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.

Soybean is a vital legume with significant nutritional and economic importance, contributing to global edible oil and protein supplies. In Nepal, soybean cultivation is expanding, yet its performance varies due to environmental heterogeneity and genotype-environment interaction. In the present study, the performance of 18 soybean genotypes over 5 locations during the rainy season of 2019 and 16 soybean genotypes over locations during the rainy season of 2020 was carried out in an alpha lattice design and investigated using AMMI and GGE biplot analysis to assess adaptability and stability using combined ANOVA, AMMI, and GGE biplot analyses. In 2019, environment contributed the most to variation in grain yield (27.84%), followed by genotype x environment interaction (55.31%) and genotype (16.83%). Conversely, in 2020, environment explained 65.8% of the variation, with genotype contributing only 5.14% and genotype x environment interaction 29.04%. Overall, the combined analysis revealed that genotype x environment interaction was a significant source of variation, particularly in 2019. The GGE biplot effectively visualized the relationships between locations and genotypes, with the first two principal components explaining 81.22% of the variation. It identified superior genotypes such as G-1873, TGX-1445-ID, and SB0122 in terms of high grain yield. Notably, G-1873 was closest to an ideal genotype, exhibiting both high yield and stability. The “Which-Won-Where” analysis grouped the testing sites into two mega-environments: one with three locations where G-1873 was the top performer, and another with a single location where GC8234GC-13 excelled. Locations like Surkhet, Salyan, and Doti were identified as the most suitable for soybean cultivation, being closest to the ideal in the concentric circle representation. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights for soybean breeding programs aimed at improving yield stability and adaptability across diverse environments in Nepal. The identification of location-specific genotypes will facilitate targeted cultivar development and deployment, ultimately supporting Nepal’s soybean industry and reducing reliance on imports.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp) is a sixth staple food crop in Nepal. It’s productivity is low in Nepal as compared to other countries. One of the factors of low productivity is poor nutrient management. A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nutrient management on grain yield of tartary buckwheat at Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha. The field experiment consists of seven fertilizer treatments with different nutrient combination doses, replicated thrice and laid out in randomized complete block design. The tested variety was Tite Phapar-1 and experiments were conducted during 2019, 2020 and 2022. Seven fertilizer treatments were FYM 5 t ha-1, 30:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 30:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 60:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 60:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 90:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 and 90:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, respectively. The results of the experiment showed that grain yield, no. of flower cluster per plant, no. of seeds per cyme were significantly affected by nutrient doses. Tite Phapar-1 variety of buckwheat produced the highest grain yield (2.05 t ha-1) when applied 90:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 followed by 60:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 (1.754 t ha-1) and 60:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 (1.74 t ha-1). Among these three nutrient doses, there was no significant different on grain yield. Therefore, it was concluded that 60:30:30 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 could be recommended for Tite Phapar-1 cultivation under Kabre, Dolakha condition and similar soil types and ecology of Nepal.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a gluten-free cereal crop widely grown in Africa and Asia, recognized for its rich bioactive compounds and health benefits. It contains high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins with potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, finger millet is a valuable source of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium, crucial for bone health, cognitive function, and body immune. Its high dietary fiber content aids gastrointestinal health, regulates blood sugar and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Finger millet is particularly high in essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein choice for vegetarians. Agronomic biofortification, which involves adding zinc, calcium, and iron to the soil and leaves of plants can increase the mineral content of the grain. This review investigates different approaches of agronomic biofortification of finger millet and explore the health and nutritional benefits of bioactive components with a focus on their role as a functional diet in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

A field experiment was carried out during 2020, 2021 and 2022 to study the response of finger millet on fertilizer doses at Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha. The field experiment consists of seven fertilizer treatments with different nutrient combination doses, replicated thrice and laid out in randomized complete block design. The tested variety was Kabre Kodo-2. Seven fertilizer treatments were 5 t FYM /ha (farmers practice), 30:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, 30:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, 60:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, 60:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, 90:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and 90:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, respectively. The results of the experiment showed that grain yield, stover yield and number of heads/m2were significantly affected by fertilizer doses (p<0.05). Kabre Kodo-2 variety of finger millet produced the highest grain yield (4.98 t/ha) and straw yield (8.27 t/ha) with the application 90:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and was at par with 60:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha, 90:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and 60:60:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha. These results clearly indicated that 60:30:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha could be recommended for finger millet cultivation under Dolakha condition and in areas with similar soil types and ecology of Nepal.

