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SAARC Journal of Agriculture
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1682-8348
Published by Bangladesh Journals Online

[88 journals]

Application of Nanotechnology in Insect Pest Management: A Review
- Authors: R Zannat, MM Rahman, M Afroz
  Pages: 1 - 11
  Abstract: Insect pests are one of the most concerned biotic obstacles in agriculture and humans are constantly in search of new strategies to control them. Chemical pesticides are extensively used for controlling insect pests which cause a lot of problem, such as pest resistance, elimination of natural enemies, environmental pollution, loss of biodiversity and human health hazards. As an alternative pest control strategy, the application of nanotechnology in insect pest management can be one of the most promising ways to overcome the problems related to the application of conventional chemical pesticide. According to various research findings, the nano based materials are described as very effective in insect pest management because they have larger surface area which ensures the contact of more volume of pesticides with the insect pests. They also provide selective, targeted and long term-controlled release of formulation of nanomaterial which is ecologically more viable. Moreover, the required amount of nano-insecticide is also very small for controlling insect and thus the pesticide load in the environment gets reduced. So, use of nanotechnology for insect pest management is considered as environmentally sustainable and a brilliant insect control strategy in green agriculture. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 1-11 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57668
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Rice (Oryzae sativa L.) Landraces using SSR
Markers in Bangladesh
- Authors: MI Hoque, MM Islam, SN Begum, F Yasmine, MSR Khanom, MM Islam
  Pages: 13 - 25
  Abstract: It is necessary to assess genetic diversity and a molecular characteristic among Bangladesh’s local rice cultivars. The purpose of the study was to assess the genetic diversity and molecular characterization of 83 rice landraces in Bangladesh using nine (9) SSR markers. A total of 262 allels were identified using nine (9) polymorphic markers. The highest number alleles 34 were identified by RM336 while the lowest was 13 by RM262. Polymorphism information content (PIC) value of each marker was evaluated on the basis of the number of alleles and it varied greatly for all the SSR loci tested. The PIC value ranged from 0.951 to 0.766 and marker RM336 was found to be the most appropriate marker to discriminate among the rice genotypes owing to the highest PIC value of 0.951. The allele frequency ranged from 37.35% (RM262) to 10.84% (RM585, RM336) with an average of 18.47%. The genotypes G82, G77, G68, G50, and G1; G65, G37, and G10; G71 and G11; G25 and G14; G39 and G27 have 100% genetic similarity according to the pair wise genetic similarity indexes. Genotype G10 had the least similarity (0.44 percent) to genotype G9, G16 with G17, G22 with G29, G28 with G30, and so on. The dendrogram based on UPGMA and Nei’s genetic distance classified the 83 rice landraces into 5 clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.6 Cluster 2 had maximum thirty-two genotypes followed by cluster 4. The landraces that were derivatives of genetically similar types were clustered together on the dendrogram. These landraces is showed wide genetic divergence among the constituent in it and in future it will be useful for hybridization programme in plant breeding. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 13-25 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57669
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Identification of Stable Potato Varieties from Exotic Sources for Table
and Processing Purposes in Bangladesh
- Authors: BC Kundu, MA Kawochar, S Naznin, M Mostofa, MM Ali, MMH Tipu, MB Anwar, NU Ahmed, AK Saha, M Harun or Rashid
  Pages: 27 - 36
  Abstract: Seven exotic varieties of advanced generation (Cimega, Farida, Jelly, Memphis, Panamera, Taisiya and 7four7) along with four checks (BARI Alu-7, BARI Alu-13, BARI Alu-25 and BARI Alu-28) of potato were evaluated at five agro-ecological locations of Bangladesh during 2016-17 to identify stable varieties for table and processing purposes. Results indicated significant variation among the varieties and locations. To identify the early bulking varieties, tuber yield at 65 DAP was recorded, which showed that the variety 7four7 gave maximum yield (28.1 t ha-1). So, it can be selected as an early market variety. The maturity period of the varieties varied from 85 to 95 days. At the final harvest (95 DAP), the highest average yield over location was also produced by 7four7 (38.7 t ha-1). The varieties Cimega and Memphis also gave comparable yields to that of 7four7 (37.3 and 36.7 t ha-1, respectively). Farida was found suitable for table purposes because of its high yield, medium-sized tubers, oval and smooth shape and good eating qualities. These four varieties were significantly better than the checks in yield. The variety Taisiya produced tubers with good size and shape but low in dry matter content. Memphis produced maximum large-sized tubers, and so it may be suitable for processing. All the varieties produced good dry matter (18-20%). From the AMMI stability analysis, Cimega and 7four7 were the most stable varieties. Taisiya and Memphis were found as medium stable. Based on the stability, tuber yield and other characters, these four varieties may be selected for further studies in the RYT before release as specific purpose varieties. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 27-36 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57670
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Agro-Morphological Characterization and Intra-Varietal Diversity of
