Bangladesh Agricultural University Research Articles

Performances of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi chicken genotype in different feeding systems under smallholder farm management

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi genotype (IDC♂ × Fay♀) with three different feeding regimes from onset of lay to 72 weeks of age. A total of 90 IDC♂ × Fay♀ birds of third generation (F3) at 16 weeks of age were distributed to 15 selected farmers nearby three villages of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The villages were Kewatkhali, Boyra and Sutiakhali that selected for intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging feeding systems, respectively. Each farmer was also given 5 pullets and 1 cockerel. The birds of full feeding and semi-scavenging system were given 76 g and 38 g mash feed per day, respectively. Pullets of semi-scavenging condition were allowed to scavenge in the farmer homesteads. The birds under scavenging condition reared without supplementation and were allowed to scavenge all day long. Result showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the feeding systems (intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging) in production and reproduction traits, where intensive full feeding system exerted better performances. However, performance efficiency index (52.24), egg-feed price ratio (2.81) and return over feed cost (4.48) were found to be significantly higher (p<0.001) in semi-scavenging feeding system. The egg weight (p<0.01), breaking strength (p<0.01) and dry yolk weights (p<0.05) were significantly lower in the birds reared under scavenging feeding system, however, these traits were found statistically similar in the birds of intensive and semi-scavenging feeding system. Feeding systems had no impact on survivability of the experimental birds. Taking altogether, it could be concluded that IDC♂ × Fay♀ upgraded chicken under semi-scavenging system performed better than intensive and scavenging system under smallholder farm management. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 13-22, 2024       

Casein, whey protein and non-protein nitrogen content of milk to identify water, sugar and flour adulterated milk

This study was aimed to assess the potential of using milk's nitrogen distribution pattern, specifically casein, whey protein, and non-protein nitrogen content, as a method for detecting milk adulteration with water, sugar, and flour. Whole milk samples were collected from the Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm, BAU, Mymensingh, and subjected to adulterations, including 15%, 20%, and 25% water additions and subsequent sugar or flour adjustments to match the fresh milk's specific gravity. The samples were analyzed for specific gravity, fat content, and nitrogen distribution. Results indicated that while specific gravity remained consistent across samples adulterated with sugar or flour, it varied significantly (P<0.05) in those diluted with water. Fat content was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in samples adulterated with water and sugar, particularly at the 25% water addition level. Though total protein, true protein, and casein contents were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the 25% water-added milk compared to fresh milk, they were not significantly different (P>0.05) across the other adulterated samples when compared to fresh milk. Whey protein and non-protein nitrogen levels were statistically consistent (P>0.05) across all the samples. The results indicate that the nitrogen distribution pattern, in its current state, cannot be used to detect milk adulteration effectively. Further research with a larger dataset considering various factors affecting nitrogen distribution in milk is recommended for conclusive results. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 23-30, 2024   

Design and development of a variable ultrasonic frequency generator for rodents repellent

Rodent is one of the major stored pests in Bangladesh, which causes a huge problem in the food sector. They substantially harm to crops and other valuable items on a large scale. Chemically rodent repellents already exist, but because of their toxicity and high price, they are not recommended for use in food storage. The aim of the study was to develop an electronic rodent-repelling circuit that is capable of generating variable ultrasonic frequencies. These frequencies cause discomfort for pests including rats, and nocturnal insects, which affects their aural senses. A device was successfully designed and constructed by microcontroller, printed circuit board, passive infrared sensor, liquid crystal display, Relay module, and other relative components. The device was vigorously tested in Precision Lab, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the device's repellent efficacy, considering factors such as range, coverage area, power consumption, and durability. The device functioned as it detected the presence of rodents and then released frequency by the positive signal for 30 seconds. The device generated ultrasonic signals within the range of 20-125 KHz and detected signals from any live substances up to 4.5 m with an error of a maximum of ±0.428%. The frequency range of rodent hearing is approximately 20 Hz to 300 kHz, with the greatest sensitivity between 30 and 70 kHz, affecting their aural senses and causing discomfort. Therefore, the developed ultrasonic rodent-repellent circuit can be a practical and sustainable solution for repelling stored rodents, which mitigates storage losses caused by rodent infestations.

