Essential oil of Acorus calamus L. rhizome from Daman, Makwanpur, Nepal was extracted using Clevenger-type hydro-distillation apparatus and toxicity to Sitophilus zeamais was evaluated. Further, chemical constituents of essential oil were also analyzed by GC-mass spectrometer. The major chemical constituents identified were of β-asarone (79.7%), Methyl isoeugenol (4.08%), Dehydroxy-isocalmendiol (4.03%), Shyobunone (3.27%), (0.93%), δ-Cadinene (0.85%), Epishyobunone (0.68%), and Isoshyobunone (0.47%). For the weevils, when released in methanol diluted sweet flag essential oil treated scintillating vial, LC50 at 24, 48, and 72 hrs were estimated to be 1.23 (y=2.21x-0.22), 0.45 (y=1.68x+0.58) and 0.17 (y=2.98x+2.29) percent concentration of oil respectively. Hundred percent weevil mortality was obtained within 24 hours with 10% concentration while it took more than 120 hrs. with 0.16 % concentration. Essential oil of potential plant could be one of the good alternatives to chemical pesticides in managing storage pests. Essential oil of sweet flag rhizome can be further tested in field and storage pests. MRL should be ascertained to allowable limits as β-asarone has carcinogenic effect at certain level.
Finger millet is the fourth important food crop of Nepal. National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center (NAGRC) holds 1055 accessions of finger millet in its ex-situ depository. These accessions are poorly exploited in breeding programs due to a lack of ample characterization data. A total of 19 landraces were evaluated with Kabre kodo-2 (check) in three replications at Khumaltar, Lalitpur during 2020 and 2021 as pre-breeding experiments. Analysis of variances for agro-morphological traits revealed elite landraces having higher grain and straw yield, earlier maturity, optimum plant height, and blast resistance. NGRC04849 from Rukum produced the highest grain yield (3580 kg/ha) followed by NGRC01497 from Jajarkot (3567 kg/ha), NGRC05050 i.e. Kabre kodo-2 (3434 kg/ha) and NGRC06490 from Sindhuli (3368 kg/ha) consisting a separate cluster in a dendrogram. NGRC01483 from Okhaldhunga was the earliest (131 days) in maturity followed by NGRC04849 from Rukum (147 days) whereas Kabre kodo-2 matured in 156 days. NGRC03484 (Dhading) and NGRC04769 (Ilam) were found resistant for all three blast diseases (leaf, neck and finger blast) whereas NGRC01639 (Syangja), NGRC04804 (Dolakha) and NGRC04852 (Sindhupalchok) were found resistant for neck and finger blast. We found strong positive correlations between grain and straw yield (r=0.71), heading and maturity days (r=0.59), and neck and finger blast (r=0.59). Strong negative correlation of days to maturity with neck (r=-0.44) and finger blast (r=-0.42) suggests blast resistance in early maturing landraces. These elite landraces could be either utilized in finger millet improvement program or deployed to farmers' field analogous to Khumaltar condition.
Jute is an important cash crop in Nepal but national fiber yields remain suboptimal due to imbalance nitrogen application. Optimum rates of nitrogen are crucial for maximizing jute fiber yield. A field experiment was conducted during 2024 and 2025 in Sunsari district aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen rates for the promising genotype ‘NJ 7010 (Rani)'. Seven nitrogen rates (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Standard agronomic practices were followed as when needed. Growth, yield attributes and yield data were collected using standard protocol. Results demonstrated very good response to nitrogen for vegetative growth, with plant height, basal diameter, and green biomass linearly to a maximum at 120 kg N ha⁻¹. However, a critical finding was the evidence of dinishing returns for the primary economic product. Under favorable conditions, dry fiber yield plateaued at 80 kg N ha⁻¹, beyond which no significant gains were achieved, indicating a threshold for efficient nitrogen partitioning into harvestable fiber. The study concluded that high N rates (100–120 kg N ha⁻¹) maximized vegetative biomass, a rate of 80–100 kg N ha⁻¹ was optimal for sustainable fiber production.
