SAARC Journal of Agriculture

Molecular Diversity Analysis of Some Selected Brri Developed Rice Varieties Using Ssr Markers

2023-09-04T09:11:28+00:00

Molecular characterization of 26 modern rice varieties of Bangladesh was performed using 52 simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) to estimate the genetic diversity and to reveal genetic relationships among rice cultivars. A total of 156 alleles were detected where the number of alleles per locus generated by each marker varied from 2 to 7, with an average of 3. The band size for a given microsatellite locus ranged from 79 to 278 bp. The polymorphism information content (PIC) for the SSR loci ranged from 0.08 to 0.79, with an average of 0.35. RM566 was the best marker for identification and variability assessment of varieties as revealed by PIC values. A UPGMA dendrogram generated using the NTSYS-pc revealed four clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.55, whereas phylogenetic cluster analysis of the SSR data based on Nei-genetic distance divided the varieties into three groups. Two- and three-dimensional graphical views of principal coordinate analysis showed the spatial distribution of the varieties and revealed that BRRI dhan56, BRRI dhan51, BRRI dhan52, BRRI dhan61, BRRI dhan62 and BRRI dhan66 were found far away from the centroid of the cluster. The findings of this study are helpful for varietal identification, background selection during backcross breeding and for selecting the suitable genetically diverse parents for crossing programs.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 1-14 (2023)

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and its contributing traits in Barley (Hordeum vulgar L.)

2023-12-11T05:56:55+00:00

In breeding programs, direct selection based on crop yields is paradoxical due to its complex polygenically inherited nature, that is impacted by its component traits. To determine the degree of relationship between yield and yield components and other traits in nine barley varieties, a field experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jashore during Rabi 2021–2022. For plant height, disease and insect reaction, and grain yield, substantial heritability together with strong genetic progress as a percentage of mean were detected, indicating a prevalence of additive gene action in the expression of these traits. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, the correlation coefficient between grain yield was shown to be positively correlated with plant height and thousand grain weight, indicating that an increase in these traits will boost grain production. Both genotypic and phenotypic analysis of the path coefficient demonstrated that plant height and thousand grain weight had a direct positive impact on grain production, highlighting the significance of these parameters as the primary contributors to yield. For the purpose of genetically improving barley yield, a genotype with a higher extent of these qualities could be chosen as a parent from among genotypes that already exist.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 15-25 (2023)

Genetic Diversity of Bio-fortified Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) through Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

2023-08-27T06:42:26+00:00

Nepalese lentils are comparatively rich in iron and zinc, making it a potential crop of whole food solution to aid in the global battle against the micronutrient malnutrition. Understanding the genetic basis for uptake of grain iron and zinc is required to increase their stable concentrations along with these minerals in lentils. This study aimed at characterizing genetic variation in micronutrient high grain iron and zinc concentrations and exploring the potential in lentil accessions. A set of 25 lentil accessions was evaluated in two seasons across the three locations and genotyped by using 40 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that are linked with lentil iron and zinc concentrations. Out of the 40 SSR markers, 23 markers were found polymorphic while 12 were monomorphic, and 5 markers were null. These 23 polymorphic markers produced a total of 584 alleles, of which 52 were polymorphic alleles, and average alleles per locus was 11.49. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was done using a mixed linear model (MLM) that identified three SSR markers, PBALC 13, PBALC 206, and GLLC 563, associated with grain Fe concentration, explaining 9% to 11% phenotypic variation, respectively, and four SSR markers (PBALC 353, SSR 317–1, PLC 62, and PBALC 217) associated with grain Zn concentration, explaining 14% to 21% phenotypic variation, respectively. The pairwise genetic similarity index among 25 lentil accessions varied from 0.16 to 0.83. The identified SSRs exhibited consistent performance across two seasons and have potential for utilization in lentil molecular breeding program.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 27-40 (2023)

Effects of Mulching and Plant Spacing on Growth, Yield and Quality of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) in Rapti Riverbed, Dang, Nepal

