Bangladesh Agricultural University Research Articles

Quinoa – A Functional Food Crop: Morphological Descriptors

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), one of the oldest cultivated plants of Andes, has gained worldwide attention for its ability to grow in various stressful conditions and also due to its various health-promoting characteristics i.e., easily digestibility with high amounts of protein, vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, and others. To study (in detail) on morphological descriptors of four quinoa genotypes, an experiment was conducted at the Field and Laboratory of Plant Systematics, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University during Rabi season (November 2020 to March 2021) following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. A spacing of 25 cm x 10 cm was used. Weeding and irrigation operations were done twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing. Quinoa plants are characterized by the angular stem, red-green, leaf rhomboidal, green, panicle shape intermediate showing both shapes – glomerulate and amarantiform, panicle green at the flowering and became pink at the physiological maturity stages. Plant height and stem diameter were ranged between 60.17-65.65 cm and 4.22-4.58 mm, respectively. The percentage of red and red-green coloured stem, number of teeth leaf–1 and leaf area were significantly influenced by genotypes and ranged between 20.00-46.58%, 53.31-80.00%, 5.60-9.10 and 4.84-6.01 cm2, respectively. Pollen grains are monads, medium in size, 42.99-51.30 µm, polypantoporate, scabrate (microechinate), and exine thickness 2.08-2.40 µm. Panicle length and width, 1000-seed weight and seed yield varied between 31.16-37.23 cm, 3.66-4.37 cm, 3.14-3.43 g and 2.66-3.86 g plant–1, respectively. Among the genotypes, G2 was most productive in the environmental conditions of Mymensingh region. Qualitative morphological traits can be used as markers in the description and characterization of quinoa genotypes. The variation existing among the quinoa genotypes could prove useful in the breeding programs.

Congenital digital flexural deformity (knuckling): Epidemiology, the association of trace elements and surgical treatment in neonatal bovine calves.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of congenital flexural deformity (knuckling), to identify the association between trace elements and vitamins with the deformity, and to apply different surgical techniques for correcting this congenital malformation in newborn bovine calves. The study was implemented on 17 newborn calves with carpal (knee) and fetlock (foot) knuckling presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from January to December 2020. The serum biochemical alterations and clinical outcomes were assessed on days 0 and 21 following surgery. Two surgical methods: tendon transection and tendon elongation by Z-tenotomy, were performed for surgical restoration. We found that knuckling comprised 12% of the total congenitally malformed calves. The male calves had a higher prevalence (52%, n = 9) and the same in the winter season (65%, n = 11). The majority of the knuckling was bilateral types (88%, n = 15), involving the carpal joint (82%, n = 14) and moderately angulated (59%, n = 10). The serum level of magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc were significantly (p < 0.05) changed from the pre-surgical stage to the stage of non-lameness after surgery. The disorder was surgically treated by tendon transection or tendon elongation procedure and had a good prognosis. The current study concluded that the development of knuckling in calves might be related to a deficiency/excess of specific minerals and vitamins and that it can be effectively corrected by surgical intervention; however, early diagnosis and the use of proper surgical techniques are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Effects of application of nitrogen and vermicompost on growth performance and yield of Bari Chinashak-1 (Brassica chinensis L.)

A field experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from March to May 2018 to investigate the effects of various doses of nitrogen and vermicomposton growth and yield performance of BARI Chinashak-1. The research work comprised of two factors, factor A: four doses of nitrogen viz., (i) N0-0 kg N/ha, (ii) N1-90 kg N/ha, (iii) N2-120 kg N/ha and (iv) N3-150 kg N/ha and factor B: Three doses of vermicompost viz.,(i) V0-0 ton/ha, (ii) V1-3 ton/ha and (iii) V2-5 ton/ha. The tallest plant (38.71 cm), maximum leafnumber /plant (13.99), highest length (34.99 cm) and breath (22.70cm) of leaves and maximum yield (26.27 t/ha) were recorded when 150 kg N/ha was applied. The shortest plant (31.03 cm), minimum leaf number/plant (11.82), shortest length (28.31 cm) and breath (18.50 cm) of leaves and minimum yield (18.34 t/ha) was found in the plots that did not get any nitrogen (0 kg N/ha). In case of vermicompost, the maximum plant height (36.79 cm), number of leaves/plant (13.97), the highest leaf length (33.84 cm) and breath (22.09 cm) and maximum total yield (24.70 t/ha) was observed at 5 ton/ha, whereas the shortest plant (33.32 cm), minimum number of leaves/plant (12.22), the lowest leaf length (29.68 cm) and breath (19.57 cm), and minimum total yield (20.98 t/ha) was observed with 0 ton/ha. For combined effect, the tallest plant (40.56 cm), maximum leaf number (15.33), length (36.50 cm) and breath (24.11 cm) of leaves, plant spread (77.10 cm) were observed from N3V2combination.