This study investigates the degree and direction of price integration of potato in three wholesale markets across the India-Nepal border. Using weekly wholesale time-series price data from three selected market pairs from east to west along the India-Nepal border, this paper employs the Johansen cointegration framework, Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), Vector Autoregression (VAR), and asymmetric Error Correction Model (ECM) specifications to evaluate both short-run causal dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships. The results support the central hypothesis that larger Indian markets exert significant influence on potato prices of smaller Nepalese markets. The Kheri-Kohalpur pair shows strong long-run cointegration and symmetric price transmission, while the Forbesganj-Birtamode pair exhibits short-run bidirectional causality without long-run equilibrium. Conversely, the Madhubani-Dhalkewar pair displays a counter-intuitive relationship, possibly arising from absorption from surrounding markets or high volatility and low mean price differentials rather than genuine reverse causality. The results highlight Nepal's structural vulnerability to Indian market shocks, with important implications for farmer and consumer welfare. Policy recommendations include the development of cross-border market intelligence systems, investment in infrastructure to enhance domestic market independence, and the formalization of informal trade channels that build resilient and self-reliant potato market systems in Nepal.
Micronutrients are crucial to crop development and their deficiency are one of the major challenges in vegetable production in Nepal. A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the effect of micronutrient on tomato yield and yield related parameters in plastic house condition at Malepatan Pokhara, Nepal. The research was carried out in a single factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) including 8 treatments with three replications. Treatments included sole application of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K) and combination with Farm Yard Manure (FYM), and other nutrients like Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg). The highest yield was recorded in combined application of N, P and K with the other essential nutrients Zn and B, Ca, Mg with FYM (53 t/ha). Similarly, higher plant height, chlorophyll content was obtained from the application of major nutrients with Zn, Ca and Mg. These results showed that addition of micronutrients with major nutrients in soil enhanced the tomato production as well as soil fertility gradients.
Gastrointestinal parasite infestation can affect milk production in dairy cows. The study was conducted in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Wards 6, 8, 11, and 12, in the Chitwan district buffer zone of Chitwan National Park (CNP), between June and July 2023. We collected and examined 126 fecal samples from cows and buffalo under a microscope using direct smear and sedimentation techniques. Overall, 70.37% of samples tested positive for various gastrointestinal parasites. Among the samples collected, prevalence (80.36%) was higher in cows than in buffaloes (44.29%). The prevalence of Ascaris sp. was highest (44%), followed by Moniezia sp. (15%). Gastrointestinal parasite infestation can affect milk production in dairy cows. The study was carried out in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Wards 6, 8, 11, and 12, in the Chitwan district buffer zone of Chitwan National Park (CNP), between June and July 2023. We collected and examined 126 fecal samples from cows and buffalo under a microscope using direct smear and sedimentation techniques. Overall, 70.37% of samples tested positive for various gastrointestinal parasites. Among the samples collected, prevalence (80.36%) was higher in cows than in buffaloes (44.29%). The prevalence of Ascaris sp. was highest (44%), followed by Moniezia sp. (15%), while Toxocara sp. had the lowest prevalence (2.07%). Sex-wise, prevalence was higher in males (70.37% in buffalo, 100% in cow) than in females (27.91% in buffalo, 68.57% in cow). By age, the lowest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was found in calves (<12 months) (47.65%), whereas it was higher in adults (83.33% in 12-14 months, 86.67% in >24 months). Future investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic loss due to GI parasites in cows and buffaloes.
