Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) faces problems of poor germination because of its hard seed coat that restricts water uptake. Seed priming provides a pre-sowing, effective and low-cost technique to enhance germination and seedling vigor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different seed priming methods on the germination and vigor of okra variety ‘Arka Anamika’ under laboratory conditions. This study was conducted in a simple Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments (distilled water hydro-priming, 5% cow urine, 200 ppm GA₃, 10% Trichoderma viride, 10% Pseudomonas fluorescens, 5% NaCl, and an untreated control) from 30 May to 14 June 2024. The parameters measured were germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed index, germination energy, seedling vigor index, root & shoot length and allometric coefficient. Treatments differed significantly from one another. GA₃ priming maintained the maximum germination speed index (61.25), germination energy (74.16%), seedling vigor index (1326.33), and shoot length (24.27 cm) while the highest germination percentage (88.66%) and comparable vigor performance were recorded by Trichoderma viride priming. Cow urine was found to be least effective, although hydro-priming yielded a moderate improvement. The findings of this study suggest that the okra seed primed with 200 ppm GA₃ or 10% Trichoderma viride show better performance in terms of seedling vigor and germination under laboratory conditions.
Accurately measuring forest carbon (C) stocks is crucial for evaluating Community Forests' contribution to mitigating climate change and for bolstering Nepal's carbon-based payment systems. In order to determine the importance of Rani Community Forest in Makawanpur District for mitigating climate change, this August 2024 study evaluated the forest's capacity to store carbon. In accordance with the MoFSC Guideline for Forest Carbon Measurement (2010), 31 concentric circular plots were sampled. Aboveground and belowground biomass carbon stocks were estimated following national guideline-recommended allometric equations, and Soil organic carbon (0–30 cm) was analyzed using the Walkley–Black method (1934). Results showed that total vegetation biomass was 292.21 t ha⁻¹, corresponding to total vegetation carbon stock 137.33 t ha⁻¹ where trees/poles contributed 91.98% of vegetation carbon. As a result, the total SOC stock was 79.73 tha⁻¹, with an average soil bulk density of 1.23 g cm⁻³ and a SOC content of 2.17%. The maximum SOC was found in the 0–10 cm layer, and a one-way ANOVA showed significant variations in SOC throughout depths (p <0.004). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) between SOC and aboveground vegetation carbon indicated strong vegetation–soil linkages. The total carbon stock of 217.05 t ha⁻¹ corresponds to 796.57 t ha⁻¹ Carbon-dioxide (CO2,) demonstrating substantial carbon sequestration potential. These findings emphasize the critical role of Community Forests in Nepal's climate mitigation strategies and their potential contribution in REDD⁺ and carbon financing mechanisms.
At the Rampur Campus research farm in Khairahani, Nepal, a field experiment was carried out in the spring of 2022–2023 to assess the effects of sunflower varieties and fertilizer treatments combined with biofertilizers on growth and yield. A two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used in this study. Two sunflower varieties, namely Sungold-753 and Bharat-709 along with five fertilizer treatments namely F1 – 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and potash-solubilizing bacteria (KSB); F2 – 60:80:40 kg NPK/ha + PSB and KSB; F3 – 40:60:20 kg NPK/ha + PSB and KSB; F4 – 20:40:10 kg NPK /ha + PSB and KSB; and F5 – control. The findings showed that neither variety nor fertilizer treatment had a significant impact on plant height or days to maturity. On the other hand, under the maximum fertilizer dose (80:100:60 kg NPK/ha) combined with PSB and KSB, the leaf area index at 60 days after planting was significantly higher (5.67). Additionally, the largest capitulum weight per plant (175.85 g) was produced by the same treatment. Bharat-709 was the variety with the best grain yield (2.40 t/ha), while the treatment of 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha + biofertilizers produced the highest yield (3.12 t/ha). According to these results, growing Bharat-709 with 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha supplemented with PSB and KSB is a successful method for maximizing sunflower yield in Chitwan, Nepal's agroclimatic conditions.
