Effects of Polypropylene Bag on Storage Properties of Litchi (Litchi Chinensis Sonn.)

The present study was run in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period of 15 May to September, 2016. The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of different postharvest treatments on the storage behaviour of litchi. Eight postharvest treatments viz., control, fruits stored in 50µ polypropylene bag at ambient temperature, fruits stored in 75µ polypropylene bag at ambient temperature, fruits stored in 100µ polypropylene bag at ambient temperature, fruits stored at 4ºC temperature, fruits stored in 50µ polypropylene bag at 4ºC temperature, fruits stored in 75µ polypropylene bag at 4ºC temperature, fruits stored in 100µ polypropylene bag at 4ºC temperature were assigned to the litchi fruits. The single factor experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. 75µ polypropylene bag at low temperature (4ºC) caused minimal weight loss, whereas, the untreated fruits exhibited maximal weight loss. The pericarp turned brown within 4 days of storage in the untreated fruits, while polypropylene bags helped keep its bright red colour, but microbial decay was evident at the end of the storage period. Different postharvest treatments showed highly significant variation in the shelf life of litchi. Among the treated and untreated fruits, 75µ polypropylene bag at low temperature (4ºC) treatment exhibited better storage performance. The fruits kept in 75µ polypropylene bag at 4°C showed the highest shelf life (20.67 days) followed by 50µ polypropylene bag at 4°C (20.33 days), and it was the lowest in the untreated fruits (3 days)

Biopesticidal Management of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus Chinensis L) in Chickpea Seeds

The pesticidal efficacy of four locally available leaves of botanicals like neem (Azadirachta indica), datura (Datura stramonium),  marigold (Tagetes erecta) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) tablet powders was assessed on pulse bettle (Callosobruchus chinensis L) through adult mortality and emergence, oviposition performance, seed damage, weight loss and germination  of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The above test biopesticides were tested at three different rates (0.5 g, 1.0 g and 1.50 g powder/kg of chickpea seeds). All the tested powder showed significant effect on the above parameters. The highest adult mortality was recorded when chickpea seeds were treated with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg, whereas marigold showed the least effect on adult mortality. The powders used in the experiment effectively controlled oviposition and adult emergence of pulse beetle. The lowest number of adult emergence was obtained from chickpea seeds treated with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg. The highest weight loss was observed in control seeds followed by marigold leaf powder 0.5 g/kg gram seeds. Datura leaf powder treated seeds showed the lowest seed weight loss followed by neem, garlic and marigold. Plant powders had profound effect on seed germination. The highest germination was observed in treated seed with datura leaf powder at 1.50 g/kg and the lowest germination in control seed followed by marigold leaf powder at 1.5 g/kg treated seeds. The pesticidal effect on oviposition, adult mortality, adult emergence, and seed weight loss was directly proportional to leaf powder rates

Combined Effects of Vernalization and Gibberellic Acid on Quality Seed Production of Summer Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vernalization and GA3 on seed yield and reproductive quality of summer onion. There were three vernalization treatments viz., no vernalization (control), vernalization at 5°C for 14 days and vernalization at 10°C for 14 days and four GA3 treatment viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The two-factor experiment was conducted in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Combination between vernalization and GA3 was significant on the parameters such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, the highest number of flowering stalk, number of umbels plant-1, number of bud umbel-1, percent flowering at 45 and 60 DAP, number of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plot-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, number of fruits umbel-1, percent of fruit set umbel-1and percent germination. Combined effect of vernalization & GA3 was considered the highest seed yield (280.42 kgha-1) was obtained from vernalization at 5°C for 14 days with 100 ppm GA3. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded in the control treatment. No limitation is found in the present experiment.  Combined use of proper vernalization of mother bulb and suitable concentration of gibberellic acid can be one possible way to expand onion production during the summer

