Fundamental and Applied Agriculture

Homestead Farming Systems and their Impact on Livelihood of the Ethnic Minority People of Northwestern Hilly Area of Bangladesh

Iffat Ara Mahzabin, Eiji Nawata — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Homestead farming has been playing an important role in the livelihood of the ethnic minority groups, including Garo and Koch in Bangladesh. It secures the integrated production of crops, trees and livestock in the premises of household and its surrounding areas. The northwestern hill forest is decreasing day by day at an alarming rate. In the context of the prevailing shortage of fuel wood and excessive deforestation, the existing homestead farming system of the ethnic people needs to be strengthened for their better livelihood. From this point of view, the study was conducted in two villages of Jhenaigati Upazila (the smallest administrative unit of Bangladesh) of Sherpur District of Bangladesh to find out changes of the homestead farming systems and their impact on people’s livelihood. Fourteen different homestead farming systems were categorized by the presence of different livestock populations. A total of 109 plant species from 60 families were recorded in the study area. Among them 28 percent were identified as fruit species, 20 percent medicinal, 13 percent vegetable, 10 percent timber, 10 percent ornamental, 5 percent spices and 5 percent fuel wood. Fruit tree species like mango and jackfruit showed dominance. This dominance may be associated with the multipurpose usage of fruit trees as food, fuel wood, fodder and timber. About 20% households replaced their cassava plantation area with a mixed garden of fruits and timber yielding species. Exotic timber yielding species and medicinal plants were grown for commercial purposes as well as daily consumption. About fifty percent households had mixed garden of fruit and timber yielding species. Almost all households planted exotic timber yielding species in their mixed gardens. Medicinal plants were grown commercially, which was not practiced ten years back in the study area. The livestock species found in the homestead were cattle, chicken, duck, pig, goat, sheep and rabbit. Households having large homestead area had a tendency to raise more diversified livestock species. Pig rearing has shown a declining trend due to high price of piglets.

Effects of Mulching and Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is one of the most important root vegetables of Bangladesh. Mulching and micronutrients have strong effect on growth, yield and quality of carrot. An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from November 2021 to February 2022 to examine the effect of mulching and micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of carrot. The two-factor experiment consisted of four mulching treatments viz. control (no mulch), water hyacinth, rice straw and black polythene, and four types of micronutrients viz. control (no micronutrient), boron (3 kg/ha), zinc (2 kg/ha), boron+ zinc (3+2 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Result of the experiment revealed that application of mulching materials and different levels of micronutrients alone or in combination significantly influenced all the parameters studied. The highest gross yield of root (29.4 t/ha) was obtained from black polythene mulch. The lowest gross yield of root (14.9 t/ha) was obtained from control (no mulch) treatment. The highest gross yield of root (31.7 t/ha) was obtained from (boron+ zinc) micronutrient treatment. On the contrary, the lowest gross yield of root (13.3 t/ha) was obtained from control treatment. Among the treatment combinations, the highest gross yield of root (39.8 t/ha) was obtained from Black polythene with (boron+ zinc) micronutrient treatment. On the contrary, the lowest gross yield of root (10.6 t/ha) was obtained from control treatment. The highest gross was obtained from black polythene mulch with (boron+ zinc) micronutrient treatment. Therefore, application of black polythene mulch along with combined treatment (boron+ zinc) was found to be better in respect of growth, yield and quality of carrot.

Effects of Varieties and Different Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of November 2021 to February 2022. The experiment consisted of two factors, such as factor A: three varieties of broccoli i.e. V1: Early You, V2: Barbara, V3: Green Crown and factor B: four levels of micronutrients i.e. T0: control, T1: Boron @ 3 kg/ha, T2: Zinc @ 2 kg/ha, T3: Boron + Zinc @ (3+2) kg/ha. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Variety and micronutrients influenced significantly on most of the parameters under the study. In case of variety, the highest curd yield (13.35 t/ha) was found from V3 (Green Crown) and the lowest curd yield (11.12 t/ha) was found from V1 (Early You). V2 (Barbara) showed higher dry matter content of broccoli curd, which is 15.72%. On the other hand, V1 (Early You) showed lower dry matter content, which is 13.34%. For micronutrients, T3 (Boron +Zinc @3+2 kg/ha) performed the highest in respect of curd yield (19.37 t/ha) and the lowest (6.32 t/ha) was from T0 (control). T3 (Boron+Zinc @3+2kg/ha) showed higher dry matter content (13.01%), whereas T0 (control) showed the least (11.02%). For combined treatment, the highest curd yield (21.61t/ha) was obtained from V3T3 (Green Crown and Boron +Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha micronutrient dose) and the lowest curd yield (5.23 t/ha) from V0T0 (Early You and control). V2T3 (Boron+ Zinc @3+2 kg/ha with Barbara variety) produced the highest dry matter content of curd, which is 17.34%. On the other hand, the lowest dry matter content of broccoli curd is provided by V1T0 (Early You variety with control) treatment combination which is 12.49%. Therefore, it can be concluded that V3 (Green Crown) along with Boron+Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha and V2 (Barbara) along with Boron+Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha were found to be the best in respect of yield and dry matter content of broccoli, respectively, compared to other treatments.

