Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University

Dairy farmers’ milk selling options in major milkshed areas of Bangladesh: A comparative analysis

2024-05-29T16:38:19+00:00

Dairy farmers’ profit is relatively low compared to the end user milk purchase price of Bangladesh. A lengthy debate has been running to pinpoint the reasons for this phenomenon. However, one of the trigger reasons is the milk farm gate price. Milk farm gate prices vary depending on the selling options used to flow the milk from producer to consumer. It also affects the farmers’ share with the consumers spending. An attempt was made to analyze the farmers’ share in existing selling options and factors of choosing the selling options in Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. The mathematical analysis of farmers’ share to consumer price and binary logistic regression method was used to make comparisons among different selling options of milk in peak and lean seasons. Primary data were collected from 130 commercial dairy farmers from major milkshed areas (Sirajganj district). A purposive sampling technique and survey questionnaires were followed to collect data from the dairy farmers in the research area. The major findings of the study showed that the dairy farmers did not use local breed for producing milk for business purpose and MilkVita was the major player of absorbing a major share of produced milk, although the farmers’ share was the highest for the Option-III (selling at the farmyard) where milk directly goes to the ultimate consumer without adding much utility to the product. In the peak and lean season, the model showed the variable of ‘amount of milk sold per day’ had a positive influence on the choice of milk selling option of MilkVita. The study concluded that MilkVita, other milk processors (Akij, BRAC, PRAN) and ghosh (middlemen) were popular milk selling options in the area because of guaranteed milk selling and several support services provided to dairy farmers. Thus, the policymakers can plan a policy to benefit the dairy farmers by setting up a mechanism of smoothly selling of produced milk ensuring reasonable farm gate price.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 463–470, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.82409

Comparative profitability analysis of cowpea and soybean enterprises in Niger State of Nigeria

2024-05-29T16:43:44+00:00

This study determined and compared the profitability of cowpea and soybean enterprises in Gurara area of Niger State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used to draw one hundred and twenty (120) samples for the study. Data used for the study were elicited through structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques and the T-test were used for the analyses. Results show that cowpea and soybean farmers in the study area are operating at a small scale, where the mean farm sizes for cowpea and soybean farmers were found to be 1.82 and 2.85 hectares respectively. The profitability analysis revealed both cowpea and soybean enterprises to be profitable. However, cowpea production was discovered to be more profitable than that of soybean. The cowpea enterprise had a gross margin of $698.82 and a net farm income of $659.99 per hectare. The return on Dollar invested was found to be 1.43 (143%) for cowpea. The Gross Margin for soybean enterprise was estimated at $186.80 per ha, and a Net Farm Income of $153.59 per hectare was calculated. The return on Dollar invested for soybean was estimated at 0.38 (38%). The T-test analysis showed that the difference in the profitability of cowpea and soybean enterprises is significant at the 5% level of significance (t-tabulated value = 1.980, t-calculated =1.926). Both cowpea and soybean farmers experienced challenges in their farm operations. The challenges identified include poor credit facility, high cost of labour, lack of capital, and inadequate extension contact. Others include lack of market price information, and poor access to market centers due to bad roads. The study therefore recommends that credit facilities should be made available especially for cowpea farmers. Also, extension service coverage by concerned government agencies should be intensified.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 471–478, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.98958

Fluid milk consumption behaviour of urban households: Evidence from Mymensingh city, Bangladesh

2024-05-29T16:48:04+00:00

Understanding consumers’ behavior is an important factor for the expansion of a business. A better understanding of the factors that influence consumption behavior of consumer can help marketers to undertake better marketing strategies and predict how consumers would respond to those marketing strategies. This study was undertaken to examine urban consumer behavior towards fluid milk consumption in Mymensingh city using primary data of 60 respondents through purposive sampling method. Three types of milk were considered from branded fluid milk such as UHT, chocolate and pasteurized fluid milk, and raw fluid milk as unbranded milk. The results revealed that about 33 percent of the respondents consumed branded milk, 36 percent consumed unbranded milk and 30 percent consumed both branded and unbranded milk. The results of the logit model indicated that probability of purchasing branded milk were positively related to awareness of advertisement, expenditure on fluid milk and quality of branded fluid milk, whereas, negatively related to agricultural occupation and accessibility to cow milk. In regards of attitude, most of the consumer responded that they did not think about the brand name in the time of emergency. Availability of branded fluid milk was important for them. Advertisements were found to have great impact on the consumer to choose branded fluid milk. Marketers need to take into account the choice, taste, attitude of the consumers properly in order to make their business successful.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 479–485, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.96071

Improvement of farmers’ livelihood through solar home system: Empirical evidences from four districts in Bangladesh

2024-05-29T16:53:59+00:00

The environment friendly renewable energy (i.e., solar energy) is expanding day by day to mitigate the demand of electricity in the remote areas. Considering the significance of the solar energy, the present study was conducted to explore the core economics of using solar household system and its impact on rural livelihoods and assessing the welfare aspects of such adoption. The survey was conducted in 240 households from February to April of 2018 in four upazilas, namely Madarganj, Roumari, Fulchori and Charvadrason of Jamalpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Faridpur districts, respectively. A combination of descriptive and statistical techniques was applied to analyze the data. The results revealed that the age groups of 30-45 years had the maximum frequency of 52.08%. About 70.42% of the household heads were below S.S.C level and 14.16% were S.S.C passed. Among the household heads, about 60.83% were farmers and 8.33% were in other agriculture related occupation. The cash inflow of existing solar panel was Tk. 3520.00 and average salvage value was Tk. 4119.58. Assuming 12% discount rate, NPV was Tk. 18064.17 and BCR was 2.01 as well as IRR 32.39% which was greater than opportunity cost of invested capital. Average 2.07 working hour per day extended after installation of solar home system. Overall socio-economic benefit was increased. About 48.23% households’ quality of life switched to good condition, 32.50% household’s agricultural production increased and 45% households’ social security is in good condition. The adoption of solar panel was economically viable and overall welfare increased in the study areas.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 486–491, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.93384

Health related quality of life of women garment factory workers: Association with their food security and nutritional status

2024-05-29T17:01:24+00:00

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an individual’s or a group’s perceived physical and mental health over time. This study has carried out to find out the food insecurity, nutritional status and health related quality of life (HRQOL) of female garment factory workers and also the relationship of health related quality of life with food insecurity and nutritional status of female garment factory workers. This study has found that 71.9 percent female garment factory workers are food insecure and the percentage of being food secure is 28.1 percent. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI) classification for Asian people, 60.6 percent workers are in the normal range (17.5-22.9kg/m²), while 27.2 percent are in the overweight (23-27.9kg/m²) and 4.1 percent are in obese category (≥28 kg/m²), and 8.1 percent are underweight (<17.5 kg/m²) and with the waist circumference (WC) classification, 24.2 percent of them are in the normal range (WC<80 cm.) and 75.8 percent (WC≥80 cm.) are at risk of obesity category. Measuring the HRQOL of female garment factory workers, it has found that 84.6 percent respondents have restricted their daily activities for physical problems, 82.9 percent female workers have faced difficulties in running social activities and 86.6 percent contributors have not worked properly due to emotional problems. There are statistically significant differences between food secure and insecure respondents in physical function, general health, vitality and mental health domains (P<0.05). Association of health related quality of life (HRQOL) within the Asian classified BMI categories, normal weight (17.5-22.9 kg/m²) female garment factory workers show better health situation compared with obese group (≥28 kg/m²). Statistically significant differences have found in physical activities and role physical (P<0.05). Normal waist circumference participants have higher scores on physical function, role physical and bodily pain scales (P<0.05).

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 492–501, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.82000

Analysis of overdispersed count data: A multilevel modeling approach

2024-05-29T17:05:36+00:00

In this study, it is aimed to apply multilevel model with two levels in Poisson and Negative binomial regression models and to make comparison between these models to select a model which fits well the over-dispersed count data and finally, to identify the significant factors which influence the number of antenatal care visits of women during their pregnancy period. In this study, two mixed effect models (Poisson regression model with random effect and negative binomial regression model with random effect) are applied to a real data set to obtain the potential determinants of number of antenatal care (ANC) visits of women during pregnancy in Bangladesh, where data are extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2014. The individual or within variation in each division is lower level (level-1) and between variation among the division is higher level (level-2). It is observed that between two mixed effect models-Negative Binomial regression model with random effect is selected as better model based on AIC, BIC and dispersion parameter for modeling the number of antenatal care visits of women in Bangladesh which is over-dispersed count data. Among the significant covariates, the place of residence, respondent’s education, wealth index, respondent’s husband’s education, decision maker on respondent’s health care and access to mass media are notable factors that are found highly associated with the number of antenatal care visits of women during their pregnancy period. Although both individual- and division-level characteristics have an influence on the inadequate and non-use of ANC, division-level factors have a stronger influence in the rural areas. The results suggest that for over dispersed count data, the negative binomial regression model with random effect is more suitable than Poisson. The results also suggest that much sensitization has to be done specifically in these rural areas to empower pregnant women and their husbands as to improve ANC attendance and utilization. Furthermore, health promotion programs need to increase consciousness about the importance of ANC visits during pregnancy in rural area to ensure the ANC visits among the rural women.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 502–508, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.82599