2023-04-04T07:24:40+00:00

A field experiment was conducted at Rapti riverbed, Dang, Nepal to study the effects of mulching and plant spacing on growth, yield, and fruit quality of Mastana- a hybrid cultivar of watermelon- during February-May 2019. The two-factor experiment had three types of mulching- black silver polythene, rice straw, and control (no mulch), and three different plants spacing- 2m×1m, 2m×1.5m, and 2m×2m. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The result showed both mulching and plant spacing significantly influence growth, yield and quality of watermelon. Considering the mulching materials, the minimum days required for germination (14.44 days), the longest main vine length (316 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (99.42), the highest individual fruit weight (7.30 kg) and fruit yield mt ha^-1 (122.1), the maximum TSS and vitamin C content (12.11°B and 18.76 mg/100 g) were recorded from the plants grown under black silver polythene mulch and the lowest values were recorded from the plants grown without mulching except days required to germination and titratable acidity. In case of plant spacing, the higher yield was recorded in 2m×1m plant spacing (140.3 mt ha^-1) as compared to 2m×1.5m (95.5 mt ha^-1) and 2m×2m (75.2 mt ha^-1). Likewise, effect of plant spacing on the number of leaves plant-1 was significant in 40 DAS, and 80 DAS. Therefore, Mastana, a hybrid cultivar of watermelon is recommended to grow on black silver polythene with 2m×1m plant spacing in Rapti Riverbed conditions.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 41-52 (2023)

Biochemical Changes in the Leaves of Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea) at Different Inoculum Levels of Meloidogyne Incognita in Greenhouse Experiments

2023-12-18T06:42:52+00:00

Root knot nematodes are sedentary parasites that form galls in plant roots thereby reducing the water and nutrient uptake to the plant, impeding the growth, hindering the fruit production, and cause yellowing of leaves and wilting. In this study, an attempt to understand the effect of increasing Meloidogyne incognita infestation on various biochemical parameters in spinach was made. Biochemical analysis of spinach plants with varied nematode inoculum was carried out in plastic pots. Four weeks after planting, freshly hatched second-stage juveniles (J2s) were used as inoculation at the rate of 500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 J2s per pot. Uninoculated plants served as control. Each experiment was replicated three times. After 45 days of inoculation, the plants were pulled out of the pots and analysed for changes in the following biochemical parameters: chlorophyll content, protein content, total phenolic content and defense enzymes (peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases). Plants inoculated with 5000 J2s showed significantly increased levels of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity as compared to the control. Chlorophyll and protein content decreased while the total phenolic content was found to increase with increasing inoculum level. All these parameters showed little to no difference in plants inoculated with 500 J2s as compared to controls.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 53-66 (2023)

Late Sowing and Irrigation Cutback Effects on Yield and Economic Performances of Dry Direct Seeded Boro Rice

2023-08-06T05:56:50+00:00

Dry direct seeding (DDS) is a water saving rice cultivation technology. The sowing of dry direct seeded rice in boro season is generally delayed when grown under the T. aman rice – Rabi crops – DDS boro rice pattern. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the effect of sowing date and irrigation schedule on growth and yield of DDS boro rice. The experiment used two sets of treatments (a) two sowing dates viz. 22 February and 13 March; and (b) six irrigation regimes viz. no irrigation, one irrigation at 25% Field Capacity (FC), two irrigations at 25% FC and 1 week after (WA) 25% FC, three irrigations at 25% FC, 1WA 25% FC and 2 WA 25% FC, four irrigations at 25% FC, 1 WA 25% FC, 2 WA 25% FC and 3 WA 25% FC and one irrigation at 3 weeks after 25% FC and the treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications allocating sowing dates into the main plot and irrigation schedule into the subplots. BRRI dhan58 was used as test crop. The result showed that grain yield of the crop did not differ significantly for sowing on 13 March and 22 February. The study revealed that BRRI dhan58 sown on 13 March with four irrigations applied at 25% FC, 1 WA 25% FC, 2 WA 25% FC and 3 WA 25% FC produced the highest economic return and hence it is concluded that the sowing date of boro rice could be delayed up to 13 March with four irrigations.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 67-80 (2023)

Effect of Seed Priming on Germination, Seedling Emergence and Development of Spring Rice Var. Hardinath-1

