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Monitoring of Butterfly Diversity in Diverse Eco‐Climatic Zones of Maharajganj District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFButterflies are colourful, attractive and ecologically important creatures on the earth. The present study has been carried out in the three different climatic zones of Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, India, during the months of July to December 2024. The three sampling sites were selected, i.e. Vijay Park, Farinda and Paneva Panei, to investigate the diversity of butterfly species. A total of 206 butterfly samples were collected using an insect net. Among them, 13 distinct species of butterflies belonging to 04 different families, such as Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae and Lycaenidae were monitored. The family Nymphalidae was most dominant (106), followed by the Pieridae (70), Papilionidae (17) and the Lycaenidae (13). The distribution pattern of butterflies in numbers was shown as 74, 71 and 61 at Vijay Park, Farinda and Paneva Panei, respectively. According to the Simpson Index of Diversity, the sampling site Farindahas showed the highest score (0.88), followed by Vijay Park (0.85) and Paneva Panei (0.82). The finding score revealed that the population of butterflies needs to be protected by conservation of their habitats, which are degrading continuously due to the exponential expansion of urbanisation and agricultural activities
Assessment of Agro-Morphological and Yield-Related Traits of Vijay Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Variety Under Different Ploughing and Non-Ploughing Techniques
Get PDFWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is essential for global food security, but its productivity is constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses, including climate change. This study examines the effects of different tillage methods on the agro-morphological and yield-related traits of the Vijay wheat variety under varying ploughing and non-ploughing techniques. Conducted at the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Research Centre (AMTRC) in Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, the experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven tillage practices: (i) Cultivator + Rotavator + Seed sowing, (ii) Cultivator + Zero tillage, (iii) Rotavator + Seed sowing + Rotavator, (iv) Zero tillage + Seed drill, (v) Seed drill, (vi) Zero tillage, and (vii) Farmer’s practice. Key traits measured included phenological stages, tiller count, plant height, spike length, leaf number, and grain yield. The results revealed significant variations among tillage practices. The Cultivator + Rotavator + Seed sowing method produced the highest grain yield (4.060 t/ha), outperforming other treatments. Correlation analysis showed that days to maturity (DM) had a strong positive correlation with grain yield (r = 0.700***), whereas days to anthesis (DA) exhibited a negative correlation (r = -0.195). Regression analysis confirmed DM as a key yield determinant (b = 0.1167, r² = 0.462), while plant height also showed a positive influence (r² = 0.412). These findings highlight the importance of selecting optimal tillage practices to improve wheat productivity. Integrating conservation tillage with conventional methods offers a sustainable approach to enhancing yield in diverse agricultural systems
Efficacy of Insecticides Against Thrips (Thrips tabaci) in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Chadani)
Get PDFBoth biotic and abiotic factors have a considerable impact on cucumber production; the frequency of pests and diseases operate as important restrictions, resulting in yield losses ranging from 35 to 60%. Among pests, cucumber leaves, flowers, buds, stems, and fruits are severely damaged by thrips. This study compares the effectiveness of various insecticides in controlling cucumber thrips. The Chadani variety was the subject of an experiment utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications at the Gauradaha Agriculture Campus in Jhapa, from February 14 to May 30, 2023. Treatments were applied 3 times using a foliar spray method. Data regarding the thrips population before spraying insecticides and after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days of spraying were recorded. Data were collected and analyzed using ANOVA in GenStat (15th edition), with mean separation by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Thiamethoxam exhibited the highest Population Reduction over Control (PROC) at 68.65% (first spray), 28.00% (second spray), and 34.44% (third spray), followed by Imidacloprid (61.54%, 27.95%, and 32.27%) and Dimethoate (53.66%, 18.11%, and 17.31%). The highest yield was recorded in Thiamethoxam (28.13 tons/ha), followed by Imidacloprid (26.62 tons/ha) and Dimethoate (19.09 tons/ha). These findings demonstrate that Thiamethoxam significantly reduces thrips populations and enhances productivity and economic returns, making it a superior choice for pest management in cucumber cultivation in Jhapa, Nepal
What Factors Influence Farmer\u27s Behavior in Adopting Integrated Pest Management Practices in Mountains of Nepal?
