Sylhet Region Research Articles

Influence of the Suchana intervention on exclusive breastfeeding and stunting among children aged under 6 months in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) provides significant health benefits to children. However, mothers may find it difficult to continue EBF for 6 months. The present analysis aimed to examine the influence of the Suchana intervention-a large-scale programme implemented with the aim of improving the health and nutritional status of mothers and children from poor households in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh-on EBF and stunting among children under 6 months. Baseline and endline data were obtained from the Suchana evaluation. EBF was defined as an infant (<6 months) only receiving breast milk in the previous 24 h. Childhood stunting was defined as a length-for-age z-score of less than -2 among children of the same age. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations of the Suchana intervention with EBF and stunting. EBF prevalence improved from 64% at baseline to 85% at the endline in the intervention area, with the intervention group having 2.25 times higher odds of EBF compared to the control group. Stunting prevalence reduced from 28% at baseline to 24% at the endline in the intervention group, but after controlling for covariates, the association between stunting and the intervention was not significant. However, the interaction analysis showed significantly lower stunting prevalence among EBF children in both intervention and control areas. The Suchana intervention had a positive impact on the EBF practice of rural children in a vulnerable region of Bangladesh, and EBF was identified as a significant factor associated with stunting. The findings suggest that the continuation of the EBF intervention has the potential to have an impact on reducing stunting in the region, highlighting the importance of promoting EBF to improve child health and development.

Evaluation of Yard-long Bean Genotypes at Varied Sowing Dates in the Sylhet Region, Bangladesh

This experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh during 2022. The objective was to evaluate three yard long bean genotypes (BARI yard long bean-1, BARI yard long bean-2 and Kagornatki) in three planting dates (20 March, 20 April and 20 May) under acidic soil conditions of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Yard long bean planted on 20 March recorded the minimum number of days to flower (40.33), the minimum number of days to first harvest (53.33), the maximum number of pods per plant (31.01), the highest individual pod weight (12.25 g), pod length (45.98 cm), per plant pod yield (389.47 g) as well as per decimal pod yield (97.34 kg). The genotype BARI yard long bean-1 was the earliest in flowering (41.66 days). BARI yard long bean-1 had the highest number of pods (27.81) as well as pod yield (309.85 kg) per plant. Although individual pod weight and pod length of BARI yard long bean-1 and Kagornatki were statistically similar, the per decimal pod yield (76.86 kg) of BARI yard long bean-1 was significantly higher than Kagornatki (56.31 kg). Interaction effect showed that the genotype BARI yard long bean-1 planted on 20 March showed the best performance in terms of pod yield per plant (506.56 g) and per decimal (127.22 kg). Therefore, the genotype BARI yard long bean-1 can be recommended to cultivate at 20 March sowing date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.

Impact of integrated community-facility interventions model on neonatal mortality in rural Bangladesh- a quasi-experimental study.

Neonatal mortality remains unacceptably high in many countries. WHO recommends that all newborns be assessed during the postnatal period and should seek prompt medical care if there is any danger sign. However, in many developing countries, only a small proportion of women receive postnatal care. Also, the quality of care in public health facilities is sub-optimal. We designed an intervention package that included community health worker-assisted pregnancy and birth surveillance, post-natal visits to assess newborns on the first, third, seventh and twenty-eighth days of birth, referral for facility-based care, and establishing a newborn stabilization unit at the first level referral health facility. We did a quasi-experimental, propensity-score matched, controlled study in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. We used a cross-sectional survey method at baseline and endline to measure the effect of our intervention. We considered two indicators for the primary outcome-(a) all-cause neonatal mortality rate and (b) case fatality of severe illness. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of neonates with signs and symptoms of severe illness who sought care in a hospital or a medically qualified provider. Our sample size was 9,940 live births (4,257 at baseline, 5,683 at end line). Our intervention was significantly associated with a 39% reduction (aRR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40-0.93; p = 0.046) in the risk of neonatal mortality and 45% reduction (aRR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.86; p = 0.001) in the risk of case fatality of severe illness among newborns in rural Bangladesh. The intervention significantly increased the care-seeking for severe illness at the first-level referral facility (DID 36.6%; 95% CI % 27.98 to 45.22; p<0.001). Our integrated community-facility interventions model resulted in early identification of severely sick neonates, early care seeking and improved treatment. The interventions led to a significant reduction in all-cause neonatal mortality and case fatality from severe illness.

