Authors:Ganga Dutta Acharya Pages: 1 - 12 Abstract: Agri-food systems have increasingly faced complex socio-economic and biophysical challenges. Poverty, inequalities, low productivity, food insecurity, resources degradation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change are some of the pertinent challenges demanding immediate attention. There is an increasing realization that current dominant model of development characterized by excessive use of resources, constantly poses negative externalities to the environmental health, climate and human welfare. Since agricultural development policies and practices are key to addressing these issues, there have been compelling calls for adequate policy environments for the profound transformation of agri-food systems to achieve better nutritional, environmental, and sustainability outcomes. Circular economy and agroecological approaches are widely recognized as providing credible pathways to develop inclusive, sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. While there is plethora of studies on agroecology and circular economy in international arena but studies on potential application and implications of these measures in Nepalese context remain unexplored. Furthermore, the circular economic framework is mainly used in industries and yet to be adapted in the agriculture sector. Based on systematic reviews and analysis of academic literatures we propose a framework for sustainable transformation of agrifood systems that encompasses both the circular economic and agroecological principles. We argue that the framework offers plausible solutions to the pressing need of reducing negative externalities of agri-food systems. However, agricultural research, education and development systems are traditionally entrenched by reductionist traditions that poorly accommodate the complex epistemological issues of circular economy and agroecology, and hence are the potential barriers for effective application in Nepalese context. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 1-12 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66340 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M K A Nadim, M M Islam, M Mitu, N B Atiq, M J Hasan, M M Islam, M I Uddin Pages: 13 - 24 Abstract: Sweet pepper is one of the most important vegetable crops and its demand is increasing day by day in Bangladesh indicating need for varietal improvement program. Eleven sweet pepper genotypes from native and exotic sources were characterized for twenty-five morphological traits using vegetative and reproductive appearances at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, from November 2021 to March 2022. Noticeable variation was observed among twenty-five qualitative traits (25) studied. Nineteen (19) traits showed undisputable variation. Higher number (9 genotypes) of light purple, purple and dark purple color at node indicated high amount of anthocyanin content. Leaf shape is used as genotypes identifier at vegetative stage and three types of leaves were found with dark green color (6 genotypes) that is highly correlates with yield. In case of flower, 100% white color corolla indicates higher number of fruit set. Entire genotypes exhibited one or more exclusive characters especially fruit shape and color which could be used as important breeding materials. CKN-1 and CKN-8 had the highest yield per plant (367.6 and 362.04 grams, respectively), making them potentially good for cultivation, whereas plant height, fruit number, weight, length, and diameter varied among the selected genotypes. A positive Correlation was observed among the traits and genetic distance value ranged from 0.17 to 0.68 among the selected genotypes. However, selection of genotypes with desirable morphological characteristics can be used for their exploitation of future research program. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 13-24 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.62443 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M A H Khan, M M Rahman, N Sultana Pages: 25 - 38 Abstract: The experiment was carried out at the farmers’ field condition under On-Farm Research Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Tangail during 2016-18 and 2018-20 to find out suitable intercropping system for increasing crop productivity and profitability of pineapple + mukhikachu + papaya intercropping system. The treatments were viz. T1 = Pineapple (100%) + Mukhikachu (40%), T2 = Pineapple (100%) + Papaya (66%) and T3 = Pineapple (100%) + Papaya (66%) + Mukhikachu (40%), T4 = Pineapple (100%), T5 = Mukhikachu (100%), T6 = Papaya (100%). Pineapple (Honey queen), Mukhikachu (Bilashi) and Papaya (Shahi) were used as test materials. