Good agricultural practices (GAP) adoption intensity and production constraints in apple orchards of western Nepal.

The declaration of 'Fruits Decade 2016/17-2026/27' and the enaction of the 'NepalGAP Scheme' by the Government of Nepal has redirected increased public investments to promote apple production and marketability in the western high hills of Nepal. This study explores major good agricultural practices (GAP) related to orchard management, factors influencing their adoption intensity, and key underlying constraints to production using cross-sectional survey data from apple growers in Dolpa district, Nepal. The results showed that farmers mostly adopted GAP such as frequent weeding, intercropping, and nutrient management in apple orchards. Based on the negative binomial regression estimates, household characteristics such as gender of the orchard owner, experience, and number of literate household members were found influential in determining the GAP adoption intensity. The analysis of the problem severity index implied that apple production is mostly constrained by limited access to production inputs and transportation. The findings provide useful insights to the farmers and policymakers regarding the current scenario of GAP adoption along with the diversity of barriers that severely limits the realization of apple production potential in western Nepal.

Efficacy of different organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.).

The cultivation of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) in Nepal faces significant challenges, resulting in diminished yields compared with other regions. The pivotal issue is optimizing fertilizer management practices to enhance bitter gourd growth and yield. In April 2022, a field experiment was conducted in Kapilvastu, Nepal to investigate the efficacy of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of bitter gourd. The study included five treatments: the recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer (111.66:54.56:35.36 NPK kg ha-1, and 29.49 t ha-1 farmyard manure), 100 % poultry manure, 100 % farmyard manure, 50 % NPK + 50 % poultry manure, and 50 % NPK + 50 % farmyard manure. We hypothesized that a blend of 50 % organic and 50 % inorganic manure would significantly enhance bitter gourd performance. These treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and analyzed using R-Studio. The results showed that 50 % NPK +50 % poultry manure increased growth parameters, such as plant height (380 cm), branch count plant-1 (22), node count plant-1 (34.75), female flower count (50.50), fruit length plant-1 (24.75 cm), and fruit diameter (6.53 cm), and decreased male flower count (132.25) and days to first male (33.75) and female (36.25) flowering. The application of 50 % NPK and 50 % poultry manure increased individual fruit weight (274.50 g) and yield-attributing traits, such as fruit count (17.25), fruit yield (55.56 t ha-1), net return (7944$), and benefit-cost ratio (3.14). A synergistic blend of 50 % NPK and 50 % poultry manure can serve as a viable and effective nutrient source for promoting growth and maximizing bitter gourd yield. Although these results are promising, further validation and extension of these positive findings are required on a larger scale in diverse ecological regions.

Comparative expression analysis of sucrose phosphate synthase gene family in a low and high sucrose Pakistani sugarcane cultivars.

Sugarcane is the world's largest cultivated crop by biomass and is the main source of sugar and biofuel. Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) enzymes are directly involved in the synthesis of sucrose. Here, we analyzed and compared one of the important gene families involved in sucrose metabolism in a high and low sucrose sugarcane cultivar. A comprehensive in silico analysis of the SoSPS family displayed their phylogenetic relationship, gene and protein structure, miRNA targets, protein interaction network (PPI), gene ontology and collinearity. This was followed by a spatial expression analysis in two different sugarcane varieties. The phylogenetic reconstruction distributed AtSPS, ZmSPS, OsSPS, SoSPS and SbSPS into three main groups (A, B, C). The regulatory region of SoSPS genes carries ABRE, ARE, G-box, and MYC as the most dominant cis-regulatory elements. The PPI analysis predicted a total of 14 unique proteins interacting with SPS. The predominant expression of SPS in chloroplast clearly indicates that they are the most active in the organelle which is the hub of photosynthesis. Similarly, gene ontology attributed SPS to sucrose phosphate synthase and glucosyl transferase molecular functions, as well as sucrose biosynthetic and disaccharide biological processes. Overall, the expression of SPS in CPF252 (high sucrose variety) was higher in leaf and culm as compared to that of CPF 251 (low sucrose variety). In brief, this study adds to the present literature about sugarcane, sucrose metabolism and role of SPS in sucrose metabolism thereby opening up further avenues of research in crop improvement.

Morpho-physiological and biochemical response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to drought stress: A review.

Global food shortages are caused mainly by drought, the primary driver of yield loss in agriculture worldwide. Drought stress negatively impacts the physiological and morphological characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.), limiting the plant productivity and hence the economy of global rice production. Physiological changes due to drought stress in rice include constrained cell division and elongation, stomatal closure, loss of turgor adjustment, reduced photosynthesis, and lower yields. Morphological changes include inhibition of seed germination, reduced tillers, early maturity, and reduced biomass. In addition, drought stress leads to a metabolic alteration by increasing the buildup of reactive oxygen species, reactive stress metabolites, antioxidative enzymes, and abscisic acid. Rice tends to combat drought through three major phenomena; tolerance, avoidance, and escape. Several mitigation techniques are introduced and adapted to combat drought stress which includes choosing drought-tolerant cultivars, planting early types, maintaining adequate moisture levels, conventional breeding, molecular maintenance, and creating variants with high-yielding characteristics. This review attempts to evaluate the various morpho-physiological responses of the rice plant to drought, along with drought stress reduction techniques.

