Comparative Study on Callus Initiation and Regeneration Frequency of Two Salt Tolerant Rice (Oriza sativa)

The objectives of this study were to find out the in vitro callus initiation and regeneration potentiality of two salt tolerant rice cultivars, viz., BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan53. Mature seeds were used as explants. MS media supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 mg/l) were used for callus induction. The highest calli frequency was 85 % for BRRI dhan47 on MS media containing 3 mg/l 2,4-D, while other variety BRRI dhan53 showed maximum frequency of 75 % callus induction on MS media containing 3 mg/l 2,4-D. For complete plant regeneration the calli of two cultivars were plated on MS media containing different concentrations of kinetin, NAA (1-Naphthalene acetic acid) and BAP (6-benzyl aminopurine). The best regeneration frequency of BRRI dhan47 was 71.42 % on MS media containing 2 mg/l kinetin, 2 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l NAA and it was 87.50 % for BRRI dhan53 on MS media containing 2 mg/l kinetin, 1 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l NAA

Fisheries in the Context of Attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh: COVID-19 Impacts and Future Prospects

Fisheries and the aquaculture sector can play a significant role in the achievement of several of the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda. However, the current COVID-19 situation can negatively impact the fisheries sector, impeding the pace of the achievement of development goals. Therefore, this paper highlighted the performance and challenges of the fisheries sector in Bangladesh, emphasising the impact of COVID-19 and the significance of this sector for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through primary fieldwork and secondary data. The total fish production in the country has increased more than six times over the last three decades (7.54 to 43.84 lakh MT) with improved culture techniques and extension services. Inland closed water contributions have increased to 16%, while inland open water has declined to 10%, and marine fisheries have dropped to 6% over the past 18 financial years (2000–2001 to 2018–2019). COVID-19, a significant health crisis, has also affected various issues associated with aquatic resources and communities. Transportation obstacles and complexity in the food supply, difficulty in starting production, labour crisis, sudden illness, insufficient consumer demand, commodity price hikes, creditor’s pressure, and reduced income were identified as COVID-19 drivers affecting the fisheries sector. The combined effect of these drivers poses a significant threat to a number of the SDGs, such as income (SDG1), nutrition (SDG2), and food security (SDG3 and SDG12), which require immediate and comprehensive action. Several recommendations were discussed, the implementation of which are important to the achievement of the SDGs and the improved management of the aquatic sector (SDG14—life below, and SDG16—life above water)