Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Management of bacterial leaf blight disease of rice in farmer\u27s field condition at Bhaktapur district of Nepal
Get PDFBacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is considered as one of the major threats to rice production in Nepal. To identify the effective control measures, an experiment was done in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a farmer\u27s rice field at Bhaktapur, during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019. Three plants extracts; 1% Neem extract, 2% Asuro leaf extract, and 2% Titepati leaf extract along with two fungicides viz. 0.1% Agricin and 0.2% Blitox 50, and one bio-control agent 1%Kisan Pseudomonas were used as treatments. The first spray was given as a prophylactic spray at the jointing stage, and they were applied 3 times at 50, 60 and 70 days interval. All the treatments significantly reduced disease and improved test weight higher than control. Among the tested treatments, 0.1% Agricin performed as the best with 65.70% disease control and increase in yield over control by 28.13%. Among the tested botanicals, 2% stock solution of Titepati performed as the best with 50.59% disease control and increase in yield by 13.51%. Therefore, three times application of 0.1% Agricinat 10 day interval starting from jointing stage can be used to control BLB disease for higher rice production
In vitro evaluation of different fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria citri infecting citrus
Get PDFRhizoctonia solani and Alternaria citri are major plant pathogens of citrus, causing considerable production losses. Chemical fungicides are widely used for disease control. Using the food poisoning technique under in vitro conditions, an experiment was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of several fungicides against those pathogens. To evaluate the effect on Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth, five different chemicals, viz. SAAF (Carbendazim 12% WP + Mancozeb 63% WP), Bavistin (Carbendazim 50% WP), VACOMIL PLUS (Metalaxyl 15% WP + Copper oxychloride 35% WP), and Raze (Copper oxychloride 50% WP) were used at 100 ppm and 200 ppm concentration each. Similar chemicals were used for Alternaria citri except for additional Mancozab (Mancozeb 75% WP). Mycelial growth inhibition was measured until the fungus nearly covered the plate in control. All fungicides reduced the fungal growth compared to control. After 96 hours of incubation with Rhizoctonia solani, maximum inhibition (100%) was achieved at both concentrations of Bavistin, followed by SAAF @ 200 ppm (97.59%) and SAAF @ 100 ppm (88.25%), whereas VACOMIL PLUS and Raze had the minimum effect on the mycelial growth. Similarly, after 8 days of incubation of Alternaria citri, SAAF @ 200 ppm showed the highest inhibition (70.86%), followed by SAAF @ 100 ppm (65.11%), Mancozab @ 200 ppm (64.39%), and Mancozab @ 100 ppm (47.48%), but the effect of Bavistin, Raze, and VACOMIL PLUS had the lowest impact. The chemical proven effective against the pathogens should be trialed in pot and field experiments for further verification. 
Effect of additional pollen supplement on fruit setting in Moringa oleifera
Get PDFMoringa oleifera Lam. is a woody species with hermaphrodite flowers cultivated for its fruits and seeds for oil production. The fruit production of the species remains below producers\u27 expectations.The current study was carried out from July to October along two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) at Komsilga (12°18\u2748.2\u27\u27N and 1°64\u2760.2\u27\u27W ) and at the INERA experimental station in Ouagadougou (12°22\u27801\u27\u27N and 1°30\u27295\u27\u27W ) both located in the northern Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Our study aimed at testing whether additional pollen on the flower stigma could improve pod and seed yields. For this purpose, a sample of 10 flowering trees and 20 inflorescences/tree was randomly selected at each site. Per tree, 10 newly flowering inflorescences were left to open pollinated and 10 others received pollenmanually. Results show that hand-pollinated inflorescences produced an average of 0.19 and 0.17 fruits, compared to 0.16 and 0.14 for open-pollinated inflorescences at INERA and Komsilga respectively (p= 0.7720). The mean seed weight was 63 (±11.2) and 50 (±7.4) g for the manualand open pollinated treatment, respectively. The Kruskal-wallis test of mean seed weight shows that the smallest fruits were obtained in the open pollination which differed significantly from manual pollination (p< 0.0001). The addition of pollen significantly improved Moringa fruit production
Increasing the productivity of rajma through proper sowing date and plant geometry
