Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Research Articles

Exploring the nutraceutical potential: Evaluating the nutritional and bioactive functions of five pomelo fruit varieties in Bangladesh

Pomelo (Citrus maxima), the largest citrus fruit, provides a variety of nutrients that have several health benefits, including antioxidant and antidiabetic functions. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, antidiabetic properties involve mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there is a lack of data on the comparative analysis of the physicochemical composition, bioactive properties, and antidiabetic effects of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh. To address this issue, the most common and popular high-yielding five cultivars of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh including LOCAL, BARI-2 (BARI: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Batabi Lebu-2), BARI-3, BARI-4, and BARI-6 were evaluated concerning proximate, minerals, and physicochemical properties with their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Research has revealed that all pomelo varieties contained a significant amount of proximate compositions and major minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Fe). The highest juice yield (75.37 ± 0.33 %), vitamin C content (79.56 ± 2.26 mg/100 mL of fresh juice), and carotenoid content (919.33 ± 0.62 μM β-Carotene Equivalent/g DM) were found in BARI-3 pomelo fruit and adhered to the sequence (p < 0.05): BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-4 > BARI-6 > BARI-2; BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-2 > BARI-4 > BARI-6, and BARI-3 > BARI-2 > BARI-6 > LOCAL > BARI-4, respectively. The anthocyanin content and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase were found to be at their peak in the BARI-2 pomelo variety and the values were 50.65 ± 2.27 μg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g DM and 85.57 ± 0.00 μM acarbose equivalents/g DM, respectively. BARI-3 pomelo variety showed highest DPPH antioxidant capacity (170.47 ± 0.01 μM Trolox equivalents/g DM), while the BARI-6 pomelo variety exhibited the highest total phenolic content (6712.30 ± 1.84 μg gallic acid equivalents/g DM), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power activity (183.16 ± 0.01 μM Fe(II) equivalents/g DM). Therefore, this study explores the nutritional value and bioactivity of five popular pomelo varieties in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for utilizing high-value citrus resources and understanding their health-promoting functions.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity and Agronomic Performance of Okra Varieties Using Variance Analysis

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka Bangladesh during March 2017 to July 2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twenty eight genotypes of okra were used in this study which was collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur and local market. The extent of diversity present between genotypes determines the extent of improvement gained through selection and hybridization. The more divergent the two genotypes are the more will be the probability of improving through selection and hybridization. Mean square of most of the characters studied revealed that genotypes showed highly significant (P&lt; 0.01) differences for all the traits studied. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for primary branches (43.91 and 33.64) and fruit yield per plant (37.51 and 32.48). So, divergent genotypes are recommended to use as parents in future hybridization program.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic, and Antiarthritic Property of Different Parts of Bari Orchid.

Many different herbal extracts have historically been utilized to treat microbe-induced infections, injuries, cancer, thrombosis, and arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial, cytotoxic, in vitro thrombolytic, and in vitro antiarthritic properties of ethanolic extracts of stem and seed of Bari orchid 1 (BO) plant. This orchid plant was developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur. Fourteen microbes were employed in the antimicrobial investigation, and samples of orchids were compared to ciprofloxacin as a reference. The BO/seed extract was found to possess more antibacterial activity. The lethality test of brine shrimps was used to assess the LC50 values. The BO/stem extract exhibited a higher cytotoxicity potential, in comparison to the BO/seed extract. Two concentrations (1000 and 100 ppm) and two incubation times (24 hours and 1.5 hours) were used to assess the thrombolytic activity of the extracts. Regarding the thrombolytic effect, the BO/stem extract has demonstrated greater promise. Furthermore, the herbal extract's antiarthritic activity was investigated at four different concentrations, and the results were evaluated in comparison with those of diclofenac sodium. When comparing BO/stem extract to other extracts, the greatest values for protein denaturation were obtained.

