Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Research Articles

Effect of technological interventions on yield gap analysis and profitability of winter onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties

The present study was conducted in growing onion through front line demonstrations (FLDs) by Spices Research Sub-Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Faridpur, Bangladesh during winter season of 2023-2024. The experiment was set up at five farmers’ fields under five villages such as Ramchandrapur, Bajarkandi, Bisnudia, Chilarkandi and Narasinghdia of Faridpur district. Under the present investigation, two high yielding recent varieties (BARI Piaz-4 and BARI Piaz-6) with improved management practices was intervened to exhibit its performance, to find out yield gaps and to assess profitability of onion. A local variety with farmers’ traditional practices was grown (as check) adjacent to the demonstration plot. The study revealed a large average yield gap (5.33 t/ha). The demonstration variety produced higher average yield (20.01 t/ha) as compared to the local variety (16.67 t/ha). The average demonstration yield was 19.97% higher than that of local variety. The technology gap and extension gap had higher in BARI Piaz-4 (2.22 & 3.66 t/ha) as compared to those of BARI Piaz-6 (1.76 & 3.01 t/ha), respectively. The technology index of BARI Piaz-4 and BARI Piaz-6 were 9.65 and 8.38%, respectively. Lower technology index proves the strength of new technology with recommended package of practices. Adoption index value of BARI Piaz-6 was higher (77.78%) than that of BARI Piaz-4 (66.66%). The demonstration varieties performed also better over control based on the quality parameters. Demonstration variety gave higher average gross return (Tk. 927770 ≅ $7731), net return (Tk. 690110 ≅ $5751) and benefit-cost ratio (3.90) over local variety (Tk. 707000 ≅ $5892, Tk. 463450 ≅ $3862 & 2.90), respectively. Considering yield, quality and profitability; farmers expressed their satisfaction to the performance of BARI Piaz-4 and BARI Piaz-6 with improved management practices. But farmers preferred BARI Piaz-6 over BARI Piaz-4 based on quality and market price of onions.

Comparative analysis of weed management techniques in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)

Weed management poses a significant challenge in taro cultivation since it’s a long-duration crop grown during the monsoon season. The warm, humid conditions of its extended growing period promote rapid weed germination and growth, complicating weed management efforts. To address this issue, a study was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Jashore, in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate sustainable weed management strategies for taro. The experiment, designed as a randomized complete block (RCB) with three replications, tested seven weed control methods: T1= straw mulching (SM), T2= pre-emergence herbicide+SM, T3= poly mulching (PM), T4= pre-emergence herbicide+PM, T5= intercropping+two hand-weeding, T6= pre-emergence herbicide, and T7= four hand-weeding, alongside T8= weed-free and T9= weedy control treatments. Results indicated that all mulching treatments achieved 70% to 80% weed control efficiency, significantly reducing weed growth up to 120 days after emergence (DAE). The intercropping+hand-weeding treatment provided 75% to 80% weed control up to 90 DAE. Among the mulches, straw mulching resulted in the tallest and widest plant base girths, leading to the highest yield and benefit-cost ratio, followed by other mulch and intercropping+hand-weeding treatments. Pre-emergence herbicide treatments were ineffective due to their short duration of action. Additionally, combining mulching (SM & PM) with pre-emergence herbicide offered no advantage over mulching alone. These findings highlight straw mulch as the most effective weed management strategy for taro, eliminating the need for herbicides. Where mulch is unavailable, intercropping combined with hand weeding can be a viable alternative for effective weed control.