Weeds are the major challenges for Dry-Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). A field study was conducted from February to June 2025 in Chitwan to evaluate the effect of different herbicidal application on weed dynamics, growth and yield of dry-direct seeded spring rice. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD), with nine treatments, viz. pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre) followed by (fb) bispyribac-sodium 35 g/ha (post), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre) fb tank mix of bispyribac-sodium 35 g/ha (post) + 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha (post), pendimethalin 1.0 kg /ha (pre) fb 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha (post), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre) fb metsulfuron methyl 20 g/ha (post), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre) fb sulfosulfuron 30 g/ha (post), pendimethalin 1 kg/ha (pre) + Sesbania co-culture fb 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha (post), weed free, control (weedy check) replicated thrice. The result revealed that herbicide application significantly reduced the weed density compared with control. Among all the treatments, the lowest weed density (37.33 weeds/m2), weed dry biomass (32.10 g/m2), weed index (20.25%) and the highest herbicide efficiency index (71.65%) and weed control efficiency (70.68%) was achieved in pendimethalin fb tank mix of bispyribac-sodium + 2,4-D closely followed by pendimethalin + Sesbania co-culture fb 2,4-D. Growth and yield attributes of rice was also significantly affected due to herbicidal weed control. Weed-free plot produced the highest grain yield (4.27 t/ha), while control showed lowest yield (1.22 t/ha). Overall, pendimethalin fb tank mix of bispyribac-sodium + 2,4-D and pendimethalin+ Sesbania co-culture fb 2,4-D were most recommended herbicidal matrices for better weed control and yield productivity in spring dry-DSR.
An investigation was carried out to document cost and benefits, marketing channel and major problems associated with the production and marketing of cucumber in Jhapa district. Four municipalities of the district namely Buddhashanti, Birtamod, Mechinangar and Damak were selected for the investigation in consultation with the Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC), Jhapa. A sample size of 120 farmers was selected from the sampling frame applying the simple random sampling technique to represent the study population. Primary information was collected through field survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Moreover, secondary information was collected reviewing the relevant publications. The positive net margin and benefit cost ratio higher than one (1.99) revealed cucumber production under the protected structure in Jhapa is profitable and financially viable. The regression showed that out of seven input resources, seed (p<0.01) and vitamins & micronutrients (p<0.01) were found to have positive and significant effect, while tractor power had significant but negative effect (p<0.01) on total returns from cucumber production. Moreover, it has been revealed that seed, vitamins & micronutrients, and chemical fertilizers were found to be underused while tractor power, human labor, FYM and pesticides were overused. The mostly used marketing channel with the highest volume (73%) of transaction followed producers -collectors-wholesalers-retailers-consumers path. with marketing margin of NPR.41 per kg and producer’s share of 43% in the consumers’ price. Pest infestation and low farm gate price were found to be the major problem associated with the cucumber production and marketing, respectively. The additional cost implied on seed and micronutrient & vitamins would significantly contribute to increase the total returns from cucumber production. The government should intervene in the existing marketing system with the price regulation, control over the porous
A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of broccoli varieties at horticultural farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan from October 2021 to February 2022. It was laid out in two factorials RCBD consisting of twelve treatment combinations with four replications. Four varieties of broccoli viz. Calabrese, Centauro, Everest Green and King Dome were considered as the first factor where Calabrese was a check variety while three transplanting dates i.e. October 30, November 15 and November 30 were considered as the second factor in which November 15 was considered as a check transplanting date. Calabrese recorded significantly higher plant height and canopy diameter among all the varieties while King Dome recorded significantly higher number of leaves at most of the growth stages. King Dome produced higher yield of 22.01 mt/ha and dry matter of 11.64% than other varieties. Significantly higher TSS (9.43º Brix), vitamin C (84.45 mg/100 g) and higher score on organoleptic taste was found in Calabrese. Most of the growth parameters were significantly higher when it was transplanted on 30th October than other dates. Significantly the highest yield of 22.99 mt/ha was also recorded at transplanted date on 30th October. Similarly, higher vitamin C content (86.11 mg/100 g) and the lowest physiological loss in weight was found when it was transplanted on 30th October. The interaction effect revealed that King Dome transplanted on 30th October showed the highest yield of 28.75 mt/ha than other combinations. From this study, it was concluded that the variety King Dome transplanted on 30th October found the best combinations for growth, yield and quality of broccoli at Chitwan conditions.