Bangladesh Journal of Nuclear Agriculture

Yield performance of mutant blackgram variety Binamash-2 over locations in Bangladesh

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Blackgram is one of the most important pulse crops extensively grown in Bangladesh with multiple uses. An experiment was conducted to examine the suitability and productivity of a gamma irradiated pulse variety Binamash-2 in Kharif-II season for two consecutive years 2021 and 2022 over four locations, Mymensingh, Chapainawabganj, Gopalganj and Magura districts. The experiment was consisted of two varieties viz. Binamash-2 and BARI Mash-3. Binamash-2 produced higher seed yield than BARI mash3 at all four locations. Binamash-2 produced bolder seeds with early maturity than BARI mash3. The seed coat color and size of Binamash-2 was more attractive than BARI mash3 and farmers of four studied areas are very much interested to cultivate Binamash-2 in the upcoming years.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 153-159, 2023

Assessment of phenotypic and genotypic diversity in rice for salinity tolerance at reproductive stage

C Saha, MSR Khanom, S Razia, AC Sharma, KK Saha, S Yasmin, SN Begum — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Soil salinity has turned out to be an important global concern, which affects tenable rice production in many agricultural countries like Bangladesh. A cross was made between Binadhan-7 with FL-478 for developing salt tolerant advance lines to assess phenotypic and genotypic diversity in rice for salinity tolerance. Twenty advance rice lines (Binadhan-7/FL-478) along with check varieties were screened for salinity tolerance at reproductive stage using sea site saline water having electrical conductivity (EC) 10 dS m^-1. Among the twenty rice lines, seven lines were tolerant, three were moderately tolerant, six were susceptible, four were highly susceptible on the basis of phenotypic evaluation. Seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked with salt tolerance quantitative trait loci were used for investigation of salt tolerant rice lines. The result revealed that an average number of 6.286 alleles per locus were detected, with polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.672 (RM490) to 0.838 (RM562). The highest gene diversity value (0.812) was found in RM562 and the lowest (0.684) was in RM490. A dendrogram constructed from the genetic distance of the genotypes produced four distinct clusters of twenty rice genotypes. Considering both phenotypic and genotypic observation, seven genotypes viz., Binadhan-10, FL-478, SL-51, SL-56, SL-77, EFSD-59 and IZSD-45 were identified as salt-tolerant; on the other hand, EFSD-21, SL-28, SL-32, SL-10, BRRI dhan28, and Binadhan-7 were identified as salt-susceptible. The identified salt-tolerant rice genotypes could be used in the improvement of rice breeding programs.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 1-18, 2023

Mutagenic Effect of Ethyl Methane Sulfonate on Some Fiber Species

NB Atiq, MS Haque, MMA Noor, SA Sammy, M Perves, S Khanam — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Jute, kenaf and mesta are prominent fibrous plants with significant industrial and nutritional value for optimization of their cultivation process can have substantial agricultural and economic implications. The study was conducted on exploring the impact of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) presoaking treatments on the germination and the sensitivity of fiber crops to mutagens. This research aimed to evaluate the germination potential of jute, kenaf and mesta variety using various concentrations of EMS presoaking treatments, and analyze the sensitivity and induced variability in the M₁ generation. Seeds were presoaked in four different concentrations of EMS. The subsequent parameters, including germination, root length, and shoot length, were measured at three crucial growth stages: 12, 24, and 36 days after sowing (DAS). A probit analysis was conducted to determine the LD₅₀ value, which signifies the concentration at which 50% of the population exhibits an adverse effect. Moreover, significant variances were detected in germination rates, root elongation, and shoot growth across the different presoaking treatments. The findings emphasize the sensitivity of these fibrous plants to EMS concentrations, with increasing concentrations having a detrimental effect on growth parameters. This information can be instrumental for breeders and agriculturists looking to optimize germination in these crops.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 19-27, 2023

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Embryogenic Calli of Rice and Subsequent Shoot and Regeneration

