Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Research Articles

Effects of Priming on Onion Seed Germination and Field Performance during Summer Sowing

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the suitable to priming treatments on seed germination, bulb production and quality of onion.
 Study Design: The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in Horticulture farm at Sher-e Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April to October 2021.
 Methodology: Seeds were immersed in each priming media for 12 and 24 hours, including distilled water, IAA (100 ppm), KCl (2.5%), and PEG-6000 (10%). The treatments were consisted of T1 (water 12 hr)), T2 (water 24 hr), T3 (PEG 12 hr), T4 (PEG 24 hr), T5 (IAA 12 hr), T6 (IAA 24 hr), T7 (KCl 12 hr) and T8 (KCl 24 hr).
 Results: The maximum germination percentage (93%), plant height (25.93 cm), total chlorophyll (28.47 mg/g) of onion leaves, bulb yield (19.96 t/ha), total soluble solid (14.05 °Brix), reducing sugar (7.41%), and phenolic content (11.12 mg/100 g) of onion bulbs were recorded in the T3 treatment. However, the maximum fresh leaves/plant at bulb formation stage (3.73) and ascorbic acid content of onion bulb (7.20 mg/100 g) was recorded in T4 treatment.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that seed priming with PEG6000 (10%) for 12 hours improved growth, yield, and quality compared to other priming treatments.

Variability and heritability study in some selected Brassica rapa L. genotypes

A field experiment was conducted in the research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh to study variability and heritability in Brassica rapa L. for developing short durable, high yielding varieties. The experiment had laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and consisted of seven genotypes viz., G1 (BARI Sarisha-14), G2 (Brown Special), G3 (Yellow Special), G4 (Tori-7), G5 (BARI Sarisha-17), G6 (BARI Sarisha-15) and G7 (BARI Sarisha-6). The result revealed that G7 had the highest yield plant-1 (6.91 g) and longest duration (108.00 days) while G4 had the lowest yield plant-1 (4.12 g) and G2 had the shortest duration (79.33 days). High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for number of secondary branches plant-1 (95.35% and 99.39%), number of siliqua plant-1 (29.52% and 30.23%), plant height (25.19% and 25.38%) and number of seeds siliqua-1 (26.76% and 27.12%) had estimated. High heritability with high genetic advance and gain had observed for days to 80% maturity (99.92%, 20.99% and 23.36 %), plant height (98.55%, 53.99% and 51.53%) and number of siliqua plant-1 (95.33%, 101.25% and 59.37%). While high heritability with low genetic advance and high genetic gain were observed for number of primary branches plant-1 (92.02%, 0.70% and 188.43%), number of secondary branches plant-1 (92.02%, 7.47% and 188.43%), length of siliqua (98.23%, 1.104% and 29.96), 1000 seed weight (84.61%, 1.23% and 32.01%) and yield plant-1 (97.41%, 2.01% and 38.47%). Days to 80% maturity, plant height and number of siliqua plant-1 showed high heritability with high genetic advance and genetic gain indicated additive gene action and selection could be useful for these traits. While high heritability with low genetic advance had observed for number of primary and secondary branches plant-1, length of siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yield plant-1 indicated non additive gene action and selection might be ineffective for these traits. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2023, 48(2): 106-118

Selection of Mungbean Genotypes Against Waterlogging Stress

A pot experiment was conducted in the vinyl house of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka-1207, during kharif-I season (March to June 2022) to identify waterlog tolerant mungbean genotypes. Thirty mungbean genotypes (29 advanced lines and one variety, BARI Mung-6) were evaluated under waterlogging (96 hours) and normal conditions. Waterlogging caused a drastic reduction in dry matter and seed yield in mungbean, however, genotypes showed variable response to waterlogging. Under waterlog condition the higher relative yield was found in M11, M8, M30, M7, M16 and M14 while lower in M2 and M17. Dry matter production also varied among the genotypes due to waterlogging; however, dry matter production of the genotypes M8, M7, M22, M2, M19 and M11 were comparatively higher than other genotypes. Stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI) and relative yield (RY) of M16, M20, M7, M8, M11, M30 and M14 were higher than other genotypes. On the basis of dry matter production, STI, YI and RY, genotypes M7, M8, M11, M12, M16, and M20 could be selected as relatively tolerant genotypes against waterlogging stress.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 40-47

