In Bangladesh, climate change variations have made haor communities more vulnerable in socioeconomic aspects. Thus, people face several hazardous situations and take adaptive measures to counter this socioeconomic vulnerability. This present study aimed to thoroughly understand these issues and portray the socioeconomic vulnerability conditions and adaptive measures taken among households in Nikli haor communities in the Kishoreganj district. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect 120 samples data from six villages in Nikli haor. Descriptive statistics were used to present the socioeconomic status and the socioeconomic vulnerability index was used to find out the most common and severe vulnerability issues. Among study findings, 93% of respondents were found to be literate and 54% of them had medium household size. The majority of the sampled respondents were engaged in farming activities and 72% of respondents had small farms. Flash floods and settlement erosion were found to be ranked primary vulnerabilities among haor communities. The study revealed that the Nikli haor community had taken several adaptive measures to cope with the challenges posed by climate change and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The findings suggest that the community has embraced a diversified livelihood strategy, with homestead gardening and changes in crop patterns emerging as significant adaptive strategies. However, the reliance on migration and asset sales raises concerns about the long-term viability of certain coping mechanisms. So, in light of these research findings, valuable steps might be taken to minimize these worsening situations.

Keywords: Haor, Vulnerability Index, Climate Change, Adaptive Measures

Hexavalent chromium, hazardous metal, have a range of harmful consequences, including developmental toxicity, and they infiltrate the human and animal food chains due to untreated effluents emitted. Since hexavalent chromium affects both animals and humans, the aims of the current experiment were to assess the impacts of a single intraperitoneal dosage on body weight and biochemical markers (ALT, AST, and TP) as well as on hormone (progesterone) levels in female Swiss albino mice. A total 24 healthy adult mice were divided into three groups consisting of six mice per group, including control T0, and treatment groups T1 and T2 with a single dose of Cr (VI) at a dosage rate of 1 and 2 mg/kg body weight was done using an intraperitoneal administration respectively. The significance of the difference between groups was tested using a single-factor ANOVA. On the 14th day following injection of hexavalent chromium, visceral organs such as the lung, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and blood were taken. Exposure to Cr (VI) produced a substantial decline (p<0.05) in weight gain coupled with considerably enhanced weight gain of the liver, kidney, and spleen (p<0.05). The activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was statistically highly enhanced (p>0.05), along with the exponentially significant elevated level of total protein (p<0.01). No significant variation was noticed in the progesterone hormone level (p > 0.05) among the treated groups and the control group. The outcomes of the current investigation indicated that experimental female albino mice exhibited harmful effects following injection of chromium VI.

Keywords: Cr (VI), Cr (VI) toxicity, intraperitoneal injection, Swiss albino female mice

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever continue to pose significant threat for global public health. Traditional chemical pesticides, is somewhat effective to control mosquito populations, but has severe environmental concerns, such as damaging ecology, harmful for beneficial non-target animals, and an alarming increase in insecticide-resistant mosquito strains. Our review sheds light on microbiological and phytochemical approaches to mosquito control as effective and environmentally sustainable option. Lysinibacillus sphaericus. A gram-positive soil bacterium has great effectiveness as a biocontrol candidate because it generates specific larvicidal toxins such as the binary toxin complex (BinA and BinB) and mosquitocidal toxins (Mtx). These poisons selectively target mosquito larvae midgut cells and have no major impact on non-target species, making L. sphaericus a vital part in integrated vector management schemes. Phytochemical approaches disrupt crucial mosquito life cycle pathways using plant-derived bioactive chemicals. Sphagneticola trilobata, a widely distributed tropical plant, has demonstrated substantial potential in mosquito control as it contains a great range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic acids. These substances have larvicidal, insecticidal, and repellant activities through an involvement with mosquito digestion, hormonal balance, and neural pathways. S. trilobata extracts are also a sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. This analysis highlights L. sphaericus and S. trilobata’s promise as eco-friendly and effective solutions to the expanding mosquito control difficulties by investigating their mechanisms of action, practical uses, and environmental advantages.