Effects of varieties and different micronutrients on growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of November 2021 to February 2022. The experiment consisted of two factors, such as factor A: three varieties of broccoli i.e. V1: Early You, V2: Barbara, V3: Green Crown and factor B: four levels of micronutrients i.e. T0: control, T1: Boron @ 3 kg/ha, T2: Zinc @ 2 kg/ha, T3: Boron + Zinc @ (3+2) kg/ha. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Variety and micronutrients influenced significantly on most of the parameters under the study. In case of variety, the highest curd yield (13.35 t/ha) was found from V3 (Green Crown) and the lowest curd yield (11.12 t/ha) was found from V1 (Early You). V2 (Barbara) showed higher dry matter content of broccoli curd, which is 15.72%. On the other hand, V¬1 (Early You) showed lower dry matter content, which is 13.34%. For micronutrients, T3 (Boron +Zinc @3+2 kg/ha) performed the highest in respect of curd yield (19.37 t/ha) and the lowest (6.32 t/ha) was from T0 (control). T3 (Boron+Zinc @3+2kg/ha) showed higher dry matter content (13.01%), whereas T0 (control) showed the least (11.02%). For combined treatment, the highest curd yield (21.61t/ha) was obtained from V3T3 (Green Crown and Boron +Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha micronutrient dose) and the lowest curd yield (5.23 t/ha) from V0T0 (Early You and control). V2T3 (Boron+ Zinc @3+2 kg/ha with Barbara variety) produced the highest dry matter content of curd, which is 17.34%. On the other hand, the lowest dry matter content of broccoli curd is provided by V1T0 (Early You variety with control) treatment combination which is 12.49%. Therefore, it can be concluded that V3 (Green Crown) along with Boron+Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha and V2 (Barbara) along with Boron+Zinc @ 3+2 kg/ha were found to be the best in respect of yield and dry matter content of broccoli, respectively, compared to other treatments.

Foliar application of gibberellic acid in combination with cowdung enhances growth and yield attributes of okra(Abelmoschus esculentus)

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during March to July 2020 to investigate the results of various amount of cowdung and gibberellic acid (GA3) on okra growth and production. The experiment comprised of Factor A: three doses of cowdung such as C0= 0 ton (Control), C1= 5 t ha-1, C2= 10 t ha-1and Factor B: four variable concentrations of GA3such as G0= Control (with no gibberellic acid), G1= 50 ppm gibberellic acid, G2= 100 ppm gibberellic acid and G3= 150 ppm gibberellic acid. Three replications ofthe experiment were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Most of the developmental and yield-contributing parameters of the okra tested significantly varied when various quantities of cowdung and varying amounts of gibberellic acid wereused. The 10 t ha-1cowdung (C2) had the maximum yield (11.34 t/ha) as well as the amount of green pods(13.77)per plant. From a 0 t ha-1cowdung (C0) treatment, the fewest green pods (14.18), and lowest green pod production (5.98 t/ha), were produced. On the other hand, gibberellic acid with 100 ppm (G2) showed the best performance on number of green pods (13.77), green pod output (10.51 t/ha) and the lowest performance on number of green pods (10.05), green pod produce (6.47 t/ha) from control (G0) treatment (without gibberellin). Okra's development and yield-contributing characteristics were greatly impacted by the interaction of cowdung and gibberellic acid. The integration of 10 t ha-1 cowdung (C2) and 100 ppm gibberellic acid performed the best on the number of green pods (15.91), green pod yield (13.47 t/ha) tremendously non-identical from the combination of treatment of 0 t ha-1(C0) with no gibberellic acid applied plants in the same parameters viz. number of green pods (7.72), green pod yield (4.13 t/ha). The finding of this study suggested that application of 10 tons cowdung per hectare combine with 100 ppm gibberellic acid to be recommended for okra cultivation.

