Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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A review on phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological potential of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
No full textFor centuries, the noni plant (Morinda citrifolia) has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, used to treat a vast array of ailments. Today, this tropical fruit has captured global attention, moving from ancient remedies to modern health food stores. This review paper critically evaluates the science behind the hype, exploring noni's rich phytochemical makeup and its promising pharmacological potential. The paper compiles evidence showing that nearly 200 beneficial compounds including anthraquinones, flavonoid, and iridoids have been identified in different parts of the noni plant. These compounds contribute to a broad spectrum of biological activities. Research suggest that noni and its extracts possess anticancer (significant inhibition of breast, lung and colon cancer), anti-microbial (inhibition of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus), analgesic (162-212% increased pain tolerance in rodents), anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, and blood-sugar-lowering (hypoglycemic) properties. While the historical use and a growing body of preclinical studies are compelling, the authors conclude that high quality clinical trials are limited. Such research is crucial to confirm its effectiveness, establish proper dosage, and ensure long-term safety. This review concludes that, with the unique combination of historical value, nutritional richness, and diverse therapeutic potential, noni stands as an invaluable resource for the future of nutraceuticals and modern medicine while well designed human trials must establish clinical efficacy, optimal dosage, and sustained safety in humans
Preparation of muffin incorporated with sweet potato paste and its quality evaluation
No full textThis study examines the development of low-gluten sweet potato muffins, focusing on process optimization, sensory evaluation, and proximate composition analysis. Raw materials were selected based on freshness, quality and processed through sorting, grading, boiling, mashing, baking, and cooling steps. Five formulations (A- 0%, B-30%, C-40%, D-50% and E-60% of sweet potato paste) were prepared based on survey data, from which the best formulated one was selected through 9-point hedonic scale. The study examined how varying levels of steam-cooked sweet potato paste influenced the muffins’ chemical and nutritional properties. Sample D was identified as the best formulation based on sensory tests, showing superior qualities in color, scent, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate content of best formulated product was 29.7, 5.38, 17.23, 1.62, 2.85 and 43.19%, respectively. Also, beta carotene content and calcium content were 4.49 mg/100 g and 11.64 mg/100 g, respectively. The nutritional profile and sensory quality of the low-gluten muffins were significantly (p<0.05) improved by adding 50% sweet potato paste, while maintaining a reasonable price. According to the study, sweet potatoes can be used as a functional ingredient to create nutrient-rich baked goods that will appeal to consumers and have potential commercial value
Neglected and underutilized fruits in Nepal: Importance, Challenges and Conservation approaches
No full textThis paper investigates the neglected and underutilized fruits (N&U fruits) of Nepal, aimed to explore the potential of N&U fruits in Nepal, examining their importance, challenges, and conservation strategies. The study employs a comprehensive review of N&U fruit species in Nepal, focusing on their ecological distribution, socio-economic significance, and barriers to conservation and utilization. Key findings indicate that certain indigenous fruits, grown at altitudes ranging from 60 m to 4700 m, have the potential to contribute up to 5-10% of local agricultural income and can significantly boost rural economies. These fruits also provide ecological benefits, such as soil erosion prevention and increased biodiversity, with deep root systems that stabilize soils, particularly in the hilly regions. Additionally, N&U fruits are highly nutritious, providing essential carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that aid in addressing malnutrition and preventing health issues such as cardiovascular diseases. Despite these advantages, challenges such as insufficient research, shifting preferences toward exotic varieties, and climate change hinder their cultivation and commercialization. Conservation strategies like on-farm, in-situ, and ex-situ methods have been implemented, with approximately 30% of local crop diversity being conserved through on-farm strategies. Strengthening research and improving market access could increase the utilization of these fruits by up to 50%, contributing to both economic development and environmental sustainability. This study highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary research and the development of comprehensive conservation frameworks to ensure the sustainability of these valuable genetic resources for future generations
Econometrics analysis of consumers’ willingness to purchase organic fruits and vegetables in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