Keywords: Mosquito, Microbial, Phytochemical, Toxin, Environment

The use of antibiotics in the broiler production has elevated concerns due to their potential negative impact on the health of human. Initial studies suggest that medicinal plants may offer a safer alternative, though limited research has been conducted in Bangladesh. The aims of the present experiment were to compare the impacts of licorice powder, antibiotics and probiotics on the growth, vital organs, and blood profiles of broiler. About 180-day-old Lohman Meat chicks were obtained from the Quality Hatchery Limited and equally divided into four groups with three replicates per group, and each replicate consisting fifteen chicks) using a rearing floor litter system. A basal diet was supplied during experiment; T0, control group- no feed additive supply, and treatment group; T1, – 1gm Licorice Powder (LP)/1L of drinking water (DW); T2- 1 gm of antibiotics/1L of DW and T3- 1gm of probiotics/1L of DW. Body weight of each individual birds was recorded weekly, FCR, organ weights, and carcass yields were calculated at the end of the experiment. Blood sample collected from birds on day 35 were analyzed for blood profiles. Data were analyzed using single-factor ANOVA at a 5% significance level. Body weight significantly varied by groups within each of defined days 14, 21, 28, and 35 (p<0.05), with the highest body weight gain in the T1 (licorice powder) group (p>0.05). The FCR was significantly lower in the T1 treated group and T3 treated group (p<0.05). There was no variation found in the change of various organ weight among treated and untreated group of broiler chicken. The hematological parameters were significantly greater in the treated group T3, followed by T1 and lower in the T2 groups compared to the control group T0 (P>0.05). The mean value of ALT was significantly lower in T3 (7. 16 u/l), followed by T2 (7.88 u/l) and T1 (7.94 u/l) than T0; ALP was lower in T1, T2, T3 respectively, total protein, cholesterol. The mean value of HDL was significant higher in T3 (68.35mg/dl) followed by T2 (60.31mg/dl) and T1(46.79mg/dl) than the T0 group (p> 0.01). The administration of licorice powder (T1) and probiotics (T3) resulted in positive impacts on body weight, organs weight and blood profiles of broiler chicks compared to antibiotics (T2). Licorice powder may be suggested as a suitable substitute to antibiotics in poultry production.

Keywords: Licorice powder, antibiotics, probiotics, body weight, blood profiles, broiler

Bangladesh’s economy heavily relies on homestead agroforestry. In Sadar upazila of Rangamati in Bangladesh, the study was conducted to ascertain the effect of homestead agroforestry on the respondents’ standard of living. It also identifies how the selected variables, like age, education, family size, farm size, homestead size, annual revenue, expenditures, and knowledge of homestead farmers, relate to the diversity of plant species in the study area. Data was collected using structured interviewing, and a correlation test was carried out to determine the relationship between the relevant dependent and independent variables of the study. Education, Farm size, Homestead size, Annual income, Expenditure, and Savings of the respondents revealed significant positive relationships with the plant species diversity, whereas no such relationship was observed with Age, Family size, Knowledge of Homestead Agroforestry and Socio-economic conditions of those respondents. Male were the highest decision makers for housing with 37.5% while female were highest decision makers for tree plantations, Schooling, Savings and Expenditure, and Participation in training program, Uses of agroforestry product and Agronomic crop with 35%, 41.67%, 36.67%, 44.17% and 35.83%, respectively. In the case of family planning, decisions were equally made by males, females, and both males and females combined, accounting for 33.33%. . Therefore, there is a huge opportunity to increase the farmers’ income and their livelihood through increasing plant diversity in the present homestead areas of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Rangamati Sadar, Homestead Agroforestry, Species diversity, socio-economic condition

