Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Factors affecting the productivity of coffee in Gulmi and Arghakhanchi districts of Nepal
Get PDFCoffee is one of the major potential cash crops with lucrative export value grown in mid-hills of Nepal. Nepalese coffee production has suffered long by low productivity. Research was conducted from February to May, 2019 to analyze the factors affecting the productivity of coffee in Arghakhanchi and Gulmi districts of Nepal. These two districts were, purposively selected for this study taking account of comparative advantage and past studies recommendations for coffee sector. Altogether, 100 coffee growing households 50 from each, Arghakhanchi and Gulmi, were sampled by using multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the primary information while secondary information was collected reviewing the relevant publications. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model was used to determine the factors affecting the productivity of coffee. The study revealed that the number of active family members involved in coffee production (0.000), adoption of income diversification through intercropping (0.005), training (0.072) and technical assistance (0.021) had positive and significant effect on coffee productivity. Encouraging the household to have coffee production as their primary occupation, providing technical assistance on rational land utilization and intercropping and strengthening the skill and knowledge of farmers through trainings could significantly support in increasing the productivity of coffee
Response of different wheat varieties to Bipolaris sorokiniana at seedling stage under laboratory condition
Get PDFSpot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana) is a major disease of wheat in warm, humid wheat-growing regions. The aim of present study was to evaluate the infection symptomology and disease severity to different wheat varieties under laboratory condition. A total of ten wheat genotypes including RR-21 (a susceptible check) and Aditya (a resistant check), were evaluated for seedling stage resistance to spot blotch disease through artificial inoculation under laboratory condition at Gokuleswor, Baitadi during 2018. Based on disease severity and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), Aditya was found resistant and RR-21 was found susceptible The tested genotypes were categorized on the basis of total AUDPC value, where Banganga, BL4341, BL4407 and local genotype were moderately resistant, BL-4406, NL-1190, NL-297 and NL-971 were found moderately susceptible to spot blot at seedling stage. The susceptible check, RR-21 had the highest disease severity (44%) as well as mean AUDPC value (51.38)
Performance of drought tolerant rice varieties in different altitudes at Duradada, Lamjung, Nepal
Get PDFTo evaluate high yielding drought tolerant rice varieties in different altitudes, a field experiment was carried out at Duradanda, Lamjung, Nepal during rainy season of 2016 under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with two replications. The treatments comprised of six different rice varieties viz. Sukhadhan-1, Sukhadhan-2, Sukhadhan-3, Sukhadhan-4, Sukhadhan-5 and Sukhadhan-6 and four altitudes viz. 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 masl. The results revealed that rice variety Sukhadhan-2 produced the highest grain yield (2.93 t/ha) followed by Sukhadhan-5 (2.92 t/ha) and Sukhadhan-3 (2.82 t/ha). The highest grain yield of Sukhadhan-2 was due to higher number of effective tillers/m2 (228), higher number of grains/panicle (83), higher panicle length (21.79 cm) and low sterility percentage (27.91%) as compared to other varieties. Regarding to altitudes, the highest grain yield (3.34 t/ha) was obtained in lower altitude (1000 masl) followed by 1200 masl (2.79 t/ha), 1400 masl (2.68 t/ha and 1600 masl (1.85 t/ha). The lower yield in higher altitude was due to higher sterility percentage, less number of effective tillers per unit area and less number of effective grains per panicle. It seems that the performance of these varieties was good up to 1400 masl
Depth-wise variations of soil physicochemical properties in the apple growing area of Mustang district, Nepal
Get PDFUnderstanding the soil fertility is an important management tool in assessing the nutrient requirement of the crops. Considering this, a study was done to determine depth-wise soil parameters distribution in the apple growing areas of Gharpajhog Rural Municipality, Mustang during October 2019. The total 68 sampling points were selected randomly in the different sites, and collection was done from three depths viz. 0-20cm, 20-40cm and 40-60cm by using soil sampling auger. The soil separates, pH, organic matter, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were determined following standard methods in National Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar. The results of the study revealed that the effect of depth was significant in the sand and silt proportion, while non- significant in clay proportion. The highest (40.17±1.57%) sand content was in 40-60cm depth, meanwhile highest (45.64±1.07%) silt content was in surface (0-20cm) depth. In addition to this, soil pH, OM, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were also affected by the depth. The highest (8.27) pH was determined in the lower (40-60cm) depth. On the other hand, highest OM (4.93±0.2%), total N (0.24±0.01%), available P2O5 (43.47±4.35 mg/kg) and available K2O (95.91±5.8 mg/kg) in surface (0.20 cm) depth. The surface depth possessed strong content of studied soil parameters might be due to in-situ incorporation of leaf litter, residue etc. as well as applied manure in the surface. Finally, we can also conclude that the adopted current nutrient management practice should be continued for apple production in the study area
