Multivariate analysis of soybean genotypes

The experiments were conducted using randomized complete block design with three replications at the research field of Agriculture Botany Division, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal in 2016 and 2017 to evaluate sixteen soybean genotypes using multivariate analysis. The results showed the significant (p <0.05) differences among genotypes for plant height, days to maturity plant and hundred  seeds weight and grain yield. Cluster analysis based on these traits, sixteen soybean genotypes were divided the genotypes into four clusters. The soybean genotypes grouped into cluster 1  showed the  highest value for days to maturity. The genotypes belonged to cluster 2 had the highest values for grain yield and plant height. The principle components analysis showed that PC1 and PC2 having eigen values the highest than unity explained 76.6% of total variability among soybean genotypes attributable to plant height, days to maturity, number of pods/plant, 100 seed weight and grain yield. The genotypes showing wide diversity in cluster and principle component analysis can be used as parents in hybridization programs to maximize the use of genetic diversity and expression of heterosis and develop high yielding soybean varieties

Evaluation of the growth and yield characteristics of various genotypes of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Eighteen genotypes of soybean were evaluated in coordinated varietal trial in 2018 and eight genotypes in pre-released varietal trial in 2019 at National Plant Breeding and Genetics Research Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that the maximum yield was obtained from CN-60 (2858 kg/ha) followed by CM-9133 (2791 kg/ha) in 2018 and CM-9125 (2708 kg/ha) followed by G-1872 (2666 kg/ha) in 2019. Similarly, combined analysis of pre-released varietal trial showed that grain yield was maximum for the LS-22-16-16 (2737.5 kg/ha) followed by G-4508 (2718.5 kg/ha) in 2018 and 2019. Thus, LS-22-16-16 and G-4508 seeds can be delivered to farmers as a farmers acceptance test for the release of soybean variety, while CN-60 and CM-9133 can be promoted to pre-released varietal trial

Evaluation of rice genotypes for growth, yield and yield components

Twelve rice genotypes were evaluated under irrigated lowland and upland rainfed conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal in 2019. Data on plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle and grain yield were taken. The variation was observed for plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle among the evaluated rice genotypes. The rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3974.75 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3615.26 kg/ha) and NR 11145-B-B-B-6 (3597.56 kg/ha) under irrigated low land condition. Similarly, the rice genotypes, NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3837.15 kg/ha) followed by NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3588.71 kg/ha) and NR 11305-B-B-1-3 (3292.36 kg/ha) under upland rainfed condition. The combined analysis showed that rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3905.95 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3494.63 kg/ha), and NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3409.89 kg/ha) respectively. Thus, after evaluation of yield, two genotypes namely NR 11375-B-B-21, NR 11374-B-B-23, were selected as outstanding genotypes, which can be used as potential breeding materials for upland and low land environments of mid hills of Nepal

Grain Yield Stability of Rice Genotypes

Stability analysis identifies the adaptation of a crop genotype in different environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate promising rice genotypes for yield stability at different mid-hill environments of Nepal. The multilocation trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at three locations viz Lumle, Kaski; Pakhribas, Dhankuta; and Kabre, Dolakha. Seven rice genotypes namely NR11115-B-B-31-3, NR11139-B-B-B-13-3, NR10676-B-5-3, NR11011-B-B-B-B-29, NR11105-B-B-27, 08FAN10, and Khumal-4 were evaluated in each location. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The rice genotype NR10676-B-5-3 produced the highest grain yield (6.72 t/ha) among all genotypes. The growing environmental factors (climate and soil conditions) affect the grain yield performance of rice genotypes. The variation in climatic factors greatly contributed to the variation in grain yield. Polygon view of genotypic main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot showed that the genotypes NR10676-B-53 and NR11105-B-B-27 were suitable for Lumle; NR11115-B-B-31-3 and NR11139-B-B-B-13-3 for Pakhribas; and 08FAN10 and NR11011-B-B-B-B-29 for Kabre. The GGE biplot showed that genotype NR10676-B-5-3 was stable hence it was near to the point of ideal genotype. This study suggests that NR10676-B-5-3 can be grown for higher grain yield production in mid-hills of Nepal

A cost-efficient and alternative technique of managing fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae in maize crop

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of grease and emamectin benzoate in a randomized complete block design with five replications to reduce fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae load from a maize field in the winter seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Sarlahi, Nepal. Standard agronomic package of practices followed for crop proper growth and development, and plant spacing maintained at 20 × 60  cm2 with a plot size of 390 m2. The treatments were applied when the maize crop was at knee height and larvae damaged nearly 5–8% of the total plants. Emamectin benzoate sprayed at 0.4 g/liter of water and grease of about 0.15 g applied to the maize whorl or tip of a drooping leaf that touched the soil. A significant reduction in larval infestation was observed after 7-days of treatment applications. Fall armyworm larvae were found dead in the chemical-sprayed plots, but they were absent in the grease-applied fields. No crop damage was observed among the grease-treated plants, which might be due to restrictions in the movement of larvae on the maize crop. The armyworm larvae might get irritated, feel insecure, and move far away from the test plots searching for food materials. Thus, an eco-friendly material like grease can be used as an agroecological method for managing fall armyworm larvae among small-scale land-holding maize farmers.</jats:p