The F-34 Stern strain Anthrax vaccine induced higher level of anti-anthrax IgG antibody response and appeared protective in mice model

2024-05-29T15:47:34+00:00

Anthrax is a fatal septicemic disease of warm-blooded animals including human and caused by Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is common in farm ruminants, causes regular mortality and the disease is commonly prevented by using vaccine. The Sterne strain F-34 vaccine has been using in ruminants for more than five decades in Bangladesh but there is little work describing the efficacy of the vaccine in laboratory or farm animal’s. This study was aimed to evaluate efficacy of F-34 Sterne strain anthrax vaccine in mice model and isolate B. anthracis in culture from field outbreaks to identify level of protection in vaccinated mice. Anthrax vaccine containing F-34 Stern strain was obtained from Livestock Research Institute (LRI), Mohakhali, Dhaka. Group C and D female mice were immunized subcutaneously with 0.1ml of vaccine and Group A and B mice were served as non-immunized control. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was carried out to detect pX01 (210bp) and pX02 plasmid (1035bp) of B. anthracis from the field isolates, vaccine bacteria and challenged mice. Out of 13 field samples tested, B. anthracis was isolated from 05 cases. Following 6 months of immunization the Group B and Group D mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 2x10⁵ colony forming unit (CFU) of virulent field isolate of B. anthracis (isolate of Shahjadpur Upazila, Sirajganj). The vaccine efficacy was evaluated in terms of anti-anthrax IgG antibodies responses in ELISA (A⁴⁵⁰±SD) and protection to challenge in vivo. The early anti-anthrax IgG antibody response was detected in Group C and D mice following week 2 of immunization (0.501±0.167) and reached its peak in study week 4 (1.237±0.257). A teadily higher level of anti-anthrax IgG antibody response was detected until 180 days of study (1.269±0.217, group average±SD). In vivo challenge to vaccinated mice with the virulent B. anthracis bacteria found to confer solid protection following six months of immunization. Non-immunized mice challenged with field isolate of B. anthracis succumbed to death within 18- 24hours of infection, showed characteristics lesions of anthrax including black berry jam spleen, wide spread congestion and hemorrhages and bleeding through natural opening after death. B. anthracis was re-isolated from the visceral organs of experimentally infected mice. This study provide evidence that the Sterne strain F-34 Anthrax vaccine is protective in mice model and generated higher level of anti-anthrax IgG antibody response until day 180 of immunization. It needs to study whether the vaccine is effective in farm animal model with longer duration.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 405–414, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.95978

Molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in ornamental birds having public health significance

2024-05-29T15:54:34+00:00

There has been an increase in the demand for ornamental birds as pets in Bangladesh. However, issues of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in ornamental birds remain poorly understood. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are major human health problem. Present study

was designed to investigate the potentiality of ornamental birds as a source for MRSA that could transmit to human. A total of 70 samples were collected randomly from various ornamental birds and bird handlers working in the shops. A semi-structured questionnaire-based interview was also conducted with bird shop attendants to suspect the possible AMR origin and transmission. Isolation and identification of MRSA were based on culture, disk diffusion method followed by PCR. Hemolytic activities were tested on blood agar plates Among the 70 samples, 40 (57.14%) were found positive for S. aureus. Phenotypically 77.50% S. aureus were found resistant to oxacillin (methicillin), while by PCR, only ten (25%) isolates were found positive for mecA gene. Both the ornamental birds and bird handlers carried MRSA. Among the MRSA isolates, phenotypically six isolates were found resistant to vancomycin e.g.,VRSA (vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).As far we know, this is the first report in Bangladesh describing molecular detection of MRSA from ornamental birds and bird handlers. From this study it is evident that ornamental bird carries MRSA that could transmit to human.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 415–420, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.80165

Estimation of genetic parameters for growth traits in Brahman crossbred cattle of Bangladesh

2024-05-29T15:59:58+00:00

The present study was conducted to estimate the genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and breeding value of Brahman crossbred cattle (50%) of Bangladesh. Data on 5662Brahman graded calves (50%) were collected from the records maintained by Department of Livestock Services from the eight areas of the country. Basic statistical analyses were performed by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1.3. Heritability and genetic correlations were estimated with Variance Component Estimation (VCE) 5.1.2 software and finally breeding values were measured with PEST software. Heritability (h2) estimates were 0.87, 0.59, 0.33, 0.33, 0.34, 0.34, 0.35 for birth weight (BW), Weight at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12- and 24-month (kg), respectively. Estimates of h² for ADG from BW to 3-month (g), ADG from 3- to 6-month (g), ADG from 6- to 9-month (g), and ADG from 9- to 12-month (g) were found to be 0.53, 0.71, 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Genetic correlations between growth traits ranged from 0.15 to 0.92 and phenotypic correlations between these traits ranged from 0.17 to 0.88. Average daily gain showed positive phenotypic correlation with all of the growth traits considered whereas genetic correlation ranged from -0.10 to 0.72. On the basis of predicted breeding value sire ID 60003 had the highest breeding value for body weight at different ages and average daily gain at different ages. Strong genetic and phenotypic correlations will help to improve growth traits simultaneously and selection at early stage can be effective for the improvement of growth traits at later ages.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 421–427, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.98865

Adaptation and morphometric characterization of Boer Goat in Bangladesh

2024-05-29T16:08:53+00:00

The present study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability and characterize Boer goat morphometrically under the farming condition of Bangladesh. Data on adaptability and characterization were collected from the imported flock of Boer goat maintained at American Dairy Limited, Sreepur, Gazipur. A total of 31 Boer goats (15 males and 16 females) at birth (0), 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age were considered for morphometric characterization. From the study, it was revealed that Boer goats were adapted easily in our climatic and farming conditions. All the body measurements (body length, heart girth, height at wither, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, tail length) in both sexes were significantly (p<0.05) varied at birth (0), 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The body length at the age group of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 23.19±1.13 vs 21.44±0.78 cm, 45.36±1.21 vs 44.88±0.79 cm, 63.23±1.09 vs 59.57±1.13 cm, 72.13±1.12 vs 64.66±1.18 cm, and 86.33±1.42 vs 75.83±1.43 cm, for male vs female Boer goats, respectively. Adult male Boer goats had significantly higher (p<0.05) body length, heart girth, height at wither, ear length, ear width than adult female goats but sex did not influence (p>0.05) the head length, head width and tail length. Scrotal circumference significantly (p<0.001) differed in different age groups and corresponding values were 8.02±0.44, 11.91±0.54, 21.78±0.42, 24.43±0.41 and 26.22±0.40 cm at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12- month of age, respectively. On the other hand, birth weight of male goats (2.90±0.09 kg) were higher (p>0.05) than female (2.29±0.09 kg) goats. However, body weights differed significantly (p<0.001) between male and female at the later ages where male attainted 32.56±0.69 kg, 45.56±1.19 kg and female attained 24.33±0.97 kg, 32.78±1.29 kg at 6- and 12 month of ages, respectively. These results suggested that Boer goats are adaptable in the farming condition of Bangladesh as well as attained standard birth weight and higher adult body weight that can be used to mitigate the huge demand of meat in Bangladesh.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 428–434, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.98621

Growth performance of graded Brahman calves in selected areas of Mymensingh district

2024-05-29T16:14:02+00:00

The objectives of this study were to know the growth performance of graded Brahman calves, the phenotypic and genetic correlations between different growth traits and factors related to growth performance of Brahman graded calves in selected areas of Mymensingh district. Data on 422 Brahman graded calves were collected under the project entitled “Genetic improvement of indigenous cattle for beef production through crossing with Brahman cattle by farmers’ participatory breeding approach in Bangladesh” under the department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, BAU, Mymensingh. Statistical analyses of all the parameters were done using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The growth performance and average daily gain of male calves were higher than those in female calves at different growth stages. The highest birth weight and weight at different stages of calves were higher in Bhabakhali and lowest in Dowhakhula area. Sex and area had significant effect (p<0.05) on different growth traits of Brahman crossbred calves. Breeding bull had significant effect (p<0.05) on nine-month and twelve weight and average daily gain from birth up to twelve month of age. Feeding system had significant effect (p<0.05) on different growth traits. Improve feeding would have positive impact on growth performance quite natural. Growth traits were positively correlated to each other and strong phenotypic correlations were observed between weight at nine and twelvemonth (0.95), six- and twelve-month (0.94) and six- and nine-month (0.93). It may be concluded that further study with larger sample sizes covering more factors related to growth performance of graded Brahman calves would be required to draw a better conclusion in this regard.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 435–441, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.73448

Evaluation of semen parameters of Brahman graded bull compared to Holstein graded and Local bulls using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer

2024-05-29T16:20:40+00:00

An experiment was conducted to characterize, compare, estimate of heritability, and genetic and phenotypic correlations of semen parameters of three genetic groups of bulls. The study was carried out at the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm, Saver, Dhaka from April to November, 2015. A total of 16 bulls from three genetic groups namely Brahman graded (8), Friesian graded (5) and Local (3) bulls were selected. Motility % and sperm concentration (×10⁶/ml) were observed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA). Data were analyzed using SAS Computer Package Program, version 9.1.3. Analysis of data showed that, individual genotypes had significant (p<0.05) effect on semen parameters. The maximum sperm concentration (×10⁶/ml) was found as 1516.59±33.07 for Local group (LG), intermediate as 1380.38±19.06 for Brahman groups (BG) and lowest as 1105.03±22.54 in Friesian group (FG), respectively. The season had also significant (p<0.05) effect on semen parameters. The estimated heritability for the semen production traits were medium to high as 0.39 to 0.51, 0.36 to 0.48 and 0.35 to 0.44 for BG, FG and LG, respectively. The strongest positive genetic and phenotypic correlations were noticed between the related semen parameters for all the genetic groups. Through ranking of different traits used in this study for each genotypes it is signified that Brahman genotypes stood 1^st position in terms of selection index value which has newly been introduced for beef production in Bangladesh.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 442–448, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.81689

