In the agriculture industry, spraying pesticides is a crucial task for protecting crops from insects and achieving high yields. In Bangladesh, various types of pesticide sprayers are available on the market. However, farmers have mostly been applying pesticides using conventional methods, such as hand-operated and fuel-operated sprayer systems. A worker can typically operate a hand sprayer continuously for only five to six hours, and a fuel-operated sprayer requires fuel, which is expensive, pollutes the environment, and is difficult to find in remote areas. Also, certain pesticides are harmful to human health and can induce lumbar discomfort because of the weight of the equipment, and the farmer who is spraying them is also impacted by them because he comes into close contact with them. Furthermore, manual sprayers have limitations in maintaining the required pressure, leading to ineffective control of pests and loss of pesticides due to dribbling or drift during application. The goal of the study was to design and develop a semi-automatic sprayer to evaluate its technical performance. The proposed machine consists of a frame, PLC, sensor, battery, DC motor, spray tank, and wheel. Every component of the machine was fastened to the frame. The frame was made of a hollow MS bar. The machine's entire fabrication cost was US$ 310. The machine’s application rate was 229 L ha-1. The automatic spraying machine's theoretical and effective field capacities were determined to be 0.29 ha hr-1 and 0.20 ha hr-1, respectively. When the machine was operating at an average speed of 1.51 km h-1, its field efficiency was 69%. The machine's yearly cost was US$ 403.63, its capital recovery factor was 0.23, and its capital consumption was US$ 68.2. A significant advancement in agricultural technology, autonomous spraying devices address many of the limitations associated with traditional pest management methods. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 17-22]
Salt stress severely affects the growth and physiological characteristics during the early growth stages of rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of exogenous selenium (Se) in mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress during rice germination and seedling establishment. At the germination stage, seeds were incubated for nine days under either non-stress (control) or 100 mM NaCl stress conditions, with or without Se supplementation. At the seedling stage, rice plants were grown hydroponically in nutrient solution under control or 100 mM NaCl conditions, again with or without Se. The results revealed that NaCl-stressed rice plants markedly compromised germination indices and plumule growth and reduced photosynthetic pigment contents. Under salt stress, rice plants also exhibited enhanced H2O2 accumulation, elevated lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes - peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). In contrast, exogenous Se application significantly improved germination indices, and seedling growth under salt stress. Selenium treatment also enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis and boosted antioxidant enzyme activities while suppressing the accumulation of H2O2, thereby protecting against oxidative damage. Furthermore, exogenous Se alleviated membrane injury under saline stress, as reflected by significantly lower MDA levels in stressed seedlings. Finally, these findings suggest that exogenous Se enhances salt stress tolerance in rice by strengthening antioxidant defense responses and reducing oxidative damage during early growth stages. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 9-16]
A large number of people are interested to rear pets in their households’ now-a-days in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study was conducted to know the current scenario of pet rearing, emerging trends, market transformation, prospects, and challenges of the pet industry in Bangladesh. Three well-structured questionnaires were developed to collect the data. The study found that 90% of pet animals were cats, and 10% were dogs. The current pet market is valued at approximately 236 crores BDT ($19.21 million), with a market growth rate of 13%. Pet food had the largest (57.84%) market share. All pet products were imported from different countries. More than 85% of pet professionals had <5 years’ experience. Pet practitioners mostly (82%) used human and other animal’s medicines. Four leading companies are currently importing pet vaccines and the market share of Flu (PCH) vaccine was highest (62%) for cats. Foods were imported from Thailand (42%), Turkey (31%), China (12%) and others (15%) whereas litter was mostly imported from China (98.66%). Students were more involved (43.9%) in cat rearing but more average number of cats was raised by housewives (4.31). About 42.6% of cat rearers raised their cats for > 3-5 years. Among the cats reared, 40% were local breeds followed by mixed breeds (35%), and Persian breeds (25%). Approximately 56.6% of cat owners purchased commercial food while 50.9% purchased litter. Vaccination coverage in the surveyed areas was reported at 62.5% and 49% of owners used medicines, with an average annual cost of BDT 4369 ($35.64) per cat. Despite challenges such as limited information, lack of infrastructure, high costs of pet care products, poor-quality supplies, unavailability of vaccines, and limited access to pet clinics in many areas, the pet industry in Bangladesh is experiencing growth driven by rising demand for pet care services and products. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 23-29]
The effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the shelf life of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish balls during refrigerated storage (4°C) were investigated for 20 days. The moisture, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents of the fish balls were 61.60%, 13.61%, 6.62%, and 14.13%, respectively. The pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of the tilapia fish ball samples during storage under control and MAP packaging were within acceptable limits. On the other hand, the aerobic plate count (APC) of tilapia fish balls gradually increased from the initial value of 4.37±0.04 on day 0 to 7.91±0.45 log CFU/g on 20th day for the not sealed pack (control). Significantly lower APC values (p<0.05) were observed on the 16th and 20th days in MAP-3 packaging compared with other packaging methods. The APCs exceeded 7 log CFU/g, which is considered the upper acceptable limit for fresh and frozen fish, on approximately the 14th day for the control, the 18th day for MAP-1, the 17th day for MAP-2, and the 20th day for MAP-3, respectively. Based on bacterial counts, the shelf life was determined to be 14 days for the control, 18 days for MAP-1, 17 days for MAP-2, and 20 days for MAP-3, respectively. Therefore, MAP is a good option for increasing the shelf life of fishery products, which supermarkets can adopt to display their products with an extended shelf life. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 01-08]
Soil salinity is a critical abiotic factor that confines chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and productivity by inducing oxidative damage and disrupting physiological and biochemical processes. This study investigated the effectiveness of exogenous chitosan in enhancing salinity tolerance in two chilli varieties, i.e., local variety Kajol and hybrid variety Dhanuya. Seedlings of both varieties were grown under four different conditions encompassing combinations of with and without salt stress (100 mM NaCl) and foliar application of chitosan (25 ppm). Salinity stress hindered plant height, branch and leaf counts, flower production, and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll) in both varieties. It also induced pronounced proline accumulation and boosted the activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), reflecting enhanced oxidative stress. In contrast, foliar application of chitosan under saline conditions markedly alleviated the detrimental effects of salinity by improving growth attributes and preserving photosynthetic pigment levels. Supplementation of chitosan moderated proline accumulation and regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, thus sustaining cellular redox homeostasis under salt stress conditions. Chitosan application alone also promoted plant growth, improved photosynthetic pigment synthesis, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activities compared with the untreated control. These findings demonstrate that exogenous chitosan is an effective and environmentally friendly biostimulant for improving antioxidant defense responses, enhancing salinity tolerance, and sustaining chilli production in salt-affected environments. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 44-52]
This paper examined perceptions of agricultural and rural life in Bangladesh, focusing on women. The multifaceted value of agriculture was understood, but efforts were perceived as unrewarding, while the comfort and satisfaction of rural life were highly valued. Although women’s activities were limited in scope, they found fulfillment in daily routine and relationships. While economic independence is important, satisfaction with daily life should also be respected. Rural life, often labeled poor, is not necessarily inferior when livelihoods are secure, and its environmentally friendly way of life offers lessons for the Global North. The richness of life based on relationships with nature and mutual aid tends to be overlooked, leading to the loss of their traditions and pride. Future policies require a perspective that shares and respects the joys of living with nature. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 30-43]