This study assessed the biomass and carbon stocks above and below ground in a community forest in central Nepal that is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta). A basic random sample design with a 2% sampling intensity and 500 m² circular plots was used to gather field data from Block 1 of the Piple Pokhara Community Forest, Makawanpur District, between October 2021 and March 2022. Tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured, and standard allometric equations were used to determine biomass. A total of 78 individual trees were measured across the eight sample plots. With a mean height of 13.18 m and a mean DBH of 20.66 cm, the forest showed moderate structural variability. The average total biomass per tree was 315.63 kg, with mean above-ground and below-ground biomass of 263.03 kg and 52.61 kg, respectively. Above-ground components accounted for the highest share of the corresponding mean carbon stocks, which were 0.12 tons above-ground, 0.02 tons below-ground, and 0.15 tons overall per tree. Plot-to-plot variations in carbon stocks ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 tons per tree, primarily due to variations in tree size. The findings highlight the role of community forests in Nepal's efforts to mitigate climate change and account for carbon emissions. They show that the community forest serves as an efficient local carbon sink and that better forest management that focuses on stand structure could further enhance its carbon sequestration potential.
This study aimed to evaluate the resilience of two barley varieties (‘Ardhaoui’ and ‘Manel’) to thermo-hydric stress under conservation agriculture (CA) compared to conventional agriculture, across different sowing dates (normal, late) and water regimes (rainfed, irrigated). Field experiments were conducted during the 2020–2021 winter growing season at a representative semi-arid site in Western Tunisia, and climatic trends over the past 24 years were analyzed to contextualize current stress conditions. A severe water deficit, coupled with a rise in temperature and increased ET0, occurred during grain filling. This tendency towards climate change is confirmed by the site's climatic characterization over 24 years, during which temperatures have risen by 0.16 °C per year (r = 0.800, p = 0.01). Results showed that CA significantly improved barley performance, increasing biological and grain yields by 26% and 29%, respectively, suggesting more efficient rainfall utilization. Supplemental irrigation further enhanced grain yield (51%) relative to biological yield (45%). The local variety ‘Ardhaoui’ demonstrated higher tolerance to drought and heat stress than the improved variety ‘Manel’. Biomass was more sensitive to heat stress than grain yield (32% vs. 24%), indicating a potential shift in harvest index under extreme conditions. Stress tolerance indices (HSTI and STI) and phenolic compound analysis confirmed that CA and supplemental irrigation mitigated the negative effects of thermo-hydric stress. The significant positive interaction (p = 0.001) between tillage method and sowing date confirms that tillage practices alleviate heat stress expression. These findings highlight that CA, when combined with appropriate variety selection and irrigation management, can improve barley resilience under semi-arid conditions. The study also underscores the importance of local varieties in adapting to climate variability, while cautioning that results are based on a single season and site, and multi-year evaluations are needed to confirm long-term benefits.
Banana is a high value crop with immense potential to enhance production through area expansion and improved production practices. This study aimed to investigate the profitability and resource use efficiency of banana enterprises in Chitwan, Nepal. Primary data were obtained from 135 banana growers and 45 traders by using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, along with the Cobb Douglas production function, were used to estimate resource allocation. The study reported average gross profit of 5211.65/kattha and benefit cost ratio of 1.52, indicating that banana farming is profitable. The analysis of resource use efficiency showed the under-utilization of plantation, chemical fertilizers, and micronutrients, while farm-yard manure, labor, pesticide, and irrigation were overutilized. For the optimum allocation of resources, the cost of plantation, chemical fertilizers, and micronutrients needs to be increased by 59%, 14%, and 46%, respectively, while the cost of farmyard manure, labor, pesticide, and irrigation needs to be decreased by 209%, 250%, 194%, and 84%, respectively. Disease, insect and weed infestation were the main problem. during production, while the domination by middle men was found as the major issues for marketing. The study recommends enhancing extension services through better technologies and training in optimizing inputs.
Barley landraces serve as important genetic resources for enhancing drought tolerance in crop development programs. This study aimed to assess drought tolerance genotype among fourteen barley landraces using CRD replicated thrice, under controlled poly-house conditions at College of Natural Resource Management (CNRM), Bardibas, Nepal. Plants were exposed to water-deficit stress (60 centibars for 7 days) at the crown root initiation, tillering, and grain filling stages, while controls were maintained under optimal moisture. Physiological traits (chlorophyll content, flowering and maturity duration) and yield components were recorded, and drought tolerance indices (STI, MP, GMP, SSI, TOL, YSI) were computed. Significant genotypic variation was observed for drought response. Landrace AFU 202501 exhibited moderate growth reduction (9.2%) and high chlorophyll retention (93.2% of control), indicating sustenance under water-deficit condition with stable yield. Saptari Local demonstrated early maturity with minimal yield reduction (TOL = 0.86; SSI = –0.068) as a drought-escape mechanism, whereas NGRC 6010 was highly sensitive with severe growth inhibition. Based on stress indices, AFU 202501 and Gaushala Local depicts high-yielding potentiality under both stress and non-stress conditions (STI > 1.3), while Saptari Local exhibited superior yield stability (YSI = 0.943). The finding suggests chlorophyll retention and phenological plasticity as reliable indicators of drought adaptation, and identify AFU 202501 and Saptari Local as promising parental lines for breeding drought-tolerant barley, warranting further validation under multi-environment field conditions.