Efficacy of raw milk preservation by aqueous extracts of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Neem (Azadirachta indica)

2024-05-29T16:26:37+00:00

The study was aimed at assessing the effect of herbal plant leaves aqueous extract in prolonging the shelf-life of raw cow milk. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) were selected based on phytochemical analysis for the presence of phenolic compounds. The presence of phenolic compounds in the leaves extracts were confirmed qualitatively. Initial physicochemical and sensory attributes of raw cow milk were also performed. Both 1.25 and 1.5% Tulsi extract treated samples were found to be of normal yellowish-white color up to 19 h of storage. On the contrary, the 1.5% Neem extract was found to show the same color at 19 h of preservation. A significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the acidity, pH and clot-on-boiling (COB) test among the samples. The most acceptable acidity was found up to 14 h at the concentration of 0.75, 1.25 and 1.5% of Tulsi extract. In the case of Neem extract, the satisfactory acidity was noted for 1.25% concentration up to 17 h of storage. The most agreeable pH (6.5 to 6.8) of raw milk was recorded for 1.5% Tulsi and 1.5% Neem extract up to 17 h and 18 h, respectively. A concentration of 1.25% and 1.5% Neem extract was recorded as COB negative up to 15 h and 16 h of preservation, respectively. In response to microbial analysis, the lowest number of the total viable bacterial count was recorded for 1.25% Tulsi and 1.5% Neem extract with 3.79±0.87 and 3.62±0.90 log₁₀CFU/mL. In conclusion, comparing the Tulsi and Neem extract in response to raw milk preservation both Tulsi and Neem extracts can be used with 1.5% concentration for up to 17 h of storage at room temperature.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 449–455, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.78613

Effect of sire and environment on growth performance of grade-2 Brahman calves

2024-05-29T16:32:10+00:00

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sire and environment on growth performance of grade-2 Brahman calves. A total of 70 grade-2 Brahman calves produced from 6 sires (14BR0043, 7BR-524, 14BR0040, 7BR-527, 14BR0041,7BR-522) were included in this study to know the effect of different sires on calves growth performances those located on 8 different areas (Barisal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet). Analyses were performed by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1.3. Analyses revealed that sires had significant effect (p<0.05) on 1-month, 6-month, 24-month weights and average daily gain. In contrast, non-significant effect (p>0.05) was observed on birth weight, 3-month, 9-month and 12-month weights of progeny. The highest mean birth weight (32.27±0.59 kg) and 1-month weight (57.58±2.11 kg) of calves was found from the sire 14BR0040 and 14BR0041, respectively. The highest mean of 3-month (81.57±3.13 kg), 6-month (186.71±6.20 kg), 9-month (332.43±8.07 kg), 12-month (463.57±13.61 kg) and 24-month (903.33±16.71 kg) weights were found by sire 7BR-524, 14BR0043, 14BR0043, 7BR-524 and 14BR0040, respectively. The area significantly (p<0.01) affected on 3-month and 6-month weight of calves. The highest 3-month weight (90.00±7.52 kg) and 6-month weight (184.06±3.79 kg) of calves were recorded in Barisal and Rangpur, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG) of progeny from birth to 6-months had been significantly (p<0.01) influenced by different areas. The strong positive correlation between ADG from 12 to 24 months and ADG from 0 to 24 months was 0.91. This result showed that the sire and environment had significant effect on above growth traits at different ages of Brahman progeny, which indicated that best sire in best environment can produce superior progeny. As Brahman breed are good meat producer and the average daily gain is quite satisfactory in the specific location so it is concluded that Brahman breed can be a valuable alternative approach for increasing meat production. However, further study with large sample size of grade-2 Brahman should be taken to increase beef production.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 456–462, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.73449

Polyamine Oxidase 5 (PAO5) mediated antioxidant response to promote salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

2024-05-28T07:58:52+00:00

Polyamines are aliphatic polycations ubiquitously found in plants, involved in growth, development and many other physiological processes. Polyamine oxidases are monomeric proteins of about 55 kDa that bear a non-covalently bound molecule of FAD as a cofactor which are responsible for polyamines catabolism. They play very crucial role in polyamine homeostasis. The present study was executed to know the physiological role of polyamine oxidases by using five polyamine oxidase mutants namely pao1, pao2, pao3, pao4, pao5 along with wild type Col-0. There was almost no difference at physiological condition, but the profound difference was found under salt stress condition. Among the plants pao5 mutants which is known to have two times higher thermospermine (T-Spm) content exhibited the maximum tolerance under salt stress compared to Col-0 and other mutants. The phenomenon was also confirmed using PAO5 promoter::GUS transgenic plants. At physiological condition, PAO5 promoter activity was observed throughout the plant but intensity is very low, likely, the intensity started to increase gradually once exposed to salt stress and after 9 hours the intensity was very high. Then to reveal the underlying mechanism of stress tolerance, ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity in pao5 mutants were measured. Atpao5 showed almost lower level of ROS accumulation and higher level of antioxidant enzyme activity both in salt stress and control compare to wild type plants. Thus, indicated that lack of AtPAO5 gene has crucial role in stress tolerance through maintaining the level of T-Spm in Arabidopsis thaliana.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 203–211, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.103110

Determination of biochemical responses to drought stress in cultivated and exotic wheat genotypes

2024-05-28T09:19:59+00:00

Ten wheat genotypes of locally cultivated and exotic origins were grown under drought condition to determine the biochemical responses. Plants were grown in hydroponics in modified Hoagland solution in box container in the Growth Room with temperature, light and humidity control at the Plant Stress Breeding Laboratory (PSBL), at the dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, BAU, Mymensingh. Nutrient solution was refreshed after every ten days. Wheat plants were subjected to drought stress, induced by 3% and 6% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) 6000 in hydroponic solution after 47 days of transferring seedling in full strength nutrient solution. Plants were kept in drought treatment for 42 days and on harvesting, leaves were collected for biochemical assays. Six biochemical traits were determined from leaf tissues following standard protocol. Concentration of leaf biochemical viz. Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDH) and proline were found in both increasing and decreasing trend of fluctuation. Not a single genotype was found with the entire biochemical traits with favorable actions, but several genotypes demonstrated relatively better performance compared to control. The relationship among the biochemical traits were also determined and found a positive significant correlation between CAT and POD. A ranking table was also constructed considering mean performance of the genotypes under different PEG 6000 treatment. Considering mean performance, % change of bio-chemicals under drought condition and ranking table, genotypes Sonalika, BARI Gom 21, BARI Gom 29, BARI Gom 30, Summa and Burr were found with better biochemical mechanisms under both 3% and 6% PEG 6000 induced drought and recommend to consider for future wheat improvement program for drought tolerance.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 212–220, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.101495

Bioefficacy of some novel insecticides and biopesticides for managing bean pod borer, Maruca vitrata Geyer

2024-05-28T09:31:44+00:00

Bean pod borer, Maruca vitrata Geyer is a key pest of bean causing up to 80 percent yield loss. The present study was conducted at the Entomology Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during October 2017 to March 2018 to evaluate the bioefficacy of some novel insecticides and biopesticides for managing bean pod borer on BARI Shim-2. Treatments were evaluated based on different parameters viz. no of healthy and infested pod, percent pod infestation, and marketable pod yield (t/ha). The experiment was laid out in RCBD with 3 replications of each treatment. Eight treatments viz. T1: Cartap (Suntap 50 SP), T2: Flubendiamide, (Belt 24 WG), T3: Lufenuron (Heron 5EC), T4: B. bassiana, T5: Cypermethrin, T6: Spinosad (Libsen 45Sc), T7: Emamectin benzoate (Suspend 5SG) and T8: Untreated control. Treatments were applied at seven days interval and data were also collected seven days of each spraying. All the treatments significantly reduced bean pod borer infestation in the field. The best result was found in case of Emamectin benzoate treated plots which showed the highest cumulative mean number of healthy pod (46.00) and the highest increase of healthy pod (63.29%) over control by number, the lowest cumulative mean number of infested pod plot^-1 (2.88) and the highest reduction of infested pod over control (69.215%) by number. The highest cumulative mean weight of healthy pods plot^-1 (240.66g), the highest percent increase of healthy pod over control (34.03%) by weight, the lowest cumulative mean weight of infested pods plot^-1 (6.44g) and the highest (%) reduction of infested pod weight over control (65.02%) were also obtained from Emamectin treated plots. Among the treatments the highest yield (7.1 ton ha^-1) and yield increase over control (32.58%) were also found from Emamectin. Cartap (Suntap 50 SP) showed the second best performance regarding the above parameters including the second highest yield (6.4 ton ha^-1). The lowest performance was always obtained from untreated control in case of all parameters studied. Though Cartap was very effective but considering the environmental issue Emamectin benzoate (Suspend 5 SG) would be recommended for sustainable management of bean pod borer in the field.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 221–226, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.96967