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. Pineapple was the main crop, mukhikachu and papaya were intercrop in the study. Among three intercropped treatments, pineapple (100%) + papaya (66%) + mukhikachu (40%) within two paired rows of pineapple (T3) showed higher equivalent yield of pineapple, mukhikachu and papaya 70.37, 46.91 and 58.64 tha-1, respectively which provided yield advantages of 57, 138 and 92 % over their respective sole crops. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.83), gross return (Tk 7,03,700 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.04) were achieved in this treatment (T3) compared to other cropping systems. The higher values of all competition functions were also exhibited in Pineapple (100%) + Papaya (66%) + Mukhikachu (40%) intercropping system. Thus, it could be stated that papaya (66%) and mukhikachu (40%) in between two paired rows of pineapple was the most productive and profitable intercropping system for the farmers of Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 25-38 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65577 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:R Hasan, M M U Miah, T Ahamed, A Reza , M A B Bhuiyan Pages: 39 - 51 Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the aonla based multistoried agroforestry research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University from June, 2018 to July, 2019 to know the growth performance of dragon fruit and its establishment problems under multistoried tree orchard. The upper storied component of multistoried was aonla tree, carambola and lemon were used as middle storied components, while dragon fruit was the test crop grown as lower storied component. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Factor A: Production systems (T1: aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit, T2: aonla + dragon fruit, and T3: dragon fruit as sole). Factor B: Two dragon fruit genotypes i.e. red fleshed dragon fruit (V1), and white fleshed dragon fruit (V2). The result indicated that the higher plant height and the maximum number of branches were produced by the red-fleshed dragon fruit than white-fleshed dragon fruit irrespective of production systems. Upper storied plant aonla received 100% PAR but the average amount of light availability for lower storied dragon fruit in the whole growing season was 70.71% (807.51 µmm-2s-1), middle storied carambola and lemon received 77.11% (880.60 µmm-2s-1) and 65.19% (744.47 µmm-2s-1) PAR, respectively. The study found a negative linear relationship between the plant height of dragon fruit and PAR. Only basal rot disease was observed as establishment problem. The maximum disease infestation occurred (37.50%) in multistoried system compared to the sole cropping system (6.94%) and Fusarium oxysporum was identified as causal organism. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 39-51 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66239 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:S Ghosh, S Begum, AKM Zakir Hossain, M O Ali, M M Islam Pages: 53 - 65 Abstract: Soil salinity is a big threat to the world and has become a major concern to agricultural productivity. Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a high value vegetable; due to its quality nutrition. Despite growing all over the country, its production is not so high in Bangladesh. As a popular crop and also available everywhere, some varieties of sweet pepper were put under this study to assess their salt tolerance level. A pot experiment was conducted at net house, Botanical Garden, BAU, Mymensingh during the period from November, 2020 to April, 2021A factorial with CRD (Completely Randomized Design) was applied, where Factor A consisted of six sweet pepper varieties and Factor B included three salinity levels. In the vegetative stage, most of the parameters showed significant variation with salinity levels among varieties except chlorophyll content. In case of physio-morphological traits, all the parameters were significantly reduced with increasing salinity levels. In case of biochemical attributes, leaf proline contents were significantly increased with the higher level of salinity. Among six varieties being examined under the study, Messi had a relatively higher tolerance level than other varieties and therefore can be recommended for salt tolerance breeding studies. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 53-65 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66235 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M Z Hossain, A Husna , J C Joardar Pages: 67 - 78 Abstract: Boron (B) is required for a variety of physiological and biochemical activities that contribute to crop quality improvement. As a result, a pot experiment was carried out to see how B affected the germination, growth, and nutritional intake of two common vegetables, red Amaranthus (Amaranthusus gangeticus) and stem Amaranthus (Amaranthusus lividus). The trial included four levels of B (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg ha-1) and three replications in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the application of B had no effect on germination, shoot and root length of red Amaranthus seedlings but it did reduce stem Amaranthus germination to 40% at the maximum dosage of B (2 kg ha-1). With increasing B concentration, stem Amaranthus seedlings' shoot and root lengths decreased significantly (p≤0.05). After applying B at a rate of 1.5 kg ha-1, yield, dry weight, fresh weight, leaf number, height, and protein content of both vegetables increased significantly, although higher B concentrations (2 kg B ha-1) tended to decrease the same parameters. The addition of B enhanced the concentration and uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and B) in both vegetables as compared to control. Phosphorus had the highest nutrient utilization efficiency, whereas calcium had an increased efficiency as B concentration increased. Application of 1.5 kg B ha-1 had the highest B use efficiency for both vegetables. According to the findings, using B at a rate of 1.5 kg B ha-1 could help increase red Amaranthus and stem Amaranthus production. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 67-78 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:R S M T I Perera, H H Jayawardana, A N M Mubarak, M N F Nashath, A M Shafna Pages: 79 - 87 Abstract: Several plant diseases can be controlled biologically using Trichoderma spp. However, the mass production and storage of Trichoderma spp. is highly expensive. Therefore, this research was carried out at Fruit Crop and Development Center, Horana, Sri Lanka to screen the effects of leaves of four different crops and another 13 underutilized wild plant species on their suitability in the mass production of Trichoderma harzianum L. Seventeen different media were prepared using green leaves (5g) of individual plant species comprised with glucose (5g/L) and distilled water (50ml). Treatments were arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Spore counts of fungus were recorded using hemocytometer at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week after inoculation. Different treatments showed significant variations in spore counting of T. harzianum after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of inoculation (p<0.05). Castor (9.8x107 CFU/ml), gadapana (9.64x107 CFU/ml) and erabadu (9.64x107 CFU/ml) had significantly higher spore count at the 1st week while kappettiya (25.31x107 CFU/ml) and habarala (25.21x107 CFU/ml) had the highest values at 2nd week. Significantly increased spore count of 61.5x107 CFU/ml and 61.2x107 CFU/ml were resulted from castor and kappettiya during 3rd week after inoculation. However, a sharp increase in spore count was found at 4th week, particularly in wal sooriya kantha (157.17x107 CFU/ml) while in contrary, the lemon, rambutan, bovitiya, jack and mango leaves showed poor performances in the mass production of T. harzianum. Based on these results, wal sooriya kantha can be successfully used as growing media for T. harzianum. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 79-87 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65590 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M A Salam, M Kamruzzaman, N A Khan , M A Rouf, M S Haque, M H Rashid Pages: 89 - 101 Abstract: Success stories that encompass entirely from callus induction to fruit bearing of tomato are very limited. Here, this study uncovers an optimized protocol for in vitro regeneration of BARI Tomato-15 which successfully leads to fruit bearing. First leaf and epicotyls were used as explant in MS medium with different concentrations of Indol-3 acetic acid (IAA) and 6-Benzyl amino purin (BAP) for regeneration. MS media containing 0.5 mg L-1 IAA + 0.5 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 IAA + 2.0 mg L-1 BAP performed best and exhibited the highest frequencies of callus formation and regeneration from first leaves and epicotyl. A combination of 0.5 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 IAA exhibited the longest shoot (11.33 cm) and root (7.00 cm) length at in vitro conditions. Plants derived from the same combination produced the highest number of leaves (22) and plant height (8.33 cm), and accelerated early flowering and increased fruit bearing (134-plant) with satisfactory yield (5.71 kg-plant) after acclimatization at field condition. Therefore, MS media containing 0.5 mg L-1 IAA + 0.5 mg L-1 BAP could be an effective combination for regeneration and development of an early maturing tomato cultivar. