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Biometric Traits and Biology of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Reared on Maize (Zea mays) under Laboratory Conditions
Get PDFThe Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a formidable pest now widespread in Nepal, poses a major threat to maize production, underscoring the need for detailed biological insights to inform effective management strategies. Therefore, this study was conducted under laboratory conditions to assess the morphometric and biological parameters of FAW on Zea mays. Morphometric traits such as head capsule width and length, body length and width, adult body length, and wingspan were examined. Biological parameters, including the duration of larval instars, pre-pupal, pupal, and adult stages, were also analyzed. In larvae, the smallest measurements were recorded in the first instar (head capsule length 0.20±0.02 mm; width 0.31±0.02 mm; body length 1.48±0.08 mm; body width 0.30±0.03 mm), while the largest were observed in the sixth instar (2.85±0.09 mm, 2.86±0.06 mm, 33.23±0.43 mm, and 5.15±0.14 mm, respectively). Pupae measured 14.45±0.78 mm in length and 4.40±0.04 mm in width. The adult forewing span (30.5±1.6 mm) was larger than the hindwing span (22.6±1.0 mm), with a body length of 13.8±0.9 mm. Egg hatching took 2 days, and the larval stage lasted between 9 and 14.3 days. The pre-pupal and pupal stages lasted 2.20±0.47 and 9.08±0.90 days, respectively, followed by an adult lifespan of 5.50±1.50 days. The results shed light on the lifecycle, essential for understanding its population dynamics and guiding ecologically based management
Impact of Rainfall Variations on the Production of Major Crops: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Maize (Zea mays) in Burao District, Somaliland
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of rainfall variability on the production of major crops sorghum and maize in Burao District, Somaliland. Given that agriculture in the region is predominantly rainfed, fluctuations in rainfall patterns significantly affect crop yields and food security. The study reviews existing literature and data to assess trends in rainfall variations and their consequences for agricultural productivity. Findings indicate that inconsistent rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and drought conditions have led to decreased crop yields, affecting both food availability and farmer livelihoods. Additionally, farmers in the region face multiple constraints, including limited access to irrigation, financial resources, and modern agricultural techniques. The study highlights the necessity of climate adaptation strategies, such as drought-resistant crop varieties, improved water management, and policy interventions, to mitigate the impacts of climate variability. Strengthening agricultural extension services and adopting climate-smart farming practices are crucial to ensuring sustainable crop production in Burao District
Impact of Packaging Materials on Banana Shelf Life and Quality in Subtropical Nepal
Get PDFBanana is a highly perishable crop susceptible to significant postharvest losses, particularly during handling and transportation throughout the supply chain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different packaging materials—polythene bags, cardboard boxes, banana leaves, rice straw, and no packaging (control)—on the shelf life and quality of bananas in subtropical conditions. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with five postharvest treatments and four replicates. Major quality parameters assessed over a 16-day storage period included total soluble solids (TSS), pulp firmness, pH, fruit volume, pulp-to-peel ratio, and fruit weight. The results revealed that bananas packaged in polythene bags exhibited the highest fruit volume (81.25 cm3) and the greatest pulp firmness (0.38 kg/cm2), indicating better texture retention. The highest pH value (6.64) was recorded for bananas packed in cardboard, suggesting slower ripening. The control group (no packaging) exhibited the highest TSS, reflecting faster ripening and potential deterioration. Polythene packaging proved most effective in preserving the initial fruit weight and reducing moisture loss during storage. Both polythene and cardboard packaging significantly enhanced the shelf life and maintained the quality attributes of bananas compared to other treatments. The findings suggest that appropriate packaging materials, particularly polythene and cardboard, play a crucial role in minimizing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of bananas in subtropical environments. Adopting these packaging methods could improve fruit quality during storage and transportation, thereby supporting better market value and reducing economic losses
Evaluation of Rice Landraces for Yield and Related Traits Under Rainfed Conditions in Nepal
