Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Spot blotch disease resistance and heat stress tolerance in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Get PDFSpot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is a major disease of wheat in warm and humid regions of Nepal. The fungus has a worldwide distribution but as a pathogen, it is the most aggressive under the conditions of high relative humidity and temperature associated with the low fertility of soils in Nepal. The yield loss due to the disease is very significant in Nepal. This experiment was conducted to identify the genotypes having a good level of resistance against spot blotch. Canopy temperature measurements using infrared thermometry, to assess variation in foliar blight resistance along with heat tolerance as an integrative selection criterion. The experiment set was comprising 52 genotypes and arranged in alpha lattice design with two replications in 2017/-2018 Directorate of agricultural research center, Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal. Each plot size was 8 rows of 3 meters long. Three times disease scoring was done in Flag leaf, and Penultimate leaf method and calculated the Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Other data were analyzed by using R software (4.2.2). Canopy temperature, heading days, days to maturity, plant height, number of grains per spike (NGPS), number of tillers per meter square (NTPM), thousand-grain weight (TGW), and grain yield were found highly significant. The genotype 32 was found the highest yielder (5141 kg/ha) and canopy temperature 16.50 C with a 279; 610 F; F-1AUDPC, respectively
Seed priming influences on yield and protein content of wheat sown at different time
Get PDFThe aim of this field experiment conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, was to investigate the impact of different seed priming techniques and sowing dates on the yield and quality of wheat. The study aimed to identify the most effective seed priming technique and optimal sowing date to enhance wheat productivity and minimize yield reduction. The experiment employed a split plot design with two factors: seed priming techniques (no priming, hydropriming with distilled water, osmopriming with PEG, and halopriming with CaCl2) and sowing dates (November 20, December 05, and December 20). The trial was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 at the research field. The study consisted of three replications for each treatment combination. Osmopriming exhibited the most favorable results among all priming techniques, showing significantly higher values for effective tillers hill-1 (3.91), number of grains spike-1 (43.82), number of spikelets spike-1 (16.16), grain yield (3.87 tons hectare-1), biological yield (6.02 t ha-1), and harvest index (39.03%). No priming condition resulted in the highest protein content (12.11%), while osmopriming had the lowest protein content (11.77%). The sowing conducted on November 20 yielded the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (3.57), number of grains spike-1 (42.49), number of spikelets spike-1 (15.75), grain yield (3.71 t ha-1), biological yield (9.70 t ha-1), and lowest protein content (11.74%). Sowing on December 20 resulted in the highest protein content (12.20%). Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the osmopriming technique, combined with sowing on November 20, offers the most promising approach to mitigate the yield reduction of wheat. This combination demonstrated the highest grain yield (4.23 t ha-1) compared to other treatments. Therefore, farmers and agricultural practitioners are recommended to adopt the osmopriming technique with a sowing date of November 20 for optimizing wheat production and enhancing overall crop quality
Value chain analysis of carp fish seed farms in some selected areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh
Get PDFThis study is an attempt to analyze the prevailing value chain of fish seed farms in some selected areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 280 fish seed farms owners (56) and traders (224) covering four Upazilas of Mymensingh district namely Mymensingh Sadar, Gauripur, Muktagacha, and Trishal from the period of July 2019 to October 2019 through purposive random sampling technique. Three important fish seed species of carp; namely Rui, Catla, Mrigel were selected to address the following objectives: typical value chain map and marketing system of fish seed farms, determination of the net value addition of fish seed production and marketing, and problems impacting different actors in the value chain. Total net marketing margin per 10 Kg. spawn and per 100000 pieces’ fingerlings are Tk. 20204 (190.43 USD) and Tk. 43148 (406.69 USD), respectively. Among all three intermediaries, the net marketing margin of the retailer is the highest. A large percentage of value addition is covered by paiker for both cases and that is 20.85% and 31.2%. The study finds that fish seed farms with hatcheries are more profitable than fish seed farms with nursery. The yearly net return from spawn production in the hatchery is Tk. 4324775 (40763.15 USD) and from fingerling production in the nursery is Tk. 2388126 (22509.27 USD). The owners and traders have currently been facing some difficulties. Lack of information about good quality seed, the higher price of inputs, and lack of extension service is some of the examples. If these problems could be solved, fish seed farms and market intermediaries could earn a higher profit than the existing level
Assessment of slope-cut landslides along Pokhara-Baglung Highway, Nepal