The experiment was conducted at the farmers’ fields of Bahadurpur and Noagaon village at Sadarupazilla and Dakshin Sunamganj, respectively under the Dekharhaor (wetland) of Sunamganj district, Bangladesh during November, 2015 to May 2016 to observe the nutrients concentration and uptake by the local fine rice varieties under different rates of fertilizers application. The experiment comprised four varieties viz. Tapiboro (V1), Begun bichi (V2), Rata boro (V3), Atobshail (V4), and three fertilizers package treatments- F1= Farmers’ practice, FP (NPK @ 41.4-4.2-10.5 kg ha-1), F2= Recommended Fertilizer Dose, RFD (NPKSZn@69-22.4-31.7-6.7-0.65 kg ha-1) and F3= Soil test based fertilizers, STB (NPKSZn@61-17.5-33.5-3.1-0.7 kgha-1). The experiment was laid out in two factors Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three farmers’ replications. Data were collected on yield, nutrients concentration and uptake of rice. Tapiboro produced the highest grain yield of 3.10 tha-1and straw yield of 5.49 tha-1. The grain and straw yield varied significantly due to application of different fertilizer doses. Application of STB fertilizer were produced the highest grain yield of 2.95 tha-1 and straw yield of 4.85 tha-1. The highest amount of NPKSZn concentration was found in Tapiboro and application of STB fertilizers. Tapiboro uptakes the highest amount of NPKSZn. The NPSZn apparent balance was found positive and negative K balance was found in all treatments. Tapiboro with STB based fertilizers application was the best option in the haor area for the farmers’.

Keywords: Variety, Fertilizer, Local Fine rice, Haor

The fifteen country bean genotypes (Lablab purpureus) were grown to assess the nutritional status and phytochemical analysis. Morphological variation among the genotypes was also evaluated. The experiments were set up using one-way randomized complete block design with three replications. These 15 genotypes grown in winter season from August 2022 to January 2023 were IPSA Sheem -1(P1), Sikribi Sheem-1(P2), Sikribi Sheem-2(P3), BARI Sheem-1(P4), Golgadda Sheem (P5), and hybrids from P1× P2, P1× P3, P1× P4, P1× P5, P2× P3, P2× P4, P2× P5, P3× P4, P3× P5, and P4× P5. Nutritional parameters like crude protein (CP), antioxidant, dry matter (DM), and moisture content were studied. The highest CP (29.63%) was observed in IPSA Sheem-1 (P1). We found the highest antioxidant (Free radical scavenging activity of DPPH) in hybrid from P4× P5 (37.96%). P3× P5 hybrid had the highest DM (13.11%) and the highest moisture content (%) value was in P4× P5 (90.61%). In phytochemical analysis, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were studied. The highest TPC was (14.58 ug/mg) found in Golgadda Sheem (P5). P1× P4 hybrid had the highest TFC (4.25 ug/mg). Following morphological variation, the highest number (4.86) of seeds pod-1 was recorded in P1× P5. Based on nutrients IPSA Sheem -1(P1) was found to be more nutritious in the winter season compared to the other genotypes.

Keywords: Phytochemical, nutritional, bean, genotype, pod (Lablab purpureus)

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a diminutive seed of an annual herbaceous plant. In recent years, the utilization of chia seeds has exhibited a marked increase due to their maximal nutritional and therapeutic values. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research field in the Department of Agronomy and Haor Agriculture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Sylhet, from 16 November 2022 to 12 April 2023. The objective of this study was to ascertain the growth, yield quality, and phytochemical characteristics of Chia seeds at varying plant densities. The tests were conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Plant population per unit area regarded as treatments T1 =120 m-2 and T2 = 60 m-2. The collected data were evaluated statistically using the R program (version R 4.2.3). The tallest plant height (94.08cm) from T1, maximum count of inflorescence plant-1 (42.11) in T2, highest number of leaves plant-1 (79.60), highest number of branches plant-1 (61.83) was recorded until harvest in T1. The highest seed yield (9.32 Kg/ha), 1000 seed weight (1.38 g) were also recorded in T2 and T1. Additionally other yield attributes such as seeds/floret, floret/inflorescence, number of inflorescence/plants etc. were also found in T1 & T2. Chia seed’s overall phenolic content 11.79 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content 13.37 mg QE/g were both measured after harvest from both treatments. Further study and agricultural advancements will contribute to the cultivation and use of chia seeds in a variety of applications. However, further investigation is necessary to elucidate the bioavailability of chia seeds and the particular extraction procedures related compounds.