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), locally known as Badam or Mumphali in Nepal, represents a promising cash crop for both hilly and Terai regions. However, its cultivation remains limited due to high labor requirements and associated costs. The overall objective of this study is to identify the cost reducing peanut cultivation techniques. Specifically, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the agronomic and economic performance of four peanut cultivation mechanization strategies in Nepal, with the overall objectives of (1) assessing the effects of different land preparation and planting methods on kernel yield, (2) determining the cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost ratio of each approach, and (3) identifying the most viable mechanization strategy to reduce labor dependency and enhance the economic sustainability of peanut farming. The three-year field study (2020-2022) conducted at the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Research Centre, Sarlahi, Nepal, evaluated four mechanization approaches: (1) traditional manual methods, (2) ridger-based planting, (3) disc plough-based planting, and (4) mechanical planter-based cultivation. Results demonstrated significant variations in yield and economic returns across treatments. The traditional method yielded kernels of 1,950 kg/ha with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.43, while, the ridger-based approach produced kernels of 1,942 kg/ha with the highest BCR of 2.11. The disc plough method yielded kernels of 1,575 kg/ha (BCR: 1.65), and the mechanical planter approach yielded kernels of 1,650 kg/ha (BCR: 1.95). Cost analysis revealed cultivation expenses of NPR 95,100, 64,200, 66,600, and 59,200 per hectare for treatments 1-4, respectively. The ridger-based mechanization approach emerged as the most economically viable option, reducing labor costs by 32.5% while maintaining comparable yields. These findings suggest that strategic mechanization adoption, particularly ridger-based system combined with mechanical weeding and harvesting equipment, can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of peanut cultivation in Nepal, potentially attracting younger farmers to this cash crop.
The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a member of the nightshade family and thrives across Nepal's diverse climate. However, potato production faces significant threats from various diseases and pests, leading to substantial yield loss. This study aimed to assess farmers' knowledge and perceptions of insect pests and diseases, and their practices for controlling outbreaks affecting potato production in Myagdi District, Nepal. A total of 90 farmers were randomly selected. Data were collected using primary and secondary methods and analyzed with SPSS and Excel. The results indicated that potato production in the district is profitable despite the presence of diseases and insect pests, with an undiscounted benefit-cost ratio of 1.79. The results showed that 80% of farmers could clearly identify insect pests, while 70% could visually detect diseases. Findings showed that the red ant (Dorylus orientalis) was the most significant pest, with an index value of 0.85. Furthermore, late blight (Phytophthora infestans) was identified as the most serious threat to potato crops, with an index score of 0.92. The survey found that 55.56% of farmers consider the MS.42.3 variety to be more susceptible to insect pests and diseases. The study revealed that 53.95% of respondents used physical or mechanical methods, 35.96% adopted biological practices, and 39.25% engaged in cultural methods. The results showed that only 11 farmers (14.5%) reported both knowledge of and adoption of chemical management practices. Implementing Integrated Pest/Disease Management (IPM/IDM) is a promising strategy to enhance the productivity and sustainability of potato farming in the Myagdi district.
Soil represents a major reservoir of phosphorus (P) in terrestrial ecosystems, and its adsorption-desorption behavior plays a critical role in regulating soil fertility and assessing potential environmental risks. However, these processes remain poorly characterized in Nepalese soils. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of soil P adsorption-desorption characteristics in central Nepal. A total of 225 georeferenced soil samples were collected across central Nepal. Adsorption-desorption isotherm experiments were conducted to quantify P adsorption-desorption parameters using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. Furthermore, 122 environmental covariates were compiled, and spatial prediction maps were generated using a quantile regression forests method that integrated soil point data with these covariates. The results showed that several P adsorption parameters—namely, Langmuir P adsorption constant (Qm), Langmuir P adsorption constant (KL), Maximum P buffering capacity (MPBC), Freundlich P adsorption constant (KF), Freundlich P adsorption constant (n), P buffering capacity (PBC), Standard P requirement (SPR), External P requirement (EPR), P sorption index (PSI), Degree of P saturation (DPS), and P eutrophication risk index (PERI) —were sparsely distributed across central Nepal. Similarly, P desorption parameters, including Langmuir P desorption constant (Dm), Langmuir P desorption constant (Kd), Freundlich P desorption constant (ad), Freundlich P desorption constant (nd), and Readily desorbable P (RDP), also exhibited wide spatial variability throughout the study area. The model's efficiency coefficients for predictions were highest for PSI (0.66), followed by KF (0.59), EPR (0.59), SPR (0.54), MPBC (0.48), ad (0.46), KL (0.45), DPS (0.37), Dm (0.35), PBC (0.34), PERI (0.34), Qm (0.31), n (0.31), RDP (0.26), Kd (0.19), and nd (0.15), reflecting differences in spatial variability and sensitivity to environmental covariates. The generated spatial distribution maps provide a valuable foundation for developing sustainable P management strategies and guide future research efforts to optimize P availability in central Nepal.