Get PDFThe study addresses the ramifications of development initiatives in delicate mountainous terrains, unveiling significant economic constraints and multifaceted environmental challenges. It focuses on investigating substantial landslides triggered by excavations along a specified stretch of Nepal's Pokhara-Baglung Highway. This research holds significance for policymakers engaged in devising highway development strategies that mitigate future landslides, minimizing both costs and the toll on life and assets. The investigation encompassed on-site cataloging of landslides, lab test of sampled soils and a structured questionnaire distributed among local residents. This comprehensive approach facilitated a thorough assessment of landslide occurrences and their consequential effects. The identified landslides exhibited a consistent rotational pattern, characterized by abundant quartzite and phyllite rock formations. The predominant soil composition consisted of fine-to-medium sands, exhibiting a Plasticity Index (PI) range of 0.5 to 3, indicating marginal plasticity. Significantly, a substantial portion (70%) of the populace reported tangible impacts from landslides, with about 32% of affected individuals confirming an average agricultural productivity loss of 4330 kg/km2. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test indicated a uniform impact across various demographic categories, including gender, education, proximity to the affected site, and social caste. Although fluctuations in the region, the observed temporal precipitation consistency over decades suggests as an accelerating rather than primary causative factor for landslides. Thus, principal causes of slope failures predominantly link to inadequately managed bedrock excavations and suboptimal road drainage systems underscoring the necessity for systematic inquiries into soil stability post-slope incisions. These measures are pivotal in guiding the construction and expansion of road networks within Nepal's Himalayan region
Reproductive biology and length-weight relationship of the Pool Barb Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1832) in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Get PDFThe study was conducted within the Freshwater station of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute in Mymensingh from November 2019 to October 2020. The main objectives were to acquire additional knowledge regarding length-weight connection, condition factor, sex ratio, gonadosomatic index, and fecundity of P. sophore. It was possible to determine the spawning season each month by comparing the levels of the gonadosomatic index for the two sexes. Both sexes of the P. sophore species showed negative allometric growth, as indicated by the length-weight relationships of TW=0.0165TL2.852 for females and TW=0.035TL2.956 for males. For females, the average condition factor was 1.17±0.096, while for males, it was 3.24±0.19. Both times, the condition factor's value was high (>1), demonstrating that both sexes are in good health. From collected fish, 147 (55.12%) of the 264 fish samples that were taken were females, whereas 117 (44.88%) were males (Females: Males=1:0.82). The chi-square test showed that the male-to-female ratio during the sample months was not significantly different from 1:1 (χ2= 0.15, p>0.05). The spawning season extended from May through July, with June representing both sexes' peak spawning time. According to the study, the month of June had the highest absolute fecundity, which was 7829 and the absolute fecundity value was found to be lowest in the month of October 803 with an average value of about 3560 throughout the study period. For the management and protection of this species, this data will be valuable to researchers and those who decide on fisheries policy
Effect of citric acid (CA) priming and exogenous application on germination and early seedling growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plants under salinity stress condition
Get PDFSalinity is a significant barrier to the healthy germination of seeds, the development of seedlings and ultimately the yield of crops. Salinity tolerance can be effectively induced through seed priming and exogenous application of various treatment agents. The vegetable crop okra is a healthy and well-liked one worldwide. Literature shows that salt stress negatively disturbs the growth of okra plants. In the present research, we investigated the effects of citric acid (CA) as priming and exogenous agents to alleviate the salinity-inhibited germination and early growth of okra plants. The seeds were pretreated with CA (1 mM and 2 mM) and soaked in distilled water (control) for 60 min. Germinated seeds were grown in hydroponic solution and subjected to salt stress (50 mM and 100 mM NaCl) with three independent replications and same concentrations of CA (1 mM and 2 mM) were exogenously sprayed. Our results showed that, seed priming with 1 mM CA significantly produced the highest percentage of germination (GP), germination index (GI), germination energy (GE), seed vigor index (SVI), radicle length and weight, hypocotyl length and weight, and number of lateral roots while decreased mean germination time of okra seeds while compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that salt stress dramatically reduced root and shoot length, plant height, root and shoot fresh weight and dry weight, and relative water content (RWC). Under salt stress, the addition of 1 mM and 2 mM CA significantly increased the RWC, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, and plant height. These results provide information that CA priming improves germination parameters and exogenous treatments can improve the salt tolerance, and seedling characteristics of okra. Therefore, our results suggest that 1 mM CA can be utilized as a seed priming and exogenous application agent reducing the impacts of salt stress and promoting early seedling development of okra
Quality assessment and shelf-life of processed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish sticks: Laboratory based study