Responses of seed germination, seedling growth under salinity stresses and variability for phenotypic traits in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Salinity is a serious abiotic stress to Jute and other crop cultivation at saline regions in the world. No salt tolerant Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) variety was developed in Bangladesh. Hence, six Tossa Jute accessions were investigated at germination stage against six concentration levels (0.00 or d.H2O, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 14.0 and 16.0 dS m-1) of salt (NaCl) using RCB design at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during March-July, 2020. Jute seeds collected from Gene Bank of BJRI were allowed to germinate under laboratory condition. Seed germination rate was adversely affected as well as delay in germination was prolonged with increasing the salt concentration. In control, seeds were germinated up to 14.0 dS m-1 salt solution. Among six genotypes, Acc. 1141 and Acc. 3801 showed the highest germination rate (86.67 %); Acc. 3801 gave maximum root length (17.0 mm), dry biomass (6.37 mg); and Acc. 1089 showed higher shoot length (10.0 mm), fresh weight (43.93 mg) and salt tolerance index (60.69 %) under 14.0 dS m-1 level. Higher relative salt harm rate (7.14 %) was observed in both Acc. 1141 and Acc. 3801 under 14.0 dS m-1 salinity indicating highly tolerance to salinity. Acc. 3801 and Acc. 1141 were found good for germination under salt stresses; Acc. 3801, Acc. 1089 for fiber yield and salt tolerance; Acc. 3801 and Acc. 1407 for higher fiber yield. Acc. 3801 was found good for salt tolerance and fiber yield content. The genotypes with good desirable characters would be used as breeding materials to develop high yielding salt tolerant Tossa Jute variety

A Rice Variety (BRRI dhan29) Yield Performance as Influenced by Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid in Bangladesh

Objective of this study was to examine and evaluate the role of different rates of salicylic acid (SA) as foliar spray on growth and yield performance of BRRI dhan29. The experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh from November, 2016 to May, 2017 following a randomized complete block design with five rates of SA in six replications. The results showed that the lower rate of SA (upto 0.75 mM) has a positive effect on rice biomass production including effective tiller per hill, filled grain per panicle, grain yield and straw yield. The highest dry matter production at both maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages was found at SA spray rate of 0.5 mM. The highest number of effective tillers per hill (14.7) as well as the highest filled grain (120.4) and grain yield (8.1 t/ha) were found at SA rate of 0.75 mM. However, the maximum biomass production was obtained at SA rate of 0.25 mM. The minimum grain yield (7.0 t/ha) was observed in the control treatment

Bio-Rational Management of Maize Weevil, Sitophilus Zeamais in Maize (Zea Mays) Seeds

Bangladesh is a sub-tropical and humid country. That is why, the infestation of insects during storage is very common here. The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), locally known as “Katta Poka”, is one of the most serious cosmopolitan pest of stored cereal grain, especially of maize (Zea mays L.), in tropical and subtropical regions including Bangladesh. Considering the issue, the study was conducted in the laboratory of Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications to evaluate the efficacy of four locally available botanicals and chemicals. The botanicals used were: Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf, Datura (Datura stramonium) leaf, Nishinda (Vitex negundo L) leaf and Garlic (Allium sativum L.) tablet powders at three different doses (3, 4 and 5gm)/100g of grain seed against maize weevil. The results revealed that all test materials at 5g doses exhibited higher mortality action against maize weevil while at 3g doses it gave the lowest percentage efficacy. Powdered leaves of neem and datura at 4 and 5gm were showed statistical significant (P<0.01) differences while powdered leaves of nishinda at the similar rates were observed with moderately effectiveness and powdered tablet of garlic gave the lowest mortality rate within 28 days of exposure in all tested doses. These findings suggest that botanical treatments exerted better mortality of maize weevil and reduced maize seed weight loss with higher germination capacity compared to the untreated control. It was also observed that the highest mortality percentage, lowest seed weight loss and highest germination capacity in the seeds which were treated with Sevin 85SP at the rate of 0.25g/100g maize seeds. Maize grains treated with botanicals, indicated that insect reproduction and development were impaired in all botanical pesticides. It is suggested that datura leaf, neem leaf powder can be used as good alternatives to chemical insecticides against S. zeamays due to their higher mortality, lower seed weight losses and higher germination capacity