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass) is a promising but underexplored oilseed crop in Nepal, with considerable expansion potential. However, it faces a significant threat from leaf spot disease, caused by Cercospora guizoticola, resulting in notable yield reductions. This study aimed to identify genetic sources of resistance to this pathogen. Sixty-three niger genotypes, including resistant check ACC#5320 and susceptible check ACC#5355, underwent disease resistance screening over two years (2022-2023) in field disease screening nurseries at the Oilseed Research Program, Sarlahi, using an incomplete block design. Each block contained nine genotypes, replicated twice. Disease severity, yield, and yield-attributing traits were assessed. Significant variations in disease and yield traits were observed among the genotypes over the years. While only 10% exhibited resistance, 34% showed moderate resistance with minimal symptoms compared to susceptible types. None were immune, with 22 genotypes (36%) classified as susceptible and 20% highly susceptible. A significant negative correlation (P≤0.05) between disease severity and grain yield was evident. Genotypes ICN Lumle 3000, G-51, G-5, ACC#5363, ACC#5323, and ACC#5319 demonstrated both high yielding (>1 t/ha) and resistance to Cercospora leaf spot, offering valuable genetic resources for enhancing niger's resilience to this disease through breeding initiatives.

A major challenge for mankind is how to increase agricultural productivity while preserving and increasing biodiversity. The competition between humans, weeds, pests, and diseases has led to significant losses in agricultural products, highlighting the ecological and financial necessity of making efficient and sustainable use of limited resources such as land, water, and soil. Because biodiversity offers a variety of ecosystem services that can be used to boost agricultural production and encourage sustainability, it is crucial to use it for crop protection. Biodiversity forms the very foundation for the development of effective biological management techniques utilizing natural enemies to regulate the populations of undesirable organisms, thereby improving crop health and yield. However, inadequate management and protection of biodiversity have led to the fundamental functions that ecosystems provide to humans being threatened. To effectively address and prevent the challenges posed by biodiversity, plant protection products must be used safely and properly by farmers and land managers. This review explores how biodiversity can be used to manage pests and diseases, including soil fertility and plant resilience, using various cutting-edge techniques, including biotechnology and organic improvement. It also examines crop losses caused by insect pests, providing valuable insights for crop protection.

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a promising but underexplored oilseed crop in Nepal, with considerable expansion potential. However, it faces a significant threat from leaf blight disease, caused by Alternaria lini resulting in notable yield reductions. This study aimed to identify genetic sources of resistance to this pathogen. Fourty-two linseed genotypes, including resistant check ACC#7622 and susceptible check Sarlahi local, underwent disease resistance screening over two years (2021-2022) in field disease screening nurseries at the Oilseed Research Program, Sarlahi, using an incomplete block design. Each block contained seven genotypes, replicated twice. Disease severity, yield and yield attributing traits were assessed. Significant variations in disease and yield traits were observed among the genotypes over the years. While only 19% showed moderate resistance with minimal symptoms compared to susceptible types. None were immune and resistance, with 13 genotypes (31%) classified as moderately susceptible, 26% susceptible and 24% highly susceptible. A significant negative correlation (P≤0.05) between disease severity and grain yield was evident. Genotypes ACC#(5-ICLI-2001-5), ACC#96-001, ACC#7622, ACC#96-004, TN#04, ACC#(9-ICLI-2001-9), ACC#(1-ICLI-2001-1), and TN#08 demonstrated both high yield and moderately resistance to alternaria leaf blight, offering valuable genetic resources for enhancing linseed resilience to this disease through breeding initiatives.

Stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) is one of the most damaging and yield reducing pest in maize. Field experiments were organized to assess the extent of damage and yield loss due to the infestation of stem borer in maize following two factors randomized complete block design with three replications at National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, during two consecutive spring seasons of 2020 and 2021. Maize varieties; Rampur Hybrid (RH)-8, RH-10, RH-12 (CAH-1715), RH-14 (RML-86/RML-96), RH-16 (RML-95/RML-96), TX-369, Arun-2, ZM-401, ZM-627 and Rampur Composite were used as a test variety (First factor) whereas pest control conditions (spray and non-spray) was considered as the second factor in the experiments. The sprayed plots (protected plots) were kept completely free from stem borer infestation by using three application of standard dose of insecticide (spinosad 45% EC@0.4mL/L) at 10 days interval and non spray (unprotected plots) were selected for natural infestation of stem borers. Standard agronomical practices such as time of planting, row spacing, seed rate, irrigation, weeding and fertilizer application and doses were adopted to raise the crop. Among tested varieties Arun-2 was found most susceptible to stem borer attack in both experimental years resulted in higher % dead hearts (6.04%), higher no of exit hole (4.72), higher % foliage damage at before tasseling stage (12.17%) and higher tunnel length (4.62cm). Quantitative yield loss increased with the increase of the borer's infestation. The yield loss was ranged from 25 to 45% in different maize varieties due to the attack of stem borer. Highest yield loss was quantified for the open pollinated varieties, ZM-401(44.61%) followed by Rampur Composite (41.39%) and Arun-2 (41.22%). Spraying of insecticide enabled the recently introduced maize hybrid RH-14 to produce more yield and to be less vulnerable to stem borer damage.

Field experiments were carried out at the National Maize Research Program in Rampur, Chitwan, with the objective of comparing the effectiveness of insecticides in the field for controlling maize leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) during the winter season of 2019 and 2020. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block with four replications. The plot size was 6 rows of 5 m long with the spacing of 60cm × 25cm. Maize hybrid Rampur Hybrid-14 (RML-86/RML-96) was used as experimental variety. The efficacies of five insecticides viz., thiomethoxam 25% w/w 0.2g/L (T1), acetamiprid 20%WP 2g/L (T2), flonicamid 50% WG 0.5g/L (T3), neemix 3ml/L(T4), imidacloprid 0.5ml/L(T5) and untreated control (T6) were used as experimental treatments. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 180: 60: 40 N: P2O5: K2O kg/ ha with farm yard manure 10 t/ha and seed rate was 20kg/ha. Data on aphid incidence, severity, yield and yield components were recorded. All the tested insecticides significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the plant infestation caused by maize aphid, and thereafter increased the grain yield of maize compared to control. However, newer insecticide flonicamid 50% WG 0.5g/L was found as the most effective insecticide with lower aphid colony per plant (2.85), aphid score (2.63), aphid infested plant (7.33%) and higher crop yield (7904.79kg/ha). The application of insecticides prior to their severe infestations is necessary for the efficient control of the maize leaf aphid. The research findings will assist maize farmers in choosing and applying the best insecticide to ensure efficient management of maize leaf aphid with high yield.

The purpose of this review is to provide information on the nutritional value of mushrooms and how to preserve that quality after harvest. Mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B, C, and D, and are low in calories and high in fiber (iron, phosphorus, copper, potassium and selenium). Consuming mushrooms may help prevent or treat serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiac diseases. Mushrooms are high in protein and low in cholesterol. After being harvested, mushrooms' quality continues to deteriorate, showing signs of discoloration, moisture loss, texture changes, an increase in the number of microorganisms, and nutrient and flavor loss. Maintaining postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of mushrooms requires postharvest preservation techniques, such as physical, chemical, and thermal processes. To preserve its quality during post-harvest, there are a number of steps that must be taken, including precooling and refrigeration, washing with hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, sodium erythorbate, and calcium chloride, edible coating with Aloe vera, apple peel powder, carboxymethyl cellulose, lecithin, and tartaric acid, modified atmosphere packages, and use of high-quality packaging materials like polypropylene. Mushrooms can be kept fresher for longer by steeping and canning. Researchers, farmers, and academics interested in mushroom cultivation and its product diversification could benefit from this review.

Experiments on maize (Zea mays L.) were carried out aiming to control banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by fungus, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn with six treatments represented by different fungicides, antagonists and phytoextracts against control receiving no spray with three replicates of each under field conditions during two consecutive years from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, the higher Percent Disease Control (44.85%) and Percent Yield Increase (62.10%) both were estimated in plot treated with SAAF (carbendazim 12% WP + mancozeb 63% WP) followed by the plot where seed was treated with bavistin (carbendazim 50% WP). The grain yield was higher in plots treated with SAAF followed by leaf stripping method. Almost similar trends of disease control were observed in 2020. The lower percent disease index (47.67% PDI) with higher yield (4660 kg/ha) was recorded from the plot sprayed with SAAF@3 g/L during knee high and subsequent spray after 15 days interval followed by leaf stripping technique (lower 3-4 leaves from ground surface) as compared to control plot (PDI- 93.67% and yield-1393.33 kg/ ha). The results showed that, the combined treatment with fungicides i.e. seed treatment with bavistin before sowing and twice spraying of SAAF during knee height stage at 15 days interval followed by leaf stripping technique were effective to control banded leaf and sheath blight disease of maize to increase the yield.