Effect of Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Local Aman Rice Cultivar

Aims: Transplant (T) aman is occupying a major portion of rice based cropping system in Sylhet region, Bangladesh. Still majority of farmers are circled to cultivate local T. aman rice cultivars, but the overall yield is very low. Agronomic management can be a good option to boost up the yield potential of these local cultivars. This study was conducted to observe the influence of planting geometry on the yield of local aman cultivars.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized complete block design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted to find out optimum plant density of local cultivars of T. aman rice during the period from August 2017 to December 2017 at farmer’s field located at Jointapur, Sylhet.&#x0D; Methodology: The study were replicated thrice in randomized complete block design considering four rice cultivars viz. Beruin (V1), Moinasail (V2), Nagrasail (V3) and, BRRI dhan49 (Control, check variety) (V4) and four plant spacings viz. (15 × 15) cm (S1), (20 × 15) cm (S2), (20 × 20) cm (S3) and (20×25) cm (S4).&#x0D; Results: The results indicated that the highest grain yield were recorded in (2.65 t ha-1) in the variety V4, which was statistically similar with V3 (2.60 t ha-1). The highest grain yield (2.87 t ha-1) was obtained (V4 × S4) while the lowest (1.58 t ha-1) from (V1 × S1). Among the local varieties highest grain yield (2.64 t ha-1) recorded in (V3 × S4) which was statistically similar (V4 × S4).&#x0D; Conclusion: Outcomes of the study revealed that Nagrasail (V3) with (20 × 25) cm plant spacing is a promising option, and isthe best one for local T. aman cultivar cultivation in Sylhet region.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMEs FINANCING AND ENTREPRENEURS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN SYLHET

By serving and gratifying clients, the hospitality business has a significant potential to stimulate economic growth and to increase shareholder wealth. The study's primary goal is to examine how SME financing has affected Bangladesh's growing hotel sector. Growth in services and jobs are important SMHE development determinants. The theoretical model displays how the researcher has conceptualized the relationships between the study's variables. We employed factor analysis, test of hypothesis, and descriptive analysis to conduct quantitative analysis for this paper using SPSS. In this work, both primary and secondary data have been utilized. Primary data collection will be done in the Sylhet districts (Sadar) utilizing standardized questionnaires that will concentrate on the borrower's perspective of SME funding. Secondary data was gathered from academic journals, theoretical evaluations of SME foundations, papers, Bangladesh Bank magazine reviews, and BBS reports. A survey will be undertaken to obtain feedback from the owners or managers of various hotels, restaurants, and managed food services in the districts of Sylhet (Sadar). The study found a strong correlation between organizational behavior measures and SME finance. This study also poses the possibility that the Sylhet region's hotel sector could improve its performance through smart SME financing. The study also suggested potential future uses of SME finance in hospitality firms in the Sylhet region. The framework includes the impact of SME financing on revenue, job growth, and their ‘customers.