MM Islam, M Akter, MKA Nadim, MS Reza, MI Uddin, F Khatun — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study was carried out during May 2021 to January 2022 at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, Bangladesh for callus induction and regeneration ability of plantlet from low doses irradiated embryogenic calli of Binadhan-13 and BR5 (Dulabhog). The effect of low gamma rays such as 4, 6 and 8 Gy were observed in vitro shoot, root and plantlet formation. Two different incubation conditions such as light and dark incubation were maintained. Between two varieties, Binadhan-13 showed the highest ability of callus induction in both conditions. Callus induction was significantly higher under dark condition (77.14%) than light condition (67.14%) ‍at 21 days. Data revealed that gamma rays affect both shoot and root regeneration ability of embryogenic callus. Shoot regeneration ability was the highest at 4 Gy in Binadhan-13 (60%) and gradually decreased with the increased doses of gamma rays. Among the treatments, shoot regeneration ability (60% in Binadhan-13 and 50% in BR5) was higher at 4 Gy dose of gamma ray followed by 6 Gy where shoot regeneration ability was 55% and 45% in Binadhan-13 and BR5 respectively. In root induction, the highest root induction ability (80%) was observed in the cultivar Binadhan-13 at control condition. Like shoot regeneration, 4 Gy gamma ray showed better root induction in both the varieties (70% in Binadhan-13, 60% in BR5). The in vitro regenerated plantlets from irradiated embryogenic calli were successfully transferred to soil in pots. The regeneration protocol could be further used for varietal improvement of rice varieties using nuclear technique (⁶⁰Co gamma ray).

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 29-42, 2023

Evaluation of cultivated gladiolus varieties of Bangladesh and radio sensitivity test for varietal improvement

N Akhther, MR Islam, MK Hassan — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted at the research field of Nalitabari Sub-station, BINA, Sherpur during the period November 2019 to May 2020 to characterize, evaluate and select promising gladiolus varieties suitable for Bangladesh and to determine the optimum dose of radiation for LD₅₀ for varietal improvement. The parameters studies were plant height, days to 1^st flowering, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, length of spike, length of rachis, number of flower per spike, flower diameter, number of corms per plant, weight of single corm, vase life, per cent germination, per cent survivability, shoot length and root length. The longest plant (154.2 cm) was observed in White Prosperity, while the shortest plant (101.7 cm) was in Regency. The longest leaf (70.3 cm) was found in Red Cascade and the shortest leaf (48.0 cm) was found in Her Majesty. The highest number of floret per spike was produced by Red Cascade (17.3) followed by White Prosperity (17.0). The Regency produced the lowest number (8.0) of floret per spike. The longest vase life (9.3 days) was observed in American Beauty followed by (8.7 days) Red Cascade, while the shortest vase life (5.7 days) was recorded in Wine and Roses. In radio sensitivity test, 30-40 Gy of gamma irradiation would be the optimal dose for inducing useful mutation in gladiolus.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 43-56, 2023

Evaluation of Postharvest Behaviour of Bitter Gourd as Influenced by Gamma Irradiation and Modified Atmosphere Packaging

MM Rashid, N Akhther, MK Hassan, MR Islam, LB Rafiq — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was conducted at the Postharvest Laboratory of Horticulture Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture during November to December 2022to examine the effects of different doses of gamma irradiation and Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life and quality of bitter gourd at ambient condition. The experiment comprised ten postharvest treatment viz., T₀ =Control (untreated, unwrapped and non-irradiated); T₁ =Gourds wrapped in Polypropylene (PP) bag; T₂ =Gourds treated with 3% CaCl₂; T₃= Irradiated at1000 Gy, T₄= Irradiated at2000 Gy, T₅ =3% CaCl₂+ PP bag, T₆ = 1000 Gy+ PP bag, T₇= 2000 Gy+ PP bag, T₈ =3% CaCl₂, + 1000 Gy+ PP bag and T₉ = 3% CaCl₂ + 2000 Gy+ PP bag. The single-factor experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Parameters investigated were fruit colour, shrinkage, moisture content, dry matter content, weight loss, disease incidence (DI), disease severity (DS) and shelf life. The minimum weight loss (3.49%), shrinkage (0.00%), DI (11.11%),DS (6.67%) and longest shelf life (10 days) were found in bitter gourds treated with T₈ treatment, whereas the maximum weight loss (52.31%), shrinkage (3.89%), DI (77.78%), DS (76.67%) and shortest shelf life (4 days) were T₀ treatment at 8 days after storage. The findings would have great impact in reducing enormous postharvest loss of bitter gourd and maintain their quality during postharvest handling and marketing under ambient condition.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 57-68, 2023

Evaluation of two advanced generation boro rice mutants based on morpho-physiological criteria