Planting and Harvesting Mechanization on Productivity, Energy Efficacy and Profitability of Potato Production

Potato occupied the first position among all the vegetables in respect of area and total production in Bangladesh. Effective and efficient use of energy are necessary for an improved agricultural production. Therefore, this research was undertaken for potato production to assess productivity, quantify energy flow and financial profitability of different production systems. The experimented four systems were manual planting and manual harvesting, machine planting and manual harvesting, manual planting and machine harvesting and machine planting and machine harvesting, respectively. The experiment was conducted at Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process (FMP) Engineering Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during 2017-18. Yield of potato including yield contributing characters for different treatments was not significantly varied. Direct energy was the highest in mechanical planting and harvesting system (25%) and the lower manual planting and harvesting system (18%). Indirect energy shared 82% in manual planting and harvesting system, 78% in machine planting and manual harvesting system, 80% in manual planting and mechanical harvesting system, and 75% in machine planting and machine harvesting system, respectively. The largest source of indirect energy consumption was from fertilizer (22-27% of the total energy). The higher specific energy of 1.93 MJ/kg was found in manually planted and mechanized harvesting system. The higher product value was from manual planting and mechanical harvesting system. The highest BCR (2.25) was found from machine planted and machine harvested followed by manually planted and mechanically harvested plot (2.16), machine planted and manually harvested plot (1.93) and manual planting and harvesting plot (1.91). Thus, mechanically planted and harvested system can be recommended for potato production since it can reduce 52% labour requirement than manual method and can give higher BCR among the tested production methods.

Agro-morphological characterization and genotypic diversity of chilli (Capsicum. frutescens) landraces of Bangladesh

Samples of 82 chilli (Capsicum spp.) genotypes grown during the Rabi season of 2016-17 were characterized based on 28 qualitative and 7 quantitative agro-morphological markers. The genotypes were collected and conserved in the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). The Chi-square (χ 2) tests and the Shannon Diversity Index (H´) were used for the genetic diversity study. All the characters under study were distributed independently except cotyledon leaf shapes and leaf pubescence density. The values of H´ of the genotypes varied widely, the maximum values being observed for the cotyledon leaf shape, leaf density, and anthocyanin leaf spot on the fruit. In contrast, the lowest values were recorded for pigmentation of node and leaf color. The estimated coefficient of variation was the highest while it was the lowest for one thousand seed weights. No variation was observed for calyx annular constriction of fruit. Analytical functions of DIVA-GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping localized the accessions into 10 districts and marked the areas of insufficient collection. Accession AMA-248 belonging to Mymensingh was almost round fruit. Accessions RAI-232 and RAI-80 belonging to Chattogram, AMA-335 belonging to Sherpur, AMA-361 belonging to Jamalpur, RAI-80 belonging to Chattogram, and AHI-01 belonging to Jhenaidah were elongated fruit. Germplasms collected from Chattogram showed the maximum variation in traits of cotyledon leaf color and stem color at the seedling transplanting age. The variation observed in different characters could be important characters in selecting parents for breeding programs.

Reduction of arsenic uptake in lentil through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arsenic (As) is a carcinogenic and hazardous substance that poses a serious risk to human health. The present research focused on the transport of As in seven lentil varieties developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) viz., BARI Mashur1, BARI Mashur 2, BARI Mashur 3, BARI Mashur 4, BARI Mashur 5, BARI Mashur 6 and BARI Mashur 7 and the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) in mitigating As phyto-toxicity in them. The transportation of As from soil to root, shoot, and grain was lower after week 13 than in weeks 6 or 10 after lentil seedling emergence. The As accumulation in grains was higher in BARI Mashur 1 than in other test genotypes. Treatment with AMF significantly increased growth and biomass accumulation in lentil genotypes compared to non-AMF plants. Furthermore, AMF effectively reduced As concentrations in roots and shoots of lentil plants grown in 8 and 45 mg kg-1 As-contaminated soils. This study revealed a remarkable variation among the BARI-developed lentil genotypes in terms of As accumulation in plant parts. Treatment with AMF could effectively reduce plant uptake of As and mitigate As-induced phytotoxicity in lentils. The results reveal a great potential of AMF to mitigate As toxicity in lentils caused by the transport of As from soil to the shoot mass and reallocation to grains. This may enable farmers to expand lentil cultivation in As- affected areas throughout the world. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 41-56

Management Practices Influence the Yield and Quality of Hog plum (Spondias mombin L.)