Get PDFRajma (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation is gaining popularity in Terai to Hills of Nepal. The poor plant establishment and yield due to the results of unsuitable sowing time and row spacing are the main reasons for lower productivity of it. Therefore, the date of sowing and row spacing trials were conducted in two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018 at the Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke. A widespread and registered variety of rajma PDR 14 was used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four sowing dates (a) 11th October, (b) 26th October, (c) 10th November and (d) 25th November as the main-factor, and three rows spacing (a) 30 cm, (b) 40 cm and (c) 50 cm as the sub-factor, consisted of three replications. The effect of the date of sowing on all the yield and yield attributing characters was found significant at a one percent significance level. Similarly, row spacing has resulted in a significant difference in grain yield. Rajma sown on 26th October (Kartik 9) produced 12, 38 and 64% higher grain yield than sown on 11th October, 10th November and 25th November, respectively. Moreover, rajma seeds sown on 26th October with 30 cm × 10 cm plant geometry produced the highest grain yield (2185 kg/ha). The narrow row spacing seemed well than the wider row in rajma production. There is a great potential to increase the production and productivity of rajma through an appropriate time of sowing and row spacing
Efficacy of co-inoculation of the rhizobium and pseudomonas in combination with chemical fertilizer on the productivity of rice under legume-based cropping system
Get PDFThe main production restriction in Nepal is a shortage of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers. In addition, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers to increase rice production alters the soils’ physicochemical and biological qualities. The effective application of biofertilizers obtained from beneficial microorganisms is on demand for increasing agriculture production as well as maintaining soil health sustainably. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications at Grain Legumes Research Program (GLRP), Khajura, Banke in order to find out the response of co-inoculation of Rhizobium and Pseudomonas in combination with different dose of recommended chemical fertilizers. The application of the co-inoculated Rhizobium and Pseudomonas at the dose of 800 g/ha along with the recommended N:P2O5:K2O dose of 100:60:30 kg/ha was found to be best effective among all treatment combinations. The maximum panicle length, biological yield, grain yield and thousand grains weight were 27.75 cm, 6.55 t/ha, 6.083 t/ha, and 27.67 g, respectively. In this study, co-inoculation of Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and a full dose of prescribed chemical fertilizers improved panicle length, biological yield, grain yield and thousand grains weight considerably more than others
Evaluation of performance and genetic parameters in quality protein maize genotypes
Get PDFQuality protein maize (QPM) contains opaque-2 mutant genes that increases lysine and tryptophan level which are not normally found in maize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of QPM genotype based on their yield, yield attributing and other relevant characteristics. A varietal trial on QPM was conducted in the research field of Lamahi municipality-3, Dang, Nepal from February to June 2021. This experiment was performed in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Thirteen genotypes of QPM and one standard check (Poshilo Makai-2) were evaluated. Each genotype was assigned an area of 3m × 3m with a net plot area of 452.5m2 per block. Analysis of variance revealed significant data for the most of the genotypes. Four genotypes Rampur-S13FQ-02 Rampur-SO3FQ-02, Rampur-S13FQ010 and Rampur-S13FQ-08 were found superior with a yield of 4.32 t/ha, 3.97 t/ha, 3.89 t/ha, 3.63 t/ha respectively in comparison to the standard check Poshilo makai-2 (2.66 t/ha). Significant and positive correlation were observed for the ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear, number of kernel row per ear, ear weight whereas negative for ear aspect with grain yield was observed. Ear weight without husk had the highest contribution to grain yield. For all observed traits, the coefficient of phenotypic variation (PCV) was found to be higher than that of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The highest GCV, PCV, genetic advance and heritability were observed in ear aspect, thousand grain weight, ear height, plant height respectively. As a result, breeding programs can be further improved by selecting these traits
Effect of different doses of probiotics on growth performance of New Hampshire chicken
Get PDFThe feed additive is one of the important components in poultry production to enhance the performance of birds. An experiment was conducted atNational Animal Nutrition Research Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal in order to evaluate the feasibility of probiotics as feed additives in New Hampshire chicken performance. The experiment was laid out with four treatments viz. basal diet which is concentrate mixture without inclusion of probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus - 50*109 cfu/kg, Bacillus subtilis - 1*109 cfu/kg, Bacillus licheniformis - 1*109 cfu/kg, Saccharomyces boulardii - 10*109cfu/kg) as basal diet with 0.5 gram of probiotic per liter of water , basal diet with 1 gram of probiotics per liter of water and basal diet with 1.5 gram of probiotics per liter of water under completely randomized design replicated three times. A total of 180, 8th week New Hampshire chickens were allotted with 15 birds in each experimental unit. Experimental birds were fed ad-libitum amount of formulated concentrate feed and clean drinking water with proper management practices.The highest weight gain was observed in treatment group provided with 1g of probiotic in diet (1957.96 g) followed by treatment group provided with 0.5 g of probiotic in diet (1891.40 g), 1.5g probiotic in diet (1879 g) and lowest in treatment group without probiotic in diet (1793.62 g). However there was no significant difference in total feed intake between all the treatment groups. Similarly, better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found inbirds fed with 1g probiotic (3.59) followed by 0.5g probiotic (3.67), 1.5 g probiotic (3.72) and without probiotic in diet (3.87). Dressing percentage was also found higher (85.03 %) in birds fed with 1g of probiotic included diet than other groups of birds