Keywords: Phytochemical, chia seed, inflorescence, yield, floret, phenolic, flavonoid

A field study was conducted at Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, during the summer season from April to June 2019. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of organic amendments and shadow levels by changing light exposure on the growth contributing features of the aloe vera plant. The experiment was designed according to a factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with various organic amendments and two levels of shadow. Organic amendments were cow dung, vermicompost, and Trichocompost. Two distinct degrees of light exposure were used in the experiment viz., complete shade (4×100 lux) and partial shade (125×100 lux). The growth performance of the plants was significantly affected by organic inputs as well as varying levels of shade. The maximum plant height (15.37 cm) and number of leaves (18.00) were bserved at110 days after transplanting (DAT) in the pots where Trichocompost semi-shed environment was employed. But the highest number of stems (10.47) was recorded at 110 days after transplanting (DAT) when combination of Trichocompost and complete shade were applied. The findings of the current study can be advisable to utilize Trichocompost as a growth medium for aloe vera cultivation in partially shaded environments in order to achieve optimal growth.

Keywords: Aloe vera, Organic amendments, Shade levels,Trichocompost, Growth character

Organic fertilizer production from cattle waste lessens environmental damage and improves the standard of living of cattle farmers through uncovering additional income sources. Majority of the cattle farmers in Bangladesh either are unaware about eco-friendly farming, or they fail to comprehend the potentials of utilizing cattle waste as organic fertilizer. This study aims to determine the socio-economic and farm-level factors that influence the farmers to produce organic fertilizer from cattle waste. From four rural villages in Bogura district of Bangladesh, 84 households who rear cattle were selected randomly, and then interviewed following a well-structured survey schedule. Descriptive statistics and binary logit model were used to analyze the data. It was evident that, 71% of the selected cattle farmers adopted organic fertilizer production. Minimum socioeconomic differences were observed among the cattle rearing households. Six explanatory variables namely education of the household head, farming experience, risk perception, cattle rearing subsidy, access to internet, and farm’s distance from the nearest extension office were found to have significant influence towards farmer’s adoption of organic fertilizer production. For ensuring sustainable adoption, farmers should be made aware regarding green farming through proper on field training and frequent campaigns. In addition, continuous subsidy along with logistic support from both government and non-government organizations must be ensured to encourage the farmers towards organic fertilizer production.

Keywords: Adoption, cattle waste, environmental damage, organic fertilizer, logit model

The study was aimed to analyse the marketing channels, intermediary involvement, their roles in fish marketing, and associated costs throughout the movement of fish in Bagerhat, Bangladesh. Specifically, the investigation focused on the marketing channels and value chain of commercially significant marine fish, particularly sea bass (Lates calcarifer), in Bagerhat area. Questionnaire survey method was used for the data collection and relevant information of this research. It was observed that intermediaries collectively yield significant profits, resulting in higher fish prices in the consumer market. The marketing margin for sea bass was calculated at 26%, with fishermen receiving 74%, 80%, and 90% of the consumer purchase price in the primary, secondary, and retail markets, respectively. In the local sea bass market, five intermediaries were involved (sea bass farmer, aratdar, wholesaler, retailer, and consumers), while in distant markets included four intermediaries in total marketing channel (sea bass farmer, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers). The major challenges in the marketing channel are inadequate infrastructure, transportation amenities, and a significant number of intermediaries for the commercially important marine fishes. To establish a sustainable fish marketing system, requires the organizational support, government assistance, extension services, and training opportunities for market operators.