Dairy farming is an important source of income for farmers; however, farm management practices are often overlooked. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feeding, management, and healthcare practices of dairy cattle farms in Nepal. A total of 407 households were surveyed in the districts of Ilam (86), Morang (114), Kavre (91), and Chitwan (116). The data was collected from February to October 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the mean and frequency. Farms were compared using one-way ANOVA, with a post hoc test to examine variation among farm sizes. The findings revealed that 93.1% of farmers fed rice straw, while 80.8% fed Kundo or Khole as the primary feed. Feed blocks, UMMB, and urea molasses were used by 19.4%, 20.1%, and 6.4% of the farms, respectively. Similarly, on average, 45% of cattle housing was found in good condition, while 45.2% had a mud-floor mix with concrete. The adoption rate for GHPs such as disinfectant (4.9%), protective workers (16.5%), farm entry log (4.9%), grooming tools (24.1%), and record keeping (23.3%) was found to be low. The technology adoption remains at seven or fewer for 71.5% cattle farms. Mastitis (44%) was the most reported disease, followed by FMD (25%), infertility (14%), Charchare (5%), and other diseases, including lumpy skin (12%). 35.3% farms followed regular health care services, while 64.7% practiced it irregularly. In addition, the economic analysis revealed that 71% and 29% of the cost was covered by feed and non-feed inputs, respectively, while the medium-sized farm was identified as the most profitable. It is suggested to provide training and extension services on good husbandry practices, along with increasing subsidies for improved farming techniques to lower costs. Further, preventive measures for disease control, including surveillance and quarantine, are essential.
Lentil wilt is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis, a major limiting factor in lentil production in Nepal. This study aimed at finding better and sustainable ways to manage it through combined biological and chemical methods. The study was done from September 2016 to March 2017 at Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal. Eleven native Trichoderma isolates were tested in the lab using a dual culture method, and two fungicides, carbendazim and propiconazole, were tested for their inhibitory effects via the poison food method at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ppm. Field trials were conducted with seed treatment, foliar spray, and combined application in randomized complete block design with three replications. The plot size was 3 m x 3 m. Study results showed that Trichoderma isolated from Rampur and Tarahara had the highest pathogen inhibition percentage which reduces fungal growth up to 70% and 63%, respectively. Chemical carbendazim inhibited wilt mycelial growth by 86% at 10 ppm and fully at 50 ppm, while chemical propiconazole inhibited on 100 ppm fully. In the field condition, wilt disease severity was recorded lowest in the plots which were treated with combined seed and foliar applications of these chemicals but carbendazim-treated plots have the highest yield. This study highlights that combining biological control agents with chemical fungicides offers effective way to manage lentil wilt and yields. Future work should focus on reducing chemical usage by integrating resistant lentil varieties and optimized biological treatments.
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is among the major health problems affecting captive exotic birds, leading to poor growth, reduced reproductive performance, and even mortality. Central Zoo, Nepal, serves as a form of ex-situ conservation, and this study aimed to determine the general prevalence of helminth and protozoan gastrointestinal parasites in 16 different species of exotic avian fauna. Freshly defecated fecal samples were collected from 100 individuals, with five to ten individuals per species. We used iodine wet mount, flotation, and sedimentation methods to detect the protozoan and helminth samples, where five genera of parasites were detected at a 54% prevalence rate. The study results were that one protozoan genus, Eimeria sp. (37%), and four helminth genera. Among them, Ascaridia sp. (23%) showed the highest prevalence, followed by Codiostomum sp. (3%), Trichostrongylus sp. (10%), and Strongyloides sp. (7%). The prevalence of protozoan parasites (57) was higher than that of helminth parasites (43), and the difference was statistically insignificant (χ² = 0.197, p = 0.656). Similarly, the difference in prevalence between single and mixed infections was found to be statistically significant (χ² = 4.481, p = 0.034). The prevalence of protozoan parasites (57) was higher than that of helminth parasites (43), and the difference was statistically insignificant (χ² = 0.197, p = 0.656). Similarly, the difference in prevalence between single and mixed infections was found to be statistically significant (χ² = 4.481, p = 0.034). Double infections were the highest occurrence (76.19%) compared to the multiple infections (23.80%) among the mixed infections. Evidence-based deworming protocols were recommended to enhance healthy captive avian populations.
