Farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved mandarin orchard management practices in Syangja district, Nepal

Mandarin is one of the major fruit crops in the mid-hills of Nepal. Since improved farming practices appear to offer a significant chance to boost production and revenue, a study was conducted in Syangja, Nepal with the objective to assess farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved mandarin orchard management practices and identify factors affecting their adoption. Primary data were collected by the use of pretested semi-structured questionnaire from randomly selected 97 respondents within the study area. Data were entered and analyzed using MS Excel, SPSS, and STATA, and the inferences were retrieved using the binary logistic regression model. Findings revealed that the respondents were familiar with most of the improved orchard management practices, however, there was variation in the scale of adoption of these practices. The majority (>90%) were found to practice pruning, FYM application, and weed control; however, there were relatively fewer adopters when it came to the use of Bordeaux paste (75.25%), chemical fertilizers (17.52%), mulching (57.74%), irrigation (44.33%), and soil testing and amendment (39.18%). The study showed that the adoption of Bordeaux paste and soil amendment differ significantly by gender (p=0.069 and p=0.041, respectively). Training has a positive impact on the use of Bordeaux paste (p=0.026), chemical fertilizers (p=0.075), and soil amendment practices (p=0.003). The usage of chemical fertilizers is more prevalent among people with formal education (p=0.075). Knowledge level also positively influences the adoption of mulching (p=0.014) and soil amendment practices (p=0.000). The number of trees is positively and significantly associated (p=0.008) with irrigation practice. It is recommended that expanding access to irrigation facilities and encouraging the use of the recommended amount of fertilizers, mulch, and Bordeaux paste must be prioritized in the study area

Factors affecting awareness on good agriculture practices among citrus growers in Palpa, Nepal: Through binary logistic regression approach

Being an indigenous high-value commodity, with significant market demand in the mid-hills of Nepal, citrus requires the incorporation of sustainable techniques in orchard to increase fruit production. For farmers in Nepal, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is a novel concept. The majority of farmers are unaware of it, and those who are aware also have not fully embraced the techniques. Therefore, the study was conducted in summer 2022 to assess the factors that affect the awareness of GAP among the farmers at Palpa, Nepal. Rainadevi Chahara and Ribdikot rural municipality of Palpa district, Nepal was purposively selected, and altogether, 64 commercial citrus growers from the municipalities were taken by simple random sampling technique. The binary logistic regression model was used for analyzing the effect of different variables on the awareness of GAP among citrus growers. Different demographic and socioeconomic variables have been found associated for odds of being GAP aware. The findings revealed that, farmers’ who are GAP aware have an access to trainings and contact with extension agents, 4.164 and 10.293 times higher than those farmers who are GAP unaware respectively. Therefore, the study suggests that farmers knowledge on GAP can be further expanded through trainings and frequent contact with extension agents as they are the major factors affecting commercial citrus growers’ awareness to GAP in Palpa district, Nepal

Growth status, curd yield and crop duration of late season cauliflower varieties

Cauliflower is an important winter season vegetable crop having year-round demand in Nepal. Due to longer crop duration in late winter season, there was a production of poor-quality curds and lower yield faced by the farmers in Terai region of Nepal. An experiment was conducted to identify the short duration late season varieties at Rampur, Chitwan Nepal during November 2016 to March, 2017. These varieties were Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Amazing, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803 and NS 106 (introduced from USA, Europe and India), and Snow Mystique and Snowball 16 (introduced from Japan). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The highest plant height (71.9 cm) and canopy diameter (74.5 cm) at last harvest of cauliflower was mostly produced by Titan followed by NS 106, Snow Mystique, Bishop and Indam 9803. Similarly, significantly shorter period for final curd initiation of 65 days after transplanting was observed in Freedom and shorter period for final curd maturation of 77 days after transplanting was also recorded in Freedom than other varieties. Significantly, higher curd yield of 54.8 t/ha was produced by Bishop than other varieties. In conclusion, Bishop was the best hybrid variety while other suitable varieties were NS 106, Titan, Artica and Snow Mystique for better growth and higher curd yield in Chitwan condition. Similarly, Freedom was identified as short duration varieties which can minimize the negative effects in late winter season due to higher temperature

Effect of Different Doses and Sources of Nitrogen on Postharvest Quality of Cauliflower

