Agricultural University Research Articles

Response of Cucurbit Fruit Fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) Coquilette to Gel Formulations of Protein Bait

In the integrated pest management of fruit flies, trapping is the most practical and effective component. Currently, cucurbit fruit flies are being trapped by employing the male attractant, cuelure. Protein baits attract both male and female fruit flies and they may be explored for their management. The present study was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during 2022 in which, protein baits were compared with the cuelure for their attraction to fruit flies by using electroantennogram. In field conditions, effectiveness of protein bait is restricted due to water loss by evaporation thus making the bait dry. In view of this, studies were conducted to compare the preference of fruit flies to protein baits & cuelure and evaluated advanced gel formulations of protein bait in attracting fruit flies. In electroantennogram studies, female fruit fly response was found to be better to proteinex bait volatiles followed by soybean bait and cue lure volatiles. Responses of male fruit flies were uniform to proteinex bait and cue lure followed by soybean bait. Among the gel formulations of liquid proteinex bait, using olfactometer, attraction response of pectin and sodium alginate gel formulations was similar to the attraction of liquid protein bait. The response recorded in olfactometer were seen in decreasing pattern while using xanthan gum powder and carrageenan powder gel formulations attracxted more number of fruit flies. In gated cup trap choice test, pectin powder gel formulation attracted more number of fruit flies followed by liquid proteinex bait.

Comparative Evaluation of CERES-Maize, WOFOST-Maize, and Ensemble of Models for Predicting Maize Phenology, Growth, and Grain Yield

ABSTRACT Crop simulation models are useful for determining the effects of different environmental and management factors on crop growth, phenology, and grain yield. In this study, two process-oriented simulation models, CERES-Maize, and WOFOST-Maize, were evaluated for anthesis date, maturity date, biomass yield, grain yield, harvest index, and maximum leaf area index (LAI-max), and their comparative performance was assessed. The field experiments were conducted using a split–split plot design with four sowing dates {25th May (D1), 4th June (D2), 14th June (D3) and 24th June (D4)} in the main plot, two cultivars (PMH1 and PMH2) in the sub plot, and three nitrogen levels (N1, N2, and N3) in the sub-sub plot at the Research Farm, Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), to record the dataset for the calibration (2020) and evaluation (2021) of these models. The statistical indices used for the evaluation of these models were R2, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), mean bias error (MBE), index of agreement (IoA), and coefficient of residual mass (CRM). The model output was evaluated for the individual and ensemble models (ENSEM). The results of the calibration process revealed that the NRMSE of the CERES-Maize model was below 9% for both cultivars, except for harvest index, whereas the NRMSE of the WOFOST model was below 10%, except for the grain yield of PMH1 and LAI-max of both cultivars. On the other hand, validation results revealed that the NRMSE of both models was below 9% for most parameters, except for LAI-max of the CERES-Maize model for both cultivars and grain yield and LAI-max of the WOFOST-Maize model of PMH2. In addition, the evaluation indices indicated excellent agreement between the observed and simulated results of CERES and WOFOST. However, the performance of the CERES-Maize model was slightly better than that of the WOFOST model, with a lower NRMSE (CERES: ranging from 3.83 to 6.02% and WOFOST: ranging from 3.58 to 8.63%), except for LAI-max. The maximum leaf area index was the least agreed-upon parameter for both models. The RMSE and MBE values confirmed these results. The most accurate results were obtained for the ensemble of models, which reduced the NRMSE of the anthesis dates, biomass yield, and LAI-max. The prediction accuracy of the ensemble of models was also improved for LAI-max by reducing the NRMSE to 5.80%. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the CERES model is a more reliable tool for accurately estimating phenology and grain yield, whereas the ensemble of models improved the estimation accuracy of most parameters compared with any single model.