Akabarechilli (Capsicum spp.) Landraces of Nepal
- Authors: A Karkee, RP Mainali, S Basnet, KH Ghimire, BK Joshi, P Thapa, DS Shrestha, P Joshi, P Pokhrel, KK Mishra
  Pages: 37 - 55
  Abstract: Capsicum (Solanaceae), comprising of sweet and hot chilli pepper, is a globally known spice crop. This genus is well known for its huge genetic diversity at intra- and inter-species level. Diversity among Akabarechilli landraces, a unique Capsicum from Nepal, has not been studied so far. The present study characterized thirty accessions of Akabarechilli using 26 qualitative and 21 quantitative agro-morphological markers at the experimental plots of National Genebank, Khumaltar, Nepal during the summer season of 2018/019. Using principal component analysis, the first- principal components with eigen-values more than 1 contributed 25% of the variability among accessions for quantitative traits, whereas the first principal components with eigen-values more than 1 contributed 22.2% of the variability among accessions for qualitative traits. These findings suggested a wide range of morphological variations among the tested accessions. Based on qualitative and quantitative traits, 30 accessions were grouped into 6 distinct clusters by Euclidian distance and average method. Accessions CO-11048 and CO-11050 under cluster-III were round shape fruit type and accessions CO-11044, CO- 11046 andCO-11047 under cluster-I were high fruiting with longer fruitbearing period and could be utilized for breeding purpose as these are the traits preferred by consumers or processors in Nepalese market. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 37-55 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57671
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Similar Named Aromatic Rice
(Oryza sativa L.) Landraces of Bangladesh
- Authors: MZ Islam, M Khalequzzaman, T Chakrabarty, N Akter, MFR Khan, A Bhuiya, MA Siddique
  Pages: 57 - 71
  Abstract: Assessment of thirty-six similar named aromatic rice landraces of Bangladesh was analyzed using 36 microsatellite markers to characterize the landraces and also to establish the sovereignty of the Bangladeshi rice gene pool. With an average of 3.03 per locus, overall 109 alleles differed from 2 to 5 were detected at 36 microsatellite loci across the 36 aromatic rice landraces. With an average of 0.48, the diversity of genes ranged from 0.15 to 0.74. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.14 (RM500, RM554) to 0.69 (RM496), with an average of 0.41, revealed many variations among the studied landraces. The recurrence of the most prevalent allele at each locus ranged from 31.00% (RM496) to 96.00% (RM500 and RM554). At any given locus, on average 64.33% landraces out of 36 contributed a familiar major allele. For identification and diversity estimation of aromatic rice landraces, RM496 was the finest marker as affirmed by PIC values. Two clusters were revealed with a similarity coefficient of 0.45 by a UPGMA dendrogram in SSR. All the landraces were also divided into two groups (A and B) through the model-based clustering method, confirmed by UPGMA cluster analysis. Some of the SSR markers (RM1, RM489, RM39, RM474, RM2, RM214, RM21, and RM206) generated unique alleles that were specific to particular landraces and were useful for varietal identification. Besides, the evaluation of genotypic data demonstrated the landraces under this study provided noticeable genetic diversity. Meanwhile, for the future breeding program, the similarly named landraces need to be safeguarded. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 57-71 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57826
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Biological Efficacy of Mycoflora Isolated from Mushroom Substrate Against
Pathogenic Fungi
- Authors: MAR Sarker, N Sultana, K Akhter
  Pages: 73 - 84
  Abstract: Four fungi isolates, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma harzianum, Penicillium sp. were isolated from mushroom substrates and identified. Biological activities these fungi were evaluated against three plant pathogens namely against Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotium rolfsii, Colletotrichum corchori. Among the fungal isolates, Trichoderma harzianum showed the highest antagonistic activity against all three pathogens, Penicillium sp. showed less significant antagonistic activity than Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Trichoderma harzianum showed the highest inhibitory effect in case of Fusarium oxysporum (71.75%) followed by Sclerotium rolfsii (61.64%) and Colletotrichum corchori (57%). SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 73-84 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57672
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Agro-Economic Productivity of Rice- Rabi Croprice Systems in Northwestern
Drought-Prone Areas of Bangladesh
- Authors: MM Rahman
  Pages: 85 - 94
  Abstract: Productivity and economics of different rabi crop-based systems were evaluated at farmers’ field in Durgapur upazilla of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh to select the best rabi crop(s) for fitting in the T. Aman rice - rabi crop – DDS Aus rice pattern. Nine rabi crops namely, (1) Mustard, (2) Potato, (3) Lentil, (4) Field pea, (5) Radish, (6) Cabbage, (7) French bean, (8) Carrot and (9) Tomato were cultivated during the rabi season in between the two rice crops to form nine cropping patterns. The experiment used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Aman rice variety BRRI dhan57 was transplanted on 12 July 2017 and harvested on 28 October 2017, while, Aus rice variety BRRI dhan28 was sown in the dry cultivated land on 16 March 2018 and harvested on 24 June 2018 while rabi crops were sown/transplanted on 28 November 2017. Proper agronomic management practices were adopted for all the crops in the patterns. Data on yield and related attributes of DDS Aus rice were