Production Potential of Sweet Potato Based Intercropping System in Sylhet Region

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years 2017-18 and 2018-19 at farming system research and development (FSRD) site, under South Surma Upazilla of Sylhet in Bangladesh to find out the suitable crop combination for increasing total productivity, return and maximizing land utilization through intercropping. Five treatments viz. T1: Sweet potato + red amaranth, T2: Sweet potato + leaf amaranth, T3: Sweet potato + mustard green, T4: Sweet potato + mustard and T5: Sweet potato sole (100% sweet potato) were considered in the experiment. Results showed none of the intercrop-combination influenced the root yield of sweet potato. Tuberous root yield of sweet potato in 100% sweet potato + 100% mustard green combination was at per sweet potato sole cultivation. Sweet potato yield did not reduce significantly due to intercropping. The highest sweet potato equivalent yield (41.75 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (1.37), gross return (Tk. 625950 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 495500 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (4.80) were recorded from sweet potato 100% + mustard green 100% combination. On the contrary, sweet potato sole gave the lowest sweet potato equivalent yield (30.60 t ha-1), gross margin (Tk.330300 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.57). The results revealed that sweet potato 100% + mustard green 100% intercropped combination might be suitable for higher productivity and economic return.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(2): 123-131, June 2021

Outcrop analogy with the subsurface geology and hydrocarbon prospectivity of Jaintiapur and adjacent areas in North-East Bangladesh

The availability of hydrocarbons in the eastern part of Bangladesh indicates the presence of active petroleum systems in the Bengal basin. Although extensive research has been conducted in the Surma basin, the correlation between structural configuration, tectonostratigraphic framework, and hydrocarbon potentiality in the basin including Jaintiapur area has not yet been established. In this study, the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Jaintiapur and the adjoining Dupigaon area has been characterized through outcrop analogy with the subsurface interpretation of seismic data along L13-01, PK-SY-5, and L13-03 lines. The main three megasequences have been recognized based on sequence stratigraphy in the Sylhet region utilizing outcrop, seismic, and well-log data. The exposed Tertiary and Quaternary formations of Jaintiapur and adjoining areas can be classified into eleven litho-stratigraphic units. Detailed facies analyses indicate that these rock units were deposited in fluvial, deltaic, and shallow marine environments. The subsurface lithology of the study area has been inferred from the petrophysical data obtained from Sylhet-7, Kailashtila-4, and Jalalabad-1 wells. Jaintiapur area lies in a tectonically complex province and is controlled by the Dauki Fault System. Folding and faulting represent intense tectonic deformation in the area. Detailed analyses of surface and subsurface geology indicate that faults pass along the rivers and transverse faults segment the reservoirs. A total of seven horizons have been interpreted using Petrel software. The seismic attribute analysis identifies leads and prospects based on transverse faults and amplitude anomalies with distinct bright spots at the PK-SY-5 line. From seismic interpretation, attribute analysis, and lithofacies distribution of Sylhet-7 well and its surround area in the Dupigaon, it seems that same gas bearing sand. Gas sands of the Sylhet-7 well indicate the possibility of gas/oil in the equivalent sedimentary sequence in the Dupigaon structure as this area is located close to and more down-dip towards the kitchen area.

α- and β-Globin Gene Mutations in Individuals with Hemoglobinopathies in the Chattogram and Sylhet Regions of Bangladesh

Hemoglobinopathies, including α- and β-thalassemias and sickle cell disease, are among the most widely disseminated hereditary blood disorders worldwide. Bangladesh is considered a hotspot for hemoglobinopathies, and these diseases cause a significant health concern in the country. However, the country has a dearth of knowledge on the molecular etiology and carrier frequency of thalassemias, primarily due to a lack of diagnostic facilities, limited access to information, and the absence of efficient screening programs. This study sought to investigate the spectrum of mutations underlying hemoglobinopathies in Bangladesh. We developed a set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques to detect mutations in α- and β-globin genes. We recruited 63 index subjects with previously diagnosed thalassemia. Along with age- and sex-matched control subjects, we assessed several hematological and serum indices and genotyped them using our PCR-based methods. We identified that parental consanguinity was associated with the occurrence of these hemoglobinopathies. Our PCR-based genotyping assays identified 23 HBB genotypes, with the codons 41/42 (–TTCT) (HBB: c.126_129delCTTT) mutation leading the spectrum. We also observed the presence of cooccurring HBA conditions, of which the participants were not aware. All index participants in this study were on iron chelation therapies, yet we found they had very high serum ferritin (SF) levels, indicating inefficient management of the individuals undergoing such treatments. Overall, this study provides essential information on the hemoglobinopathy mutation spectrum in Bangladesh and highlights the need for nationwide screening programs and an integrated policy for diagnosing and managing individuals with hemoglobinopathies.