Keywords: Value chain, sea bass (Lates calcarifer), intermediaries, marketing channel and marketing margin

The goal of the study was to assess the productivity and growth of polyculture prawn and carps cultivation at various stocking ratios in Bagerhat district over a four-month period from April to July 2022. Three treatments based on stocking ratios and three repetitions were employed in the randomized block design (RBD) experiment. Fingerlings of major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) post larvae in T1, T2, and T3 were provided in the following ratios such as 3:1:1:1, 4:1:1:1, and 5:1:1:1, respectively. Both prawns and carps received daily meals consisting of both commercially prepared feeds and formulated feeds made on the farm. Recorded water quality were found to be within acceptable levels for prawn production and to not exhibit significant variations (p<0.05) among the treatments. The highest growth of prawn was observed in T1 (42.00 g), surpassing T2 (40.00 g) and T3 (37.00 g). Prawn growth and survival rates were minor in T3, when there was a greater stocking ratio. While T2 exhibited higher prawn production (1168.00 kg ha-1) compared to T3 (1036.00 kg ha-1) and T1 (945.00 kg ha-1). As opposed to, the highest production was obtained in T1 (734.40 kg ha-1) and the lowermost in T3 (486.00 kg ha-1) for catla. In case of rui, the highest production was obtained in T1 (830.00 kg ha-1) and the lowermost in T3 (702.00 kg ha-1). The highest production was obtained in T1 (752.40 kg ha-1) and the lowest in T3 (702.00 kg ha-1) for mrigal. T2 produced significantly (p<0.05) more prawn and carps collectively (3303.80 kg ha-1) than T1 (3261.0 kg ha-1) and T3 (2926.0 kg ha-1), respectively. The net profit was found significantly higher in T2 (BDT 2,77,305.00 ha-1) where the ratio of prawn and carp species was 4:1:1:1/m2 followed by T3 (BDT 2,29,686.00 ha-1) with stocking ratio of 5:1:1:1/m2 and T1 (BDT 1,77,393.00 ha-1) with stocking ratio of 3:1:1:1/m2. As such, it is proposed that prawn farmers employ the stocking ratio that’s 4:1:1:1/m² for the concurrent production of prawns and big carps aiming to enhance both prawn and fish production and economic profitability.

Keywords: Species ratio, growth performance, production and economic return

Quality seeds are very important for successful crop production. Manipuri, Khasia and Garo ethnic communities cultivate different types of crops in their farmlands and save their own seeds traditionally which are quite different from general farmers. Quality analyses of farmer’s saved seeds of ethnic communities have not been studied. Therefore, the experiment was designed to study the seed storage technologies used by ethnic communities. A total of 29 seed samples collected where 15 seed samples from the Manipuri, 4 from the Khasia, and 10 from the Garo ethnic communities to determine seed quality especially purity, germination, planting value of seed (PVS). In seed samples of the Manipuri community, the percentage germination, purity, and planting value of seeds (PVS) varied from 1.5% to 97.0%, 98% to 99%, and 0.5% to 94.1%, respectively. The highest germination (97.0%), purity (99.0%), and PVS (94.1%) were found in rice BRRI dhan 94 (Ranjit dhan) seed samples and the lowest germination (1.5%) and PVS (0.5%) was found in okra seed samples. The highest normal seedlings (95%) were also found in the rice (Ranjitdhan) seed sample. In seed samples collected from the Khasia community, germination percentage ranged from 3.3% to 93.8% whereas purity and PVS ranged from 98% to 99% and 1.7% to 91.1%, respectively. The highest germination was found in sponge gourd (93.8%) along with the highest normal seedlings (92.0%) and the lowest was found in country bean (3.3%). The highest PVS was found in sponge gourd (91.1%) followed by long yard bean (85.9%) and lai shak (80.4%) and the lowest were found in country bean (1.7%). In Garo communities, the purity percentage of seed samples ranged from 98% to 99% whereas germination percentage varied from 2.5% to 98.5%. The highest germination was found in okra seed (98.0%) whereas the lowest germination (2.5%) was in french bean and wax gourd, respectively. PVS was calculated which varied from 1.2% to 95.5%. The highest PVS was recorded in okra seed (95.5%) followed by lai shak (78.9%). The lowest PVS (1.2%) was in french bean and wax gourd. The highest normal seedlings were produced from okra seed samples (96.5%). A total of 14 fungi representing 12 genera were detected to be associated with the 15 seed samples collected from Manipuri ethnic community; 7 fungi representing 5 genera were detected from the seed samples of Khasia community and 9 fungi representing 8 genera were detected from seed samples of Garo community. The storage techniques used by three ethnic communities, keeping seeds in gunny bags, glass bottles, and cloth bags are suitable for the storage of seed samples. Fumigation was found to be good for keeping away from storage fungi and maintaining the quality of seeds, especially germination.