Get PDFFarmers who have attended the season-long integrated pest management-farmers’ field school (IPM-FFS) are more likely to adopt IPM practices but significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the extent of IPM adoption among farmers in Nepal and the factors influencing their practices. This study thus looks at factors influencing farmers\u27 decisions to adopt IPM practices in Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. It focuses on six components of the health belief model (HBM): benefits, severity, susceptibility, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. We interviewed both IPM-FFS-trained and other non-trained farmers. Poisson\u27s regression and bootstrapping were used to analyze the relationship between HBM components (independent variables) and the adoption of IPM practices (dependent variable). The analysis was done separately for "IPM-FFS farmers," "other farmers," and both groups combined. Findings show increased adoption of IPM practices by the IPM-FFS trained farmers, driven mainly by the benefits (IRR 1.32, p<0.01). However, HBM components did not show a substantial impact on enhancing the adoption of IPM practices among "other farmers." When combined, perceived benefits (IRR 1.35, p<0.01), self-efficacy (IRR 1.41, p < 0.01), and cues to action (IRR 1.34, p<0.01) significantly enhanced the adoption of greater IPM practices. Findings are similar between normal and bootstrap Poisson regressions. This study shows the importance of improving farmers\u27 confidence through targeted training programs in promoting sustainable agricultural practices
Soil Physicochemical, Biochemical and Microbial Properties at Varying Proximities to Ten-Year-Old Palm Oil-Mill Effluent Dumpsite in Derived Savannah
Get PDFThis study assessed the physico-chemical properties, enzyme activities, and basal respiration of a sandy-loam soil around a ten-year-old palm oil mill effluent (POME) dumpsite at Inyi, a representative palm oil-processing community, in southeastern Nigeria. Sampling was from the POME dumpsite and at 20, 60, 100 and 260 m away. Soil pH ranged from alkaline (7.47) at the dumpsite to moderately acidic (5.83) 260 m away. Organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus were highest (3.18\%, 0.406\%, and 76.79 mg/kg, respectively) in POME-dumpsite soil and decreased with distance away from it. The POME-dumpsite soil showed higher contents of the exchangeable bases (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+; 0.19, 9.33, 9.00 and 0.16 cmol/kg, respectively), cation exchange capacity (22.13 cmol/kg), base saturation (84.40\%) and, hence, higher structure stability than the adjacent soils. Enzyme assays showed decreases in soil dehydrogenase activity with distance away from the dumpsite. Catalase activity was inhibited at the farthest point (260 m) away from the dumpsite, whereas lipase activity was nominally higher in the dumpsite (81.95 µgPNP/gmin) than in the adjacent soils. Basal respiration decreased only at 20 m away from the dumpsite. These results indicate improved soil fertility/health around POME dumpsites relative to directly unaffected surroundings. By positively influencing soil physico-chemical properties and enzyme/microbial activities, long-term controlled dumping of POME could enhance environmental quality. Understanding the interplay between these ecological benefits of controlled POME dumping and the widely acknowledged eco-toxic effects of POME is essential for developing its sustainable management strategies in palm oil-processing regions
Current Status and Future Perspective of Pesticide Use and Pest Management in Kuwait Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFThe widespread overuse of pesticides in agriculture has generated increasing concerns about the negative effects of pesticides on human health and the environment. The review provides perspectives on the main trends regarding pesticide overuse in Kuwait and its potential impacts on human health and the environment. Factors driving the excessive use of pesticides, including climate change and the introduction of invasive pest species, and the challenges of adopting alternatives to chemical pesticides, are also reviewed. The review further outlines the status of an invasive pest species, the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Kuwait and the Middle East, and efforts to develop sustainable management strategies for the pest. Finally, recommendations on how to achieve sustainable control of the T. absoluta and other pests using integrated pest management strategies, and the comprehensive intervention measures to be adopted to reduce health and environmental risks of pesticides are discussed. Although the review has focused on Kuwait, it is relevant in other countries where greater and widespread use of synthetic pesticides to manage pests is a dominant trend
Toxicological Effects of Mercury-Induced Biochemical Alterations in Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii) Plants