recorded at harvest. In addition, the yield of Aman rice and all the rabi crops were recorded. In addition, rice equivalent yield of each rabi crop, system yield (total yield of all the crops in the sequence), cost of production, gross return and benefit cost ratios (BCR) of all the patterns were recorded. Results revealed that yield of dry direct seeded Aus rice cv. BRRI dhan28 did not differ significantly due to different rabi crops grown under the respective patterns. The system yield was the highest in T. Aman rice –tomato – DDS Aus rice pattern (19.62 t ha-1) and the lowest with T. Aman rice -mustard – Aus rice pattern (14.63 t ha-1). Since the market price of a rabi crop changes from year to year, the net profit of a pattern depends on the yield of a crop grown in rabi season. Therefore, any of the nine rabi crops under the trial can be successfully cultivated in between the two rice crops under Aman rice – rabi crop –Aus rice patterns. However, the present study concludes that any of the nine rabi crops can be grown in between the two rice crops but carrot, French bean, mustard, field pea, and tomato could be the most profitable ones for the T. Aman rice – rabi crops –DDS Aus rice patterns. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 85-94 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57673
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Effect of Plant × Row Spacing on Two Varieties of Boro Rice
- Authors: MK Hasan, MD Hossain, MR Uddin, MS Kobir, MH Kabir
  Pages: 95 - 106
  Abstract: A field study was undertaken at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the season November 2017 to April 2018 to evaluate the effects of plant × row spacings on yield and yield contributing traits of two Boro rice varieties. Two rice varieties viz., BINA dhan-10 and BRRI dhan28 were sown in five plant spacings viz. 25 cm × 15 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm, 35 cm × 35 cm, 40 cm × 40 cm in randomized completely block design with factorial fashion with three replications. Growth performances, yield contributing characters and yield were significantly influenced by varieties and plant spacings. The highest grain yield (8.75t ha-1), straw yield (11.56 t ha-1), biological yield (20.31 t ha-1) and harvest index (43.05 %) were obtained from the variety BINA dhan- 10 sown at planting spacing of25 cm × 15 cm. More number of total tillers hill-1(14.75) and number of effective tiller hill-1 (12.87) were recorded from the variety BINA dhan-10 sown at planting spacing 40 cm × 40 cm. Based on the present study it is suggested that BINA dhan-10 may be grown under 25 cm × 15 cm in order to get maximum grain yield for Boro rice cultivation. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 95-106 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57674
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Grain Yield Stability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids using Ammi Model and
GGE Biplot Analysis
- Authors: J Shrestha, S Subedi, R Acharya, S Sharma, M Subedi
  Pages: 107 - 121
  Abstract: Six maize hybrids; Khumal Hybrid-2, KML-5(A) × KYM-33, KML-8(A) × KYM-33, KWM-91 × KWM-93, KWM-92 × KWM-93, Super-951 were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Bhotechaur (Sindhupalchowk), Mandan Deupur (Kavrepalachowk), and Khumaltar (Lalitpur), Nepal to identify stable and superior hybrids. Hybrids were found significant (p<0.01) for grain yield. The effects of environment and genotype × environment (G × E) interactions on grain yield were found to be significant (p<0.01). The combined analysis showed that KWM-91 × KWM-93 produced the highest grain yield (8.89 t ha-1) across all locations, followed by KWM-92 × KWM-93 (8.60 t ha-1), which was at par with each other. The hybrids; KWM-92 × KWM-93 (bi=0.84, CV=18.54%, SD=1.59) and KWM-91 × KWM-93 (bi=1.16, CV=22.37 %, SD=1.99) were found to be more stable, with regression coefficient (bi) nearly equal to unity (1) and grain yields above the grand mean yield. The GGE biplot revealed that KWM-91 × KWM-93 was the most responsive hybrid for Mandandeupur and Bhotechaur environments; whereas, KWM-92 × KWM-93 was for the Khumaltar environment. Hybrid KWM-91 × KWM-93 was the most stably yielding hybrid among all hybrids. This study suggests that KWM-91 × KWM-93 can be promoted for cultivation in mid hills of Nepal. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 107-121 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57675
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Evaluation of Open-Pollinated and Hybrid Maize Varieties in the Spring
Season at Baitadi District, Nepal
- Authors: K Bista, R Gaire, K Devkota
  Pages: 123 - 136
  Abstract: Being a maize producing region, cultivation of hybrid and improved maize varieties in the spring season is very low in Baitadi district. In order to examine the performances of different maize varieties, five maize varieties including both open-pollinated (i.e. Arun-2, Arun-4 and Rampur composite) and hybrid varieties (i.e. Rajkumar and Rampur Hybrid-10) were tested using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in spring season during February to August, 2020 at Dasarathch and municipality-1, Baitadi. The highest days to emergence of seedlings was in Rampur Hybrid-10 (30 days) and the lowest days to emergence was in Arun-2 (23 days) and Arun-4 (23 days), respectively. The plant height was significantly higher in Rajkumar (156.4 cm), whereas the leaf area index were significantly higher in Arun-2 (4.36 cm). Similarly, the phenological behavior like days to 50% tasseling (112 days) and silking (119 days) were significantly earlier in Arun-4. Likewise, yield attributing characteristics like cob length, cob diameter, number of rows/cobs, number of kernels/rows, shelling%, thousand grain weight (TGW) were found significantly higher in hybrid maize varieties as compared to openpollinated varieties. Grain yield was found significantly higher in hybrids Rajkumar recording yield of 5.32 Mt ha-1 closely followed by Rampur Hybrid-10 (4.75 Mt ha-1) whereas open-pollinated Rampur composite, Arun-2 and Arun-4 recorded grain yield of 4.58 Mt ha-1, 3.99 Mt ha-1 and 2.33 Mt ha-1 respectively. The results indicated that hybrid varieties were promising and should be promoted for general cultivation in the hills area of Nepal. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 123-136 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57676