Get PDFCustomers prefer tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the most popular freshwater fish species farmed in Bangladesh, because of its flavor and affordable market pricing. This study aimed to develop value-added tilapia fish sticks and evaluate the quality changes, shelf life, and storage stability of the developed tilapia fish sticks in order to investigate the possibilities of better utilizing low-value tilapia fish and to satisfy consumers' growing demand for quality ready-to-eat food products. For this regard, storage characteristics in room (28ºC) and refrigerator (5ºC) temperatures were assessed in terms of microbiological, chemical, proximate, and sensory attributes. The moisture, lipid, protein, and ash contents of the fish sticks were observed to be 56.23±0.62, 7.62±0.27, 26.01±0.39, and 2.93±0.23%, respectively, at fresh condition. As storage time increased, it was discovered that ash content at room temperature increased while moisture, lipid, and protein levels steadily declined. On the other hand, it was discovered that at refrigeration temperatures, ash and fat content increased while moisture and protein content decreased. Compared to fish sticks held at ambient temperature, changes in the proximate composition of fish sticks stored in a refrigerator were found to be more stable. TVB-N was initially measured as 12.38±0.45 mg/100 g. After 24 hours of room storage, the TVB-N value exceeded the acceptable level; however, after 72 hours of refrigeration, it did not exceed the acceptable limit and was deemed fit for consumption. TPC was observed in fresh fish sticks as 3.74±0.31 Log CFU/g. In 48 hours at room temperature, the bacterial load of tilapia fish sticks increased sharply (p<0.05) during the course of the storage period and went above the microbiological threshold for fishery products (7 Log CFU/g of flesh). The bacterial growth trend was slower and, after 72 hours, was within the permitted limit at refrigerated storage temperature. All fresh products had the highest initial sensory ratings. At ambient temperature, all of the products sensory qualities significantly declined with time (p<0.05), however at refrigeration temperature, the product was determined to be more stable. The overall acceptability score assessed for appearance, flavor, taste, and texture was within acceptable limits for up to 24 hours at room temperature, but not for 72 hours at refrigeration temperature. According to the study's findings, tilapia fish sticks have a very limited shelf life at room temperature (28°C), only lasting around 24 hours, whereas they can last up to 72 hours at 5°C in the refrigerator
Efficacy of bio agents and fungicides against Colletotrichum blight of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) under field condition in Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal
Get PDFThe field experiment was carried out in five years old Golsai variety of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) at Khandbari-4, Pangma of Sankhuwasabha district between February and April 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of bioagents and fungicides against Colletotrichum blight of large cardamom (A. subulatum). Two bioagents, three fungicides, and control/water were taken as treatments, and the experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with an area of 4×3 sqm in each experimental unit having 6 treatments with 4 replications. Treatment wise application of bioagents and fungicides was given by using a high-volume knapsack sprayer with the required concentration. Subsequent sprays were given at seven-day intervals. The result of the study showed that among the tested fungicides, TOPCARE (Azoxystrobin 50% WDG) and bioagent Trichoderma viride significantly reduced blight under field conditions. So, spraying of the fungicide TOPCARE (Azoxystrobin 50% WDG) and bioagent T. viride will be best for controlling Colletotrichum blight on large cardamom in the Sankhuwasabha district
Assessing socio-economic patterns and trends of livelihoods of fisher’s community of the Old Brahmaputra River: A case study in Jamalpur, Bangladesh
Get PDFThe current study was assessed the socio-economic patterns and trends of livelihoods of the Old Brahmaputra River fisher's community in the Jamalpur district from July 2021 to June 2022. The livelihood status was analyzed regarding age distribution, family size and composition, religion, marital status, education levels, living standards, diseases, healthcare, electricity, sanitation, drinking water facilities, fishing, and employment status. Most fishermen (45.76%) were 35-50 years old, with 91.53% were Muslim. The average family size for a fisher was medium, with 5-7 members. 33.9% were illiterate, 37.29% could only sign, 20.34% finished primary school, and 8.47% completed SSC. Most fishermen had tin roofs 59.32%, straw roofs 22.03%, semi-paka houses 11.87%, and paka houses 6.78%. Approximately 45.76% of fishers relied on village doctors, 33.9% on the Upazila Health Complex, 8.47% on Kobiraj, and 11.87% on MBBS doctors. Approximately 93.22% of fishermen's homes were equipped with electricity. Fishing was the main activity for more than 57.63% of the fishers. Fishermen have suggested specific management strategies to halt the trend of decreasing fish catches and increasing fish production. These include restricting the use of harmful gear, prohibiting the catching of juvenile fish, creating fish sanctuaries, and releasing fish fry
Livelihood assets and food consumption status of riverbank erosion hazard people in a selected area of Bangladesh
Get PDFRiverbank erosion is a major threat to Bangladesh refers to an endemic and recurrent natural hazard of our country. The study was conducted to identify the socioeconomic characteristics, find out the root causes of riverbank erosion, determine the livelihood assets and measure the calorie intake level of the riverine people. Primary data were collected from Jamalpur district in Bangladesh. The DFID approaches of livelihood and the consumption data of riverine households of seven days was measured by per person per day calorie intake level. The findings revealed that 72% of the respondents belonged to the age up to 60 years, 33.33% respondents’ education level was primary, 36% of the respondents’ primary occupation was agriculture, and 40% respondents had annual household income more than Tk. 100000 (US$ 1556.60). Most of the households identified flood, heavy rainfall, and stream of current as the main cause of riverbank erosion. Overall, human assets were in good position. About 54% respondents used leased land for their cultivation and 37.33% respondents had cash in hand. About 80% of the respondents belonged to the poor and their calorie intake level was < 2122 K. Cal. The Water Development Board of Bangladesh needs more attention to riverine people for improvement of their livelihood and food security status