Genetic variability in exotic cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes

Genetic variability plays a crucial role in hybridization and the development of crops with desirable traits. This study, conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute in Chattogram, focused on assessing genetic diversity, correlations, and path coefficients related to yield and other traits in 31 cowpea genotypes. The experiment, designed as a randomized complete block with three replications, revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits measured, as confirmed by analysis of variance. While most traits showed minimal differences between phenotypic and genotypic variances, plant height and yield per plant were more significantly influenced by environmental factors. The coefficients of variation were low for days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, and days to harvesting; moderate for seeds per plant; and high for other traits. Plant height, thousand-seed weight, and yield per plant exhibited high heritability and substantial genetic advance, suggesting that direct selection for these traits would be effective due to their additive genetic control. The correlation analysis indicated significant positive relationships between yield per plant and several flowering and maturity traits at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis identified plant height, days to 50% flowering, days to harvesting, seeds per plant, pods per plant, and thousand-seed weight as having positive direct effects on yield per plant, implying that selection for these traits could enhance cowpea yield. Among the evaluated genotypes, E25 stood out as the highest yielding with 533.33 g yield per plant, early maturity at 84 days after sowing, moderate thousand-seed weight (124.33 g), seeds per plant (13.87), and plant height (103.33 cm), making it a promising candidate for hybridization. This research provides valuable insights for cowpea breeding programs, highlighting the importance of selecting specific traits like plant height, flowering time, and thousand-seed weight to develop high-yielding, resilient cowpea varieties adaptable to diverse agricultural conditions. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2024, 10(4), 148-156

Evaluation of Mung Bean Accessions for Salt Tolerance Based on Germination and Seedling Traits

Ten mung bean accessions collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute were exposed to two salinity levels (control and 8 dS m−1) to observe the sensitivity of their germination and early seedling traits. The observations were recorded on germination percentage, rate of germination, coefficient of germination, shoot length, root length and seedling dry weight. The accessions, salinity levels and their interaction exhibited significant differences for all the traits. The mean performance of all the traits reduced under salt stress as compared to control. Salt tolerant accessions showed less reduction in their germination and seedling traits under salinity than the other accessions tested. Considering salt tolerance index (STI) based on seedling dry weight, the order of tolerance was BD- 6882 > BD-10022 > BD-10024 > BD-10026 > BD-10023 > BD-10027 > BD-6885 > BD-6887 > BD- 6884 > BD-6875. Based on relative total dry weight (RTDW), three accessions viz. BD-6882, BD- 10022 and BD-10024 were identified as salt tolerant and other seven as moderately salt tolerant. The identified salt tolerant accessions could be a useful stock for further breeding programs to develop salt tolerant mung bean genotype of considerable economic value. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 16-26

Nitrogen Dynamics from Conventional Organic Manures as Influenced by Different Temperature Regimes in Subtropical Conditions

Determining nutrient-release patterns of organic manures can give an estimate of the potential amount of nutrients that a given material can contribute to crops along with chemical fertiliser. Nutrients released from organic manure depend on several factors, and temperature is one of them. To evaluate how different types of conventional organic manures release nitrogen (N) under varying temperature conditions, an incubation study was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Six organic manures—poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), bio-slurry (BS), cowdung (CD), water-hyacinth compost (WHC), and rice straw compost (RSC)—were evaluated at three temperature regimes (15, 25, and 35 °C) to study the dynamics of N incubated for 330 days. The N release was significantly influenced by the interaction of organic manures and temperature regimes. Poultry manure-treated soil incubated at 35 °C had the highest mineralisation of all parameters than other manures. The mineralisation of N followed the order: PM > VC > BS > CD > WHC > RSC > control and 35 °C > 25 °C > 15 °C. Across different temperatures, the mineralisation rate of PM was 15–55% higher than that of other manures. At 35 °C, the mineralisation rate was 10% and 20% higher compared to 25 °C and 15 °C, respectively. The first-order kinetic models predicted the organic N release from manures satisfactorily. The findings of the present study enrich the understanding of N-release patterns under different temperature regimes that prevail in different crop growing seasons in Indo-Gangetic Plains, providing valuable data for researchers and policymakers interested in sustainable integrated nutrient management practices.