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 89-101 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M M Rahman, B Hossain, M M R Jahangir Pages: 103 - 113 Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during January to June 2019 to find out the effect of rice straw mulch and organic amendments on yield and yield attributes of Boro rice under dry direct seeded system. The experiment comprised two sets of treatments viz., (a) Mulch: (i) Rice straw mulch (M1) and (ii) no mulch (M2) and (b) organic amendments : (i) Control (Recommended Doses of Fertilizers, RDF) (T1), (ii) RDF + Farm Yard Manure, FYM (T2); (iii) RDF + Mustard Oil Cake, MOC (T3); (iv) RDF + FYM + Trico-compost (T4); (v) RDF + Trico-compost + MOC (T5); (vi) RDF + FYM + MOC (T6) and (vii) RDF + Trico-compost (T7) in a split-plot design with three replications. The results showed that rice straw mulch did not have significant effect on yield and yield attributes of rice. The interaction between rice straw mulch and organic amendment was not significant for grain yield and any other characters. Based on the study results it is concluded that maximum yield of BRRI dhan28 in Boro season under dry direct seeded system could be achieved through organic amendment with Mustard Oil Cake @ 0.5 tha-1 or Farm Yard Manure @ 5 tha-1 + Trico-compost @ 3 tha-1 or Trico-compost (TC) @ 3 tha-1 in addition to the application of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF). SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 103-113 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M S Mia, M T Uddin, H Kabir, M A M Miah , M A S Salam Pages: 115 - 126 Abstract: Productivity gap in this study is the difference between the productivity of BADC Boro seed and non-BADC Boro seed at the farm level. Again, the economic competitiveness of hybrid Boro seed produced by Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is measured through Domestic Resource Cost (DRC). Therefore, the study was examined the productivity gap and the comparative advantage of producing BADC hybrid Boro seed. Primary data were collected from 240 adopters and 240 non-adopters of BADC Boro seed from eight districts of Bangladesh. The average productivity of adopters and non-adopters of BADC Boro seed was 5274 and 4885 kg ha-1, respectively. The average productivity gap between adopters and non-adopters was positive (389 kg ha-1). The average productivity of adopters was 1.08 times higher than that of non-adopters. The study pointed out that 9.51% productivity gap was identified due to the difference in observable characteristics and 90.49% gap to the difference in the yields of such characteristics. The DRC of hybrid Boro seed was 0.87 which is implying that BADC has a comparative advantage in producing hybrid Boro seed. The study revealed that an adequate supply of BADC Boro seed to the farmers will enhance Boro rice productivity in Bangladesh. Therefore, BADC should take necessary steps to increase hybrid Boro seed production to decrease imports and save foreign currency of Bangladesh. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 115-126 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65036 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M S Jahan, B C Sarker, A A Ruma, Y Islam Pages: 127 - 137 Abstract: Salinity in the most critical abiotic stress particularly in the coastal area of Ganges Delta. The cropping in the coastal regions of southwestern (SW) Bangladesh during Boro season mainly constraint by the soil and water salinity. Therefore, responses of the rice to different degree of salinity is important. So, a pot experiment was conducted at Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna to screen the response of 8 different boro rice varieties (Noyanmoni, Abdulhai, Kaliboro, BRRI dhan55, Noyantara, Kajollota, Bareyratna, BINA dhan8) at different levels of salinity (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 dS m-1). The experiment was conducted in a factorial completely randomized deign and replicated thrice. All the growth, yield attributes and yield were significantly declined with the increased levels of salinity compared to control (no salt solution added). All the plants were died with the imposed salinity levels at 12, 16 and 20 dS m-1. Therefore, the collected parameters of rice varieties at 0-8 dS m-1 salinity levels were analyzed. Rice varieties respond well up to 4 dS m-1 and afterwards poor response noticed. Noyanmoni showed best performance in terms of growth, yield attributes and yield compared to other varieties in salinity conditions. From the findings of this study, it is concluded that under medium saline condition Noyanmoni is the suitable rice variety and can be fitted in the coastal saline soil of southwestern Bangladesh during Boro season. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 127-137 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66234 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:A J M M Uddin, M B Hossain, M R Islam, Y A Ara, M Rocky, M H Kabir Pages: 139 - 152 Abstract: The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an innovation that was first emerged in Madagascar in the 1980s and has now diffused to more than 50 countries. The present study was conducted as field experiment in the central farm of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) using RCBD design and the lab experiment was carried out in Molecular Biology and Plant Virology Laboratory under the Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207. The experiment was carried out to adopt SRI as an alternative approach for management of major rice diseases in Bangladesh, during the period of November, 2020 to June, 2021. From the study it was revealed that all the selected planting methods gave the significantly effect on percent disease incidence (% DI) and severity (% DS) of major rice diseases viz. blast, brown spot, sheath blight and bacterial leaf blight in selected Boro rice varieties (BRRI dhan 28, BRRI dhan 89, BRRI dhan 92 and purple rice). The highest disease incidence and severity was recorded in conventional planting method and the lowest in basic SRI method. The moderate disease incidence and severity was recorded in modern SRI method which was statistically non-significant with Basic SRI method but significant with conventional method. However, it is necessary for further trial in different variety and AEZs as field experiment. So, it may be recommended that the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) may be alternative for management of major rice diseases. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 139-152 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:F B Forhad, M P Anwar, H O Rashid, A K Hasan, S A Kheya, S Afrin, S Yeasmin, A K M M Islam Pages: 153 - 166 Abstract: Healthy seedling is the best component of the transplant rice, which depends on its growing environment and appropriate nursery management techniques. To assess the effectiveness of various seeding densities and nutrient management in nurseries on seedling growth and yield of Boro rice, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, from November 2019 to May 2020. The experiment comprised two factors, viz., seeding density (3): low density (80 g m-2), medium density (100 g m-2), high density (120 g m-2); and nursery nutrient management (6): no nutrient applied, 10 g N m-2, 15 g P m-2, 15 g K m-2 , 10 g N m-2 + 15 g P m-2 + 15 g K m-2, compost 2 kg m-2. The experiment was replicated 3 times following randomized complete block design. With 80 g m-2 seed rate, the highest seedling dry weight, effective tillers hill-1, grains panicle-1 and grain yield were all achieved. Regarding nutrient management, seedlings fertilized with N+P+K produced the highest shoot length, seedling dry weight, effective tillers hill-1, grains panicle-1 and grain yield. In case of interaction, the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 was obtained from 80 g m-2 seeding density with N+P+K application, which eventually resulted in the highest grain yield. Therefore, low seeding density of 80 g m-2 and application of 10 g N m-2 + 15 g P m-2 + 15 g K m-2 in nursery may be practiced for better seedling growth and higher yield of Boro rice. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 153-166 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:A Thapa, R Neupane, A Srivastava, B Panthi Pages: 167 - 174 Abstract: A field investigation was carried out during wheat season of 2019-2020 under normal and late sowing conditions at the research farm of the Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal to evaluate the agro-morphological and yield related traits of spring wheat. A set of thirty elite spring wheat genotypes were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in an Alpha lattice design with three replications. Each replication consisted of 30 treatments of wheat with altogether 90 treatments in three replications. Wheat was sown in two sowing dates that normal sowing date (22nd November, 2019) and late sowing date (23rd December, 2019). Significant differences were observed between two sowing dates for heading and maturity days, plant height, grains spike-1, thousand kernel weight, grain yield, biomass yield, harvest index and SPAD reading. Generally, almost all the traits manifested superiorly on normal sowing date. The mean plant height was 92.71 cm for normal and 88.3 cm for late sown condition. The mean grain yield was 2.94 t ha-1 in normal and 1.91 t ha-1 in late sown condition. Gautam had maximum grain yield that 3.84 t ha-1 followed by Bhrikuti, Vijaya and Aditya under normal sown condition. Bhrikuti had maximum grain yield (2.34 t ha-1) followed by Vijaya, Gautam and NL 297 under late sowing conditions. Significant positive correlation was found between grain yield and investigated attributes. Days to maturity, plant height, spikes per m2, grains per spike, and thousand kernel weight showed significant positive correlations with grain yield. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 167-174 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65600 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M Hassan, AKM Ruhul Amin, M H H Rabbi, M D Mahmud, M D Hossain Pages: 175 - 188 Abstract: A pot experiment was conducted at the net house of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during 2017-18 of rabi season to evaluate the impact of organic manure to combat drought stress of wheat. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Factor A: Different organic manure [F0 = Control, F1 = Cow dung 10 t ha-1, F2 = Vermicompost 7 t ha-1] and Factor B: Drought in different growth stages [D0 = Control, D1 = Drought in crown root initiation stage (20-29 DAS), D2 = Drought in booting stage (45-54 DAS), and D3 = Drought in anthesis stage (55-64 DAS)]. BARI Gom-28 variety of wheat was used as test crop. Significant variation was observed on growth, yield and yield contributing parameters. In the case of interaction, the maximum plant height (27.66, 48.10, 63.15 and 78.56cm, respectively) at 20, 40, 60 DAS and at harvest; highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (10.33), spike length (16.12 cm), number of spikelet spike-1 (17.40), number of grains spikelet-1 (2.85), number of grains spike-1 (49.59), weight of 1000 seed grain (48.37 g), grain yield (4.89 g plant-1), straw yield (5.18 g plant-1), biological yield (10.07 g plant-1) and harvest index (48.56%) were recorded from cow dung 10 t ha-1 with control treatment. It can be concluded that application of cow dung is effective in wheat crop to mitigate drought condition. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 175-188 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:S C Sarker, M S Hosen, H M M T Hossain, M Roy, T Afroz, M Hasanuzzaman, A Rahman Pages: 189 - 201 Abstract: The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of nutrient combinations and spacing on the growth performance of mungbean (BARI mung 5) using split plot design. The experiment comprised of 3 levels of spacing; S1- 20 cm × 10 cm, S2- 30 cm × 10 cm and S3- 45 cm × 15 cm; and 6 levels of fertilizers; F0- Control (without fertilizer), F1- Recommended dose of NPK, F2- 5 t ha-1 cowdung, F3- 5 t ha-1 cowdung + Recommended dose of NPK, F4- 2.5 t ha-1 cowdung + Recommended dose of NPK and F5- 2.5 t ha-1cowdung + ½ Recommended dose of NPK. Among different treatments maximum number of leaves (13.70), branches (2.44) and dry weight (10.97g) was recorded from S3 at 60 DAS on the other hand highest number of leaves (13.83) found in F4 and dry matter (8.89g) in F3 at 60 DAS. However, when combined with fertilizers and spacings, the S3F4 treatment had the highest dry matter weight (12.7g) before harvest. In terms of yield performance, applying cowdung @ 2.5 t ha-1 along with recommended NPK resulted in the highest seed yield (1156.7 kg ha-1). The number of plant populations was higher in S2 (30 cm 10 cm) than in S3 (45 cm × 15 cm), so S2 produced the highest grain yield (1022.8 kg ha-1). It is clear that different fertilizer combinations and spacings have a significant impact on mungbean growth performance. S2F4 combinations may be the best choice for improved mungbean cultivation. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 189-201 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65646 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M M H Khan Pages: 203 - 215 Abstract: Five different locations namely; PSTU campus, BRRI Barishal, RARS Barishal, Dhaka University campus and Mohera Jamidarbari landscapes of Tangail district were selected to study the host range, incidence and damage of the pink hibiscus mealybug. Results revealed that the Pink hibiscus mealybug was found to feed on 22 known host plants from 7 families and 6 unknown host plants. The highest incidence of mealybug per leaf was recorded on century plant and the lowest was on Mussaenda. The highest number of mealybugs per twig was found on Elite patabahar (30) followed by Hibiscus (24) while the lowest number was found on Croton (5). Among five locations the highest percentage of plant infestation was observed at PSTU campus (52%) and the lowest percentage was at BRRI Barishal (35%). The highest percentage of infested leaves per plant was found on Century plant (47%) and the lowest percentage was on Laurentti (12%). The highest percentage of infested twigs per plant was found on Hibiscus (60%) followed by Jatropha (50%) while the lowest percentage was on Maity patabahar (13%). These findings could be helpful to adopt management strategy against Pink hibiscus mealybug in proper time to protect landscape ornamentals and increase beautification. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 203-215 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66274 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:R Dixit, M Rani, J Kumar Pages: 217 - 225 Abstract: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a major legume food crop. Its seeds are rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamin B, and other minerals. For better seed output and protein content, various factors viz; proper light conditions, and freedom from insect pests are necessary. Many insect pests play a damaging role in chickpea production and hence pest control is key to better production. This study was carried out at the experimental sites of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, India to assess the responses to different dosages of monocrotophos pesticides on chlorophyll and protein contents in Chickpea. Different doses of monocrotophos viz., control, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 5% 7.5%, and 10% were applied to seeds before sowing. Quantitative analysis of plants for chlorophyll content was done on a per-plant basis, The plant tissues were weighed and the analysis was done on an mgg-1 fresh weight basis. Chlorophyll content was estimated by extracting 80% acetone and determined spectrophotometrically and the quantification was done by the Arnon method (1949). The protein content was also estimated spectrophotometrically. The best results were obtained at 0.5% pesticide concentration. The total chlorophyll content was 1.662 mgg-1 for control and 1.671mgg-1 for 0.5% and decreased with the increasing concentration of monocrotophos pesticide. The protein content was highest, 28.41 mgg-1 at 0.5%, as compared to 27.45 mgg-1 at the control and decreased for increasing concentrations of monocrotophos. The same trend of results was recorded for different doses of deltamethrin. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 217-225 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66247 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:S P Vista, N R Pandit Pages: 227 - 238 Abstract: Improving soil fertility and crop productivity is crucial to reduce food insecurity and poverty in Nepal. Biochar as a soil amendment has been found effective in increasing crop production. Here, we reviewed various biochar studies carried out in Nepal by different organizations and assessed future potential of biochar as an effective soil amendment. In this review, we have included the biochar pretreated (enriched) with nutrient or added separately in soil. We found that good quality biochar could be produced using the novel flame curtain metal and soil pit “Kontik” kiln with slow pyrolysis technology. Biochar produced from Kontiki found having high pH (9.8), organic carbon (OC, 72%), surface area (215 m2g-1) and cation exchange capacity (CEC, 72 cmol kg-1). Further, biochar application improved soil chemical properties (pH, OC, CEC, base cations) and nutrient availability such as available phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Similarly, biochar addition increased crop yield significantly compared with non-biochar plots. Higher crop yield was achieved when biochar was enriched or charged with cattle urine. Thus, from this study, we suggest that biochar should be prioritized in government programs as a potential soil amendment and scale up or increase its use at farm level. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 227-238 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.65258 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:S M Masum, F Nowroz, M A Talha, M Islam, M J Jalal, M A Uddin Pages: 239 - 252 Abstract: Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious alien invasive weed species rapidly spreading in Bangladesh. P. hysterophorus examined the prospects of using allelopathic extracts during the period of July 2021 to June 2022. Experiments were conducted in the net house at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, in non-cropped areas of Khustia and cropped areas of Chudanga. The net house experiments were laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times separately for each growth stage. Results showed that by using pretilachlor, pendimethalin, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor, bensulfuron methyl + acetachlor, oxadiazon, and pyrazosulfuron-ethyl + pretilachlor decreased the seed germination of parthenium at pot bioassay under both puddle and dry sown condition. At rosette stage of parthenium weed, glyphosate and carfentrazone ethyl (5%) + glyphosate with ½, ¾, and