Variety BARI Research Articles

Optimizing Plant Spacing to Enhance Maize Yield

The impact of plant spacing on maize yield is crucial for optimizing agronomic practices and improving productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different plant spacings on the yield attributes of maize (Zea mays L.) variety BARI Maize-5. This study evaluates four plant spacings: 75 cm × 25 cm, 75 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 25 cm, and 60 cm × 20 cm. in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that plant spacing significantly affects maize yield attributes and overall yield. The 75 cm × 25 cm spacing produced the highest number of cobs plant-1 (1.44), grains cob-1 (530.39), thousand-grain weight (131.85 g), grain yield (5.18 t ha-1), and harvest index (41.14%). In contrast, the 60 cm × 20 cm spacing resulted in the lowest values for grains per cob, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. It may be recommended that optimizing plant spacing is vital for maximizing maize yield, with the 75 cm × 25 cm spacing being most effective for cultivating maize cv. BARI Maize-5.

Enhancing Yield and Yield Components of BARI Sarisha-14 and BARI Sarishaa-15 through Boron Fertilization

Boron is an essential micronutrient for mustard that plays important roles in growth, development as well as yield of mustard. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh during November through January to study the effect of boron fertilizer on the yield of mustard two varieties in T. aman rice- Mustard- Boro rice cropping pattern. The experiment consisted of two factors- Factor A: Two mustard cultivars viz., BARI Sarisha-14 and BARI Sarisha-15 and Factor B: Four levels of boron viz., 0 kg boron ha-1 (control), 0.5 kg boron ha-1 (50% of RD), 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) and 1.5 kg boron ha-1 (150% of RD). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results reveal that yield and yield contributing characters were not significantly influenced by studied two mustard varieties except plant height. Numerically the higher seed yield was recorded from the variety BARI Sarisha-14. In case of level of boron application, the highest seed yield was obtained with the application of 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) which was followed by application of 1.5 kg boron ha-1 (150% of RD) and the lowest seed yield of mustard was recorded in control treatment (no boron application). From the interaction, it is observed that BARI Sarisha-14 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) produced the highest seed yield which was statistically similar with BARI Sarisha-15 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD). From the results of the study, it may be concluded that BARI Sarisha-14 or BARI Sarisha-15 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) could be cultivated for obtaining highest seed yield of mustard in T. aman rice-Mustard-Boro rice-based cropping pattern.

Mix and manage: Cultivar mixtures can maintain yield under high wheat blast disease pressure

Originating in South America, wheat blast disease has spread to both Asia and Africa and is considered a significant threat to food security. Bangladesh experienced the first outbreak of wheat blast outside of the Americas in 2016. Shortly thereafter, the blast-resistant variety BARI Gom 33 was released. Seeds of this variety are however not as widely available as required, although the disease threat remains. While varietal mixtures have been shown to mitigate some symptoms and yield losses associated with other fungal diseases in wheat, there is a complete research gap on this topic as it pertains to wheat blast. As such, we evaluated the potential of using BARI Gom 33 as a component of a variety mixture under high disease pressure in Bangladesh. During three cropping seasons, blast symptoms and yield were determined in a field experiment for the highly blast-susceptible variety BARI Gom 26, the moderately susceptible BARI Gom 30, the resistant BARI Gom 33, and seven mixture combinations of the three varieties using artificial inoculation to increase disease pressure. In addition to wheat blast, Bipolaris leaf blight (BpLB) symptoms were observed and evaluated. While yields of the susceptible varieties were severely affected by blast even after fungicide application, disease-inflicted yield loss without fungicide was only 15% for sole BARI Gom 33 and did not differ significantly from yield losses in BARI Gom 33 and BARI Gom 30 mixtures. Furthermore, in the mixture containing 67% BARI Gom 33 and 33% BARI Gom 30, blast incidence and severity were reduced by 25% and 16%, respectively, in comparison to weighted values in sole stands. Conversely, mixing varieties tended to increase the symptoms of BpLB. Under high wheat blast pressure, fungicide protection against blast was relatively weak, underscoring the importance of resistant varieties. Although variety mixtures did not increase yield, the yield advantage of BARI Gom 33 was maintained when its seeds were mixed with the less resistant BARI Gom 30. This study confirms recommendations that farmers should use BARI Gom 33 as a first line of defense against wheat blast in Bangladesh. Yet where farmers cannot access sufficient BARI Gom 33 seed for planting, our data suggest that agricultural extension services can recommend this variety with non-resistant cultivars as interim strategy without significant risk of yield loss.