Applying a gender lens to understand pathways through care for acutely ill young children in Kenyan urban informal settlements

Background: In many African settings, gender strongly influences household treatment-seeking and decision-making for childhood illnesses. While mothers are often the primary engagers with health facilities, their independence in illness-related decisions is shaped by various factors. Drawing on a gender lens, we explored treatment-seeking pathways pre- and post-hospital admission for acutely ill young children living in low income settlements in Nairobi, Kenya; and the gendered impact of child illness both at the household and health system level. Methods: Household members of 22 children admitted to a public hospital were interviewed in their homes several times post hospital discharge. In-depth interviews covered the child's household situation, health and illness; and the family's treatment-seeking choices and experiences. Children were selected from an observational cohort established by the Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network. Results: Treatment-seeking pathways were often long and complex, with mothers playing the key role in caring for their children and in treatment decision-making. Facing many anxieties and dilemmas, mothers often consulted with significant influencers - primarily women - particularly where illnesses were prolonged or complex. In contrast to observations in rural African contexts, fathers were less prominent as influencers than (often female) neighbours, grandparents and other relatives. Mothers were sometimes blamed for their child's condition at home and at health facilities. Children's illness episode and associated treatment-seeking had significant gendered socio-economic consequences for households, including through mothers having to take substantial time off work, reduce their working hours and income, or even losing their jobs. Conclusion: Women in urban low-income settings are disproportionately impacted by acute child illness and the related treatment-seeking and recovery process. The range of interventions needed to support mothers as they navigate their way through children's illnesses and recovery include: deliberate engagement of men in child health to counteract the dominant perception of child health and care as a 'female-domain'; targeted economic strategies such as cash transfers to safeguard the most vulnerable women and households, combined with more robust labour policies to protect affected women; as well as implementing strategies at the health system level to improve interactions between health workers and community members.The primary author (KM) was funded through the DELTAS Africa Initiative [DEL-15-003]. The DELTAS Africa Initiative is an independent funding scheme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS)’s Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA) and supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency) with funding from the Wellcome Trust [107769/Z/10/Z] and the UK government. This work was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded to the CHAIN Network (grant: OPP1131320)

Strengthening the role of community health workers in supporting the recovery of ill, undernourished children post hospital discharge: qualitative insights from key stakeholders in Bangladesh and Kenya

Background: Even when undernourished children in low- and middle-income countries are treated using World Health Organisation recommended guidelines, they remain at elevated risk of death following hospital discharge. The role of community health workers (CHWs) in supporting post-discharge recovery to improve outcomes has not been adequately explored. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted as part of the Childhood Acute Illnesses and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network in rural and urban Bangladesh and Kenya. Interviews were conducted with family members of a total of 64 acutely ill children admitted in four hospitals (two rural and two urban- across both contexts). Children included those with undernutrition, and interviews were repeated in family members’ homes over several months. Data collected from families were supplemented by observations in facilities and homes, key informant interviews with CHWs and policy makers in Bangladesh, and a review of relevant guidelines. Findings: Guidelines suggest that CHWs could play a role not only in initially referring undernourished children to hospital, but also in supporting recovery post-discharge. However, the specific mechanisms to link CHWs into hospital discharge and post-discharge support processes are not specified. Data suggest a range of access and communication challenges that community health workers (CHWs) could potentially contribute towards overcoming. However, few families we interviewed reported any therapeutic interactions with CHWs post-discharge, especially in Kenya. Although CHWs are generally available in communities, they face significant challenges in conducting their roles, including unmanageable workloads, few incentives, lack of equipment and supplies and inadequate support from supervisors and some community members. Conclusion/recommendations: There is need for context sensitive policy and guidance documents that include specific recommendations on post-discharge linkage or down-referral to support for vulnerable children. Consideration should be given to introducing and supporting a dedicated staff member (whether defined as a CHW or patient advocate) whose tasks and responsibilities include playing a linking role between family members and community-based post-discharge support services. These additional tasks should take into consideration the broader responsibilities of CHWs, and consider recognised challenges such as appropriate recognition, training and remuneration. Potential interventions need to be evaluated in carefully designed and conducted studies