No full textThe number of people interested in environment-friendly products and becoming health-conscious has increased. The tendency of consumers to buy organic fruits and vegetables is growing gradually. Nonetheless, the number of people consuming organic fruits and vegetables is low in the case of Nepal due to the higher price of organic products. As a response to the problem, a study was conducted among 159 people who were randomly surveyed consumers of Kathmandu Valley to determine the various factors affecting the willingness of consumers to pay for organic fruits and vegetables. We used general linear regression model was applied to determine the consumers’ willingness to purchase organic vegetables and fruits. The analysis shows that 46 percent of consumers are willing to pay up to 24 percent for conventional products. The study found that the factors like Income, and Education were significant factors in determining the willingness of consumers to purchase organic vegetables and fruits. Consumers' health awareness is critical in determining the attitude, intention, and frequency of purchasing organic vegetables and fruits However, this study shows that in underdeveloped nations like Nepal, health issues and environmental issues are not significant factors in consuming organic products, whereas higher income plays a significant role in purchasing organic products
Synergy of biochar and organic fertilizer improves soybean (Glycine max L.) growth by alleviation nutrient stress in strongly acidic Taiwanese soil
No full textThe potential of biochar and organic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, promote crop growth, and increase yield is driving their growing popularity in modern agricultural practices. This research investigated the effects of applying a combination of biochar and organic fertilizer on soil physico-chemical properties and the growth attributes of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the strong acidic soil of Taiwan. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using a pot experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design with two factorial treatments, replicated three times. Fifteen days after soil amendment, treatment B35F140 had a significant increase in soil pH of 5.54 compared to the control group. Similar treatment resulted in higher P available in soil of 19.11 mg kg-1. In addition, 45 days after soil amendment, organic matter, available potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc increased by 19.59%, 236.36%, 38.39%, 112.76%, 7.01%, and 44.59% in the application of treatments B70F140, B35F140, B35F105, B70F140, and B35F70, respectively, compared to control. The tallest soybean plants were seen on the application of treatment B70F140 with a maximum height of 112.75 cm, while treatment B35F140 produced many soybean plant leaves — 51 leaves per plant. Moreover, root hairs extensively grew on soybean plants grown on the amended soils than those of the control treatment. Conclusively, our findings have statistically demonstrated that the combination of biochar and organic fertilizer can improve soil quality and soybean growth characteristics under conditions of strongly acidic soil, as evidenced by a short-term pot and greenhouse study
Impact of agricultural credit on profitability and efficiency of onion cultivation in a selected area of Bangladesh
No full textOnion is one of the most important commercial spice crops in Bangladesh, grown and consumed almost all over the country. The purpose of this study was to look at the socioeconomic factors, loan profile, profitability and efficiency, as well as the effect of credit on onion production in Bangladesh's Pabna district. Stochastic production frontier method and profitability analysis was used in this study. Primary data were collected through a field survey of 120 onion farmers using a semi-structured interview schedule. The major findings of this study revealed that the majority of the sample farmers were between the ages of 30 and 64; the average family size and annual household income were 5.36 persons and Tk. 264,450 (US 3499.69), 973657 (US 6122.62), 589566.5 (US 3447.95), 895920 (US 5464.79), 517508 (US$ 4715.33), and 2.37, respectively, for the non-credit group. The mean farmer's technical efficiency was 94 percent. The impact of credit on onion cultivation was positive. The coefficient value was 0.081. Thus, the study area has tremendous potential for onion production; relevant authorities need to ensure the smooth, timely, and hassle-free flow of sufficient credit to the onion farmers
Effect of cold air plasma and seaweed extract treatment on wheat seed germination and gene expression under salt stress conditions
No full textThis study investigated the potential of cold air plasma (CAP) and seaweed extract (SWE), individually and in combination, to enhance wheat seed germination and molecular responses under salinity stress. A factorial CRD experiment was conducted using four treatment types (control, cold air plasma (CAP), seaweed extract (SWE), CAP+SWE) and four salinity levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 dS/m), with detailed physiological and gene expression analyses. The dual CAP+SWE treatment significantly outperformed all other treatments across key parameters. Germination percentage increased from 63.59% in untreated seeds to 89.42%, while mean germination time decreased from 4.53 to 3.56 days. Radicle length improved from 4.23 cm to 5.44 cm, and total chlorophyll content rose from 34.24 to 40.57 SPAD units. Enzymatic activity also increased, with α-amylase rising from 3.00 to 3.96 U/mg protein and SOD from 84.08 to 92.86 U/g fresh weight under CAP+SWE. At the molecular level, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the CAP+SWE treatment significantly upregulated salt-responsive genes: P5CS (3.42-fold), NHX1 (3.14-fold), and APX1 (3.18-fold), compared to control levels. Notably, the highest gene expression values were observed at 8 dS/m salinity, suggesting optimal stress-induction synergy. These findings showed that combining physical (CAP) and biological (SWE) priming produces complementary physiological and molecular responses, hence improving the salt stress resistance in wheat. In saline conditions, this combined priming technique is a sensible, environmentally friendly way to raise seed vigour and early growth performance