Nepal's diverse Agro-ecological zones provide ideal conditions for ginger cultivation; it has significant potential for export in the global market. This study aimed to characterize the current status of ginger production, annual growth rate, import and export trends, and prospects of Nepali ginger. Secondary data from reliable sources were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. India is the primary export destination for Nepali ginger due to geographic proximity. However, export potential is hindered by inappropriate post-harvest handling techniques and the lack of internationally accredited testing laboratories in Nepal. The study concluded that Nepal possesses comparative advantages in ginger cultivation, evident through its geographical features and well-adapted local ginger varieties. Significant growth in ginger production and exports highlights the potential of the ginger subsector as a promising contributor to the national economy. To enhance ginger productivity, it is essential to provide training and extension services to farmers, offer subsidies, establish ginger processing units, ensure easy and reliable certification processes within the country, and strengthen diplomatic relations for improved market accessibility. By implementing these recommendations, Nepal can capitalize on its ginger production potential and position itself as a key player in the global ginger market.
Spot blotch caused by fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker is an important fungal disease in warm and humid wheat growing condition. Study on pathogenic variability of B. sorokinianana isolates is limited in Nepal. Information based on host × pathogen interaction is a useful tool to devise the disease management strategy. Therefore, aggressiveness of total 36 single spore isolates of B. sorokiniana (27 isolates from terai, 7 isolates from mid hill and 2 isolates from high hill) of Nepal were evaluated on 14 days old seedling of RR-21 (susceptible check), Guatam (moderate resistant) and Chirya 3 (resistant check) under polyhouse condition. Results revealed highly significant isolate-by-variety interaction (P<0.001) for all the disease development traits, suggesting substantial variability in the pathogenicity of the isolates. Moreover, days to disease appearance, number of lesions per leaf and disease severity was highly correlated to Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), illustrating those traits as an important indicator of disease development and pathogen aggressiveness. RR-21 exhibited susceptible to overall isolates response followed by Gautam and Chirya 3. On the basis of AUDPC value, top ten aggressive isolates were identified (N-BS24, N-BS7, N-BS28, N-BS36, N-BS27, N-BS37, N-BS15, N-BS38, N-BS19 and N-BS16). Among them, N-BS24 and N-BS28 were able to show high disease against resistant check Chirya 3, so aggressiveness of these two isolates can be further validated through adult plant screening and genetic study and utilize it for resistant breeding program in Nepal.
Experiments were conducted to find suitable cucumber varieties under different planting dates in a naturally ventilated polyhouse in two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021, at the Horticulture Research Station, Malepatan, Kaski. The experiments were conducted in a split-plot design with four replications, where different varieties (sub-plot) of cucumber were randomized on different dates of planting (main-plot) in two consecutive years. The five cucumber varieties, namely Daddy 2231, Parwati, Brishma F1, Beli F1, and Bhaktapur Local (as a check variety), were evaluated on four different planting dates. The spacing was maintained at 50 × 60 cm. Observations were taken on yield (size of fruit in grams) and consumer preferences for the variety. The highest consumer preference was found for the Bhaktapur Local, but the yield was found to be inconsistent. As the Bhaktapur Local variety is open-pollinated, very few harvests were done in this variety (without hand pollination), although this variety produced fruits with hand pollination. From the pooled analysis of two years' data, the highest (5277.87 g) yield per plant was found for the first date of planting (fourth week of December), which was at par with the second planting date (4340.73 g). The highest (5366.11 g) yield per plant was found in variety Parwati, which was at par with Brishma F1 (4414.23 g). The variety responded to the planting date. The highest (8111.5 g) yield per plant was obtained from the Parwati variety when planted on the first date of planting (fourth week of December), and the Daddy 2231 variety on the first date of planting (5374.5 g), followed by the Parwati variety on the second date of planting, and Brishma F1 on the first date of planting. The results of yield and consumer preference showed that cucumber hybrid variety Brishma ranks first. This variety had higher yield and equal preference as our popular local variety Bhaktapur Local. So, the Brishma variety is found commercially suitable to produce inside the naturally ventilated polyhouse (NPV) for cucumber production along with gynocious line Parwati for higher yield.