A field experiment was undertaken during the summer season of 2023 at Khairahani, Chitwan, with the objective of evaluating the effect of different phosphorus levels on the growth, yield attributes, and grain yield of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes and determine the optimum phosphorus dose for higher productivity under rainfed lowland conditions. Two cowpea genotypes, namely Surya and Gajale, and four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha) were evaluated in a two-factor factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The height of the plants, the index of leaf area, the length of the pods, and the number of pods on one plant were, however, not affected at all by the cowpea varieties or the phosphorus levels. The Gajale variety along with the highest phosphorus level (60 kg P₂O₅/ha) recorded the maximum number of grains per pod (12). On the contrary, grain yield was heavily depending on the variety and the phosphorus application, with the Gajale variety produced the highest yield (1.19 t/ha) and at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha (1.24 t/ha), followed by 40 kg P₂O₅/ha (1.13 t/ha). The interaction between cowpea varieties and phosphorus levels was observed to be statistically significant and thus, the Gajale variety with 60 kg P₂O₅ /ha obtained the maximum grain yield (1.35 t/ha). Hence, it can be stated that the cultivation of Gajale variety with the application of 60 kg P₂O₅/ha under rainfed lowland conditions in eastern Chitwan is the producer of cowpea productivity in the highest way possible.
Hybrid maize plays a crucial role in enhancing maize productivity in Nepal due to its higher yield potential and superior agronomic performance compared with open-pollinated varieties. The objective of this study was to identify high-yielding maize hybrids suitable for winter planting under the Terai conditions of Nepal. A total of ten maize hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the winter season of 2024-25 at Rampur, Chitwan. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.01) among hybrids for growth parameters, including days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, plant height, and ear height. Yield and yield-attributing traits, such as thousand-kernel weight, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, cob length, and cob diameter, were also found significantly affected by hybrid differences (p<0.01). The highest grain yield was recorded for KWM92/KWM93 (10,076 kg ha-1), followed by KWM91/KWM93 (9,892 kg ha-1), Winner (NMH8352) (9,878 kg ha-1), CML581/CML582 (9,168 kg ha-1), and CML581/CML612 (8,778 kg ha-1). These results indicate that the identified hybrids possess high yield potential and can be promoted as promising candidate hybrids for winter maize production in the Terai region of Nepal.
Conflict between humans and wildlife is a major problem for global wildlife conservation. Conflicts between humans and leopards are common throughout their global range. In Bhimsen Rural Municipality, Gorkha district, Nepal, this study was conducted during 2020-2021 to evaluate livestock depredation by common leopards (Panthera pardus), its causes, and locally implemented mitigation measures. A questionnaire survey was used to triangulate the data from livestock owners' compensation claims submitted to the Division Forest Office (DFO) Gorkha and the Manaslu Conservation Area Office, Manaslu Gorkha (n=113). Goats accounted for the majority of the 91 animals that were killed (mean = 82.5, 91%), followed by cattle (mean = 5, 5.5%) and buffaloes (mean = 3, 3.3%). With the highest monthly losses in December (mean = 15.0) and January (mean = 13.5), depredation peaked in the afternoon (12–5 PM, 33.9%) and late at night (12–5 AM, 20.15%). The conversion of crop land into forest (24.8%), an increase in leopard populations (22.1%), and a decrease in wild prey (20.4%) were the primary apparent causes of the majority of the incidents (58%), which happened within 100 meters of forest edges. Predator-proof corrals (23%) and active guarding (19.5%) were local mitigation measures. The distance from the forest and the incidence of cattle depredation were inversely correlated. The respondents' attitudes toward leopard conservation were favorable. Based on these results, the study suggests improving local conflict-resolution skills and bolstering livestock protection close to forests.
