Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
Not a member yet
674 research outputs found
Sort by
Effect of different nitrogen levels on yield and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
No full textFarmers in Lamjung have been unable to maximize okra performance and yield due to being unaware of the ideal fertilizer dosage. A field experiment was carried out at Sundarbazar-7, Lamjung during the period from March to June 2023 to understand the optimal N level to enhance the growth and yield of okra. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to set up the experiment with the seven treatments viz. control, 40, 55, 70, 85, 100, and 115 kg N ha-1 each had three replications. A hybrid variety Arka Anamika mostly used by farmers in Lamjung was used. Recorded data on yield and yield contributing parameters were subjected to statistical analysis and results revealed a significant effect of the treatments on the yield and yield attributes of okra. Plants treated with T6(100 kg N ha-1) had the highest number of fruits per plant (13.10), fruit length (15.84cm), weight of a single pod (15.84 g), and total fruit yield of 14.74 t ha-1. The lowest number of fruits per plant (7.93), fruit length (9.29 cm), single fruit weight (9.29 g), and yield (8.12 t ha-1) were recorded from the control treatment T1 (0 kg N ha-1). Meanwhile, the impact of treatment T6 (100 kg N ha-1) was found to be effective compared to other treatments under study. Based on these findings, the experiment suggests okra farmers to use 100 kg N ha-1 to maximize okra performance and yield considering the soil health
An investigation on the performance of rice threshing drums in the southwestern region of Bangladesh
No full textThis study evaluated the performance indices of the locally developed rice-threshing drum in the Khulna region of Bangladesh. Threshing efficiency, throughput capacity, output capacity, threshing capacity and grain to straw ratio were assessed and data were analyzed using ANOVA as a statistical tool. The study involved the thresher with different engine horsepower capacities (25hp, 20hp, and 16hp). The variables of paddy were two stages of moisture content (14% referred as dry condition and 23% referred as wet condition), four different cutting heights of paddy (25-30, 30-35, 35-40 and 40-45 cm). The values for threshing efficiency, threshing capacity, output capacity, throughput capacity and grain to straw ratio in dry conditions ranged from 97.83 – 98.83%, 1700-2373 kg/hr, 27.75 -36.46 kg/hr, 930 – 1436 kg/hr and 1.21-1.54 respectively and in wet condition ranged from 96.15 – 97.79%, 1168-2167 kg/hr, 41.64 -49.99 kg/hr, 622 – 1280 kg/hr and 1.14-1.45, respectively. It was observed that with the increase in moisture content, cutting height and decrease in engine horsepower, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in output capacity, threshing capacity, threshing efficiency and grain to straw ratio and vice versa. Therefore, the thresher used would be more useful by maintaining a proper combination of machine-crop parameters such as a moisture content of 14-15 %, an engine horsepower of 25 hp and a cutting height of 25-30 cm. Insights from this study can guide the development and adoption of improved paddy-threshing technologies in the region
Effect of sowing methods and varieties on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Dang, Nepal
No full textIn this study conducted in Gadhawa Rural Municipality, Dang district, from November 2021 to April 2022, the impact of two sowing methods (Line sowing and broadcasting) and four varieties (Bijaya, Gautam, Aditya, and Borlaug 2020) on wheat was investigated. We aimed to identify the best sowing method and variety using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study focused on various growth and yield parameters, including plant height, tiller number, grain per spike, effective tillers per square meter, thousand grain weight, grain yield per hectare, and biological yield per hectare. Line sowing was found to have the highest impact on biometrical as well as yield attributing characters. More height (111.51 cm), number of tillers (3.80), grain/spike (57.02), and grain yield (3.85 ton/ha) were obtained in line sowing. There was a significant difference observed among the varieties for all the traits except tiller number and biological yield. Borlaug 2020 was found to be superior for performance based on yield attributing traits which have grain/spike, effective tiller/m2, biological yield, and grain yield of 62.88, 177.15, 6.60 ton/ha, and 3.95 ton/ha respectively. From the interaction effects, variety Borlaug 2020 and line sowing method were found to be superior for cultivation. The study further demonstrates that farmers of Dang can combine Borlaug 2020 with line-sowing methods to obtain promising results
Assessing drought tolerance in advance wheat genotypes using stress tolerance indices
No full textWheat, an important crop of Nepal, is significantly affected by drought, leading to severe yield losses. Thus, an experiment was conducted to assess effect of drought on wheat traits and to identify drought resilient genotypes comparing stress tolerance indices. Altogether seventy-two genotypes including checks were evaluated under drought and non-stress condition in an alpha-lattice design with two replications at the research block of National Rice Research Program, Hardinath, Nepal during winter of 2019/20. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences (p<0.01) in traits such as days to heading, anthesis, and maturity, plant height, flag leaf area, spike length, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield under both conditions. The combined analysis of variance showed that genotype, environment, and their interaction significantly influenced most traits. The environment was the dominant factor, accounting for 86.2% of the variation in grain yield, followed by genotype (9.5%) and genotype-environment interaction (4.3%). Among the nine quantitative traits assessed, grain yield was most severely affected due to drought, experiencing a substantial reduction of 63%. To assess drought tolerance, six indices (TOL, SSI, MP, GMP, HMP, and STI) were calculated based on grain yield data. Most indices identified genotypes NL1373, NL1308, NL1407, BL4868, and BL4947 as highly drought-tolerant. Among the indices, MP, STI, and GMP were the most reliable for measuring stress tolerance due to their strong positive correlation with yield under both conditions. These identified genotypes are promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-resilient wheat varieties, thereby enhancing food security in drought-affected regions
