Agronomy Journal Research Articles

Long‐Term Manure Applications Impact on Irrigated Barley Forage Mineral Concentrations

Agronomy Journal 105:1441–1450 (2013). doi:10.2134/agronj2012.0204 In the above article the authors have discovered errors in the title for Table 3 and captions for Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The unit for the manure application rates should be Mg ha–1 yr–1, not kg ha–1 yr–1. In addition, the fertilizer application unit should be kg N ha–1 instead of kg ha–1. The units are correct everywhere else in the manuscript and these errors do not change the results and discussion. The correct title for Table 3 and captions for Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are shown below. We apologize for the error in the publication. Table 3. Properties of the surface soil (0–15-cm depth) under the treatments investigated, including a check (CK); 100 kg N ha–1 NH4NO3 (FER); manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 (wet basis) for 37 continuous yr (M60, M120, and M180, respectively); and manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 for 30 continuous yr followed by 7 yr discontinued applications (D60, D120, and D180, respectively). Fig. 1. Soil inorganic N (NO3–N + NH3–N) concentrations in (A) 2003 and (B) 2008 under the treatments investigated, including a check (CK), 100 kg N ha–1 NH4NO3 (FER); manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 (wet basis) for 37 continuous yr (M60, M120, and M180, respectively), and manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 for 30 continuous yr followed by 7 yr after manure applications had been discontinued (D60, D120, and D180, respectively). Horizontal bars indicate the standard error. Bars with different letters for each depth and each year indicate a significant difference (P < 0.05, Bonferroni test). Fig. 2. Annual N and P recovery [removal from plant uptake, kg ha–1/(input + previous year balance, kg ha–1) from manure applications × 100] from 1974 to 2010 under the treatments investigated, including a check (CK), 100 kg N ha–1 NH4NO3 (FER); manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 (wet basis) for 37 continuous yr (M60, M120, and M180, respectively), and manure applied at rates of 60, 120, and 180 Mg ha–1 yr–1 for 30 continuous yr followed by 7 yr after manure applications had been discontinued (D60, D120, and D180, respectively).

Regulatory framework of GMOs and hybrid seeds in Nepal

Most of the farmers are aware of about hybrid seeds; however almost all farmers and even technicians are not quite known about GMOs and associated effects. It is unspoken that use of hybrids has no adverse effect on the environment, human/animal health and our ecosystem if managed properly. Since, Nepal is in a very infant stage in hybrid research and development; however the demand is increasing over time. National legislative mechanism, human resources and physical facilities are not well established in testing and regulation of GMOs. So it is necessary to encourage policy-makers to strengthen their commitment and provide strong policy and financial support to promote hybrid research and development in Nepal through public private partnership for import substitution. Strong regulatory mechanism should be developed and adopted to reduce the inflow of hybrids and regulation of GMOs from abroad. National legislative, administrative and technical competency on research and testing of seed, plants, food, feed and animals with GMOs should be strengthened and regularized along with public participation for making decision whether to allow or restrict the import of the GMOs. Public participation is necessary in the decision making process of production, import, handling and use of GMOs and hybrids. As GMOs are very new and unknown about its implication on human health and the biological diversity, people at all levels should be aware of both the positive and negative aspects of GMOs. As a part of the public awareness program, it is required to disseminate available information on GMOs and products thereof through appropriate media, languages and publications and concerned stakeholders including growers, consumers, and business entrepreneurs. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 128-137 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9015

Short communication: System of wheat intensification in farmers’ field of Sindhuli, Nepal

Food requirement is increasing day by day whereas production of food is not sufficient or decreasing due to various factors. In Nepal, wheat is third major cereal crop after rice and maize both in area and production, and can be grown all over the country successfully during winter season. A study was conducted during 2011/12 to determine the performance of System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) at farmers’ field of Bhimasthan, Sindhuli, Nepal. Germinated seed of wheat variety Bhirkuti was shown on 6th Dec 2011 in the spacing 20x20 cm. Average tiller number and number of effective tillers were 25 and 21 respectively. Average plant height was 61.5 cm. at 65 Days after Sowing. The results of this study showed that plant height, numbers of tillers/ hill, number of productive tillers, panicle length, and production were found higher in SWI method. Yield of wheat variety (Bhirkuti) was found 2.6, 2.4 and 2.3 kg/4 m2 in SWI, Line sown and broadcast practices, respectively. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 168-171 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9019

Morpho-physiology of wheat genotypes under different sowing dates as affected by Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust in Chiwan, Nepal