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Effect of Spatial Arrangements on Yield and Competition of Jute (Corchorus
Olitorius l.) and Mungbean (Vigna radiata l. Wilczek) in Intercropping
- Authors: AK Chakraborty, AK Ghorai, NM Alam, S Roy, R Saha
  Pages: 137 - 155
  Abstract: Low profitability from jute farming, declining jute area and negligible pulse area are the rising concerns of farmers of Indo-Bangla subcontinent. This paper evaluated the extent of yield competition in jutemungbean intercropping with varying spatial geometry under alternate single row (SR) and double row (DR) planting. Two 2-year field experiments were conducted independently for the two systems of plantings involving jute (cv NJ 7010) and mungbean (cv TMB-37) arranged in systematic designs for 3×3×3 spacing and plant density combinations with three replications. Yield competition was assessed using indices. Intercropping was found productive and profitable compared to sole cropping. Land equivalent ratios (LER) and area × time equivalent ratios (ATER) always exceeded unity. Jute equivalent yield (JEY) increased in the range of 4.9-45.3% and 30.7-51.1% over sole jute fibre yield and mean monetary advantage index exceeded 27100 and 31800 ₹ ha-1 for SR and DR planting, respectively. Economic advantage was higher for spacing combinations of 40 cm (row to row) × 6.5-8 cm (jute to jute in a row) × 10-12 cm (mungbean to mungbean in a row) in SR planting and for DR system it was at a band-to-band spacing of 11 cm with plant densities of 40-50 m-2 for jute and 25-30 m-2 for mungbean. Dense and intimate planting of jute reduced mung seed yield due to light stress. DR planting seemed more advantageous. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 137-155 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57677
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Potentials of Endophytes of Andrographis Paniculata for the Production of
Plant Growth Promoters, Enzymes and Antimicrobial Compounds
- Authors: M Adhikari, M Mukhopadhyay
  Pages: 157 - 170
  Abstract: In the present study, 9 bacterial and 6 fungal endophytes were isolated from surface sterilized leaf, stem and root samples of the medicinal plant - Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh). The endophytes were screened for plant growth promoting traits (IAA, phosphate solubilization and N2 fixation), enzymes (cellulase and amylase) and antimicrobial compounds against 3 potent human pathogens- E. coli, Staphylococcus sp. and Vibrio sp. The majority of the isolated endophytes produced the phytohormone - IAA (ranging 2-45μg/ml), and 1 endophyte solubilized phosphate and fixed N2. All the fungal endophytes possessed cellulase and amylase activity. In the preliminary screening, 4 bacterial and 4 fungal endophytic isolates extract showed antagonistic activity against the 3 potent human pathogens which are known causative agents of urinary tract, skin and gastrointestinal tract infections, respectively. The endophytes of A. paniculata exhibiting broad and specific antimicrobial activity make them ideal candidates in medical purposes. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 157-170 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57678
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Effect of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes on Proximate Composition
- Authors: SMR Islam, KU Ahmed, MU Miah, M Mostofa
  Pages: 171 - 179
  Abstract: The experiment was conducted during the period from November 2015 to June 2016 at the Laboratory of Biochemistry Department, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) and Soil Science Laboratory of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), to find out the effect of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes on proximate composition. Six wheat genotypes, i.e., BARI Gom 25, BARI Gom 26, BARI Gom 27, WYCYT (E-15) (Line), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) and PAVON-76 (Local) were used as a treatment for the experiment. The highest weight of 1000 grains, dry matter content, carbohydrate content, protein content, lipid content, ash content were recorded from BARI Gom 26 (46.45 g), BARI Gom 27 (92.53%), WYCYT (E-16) (69.59%), BARI Gom 27 (10.08%), BARI Gom 26 (2.20%), BARI Gom 26 (2.38%), respectively. Nevertheless, the lowest weight of 1000 grains, dry matter content, carbohydrate content, protein content, lipid content, ash content were recorded from PAVON-76 (Local) (39.25 g), WYCYT (E-15) (Line) (90.43%), BARI Gom 26 (64.87%), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) (9.5%), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) (1.74%), WYCYT (E- 16) (Line) (1.86%), respectively. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 171-179 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57679
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Evaluation of Salt Tolerant Garlic Cultivars Based on Physiological and
Yield Responses
- Authors: AHMMR Talukder, F Ahmed, IM Ahmed, AFMS Ahsan, SN Mahfuza, N Mokarroma, L Nahar
  Pages: 181 - 193
