Big Boro rice harvest during COVID-19 pandemic: an optimism for resilient rice system in Bangladesh

The ‘big Boro rice harvest’ in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has created new optimism for a resilient rice system in Bangladesh. Boro rice (dry season rice) has appeared as the strategic crop in sustaining resilience in the national rice system and food security with a steady rise in production trend. However, the prospect of Boro rice has been challenged by a myriad of factors such as changing climate, hydrological regimes, value-chain and crop diversification. Any unexpected production loss of Boro rice might bring about a big setback in total food security. Therefore, holistic policy planning and research supports, strong value-chain, efficient procurement system and, farmer’s capacity development have been suggested to sustain the production trend of Boro rice in the year to come.

Growth and yield impact of oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq P. Kumm) cultivated on different agricultural wastes

Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible mushroom is an essential food product. Recognised as one of the cheapest sources of proteins, their high nutritional and anti-nutritional properties are of immense importance to humans. The present study evaluated the effect of sawdust and dried plantain leaves on the growth and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus. Sawdust and dried plantain leaves were composted into seven substrates; as single substrates and at different combinations. The composted substrates include sawdust 100 % (M0), Dry plantain leaves 100% (M1), Dry plantain leaves + sawdust at the ratio of 1:4 (M2), 2:3 (M3), 3:2 (M4), 1:1 (M5) and 4:1(M6). Growth parameters of interest assessed flush include mycelia running rate (MRR), area of pileus, length of the stipe, the girth of the stipe, fresh weight and dry weight, number of fruit body, total yield and biological efficiency. At the end of the three weeks spawn running period, M0 was overall best in supporting mycelia running rate with a mean MRR of 16.00 cm. M1 substrates produced mushroom with longer and bigger stipes (7.17 cm) at the first flush. A higher number of fruit bodies (82.66), total yield (130.35 g), and biological efficiency (43.45 g) were all seen in M0 substrates. Sawdust at 100 % (M0) proved to be the best substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus.

Egg quality and production constraints in smallholder egg value chain of Greater Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

The study evaluated the quality of eggs and constraints facing smallholder egg producers (≤10,000 layers) in Greater Port Harcourt City, Nigeria. Desk study, survey of 47 farmers, Focused Group Discussion with eight farmers and weighing of eggs were done at Obio-Akpor, Oyigbo and Etche Municipal Councils out of the eight in Greater Port Harcourt City. Farmers were administered pre-structured questionnaires. Open questions from a checklist were used for in-depth interviews with 22 stakeholders. Thirty eggs per grade were weighed using a digital scale. Numerical data were evaluated using the SPSS statistical package, while qualitative information was assessed using matrices and content analysis. Results indicate that most farmers (56%) sort and grade their eggs for better prices but time constraint discourages others from doing so. The size was the only egg grading criterion used. A five-grade system (jumbo, extra-large, large, small, and bullet) was used. The most important quality parameters were size (41%), shell colour (29%), cleanliness (28%) and weight (2%). Customers prefer brown-shelled (82%) eggs to white (15%). Significant constraints faced by farmers were input-based (high cost and low quality feed, drug breeds, veterinary services, lack of loans); management (staff misbehaviour) and infrastructure (bad roads and poor electricity supply) related. Other stakeholders face quality challenges (small size, dirty eggs, rotting of eggs, no uniformity, low or no grading, high returns rate), financing, egg handling and marketing challenges. Proffered solutions include better chain coordination, local sourcing of eggs, improved quality control, establishment of egg aggregation centres, and introduction of machine-based grading, grade-based pricing and reduction in local production costs. Others include formation of cooperatives and bulk input purchases, improved staff motivation and better quality control. Smallholders’ access to the egg market can be improved by producing brown-shelled eggs of large, extra-large and jumbo sizes.

Impact of Zygogramma bicolorata on vegetative and reproductive performance of Parthenium hysterophorus in Nepal

Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. is one of the most aggressive, invasive weeds threatening natural and agricultural ecosystems in Nepal. Leaf feeding beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is regarded as a potential candidate for biological control of Parthenium weed. Considering the fact effectiveness of Z. bicolorata against P. hysterophorus was evaluted in Nepal. Z. bicolorata caused 98.25 % defoliation of P. hysterophorus reducing 38.88 % plant height, 27.29 % plant width, 26.25 % root length, 12.33 % leaves, 40.58 % shoot biomass and 36.59 % root biomass in the period of 90 days. The flower production and soil seed bank were reduced by 50.22 % and 40.29 %, respectively. Z. bicolorata was an efficient bio-control agent with a significant negative effect on the vegetative and reproductive performance of the noxious weed P. hysterophorus.