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy farm of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, Nepal in 2008/09. The experiment was laid out in factorial design in spit plot arrangement consisting of date of sowing as main factor and wheat genotypes as sub factor. Wheat genotypes were sown in 22 November for normal sowing and 29 December for late sowing condition. These were assessed against Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust severity in a naturally inoculated environment. Result showed that wheat genotypes differed significantly with respect to flag leaf area, flag leaf duration and plant height. Genotype BL-3064 showed the lower decline (624.9 to 615.1) in chlorophyll content whereas RR-21 showed highest decline (471.2 to 360.4) in chlorophyll content from normal to late sowing, possibly contributing to resistant to the disease. The AUDPC value revealed that genotypes BL-3625 and BL-3623 had increased level of resistance due to lower AUDPC value and higher flag leaf duration. The results of this study suggest that genotypes BL-3623, BL-3625, BL-3063 and BL-3064 could be the option in warm and humid regions of Terai condition so far as resistant to Helminthosporium leaf blight and leaf rust are concerned. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 109-116 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9012

Effect of integrated weed management practices on performance of dry direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Weeds are serious problem in dry direct seeded rice (DDSR). A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011 at research farm of the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Parwanipur, to study the effect of integrated weed management practices on the performance of dry direct seeded rice. Ten treatment combinations viz; weedy, weed free (weekly), Pendimethalin fb (followed by) Bispyribac, Pendimethalin fb two hand weeding, Stale seedbed fb Bispyribac, Stale seedbed fb Pendimethalin fb Bispyribac, Mulch 4 t/ha fb Bispyribac fb one hand weeding, Stale seedbed fb mulch 4 t/ha fb Bispyribac, Pendimethalin and Sesbania co-culture fb 2,4-D Na salt fb one hand weeding and Pendimethalin fb 2,4-D fb one hand weeding were tested in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Observations were taken on weed, plant growth and yield attributes, yield, and socio-economic parameters. All weed control treatments significantly reduced the weed density and dry weight of weed resulting significant increase in yield of DSR over weedy check in both years. Weed free treatment resulted the highest yield, however, it was not economical due to high cost of cultivation. The use of Pendimethalin fb 2,4-D fb one hand weeding produced yield (5161 in 2010 and 6160 kg/ha in 2011) which were statistically at par with yield (5305 in 2010 and 6319 kg/ha in 2011) obtained under the weed free treatment. Further, the highest benefit cost ratio (CBR) 1.77 and 2.22 and net return Rs 47700 and 75084/ha during 2010 and 2011, respectively, were obtained under this treatment indicating its superiority over other treatments. The grain yield, yield attributing characters viz. panicles per m2, panicle weight, filled grain per panicle, thousand grain weight as influenced by different weed management practices revealed that higher yield resulted from weed free plot followed by Pendimethalin followed by two hand weeding and Pendimethalin followed by 2,4-D followed by one hand weeding. However, the net return per unit investment resulted highest in Pendimethalin followed by 2,4-D followed by one hand weeding. This proved that amid increasing wage rate and labor scarcity integrated weed management through Pendimethalin 30 EC (stomp) @ 1 kg a. i./ha as pre- emergence herbicide application followed by 2,4-D sodium salt 80 WP @ 0.5 kg a.i./ha followed by one hand weeding or stale seed bed followed by Pendimethalin 30 EC (stomp) @ 1 kg a. i./ha followed by Bispyribac (nominee gold) @ 25 g a. i./ha 10 % @ 200 ml/ha at 20 days of seeding resulted best alternative for manual hand weeding practices giving higher net return per unit investment. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 53-63 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9006

Intercropping of chick pea and mustard on control of botrytis grey mold in western Terai, Nepal