Taxonomic diversity of spice crops available in Bangladesh Agricultural University Botanical Garden and their medicinal properties

Taxonomic diversity of spice crops available in Bangladesh Agricultural University Botanical Garden and their medicinal properties

Performance of different conservation practices for irrigated paddy rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation as affected by soil texture of Mymensingh region in Bangladesh 

Soil moisture is critical to the growth and yield-contributing character traits of rice. However, few studies have yet to outline the effects of soil texture on irrigated paddy rice cultivation under diverse conservation techniques. In this regard, an experiment was conducted at the Field Irrigation Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University to investigate the water productivity and yield-contributing characteristics of paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.; variety: BRRI dhan 28) during Boro season for two years with two different soil textures (silt loam, 2019 and loam, 2020) and three different irrigation techniques, namely, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Raised Bed (RB) and the conventional Continuous Flooding (CF). It was observed that seepage in CF treatment was higher than that of AWD and RB. Highest grain yield (6.70±0.04 t/ha) was found for 15 cm AWD treatment (irrigation applied when water level reached 15 cm below ground surface) for silt loam and the same for loam soil was 6.53±0.50 t/ha under 10 cm AWD treatment. CF method of irrigation yielded grain lowest for both silt loam (5.47±0.05) t/ha and loam (5.28±0.19) t/ha soil. For both soil textures, CF treatment required more water than conservation treatments and resulted in lower water productivity. Again, for both the types of soil, AWD performed comparatively better than the CF, especially 15 cm AWD for silt loam soil and 10 cm AWD for loam soil because it required minimum water for paddy rice cultivation and its water productivity was maximum for the same rice production. Therefore, adopting these water-conserving methods would have a considerable implication for water-scarce agricultural regions.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on the Growth and Yield of Wheat

To assess the effects of organic and inorganic N fertilizers regarding wheat yield and growth a field experiment was carried out from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. There were three replications of the experiment, which was set up using a randomized full block design. The experiment comprises four varieties viz. BARI Gom-28, BARI Gom-30, BARI Gom-31, BARI Gom-32 and five levels of N viz. Control, 90 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU), 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU) + 3 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) as organic N source, 62 kg N ha-1 from PU + 5 t ha-1 cowdung as organic N source, 29 Kg N ha-1 from PU + 4 t ha-1 vermicompost as organic N source. The outcome of the experiment revealed that there were substantial differences in the growth and yield of wheat due to different varietal effects and application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, although some of the attributes were not found significant. At growth, BARI Gom-32 produced the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index, while the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index were obtained from 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS. At harvest, the highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (2.82), filled grain spike-1 (32.06), 1000-grain weight (61.07 g), grain yield (3.94 t ha-1), straw yield (5.85 t ha-1) and harvest index (40.11%) were obtained from BARI Gom-32. While, application of 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM produced the tallest plant (95.49 cm), number of total tillers plant-1 (3.96), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.20), filled grain spike-1 (36.61), 1000-grain weight (60.18 g from T5), grain yield (4.34 t ha-1), straw yield (6.23 t ha-1) and harvest index (41.07%). Again, the maximum number of total tillers plant-1 (4.06), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.46), filled grain spike-1 (39.13), 1000-grain weight (64.62 g), grain yield (4.38 t ha-1), straw yield (6.27 t ha-1 ) and harvest index (41.16%) were found from BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure. Therefore, it can be concluded that BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure was more potential in terms of yield and would be suggested for the cultivation of wheat.

Influence of Salicylic Acid and Gibberelic Acid on Germination and Growth of Bitter Gourd, Momordica charantia L.

Aim: Uniform and rapid germination and growth is a major barrier to successful crop production of bitter gourd, a major summer vegetable of Bangladesh. Seed priming with different signaling molecules can efficiently confer this problem. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the potentiality of different signaling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA) and gibberelic acid (GA3) to increase germination and growth of bitter gourd.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, from September-October, 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: The bitter gourd seeds were soaked in 1mM, 2mM and 3mM GA3, and 3mM, 6mM and 9mM SA solutions for 1 hour. The untreated seeds were used as control. Seeds were germinated in petri dishes and data on germination was collected. Then seedlings were transplanted to pot after 7 days to record growth parameters at 15th day of establishment.&#x0D; Results: The experiment's findings indicated that lower concentrations of SA and GA3 had a beneficial effect, however greater levels significantly reduced the bitter gourd's ability to germinate and develop in comparison to the control. Findings of the study showed priming concentrations of 3mM SA, 6mM SA, and 1mM GA3, markedly improved the germination percentage, shoot and root length, seedling vigour, and fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root, RWC of bitter gourd.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pretreatment with SA and GA3 was observed to be relatively more efficient in increasing germination of bitter gourd compared with control. Overall, this study suggests that bitter gourd seed priming 3mM SA, 6mM SA, and 1mM GA3 can improve germination and growth.