Weed suppression ability and yield performance of rainy season rice varieties under different planting spacing

2024-05-28T09:53:37+00:00

An experiment was conducted during July to November 2016 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to find out the effect of planting spacing on weed suppression ability and yield performance of some transplanted Aman (rainy season) rice varieties. The experiment was conducted with four newly developed mutant rice varieties viz., Binadhan-7, Binadhan-12, Binadhan-16 and Binadhan-17, and five plant spacing viz. 25cm × 20cm, 25cm × 15cm, 20cm × 20cm, 20cm × 15cm and 15cm × 15cm in a Split-Plot Design (SPD) with three replications. The lowest weed density was found with Binadhan-7 at 15 cm × 15 cm spacing while the lowest weed biomass was found with Binadhan-16 at 15 cm x 15 cm spacing. On the other hand, the highest crop biomass was found with Binadhan-7 at 25 cm x 20 cm spacing. Variety Binadhan-7 and Binadhan-17 gave higher grain yield than the other two varieties. Among the four varieties, Binadhan-7 gave the best performance in relation to grain yield. The highest grain yield of the variety Binadhan-7 was found at 20 cm × 15 cm spacing (5.38 t ha^-1) whereas the lowest grain yield was achieved with the Binadhan-12 at 15 cm × 15 cm spacing (2.60 t ha^-1). The highest weed suppression was found in Binadhan-17 while the worst performance in respect to the yield ability was noticed in Binadhan-12. The study concludes that Binadhan-7 could be transplanted at 25 cm x 15 cm or 20 cm × 15 cm spacing to obtain substantial weed control and the best grain yield in Aman season.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 227–233, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.91993

Evaluation of wheat cultivars for salinity tolerance at seedling stage based on morphological and molecular markers

2024-05-28T12:26:05+00:00

Abiotic stresses are the major constraints to wheat cultivation in Bangladesh. The existence of genetic diversity for salt tolerance is a prerequisite for developing salt-tolerant wheat varieties. Evaluation of wheat cultivars under salt stress at the seedling stage was carried out in the present study using morphological and molecular markers. Twenty four cultivars were tested at 0, 6, 8, 10, and 12 dS/m salt stress in a hydroponic system. Based on morphological traits eight wheat cultivars namely Sourav, Pavon, Prodip, BARI Gom-25, BARI Gom-28, Gourav, Shatabdi and Aghrani were identified as salt tolerant because they showed a lower mean value of root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight reduction at 12 dS/m of salt stress ultimately indicating a higher tolerance to salinity. According to Nei’s 1973, the highest value of gene diversity (0.9063) was observed in locus Xgwm577, and the lowest gene diversity value (0.8281) was observed in locus Xbarc84 with a mean value 0.4618. The PIC values ranged from moderate 0.4247 to high 0.8989. The highest PIC value was found in Xgwm577 and the lowest value was inXbarc84. Pair-wise comparison value of genetic distance (D) (Nei’s, 1973) between varieties was computed from combined data of 6 markers and ranged from 0.1667 to 1. Molecular marker based grouping indicates the Sub sub-cluster IIA contained ten cultivars; six tolerant cultivars (BARI Gom-25, BARI Gom-28, Prodip, Pavon, Shotabdi, Gourav), two moderately tolerant (Sonalika, BARI Gom-23) and two susceptible cultivars. We, therefore, identified six cultivars as saline tolerant at their seedling stage that clustered together in the same group when analysed by SSR markers linked to salinity. The findings of the present study have the potential for utilization in future wheat breeding for salinity tolerance.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 234–244, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.91898

Effect of spacing and Rhizobium inoculum on the yield and quality of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

2024-05-28T12:34:36+00:00

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of spacing and Rhizobium inoculum level on the yield and quality of faba bean. The experiment comprised of four spacings viz., 30 cm × 30 cm, 30 cm × 25 cm, 30 cm × 20 cm and 30 cm × 15 cm, and four levels of Rhizobium inoculum viz., 0, 40, 80 and 120 g kg^-1 seed. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. It was observed that the highest seed yield (1.23 t ha-1) was recorded at spacing 30 cm × 20 cm which was as good as the yield (1.14 t ha^-1) at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing. The highest crude fat (3.16%) and ash (4.79%) were recorded at spacing 30 cm × 20 cm while the highest crude protein (33.62%) and fibre (15.49%) were recorded at 30 cm × 25 cm and 30 cm × 30 cm spacing, respectively. In case of Rhizobium inoculum, the highest seed yield (1.04 t ha^-1) and stover yield (1.75 t ha^-1) were obtained in Rhizobium inoculum 80 g kg^-1 seed. The highest crude protein (33.54%) and crude fat (2.82%) were recorded at Rhizobium inoculum 120 g kg^-1 seed while the highest ash (4.88%) and fibre (15.28%) was recorded at Rhizobium inoculum 80 g kg^-1 and Rhizobium inoculum 40 g kg^-1 seed, respectively. In case of interaction, the highest seed yield (1.46 t ha^-1) and stover yield (2.53 t ha^-1) were obtained at 30 cm × 20 cm spacing with Rhizobium inoculum 80 g kg^-1 seed. The highest amount of protein (35.73%) and ash (5.63%) were found at 30 cm × 25 cm spacing with Rhizobium inoculum 80 g kg^-1 seed while the highest crude fat (4.48%) and fibre (18.04%) were recorded at 30 cm × 20 cm spacing with Rhizobium inoculum 120 g kg^-1 seed and spacing 30 cm × 30 cm with control treatment of Rhizobium, respectively. Based on these results it can be concluded that spacing 30 cm × 20 cm coupled with Rhizobium inoculum 80 g kg^-1 seed appears as the promising combination in respect of seed yield of faba bean.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 245–251, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.91870

Measurement of above-ground carbon stocks of roadside agroforestry plantation at Sadar upazila of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh

2024-05-28T12:40:05+00:00

In this research, floristic composition and above-ground carbon stocks of all woody species in roadside plantations under Sadar Upazila of Mymensingh District were studied. A total of 280 sample plots of 2 m×10 m size was selected following systematic random sampling in a zigzag manner on both sides along the roadside plantation were measured. The result showed that a total of 29 species of 14 families were recorded where the most common species are Acacia auriculiformis, Swietenia sp, and Artocarpus heterophyllus. It was found that Albizia saman, Albizia lebbeck and Swietenia sp comprises 71% of total aboveground carbon of which Albizia saman occupies the highest (50%) amount among the tree species in the study area. Similarly, Swietenia sp in the case of tree seedlings, Cocos nucifera in case of palm species and Acacia auriculiformis deadwood species occupy the highest amount of above-ground carbon (68, 48 and 73%) respectively in the study area. The study revealed that the total carbon stock measured in the roadside plantation were 2554.27 Mg/ha where tree occupies the highest (2078.44 Mg/ha) amount of carbon stock and the lowest (2.85 Mg/ha) in seedlings/saplings in the study area. The results indicate that two attributes such as tree basal area and stand density/ha are strongly related to above-ground carbon stocks, but stand mean height is weakly related. Therefore, the study recommends that the above-ground carbon stocks would increase with the increase of planting trees having greater DBH, basal area and stand density in the roadside areas.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 252–259, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.91198

Yield performance of aromatic fine rice as influenced by integrated use of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers

2024-05-28T12:47:49+00:00

Yield performance of various aromatic rice varieties needed to be assessed by different nutrient management practices before promoting a suitable integrated nutrient management for aromatic rice production in Bangladesh. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July 2017 to December 2017 to study the combined effect of vermicompost with inorganic fertilizers on the yield and yield contributing characters of aromatic fine rice varieties. The experiment comprised three varieties viz. BRRI dhan34, Binadhan-13 and Kalizira and five nutrient managements viz. control (no application of manures and fertilizer), recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers ( i.e. 150, 95, 70, 60, 12 kg ha^-1 of Urea, TSP, MOP, Gypsum and Zinc Sulphate respectively), ermicompost @ 3 t ha^-1, 25% less than recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer + vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha^-1, 50 % less than recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer + vermicompost @ 3 t ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Result showed that, yield and yield components of aromatic fine rice were significantly influenced by variety, nutrient management and interaction of variety and nutrient management. In case of variety, the highest and the lowest value of grain yield (3.89, 2.80 t ha^-1) and straw yield (5.29, 4.03 t ha^-1) were found in Binadhan-13 and Kalizira, respectively. In case of nutrient managements, the highest yield and yield component were obtained from 50% less than the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + vermicompost @ 3 t ha^-1 treatment. The highest number of total tillers hill^-1, effective tillers hill^-1, number of grains panicle^-1, panicle length, grain yield (4.04 t ha^-1) and straw yield (6.20 t ha^-1) were obtained from the interaction of Binadhan-13 and 50% less than the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + vermicompost @ 3 t ha^-1. The lowest values related to yield were found in Kalizira with control condition. Binadhan- 13 along with 50% less than the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + vermicompost @ 3 t ha^-1 might be a promising practice for aromatic fine rice cultivation.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 260–265, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.90309

Incidence and serological detection of viruses infecting tomato and cultural control practices in Kwara State of Nigeria