Effect of Different Fertilizer Combinations and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on Yield Attributing Traits of Mustard

The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizer combination and gibberellic acid (GA3) is a potential solution to increase yields. The motives of this investigation are to evaluate the yield and yield attributes of mustard varieties with different fertilizer combinations and gibberellic acid (GA3). The experiment was set at the Research Field of the Department Crop Physiology and Ecology of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, in accordance with randomized complete block design with three replications. Three mustard varieties viz., BARI mustard-14, BARI mustard-17 and BINA mustard-9 were evaluated against four combined fertilizations and GA3. The maximal yield and yield attributing traits were significantly subjugated by variant fertilization and varieties. The results expounded that BARI mustard-17 emanated the utmost values followed by varieties BARI mustard-14 and BINA mustard-9. In extent of fertilization, most of the growth parameters showed the highest values in Urea: 250 kg ha-1, MoP: 70 kg ha-1, TSP: 190 kg ha-1, Gypsum: 120 kg ha-1, Zinc Sulphate: 4 kg ha-1, Boric acid: 10 kg ha-1, Poultry litter compost: 10 tons ha-1, GA3: Gibberellic Acid 10 % and the lowest values were recorded in Urea: 250 kg ha-1, MoP: 70 kg ha-1, TSP: 190 kg ha-1, Gypsum: 120 kg ha-1, Zinc Sulphate: 4 kg ha-1, Poultry litter compost: 10 tons ha-1. In the majority of instances, the BARI mustard-17 and Urea: 250 kg ha-1, MoP: 70 kg ha-1, TSP: 190 kg ha-1, Gypsum: 120 kg ha-1, Zinc Sulphate: 4 kg ha-1, Boric acid: 10 kg ha-1, Poultry litter compost: 10 tons ha-1, GA3: Gibberellic Acid 10 % exhibited the highest performance in the context of fertilization and variety interactions. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(2): 185-192, 2024

Impacts of Vermicompost and Farmyard Manure as Organic Fertilizer with Biochar Amendment on Soil Quality, Growth and Yield of Sunflower

Background: Sunflower is an economically important and the fourth most valuable oil seed crop. The study aimed to investigate organic fertilizers as an alternative method of enhancing soil quality and to determine the optimal combination of organic fertilizer treatments for sunflower growth performance and yield. Methods: The sunflower variety BARI Surjamukhi-2 was used in this study. The treatments were applied as T1= Control; T2= Farmyard Manure @ 2 t ha-1; T3= Vermicompost @2 t ha-1; T4= Biochar @2 t ha-1; T5= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1; T6= Farmyard Manure @1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1 and T7= Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1+Biochar @1 t ha-1. Result: The data showed that application of different organic fertilizer treatments improves soil quality. Organic fertilizer addition had a positive effect on the growth traits like plant height, leaves number plant-1, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, head diameter, fresh and dry seed number head-1, 1,000-seed weight and seed yield. The correlation results strongly agreed that chlorophyll content, fresh seed number, head diameter plant-1 and 1,000-seed weight could be considered as selection indices for high yield of sunflower. This demonstrates the organic fertilizer’s capacity to improve sunflower growth and yield, as well as its significant potential to replace chemical fertilizers in the perspective of crop sustainability.

Optimization of Urea Super Granule Boost up for the Efficiency of N and Improved the Potato Quality, Growth and Yield

Potato is the third most important food crop after wheat and rice in Bangladesh. To determine the suitable nitrogen source by observing the growth performance with a view to increasing the yield of potato, a research work was carried out at the Research Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November 2018 to March, 2019. The experiment consisted of eight treatments. The experiment was laid out with Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Experimental results showed that nitrogen sources had significant effect on plant height, number of effective stem hill-1, wt. of tuber (g hill-1), yield of tubers (kg plot-1), yield of tubers (t ha-1), tuber fleshy dry matter content, specific gravity, grading of tubers (% by number). Potato production increased significantly due to the application of Urea Super Granule (USG). The highest production was observed in T3 treatment. The application of T3 treatment showed the highest wt. of tuber hill-1 (57.53g hill-1), highest tuber yield (25.77 kg plot-1), highest tuber yield (29.45 t ha-1) than any other sources of nitrogen treatments. The mean apparent recovery of Nitrogen by tested variety BARI Alu 7 (Diamant) was obtained with the application of USG in other treatment (except control) but the nitrogen use efficiency was highest in T3 treatment. Findings revealed that application of USG showed the superiority over other sources of nitrogen to produce highest tuber yield of potato and for all cases lowest results were found in T1 treatment receiving no fertilizer (control).