Lack of understanding regarding the choice of chemical fungicides or botanicals with their optimal doze and spraying schedule is one of the major problems concerning mid-hill farmers to control finger millet diseases in Nepal. In order to assess the effectiveness of the four fungicides, namely Bavistin 50 WP (Carbendazim 50%), SAAF (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP), RIDOMIL-MZ 72 WP (Metalyxl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP), BAAN 75 WP (Tricyclazole 75%), and two botanicalsermented anaerobically in cattle urine, an artificial epiphytotic field. In the years 2018 and 2019, the experiment was run using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Carbendazim, one of the chosen treatments, had the greatest impact in lowering the AUDPC values for leaf blast (1818, 1191) as well as neck (4,53) and finger blast (10,45) incidence percentage in both 2018 and 2019 years. Tricyclazole, SAAF, RIDOMIL-MZ, and Lantana camara fermented in cow urine were also discovered to be beneficial throughout the year. So it is recommended to deploy fungicides in a controlled manner through rotation and mixed applications, which is advantageous for both grain and seed production even for minor and underutilized crops from an economic aspect.

Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria citri are major plant pathogens of citrus, causing considerable production losses. Chemical fungicides are widely used for disease control. Using the food poisoning technique under in vitro conditions, an experiment was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of several fungicides against those pathogens. To evaluate the effect on Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth, five different chemicals, viz. SAAF (Carbendazim 12% WP + Mancozeb 63% WP), Bavistin (Carbendazim 50% WP), VACOMIL PLUS (Metalaxyl 15% WP + Copper oxychloride 35% WP), and Raze (Copper oxychloride 50% WP) were used at 100 ppm and 200 ppm concentration each. Similar chemicals were used for Alternaria citri except for additional Mancozab (Mancozeb 75% WP). Mycelial growth inhibition was measured until the fungus nearly covered the plate in control. All fungicides reduced the fungal growth compared to control. After 96 hours of incubation with Rhizoctonia solani, maximum inhibition (100%) was achieved at both concentrations of Bavistin, followed by SAAF @ 200 ppm (97.59%) and SAAF @ 100 ppm (88.25%), whereas VACOMIL PLUS and Raze had the minimum effect on the mycelial growth. Similarly, after 8 days of incubation of Alternaria citri, SAAF @ 200 ppm showed the highest inhibition (70.86%), followed by SAAF @ 100 ppm (65.11%), Mancozab @ 200 ppm (64.39%), and Mancozab @ 100 ppm (47.48%), but the effect of Bavistin, Raze, and VACOMIL PLUS had the lowest impact. The chemical proven effective against the pathogens should be trialed in pot and field experiments for further verification.

Downy mildew caused due to Peronospora fagopyri is the most important fungal pathogen that contributed to significant yield loss in buckwheat genotypes. Efficacy of six fungicides namely SAAF (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%) @ 3 g/l, Krilaxyl (Metalaxyl 8%+ Mancozeb 64% WP) @ 2 g/l, Bavistin (Carbendazim 50% WP) @ 2g/l, Hexazol (Hexaconazol 5% SC) @ 2 g/l of water, Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) @ 2.5 g/l and Cyclon (Tricyclazol 75% WP) @ 2 g/l of water against one control with three replicates were tested at Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha during summer season of two consecutive years 2019 and 2020 against downy mildew of buckwheat. First spray was given just after the appearance of disease symptom in the field. Two sprays were given at an interval of 10 days. Data were recorded before every spray using 1-9 scoring scale on 10 randomly tagged plants/plot. All the fungicides were found to be effective in controlling the disease. SAAF was the most effective in reducing the disease severity (≤30%) and enhancing yield, followed by Dithane M-45 when compared to the unprotected control with highest disease severity (>75%). The use of these fungicides is recommended in an integrated disease management strategy, incorporating host resistance and cultural practices.

