A field study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, in summer season during February to August 2014 to know the seasonal fluctuation pattern of insect pests and natural enemies in brinjal ecosystem. The major insect pests were found in brinjal field viz. jassid (136.02 per 10 leaves), whitefly (92.88 per 10 leaves), aphid (83.33 per 10 leaves) and brinjal shoot and fruit borer (20.44 male moth per trap-week) and their highest population was observed at 70, 85, 70 and 116 days after transplanting (DAT). Epilachna beetle, leaf beetle, green leaf hopper and leaf roller indicated as the relatively minor pests of brinjal. Average temperature showed significant positive correlation with the population of jassid, whitefly, aphid, brinjal shoot and fruit borer and epilachna beetle. While average relative humidity had a significant negative correlation with population of jassid, whitefly and aphid. A significant negative correlation was also observed in case of rainfall for white fly and aphid. Natural enemies found in the brinjal field were spider, black ant, lady bird beetle, carabid beetle, syrphid fly and preying mantid.

Keywords: Brinjal, seasonal fluctuation, insect pest, natural enemy.

The estimation of profitability and to investigate the factors affecting the yield of bitter gourd production at Narsingdi district in 2013 was designed. The study area was selected purposively and a total of 100 farmers were randomly selected. The stochastic Cobb-Douglas production frontier model was used for estimating the factors that affecting bitter gourd production. The study used both descriptive and functional analysis to achieve the objectives of the study. The study divulged that bitter gourd production was profitable in the study areas. Average yield of bitter gourd was found to be 27.5 ton ha-1 and average gross return was Tk. 5,50,000 ha-1. Total cost of production was found to be Tk. 3,06,810 ha-1. Net return and BCR was found to be Tk. 2.43,190 ha-1 and 1.79, respectively. The functional analyses suggested that human labour, Urea, TSP, cow dung and irrigation had positive and significant effect on the yield of bitter gourd in the study areas. Among different constraints, attacked by insect and diseases, lack of quality seed and high price of input were dominant in the study areas. Necessary steps from the concern authority are essential to solve the problems regarding bitter gourd cultivation and to increase the production as well as the income of the farmers in the study areas.

Keywords: Profitability, Bitter gourd, gross margin, net return, BCR, Cobb-Douglas

The study was undertaken to assess the input use pattern, cost of production, economic profitability, and contribution of different factors of Panikachu production in Jessore dictrict of Bangladesh. The study area were purposively selected and a total of 60 panikachu growers taking 30 from each upazila. Total quantity of different input of human labor, seedling, manure, insecticide, irrigation and fertilizer were 910 man days/ha, 37895 no./ha, 10000 Tk ha-1, 13044 Tk ha-1, 25989 Tk ha-1 and 2974 Kg ha-1 respectively. Total cost of production of Panikachu was 358966 Tk ha-1 where 316537 Tk ha-1 was variable cost and fixed cost was 42429 Tk ha-1. Among the cost item labor cost was the high as 50.69% and fertilizer cost 17.43 % cost of production. The yield of rhizome and stolon were 50 ton and 35 ton ha-1. The average gross return was calculated as Tk 655000 ha-1. The net margin of Panikachu cultivation was 296034 Tk ha-1. On the average, benefit cost ratio was 1.82 on full cost basis and 2.07 on cash cost basis. All the co-efficient of human labor, seedling, urea and MoP were positive and significant impact on the yield of Panikachu production. The coefficient of determination was 0.57. Ninety five percent farmers mentioned that they faced insects and disease infestation at Panikachu cultivation.