Screening of Black Gram Genotypes for Resistance to Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in Southern Telangana, India

Black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) ranks as the third most important pulse crop in India, but it is highly vulnerable to various insect pests throughout its growth. Among these, the whitefly is a prominent sucking pest. A study conducted during Rabi 2023 at the Student Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, aimed to identify black gram genotypes resistant to whitefly. Twenty-eight genotypes were evaluated under field conditions using a whitefly leaf injury grade scale and a whitefly resistance index. The screening identified three resistant genotypes, six moderately resistant, fourteen moderately susceptible and five susceptible genotypes. The genotypes PU-31, TBG-104 and GBG-1 with the lowest whitefly populations per plant (2.81, 3.40, and 3.99, respectively), were classified as resistant. Whereas, the genotypes MBG-1240, MBG-1226, MBG-1221, MBG-1155 and MBG-207 with the highest whitefly populations per plant (7.71, 7.75, 7.79, 8.11 and 8.05, respectively) were categorized as susceptible.

Evaluation of Farming System Modules for Improving Profitability of Small Farmers in Coastal Odisha, India

The study evaluated the profitability, sustainability and environmental impact of integrated farming system (IFS) modules, including cropping systems, horticulture, dairy, poultry and fishery in an area of 1.2 ha, in coastal Odisha, India. This research project was part of the sixth production cycle under the All India Coordinated Research Project on IFS and conducted at the Central Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, during the 2022-23 agricultural year. The experiment integrated five major modules: cropping systems (0.32 ha), horticulture (0.31 ha), dairy (2 cross-bred cows), poultry (500 coloured chicken for meat) and fishery (0.40 ha). Productivity was assessed using rice equivalent yield (REY) and economic returns were calculated for each module. Sustainability was evaluated through sustainable yield indices and carbon footprint assessments, while soil quality parameters, such as bulk density, pH, organic carbon and available macronutrients, were monitored over six years. Dairy emerged as the most productive module, yielding the highest REY (15.14 t) and gross return (Rs.3,27,040). Horticulture recorded the highest net return (Rs.1,40,627) and benefit-cost ratio (3.61). The cost of production was mainly influenced by external inputs (52%), followed by labour (33%) and system-recycled inputs (15%). The system generated 399 man-days annually, with over half contributed by dairy. Environmental sustainability was achieved through agroforestry and compost application, making the model carbon-negative. Dairy was the largest greenhouse gas emitter, while horticulture and biomass contributed significantly to carbon sequestration. Over six years, soil quality improved, with reduced bulk density, increased water-holding capacity and enhanced organic carbon levels. Sustainable yield indices for four modules were above 0.6, with dairy showing the highest sustainability. Poultry performance required further improvement to enhance overall system sustainability. In conclusion, the integrated farming system enhanced overall productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability for smallholder farmers in coastal Odisha, showcasing its potential for resource optimization and resilience.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies in Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an essential legume for sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, exhibits considerable genetic variability that holds promise for varietal improvement. This study evaluated 40 diverse chickpea genotypes during the Rabi season of 2021–22 at the Oil Seed Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Significant genetic variability was observed across key agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering (73.67–95.67), plant height (25.55–42.47 cm), days to maturity (125.33–150.00), and grain yield per plant (8.38–18.63 g). Traits such as 100-seed weight (37.71–65.48 g), biological yield (11.14–31.84 g), and harvest index (21.83%–36.13%) demonstrated high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for traits like pods per plant, biological yield, and 100-seed weight, suggesting these are promising targets for selection in breeding programs. Early flowering genotypes and those with superior seed weight and grain yield emerged as candidates for improving productivity and adaptability under diverse agroecological conditions. Additionally, traits with strong positive correlations with seed yield, such as the number of pods per plant and biological yield, offer valuable insights for breeding strategies.