In Nepal, there is lacking of proper nitrogen management regarding postharvest quality of cauliflower in the Terai region of Nepal. In order to address these problems, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design to determine the appropriate dose of nitrogen and combined effect of urea and poultry manure for better postharvest quality of cauliflower in Rampur, Chitwan. The study was carried out in nine treatment combinations from two different factors, with four replications in a late season variety, Bishop from November 2017 to March 2018. The plots consisted of three treatments of 260, 200, and 140 kg N/ha, while the sub-plots were 100 % N from urea; 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure; and 100% N from poultry manure. Significantly higher vitamin C content of 52.4 mg/100 g was found in 140 kg N/ha than other treatments. Similarly, higher TSS content of 6.3°Brix was found in 260 kg N/ha. More compact and acceptable curds were produced in 260 kg N/ha. Similarly, higher vitamin C content of 52.0 mg/100 g and higher TSS content of 6.0°Brix was produced by 50% N from urea plus 50% N from poultry manure. Significantly more tastier and compact curds were produced by 100% N from poultry manure along with 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. Higher physiological weight (30.3%) was found in 260 kg N/ha while lower physiological weight loss (24.4%) was found in 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. From this study, it was concluded that 200 kg nitrogen combination with poultry manure instead of inorganic fertilizer can improve the postharvest quality of cauliflower in Terai region of Nepal

Nutritional Value with Quality of Late Season Cauliflower Varieties in Terai Region of Nepal

An experiment was carried out to assess the nutritional value along with quality of curds in late season cauliflower varieties at Rampur, Chitwan during November 2017 to March, 2018. The eleven late season cauliflower varieties were Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Amazing, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803, NS 106, Snow Mystique and Snowball 16 which were introduced from USA, Europe, India and Nepal. The experiment was prepared in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The main objective of this study was to check the nutritional content, taste, compactness, appearance and freshness of the curds in eleven late season cauliflower varieties at Rampur, Chitwan. Nutritional value along with taste quality, compactness, appearance and freshness of the curds were measured after harvest. Maximum moisture and carbohydrate content was found in Freedom while higher crude fat was obtained in Titan and Bishop. Similarly, higher crude protein and crude fiber was found in NS 106. Significantly better taste score (8.8) was found in Snowball 16 than other varieties. Better compactness score of curd was found in Artica and Titan than other varieties. Significantly better appearance score (8.0) was found in Artica but poor appearance score was found in Casper than other varieties. At different intervals after harvesting of curds, significantly fresher curds were found in Artica than other varieties. In conclusion, NS 106 performed higher content of crude protein and crude fiber while Snowball 16 executed better tasty curds than other varieties. Artica also showed better performance on freshness of curds than other varieties.&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 8(4): 427-431</jats:p

Effect of Different Doses and Sources of Nitrogen on Postharvest Quality of Cauliflower

In Nepal, there is lacking of proper nitrogen management regarding postharvest quality of cauliflower in the Terai region of Nepal. In order to address these problems, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design to determine the appropriate dose of nitrogen and combined effect of urea and poultry manure for better postharvest quality of cauliflower in Rampur, Chitwan. The study was carried out in nine treatment combinations from two different factors, with four replications in a late season variety, Bishop from November 2017 to March 2018. The plots consisted of three treatments of 260, 200, and 140 kg N/ha, while the sub-plots were 100 % N from urea; 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure; and 100% N from poultry manure. Significantly higher vitamin C content of 52.4 mg/100 g was found in 140 kg N/ha than other treatments. Similarly, higher TSS content of 6.3°Brix was found in 260 kg N/ha. More compact and acceptable curds were produced in 260 kg N/ha. Similarly, higher vitamin C content of 52.0 mg/100 g and higher TSS content of 6.0°Brix was produced by 50% N from urea plus 50% N from poultry manure. Significantly more tastier and compact curds were produced by 100% N from poultry manure along with 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. Higher physiological weight (30.3%) was found in 260 kg N/ha while lower physiological weight loss (24.4%) was found in 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. From this study, it was concluded that 200 kg nitrogen combination with poultry manure instead of inorganic fertilizer can improve the postharvest quality of cauliflower in Terai region of Nepal.</jats:p

Farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved mandarin orchard management practices in Syangja district, Nepal

Mandarin is one of the major fruit crops in the mid-hills of Nepal. Since improved farming practices appear to offer a significant chance to boost production and revenue, a study was conducted in Syangja, Nepal with the objective to assess farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved mandarin orchard management practices and identify factors affecting their adoption. Primary data were collected by the use of pretested semi-structured questionnaire from randomly selected 97 respondents within the study area. Data were entered and analyzed using MS Excel, SPSS, and STATA, and the inferences were retrieved using the binary logistic regression model. Findings revealed that the respondents were familiar with most of the improved orchard management practices, however, there was variation in the scale of adoption of these practices. The majority (&gt;90%) were found to practice pruning, FYM application, and weed control; however, there were relatively fewer adopters when it came to the use of Bordeaux paste (75.25%), chemical fertilizers (17.52%), mulching (57.74%), irrigation (44.33%), and soil testing and amendment (39.18%). The study showed that the adoption of Bordeaux paste and soil amendment differ significantly by gender (p=0.069 and p=0.041, respectively). Training has a positive impact on the use of Bordeaux paste (p=0.026), chemical fertilizers (p=0.075), and soil amendment practices (p=0.003). The usage of chemical fertilizers is more prevalent among people with formal education (p=0.075). Knowledge level also positively influences the adoption of mulching (p=0.014) and soil amendment practices (p=0.000). The number of trees is positively and significantly associated (p=0.008) with irrigation practice. It is recommended that expanding access to irrigation facilities and encouraging the use of the recommended amount of fertilizers, mulch, and Bordeaux paste must be prioritized in the study area.</jats:p