Morphological performances of BINA soybean 6 (Glycine max) at several salinity stress concentrations in coastal region of Bangladesh

A pot experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2020 at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Noakhali, Bangladesh, to investigate the morphological performances of BINA Soybean-6 under various saline conditions. Salinity is a widespread problem responsible for limiting the productivity of oilseed crops and soybean cultivars differ in their sensitivity to soil salinity. The research material was BINA Soybean-6 collected from the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh. There were five treatments of salinity viz., T0 (distilled water), T1 (50mMNaCl), T2 (100mMNaCl), T3 (150mMNaCl) and T4 (200mMNaCl) were used in the experiment in which distilled water was used as control. Latin Square Design (LSD) with three replications was used in this experiment. In the present study, BINA Soybean 6 showed a significant variation in the contributing parameters. The experimental parameters used during the experiment were germination percentage and duration, height of plants (cm), number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant, number of flowers/plant, number of pods/plant, length of pods (cm), seeds/pod, and length of root (cm). The highest germination percentage (83.33%) was observed in control (T0) condition while germination percentage was suppressed under T4 treatment i.e. 200mMNaCl concentration. Germination percentages were gradually decreased with the increase of salinity level. The highest plant height (34.22 cm), number of branch plant-1 (3.44), leaf number plant-1 (13.56), number of flower plant-1 (24.33), pod number plant-1 (21.22), seeds pod-1 (3.33), length of pod (5.44 cm) and root length (15.89 cm) were obtained at control (T0) condition. It was observed that the parameters were diminished gradually with the rising of salinity levels compared to the treatment T0 (Control).

Characterization of fatty acids and nutrient composition of SAU Perilla-1 [(Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] seeds grown with agro climatic conditions in Bangladesh

SAU Perilla-1 (Golden perilla BD) is a newly edible oil seed crop variety introduced by Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh. Its seed oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acid (91%), of which more than 50% is α-linolenic acid (type of omega-3 fatty acid). The estimated ratio of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was found 1: 2.26: 8.95. Moreover, the α-linolenic acid was detected (50.52%) as the most dominating polyunsaturated fatty acid, which was 4-four times higher than monounsaturated fatty acids in the oil of the crop variety. Fatty acid analysis of oil revealed a ratio (1:2.22) of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids, which lies within a healthy range as documented by the global scientific community. Compared to other plant seed oils, SAU Perilla-1 oil consists of Linoleic acid (Omega 6 fatty acid, 22.71%) – a component associated with obesity, which is far below the regular oils from soybean, sunflower and corn. Therefore, our findings indicated that SAU Perilla-1 seed is one of the best edible sources of plant oils rich in essential fatty acids conducive to human health.

Study on scope and existing cropping pattern at south-western saline region of Bangladesh​

One of the major restrictions influencing crop production in Bangladesh's coastal districts is salinity. In order to better understand the specific conditions in the south-western region of Bangladesh, where significant salinity and problems in crop production prevail, this study took place in two districts, namely Satkhira and Khulna. Six upazila were selected for the current study: Satkhira Sadar, Kaligonj, and Dumuria in Satkhira, and Batiaghata and Dacope in Khulna. Among the selected farmers, about sixty six percent of farmers were small farmers. The average farm size was 0.83 ha. Most of the land of the saline area was covered by a single crop with T. Aman. Ninety percent of the farmer of Satkhira Sadar upazila cover T. Aman-mustard-boro, which was the main cropping pattern. T. Aman-mustard, T. Aman-wheat, T. Aman-grasspea etc., were the major existing cropping pattern. Different vegetables and other field crops such as bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ladies finger, garden pea, potato, sweet potato, maize, chili etc., were cultivated in the study area sporadically. Most of the cost involved for labor cost in T. Aman rice cultivation. If the farmer cultivates the land by sharecropping from the owner, then farmer gives half of the crop to his landowner. The highest total rice equivalent yield (TREY) was T. Aman-mustard-boro cropping pattern and it was 13.23 t ha-1. Most of the farmers eager to cultivate more new crops. Saline water, water stagnant, insufficient irrigation water, late harvest of T. Aman rice, late ‘joe’ condition etc., were the main constraints to develop a new cropping pattern.