Frequent use synthetic chemical fertilizers in vegetable crop production provide shot term yield gain but it imposes long term soil erosion. Therefore, it is crucial to leverage cost effective and ecofriendly strategy for sustainable vegetable crop production. The aim of the study was to evaluate impact of organic fertilizers (compost, vermicompost and vermiwash) for improving sustainable cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production. In this study, we found compost, vermicompost, and vermiwash supplementation exhibited differential impacts for enhancing leaf number, fruit length, acquisition of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K), improving plant biomass and total cucumber yield. Compost increased leaf number per plant, followed by vermicompost. Application of vermicompost 4 showed the highest cucumber size (18.41 ± 0.63 cm). Vermicompost2 showed the highest level of nitrogen (2.82 ± 0.05%) accumulation in cucumber. Among the three organic fertilizers, the vermicompost amendment showed the better performance for improving total plant biomass and cucumber yield, suggesting that vermicompost application could be better option for improving cucumber yield. These findings together suggest that the cost effective and eco-friendly organic amendment-based strategy would be effective to horticulturists and farmers for sustainable cucumber and other horticultural plant production. [Fundam Appl Agric 2026; 11(1.000): 53-59]
Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical methods, with promising applications in agriculture. However, the phytotoxicity of such nanoparticles (NPs), particularly silver (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), remains poorly understood. This study investigates the green synthesis, characterization, and biological effects of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs using aqueous leaf extracts of Cassia fistula, a plant rich in phytochemicals. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful synthesis, revealing characteristic peaks at 479 nm (Ag-NPs) and 241 nm (ZnO-NPs). Energy band gaps were calculated as 2.34 eV for Ag-NPs and 4.13 eV for ZnO-NPs. To assess biocompatibility and phytotoxicity, the nanoparticles were tested on seed germination, root and shoot growth, and biomass accumulation in five crop species: Oryza sativa (rice), Brassica napus (canola), Raphanus sativus (radish), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), and Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach). Both NPs showed concentration-dependent effects: low to moderate doses enhanced germination and seedling vigor, whereas higher doses delayed germination and reduced growth. Ag-NPs were generally more phytotoxic, particularly inhibiting root elongation. ZnO-NPs exhibited a biphasic response—stimulatory at lower concentrations, inhibitory at higher levels. Seedling biomass decreased with increasing NP concentration, with Ag-NPs causing more severe reductions. These findings highlight that while green-synthesized nanoparticles hold agricultural potential, their use must be carefully optimized to avoid phytotoxic effects. The Cassia fistula-mediated synthesis presents a sustainable, biocompatible route for generating functional nanoparticles capable of influencing early plant development.
Litchi stink bug (Tessaratoma javanica Thunberg) has recently emerged as a significant pest of litchi in north-eastern part of Bangladesh. However, there has been limited study on its spread and management particularly by farmers in the northern region which is a primary litchi-producing area. This study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey during 2020-2021. A total of 125 growers were randomly selected from five upazilas in the major litchi-producing districts of northern Bangladesh. Results showed that majority of growers identified the litchi fruit borer (Conopomorpha sinensis), litchi mite (Eriophyes litchii Keifer), litchi lopper (Perixera illepidaria Guenée), and litchi stink bug (T. javanica Thunberg) as the major pests affecting litchi in the surveyed areas. Litchi stink bug infestation have occurred in all surveyed upazilas since 2016, and 46.4% of growers first observed the pest in 2017. Around 53% of the growers reported infestation in young green fruits, and 23.6% of the growers confirmed damage on litchi inflorescences. About 50.4% of growers mentioned that T. javanica infestation was peak in the month of March. The management practices used by the growers, mainly consisted of chemical controls with full reliance on organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides to combat the pest. Additionally, about 5% of growers in two upazilas also stated that they used traditional methods like handpicking and smoke. These findings highlight the importance of developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management that could prevent possible yield losses of litchi production.