A Scientific Assessment of Integrated Nutrient Management Effects on the Growth and Productivity of Trichosanthes anguina L. (Snake Gourd)

A field-based experimental investigation was undertaken from March to July 2020 at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.). The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, incorporating a total of 11 nutrient combinations. Various growth, reproductive, and yield parameters, including vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf dimensions, flowering onset, fruit development, and yield metrics, were evaluated. The results consistently demonstrated positive effects across these parameters in response to different nutrient combinations. The highest recorded yield of snake gourd, at 50.10 t ha-1, was observed in the T10 ((OM (CD5PM5V2 t ha-1) + N80P35K75S18 kg ha-1 + Mg7 kg ha-1 + Zn6 kg ha-1 + B2 kg ha-1) treatment, while the lowest yield, at 14.72 t ha-1, was associated with the T0 (control) treatment. This experiment highlights the prospective efficacy of integrated nutrient management methodologies in augmenting snake gourd production and optimizing crop yield. It provides valuable insights for the improvement of agricultural practices in the specified geographic region.

Morpho-physiological and yield attributes of boro rice varieties as influenced by different nitrogen sources

The present study was carried out at the Research Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka during Boro season, 2021-2022 to discover the best nitrogen source for enhancing Boro rice grain production. The experiment consisted of two factors: A) Three varieties: BRRI dhan29 (V1), BRRI dhan58 (V2), and Heera (V3). B) Four nitrogen sources: no nitrogen (T1), BRRI-recommended prilled urea (T2), recommended dose of mixed NPK (T3), and BARC-recommended USG (T4). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications where main plot was for nitrogen source and subplot was for variety. USG treatment resulted in the highest grain production (8.6 t/ha) and the lowest percentage of spikelet sterility of any nitrogen source tested. Except for harvest index, all of the examined characteristics differed considerably between types. This is mostly due to BRRI dhan29 having the maximum number of full grains (98.8/panicale) and a significantly lower degree of spikelet sterility (7.3%). Among the interaction effects, the combination of the USG application with BRRI dhan29 showed the greatest performance in terms of delivering the maximum grain production (9.3 t/ha) by significantly reducing spikelet sterility. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 10, No. 2, August 2023: 175-182

Evaluation of the nutritive value and metal content of prevalent edible mushrooms in Bangladesh

Mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh has been on the rise, however, their nutrient and heavy metal content is not well investigated. Herein, prevalent cultivars and strains of five mushroom species (Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Auricularia auricula and Ganoderma lucidum) were analyzed for their nutritional values (total ash, lipid, crude fiber, protein and carbohydrates) as well as metal concentrations using standard methods. This study was conducted at the Laboratory of the Biochemistry Department at Sher-e Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2022. The proximate composition of mushrooms varied from 2.67–11.57%, 2.05-3.81%, 15.52-22.61%, 6.1-12.71% and 46.01-57.85% for total ash, lipid, crude fiber, protein and carbohydrates, respectively. The highest values of Fe, Mn, Zn, P, Ca, Mg, K, S and N were 315.87, 19.14, 267.96, 2.92, 1.07, 0.44, 4.62, 0.78 and 3.06 μg/g, respectively. Remarkably, the highest amounts of heavy metals, Pb (5.65 μg/g) and Cd (0.22 μg/g) were found in Pleurotus citrinopileatus, while Cr (3.22 μg/g) and Ni (1.65 μg/g) were found in a variety of Pleurotus ostreatus. The findings revealed that heavy metal concentrations in two mushroom varieties exceeded the maximum permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis comparing the nutritional value and metal content of popular mushroom species of Bangladesh.

Evaluation the Effect of Fungicides, Micronutrients and Botanicals on Purple Blotch Complex of Onion in Bangladesh

Field research was conducted in the central research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), during the period from October 2020 to March 2021. The experiment was a layout with RCBD design to evaluate the effect of selected fungicides (Indofil, Mancer, and Ridomil Gold), micronutrients (Zinc, Boron, and Magnesium), and botanicals (neem and eucalyptus leave extract) on purple blotch complex of onion. Data were collected on percent disease incidence and percent disease index, the number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bulb diameter, bulb weight (fresh and dry), and yield. The local cultivar Faridpuri was used as a tested variety. Among the selected fungicides, Ridomil Gold gave a better result than other fungicides in controlling the percent disease incidence (52.67%) and percent disease index (49.00%) with the highest number of yield qualities per plant. In addition to this, the highest bulb diameter (18.23 cm), single bulb weight (47.98 g), fresh weight (3.16 Kg/plot), and dry weight (2.88Kg/plot) were also obtained in Ridomil Gold treated plots. This treatment also gave better yield performance (9.60 t ha-1) followed by Indofil (8.20 t ha-1) and Mancer (7.90 t ha-1), and increased yield by 54.34% over the control treatment. From the study, it was also found that among the micronutrients, boron gave more satisfactory results than botanicals.