A research study was experimented at Gava village in Banaripara Upazila, Barishal district, to identify the optimal management approach for cultivating hog plum on sorjan beds, with the objective of increasing the yield and quality of hog plum. The experiment was carried out for two consecutive years, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. The location represents the Ganges Tidal Floodplain (AEZ-13), characterized with a subtropical monsoon climate and a humid environment with a clayey loam soil. The land of the experiment is a medium low land that has been raised up as the sorjan system. BARI Amra-2, a well-known hog plum variety, released by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute in 2007 used for the study. The experiment was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications. The treatments used in the study: T1= Control (Earthing up), T2= Earthing up + Spraying (Against insect-pest), T3= Earthing up + RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer), T4= Spraying + RDF, T5= Earthing up + Spraying + RDF. The plot size was 16 m2. Each plot except control one received , 15 kg of cow dung annually, alongside 150 g of Nitrogen, 70 g of Phosphorous, 150 g of Potassium, 30 g of Sulphur, and 2.5 g of boron. These nutrient elements were applied in the form of urea, triple super phosphate, muriate of potash, gypsum and boric acid, respectively. The fertilizers were given in two equal splits, one in November after harvesting and the other in April just before flowering started. The treatments incorporated during the cropping years of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 had a significant impact on various parameters such as tree height, single fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, number of bunches per tree, fruit yield per tree, yield per hectare, marketable yield per tree and per hectare, yield increase over control, shelf life, TSS%, and vitamin C content. The treatment T5, which included earthing up, spraying against insect-pests, and RDF, resulted the highest values. In the first year, the values obtained for these parameters were 11.12 t/ha, 95.48 g, 72.42 mm, 55.54 mm, 114.67 nos., 378.33 nos., 36.12 kg, 22.57 t/ha, 34.88 kg, 21.80 t/ha, 45.53%, 9.67 days, 8.90%, and 22.35 mg/100g, respectively. In the second year, the values for same parameters were 12.27 t/ha, 97.58 g, 73.26 mm, 56.53 mm, 101.33 nos., 387 nos., 37.78 kg, 23.62 t/ha, 36.13 kg, 22.58 t/ha, 46.48%, 9.17 days, 8.91%, and 22.67 mg/100g, respectively.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Mulching on Growth, Yield and Quality of Squash

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research field of Horticulture Research Centre Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh, during October 2018 to February 2019to find out the effect of plant spacingand mulchon yield and yield attributes of squash. The experiment comprised two sets of treatments viz., (a) Plant spacing:(i) 1 m × 0.8 m (S1); (ii) 1 m × 1 m (S2) and 1m × 1.5 (S3) and (b)Mulch: (i) No mulch (M1); (ii) Straw mulch(M2) and (iii)Polythene mulch (M3) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety BARI squash-1 was used in this experiment. The results showed that 1m × 1.5 plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield attributes and quality parameters but 1m × 1 m plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield ha-1. Polythene mulch showed significantly the highest fruit plant-1, yield plant-1 and yield ha-1. Fruit size, individual fruit weight and quality parameter did not show any significant difference irrespective of mulching. The interaction between plant spacing and mulch was significant for yield and quality parameters. Based on the study results it is concluded that maximum yield (50.20 t ha-1) was achieved through 1m × 1 m plant spacing with polythene much but higher TSS and vitamin C was found through 1m × 1.5 m plant spacing with polythene much. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 251-261 (2023)

