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Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1021-2787
Published by Bangladesh Journals Online

[88 journals]

In vitro regeneration and overexpression of pea DNA helicase 45 (PDH45)
gene through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in oilseed
Brassica spp.
- Authors: Md Ibrahim Khalil, Shawon Mitra, Tamanna Islam Toma, MI Hoque, RH Sarker
  Pages: 345 - 358
  Abstract: An efficient genotype independent method for in vitro regeneration and genetic transformation of Brassica spp. viz. Brassica juncea and Brassica napus have been developed for the local varieties using cotyledonary leaf with petioles and hypocotyls as explants. Explants obtained from 6-day old aseptically grown seedlings were inoculated and co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 harbouring a binary vector with PDH45 gene under the regulatory control of 35s promoter and terminator sequences, permitting transformed shoots to be selected on hygromycin containing medium. Well rooted transformed plants were transferred to pots containing soil and after acclimatization the plants were maintained under controlled environmental condition. A total of 9 transformed plants were obtained from BARI Sarisha-8 variety, presumably indicating this protocol is more amenable to genotype independent genetic transformation. Integration and expression of the introduced transgene (PDH45 and hptII) were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Factors influencing transformation efficiency include explant age, optical density of Agrobacterium culture for infection, duration of infection and co-cultivation with Agrobacterium were also assessed. Genetic transformation method developed in this study certainly could be utilized for introducing abiotic stress resistance in the local cultivars of oilseed Brassica. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 345-358, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59028
Interactive effects of poultry litter compost and chemical fertilizers on
macronutrients, oil and protein content in sunflower (Helianthus annuus
L.)
- Authors: Md Alauddin, MK Rahman, AHM Zulfiquar Ali
  Pages: 359 - 369
  Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Charfasson Govt. College, Bhola, during rabi season in 2016-2017 to evaluate the effect of poultry litter compost and NPK fertilizers on concentration, uptake, oil and protein content of sunflower cv. BARI-2 (Keroni-2). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) having sixteen treatments with three replications. The unit plot size was 3 m x 2 m. Treatments were T1: Control (- PL and -NPK), T2:1.5 t PL ha-1, T3:3 t PL ha-1, T4: 4.5 t PL ha-1, T5:N40P30K50 kg ha-1, T6:N80P60K100 kg ha-1, T7:N120P90K150 kg ha-1, T8: 1.5 t PL ha-1+N40P30K50 kg ha-1, T9:1.5 t PL ha-1+ N80P60K100 kg ha- 1, T10:1.5 t PL ha-1+ N120P90K150 kg ha-1, T11: 3 t PL ha-1+N40P30K50 kg ha-1, T12: 3 ton PL ha-1+ N80P60K100 kg ha-1, T13:3 t PL ha-1+ N120P90K150 kg ha-1, T14: 4.5 t PL ha-1+N40P30K50 kg ha-1, T15:4.5 t PL ha-1+ N80P60K100 kg ha-1 and T16:4.5 t PL ha-1+ N120P90K150 kg ha-1. Sixty plants were grown in each plot for 90 days. Maximum values of NPKS concentration (%) in different organs of sunflower were 0.65, 0.42, 1.80, 0.17 for stem; 1.02, 0.54, 1.54, 0.18 for root; 4.47, 0.57, 3.14, 0.20 for leaf; 2.60, 0.64, 3.20, 0.32 for petiole and 5.18, 0.86, 1.02, 0.31 for seed due to application of poultry litter and NPK fertilizers. The highest concentrations of NPKS of different organs of sunflower at maturity, were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in combined treatments 5 t PL ha-1 + N120P90K150kg ha-1 and 7.5 t PL ha-1 + N120P90K150kg ha-1, respectively, in most of the cases. However, their uptake pattern also followed the same trend as in concentration and those were found in same treatments in most of the cases. The lowest concentration and uptake were measured almost in control treatment (-PL and -NPK). Content of oil and protein increased variably due to variation in treatments. The highest content of oil in seed (47.7%) was extracted from the treatment 5 t PL ha-1 + N80P60K100kg ha-1 and the lowest value (37.7%) was recorded in the highest dose of NPK fertilizers and poultry litter which was lower than control treatment. Protein content also followed the same pattern as in oil. The highest content of protein (31.8%) was recorded from the treatment 5 t PL ha-1 + N120P90K150kg ha-1 and the lowest values (18.8%) was observed in control treatment. The overall findings of this study indicated that poultry litter compost in combination with chemical fertilizers can be applied to achieve better concentration, uptake of NPKS in different organs and oil and protein content in seeds of sunflower under field conditions at coastal zone. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 359-369, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59029
Sodium benzoate in locally available soft drinks and its effect on DNA
damage and liver function in rats
- Authors: M Mohiuddin, Begum Rokeya, Mohammad Abdullah Al Shoeb, Yearul Kabir