2024-05-28T13:21:27+00:00

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is one of the major fruit vegetables in Nigeria and viruses cause significant losses in both field and greenhouse tomato production systems. The study was conducted in Kwara State of Nigeria to determine the incidence of virus diseases on tomato and detect the suspected viruses with serological assay. A field experiment was then initiated to evaluate varietal inherency, plant spacing and staking as cultural control practices on viral incidence. A virus disease survey of 35 major tomato producing farmlands in the study area was done to determine incidence of virus infection. Twenty (20) leafy shoot samples from each farmland were then randomly collected for serological study. The serological assay of samples was by ACP-ELISA; each tested for 3 viruses known to commonly infect tomato in Africa namely: Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The field experiment involved sowing 2 tomato varieties at varying plant spacing (30cm x 60cm and 60cm x 75cm) and either staked or non-staked. The experimental design was a factorial fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of 8 treatments combinations with 4 replications. The result of the virus survey indicated incidence of 4.8% to 38.9% with an average value of 20.3%. The ACP-ELISA revealed major occurrence in the study area of the 3 viruses with PVMV being the most prevalent on the samples. The field experiment showed that Roma VF tomato variety, staked and at plant spacing of 30 x 75cm was the most effective in reducing the incidence of virus disease (2.2% - 6.1%), had the tallest plants (8.6cm–18.0cm), produced the highest average number of leaves per plant (13.7 – 20.5) and tomato fruit weight (406.7g). The study concludes that virus infection may become a serious threat to tomato production in the study area and therefore recommends a combination of resistant variety (Roma VF), plant spacing (30 x 75cm) and staking for effective virus management to ensure higher yield.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 266–271, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.90126

Exogenous salicylic acid and thiourea ameliorate salt stress in wheat by enhancing photosynthetic attributes and antioxidant defense

2024-05-29T05:21:48+00:00

Salinity stress is a worldwide problem, constraining global crop production seriously. Recent global climate change has made this situation more serious. Exogenous application of potential protectants such as salicylic acid (SA) and thiourea (TU) can be an important approach to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress on plants. Therefore, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the ameliorating effect of SA and TU on salt stress in a wheat genotype namely BARI Gom-30 considering the growth traits, photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities. The experiment was laid out by following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments viz., control, salt, salt + SA, salt + TU, and salt + SA + TU. Salinity stress caused significant reduction of different growth traits such as plant height, shoot and root length, fresh weight and dry weight of root and shoot in wheat genotype. The leaf water status, different photosynthetic parameters and intracellular proline contents were severely shortened in the leaves of salt stressed plants. However, exogenous application of SA or TU on salt stressed wheat plants showed a significant increase in growth traits by up regulating the levels of chlorophyll content, photosynthetic pigments and proline contents in comparison to salt treated plants alone. The higher Na⁺/K⁺ was noted in the leaves of stressed seedlings and therefore, the wheat plants suffered more oxidative damage due to the higher production of H2O2 and MDA under salinity stress. Besides these, the activities of antioxidant enzymes namely CAT, POD and APX were slightly enhanced due to the imposition of salt on wheat seedlings compared to control treated plants. In contrast, SA or TU mediated ameliorating effect of salt stress maintained the lower Na⁺/K⁺ as well as the minimum production of H₂O₂ and MDA in BARI Gom-30. This is might be due to the higher increment of CAT, POD and APX enzyme activities in the stressed wheat genotypes supplemented with SA or TU reflecting the positive role of SA or TU against salt-induced oxidative stress in BARI Gom-30. Individual foliar application of SA and TU was found to be more effective in improving salt stress tolerance in BARI Gom-30 than that of the combined application of SA and TU.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 272–282, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.86574

Greenhouse gas emission and rice production in Nigeria: An ARDL bounds testing approach

2024-05-29T10:08:26+00:00

Rice cultivation is attributed as a major agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter which contributes to rising global temperatures impacting agricultural productivity, environment and livelihood. However, studies on greenhouse gas emissions in rice production is still limited in many developing countries, including Nigeria. This paper examines the relationship between greenhouse gas emission and rice production in Nigeria using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test. Annual time series data of four selected variables rice output, rice yield, rice harvested area, fertilizer usage and greenhouse emission (CH4) in rice production was used over the period 1961 to 2017. Empirical results provide evidence of long run relationship between greenhouse gas emission and rice production in Nigeria. The result of the estimated elasticities of both the short run and long run analysis indicates that all the variables except fertilizer usage in the long run, significantly explain changes in greenhouse gas emission in rice production. The findings recommend the need to adopt new approaches to rice cultivation that will boost productivity using less energy and land resources in order to decrease GHG emissions. The use of improved seed varieties that will increase yield using less land area, fertilizer application, water usage and chemical in production could also be a good strategy of reducing GHG emissions in rice cultivation, which has an impact on atmospheric pollutions and global warming.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 283–288, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.83883

Genetic variability, character association and divergence analysis for gromorphological traits of local rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm in Bangladesh

2024-05-29T10:20:50+00:00

Rice (Oryza sativa) contributes significantly to global food security and is a major food crop for almost half of the world’s population. Fourty seven local rice germplasm were collected and grown under normal field condition to evaluate the presence of genetic diversity among them. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) among the genotypes for all the traits studied except leaf width reflecting broad spectrum of variability which offer an ample chances for selection. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for most of the traits except no. of filled grains panicle^-1 indicating that there was an influence of environment on majority of the studied traits. Similarly, moderate broad-sense heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean of most of the traits such as seedling height, flag leaf area, flag leaf angle, grain length, 1000-grain weight also indicated the accumulation of additive gene effects and suggested direct selection for those characters for economic feasibility. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive and negative correlation among the traits. Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components of the considered traits accounted for about 37.9% of the total variation and pointed out a wide variation among the genotypes. The dendrogram of cluster analysis grouped 47 rice genotypes into four clusters. Cluster II incorporated the highest number of genotypes followed by Cluster I. In terms of high yield potentiality cluster III had the highest cluster mean for rice yield, followed by cluster IV. Data from this study provide presence of sufficient genetic diversity among the traditional local rice germplasms which can be employed in future rice breeding program for either varietal improvement or developing new variety.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 289–299, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.84906

Assessment of insecticidal treatment combinations in mungbean against thrips and pod borer complex

2024-05-29T10:33:30+00:00

The experiment was conducted at the farmers’ field of Itbaria of Patuakhali sadar upazila under Patuakhali district, Bangladesh during late rabi season in 2018 to find out the suitable insecticidal treatment combinations against thrips and pod borers of mungbean by various treatment combinations, including chemicals, botanicals and biological. Experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five insecticidal treatment combinations and all the combinations were replicated four times. The mungbean variety, BARI Mung-6 was grown in the field and four insecticidal treatment combinations were viz., T₁ [Chlorpyrifos + Cypermethrin (Nitro 505EC) + Azadirachtin (Bioneem plus 1EC)], T₂ [Thiamethoxam + Chlorantraniliprole (Voliam flexi 300SC) + Azadirachtin (Bioneem plus 1EC)], T₃ [Chlorpyrifos + Cypermethrin (Nitro 505EC) + Spinosad (Tracer 45SC)], T₄ [Thiamethoxam + Chlorantraniliprole (Voliam flexi 300SC) + Spinosad (Tracer 45SC)] and T₀ [Untreated control]. The treatments were applied at reproductive stages of plant. The treatments showed significantly different performance against thrips (Megalurothrips distalis), gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) on mungbean. The lowest population of thrips, gram pod borer and legume pod borer was found in T₄ treated plot which showed maximum percent reduction of insect pests. The percent pod infestation by pod borers was found lowest in the T₄ treatment. The maximum yield (1589.63 kg/ha) and the highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) (1.60) were also obtained from T₄. It can be concluded that T₄ was more effective among the insecticidal treatment combinations for controlling thrips and pod borer complex of mungbean which was followed by T₂.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 300–306, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.84547

Effects of vertical staking and different types of manures on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

2024-05-29T10:40:30+00:00

Strawberry is a very popular, refreshing and nutritious fruit having powerful antioxidant and a safe, delicious addition to any diet. An experiment was conducted at the Landscaping section of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October 2018 to April 2019 to develop a sustainable technology for optimum growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. RU-1 (Festival) through vertical farming. The experiment comprised three vertical staking viz., 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 feet (ft) above ground staking, and five organic manures viz., control (no manures), cowdung @ 500 g/plant, mustard oilcake (MOC) @ 100 g/plant, poultry manure @ 500 g/plant and cowdung+MOC+poultry manure @ (500+100+500) g/plant. The twofactor experiment was conducted in randomised complete block design with three replications. Significant variations were observed due to vertical staking and organic manures on all the parameters studied. Highest plant height (15.95 cm), number of leaves (27.62), number of flowers (24.86), number of runner (4.73) and number of fruits per plant (22.90), fruit length (3.70 cm) and diameter (3.04 cm), individual fruit weight (13.87 g), yield per plant (318.82 g) and TSS (8.23%) were observed at 4.5 ft above ground staking and application of cowdung+MOC+poultry manure @ (500+100+500) g/plant, while the lowest plant height (9.61 cm), number of leaves (15.02), number of flowers (12.40), number of runner (2.18) and number of fruits per plant (22.90), fruit length (3.70 cm) and diameter (3.04 cm), individual fruit weight (13.87 g), yield per plant (124.48 g) and TSS (6.40%) were recorded at 1.5 ft above ground staking with control. Thus, combined treatment of 4.5 ft above ground staking with cowdung+MOC+poultry manure @ (500+100+500) g/plant was found to be better in respect of optimum growth, yield and quality of strawberry.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 307–315, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.83030