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plantlet Regeneration from Immature Embryos of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The experiment was carried out in the Laboratory of the Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) to find out embryogenic responses and plantlets regeneration from immature embryos of papaya. The explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0, 36, 45, 54 &amp; 63 μΜ 2, 4-D and incubated in complete darkness at 25°C ± 1°C. Calli were obtained within 3 weeks of culture period. The highest percentage of explants (46.67) produced callus using 2, 4-D at a concentration of 45 μΜ. Calli were then transferred to somatic embryogenesis medium where embryogenic calli were developed, turned into greenish color and these somatic embryos were noticed within 10 days. The highest number of somatic embryos (86.33) was produced per explant on MS containing 54 μΜ 2, 4-D. Somatic embryos were regenerated on MS supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP and NAA including GA3. The maximum regeneration percentage of somatic embryos (intact rooted plantlets) (54.17) was recorded in the medium supplemented with 0.4 μΜ each of BAP and NAA in combination with 10 μΜ GA3. The somatic embryo-derived plantlets were successfully established in small plastic pots with prepared soil and finally transplanted in the field. The plants were grown well and produced fruit under their natural environment. Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 33(2): 97-106, 2023 (December)

Performance of Bari Tomato Varieties Under Late Winter Planting in Dinajpur Region

An experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Dinajpur during the rabi seasons of 2020 and 2021 to find the suitable tomato variety for late planting, when tomato demand and price remain higher on the market. A split- plot design with three replications was used where four planting dates viz., 15 January, 30 January, 15 February and 28 February in main plot and four varieties viz., BARI Tomato-15, BARI Tomato-16, Local (Rani) in sub-plot. . The result showed that both variety and planting dates were a significant effect on tomato fruit yield and yield contributing traits.In case of variety, BARI Tomato-16 gave the maximum fruit yield (51.31 t ha-1) compared to other varieties. Regarding of planting date, 15 January was found suitable time for getting the highest tomato fruit yield (56.79 t ha-1). The interaction effect showed that var. BARI Tomato-16, which was planted on 15 January yielded the higher fruit yield (66.16 t ha-1) followed by BARI Tomato-15 (54.40 t ha-1). Local (Rani) cultivar planted on 28 February produced the lowest yield (25.10 t ha-1). The results of the economic analyses showed that the var. BARI Tomato-16 planted on 15 February had the highest gross return (Tk. 2255000 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 2057100 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (11.39) followed by BARI Tomato-16 planted on 28 February.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 281-290, September 2022

Effect of Planting Time and Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Beta-Carotene Rich Bari Sweet Potato

The experiment was conducted at the Tuber Crops Research Sub-Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bogura, Bangladesh during rabi 2020-2021 to investigate growth, yield and profitability of the beta-carotene rich of sweet potato var. BARI Mistialu-12 as influenced by the date of plantings and fertilizer doses. The experiment consisted four levels of planting dates viz. D1 = 30 October, D2 = 10 November, D3 = 20 November and D4 = 30 November along with four levels of fertilizers viz. F0 = control, F1= 60-55-80 kg of NPK, F2 = 80-75-100 kg of NPK and F3= 100-95-20 kg of NPK fertilizer per hectare. The experiment was laid out in a spilt plot design with three replications assigning planting dates in the main plots and fertilizer doses in the sub-plots. The results indicated that among all treatment combinations planting on 20 November with 100-95-120 kg of NPK fertilizer per hectare performed better in considering length of tubers (13.57 cm), breadth of tubers (41.95 cm), number of tubers per plant (9.93), yield (46.99 t ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 795,131/ha) and BCR (4.62). Marketable yield increased with the increasing of fertilizer doses.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 343-353, September 2022