YIELD PERFORMANCE AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF DRY DIRECT SEEDED BORO RICE IN RESPONSE TO SOWING DATE AND IRRIGATION REGIME

Dry direct seeding is a new technology to address the water scarcity problem faced in rice culture in boro season. An experiment was run at Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh, to determine the impact of the sowing date and irrigation schedule on the yield potential and cost effectiveness of boro rice grown under a dry direct seeding system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design and consisted of two sowing dates viz. 10 February and 02 March; and five irrigation regimes viz., no irrigation, one irrigation at 25% field capacity (FC), two irrigations (at 25% FC and at 1 week after 25% FC), three irrigations (at 25% FC, at 1 and at 2 weeks after 25% FC) and four irrigations (at 25% FC, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after 25% FC) replicated thrice assigning sowing date in main plots and irrigation in sub-plots. The result showed that BRRI dhan58 sown on 10 February with four irrigations (at 25% FC, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after 25% FC) produced the highest grain yield and economic return which was statistically comparable to those for two (at 25% FC and at 1 week after 25% FC), and three irrigations (at 25% FC, at 1 and at 2 weeks after 25% FC). The present study concludes that rice variety BRRI dhan58 can be cultivated successfully to achieve maximum yield and economic return by sowing the seed during 10 February to 02 March and applying 2 - 3 irrigations at the vegetative phase in dry direct seeding system.

Influence of Date of Transplanting and Level of Nitrogen on the Yield of Nizershail Rice Grown in Boro Season

Proper nitrogen (N) management is vital for gaining potential yield benefits of a variety. Adjusting transplanting time enables the plant taking benefit from natural conditions favorable for its growth. In light of these, an investigation was carried out in the Boro season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from November 2022 to April 2023 to investigate the impact of various transplanting dates and N levels on the yield of Nizershail rice. The study involved four dates of transplanting viz. 16 December, 31 December, 15 January, 30 January and four nitrogen (N) levels viz. 0, 50, 100 and 150% of the recommended dose (RD) of N from urea where the recommended dose was 90 kg urea per ha. The trial was replicated thrice using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results showed that the tallest plant, the uppermost grains/panicle and 1000 grains weight were detected in 16 December transplanting and the maximum grain yield was observed in 31 December transplanting. For N, total tillers and effective tillers/hill, grains/panicle, the highest grain and straw yields were found from 100% RD of N and the highest panicle length and sterile spikelets/panicle were found from 150% RD of N. In interactions, the maximum effective tillers/ hill and straw yield were observed from 100% RD of N in combination with 15 January transplanting. The maximum 1000 grains weight and the grain yield were obtained from 100% RD of N in combination with 16 December transplanting. From the result, it may be assumed that to get the maximum yield of Nizershail rice in Boro season could be transplanted between 16 December to 15 January with 100% RD of N from urea.

Effect of Boron and Zinc Fertilization on Yield of Mustard (cv. BARI sarisha-14)

Bangladesh has to import a significant quantity of mustard seeds to meet its growing demand due to the seeds' high oil content and the oilcake, which is rich in protein and used as animal feed. The impact of zinc and boron on mustard (cv. BARI sarisha-14) output was investigated in a field experiment that was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from October 2017 to March 2018. There are five levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kilograms per hectare) and boron (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kilogram per hectare) in this experiment. Three replications of the experiment, each with a plot size of three meters by two meters, were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD Height of the plant, number of branches per plant, total number of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, number of ineffective pods per plant, length of pod (cm), number of seeds per pod, weight of 1000 grains, seed yield, Stover yield, biological yield, harvest index and controlled treatment performed the lowest for these attributes were found when 2.5 kilogram per hectare of zinc were given. The treatment of 1.5 kilogram per hectare boron produced the highest plant height, number of branches per plant, total number of pods, number of effective pods per plant, number of non-effective pods per plant, length of pod (cm), number of seeds per pod, weight of 1000 grains, seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, and harvest index, while the controlled treatment produced the lowest performance. It is noticeable from the growth, yield, post-harvest procedures, and analytical results that the Zn 2.5 kilogram per hectare and B 1 kilogram per hectare combinations were appropriate for mustard farming