Market-based approach to promoting home fortification of diets with micronutrient powder through volunteer frontline health workers: A qualitative study.

BackgroundThe potential of market-based approach in distributing micronutrient powder (MNP) through volunteer frontline health workers has been recognized. BRAC, the largest non-government organization (NGO) in Bangladesh, uses Shasthya Shebikas as volunteer frontline health workers to sell MNP for promotion of home fortification (HF) of diets for under-5 children. We aimed to understand the opportunities and challenges of BRAC's market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive qualitative study in the four selected districts of Bangladesh: Faridpur, Gaibandha, Rangpur, and Rajbari. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were deployed to collect data from purposively-selected Shasthya Shebikas and their immediate supervisors at the field level-Shasthya Kormis, Field Organizers, Managers, and mothers or caregivers of under-5 children. We performed thematic analysis to analyze data.ResultsWe have found that the Shasthya Shebikas play a critical role in promoting access of MNP by the mother/caregivers of children aged 6-59 months at the community level. They counsel the caregivers to seek primary advice about the product and also informally identify undernourished children so that they can receive special attention regarding the use of MNP. However, low profit margins, over-due payments for the sold sachets, poor collaboration with and free distribution of MNP by other NGOs, and inadequate training of Shasthya Shebikas on marketing of MNP have posed major challenges for them to perform as effective sales agents of the product.ConclusionThe market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP through frontline volunteer health workers shows much potential, with ample opportunities and few possible challenges. Considering the dynamics, the intervention should fine-tune the factors crucial to maximizing the potentials of Shasthya Shebikas for marketing MNP and promoting HF in order to improve nutrition status of the infants and young children

Market-based approach to promoting home fortification of diets with micronutrient powder through volunteer frontline health workers: A qualitative study

Background The potential of market-based approach in distributing micronutrient powder (MNP) through volunteer frontline health workers has been recognized. BRAC, the largest non-government organization (NGO) in Bangladesh, uses Shasthya Shebikas as volunteer frontline health workers to sell MNP for promotion of home fortification (HF) of diets for under-5 children. We aimed to understand the opportunities and challenges of BRAC’s market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP. Methods We conducted a descriptive qualitative study in the four selected districts of Bangladesh: Faridpur, Gaibandha, Rangpur, and Rajbari. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were deployed to collect data from purposively-selected Shasthya Shebikas and their immediate supervisors at the field level-Shasthya Kormis, Field Organizers, Managers, and mothers or caregivers of under-5 children. We performed thematic analysis to analyze data. Results We have found that the Shasthya Shebikas play a critical role in promoting access of MNP by the mother/caregivers of children aged 6–59 months at the community level. They counsel the caregivers to seek primary advice about the product and also informally identify undernourished children so that they can receive special attention regarding the use of MNP. However, low profit margins, over-due payments for the sold sachets, poor collaboration with and free distribution of MNP by other NGOs, and inadequate training of Shasthya Shebikas on marketing of MNP have posed major challenges for them to perform as effective sales agents of the product. Conclusion The market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP through frontline volunteer health workers shows much potential, with ample opportunities and few possible challenges. Considering the dynamics, the intervention should fine-tune the factors crucial to maximizing the potentials of Shasthya Shebikas for marketing MNP and promoting HF in order to improve nutrition status of the infants and young children