Integrated management strategies are required to minimize botrytis grey mold disease of chickpea (CICER ARIETINUM L.) caused by Botrytis cineria. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of cultivars and seed ratio in chickpea-mustard intercropping system on the severity of botrytis grey mold. Three chickpea varieties Abarodhi, KGP59 and ICCCV 97207 were intercropped with Bikash variety of mustard in different combinations. These two crops were grown at RARS, Khajura in three replications in 2012 at the ratio of sole chickpea, 3.1 ICCV97207.Bikash, 3.1 KPG-59.Bikash, 2.1 KPG59.Bikash, 2.1 ICCV-97207.Bikash,2.2 ICCV97207.Bikash, 2.2 KPG- 59.Bikash,1.2 ICCV97207.Bikash, and 1.2 KPG 59.Bikash. Among the three tested varieties, highest disease score and AUDPC was recorded in Abarodhi (7.00, 0.83), followed by KPG59 (6.444, 0.79), and lowest in ICCV97207 (4.77, 0.58). Similarly in sole cropping, highest yield per plant was found in KPG59 (5.47g), followed by ICCCV9720 (4.46 g) and Abarodhi (3.46 g). Among the tested intercropping system, lowest disease incidence was recorded in 1.2 ICCV97207. Bikas followed by 1.2 KPG59. Bikash. From this research, it can be suggested that intercropping chickpea with mustard can significantly reduce BG of chickpea and thus it could be developed into an environment-friendly cropping system for BG control in chickpea fields. The combination, in which disease incidence was lowest, can be replicated in the areas where BG is a major constraint in chickpea production. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 89-96 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9010

Constraint and opportunity of raw jute production : A case study of eastern Terai, Nepal

Area and production of raw jute has decreased, though there is a high demand of raw jute in the country. In order to assess production constraints, a survey was carried out in 2005/06 in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts. The study revealed that unstable or low price of raw jute, unavailability of quality jute seed, limited irrigation water at sowing period, diseases complex (wilt), labor shortage during peak season, weed problem, lack of retting water/retting pond were the main constraints in jute production and processing. The study indicates that the maximum production cost has involved in fiber extraction (16.9%) and weeding (16.33%). Jute productivity ranged from 1788 to 2260 kg per hectare. JRO-524 variety of jute has been widely grown across the region due to its wider adaptability, high yield potential and quality fiber. Jute area has been replaced by sugarcane due to its high yield potential and high profit margin. It is observed that the cost of production of jute is high as compared to other crops in the season. Average cost of production of fiber was estimated to be Rs.1563/quintal. For the promotion of jute cultivation in the eastern Terai, it would be better to provide subsidies on seeds and fertilizer to jute growers as practiced in neighboring countries thereby profit margin becomes high and will encourage growers in producing more raw jute within the country for the fulfillment of raw jute requirement of local jute industries. Cost effective technologies have to be developed in jute production and processing aspects for lowering the production cost and increasing the profit margin. Popular genotypes JRO- 524 which was widely adopted needs to be recommended officially for the general cultivation in this region. Being an eco-friendly crop, promotion is required to adapt climate change effect and maintaining the soil properties in jute growing areas. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 117-122 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9013

National seed legislation: Harmonization with international treaties and conventions

Government of Nepal (GoN) started seed legislation by framing different acts such as Seed Act, 1988 (2045), Seed Regulation 1997(2054) and Seed Policy, 1999 (2056) to regulate seed and seed related issues. Some of these acts have been amended and redrafted according to needs. During this period, GoN, became a contracting party to Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992 and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), 2001. It also signed the Cartagena Protocol, 2000 and received the member of WTO in 2004. In these treaties and convention, Nepal has made commitments in international forum to provide plant variety protection with protecting the rights of farmers and related stakeholders on seed to establish sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures for bio-safety. In this context, it is necessary to reframe the national seed legislations in order to remove its present legal complications and to harmonize it with international treaties and conventions. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 138-149 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9016

Legumes crop rotation can improve food and nutrition security in Nepal

An intensive review of the literatures was made to access the importance of crop rotation for sustainable agriculture in Nepal. Result shows that an appropriate crop sequences improves soil fertility, reduces fertilizer cost, controls soil erosion, makes environment healthy, increases crop yields and develop sustainable crop production in the long run. Based on the study, identification of location specific crop sequences, their extension and evaluation of the impact on food production are recommended. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 123-127 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9014

Maize seed production communities in hills towards a new path of contract seed production in Nepal

Seed production of farmers preferred improved maize varieties under community based seed production(CBSP) group initiated in the hills of Nepal under Hill Maize Research Project in 2000. Trained members of the community group produce improved seeds identified through participatory varietal selection procedures. Despite quantum jump in maize seed production, 14 tons by 7 CBSP groups in 2000 to 1,036 tons by 207 groups in 2012, seed marketing remained one of the challenges in HMRP districts. Main objective of this study was to analyze maize seed production trend and presowing seed contracts in hill districts under HMRP. Linear regression model showed seed production trend over the period 2000 to 2012 highly significant. Annual compounded growth rate of seed during the same period was estimated to be 34.36%. Pre-sowing seed contract in cereal crops in the hills of Nepal is a new initiative of HMRP IV. Analysis showed 63 formal contracts were signed for 170.45 tons of improved maize seed between 50 CBSP groups and 24 private seed buyers/traders. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 150-155 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9017