Evaluation of Some HYV Boro Rice Varieties for Drought Tolerance Based on Morpho-Biochemical Traits

An experiment was conducted to study the drought tolerance in selected boro rice varieties in pots at the Farm Research Laboratory of Dept. Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh in Rabi season of 2014-2015. In this experiment, drought was induced by manipulating the field capacity (30-35% FC as drought, 95-100% FC as control) and moisture content of the soil in the pot. Drought treatment was started 36 days after transplanting and continued till harvest. The work was comprised based on several morphological and biochemical approaches viz. days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, no of total tillers hill-1, no of effective tiller hill-1, days to maturity, no of filled grains panicle-1, no of unfilled grains panicle-1, grain panicle-1, 100 seed weight, grain yield panicle-1, yield hill-1, spikelet fertility, proline and L-ascorbic acid were found to be changed significantly in drought stress as compared to the control. In drought conditions, the highest yield performance was showed in BRRI dhan29 by changing 33.11% compared to its control. Due to drought induction proline accumulation was significantly upregulated by 2.53 and 2.10 folds in BRRI dhan36 and BINA dhan5, respectively and L-ascorbic acid was decreased lowest in BINA dhan10, BRRI dhan50, and BRRI dhan29 by 27.29%, 41.31%, and 43.91%, respectively. This study produced substantial information about the drought tolerance status of the selected boro rice varieties, and therefore, can be an aid for any future attempt to improve the drought tolerance of the studied varieties. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 247-258

Agro-Economic Productivity of Transplant Aman Rice – Rabi Crop – Dry Direct Seeded Boro Rice Patterns in Old Brahmaputra Agroecological Zone of Bangladesh

Dry direct seeding is an alternative rice establishment system that saves 60% irrigation water, reduces greenhouse gas emission and increases farm income. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the agro-economic performance of transplanted (T.) aman rice – Rabi crops – dry direct seeded (DDS) boro rice patterns. Nine cropping patterns namely, i. T. aman rice - Mustard - DDS boro rice, ii. T. aman rice - Potato - DDS boro rice, iii. T. aman rice - Field pea - DDS boro rice, iv. T. aman rice - French bean - DDS boro rice, v. T. aman rice - Spinach - DDS boro rice, vi. T. aman rice - Garden pea - DDS boro rice, vii. T. aman rice – Tomato - DDS boro rice, viii. T. aman rice- Broccoli - DDS boro rice and ix. T. aman rice – Cabbage - DDS boro rice were used in the study using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that cropping pattern did not have any significant effect on the yield and related attributes of the DDS boro rice. The highest rice equivalent yield (19.69 t ha-1) was obtained with T. aman rice –cabbage – DDS boro rice pattern while the lowest (13.17 t ha-1) with T. aman rice-garden pea – DDS boro rice pattern. In respect to benefit cost ratio (BCR), the highest value (1.71) was found with T. aman rice – Cabbage – DDS boro rice pattern while the lowest (1.46) with T. aman rice – Field pea – DDS boro rice pattern. It may be concluded that the yield of boro rice is similar in different T. aman rice – Rabi crops – DDS boro rice patterns and T. aman rice – Cabbage – DDS boro rice appeared as the best pattern for obtaining highest crop productivity and economic return.

