Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Not a member yet
236 research outputs found
Sort by
Growth, productivity, physical and economic optima and yield gaps estimation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through site specific nutrient management approaches under inner-Terai region of Chitwan, Nepal
Get PDFAn on-farm field experiment was accomplished during the winter season of 2018/19 under inner Terai region at Khairahani, Chitwan for evaluating the influence of various site specific nutrient management approaches on growth, yield, optimum fertilizer dose and yield gaps of wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications with different eight nutrient management practices: T1- farmers fertilization practice (FFP) (52:33:18 kg NPKha-1), T2 - Blanket recommendation (BR) (100:50:25 kg NPK ha-1), T3 - SSNM-NE (110:47:46 kg NPK ha-1),T4 - LCC-N+NE-P&K, T5 - NE-N + farmers -P&K, T6 - LCC- N + farmers–P&K, T7 - Nitrogen Omission Plot (NOPT) + NE- P&K, and T8 - NARC recommendation (120:60:40 kg NPK ha-1). The result findings indicated that the NARC recommendation was comparatively superior over other treatments in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and yield, but the profitability (B:C ratio) was found higher in SSNM-Nutrient Expert recommendation. The physical and economic optimum level of fertilizer for wheat obtained was 135:47.66:43.94 kg NPK ha-1 and 130: 47.86:43.61 kg NPK ha-1, respectively. The yield gaps between farmers practice and SSNM-Nutrient Expert was found to be 110% and 41%, respectively over potential yield of wheat. Thus, it could be suggested that there is great potential to improve the yield of wheat through the NARC recommendation and the SSNM- Nutrient Expert model to raise sustained productivity and income of wheat farmers in inner-Terai region of Nepal.
 
Effects of different doses of organic and inorganic fertilizers on cauliflower yield and soil properties
Get PDFThe experiment was conducted in research field of Agriculture Research Station at Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal from November, 2017 to February, 2018 to evaluate the effects of different doses of organic and inorganic fertilizers on Cauliflower yield parameters and soil properties. In the experiment, there were ten treatments consisting of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The cauliflower variety ‘Snow mystic’ was grown with these treatments laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The half dose of Organic manure (750 kg/ha) and half dose of farm yard manure (FYM) (20 t/ha) produced the highest curd yield (1019 g) and biomass (2046 g). The highest Nitrogen percent (0.10%), Organic matter percent (1.89%) and Phosphorus content (169.09 mg/kg) were obtained with the application of combined half dose of NPK (105:90:60 kg NPK/ha) and half FYM (20 t FYM/ha). The combined effect of application of Organic manures with inorganic fertilizers (NPK) was found to be better for crop growth and development as well as soil health improvement
Testing of bio-rational and synthetic pesticides to manage cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) in cabbage field at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
Get PDFCabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) is an important pest of cabbage which reduces the yield and quality of the cabbage head. Farmers haven been using chemical pesticides to manage them but unfortunately these practices are toxic for human health, biodiversity and the environment. The study was conducted to test the efficacy of different bio-rational insecticides along with the chemical insecticide. ‘Green Coronet’ cabbage variety was used and the field experiment was laid out in the experimental farm of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan during the winter season of 2014. The Experiment was designed in randomized complete block design with having 7 treatments (bio-rational insecticides with chemical and control) and 3 replications. Plot size was 5.76 m2 (2.4m×2.4m) and spacing of 1 m was maintained between each blocks and plots. Field experiment showed that the highest reduction of cabbage aphid was obtained in Dimethoate (30 EC) treated plot followed by Derisom treated plot. The highest yield of cabbage head was obtained in Dimethoate treated plots (66.47 mt/ha) which was significantly at par with the Derisom (58.79 mt/ ha) treated plots. The yield for other treated plots were 47.60 mt/ha for Margosom, 43.77 mt/ha for Verticillium, 41.63 mt/ ha for Cow urine, 36.77 mt/ ha for Spinosad and control (33.45 mt/ ha) in terms of cabbage head yield. And, at the same time, natural enemies’ population was significantly lower to Dimethoate treated plots compared to bio-rational insecticides. Thus, Derisom (Derris based botanical) might be the best viable alternative in eco-friendly management of cabbage aphid considering cabbage head yield and protection of natural enemies. It was also evident from the research that Margosom (Neem based botanical) was found beneficial not only to conserve natural enemies in the cabbage field but also to minimize cabbage aphid population
Farmers’ perception on status of livestock insurance in Surkhet district, Nepal