2023-08-02T04:45:41+00:00

Poor germination percentage and non-uniform seedling emergence and establishment are major causes of low rice yield in water-deficit arid ecosystems. A seed priming study with a low concentration of MoP, DAP, urea, vitamin C, ZnSO4, sucrose, NaCl, and hydro priming was conducted to assess the seed germination, seedling emergence, establishment, and seedling growth of the spring rice variety Hardinath-1. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications. Two test sets of experiments were carried out using blotting paper rolls and separate sand trays. Germination was observed at intervals of 24 hours up to 7 days, and germination and growth parameters were monitored. The results showed that germination (88.67%) and seedling emergence (88.67%) were high in vitamin C at 7 days after sowing (DAS). Germination energy (81%), germination speed (91.78%), and vigor index (91.78) were higher with seed priming of MoP. The lowest germination (56.44%) was observed with the priming of urea. At 30 DAS, the longest shoot length (19.93 cm) and longest root length (11.79 cm) were observed with the priming of ZnSO4. The highest seedling fresh weight (0.75 g) and dry weight (0.16 g), the highest number of leaves (3.57), and the longest leaf length (11.97 cm) were found with the priming of MoP, NaCl, and ZnSO4, respectively. However, the lowest seedling growth parameters were observed in the control priming. The overall results revealed that seed priming with MoP is an effective tool to enhance the germination percentage and seedling establishment of rice.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 81-93 (2023)

Wheat Crop Productivity in the Mungbean – Wheat Cropping System in Rainfed Area of Potohar Pakistan

2023-12-24T09:37:22+00:00

Crop rotations have always a vital role in balancing of inter crops nutritional management, inhibiting of soil degradation, reduction of biotic and a biotic stress and in adapting to climate change. Potohar region is divided into three distinct rainfall zones i.e. high rainfall (>750 mm of annual rainfall), medium (500 to 750 mm) and low rainfall (<500 mm). Wheat is main rabi season crop of this region, while during kharif season groundnut, maize and sorghum are mostly planted in some areas, however maximum area is kept fallow and farmers plough it up for a number of times to conserve rain water for the planting of wheat crop. During two different crop seasons (2014-15 and 2016-17), adaptation plots of Mungbean-Wheat cropping system in comparison with Fallow-Wheat cropping system were planted on five different farmer’s fields, in the medium and high rainfall zones of this region. During both years yields of both Mungbean and wheat crop varied from field to field, especially due to rainfalls timings and their quantities, soil conditions, cropping systems and crop management etc. During cropping seasons 2014-15 and 2016-17, wheat crop grain yields were recorded 3.80 t/ha and 2.92 t/ha respectively in Mungbean - Wheat cropping system as compared with Fallow-Wheat cropping system having yields of 3.15 t/ha and 2.85 t /ha respectively. Overall results show that Mungbean-Wheat cropping system is not only economically better but is also soil health and environment friendly. It can also be helpful in the promotion of climate smart agriculture in this region.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 95-107 (2023)

Evaluation of the Potentiality of Eight Advanced Populations of Brassica Rapa L. Based on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters

2023-12-11T03:54:17+00:00

In a study conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University from November 2018 to February 2019, eight advanced populations of Brassica rapa L. were assessed to explore their variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlations and path coefficient considering twelve yield-contributing traits. Significant variation was observed among all populations for all traits. Minimum difference between phenotypic and genotypic variance was noted in most of the traits, while high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation occurred in the number of secondary branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant, thousand seed weight, and seed yield per plant. Traits like days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, and days to 80% maturity exhibited high heritability with low genetic advance. Conversely, the number of siliquae per plant demonstrated high heritability with high genetic advance, suggesting potentiality for trait selection. Correlation analysis identified significant positive associations between seed yield per plant and several traits. Path coefficient analysis highlighted direct positive effects on seed yield per plant from days to 80% maturity, root length, number of secondary branches per plant, and thousand seed weight. Chronologically, G6 performed the best showcasing most of the traits especially seed yield per plant and days to 80% maturity which can be considered as important breeding material for improvement of B. rapa L.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 109-118 (2023)

Diversity of Plant Species in Moringa-Based Homestead of Jaintiapur Upazila in Sylhet District