Integrated effect of manures and fertilizers with the allelopathy of Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) on the yield performance of rice

Allelopathy plays an important role in weed control and crop productivity. In light of these, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh under the Old Brahmaputra Floodplain (AEZ-9) during the period from July 2021-June, 2022 to assess the combined effect of Fimbristylis dichotoma residues with manures and fertilizers on rice yield performance in boro season. The experiment consisted two rice varieties viz., BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan89; and six treatments of the combination of residues with manures and fertilizers viz., Control; Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers; Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @5 t ha-1; Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers; Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @2.5 t ha-1 + 50% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers; Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @3.75 t ha-1 + 75% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest grain yield was produced in T4 (Residues 3 t ha-1 +Trichocompost @1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended fertilizers treatment). From the above results it was found that the variety BRRI dhan29 and T4 (Residues 3 t ha-1 +Trichocompost @1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended fertilizers treatment) treatment exhibited the superior effect. The current study's findings indicate that the combination of manures and fertilizers increases yield and yield-contributing characteristics, and that Fimbristylis dichotoma residues have an herbicidal impact for inhibiting weed growth.

Late Sowing and Irrigation Cutback Effects on Yield and Economic Performances of Dry Direct Seeded Boro Rice

Dry direct seeding (DDS) is a water saving rice cultivation technology. The sowing of dry direct seeded rice in boro season is generally delayed when grown under the T. aman rice – Rabi crops – DDS boro rice pattern. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the effect of sowing date and irrigation schedule on growth and yield of DDS boro rice. The experiment used two sets of treatments (a) two sowing dates viz. 22 February and 13 March; and (b) six irrigation regimes viz. no irrigation, one irrigation at 25% Field Capacity (FC), two irrigations at 25% FC and 1 week after (WA) 25% FC, three irrigations at 25% FC, 1WA 25% FC and 2 WA 25% FC, four irrigations at 25% FC, 1 WA 25% FC, 2 WA 25% FC and 3 WA 25% FC and one irrigation at 3 weeks after 25% FC and the treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications allocating sowing dates into the main plot and irrigation schedule into the subplots. BRRI dhan58 was used as test crop. The result showed that grain yield of the crop did not differ significantly for sowing on 13 March and 22 February. The study revealed that BRRI dhan58 sown on 13 March with four irrigations applied at 25% FC, 1 WA 25% FC, 2 WA 25% FC and 3 WA 25% FC produced the highest economic return and hence it is concluded that the sowing date of boro rice could be delayed up to 13 March with four irrigations. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 67-80 (2023)

Morpho-physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under aluminium stress at early seedling stage

This study investigated the morpho-physiological responses of five maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes to aluminum stress during the early seedling stage. The experiment, conducted at the Plant Physiology Laboratory in the Department of Crop Botany at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, followed a two-factor completely randomized design with aluminum concentrations (0 μM as control, 100 μM, and 200 μM) and five maize varieties (Konok, Kaveri-50, BWMRI-1, BHM-14, and BHM-16). Variety Konok exhibited superior overall performance across experimental parameters, while aluminum stress at 200 μM consistently decreased seed germination and seedling growth compared to the control at all recording stages. Variety Konok without aluminum stress demonstrated the highest values for root length (28.23 cm), shoot fresh weight (4.35 g), shoot dry weight (0.53 g), root fresh weight (8.18 g), root dry weight (1.21 g), total fresh weight (12.56 g), total dry weight (1.74 g), vigor index (5106.7). Conversely, under aluminum stress (200 μM AlCl3), the lowest values were observed in root length (14.70 cm), shoot length (15.38 cm), seedling length (31.50 cm), shoot fresh weight (1.79 g), shoot dry weight (0.20 g), root fresh weight (1.96 g), root dry weight (0.47 g), total fresh weight (3.84 g), total dry weight (0.67 g), vigor index (2592.7), and various stress tolerance indices. In summary, the study suggests that the maize variety "Konok" exhibits greater enhancement during the early seedling stage when grown without exposure to aluminum stress, emphasizing its potential for improved performance under normal conditions.