Seed Producer Organization of Farmer: An Experience of Western Terai, Nepal

Use of improved seeds has a vital role in enhancing agricultural production. Agriculture extension has implemented farmers’ managed seed multiplication program at the community level to ensure efficient supply of improved seeds. Several success and failure cases of seed multiplication through farmers' organizations were experienced. Therefore, a case study was conducted in the western terai region of Nepal to explore the factors responsible for success/failure of farmers' organizations involved in seed production. The results of the study found that internal factors of group, nature of extension support, quality control mechanism, and seed marketing approaches are the key elements, which affect the performance of farmers' organizations- seed groups and cooperatives. It was also observed that organizations developed in farmers' own initiatives performed better than those formed in external influence. The results of this research suggest that the autonomy of group actions has long term impact on ownership development. Business skills, technical skills and organizational management skills were equally important for the viability of farmers' organizations so far as seed business is concerned. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 156-167 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9018

Outreach Research: A liaison between research and extension

How outreach research has been passed through due course of time in Nepal is put forth. A model of linkages of outreach research in relation to technology dissemination as a liaison between research and extension in the Nepalese context has been shown in a broad perspective. Similarly, how technology is delivered from research station to farmers' fled in a participatory approach involving public-private-partnership through research-extension interphase is mentioned. Also, the relation of outreach research with extension from district to central level is illustrated. There is clear message that why technology generation do not tailor with the demand of client and every concerned institute should dare to accept pros and cons of agro-technology cycle to enhance agriculture and productivity to meet the food security of Nepalese people. This paper explains the limitation and opportunities of agriculture research and development which are not getting priority in a way these should be considered to take pace with present day demand. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 97-108 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9011

Productivity and soil attributes as influenced by resource conservation technologies under rice- wheat system in Nepal

Rice-wheat system provides food, income, and employment to over 83 % of the people and contributes to national food security in Nepal. Sustainability of the system is under threat because of increasing cultivation cost and declining soil fertility. On-farm experiments were carried out to determine the effects of tillage and crop establishment methods, crop residue management, and nitrogen levels that affect soil attributes and productivity of the rice-wheat system during 2010- 2011at Bara, Nepal. The treatment consisted of three tillage and crop establishment methods viz. Conventional tillage (CT), Permanent bed planting (PB), and Zero-tillage (ZT); two residue management levels viz. Residue retention and Residue removal; and three nitrogen levels viz. Zero nitrogen, farmer’s dose (80 and 100 kgha-1 N for rice and wheat, respectively), and abundant nitrogen (120 kgha-1 N for both rice and wheat crop). The experiments were laid out in strip-split plot design with three replications. The research results revealed that rice grain yield was significantly higher in the plots receiving N level as applied by farmers that was similar to abundant nitrogen dose. Wheat grain yield was significantly higher with zero tillage compared to permanent bed planting and conventional tillage. Significantly higher wheat grain yield was also obtained due to abundant nitrogen dose than zero dose nitrogen which was similar to farmers’ dose of N as well. There was no significant difference in grain yield of rice and wheat due to residue retention, although, it improved soil moisture. In wheat crop, zero-till planting and increased nitrogen application conserved soil moisture, enhanced soil electrical conductivity and lowered soil temperature. It can be concluded that rice and wheat can be grown successfully with zero tillage and farmer’s nitrogen dose without any yield penalty. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 64-72 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9007

8th Agronomists' National Workshop Report Ashad 30-31, 2070 (14-15 July 2013)

Jointly Organized by Crop Development Directorate and Agronomy Society of Nepal Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 181-191 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9021

Short communication: Heterosis and combining ability of Nepalese yellow maize (Zea mays L.)

Nepalese yellow maize inbred lines were characterized for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of their crosses and parents were identified having high combining ability for determining the heterotic effects on yield and other quantitative traits of hybrids. A line x tester mating design was used for making the crosses in the winter season of 2008 and the hybrids along with their parents and four checks were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in the spring season of 2009 at the experimental farm of the National Maize Research Program, Chitwan. Significant variations were found among the treatments for grain yield and other traits which indicated presence of high magnitude of genetic variations among tested inbred lines. The cross between RML-32 and RML-17 produced the highest grain yield (15870 kg/ha) among the crosses. Hybrids such as RL-194 x RL-84 (10770 kg/ha), RML-21 x RML-17 (9270 kg/ha), RL-180 x RML-17 (9270 kg/ha) and L-1 x RL-84 (8785 kg/ha) were found superior grain yielder. Thirty-nine hybrids showed positive mid-parent heterosis for grain yield among 40 crosses. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis for grain yield was found 880% in cross between RML-32 and RML-17, followed by RL-98X RML-17 (507%), RL-103 x RML-17 (403%), PUTU-18 x RML- 17 (351%) and RL-180 x RL 84 (316%). Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 172-180 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9020