Tank-mixing two or more chemical groups of either pre- or post-emergence herbicide may be very beneficial for the efficient control of weeds in a heterogeneous population. There are a few proprietary herbicides (commercial mixtures of two pre- or post-emergence herbicides) on the market, but they are extremely few. In this backdrop, the current research was conducted to investigate the efficacy and rice phytotoxicity of different tank-mix ratios of pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds under zero till non-puddled Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan58). A total of 21 treatments were used in the experiment. Treatments comprised five pre-emergence herbicides with their 20 different tank-mix ratios and one proprietary pre-emergence herbicide as control. The experiments were conducted under randomized complete block design with three replications. The findings of this research indicate that different tank-mix ratios of pre-emergence herbicide have a great potential to control weeds and the applied herbicide mixtures have not create any phytotoxicity to the rice plants. The lowest weed dry biomass was obtained from the treatment where Triafamone and Pretilachlor @ 2:3 ratios were applied in both 30 and 60 DATs, and highest weed dry biomass was from treatment Triafamone and Pretilachlor @ 3:2 ratios. Considering the yield contributing characters and yield, the highest number of effective tillers hill-1, longest panicle, heaviest grain and highest grain yield of BRRI dhan58 were also obtained from the treatment where Triafamone and Pretilachlor @ 2:3 ratios were applied. Based on the results it may conclude that tank-mix pre-emergence herbicide Triafamone and Pretilachlor @ 2:3 ratios is the best in terms of weed control and rice productivity. However, as this experiment had been conducted in a single season and location, multi-location and multi-season trials should be taken into account in future to draw a concrete conclusion based on these preliminary experimental results.
A study was conducted at the Horticulture Farm and Postgraduate Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from November 2022 to February 2023, to evaluate the performance of growth, yield, and quality of 11 carrot varieties under drought stress. The varieties included Kuroda, New Kuroda, Kuroda-35, King Kuroda, Shin Kuroda, Kuroda Improved, Shidur, BAU Gajor-5, Prima Agroflora, Bankim Keshor, and Pusha Keshor. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In order to account for the drought stress, no irrigation was applied after 30 days of sowing until carrot harvest. Growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, and leaf area; yield-contributing parameters, including root length, diameter, individual weight; plot yield and quality parameters, such as root cracking, branching, rotting, total soluble solids (TSS), and dry matter content, were recorded. Significant variations were noted among the varieties. King Kuroda excelled with maximum root length (17.31 cm), root weight (164.07 g), yield per plot (5.23 kg), gross yield (34.89 t ha⁻¹), and marketable yield (30.07 t ha⁻¹). Shin Kuroda recorded the highest TSS (13.13%), while King Kuroda showed superior dry matter content in leaves (21.33%) and roots (9.85%). BAU Gajor-5 had no cracked roots, but it showed the minimum marketable yield (11.67 t ha-1) followed by Prima Agroflora (12.42 t ha-1). Shin Kuroda had the lowest branched root percentage (1.09%). Varieties Kuroda-35 and Pusha Keshor also consistently excelled in growth, yield, and quality attributes under drought stress. Therefore, out of eleven varieties, King Kuroda, Kuroda-35, and Pusha Keshor were found to perform better in terms of growth, yield, and quality under drought stress. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 437-444]
Garlic (Allium sativum), one of the most important spice crops in Bangladesh, is affected by a variety of fungal diseases. Among them, Stemphylium blight is topmost disease which limits the quality and quantity of both vegetative growth as well as yield of garlic. The study was carried out under both in vitro and in vivo conditions to evaluate the efficacy of both individual and integrated application of bioagents, inducers like salicylic acid and chitosan with chemical fungicides, Iprodione (Rovral 50 WP) against Stemphylium blight of garlic. The in-vitro antagonism test was conducted using five strains of each of the Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens where the highest percent inhibition of mycelium growth was found in Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Psf3 (57.04 %) and Bacillus subtilis strain Bacs4 (54.44 %). A total of 10 treatments were applied in the field. Treatment T6 (Rovral @ 0.2 % + Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Psf3 @ 10 mL (106 CFU/ml) / 5 plant) showed the lowest disease severity (38.4 %). This treatment also exhibited promising result in both the vegetative and yield parameters of garlic under field conditions. The highest bulb yield (6.23 ton/ ha) was found in T6, surpassing all individual treatments. This finding denoted the positive synergistic effect of combined application of Rovral 0.2 % and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Psf3 for sustainable management of Stemphylium blight. The combined application of chemical and bioagents is more feasible and practical for managing Stemphylium blight disease of garlic as well as for getting better yield in field condition. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 421-428]