Optimum Nitrogen Application Acclimatizes Root Morpho-Physiological Traits and Yield Potential in Rice under Subtropical Conditions

Nitrogen (N) is a highly essential macronutrient for plant root growth and grain yield (GY). To assess the relationship among N, root traits, and the yield of boro (dry season irrigated) rice, a pot experiment was performed in the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during the boro rice season of 2020-2021. Three boro rice varieties, namely BRRI dhan29, Hira-2, and Binadhan-10, were planted at four N doses: 0 kg ha-1 (N0), 70 kg ha-1 (N70), 140 kg ha-1 (N140), and 210 kg ha-1 (N210). The experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with three replicates. The varieties were evaluated for root number (RN), root length (RL), root volume (RV), root porosity (RP), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and yield. The results indicated that the Binadhan-10, Hira-2, and BRRI dhan29 varieties produced better root characteristics under at the N140 and N210 levels. A substantial positive association was noticed between the grain yield and the root traits, except for root porosity. Based on the root traits and growth dynamics, Binadhan-10 performed the best at the N140 level and produced the highest grain yield (26.96 g pot-1), followed by Hira-2 (26.35 g pot-1) and BRRI dhan29 (25.90 g pot-1).

Occurrence of Urolithiasis and Its Surgical Management in Goats

The objective of the study was to determine the occurrence and find a suitable surgical method of urolithiasis in goat. To achieve this objective, a retrospective study was conducted to observe the occurrence of urolithiasis in goats at Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Bangladesh Agricultural University in Bangladesh from 2011 to 2020. During this period, 265 cases of urinary obstruction were recorded out of 3237 surgical cases, where 169 cases were in goats. The highest cases of urolithiasis in goat were recorded in the summer season (76 cases 45%), followed by in the winter season (59 cases, 35%) and in the rainy season (34 cases, 20%). Among the affected goats, 42 (25%) patients were between 0 to 3 months old, (88, 52%) patients were between 3 to 8 months old and (39, 23%) patients were over 8 months old. Gender variation was seen where males were mostly affected. Goats castrated at an early age were more affected. From January 2011 to June 2020, 36 goats were treated by the procedure of tube cystostomy. Among them, 28 (78%) goats recovered successfully but 8 (22%) goats did not recover due to farmer’s improper management. This study should be helpul for the veterinarian to aware about the occurrence of urolithiasis, and proper surgical management through the tube cystostomy to save economic losses of the goat farmers. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2021) 25 (2) : 1-12

Isolation, identification and antibiogram of bacterial flora from rectum of horses

In the present study, we isolated, identified and characterized bacteria in rectal swabs from apparently healthy horses around the campus of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The study also focused on the determining the prevalence and investigation of drug sensitivity and resistant pattern of the isolates. For this purpose, 20 rectal swab samples were collected from Veterinary Teaching Hospital, BAU; D. C. park (Joinul Abedin Park), Mymensingh and Torar mor, Mymensingh. Most of these samples were found positive for E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. Based on the origin of the samples, the highest prevalence of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. was found in BAU campus and Torar mor (100%), BAU campus and Torar mor (100%) and Joinul Abedin Park (80%) respectively. The overall prevalence of E. coli, S. Aureus and Salmonella spp. was 93%, 86.67% and 24.44% respectively. For the confirmation of identification and characterization of these bacteria staining, cultural, biochemical studies and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were accomplished. The antibiogram profiles exhibited that E. coli, S. Aureus and Salmonella spp. were highly sensitive to Erythromycin, Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin respectively

Meat yield and meat quality characteristics of indigenous, Hilly♂×Sonali♀ crossbred and commercial broiler chicken of similar weight at different storage time