Effect of Brown Manuring and Herbicide Application on Weed Parameters on Aerobic Rice under Varying Planting Geometry

A Field Experiment was conducted at Main Rice Research Centre, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during kharif 2021. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with factorial concept with three replication. The results revealed that density of grasses, sedges, broad-leaved weeds and thus total weed density were significantly higher in 40 cm line sowing at 20 DAS and 40 DAS. Weed dry weight at 60 DAS and at harvest was also significantly higher with 40 cm line sowing. Hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS recorded no weed at 20 DAS and at 40 DAS and was closely followed by Pendimethalin 750 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Bispyribac sodium 40 g ha-1 at 30 DAS. Considerably lower weed dry weight at 60 DAS and at harvest was recorded with Hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS which was at par with Pendimethalin 750 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Bispyribac sodium 40 g ha-1 at 30 DAS. Numerically higher weed control efficiency at 60 DAS and at harvest and lower weed index was also recorded by Hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS followed by Pendimethalin 750 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Bispyribac sodium 40 g ha-1 at 30 DAS. Weed smothering efficiency was found to be higher with Pendimethalin 750 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Brown Manuring at 60 DAS and at harvest.

Enhancement of Trap Catches of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) by Gel Formulations of Protein Bait

Fruit flies (Tephritidae: Diptera) are the devastating insect pests of quarantine importance and damage several vegetable crops particularly of Cucurbitaceae family in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones around the world. As capturing male fruit flies only does not bring desirable reduction in infestation levels, researchers are now focusing on female attractants. Among them, protein baits are prominent. Hence, an improved gel formulation of proteinex bait was tested in field conditions for attracting both the sexes of fruit flies. This study was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during 2022. In bitter gourd, gel proteinex bait traps attracted more number of female fruit flies (319.90/trap/4 months) followed by liquid proteinex bait (228.02/trap/4 months). More number of male fruit flies was recorded in cue-lure traps (596.40/trap/4 months) followed by gel proteinex bait traps (291.78/trap/4 months). More female fruit fly catches in gel proteinex traps in bitter gourd indicated the requirement of more proteins for maturation of ovaries in females. Attraction of males to gel proteinex bait clearly showed the importance of protein sources for reproduction success of male fruit flies. Per cent incidence of cucurbit fruit fly was low in gel proteinex bait placed bitter gourd fields (64.18% reduction over control) than the fields in which liquid proteinex bait (49.29% reduction over control) and cue-lure (30.75% reduction over control) were placed. In gel proteinex bait experimental plots, reduction of cucurbit fruit fly incidence was more than the cue-lure. This is due to their high trap catches besides trapping more female fruit flies (602.92 male and female fruit flies as against 596.40 males in cuelure traps) which would have decreased the oviposition levels in the field.

Combining ability analysis for fruit yield and related traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) using Line × Tester mating design

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a significant vegetable crop, widely cultivated and consumed in households across India. Enhancing fruit production per unit area requires a focus on key traits such as early maturity, enhanced plant vigor and increased fruit yield. Consequently, crop breeding programs emphasize the development and commercialization of brinjal hybrids tailored to regional needs. Effective crop improvement hinges on selecting suitable parental lines and employing precise crossing techniques to generate hybrids with desirable agronomic traits. The present study was conducted to assess the combining ability for fruit yield and related traits in brinjal. The experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2023 and the summer season of 2024 at the Vegetable Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was utilized. The study involved 30 hybrid combinations derived from 13 brinjal genotypes, employing a line × tester mating design with 10 lines and 3 testers. Results indicated that among the parental genotypes, PBGL-5 (88.11), PBGL-7 (85.02) and Swarna Abhinav (67.80) demonstrated high general combining ability (GCA) for fruit yield and related traits. Among the hybrid combinations, Pusa Kaushal × Pant Samrat (153.16), Pusa Ankur × Kashi Uttam (126.37) and PBGL-5 × Pant Rituraj (116.77) exhibited superior specific combining ability (SCA) effects. These results highlight the potential of the identified parents and hybrids as promising genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at hybrid development and yield enhancement. In conclusion, the identified genotypes and crosses with favorable GCA and SCA effects can serve as valuable candidates for breeding programs to develop high-yielding, region-specific brinjal hybrids. This study underscores the importance of systematic parental selection and hybrid evaluation in advancing brinjal crop improvement initiatives.

Prevalence of pulmonary anthracosis in household dogs in southwest states in Nigeria: a sentinel for environmental pollution.