Growth status, curd yield and crop duration of late season cauliflower varieties
Get PDFCauliflower is an important winter season vegetable crop having year-round demand in Nepal. Due to longer crop duration in late winter season, there was a production of poor-quality curds and lower yield faced by the farmers in Terai region of Nepal. An experiment was conducted to identify the short duration late season varieties at Rampur, Chitwan Nepal during November 2016 to March, 2017. These varieties were Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Amazing, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803 and NS 106 (introduced from USA, Europe and India), and Snow Mystique and Snowball 16 (introduced from Japan). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The highest plant height (71.9 cm) and canopy diameter (74.5 cm) at last harvest of cauliflower was mostly produced by Titan followed by NS 106, Snow Mystique, Bishop and Indam 9803. Similarly, significantly shorter period for final curd initiation of 65 days after transplanting was observed in Freedom and shorter period for final curd maturation of 77 days after transplanting was also recorded in Freedom than other varieties. Significantly, higher curd yield of 54.8 t/ha was produced by Bishop than other varieties. In conclusion, Bishop was the best hybrid variety while other suitable varieties were NS 106, Titan, Artica and Snow Mystique for better growth and higher curd yield in Chitwan condition. Similarly, Freedom was identified as short duration varieties which can minimize the negative effects in late winter season due to higher temperature
Application of micro algae in poultry nutrition; a review
Get PDFIn this review, we unveil the the use of microalgae as a feed ingredient in poultry nutrition. Microalgae are small-sized algae, unicellular, photosynthetic aquatic plants which have been studied as a natural marine resource for a number of economically applications, including animal feed. They are introduced to poultry diets mainly as a rich source of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docohexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid, but they can also serve as a protein, microelement, vitamin and antioxidants source, as well as a pigmentation agent for skin and egg yolks. The majority of experiments have shown that microalgae, mainly Spirulina and Chlorella sourced as a defatted biomass from biofuel production, can be successfully used as a feed ingredient in poultry nutrition. They can have beneficial effects on meat and egg quality, through an increased concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids, and in regards to performance indices and immune function. Positive results were obtained when fresh microalgae biomass was used to replace antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diets. Because of their chemical composition, microalgae can be efficiently used in poultry nutrition to enhance the pigmentation and nutritional value of meat and eggs, as well as partial replacement of conventional dietary protein sources.
 
Screening of rice genotypes for leaf blast resistance under field condition
Get PDFBlast, caused by Pyriculariagrisea (Sacc.) is the most destructive disease of rice in Nepal. To identify the sources of leaf blast resistance in rice genotypes, a field experiment was conducted under natural epiphytotic condition at National Plant Pathology Research Centre (NPPRC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal during summer season in 2018 and 2019.A total of 128 rice genotypes in 2018 and 291during 2019 including resistant check (Sabitri) and susceptible check (Shankharika/Mansuli) were tested. Field experiment was conducted in single rod row design. Leaf blast disease assessment was done according to 0-9 scale. During 2018, 59 entries were highly resistant (Score 0), 34 resistant (Score 1), 26 moderately resistant (Score 2-3), 5 were moderately susceptible (Score 4-5), 4 susceptible (Score 6-7) and none of them were highly susceptible (Score 8-9) to leaf blast. Similarly, in 2019, 6 lines were highly resistant, 70 resistant, 196 moderately resistant, 15 lines were moderately susceptible, 4 susceptible and none of them were highly susceptible to the disease. Only, one genotype NR2179-82-2-4-1-1-1-1 (Score 1) was found resistant in both years. Similarly, genotype NR2182-22-1-3-1-1-1 (Score 2-3) was found moderately resistant. Some of the genotypes were found resistant in 2018 which become moderately resistant in 2019, they were NR2180-20-2-5-1-1-1-1, IR97135-8-3-1-3, IR98786-13-1-2-1, NR2181-139-1-3-1-1-1-1, and IR13F402. So, findings of these resistant and moderately resistant genotypes could be used in resistant source for the development of leaf blast resistant rice varieties through hybridization in future