full doses gave 100% mortality at three weeks after treatment (WAT). In cropped areas carfentrazone Ethyl (5%) + glyphosate (36%) and quizalofop-p-ethyl resulted in a 100% and 90% mortality rate at 21 DAT. Overall, the efficacy of herbicides was more effective on rosette parthenium than bolted plants. A phytotoxic response to weed growth was induced by aqueous extracts of Oryza sativa L. var. Boteswar, Triticum aestivum L. var. BARI gom-21, Helianthus annus L., Datura metel, Mangifera indica L., Delonix regia, and Acacia nilotica. Delonix regia was the most effective for inhibition of germination (29%). Whereas Datura metel extracts and Oryza sativa var. Boteswar straw extracts significantly reduced root (1.5 mm) and shoot (3.8 mm) length. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 239-252 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66001 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:H Khatun, S Sultana, S Faruque, M S K Sarker, M M R Manu, M Z Ali Pages: 253 - 263 Abstract: This research was taken to improve the performance of native duck. Two native duck varieties, Rupali and Nageswari of 6th generation were selected aiming to increase their laying performances. A total of 540 ducklings of both genotypes were hatched and brooded in brooder house. Male and female ducks were separated and marked with wing band at 12 weeks of age. At 40 weeks of age, a total of 300 ducks of both genotype were selected on the basis of selection index comprising the parameters of age at first egg, body weight at first egg, egg production % and egg weight. The individual with the higher total score was selected for breeding purposes. Selected male and female ratio were 1:5 using natural mating. The selection intensity and expected selection responses of selection criteria of two duck genotypes were estimated. Selection responses for ASM (day), egg weight (g) and egg production rate was -1.84, 1.08 g and 0.45 in case of Rupali and -1.66, 1.35 and 0.73 for Nageswari, respectively. Egg production % was numerically higher in Rupali (60.12%) than Nageswari (58.41%). Egg weight (EW) and feed intake were significantly differences between two native ducks where both higher values were found in Rupali (EW 64.83g and feed intake 134g) than Nageswary. Egg shape index was significantly higher in Rupali (76%) than Nageswari (75%) duck. In conclusion, Rupali ducks showed better production performance and it is suggested that selective breeding of duck may have significant impact on the development of native duck. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 253-263 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66244 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:S Faruque, A K F H Bhuiyan, H Khatun, M T Hossain, M M R Manu, M Z Ali Pages: 265 - 271 Abstract: Four genotypes of quail Dhakai (D), White (W), Brown (Br) and Black (Bl) quail are being maintained at BLRI with the objectives of increasing the sixth-week body weight through selective breeding and selecting parental birds and breeding them in an assortative plan for the production of 8th generation birds. The parent males and females were maintained in cages for single-pair mating through selective breeding system for producing each generation. A total of 1118-day-old quail chicks comprising 4 types were hatched in one batch to produce eighth generation (G8). The expected genetic progress due to selection for 5th-week body weight was estimated for G8. The genotype had significant (p<0.001) effect on the body weight of quails at 5th week of age. The 5th-week body weight was 132.34±0.88, 123.91±0.52, 104.29±0.76 and 105.36±0.68g, respectively for D, W, Br, and Bl genotypes. The hatchability rate was significantly (p<0.001) higher in D (78.47%) compared to other three genotypes. The egg production percentage up to 24th week of age was 85.27±1.0, 80.22±1.61, 81.07±1.2 and 96.12±1.1, respectively for D, W, Br, and Bl and significantly (p<0.001) differed among all genotypes. Mortality percent among genotypes was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Sixth-week body weight of males of D, W, Br, and Bl quails were expected to increase by 4.06, 6.36, 2.39, and 3.12g, respectively. While in females of D, W, Br, and Bl quails, the responses were 5.60, 3.61, 4.17, and 3.91g, respectively. Taken together, it may be concluded that Dhakai quail was superior for body weight and Black quail for egg production performance. These findings suggested continuing the quail breeding research for producing a suitable meat-type quail genotype in our country. SAARC J. Agric., 21(1): 265-271 (2023) PubDate: 2023-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/sja.v21i1.66260 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 1 (2023)
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