Exploring the Perception of Fish Farmers Regarding Farmers’ Information and Advice Centers in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Ensuring the success of fish farming is crucial for food security and economic development in Bangladesh. Farmers’ Information and Advice Centers (FIACs) provide essential guidance to fish farmers. Considering the issues, the study therefore, assessed the perception of 117 fish farmers in Melandah and Islampur upazilas (sub-districts), Jamalpur district, regarding FIAC services, which are important to providing support for farmer’s needs through FIAC. Data were collected through structured questionnaire from the sampled fish farmers during 16 August to 30 September 2022. Fish farmers’ perception on FIAC was the focus variable and it was measured using a 4-point rating scale. Results showed an overwhelming majority of farmers (92.3%) held moderately favourable perceptions of FIAC services, while only a few had highly favourable perceptions. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationship found between education, income, experience, training, and media contact with farmers’ perceptions, indicating external factors determining the effectiveness of FIAC activities. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that experience in fish farming, training on fish farming and extension media contact were the influential variables that could significantly contribute to the their perception and these variables could explain 32.4% variation. Concerning challenges, the most pressing issues included inadequate staffing, insufficient infrastructure for meetings, and inadequate long-term training programs through FIACs. These findings underscore the need for tailored, demand-driven services to enhance fish farmers’ perceptions of FIAC services and improve their overall fish farming experiences.

Comparative Socioeconomic of Rice Seed and Grain Production in Kanchanpur District of Nepal

Ramesh Prasad Bhatt, Anit Poudel, Januka Singkhada, Pradip Gyawali — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Rice is the number-one staple crop in Nepal. However, its production economics may differ when it is grown as grain for immediate consumption or as seed for further planting. Therefore, a study was conducted to compare the input use, productivity, and profitability of rice seed and grain production in the Kanchanpur district of Nepal. Altogether, 94 samples were taken: 30 from rice seed growers and 64 from rice grain growers. Selected households were interviewed with a pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS and MS Excel, where statistical modules like gross margin, benefit-cost analysis, indexing techniques, and the t-test were employed to derive the inferences needed. The study showed that the productivity of rice as a seed crop (4.73 ± 0 t/ha) was found to be significantly higher than grain production (3.72 ± 0 t/ha), as well as that the benefit/cost ratio (BCR) of seed production (1.71) was much higher than that of rice grain production (1.23). The costs associated with labor, seed, organic manure, chemical fertilizer, herbicide, and machinery were significantly higher (P<0.05) for seed producers than for grain producers, indicating that seed producers exhibited notably more efficient input utilization. Moreover, both seed and grain growers found the unavailability of quality inputs (I = 0.76) as the major production constraint and the unavailability of processing units (I = 0.71) as the major marketing constraint. This research suggests that the input use, productivity, and profitability of seed production are higher than grain production in rice. Nevertheless, future research on input management strategies and production and marketing factors can provide valuable insights to further validate the outcomes of this study.

Linear and Non-Linear of 2-Parameters Adsorption Equilibrium Isotherm Models of Synthetic Arsenic Wastewaters

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Contamination of groundwater and surface water with arsenic (Asic) has become emerging health and environmental problem around the world. This problem has received significant attention amongst scientists for the development of new adsorbents to remediate Asic -contaminated water. The ability of the immobilized powdered eggshell (Poes), as adsorbent, to remove Asic was studied under batch conditions. Equilibrium data were analysed using non-linear and linearized two-parameter adsorption isotherms models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich, Flory–Huggins, Temkin, Frenkel- Hasley- Hill; Langmuir- Vageler, Hill-de Boer, Kiselev, Fowler- Guggenheim, Dubinin –
Radushkevich, Jovanovic, Harkins–Jura and Halsey). The performance of adsorption equilibrium isotherm models was evaluated statistically using the following analysis of variance (ANOVA), model of' selection criterion (MSC), Coefficient of Determination (CD), Correlation coefficient (R) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The study revealed that for non-linear equilibrium isotherm models,
Freundlich (0.986 and 3.906) > Fowler—Guggenheim (0.996 and 5.176) and Hasley (0.986 and 3.906) performed well in predicting experimental data-based on the magnitudes of R and MSC. The linearized adsorption equilibrium isotherm models, Dubinin –Radushkevich (0.993 and 4.621) <Temkin (0.994 and 4.701) < Kiselev (0.9999 and 8.856). These three models are the best isotherm
models for Asic adsorption onto Poes. It was concluded that Poes particles contain numerous materials that aid Asic adsorption. Based on the performance indicators and to ensure reliable results of adsorption equilibrium data analysis through the adsorption isotherm models, it is necessary that these data sets should be evaluated by both non-linear and linear regression analyses.