2023-12-10T09:27:32+00:00

Homestead agroforestry is crucial for food, fiber, and other necessities which are required outside the conventional forests. Thus, homestead agroforestry meets the criteria for a sustainable forest management scheme, providing a better way for biodiversity conservation. Moringa based homestead agroforestry in Sylhet has an opportunity to encourage species diversity for its various structural properties. This paper explores the plant species diversity of Moringa based homestead area at Jaintiapur upazila in Sylhet. Personal interviews were conducted from June 2022 to September 2022 with 40 randomly selected respondents who were involved in Moringa-based homestead agroforestry. Shannon-Wiener Diversity Indices (SWDI) was used to explore the plant species diversity index. In the study area identified plant species were 50.0% fruits, 26.3% vegetables, 15.8% timber and 7.9% medicinal plants. Among all the plant species, the higher diversity was found in fruit species followed by timber species, vegetable species and medicinal species. Most of plant species were found in boundary side of homestead area. Vegetable plant diversity was found high (Hʹ = 0.94-0.72), fruit species was also high (Hʹ = 0.99-0.69), medicinal species was medium to high (Hʹ = 0.62-0.97) and timber plant species was high (Hʹ =0.86-0.94) in different homestead areas. It may be concluded that plant species diversity as observed in Moringa based homestead area could be a good option for biodiversity conservation in Sylhet area of Bangladesh.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 119-129 (2023)

Berseem Clover (Trifolium Alexandrinum L.) Seed Yield and Seed Quality Response to Irrigation Frequency and Foliar Spray of Plant Bio-Regulators

2023-12-20T03:03:51+00:00

The primary challenges in Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) seed production in Nepal are low productivity levels and substandard quality indicators. To address this issue, the experiments were conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Khajura, Banke, Nepal, and replicated in farmers' fields using a Randomized Complete Block Design from November 2018 to June 2019. Four irrigation schemes and three levels of foliar sprays of plant bio-regulators were used. The experiment result revealed that three and four irrigations were most suitable for achieving higher seed yield (p<0.05), resulting in 0.99 and 0.93 t ha^-1 at on-station and 0.87 and 0.85 t ha^-1 at on-farm, respectively. Similarly, two and three sprays of plant bio-regulators yielded better (p<0.05) seed yields of 0.89 and 0.94 t ha^-1 at on-station and 0.79 and 0.85 t ha^-1 at on-farm, respectively, without significant alteration on days taken to seed maturity and biological yield. The interactions between the levels of irrigation and plant bio-regulators spray were non-significant (p>0.05) for seed yield and biological yield. The experiments demonstrated that three irrigations @ 666.67 kiloliters of water ha^-1 at 15-day intervals after one cut at 60 days after sowing, and three foliar sprays of plant bio-regulators (P2O5 @ 2 kg ha^-1 + KNO3 @ 4 kg ha^-1) at 7-day intervals in the pre-flowering stage, significantly enhanced the seed yield and quality of Berseem clover.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 131-143 (2023)

Effect of Native Trichoderma as Seed Treatment on Germination and Seedling Performance of Lentil Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress Conditions

2023-09-07T04:45:47+00:00

Physiological and water stress conditions substantially impede seed germination and the establishment of plant population. In 2020, a study was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) to identify potential Trichoderma strains that could alleviate physiological and water stress in germinating seeds. To create physiological stress, seeds were kept in an incubator at high relative humidity (90%) and temperature (40ºC) for 20 days. Similarly, to induce water stress on germinating seeds, Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied in four concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15%). Nine different isolates of Trichoderma were isolated from forest and agricultural soil and conidial suspension was applied to lentil seeds to deposit 107cfu per gram of seeds. For each treatment, a total of one hundred seeds were placed on three layered moist blotter paper and incubated at 25±2°C. Germination was measured after every 24 hours. Under stress conditions, seeds treated with Trichoderma exhibited enhanced germination, root and shoot length, dry and fresh weight of root and shoot of seedlings as compared to untreated seeds. Highest seed germination under physiological stress and water stress was observed with Trichoderma isolates T87, Forest soil and T62, Darchula respectively. Isolate T87, Forest soil demonstrated the highest vigor index of seedlings in stress conditions. Seed treated with Trichoderma isolates also displayed significant improvement in germination under biotic stress induced by Sclerotium rolfsii. Trichoderma isolate T31, Banke showed highest germination under biotic stress. These findings highlight the potential of Trichoderma to enhance plant resilience and promote healthier growth under challenging environmental conditions.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 145-156 (2023)

Ameliorative Effect of Wood Biochar for Cadmium Stress on Soybean (Glycine Max L. Merrill) Growth and Yield