  Pages: 371 - 383
  Abstract: Sodium benzoate (E211) is used as a preservative in several kinds of food. One of the essential uses of E211 is to preserve non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. The amount of sodium benzoate in 17 local soft drink samples was estimated in the present study. The in vivo effects on biochemical aspects of the liver, kidney function, and DNA damage in lymphocytes were also investigated after oral administration of sodium benzoate in rats over 12 days. The control and experimental groups were fed standard pellet diet and distilled water ad libitum; and administered distilled water (control) and different concentrations (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight) of sodium benzoate once daily through a stomach tube (0.5 ml), respectively. The alkaline comet assay was performed to investigate the possible DNA damage induced by E211 in lymphocytes. At the end of the experiment, after overnight fasting the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Animals showed no significant weight loss or gain. The investigation revealed that twelve samples contained a higher level, and the rest had trace or below the recommended maximum permitted concentration (150 mg/l) of E211 as a preservative in the soft drinks. The percentage of tail DNA (p < 0.01) and olive tail movement (p < 0.05) was significantly increased in lymphocytes that were treated with high concentration (120 mg/kg body weight) of sodium benzoate, indicated substantially higher DNA damage (3.5 times) in lymphocytes compared to control. Moreover, serum AST activity level was increased significantly (p<0.05) in the group treated with a higher dose (120 mg/kg body weight) of E211, indicating malfunction of the liver. The preservative did not significantly affect serum ALT and ALP activity, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea level. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that caution should be adopted for using sodium benzoate as a preservative in various food products. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 371-383, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59030
Age and gender as factors in visual photographic memory
- Authors: Mahfuza Khanam
  Pages: 385 - 392
  Abstract: Exploring the role of gender and age in visual photographic memory were the objectives of the present study. A sample of 60 boys and 60 girls, aged between 11 to 16 years, participated in the current study. Results indicated that boys outperformed girls in visual photographic memory task. Age also found to be a significant variable. Significant mean differences have been observed among the respondents of 13, 14, 15, and 16 year with 11 year; 12 with 16; 13, 14, 15 with only 11 and finally 16 with age 11 and 12. Results revealed that there exists a significant mean difference between age 11 and 16. Findings also showed that visual memory increases with increasing age. But the rate of development is not same through all the years. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 385-392, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59031
Interactions of epitopic variants of epidermal growth factor receptor with
therapeutic anti- EGFR antibodies
- Authors: SU Mahdiyah, T Ahsan, K Fatema, SS Shoily, AA Sajib
  Pages: 393 - 403
  Abstract: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays important roles in cancerous transformation of epithelial cells in many solid cancers. Due to the pivotal role of EGFR in cellular proliferation and metastasis, it is a promising molecular target for the treatment of various cancers. One of the major treatment approaches uses anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeted to the extracellular domain of the receptor to competitively block the binding of its ligands. Cetuximab, necitumumab, nimotuzumab, and panitumumab are such approved mAbs which are commercially available and used to treat multiple types of cancers. The response rates to these expensive therapeutics in various cancers range from nearly 9% to 91%. Hence, the objective of this study was to indentify whether any of the missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EGFR gene impart any structural and functional impact on the receptor’s interaction with these antibodies. We used X-ray crystallographic structures (from Protein Data Bank) of the Fab fragments of these therapeutic antibodies in complex with EGFR to analyze the effects of the missense mutations on the antigen-antibody interactions. We also assessed the potential association of the destabilizing variants with pathogenicity and disease susceptibility. EGFR H433Q (rs1171743336), S464T (rs746763556), S492G (rs1057519760) and S492R (rs1057519860) variants appear to weaken interactions between EGFR and cetuximab, which is the most widely used anti-EGFR therapeutic antibody. Other epitopic variants do not appear to affect interactions between EGFR and relevant mAbs (necitumumab, nimotuzumab, and panitumumab). Prior to treatment of the EGFR mediated conditions with cetuximab, screening of variants that destabilize antibody-EGFR interaction may be considered as a companion diagnostic test for avoiding unresponsiveness and improving therapeutic outcomes. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 393-403, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59032