Genetic variability studies of a novel health promoting leafy vegetable Rucola (Eruca sativa)

Rucola is one of the important leafy vegetables of the ‘Brassicaceae’ family which is commonly consumed as raw salad. Seven rocula genotypes were evaluated during Rabi season 2021-2022 at the experimental farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka for genetic variability analysis and were compared with mustard genotype. The results showed that the genotypes were significantly variable for the studied traits. The phenotypic variances and phenotypic coefficient of variations were higher than genotypic variances and genotypic coefficient of variations suggesting the environmental effects on the phenotypic expression of those traits. The high heritability was observed for all the traits except the number of leaves per plant (51.24). Fresh yield per plant showed a significant positive genotypic correlation with number of leaves per plant (0.986) and number of siliquae per plant (0.845) while a significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% flowering (0.466), plant height (0.473), number of leaves per plant (0.705), leaf length (0.547), days to maturity (0.405) and number of siliquae per plant (0.797). Moreover, seed yield per plant had significant positive correlation with thousand seed weight (0.971) while a non-significant positive correlation with leaf breadth (0.258), number of siliquae per plant (0.030), siliquae length (0.314) and pedicel length (0.168) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results suggest that rucola can be cultivated in the agro-climatic condition of Bangladesh and needs for further genetic improvement of this health promoting crop. This is also the first scientific report of rucola cultivation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 53-63

Pathogenicity test of Sclerotium rolfsii isolates causing foot and root rot disease of betelvine (Piper betle L.)

The experiment was conducted under in-vivo condition in a betelvine baroj at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. Nineteen isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii collected from different regions of Bangladesh designated as isolate-1 to isolate-19. Soil inoculated with S. rolfsii exhibited mycelial growth on the soil surface and around the base of the betelvine plant within 2-4 days after inoculation. Only 2 days after inoculation were required to manifest cottony colony on soil surface near root zone of inoculated betelvine plants by the isolate-3, 5, 7, 9 and 12. The first disease symptoms were observed within 6 to 16 days after inoculation where minimum days were required by the isolate-9 and maximum by the isolate-2 and 14. The highest lesion length (6.50 cm) was produced by the isolate-9 and isolate-13. All the isolates were found to be pathogenic in some cases, disease delayed due to their degree of pathogenicity. The isolate-9 showed highest disease incidence of 100% which was superior as compared to all other isolates at 15 days after inoculation. The isolate-19 showed least disease incidence of 66.66% even at 30 days after inoculation. Among the isolates, the most pathogenic one was isolate-9 collected from Kaligonj upazilla of Jhenaidah.

Effect of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes on Proximate Composition

The experiment was conducted during the period from November 2015 to June 2016 at the Laboratory of Biochemistry Department, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) and Soil Science Laboratory of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), to find out the effect of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes on proximate composition. Six wheat genotypes, i.e., BARI Gom 25, BARI Gom 26, BARI Gom 27, WYCYT (E-15) (Line), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) and PAVON-76 (Local) were used as a treatment for the experiment. The highest weight of 1000 grains, dry matter content, carbohydrate content, protein content, lipid content, ash content were recorded from BARI Gom 26 (46.45 g), BARI Gom 27 (92.53%), WYCYT (E-16) (69.59%), BARI Gom 27 (10.08%), BARI Gom 26 (2.20%), BARI Gom 26 (2.38%), respectively. Nevertheless, the lowest weight of 1000 grains, dry matter content, carbohydrate content, protein content, lipid content, ash content were recorded from PAVON-76 (Local) (39.25 g), WYCYT (E-15) (Line) (90.43%), BARI Gom 26 (64.87%), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) (9.5%), WYCYT (E-16) (Line) (1.74%), WYCYT (E- 16) (Line) (1.86%), respectively. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 171-179 (2021)