Keywords: Assessment, seed qualities, storage techniques, ethnic communities, Moulvibazar

The study aimed to improve the nutritional quality of poultry feed through whey fermentation. Whey, a by-product of the cheese industry rich in high-quality proteins, was incorporated into feed ingredients such as maize, wheat bran, soybean meal and auto rice polish. Sweet whey fermented by lactic acid bacteria was used in five different treatments: Control T0 (without whey), T1 (20 ml whey/100g feed), T2 (30 ml whey/100g feed), T3 (40 ml whey/100g feed), and T4 (50 ml whey/100g feed), incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hours in a 5×3 factorial design. Proximate analyses revealed significant nutritional improvements in the whey-fermented feeds. The results indicated that the optimal crude protein (CP) content was achieved in soybean meal at T3 (45.41%) and wheat bran at T1 (16.88%) after 72 hours. Crude fiber (CF) content decreased significantly, with T4 showing the lowest CF values across various feed types, enhancing digestibility. Ether extract (EE) and total ash content varied, with notable EE increases at T4 treatments. The study concluded that whey fermentation significantly enhances the protein content and digestibility in poultry feed with varying impacts on other nutritional components with 40 ml whey/100g feed for 72 hours incubation being the most effective treatment, suggesting a practical approach to improving poultry nutrition and production performance. This research provides a viable strategy for utilizing whey, contributing to the sustainable development of the poultry sector in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Poultry Feed, Fermentation, Whey, Proximate analysis

Sustainable ecotourism promotes an optimal balance between economic benefits, environmental conservation, and sociocultural preservation in developing countries. Thus, the purpose of the study is to determine the visitors’ viewpoint on sustainable ecotourism and its impacts on the local economy, environment, and society. It strengthens Bangladesh’s attempts to protect its wildlife. The study was carried out in Bangladesh’s Sylhet district at the Tilagor Eco Park from April 2023 to February 2024. A structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and impacts categorized into economic, environmental, and sociocultural categories was used to interview 105 visitors. Although random, the sampling strategy was impartial. The result of the study showed that ecotourism is especially popular among young people. The main attraction of Tilagor Eco Park was the forest setting, which 93.3% of visitors agreed upon. The majority of the visitors were satisfied and faced no problems while visiting (65.7%) the park. 95.2% of visitors agreed that the community would benefit from the development of a framework for sustainable tourism, and 87% thought that increasing employment opportunities and supporting local cultural activities would benefit the local economy. Most visitors feel increasing local awareness is necessary, emphasizing the connection between ecotourism and conservation. Through infrastructure development tourism can cause soil erosion and damage vegetation. The study revealed that without compromising ecotourism’s environmental and aesthetic aspects, visitors recognize the economic and sociocultural benefits it conveys.

Keywords: Ecotourism, Environment, Sustainable Ecotourism, Tilagor Eco Park, Visitor’s Viewpoint

Sweet pepper is an important emerging exotic vegetable crop in Bangladesh, which play an essential function in the country economy, food and nutrition but there are not enough acceptable high yielding varieties. In this regard the objectives of this investigation was to ascertain the extent of genetic variation and to mark out the diverse parents among the genotypes that was collected for the purpose of implementing a hybridization program. Twenty one genotyes were employed and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that the genotypes exhibited significant (p<0.01) differences in the majority of the studied parameters. For the purpose of choosing diverse parents, multivariate analytical system including PCA (Principal Component Analysis), PCO (Principal Co-ordinate Analysis), CVA (Canonical Variate Analysis) and Cluster analysis were performed for yield and yield attributes. Analysis using principal components showed that the first four component were accountable for 83.40% of the total variation among the fourteen yield contributing attributes. Through the use of principal coordinate analysis, the inter-genotypic distance was calculated, resulting in the SP 01 and SP 07 genotypes exhibiting the greatest distance of 2.585. The genotypes were separated into six specific cluster (I-VI), cluster I (08) had the most genotypes, the greatest distance between clusters IV and II (17.111) was observed, and the maximum cluster mean range for individual fruit weight was recorded (67.70 to 208.71 g). Considering, the different multivariate analytical results the genotypes SP 03, SP 05 and SP 08 from Cluster I, SP 14 from Cluster II, SP 01 from Cluster IV and SP 09, and SP 17 from Cluster VI were selected for the hybridization program.