  Abstract: An aggravated salt concentration in soil restricts to intensify the crop productivity. In a salinity tolerance test, five Allium sativum cultivars viz. BARI Rashun-1, BARI Rashun-2, BARI Rashun-3, BARI Rashun-4 and Local (Natore local) were comapared subjecting four level of salt stress viz. 0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1. Total dry matter (TDM) (g) plant-1, bulb yield and yield supporting traits of all cultivars were depressed with successively induced salt. But, TDM productions, yield and yield supporting traits were less degraded in BARI Rashun-4 and BARI Rashun-3 at 12 dSm-1 salinity and had a stronger ability to continue constant osmotic potential maintaining the uttermost K+/Na+ ratio. The variety BARI Rashun-4 showed higher activity of antioxidant enzyme and less cell membrane damage at 12 dSm-1 salt level. BARI Rashun-3 and BARI Rashun-4 were considered as a relatively saline tolerant due to higher antioxidant enzyme synthesis, ion homeostasis and less degradation of yield. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 181-193 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57680
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Effects of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Postharvest Quality of Selected
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) Varieties
- Authors: NK KC, HN Giri, MD Sharma, KM Tripathi
  Pages: 195 - 205
  Abstract: Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) is one of the most popular vegetable crops. An experiment was conducted to study the response of late season varieties of cauliflower to different sources of nitrogen on growth, yield and postharvest quality at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during October 2018 to March 2019. Four late season varieties of cauliflower viz. NS 106, Snow Moon, Yukon, and Candid Charm and three different sources of nitrogen viz. 100% Nitrogen (N) through Farm yard manure, 50% N through FYM and 50% N through urea, and 100% N through urea. The two-factor experiment was laid in RCBD with three replications and twelve treatment combinations. All the recorded growth, yield and postharvest quality parameters were significantly higher and statistically similar in NS 106 and Yukon and significantly lower in Candid Charm. Similarly, significantly higher plant height, canopy diameter, leaf number, curd height, economic yield and biological yield were recorded in 50% N through FYM and 50% N through urea. Significantly lower plant height, canopy diameter, leaf number, economic yield and biological yield, titrable acidity and significantly higher days to curd maturity, vitamin C and dry matter content of leaf and curd, and TSS content were recorded in 100% N through FYM. Results revealed that for higher and postharvest quality of cauliflower during late season at Rampur, Chitwan Yukon or NS 106 both varieties were superior along with 50% N through FYM and 50% N than those of the other varieties. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 195-205 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57681
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Screening of Mungbean Varieties for Resistance against Major Insect Pests
in Southern Region of Bangladesh
- Authors: KN Islam, MM Uddin, MMH Khan, MM Islam, MA Monim
  Pages: 207 - 217
  Abstract: Fifteen varieties of mungbean were evaluated for resistance against major insect pests i.e., leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), flea beetle (Phyllotreta nigripes), thrips (Megalurothrips distalis), gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata). Screening was done on the basis of incidence of insect pests from first incidence upto harvest. Statistically significant variation on recorded data was observed at different days after sowing. The lowest leaf folder population was recorded on variety BARI Mung-4 (1.08 larvae per plot) while the highest (2.05) on variety BARI Mung-6. The flea beetle population was the lowest on variety BARI Mung-4 (1.67 flea beetles per plot) while the highest (3.04) was recorded on variety BARI Mung-6. The lowest population of thrips was observed on variety BARI Mung-4 (1.43 thrips per 10 opened flowers) and the highest population (2.67) was observed on variety BINA Moog-7. The lowest gram pod borer population was observed on variety BARI Mung-4 (1.03 caterpillars per plot) while the highest gram pod borer population was observed on variety BARI Mung-6 (2.24). The lowest population of legume pod borer was observed on variety BINA Moog-4 (1.18 larvae per plot) while the highest population (2.75) was recorded on variety BARI Mung-6. Among the tested varieties, BARI Mung-4 was proven comparatively the least pest infested and highest resistant variety. On the contrary, BARI Mung- 6 showed least resistance. Rest of the varieties expressed moderately resistance to major insect pests. The results showed that none of the tested varieties was completely resistant to major insect pests. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 207-217 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57682
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Bio-Chemical Management of Grey Blight of Mustard Through Selected
Botanicals and Chemicals
- Authors: MH Kabir, YA Ara, AJM Moin Uddin, MA Islam, MB Hossain
  Pages: 219 - 232
  Abstract: Grey Blight of Mustard caused by Alternaria sp. is one of the most important diseases of oil producing crop of Bangladesh causing heavy yield loss which is approximately 30-40%. In this study the effectiveness of selected botanicals, chemicals and their combined effects were assessed to manage this disease. Fourteen treatments including control were evaluated viz. T1= Control, T2= Trichoderma harzianum suspension, T3= Autostin 50 WDG, T4= Rovral 50 WP, T5= Dithane M- 45, T6= Amistar Top 325 SC, T7= Neem leaf extract, T8= Allamanda leaf extract, T9 = Lantana leaf extract, T10= Datura leaf extract, T11= Neem leaf extract+ Rovral, T12= Datura leaf extract + Amistar Top, T13= Lantana leaf extract + Dithane M- 45 and T14= Allamanda leaf extract + Autostin. Among the chemicals, the lowest disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), disease severity index (%) and pod infection (%) was found in T5 