Effect of Nitrogen in Premature Sprouting of Garlic (Allium sativum)

A field experiment was carried out at Regional Spices Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Magura during 2021-22 and 2022-23 to find out the effect of nitrogen in premature sprouting of garlic. The two factor experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCB) with three replications. The treatments comprised of three varieties of garlic (BARI Rashun-1, BARI Rashun- 3 and Advance line AS Mag-001) and four dose of nitrogen. Significant differences regarding yield and yield attributes were observed among different treatments. The highest plant height (92.00 cm in 2021-22 and 94.08 in 2022-23), individual bulb weight (30.33 g in 2021-22 and 31.58 g in 2022-23) and yield per hectare (13.30 t/ha in 2021-22 and 13.48 in 2022-23) were obtained from the treatment T4V3 (AS Mag-001 line with nitrogen@ 235kg/ha). The lowest plant height (69.67 cm), number of leaves per plant (7.67), individual bulb weight (23.67 g) and yield per hectare (8.31 t/ha) from the treatment T2V1 (BARI Rashun-3 with nitrogen @ 185kg/ha). The highest number of sprouted plant (43) with maximum incidence (22.88%) were observed in T4V3 (AS Mag-001 line with nitrogen @ 235kg/ha)) where the lowest number of sprouted plant (7) and with minimum incidence (4.55%) were observed in T1V2 (BARI Rashun-3 with nitrogen @ 160kg/ha).

Genetic Divergence of Sweet Pepper in Bangladesh

The study of genetic divergence in sweet pepper is essential for enhancing crop yield, quality, and adaptability, especially in regions like Bangladesh where agriculture plays a critical role in the economy. The present investigation was carried out at the research farm of the Olericulture division, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh to estimate genetic divergence in 21 sweet pepper genotypes based on fourteen characters using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics during winter 2017-18 in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed significant genetic variability, indicating the presence of diverse genetic resources within the cultivated 21 sweet pepper genotypes. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into distinct clusters, reflecting their genetic relationships and divergence. The study highlights specific genotypes with desirable traits that can be utilized in breeding programs to develop superior sweet pepper varieties. Cluster II had the maximum number (14) of genotypes and clusters I and III were composed of only two genotypes. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster II (1.286), containing fourteen genotypes and the lowest intra-cluster distance (0.056) was observed in cluster III having two genotypes. A higher inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters III and IV (14.090) and clusters I and IV (14.040) indicating the genotypes in these clusters were more diverged than those of other clusters. Cluster II exhibited maximum highest mean for fruit length at the green stage, fruit length at the mature stage and desirable minimum value for days to 50% flowering while the second highest mean values for days to last harvest, number of fruit/plant, weight of fruit/plant, average fruit weight, total number of fruit/plot, plot yield, fruit yield, while cluster IV exhibited the highest mean values for the number of fruit/plant, weight of fruit/plant, total number of fruit/plot, plot yield, fruit yield and one desirable lowest mean for days to last harvest. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to clusters II and IV for selecting genotypes as parents for crossing which may produce new recombinants with desired traits.

Response of Mustard Yield (cv. BARI Sarisha-14) to Different Fertilizer Management Under Subtropical Condition

The yield of mustard can be significantly enhanced by the appropriate application of fertilizers. Utilizing fertilizers effectively holds considerable promise for improving mustard yields. To evaluate the effect of fertilizers on mustard yield, a study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, between November 2022 and February 2023. This study involved seven different fertilizers treatments: control (no fertilizer) and incremental additions of nutrients starting from nitrogen (N) alone to a full combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Sulphur, zinc, and boron (N-P-K-S-Zn-B). The BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) sarisha-14 variety was used as the crop under study. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The findings suggested that, fertilizers application had a significant impact on several growth parameters and yields. The most comprehensive fertilizers mix (N-P-K-S-Zn-B) resulted in the maximum observed values for plant height (PH) (83.63 cm), number of branches plant-1 (NBP) (4.74), number of siliquae plant-1 (NSP) (63.17), and seed yield (SY) (2.19 t ha-1) and stover yields (7.27 t ha-1). This treatment also resulted in the highest biological yield (BY) (4.51 t ha-1), indicating a robust growth response. In contrast, control (no fertilizers) produced the lowest SY (0.19 t ha-1) and stover yield (0.70 t ha-1). It can be concluded that BARI sarisha-14 produced the highest yield of mustard with the recommended rate of N-P-K-S-Zn-B and farmers can cultivate this mustard variety at large scale with mentioned recommended dose of fertilizer.