Status of tree genetic resources conserved at the Botanic Garden, Bangladesh Agricultural University

Effect of Integrated Use of Poultry Manure with Fertilizer Urea for Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Rice (cv. BRRI Dhan 29) under Two Water Management Systems

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The experiment's objectives were to evaluate the performance of integrated management of poultry manure with chemical fertilizer urea and to seek water-saving technology that will allow rice (BRRI dhan 29) production to be maintained or increased in the face of declining water availability. The experiment comprised seven treatments viz. T1:100% N from poultry manure, T2:100% N recommended doses of prilled urea, T3:90% N from PU + 10% N from PM, T4:80% N from PU + 20% N from PM, T5: 70% N from PU + 30% N from PM, T6: 60% N from PU + 40% N from PM, T7: 50% N from PU + 50% N from PM. It was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots were allocated for irrigation treatments (alternate wetting and dying and continuous flooding) and sub-plots for nitrogen treatments. Altogether, 42 unit plots were conducted, each measuring 2.5mx2.5m. The application of different nitrogen levels significantly influenced all the growth parameters. Irrigation levels significantly affected all the yield and yield contributing characters except plant height, number of ineffective tillers, panicle length, unfilled grain per panicle, 1000 grain weight and harvest index. The highest value of total tiller/hill (11.01), number of effective tillers per hill (9.72), filled grain per panicle (132.23), grain yield (4.80), straw yield (6.68), biological yield (11.47) was observed in the two-irrigation system while height value of non-effective tiller/hill (1.29). The effect of nitrogen treatment was found to be significant. On the other hand, the interaction effect of irrigation management and treatments significantly influenced all the yield parameters except plant height, No. of tiller/ hill, no. of non-effective tiller/hill, panicle length, unfilled grain/panicle and 1000 grain weight. The height value of all those parameters was recorded at the I1×T2 (continuous flooding ×100% N recommended doses of prilled urea). The lowest value of all these parameters was recorded at the I2×T1 (AWDI × 100% N from poultry manure) and I1×T1 (continuous flooding × 100% N from poultry manure). The integrated use of 90% N from PU + 10% N from PM appeared as the better practice because of reducing the considerable amount of prilled urea in Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan 29) cultivation in terms of grain yield. Moreover, the best promising practice was obtained using 100% N recommended doses of prilled urea applied with continuous flooding (CF).

Assessment of bacterial loads and water quality parameters of three different types of fish pond

The present study was conducted to determine bacterial loads in the water columns and mud of three different pond systems,includingan overwintering fish fry pond,a brood fish rearing pond, anda recreational fish pond (L-shaped fish pond) situated at the Field Laboratory Complex of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.Three samplings were done atevery 15-day interval. Bacterial loads in water columns and mud were determined using the drop count method. Water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonia, were also determined. Significantly (p<.001),the highest bacterial loads in three different water columns were observed in the overwintering fish fry pond, and the lowest bacterial loadswere found in the L-shaped fish pondat all sampling points. Bacterial loads in the bottom water were also significantly higher than those in the surface and middle layers of the water in all ponds. Pond mud was significantly (p<.001) richer in bacterial loads than pond water. Bacterial load was strongly correlated with temperature, and the correlation faded with the increase in depth of the water column.
  

Development of lightweight building blocks using expanded polystyrene

This study aimed to develop lightweight building blocks using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) with varying percentages, assess their properties, including density, water absorption, porosity, and compressive strength, and evaluate the unit cost of the blocks. The heat-passing rate of the blocks was also investigated. EPS blocks were produced at the Concrete and Materials Testing Laboratory in the Farm Structure and Environmental Engineering Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Local sand and ordinary Portland cement were utilized, with the EPS bead sizes ranging from 2.36mm to 6.35mm. Five different percentages of EPS beads (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were selected for each block, and the cement-to-sand ratio was 1:4. A total of 75 EPS blocks were fabricated and cured in water for 28 days. The results showed that the density was highest for 0% EPS blocks (2139.75 kg/m3) and lowest for 20% EPS blocks (1699.08 kg/m3). Water absorption was most insufficient for 0% EPS blocks (4.39%) and highest for 20% EPS blocks (9.07%). The porosity was highest for 20% EPS blocks (14.37%) and lowest for 0% EPS blocks (6.74%). The heat passing rate was minimal for 0% EPS blocks and highest for 20% EPS blocks. Compressive strength was highest for 0% EPS blocks (13.37 MPa), moderate for 10% EPS blocks (10.87 MPa), and lowest for 20% EPS blocks (8.94 MPa). The unit cost of 100 blocks was highest for 0% EPS blocks (15.18 USD) and lowest for 20% EPS blocks (13.28 USD). Overall, the EPS blocks are recommended for construction due to their durability and compressive strength.