Get PDFThe primary staple crop in Nepal in terms of production and cultivated area is rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study evaluates the agronomic performance of fifteen genotypes of rice landraces under rainfed conditions in Krishnapur municipality, Kanchanpur, Nepal, during the rainy season of 2023. The experiment was conducted on an alpha lattice design with two replications. The study focused on yield and yield-related traits, including tiller per plant, plant height, panicle length, and grain length and width. ANOVA showed a significant variation among different genotypes for various traits. Rai Manuwa showed the highest tiller per plant (9), plant height (146 cm), panicle length (27.5 cm), and grain yield per plant (16.63 gm.), indicating greater drought adaptability. However, Sorali showed the lowest performance across most traits, indicating poor drought tolerance. The yield trait association analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the total grain yield, average tiller per plant, and average panicle length. Therefore, yield could be increased by selecting these traits. Using the cluster analysis process, fifteen different genotypes of rice landraces were grouped into four groups. Genotypes in Cluster 2 (Rai Manuwa, Sarju) and Cluster 3 (Taichin) were identified as potential genotypes and tiller per plant, panicle length, and grain yield as potential traits for the breeding programs focused on improving drought tolerance
In-Vitro Growth Pattern Estimation of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)
Get PDFNutrient deficiency in the agricultural field gives rise to a challenge for the production of grains at the global level. The utilization of chemical fertilizers to boost crop yield in the present causes detrimental effects on the health of biological communities, including the human population. Therefore, the present research has been designed to isolate two strains, i.e., Pseudomonas and Azotobacter, from the rhizospheric soil of Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea). Both strains of the PGPRs were characterized by performing morphological and biochemical analysis. The inoculation of isolated PGPR bacteria and their effect on Cicer arietinum (chickpea) were conducted under a plant growth chamber where C. arietinum plants were grown in three cups containing autoclaved soil, and each cup was marked for Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, and one for control. Separately, Pseudomonas, Azotobacter cultures were inoculated in two flasks containing 250 ml autoclaved distilled water, and one was used as a control. Incubate the inoculated flasks at 37℃ for three days. Each 50ml suspension was added to each marked cup after a three-day interval. Observed the efficacy of inoculation with PGPR strains separately. In the present study, the root and shoot length of the C. arietinum plant in the presence of bacterial strains were studied. The maximum growth occurs in the Pseudomonas-treated cup in comparison to the Azotobacter. The growth of the C. arietinum plant occurs due to the plant growth-promoting activity of these bacteria. Therefore, bacterial inoculation should be an effective biofertilizer for the growth of C. arietinum
Economic Performance and Sustainability Challenges of Broiler Production in Egypt: A Case Study in Qalyub Governorate
Get PDFThis study investigates the economic performance and sustainability challenges of broiler production in Egypt, focusing on Qalyubia Governorate. It addresses the persistent national white meat deficit, suboptimal self-sufficiency, and significant market price volatility, largely driven by escalating input costs and consumer demand. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach with primary data from 20 purposively sampled farms in Banha and Toukh, the research reveals a national average poultry meat self-sufficiency rate of approximately 96.4% (2010-2022), indicating a narrow but chronic food gap. At the farm level, broiler production shows high profitability, with an average net return per 45-day cycle of EGP 185,420 and a return on invested capital (ROIC) of EGP 0.33, exceeding traditional bank investment returns. However, this profitability is precarious due to overwhelming reliance on costly inputs (feed, chicks, contributing 86% of total costs) and significant marketing challenges, identified by 80-90% of farmers. The study highlights both economic resilience and acute vulnerabilities, advocating for interventions to stabilize markets, enhance resource efficiency, and support local feed supply chains for long-term sustainability
Geospatial Approach to Soil Fertility Mapping in Dailekh District, Nepal: A GIS Perspective
Get PDFSpatial mapping of the soil gives the distribution patterns of the nutrients, which is crucial for integrated nutrient management, site-specific crop selection, water resource management, and adaptation to climate change for optimizing productivity. This research aims to identify the spatial variability of soil chemical properties in the Dailekh district of Karnali Province, Nepal, by preparing a map in a raster setting. A total of 204 samples were collected using stratified random sampling techniques using Google Earth Pro and were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0 and Arc Map 10.2 software. The classical statistical method was used for the descriptive analysis of sampled data. The Quantile Quantile (QQ) plot was made to visualize the distribution pattern, and non-normal data were log-transformed to match the straight line. Before making a map, sampled datasets were examined using the trend analysis feature of Arc Map using second-order polynomials in 3D scattered plots. The widely used interpolation technique, Ordinary kriging of two Exponential and Circular models, was applied to data and cross-validated with minimum estimated errors. Fertility mapping of parameters results in more than 81%, 56 %, and 57% of the areas covered by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with medium in status. Similarly, organic matter has low content shades in 65% of areas and moderately acidic pH in 49% of areas. This research supports decision-making for nutrient distribution across agricultural fields and sustainable land management for precision farming
