cast nets, hand nets, and fishing rods with the assistance of local fishermen. Parasitological examination revealed that 84.07% of the fish were infected with helminth parasites. The highest infection prevalence was recorded in June (45.46%), while the lowest occurred in January (3.33%). Among the studied species, Pampus argenteus exhibited the greatest mean infection intensity (2.15 parasites per infected fish), followed by Johnius dussumieri (1.89), Plectorhynchus cinctus (1.87), and Lutjanus argentimaculatus (1.70). Seasonal analysis indicated a substantially higher infection rate during summer compared to winter. These results demonstrate species-specific differences in susceptibility to helminth infections and emphasize their implications for fish health, food safety, and sustainable fisheries management.