The experiment was conducted to investigate meat yield and quality characteristics of indigenous, crossbred Hilly♂ × Sonali♀ and commercial broiler chickens at similar live weight. For this purpose male and female indigenous chickens were purchased from local market, while Hilly♂ × Sonali♀ crossbred was reared up to 12 weeks at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) poultry farm. Sexed male and female of Ross 308 broiler chicks were also reared BAU poultry farm up to 30 days. Six male and six female chickens from each of indigenous, Hilly♂  Sonali♀ and commercial broiler were slaughtered, eviscerated and dissected to compare meat yield and meat quality characteristics during 0, 15 and 30 days of storage period at 1000 g (±50 g) body weight. The eviscerated and defeathered carcasses were stored at -18°C for 0, 15 and 30 days .Considering Indigenous, Hilly♂ ×Sonali ♀ and Broiler chickens of both sexes, shank, neck, carcass yield, dressed weight, breast meat weight were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in commercial broiler while wing meat and thigh meat were higher in Hilly♂ × Sonali♀ chicken. The dry matter, crude protein were significantly higher in indigenous chicken while cooking loss, ether extract, ash, peroxide value, free fatty acid value and thiobarbituric acid value were found significantly higher in commercial broiler during different storage time in both sexes. The meat yield parameters did not differ significantly among three storage time. However, cooking loss, pH and crude protein decreased, while dry matter, ether extract, ash, peroxide vale, free fatty acid value, thiobarbituric acid value, increased with the increasing of storage time.

Influence of Rice Establishment Methods on Water Productivity, Methane Emissions and Rice Grain Heavy Metals Content from Irrigated Rice Paddies in Bangladesh

Reducing methane (CH4) emissions and water use in irrigated rice systems while maintaining production to feed the ever-increasing population is vital in Bangladesh. Different rice establishment methods viz. alternate wetting &amp; drying (AWD), system rice intensification (SRI) and direct wet seeded rice (DWSR), have a promising mitigation potential to reduce CH4emission compared to continuous flooded (CF) rice fields. A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the Boro season in 2018 to examine whether rice establishment methods could maintain grain yield with reduced water use and CH4emissions. A split-plot design was employed with water management in the main plots and fertilizer management in the subplots. The yield difference was not significant (p&gt;0.05) in CF, AWD, and SRI systems other than DWSR. Planting methods in combination with organic fertilizer amendment had little effect on the grain Fe, Zn, and Cd concentration but significantly affected the as concentration. AWD, SRI, and DWSR significantly reduced the total water use by 17-33% and increased water productivity by 22-35% compared to CF. SRI system performed superior (p&gt;0.05) by increasing the water productivity coupled with reducing water consumption compared to CF. The impact of water management on changing climate in rice fields was compared using seasonal CH4emission and yield-scaled global warming potential (GWP). Total seasonal CH4emissions were significantly distinct (p&lt;0.05) from different rice establishment methods. Seasonal CH4 emissions from CF, AWD, SRI, and DWSR systems were 147.85, 128.11, 110.35, and 91.52kg CH4 ha-1, respectively. Emissions were reduced by about 13-38% in contrast with continuous flooded soil. The emissions of greenhouse gases per unit grain yield (yield-scaled GWP) followed the order; CF&gt;AWD&gt;DWSR&gt;SRI, while reducing yield-scaled emissions from AWD, SRI and DWSR decreased around 15-25% over that of the CF system. In conclusion, it is recommended that both SRI and AWD can mitigate CH4 emission, powered reduce water consumption as well as grain content from irrigated rice fields without yield penalty.

Vegetative and Reproductive Parameters of Carrot Influenced by Tree Fresh Leaf Biomass Application as a Source of Organic Matter