Effects of Different Chemical Treatments of Murta Cane (Schumannianthus Dichotomus L.) On the Quality of Shitalpati (Mat) In Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at Farmers’ home of Kamdebpur village of Nalchity upazila under Jhalakati district (2019-2020) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barishal (2020-2021) to develop suitable protocol of chemical treatment of murta cane for improving the quality of shitalpati (cooling mat) in Bangladesh. There were nine treatments in the experiment viz., T1 = Boiled with Tamarind leaf + Cowa leaf (50g leaf/liter water), T2 = Soaking and boiled with fermented rice starch (250ml/liter water), T3 = Boiled with white vinegar (100ml/liter water), T4 = Boiled with cowa leaf + Vinegar (25g cowa leaf/liter water and 50ml vinegar/liter water), T5 = Boiled with Detergent powder (10g/liter water), T6 = Boiled with Fermented rice starch + Arrowroot (fermented rice starch 250ml/liter water and arrowroot 5g/liter water), T7 = Boiled with Tamarind leaf + Cowa leaf + Rice starch (50g leaf/liter water and fermented rice starch 250ml/liter water), T8 = Boiled with Rice starch + Fermented milk (fermented rice starch: milk = 10: 1), and T9 = Control (no treatment). The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The chemical treatment had significant effect on the quantitative and qualitative traits of murta cane. In terms of qualitative traits, the lowest average value (2.58) was recorded in treatment T7 that denoted from very good to good quality of shitalpati followed by T4 treatment (rating 2.67). The rating from good to moderate qualities of shitalpati were found in T6 (3.33), closely followed by T2 (3.42) and T1 (3.42) treatment. Considering the average value of the qualitative traits (brightness, surface glossiness, surface smoothness and comfort), the treatments T7, followed by T4 and T8 could be applied for the treatment of murta cane towards weaving very good to good qualities of shitalpati.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 303-308, September 2022

Evaluation of Betel Nut Germplasm in Barishal Region

The field evaluation of betel nut germplasm was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rahmatpur, Barishal all the year round during three consecutive years of 2019-22 to select suitable entry (ies) for releasing as new variety (ies) for Barishal region. Seven entries of betel nut viz., E1 (AC Rah-01), E2 (AC Rah-02), E3 (AC Rah-03), E4 (AC Rah-04), E5 (AC Rah-05), E6 (AC Rah-06) and E7 (AC Rah-07) were used as testing materials. The germplasm had been collected from different regions of Bangladesh since 1973. Three years average results showed that significant variations were observed among the evaluated betel nut germplasm. The maximum fresh and dry nut yield with husk (34.48 and 12.07 t/ha, respectively) was obtained from AC Rah-02 that was identical to AC Rah-01 (28.24 and 10.57 t/ha, respectively). Results revealed that the three years average yield performances of AC Rah-02 and AC Rah-01 were higher compared to that of other tested entries. Maturing condition of AC Rah-01 was late but early maturity was observed in AC Rah-02 and other tested entries. Nut shapes of AC Rah-01 and AC Rah-02 were oblong and oval, respectively. The laboratory analyses results revealed that alkaloids that caused oral cancer was less (3.95 mg/g) and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power that cures the disease was higher (10.20 mgAAE/g) in AC Rah-01. The amount of total alkaloids (1.35%) and Arecoline content (4.69 mg/g) that cause cancer in the mouth were lower in AC Rah-02. Considering yield potentiality, maturity condition (late and early), lower incidences of insect-pest and diseases, and biochemical properties (higher Antioxidant power and lower contents of Alkaloids or Arecoline), AC Rah-01 and AC Rah-02 have been selected as promising entries of betel nut towards releasing new varieties for Barishal region of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 291-302, September 2022

Intercropping of Jute as Leafy Vegetable With Hybrid Maize Under Different Planting Systems

An experiments were conducted at Agronomy research field, Gazipur and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jamalpur of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during kharif-1 season of 2018 and 2019 to find out the suitable combination of maize and jute (leafy vegetable) intercropping system for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1= Hybrid maize normal row (MNR) (60cm × 20cm) + 1 row jute (33%), T2= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + 2 row jute (66%), T3= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + 3 row jute (100%), T4= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + jute broadcast (100%) and T5= Sole maize (60 cm × 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. At Gazipur, Light availability on jute decreased with the increase of shade produced by maize canopy over the time up to 40 DAS (at harvest of jute) under intercrop situation and the highest light availability was observed on jute in T4 treatment. The maximum grain yield of maize was in sole crop and it was decreased by 1-6 % at Gazipur and 2-9 % at Jamalpur due to intercropping. Maize equivalent yield (MEY) of intercropping treatments showed better performance than sole maize. The highest MEY (19.28 t/ha at Gazipur and 17.41 t/ha at Jamalpur), gross margin (Tk. 252040/ha at Gazipur and Tk. 313380/ha at Jamalpur) and benefit cost ratio (3.65 and 3.33 at Gazipur and Jamalpur, respectively) were observed in T4 treatment among the intercropping treatments. The results revealed that T4 = MNR (60cm × 20cm) + jute broadcast (100%) could be agronomically feasible and economically profitable for maize and jute (leafy vegetable) intercropping system at Gazipur and Jamalpur.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 269-279, September 2022