Determinants of milk composition and somatic cell count in buffaloes from the Terai belt of Nepal
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and various milk quality parameters of buffaloes in the Chitwan district of Nepal during the year 2024. A total of 122 buffalo-owned households were selected using a cross-sectional survey design. Results indicated that average daily milk yield was highest during the first lactation (4.74 kg/day), followed by the second (4.54 kg/day), and third lactation (3.21 kg/day). Conversely, milk fat content showed a decreasing trend across successive lactations. Lactation stage significantly (p<0.05) influenced the milk’s fat, solid-not-fat (SNF), protein, and lactose content. While parity exhibited a marginal correlation with lactose concentration, it did not significantly affect milk yield, fat, SNF, or protein content. A notable finding was that high-yielding buffaloes had significantly (p<0.01) lower fat content than low-yielding counterparts. In contrast, SNF, protein, and lactose percentages were significantly (p<0.01) higher in high-yielding groups compared to low and medium-yielding ones, indicating a substantial impact of production level on milk composition. No statistically significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in SCC and electrical conductivity (EC) across varying levels of milk production, parity, or lactation stages. These findings suggested that SCC and EC are not strongly influenced by these factors under current management conditions. Key challenges identified in the study area included poor hygiene of feeding and milking equipment, unbalanced feeding practices, inadequate waste management, limited infrastructure for milk marketing, and slow adoption of modern dairy technologies
Comparative study of various botanical and chemical pesticides against red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis) in summer squash at Bhojpur, Nepal
No full textThe red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis) is an invasive pest of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) that damages seedlings, skeletonize leaves and flower buds, ultimately reducing yield. This study, conducted in Bhojpur, Nepal, examined the effectiveness of selected pesticides for the control of Red Pumpkin Beetle (RPB). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with seven treatments; each replicated three times. It assessed the effectiveness of Deltamethrin, Profenofos, Malathion, Emmamectin benzoate, Neem oil, Tobacco extract, and water spray. Data on beetle population and leaf damage severity were collected before spray and at 1, 3, 6, and 10 days after spray (DAS), then analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT. Results indicated that Deltamethrin emerged as the most effective, reducing beetle population to 0.71 beetles/plant and leaf damage to 9.46%. Profenofos demonstrated similar efficacy with 0.90 beetles/plant and 13.06% damage. Malathion and Emmamectin benzoate were moderately effective, while Neem oil and Tobacco extract were least effective but better than water spray, which recorded 3.96 beetles/plant and 48.91% damage. All pesticides reduced beetle populations compared to control, but Deltamethrin and Profenofos were most effective and statistically similar. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate pesticides and applying correct dosages for effective management of Red Pumpkin Beetle
Optimizing silicon fertilization for improved growth and yield in Boro rice
No full textIn the present era, sustaining rice productivity is increasingly challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses, nutrient imbalances, and climate variability, prompting interest in beneficial elements like silicon (Si) for enhancing plant resilience and improving yield. To evaluate the impact of silicon on Boro rice (cv. Binadhan-25), a field experiment was conducted during the 2024 Boro season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The study comprised eleven treatments where recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) were applied combining with 0 to 200 kg SiO2 ha-1 in 20 kg increments. This research was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 40 kg SiO2 ha-1 alongside RDF significantly improved plant height, effective tillers hill-1 and grain yield outperforming all other treatments. Grain yield increased by about 25.7% with the application of 40 kg SiO2 ha-1 compared to no silicon application to the soil. These findings emphasize the beneficial role of moderate silicon supplementation in enhancing growth and yield of Boro rice and suggest 40 kg SiO2 ha-1 as the optimum dose for productivity enhancement. Future research should explore the long-term effects of silicon on soil health and crop sustainability across different rice varieties and agro-ecological zones, considering the limitation that this study focused on a single variety under one growing season