MA Mondal, S Khanam, M Roknuzzaman — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Experiments were performed at farmers’ fields of five locations viz., Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Natore and Naogaon districts with two promising Boro rice mutants, RM-16(N)-8, RM-16(N)-10 and a check, BRRI dhan58 to evaluate some morpho-physiological features and its impact on grain yield. The experiment was setup in RCB design with three replications. Results revealed that high yielding genotypes, in general, showed superiority in morpho-physiological characters (leaf area, leaf area index, total dry mass production, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, chlorophyll, total sugar and soluble protein content in leaves and harvest index) than the low yielding one. Results further indicated that genotype improvement efforts have achieved higher grain yield by higher growth rate at early growth stages and better assimilate partitioning to economic yield and short stature plants are unlikely to improve harvest index and resistant to lodging in rice. The mutant, RM-16(N)-10 had medium plant stature with greater biomass production capacity, superiority in growth and biochemical parameters and improve dry matter partitioning to economic yield which resulted higher number of grains panicle^-1, thereby grain yield. In contrast, RM-16(N)-8 showed inferiority in morpho-physiological characters and performed the lowest yield attributes and grain yield. This information may be used in future plant breeding programme.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 69-80, 2023

Efficacy of Entomopathogens, Botanical and New Generation Insecticides Against Papaya Mealybug

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The papaya mealybug is an invasive polyphagus pest species causing several economic damages to a wide range of agricultural crop. Five new generation insecticides of different groups, one botanical and one entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana) were evaluated in laboratory for their effectiveness in reducing mealybug incidence on papaya. The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effect of different insecticides at different concentration against P.marginatus. Among the 7 insecticides, Imixam 70 WDG (Imidacloprid+Thiamethoxam) was the most effective insecticide followed by Ravjum 14.5 SC (Indoxacarb), Saka 25 SC (Abamectin 5% +Spirodiclofen 20%), Imixan and Biotrin 0.5% (Matrin), Tundra 20 SP (Acetameprid), Antario (Bacillus thuringiensis+Abamectin) and Beauveria bassiana, respectively.All the selected insecticides provided their highest efficacy at their maximum doses as well as within 7-9 DAT, among them two new generation insecticides e.g. Saka 25 SC (Abamectin 5% +Spirodiclofen 20%) @ 1.0 ml/L, Ravjum 14.5 SC (Indoxacarb) @ 1.0 ml/L and the botanical insecticide Biotrin 0.5% upto 7 DAT would be effective in controlling papaya mealybug considering the efficacy. To confirmation of the results, need to be tested under field condition.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 81-88, 2023

Area coverage of BINA developed rice, pulse, oilseed and horticultural crop varieties in Bangladesh

MH Rahman, MMA Sarkar, MR Haque, S Islam — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted to assess the area coverage of BINA developed rice, pulse, oilseed and horticultural crop varieties during 2022-23. Field survey data were collected from 64 districts through concern DD, DAE office. Both tabular and descriptive statistical analysis was used. It was observed that the overall area coverage of BINA developed rice varieties were 8.91%. Among the three seasons; Aus, Aman and Boro the highest area coverage was found in Aman season that was 14.54% followed by Aus 5.95% and Boro 2.93%, respectively. Among the 14 agricultural regions the highest area coverage of rice was found 15.41% in Rajshahi region (Reg-7) and the lowest was found 1.01% in Dhaka region (Reg-11). The overall area coverage of BINA developed pulse varieties were 16.32% and among the 14 regions the highest area coverage for pulses was found in Barishal region 58.51% (Reg-6). The overall area coverage of BINA developed oilseed varieties were 23.46% and among the 14 regions the highest area coverage for oilseed was found in Jashore region 16.32% (Reg-13). Among the BINA developed horticultural varieties the highest area coverage was found 4.46% for Binalebu-1 followed by Binahalud-1 (0.93%) and Binatomato-10 (0.36%). It was also observed that, among the 14 regions the highest area coverage for Binalebu-1 and Binahalud-1 were found in Rangamati agricultural region (region-4) about 483 ha (87.26%) and 45 ha (18.19%), respectively. The study identified that the overall area coverage of BINA developed rice, pulse and oilseed crops for distributed seed were 0.93%, 1.41% and 3.45%, respectively. The study also observed some constraints such as-non availability of seed, lack of training, demonstrations, field day, collaboration etc. For continuation of variety expansion, the institute should ensure quality seed supply in proper time and training, demonstration as well as collaboration among other research institutes, DAE, BADC and NGOs should be emphasized.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 89-107, 2023

Profitability and marketing system of Binachinabadam-8 in some selected northern char areas of Bangladesh