Evaluating Soil Nutrient Status of Mandarin Orchards across Varied Altitudes in Gorkha, Nepal

Sudip Ghimire, Sujan Jung Thapa, Babu Ram Khanal — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Mandarin, a prominent crop in Nepal, exhibits remarkable adaptability to different altitudes, resulting in diverse soil and nutrient conditions in orchards. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing orchard management practices and ensuring sustainable fruit production. This research endeavor sought to assess the nutritional profile of the soil in mandarin positioned at diverse elevations in Gorkha district, Nepal. The orchards were classified into five elevation groups: 800 masl, 900 masl, 1000 masl, 1100 masl, and 1200 masl. Using randomized complete block design (RCBD), each altitude contained ten composite soil samples, and was then subjected to chemical analysis to assess their properties. The results showed that soil pH increased with altitude, with the highest pH (6.66±0.045) and soil organic matter (OM) (5.88±0.12%) at 1200 masl and the lowest pH (5.5±0.045) and OM (1.92±0.12%) at 800 masl. Soil acidity was observed 5.79±0.045 at 900 masl and 5.5±0.045 at 800 masl, while all other altitudes had neutral soils. Nitrogen content followed a
similar trend, with the highest at 1200 masl (0.32±0.007%) and the lowest at 800 masl (0.10±0.007%). Phosphorus and potassium showed no significant variation with altitude. Available phosphorus was the highest at 1000 masl (72.93±2.02 kg ha^-1) and the lowest at 800 masl
(51.61±2.02 kg ha^-1). Maximum available potassium (365.34±6.84 kg ha^-1) was observed at 1100 masl, while the minimum (337.63±6.84 kg ha^-1) was recorded at 800 masl. In 18% of the samples, nitrogen exhibited the lowest concentration, while phosphorus was limiting in 12% of the samples. Potassium was not found to be a limiting nutrient in any of the samples. Variations in soil pH, OM, and nutrient content call for altitude-specific nutrient management to optimize mandarin production. Further studies are required in diverse ecology to characterize nutrient requirements and enhance sustainable mandarin cultivation practices.

Eco-Friendly Management of Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorima operculella Zeller) Under Storage and Field Condition in Dailekh, Nepal

Sudan Gautam, Roman Pandey, Ritesh Kumar Yadav — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Potato tuber moth (PTM), (Phthorima operculella Zeller) is one of the most destructive pests of potato damaging the potato tuber in the field and storage condition leading to huge loss of potato tubers. An experiment was conducted to access the effect of different treatments for eco-friendly management of potato tuber moth in field and storage condition in Dailekh, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in field and storage condition respectively with 10 different treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were T1 (Control), T2 (Bacillus thuringiensis), T3 (Artemisia vulgaris), T4 (Malathion) as check, T5 (Lantana camara), T6 (Coriandrum sativum), T7 (Curcuma longa), T8 (Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC), T9 (Justicia adhatoda) and T10 (Yucca sp.). Among the different treatments, Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC showed the least foliage damage and severity which was statistically at par with Malathion and Curcuma longa. Similarly, pre-sowing treatment of tuber with Malathion had least infestation caused by PTM at tuber harvest which was at par with pre-sowing treatment with Curcuma longa, Yucca sp. and Bacillus thuringiensis. Tuber treated with Malathion before storage showed least infestation percentage and severity caused by PTM followed by Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Lantana camara. Tuber rot caused by PTM in the storage condition was found least in the tuber treated with Malathion, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Yucca sp. Analyzing all the parameters, eco-friendly management of PTM can be done by successive spray of Azadirachta indica oil 5%EC and Curcuma longa. Likewise, pre-sowing treatment with Curcuma longa, Yucca sp. and Bacillus thuringiensis reduces the tuber infection at tuber harvest. Seed tuber when treated with different botanicals could protect tuber from PTM infestation during storage. The most potent powders were Lantana camera, Coriandrum sativum and Curcuma longa against PTM.