Scenario of mental health in Bangladesh: A signature glimpse
- Authors: Lipy Gloria Rozario, Shaheen Islam
  Pages: 405 - 416
  Abstract: The study aims to gain primary evidences on the mental health condition of Bangladesh. A quantitative survey instrument was applied on 982 respondents from Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi divisions in Bangladesh. It included adult sample, aged above 18 years from different hospitals, universities and organizations. 51.7% of the respondents were male and rest 48.9% female. The survey focused on knowledge, attitude and behavior related to mental health. This paper presents the behavioral manifestation of mental health condition. From the description of different psychological problems the responders encounter in their life, depression (69.5%) was identified as the highest manifested mental health issue followed by anxiety (66.8%) and study-related issues (64.5%). Notable percentage had experience of trauma (28.0%), and abuse (19.2% physical abuse and 10.1% sexual abuse). Suicidal ideation was found to be present in 19.8% of the respondents. Significant gender differences towards male were found for problem with study, anger, romantic relation, eating, and substance abuse. Females had significantly higher experience of sexual abuse. Similar significant regional difference were noted for several behavioral indicators of mental health; Dhaka being the highest prevailing region. It was found to be true specifically for suicidal thoughts and attempts. This study reestablished the alarming situation of mental health existing among the people in Bangladesh which call forth urgent action to address the most vital aspect of health through psychological assistance. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 405-416, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59033
Adaptation of child and adolescent worry scale (caws) in Bangla
- Authors: Mahjabeen Haque
  Pages: 417 - 427
  Abstract: The present study aimed to adapt the Child and Adolescent Worry Scale (CAWS) to use in the context of Bangladesh. The original scale developed by Campbell and Rapee in 1994 consisted of 20 items and higher scores on the scale indicate higher anxiety. Standard procedure for adaptation was followed. Item analysis was done on school going 130 mainstream and special need children aged between 6 to 15 years. The Cronbach’s Alpha and test-retest reliability was found to be .799 and .858 respectively for the adapted scale indicating high level of reliability. Criterion-related validity was measured by calculating concurrent and postdictive validity. Concurrent validity was measured by computing correlation (r= .912, p=.001) between the adapted scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Similarly, correlation value of postdictive validity was found to be .806, p=.001. Both measures ensured that the adapted scale measures the same construct as the original one. Moreover, the Mann-Whitney U test also indicated that the scale could differentiate between the mainstream and special need children regarding their worry/anxiety. Worry score was greater for the special need children than the other group (U= 608.50 at p =.001). It indicates that the adapted scale has good sensitivity to varying levels of anxiety severity. The psychometric properties of the Bangla CAWS suggest that professionals and the researchers can use the scale to assess children and adolescent’s overall level of anxiety in Bangladeshi context. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 417-427, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59034
Ecology and diversity of wildlife in Dhaka University Campus, Bangladesh
- Authors: Ashikur Rahman Shome, Md Mahabub Alam, Md Fazle Rabbe, Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Mohammad Firoj Jaman
  Pages: 429 - 442
  Abstract: Nowadays urbanization continues, and poses a serious threat to wildlife globally. A survey-based study on wildlife was conducted for three years from March 2017 to February 2020 in Dhaka University campus. Data was collected through direct visual encounter observations. A total of 94 species of wildlife under 20 orders and 52 families were observed. Of the documented wildlife, 5 (5.32%) species belongs to amphibians, 10 (10.64%) reptiles, 70 (74.47%) birds and 9 (9.57%) mammals. The highest species richness (72, 76.60%) was observed in the third year (March 2019 to February 2020), particularly in winter season. Although the lowest richness was (63, 67.02%) found in the first year (March 2017 to February 2018), but the evenness was the highest this year, particularly in summer season. We counted the highest number of individuals (n=5227, 35.73%) in the first year (March 2017 to February 2018) but these counts have gradually decreased with the lowest in the third year (March 2019 to February 2020). Among 94 species, 44 species (46.80%) were very common, 3 (3.19%) common, 17(18.09%) uncommon and 30 (31.91%) were few. Duttaphrynus melanostictus was the most abundant (66.89%) among amphibians, Hemidactylus frenatus (40.82%) for reptiles, Psittacula krameri (18.73%) for birds and Mus musculus (28.68%) for mammals. Rampant human movements and sound pollution were frequent inside the campus that might affect wildlife. Therefore, long-term systematic monitoring is necessary to understand the species diversity and population trend of wildlife in the campus. Moreover, this baseline information may help urban policymakers to take proper management measures for the protection of wildlife in the study area. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 429-442, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59035
Effects of eucalyptus on soil properties and litter decomposition
processes
- Authors: Protika Sarker, Md Abul Kashem, Ashfaque Ahmed, Sirajul Hoque, Mohammad Zabed Hossain
  Pages: 443 - 452
  Abstract: This study investigated the effect of plantation of exotic species Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) on the physico-chemical properties of soil by collecting field data and also on litter decomposition and nitrogen mineralization rates of the other selected species by following microcosm experimental design. Effects of Eucalyptus plantation on soil properties were studied by comparing soil properties of plots planted with Eucalyptus and other two species Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth.) and Lagerstroemia (Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers.) located at Madhupur, Tangail and Singra, Dinajpur, respectively. Effects of Eucalyptus litter on decomposition and nitrogen mineralization rates of litter of Axonopus (Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P. Beauv), Swietenia (Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq.) and Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) were studied by incubating leaf litter of these species with that of Eucalyptus at room temperature for 12 months. Results showed that soil moisture content was significantly lower in plot planted with Eucalyptus than that with Lagerstroemia. However, no significant difference appeared when soil moisture content was compared between Eucalyptus and Acacia indicating that plantation effects varied with the identity of species. Soil pH, total P (%) and organic C (%) contents were significantly lower in plots planted with Eucalyptus. Although mixing of leaf litter of Eucalyptus with that of A. compressus, S. mahagoni and T. grandis did not affect significantly, it affected mass loss rate of these three plant species significantly and such effect could be explained by the chemical composition of the litter used in the incubation study. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that plantation with Eucalyptus might have potential influence on altering soil properties and litter decomposition of other plant species, nevertheless, such effects varied with the species with whom the comparison was made. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 443-452, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59036
Cognitive impairment among cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy
- Authors: Mohammad Zayeed Bin Alam, Md Shahanur Hossain
  Pages: 453 - 464
  Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chemotherapy had any particular role on cognitive impairment i.e. difficulties in executive functioning, working memory, naming ability, attention, language, abstraction, orientation, and visuo-spatial constructional and recall ability, among cancer patients in Bangladesh. Sixty cancer patients and thirty healthy individuals were recruited for this study by purposive sampling. Among these cancer patients 30 had experienced chemotherapy and remain 30 had experienced radiotherapy/ surgery/no treatment at all. We used Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment to investigate cognitive impairment and Bangla version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale to assess emotional distress. Findings revealed that cancer patients in general experience significantly more cognitive difficulties than healthy individuals. Regarding the attention, visual and auditory memory and executive ability the problems are more dominant. Chemotherapy group performed in all aspects of cognitive testing significantly lower than other treatment group. Statistical tests indicated no role of emotional distress on neuropsychological performance. Males with cancer are more vulnerable to cognitive impairment. In a nutshell, this study indicates that cancer patients in Bangladesh experience cognitive impairment and especially patients treated with chemotherapy are more likely to experience cognitive impairment. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 453-464, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59037
Rat eater and non-rat eater species killed by the people during the rodent
outbreaks: An assessment in Ruma upazila of Bandarban hill district