Landslides are recurrent and destructive hazard in Nepal’s geologically young and fragile Siwalik (Chure) Hills, where the lack of systematic susceptibility assessments limits effective land-use planning and disaster risk reduction. This study aimed to evaluate and map landslide susceptibility in Rajpur Rural Municipality, Dang District, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the bivariate Frequency Ratio (FR) model. A spatially explicit landslide inventory of 151 historical events was prepared from high-resolution Google Earth imagery. Nine landslide conditioning factors-slope, aspect, elevation, plan curvature, land use/land cover (LULC), geology, soil type, mean annual precipitation, and proximity to rivers—were processed and analyzed within a GIS framework. Class-wise FR values were calculated to quantify the relationship between each factor and past landslide occurrences, and these values were integrated to produce the Landslide Susceptibility Map (LSM) that classified the area into five susceptibility zones. The FR analysis revealed a strong association between landslide occurrence and water bodies within the LULC parameter (FR=1.52), highlighting the role of fluvial erosion and slope undercutting. Soil emerged as the most influential factor, exhibiting the highest prediction rate (PR = 2.57). Model validation using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) method yielded an AUC value of 0.545, indicating a marginal but positive predictive performance above random classification. The resulting LSM provides a scientifically grounded decision-support tool for local authorities, planners, and disaster management agencies to identify priority areas for targeted mitigation measures, including bio-engineering, community-based afforestation, and risk-sensitive infrastructure development, demonstrating the practical utility of the FR model in data-scarce mountainous environments of Nepal.
The Chure region of Nepal, an ecologically fragile landscape, faces severe degradation, threatening its soil fertility and ecosystem services. Conducted in 2024, this study aimed to assess the vertical and spatial variations of key soil fertility indicators, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and pH, in the forest soils of this understudied region. Soil samples were collected from 29 permanent sample plots across six districts (Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Siraha) in Madhesh Province. Stratified random sampling was employed to collect samples from three depth intervals (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm). TN was determined using the Kjeldahl method, AP by Olsen's method, AK by flame photometry, and pH using a digital pH meter. A two-way ANOVA tested the main effects of depth and district (p< 0.05). The results revealed significant vertical gradients for all parameters. TN decreased markedly with depth (0.034% at 0–10 cm to 0.012% at 20–30 cm), while AP, AK, and pH increased significantly with depth. This subsoil enrichment is attributed to the region's specific pedogenic processes, including leaching in coarse-textured soils, fixation in alkaline subsoils, and weathering of the calcareous/sandstone parent material. Spatially, Rautahat district consistently exhibited the highest levels of TN (0.034%), AP (106.46 kg/ha), AK (20.67 kg/ha), and pH (7.69). In contrast,Siraha had the lowest AP (99.84 kg/ha), AK (19.38 kg/ha), and pH (7.21), and Mahottari had the lowest TN (0.010%). These findings provide a critical scientific baseline for designing targeted soil conservation, sustainable forest management, and land rehabilitation strategies in this vulnerable ecosystem.
Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge in Nepal’s Middle Hills, threatening agricultural productivity and watershed sustainability. This study aims to quantify long-term land use/land cover (LULC) changes and assess spatial patterns of soil erosion risk in the Karra River watershed, Makawanpur District, over a 20-year period. Multi-temporal Landsat imagery from 2003, 2013, and 2023 was used to analyse LULC dynamics, while soil erosion was estimated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The RUSLE model incorporated rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover management, and conservation practice factors. The watershed was further subdivided into 29 sub-watersheds to prioritize areas for conservation intervention. The results reveal substantial LULC changes between 2003 and 2023, including a 357.1% expansion of built-up areas, a 6.1% increase in forest cover, and a 10.2% decline in cropland. Estimated annual soil loss ranged from <5 to 463 t/ha/yr, with a watershed-wide mean of 8.32 t/ha/yr. Approximately 66.9% of the watershed experienced low erosion (<5 t/ha/yr), while 21.87% was classified as high to very severe erosion (>20 t/ha/yr). Sub-watershed prioritization identified SW12 as the most erosion-prone unit, with an average soil loss of 40.2 t/ha/yr. Areas experiencing rapid urban expansion and agricultural land conversion exhibited localized but elevated erosion risks. The study concludes that integrating LULC change analysis with RUSLE-based modelling provides a spatially explicit framework for identifying erosion hotspots and supporting targeted soil and water conservation planning in data-scarce mountainous regions.