Keywords: Economic, panikachu, production

The study was conducted to identify the present status of fish diversity in Soma Nadi Jalmohal of Sunamganj for a period of 11 months from June 2013 to April 2014. The study was done by questionnaire interviews (QI) of fishers, focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII) and secondary data collection. A total of 56 species of fishes including prawn species belonging to 21 families were recorded from the jalmohal where Cyprinidae was the most dominant family contributing 16 species. The present availability status of fish species was remarked in three categories and obtained as 26 commonly available (47%), 18 moderately available (32%) and 12 rarely available species (21%). Among 56 available species, 8 species of carps, 12 species of catfishes, 9 species of barbs and minnows, 4 species of snakeheads, 4 species of eels, 10 species of perches, 3 species of loaches and other miscellaneous 6 species including 3 species of prawns were listed. The highest diversified group was catfishes (21.43%). Of 54 threatened fish species listed by IUCN (2000), only 20 species were found during the study period where 7 species were commonly available, 9 species were moderately available and 4 species were rarely available in the study area. The results of the study is implying that fish diversity of the jalmohal have been declining gradually due to some manmade and natural causes such as dewatering, sedimentation, overfishing, use of illegal fishing gears, catching of brood fishes etc. Community based fisheries management, use of appropriate fishing gears, sanctuary establishment and management, implementation of fish laws and regulations, fingerling stocking and dredging of beels and canals can play a great role in conserving fish diversity.

Keywords: Fish diversity, jalmohal, fishermen, questionnaire interviews, FGD

The study was conducted to assess the feasibility of rice-straw ash (RSA) as liming material in aquaculture through four experiments for a period of 6 month from February to July 2003. The first experiment was carried out using quick lime (CaO) as control. The second was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on mud turbidity and water quality. The third was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on water quality and growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fourth was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on water quality. The neutralizing value and efficiency rating of RSA were about 11.02% and 30.17%, respectively, which were much lower than CaO. RSA brought total alkalinity to 227mgL-1 as CaCO3, which was much lower than CaO (1,775 mg/L as CaCO3). Total hardness increased by RSA was significantly higher than CaO (P < 0.05). Increase of pH by RSA was significantly lower than CaO (P < 0.05). RSA was not effective in removing mud turbidity. Total alkalinity was positively correlated with RSA doses. RSA raised pH value significantly at all doses compared to control. All treatments indicated that RSA released significant amount of phosphorus. RSA has potentials to be used as low-cost alternative liming material and phosphorus source for aquaculture. It is therefore recommended that RSA may be applied at the rate of 7.5 - 20 g/L-1 to maintain favourable pH, total alkalinity and total hardness in aquaculture pond. The study will contribute to increase aquaculture production through utilizing low-cost alternative liming material i.e. RSA, especially for resource-poor farmers.

Keywords: Rice-straw ash, alternative liming material, pH, aquaculture, Oreochromis niloticus

The present study was conducted for six months from July to December, 2014 at Massimpur bazar dry fish market in Sylhet district of Bangladesh to evaluate the value chain of dried fishery products. Six hundreds beparis (wholesaler), seventeen arotdars (commission agent), 270 wholesalers and 90 retailer shops were found in the market. Among them a total of 70 dried fish traders were selected randomly and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The net profit of bepari, arotdar, wholesaler and retailer were 5.98 Tk.kg-1, 6.26Tk.kg-1, 7.30Tk.kg-1, 8.10 Tk.kg-1, respectively. Thirty five species of dried fish were found in the market during the study period. It was found that high priced fish demanded high marketing cost resulting higher marketing margin and profit compared to low-priced fish. The price of dried fish was depended on the size, availability, transport, labor and season. The most abundant species was Phaisa (Harpadon nehereus) (19.32%) followed by Shol (Channa striatus) (5.21%) and Gozar (Channa marulis) (4.78%). Five marketing channels were found that comprise asset of intermediaries including producers/processors, beparies/mohajons (wholesaler), arotdars, wholesalers and retailers. Involvement of more intermediaries in the marketing channel was the reason of increasing product price. Study revealed a number of constraints for wholesalers and retailers including rapid damage of dry fishes, lack of proper hygienic condition, high transaction costs, and lack of capitals, poor marketing infrastructure, transportation and storage facilities.

