Genetic characteristics are the key to carrying out any modification on an animal to achieve desired goals. Medium-density Bovine SNP chips were used for three hundred and thirteen individuals of seven cattle breeds from secondary sources to study their genetic structure and diversity. The study was carried out from June to September 2021. Different parameters, viz. principal component analysis, minor allele frequency, FIS, FST analysis, admixture analysis, and linkage disequilibrium, were set as the basis of this investigation. Two different versions of PLINK were used to estimate and calculate the diversity parameters. The minor allele frequency in Holstein showed the highest level of genetic diversity, and the lowest was found in Brahman cattle. Heterozygosity was the lowest in Brahman (-0.09), and the highest was in Hanwoo (0.42). Hanwoo and JJBC also showed a significant level of linkage disequilibrium (mean LD was 0.63% and 0.71%, respectively). The FST values showed the most distance between Hereford and Nelore (0.5). The distance between Hanwoo and Holstein was very low (0.07), and the least distance was found between Nelore and Brahman (0.06). Holstein, Hanwoo, and Jeju Black cattle showed minimal admixture in their ancestry. This study revealed a satisfactory genetic history of the seven cattle breeds, which should be insightful for future conservation programs.

Keywords: Genetic diversity, High-density SNP chips, Admixture analysis, PCA, Inbreeding depression

Phenylalanine is an important plant derived aromatic amino acid that acts as an integral precursor of various specialized metabolites. Shikimate pathway is considered as the fundamental route for phenylalanine biosynthesis in plants. The crucial last step of this pathway is catalyzed by arogenate dehydratase (ADT) to synthesize phenylalanine from arogenate. Arabidopsis thaliana has six copies of ADT that catalyze phenylalanine production and initiate the downstream pathway to produce a large number of secondary metabolites. However, how do the copies of ADT have been evolved in different trajectories of land plant is relatively unknown. It is also unclear whether all the copies of Arabidopsis ADT have evolved at the same rate during the course of evolution. In addition, it is unknown how the multiple copies of Arabidopsis ADT contribute towards functional complexity. Our phylogenetic study revealed that all the domains of ADT had evolved before the land plant evolution as it was found in red algae, green algae and in fungus, indicating the presence of functional ADTs in all the spectrum of plants, algae and fungi. ADTs of Arabidopsis formed four different clusters which might suggest to their functional differences. Expression analysis revealed the dominative role of ADT2 in seed development, while the rest of the ADTs showed spatiotemporal expression and contributed to other developmental functions of Arabidopsis.

Keywords: ADT, Arabidopsis, Phenylalanine, Aromatic amino acid, Evolution

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted systems related to food, transportation, and livelihood. The pandemic harmed small-scale fishermen (SSF). However, little is known about the COVID-19’s impact on artisanal fishing communities, particularly catch composition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on artisanal fisheries in Bangladesh, employing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools for data collection. Data were collected for 60 days (23 days of pre-lockdown and 37 days of lockdown) from seven landing sites in the southwest coastal zone of Bangladesh in 2020, focusing on fishing, catch, price, and livelihood status of fishermen. Observations revealed lower fishing pressure during lockdown, which benefited fishermen with a higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) than pre-lockdown. However, fishing became less profitable due to declining fish prices (4-83%) and increased transportation costs (average 30%) compared to the pre-lockdown times. These factors, combined with reduced fishing time (5 hours a day, 3 days a week) during the lockdown, significantly reduced the income of small-scale fishermen, compelling over 70% to seek high-interest loans from moneylenders, shopkeeper credits to cover living expenses. Around 22% of fishermen took loans with high interest from local lenders, which may affect them in the future, putting their next generations at risk of exploitation by the money lenders. Moreover, lockdown affected their livelihoods, with the highest impact on food (25%), followed by the economy (23%), health (20%), education (19%), and other social effects (13%). In this study, we propose a framework that can protect small-scale artisanal communities against future crises.