Phenotypic screening of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Salmonella in retail shrimp

The occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria is concerning the scientific community since it confers multiple drug resistance (MDR). The study investigated the prevalence of MDR-ESBL-producing Salmonella strains from shrimp in Sylhet region, Bangladesh. A total of 165 shrimp samples were processed from 55 shrimp specimen from different retail shops. The presence of Salmonella was confirmed by standard methods followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Isolates exhibiting resistant to third-generation cephalosporin were considered as Salmonella positive isolates which was later proven by the double disc synergy test. Thirty-nine isolates were identified to be Salmonella positive of which eighteen were from seven department stores and twenty-one from the local market. The body parts had the highest rate of positive samples (30.91%), followed by the head (23.63%), and the tail (16.36%). Additionally, isolated Salmonella were resistant to rifampicin and Cefixime but 100% susceptible to co-trimoxazole, ofloxacin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, and chloramphenicol, while ciprofloxacin showed intermediate resistance. Vancomycin, cephalexin, ampicillin, and colistin, on the other hand, were among the extremely resistant drugs. Finally, while six of the tested isolates demonstrated resistance against the recommended cephalosporin, three of them (7.69%) were Salmonella ESBL positive in the double disc synergy test. The rising incidence of MDR and the developing prevalence of ESBL-positive Salmonella may put a burden on the healthcare system by limiting access to effective antibacterial drugs.

Sero-prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Backyard Chicken at Sylhet Region, Bangladesh

Sero-prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Backyard Chicken at Sylhet Region, Bangladesh

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Postpartum Anestrus in Dairy Cows of Sylhet District, Bangladesh

The objectives of current study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum anestrus in lactating dairy cows in Sylhet region, Bangladesh. A total of 420 postpartum cows of different breed and age were selected randomly from different dairy farms in studied area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farm owner on prevalence and risk factors for postpartum anestrus. Observed heat within 60 days after parturition was considered as normal cyclic cows and others were considered as postpartum anestrus. The prevalence of postpartum anestrus was 36.20%. The study shows that older cows take relatively more time for ovarian resumption. Cow’s having first parity shows cyclicity within 60 days of parturition, and postpartum anestrus increases significantly with the advancement of parity. Postpartum anestrus was significantly higher (P&lt; 0.001) in cows with poor (≤1.0) and excessive (&gt;3) body condition scores (BCS), respectively, compared to those with moderate/optimal BCS (2–3). The postpartum cyclicity in cows within 60 days with a history of normal placental expulsion was significantly higher than in the cows with RFM. Ovarian cyclicity was highest (75.92%) among the cows that were maintained in adequate hygienic conditions and lowest (43.51%) in a poor environment. The highest percentage (88.10%) of cows showed postpartum cyclicity with a history of short lactation length (0-150 days) and resumption of postpartum estrous cycle increases significantly with lactation length. Resumption of postpartum estrus cycles in cows takes more time with a history of minimal (&lt;15 liters) daily milk production than the cow with medium (&gt;15-25 liters) daily milk production. Cows get an adequate feed supply (both concentrate and green grass), which shows a positive effect on postpartum cyclicity. Pre and postpartum complications have a significant (p&lt;0.001) effect on the postpartum cyclicity of cows. Endometritis (81.25%) followed by pyometra (75.76%) were recorded as major reproductive obstacles in ovarian resumption, whereas uterine prolapse (70.59%) followed by abortion (61.54%), milk fever (58.33%), stillbirth (58.33%) and dystocia (57.63%) were the major recorded complications in post-partum phase. The study also revealed that the non-restricted suckling period has a significant (p&lt;0.001) negative effect on ovarian resumption. The risk factors including parity, BCS, placental expulsion, hygienic condition, lactation length, daily milk production and management system were significantly (P&lt;0.01) influenced the postpartum cyclicity. Maintaining optimal BCS of cows, proper hygienic and good management practice, and farmer's training on management of cattle reproduction would improve the number of cows for breeding by 60 days postpartum.