Keywords: Dried fish, marketing, wholesaler, retailer, consumer, northeast region of Bangladesh

An exploratory survey was conducted to investigate farmers dependency on fish farming for their livelihood in three upazilas of Sylhet district namely Kanighat, Gowainghat and Golabgonj from July to December 2013. Sixty fish farmers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study showed that in all farming systems middle aged farmers were found the highest percentage (58.3%). About 55% families of integrated farmers had 6-above members while lowest 35% in semi-intensive farmers. The highest illiterate (40%) was found in extensive farmers and the lowest 15% each in semi-intensive and integrated farmers. About 36.67% of the respondents had tin shed house, 18.33% had kacha, 31.67% had half-building and only 13.33% had building. On an average, 13.33% farmers were used pucka toilets while 20% semi-intensive farmers and 15% integrated farmers used pucka toilet. The lowest 65% extensive farmers used tubewell water while it was observed 90% for semi-intensive farmers. About 55% semi intensive farmers got treatment from upazila health complex while it was only 45% for extensive farmers but a considerable portion depended upon village doctors where highest (40%) extensive farmers. It was revealed that highest percentage 45% of semi-intensive farmers gained training from UFO while only 25% of extensive farmers got training from UFO. It was found that farmers had tremendous scope for harnessing natural resources. No impact of religion was found on farming but electricity played vital role. It was observed that 60% of extensive farmer’s primary occupation was agriculture while 20% and 25% semi-intensive and integrated farmer’s primary occupation was agriculture, respectively. Self-financed farmers occupied the highest position in all types of farming. Significant difference was found in annual income among the farming systems as highest income (2,65,250 BDT) in semi intensive farming and lowest (95,500 BDT) in extensive farming. Main constraints were inadequate supply of quality fingerlings (26.67%), high production cost (21.67%) and the low quality feed (18.33%). The livelihood outcomes found positive and 76.67% farmers viewed that they have improved their socio-economic conditions. Necessary training on scientific fish culture, establishment of hatchery by GOs and NGOs to ensure quality fingerlings and massive extension work can mitigate the problems of fish culture in the study area.

Keywords: Livelihood, fish farming, socio-economic condition, respondent farmers, Sylhet

A study was conducted on fish marketing system to find out different marketing channels, marketing cost, and margins of fish at different intermediaries in Moulavibazar district, Northeast Bangladesh. It was carried out from August 2012 to July 2013 in six markets through questionnaires method. A large number of intermediaries were involved in fish marketing channel as aratdar (commission agent), paiker (wholesaler) and retailer. Seven marketing channels were identified. Paiker or bepari (wholesaler) brought fish from producer and finally sold fish to retailer through aratdar with commission. In some cases producer bought fishes to arat (wholesale market). Total marketing cost of producer, aratdar, paiker and retailer were Tk. 8.47±0.225, 1.39±0.284, 10.99±0.467 and 3.21±0.186 kg-1 of fish, respectively. Total marketing costs for different intermediaries were Tk. 24.05kg-1 fish in Moulavibazar district. During peak period, (i.e., November to January) average net profit of aratdar, paiker and retailer were Tk. 3.48±0.072, 3.32±0.059 and 6.142±0.075 kg-1 fish, respectively. During lean period (April to July), average net profit of aratdar, paiker and retailer were Tk. 4.06±0.079, 3.65±0.073 and 7.14±0.08 kg-1 fish, respectively. Net margin of intermediaries during peak and lean period were Tk. 4.31 and 4.95kg-1 fish, respectively. This study explores important information about the sustainable and effective fish marketing system in Moulavibazar and other areas of the country.

Keywords: Economic status, marketing channel, marketing cost, marketing margin, peak and lean period

The present study comparing the Length-Weight relationships and condition factor of Hormone Non-Treated (HNT) and Hormone Treated (HT) tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for 99 days from the May 5 to August 12, 2014 in different cages of pond at Sylhet Agricultural University. There were two treatments with six replications each where HNT stocked in treatment I and HT stocked in treatment II with same stocking density. Length and weight were taken randomly collected 16 individuals from each of the cases at 15 days interval throughout the study period. The length-weight relationships of HT and HNT were found Log W=-2.140194+1.196176 Log L and Log W=-2.111263+1.179839 Log L, respectively where the exponential value (b) for HT and HNT were 1.20 and 1.18. The growth trends were found to be allometric type from the present investigations both in HT and HNT. The coefficient of determination (r2) value found 0.9411 and 0.9294 respectively in HT and HNT tilapia. The values of condition factor (K) found to vary from 2.101-2.267, and 1.870-2.263; for HNT and HT respectively, and the mean values of the condition factor recorded for HNT and HT were 2.165 and 2.116, respectively. The present study concluded that performance of HT and HNT tilapia is almost same within three months of research.