Rapeseed is an important oilseed crop in Bangladesh that's germination and seedling growth often get affected in saline-prone regions. This study focuses on assessing the variation in germination and seedling traits of rapeseed genotypes under salinity and dual stress – salinity with salicylic acid. Seeds of five parents and ten F3 segregants of rapeseed (Brassica napus) were subjected to three treatments for eight days— control, 8 dSm-1 salt and 8 dSm-1 salt+0.1mM salicylic acid. The F3 segregants were considered to evaluate the diverse inherent phenotypic expression of traits rather than only fixed genetic combination in parents. Shoot length was reduced by 52.6% and root-shoot ratio was increased by 43.7% in 8 dSm-1 salinity while percent germination, shoot length, root length and root-shoot ratio were reduced by 9.6%, 53.9%, 66.7%, 27.2%, respectively, in response to 8 dSm-1 salt+0.1mM salicylic acid, compared to control. Salinity stress with salicylic acid reduced percent germination, root length, dry mass per plant and root-shoot ratio by 9.1, 58.6, 20.0 and 18.3 %, respectively, compared to salinity stress alone. These results indicated that salicylic acid in association with NaCl reinforced the severity of stress. Despite, a few genotypes showed notable tolerance against both salinity and dual stress indicating their potential to select for further breeding and QTL analyses. PC1 explained 38% variation and separated the genotypes under 8 dSm-1 salt+0.1mM salicylic acid treatment from two other treatments for high and positive coefficient for shoot length, percent germination, root length and root-shoot ratio suggesting those are salt responsive traits. The results offer a foundation for phenotypic selection, biochemical analysis, and future molecular analysis upon dual treatment of salicylic acid and salt. The results will be also useful for early identification and development of salt-resilient rapeseed lines through high resolution genetic mapping during further studies. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 429-436]
Salinity negatively impacts the growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa) during early growth stages that can be lessened through melatonin (MT), a hormone found naturally in plant and animal cells, which acts as a potential exogenous biostimulant on plants since it aids to fight against various abiotic stresses. The current research explored the potential impact of exogenouly applied MT on promoting early-stage rice growth under salinity conditions. At seedling stage, rice seedlings were exposed to 100 mM NaCl or maintained under normal conditions for 15 days and also pretreated with or without 100 µM MT. The findings of this study revealed that NaCl-stress hampered the growth of rice seedlings including shoot and root growth, reduced photosynthetic capacity. Additionally, exposure to salinity induced osmotic stress in rice, as indicated by increased proline accumulation, and oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, increased lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant enzymatic activities. However, application of MT markedly enhanced the overall growth performance and biomass under salinity condition. Plants treated with MT and salt stress showed augmented photosynthetic pigment content, decreased proline content and reduced H2O2 content contributing to reduction of oxidative damage. Moreover, MT application reduced the membrane damage under salinity conditions as reflected by remarkably reduced amounts of malondialdehyde in salt-exposed rice seedlings. The protective effect of MT against oxidative stress was associated with increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD). Our study reveals that the application of exogenous MT develops the resilience of rice seedlings to salinity stress by improving antioxidant defense systems which suggests that applying MT could be a dynamic tool for rice cultivation in saline-affected areas. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 404-411]