Changes in Fish Flakes Prepared from Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Mince during Storage

Aims: This study was conducted to prepare fish flakes using Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) mince with wheat flour and other ingredients and to determine the sensory and physicochemical changes of fish flakes during storage.
 Place and Duration of Study: Fish Processing and quality control laboratory of the department of Fisheries Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Study duration was from June 2021-July 2022.
 Methodology: Initially, fish flakes were prepared using 30%, 40% and 50% fish mince with other ingredients. Among the samples, fish flakes containing 50% fish mince (S3N) gained the highest score in the conducted panel test. During the storage of 9 months at room temperature (28° to 32°C) in polythene zipper packets, different properties of S3N was analyzed at 15- and 30-days of intervals.
 Results: The changes in proximate composition of the sample during storage indicated that only minor alterations occurred in fish flakes. During this study period no remarkable changes observed in the color, flavor, texture of fish flakes. Mold growth on fish flakes samples was not found.
 Conclusion:  The findings of this study can be concluded as, popular snack item like fish flakes can be prepared using pangas fish mince by incorporating with other ingredients which can be stored at room temperature (28° to 32°C) in polythene zipper packets for 270 days without any major changes in compositional and consumption quality.

Yield Performance of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) In Response to Planting Spacing and Npk Fertilizers

Optimization of plant spacing, and fertilizer dose is very important for realizing maximum yield of a crop. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2020 to March 2021 to determine the effect of different spacing and NPK fertilizer levels on yield and yield attributes of chia seed. The experiment consisted of four different spacing viz. 30 cm × 15 cm (S1), 30 cm × 30 cm (S2), 40 cm × 15 cm (S3) and 40 cm × 30 cm (S4) and five levels of NPK fertilizer viz. No NPK (F0), 30: 20: 25 kg NPK ha-1 (F1), 60: 40: 50 kg NPK ha-1 (F2), 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 (F3) and 120: 80: 100 kg NPK ha-1 (F4). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that 40 cm × 30 cm spacing produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1, seed yield and haulm yield. The fertilizer level 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 showed the highest seed yield and haulm yield while 120:80 :100 kg NPK ha-1 exhibited the maximum number of inflorescences plant-1. The combination of 30 cm ×30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1 and seed yield whereas the combination of 40 cm × 30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 had the highest haulm yield. The present study concluded that cultivation of chia at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and fertilized with 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 could be considered as the promising practice for reasonable seed yield.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 122-127

Deployment of fine and coarse grain rice cultivars in time and space for increased productivity