2023-05-24T04:36:35+00:00

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that affects plant growth and yield. Biochar can mitigate the detrimental effect of Cd on plants. To assess effectiveness of wood biochar (WB) in mitigating Cd stress, a pot experiment was conducted with six treatments in Soyabean crop viz., control (0% biochar and no Cd stress), 1.5% WB, 3% WB, 100 mg CdCl₂ Kg^-1 soil, 100 mg CdCl₂ Kg^-1 soil +1.5% WB, 100 mg CdCl₂ Kg^-1 soil +3% WB. The impact of Cd on the growth, physiological status, yield and yield-contributing characters of Soybean were found to be significant (p<0.05). The application of 1.5% and 3% WB significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated Cd toxicity to Soybean under Cd stress conditions. There was no significant difference in the effect of two rates of wood biochar’s (1.5% and 3% WB) on growth, physiological status and yield of Soybean. Therefore, it can be concluded that 1.5% WB is sufficient to reduce toxicity caused by Cd stress in Soybean.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 157-168 (2023)

Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Physio-Chemical Properties of Mustard (Brassica Napus L) Through Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Under Salinity Condition in Satkhira, Bangladesh

2023-08-06T06:14:07+00:00

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield, and physio-chemical properties of mustard (Brassica napus L) during the Rabi season 2021-2022 at the experimental field of BINA (Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture) substation farm, Satkhira, Bangladesh. The experiment had 10 treatments viz. T₁ = 100% RDF (Recommended Dose Fertilizer), T₂ = 75% RDF + 3 ton ha^-1 vermicompost, T₃ = 50% RDF + 5 ton ha^-1 vermicompost, T₄ = 75% RDF + 3 ton ha^-1 cow-dung, T₅ = 50% RDF + 5 ton ha^-1 cow-dung, T₆ = control, T₇ = 3 ton ha^-1 cow-dung, T₈ = 5 ton ha^-1 cow-dung, T₉ = 3 ton ha^-1 vermicompost, T₁₀ = 5 ton ha^-1 vermicompost with three (3) replications in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The combined effect of treatments varied significantly for most of the characters studies. The results revealed that the maximum plant height (cm), No. of primary branches plant^-1, no. of secondary branches plant^-1, total siliqua plant^-1, siliqua length (cm), seeds siliqua^-1, seeds plant^-1, and yield plot^-1 were recorded with the application of 75% RDF + 3 ton ha^-1 vermicompost which was significant over control. The combined effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers was found significant in the growth, yield, and physio-chemical properties of mustard cultivation.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 169-182 (2023)

Effect of the Essential Oil of Zanthoxylum Armatum DC. (Rutaceae) Against Aphid (Aphis Citricidus)

2023-09-08T02:40:43+00:00

Aphids have been considered as a major pest of cultivated crops and invade a wide range of vegetables, cereals, and fruits. Use of synthetic chemical insecticides are the common aphid management practices in the world. The use of chemical insecticides/pesticides raises many concerns associated with the environment, biodiversity and human health. Therefore, the use of natural products such as essential oils have been tested extensively to assess their insecticidal and repellent activity. In this study different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) of essential oil (EO) from seeds of Zanthoxylum armatum were tested for their insecticidal and repellent activity for aphids using direct toxicity and repellency method. Results revealed that mortality and repellency were concentrations and exposure time dependent. Mean mortality percentage increased with the increasing concentration and exposure time. 100% mortality was observed in 0.5% concentration after 48 hrs exposure time. However, repellent activity increases with the increasing concentration and decreases with the increasing exposure time. The maximum repellence percentage (96.29%) was achieved in 0.5% oil concentration after 24 hrs of exposure time. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of three major compounds such as Eucalyptol (46.47%), Methyl Cis-Cinnamate (11.13%), and D-Limonene (7.10%) reported as insecticidal activity.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 183-194 (2023)

The Manual, Chemical, Cultural, and Integrated Weed Management in Soybean Production