Effect of different mulching materials on weed dynamics and yield of direct seeded rice in Chitwan, Nepal

An experiment was carried out at farmers' field to compare the effects of live mulches and herbicide on weed growth and dynamics, yield, and economic performance of direct seeded rice under humid sub-tropical condition at Phulbari, Chitwan in 2009. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of i) control, ii) three hand weeding, iii) herbicide application (bispyribac sodium @ 80 ml/ha) + one hand weeding, iv) wheat straw mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, v) Eupatorium mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, vi) brown manuring with Sesbania aculeata @ 30 kg/ha, vii) brown manuring with Sesamum indicum @ 2kg/ha, and viii) brown manuring with Crotolaria juncea @ 30 kg/ha. Weed dry matter accumulation was significantly lower with herbicide application (1.15 g/m2) than wheat straw mulch (6.75 g/m2). The treatments with brown manuring and Eupatorium mulch were found to be equally effective in suppressing the weed growth by reducing both dry matter content and weed density. Application of Eupatorium mulch one day after sowing produced significantly higher grain yield (3.5 t/ha) than control (1.77 t/ha), Sesamum brown manuring (2.97 t/ha) and wheat straw mulch (2.83 t/ha). Yield attributes like effective tillers/m2, panicle length and panicle weight were positively correlated with grain yield (r = 0.540, 0.705, 0.531 and 0.613 respectively). The net profit (Rs. 63.17 x 1000/ha) obtained from the treatment with Eupatorium mulch was higher than other tested treatments. Eupatorium mulch and herbicide application recorded equal benefit cost ratio of 2.4. Cultivation of direct seeded rice with the application of Eupatorium mulch or brown manuring (BM) of Sesamum was found effective for increasing yield and net returns in humid subtropical condition of Chitwan. Live mulching could be an eco-friendly weed control options in DSR. The BM option also provides crop residue for the addition of organic matter. This result suggests that BM is a potential alternative of herbicide application. Either mulching with Eupatorium and wheat straw or growing of Sesbania and Crotolaria as BM with rice up to 30 DAS are advisable to increase productivity with reduced cost of production at Chitwan and similar condition. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 73-81 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9008

Yield prediction and nitrogen recommendation in maize using normalized difference vegetation index

A study was carried out using three maize genotypes with three levels of nitrogen (30 kg, 60 kg and 120 kg per hectare) during the summer season of 2010 and 2011with the aim of predicting maize (Zea mays L.) yield through the Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The NDVI was recorded at different times throughout the growing season using a Greenseeker™ handheld sensor. Significant effect of genotypes and nutrient levels on the NDVI was observed at different growth stages of maize. There was positive correlation between the NDVI and grain yield. In the first season, the correlation coefficients were 0.90, 0.92, 0.76 and 0.73, respectively at 15, 45, 75 and 110 days after seeding. In the second season, the correlation coefficients were 0.80, 0.92, 0.77 and 0.75 respectively at 15, 45, 75 and 110 days after seeding. The NDVI based N calculator showed that irrespective of genotypes, yield potentials under farmers' levels of nutrient management were almost half of the recommended doses of nitrogen. The amount of N to be top dressed decreased with increased crop duration. Grain yield varied significantly due to season, genotypes and nutrient levels. NDVI was affected due to season, stages of the crop (DAS), genotypes and nutrient levels. Interaction effects were significant for season x genotype, growth stage x genotype, growth stage x nutrient levels, genotype x nutrient levels and genotype x growth stage x nutrient levels. There was a strong positive correlation between NDVI and grain yields of hybrid maize at 15 and 45 DAS, but this correlation declined thereafter. This means that N top-dressed at or after 75 days of seed sowing will not increase grain yield as significantly as N applied earlier in the season. In contrast, topdressed N was producing significant effects on the open pollinated Rampur Composite even after 75 days of seed sowing. Further confirmation of the finding could be useful for top dressing N in the maize crop. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 82-88 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9009