Get PDFHeavy metals, including mercury (Hg), accumulate in the environment via atmospheric deposition, aquatic transport, and terrestrial pathways, eventually settling in soil and sediments. Once these metals become bioavailable, they pose significant ecological and toxicological risks. Upon exposure, plants absorb them, leading to harmful agronomic, physiological, and biochemical effects. The present study aims to assess the toxicological effects of mercury on the biochemical alterations in Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) plants. M. koenigii plants were assigned to four groups: Group 1 (control) in uncontaminated soil, and Groups 2, 3, and 4 exposed to 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg of Hg, respectively. All plants were kept under controlled environmental conditions to promote optimal growth. The results revealed that elevated mercury concentrations significantly impaired critical growth parameters, including seed germination, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, and vigour index, all of which reflect suppressed plant growth and productivity. Biochemical analysis further demonstrated substantial reductions in primary metabolites, such as carbohydrates and proteins, with the most pronounced decreases observed at higher mercury concentrations. These alterations suggest that Hg-induced oxidative stress causes cellular damage, disruption of nutrient assimilation, and disturbances in enzyme activity. Additionally, significant reductions in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content were observed, further indicating impaired photosynthetic capacity. Overall, the findings underscore the detrimental effects of mercury on plant metabolic processes, highlighting its potential to cause long-term growth inhibition and metabolic dysfunction, with broader implications for plant productivity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health
Unlocking the Genetic Potential of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Accessions for Enhanced Yield and Crude Protein
Get PDFTo elucidate improved germplasm for grain yield and seed protein content, ten soybean accessions were evaluated in a replicated randomized complete block design. This study reveals substantial phenotypic variation, with protein content spanning 34.48% to 42.10%. PK-7394 recorded the highest protein level (42.10%) but showed reduced grain yield, whereas Hardee produced a maximum yield of 3.89 t ha⁻¹. TGX-1990-114FN combined high protein content (40.98%) with competitive yield (3.85 t ha⁻¹), thereby corroborating its potential as a prime genetic resource. Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between grain yield and nodule count (r = 0.55) as well as seed diameter (r = 0.16). Protein content exhibited a high Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.09), highlighting variability across accessions. By integrating high yield and enhanced protein content, TGX-1990-114FN emerged as an optimal genetic resource for breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding and nutritionally enriched soybean varieties. Such findings offer valuable insights into advancing agricultural productivity and addressing global food security challenges
Agro-Morphological Evaluation of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays) in the Subtropical Region of Nepal
Get PDFAgro-morphological characterization is crucial to evaluate the performance of maize hybrids on the basis of various traits and to identify superior hybrids with desirable features. The objective of this research was to identify the superior maize hybrid based on field performance. A total of thirteen maize hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Sharanamati, Jhapa, Nepal during March-July, 2024. All the data except grain yield was recorded from five sample plants in each plot where grain yield was recorded from the whole plot and statistical analysis was done using R-studio. The results revealed that Superking-4455 is more appropriate for areas with shorter growing seasons since it generally flowers sooner in comparison to other genotypes such as INH-5619 and RH-6. Shorter plants like PAC-7202309 were found to be more resistant to lodging and are preferred in certain regions where wind or heavy rains are common over tall varieties like Star-56. The maximum grain yield was 10.09 t/ha which was achieved by Star-56, closely followed by Superking-4455 and RH-6 whose yield was 9.67 t/ha and 9.54 t/ha respectively. PAC-7202309 produced the lowest yield which was 4.49 t/ha, most likely as a result of its low TGW, NOP, and NOC. The results suggested that, while low-performing genotypes like PAC-7202309 need more research or breeding and agronomic methods to improve their performance, high-performing genotypes like RH-6, Star-56, and Superking-4455 are excellent possibilities for enhancing maize output in Saranamati, Jhapa
Characterization of Biochar Produced from Locally Available Agricultural Waste Resources for Soil Enhancement in Western Kenya
Get PDFValorization of agricultural waste offers a circular pathway to mitigate the intertwined crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Slow pyrolysis provides an effective route for transforming biomass into biochar, a porous carbonaceous material that can condition degraded soils. We quantified the physicochemical attributes of biochar produced from three contrasting residues that dominate western Kenya’s agroecosystems: coffee husk (CH), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and wood sawdust (WS). Each feedstock was air-dried for 72 h, pyrolyzed in a sealed metal kiln at 350 °C for 60 min, and cooled under an inert atmosphere. Yields averaged 37 % for CH, 32 % for SB, and 28 % for WS. Resultant biochars displayed high pH (8.4–9.2), surface area (145–275 m² g⁻¹), and cation-exchange capacity up to 92 cmol c kg⁻¹, indicating liming and nutrient-retention potential. Elemental analysis revealed increasing aromaticity (H/C < 0.35) and carbon stability with decreasing O/C ratios. Bulk density followed the order WS > SB > CH, whereas porosity exhibited the opposite pattern, reflecting structural differences in the biomasses. The correlation of ash alkalinity with calcium and magnesium contents suggested that feedstock mineralogy largely governs biochar buffering capacity. On the basis of these metrics, CH biochar emerged as the most suitable amendment for acidic Ferralsols, whereas WS biochar may serve better in sandy Arenosols requiring structural improvement. The findings supply evidence that can guide county-level policies seeking to couple waste reduction with soil fertility restoration through biochar adoption within smallholder systems