2023-08-21T13:29:05+00:00

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, from December 2021 to April 2022 to study the effect of weed management practices in soybean (Glycine max L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized three-Complete Block Design (RCBD) with twelve weed management treatments- no weeding (Control), two hand weeding (at 15 and 30 DAS), pre-emergence herbicide (Herbilin 33% EC @ 400 ml ha^-1), post-emergence herbicide Irish EC @ 1200 ml ha^-1, pre + post-emergence herbicide, pre-emergence + 1 hand weeding {40 days after sowing (DAS)}, post-emergence herbicide + 1 hand weeding (40 DAS), pre + post-emergence herbicide + 1 hand weeding(40 DAS), straw mulching, intercrop with Amaranthus dubius, and Zea mays, and weed-free. The experimental result showed among seven different weed species found, Cyperus rotundus was the most prevalent weed, with the highest weed density (123 and 128.67 m^-2) and relative weed emergence (43.16 and 38.79 %) in the control plot at 30 and 60 DAS. The treatment pre + post-emergence herbicide + 1 hand weeding (40 DAS) showed the longest pod length (4.16 cm) and number of seeds pod^-1 (3.89). The weed-free treatment resulted in the highest 1000-seed weight (111.00 g), seed yield (1.86 t ha^-1), stover yield (2.16 t ha^-1), biological yield (4.03t ha^-1), and harvest index (46.35 %). However, the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.85) was obtained under post-emergence herbicide (Irish EC) treatment. Therefore, applying Irish EC was the best broad-spectrum effective herbicide to manage the various weed floras in soybeans for profit.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 195-206 (2023)

Production Performances, Meat and Egg Quality, and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Three Native Chicken Genotypes: Laying at Seventh Generation

2023-06-04T05:36:30+00:00

The present study was conducted to assess the laying performances and compare the performances of three native chicken genotypes under intensive management. Egg production was recorded up to 280 days. For Kadaknath (K), a total of 500 pedigree hatched day old chicks were identified individually by wing band. In seventh generation, 26.19%, 10.89% and 18.18% birds of Non-descript Deshi (ND), Hilly (HI) and Naked Neck (NN) had laid egg ranged 80-89%. Chick weight was not affected (p>0.05) by genotype. Fertility of ND, HI and NN was 88.96%, 87.03% and 86.67%, respectively. Significantly (p<0.001) the highest hatchability (90.85%) was found in ND compared to HI (89.25%) and NN (83.94%). The highest egg production number of ND, HI and NN were 79.08, 69.33 and 74.86, respectively. In this study, the average HDEP% of ND, HI and NN were found to be 56.48, 49.52 and 53.47, respectively. Body weight at first lay is 1111.0g and at 8th week is 685.4g. FCR at 0-8 week is 3.0. Significantly (p<0.05) the lowest glucose content was found in K chicken (4.34mMol/L) compared to HI (7.34mMol/L)), NN (5.88mMol/L) and ND (5.76mMol/L). Iron content of blood was non-significantly highest in K chicken compared to other three native chickens. Haemoglobin content of blood was non-significantly highest in HI chicken. ND was superior for egg production, fertility and hatchability traits. No extra ordinary result was found in case of Kadaknath chicken.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 207-216 (2023)

Impacts of COVID-19 on Livestock Production in Sudur Paschim Province of Nepal: Assessing Government Interventions and Lessons Learned

2023-09-05T12:40:02+00:00

This study examines the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on livestock sectors in Sudur Paschim Province (far western province) of Nepal with a focus on the government's response. Analyzing provincial interventions in the livestock sector, we present findings from a primary survey and interviews with livestock farmers, agri-business traders, market agents, and key stakeholders across Kanchanpur, Kailali, Doti, and Achham districts. These districts represent the diverse agro-climatic conditions of far western Nepal. Using mixed methods, we combine qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the impact on livelihoods, business performances, employment, and income for livestock farmers and traders compared to the pre-pandemic scenario of 2019. The pandemic significantly disrupted the livestock and fresh meat production system due to supply chain disruptions, affecting all stakeholders – farmers, producers, suppliers, traders, agro-businesses, and consumers. The repercussions varied among these actors. Dairy farmers experienced a 50-60 percentage income loss, while poultry farmers had to sell birds at half price. The dairy, poultry, and fish sub-sectors were particularly hard-hit. Despite government support, assistance primarily reached well-off farmers and larger businesses rather than smallholders. This study not only underscores lessons learned for Nepal in managing the pandemic and similar disasters but also offers insights for other countries in South Asia facing comparable constraints and opportunities. By investigating the pandemic's repercussions and government interventions in Nepal, this research contributes to better preparedness and response strategies for future crises in livestock and agriculture.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 217-226 (2023)

Climate Change Effects on Livestock Production in Bangladesh and Its Economic Impacts