treatment (Dithane M-45) which was 55.91%, 22.09%, 32.16% and 6.72%, respectively, at 70 and 75 DAS, respectively. While among the botanicals, the lowest disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), disease severity index (%) and pod infection (%) was found in T9 treatment (Lantana leaf extract) which was 65.05%, 28.89%, 37.96% and 13.79%, respectively, at 70 and 75 DAS, respectively. In case of combined treatments, the lowest disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), disease severity index (%) and pod infection (%) was found in T13 treatment (Lantana leaf extract + Dithane M-45) which was 59.14%, 26.32%, 38.20% and 12.30%, respectively, at 70 and 75 DAS respectively. While the highest disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), disease severity index (%) and pod infection (%) was found in T1 treatment (Control) which was 79.20%, 37.54%, 67.38% and 34.63%, respectively, 70 and 75 DAS, respectively. Among the treatments yield and yield attributers were found better in T5 (Dithane M-45), T9 (Lantana leaf extract) and T13 (Lantana leaf extract + Dithane M-45). From the results on different parameters studied, the treatment Lantana leaf extract (T9), Dithane M-45 (T5) and their combined treatment (T13) can be used for management of grey blight mustard after few field trialing in consecutive year. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 219-232 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57683
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Dietary Composition and Functional Properties of Selected Watermelon Seeds
Available in Bangladesh
- Authors: JA Japu, S Ahmed, MA Hossain, T Ahmed, MS Ali
  Pages: 233 - 243
  Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the nutritional composition and functional properties of two varieties of watermelon seeds and compare these properties between these seeds for harnessing them for consumption as food. The dried seeds of the two types of watermelon were evaluated by using a standard method for different characteristics such as nutritional, phytochemical and functional properties to perceive the potential benefits of that seed. The result of nutritional composition and phytochemical compound analysis obtained for the two varieties (Crimson red and Charleston gray) of watermelon seed indicated that both varieties of watermelon seed were rich in energy (469.60±0.01Kcal/100g, 408.85±0.01Kcal/100g), crude fat (36.61±0.01%, 30.65±0.01%), crude protein (27.21±0.01%, 22.51±0.01%), fiber (21.55±0.01, 29.85±0.01%) and phytochemical compound such as crude alkaloid (14.05±0.006%, 10.56±0.006%) respectively. The study result showed that, the crude fat, crude protein, energy and crude alkaloid were found to be high in the amount in the Crimson red seed than Charleston gray seed. Whereas the crude fiber was the high amount in the Charleston gray seed compared to the Crimson red seed. Functional properties may impact the behavior of food protein during processing, formulation and storage. The functional properties such as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion activity, emulsion stability, foam activity, and foam stability were analysed of two varieties of watermelon seeds. The present research study revealed that both the two varieties of watermelon seed are characterized with good functional properties which indicate that the watermelon seeds can be incorporated in the formulation of food for consumption and use for industrial purposes. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 233-243 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57684
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Screening Forage Grasses with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, X-ray
Fluorescence and X-ray Microanalysis
- Authors: S Sabreen, S Saiga, MH Rahman
  Pages: 245 - 256
  Abstract: Breeding cool-season (C3) grasses with higher magnesium (Mg) content is a promising attempt for reducing grass tetany hazard in ruminants. Faster methods for plant mineral analyses could increase the number of individual plants screened for higher Mg content (High-Mg). This study evaluates the effectiveness of energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) as well as energy reflectance X-ray spectrometry (XRF) for screening high-Mg grass genotypes. The approach was verified by using two tall fescue cultivars having known differences in magnesium (Mg) content, viz. HiMag (high-Mg cultivar) and Ky-31 (control cultivar). We assumed that cultivars with known variation in Mg concentrations could provide a test for the applicability of the new methodology in finding naturally occurring high and low Mg containing grass genotypes. Plants samples included a population of 8 plants consisting of four harvests for three years and were analyzed for Mg, calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) by EDX and ERF, and data were verified with atomic absorption spectrometry wet (AAS). While observing the frequency distribution for different nutrient concentrations, HiMag tall fescue showed higher Mg and lower K concentrations than that of Ky-31. There was positive linear relationship between AAS and EDX estimated Mg, Ca and K (r = 0.88, 0.62 and 0.89, respectively), indicating close agreement between AAS and EDX estimation. Also, there was a positive linear relationship between AAS and XRF, as the r values were 0.87, 0.65 and 0.88 for Mg, Ca, and K, respectively. The tetany ration was established for EDX and XRF and the results were dependable with wet chemistry. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 245-256 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57685
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Optimization of Slaughter Age of Jamuna Basin Lamb Based on Carcass Traits
and Meat Quality
- Authors: MA Hossain, MM Rahman, MW Rahman, MM Hossain, MA Hashem
  Pages: 257 - 270
  Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify optimum slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality of Jamuna basin lambs. Thirty lambs were divided into three age groups like T1 (6 months), T2 (9 months) and T3 (12 months) having ten lambs of each treatment. Parameters studied were carcass traits, proximate component (DM, CP, EE, and Ash), physicochemical (Ultimate pH, cooked pH, cooking loss, drip loss, water holding capacity-WHC), sensory attributes (color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability) and instrumental color values (L*, a* and b*). Hot carcass weight and dressing% were found significantly (p<0.001) higher in T3 than T1 and T2 treatments. Edible by products namely viscera, head, leg, pluck, neck, shoulder, rack, loin, kidney, heart, liver, lungs and shank from three treatments were found significant effect (p<0.001). Inedible by products viz. blood, skin and spleen were found significantly higher (p<0.001) with the advancement of age. Dry matter (DM) of T2 and T3 were found significantly lower (p<0.001) than T1 treatment. Crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were significantly increased (p<0.001) of advancement of age of lambs. Drip loss of T2 was found significantly lower and WHC of T2 was significantly (p<0.001) higher than other two treatments. Cooking loss and ultimate pH of T3 were significantly (p<0.001) lower than other two treatments. Color, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability were significantly differed (p<0.001) and flavor was significantly differed (p<0.001). The instrumental color values L* decreased whereas a* and b* and chroma values were significantly (p<0.05) increased with the advancement of age of lambs. The saturation index was significantly (p<0.001) higher in 6- and 12-months age than 9 months of age. It is revealed from the study that 12 months of slaughter age showed better in terms of productive and meat quality traits. Therefore, 12 months of age may be recommended as optimum slaughter age for Jamuna basin lambs. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 257-270 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57686
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Effect of Long Coriander Leaf (Eryngium Foetidum) Extract as a Natural
Antioxidant on Chicken Meatballs During at Freezing Temperature
- Authors: F Boby, MA Hossain, MM Hossain, MM Rahman, MAK Azad, MA Hashem
  Pages: 271 - 283
  Abstract: The study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of different levels of long coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) leaf extract on the quality attributes of chicken meatballs. The chicken meat sample was collected from local market of Mymensingh. The sample was quickly shifted to “Animal Science Laboratory” and carried out for laboratory analyses after refrigerated at -20ºC up to 90 days. Chicken meatball samples were divided into four treatment groups viz. control group (T0), 0.01% beta hydroxyl toluene (BHT) (T1), 0.5% long coriander leaves extract (T2), and 1% long coriander leaves extract (T3). Days of intervals were 0, 30 and 90 days. An ANOVA of a 4×3 factorial experiment in completely randomized design having three replications per treatment was used for data analyses. Sensory, proximate, physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological analyses were determined. Color, flavor, Juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability increased significantly (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 treatments but decreased at different days of intervals. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and ash content decreased significantly (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 treatments and increased with days of intervals. Raw pH and cooking loss were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 treatments and decreased with increased days of intervals. Free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (POV) were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 treatments and increased with days of intervals. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (p<0.05) constant in T0, T2 and T3 treatments. Total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC) and total yeast-mold count (TYMC) decreased significantly (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 treatments. Hence, sensory, physicochemical, biochemical and microbial properties indicate that 1% long coriander leaves extract was the best among all treatment groups. So, 1% long coriander leaves extract may be recommended for chicken meatballs as enriched natural antioxidant. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 271-283 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57687
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Diversity of Plant Species in Homestead Area of Moulvibazar District in
Bangladesh
- Authors: MS Uddin, S Singha, MA Kashem
  Pages: 285 - 299
  Abstract: The study was conducted at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh during January to September 2015 to observe the diversity of plant species in the homestead area with their arrangement and to explore the relationships of plant diversity with the selected characteristics of the respondents. Face to face interview was performed with 135 respondents with the help of questionnaire. A total of 92 plant species, 45 vegetables species were recorded in the homestead of the study area. Out of different categories of plant species, 35 timber, 36 fruits and 21 medicinal and other plants were recorded. Most of fruit plants and medicinal and other plant species were found in front yard and backyard of homestead area. Timber trees were dominated at boundary side than any other side of homesteads. Diversity of fruit (0.79-0.99), timber (0.77-0.93) and medicinal plant species (0.77-0.96) were high in most of the unions. Mango Jackfruit, Papaya, Coconut were dominant fruit species. Acasia hybrid and Mehogony were dominant timber species. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Areca nut (Areca catechu), Tulsi (Ocimum americanum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bamboo (Bambusa sp), Pudina (Mentha spicata) and Bohera (Terminalia bellerica), were dominant medicinal and other plant species. There was a positive correlation between plant diversity with most of the selected characteristics of the respondents. Results conclude that plant diversity in homestead areas of Kamalganj upazila could be a good option for improving the livelihood of the respondents. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 285-299 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57688