- Authors: Nikhil Chakma, Noor Jahan Sarker, Steven R Belmain, Sohrab Uddin Sarker
  Pages: 465 - 477
  Abstract: An assessment was done to assess the intensity of rat eater and non-rat eaters’ species killed by the people during the rodent outbreaks in association with Melocanna baccifera bamboo flowering in the village of Basatlang, Neweden, Munlai, Mualpi and Ruma sadar market area of Ruma upazila of Bandarban district. The other objectives of the study were to support the future control of rodent outbreaks and conservation of wild animal species. A structured data sheet was used to record the hunted rat eater and non-rat eaters’ data from June 2009 to December 2012. Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index and Simpson’s diversity index were also calculated to assess the diversity of rat eaters and non-rat eater species. The study revealed that a total of 628 numbers of hunted rat eater and non-rat eater animals (average 14.60 numbers per month) recorded with 41 species. Of them, 12 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles and 18 species of Aves. The overall hunted rat eater and non-rat eater diversity indices were 2.59 for Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index, and 0.82 for Simpson’s diversity index that indicate high species diversity. Irrawaddy squirrel, Tokay gecko, wild boar, deer and red-vented Bulbul were the top five hunted non-rat eater species. Domestic dog, monitor lizard, jungle cat, domestic cat and striped keelback snake were the top five rat eater species hunted by the people. Consumption and economic return were the main reasons for hunting the animals. These findings can be used to raise public awareness along with application of Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 to stop killing of rat eater and non-rat eater species during the rodent outbreaks and non-outbreaks period in the study areas, and elsewhere in Chattogram Hill Districts. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 465-477, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59038
Haplotype analysis of Bangladeshi β-thalassaemia patients: A pilot
study
- Authors: Amae Bashar, MM Moosa, MI Ayub, MH Rahaman, G Sarwardi, W Khan, H Khan, S Yeasmin
  Pages: 479 - 486
  Abstract: β-thalassaemia is one of the major genetic disorders in Bangladeshi population. Nevertheless, systematic study on the genetic basis of this disease in Bangladeshi population is very limited. The major aim of this study was to identify and characterize the β-globin gene cluster haplotype in Bangladeshi β-thalassaemia patients. For this, β-thalassaemia patients diagnosed on haematological observations were tested at the genetic level for different β-globin cluster haplotypes. Twenty-eight β-globin gene clusters of fourteen confirmed β-thalassaemia patients were analyzed using PCR amplification and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Type VII haplotype was found to be the most common β-globin gene cluster haplotype in the studied population. Two of the patients had Type VII haplotype in homozygous form. Only one patient had atypical haplotype in one locus. The study reports β-globin cluster haplotype of fourteen Bangladeshi patients for the first time. However, it should be noted that small size precludes the possibility of determining the detailed distribution of different haplotypes and their association with different β-thalassaemia mutations. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 479-486, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59039
Water quality and potamoplankton periodicity of Sitalakhsya river,
Narayanganj, Bangladesh
- Authors: Mohammad Azmal Hossain Bhuiyan, Md Rasikul Islam, SAM Shariar Islam, Abu Kowser, Shahina Akter Kakoly, Mahin Mohid, Saiful Islam, Moniruzzaman Khondker
  Pages: 487 - 497
  Abstract: The section of Sitalakhsya River near heavily industrial zone of the District of Narayanganj has been studied for its water quality and potamoplankton dynamics. One year bimonthly sampling from DakhshinRupshi Station of the river was carried out. The air and water temperature of the river ranged from 25.6 - 34.0°C and 26.5 - 32.8°C, respectively. The temperature of water was lower than air by ca. 2.0°C. Water depth at the study station did not vary much but fluctuated only between 6.09 and 7.92 m. The Secchi disc transparency (Zs) varied from 0.2 - 0.6 m showing the lowest in March. Total dissolved Solids (TDS) load in water was 85 - 663 mg/l but the electrical conductivity varied from 110 - 910 μS/cm being the month of March as highest record. pH was alkaline and the fluctuations were negligible (7.2 - 7.4). Alkalinity peaked in March (6.65 meq/l) which dropped to 1.00 meq/l in August and October. Both dissolved oxygen (DO) and free carbon dioxide levels were low which varied from 0.37 - 2.43 and 0.04 - 1.93 mg/l, respectively. Among dissolved nutrients, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) showed a low value from May to December (89.48 - 127.70 μg/l). It, however, peaked during March (1265.94 μg/l). Soluble reactive silicate (SRS) concentration