In order to investigate the yield benefits and financial gains associated with the variable row arrangements of french beans as intercropping within the base crop maize, an experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during rabi season between October to April. The research comprised eight treatments: T1 (sole maize), T2 (sole french bean), T3 (one row of maize followed by two rows of french bean intercropping), T4 (one row of maize followed by three rows of french bean intercropping), T5 (one row of maize followed by four rows of french bean intercropping), T6 (two rows of maize followed by two rows of french bean intercropping), T7 (two rows of maize followed by three rows of french bean intercropping), and T8 (two rows of maize followed by four rows of french bean intercropping). The results show that the systems of intercropping maize and french beans had a substantial impact on the seed production of maize. The highest seed yield was obtained from T1 (sole maize) (8.56 t/ha). In intercropping situation the highest seed yield (5.66 t/ha) was obtained from T8 (two rows of maize followed by four rows of french bean intercropping and the lowest seed yield (3.64t/ha) was obtained from the T3 (one row of maize followed by two rows of french bean intercropping). The treatment T1 (single maize) had the highest maize equivalent yield (8560 kg/ha). The maximum LER was obtained from treatment T8, which consisted of one row of maize interplanted with four rows of french beans. Economic analysis of the various treatments revealed that T8 (two rows of maize followed by four rows of french bean intercropping) had the highest gross return (202160 Tk/ha), the highest net return (96759 Tk/ha), and the highest BCR (1.92). Thus, according to the current analysis, the most advantageous intercropping strategy in terms of yield and financial gain is to plant two rows of maize with four rows of french beans. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 397-403]
Terminal heat stress poses a significant challenge to wheat production in Bangladesh, especially under late-sown conditions. The rise in temperatures during this period leads to a shortened grain-filling phase, ultimately resulting in decreased yields. This research investigated to assess and pinpoint heat-tolerant wheat genotypes by employing multi-environment trials, which were analyzed using the AMMI and GGE biplot models. A total of twelve wheat varieties were evaluated across three distinct environments: optimum conditions (E1), moderate stress (E2), and terminal heat stress (E3) and the assessment focused on eight agronomic traits. Significant genotype × environment interactions were detected for all traits, highlighting the need for stability assessment. The AMMI 1 biplot effectively distinguished between the main effects of genotypes and their interaction effects, allowing for the identification of genotypes that exhibit both high average performance and adaptability. A better way to differentiate stable performers was possible by AMMI 2, which further clarified the interaction patterns. Among the varieties, BARI Gom 25 (G2), BARI Gom 33 (G6), BARI Gom 26 (G3), and Pavon (G12) were best, according to the Stress Tolerance and Susceptibility index, AMMI, GGE biplot (Which-won-where), Mean vs. stability, Ranking genotype approaches, since they combined above-average yields with stability in both stress and non-stress conditions. The inverse was also true for several genotypes; they showed excellent performance but bad stability. The consistent performance, especially under terminal heat stress, shows that BARI Gom 25 (G2), BARI Gom 33 (G6), BARI Gom 26 (G3), and Pavon (G12) might be used as breeding parents for climate-resilient wheat varieties that are suitable for agro-ecologies in South Asia. A strong framework for choosing stable, high-yielding genotypes in the face of climate change is provided by this combined AMMI-GGE strategy. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 445-456]
Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a significant leguminous crop owing to its elevated protein levels. A field experiment was carried out to assess the influence of planting date on growth, dry bean yield, and yield components during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 planting periods at Towoomba research station, Bela Bela, South Africa. Two varieties of dry beans were planted: Kranskop (indeterminate, red speckled) and Pan 123 (determinate, small white). The planting dates consisted of 14 December 2017, 31 January 2018, 15 November 2018, 20 December 2018 and 17 January 2018. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), plant height, number of pods per plant, number seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, hundred seed weight and grain yield were significantly influenced by interaction relationship between planting date and varieties. Planting Pan 123 in November 2018 resulted in the highest number of pods per plant (52) and number of seeds per plant (198). The highest grain yield (3.85 t ha-1) for Pan 123 was produced when planted in December 2018. Planting Kranskop in December resulted in high LAI (3.51), number of seeds per pod (4.28) and grain yield (4.97 t ha-1). December seems to be the best planting time for both varieties in bela-bela. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 412-420]