Keywords: Hybridization, PCA, Canonical Variate Analysis, Cluster analysis, Diversity, Sweet pepper

The existing rice-growing system continues to search for a biological way to decrease the harmful effects of using chemicals to control weeds. One way an allelopathic plant suppresses the plants around it is by releasing compounds that are also allelopathic, a process known as plant allelopathy. The current study examined the allelopathic effects of Eleocharis atropurpurea and Fimbristylis dichotoma on weed management of aman rice. It was carried out from July to December 2019 at the Bangladesh Agricultural University’s Agronomy Field Laboratory in Mymensingh. The field trial included five treatments such as A: Residues of E. Atropurpurea and F. Dichotoma; No crop residues (R1), 1.0 t ha-1 (R2), 2.0 t ha-1 (R3), 3.0 t ha-1 (R4), Farmars practices (R5) and three rice varieties such as BRRI dhan34 (V1), Nizershail (V2), and Kalozira (V3). In field experiment, the highest shama weed density (15.98) was found in BRRI dhan34 when no reside was applied and the lowest (2.38) was found in chesra at farmer’s practice. In case of dry weight, the highest value (12.35 g) was recorded at no residues for the variety of BRRI dhan34, whereas the lowest weed dry weight (1.38 g) was found in kalozira at farmer’s practice. Applying residues of Eleocharis atropurpurea and Fimbristylis dichotoma, especially at higher rates (3.0 t ha-1), is recommended for sustainable weed control in aman rice cultivation.

Keywords: Allelopathic, Rice, Eleocharis atropurpurea, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Weed

An experiment with three promising country bean genotypes- BARI Sheem-1, Sikribi Sheem-1 and Goalgadda was conducted at the experimental field and laboratory of Horticulture Department, Sylhet Agricultural University, from November 2022 to March 2023. The objective was to observe their growth, green pod and seed yield, nutrition and phytochemical properties in acidic soil condition of Sylhet. The RCB (Randomized Complete Block) design was used with three replications. Days to first flower was found earlier for Sikribi Sheem-1 (48.50 days) and BARI Sheem-1 (51.75 days). Sikribi Sheem-1 recorded the earliest harvest at 71.5 days. The highest number of green pods plant-1 was in Sikribi Sheem-1 (582.5), while Goalgadda had the lowest (329.45). Goalgadda also had the largest fruit size with pod length (13.95 cm) and breadth (3.37 cm), leading to the heaviest individual fruit weight (10.14 g). Despite having the fewest pods, Goalgadda matched the pod yield of the other varieties due to its heavier fruit. Sikribi Sheem-1 had the highest number of dried pods (477.75), seed yield plant-1 (347.50 g), and seed yield ha-1 (2.37 ton). Goalgadda had the heaviest 100-seed weight (50.52 g). In green pods, Goalgadda had the lowest fibre (0.25%) and crude fibre (6.30%), indicating it is more palatable. Goalgadda also had the highest ash content (6.73%), while Sikribi Sheem-1 had the highest crude protein (26.51%) and BARI Sheem-1 had the most Vitamin C (13.21 g100g-1). Goalgadda exhibited the highest phytochemical properties with total phenolic content (14.60 μgmg-1) and antioxidant activity (31.12%). The flavonoid content was significantly higher in BARI Sheem-1 (3.36 μgmg-1) and Goalgadda (3.11 μgmg-1) compared to Sikribi Sheem-1 (2.22 μgmg-1). All three varieties are nutrient-rich and suitable for cultivation in acidic soils for pod production, with Sikribi Sheem-1 being the best for seed production.