Evaluation of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) varieties with respect to growth and yield in Chitwan, Nepal

A field experiment was carried out during October, 2021 to March, 2022 with an objective to evaluate growth and yield parameters of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) varieties in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments were six broccoli varieties viz. two open pollinated (Calabrese and Green Sprouting) and four hybrid varieties (Centauro, Century, Delight, Everest Green). Data were collected for biometrical, phonological, yield and yield attributing characteristics. Results revealed significance for growth and yield parameters.&nbsp; Calabrese had the tallest plant (100.60 cm), the highest leaf number per plant (15.75), the longest leaf (73.90 cm), higher canopy diameter (101.75 cm) and earliness in head initiation (54.50 days) as well as head maturity (60.25 days). Highest head diameter (30.13 cm) and economic yield (22.52 mt/ha) was observed in Century. Thus, Century was found more profitable for commercial production in the environment conditions of Chitwan, Nepal

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Beetroot Varieties in Nepal

Economic use of organic and inorganic fertilizers following their availability is necessary for livestock-based Nepalese farming systems. However, how best to integrate these fertilizers in an appropriate manner is not yet clear. Thus, this study was conducted in the horticulture farm of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from November 2018 to February 2019 to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (N) on growth, yield, and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties. The experiment was laid out in a two factorial randomized complete block design with four replications consisting of two beetroot varieties, i.e., Madhur and Ruby Red, and five N source combinations, i.e., N1: 100% poultry manure (PM), N2: 50% PM + 50% urea, N3: 100% farmyard manure (FYM), N4: 50% FYM + 50% urea, and N5: 100% urea (120:80:40 kg NPK ha−1). Results of this study indicated a significant impact of N sources and varieties on the assessed parameters. During harvest, a significantly higher plant height (41.84 cm), number of leaves per plant (14.68), leaf length (34.56 cm), leaf width (11.38 cm), and beetroot diameter (72.15 mm) were observed in the N2 treatment. Likewise, higher economic (49.78 t ha−1) and biological yields (78.69 t ha−1) were also recorded in the N2 compared to other N sources. Out of the two varieties, the Madhur variety was significantly better in most growth and yield parameters. Similarly, the Madhur variety showed a significantly higher economic (44.49 t ha−1) and biological yields (69.79 t ha−1) compared to the Ruby Red variety. However, the physiological weight loss was higher in the Ruby Red variety. Therefore, the current study suggests that an integration of poultry manure along with the combination of N fertilizer and the Madhur variety is the best combination for quality beetroot production in the Terai region of Nepal

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Beetroot Varieties in Nepal

Economic use of organic and inorganic fertilizers following their availability is necessary for livestock-based Nepalese farming systems. However, how best to integrate these fertilizers in an appropriate manner is not yet clear. Thus, this study was conducted in the horticulture farm of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from November 2018 to February 2019 to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (N) on growth, yield, and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties. The experiment was laid out in a two factorial randomized complete block design with four replications consisting of two beetroot varieties, i.e., Madhur and Ruby Red, and five N source combinations, i.e., N1: 100% poultry manure (PM), N2: 50% PM + 50% urea, N3: 100% farmyard manure (FYM), N4: 50% FYM + 50% urea, and N5: 100% urea (120:80:40 kg NPK ha−1). Results of this study indicated a significant impact of N sources and varieties on the assessed parameters. During harvest, a significantly higher plant height (41.84 cm), number of leaves per plant (14.68), leaf length (34.56 cm), leaf width (11.38 cm), and beetroot diameter (72.15 mm) were observed in the N2 treatment. Likewise, higher economic (49.78 t ha−1) and biological yields (78.69 t ha−1) were also recorded in the N2 compared to other N sources. Out of the two varieties, the Madhur variety was significantly better in most growth and yield parameters. Similarly, the Madhur variety showed a significantly higher economic (44.49 t ha−1) and biological yields (69.79 t ha−1) compared to the Ruby Red variety. However, the physiological weight loss was higher in the Ruby Red variety. Therefore, the current study suggests that an integration of poultry manure along with the combination of N fertilizer and the Madhur variety is the best combination for quality beetroot production in the Terai region of Nepal.</jats:p