MMA Sarkar, MH Rahman, S Islam — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was undertaken to assess the profitability, marketing system, production and marketing problems of a groundnut variety, Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram districts during 2022–23. The study analyzed the efficiency of different marketing chains by ranking performance indicators using a composite index formula. The average per hectare production cost of Binachinabadam-8 was Tk. 90,470 and the net return was Tk. 68,064. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 1.75 and 2.89 on a full cost and variable cost basis. The average estimated marketing cost was highest (Tk. 925/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 87/quintal) for Arathdar. Net marketing margin was also highest (Tk. 1787/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 115/quintal) for Arathdar. Farmer’s share in consumer prices of Binachinabadam-8 in different marketing chains was the highest in Chain-IV (65.46%) and the lowest was in Chain-I (63.98%). The performance indicators revealed that the Chain-IV was the most efficient of the chains. Farmers reported major problems including lack of irrigation facilities, high seed value, flood incidence, high fertilizer prices, lack of capital, lack of training and insect and pest. The farmers faced significant marketing challenges, including unstable prices, high transportation charges, lack of storage facilities and lack of cash capital. Therefore, the study will help to over undertake appropriate measures to overcome the production and marketing problems and thereby will increase the profitability and production of Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 109-120, 2023

Clay minerals identification by x-ray powder diffraction near a mining site, Malaysia

KS Arefin, MMH Sohag — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The soil samples collected from an agricultural region near the Sungai Chalit mine site in Raub, Pahang, Malaysia were subjected to X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis for the first time. The PanAnalytikX’pert Pro XRD equipment at the XRD laboratory, Material Technology, Nuclear Malaysia, was used to identify the clay minerals present in the samples. After thorough analysis of all samples, it has been determined that microcline is found in every sample, whereas bytownite has been detected in just three unique samples (DS2, DS15, and DS17). Two discrete variants of zeolite were discerned in two specimens, denoted as DS2 and DS17. Sample DS6 contains kaolinite. Sample C13 comprises four clay minerals: microcline, anorthite, birnessite, and tremolite. The occurrence of microcline in soil signifies the erosion of rocks abundant in feldspar, such as granite, resulting in a reduction of essential minerals like potassium and calcium. This depletion has the potential to affect plant nutrition and crop yield.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 121-133, 2023

A review of naturally occurring radioactive elements in coastal regions of Bangladesh

KS Arefin, MSH Suny, M Hassan, MMH Sohag — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Extensive and systematic study has been carried out globally to get a thorough understanding of the underlying dynamics of radionuclides in the environment. This study was aimed to examine the natural radioactivity level in coastal areas of Bangladesh by combining the main research carried out on environmental radioactivity, predominantly employing established nuclear methods and methodologies during the past. The concentrations of important radionuclides, including ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U, and ²³⁵U, were measured in those investigations. Soil samples showed the highest concentration of ²²⁶Ra at Inani Beach, Cox's Bazar (21^°8ʹ N latitude, 92^°4ʹ E longitude), with a value of 61.66 Bqkg^-1. On the other hand, Cox's Bazar Sea Beach has the lowest ²²⁶Ra concentration at 10.8 Bqkg^-1. In contrast, Cox's Bazar had the highest ²²⁶Ra activity in the sand and silt samples (147.93 Bqkg^-1), whereas Kuakata Sea Beach (21^° 48ʹ N latitude and 90^°10ʹ E longitude) had the lowest (2.82 Bqkg^-1). The research found that ²²⁶Th activity varied from 1085.99 Bqkg^-1 to 27.4 Bqkg^-1 in soil samples from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach. In Cox's Bazar, the sand and silt samples showed the highest ²²⁶Th activity at 1085.9 Bqkg^-1. In contrast, Kuakata Sea Beach has the lowest radioactivity at 9.22 Bqkg^-1. Soil samples showed that ⁴⁰K content was highest at Inani Beach (21^°13ʹ N latitude and 92^°3ʹ E longitude), Cox's Bazar (1304.11 Bqkg^-1) and lowest at Cox's Bazar Sea Beach (25.16 Bqkg^-1). The sand and silt sample from Kuakata Sea Beach had the greatest ⁴⁰K activity, measuring 852 Bqkg^-1. However, the sample from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach had the lowest amount (21.9 Bqkg^-1). Soil samples from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach showed ²³⁸U activity of 455.99 Bqkg^-1 and 110.84 Bqkg^-1, respectively. The highest ²³⁸U activity sand sample was found in Cox's Bazar, measuring 460.5 Bqkg^-1. The Patenga region (22^°14ʹ N latitude and 91^°47ʹ E longitude) in Chattogram has the lowest radioactive level, 45.2 Bqkg^-1. The study's findings have been meticulously recorded as crucial foundational knowledge for forthcoming investigations on radionuclides in this coastal area. A comprehensive evaluation of prior published analyses of naturally occurring radioactive elements in the coastal regions of Bangladesh has shown that the level of activity is completely non-hazardous. The experimental areas' soils are ideal for a variety of agricultural and other purposes.

Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 135-152, 2023