The Effects of Variety and Foliar Application of Urea and Boron on Growth and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

An experiment was conducted at the research field of Sher–e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the period from March to July 2016 to study the effects of variety and foliar application of urea and boron on growth and yield of Blackgram. The experiment comprised of two varieties viz. V1 = BARI mash-2 and V2 = BARI mash-3 and eight levels of fertilizer management viz. T1 = Recommended fertilizer (RF), T2 = RF + Foliar spray (FS) of water at flower initiation (FI), T3 = RF + Urea (2%) FS at FI, T4 = RF + Boron (1%) FS at FI, T5 = RF + Urea (2%) + Boron (1%) FS at FI, T6 = Urea (2%) FS at FI, T7 = Boron (1%) FS at FI and T8 = Urea (2%) + Boron (1%) FS at FI. It was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The results indicated that effects of variety and foliar application BARI mash-2 gave the highest plant (54.27cm), number of nodules plant-1(170.7), number of pods plant-1(31.70), pod length (4.58cm), 1000 seed weight (39.67 g), seed yield t ha-1 (1.29), stover yield t ha-1(1.64) and biological yield (2.93 t ha-1). So, the effects of variety BARI mash-2 with T5 (RF + Urea 2% + Boron 1% FS at FI) were suggested for better result on Blackgram cultivation.

Foliar Spray of Urea: A Sustainable Way to Minimize the Rate of Fertilizer Application for Mustard Production in Drought Prone Area of Bangladesh

From the beginning of November 2021 to February 2022, an agricultural investigation was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Three sets of replications including a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used by this design. In this study mustard variety BARI Sarisha-11 was used with five fertilizer levels viz. T₁ = control (no fertilizer), T2 =60 % of recommended dose (RD) urea [50% of RD as soil application (SA) + 10% RD as foliar application (FA)], T3=85% of recommended dose (RD) urea [70% of RD as soil application (SA) + 15% of RD as foliar application (FA)], T4= 100% of recommended dose of urea (Traditional practice), T5= 100% of recommended dose of urea +3% magic growth as foliar application. In case of T2 and T3 (except T1 & T4) magic growth was sprayed with urea i.e. liquid fertilizers, in case of T5, only magic growth given by three times (25 DAS, 35 DAS and 45 DAS). The yield indicators under investigation were all significantly impacted by liquid fertilizer. The use of T3 treatment yielded the best figure (2.45 t ha-1 ) across yield as well as yield attributes. The following second positional values was displayed in the circumstances where T4 (2.24 t ha-1 ) or customary methods were used. The lowest values for all of traits were observed from T1 (1.45 t ha- ¹) treatment. So, it is concluded that, through the foliar application of liquid fertilizer (urea with magic growth), 15% urea can be saved compared to traditional practice.

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

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

Efficacy of Bio-Rational Insecticides in Controlling Thrips in Summer Country Bean

Aims: To study the efficacy of biorational insecticides in controlling thrips in summer country bean.
 Study design: The study used a single component Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the central farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to May 2021.
 Methodology: The experiment consisted of seven treatments and was laid in a single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consists of the following management practices: T1=Spraying Neem oil @ 6 ml/L of water at 7 days interval, T2=Spraying Neem leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T3= Mehgoni leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T4=Tobacco leaf powder @ 30 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T5= Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval, T6=Spraying Biotrin @1.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval and T7= Untreated control.
 Results: Among the seven (7) treatments the lowest number of thrips (2.50 plant-1) was observed in T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval), while highest number of thrips (16.67 plant-1) was observed in T7 (Untreated control). The highest percentage of thrips reduction over control (85.50%) was observed in T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) treatment. The present study revealed that the lowest number of thrips as insect pest and increased plant, leaf, inflorescence and pod infestation, different yield contributing characters and yield of country bean might be obtained by using the treatment T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) besides T6 (Spraying Biotrin @ 1.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) performed as second best treatment whereas, T7 (Control) and T3 (Mehgoni leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval) may protect the country bean at lowest rate in summer.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that, spraying of Spinosad @ 0.4ml/L of water at 7 days interval as a bio-rational management practice for thrips population control for country bean variety BARI Sheem-4 in summer reduced the infestation of thrips at the most satisfactory level.