Lentil collar rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is an important disease causing significant yield loss in Nepal. Seven Trichoderma spp. isolates collected from different regions of Nepal were tested for their capacity to inhibit mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii in in-vitro condition. Experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design with four replications in the plant pathology laboratory of Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke during 2020. Dual culture method was performed to assess the efficacy of Trichoderma isolates. Trichoderma spp. isolates inhibited mycelial growth of S. rolfsii to various degrees ranging from 48.33-72.47% after 120 hours of inoculation. Maximum colony inhibition of S. rolfsii (72.47%) was obtained by Kapilvastu isolate followed by Nepalgunj isolate (67.72%). Minimum colony inhibition of S. rolfsii (48.33%) was obtained by Mangalpur, Chitwan isolate followed by Rampur, Chitwan isolate (49.33%). Among seven Trichoderma isolates, two isolates (Kapilbastu and Nepalgunj) showed good antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii and were also highly competitive in in-vitro condition. These isolates would therefore be useful in biological disease management.

The present study was carried out to study the variation, broad-sense heritability, and genetic advance, correlation among traits for growth, yield, and its attributing traits in lentil genotypes. Sixty lentil genotypes were evaluated in augmented design in 2020 at Khajura, Banke. The results indicated that the genotypes were significantly different for days to flowering, days to maturity, 500 seed weight and grain yield kg/ha. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for all traits. The 500 seed weight showed the highest PCV (22%) and GCV (21%) whereas days to maturity showed the lowest PCV (5.5%) and GCV (3.2%). The highest value (90%) of heritability (broad sense) was in and lowest (3%) in pods per plant. Genetic Advance Mean 40% was the highest for seed weight but lowest at 1.2% in pods per plant. Grain yield showed a positive and significant correlation in genotypic level with days to maturity (r = 0.7**), plant height (r = 1.66*), pods per plant (r = 1.15**) and seed weight (r = 0.56*). Path analysis found that the seed weight had the most impact on grain yield followed by pod per plant. Thus, selection for yield in lentils through these characteristics would be effective in the varietal developmental program.

Thirty maize genotypes including five hybrids, eight quality protein (QPM) and seventeen full season open pollinated (OP) were screened for their resistance against maize leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) at the research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during the year 2019 and 2020. The design of the experiment was randomized incomplete block with three replications. The plot size was 2 rows of 5 m long with the spacing of 60 cm × 25 cm. The recommended dose of fertilizer for full season OP and QPM were 120:60:40 and for hybrid maize 180:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg/ha with farmyard manure 10 t/ha and seed rate was 20 kg/ha. Data on aphid incidence, severity, yield and yield components were recorded. Maize hybrids RML-95/RML-96 (18%) and Rampur Hybrid-10 (22%), two quality protein maize (QPM) S00TLYQ-AB (22%) and S99TLYQ-A (23%) and two full season OP genotypes TLBRS07F16 (24%) and ZM 627 (26%) were less susceptible to aphid infestation and resulted in higher grain yield. The findings could aid in the selection of maize genotypes for the development of aphid resistant and high-yielding maize varieties.

A total of 14 proso millet genotypes, including the farmers' variety, which was the most commonly cultivated landrace in the Karnali region and most susceptible to blast disease as a susceptible check, were evaluated for resistance to leaf blast at the Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha, Nepal during the summer seasons of 2020 and 2021. The experiment was conducted under natural epiphytotic conditions. The experiment revealed that none of the tested genotypes were found immune or highly resistant. Most of the genotypes showed moderately susceptible and susceptible reactions to the leaf blast disease for both experimental years. However, genotypes C04654, Humla-239, and C04651 were found to have lower blast severity and produce higher grain yields. Genotype C04654 was found as resistant with 34.6% disease severity and high yielding (2.6 t/ha), followed by Humla-239 and C04651 as moderately susceptible with 44.8 and 45.9% disease severity resulting grain yields of 2.5 and 2.4 t/ha, respectively. The higher disease severity (68.1%) with lower grain yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded in the farmer's variety (susceptible check). The genotypes reported with lower blast severity and higher grain yield could be the source for the release of a leaf blast resistant and high-yielding proso millet variety in the mid-hill region of Nepal.