Regional effect on meat quality traits of Buffalos in Bangladesh

The study was aimed to determine the management practices of buffaloes and the meat quality test at different villages of Pauba upazilla in Rajshahi, Madargonj upazilla in Jamalpur and sadar upazilla in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Total 15 respondents were randomly selected from three villages; each village consists of variable numbers of respondents. The period of data collection was from February to April, 2016. The data were collected through personal interview from the individual respondent present in their own house. Only buffalo rearing was the major occupation of the farmers followed by agricultural crop production. Most of them (70.0%) kept their buffaloes on their own land; but some of them (30.0%) kept buffaloes on a hired place. The farmers (60.0%) basically have no training skill for buffalo rearing but some of them have influences from the buffalo farmers (40.0%). Most of the buffalo farmers purchased one pair of buffalo at a time and reared buffalos for at least 2 years. They fed their buffaloes with locally available roughages and tree leaves which contained more crude protein (CP) and less crude fibre (CF). In time of autumn season, they send their buffalo in Sunamgonj or Sylhet region for proper feeding. Buffalo farmers mainly maintain semi-intensive feeding system. The major diseases of buffaloes in those areas were Foot and Mouth Disease, anthrax and black quarter. Most of them performed vaccination collected from the local market and they also practiced medication and deworming. The farmers were satisfied with the marketing facilities. In case of meat quality parameters with proximate analysis and the results indicate that the better management gives us better quality of meat. It can be suggested that, management practice is very important fact in our country to get good quality of meat. So, we should improve our management practice through scientific approach.

Impact of Knowledge Sharing on Innovative Work Behaviour: Evidence from Private Universities of Bangladesh

The study aims to investigate the impact of knowledge sharing (KS) on employees’ innovative work behavior. To conduct this research, 90 respondents from 4 private universities of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh were surveyed conveniently through a structured questionnaire; then the responses were analyzed by conducting correlation and regression analysis using SPSS software to test the hypotheses. Correlation analysis reveals that the two dimensions of knowledge sharing i.e., knowledge donation, and knowledge collection has a significant and positive relationship with the innovative work behavior of faculty members, besides regression analysis shows that the two dimensions of knowledge sharing depicted in the model explain about 34 percent of innovative work behavior among the academics of private universities. It has also been found that knowledge collection (KC) has comparatively more influence on employee’s innovative work behavior (IWB) than knowledge donation (KD). Therefore, findings of this study have significant implications to the university authority to ensure sustainable competitive advantage over rivals through academics’ innovative work behavior by cultivating a knowledge sharing culture among their institutions.

Effect of Genotypes and De-Topping on Growth and Yield of Okra

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Department of Horticulture in Sylhet Agricultural University to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three okra genotypes (viz. BARI Dherosh-1, BARI Dherosh-2 &amp; RAJ F1) under special management practices (viz. de-topping &amp; non de-topping) from March to July 2022. The two factor experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. BARI Dherosh-1 showed vigorous growth nature having maximum yield and yield contributing characters viz. the highest plant height (20.46 cm) at 30 DAS (Days After Sowing) and at 1st harvest (108.23 cm ), early flowering (51.33 days), the maximum number of leaves per plant (4.71), number of branches (2.96), number of pods per plant (43.80), the highest individual pod weight (20.96 g), pod yield per plant (916.75 g) as well as per hectare yield (30.53 t) than the other two genotypes. Contrary, the lowest individual pod weight (18.80 g), pod yield per plant (638.72 g), and per hectare yield (21.28 t) were produced by genotype RAJ F1. Due to removing apical parts at 30 DAS, the shortest plants were observed in the de-topping system (85.69 cm). Again, Individual pod weight (20.87 g), pod yield per plant (887.95 g), and per hectare yield (29.57 t) were higher in non de-topping system than the de-topping system. Considering the interaction effect, BARI Dherosh-2 performed better under non de-topping system having the highest pod breadth (2.05 cm) and pod yield per plant (1007.86 g) and per hectare yield (33.56 t). Actually, de-topping at 30 DAS had no beneficial effect on yield or yield contributing characters. So, BARI Dherosh-2 might be recommended for the Sylhet region to ensure maximum benefit without de-topping.