Get PDFLivestock is an important sector for sustained livelihoods of Nepalese people, particularly for small holder farmers. However, occurrence of any disease or disaster may get livestock as the source of sufferings. Livestock insurance can come up as an effective tool for risk management in livestock sector. This study covers the current status and perception of the farmers on livestock insurance. A total of 45 livestock farmers were selected purposively from three municipalities (15 from each municipality) in Surkhet district as Birendranagar Municipality (Birendranagar, Saldada), Bheriganga Municipality (Maintada) and Lekbeshi Municipality (Lekfarsa, Dasarathpur and Satakhani). Data was collected by face-to-face interview with farmers (45), focus group discussions (2) and key informant survey (4). Mortality, high cost of animal, production loss and price risk were the major risks encountered in the farm. Utilization of their saving and loan reimbursement was preferred by the farmers for capital management. Adoption of insurance among livestock owners was found motivated mainly by cooperatives, friends and family. Among twenty insurance companies offering insurance policies in Surkhet district, Everest Insurance Company Limited was popular. Only few farmers were found having complete awareness on livestock insurance. Majority of farmers agreed on insurance as an effective tool for risk management whereas only 64.44% of total respondent farmers were insuring their livestock, out of which 37.93 % had renewed their insurance package. Goats were mostly insured. This study indicates that better coverage, further process simplification, and perspicuity of livestock insurance scheme including awareness raising are essential for livestock insurance to approach higher level of insurance adopters
Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of radish
Get PDFIntegrated Nutrient Management (INM) is necessary to enhance sustainable yield in an eco-friendly way. A field experiment was conducted in the research field of Midwest Academy and Research Institute College of Live Sciences, Tulsipur, Dang from November 2018 to January 2019 to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of radish. Mino Early variety was used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out on Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications and 5 treatments. Nitrogen (N) was supplied through different sources. The treatment combinations were: control (T1), 100% recommended N through chemical fertilizer (T2), 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through farmyard manure (FYM) (T3), 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure (T4) and 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% vermicompost (T5). Significant effect was noted on leaf numbers, root length, root diameter and yield per ha but no significant effect was noted on the germination percentage and plant height. The highest germination percentage (77.00 %), plant height (13.27 cm), root length (16.94 cm), root diameter (3.01 cm), and yield per ha (16.55 t/ha) was recorded at T4 (50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure). T5 (50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% vermicompost) recorded the highest leaf numbers (10.40). In our experiment, T4 (50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure) was found to be superior, so in inner terai places like Tulsipur, Dang it is suggested to apply 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure to obtain a high yield of radish
Evaluation of host-specificity of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptra: Chrysomelidae) for the biological control of Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) in Nepal
Get PDFHost-specificity test of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptra: Chrysomelidae) was conducted in the field and laboratory of National Entomology Research Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal during April to September, 2017. Multiple-choice and no-choice tests were conducted on Agerataum houstoniamum Mill., Bidens pilosa L., Chrysanthemum indicum L., Dahlia pinnata Cav, Guizotia abyssinica L., Helianthus annuus L., Lactuca sativa L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Perilla frutescence L., Xanthium strumarium L., Zinnia elegans Jacq. and Jasminum officinale L. Among tested plant species, P. hysterophorus was only a preferred host of Z. bicolorata on which both larvae and adults fed. Ovipostion, larval development, pupation and adult emergence of Z. bicolorata occurred successfully on P. hysterophorus completing its life cycle. Larvae consumed H. anuus but could not pupate, and adults fed on it when starved for 5 days in no-choice test. Both adults and larvae of Z. bicolorata consumed X. strumarium and completed larval and pupal developments, but adults did not oviposit. Adult longevity was significantly reduced after feeding on H. annus (19.00 days) and X. strumarium (29.33 days) compared to P. hysterophorus (83.33 days)
Field assessment of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) genotypes against major insect pests in subtropical region of Nepal