EVALUATION OF SOME CHEMICAL AND NON-CHEMICAL OPTIONS AGAINST THE INFESTATION OF INSECT PESTS OF CUT FLOWER (GLADIOLUS)

he experiment was conducted at the apiary of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka during the period from January to June 2019 to study the efficacy of some promising biopesticides in comparison to conventional chemical pesticides against insect pests of gladiolus. With four replications, the experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were: (T1) Neem oil @ 3ml/L water, (T2) Neem oil @ 3ml/L water + Trichogramma evanescense @ 0.5 gm/ 6 m2, (T3) Neem seed kernel @ 200 gm/L water, (T4) Neem seed kernel @ 200 gm/L water + Trichogramma evanescense @ 0.5 gm/ 6 m2, (T5) Ripcord 10 EC @ 2.0 ml/L water, (T6) Radial 20 EC @ 3.0 ml/L water and (T7) Untreated. The highest number of plants (54.66) obtained from T1 (Neem oil @ 3ml/L water). The highest number of pest population derived from (T7) Untreated control and the second highest pest population was found from T6 (Radial 20 EC @3.0 ml/L water. The lowest pest population derived from T4 (Neem seed kernel @ 200 gm/L water + Trichogramma evanescense @ 0.5 gm/ 6 m2) at early, mid and late stage of gladiolus respectively. The best outcomes have been obtained from T4 (Neem seed kernel @ 200 gm/L water + Trichogramma evanescense @ 0.5 gm/6 m2) and lowest outcome came from untreated control.

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Effect of Plant growing Structures and Media on Yield of Tomato in the Rooftop Garden

This experiment was carried out at the rooftop garden of the Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh from October 2017 to March 2018 to evaluate the response of tomato to different plant growing structures and composition of growing media in the rooftop garden. The experiment had two factors, factor A- two plant growing structures, viz., S1 = Plastic pot, S2 = Earthen pot and factor B - six different plant growing medium viz. M0 = Soil 100% (w/w) + inorganic fertilizer (IF)/(control), M1 = Soil 80% (w/w) + 20% cowdung (w/w) + IF, M2 = Soil 70% (w/w) + 30% cowdung (w/w) + IF, M3 = Soil 90% (w/w) + 10% vermicompost (w/w) + IF, M4 = Soil 80% (w/w) + 20% vermicompost (w/w) + IF, M5 = Soil 80% (w/w) + 10% cowdung (w/w) + 10% vermicompost (w/w) + IF. The factorial experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The experimental results yield contributing characters and yield of tomato significantly influenced by different plant growing structures and various composition of plant growing media and also their combination. Considering plant growing structures, the S1 gave the highest flower clusters per plant, flowers per plant, fruit length and fruit breadth. The maximum yield of fruits per plant (1.69 kg) was also obtained from plastic pot. The M5 had the highest flower clusters per plant, flowers per plant, fruit length and fruit diameter. The maximum yield of fruits per plant (2.17 kg) was recorded from the M5. The highest yield of fruits per plant (2.15 kg) was obtained from the treatment combination of S1M5. This experimental results suggest that S1M5 be able to increase the fruit yield of BARI tomato14 for rabi season in the rooftop garden.

Effect of Sowing Times on Yield Attributes of an Exotic (China) Hybrid Rice Variety in Bangladesh

This experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Botany experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during the period from January to April 2014 to study the effect of sowing times on the yield attributes of an exotic (China) hybrid rice variety in Bangladesh. Five treatments were considered regarding 5 sowing dates or transplanting dates viz. (i) S1 = 1st sowing at 1st January 2014; transplanted at 21st January, (ii) S2 = 2nd sowing at 21st January; transplanted at 11th February, (iii) S3 =3rd sowing at 11th February; transplanted at 3rd March, (iv) S4 = 4th sowing at 3rd March; transplanted at 23rd March and (v) S5 = 5th sowing at 23rd March; transplanted at 13th April. Data were recorded on different growth parameters to examine the effect of sowing times on the yield attributes of the tested variety. The studied parameters were significantly affected by different sowing times or transplanting times. Results revealed that different parameters regarding yield attributes, the seeds of the test variety sown at 1st January 2014 and transplanted at 21st January (S1) furnished the best results in respect of the weight of filled grain hill-1 (38.87 g), weight of filled grain plot-1 (2.18 kg), 1000 seed weight (36.00 g), grain yield ha-1 (3.64 ton) and the highest harvest index (43.46%) compared to the seedling transplanted on other dates or times. These findings can be used in further breeding program.