On-Station and On-Farm Evaluation of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Sylhet

Two experiments were conducted with sweet pepper during the winter season of 2015-2016. One experiment was on-station evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘California Wonder’ under two different protective structures (Net and Net + polythene), two different miticides application (Intrepid and Vertimec) and Open field (Control) at the Horticulture Research Field of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Another experiment was on-farm evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘BARI Mistimoric-1’ under Net + polythene protective structure in the farmer’s field of Moulvibazar and Sunamganj district. In case of on-station study, Net and Net + polythene protection had significant influence on growth and yield of sweet pepper. The highest and almost similar performance were recorded from Net and Net + polythene in terms of plant height at first harvest (72.67 and 72.83 cm), harvest duration (34.33 and 34.33 days), individual fruit weight (76.45 and 75.95 g), fruit length (8.40 and 8.51 cm) and fruit diameter (7.33 and 7.07 cm). Next to Net and Net + polythene protective structures, individual fruit weight (46.80 g) of Intrepid treated plants was statistically higher than Vertimec and Open field treated plants. The number of fruits per plant (11.57), fruit yield per plant (893.90 g) and fruit yield per decimal (178.78 kg) were significantly higher for Net + polythene protected structure followed by Net protected structure. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of Net (5.4) and Net + polythene (5.6) protected structures were measured more than half of the Open field condition (2.5) indicating bright scope of sweet pepper cultivation under protective structures in the Sylhet region. Although BCR of Intrepid treated plants (4.0) was little less than the protective structures, but considering the economic condition of the farmer sweet pepper cultivation in the open field with Intrepid as a miticide can be suggested. In case of on-farm study, the fruit yield per decimal of Moulvibazar district (163.13 kg) was little higher than the Sunamganj district (155.93 kg), therefore, BCR of Moulvibazar district (4.1) was obtained little higher than the Sunamganj district (3.9). The on-farm adaptive trial also revealed that sweet pepper cultivation can be spread to the farmer’s field of the Sylhet region.

Environmental and Social Effects of Stone Quarrying in Bangladesh: A Study in the Khasi People Area in Sylhet

This study investigates how the unregulated and unscientific manner of stone quarrying in Bangladesh degrades the environment and affects the life and livelihoods of the local people. The recent countrywide construction boom and infrastructural development kept the GDP growth constant in Bangladesh. This construction boom generates colossal demand for stones, and the Sylhet region is its major supplier. Although there are laws and legal mechanisms to regulate stone quarrying in the country, the miners do not follow these. This study found that the local Khasi people of the stone quarrying area have been experiencing systematic and forcible dispossession due to merging their lands into stone quarrying sites. These people are the victims of different forms of pollution due to unregulated stone quarrying. And the area has been experiencing a social transformation because of the settling of the people of the mainstream Bengali community from the poverty porn areas of the country to sustain their life by managing their livelihoods by working in the stone quarries. The study also explores how the lack of monitoring and corruption of the state and non-state actors in the stone quarrying sectors degraded the environment and transformed society in the last decades.