Enhancing rice yields through foliar application of essential micronutrients: A study on zinc, copper, and boron nutrition in context of Nepal
No full textQuantitative data on the effects of essential micronutrients—boron, zinc, and copper—on rice (Oryza sativa L.) are limited, which hampers optimized crop management strategies. This study aimed to enhance rice yields through the foliar application of these micronutrients. Conducted in 2022 at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College using a randomized complete block design with three replications, the research tested different combinations of these elements on the local rice variety Kaljade. The treatments included: T1 (control), T2 (zinc), T3 (copper), T4 (boron), T5 (Zn + Cu + B), T6 (Zn + Cu), and T7 (Zn + B), with doses of 5 kg/ha for zinc and 2 kg/ha each for boron and copper. The results demonstrated significant effects of the micronutrient treatments on all parameters studied. Notably, the combination of zinc, copper, and boron (Zn + Cu + B) led to the most favorable outcomes. This treatment resulted in the shortest maturity duration (116.3 days after transplanting), the highest number of tillers (22.5), and the tallest plant height (107.7 cm). Additionally, Zn + Cu + B produced the greatest leaf area index (0.0724), the highest number of grains per panicle (22.6), and the heaviest thousand-grain weight (21.83 g). Furthermore, Zn + Cu + B achieved the highest biological yield (12.35 t/ha) and grain yield (5.9 t/ha), markedly higher than the control treatment (4.12 t/ha). These findings highlight the significant role of zinc, copper, and boron in rice cultivation. The study underscores the potential of foliar application techniques to optimize micronutrient availability, thereby enhancing rice yields. For future agricultural practices in the study area, focusing on zinc, copper, and boron nutrition is crucial to further augment crop productivity and ensure food security
Optimizing seed priming techniques: Impact of halo priming with sodium chloride on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) in germination and stress acclimatization
No full textGermination is a critical stage in plant development that determines the crop yield. Seed priming acts as a pre-sowing treatment that stimulates germination and activates metabolic process. Hydro-priming is widely practiced system which enhances germination but reduces seed storability whereas halo-priming enhances self-life and induces salinity tolerance. This study investigated the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) priming on the germination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) seeds under moisture stress conditions. Despite stress condition, seed priming can noticeably increase the germination. A lab experiment was therefore, performed to study the effect of NaCl priming on different levels of moisture stress. NaCl priming was done at 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 4 ppm and, 8 ppm subjected to priming duration of 12 hours, 24 hours and 36 hours. The result demonstrated 100% germination at 0 g for all durations (12, 24, and 36 hours), and similar outcomes were observed at 8 g for 12, 24, and 36 hours, and at 4 g and 6 g for 12 and 36 hours. While the mean germination time, coefficient of velocity of germination increased with increment in priming duration at 0 g and decrease with increment in priming duration in 8gm NaCl concentration. Halo-priming was found superior above hydro-priming for fenugreek germination as salinity induces changes in lipid metabolism towards accumulation of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in stressed plants. This research provides compelling evidence that NaCl priming can be used to promote germination and improves acclimatization of fenugreek seedlings under saline conditions
Impacts of submergence stress on rice plants and its adaptation: A review
No full textThe main aim of this review is to convey information in summarized form by compiling and interpreting the major findings of recent studies on the impacts of submergence stress on rice and tolerance mechanisms. Published research papers available in Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Pub Med, mainly by Elsevier and SpringerLink, were critically analyzed and summarized for the preparation of the manuscript. In rice, plant survival rates, growth, and development are adversely affected by submergence. Major findings documented that submergence alters the soil aeration and creates hypoxic and anoxic conditions, which results in low photosynthetic efficiency and sugar status in rice plants. Compared to a tolerant cultivar, a sensitive cultivar produces more ethylene and causes injury to the plant. Controlled underwater shoot elongation, higher conserved non-structural carbohydrates, and better hormonal regulation, especially ethylene and gibberellin, and abscisic acid, are the primary adaptive mechanisms of tolerant plants in submergence, which helps better recovery at the post-submergence stage, too. The Sub1 gene and the associated QTLs are crucial for the superior performance of tolerant cultivars in submergence. Any agronomic management practices that can reduce ethylene production and enhance the nutrient status of plants can alleviate the severity of submergence. Understanding the intricate relationship between submergence and rice plant response is essential, mainly how submergence affects the rice plant and its tolerance mechanism to develop resilient rice cultivars that can grow in flood-prone regions
Optimum sugar syrup feeding intervals for Apis cerana Fab. during the winter dearth period in the sub-tropical area of Nepal