Yield potency assessment and characters association of promising lines of mustard (Brassica rapa L.) in southern region of Bangladesh

Mustard (&lt;em&gt;Brassica spp&lt;/em&gt;.) is a major oilseed crop and the world’s third largest source of vegetable oil. During the rabi season of 2022–2023, the experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Barishal to evaluate the performance of 12 genotypes of &lt;em&gt;Brassica rapa&lt;/em&gt; L., including the check variety BARI Sarisha-14. The experiment was conducted under randomized complete block design (RCBD) design with three replications. Analysis of variance demonstrated that a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences for the traits viz., plant height, no. of primary branches, no. of secondary branches, and no. of seeds per siliqua whereas no. of siliqua per plant, 1000 seeds weight, yield kg per hectare had significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. Among the examined accessions, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis identified four different clusters. Cluster II (28.91%) with only one accession had the highest average yield, followed by Cluster I (26.25%) and Cluster IV (22.68%) with the best agronomic features. Furthermore, we observed 1.6% and 11.93% greater (+) mean yield compared to the grand mean yield (1502.33 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) for cluster I and cluster II, respectively. Correlation analysis examine the positive and highly significant association among the yield with its related traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the total proportion of variation 54.86% for PC1 and 16.89% for PC2. The genotypes BC-100614(8)-7 gave 7.20% higher yield over the check variety. Considering the statistical results, maturity period, yield and yield contributing characters of &lt;em&gt;Brassica rapa &lt;/em&gt;L. genotypes BC-100614(8)-7 (1681 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), BC-100614(8)-1 (1594 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) and BC-100614(7)-3 (1565 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) were noted as promising lines among the evaluated genotypes and suggested for future breeding program.

Performance of Row Spacing on the Yield of Sesame Varieties

The experiment was carried out during kharif-I season of 2020 in the experimental field of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Cumilla to evaluate the optimum plant spacing of sesame varieties. There were four plants spacing S1 (30 ××5 cm2), S2 (30×× 10 cm2), S3 (40 ××5 cm2) and S4 (40×× 10 cm2) and two sesame varieties of V1 (BARI Til 3) and V2 (BARI Til 4) were included in the experiment. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications. The highest seed yield (1646 kg ha-1) was found from BARI Til 4 but the highest number of capsule plant-1 and number of branches plant-1 were obtained from BARI Til-3. The maximum seed yield (1913 kg ha-1) was achieved in the interaction of S4V2 (40 ××10 cm2 and BARI Til 4) that was identical to S2V2 (30 x 10 cm2 and BARI Til 4).&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 28-31

Performance of Varieties on the Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa l.) through Set to Bulb Method

An experiment was laid out at farm of Spices Research Sub-Centre (SRSC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Faridpur, Bangladesh during the winter season of 2021-2022. The study comprised 3 new varieties viz. BARI Piaz-4, BARI Piaz-6 and LalTeer King, while BARI Piaz-1 was used in the study as check. The trial was conducted to explore potentialities of new developed varieties for getting higher yield and quality of onion in set to bulb method. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The finding depicted that the varieties responded significantly on the parameters studied except days to maturity of bulb and disease rating. The variety BARI Piaz-4 and LalTeer King showed the best performance on the basis of incidence of bolting, split bulb, diameter of bulb, individual bulb weight and yield of onion. On the other hand, BARI Piaz-1 had the highest dry matter content and total soluble solid content against other varieties. Finally, new developed varieties such as BARI Piaz-4 and LalTeer King would be used for getting higher yield of early green onions in set to bulb method.