This study evaluates Agricultural Vulnerability Indexing (AVI) across the selected municipalities of Karnali province of Nepal characterized by difficult terrain, fragile agricultural systems, and increasing climatic stresses. Using a geospatial approach, six indicators: land use and land cover (LULC), drainage conditions, slope stability, market availability, livestock suitability, and road accessibility were analysed at the ward level. Data were collected from multiple sources using a structured checklist for three municipalities: Simikot (Humla), Dullu (Dailekh), and Bheriganga (Surkhet). Each indicator has been categorized on a scale of 1 to 5 based on its contribution to overall vulnerability, and the AVI which was also normalized between 0 and 1 to generate composite vulnerability scores. The findings indicated that there was considerable spatial variation in vulnerability across the 34 assessed wards. As of result, Simikot-1 recorded a very high AVI exceeding 0.8, indicating the most vulnerable ward. Similarly, high vulnerability was also observed in Dullu (Wards 1, 8, 13), Simikot (Wards 4, 7, 8), and Bheriganga (Ward 13), while Dullu-4 and Bheriganga-7 exhibited the lowest AVI scores. Environmental limitations like unstable slopes, poor drainage, limited farmland, and socioeconomic challenges like weak infrastructure, low technology access, and poverty increase vulnerability; yet communities use traditional indigenous, community-based practices resiliently. The study highlights the value of geospatial and temporal analysis for identifying ward-specific vulnerabilities and informing evidence-based planning. The results offer practical guidance for prioritizing interventions and strengthening agricultural resilience and food security in Karnali Province.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash crop and a key contributor to food security in Nepal, but its productivity is limited by inefficient input use and low adoption of improved practices. This study seeks to bridge that research gap by examine the factors of potato production on farms of varying sizes in Syangja district of Nepal. Field survey was conducted from April 2024 to June 2024 in the Galyang, Bhirkot, Waling, and Chapakot municipalities of Syangja district. Primary data was collected from 91 potato farmers, who were then categorized into small scale and large scale farmers according to their area under potato cultivation. The Cobb-Douglas production function and regression analysis were applied. To ensure the validity of the results, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multicollinearity diagnostics using the variance inflation factor (VIF < 5) were conducted. Large-scale farmers demonstrated a 9% lower variable cost (NRs. 18,232 vs. 19,969/Ropani), but comparable profitability (Benefit-cost ratio: 2.09 vs. 1.86). This may be due to the higher bargaining power of small-scale farmers. The presence of overused inputs like seeds, labor, and fertilizer, where (Marginal Value Product/Marginal Factor Cost < 1), lowered efficiency, while transport (β = 0.24), and post-harvest costs (β = 1.09), were revenue drivers. Semi-commercial and commercial systems of agriculture increased production by 237 to 293 kg/ropani (p < 0.05) over traditional agriculture. Among the commonly cultivated varieties, Khumal Ujjwal exhibited the highest production, with average yield of 940.10 kg/ropani. Return to scale was found to be 1.40, indicates thescaled inputs led to higher productivity in potato production. Therefore, it is suggested to provide training and extension supports on proper utilization of inputs, increase scale of production and post-harvest management.
Soybean yield in high-rainfall regions of western Nepal is highly variable due to interactions among genotype, environment, and management (G×E×M). This study aimed to evaluate soybean genotypes under adjusted sowing dates to enhance yield and reduce the impact of early pre-monsoon rainfall. A two-year field experiment (2020–2021) was conducted at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Lumle, Kaski, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Based on first-year observations, sowing was advanced by 15 days in the second year to avoid early rainfall that compromises crop establishment. Significant variation among genotypes was observed for days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height, and adjusted grain yield. LS-77-16-16 produced the highest pooled yield (1.83 t/ha), while 500-kernel weight, seeds per pod, and plant population per plot were not significantly different. Unlike past reports of up to 96% yield loss when rainfall coincided with flowering to pod-setting, our results indicate that maintaining crop stand under early rainfall is the primary challenge. These findings suggest that early sowing, combined with selection of suitable genotypes, can improve soybean yield stability under variable rainfall conditions.
Induced mutagenesis is a pivotal tool for enhancing the genetic diversity and achieving targeted trait selection in pulse crops. In M2 and M3 generations of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik, var. Pant L-406), this study assesses the genetic variability induced in three quantitative traits viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, and plant height. Different concentrations of sodium azide (SA: 0.01%–0.04%), hydrazine hydrate (HZ: 0.01%–0.04%), and ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS: 0.1%–0.4%) were applied to the seeds. The mean values for all the three attributes showed a significant negative change, according to the results. In the M3 generation, 0.3% EMS reduced the flowering by 5.20 days and maturity by 5.60 days, resulting in the most significant decreases in both. With a negative shift of 5.12 cm in comparison to the control, 0.03% SA was the most effective in reducing the plant height. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad-sense heritability (h2), and genetic advance (GA) were all consistently higher in M2 generation than in the M3 generation. For flowering in M2 generation, 0.3% EMS produced the highest h2 (60.64%). These results imply that in earlier mutant generations, selection for early maturity and decreased plant height is very successful.