A survey and assessment of grasshoppers’ population in various sugarcane growing areas of Harion municipality in Sarlahi district, Nepal
Get PDFA small-scale study of grasshopper populations was undertaken in Harion municipality of Sarlahi district to ascertain whether grasshopper population in sugarcane growing areas is changing in consecutive years 2014 and 2015. The regular sugarcane growing areas were randomly selected and the survey was conducted to estimate the population in those consecutive years in 14 different locations where outbreak of Hieroglyphus banian (Fabricius) has occurred. The per square meter population was estimated using a ‘T’ shape which was made by tying 1m long two sticks to estimate one square meter area. The population of two consecutive years was compared to study the relationship between two years populations. The grasshopper infestation by risk category indicated that infestation warranted rating of severe in ward seven, eight and nine for 2015 from the population of 2014 AD. For 2016 AD, the risk was found low as most of the areas was categorized as moderate to light category as the population was found low in 2015 AD. Grasshopper population densities were found higher in some areas of Sarlahi district in the first year as compared to the second year. The population level in the first year was not found to induce population in next year as the population decreased in the second year. The trend of grasshopper population was not so threatening as the population was not found increasing in these years so was risk for next year. This might be due to the management of grasshoppers in nymphal stage in previous year, weather parameters, location, inter-cultural operations, decreasing of the rationing crops or presence of natural enemies. These findings provide guidance for the farmers in relation to grasshopper management and for future survey programs in relation to targeting regions of the district at risk from grasshoppers
Allocative efficiency and adoption of improved maize variety: A case of eastern hills of Nepal
Get PDFProduction and profit from maize farming can be substantially increased by allocating resources efficiently and adopting improved maize variety. In this context, a study was undertaken to determine the allocative efficiency and factors affecting adoption of improved maize variety in Eastern hills of Nepal. Random sampling was conducted in eastern part of Khotang district namely, Halesi municipality and Diktel Rupakot Majuwagadi municipality during month of March 2019. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered among 80 randomly selected farmers cultivating maize since last two years. Face to face interview was scheduled to obtain data. Cobb Douglas production function was used to determine allocative efficiency; probit regression model was launched to determine factors affecting adoption of improved maize variety. Significant positive relation of cost of seed, planting, and weeding with income has suggested to increase expenditure on certified maize seed over own farm seed, line sowing over broadcasting, and weeding. The model revealed that increasing all the factors of production by 100% would result in increase in income by 71.83%. Furthermore, cultivating improved maize variety is more profitable than own farm seed. Probit regression model showed that, farmers who have received training, who were member of cooperatives and who have received high schooling were more likely to adopt open-pollinated improved maize variety. Unavailability of inputs (seed, fertilizer, and labor), insect pest attack and adverse climatic conditions were major constraint of maize farming. Therefore, it would be better to suggest maize producers to increase expenditure on seed; make maize field weed free and adopt line sowing method. In addition, providing training, increasing access over inputs and encouraging farmers towards cooperatives could be virtuous for sustainable maize production
Q-Fever, an undermined zoonotic threat
Get PDFWith upto 75% of all human disease being zoonotic in origin, proper study of the diseases is necessary to prevent any outbreak or human loss. More studies are required for developing countries like Nepal where there are no appropriate provisions for situations after breakouts. One such little known sporadic zoonosis is Q-fever. Q-fever (Coxiellosis) is caused by Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii that infect cattle and other ruminants with serious concerns for developing reproductive disorders and flu-like symptoms in human. There have been reports of undifferentiated febrile illness of Rickettsial cause in human and seroprevalence of Coxiella antibodies in goats of Chitwan and dairy cattle of Rupandehi for the first time. Low infectious dose and high resistivity to environment makes the disease more potent. Q-fever continues to be unexplored in Nepal despite its identification in neighboring countries like India. Thus, this paper after reviewing related articles from various journals, proceedings and magazines from online sources like Google Scholar, Mendeley, NCBI and PubMed is aimed to evaluate current status of disease, its epidemiology, zoonotic potential and preventive measures that can be adopted to minimize the threat of the disease as much as possible