Bangladesh's soil organic matter is quite low. To replenish biodegradable materials, it is important to investigate the best organic amendment for enhanced crop production. A field study was carried out at the Agroforestry Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh from December 2019 to March 2020 to assess the influence of different tree leaf biomass applications on vegetative characters, yield contributing characters and yield of carrot. In this research, six experimental treatments were imposed, T0= represents the Control (recommended fertilizer dose), T1= Mander (Erythrina orientalis) tree leaf biomass, T2= Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) tree leaf biomass, T3= Minjiri (Cassia siamea) tree leaf biomass, T4= Jhau (Casuarina equisetifolia), T5= Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) tree leaf biomass, the experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the tree fresh leaf biomasses significantly influenced the growth, yield and yield contributing parameters of carrots viz. plant height (cm), the number of leaves per plant, leaf length (cm), leaf breadth (cm), length of root (cm), diameter of root (cm), fresh weight of root (gm), dry weight of root (%) and yield of carrot (t/ha) at different days after seed sowing. The highest (28.72 t ha-1) root yield of carrot was obtained in the recommended fertilizer dose followed by the treatments of T2, T1, T3, T4 (23.98, 21.98, 21.26, 20.22 t ha-1) respectively, while the lowest (18.29 t ha-1) root yield was produced in the T5 treatment. When it came to root yield, the ipil-ipil tree outperformed the other tree leaf biomasses because it was closest to the appropriate fertilizer dose. The sissoo tree leaf biomass produced the lowest output in this situation. However, the green leaf biomass of ipil-ipil tree might be substituted for or applied in conjunction with inorganic fertilizer. In the agroforestry system, tree leaves can be used as a source of organic matter. This would greatly reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer needed to grow carrots in Bangladesh.

Dissecting the Relationship between Root Morphological Traits and Yield Attributes in Diverse Rice Cultivars under Subtropical Condition.

Understanding the link between root morphological traits and yields is crucial for improving crop management. To evaluate this link, a pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the boro(dry season irrigated) rice growing season of 2019–20. Thirteen cultivars, named BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan58, BRRI dhan67, BRRI dhan74, BRRI dhan81, Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Hira-2, Tej gold, SL8H, Jagliboro, Rata boro, and Lakhai, were used following a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The cultivars were screened for root number (RN), root length (RL), root volume (RV), root porosity (RP), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and grain yield (GY). A considerable variation in root traits, LAI, and TDM were found among the studied cultivars, and the highest GY (26.26 g pot−1)was found for Binahan-10. Thirteen cultivars were grouped into three clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis, where clusters 1, 2, and 3 assembled with 3, 5, and 5 cultivars, respectively. Considering all of the studied traits, Cluster 3 (Binadhan-10, Hira-2, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan58, and Tejgold) showed promise, followed by Cluster 2 (BRRI dhan81, BRRI dhan67, SL8H, BRRI dhan74, and Binadhan-8). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the RV, RDW, RFW, TDM, and GY are effective traits for rice cultivation.

Performance of Purple rice cultivar under different hill density

Purple rice has become a fascinating source of nutritional value among healthy cereal grains. A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University during the Rabi season (February to May) of 2021 to evaluate the effect of number of seedlings/hill on growth, yield attributes and yield of Purple rice. Three seedling densities, viz. 1, 2 and 3 seedlings/hill, and three rice cultivars, viz. Purple rice, Pahari rice and a check BRRI dhan67 were experimental treatments and the experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Results revealed that seedling number/hill had significant effects on the growth, yield and yield attributes of rice cultivars. The tallest plant (136.31 cm) was observed from the transplanting of 1 seedling/hill followed by 2 seedlings/hill (133.35 cm) in Pahari rice. The maximum values of the number of effective tillers (13.47; Purple rice), flag leaf length and width (41.36 and 1.24 cm; Pahari rice) were recorded from the treatment 2 seedlings/hill. The longest panicle (26.58 cm; Pahari rice) was observed in 1 seedling/hill, statistically, a similar value was found with 2 seedlings/hill (24.44 cm). Among rice cultivars, BRRI dhan67 produced the heaviest grains (1000-seed weight 23.96 g) with 2 seedlings/hill and maximum grain yield (6.35 t/ha) with 1 seedling/hill. Single seedling/hill was found to be the best management practice to get a higher yield per unit area for Purple rice and other rice cultivars also.

Growth and yield of short duration Aman rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars as influenced by age of seedlings