Genetic gain in grain yield and oil content of Noug (Guizotia abyssinica) in Ethiopia

The primary and extended objective of plant breeding is to advance productivity to match the lengthening food requirements of people. Estimation of genetic advance from a breeding program and periodic evaluation of improvement in the genetic gain of a crop through released varieties is therefore needed to perceive changes and success generated by breeding activities. Periodic valuation of genetic progress of crop varieties is required to perceive the effectiveness of past breeding activities in genetic yield potential and prompt future selection criteria to aid further improvement. A total of 5 varieties have been released in Ethiopia, from 1988 to 2010. However, the level of genetic progress was not quantified. This study aimed to assess the genetic gain in seed yield potential and oil content of Noug (Guizotia abyssinica) and estimate changes made to yield related traits by genetic improvement of the crop. The experiment was conducted using 5 noug improved varieties and one local variety arranged in RCBD with four replications in 2016/17 main cropping season under rainfed condition. Results indicated that seed yield increased significantly during these 22 years. The estimated annual yield gain was 10.36 kg ha-1 year–1(1.58% per year), reflecting the important efforts of the past breeding programs. Number of head per plant, number of seed per head, Seed yield per plant, biomass yield, harvest and oil content were also increased significantly by 1.72%, 1.71%, 1.85%, 0.33%, 1.03% and 0.34% per year, respectively. The endeavor should be encouraged and extended to accomplish more advances in these and other relevant traits. Noug breeding has not ascertained plateau in Ethiopia. Thus, development of higher yielding varieties of noug should persist to lengthen Noug grain yields if past tendency intends the prospective. To see the impact of the accomplishment in the genetic advance of noug research, it is compulsory to covenant huge scale popularization of the released varieties.

Impact of Trichoderma application as bio-stimulator on disease suppression, growth and yield of potato

Excess use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemicals to increase the growth and yield as well as controlling disease often reduced soil fertility, adversely affect human health and environment. That’s why an experiment was accomplished in the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November 2016 to March 2017 to study the impact of Trichoderma application as bio-stimulator on potato production. The study comprised of three Trichoderma treatments, (i) T0= No Trichoderma application, (ii) T1= 106spores/ml and (iii) T2= 108spores/ml. Trichoderma 1ml/L (1000 ppm) solution was applied two times in each plot at 15 and 45 days after planting (DAP). Data on growth yield and disease suppression parameters showed significant variation. The results elluciated that application of Trichoderma increased the growth attributes positively and produced 23.82% and 11.33% higher yield in T2 and T1 compared to no application of Trichoderma, respectively. Trichoderma (108spores/ml) improved tuber yield by optimizing the dry matter content. Furthermore, application of Trichoderma decreased the disease infestation and the best result (1.60%) recorded in T2. Therefore, 108spores/ml of Trichoderma application can be considered the potential bio-stimulator for prospective potato production with higher growth, yield and suppress of disease.

Prevalence of banana Xanthomonas wilt in Nithi, Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya

Banana (Musa spp.) is a nutrient rich crop grown in small and large scale across the globe. It is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals thus, it may serve as the source of nutrition in low resourced regions such as Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. However, banana production in many areas is faced with biotic constraints such as banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. The pathogen attacks photosynthetic leaves and young fruits, reducing palatability and marketability. There is currently scanty information on prevalence of BXW in Nithi region of Tharaka Nithi County. Additionally, it remains unclear whether farmers in the region are knowledgeable on occurrence of BXW disease, symptoms and management practices. The prevalence of BXW was assessed through survey method in five villages (Kiang’ondu, Marima, Mitheru, Kibumbu and Giampampo) in Nithi. Percentage BXW prevalence in the studied villages was not significantly different (p>0.05). However, slightly higher BXW prevalence value of 21.14% was recorded at Giampampo village and was lower at Mitheru 11.24%. There was significant relationship (X2 (8, N = 46) = 19.93, p= 0.0034) between banana variety grown and occurrence of banana diseases. There was significant relationship (X2 (8, N = 46) = 31.165, p = 0.0053) between banana variety grown and susceptibility to diseases. The relationship between years of growing banana in the same farm and occurrence of banana diseases was significant (X2(6,N= 46) = 8.761,p= <0.0001. The relationship between occurrence of banana diseases and season of the year was significant (X2(8,N= 46) = 32.4591, p= <0.0001). The relationship between occurrence of banana diseases and management option in Nithi was significant (X2(4,N= 46) = 6.9758,p= 0.0025). Majority of the farmers (92%) were unaware of existence of BXW in the region. Farmers expressed lack of knowledge on managing BXW diseases in their banana farms with the majority not being able to identify common diseases of banana. Based on these observations, there is need to educate farmers on best banana farming practices, disease identification and management.