Morphological and yield trait-based evaluation and selection of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes suitable for both summer and winter seasons

Abstract Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable cum spice crops grown throughout the world. Evaluation of genotypes based on morphological and yield contributing traits provides the opportunity to assess variability and select superior genotypes. The present investigation was carried out from April 2018 to November 2018 in the summer season and from December 2018 to June 2019 in the winter season in a net house and field, respectively, in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. A set of 30 qualitative and 13 quantitative characteristics developed by Biodiversity International were recorded to evaluate the genotypes for morphological and yield-contributing traits. The estimated Shannon–Weaver diversity for qualitative traits ranged from 0 to 1.334, where the maximum diversity was recorded for fruit color at an intermediate stage, stem color after transplanting, fruit surface, stigma position, calyx margin shape, and fruit set, while the minimum diversity (H′ = 0) was observed for the traits corolla shape and anthocyanin spots, indicating no diversity of these traits. Thirteen quantitative traits were also analyzed for the selection of the genotypes with the greatest yield. The quantitative traits also exhibited a wide range of variability according to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Moreover, the present study revealed a high heritability for almost all of the quantitative traits, which was confirmed by the values of genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, h 2 b, and GA for both the summer and winter seasons. This suggests that these traits are predominantly governed by additive genes, making them highly amenable to effective selection. The heatmap analysis based on the morphological quantitative traits revealed five clusters for both the summer and winter seasons for the studied chili genotypes, four distinct clusters in the summer season, and three distinct clusters in the winter season for the parameters studied. Using the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index based on multiple trait information, the genotypes R-06, R-07, C0525-2, BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) Morich-2, Tengakhali, and Rcy 002 were selected as promising for both the summer and winter seasons. Hence, they are recommended for commercial cultivation or use as parent materials in future breeding for the development of new cultivars adaptable to climate change.

POT SIZE ON COLE CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN ROOFTOP GARDENING

The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020–21 on rooftop of On-Farm Research Division (OFRD), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bandarban station, to find out the influence of pot size for cultivating three popular cole crops in Bangladesh (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). Four pot sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 inches) were used as treatments in this experiment, which followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed a significant relationship between pot size and crop yield. Among all the pot sizes, the highest marketable yield of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage was found from 14-inch pots (261.33 g, 925.33 g, and 1105 g), while 8-inch pots yielded the lowest for all three crops (74.67 g, 330.67 g, and 300 g) respectively. Interestingly, the cauliflower plants in the largest pots (14 inches) took the longest time to mature (61.33 days), while delayed curd formation in broccoli (54.67 days) and head formation in cabbage (66.33 days) was found in 8-inch pots. Overall, cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage yielded more in larger pots (14-inch) compared to smaller pots.

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.

Mustard production with different tillage practices at Jamalpur

Agricultural farming is a complex system that requires ongoing interactions throughout time between all of its various components. An investigation in the field was carried out in the Jamalpur region to expand the production area under the Charland ecosystem and evaluate the efficiency of various tillage techniques in mustard cultivation. On basis of seeding techniques three treatments were taken. The first one was minimum tillage with BARI seeder in single pass tillage and then sowing (T1), the 2nd one was tillage by BARI seeder and then sowing manually in line (T2) and the 3rd one was conventional tillage operation by two wheel tractor then broadcasting (T3) and each of them was introduced with five replications. BARI Sarisha-14, a promising variety of mustard released by BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) was used as test crop. Tillage practices showed positive effects on yield parameter characteristics and mustard yields. The highest yield (1.5 tha-1) of BARI Sarisha-14 was achieved under least tillage conditions using a BARI seeder in a single pass of tillage and seeding, based on the information collected. Minimum tillage technology in mustard production is acceptable to the farmer. So, this technology should be practiced on broader scale in mustard production in Jamalpur region.

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)