Soil and foliar zinc application techniques influence the productivity, zinc concentration, and protein content in the grains of bread wheat varieties

Micronutrient zinc (Zn) is crucial for both humans and plants. To improve the micronutrient concentration in the grains of food crops, biofortification has already been established as one of the best approaches across the globe. The current study was carried out to assess Zn enrichment in a few common wheat varieties using different Zn delivery techniques. The following treatments were applied: T<sub>1</sub>: control (without Zn), T<sub>2</sub>: Soil application of 4 kg Zn ha-1 at final land preparation, T<sub>3</sub>: Foliar application of a 0.5% Zn solution (ZnSO<sub>4</sub> x7H<sub>2</sub>O) at both tillering and booting stages, and T<sub>4</sub>: soil application of 2 kg Zn ha-1 at final land preparation + foliar application of a 0.2% Zn solution (ZnSO<sub>4</sub> x7H<sub>2</sub>O) at both tillering and booting stages. All treatments were arranged in a split-plot design and repeated three times The findings of the study revealed that the various Zn application techniques had an impact on the Zn concentration in grains significantly, ranging from 23.9 to 32.2 µg g-1 across the varieties, with an average of 28.2 µg g-1 in the control. Among these various application techniques, the soil + foliar application induced the highest response of the Zn concentration in the grains ranging from 33.7 to 37.60 µg g-1. The average protein content (%) in the grains of all wheat varieties varied by 1.21, 1.47, and 1.51%, respectively, as a result of the use of the different Zn application methods. Considering the Zn-use efficiency (%), the most Zn-efficient wheat variety was BARI Gom 28, followed by BARI Gom 26, Binagom-1, BARI Gom 25, and BARI Gom 29. In the case of grain yield, wheat variety BARI Gom 26 (4.15 t ha-1) performed the best in the soil + foliar Zn application. The soil + foliar application method outperformed the other application techniques regarding the Zn concentration, yield, and protein content in the grain.

Effect of foliar application of micronutrients and urea on mungbean varieties

Experiment was carried out to at the Agronomy field of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). The treatments comprised of four variety and three fertilizer including control. Varieties were V1= BINA Mung-8, V2=BARI mung-2, V3=BARI mung-5 and V4=BARI mung-6 and treatments were T0 = control, T1 =micro nutrient, T2= micronutrient and urea. The experiment was laid-out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The maximum plant height was found at BARI mung-6 (29.7). Maximum nodule number was found at BARI mung-6 variety (5.90). The number of effective nodule was highest at BARI mung-6 variety (2.36). In case of no of seed per pod and 1000-seed weight, BARI mung-6 variety gave highest value and those were 11.25 and 70.5 g respectively. Maximum plant height, nodule number, number of effective nodule and number of pod per plant were found at T2 treatment. The pod length, seed per pod and 1000-seed; T2 treatment gave the highest value and those were 5.5 cm, 11.25 and 65.64 g respectively. In case of plant height, chlorophyll content, number of nodule, number of effective nodule, pod per plant, pod length, pod weight/m2, seed per pod and 1000-seed weight, combined effecr of BARI mung-6 x micronutrient and urea (T2) gave highest value and those were (29.95, 47.5, 6.17, 2.40, 6.20, 6.20, 76.75, 11.20) cm and 68.45 g respectively. This result revealed that mungbean variety BARI mung-6 and T2 treatment performed best in combination (V4T2).

Morphophysiological Changes Of Mungbean Under Different Water Regimes

Drought stress can severely affect crop growth and productivity by altering several physiological processes. This experiment was carried out to explore the drought tolerance ability of four mungbean varieties based on their water relation and performance of some growth parameters. The experiment was conducted in pot at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur from 27th March to 15th May 2017, under a semi-controlled (vinylhouse) condition. Three different water regimes 50 to 60% field capacity (FC), 70 to 80% FC, 90 to100% FC and four mungbean varieties namely BARI Mung-5, BARI Mung-6, BU mug 2, BU mug 4 were used as treatment variable. Among the three water regimes, 50%-60% FC was considered as the severe drought stress. Results indicated significant variations in different traits of both water and growth parameters of the varieties under severe drought stress (50%-60% FC). Among the four mungbean varieties BARI Mung-6 showed superior performance with higher xylem exudation, chlorophyll content, shoot dry matter and lower water uptake capacity at 50%-60% FC (severe drought stress) whereas BU mug 2 showed the lowest performance. Results of this experiment conclude that BARI Mung-6 can be considered as a more water stress tolerant variety than the other three and recommended for cultivation under water limited conditions.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 257-267, September 2022

