Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Effect of different processing methods on functional and physiochemical properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) rhizome Var. Kapurkot Haledo-1
Get PDFThis study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different processing methods on the functional and phytochemical properties of turmeric rhizomes. The experiment consisted of four treatments: Treatment 1 involved oven-drying the turmeric powder, Treatment 2 involved blanching followed by oven-drying, Treatment 3 involved cooking followed by oven-drying, and Treatment 4 involved sun-drying. Each treatment was replicated four times. The major findings of the study revealed that sun-drying (68.50%) and blanching/oven-drying (66.50%) positively influenced the dispersibility of turmeric powder. Blanching/oven-drying (0.32 g/ml) and cooking/oven-drying (0.30 g/ml) significantly improved the bulk density of turmeric powder (p<0.001), with no significant difference observed between these two treatments. The water absorption capacity of the turmeric powders ranged from 3.35 to 5.35 g/ml, with the sun-dried sample displaying the lowest capacity and the cooked/oven-dried sample demonstrating the highest capacity. Similarly, sun-dried powder exhibited the lowest swelling power and solubility, while heat treatment resulted in a substantial increase in both of these parameters. Additionally, the curcumin content was found to be highest in the cooked/oven-dried (3.11%) and sun-dried (2.99%) turmeric powder. In conclusion, this study suggests that blanching and cooking methods have wide applicability in the food industry to enhance the bulkiness of turmeric powder for appropriate packaging and handling. Moreover, these methods contribute to the characteristic flavor and aroma of turmeric. The findings emphasize the importance of considering different processing techniques for optimizing the functional and phytochemical properties of turmeric, thus enabling its effective utilization in various food applications
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in endangered captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) of Chitwan National Park in Nepal
Get PDFIn order to ascertain the comprehensive prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among captive Asian elephants in Chitwan National Park, a cross-sectional investigation was conducted. A total of 103 samples was purposefully collected. Demographic details encompassing age and gender, along with epidemiological information concerning deworming status, timing intervals, and nutritional condition for both government-owned and privately-owned elephants, were procured through a structured questionnaire survey. The process involved microscopic identification and quantification of gastrointestinal parasites through sedimentation, centrifugal floatation, and MacMaster Egg Per Gram (EPG) count methods. The resultant data indicated an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites at 47.57% (49 out of 103 samples). The dominant class of parasites observed was Nematodes (n=30, 61.22%), followed by Trematodes (n=14, 28.57%) and Cestodes (n=5, 10.20%). Six distinct parasite genera were identified with positive results: Strongylus (26.53%), Trichostrongylus (24.48%), Fasciola (16.35%), Paramphistomum (12.24%), Anoplocephala (10.20%), and Ascaris (10.20%). Notably, the prevalence was markedly higher in females (39.80%) in comparison to males (7.76%), with the disparity being statistically significant (p>0.05). Additionally, a noteworthy correlation was observed between parasite prevalence, age groups, and deworming history, with statistical significance (p<0.05). The Egg Per Gram (EPG) count analysis demonstrated that the majority (87.75%) of the positively identified samples exhibited mild infection (100-500 eggs), while a relatively low percentage (6.12%) displayed heavy infection (1000-1500 eggs). The mean EPG was calculated as (248.39 ± 54.25). Consequently, the heightened prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive elephants within Chitwan National Park underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of parasitic infestations
Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and soil nutrient status in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Arka Anamika)
Get PDFOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Arka Anamika) is one of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the tropics during the spring, summer, and Kharif seasons. One of the major constraints of low productivity of okra and soil deterioration is due to the inappropriate and sole use of synthetic fertilizer. So, to address the yield gap, an experiment was conducted in Gokuleshwor, Baitadi Nepal from 23rd March to 15th July 2021 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, and yield and soil nutrient status in okra". The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 8 treatments and 3 replication T8 gave maximum plant height (37.21 cm), stem diameter (4.04 cm), numbers of leaves (14.33), and a number of pods (8.07) and minimum plant height (23.18 cm) and a number of leaves (9.00) were observed in T3 whereas minimum steam diameter (2.87cm) a and number of pods (2.87) were observed in T6. It was observed that treatment T8 produced a maximum yield (2.10 kg) and treatment T3 produces the minimum yield (1.24 kg). Highest post-harvest available nitrogen (0.1167%), phosphorus (85.20 kg/ha), potassium (229.61 kg/ha), organic matter (2.31%) and pH (6.25) was found in treatment T8. This study suggests integrating vermicompost and synthetic fertilizer as a potential source for better growth, and high yield of okra thus more experiments on dosage optimization and SSNM should be focused onwards for long term sustainability
Efficacy of eco-friendly insecticides against yellow stem borer under spring rice crop ecosystem of Saptari district, Nepal
