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Parasitological and molecular investigation of Trypanosoma evansi in dromedaries from Greater Cairo, Egypt
No full textIn Egypt, camel trypanosomiasis is widespread. From October 2021 to March 2022, we collected 181 blood samples from apparently healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Cairo and Giza Governates. The objective of this study was to assess infection rates of trypanosomes using blood smear examination and PCR-sequencing assays. Trypanosomes were detected in 8.3% (15/181) of camels by blood smear and in 23.8% (43/181) by PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Based on blood smear and ITS-PCR results, and the absence of tsetse flies in the study area, we hypothesized that the Trypanosoma species was likely T. evansi. Validation using PCR based on the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of T. evansi Rode Trypanozoon antigen type (RoTat) 1.2 (RoTat 1.2 VSG gene) on ITS-PCR-positive samples (n=43) confirmed that 88.4% (38/43) were RoTat 1.2 T. evansi, while 11.6% (5/43) were non-RoTat 1.2 T. evansi. This marks the second report of non-RoTat 1.2 T. evansi in dromedary camels in Egypt. Considering the underestimated zoonotic risk of T. evansi in Egypt, there is a potential threat to humans, underscoring the need for a "One Health" approach to safeguard animal and human health
Influence of Auxin on Flowering, Fruit Set and Yield Performance of Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis)
No full textThe field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, to study the effects of different levels of nutrient management and the growth regulator Auxin on the growth and yield of yard-long bean. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisted with two factors. Factor A: four levels of nutrient management; i) N0: control (N0, P0, K0) Kg/ha; ii) N1: (N12 P18 K22) Kg/ha; iii) N2: (N18 P27 K33) Kg/ha; iv) N3: (N24 P36 K44) Kg/ha. Factor B: three levels of auxin (indole acetic acid); i) I0: control (
Physiological responses, ion accumulation and yield performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to salt stress
No full textWheat is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which reduces the growth and yield drastically. High salinity is a major constraint for wheat productivity in many countries, including Bangladesh. With this view, here, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in physiological, ion accumulation, agro-morphological and yield performance of wheat against different levels of salinity. Experimental variables consisted of five salt tolerant genotypes (G 20–2–2, G 20–1–2, G 13–2, G 22–2, G 9–2), one susceptible genotype (G 24–2) and one standard check variety (BARI ghom 25), which assigned to four levels of salinity with electrical conductivities control (0.3), 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1. Irrespective of genotypes, salinity stress significantly decreased the yield and yield attributes. Results of analyses based on salt tolerance indices of plant growth related and yield contributing parameters, ionic balance (Na+, K+ and Na+ /K+ ratio), and stress indicators such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) revealed genotypes G 20–2–2, G 13–2 and G 20–1–2 as salt tolerant, genotype G 9–2 as moderately salt-tolerant and G 24–2 and G 22–2 as salt-sensitive genotypes. Additionally, lower accumulations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes in the salt-tolerant genotypes G 20–2–2 and G 13–2 than in the salt-sensitive genotype G 24–2 indicated reduced oxidative damage in genotypes G 20–2–2 and G 13–2 relative to that in genotype G 24–2. Collectively, our findings suggest that the optimum growth and yield of salt tolerant genotypes are associated with decreased Na+/K+ ratio, increased antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced oxidative stress
Phosphorus-induced restructuring of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and lignin biosynthesis alleviates manganese toxicity in peach roots
No full textThis work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (grant no. 2018YFD1000300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 32272645) to J.L. and the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (grant no. CARS-30) to G.L.This work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (grant no. 2018YFD1000300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 32272645) to J.L. and the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (grant no. CARS-30) to G.L
Factors Influencing Milk Production among the Dairy Farms of Savar Sub-District, Dhaka, Bangladesh
No full textMilk production among the dairy farms is one of the important sources of income for the farmers. However, many reasons may influence milk production. In this aspect, the objective of the study was to assess the determinants or factors influence milk production in the dairy farm of Savar sub-district under Dhaka district of Bangladesh. A sample of 218 dairy farmers was randomly selected for data collection. The survey was conducted using a pre-tested structured interview schedule among the respondents. The data was analyzed using percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation, and regression analysis. Majority of the farmers (96.8%) had up to 70 liters of milk production in their farm with an average of 18 liters. The statistical analysis showed that credit, total cow, milking cow, and livestock income significantly influences on the amount of milk produced in the farm. The Department of Livestock Service (DLS) and other related Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) may arrange more livestock income related programs for the dairy farmers focused on milk. Initiative like providing credit facilities either interest free or lower rate of interest to purchase milking cow may help the farmers to improve their livelihood through more milk production
OPTIMIZING GROWING CONDITION AND PLANTING DATE FOR GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF SQUASH IN BANGLADESH
No full textAn experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research field of
Horticulture Research Centre Division, Bangladesh Agricultural
Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh, during October 2018 to March
2019 to find out the effect of growing condition and planting date on yield
and yield attributes of squash. The experiment comprised two sets of
treatments viz., (a) Growing conditions: (i) Open cultivation (C1); (ii) Net
protected cultivation (C2) and Cultivation with barrier crop (C3) and (b)
Planting dates: (i) 1 November (D1); (ii) 15 November(D2); (iii) 1
December (D3) and (iv) 15 December (D4) in a randomized complete
block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety BARI squash-1
was used in this experiment. The results showed that net protected
cultivation showed significantly the highest fruit plant-1
, fruit length, yield
plant-1 and yield ha-1
. Growing condition did not affect quality parameters
of quash. Early planting (1 November) showed significantly higher yield,
yield attributes and quality parameters than late planting. Fruit diameter
did not showed any significant difference irrespective of planting date.