Effects of organic manures on yield and yield attributes of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) genotypes
Get PDFAn experiment was carried out to determine the effects of organic sources of fertilizers on yield and yield parameters of five coffee (Coffea arabica) genotypes at Gulmi district in 2015 to 2021. Five different source of organic manures (mustard cake @ 2 kg/plant, poultry manure @ 2.5 kg/plant, vermi compost @ 3 kg/plant, goat manure @ 4 kg/plant and FYM/cattle manure @ 5 kg/plant) was applied on five coffee genotypes (Chhetradip Local, Gulmi Local, Selection-10, Syangja Special and Yellow Cattura). Field experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrespective of genotypes, the length of cherry was found maximum (15.3 mm) in mustard cake applied plants which was followed by poultry manure applied plants (15.2 mm). The average cherry length was found longest (15.3 mm) in Yellow Cattura and Syangja Special which was followed by genotype Chhetradip Local (15.1 mm). The highest diameter of cherry (12.7 mm) was obtained with the use of mustard cake followed by poultry manure (12.4 mm). The application of mustard cake produced the highest cherry yield (3.55 kg/plant) followed by poultry manure (3.43 kg/plant). Yellow Cattura produced the highest fresh cherry yield (3.34 kg/ha) followed by Selection-10 (3.07 kg/plant). Results indicate that poultry manure and Yellow Cattura are most effective for higher production of coffee
Damage and yield loss estimate in maize varieties owing to stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) infestation and insecticidal control
Get PDFStem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) is one of the most damaging and yield reducing pest in maize. Field experiments were organized to assess the extent of damage and yield loss due to the infestation of stem borer in maize following two factors randomized complete block design with three replications at National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, during two consecutive spring seasons of 2020 and 2021. Maize varieties; Rampur Hybrid (RH)-8, RH-10, RH-12 (CAH-1715), RH-14 (RML-86/RML-96), RH-16 (RML-95/RML-96), TX-369, Arun-2, ZM-401, ZM-627 and Rampur Composite were used as a test variety (First factor) whereas pest control conditions (spray and non-spray) was considered as the second factor in the experiments. The sprayed plots (protected plots) were kept completely free from stem borer infestation by using three application of standard dose of insecticide (spinosad 45% [email protected]/L) at 10 days interval and non spray (unprotected plots) were selected for natural infestation of stem borers. Standard agronomical practices such as time of planting, row spacing, seed rate, irrigation, weeding and fertilizer application and doses were adopted to raise the crop. Among tested varieties Arun-2 was found most susceptible to stem borer attack in both experimental years resulted in higher % dead hearts (6.04%), higher no of exit hole (4.72), higher % foliage damage at before tasseling stage (12.17%) and higher tunnel length (4.62cm). Quantitative yield loss increased with the increase of the borer\u27s infestation. The yield loss was ranged from 25 to 45% in different maize varieties due to the attack of stem borer. Highest yield loss was quantified for the open pollinated varieties, ZM-401(44.61%) followed by Rampur Composite (41.39%) and Arun-2 (41.22%). Spraying of insecticide enabled the recently introduced maize hybrid RH-14 to produce more yield and to be less vulnerable to stem borer damage
Effect of mulch materials on potato production and soil properties in high hill of Parbat, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Get PDFAn experiment for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) was conducted to evaluate the use of mulching materials in increasing productivity and profitability of potato production. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five different mulching materials including control replicated for four times namely, banmara (Agertina adenophora) weed (T1), black polythene sheet (T2), white polythene sheet (T3), commercially used mulch paper having black color outside and silver color inside (T4) and farmers practice (T5) as a control with no mulch. The research result revealed that all the mulching materials significantly (p value ≤ 0.05) increased tuber yield and yield attributing characters of potato as compared with control (no mulch). The highest tuber yield was obtained from mulching with commercial mulch paper followed by mulching with black polythene sheet in both years. Mulching with banmara also produced significantly (p value ≤ 0.01) higher tuber yield than no mulch plot in the year 2017 and 2018. Mulching practices significantly (p value ≤ 0.05) improved the soil available phosphorus. The incremental benefit cost ratio was highest (2.97) in the mulched with banmara followed by commercial mulch paper (2.12). The banmara mulch was also profitable with comparatively higher tuber yield