Keywords: Small Scale Fisheries, COVID-19, Lockdown, Pandemic, Sundarbans

The sea beach is the most visually appealing and popular tourist destination in Bangladesh, and it makes a significant economic contribution to both the local and national economies. But this coastal water is polluting with solid and liquid water which discharge directly or indirectly through land wash or drainage system to the coastal water of Cox’s Bazar. This waste and waste water carry excess nutrient and pathogenic microbe and pollute coastal water. For that this study was conducted at Teknaf, Himchori, Kolatoli, Laboni, Bakkhali sites of Cox’s Bazar Districts to understand the status and relation of nutrients and microbial load and coastal water pollution which is very important for tourism, health and safety. For sampling, preservation and analysis APHA (1999) methods were followed. According to the study, the microbial load was too high for swimming and bathing. There was some significant relation among nutrient, seasons and microbes in the study areas. In Premonsoon, the highest level of Total Viable Count (TVC) had shown at Bakkhali site (336 cfu/ml) and lowest level of Total Viable Count (TVC) had shown at Himchary site (116 cfu/ml) whereas the, standard value of TVC was only 10 cfu/ml. Noticeably, the standard value of Faecal coliform and streptococcus was simply 1 cfu/ml but our received results from different five sites were exceptionally high. However, in case of pathogenic bacteria Salmonella and Vibrio the standard value was 2.7 cfu/ml and 7 cfu/ml respectively. The fascinating information was that, the Laboni (0 cfu/ml) and Himchary (2 cfu/ml) site had shown less number of Salmonella than the standard value (2.7 cfu/ml). In addition, Kolatoli (1 cfu/ml) and Laboni (6 cfu/ml) site had shown less number of Vibrio than standard value (7 cfu/ml). In Monsoon, it also shown immense deviation. Especially at Himchary site, TVC (764 cfu/ml) and Steptococcus (761cfu/ml) were noted. On the other hand, Kolatoli site had demonstrated highest number of Fecal Coliform (258 cfu/ml) and Salmonella (104 cfu/ml). But in Postmonsoon it had represented the greatest deviation from standard data. Among the three season, the higher level of Total Viable Count (TVC), Fecal Coliform, Salmonella, Vibrio Chlorella, Streptococcus had shown at all the sites in Monsoon season and lower level of Total Viable Count (TVC) had shown in Pre monsoon and Post monsoon. In respect of nutrient NH4-N, NO2-N, SiO3-Si were higher in Monsoon but PO4-P value were lower in Monsoon and higher in Pre monsoon and Post monsoon.

Keywords: Nutrient, Microbial load, Cox’s Bazar

Salinity is a significant barrier that inhibits crop production in salt-affected areas as in the southern region of Bangladesh. Maize (Zea mays L.), is the third most major cereal crop that has shown decreased plant growth and production potential under saline conditions. Furthermore, salinity affects both plant growth and production. Hybrid maize has been recently introduced to the cropping systems of southern
Bangladesh to enhance cropping intensity and productivity. The experiment was conducted at the Botiaghata, Khulna (AEZ-11) during the Robi season of 2022-23 to determine hybrid salt tolerant lines for maximizing maize yield and its utilize thousands of hectares of unproductive land and dikes of shrimp farms. Fifteen advanced lines of hybrid maize were evaluated in the study. The experiment was laid out in randomized compete block design with three replications. The highest grain yield was found in E-34 x BIL-211 was 11.37 t ha-1 and which was followed by Pinacle-3 x BIL-211 (9.71 t ha-1) and BIL-79 x Pinacle-16 (9.09 t ha-1). The lowest yield was found from BIL-106 x CML-480 (3.53 t ha-1). It is suggested that E-34 x BIL-211 can be grown in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Evaluation; Maize; salt tolerant; lines and yield parameters

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) are important winter vegetable crops cultivated in Bangladesh. Planting date is crucial for successful production, but the farmers of the haor areas generally cultivate cauliflower and cabbage not maintaining proper planting dates. The study aimed to search the suitable varieties and planting dates of cauliflower and cabbage. Two individual experiments were conducted in Naogaon village at Dekar haor in Sunamganj district from October 2018 to February 2019. Three planting dates- 5 November, 15 November and 25 November were selected for both the experiments. In experiment one, two hybrid cauliflower varieties- Shira Giko, White Mountain and one OP variety Queen were selected. Atlas 70 and Queen F1 were included in experiment two. The experiments followed two factors randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three farmers’ replications. Data were collected on curd diameter, curd yield, gross and marketable yield for cauliflower. The cabbage head diameter, head yield, gross and marketable
yield data were also recorded. Economic performance was calculated for the cost of production, ross return, net return and BCR for both the crops. The result showed that the curd diameter (37.56 cm), curd yield (16.36 t ha-1), marketable yield (25.83 t ha-1), gross yield (50.48 t ha-1), and BCR (4.55) were highest on 15th November in the case of cauliflower. Again, head diameter (56.6 cm), head yield (49.17 t ha-1), marketable yield (61.31 t ha-1), gross yield (75.91 t ha-1), and BCR (6.28) were highest on 5th November for cabbage. Cauliflower variety, Shira Giko and cabbage variety, Atlas 70, were the high-yielding varieties compared to others. Mid- November and early November planting were suitable for cauliflower and cabbage cultivation, respectively in the haor areas.