To examine the impact of mixture ratio and temporal deployment of fine and coarse grain cultivars on rice productivity and profitability, two experiments were carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University. In both investigations, two monsoon rice cultivars viz., Binadhan-13 (a tall, late-maturing, fine-grained) and Dhani Gold (a semi-dwarf, mid-maturing, coarse-grained) were utilized. In the 1st experiment, rice cultivars were planted in different mixture ratios viz., sole Binadhan-13, sole Dhani Gold, 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:4 and 4:2 ratio of Binadhan-13 to Dhani Gold. The second study included the introducing time of Dhani Gold viz., seven days before or after or same day of Binadhan-13, sole Binadhan-13 and sole Dhani Gold. Three replications of the randomized complete block design were used for both trials. In the first experiment, both cultivars produced more when grown in mixtures as opposed to solitary cultures. Even though Dhani Gold's sole culture had the greatest yield, it was statistically equivalent to combined yields when Binadhan-13 and Dhani Gold were grown together in mixtures at 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 ratios. The maximum net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were achieved when Binadhan-13 and Dhani Gold were planted in mixture following a 4:2 ratio as opposed to when Binadhan-13 was grown solely. In the second experiment, a sole cultivar generated less yield than cultivars that were transplanted on the same day, before, and after another cultivar. Cultivation of sole Binadhan-13 produced the lowest net return and minimum BCR (1.37), while the highest net return and BCR (1.81) was recorded when Dhani Gold was planted seven days before Binadhan-13 in mixture. A clear economic advantage of mixed culture with temporal deployment over the sole culture of either cultivar was evident. Therefore, transplanting Dhani Gold in a 1:1 ratio seven days before Binadhan-13 may be advised for greater output and economic return.

Quality of cattle, buffalo & goat meat keema at different storage temperature

The aim of the study was to compare the quality and safety of meat keema during storage at spot and refrigeration (4±1°C) temperature for a specific storage period. Six samples of Buffalo, Beef and Goat meat were collected from Kamal Ronjit-market ("K.R. Market") of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and processed into meat keema. The keema was prepared by standardized formulations, processed and were stored at ambient (37±1°C) and refrigeration (4±1°C) temperature and the quality was compared. In case of the hot-boned keema, the MDA (Melondialdehyde) of meat keema was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in goat meat than others. Water activity was higher in buffalo meat than others although the values did not differ significantly (p> 0.05). Ash content was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in buffalo meat than others. WHC (Water holding capacity) was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in goat meat than buffalo meat. Cooking loss was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in beef and goat meat than buffalo meat. Color (yellowness) was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in beef than buffalo meat. Meat pH, Keema pH, Color (lightness), Color (redness) values did not differ significantly (p> 0.05) within the three species. In case of chilled-boned keema of Buffalo, Beef and Goat meat, the MDA and water activity were higher in goat meat than others although the values did not differ significantly (p> 0.05). It is revealed from the study that the Buffalo meat keema (hot-boned and chilled-boned) showed better in meat quality attributes compared to the others. Beef, buffalo and goat meat keema stored in ambient temperature stored resulted in significant deterioration of quality parameters compared to the refrigeration storage.

Quality and storability of onion (Allium cepa L.) as influenced by varieties and household organic mulches

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of varieties and household organic mulches on growth and yield of onion at the Horticulture Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October 2020 to March 2021. The experiment consisted of three onion cultivars of Bangladesh viz. Taherpuri, BARI Piaz 1 and BARI Piaz 4, and five household organic mulches, viz. T0 = Control (no mulching), T1 = vegetables wastes, T2 = rice straw, T3 = banana leaf and T4 = water hyacinth. The two-factor experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications. Results revealed that the parameters under study showed significant variation between onion varieties and mulching. Results showed that the highest percent of weight loss of bulbs (31.19%) was observed in V3T4 followed by V3T1 (29.89%) and the lowest percentage of weight loss of bulbs (24.66%) was observed in V1T1. The highest percentage of dry matter content of bulb (13.13%) was recorded in V3T4 followed by V3T1 (12.54%) and the lowest percent dry matter content of bulb (8.08%) was observed in V1T0. The highest percentage of splitted bulb (10.33%) was observed in V3T4 followed by V3T1 (9.33%) and the lowest percentage of splitted bulb (1.33%) was observed in V1T0 (Table 4). On the other hand, the highest percentage of rotten bulb (9.00%) was observed in V3T0 followed by V2T0 (8.33%) and the lowest percentage of rotten bulb (2.00%) in V1T2. Therefore, the combined use of water hyacinth along with Taherpuri was found to be better with respect to the quality and storability of onion. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 10, No. 2, August 2023: 123-131