Keywords: Country bean, growth, phytochemicals and yield

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus is very devastating pathogenic disease of tomato, which affect the yield and quality of tomato production in Bangladesh. Above mentioned experiment was conducted during summer season at Research Centre of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur with a view to evaluating the yield and fruit quality parameters of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus resistant summer tomato in Gazipur condition. Variations in relation to yield and fruit quality characters were observed among the genotypes. Shelf life of different tomato lines ranged from 15.67 days to 18 days. The inbred line CLN-3862 exhibited longest shelf life (18.33 days) and lowest shelf life (15.67 days) was found in case of inbred line CLN-3735. The inbred line CLN-3791 showed highest yield potential (54.94 tha-1). On the other hand, the lowest yield obtained in the inbred line CLN-3859 which was 14.82 t/ha. In current study, only BARI Hybrid Tomato-8 exhibited highest Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection which was about 16.64% at 60 days after transplanting. Heart shape fruit was observed in the inbred line of CLN-3735, round shape fruit was observed in the inbred lines of CLN-3791, CLN-3850, CLN-3864, CLN-3906 and BARI Hybrid Tomato-8. Lengthened round shape fruit was observed in the inbred lines of CLN-3792, CLN-3849, CLN-3859, CLN-3860 and CLN3862. Flattened round shape fruit was observed in the inbred lines of CLN-3916. Among the genotypes, ripe fruit color of five tomato lines were light red color, three were yellowish red color, two were dark red color and two were orange color. Among the genotypes, blossom end shapes of eight were flat, two inbred lines had pointed and two had indented blossom end shape. In obtained results, fruit ridge of eleven were flat and only one was prominent and flesh color of four were light red, four were red, two were dark red and two were orange. Yield capacity and virus resistance of CLN-3792 exhibits the promicing results among all genotypes.

Keywords: Variation, Genotypes, Shelf-life, Inbred line, Yield, Fruit color

Climate change has gradually affected forest ecosystems globally and it has also happened at the adjacent areas of Ratargul Swamp Forest at Gowainghat Upazila in Bangladesh. This study documented climatic alterations and community-initiated adaption measures on climate change. Ratargul, the sole freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh, is an essential life line for local ecology and also livelihoods of the local community. The study was accomplished through a survey of 65 randomly selected local people and employed meteorological data and people perception in respect of changing of climatic parameters. Results indicated that the demographic profile of the most people were middle-aged (47.7%), about 42% had medium income and 31% had only primary-level education. The majority of individuals near the forest work in the business sector (40%) followed by agriculture (29%). Meteorological data showed a steady rise in maximum and minimum temperatures over time, where increment rate per year of maximum and minimum temperatures were 0.0194°C and 0.0832°C, respectively. An increase in rainfall at the rate of 54.12 mm was also estimated. People perception and meteorological data together draw a scenario of climate change and the livelihood of the inhabitants living near the forest area. Around 49.2% respondents agreed that Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) plantation increased at Ratargul Swamp Forest while some tree species like Bot (Ficus benghalensis) decreased in the forest according to 24.6% of the respondents but overall tree species decreased due to increasing population and its major influence was in the reduction of tree species in forest reported by 46.20% respondents. Rice (80%) is the principal crop; however, cropping practices have changed due to some climate induced factor. Increase in insect and pest attack (40%) and flooding (38.50%) were the major reasons of changes in cropping in the study area. People have already adopted several adaptation measures like new tree introduction (84.60%) and vegetable crop cultivation (36.90%) and these were some of the adoptive strategies. Major problems faced by the community people were poverty according to 73.8% of the residents, with 69.2% reporting insufficient transportation. Around 86.2% of the respondents reported that poverty can be tackled effectively by increasing employment opportunities in eco-tourism which is again can be possible by increasing transportation facility (83%) in the study area. Finding of this study can be used for policy making, environmental conservation and proper strategies to manage the climate change.

Keywords: Adaptation, Climate change, Community Perceptions, Livelihood, Strategies