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Value Chain Analysis of Honey in Bangladesh: Production Practices and
Livelihood Perspective
- Authors: MT Uddin, MZI Kamal, M Kamruzzaman
  Pages: 301 - 315
  Abstract: The study was designed to develop honey value chain through analyzing the production practices and stakeholders’ activities as mediated by livelihood strategies. A total of 84 stakeholders were interviewed for data collection. The study depicts that assemble and set up the wooden box with artificial wooden beehives near the fields was the main procedure for honey production. Apis melifera is the major honey bee reared by the beekeepers and the average number of boxes is 50, harvested honey per box per year is around 35 kg. Profitability analysis shows that honey production was profitable and the benefit-cost ratio is 1.83. Estimates of logit model indicates that age of household head, educational level, farm size, farm income and non-farm income were the significant factors that influence beekeepers’ decision for adoption. The study identified six actors in honey value chain and among the actors; processors added the highest value of total value addition. Engagement in different activities of beekeeping had a great impact on their livelihood. SWOT analysis indicates favorable environment as strength, inadequate market infrastructure as weakness, high demand for honey as opportunities, and dominancy of the middlemen as threat, respectively. Lack of credit, lower price of honey as well as lack of storage facilities was the main problems faced by the stakeholders. To overcome the problems moreover to make this business more profitable, the study recommended to form contract based cooperative groups, establish proper storage facilities and provide necessary training by the government and non-government organizations. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 301-315 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57689
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Climate Change Induced Major Livelihood Changes on Char Dwellers in
Northern Regions of Bangladesh
- Authors: MA Khatun, MA Baten, MA Farukh
  Pages: 317 - 330
  Abstract: Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic position and socio-economic context. The newly emerged land in the river channel is called char. The northern region especially Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha is most vulnerable. The study was carried out based on a questionnaire interview, focus group discussion, and secondary data sources from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Climatic factors such as temperature (seasonal Tmax and Tmini, daily average Tmax and Tmini), rainfall, sunshine, relative humidity, solar radiation intensity, sea level pressure and wind speed, etc. were detailed (how much change between before 2000s’and after the 2000s’) studied in these areas. These are the main drivers that influence the vulnerability dimensions resulting in livelihood strategies and access to food, water, agricultural practices, income and overall livelihood, and leads to a vicious cycle of poverty. The study helps to understand the impacts of climate change, and natural disaster-related threats in the northern char area. Also suggested that if providing necessary institutional and organizational supports for strengthening the livelihood capitals, assets, and strategy to combat or mitigate impacts of climate change aspects in Bangladesh. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 317-330 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57690
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)
Efficacy of Plant- Powders Against Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae
(Linnaeus) (Curculionidae: Coleoptera) at Laboratory Condition
- Authors: MK Pal, S Tiwari, R Regmi, FM Ali
  Pages: 331 - 338
  Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of plant-based repellent powders for S. oryzae at the National Rice Research Program, Hardinath, Dhanusha, Nepal in 2020 at laboratory condition. Two hundred gram of paddy grains of cv. Sambha Mansuli Sub-1 was kept in each plastic jar in the experiment. Ten pairs of newly emerged adult rice weevil, S. oryzae of uniform age obtained from stock culture were released in each plastic jar. Laboratory bioassay contained Acorus calamus (rhizome powder) @10 gm/kg, Piper nigrum (seed powder) @10 gm/kg, Curcuma longa (rhizome powder) @10 gm/kg, Azadirachta indica (kernel powder) @ 10gm/kg, Zingiber officinale (rhizome powder) @10 gm/kg, and Malathion powder 5% dust @2 gm/kg were used for the rice weevil. Acorus calamus was the most effective botanical powder followed by P. nigrum to reduce grain damage percent on number basis (1.15%) and on weight basis (1.22%), weight loss percent (0.84%) & weevil population count (1.54). The efficacy ranks of the botanicals were: A. calamus>P. nigrum>A. indica>Z. officinale>C. longa. Thus, use of A. calamus powder is recommended to manage rice weevil in the storehouse condition. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 331-338 (2021)
  PubDate: 2022-03-02
  DOI: 10.3329/sja.v19i2.57691
  Issue No: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2022)