Response of Carrot (Daucus carota Linn.) to Different Doses and Sources of Nitrogen in Sindhuli, Nepal

Manish Yadav, Sudip Ghimire, Madhav Dhital, Rabin Kushma Tharu — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

As a root crop known for its substantial nitrogen requirements, carrot responds well to both organic and inorganic fertilizers that supply different amounts of nitrogen. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various proportions of farmyard manure (FYM) and recommended dosages of chemical fertilizers (RDF) in carrot production to address the issues posed by their sole use. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to plan the field study, which consisted of five treatments and five replications with different nitrogen rates and sources, viz., T1 (100% FYM), T2 (25% RDF+75% FYM), T3 (50% RDF+50% FYM), T4 (75% RDF+25% FYM), and T5 (100% RDF) during December 2019 to April 2020 in the tropical region of Sindhuli, Nepal. Among the treatments, T3 exhibited the earliest germination (7.60 DAS) and the most desirable plant height (42.61 cm), root length (20.41 cm), root diameter (3.01 cm), fresh root weight plant^-1 (96.04 g), total root dry matter content (15.01%), root biomass plant^-1 (55.44 g), and total biomass plant^-1 (85.33 g) at harvest. However, T5 resulted in the highest leaf count plant^-1 (8.6) and fresh foliage weight plant^-1 (42.96 g) at harvest. Similarly, T3 was significantly higher for quality parameters, such as cortex diameter (1.36 cm), pH (6.72), TSS (12.48 0Brix), TA (0.22 g liter^-1), and organoleptic score (7.60). Although there were minimal root disorders in T3 (17%), T1 also had insignificant cases of cracking (8%) and postharvest weight loss (1.63%). Thus, reducing nitrogen input from the recommended dose and adding FYM improves carrot yield, quality, and shelf life. Furthermore, this guarantees higher economic returns with a B:C ratio of 1.65. Despite these positive results, the efficacy of the tested nutrient combinations needs to be analyzed on a larger scale, as well as in different ecological regions.

Screening of Rice Mutants for Salinity Tolerance and Yield

Sakina Khanam, Md Mahmud Al Noor, Md Sabibul Haque — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Soil salinity decreases rice yield by 20%, affecting global rice production including in Bangladesh. Some advanced mutant lines were developed through mutation breeding to observe the performance against salinity at the seedling stage. Mutant lines that are tolerant to salinity at the seedling stage can be used to develop salt tolerant varieties. The first experiment evaluated the salinity tolerance of 20 rice genotypes grown under hydroponic conditions at the seedling stage using a completely randomized design (CRD). Binadhan-10 was used as a salt-tolerant check variety.Salinity level of 15 dS/m, shoot length (SL) and shoot weight (SW) were reduced by 5-44% and 12-22%, respectively, in tolerant genotypes and by 51-73% and 26-75% in susceptible genotypes compared to the control condition. Root length (RL) had a marginal reduction of 10-27% in tolerant genotypes and 18-38% in susceptible genotypes. Susceptible genotypes showed drastic change in SL, SW, shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) compared to the tolerant genotypes. According to the heatmap, growth parameters SL, SW, SDW, and RDW formed cluster I while RL formed cluster II. According to the radar plot clustering, tolerant genotypes were in cluster-I, moderately tolerant genotypes in cluster-II, and susceptible genotypes in cluster-III, respectively. Four lines (L-4-P-1-1, LIRG-4Seg-1(1)-3, L-4-P-1(1), and L-4- P-1-P-2) identified as salt tolerant. The second experiment evaluated the yield performance of these lines under normal field conditions. The mutant line LIRG-4Seg-1(1)-3 exhibited higher yield (7.6 t/ha) with higher number of effective tillers per plant (9.0) compared to the tested mutants and a longer panicle length (28.9 cm) compared to Binadhan-10 (23.5 cm). This line along with other selected mutants can be further screened at the reproductive phase or utilized as breeding material to develop a salt tolerant variety.

An Extensive Review of Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa) Diseases and Integrated Management Approaches: Current Understanding and Future Directions

Pankaj Karki Dholi, Pratibha Khatiwada, Bikas Basnet, Sagar Bhandari — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Strawberry production has increased by more than double in the past two decades. Meanwhile, it is also susceptible to various diseases which have become a limiting factor in its yield increment. Indiscriminate use of chemicals in the management of diseases has brought several adverse effects to the environment and human health. Thus, this review aims to present the different diseases of strawberries including their epidemiology, disease cycle, and symptoms. Moreover, the focus has been given to integrated disease management. More than ten dozen of literature including journal articles, books, websites, and organizational reports were thoroughly reviewed to get the related information. Botrytis grey mold rot, anthracnose, strawberry leaf spot, powdery mildew, and red stele are the major fungal diseases whereas angular leaf spot is the serious bacterial disease of strawberry. It is severely infected by viruses such as strawberry mottle virus and crinkling and vein banding virus. In addition to this nematode causes ring spots, root-knot, and root lesions on strawberries. Integrated disease management approaches should be adopted for their effective and sustainable management. It may include the cultural methods, physical methods, use of bio-control agents, botanical fungicides, and at last chemicals if the disease is severe.