Neglected and underutilized fruits in Nepal: Importance, Challenges and Conservation approaches

This paper investigates the neglected and underutilized fruits (N&U fruits) of Nepal, aimed to explore the potential of N&U fruits in Nepal, examining their importance, challenges, and conservation strategies. The study employs a comprehensive review of N&U fruit species in Nepal, focusing on their ecological distribution, socio-economic significance, and barriers to conservation and utilization. Key findings indicate that certain indigenous fruits, grown at altitudes ranging from 60 m to 4700 m, have the potential to contribute up to 5-10% of local agricultural income and can significantly boost rural economies. These fruits also provide ecological benefits, such as soil erosion prevention and increased biodiversity, with deep root systems that stabilize soils, particularly in the hilly regions. Additionally, N&U fruits are highly nutritious, providing essential carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that aid in addressing malnutrition and preventing health issues such as cardiovascular diseases. Despite these advantages, challenges such as insufficient research, shifting preferences toward exotic varieties, and climate change hinder their cultivation and commercialization. Conservation strategies like on-farm, in-situ, and ex-situ methods have been implemented, with approximately 30% of local crop diversity being conserved through on-farm strategies. Strengthening research and improving market access could increase the utilization of these fruits by up to 50%, contributing to both economic development and environmental sustainability. This study highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary research and the development of comprehensive conservation frameworks to ensure the sustainability of these valuable genetic resources for future generations

Heavy metal concentrations in water from Bakkhali River estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Heavy metals contamination of water is considered as severe global issues for developing countries like Bangladesh. Because heavy metal pollution ruined aquatic ecosystem especially fish diversity which contribute important share on economy of a country. The present study designed to investigate the contamination level of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of Bakkhali river estuary in Bangladesh. The decreasing order of metals concentration was Cu>Zn >Cr>Pb>Cd with the mean value of 2.6> 0.825 > 0.355 > 0.056 >0.003 mg/L, respectively. The results showed a significant seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in water. Higher contamination occurred during post monsoon, while lower during the monsoon season. Among the all studied heavy metals Cu concentration was higher (2.6 mg/L) and lower (0.003 mg/L) concentration was Cd. Metal concentrations in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water which indicated that the water from this estuarine river is not fully safe for using/drinking. The study area was not entirely polluted in terms of all metal concentrations. But level of metal concentration in polluted sites supposed risk to ecological health. The findings of present study recommended that continuous monitoring of water should be aimed to evaluate the risk which could help to maintain healthy coastal ecosystem and improve management strategy of this estuarine river

Biofloc based farming of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in tanks under different stocking densities

This experiment was conducted to optimize the stocking density of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in biofloc based farming system in tanks for a period of 90 days from 23 December to 22 March 2022 in Mohanpur upazilla, Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted in 5000 L cemented tanks (5m3) under three different of stocking densities (T1: 200 fishes/m3, T2: 150 fishes/m3 and T3: 100 fishes/m3) having three replicates each. The initial weight of fish was 11.50±0.35 g and fishes were fed (34% protein content) twice a day @ 5-3 % body weight.  Among three treatments, a significantly higher (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of 1.15±0.07 g with specific growth rate (SGR) of 2.44±0.09 % day-1 were recorded in T3 treatment but a significantly higher (P<0.05) average yield of 118907.70 and 114914.20 kg/ha/3 months were obtained in T1 and T2 treatment, respectively. Higher average net benefit of 1231671.90 BDT/ha/3 months and BCR of 0.12 were obtained in T2 treatment which is significantly higher (p<0.05) than T1 and T3 treatment. By an economical assessment, if the sales price is influenced by the final body weight, the reduced average harvest weight in higher stocking densities could lead to low profitability. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of intermediate stocking density, around 150 fishes/m3, has higher profitability since it produces a large proportion of harvested fish that reach high body weights, and possible high selling prices, combined with desirable biomass

Detection of citrus greening disease and field efficacy of anti-pathogen chemicals against the disease in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) in Gulmi, Nepal