Influence of storage temperature and packaging materials on post-harvest quality and shelf life of moringa (Moringa oleifera) pods

2024-05-29T10:48:40+00:00

Moringa is one of the world’s most nutritious food and its pod remain available for the short period. Therefore, this study was undertaken to observe the performance of packaging materials and temperature on post harvest quality and shelf life of moringa pod. The two factor experiment comprised five types of postharvest packaging materials viz. P₀: control, P₁: perforated low density polyethylene (LDPE) bag, P₂: non-perforated LDPE bag, P₃: High density polyethylene (HDPE) bag and P₄: brown paper and two levels of storage temperature viz. T₁: ambient room emperature (25- 280C) and T₂: refrigerator condition (10-120C). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three replications. The effect of packaging materials and temperature as well as their combined effects were found significant in all parameters. Results showed that the minimum weight loss, decay loss, maximum marketability and shelf life were observed in moringa stored at refrigerator condition. On the other hand, maximum weight loss, decay loss, minimum marketability and shelf life were recorded in moringa stored in ambient room temperature condition. Shelf life of pods were found 6 and 16.8 days at room and refrigerator temperature condition, respectively. In case of packaging materials, minimum weight loss, decay loss, maximum marketability and shelf life were observed in moringa pods packaging with HDPE bag; and maximum weight loss, decay loss, marketability acceptance and shelf life were recorded in moringa stored without packaging materials. Maximum shelf life (16 days) was recorded from P₃ (HDPE bag) and subsequently 13 and 12 days from P₂ (non-perforated LDPE bag) and P₁ (perforated LDPE bag) and the minimum shelf life was 8 days from both P₀ (control) and P₄ (brown paper) packaging materials. Although, the acceptance of marketability is the major concern. Acceptance of marketability was more than 80% when pods were stored at refrigerated condition whereas stored at ambient condition was poor at 8 days (less than 40%). It is better to store the moringa pods at refrigerator condition with HDPE bag to consume it for long time and ensure the nutritional security.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 316–322, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.80657

Morphological evaluation of advanced breeding lines of rapeseed-mustard for salinity tolerance using multivariate and genetic analyses

2024-05-29T11:12:09+00:00

Salinity is a barrier of crop production while salinity affected areas are expanding in Bangladesh. To increase oilseed production in saline soils, a useful tactic could be developing salinity tolerant mustard varieties. This study screened advanced breeding lines of rapeseed-mustard along with a check variety for salinity tolerance. An experiment was conducted for multivariate and genetic assessments following a split plot design with six genotypes (BD-6950, BD-7104, BD-10115, JUN- 536, BJDH-12 and BARI Sarisha-14 as a check) and five salinity treatments (0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 dSm^{- 1}). A total of 16 morphological characters were recorded. Significant variations were accounted among the genotypes and treatments for all the characters. A significant and positive correlation was found among seed yield plant^-1 and 1000-seed weight, number of seeds siliquae^-1, length of siliqua, length of primary branches. All morphological characters except number of secondary branches and length of siliqua showed high heritability, from 62% to 98%, which indicated that these characters can be selected for further improvement. Genetic analyses revealed high heritability with genetic advance in percentage of mean for number of seeds siliquae^-1, number of siliqua in primary axis, number of siliqua in secondary axis, total siliqua plant^-1 and seed yield plant^-1 signifying their suitability as indicators for salinity tolerance. Principal component analysis revealed that days to first flowering and days to maturity were contrasting with other variables for salinity stress tolerance in the genotypes BD-7104 and BD-10115 under 8 and 10 dSm^-1 salinity levels. Based on the multivariate analyses, the genotype BD-7104 followed by BD-10115 were revealed as the most suitable salt tolerant genotypes which can greatly contribute to oilseed production in saline prone areas. Further researches emphasizing QTL mapping of salt tolerant traits in order to develop new, improved and climate smart salt tolerant variety of oilseed Brassica are suggested.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 323–331, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.82264

Pollution of four river-water surrounding Dhaka city and the effects of heavy metals on the yield and their concentrations in rice and cabbage

2024-05-29T11:47:14+00:00

The river-water of Dhaka city is polluting day by day because of increasing level of industrialization, poor water use practice and wastewater management inefficiency. Heavy metals present in riverwater are uptaken by food crops when it is used as irrigation purposes which ultimately causing health risks. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the extent of pollution of four rivers water surrounding Dhaka city and to evaluate their effects on the yield and heavy metal concentrations and their uptake by rice and cabbage. Ten water samples of each river viz., Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Turag and Bangshi were collected and analyzed. Crop growth experiment was laid out following completely randomized design with three replicates. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 5.45 to 7.60, 170 to 1374 (μS cm^-1), 451 to 1827 (mg L^-1) and 1.8 to 6.5 (mg L^-1), respectively. The highest Pb (72.5 mg L^-1), Zn (675.8 mg L^-1) and Cd (1.08 mg L^-1) concentrations were found in Buriganga water whereas the highest Cr concentration (95.2 mg L^-1) was found in the water of Turag river. The concentrations of the heavy metals in those rivers were above the permissible limit with the exception of Shitalakshya riverwater. In terms of heavy metal pollution, water of four rivers were of the following order: Buriganga > Turag > Bangshi > Shitalakshya. River-water irrigation reduced the yield up to 27% for rice and 38% for cabbage compared to freshwater. The lowest yield of rice and cabbage (3.2 and 25.3 t ha^-1, respectively) was found with Buriganga river-water irrigation. The highest Pb (3.72 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (0.08 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (8.90 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations in rice grain were recorded in the plants grown with Buriganga river-water, whereas the highest Cr concentration (2.34 mg kg⁻¹) was obtained from Turag river-water irrigated rice plant. In cabbage, the highest concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn were 4.38, 0.012 and 8.86 mg kg⁻¹, respectively recorded from the irrigation of Buriganga river-water, whereas the highest Cr concentration (3.02 mg kg⁻¹) was recorded from Turag river-water irrigation. The overall results suggested that the studied river-water may not be used directly without proper treatment for rice and cabbage production.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 332–339, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.81603

Effect of integration of herbicide with manual weeding on the performance of transplant aman rice cultivars

2024-05-29T11:54:31+00:00

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of integration of herbicide with manual weeding on the performance of transplant aman rice cultivars during the period from July to November 2017. The experiment consisted of three transplant aman rice cultivars viz., BR11, BRRI dhan49 and Binadhan-7 with seven weeding treatments viz., no weeding (W₀), two hand weedings at 15 and 30 DATs (W₁), application of pre-emergence herbicide Pretilachlor (W₂), application of early post emergence herbicide Acetachlor + Bensulfuron methyl (Pediplast) (W₃), application of Pretilachlor followed by application of Pediplast (W₄), application of Pretilachlor followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAT (W₅) and application of Pediplast followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAT (W₆). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Weed density and dry weight were significantly affected by cultivars and weeding treatments. The maximum weed growth was noticed with the BR11 and the minimum with cultivar BRRI dhan49 at 20 DAT. The highest weed density and dry weight were noticed in no weeding treatment and the lowest value was found in application of Pediplast followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAT. Cultivar and weeding treatment exerted significant effect on yield and yield attributes of transplant aman rice. BRRI dhan49 produced the highest grain yield which was statistically identical with BR11 and Binadhan–7 produced the lowest grain yield. Application of Pediplast followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAT produced the highest grain yield which was statistically identical with other weeding treatments except no weeding. Rice cultivar BRRI dhan49 with the application of Pediplast followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAT produced numerically the highest grain yield. From the economic analysis, it is observed that the highest BCR was recorded from the application of Pediplast with BRRI dhan49. Therefore, application of early post emergence herbicide Pediplast with the cultivar BRRI dhan49 is effective and economic than the other weed control treatments in controlling weeds effectively and producing higher grain yield as well obtaining highest economic return.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 340–346, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.81118

Heat island phenomenon and thermal comfort under different land use patterns in urban and suburban areas of Mymensingh

2024-05-29T12:00:33+00:00

The study was carried out to observe the formation of urban heat island (UHI) under different land use patterns (built-up area, vegetated area, water body and bare soil) in Mymensingh city. Temperature and relative humidity of 30 years (1987-2016) were collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured at three hours interval on 18 July, 10 August and 10 September, 2017 over selected locations of Mymensingh city and of its suburban rural area (Phulpur upazila) using Thermo-hygro data logger to investigate the heat island phenomena and heat stress condition. During the period of 1987-2016, annual average temperature increased by 0.0094 °C/year in Mymensingh city. In comparison with the rate of temperature increase in its suburban rural area, the rate of increase in Mymensingh city was higher indicating the existence of urban heat island in this city. In Mymensingh city, the highest (38.5 °C) temperature was found in built-up area in July and the lowest (27 °C) was found in water body in August. In Phulpur, temperature was also highest in July with the maximum of 35.8 °C and lowest in August (35 °C). Temperature was higher both in day and night in Mymensingh city compared to Phulpur rural area, signalling the urban warming phenomenon (UHI) in Mymensingh city. In Mymensingh, maximum urban heat island intensity (UHII) was 5.2 °C in July and minimum was 0.6 °C in September. UHII was higher at midnight and after that it gradually decreased. Thermo hygrometric index (THI) ranged from 28.8 °C to 32.1°C for Mymensingh city and 25.7 °C to 31.5 ° C for Phulpur rural area indicates the more comfortable condition in Phulpur rural area. The study revealed that increased imperviousness in urban area increased the urban heat island phenomena compare to its surrounding suburban rural area.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 347–353, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.76524