Nigeria, stemming from vehicular traffic, generator sets, industrial sources, residential combustion, and road dust. Pulmonary anthracosis, the accumulation of carbon particles in the lungs, is a known risk factor for cancer. While this condition has been observed in stray dogs, data on its prevalence in household dogs is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary anthracosis in household dogs within three southwestern states of Nigeria over a decade (2011-2020) and to analyze the histopathological features of pulmonary anthracosis observed in canine lung tissue samples submitted for post-mortem examination. Lung tissue samples from 472 dog carcasses submitted to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and the University of Ibadan for post-mortem examination were analyzed in this study. Lesions suggestive of pulmonary anthracosis were identified through gross examination and further analyzed histologically to confirm their characteristics. The findings were presented using tables, charts, and chi-square to determine association between breed, age, and sex considering p < 0.05 as significant. Out of total lungs sampled, 150 (31.8%) were positive for pulmonary anthracosis. No significant association was found between breed (p = 0.95) or sex (p = 0.98) and anthracosis, but age was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Histopathological findings included bronchiolar smooth muscle hypertrophy (90%), severe fibrosis (80%), and bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia (50%). The study concluded that pulmonary anthracosis is prevalent among household dogs in the region. The pathological changes highlighted the adverse effects associated with the condition in affected organs and that black carbon as a major air pollutant that poses health risks to humans and animals.

Assessing factors motivating female students to pursue agricultural higher education in India

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the driving forces that inspire female students in India to enrol in higher education programmes related to Agriculture, as well as their career aspirations upon graduation. Design/Methodology/Approach: An online survey was undertaken to collect information and ultimately included a sample of 9914 female students representing 62 Agriculture universities across India. The data, comprising both primary and secondary sources, underwent thorough processing and analysis utilizing scaling techniques & statistical software. Findings: The field of Agriculture emerged as the most favoured choice, followed by Veterinary Science and Horticulture. The primary driving factors identified were gender empowerment and personal empowerment, closely followed by career aspirations and preferences. Students in disciplines such as Dairy Technology, Food Nutrition & Dietetics, and Food Technology exhibited higher preference scores for pursuing academic endeavours in Agriculture. The majority expressed a desire to work in the private sector while a significant portion expressed interest in preparing for competitive exams. Practical Implications: This study highlights the need for targeted policies that address the economic and social barriers faced by women in accessing agricultural education. Such policies could include providing scholarships specifically for women, improving institutional support, and enhancing outreach programmes to raise awareness about opportunities in agricultural education for women. Theoretical Implications: Agricultural Higher Education institutions attract a greater number of female students in agriculture as majors. Originality/Value: This pioneering study in India holds the primary objective of probing deeply into the factors behind the increasing preference of female students for agricultural education.

Efficacy of Botanicals as Biocontrol Agents Against Leaf Spot and Blossom Blight Pathogen of Marigold: A First Report from Longleng District of Nagaland, India

Aims: To study about etiology and organic disease management strategies of Fusarium oxysporum induced blossom blight in marigold (Tagetes spp.), cultivated in and around Longleng district of Nagaland. The experiment aimed to formulate an effective organic disease management module to combat the disease and assess the efficacy of plant extracts and biocontrol agents in suppressing fungal growth. Study Design: A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed for laboratory-based trials, and an exploratory survey was conducted during the winter season of 2024 to monitor disease incidence in marigold-growing areas around Longleng district of Nagaland. Place and Duration of Study: Field survey has been carried out in Longleng district of Nagaland. All the laboratory works has been carried out in laboratory of Assam Agricultural University(AAU), Jorhat, Assam. Duration of research is 6 months. Methodology: The tested phytoextracts at 10% and 20% concentrations included leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), garlic (Allium sativum), and other local plant species. Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were collected from the rhizosperic soil of Marigold as well as from local fields and research institutions for evaluation. Disease incidence and severity were measured based on Percent Disease Intensity (PDI). Results: The study demonstrated that garlic extract, at both tested concentrations, achieved complete inhibition (100%) of fungal growth. Additionally, several other plant extracts exhibited notable antifungal properties. Among the biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens showed a strong antagonistic effect against Fusarium oxysporum (82.65%). These findings underscore the potential for incorporating phytoextracts and biocontrol agents into effective organic disease management strategies for marigold cultivation. Conclusion: From the study, it is recommended to optimize the application of garlic extract, exploring its effectiveness in field conditions, and evaluating its potential in combination with other biocontrol agents or plant extracts.