Citrus cultivation in Nepal faces a persistent decline due to the widespread prevalence of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as Citrus Greening Disease, across citrus-growing regions. This has resulted in significant economic losses for farmers, prompting them to actively seek preventive and remedial measures. In a study conducted at Resunga Municipality and Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Gulmi, aimed at addressing this decline, 51 orchards were assessed for HLB using the starch iodine test. Concurrently, the efficacy of anti-pathogen chemicals in managing citrus greening disease in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) was evaluated. An experiment was designed, incorporating eight treatments in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Each replication included eight treatments designated as follows: T1: Neem oil 5ml/l + Lentinan 2ml/l, T2: Neem Oil 5ml/l + B. amyloliquefacians 5ml/l, T3: Neem oil 5ml/l + Pseudomonas 5ml/l, T4: Imidacloprid 0.02% + Copper Oxychloride 0.025%, T5: Imidacloprid 0.02% + Streptocycline 250ppm, T6: B. thuringiensis 2ml/l + Pseudomonas 5ml/l, T7: B. thuringiensis 2ml/l + B. amyloliquefacians 5ml/l, T8: control. Results revealed that among the orchards tested, 18 were positive for HLB, representing 35.2% of the sample size. Notably, plots treated with Neem oil + B. amyloliquefacians and B. thuringiensis + B. amyloliquefacians exhibited the most significant reduction in disease severity compared to the control. Based on these findings, foliar application of Neem oil at a concentration of 5ml/l along with B. amyloliquefacians at 5ml/l, and B. thuringiensis at 2ml/l along with B. amyloliquefacians at 5ml/l at monthly intervals showed promising results in reducing the severity of citrus greening

Comparative analysis of knowledge and management practices of insect pests of maize among IPM adopters and non-adopters in Sindhupalchok, Nepal

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-based approach that involves optimizing the pest population below the economic threshold by the coordinated use of multiple tactics in an economically and environmentally sound manner. The adoption of IPM in farming practices prevents long-term pest damage by combining biological control, modification of cultural practices, habitual manipulation, and use of resistant varieties. In Nepal, mostly in hilly regions, haphazard chemical pesticide application has inevitable effects on human health, the environment, and the ecosystem. The haphazard chemical pesticide application in Sindhupalchok, Nepal originated mostly due to a knowledge gap in the identification of the stages of the lifecycle of pests, and the distinction between beneficial and harmful insects.  To compare the effectiveness of management practices between IPM adopters and non-adopters this study was framed for six months in Sangachokgadi municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal.  The knowledge gap among the maize growers in Sindhupalchok was assessed using both primary and secondary data collection methods. For primary data collection a comprehensive and structured questionnaire, face-to-face interview, phone call interview, and Key Informant Interview was conducted. Similarly, secondary data was collected from various articles and publications from Maize Zone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), and National Maize Research Program (NMRP). The collected data were then analyzed (descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and indexing) by using computer software packages i.e., Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26, and Microsoft Excel 2010. The analyzed data revealed maize growers adopting IPM practices for crop management are known to have significantly better knowledge of the life cycle of pests, were able to distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects, and had knowledge of appropriate fertilizer doses.  Further, the findings revealed IPM adopters had better knowledge of chemical pesticide handling which could minimize the chemical hazards among the farmers

Influence of seed priming in the germination and yield performances of common buckwheat

The study, conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science in Rupandehi, Nepal, aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming techniques on common buckwheat. The experiment comprised eleven treatments with three replications each. Germination parameters were analyzed in the laboratory using a complete block design, while growth and yield parameters were assessed in the field using a randomized complete block design. The results indicated significant improvements in all germination and yield parameters of buckwheat due to seed priming. Notably, the 48-hour hydropriming treatment exhibited the highest performance, yielding a germination percentage of 87.167%, a speed of germination of 66.62, a vigor index of 52.78, a grain yield of 1518.988 kgha-1, a test weight of 19.533 g, and a harvest index of 0.405. These findings suggest that priming seeds with water for 48 hours can effectively enhance the germination, growth, and yield attributes of common buckwheat

Effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of broad leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Broad Leaf Mustard, one of the most popular, highly commercialized, and widely grown green vegetables due to its richness in vitamin and minerals with peculiar taste. The precise knowledge of ideal planting time with right selection of variety provides suitable environmental conditions at all growth stages that increase the yield. The field experiment was carried at Horticulture Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan to evaluate the effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties in Terai condition of Nepal during October 2021 to March 2022. The experiment was laid out in two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were sixteen treatment combination comprising four varieties (Khumal Broad Leaf, Marpha Broad Leaf, Manakamana and Mike Giant) with four transplanting dates (October 25, November 9, November 24 and December 9). The results revealed that transplanting dates and varieties along with interaction significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard. Among the varieties, Khumal Broad Leaf was significantly superior on growth parameters like plant height, leaf length and breadth, plant canopy but on yield attributes the superior variety was Mike Giant based on number of leaves harvested per plot (226.08) and leaf yield (26.43 mt ha-1). However, the organoleptic test result revealed that the Mike Giant had excellent taste (74%) along with highest recovery percentage of Gundruk (27.62 %). Among the date of transplanting, mid transplanting on November 9 was better in terms of growth and leaf yield of 28.92 mt ha-1. While poorest performance was recorded on last transplanting on December 9 in all growth, yield and quality parameters with leaf yield of 17.36 mt ha-1. The interaction effect of different varieties and transplanting dates resulted better growth and quality in Khumal Broad Leaf and Manakamana varieties when transplanted on November 9. So based on the results of the experiment, Mike Giant transplanted on November 9 produced better growth and yield than others for the optimum yield production in Chitwan, Nepal