Effect of Biochar on Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tuber

A field experiment was conducted in Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November, 2017 to March, 2018 in rabi season to observe the effect of biochar on the yield and quality of potato tuber and to find out the optimum dose of biochar along with inorganic fertilizer for achieving the maximum yield of potato. The experiment consist of 9 treatments as Control (no chemical fertilizer and biochar), Recommended Fertilizer Dose; Recommended Fertilizer Dose+Biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1; Recommended Fertilizer Dose+Biochar @ 5.0 t ha-1; Recommended Fertilizer Dose+Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1; 1/2 of Recommended Fertilizer Dose+Biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1; ½ of Recommended Fertilizer Dose+Biochar @ 5.0 t ha-1; ½ of Recommended Fertilizer Dose + Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1; Biochar @ 10 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The tested variety was BARI Alu-7 (Diamant). Data were collected on different yield attributes, growth and quality of potato and postharvest soil analysis. The results indicated that biochar application significantly (p<0.05) increased plant height, weight of tubers, yield of tubers, tuber dry matter content, tuber specific gravity, soil organic carbon. Results suggested that biochar application had significant positive effect on plant and soil.

Microbiological Quality Assessment of Marketed Broiler Meat in Different Markets of Dhaka City

The present research work was undertaken to assess the bacterial quality and to know the prevalence of zoonotic bacteria from broiler meat samples sold in Krishi market, Bihari camp market, Agargaon market, Taltola market and SAU (Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University) mini bazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to May 2018. After processing of samples primary culture was done in nutrient broth and nutrient agar media then pure culture was obtained from different selective media. Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSC) in broiler meat of different broiler markets were determined. Mean of TVC, TCC and TSC for the Krishi market, Agargoan market, Taltola market, Bihari camp market and SAU Mini market were 5.67, 4.32, 2.96 log10 CFU/g, 5.88, 4.64, 3.56 log10 CFU/g, 6.10, 4.68, 3.78 log10 CFU/g, 6.68,4.87, 3.84 log10 CFU/g and 5.84, 4.25, 3.13 log10 CFU/g respectively. The prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Were 74% and 42% respectively. E. coli isolates were showed sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (91.6%), Gentamycin (87.5%), Azithromycin (66.66%), and Tetracycline (58%) and resistant to Penicillin (79.16%) then Amoxycillin (75%), Streptomycin (75%) and Ampicillin (58.3%). Highest resistant pattern was showed by Tetracycline (58%), Streptomycin (72.72%), Penicillin (72.72%) and Amoxycillin (63.63%). Highest resistant pattern showed by Amoxycillin (71.42%) and Penicillin (71.42%). This study revealed that broiler meat sold at some local markets of Dhaka city were contaminated with multiple species of multidrug resistant bacteria which may risk for human health.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(2): 261-266, August 2020

Combining ability and gene action analysis in a half-diallel cross of Brassica rapa L.

Fifteen hybrids along with six parents were tested to identify good combiners through analyzing combining ability and gene action for yield and its attributes. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2010/11 at research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka. Data for days to 50% flowering and 80% maturity, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed yield and 1000-seed weight was recorded for analysis.The results showed that mean squares for parents, hybrids, parent vs hybrid were significantly different (p<0.01 or p<0.05) for most of the traits. Highly significant mean squares due to general combining ability (GCA) were found for all the traits except for length of pod, whereas highly significant mean squares due to specific combining ability (SCA) were also found for days to 50% flowering, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod and seed yield per plant. This indicated that both additive and non-additive gene effects were important but additive gene effects were predominant for the expression of most of the measured traits. Estimates of GCA and SCA effects for yield and its attributes suggested that parent BARI Sarisha-6, BARI Sarisha-15 and Tori-7 was good combiners for different traits. Hayman’s graphical analysis indicated both over- and partial-dominance for growth and yield attributes. As dominant (non-fixable) variation was high for most of the attributes, substantial improvements of these traits may be possible by transferring complementary gene into non-epistatic high-dominance crosses or eliminating duplicate genes from high-dominance crosses. Considering GCA, SCA and per se performance BARI Sarisha-6, BARI Sarisha-15 and Tori-7 might be good parents towards an effective breeding programme.