Study on the Synergistic Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants on Flowering and Yield of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula L.)

The study explored the effects of plant growth regulators and bio stimulants on ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L.) flowering and yield. Experiment was conducted at the Herbal Garden, College of Agriculture, Raichur, during the late kharif season (2023-24). The experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design with thirteen treatments and two replications. Among the treatments, a foliar spray of ethrel at 200 ppm combined with humic acid at 20 ml l-1 significantly enhanced various flowering parameters. This treatment resulted in a decrease in the number of male flowers per vine (107.36), while the number of female flowers per vine (27.53) increased. The sex ratio reduced to 3.90 and the fruit set percentage improved to 75.97%. Also, it led to increases in fruit length (35.57 cm), fruit diameter (3.73 cm), fruit weight (0.143 kg), fruit yield per vine (2.78 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (26.77 t). These findings suggest that using ethrel and humic acid together can be a practical strategy for boosting ridge gourd production, which can be beneficial for both sustainable farming practices.

Assessment of Rheological Properties of Round Gourd under Different Storage Conditions

The study was conducted to ascertain rheological properties of round gourd under cold storage conditions and was compared with the normal conditions. The cold storage developed at the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar and was employed for the effective storage of round gourd. Some samples of round gourd were stored under cold storage (control) conditions and some were stored under normal (ambient) conditions. The study involved the evaluation of rheological properties viz. physiological weight loss, volume shrinkage, total soluble salts (TSS), firmness, stiffness and pH. The volume shrinkage (%) of round gourd ranged from 0% during initial to 58% for sample A and 0% to 63% for sample B at ambient temperature condition, whereas, it ranged from 0% during initial to 33% for both the samples at control condition. TSS ranged from 3.00 to 5.30 and from 3.50 to 4.10 for ambient and control condition respectively. pH ranged from 7.80 to 8.50 and from 7.10 to 7.65 for ambient and control condition respectively. It was investigated that the physiological weight loss of round gourd was substantially maximum at ambient temperature compared to the weight loss at cold storage temperature. The effect of storage period of round gourd on the weight loss was highly significant. The storage days exhibit a highly significant effect on volume shrinkage of round gourd samples. The l, a, b values depends on the color change of fruits and vegetables, the sample color changes significantly from initial day to 12th day of storage period. The ripening stage was faster in ambient condition as compared to cold storage condition.

Morpho-physiological attributes of Blackgram varieties as influenced by planting geometry

The study was carried out at the research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during March to June 2021 in Kharif-I season to evaluate the effect of varieties and different plant spacing of blackgram. The trial comprised of three varieties of blackgram viz., V1=BINA mash1, V2=BARI mash2, V3=BARI mash4 and four different plant spacing viz., P1= Broadcast, P2=Paired row (15 cm × 10 cm), P3= Square planting (20 cm × 20 cm) and P4= Row sowing (30 cm × 15 cm). The experiment was laid out in a RCB design with three replications. The results revealed that the blackgram variety BARI mash4 produced the highest seed yield (1.83 t ha-1), whereas BINA mash1 produced the lowest seed yield (1.27 t ha-1). In case of different plant spacing the seed yield ranges between (1.27 -1.83 t ha-1) where maximum seed yield was recorded in spacing of (30 cm × 15 cm). When compared to other treatment combinations, the combination of variety BARI mash4 and 30 cm × 15 cm spacing had an impact on plant growth and yield-contributing characteristics; thus, the results indicated that this combination (30 cm × 15 cm) was suitable for blackgram's maximum growth, seed yield, and yield-contributing parameters. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 111-124

Influence of Planting Method and Leaf Clipping on The Yield Performance of White Maize