Scientific Reports Paper.pdf

 An experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of grease and emamectin benzoate in a randomized complete block design with five replications to reduce fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) larvae load from a maize field in the winter seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Sarlahi, Nepal. Standard agronomic package of practices followed for crop proper growth and development, and plant spacing maintained at 20 × 60 cm2 with a plot size of 390 m2. The treatments were applied when the maize crop was at knee height and larvae damaged nearly 5–8% of the total plants. Emamectin benzoate sprayed at 0.4 g/liter of water and grease of about 0.15 g applied to the maize whorl or tip of a drooping leaf that touched the soil. A significant reduction in larval infestation was observed after 7-days of treatment applications. Fall armyworm larvae were found dead in the chemical-sprayed plots, but they were absent in the grease-applied fields. No crop damage was observed among the grease-treated plants, which might be due to restrictions in the movement of larvae on the maize crop. The armyworm larvae might get irritated, feel insecure, and move far away from the test plots searching for food materials. Thus, an eco-friendly material like grease can be used as an agroecological method for managing fall armyworm larvae among small-scale land-holding maize farmers. </p

2641-10076-1-PB.pdf

Four year experiments were conducted to find out the causes of yield reduction of farmer’s field of Nepal from 2011 to 2014. Randomised complete block design with three replications were used to compare twelve rice genotypes with Khumal -4 as a standard check. One set of genotypes were transplanted in the last week of June and the  other set was transplanted two weeks delayed as summer season rice. Results showed that rice different parameters like grain yield, plant height, panicle length, days to  heading and days to maturity were found significant (psignificant in early transplanted rice than delayed transplanted rice. Delayed transplanted aged rice seedlings took shorter  days to flower and mature than early transplanted rice. On an average, 38.44% decrease in yield was found from early to delayed transplanted rice from 2011 to 2014. Similarly, grain yield of early transplanted rice was found higher than delayed transpla nted rice in all the year. The reason could be that too early and too late transplant ing could not fulfill the required temperature and photoperiod for rice crop. Late transplant of aged rice seedlings are severe to cold and effect plant growth and yield. Thus the yield re duction of farmer’s field can be minimised by transplanting rice in appropriate time with recommended package of practices.<br

EVALUATION OF AN ODOUR DETERRENT TO BLUE BULL BOSELAPHUS TRAGOCAMELUS AND MONKEY RHESUS MACAQUE FROM AGRICULTURAL FIELDS

 An experiment was conducted to evaluate two deterrents to deter blue bull Boselaphus tragocamelus and monkey Rhesus macaque from crop fields through randomized block design experimental trials in different parts of Nepal from July 2019 to May 2021. The odour deterrent tri methyl amine @15ml/ 700 m 2 and microbial fermented fish solution @4ml/ l were evaluated among 150 plots each with 50 replications including control. Significant results were obtained where >90% farmers responded that tri methyl amine repelled blue bull and monkey for >14 days. This might be due to its strong ammonia like fishy odour which was unpleasant to these animals and might had been found irritant and offensive. Similarly, many farmers replied that the microbial fermented fish solution also protected their crops from blue bull for ≥ 30 days. </p

Black Rice

This book introduces black rice to a wider circle of interested parties. Although there <br>have been research on different aspects of black rice, the information is scattered <br>and not easily accessible to laypersons. The book covers all the aspects of black rice <br>from research, history, to its development. As such, the book is suitable for both rice <br>researchers and non-professionals who want to know more about this unique rice crop.<br>Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is packed with high level of nutrients and <br>antioxidants. The antioxidants found in black rice is higher than the blueberries (that <br>contain highest amount of anthocyanins). Black rice is black due to anthocyanin <br>content in the outer layer of its kernel. Legend tells that this rice was consumed only <br>by royals in China and it was expected that this rice would increase life span of the king. <br>Consumption of black rice without approval was hanged. Ordinary individuals were <br>not allowed to consume black rice. Thus this rice is also known as forbidden rice and <br>Emperor’s rice. Now this black heirloom rice is widely available in different parts of the <br>world. Researchers have found that black rice reduce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), <br>the free radicals produced in the body which is the cause of many diseases. This rice <br>also reduce diabetes, inflammation, heart attack, allergy and obesity; reduce the growth <br>of cancer, improves digestive system and is panacea of many health problems. Thus this <br>rice is also known as long life rice. Food nutritionists consider black rice as modern <br>super foods. The cultivation method of black rice is similar to general rice cultivation <br>practices. There are many varieties available in black rice which is of different Asian <br>origin but Chinese black rice is the most famous among them. Black rice has a wide <br>range of applications because its bran is used as a natural food colouring dye, and it is <br>also used to prepare noodles, pasta, porridge, wine etc. This rice takes slightly longer <br>time to cook than widely available white rice. In modern era, black rice serve as one <br>of the best food materials available to us to maintain our health with regular physical <br>exercise. <br