Varietal mixture effect on the disease incidence and severity of bacterial blight in rice

2024-05-29T12:54:19+00:00

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is an important disease of rice in Bangladesh. The experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh during the period from July to December 2017. Two T. Aman (monsoon) rice varieties viz. Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan49 were used in this study. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the disease incidence and severity of BB during the growing period considering spatial arrangement of alternate rows and hills with nine different ratios (1:0, 1:2, 2:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:4, 4:2, 1:1, 0:1). The effect of varietal mixtures on combined grain yield was also observed in this experiment. Rice cultivation with the varietal mixture ratios of 2:1 (2 rows Binadhan-13 : 1 row BRRI dhan49) and 1:1 (1 row Binadhan-13 : 1 row BRRI dhan49) considering the spatial arrangement of alternate rows showed minimum disease incidence at 60 and 90 days after transplanting (DAT) respectively, whereas 2:1 mixture ratio was also reduced disease severity at 60 and 90 DAT compared to all other varietal mixtures ratios including sole cultivation of both the varieties. Disease incidence and severity of BB was also reduced by the spatial arrangement of alternate hills and the best mixture ratio was 2:1 (2 rows Binadhan-13: 1 row BRRI dhan49) for low disease incidence and severity at 60 and 90 DAT, whereas 1:1 ratio (1 row Binadhan-13 : 1 row BRRI dhan49) of hill orientation reduced disease incidence and severity at 60 and 90 DAT compared to some other treatments including sole cultivation. All the mixed culture, irrespective of mixture ratio and spatial arrangement, resulted in higher grain yield than sole culture yield. In case of alternate hill, the highest grain yield of 5.32 t/ha was recorded when Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan49 were planted in 1:1 ratio, which was respectively 1.79 t/ha (50.56%) and 0.56 t/ha (11.74%) higher than sole culture yield of Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan49. In case of alternate row arrangement, cultivation of Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan49 in 1:1 ratio resulted in the maximum grain yield of 5.22 t/ha which was respectively 1.69 t/ha (47.7%) and 0.46 t/ha (9.6%) highr than Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan49 sole culture yields. Thus cultivar mixture confirms reduced incidence and severity of BB and rice yield advantage over sole culture.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 354–361, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.76259

Increasing yield of maize through potash fertilizer management in saline soil

2024-05-29T13:45:27+00:00

Soil salinity is a serious abiotic stress which restricts the crop growth in saline soil. In spite of having huge effort globally, still there is a limited success in developing technology for sustainable saline soil management. The present experiment aimed at reducing the detrimental effect of salt on crops by judicious use of K fertilizer in saline soils. The experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2017 in farmers’ field of Tajepara village of Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district, Bangladesh. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, each plot size being 5 × 3 m. There were nine treatments, namely control or K omission (T1), next four treatments consisting of 100% recommended K fertilizer dose (RKFD) (T2), 125% RKFD (T3), 150% RKFD (T4) and 175% RKFD (T5) which were applied as basal; another four treatments having 100% RKFD (T6), 125% RKFD (T7), 150% RKFD (T8) and 175% RKFD (T9) applied in two equal splits- one half as basal and one half at 55 days after sowing. The test crop was maize and the variety was ACI Hybrid maize (Don 111). The results revealed that salinity mostly affected reproductive growth, not vegetative growth. Application of K fertilizer significantly reduced the deleterious effect of soil salinity. The K fertilizer recommendation (100% RKFD) as outlined in FRG-2012 was found insufficient, a 25 % higher rate was found as the best for achieving higher yield of maize in saline soil. Split application (half basal+half at 55 DAS) of K was found better than single basal application. The 125% rate of K application is therefore recommended for growing maize in coastal saline soils of Bangladesh.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 362–366, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.76119

Effectiveness of Beauveria bassiana and three selected botanicals on controlling Idioscopus clypealis and increasing mango fruit set and fruit retention

2024-05-29T13:50:27+00:00

This study was carried out to study the effects of a microbial pesticides (Beauveria bassiana) and three botanicals (Neem, Mahogany and Karanja oils) for the management of mango hopper (Idioscopus clypealis) to increase the fruit set and retention of mango. The experiment was conducted mat Aqua, Mymensingh, Bangladesh following randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each of the botanicals and microbial pesticides was used with 3 different doses (1%, 2% and 3%). The observation on fruit set after pesticides application showed that the highest percentage of fruit setting was found in 1% Beauveria bassiana (8.33%) that was statistically similar to 2% Beauveria bassiana and the lowest number of fruit setting (3.6%) was found in 1% Mahogany oil. Among the botanicals, 3% neem oil (11.46%) had better performance on fruit setting. Observation on fruit retention after pesticides application showed that the percentage of fruit retention was maximum (10.50%) in 1% Beauveria bassiana and the lowest (4.86%) was found in 1% Mahogany oil. Among botanicals, 3% neem oil (8.07%) had better performance on fruit retention. Overall results suggested that Beauveria bassiana as a microbial pesticide performed better than botanicals for the mango fruit set and retention and it can be used as a promising microbial pesticide to ensure the quality mango production.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 367–372, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.75456

Effect of nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield and proximate composition of selected sorghum varieties

2024-05-29T13:56:36+00:00

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Botany Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the effect of varieties and different doses of nitrogen on growth and yield parameters of sorghum. It was a two factorial experiment. Factor one consisted of three levels of nitrogen viz. 69, 92, 115 kg N ha^-1 and factor two consisted of four varieties of sorghum viz. BD700, BD707, BD722 and Hybrid Sorgo. The experiment was laid out following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result revealed that both variety and application of nitrogen doses had significant effect on all of the morphological and physiological characters (plant height, total number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, relative greenness (SPAD value), Fv/Fm value); yield contributing characters (panicle length, branches per panicle, grain yield) at harvesting stage and proximate composition of grain and leaf (crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and total ash). The tallest plant, maximum fresh and dry weight of shoot, less crude fiber were recorded from BD722 when treated with 69 kg N ha^-1. The longest panicles, highest number of branches per panicle, maximum grain yield were produced from the same variety (BD 722) with 92 kg N ha^-1. The maximum SPAD value, nitrogen free extract and ash in leaf were found in the same variety (BD722) with 115 kg N ha^-1. The maximum crude protein and ether extract in leaf was recorded in Hybrid Sorgo with treatment combination 90 and 92 kg N ha^-1, respectively. The minimum plant height, fresh and dry weight of shoot, length of internodes, relative greenness of leaf, panicle length, grain yield, crude protein and ash was found in BD707. Among the varieties tested, BD722 was the best in terms of growth characters with 69 kg N ha^-1 and in terms of physiological, yield and yield contributing characters with 92 kg N ha^-1. Both BD722 and Hybrid Sorgo showed the best performance in chemical composition with different N treatments. On the other hand, BD707 showed inferior performance in all plant characters.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 373–378, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.73998

Influence of bioslurry on the growth, yield and nutritional status of Indian Spinach

2024-05-29T15:13:41+00:00

The fertility and productivity of cultivable land has been declining day by day due to imbalance use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted at the shade house of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from February, 2018 to March, 2019 in order to evaluate the influence of bioslurry on growth, yield and nutritional status of Indian spinach. The two-factor experiment comprised with two varieties of Indian spinach viz., BARI Puishak-1 and BARI Puishak-2 and five levels of bioslurry namely no bioslurry and no fertilizer (control), 10, 15, 20 ton/ha bioslurry and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Results showed that BARI Puishak-2 performed superior in respect of growth, yield contributing traits and nutritional constituents as compared to BARI Puishak-1. In case of treatments, the highest value of vine length, leaf number, branches per plant, leaf area, dry mater, yield and nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and sodium) were achieved from the recommended inorganic fertilizers while those parameters were the lowest in control plants. The combination of BARI Puishak-2 with recommended inorganic fertilizers showed the highest vine length, leaf number, number of branch per plant, stem diameter, leaf area, dry mater, yield and nutritional status, while those parameters were lowest in BARI Puishak-1 with control treatment. However, the results of the study revealed that bioslurry 20 ton/ha showed nearly similar performance as recommended inorganic fertilizers. Since, bioslurry contains sufficient amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, therefore, it could be the effective alternative sources of nutrients instead of chemical fertilizers for sustainable and eco-friendly production of Indian spinach.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 379–387, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.72909

Economic evaluation of five years aged mango-based agroforestry practices established in the deforested land in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh

2024-05-29T15:20:14+00:00

The study was carried out from July 2018 to June 2019 to analyze the economic profitability of mango-based agroforestry practices established in the deforested land in the Madhupur Sal forest. A sample of 5 years old established promising five Mango-based agroforestry practices viz. Mango- Pineapple-Ginger-Papaya-Banana-Turmeric, Mango-Pineapple-Ginger-Papaya-Banana, Mango- Turmeric-Papaya-Aroid, Mango-Lemon-Turmeric and Mango-Pineapple along with a nonagroforestry combination (except mango tree) for each of the respective practices having 0.12 ha plot area were selected through literature review, practical observation and consult with the community. A total of 100 farmers in which 10 for each of the respective combinations were selected for collecting required data. In order to evaluate the economic performances, data related to tree and crop parameters were collected from the respective plots as well as individual farmers in order to calculate the incurred cost, gross return, net profit, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and land equivalent ratio (LER). The results revealed that the total calculated gross return (Tk/ha) and net profit (Tk/ha) for five years of the selected Mango-based agroforestry practices were 1076344, 956095, 816520, 443633, 253686 and 688925, 584723, 467892, 162817, 7998 respectively. While the total gross return (Tk/ha) and net profit (Tk/ha) for five years of the selected non-agroforestry combinations were 622886, 503430, 298289, 283782, 185968 and 356742, 248505, 89955, 89299, 5468 respectively. Among them the highest (1076344 Tk/ha and 688925 Tk/ha) gross return and net profit incurred for Mango-Pineapple- Ginger-Papaya-Banana-Turmeric based agroforestry practice than its non-agroforestry combinations (622886 Tk/ha and 356742 Tk/ha). The BCR and LER of the selected Mango-based agroforestry practices were 2.78, 2.57, 2.34, 1.57, 1.03 and 3.27, 2.76, 2.32, 1.93, 1.37 respectively which indicates, that all the selected Mango-based agroforestry practices were profitable. Therefore, it can be concluded that the economic performance of mango-based agroforestry practice is more profitable than the sole cropping system.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 388–394, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.72568

Mineral nutritional status of blast infected rice plant and allied soil

2024-05-29T15:28:48+00:00

In recent years, the outbreak of rice blast is causing severe damage to rice production in Bangladesh. A research work was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to determine the concentration of different plant nutrients in rice blast infected plant and allied prior to harvest soil samples and also to recognize the role of plant nutrients in rice blast disease outbreak through comparing them with different reference values. A total of 20 infected mature rice plants and allied prior to harvest soil samples were randomly collected from Gazipur sadar upazila and Mymensingh sadar upazila of Bangladesh in April 2018. Comparison with the reference value suggested that Si and Ca concentrations in all the infected rice plant samples, and S and Mg concentrations of 70% samples were within the low level and K concentration in all the infected samples were found at very low level. The concentrations of P in all the plant samples were within the high level and the concentration of B was greater than the high level as compared to the reference values. The available concentrations of P, K and Si in soil samples was low but B concentration was high and the concentration of S was adequate. On the other hand, Ca and Zn concentrations of 70% and 60% samples were within the high category, respectively. The analyzed result revealed that available Ca concentration in soil was adequate but the plant could not uptake enough Ca and it found at a low level in the infected plant. Both soil and plant samples contained a high level of B which might lead to toxicity and increase the susceptibility of rice plants for blast infection. Both the collected plants and allied prior to harvest soil samples contained low amount of Si which might be the reason for the occurrence of blast disease in rice. Plant nutrients like Ca, B and Si should be considered in outlining rice blast disease management plan due to their vital role.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 395–404, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.81279

Zero-till drill for the establishment of mungbean and comparison of its performance with the conventional method

2024-05-29T17:13:05+00:00

The conventional method of mungbean (Vigna radiata) cultivation is direct broadcasting involves land preparation and seeding which is laborious, time-consuming and cost-intensive. Conservation agriculture-based technologies are becoming increasingly popular among the farmers due to having early planting scope, the minimum cost of production, improving soil health and sustainable environment. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a power tiller operated zerotill drill for the adoption in mungbean cultivation. Overall performance was evaluated based on seed rate, number of plants per unit area, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and grain yield, net saving and benefit-cost ratio, and compared with the conventional method. Results showed that average seed rate was 30.0 kg/ha and 35.5 kg/ha for zero tillage and conventional method respectively, which indicates that 5.5 kg of seed per ha was saved with zero tillage system. Besides, zero tillage system could maintain a uniform depth of planting with better seed-soil contact. The average number of plants, pods per plant, seed per pods and yield per hectare were higher in zero tillage system compared to the conventional method. Mungbean yield under zero tillage system was 30.4% higher than the conventional method. Furthermore, from an economic viewpoint, zero tillage system is suitable for mungbean cultivation because it could save the production cost by 20.9% and increased net saving by 60.9% than the conventional method. Furthermore, a higher benefit-cost ratio was obtained from the zero tillage system (BCR = 3.2) than the conventional system (BCR = 1.6) which indicates that zero tillage system is profitable than the conventional method.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 509–515, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.81033

Utilization of pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalamus) processing waste in preparation of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish feed

2024-05-29T17:17:43+00:00

The study was conducted for three months at the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University to reveal the utilization of waste of as (Pangasianodon hypophthalamus) processing plants in the supplementary diets of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) in pond system to compare the growth performance of fishes with other two diets; one prepared in the laboratory with plant ingredients and another diet was purchased from market. In this study, feed formulated with pangas processing waste was named as Diet-2, feed formulated with plant source ingredients was named as Diet-3 while commercial feed which was purchased from market was named as Diet-1 and used as control Diet. These three diets were assigned to three treatments viz. T2, T3 and T1. Protein contents of diets were found 32.84%, 29.63% and 28.92% respectively. The water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH) of the experimental ponds were monitored at 10 days of interval during the experimental period in different treatments. The results of the study showed that the weight increment for different treatments significantly varied and the highest weight gain in tilapia (175 ± 1.25 g) was found for Diet-2. The highest Specific Growth Rate (SGR; %/day) was 2.21% /day for Diet1. The Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) value obtained for Diet-2 (1.06) was lowest whereas Diet-3 (1.21) performed better than Diet-1 (1.16). The average protein efficiency ratio (PER) of Diet-2 (5.33) differed much compared to that of Diet-3 (5.21) and Diet-1 (5.56). The highest survival rate (%) of tilapia was 93.86%, found for Diet-2. The highest net production of tilapia was estimated 3879.2 kg/ha for Diet-2. To make the feed cost effective, inclusion of pangas processing waste along with other ingredients in tilapia diet (Diet-2) had a great significance. The calculated cost of each kilogram of Diet-2, Diet-3 and Diet-1 were 37.47 BDT, 42.10 BDT and 43.60 BDT, respectively. Based on the observation of present study, it could be recommended that, the waste materials from pangas processing plants can be better utilized as a source of protein in the diets of tilapia fish and at the same time it may contribute in reducing the environment pollution cased due to improper management of the fish industry.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 516–523, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.95923

Quality evaluation of mince-based fish burger from tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) during frozen storage

2024-05-29T17:23:44+00:00

Biochemical, microbial and sensory qualities of burger patty and fish mince prepared from Mozambique tilapia were determined during frozen storage condition (-18 ºC) up to 75 days. Significant decrease (P>0.05) in moisture and lipid contents of mince and burger were observed during the storage period although moisture and lipid contents of burger was higher than the mince. Protein content of mince and burger reduced at the end of storage period however, reduction rate was not significant (p>0.05) and protein content of burger was slightly higher than that of mince. Ash content of both mince and burger increased significantly (p<0.05) throughout the storage period and ash content in burger was higher than that of mince. TVB-N content in fish mince and burger increased significantly (p<0.05). The pH value increased in both groups but the rate of increment was not significant (p>0.05). Microbial load of burger was found higher than mince but microbial load of both groups remained under maximum allowable count until the end of the storage period. Sensory parameters (color, texture, taste and overall acceptability) of burger decreased significantly (p<0.05), whereas, all parameters other than texture remained in good condition until the end of the storage period.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 524–528, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.86202

Phyto-quantitative assessment and influence of Erythrophleum suaveolens extracts on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

2024-05-29T17:32:57+00:00

The study investigated phytotoxic effects of aqueous Erythrophleum suaveolens stem bark (AES) at 3.00, 2.25, 1.50 and 0.75 g/ L while leaf (AEL) at 3.50, 2.63, 1.75 and 0.88 g/ L extracts as treatments on 300 samples of Clarias gariepinus. Static non-renewal bio-assay test was used to determine the 96-hr acute toxicity while exposed the fish to 1/ 10^th of LC₅₀ for 28 days in sub-lethal tests. Results showed that tannins, saponins and oxalate were higher in AES while flavonoids, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides and phenols were higher in AEL. Levels of DO reduced in the treatments unlike in control, pH varied without changing the media slightly alkaline condition, Temperature was significantly different across the treatments, EC rose as levels of treatments increased more than in control. The TDS increased except at 2.63 g/ L and higher in the treatments than control. Occurrences of air gulping, discolouration, erratic swimming and resting at the bottom of the containers were alike as the concentrations of the extracts increased. The fish gained weight across the treatments and more in the AEL than AES; their 87.52 % and 96.41 %, respectively influenced LC₅₀ of the fish. In conclusion, the AEL exhibited higher phytotoxic effect on the fish than aqueous E. suaveolens stem bark.

J Bangladesh Agril Univ 18(2): 529–536, 2020

https://doi.org/10.5455/JBAU.78025