The private and public sectors of Nghe An Province have been actively working on Acacia mangium afforestation, which has contributed to the recovery of woody vegetation on slash-and-burn agricultural slopes. However, it also has negative effects on the region, such as the homogenization of vegetation with non-native species and increasing erosion risks after harvest. Western Nghe An was nominated as a biosphere reserve in 2007; thus, revegetation planning must have considered the surrounding vegetation after the designation; however, the non-native species A. mangium remain a dominant species for planting, even though several economically high-valued native species grow in this region. In the northwestern area of Western Nghe An, a local Cinnamomum species called Saigon cinnamon has been traditionally grown by ethnic minorities. Recently, some households started cultivating the highly economically valued native shrub tree Camellia quephongensis (golden camellia) under cinnamon tree canopies, that is, the golden camellia–cinnamon (GCC) agroforestry system was adopted in this region. However, the cinnamon afforestation area has not been widely increased because of the long period required for harvest compared with A. mangium. Thus, we clarified advantages in ecosystem services of GCC agroforestry system compared with golden camellia–acacia (GCA) agroforestry system to expand the cinnamon forest. The GCC agroforestry system has superior supporting services; more than 2-fold greater standing crop stem volume and functioning feeding places for small birds supplying berries. For regulation services, carbon sequestration in the GCC agroforestry system is 3.3–3.7-fold higher than that in the GCA agroforestry system. These findings could encourage stakeholders such as forestry managers, golden camellia tea processors, scientists, and policymakers to introduce the GCC agroforestry system in this region. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(3.000): 388-396]
This study evaluated agronomic responses of indigenous rice landraces to seedling-mediated microbial biopriming in an inner-Terai agroecosystem of western Nepal. A triply replicated experiment in split-plot design comprised four main plots of microorganism treatments – pre-transplant root-dipping of seedlings with individual and combined inoculums of Trichoderma viride Pers. ex S.F. Gray and Pseudomonas flouresens Migula and unprimed control, and three subplots of rice landraces - Anadi, Simtharo and Tilki. Simtharo bioprimed with the duel microbial culture exhibited highest grain yield. Anadi and Tilki showed greater response to sole T. viride biopriming with 39% and 111% increase in seed yields respectively compared to their corresponding controls. The sole biopriming with P. fluorescens did not produce clear effect on growth and yield of any rice landraces. Simtharo, Anadi and Tilki with increasing maturity days, had mean grain yield of 2.68 t ha-1, 2.14 t ha-1 and Tilki 0.77 t ha-1 respectively. Later maturity was linked to higher grain sterility with strong negative correlation with grain yield (r = - 0.93, p < 0.01). Further studies should integrate the use of rice landraces of similar maturity class for comparative studies, and utilization of locally isolated microbial strains under organic direct seeding or system of rice intensification (SRI) in cropping systems approach. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(2.000): 377-386]
Maize ranks second after rice in terms of area and production in Nepal. Maize is a cross-pollinated, C4 type crop that is highly responsive to fertilization, resulting in high daily productivity. Maize genetic diversity offers a better opportunity to plant breeders for improvement through selection. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of several maize genotypes, along with correlation, and direct and indirect effects of various traits. The experimental site has a warm tropical climate. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications and 9 treatments, respectively. All maize genotypes were obtained from the Prime Minister Agricultural Modernization Project, Dang, Nepal. Analysis of variance showed substantial differences for almost all traits under study. Grain yield (34.97%, 37.12%) and ear height (31.33%, 37.99%) had the highest genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation. A high value of heritability was recorded for grain yield. Grain yield had the highest genetic advance as a percent of the mean (67.87%), followed by ear height (53.19%). Grain yield showed positive and significant phenotypic correlation with all traits except days to 50% tasseling, ear diameter and number of rows per ear. Path analysis revealed that traits like test weight, weight of kernel per ear and ear height had the most favorable impacts on yield, both directly and indirectly. The study showed that the selection of any of these traits would lead to an improvement in grain yield. [Fundam Appl Agric 2025; 10(2.000): 362-369]