Botrytis grey mold (BGM), caused by Botrytis cinerea, is an important constraint to chickpea production in humid environments of Nepal. Field experiments were conducted at the Oilseed Research Program, Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, during the winter seasons of 2079/80 and 2080/81 to evaluate 12 elite chickpea genotypes, including released variety Tara as a standard check, received from Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke for BGM response and yield performance. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were recorded for phenological, agronomic and yield traits, along with BGM severity. Significant genotypic variation (P<0.05) was observed for BGM severity, flowering and maturity days, plant height, pods/plant and grain yield. Mean BGM severity decreased from 59.0% in the first year to 45.8% in the second year, while mean grain yield increased from 1017.7 to 1275.4 kg /ha. ICCV 87312 showed the lowest BGM severity in both years (44.4 and 31.5%) and recorded the highest grain yield in the second year (1773.7 kg/ha). KWR 108 also showed comparatively low and consistent BGM severity (44.4 and 38.9%) with good yield performance. The genotype × year interaction for BGM severity was non-significant indicating relatively consistent genotype responses across seasons. ICCV 87312 and KWR 108 are promising genotypes for further multi-location evaluation and breeding for moderate BGM resistance combined with high yield in Nepal.
Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a major legume crop, is grown both as a garden and a field crop across the country. Despite its importance in ensuring nutritional security,the current yield potential of determinate varieties is insufficient to meet the demands for high production. The main objective of this study was to evaluate promising determinate garden pea genotypes at on-farms and to select and recommend high-yielding ones for commercial production in Karnali Province of Nepal. A total of six promising garden pea genotypes (DGP02, DGP03, DGP05, DGP06, DGP08, and DGP09) selected from on-station trials were further evaluated and compared with ‘Sarlahi Arkel’ at the farmer’s field of Dullu Municipality-11, Dailekh and Patarashi Rural Municipality, Jumla in 2018/2019. Seeds were sown on 15th October in Dailekh and on 28th April, 2018, in Jumla, respectively, and experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with replicated thrice. Genotypes showed significant (P<0.05) differences in plant height, pod length, the number of seed pod-1, fresh pod weight and yield, but the effect of locations was significant (P<0.05) in all the studied traits. Genotypes × locations showed significant differences only for plant height, pod length and the number of seed pod-1. Out of seven genotypes evaluated, genotype DGP05 produced the highest pod fresh weight (4.4 kg plot-1) and yield (11.1 mt ha-1), followed by the genotype DGP08 that produced pod fresh weight (4.2 kg) and yield (10.5 mt ha-1). The average fresh pod yield was higher (11.2 mt ha-1) in Dailekh than that of Jumla (7.1 mt ha-1). Genotypes DGP05 and DGP08 produced 14.4 and 8.2% higher fresh pod yield than ‘Sarlahi Arkel’ commercial variety. Genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis further confirmed that DGP05 was the most stable and productive genotype, followed by DGP08 at the tested environments. Hence, two genotypes namely, DGP05 and DGP08 are recommended to grow at on-farms for obtaining high fresh pod yield, income generation and nutritional security of people in Karnali region.