Keywords: Cauliflower, Cabbage, Haor, Planting dates, varieties

An experiment was conducted from March to November 2024 at the vermicompost shed and laboratory of the Department of Soil Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, to see the bioremediation potential of earthworms through vermicomposting from cow dung. Two factors, where A- Two earthworm species viz., Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae; and B- cadmium and copper concentrations viz., control (natural presence of Cd and Cu in cow dung), Cd (0.15 mg kg-1), Cu (5 mg kg-1), Cd+Cu (0.15+5, mg kg-1), were employed completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Twenty-five earthworms were released into 500 g of cow dung in each bowl. The moisture level of cow dung was maintained between 60-80%. Data were recorded on the number of earthworms, cocoons, hatchlings, length, biomass, cadmium and copper contents in the earthworm’s body. The vermicompost weight, its physical and chemical properties changes were also recorded. The result showed that the vermicompost was dark brown, ammonia off-odour, non-granular and not sticky. The highest number of earthworms, cocoons and hatchlings, was 26.83, 41.83 and 88.17 bowl-1 found in control, respectively. Earthworm length (9.78 cm), biomass (12.32 g bowl-1), and vermicompost weight (282.74 g bowl-1) were the highest in control. The highest concentrations of Cd and Cu (0.068 and 4.694 mg kg-1, respectively) were found in the earthworm’s body in Cd+Cu (0.15+5, mg kg-1) treatment, whereas the lowest Cd (0.133 mg kg-1) and Cu (6.565 mg kg-1) were recorded in the vermicompost of control. E. fetida and E. eugeniae showed statistically similar performance in case of the Cd and Cu accumulated in their bodies. The result indicated that earthworms would reduce Cd and Cu contents from cow dung and keep the environment clean from hazardous materials.

Keywords: Cadmium, Copper, Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae

The study was conducted to assess the growth and production performance of shrimp and rajpunti under mixed culture at various stocking ratios in Bagerhat district over a four-month period from March to July 2023. The experiment used randomized block design (RBD) and was designed with three treatments based on stocking ratio. Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) post larvae and fingerlings of rajpunti (Barbodes gonionotus) were stocked at a ratio of 4:3, 4:5, and 4:7/m2 in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Shrimp and rajpunti were fed commercial diets and farm-made formulated feeds on a regular basis. Different water quality parameter was measured at ten day intervals. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in water quality parameters among all treatments. Higher final weight of shrimp was found in T2 (28.15 g) than T1 (27.39 g) or T3 (25.36 g). Rajpunti growth and survival rate were lower in T3, which had a high stocking ratio. T1 had higher shrimp production (674.34 kg/ha) than T2 (632.44 kg/ha) and T3 (488.24 kg/ha). Rajpunti production was substantially greater (p < 0.05) in T2 (1511.10 kg/ha) and T3 (1470.09 kg/ha) compared to T1 (923.06 kg/ha). However, the combined output and net profit of shrimp and rajpunti farming were considerably (p < 0.05) greater in T2 (2143.54 kg/ha, BDT 212309.10/ha) followed by T3 (1958.34 kg/ha, BDT 162831.50/ha) and T1 (1594.10 kg/ha, BDT 160845.90/ha). Therefore, the inclusion of rajpunti with shrimp at a stocking ratio of 4:5/m2 is recommended for dissemination among shrimp farmers in order to accelerate production while also generating a high economic benefit.