Food security scenario, challenges, and agronomic research directions of Nepal

The interim constitution of Nepal has mentioned “food sovereignty as fundamental right in its constituents 18.3". However, Nepal is experiencing decline in food security situation due to collision of domestic, national and international crises viz. poor agricultural growth, declined national agricultural priority, global climate change, global food crisis, and political instability. There is domination of small and marginal holders in Nepalese agriculture. Although the share of agriculture in country’s GDP is decreasing, it is still 33%, and the highest among the South Asian countries. Cereals are the most important staple food crops in Nepal and rice number one from area and production followed by maize, wheat, millets and barley. The grain-legumes and potatoes are considered the protective food crops for the maintenance of balance human nutrition in Nepal. Out of 88 countries, Nepal ranked 57th in Global Hunger Index (GHI) with GHI value of 19.8 depicting alarming situation of hunger in different regions of the country. Since the III Five year plan (1975- 80), the government of Nepal has given high priority in agriculture, focusing major approaches on promotion of integrated farming systems to address food and nutrition security. However, the food security situation is deteriorating. Adaptive measures on climate change, food distribution policy, crop and livestock insurance, subsidies on fertilizers and seeds, research and development activities on food-grain crops and bio-diversity conservation, inter agency coordination, food and seed buffer stock, and institutional capacity building would the viable options to maintain the food security in Nepal. From the rigorous study of various past research works, it can be concluded that the wider gap of several food grain crops can be reduced by system research, crop modelling, and up-scaling the use of agricultural machineries and tools. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 42-52 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8985

An overview of different seed production initiatives in Nepal

Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different classes of seed systems have been explained. Source seed produced by public and private institutions in Nepal is illustrated to make proper analogue as to how seed systems could be made practically functional. SWOT analysis of important seed systems is compared in issues pertaining to seed systems in Nepal. Information received from the seed related stakeholders has been analyzed to draw the inference covering different seed system initiatives in Nepal. On the basis of scientific evidences collected from concerned stakeholders from cross section of study districts on various issues of seed, recommendations have been proposed to make effective seed systems by amalgamation of available seed production initiatives under single funneled seed system that could be implemented to sustain food security and enhanced productivity of crops in general and major food crops in particular in Nepal. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 1-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8981

Modeling the sensitivity of CERES-Rice model: An experience of Nepal

The experiment was conducted with four levels of nitrogen (40, 80,120 and 160 kg/ha) and 3 different cultivars (Prithivi hybrid), Masuli (HYV) and Sunaulo Sugandha (Aromatic).RMSE value (747.35 kg/ha, 1.106 days, 2.58 days and 0.004 kg/ha) and D-stat value (0.793, 0.99, 0.99 and 0.633) for grain yield, anthesis days, maturity days, and individual grain weight respectively. The objective of this study was to identify whether CSM-CERES-Rice model can be used in Nepalese condition and to evaluate the sensitivity of model with impact of climate change on rice production. Eight different climate scenarios were built by perturbing maximum and minimum temperature (± 4°C), CO2 (± 20ppm), solar radiation (±1MJ/m2/day) using interactive sensitivity analysis mode in DSSAT. Among the scenario evaluated, temperature (± 40°C), CO2 concentration (+20 ppm) with change in solar radiation (±1MJ m-2 day-1) resulted maximum increase in yield (by 62, 41 and 42%) under decreasing climatic scenarios and sharp decline in yield (by 80, 46 and 40%) was observed under increasing climate change scenarios, in Prithivi, Masuli and Sunaulo Sugandha cultivars respectively.Not surprisingly, increasing yield by (48, 25 and 27 %) and decrease in yield by(77, 41 and 34) by perturbing only maximum and minimum temperature by (± 4) shows that the temperature is most sensitive for yield potentiality of cultivars than other. CERES-Riceversion 4.0 was well calibrated in Chitwan Nepal condition. The model applications show that model could be a tool for precision decision-making. There was variation in yield in response to the change in climatic scenario in the study. RMSE value (747.4 kg/ha, 1.11days, and 2.58 days), and d-stat (0.79, 0.99 and 0.99) for grain yield, anthesis, and maturity days confirm the possibility of CERESRiceuse in Nepalese agriculture. The finding showed that there was sharp decrease in rice yield due to change in temperature, CO2 and solar radiation. Climatic scenario developed by CERES-Rice model in sensitivity analysis resulted yield reduction up to 80%. Among the cultivar, hybrid rice shows more vulnerability with climate change. Decrease in yield were mainly associated with lowering growth duration along with increasing temperature, where as there is very less counter effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration and solar radiation. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 11-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8982