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during January to June 2018 to evaluate the influence of planting method and leaf clipping on the yield performance of white maize. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The experiment comprised of two factors. Factor A: Planting method - 2 types [P1 = Sowing, P2 = Transplanting] and Factor B: Leaf clipping - 4 levels [C1 = no leaf clipping, C2 = all leaf clipping, C3 = clipping of fourleaves above cob, C4 = clipping of fourleaves belowcob]. White Maize Yungnuo 3000 was used for the experiment. Significant difference was observed on growth, yield and yield contributing parameters. In the case of planting method, all growth and yield attributes were showed better performance in treatment P1 than treatment P2. In the case of leaf clipping, C1 treatment performed best on the plant height (89.31, 168.32 and 217.21 cm, respectively) at different days after planting, leaf length (41.87 cm), cob length (19.77 cm), cob breadth (18.42 cm), number of row cob-1 (14.67), number of grain row-1 (34.65), grain yield (8.69 t ha-1), 100 seed weight (28.47 g), oven dried shell weight (17.87 g) and oven dried chaff weight (10.88 g), whereas poor performance was found in C2. In case of interaction, P1C1 treatment gave the highest performance in all aspect of growth and yield parameters and lowest found from P2C2. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 125-135

Effects of Boron and Calcium on Seed Yield and Quality of Onion

A field experiment with onion var. BARI Piaz-1 was conducted in the research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the winter season (October to February) to find out the response of boron and calcium on seed yield and quality of onion. The experiment was carried out with four levels of boron viz. B0 (0 ppm), B1 (500 ppm), B2 (1000ppm) and B3 (2000 ppm); and three level of calcium viz. C0 (0 ppm), C1 (2500 ppm) and C2 (5000 ppm). This experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. The results showed that the treatments significantly influenced the plant height and number of leaves at all growth stages except harvesting time. At harvest, boron and calcium significantly increased the umbel per plot, flowers per umbel, fruits per umbel, fruit set (%), yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per ha, germination and normal seedling percentage; and reduced the abnormal seedling percentage. Combined application of boron and calcium also significantly increased the all above parameters mentioned except abnormal seedling percentage of onion. The highest result of all parameters including yield showed from B3C2 but this treatment reduced production of abnormal seedling. Besides, combined of boron and calcium treatment B3C2 gave the highest plant height, leaf number and chlorophyll content. The application of 2000 ppm of boron together with 5000 ppm of calcium (B3C2) treatment gave the best performance showing the yield and quality of onion seed. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 87-100

Genetic diversity analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in mungbean (Vigna radiate L.)

An experiment was carried out at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Kharif-1 season with 33 genotypes of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) to identify genetically diverse genotypes for yield contributing characters. The genotypes were evaluated for eight yield and yield contributing characters using a randomized complete block design with three replications. High heritability coupled with a high genetic gain was observed in days to 50% flowering, plant height, pod length, 100 seed weight, and seed yield per plant which indicated the effect of additive genes. Selection of these traits might cause the probability of simultaneous improvement of mungbean. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters based on the D2-value where cluster I was the largest and comprised of 13 genotypes followed by clusters III and IV with 6 genotypes in each. The highest inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters II and IV (10.425) and the intra-cluster distance in cluster II (2.45). The lowest inter-cluster distance was found between clusters I and III (3.19). Principle component analysis revealed first four components contributed 88.77% towards genetic diversity in mungbean. Considering the magnitude of cluster means and agronomic performance the genotypes of cluster II and the genotypes of cluster IV might be suggested as parents for future hybridization programs. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 136-143