Biology and Global Impact of the Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) with Sustainable Management Approaches
Get PDFTomatoes are among the most economically and nutritionally important crops worldwide, yet their cultivation is increasingly threatened by invasive pests and diseases. Among these, the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is one of the most destructive, causing yield losses from about 11% to 100% under severe infestation. Native to South America, this pest has rapidly spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe due to its high reproductive capacity, ecological adaptability, and rising resistance to conventional insecticides. In addition to tomatoes, it also infests other Solanaceous crops and wild hosts, compounding its spread and impact. Infestations result in extensive foliar, stem, and fruit damage, reducing photosynthetic efficiency, lowering market value, and predisposing crops to secondary infections. These effects pose significant economic challenges and threaten global food security. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) currently represents the most viable control strategy, combining cultural practices, mechanical interventions, biological control agents, and judicious pesticide use. Advances in host plant resistance, pheromone-based monitoring, and eco-friendly biopesticides provide promising tools, yet their effectiveness is constrained by the pest’s adaptability and resistance development. Future management requires region-specific, multidisciplinary solutions. Innovative technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) have shown potential as a targeted, sustainable control method, demonstrating increased larval mortality and population suppression in preliminary studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of T. absoluta, while highlighting key research gaps and future directions to strengthen sustainable tomato production globally
Sustainability of Irrigation Practices and Water-Pricing Tools in Water-Stressed Tropical Countries: A Way Forward for Sustainable Water Governance
Get PDFIncreasing water stress threatens agriculture, livelihood, and sustainability in Tropical countries. Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries in the Tropical region are projected as the future hotspots of water scarcity due to rising population pressure and climate variability. Around 87 out of 180 countries will turn into ‘water-stressed’ and 45 countries into ‘absolute water scarcity’ by 2050. Irrigation water demand accounts for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals globally. Due to varying climatic, topographical, and governance conditions, the agriculture techniques in the 54 tropical countries are indigenous to the local conditions. The main objective is to review the challenges in irrigation water management in seven water-stressed Tropical countries among the 54 countries. These countries are identified based on the baseline country data mined from FAO’s AQUASTAT database. A systematic literature review focusing on sustainable irrigation practices, the economic effects of water-pricing tools, and the role of policies and institutions were studied. The discussion centered on environmental sustainability, financial sustainability, institutional sustainability, and the resilience of agriculture to climate variability impacts. Community-based interventions, successful financial models, and policy and institutional reforms were perceived from successful irrigation systems. Implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices, shifting to water-saving technologies and irrigation methods, empowering the institutions, and enforcing policies and regulations to restrict resource overuse are recommended solutions for Sustainable Water Governance
Utilizing Temple Floral Waste to Address the Resource Crunch in the Perfume Industry: A Case Study of Kannauj District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFTemples have long served as centers of devotion, where offering flowers is a significant ritual. However, this practice generates substantial floral waste, with renowned temples like Sheetala Chaukiya, Diyawan Mahadev, and Markandeya Mahadev collectively disposing of several quintals of flowers daily in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. These discarded flowers are often dumped into water bodies or open pits, contributing to environmental pollution. Addressing this challenge, the present study explores the sustainable conversion of floral waste into Itra (perfume) using various extraction techniques. The study employed a convenience sampling method, gathering data from 500 respondents involved in the perfume industry in Kannauj. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between increased profit and the success of the perfumery industry (r = 0.567, p < 0.01), as well as between financial assistance and business success (r = 0.643, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of floral waste conversion to enhance economic outcomes for stakeholders. The perfume extraction process demonstrated efficiency, supporting entrepreneurship and providing employment opportunities. Additionally, residual floral waste can be repurposed for composting, contributing to sustainable waste management practices. Overall, this study presents an eco-friendly solution to floral waste pollution while promoting economic development through value-added product generation. This approach not only aids in environmental sustainability but also supports socio-economic growth by encouraging local entrepreneurship and reducing waste disposal issues