Keywords: Hormone treated and non-treated tilapia

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an important diadromus fish species in the South and Southeast Asia, especially in Bangladesh. The fish has its unique nature gained international demand for its nutritional value, taste, special aroma and delicacy. It is considered as the national fish of Bangladesh and contributes significantly to the national economy. The hilsa fish is available almost throughout the year in the major rivers and their tributaries, as well as in the Bay of Bengal. During last two decades, the feeding, spawning, nursery and migratory areas of hilsa have been reduced in the up streams. Hilsa fishery is also suffering seriously from recruitment overfishing (catching jatka) and growth overfishing (catching brood hilsa). To optimise these situations, an incentive based hilsa management and conservation programme had implemented during the period of five years from July 2008 to June 2013. The on-going hilsa management activities have been designed to enhance the implementation of hilsa conservation measures during seasonal ban period, as well as to improve livelihood of jatka fishers by creating alternative income generation options. Hilsa catch data and socioeconomic information were collected from fishers through interview using prescribed format by Upazila Fisheries Officer and Field Assistant. Due to introduction of some socio-friendly management regimes, abundance of jatka was also found 195% higher and hilsa production was increased gradually year after year. Finally, the total hilsa production has increased 26.74% in the year 2012-13 in comparison to the base year (2005-06) production 2,77,123 tonnes (traditional management period).

Keywords: Incentive, hilsa management, overfishing, conservation

The study was conducted at the IPM Laboratory of Entomology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh during July to December 2013, to evaluate the critical storage time of fresh eggs and parasitized eggs of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) by three Trichogramma spp. on the emergence of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Trichogrammatidae: Hymenoptera), Trichogramma evanescens West and Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead. It was observed in the study that the adult emergence of three species was higher in stored parasitized host eggs than that of stored fresh host eggs. The stored fresh host eggs showed more than 90% adult emergence up to 20 days from stored parasitized host eggs of T. evanescens in all the cases. Stored parasitized host eggs gave 50% adult emergence up to 60 days in case of three species. In contrast, the stored fresh host eggs showed more than 50% adult emergence only up to 30 days in all the cases. The adult emergence of the three Trichogramma species reduced gradually with the increase of storage period of parasitized eggs and fresh host eggs.

Keywords: Storage, parasitized, Trichogramma, emergence, natural enemy

The experiment was conducted in the research field of Society and Human Development Organization, Tangail (SAHDOT) during November 2013 to March 2014 to investigate the morphological characteristics of rapeseed varieties Tori-7, SAU Sharisha-1 and Sampad. The seeds were grown under field condition and the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of the cultivars were determined. Data on different characteristics were recorded to find out the differences for different cultivars of rapeseed (Brassica campestris). The highest plant height (98.30 cm) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1, while the lowest (80.05 cm) was recorded for Sampad. The maximum number of primary branches plant-1 (9.90) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1 and while the minimum (7.80) was recorded for Sampad. The minimum number of secondary branches plant-1 (4.80) was recorded for cultivar SAU Sharisha-1. The maximum number of siliqua plant-1 (232.00) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1 and the minimum number of siliqua (142.00) was recorded for Sampad. The longest length of siliqua (4.60 cm) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1, while the shortest length of siliqua (3.65 cm) was recorded for Sampad. The maximum number of seeds siliqua-1 (17.63) was recorded for cultivar SAU Sharisha-1, while the minimum (12.25) was recorded for Tori-7. The highest thousand seed weight (0.883 g) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1, while the lowest (0.212 g) was recorded for Sampad. The highest yield (1.17 t ha-1) was recorded for the SAU Sharisha-1, while the lowest yield (0.89 t ha-1) was recorded for Sampad.