Get PDFDirect damage due to insect pests is one of the major causes limiting the yield potential of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) in Nepal. A total of 17 blackgram genotypes were screened for resistance to major insect pests, including aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch.), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.), hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during summer season of 2018 and 2019. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block having three replications. Genotypes were sown on first week of August in a unit plot size of 4 rows of 2 m long with 40 cm row to row spacing and continue plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 3.2 square meters. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 20:40:20 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and seed rate 25 kg/ha. The package of agronomic practices was followed as per national recommendation. Data on insects were collected by counting the number of insects per plant. The yield and yield components were recorded at harvest. All screened genotypes differed significantly (p<0.05) for insect population, yield and yield components. From two years field data, three genotypes BLG0069-1, BLG0036-1 and BLG0079-1 had lower number of above mentioned insect populations, exhibited more resistant in both years and produced higher grain yield (~1.5 t/ha) than other genotypes. These genotypes might be useful for the development of major insect pest tolerant high yielding blackgram variety in subtropical region of Nepal
Effect of gibberellic acid on growth and flowering attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) in inner terai of Nepal
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted at Bangaun, Lamahi-3, Dang, Nepal to study the effect of GA3 on growth and flowering attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) in Inner Terai of Nepal. The experiment consists of three replications and 8 treatments and laid out in a randomized complete block design- consisting of various concentrations of GA3 viz. 0ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm, 200ppm, 250ppm, 300ppm, and 350ppm. Kolkata local variety of African marigold was tested. The study revealed that among different concentrations of GA3, 300ppm showed the tallest plant height (72.93cm) and the highest basal diameter (1.49cm). Maximum numbers of primary branches (3.11) and the greatest plant spread (32.11cm) were obtained from 250ppm; similarly, maximum numbers of secondary branches (13.80) were recorded in 350ppm. In the case of floral parameters both 100ppm and 350ppm recorded earlier days to 50% flowering (44.00 days each), days for 100% flowering was recorded almost similar in every treatment that sticks around 54 and 55 days, maximum diameter (5.370cm) of flowers were obtained from 50ppm, the greatest fresh weight (6.180g) was recorded in 350ppm, 250ppm showed a maximum number of flower per plant (104.13), similarly, a longer duration of flowering (58 days) was recorded in 300ppm. Among all treatments, the 250ppm level of GA3 was found to be most suitable in terms of production perspective
Screening of sugarcane genotypes against Top Borer (Scirpophaga exerptalis Walker) infestation
Get PDFFourty sugarcane genotypes with different period of maturity were evaluated against top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker) infestation under natural field condition during 2018 and 2019 at National Sugarcane Research Program, Jeetpur, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in alpha-lattice design under natural condition of infestation using Co 0238 as susceptible check. Based on the incidence, 26 genotypes were categorized as less susceptible, eleven genotypes were found moderately susceptible to S. excerptalis. However, among less susceptible genotypes lowest incidence of 3.11 percent was recorded in genotype CoS 8432. Whereas, highest incidence of 25.24 percent was recorded in highly susceptible genotype, CoSe 98255BD 24. Most of the cane genotypes were found low to moderately susceptible, having 5 to 20% incidence of the pest. Whereas, some of the varieties, namely CoH 160 (21.22%), CoSe 95255 BD 24 (25.24%) and BO 150 (22.02%) were found highly susceptible. The mechanism responsible for host plant resistance against top borer is not studied in this experimentation. The study in these aspects is to be conducted to explore the mechanisms of host plant resistance for using these resistant genotypes for breeding purpose
Field screening of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for resistance to bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) disease
Get PDFRice is the most important crop in Nepal followed by maize and wheat in terms of area (1.4 million ha), production (5.15 million) and productivity (3.5 mt/ha). Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is considered to be the most widespread and destructive disease of rice in both irrigated and rainfed environments in Nepal. Use of host plant resistance is the most feasible and economical way to combat this disease. However, breakdown of resistance of a variety often occurs after few years of release due to genetic adaptation of the pathogen. Regular screening of the genotypes is utmost for developing the resistant genotypes. Considering the point, this investigation effort has been made to screen the rice genotypes against BLB under natural field condition at Khajura, Banke during 2018 and 2019. In the study, plants were assessed by measuring disease severity (percentage of leaf diseased) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Differences in resistance among the rice genotypes were observed in both of the tested year. Among the screened 150 rice genotypes during 2018, 6 genotypes scored resistant (R), 81 moderately resistant (MR), 59 moderately susceptible (MS) and 4 susceptible (S) to BLB. Whereas, in 2019, among the tested 315 rice genotypes, none of the genotypes were resistant, 183 MR, 131 MS and 1 S to BLB disease. This showed that the tested genotypes were composed of different genetic background.