Get PDFThe study aimed to assess the effectiveness of eco-friendly insecticides in controlling yellow stem borer in spring rice crops of Hardinath-1 variety in Saptari district, Nepal. For this experiment, a Randomized Block Design was used with seven different treatments and an untreated control group. The treatments tested included Bacillus thuringiensis var kurtaski, Beauveria bassiana, Azadiractin 2.00%, garlic extract, tobacco extract, larvosin, and an untreated plot. The plots used were 3 × 4 meters in size and the plants were spaced 20 centimeters apart in both rows and between plants. The crop was sprayed twice, once during the vegetative stage and once during the reproductive stage, when the pest population reached a certain level. The incidence of dead heart was observed on ten randomly selected hills from each plot before and after the insecticide application, and observations on yellow stem borer incidence were recorded. Results showed that B. thuringiensis var kurtaski had the lowest dead heart infestation (0.4889%) and the minimum white head infestation (0.367%), as well as the highest mean yield (5.755mt/ha). Neembicide and B. bassiana also showed promising results
Domestication performance of the striped snakehead Channa striata fry in pond conditions using different diets
Get PDFThe experiment was conducted to assess the performance of growth, rate of survival and FCR of the different feed types in Channa striata fry at the freshwater station of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. The experiment was undertaken with 3 treatments (T1, T2, and T3) and each having three replications (R1, R2, and R3). Each treatment included the provision of three different feed types, with a stocking density of 1,00,000 individuals per hectare. Fry in T1 was fed a commercial feed that contained 40–35% protein at 40–10% of total body weight. In T2, 40–10% of the body weight of commercial feed, which included fish paste, was given. Contrarily, in T3 live fish fry and chopped fish were provided at 30–10% of total body weight. The mean weight gains in T1, T2, and T3 were 128.7, 140.7, and 162.3g, respectively with percentage weight gains were 81279, 87867, and 100999 respectively, as well as SGR, were 3.34%, 3.37%, and 3.45%, respectively. T1 revealed the lowest amount of weight gain, weight gain percent and SGR, whereas T3 revealed the highest. The mean survival rates at T1, T2, and T3, respectively, were 45.5%, 71.8%, and 82.67%, whereas the FCR values were 2.26, 2.05, and 1.79. T1 had the lowest survival rate and FCR values, while T3 showed the highest. These experiment findings revealed that chopped fish and live fish fry had a more optimistic effect on the survival and growth of the C. striata fry compared with other commercial feeds
Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment on ecological and public health in a tropical estuarine river
Get PDFHeavy metals contamination of water is one of the most severe environmental and public health issues. The present study was conducted to assess the levels of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of the Pasur River estuary in Bangladesh along with their health risk through the ingestion and dermal exposure. The decreasing order of studied metals was Cr > Pb >Cu > Zn > As > Cd with the mean value of 0.050 > 0.024 > 0.021 > 0.014 > 0.012 > 0.006 mg/L respectively. Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn concentration in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water and thereby not safe for drinking. The multivariate analysis identified the common anthropogenic source and existence of studied metals. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) indicated significant contamination of water. The HQ and HI through ingestion and dermal contact were <1 except for the adult, whereas HQ (only for As) and HI value through ingestion was >1 indicating an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects on public health. Carcinogenic risk through ingestion (CRing) indicated that consumption of water from Pasur River estuary may develop cancer risk of Cd. Therefore, strict rules and regulations must be adopted to reduce water contamination of this tidal river from anthropogenic sources for improving the health of this riverine ecosystem
Growth and yield performance of hybrid rice varieties under varying zinc levels
Get PDFZinc deficiency in soil is currently a widespread problem in Bangladesh that significantly reduces the yield of a variety of crops, including rice. Despite the fact that many farmers started applying zinc fertilizer, many are unaware of the right amount and application technique. For this reason, to determine the impact of variety and zinc treatment on the performance of hybrid rice, a field experiment was carried out between November 2019 and May 2020 at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University's experimental field in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207. The experiment consisted of two factors as variety (3 types) viz., V1 – BRRI hybrid dhan2, V2 – BRRI hybrid dhan3 and V3 – BRRI hybrid dhan5 and, Zinc management (4 levels) viz., Zn0 – 0 kg ha-1 (control), Zn1 – 2 kg ha-1, Zn2 – 4 kg ha-1 and Zn3 – 6 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (Factorial) with three replications. Data on different growth and yield parameter of rice were recorded and significant variation was found for different treatments. Regarding varietal performance, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (17.10), panicle length (28.03 cm), grain number panicle-1 (109.45), 1000-grain weight (26.50 g), grain yield ha-1 (6.94 t), straw yield ha-1 (8.58 t), biological yield ha-1 (15.51 t) and harvest index (44.62%) were found from the variety BRRI hybrid dhan5. Considering Zn effect, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (16.33), panicle length (27.14 cm), grain number panicle-1 (108.11), 1000-grain weight (25.38 g), grain yield ha-1 (6.81 t), straw yield ha-1 (8.34 t), biological yield ha-1 (15.15 t) and harvest index (44.88%) were found from 6 kg Zn ha-1. In the case of treatment combination of variety and zinc, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (20.17), panicle length (29.45 cm), number of grains panicle-1 (117.74), 1000-seed weight (27.43 g), grain yield (7.80 t ha-1), straw yield (9.20 t ha-1), biological yield (17.00 t ha-1) and harvest index (45.78%) were found from BRRI hybrid dhan5 along with 6 kg Zn ha-1. Therefore, the hybrid rice variety BRRI hybrid dhan5 with a Zn application of 6 kg ha-1 yielded considerably more grain than the other treatment combinations under evaluation