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from July to December 2019 to study the effect of cultivar and seedling age on the performance of short duration transplant Aman rice. The experiment comprised four Aman rice cultivars, viz., BRRI dhan49, BRRI dhan56, BRRI dhan66 and BRRI dhan71, and four seedling ages viz. 20, 25, 30 and 35-day old seedlings. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of the study showed that growth, yield and yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by cultivars, seedlings age and their interactions. At growth stage, BRRI dhan49 with 20-day old seedlings produced the tallest plant (57.67 cm and 67.33 cm, respectively), the highest number of total tillers hill-1 (15.00 and 13.67, respectively) and total dry matter (8.03 g m-2 and 11.50 g m-2, respectively) at 30 and 50 DAT. At harvest, the highest number of total and effective tillers hill-1 (12.82 and 12.00), longest panicle (24.50 cm), highest number of grains panicle-1 (128.80), heaviest 1000-grain weight (23.17 g), highest grain yield (5.35 t ha-1) and highest harvest index (51.69 %) were obtained from the cultivar BRRI dhan66. While, thirty-day old seedlings produced the highest number of total and effective tillers hill-1 (13.46 and 12.70), longest panicle (24.67 cm), highest number of grains panicle-1 (136.90), highest grain (5.62 t ha-1) and straw yields (5.81 t ha-1) and harvest index (51.67 %). In case of interactions, BRRI dhan66 with 30-day old seedlings produced the highest number of total and effective tillers hill-1 (14.67 and 13.97), longest panicle (26.00 cm), highest number of grains panicle-1 (146.7), highest grain yield (6.31 t ha-1) and highest harvest index (52.72 %). So, result of the present study reveals that BRRI dhan66 with 30-days old seedlings was found to be the best for obtaining maximum grain yield.

Integrated nutrient management practices affect the growth performance of aromatic fine rice varieties in Boro season

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University during November 2016 to April 2017 to investigate the effect of nutrient management on the growth performance of some aromatic rice varieties in Boro season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications considering two factors viz. varieties and nutrient management. This experiment consisted of three varieties viz., BRRI dhan50, Basmati and BRRI dhan63, and seven nutrient managements viz., poultry manure 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (i.e. 250, 126, 120, 100 and 10 kg N-P-K-S-Zn, respectively ha-1), 25% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1, 50% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1, 25% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and 50% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1. The results revealed that variety, nutrient management and their interaction exerted significant influence on growth characters of aromatic fine rice in Boro season. The highest plant height (55.14 cm, 66.14 cm) at 70 and 85 DAT, dry matter hill-1 (15.39 g) at 85 DAT and chlorophyll content (39.29) at 55 DAT was recorded from BRRI dhan63. While, Basmati produced the highest leaf area index (0.60) at 60 DAT and the highest number of total tillers hill-1 (11.52, 10.81, 9.619) was obtained from BRRI dhan50 at 55, 70, 85 DAT. In case of nutrient management practices, 25% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + vermicompost 5 t ha-1 produced the highest plant height (45.22cm, 55.22cm, 65.67 cm) at 55, 70, 85 DAT, leaf area index (0.70) at 60 DAT and chlorophyll content (41.56) at 55 DAT, respectively. Again, from the interaction, it was observed that all the growth parameters were significantly influenced and increased with suitable variety along with proper nutrient management. Therefore, from this study, it can be decided that BRRI dhan63 fertilized along with 25% less than recommended dose of chemical fertilizer + vermicompost 5 t ha-1 might be the best possible combination for proper growth of plant.

Floristic divergence of weeds in rice fields under subtropical condition

Weed infestation pattern changes over time for continuous adaptation of similar weed control methods. So, a survey was conducted at Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from July 2019 to June 2020 to identify the most dominant and abundant weed species as well as to indicate the probable problematic weed in boro and T. aman rice. Seven fields were randomly selected for each of the boro and T. aman rice. The surveys were performed according to quantitative survey technique by using 0.25m2 quadrate with 16 samples from each of the field following the zig-zag method. Sampling was done twice, while the rice plants were at the vegetative stage and at reproductive stage. Fifty one weed species under 23 families were recorded at experimental area of which 42 species (under 18 families) and 38 species (under 20 families) were observed in boro and T. aman, respectively. Poaceae topped the list with 10 species, while Cyperaceae ranked second with six species. The highest number of weed species (no. 42) was observed in boro rice compared to T. aman rice (no. 38). Besides, divergence in the weed composition was also high between both rice fields. Among the 11 abundant weed species, Eleocharis atropurpurea, Echinochloa crusgalli and Monochoria vaginalis were the most frequent and abundant weed species found in both boro rice and T. aman rice. Broadleaves had higher abundance value (246.26% in boro and 332.39% in T. aman) than grasses (188.76% in boro and 146.68% in T. aman) and sedges (164.98% in boro and 120.93% in T. aman). Moreover, the annuals were dominant over the perennials. Therefore, the present results having diversified weed species with different ranks and orders indicated that the weed management strategies should be taken regarding the infestation of dominant weed species of the respective crop.