Effect Of Sulphur And Boron On The Growth And Seed Yield Of Fenugreek (Trigonella Corniculata L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the Rabi season of November, 2021 to April, 2022 to study the effects of different level of sulphur and boron on the yield and yield components of fenugreek (Trigonella corniculata) seed. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: 4 Levels of sulphur (S); T0 = S0 kg ha-1, T1 = S10kg ha-1, T2 = S15kg ha-1, T3 = S20kg ha-1 and Factor B: 4 levels of boron (F); F0 = B0kg ha-1, F1 = B1.0kg ha-1, F2 = B1.5kg ha-1, F3 = B2.0kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. Data on different growth, yield contributing and yield parameter of fenugreek were recorded and significant variation was observed from different treatments. T3F3 treatment showed better performance over other treatment combination. Maximum plant height (50.08 cm), number of primary branches per plant (10.41), secondary branches per plant (5.09), number of seeds per pod (8.91), number of pod per plant (1192.30), weight of seeds per plant (2.50 g), weight of seed per plot (75.00 g), maximum seed yield per hectare (625.00 kg) was obtained from T3F3 treatment combination. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 79-86

In Vitro Selection Of Rice Somaclonal Variants For Salt Tolerance

An experiment was conducted at the Advanced Plant Breeding and Tissue Culture Laboratory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University to evaluate the effects of NaCl on rice callus induction and plant regeneration, along with genetic variability assessment through molecular markers. Dehusked seeds of five distinct rice genotypes (Dakshahi, Gondhakasturi, Guamasuri, Duksail, and Khazar) were put on MS medium supplemented with five levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%) of NaCl. Developed calli were placed in MS medium for regeneration around 3-6 weeks later. Callus induction and plant regeneration declined with the increase of salinity levels. Dakshahi outperformed the other cultivars in both parameters at different salt concentrations, and it was the only cultivar with callus and regenerated plants at 0.08% NaCl concentrations. To amplify the genomic DNA of parents and somaclones of different varieties, five random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were used. Polymorphic bands were visible in OPD-07 primer. Dakshahi and Khazar were found to have the maximum genetic diversity (0.941). The genetic similarity coefficients between lines demonstrate that the degree of genetic diversity within rice genotypes was quite distinct. The cluster analysis grouped five genotypes into two clusters. The presence of genetic variation in the somaclones of Guamasuri implies the potential of RAPD markers in assessing genetic diversity and validating somaclonal variation. Also, Dakshahi demonstrating the highest tolerance for NaCl stress in both callus induction and plant regeneration, making it a promising candidate for salt-tolerant rice breeding in future. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(2): 16-30

Effect of Chitosan Fortified Briquettes and Nano Urea Formulations on Growth, Yield and Biochemical Parameters of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.)

Aims: The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of chitosan fortified briquettes and nano urea formulations on growth, yield and biochemical parameters of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.). Study Design: The field trial was laid out by using randomized block design comprising eleven treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra during Rabi 2023-24. Methodology: The treatments of the experimental trial were T1 : Control, T2 : 100% RDF through straight fertilizer (SF), T3 : 100% RDF through Konkan Annapurna Briquettes (KAB), T4 : 100% RDF through Chitosan fortified briquettes (CFB), T5 : 75% RDF through CFB, T6 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea @ 30 ppm, T7 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea @ 60 ppm, T8 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea @ 90 ppm, T9 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea conjugate @ 30 ppm, T10 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea conjugate @ 60 ppm, T11 : T5 + Foliar application of synthesized Nano urea conjugate @ 90 ppm. Sweet corn var. Sweet-70 was used for the trial. Seeds were sown at spacing of 60 cm × 20 cm. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) used in the experiment was 200:60:60 NPK kg ha-1. Briquette application was done at 15 and 40 DAS and foliar application of nano urea was done at 25 and 50 DAS. Results: Results revealed that significantly higher values of growth, yield attributes, yield and biochemical parameters of sweet corn was observed in treatment 75 % RDF (CFB) + foliar application of synthesized nano urea conjugate @ 30 ppm (T9) over rest of the treatments. The green cob and green stover yield of sweet corn was increased in treatment T9 by 152.93% and 145.97% over control (T1), respectively. Conclusion: Application of 75% RDF through chitosan fortified briquettes (at 15 and 40 DAS) along with foliar application of 30 ppm synthesized nano urea conjugate twice at 25 and 50 DAS might increase the growth, yield attributes, yield and biochemical parameters of sweet corn.