ranged from 7.01 - 82.11 mg/l, while the concentration of NO3-N ranged from 0.19 - 1.29 mg/l. The potamoplankton biomass as chl-a ranged from 3.38 - 24.52 μg/l, while its degraded product phaeopigment varied from 1.97 - 11.13 μg/l. The total density of potamoplankton showed their highest growth during December to March (2223 - 4293 ×103) and the lowest from May to October (181 - 785 ×103). The ranges of water quality and planktonic parameters recorded from the Sitalakhsya River are quite comparable with three other peripheral rivers of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC) namely, Balu, Turag, and Buriganga. But, low DO and poor transparency along with higher load of TDS made this river water quality relatively lower grading compared to others. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 487-497, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59040
Aquaculture practices among the fish farmers of Bhaluka upazila,
Mymensingh - Scenario from a decade and half ago
- Authors: M Maruf Hasan, Maria Zaman, Md Niamul Naser
  Pages: 499 - 509
  Abstract: Mymensingh is the top inland aquaculture producer in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to identify the barriers to develop earthen pond fish farming entrepreneurship in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh about a decade and half ago when the fish culture revolution has been started. In this study, fish farmers were selected randomly from three villages that followed mono or composite-fish culture in earthen pond environment. More than 14 species being cultured of which half of them were exotic. The feasibility of pond fish culture was found viable due to proper communication with Dhaka wholesale fish market along with other destinations. In addition, hatchery sources of fish fry and fingerling, access to fish feed and financial support were further encouraged farming these perishable items. Education level of farmers, lack of technical knowledge of fish culture, poor extension service and lack of information about the pond management were identified as the potential barriers for the improvement of fish farming entrepreneurship. The higher stocking density as well as poor water quality conditions were facilitated to lead lower fish production and profit. The small-scale farmers (47.79%) with higher stocking density had lower profit (Tk 1.44 /fish) and large-scale farmers (19.85%) with lower stocking density showed higher profit margin of Tk 3.53 /fish. Therefore, this study suggests the optimal fish stocking density in earthen pond fish farming system which could be augment the fish production and enhanced profitability. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 499-509, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59041
Selected parameters of soil health in Cumilla district at the Golden
Jubilee of Bangladesh and strategies for their sustainable improvement
towards rice production
- Authors: Md Harunor Rashid Khan, Suma Akter
  Pages: 511 - 531
  Abstract: Soil fertility and rice production were the most frequently mentioned issues identified not only in all the countries of Asia but also in the rest of the world. Hence, it is essential to pay attention for sustainable rice production, climate-smart agriculture and soil health. Accordingly, assessments of selected soil health indicators, such as, pH, organic matter and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in all 17 Upazilas of Cumilla district of Bangladesh were completed under the financial support of the Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF). A few strategies were used for the improvement of soil health in response to smart rice production at the field site using locally available organic-fertilizers, viz. Vermicompost (V), Rice husk ash (RHA) and Burned poultry litters (BPL) at the rates of 0, 4 and 8 t ha-1 under the soil temperature elevation of 2 to 3°C (i.e. 25 to 28°C) and moisture levels of 60 and 90%. The above mentioned parameters of soil health at the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh were found to be improved slightly compared to those of the 1970s and 2000s. These trends of improvement were found to be enhanced by the stated treatments. The yields of different rice varieties were increased from 4.4 - 5.5 to 8.4 – 9.1 t ha-1 by the treatments and the order of their effectiveness for grain yields and protein contents were V > BPL > RHA. Organic matter contents, pH and CEC of the studied soils were increased by these treatments and decreased CH4 emissions from the studied rice field. However, these approaches of sustainability cannot be provided by the poor farmers and therefore, the government should come forward to help these farmers in order to build a ‘Developed Bangladesh’ – the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation and the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Mother of Humanity and the Champion of the Earth. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 511-531, 2022 (June)
  PubDate: 2022-06-05
  DOI: 10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59042