2023-08-06T05:36:28+00:00

This study aims to understand how climate change affects livestock production in Bangladesh from 1971 to 2020 and its economic impacts. Different econometric tests, such as unit root tests, Johansen cointegration test, and the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method, are used to conduct the study. The findings show that livestock production is negatively impacted by higher temperatures, increased precipitation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions leads to global warming and increase the mortality rate of livestock. Additionally, higher temperatures result in decreased metabolism, reduced feed intake, and increased heat stress. Excessive rainfall creates a damp and humid environment, leading to various diseases. On the other hand, lower temperatures and flood-affected areas have positive effects on livestock production. Warmer minimum temperatures improve water quality, reduce diseases and parasites, and enhance the breeding success of livestock. Floods provide increased water availability, sediments, nutrients, and more grassland. The economic influences caused by climate change in the livestock sector are massive. This has adverse effects on farms' profitability, employment rates, income, insurance expenses, production costs, and demand-pull inflation. Notably, from 2009 to 2020, the livestock industry suffers substantial economic losses due to climate change. To mitigate climate change's impact on livestock production in Bangladesh, implementing improved livestock management techniques, efficient water systems, resilient animal breeds, and alternative feed sources is crucial. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, agricultural institutions, and international organizations are essential to encouraging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 227-238 (2023)

Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Reduces Bacterial Load in Live Feeds in Aquaculture

2023-08-16T07:39:36+00:00

Live feeds are one of the route of entry of pathogenic bacteria in larval rearing systems in aquaculture. Current study discusses the disinfection of bacteria associated with live feed (Artemia nauplii) using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). More than 90 % of Aeromonas hydrophila in solution and total bacteria associated with live feed were killed on exposure to 5 μM of curcumin under photoexcitation for 30 minutes. The cell wall of A. hydrophila was disrupted by the reactive oxygen species generated by photoexcited curcumin. Up to 50 μM curcumin and their photoexcitation products were not toxic to Artemia nauplii. The findings of the current study propose photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy as a propitious tool for One Health approach and restricting the use of antibiotics in aquaculture settings.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 239-250 (2023)

Effect of Plant Spacing and Mulching on Growth, Yield and Quality of Squash

2024-01-14T09:34:09+00:00

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research field of Horticulture Research Centre Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh, during October 2018 to February 2019to find out the effect of plant spacingand mulchon yield and yield attributes of squash. The experiment comprised two sets of treatments viz., (a) Plant spacing:(i) 1 m × 0.8 m (S1); (ii) 1 m × 1 m (S2) and 1m × 1.5 (S3) and (b)Mulch: (i) No mulch (M1); (ii) Straw mulch(M2) and (iii)Polythene mulch (M3) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety BARI squash-1 was used in this experiment. The results showed that 1m × 1.5 plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield attributes and quality parameters but 1m × 1 m plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield ha-1. Polythene mulch showed significantly the highest fruit plant-1, yield plant-1 and yield ha-1. Fruit size, individual fruit weight and quality parameter did not show any significant difference irrespective of mulching. The interaction between plant spacing and mulch was significant for yield and quality parameters. Based on the study results it is concluded that maximum yield (50.20 t ha-1) was achieved through 1m × 1 m plant spacing with polythene much but higher TSS and vitamin C was found through 1m × 1.5 m plant spacing with polythene much.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 251-261 (2023)

Factors Affecting Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Subsidy in Makwanpur and Dhading Districts of Nepal

2023-09-03T04:41:16+00:00

The government of Nepal has been providing high priority to subsidy programs to support farmers and boost the national economy. Increasing access to and effectiveness of the subsidy program is important to enhance growth of agricultural sector. However, there has always been a concern about access to and effectiveness of the subsidy programs to address the problem of farmers in Nepal. This study was carried out to determine the factors affecting farmers' access to the agricultural subsidy. For this, a multi-stage sampling method was employed, and altogether 120 commercial vegetable growers from Dhading and Makwanpur districts of Nepal were selected using simple random technique. Descriptive statistical tools and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Out of the total sampled households, 55.83% had accessed at least one agricultural subsidy program, and the highest number of sampled households (39.17%) received the subsidy for agricultural tools. The result of binary logistic regression revealed that factors like ethnicity, membership in agricultural groups or co-operatives, farm visit by extension agents, and participation in agricultural training were significantly (p<0.01) influencing farmers' access to agricultural subsidy. Hence, the farmers are suggested to operate through agricultural groups or co-operatives, and the concerned authorities and policymakers should emphasize agricultural extension services and agricultural subsidy simultaneously for synergistic effects.

SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 263-276 (2023)