Keywords: Penaeus monodon, Barbodes gonionotus, stocking ratio, production, profit

Antibiotic resistance has become a critical challenge in the aquaculture industry. Besides devastating economic losses, the alarming rate of antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat and is not limited to aquatic organisms but also affects human and other animal health through environmental and food chain transmission. Aquatic microorganisms can acquire resistance via horizontal gene transfer or evolve different mechanisms (i.e., efflux and biofilm production) to counteract the antibiotic effects. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in aquaculture accelerate this process and promote the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. To combat this growing concern, alternative strategies such as phage therapy, immunostimulants, and probiotics are being explored. Among these, probiotics represent a promising and sustainable option. These probiotic microorganisms, when administered in adequate
amounts, can confer health benefits to the host, like enhancing growth and stress tolerance, improving feed utilization, and boosting the immune system. Besides disease prevention, probiotics can improve water quality by breaking down organic matter and reducing ammonia levels, thereby fostering a healthier rearing environment for aquaculture. Therefore, it can lead to a significant reduction in antibiotic use. The strategic integration of probiotics into aquaculture practices represents a promising approach to addressing antibiotic resistance and a crucial step toward sustainable and eco-friendly fish farming

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, aquaculture, probiotics, disease prevention

Groundwater is a vital source for drinking and agricultural purposes in Chapainawabganj district. The scarcity of water in surface water bodies causes high dependency on groundwater resources. Despite being a riverine country, Bangladesh faces growing concerns over its water resources, as revealed in a comprehensive study across 45 unions in five upazilas of Chapainawabganj district. The aim of this paper is to investigate the aquifer system and groundwater level up to union level of Chapainawabganj district. Existing historical data has been collected from BWDB, BMD and other relevant agencies. Rainfall data has been collected for the duration of 1985 to 2023. Existing hydro-geological data that includes groundwater level, lithologs and aquifer properties has been collected from available secondary sources. In addition, to fulfill the data gap, a comprehensive field investigation program has been conducted that includes exploratory drilling at 19 locations. Borelog data indicates that the aquifer system mostly falls under two physiographic units: Barind Tract and Ganges Flood plain. Through participatory rural appraisal (PRA), local communities shared critical insights into the state of water resources, complemented by hydrological investigations of both surface and groundwater. The area holds 5,184 surface water bodies, including 4,944 ponds and 240 beels. Groundwater table depths vary annually from 3.0 to 27.5 meters, with recharge rates ranging between 193 and 727 mm per year. Transmissivity values range from 89 to 4,648 m²/day, while storage coefficients for the first aquifer vary from 0.0000748 to 0.1781. Water scarcity levels differ across the region, with 11 unions experiencing very low scarcity, 14 facing moderate, 10 high, and another 10 enduring very high scarcity. Notably, very high-water stress affects 1 union in Chapainawabganj Sadar, 5 in Gomostapur, and 4 in Nachol, while high stress is observed in 3 unions each in Chapainawabganj Sadar and Gomostapur, and 4 in Shibganj. Alarmingly, excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture-particularly in Nachol and Gomostapur-has led to significant declines in groundwater levels, signaling urgent need for sustainable water management practices.

Keywords: Recharge, Participatory rural appraisal, Water scarcity, Water stress, Groundwater level

Slope stability analysis is critical for evaluating terrain stability, enabling the identification of preventive measures and the prediction of potential failures. This experimental study, conducted at Sylhet Agricultural University, investigates the effectiveness of vetiver grass in reducing soil erosion and improving slope stability through factor of safety calculations. A physical model representing an earthen slope with and without vetiver was developed on campus. Results showed that soil erosion decreased by 75.60% to 77.46% with vetiver compared to bare soil. Using effective stress analysis numerical method and GeoStudio software, the factor of safety was computed for sandy clay samples, where the unit weights of bare and vetiver-rooted soils were 18 kN/m³ and 17.3 kN/m³, and average cohesion values were 15 kN/m² and 25 kN/m², respectively. The factor of safety for bare and vetiver-rooted soil is 1.73 and 2.55, respectively indicating that vetiver enhances slope stability by approximately 1.48 times. These findings demonstrate that vetiver grass is an effective and sustainable option for erosion control and slope stabilization in Sylhet.

Keywords: Effective stress, GeoStudio, Vetiver grass, Factor of safety