The cost-benefit analysis and constraints of pineapple production in Bangladesh
Get PDFThe main purpose of the study was to estimate the profitability of pineapple production in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar District. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were done to collect raw data from 100 pineapple farmers during harvesting season. These farmers were chosen using a multi-stage sampling approach. Net return analysis, Benefit-Cost Ratio, and Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the prepared data. Findings from net return analysis showed that pineapple production was a profitable activity in the study area. The total cost of production was Tk. 740,767 and the total return was also substantial, resulting in a net return of Tk. 501,445 for pineapple production. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.48, indicating that pineapple farming was profitable for the farmers. However, the study also discovered several constraints perceived by the farmers that hindered pineapple production. These constraints included issues like animal damage, lack of credit availability, natural calamities, labor supply shortages, expensive fertilizer, inadequate storage facilities, and poor seed quality. By mitigating these constraints, pineapple productivity may rise not just in the study area but also in other regions of Bangladesh where the fruit is grown intensively. Thus, this improvement could significantly contribute to the well-being of farmers and enhance their disposable income
Prevalence of antibodies against classical swine fever in two districts of Nepal
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Classical Swine Fever (CSF), caused by the Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV), in the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts of Nepal. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against CSFV in the swine population, providing crucial insights for targeted interventions and control strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2018. The research involved structured questionnaire surveys and blood sample collection from selected farms in the study area. A total of 184 serum samples were collected and subjected to testing using the IDEXX ELISA test kit. The study evaluated seroprevalence by considering variables such as district, sex, age groups, and housing systems. Out of the 184 serum samples collected, 34 were found to be seropositive for CSFV antibodies, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 18.40%. The study identified significant variations in seroprevalence between different factors, including districts, sexes, age groups, and housing systems. These findings indicate a notable exposure of swine populations in the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts to CSFV. This research highlights the considerable risk posed by CSF to the pig populations in the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts of Nepal. The identified seroprevalence and variations among different factors emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and control strategies in these regions. The findings serve as a foundation for informed decision-making to mitigate the impact of CSF, safeguard swine health, and protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the swine industry. This study was made possible with the support of the Zoonosis Control Project under the National Animal Science Research Institute, Nepal Agriculture Research Council
Effect of combined application of urea and organic manures on soil acidity along with the growth and yield attributes of okra at Lamjung, Nepal
No full textAn experiment was conducted in horticulture farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, Nepal to evaluate the effect of combined application of Urea and Organic manures on soil acidity along with the growth and yield attributes of Okra. The experiment was set up under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising five treatments replicated four times. The various treatments used in the experiment were Cow manure + Urea, Buffalo manure + Urea, Goat manure + Urea, Buffalo manure + Goat manure + Urea and the Untreated Control. The required doses of Nitrogen for the crop were applied through treatments and that of Phosphorous and Potassium was petitioned from Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP), respectively. The quantities of nutrients were put in as recommended by Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) (i.e., 200:180:60 kg NPK per ha). The effect of Goat manure + Urea was found superior against plant height at 30 DAS (13.52 cm) and 45 DAS (32.15 cm), leaf area throughout the growth stage and in final mean fruit yield (12.33 t/ha). Meanwhile, the impact of Cow manure + Urea was found superior against plant height at 60 DAS (46.67 cm) and in case of reducing soil acidity (Soil pH = 6.75). Eventually, the experiment suggests the farmers to use Goat manure + Urea for desirable Okra production considering soil health and also with the application of Cow manure + Urea in the interval of (2-3) years ensuring the control over soil acidification