Keywords: Rapeseed, Brassica campestris, Primary branch, Secondary branch, Siliqua

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of broccoli genotypes under inorganic and organic culture system during October 2013 to March 2014. Three broccoli genotypes were used for the experiment. The study with inorganic was conducted at the Horticulture Research Field of Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet while the same experiment under organic culture system was conducted at the field of FIVDB (Friends in Village Development Bangladesh), Surmagate, Sylhet. Thus, the two systems were considered as two factors totalling 6 combinations with three replications. The data were statistically analyzed following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The whole experiment area (separately for inorganic and organic) was divided into three blocks, representing three replications. Each block consisted of three plots. Thus, total numbers of plots were nine for each culture system. Different morphological characteristics, yield and yield attributes were largely influenced by the genotypes. The highest individual curd weight (183.87 g plant-1) and secondary curd weight (136.05 g plant-1) were recorded from Premium while both of these were lowest for BR001. The mean weight of individual curd (138.01 g plant-1) and secondary curd weight (144.81 g plant-1) of broccoli in the inorganic culture system were significantly higher than under the organic production system. This difference could be attributed due to higher supply of nutrient in the inorganic culture system than organic culture system. Again the genotype Premium performed better in respect of individual curd weight (265.67 g plant-1) and secondary curd weight (216.36 g plant-1) in inorganic culture system while both were lowest (39.29 and 33.81 g plant-1, respectively) for the genotype BR001 when grown in organic culture system. Therefore, the genotype Premium can be recommended as a genotype for cultivation under both organic and inorganic culture systems.

Keywords: Broccoli, organic, inorganic, growth and yield

A field experiment was conducted at the field of Regional station of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Habigonj, during the period from December 2012 to May 2013 to evaluate the effect of NKS nutrients on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan29. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was consisted with six treatments viz., N85P35K50S9, P38K50S9(-N), N85P38S9(-K), N85P38K50(-S), P38S9(-NK) and N0P0K0S0 (control). Results of the experiment indicated that N, K and S nutrients alone or in combination with each other significantly affected the growth, yield and yield contributing characters of BRRI dhan29. Grain and straw yields were obtained highest in N85P38K50S9 (8.40 and 10.10 t ha-1) and the lowest in P38S9 (-NK) (5.50 and 6.50 t ha-1) which was supported by the data obtained in different growth and yield contributing characters, respectively.

Keywords: Rice, NKS nutrients, growth, yield

Integrated Disease Management of six different treatment combinations (T0 = Control, T1 = Application of Neem oil extract solution (1: 10 dilution) started from 10 days after sowing (DAS) at 10 days interval, T2 = Application of Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% started from 10 DAS and at 10 days interval, T3 = Application of Sumithion @ 0 .3% started from 10 DAS at 10 days interval, T4 = Integration of Dithane M-45 + Sumithion , T5 = Integration of Dithane M-45 + Sumithion + Neem oil extract) were performed with groundnut varieties (V1: Dhaka-1, V2: Binachinabadam-2 and V3: Binachinabadam-3) to measure the effectiveness of the disease control treatments as well as to get the maximum economic return. Among the treatments, T5 gave the best result along with all three varieties. Treatment T5 gave highest yield of 3061.31 kg ha-1 in Binachinabadam-3. The second best performance was recorded at T4 treatment which received Dithane M-45 + Sumithion and yielded 3001.50 kg ha-1 in Binachinabadam-3. Other yield contributing parameters were also found significantly higher in Binachinabadam-3. Benefit cost ratio (BCR) was highest 2.00 at the combinations of T5V3 and T5V2 followed by T3V3 and T3V2.