Determination of optimum row spacing for better seed yield and yield contributing characters of advanced mustard (Brassica napus L.) mutants in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at BINA substations, Rangpur and Magura in 2018-19 to evaluate the different row spacing on the yield and yield contributing characteristics of advance mustard lines RM-03, RM-07, RM-10 along with one check variety BARI sarisha-15 during Rabi season. BARI sarisha-15 was irradiated with 700 Gy Cobalt 60 (60Co) Gamma source and advanced mutant lines M6 generation of mustard mutant (RM-03, RM-07, RM-10) were evaluated along with the check variety BARI sarisha-15 using four different row spacings viz. 20cm, 25cm, 30cm and 35cm. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Among the advance lines, RM-03 produced the highest seed yield (1.60 t ha-1) followed by RM-10 (1.50 t ha-1). Among different line spacing, 20cm showed highest seed yield (1.66 t ha-1). The interaction of mutant/variety and location revealed that the yield of RM-10 was the highest (1.54 t ha-1) at Rangpur. The interaction effect of line spacing and location showed that 25cm line spacing produced the maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Magura followed by 20 cm (1.64 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant and line spacing showed that mutant line RM-03 at 20 cm produced maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant/variety, line spacing and location showed that RM-10 produced the highest seed yield (1.73 t ha-1) at 20cm line spacing in Rangpur followed by RM-07 (1.66 t ha-1) at same spacing. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 41-50, 2023

Influence of Mulching and Organic Manure on the Growth and Pod Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November 2020 to March 2021 to study the influence of mulching and organic manure on the growth and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). French bean variety BARI Jharsheem-2 was used as planting material in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor-A: mulch materials (4 levels): M0 = No mulches, M1 = Black polythene, M2 = Rice straw and M3 = Water hyacinth; Factor-B: T0 = No organic manure, T1 = Kitchen compost (5 t ha-1), T2 = Vermicompost (7 t ha-1) and T3 = Kitchen compost + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1 +3.5 t ha-1). In the trial, the M1 (Black Polythene Mulch) treatment outperformed the M0 (No Mulch) treatment in terms of plant morphology and yield and yield attributes. Higher pod yields per hectare were produced by the organic manure T3 (Kitchen compost + Vermicompost) than by the control T0 (no organic manure). The investigation's top treatment combination was identified as M1T3 (black polythene mulch and kitchen compost + vermicompost), which had a 17.55 tha-1 yield potential. At the interaction level between mulching and organic manure, a significant correlation between the yield and yield components was found.

Loading of zinc and iron in grains of different wheat genotypes in the calcareous and floodplain soils of Bangladesh

Major malnutrition in Bangladesh is zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency as most people commonly depend on cereals, chiefly rice and wheat. The main objectives are to enhance Zn and Fe concentrations through the use of selected varieties and the application of respective fertilizers. Field experiments were conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm, Mymensingh (AEZ 9, non-calcareous soil) and at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) substation, Ishwardi (AEZ 11, calcareous soil) for two consecutive wheat seasons (2014–15 and 2015–16) with 10 varieties and 15 advanced lines. Varieties BARI Gom 25, 27, 28 & 29 and breeding lines Vijay, HPYT-5, 15 & 21 and BL-1883 have been recognized as Zn-enriched wheat varieties (24–30 μg g−1). Among the genotypes, Zn further increased by 4–8 μg g−1 due to Zn fertilization. Concerning Fe-enriched wheat genotypes (24–30 μg g−1), five varieties viz. Shatabdi, Prodip, BARI Gom 25 & 28 and Sufi, and four lines such as HPYT-12, BL-1883, BL-1040 and Fery-60 have been identified. The grain Fe concentration of wheat genotypes increased when Fe was added, the increment being 6–12 μg g−1. A positive relationship between Zn and N is observed with increased protein content. The grain yield of wheat was increased by 3.8–25.7% due to Zn application over the varieties and locations but Fe addition had no effect. The result of the current study showed that a potential breeding line with appropriate fertilization can improve Zn and Fe levels in wheat grain, without incurring loss to wheat yield.