Genetic variability within germplasm collections forms the foundation of effective crop improvement programs by providing essential resources for selection, adaptation, and yield enhancement. In Myanmar, soybean genetic resources conserved in the national seed bank are limited and largely composed of local landraces, many of which remain underutilized in formal breeding efforts. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and quantify the extent of genetic diversity among soybean germplasm conserved in Myanmar in order to identify promising genotypes for future breeding programs. A total of 60 soybean accessions obtained from the Myanmar Seed Bank, together with five released check varieties (Yezin 3, Yezin 6, Yezin 12, Yezin 14, and Yezin 15), were evaluated during the post-monsoon season of 2024 at the Seed Bank Field, Department of Agricultural Research, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The experiment was conducted using an augmented design. Genotypes were characterized for nine qualitative and twelve quantitative agro-morphological traits following soybean BI descriptors. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, estimation of genetic variability parameters, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and descriptive statistics in R Studio version 4.5.1. The results revealed significant variation among genotypes for most traits, indicating the presence of substantial exploitable genetic diversity. The coefficient of variation ranged from 2.40% for number of seeds per pod to 24.28% for hundred seed weight, reflecting differential phenotypic stability among traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (>20%), coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean, were observed for days to emergence, days to flowering, number of nodes on the main stem, plant height, and hundred seed weight, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of direct selection. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters, with Cluster V containing the largest number of genotypes, while Cluster IV consisted of a single highly divergent genotype. PCA indicated that the first six principal components accounted for 70.78% of the total variation, with yield-related and phenological traits contributing most to genetic divergence. Significant positive correlations among key traits further support the potential for simultaneous trait improvement. Overall, the substantial genetic diversity identified highlights Myanmar soybean germplasm as a valuable source of elite parental lines for the development of high-yielding and well-adapted cultivars.
Assessment of genetic diversity is fundamental for crop improvement programs, as it helps to identify desirable traits and broaden the genetic base. Thus, research was carried out in augmented rod row design to assess phenotypic diversity and variation among 16 proso millet accessions at Sundarbazar, Lamjung, during rainy season of 2025. The maximum Shannon Weaver’s diversity (H') value was observed in susceptibility to aphids (1.58) and the lowest (H' = 0.66) in stigma color and panicle angle of branches. Flag leaf anthocyanin color intensity (χ²= 6.125, p=0.04) and spikelet shape (χ² = 7.625, p=0.02) were the only traits with significant differences (p < 0.05) among the studied accessions. The coefficient of variation (CV%) ranged from 9.37% for panicle length to 45.4% for days for 50% germination. The first 6 principal components contributed 85.4% of the total variation. NGRC07335, NGRC07336, and NGRC09157 from cluster III were the potential high-yielding accessions having 15,13 and 11 g per plant yield, respectively and identified as best performing accessions. NGRC 07335 (4.38), followed by NGRC 09157 and NGRC 07349 (4.06), were the top-ranked accessions in the participatory varietal selection process. Thus, the current study provides a foundational framework for characterizing and evaluating the diversity of proso millet accessions with significant potential for genetic enhancement and breeding programs.
Moisture content is a critical quality attribute of commercial vermicompost because it affects nutrient concentration, product stability, transport efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards. In Nepal, the maximum permissible moisture content for packaged vermicompost is 25%; however, commercially marketed products frequently exceed this limit. This study compared the effectiveness of ambient indoor curing and fan-forced air curing for reducing moisture content while preserving the physicochemical quality of commercial vermicompost. Eleven commercial vermicompost products collected from major production areas of Nepal were evaluated under both curing methods. Moisture content was monitored at two-day intervals over a 14-day period, and samples were analysed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium before and after curing. The initial moisture content of the collected products averaged 54.28%, with all samples exceeding the national regulatory standard. Fan-forced air curing consistently accelerated moisture removal compared with ambient curing, resulting in substantially greater moisture reduction during the monitoring period. Products with relatively lower initial moisture content reached the target moisture level within the study period, whereas products with higher initial moisture required additional drying time. Both curing methods maintained near-neutral pH, while no significant losses of total nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium were observed following fan-forced air curing. Changes in organic carbon were primarily associated with moisture reduction during the curing process. The findings demonstrate that fan-forced air curing is an effective, practical, and low-cost approach for accelerating moisture reduction in commercial vermicompost while maintaining its physicochemical quality. Adoption of fan-assisted curing can improve compliance with national quality standards and reduce post-harvest drying time. Further studies across different seasons and operating conditions are recommended to optimize curing duration and validate the technology under diverse commercial production environments.