Keywords: Integrated Disease Management, groundnut, variety, benefit cost ratio

The experiment was carried out during November 2013 to May 2014 in commercial flower garden of Society and Human Development Organization Tangail (SAHDOT), Village-Shota Gobra, Upazilla-Mirzapur, and District-Tangail to investigate the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of different genotypes of gladiolus flower. The experiment included five gladiolus genotypes. The characteristics in the study included plant height, length and breadth of leaf, number of leaves plant-1, length of flowers, breadth of flower, weight of flower, weight of single stick, length of spike, length of rachis, flowers plant-1, days to reach 50% spike initiation, capsule and seed. The results indicated the existence of wide variability among the genotypes on their vegetative and reproductive characteristics along with yield and yield attributes. The plant height of white genotype was the highest (60.25 cm) and the orange genotype was the lowest (45.00 cm), respectively due to genotypes. The length of leaf was recorded the highest (41.75 cm) in white genotype and while the shortest length (34.32 cm) was recorded for red one. The breadths of leaves were highest (3.04 cm) in yellow and the lowest (1.55 cm) in orange genotype. The average number of leaves was the highest (12.30) in white genotype which is followed by red, violet, orange and yellow, respectively. Genotypes varied from 59.61 to 92.00 cm and 25.60 to 47.20 cm in spike length and rachis length, respectively. Number of flower was the highest (14.30) in white and the lowest (8.42) in orange genotype. Considering crossing parameters, variations were observed for length of capsule, breadth of capsule, number of seeds capsule-1 and weight of thousand seeds. Data indicated that all the crosses produced more or less gladiolus true seed. The number of seeds capsule-1 ranged from 15.10 to 38.45. The highest number of seeds capsule-1 (38.45) was produced by the cross Yellow × Red while the lowest number of seeds capsule-1 (15.10) was produced by the cross Violet × Red. The results clearly indicated that the white genotype has the best planting materials which may be planted for luxuriant growth of plants and production of excellent flowers and for production of true seed the cross Yellow × Red is the best cross.

Keywords: Gladiolus, Gladiolus grandiflorus, genotype, crossing, true seed

This experiment was conducted at Birganj Upazilla under Dinajpur district during 2008-2009 to know the effects of different organic components on the incidence of insect pest and diseases of eggplant. There were six treatments viz. use of chemical fertilizers (@ recommended dose), poultry refuse (@ 80 g pit-1), mustard oil cake (@ 80 g pit-1), vermi-compost (@ 200 g pit-1), cow-dung (@ 500 g pit-1) and Trichoderma (@ 2 g pit-1). Eggplant was selected as test crop. The plants were attacked by Phomopsis, bacterial wilt and root knot diseases in different treatments, but statistically there were no significant differences. The highest plant height (cm), number of flower plant-1 and yield was performed by the treatment use of Poultry Refuses (@ 80 g pit-1). The highest number of branching plant-1 was found in treatment use of Poultry Refuses (@ 80 g pit-1) and use of vermi-compost (@ 200 g pit-1).

Keywords: Trichoderma, vermi-compost, mustard oil cake, poultry refuse

Curriculum evaluation is an important process to ensure the efficiency of the curriculum in promoting improved quality of student learning and to improve the teaching method/quality. A survey was conducted to evaluate the English language courses offered by the Department of Basic Science and Language at Sylhet Agricultural University during May-June 2015. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed for the study. Ninety four students from the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science and fifty six students from the Faculty of Fisheries were used as respondents for the study. The study reveals that speaking is the most difficult activity to most of the students which is less emphasized in the classroom. Moreover, the use of audio-visual materials is limited in the classroom and the reading materials are not satisfactory to the students. Developing the students’ communicative competence is one of the major objectives of the courses, but in reality, after successful completion of the courses, their confidence level is not up to the mark. The findings also suggest that more credit hours and audio-visual materials, more emphasis on speaking and listening skills and a well-equipped modern language laboratory are necessary to achieve the objectives of the curriculum.