The interaction between growing condition and planting dates was
significant for yield and quality parameters. Based on the study results it
is concluded that maximum yield (49.33 t ha-1
) and quality of BARI
squash-1 could be achieved through cultivation under net protected
condition with 1 November planting
Therapeutic Potential of Water Chestnut Fruit Extract (Trapa bicornis) against Ovariectomy-Induced Climacteric Symptoms in Mice
No full textClimacteric symptoms, as well as postmenopausal estrogen deficiency, have been associated
with many psychological problems and the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Therefore, in this
study, we aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the dose-dependent effect of water chestnut (WC), also
known as Trapa bicornis, a fruit extract, on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced menopause in ICR mice. After
bilateral OVX surgery, 200, 100, and 50 mg/kg of WC and 200 mg/kg of pomegranate concentrate
powder (PCP) were administered orally for 84 days from 4 weeks after OVX operation. Then, anticlimacteric activities were evaluated in five groups: (1) estrogenic, (2) anti-obesity, (3) hypolipidemic,
(4) hepatoprotective, and (5) anti-osteoporosis effects. Different biochemical assays, histopathological
and morphological inspections, and mRNA expression findings showed that OVX-induced estrogen deficiency-related AMPK decrease was associated with climacteric symptoms such as obesity,
hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and osteoporosis in ICR mice. However, these climacteric effects
were reversed in OVX rats by treating them with WC at a dose relative to the same dose of PCP
in OVX-ICR mice (200 and 100 mg/kg). Water chestnut fruit extract demonstrated promise as a
complementary treatment for menopausal symptoms, indicating possible uses in the health of women
through supplements or prescription drugs
Microplastics in Animals – A Global Concern to Food Safety and Human Health
No full textThroughout history, animals have been a vital source of protein and energy and have been utilized in agriculture to produce food for human consumption. The increasing global demands for protein are being met through the increased production of meat, milk, eggs, and other food items, and is facilitated by the rapid pace of industrialization. However, the increase in food production and new technologies has led to the release of novel environmental pollutants, including microplastics (MPs). Currently, MPs are found in diverse ecosystems, exerting adverse effects in both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. While scientific evidence supports that MPs can harm aquatic organisms, recent studies have also begun to investigate the effects of MPs on terrestrial ecosystems, marking a significant shift from the traditional focus on aquatic environments. This chapter aims to synthesize current knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in food and their presence in aquatic and terrestrial animals, in addition to discussing the potential consequences for human health. Evidence supports that plastic mulching and compost are prominent sources of MPs in agricultural fields, whereas irrigation channels act as vital sources of MP contamination in aquaculture systems. A high abundance of MPs has been found in soil-dwelling worms, livestock, companion animals, and wild animals. In Africa, the north Tunisian lagoons of Bizerte, Ghar El Mehl and Lake Victoria are prominent areas of MP contamination. In Asia, China contributes the highest abundance of MPs to the environment. Exposure to MPs cause oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive impairment, and endocrine disruption in both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Current evidence suggests the need for further investigation into the specific sources of MP exposure in animals and the routes through which it enters the human body. Legislators need to implement programs and collective actions to modify public behaviour and reduce MPs pollution in the natural environment
Coastal Farmers’ Attitude Towards Climate Smart Agriculture In Bangladesh
No full textClimate smart agriculture (CSA) aims to improve food security, help communities adapt to climate change and contribute to climate change mitigation by adopting appropriate practices. Attitude is a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favour or disfavour. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent of attitude of farmers toward CSA and explore the contributions of the selected characteristics of the coastal farmers to their attitude. Data were collected by using an interview schedule from 354 coastal farmers of 3 districts namely, Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat through Multistage Random Sampling Method during December 2021 to March 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. To explore the contribution of the predictor variables to the outcome variables, full model regression analysis was employed. Results indicate that the highest proportion (61.01%) of the farmers had medium favourable attitude towards CSA as compared to 18.65% and 20.34% having low favourable and high favourable attitude towards CSA respectively. Farmers’ education, annual agricultural income, training exposure, benefit obtained from CSA and knowledge on CSA had positive significant contributions to their attitude toward CSA. On the other hand, farm size and decision-making ability had negative contributions to their attitude toward CSA. For wider adoption of CSA may require farmers’ capacity building through non-formal education, more exposure to training and proper knowledge
Copper stress in rice: Perception, signaling, bioremediation and future prospects
No full textCopper (Cu) is an indispensable micronutrient for plants, animals, and microorganisms and plays a vital role in different physiological processes. However, excessive Cu accumulation in agricultural soil, often through anthropogenic action, poses a potential risk to plant health and crop productivity. This review article provided a comprehensive overview of the available information regarding Cu dynamics in agricultural soils, major sources of Cu contamination, factors influencing its mobility and bioavailability, and mechanisms of Cu uptake and translocation in rice plants. This review examined the impact of Cu toxicity on the germination, growth, and photosynthesis of rice plants. It also highlighted molecular mechanisms underlying Cu stress signaling and the plant defense strategy, involving chelation, compartmentalization, and antioxidant responses. This review also identified significant areas that need further research, such as Cu uptake mechanism in rice, Cu signaling process, and the assessment of Cu-polluted paddy soil and rice toxicity under diverse environmental conditions. The development of rice varieties with reduced Cu accumulation through comprehensive breeding programs is also necessary. Regulatory measures, fungicide management, plant selection, soil and environmental investigation are recommended to prevent Cu buildup in agricultural lands to achieve sustainable agricultural goals