Genetic Diversity of Cucumber Germplasm Collected and Conserved at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

Genetic Diversity of Cucumber Germplasm Collected and Conserved at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

Enhancing Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Tolerance to Salinity through Plant Growth Regulators

During the period of 2020-21, a research study was carried out at the Plant Protective Culture Unit within the semi-controlled environmental settings of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. The aim of the study was to mitigate the negative impacts of salinity stress on chickpea by applying various concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Plants were subjected to four different levels of salinity stress, including a control group, mild stress, moderate stress, and severe stress. This was achieved by irrigating them with four varying concentrations of saline water (5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 dSm-1) starting from the 14th day after sowing (DAS) and continuing until maturity at 100 DAS. On the other hand, the control plants received regular irrigation with tap water. Two concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) specifically 200 ppm and 400 ppm, along with gibberellic acid (GA3) at 10 ppm and 20 ppm, were administered as a foliar spray once a week, commencing at 20 days after sowing (DAS) and continuing until the flowering stage. Data related to chlorophyll levels in the leaves and water-related traits, including relative water content (RWC) and water retention capacity (WRC) were collected seven days after the foliar spray of these plant growth regulators at the flowering stage. Additionally, measurements of total dry weight, yield, and various yield-contributing factors were taken at the point of maturity. The results indicated that chickpea suffered adverse consequences due to salinity stress which included a reduction in chlorophyll content, a decrease in relative water content, a decline in water retention capacity, a decrease in total dry weight and a lower overall yield. However, the foliar application of different doses of salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) under varying levels of salinity stress had beneficial effects in alleviating the impact of salinity stress. Interestingly, it was observed that lower concentrations of SA at 200 ppm and GA3 at 10 ppm were more effective in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress and improving salinity tolerance in chickpea, especially under mild salinity stress conditions (5 dSm-1) as evidenced by the positive influence on the parameters mentioned above.

Physico-chemical properties, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in edible and non-edible portions of dragon fruit cultivars native to Bangladesh

The research was conducted to assess the variability and relationship regarding physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in edible and nonedible portions (peel, flesh and seed) of dragon fruit cultivars native to Bangladesh. The most popular and largely cultivated Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) released BARI Dragon Fruit-1 and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) released BAU Dragon Fruit-1 cultivars were chosen in the study. The experiment was conducted in two factors completely randomized design where two cultivars and, three edible and nonedible portions were considered as treatments. The findings of the investigation revealed that there was a large discrepancy in the average weight in the selected cultivars where BAU Dragon Fruit-1 was found to be superior (347 g) to BARI Dragon Fruit-1 (284 g). These cultivars contained 31.86% to 35.44% peel, 59.74% to 65.08% flesh and 3.06% to 4.82% seed in their edible and non-edible portions. The BAU Dragon Fruit-1 provided a good recovery rate with the highest flesh to peel ratio (2.04:1). The highest amount of total soluble solids (10.20°Brix) was obtained in the flesh portion of BARI Dragon Fruit1. The utmost quantities of ascorbic acid were found in the seeds of each cultivar, ranging from 24.40 to 31.41 mg/100 g. The BARI Dragon Fruit-1 cultivar’s seed contained the highest tannin (444.64 mg TAE/100 g), whereas the flesh of the same cultivar had the lowest (335.04 mg TAE/100 g). In comparison, the phenolic content of BAU Dragon Fruit -1 cultivar's seed and flesh ranged from 162.86 to 163.13 mg GAE/100 g. The highest antioxidant activity (91.35%) was found in the seed portion of BARI Dragon Fruit-1. According to the findings, the edible and non-edible portions of Bangladesh's native dragon fruit cultivars have particular features, which will help in diverse food and pharmaceuticals product formulation and development.