Keywords: Curriculum, communicative language teaching, communicative competence

An investigation was carried out at the experimental field of Horticulture Department, Sylhet Agricultural University during May to August 2013 with a view to evaluate the yield and yield attributing characters of ten tomato cross lines along with five parental lines under high temperature condition. Variations in relation to hypocotyl color, stem pubescence, seedling height and fresh weight of seedling at planting stage were observed among the hybrids and parental lines. Hypocotyl color of parental lines and hybrids exhibited purple and green color. Days to first flowering ranged from 45.67 to 51.00 days of the hybrids and parental lines. Yield and yield attributes of ten hybrids were much higher compared to their parental lines. The highest number of fruits plant-1 was recorded from the hybrid C41 × FP5 (35.50) followed by C41 × C11 (27.07). The hybrid C11 × C71 had the highest individual fruit weight (46.27 g) closely followed by FP5 × C71 (44.37 g). Among the 15 genotypes, the highest soluble solid (5.10%) was recorded in the hybrid C41 × C5. Fruit yield plant-1 of hybrid and parental lines ranged from 0.27 kg to 1.11 kg. The hybrid C41 × C11 produced the highest fruit yield plant-1 (1.11 kg) followed by C41 × FP5 (0.94 kg) which resulted in the highest hectare-1 yield from C41 × C11 (37.74 t ha-1) followed by C41 × FP5 (31.96 t ha-1).

Keywords: Tomato genotype, cross combination, hybrid

Bio-slurry is a renewable source based organic fertilizer that can improve the nutrient status of soil. An on-farm verification trial of bio-slurry was carried out at farming system research and development site, Jalalpur, Sylhet during rabi season of 2011-12. The aim of the study was to verify the effect of integrated use of bio-slurry along with inorganic fertilization on the performance of radish in agroecological zone (AEZ) 20. The trial was replicated thrice with three treatments viz. T1: soil test basis (STB) inorganic fertilizer dose for high yield goal (HYG), T2: cowdung (CD) bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 along with IPNS basis inorganic fertilizer dose for HYG and T3: farmers’ practice i.e. average of 20 farmers’ fertilizer dose. Results revealed that the highest root yield of radish (45.60 t ha-1) was recorded from T2 treatment that was closely followed by T1 treatment (42.60 t ha-1). Increment of radish yield in T2 was 107 and 111% compared to T1 and T3 treatments, respectively. Highest gross return (Tk 3,64,800 ha-1), gross margin (Tk 3,05,550 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (6.16) were also obtained from the same treatment (T2). But, post harvest chemical analysis of soil indicated that there were no significant changes in soil pH, OM and other nutrients due to application of bio-slurry. However, as bioslurry based crop revenue is more profitable than others and therefore nutrient package N-P-K-S-Zn-B @ 67-44-99-25-2-2 kg ha-1, respectively + CD bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 might help provide higher yield of radish as well as sustainable crop management in AEZ 20.

Keywords: Bio-slurry, IPNS, yield of radish, crop revenue

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fenbendazole and piperazine citrate against ascariasis in naturally infected calves of Sylhet government dairy farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study included 84 calves of which 40 were naturally infected. Twenty calves of 1-8 month old were selected on the basis of body weight and faecal egg counts irrespective of sex infested with ascariasis for this experiment and were randomly divided into four equal groups (group A, B, C and D) where each group consisted of 5 calves and calves of group D were kept as control. Two fenbendazole (7.5 mg kg-1 body weight, orally) and piperazine citrate (220 mg kg-1 body weight, orally) preparations were used for treatment of ascariasis in group A, B and C, respectively. Before trials (day 0), total egg count, blood samples and initial body weight were recorded. During the study the fecal and blood samples were collected directly from the rectum and jugular vein, respectively on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day. Fecal samples were examined using McMaster fecal egg counting method. Body weights were recorded on day 0 and day 28 following the treatments. The comparative efficacies of different anthelmintic of two fenbendazole were 95.50% and 95.58%, followed by piperazine citrate 97.27%, respectively. McMaster fecal egg counting method discloses the percentage of prevalence of ascariasis 35.71% (1-2 months), 24.00% (3-4 months), 21.74% (5-6 months) and 18.18% (7-8 months), respectively. After treatment with two fenbendazole and piperazine citrate, total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) content and packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly (p<0.01) in calves but erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocyte count (TLC) decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated calves. Body weight increased significantly (p<0.01) on day 28. Results of the present study revealed the efficacy of multiple anthelmintic against gastrointestinal nematodes in calves. Further studies are required to understand the efficacy of the anthelmintics widely used in different agro-ecologies and livestock industry in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Comparative efficacy, anthelmintic, EPG, hematology, body weight, ascariasis