Effect of nitrogen and boron on available nutrients in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and harvested soil

A field experiment was carried out at the Soil Science research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh to study the nutrient uptake of sesame plant and available nutrient condition of soil after harvesting of sesame. Sesame variety BARI Til-3 was used as test crop. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Nitrogen levels (N0-3): N0: 0 kg N/ha (control), N1: 50 kg N/ha, N2: 60 kg N/ha, N3: 70 kg N/ha; Factor B: Boron levels (B0-2): B0: 0 kg B/ha (control), B1: 2 kg B/ha, B2: 3 kg B/ha. The experiment was carried out in two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. From the study, it was found that nutrient uptake of sesame plant and the nutrient concentration in post-harvested soil such as total N, available P, exchangeable K, available S and available B was increased with the increasing of nitrogen up to a certain level and boron supply. For the combined application of nitrogen and boron (60 kg N/ha and 3.0 kg B/ha) was found suitable to uptake maximum N, P, K, S and B by the sesame plant and to available the highest nutrient concentration in post-harvested soil.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(2): 203-213, August 2019

Effect of Micronutrients in Presence of Different Levels of Organic Manure on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e–Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka from October, 2017 to March, 2018 to study the effect of micronutrients in presence of different level of organic manure on growth and yield of tomato. There were four combinations of micronutrients viz. N0=0 kg Zn 0 kg B/ha, N1= Zn2 kg B1.5 kg/ha, N2=Zn4 kg B2 kg/ha, N3=Zn6kg B2.5 kg/ha and four organic manure viz M0=0 ton/ha, M1=Cowdung (15 ton/ha), M2=Poultry manure (10 ton/ha), M3=(Cowdung 7.5 ton/ha+ Poultry manure 5 ton/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications and there were altogether 48 plots. Application of micronutrients and organic manure significantly influenced the growth, yield and size of the tomato. The highest yield (66.96 t/ha) was found from treatments N2 and the lowest yield (25.69 t/ha) was obtained from treatment N0. Due to the application of organic manure, the highest yield (50.78 t/ha) was obtained from M3 and the lowest yield (39.86 t/ha) was recorded from M0. In the case of combined effect, the highest yield (76.33 t/ha) was found from treatment N2M3 and the lowest yield (24.60 t/ha) was found from treatment N0M0. So, the application of Zn4 kg B2 kg/ha along with Cowdung 7.5 ton+Poultry manure 5 ton/ha was the best for growth and yield of tomato. Economic analysis raveled that N2M3 gave the maximum benefit-cost ratio (3.2). So, the application of Zn4 kg B2 kg/ha along with Cowdung 7.5 ton+Poultry manure 5 ton/ha was the best for growth and yield of tomato.

The System of Teaching English at Agricultural Universities in Bangladesh

Language means the way of communication by which better understanding, communication can be possible and the learners should be efficient in at least two languages. As a matter of fact the learners at undergraduate level should learn and be efficient in reading, speaking, listening and writing in at least one foreign language. Since English is the most important language for intercultural communication, it is taught from elementary level to university level in Bangladesh. This comprehensive study shows the system of teaching English at Agricultural Universities of Bangladesh. Result indicates that there are generally five Agricultural Universities in Bangladesh and there are several faculties which offer undergraduate and Post-Graduate degree .English Language is taught as compulsory subject at all faculties at undergraduate level. There are some faculties which offer English as Optional Subject which is very rare. Communicative English / Lab English has been preferred to teach in this regard. At the time of teaching especially in the classroom, 85% teachers use power point and overhead projector and rest use White Board and Marker. English Language Practical course is offered to four faculties of Sylhet Agricultural University, four faculties at Shere Bangla Agricultural University, all faculties of CVASU and Khulna Agricultural University. All teachers use English and mother tongue in the EFL classroom to make the meaning clear to the learners. At CVASU a modern equipped Language Lab was found but the authorities of another Agricultural Universities are trying to establish English language Lab.At Bangladesh Agricultural University, there is also a good well equipped English Language Lab. The learners are also interested to learn both languages ( mother tongue and foreign language) in the classroom.