No full textThe study aimed to identify the optimal sugar syrup feeding interval for honeybee colonies during the winter dearth period in subtropical region of Nepal to ensure colony survival and maintenance. The focus was on evaluating sealed brood area, sealed honey area, egg-laying activity, and pollen collection. The experiment was conducted in an apiary located in Lamjung district of Nepal. Sugar syrup (1 water: 1 sugar) was fed to honeybee colonies at intervals of 7, 10, 15, and 20-days, along with a control group. Each treatment was replicated across four replications with five beehives in each replication, and data were collected weekly. Parameters such as the sealed brood area, honey storage, egg-laying rate, and pollen cells were measured by counting eggs, pollen cells, and assessing areas covered by sealed brood and honey. Colonies fed sugar syrup at 15-days intervals exhibited the best performance across all measured parameters, including the largest sealed brood area, highest honey reserves, maximum eggs laid by the queen bee, and the most pollen cells. These results indicate that feeding at 15-days intervals supports optimal colony health and activity during low-temperature winter conditions. Feeding sugar syrup at 15-days intervals is the most effective practice for maintaining colony health, ensuring optimal honey reserves, brood production, and pollen collection during the winter dearth period in subtropical areas of Nepal. This feeding strategy is recommended for improving colony survival, maintenance, and overall performance during challenging winter conditions in subtropical region of Nepal
Evaluation of elite spring wheat genotypes for grain yield and other agronomic attributes in hills of Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal
No full textSelection and release of high yielding and disease resistant varieties is the cost effective and ecologically sound approach for increasing the production and productivity of agricultural crop in Nepal. Twenty-two advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes including commercial check variety "Sorgadwari", newly released check variety "Khumal Shakti" and Local Check variety " Jhadde" were evaluated under irrigated conditions at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College (GAASC), Baitadi, Nepal during 2022/2023. This study was carried out for the identification of high yielding genotypes under irrigated condition in western hills. The experiment was conducted in Alpha lattice design with two replications. The highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the genotypes was found for most of the traits viz., days to heading, days to anthesis, days to maturity, plant height, spikes per square meter, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, flag leaf area, thousand kernel weight, biomass yield and grain yield and non-significant difference for spike length. The mean grain yield ranged from 1908 to 4146 kg/ha with grand mean of 2766 kg/ha. The highest grain yield was produced by genotype NL 1474 (4146 kg/ha) which was followed by NL 1475 (3994 kg/ha), NL1597 (3536 kg/ha) and NL 1590 (3070 kg/ha). The check variety Sorgadwari and Khumal Shakti produced 3480 and 3070 kg/ha respectively while the local check variety Jhadde produced 2655 kg/ha. Similarly, highest TKW was produced by NL 1487 (68.5 g) followed by BL 5148 (67.2 g) and WK 3730 (66.3 g). The correlation analysis revealed that grain yield showed highly significant positive correlation with biomass yield (0.90**) and number of grains per spike (0.6**), spikes per square meter (0.7**), plant height (0.5**) and non-significant positive correlation with spike length (0.21) and grain weight per spike (0.1) and non-significant negative correlation with days to heading (-0.2) and days to maturity (-0.2). Cluster analysis revealed that Cluster III consists of 4 genotypes namely NL 1474, NL 1475, NL 1597 and Sorgadwari. This cluster represent with highest grain yield, number of spikes per meter square, number of grains per spike and grain weight per spike. Among the tested genotypes, NL 1474, NL 1475, NL 1597 and NL 1590 were found superior for grain yield and yield-related traits in comparison to three checks and could be recommended for hills of Sudurpaschim province after further testing in multi-environment and in farmer's field
Farmer’s perception on Chinese citrus fruit fly (CFFs) and its management in Solukhumbu and Sindhuli district of Nepal
No full textThis study conducted between January and June 2022 aimed to assess the impact of precipitation on Bactrocera minax, a citrus pest, in Nepal's Solukhumbu and Sindhuli districts. Primary data were gathered from 84 respondents using pre-tested interview schedules, focal group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII), while secondary information was collected through literature review. The results highlighted the Chinese citrus fruit fly as a significant citrus pest causing fruit drop, particularly impacting Mandarin cultivation after sweet orange displacement. Farmers in Sindhuli exhibited greater motivation and trust in citrus cultivation compared to those in Solukhumbu. Notably, the fruit drop was lower (4.33%) in Sindhuli where the Area-wide Management Program (AWCP) utilizing protein bait and field sanitation was applied, in contrast to Solukhumbu where fruit drop was higher (35.5%), suggesting the effectiveness of AWCP. The PMAMP Sindhuli super zone played a direct role in the study, with respondents in Sindhuli demonstrating higher awareness of Chinese citrus fruit flies and AWCP. Technical and financial support for citrus cultivation was also more prevalent in Sindhuli. Furthermore, the study found that the majority of respondents perceived protein bait (AWCP) as the most straightforward, effective, and expensive management method, despite its limited application in Solukhumbu. This study underscores the importance of AWCP in mitigating citrus pest infestation, particularly in areas with high precipitation, and emphasizes the need for broader adoption of effective management strategies in citrus cultivation regions