Insights into the germplasm conservation and utilization: Implications for sustainable agriculture and future crop improvement

Plant genetic resources are critical for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring food security. However, these resources face threats from factors such as habitat loss and climate change, with approximately 22% of plant species estimated to be at risk of extinction. To address this issue, both natural and biotechnological methods are being developed to preserve plant genetic resources, with germplasm being a key component. Germplasm contains the complete genetic information of a plant and can be stored for extended periods and replicated as required. The objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of preserving germplasm of endangered or near-extinct plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation methods. In situ conservation involves conserving species in their natural environment, while ex situ conservation includes using gene-seed banks and tissue culture to store genetic resources. These methods are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The study highlights the various ex situ conservation methods, including cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, farmer's fields, botanic gardens, genetic reserves, and slow-growing cultures, which are essential for preserving germplasm. Gene banks worldwide currently hold over 7.4 million accessions of crop genetic resources, demonstrating the value of germplasm conservation efforts. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characterization of related species is crucial for identifying endangered or vulnerable species that can diversify into new varieties or subspecies. In conclusion, prioritizing germplasm conservation efforts is crucial for meeting future demands while preserving endangered or vulnerable species. This will ensure that plant genetic resources remain available for future generations and that agricultural innovation can effectively address global food security challenges

Fish biodiversity status and threats of Chinadi Beel in Bangladesh

This study examined the fish fauna of Chinadi Beel in Bangladesh in terms of diversity, quantity, and state of conservation. A pre-tested questionnaire and a direct catch evaluation survey were employed to conduct the study in the beel. In the examined beel, a comprehensive count of 3,360 fish specimens, encompassing 52 distinct fish species from 8 orders and 19 families, was documented. Cypriniformes was identified as the dominating order among the 8 orders examined, accounting for 51.49% of the total. Out of 52 fish species about 31 least concern (59.61%), 8 endangered (15.38%), 6 vulnerable (11.54%), 6 near threatened (11.54%) and 1 critically endangered (1.92%) species were observed according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The study utilized population diversity indices, specifically the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H'), Margalef species richness (d), Pielou's evenness index (J'), and Simpson dominance index (c), to assess the species diversity, richness, and evenness of fish which value were found to be 2.50, 4.30, 0.90, and 0.30, respectively. Chinadi Beel has the capacity to function as a significant reservoir of fishing resources and a repository of genetic information for many fish species. However, the present study emphasized several anthropogenic and environmental issues, such as unregulated fishing, agricultural pollutants, illegal or harmful fishing, the construction of infrastructure for development, and climate change. Hence, it is highly recommended to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management that actively involves the local population in order to guarantee the long-term preservation of these water bodies

Optimization doses of frozen maggot used as fish food for rearing stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

This study was performed to evaluate growth performance of stinging catfish, (Heteropneustes fossilis) by applying different dozes of frozen maggot meal as a protein source and fish meal replacer.  The experiment was carried out in 28 days at the Wet laboratory, Department of Aquaculture and laboratory of the Department of Animal Nutrition, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The experiment was carried out in 15 glass aquaria with five different treatments, each with three replications. The frozen maggot as feed for H. fossilis post-larvae production was designed where five different diets of only frozen larvae such as T1 (larvae 20%, crude protein 11.20%), T2 (larvae 40%, crude protein 22.40%), T3 (larvae 60%, crude protein 33.60%) and T4 (larvae 80%, crude protein 44.80%) and a control diet T5 (crude protein 30%) made with fish meal as sole source of protein. It was observed that T3 (Diet 3) had the significantly highest (p<0.05) final weight (1.55g), followed by T5 (1.50g), T2 (1.35g), T4 (1.25g) and T1 (1.16g). Specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, apparent protein utilization and survival rate were also significantly higher in T3 than other treatments. It is recommended to use the frozen maggot meal as a protein source at a dose of 60% in diet and fish meal replacer, which will be cheaper and profitable to aquaculture sector of the world