Antimicrobial activity of peels and physicochemical properties of juice prepared from indigenous citrus fruits of Sylhet region, Bangladesh

Scientists are indeed fascinated by the pharmacologically important chemicals found in medicinal plants. Citrus fruits possess several curing agents for the prevention of diseases. Therefore, experiments were carried out to test the antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of peels from various locally available citrus fruits such as citron (Citrus medica), satkora (Citrus macroptera) and adajamir (Citrus assamensis) against Bacillus spp. and E. coli using the disc diffusion method. Different physicochemical characteristics of fruit juice were also determined. Methanolic extract of satkora peel had the highest antibacterial activity of 2.2 and 2.6 cm while adajamir had the lowest antibacterial activity of 1.7 and 2.1 cm as ZOI against Bacillus spp. and E. coli, respectively. In the case of pH and total soluble solids (TSS), the three citrus varieties showed a small variation where satkora showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin C content, and antioxidant activity than the others. Citrus fruits can be exploited as antibacterial and antioxidant ingredients in food and nutraceuticals, according to the findings of this study.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tourism geographies of Bangladesh: study on Sylhet region.

This qualitative study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism geographies of Sylhet region in Bangladesh developing analytical linkages between pandemic and tourism geography. On the basis of in-depth interviews, the study explores micro effects on diverse actors involved in the tourism process of Sylhet division. As one of the emerging tourism hubs, why Sylhet region demands special treatment from local, national and international authorities and policymakers to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, has been investigated in this paper. However, the central argument of the study is that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the demand and supply chains, local businesses, transportations, hotels and restaurants, tea industry, corporations, and local professional lives due to the imposed restrictions on human mobility, causing a sharp decline in socio-economic activities of Sylhet’s tourism geographies.

Screening of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes for Acid Tolerance Based on Morpho-physiological and Yield Associated Traits

Onion is one of the most valuable vegetable crops grown all over the world, but its production is severely affected by abiotic stresses like drought, waterlogging, and the acidic nature of the soil. An experiment was conducted to study the morphological and yield contributing characters of four onion genotypes (Indian Onion-1, Indian Onion-2, Indian Onion-3, and Local onion) in the acidic soil condition at Sylhet region, Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that four genotypes of onion differed significantly for all the morphological and yield characters. The total yield was positively correlated with plant height, bulb fresh weight, bulb diameter, bulb length, leaf sheath fresh weight, leaf sheath dry weight, root fresh and dry weight. Considering yield and yield attributing traits, Indian Onion-2 performed better in acidic soil and had the highest in bulb fresh weight (72.60 g), total yield (1.78 t.ha-1), and moisture content, followed by Indian Onion-3. Therefore, Indian Onion-2 can be selected as the best genotype for acidic soil in the Sylhet region, Bangladesh.

Effect of Planting Date on Phenotypic Characters, Harvested Leaves and Seed Yield of Mustard Green (Lai Shak) In Sylhet Region

A field trial was conducted at farming system research and development (FSRD) site, South SurmainSylhet under AEZ-20 during two consecutive years of 2017- 18 and 2018-19 to find out the suitable planting date for successful and economic production of leaves and seed yield of mustard green (Brassica juncea). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having five different dates of seedling transplant viz. 15 October, 30 October, 15 November, 30 November and 15 December with four dispersed replications.The seedlings transplanted on 15 November recorded significantly the highestnumber of harvested leaves plant-1, weight of single leaf, harvested leaf yield (35.07 t ha-1), siliqua plant -1 and weight of 1000-seed and seed yield (1.38 t ha-1) of mustard green. The highest gross return (Tk. 862800 ha-1) and net return (Tk. 627300 ha-1) with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 3.66 was obtained from 15 November planting followed by 30 October planting. Conversely, the lowest gross return (Tk.611620 ha-1), net return (Tk. 376120 ha-1) and BCR (2.59) were recorded from 15 December planting. So, last October to mid-November planting would be suitable for economic production of leaves and seed yield of brown mustard in Sylhet region of Bangladesh.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(2): 165-174, June 2020