Black fungus gnat – An invasive pest of French bean in Bangladesh

French bean is an important vegetable in most tropical and subtropical countries and is a food source for humans and animals. A survey was carried out on the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) campus, Narsingdi, Sylhet, Hobigonj, and Mowlovibazar districts of Bangladesh to know the incidence pattern of insect pests of French bean from November 2016 to January 2017. Field screening of nine French bean varieties against major insect pests was conducted in the Regional Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Shibpur, Narsingdi, from November 2017 to January 2018. Seven varieties viz., BARI Jharsheem-1, BARI Jharsheem-2, BARI Jharsheem-3, Sylhet local- 4, Sylhet local-5, Sylhet local- 6 and Sylhet local-7 were used as study materials to evaluate against major insect pests of French bean under natural field condition. Results revealed that black fungus gnat was first noticed on 13th December, 2016 and the prevalence continued upto the 12th January, 2017. The highest incidence (21/plant) of black fungus gnat was found in Habiganj and the lowest (9/plant) was on the PSTU campus. The highest number of black fungus gnats were captured at 38 DAS (89/trap) and the lowest number (56/trap) of black fungus gnats were at 28 DAS using a yellow sticky trap. The variety BARI Jharshim-3 had the highest population of Black fungus gnats, which indicated that the variety was highly susceptible to Black fungus gnats, while Sylhet local-7 had the lowest population of black fungus gnats indicating least susceptible to Black fungus gnats. Among all tested varieties, none showed complete resistance against black fungus gnats. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 49(1): 1-11, June 2023

Influence of nitrogen sources and rates on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of tomato

A study was carried out with tomato at the research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station of BARI, Cumilla during two consecutive years 2019-20 and 2020-21. The objective was to evaluate the yield response and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of tomato (variety BARI Tomato-15) and to suggest the source and the rate of N fertilizer recommendation for tomato. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD design with three N sources (PU, NCU and DAP) and two N rates (100% and 125% of recommendation as per FRG-2018) replicated three times. In the first year, prilled urea (PU), neem coated urea (NCU) and DAP were used but in the second year DAP was replaced by urea super granule (USG). The recommended dose of N for tomato was 120 kg ha-1. Results revealed that between two rates of N application the yield was the maximum (77.4 t ha-1 and 60.3 t ha-1 in two years, respectively with 125% of RD. The highest agronomic use efficiency of nitrogen (NAUE) was obtained from 100% RD of N as DAP (150.0 kg kg-1) and 125% RD of N as NCU (133.3 kg kg-1). The lowest N use efficiency was observed in 100% PU (84.2 kg kg-1) and 100% NCU (40.8 kg kg-1) treated plots. Due to optimal plant growth, the neem-coated urea treatment yielded little higher than PU treatment. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2023, 48(1): 92-100

Genome-Wide Analysis of MYB Transcription Factors in the Wheat Genome and Their Roles in Salt Stress Response.

Large and rapidly increasing areas of salt-affected soils are posing major challenges for the agricultural sector. Most fields used for the important food crop Triticum aestivum (wheat) are expected to be salt-affected within 50 years. To counter the associated problems, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in salt stress responses and tolerance, thereby enabling their exploitation in the development of salt-tolerant varieties. The myeloblastosis (MYB) family of transcription factors are key regulators of responses to both biotic and abiotic stress, including salt stress. Thus, we used the Chinese spring wheat genome assembled by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium to identify putative MYB proteins (719 in total). Protein families (PFAM) analysis of the MYB sequences identified 28 combinations of 16 domains in the encoded proteins. The most common consisted of MYB_DNA-binding and MYB-DNA-bind_6 domains, and five highly conserved tryptophans were located in the aligned MYB protein sequence. Interestingly, we found and characterized a novel 5R-MYB group in the wheat genome. In silico studies showed that MYB transcription factors MYB3, MYB4, MYB13 and MYB59 are involved in salt stress responses. qPCR analysis confirmed upregulation of the expression of all these MYBs in both roots and shoots of the wheat variety BARI Gom-25 (except MYB4, which was downregulated in roots) under salt stress. Moreover, we identified nine target genes involved in salt stress that are regulated by the four MYB proteins, most of which have cellular locations and are involved in catalytic and binding activities associated with various cellular and metabolic processes.

Effect of Boron And Zinc on the Growth and Yield of Mustard (BARI Sarisha-14)

The field experiment was conducted during rabi season, November 2021 to February 2022 in the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural university, Dhaka to determine effects of boron and zinc on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica campestris) variety BARI Sarisha-14. The treatments of the experiment was consisted of three levels of boron i.e., 0 kg B/ha (B0), 1 kg B/ha (B1) and 1.5 kg B/ha (B2); three levels of zinc i.e., 0 kg Zn/ha (Zn0), 3 kg Zn/ha (Zn1), 5 kg Zn/ha (Zn2). Based on the information, it can be suggested that 1.5 kg B/ha with the combination of 5 kg Zn/ha increased the growth and yield of mustard and this may be the best combination for the growth and yield of mustard.