Effect of different levels of nitrogen and charcoal on growth and yield traits of chili (Capsicum annuum L.).

Nitrogen and carbon sources are important for the growth and yield of chili. A combination of nitrogen and charcoal shows the potential to increase the availability of nutrients and stimulate plant performance. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different levels of nitrogen and charcoal on the growth and yield of chili. A pot experiment was carried out at Lamjung Campus, Lamjung, Nepal from 2019 to 2020. The experiment was carried out using two-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Twelve treatments consisted of three levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha-1) and four levels of charcoal (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% by soil weight) were used in the experiment. Nitrogen and charcoal showed a significant effect on different growth and yield parameters. Nitrogen application at the rate of 100 kg N ha-1 showed significantly the maximum number of primary branches (8.25), plant height (52.62 cm), leaf area (54.33 cm2), number of fruits per plant (42.95), fruit length (6.97 cm), yield per pot (97.14 g) and root length (29.87 cm). The application of 2.5% charcoal by soil weight showed a significant effect on plant height (53.60 cm), fruit length (7.12 cm) and yield per pot (77.55 g), while the application of 5% charcoal by soil weight produced the maximum number of fruits per plant (31.93). The combined level of nitrogen @ 100 kg N ha-1 and charcoal @ 2.5% by soil weight produced the yield per plot (127.1 g). This study suggests that chili production can be maximized by applying such a combined level of nitrogen and charcoal in the Lamjung.

Molecular Diagnosis and Vegetative Compatibility Group Analysis of Fusarium Wilt of Banana in Nepal.

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is the most important constraint of the banana industry globally. In Nepal, epidemics resembling FWB have been increasingly observed on the Malbhog cultivar in the past several years. However, the disease has not been officially reported yet, and consequently, little is known about the pathogen present across the country. In this study, we characterized 13 fungal strains isolated from banana plants of the Malbhog cultivar (Silk, AAB) showing symptoms similar to FWB in banana plantations in Nepal. All of the strains were typed as belonging to the F. oxysporum and caused FWB symptoms when inoculated in the Malbhog and Cachaco (Bluggoe, ABB) cultivars. No symptoms were observed in the Williams cultivar (Cavendish, AAA). Vegetative compatibility group (VCG) analysis classified the strains as VCG 0124 or VCG 0125. PCR analyses conducted with primers specific for Foc race 1 (Foc R1) or Foc tropical race 4 (TR4) revealed that all the strains reacted positively for Foc R1 and none for TR4. Altogether, our results demonstrated that the pathogen populations causing FWB of the Malbhog cultivar in Nepal were Foc R1. This work reported, for the first time, the occurrence of FWB in Nepal. Further studies with larger Foc populations are needed to better understand disease epidemiology to design sustainable disease management strategies.

Nutritional and post-harvest quality preservation of mushrooms: A review.

The purpose of this review is to provide information on the nutritional value of mushrooms and how to preserve that quality after harvest. Mushrooms contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B, C, and D, and are low in calories and high in fiber (iron, phosphorus, copper, potassium and selenium). Consuming mushrooms may help prevent or treat serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiac diseases. Mushrooms are high in protein and low in cholesterol. After being harvested, mushrooms' quality continues to deteriorate, showing signs of discoloration, moisture loss, texture changes, an increase in the number of microorganisms, and nutrient and flavor loss. Maintaining postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of mushrooms requires postharvest preservation techniques, such as physical, chemical, and thermal processes. To preserve its quality during post-harvest, there are a number of steps that must be taken, including precooling and refrigeration, washing with hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, sodium erythorbate, and calcium chloride, edible coating with Aloe vera, apple peel powder, carboxymethyl cellulose, lecithin, and tartaric acid, modified atmosphere packages, and use of high-quality packaging materials like polypropylene. Mushrooms can be kept fresher for longer by steeping and canning. Researchers, farmers, and academics interested in mushroom cultivation and its product diversification could benefit from this review.

Multivariate analysis of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) accessions to quantify phenotypic diversity.

Twelve amaranth accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research field of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung, Sundarbazar, Lamjung, Nepal from March to July 2021 to assess the phenotypic diversity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that only two principal components were significant with their eigenvalues >1 and combinedly accounted for 88.3% of the total variance. PC1, which explained 71.9% of the variance, was highly and positively contributed by days to 50% inflorescence, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, 1000 seed weight, and grain yield. PC1 was negatively affected by the number of primary branches per plant and the number of leaves per plant. PC2, which explained 16.4% of the variance, distinguished plants with high number of leaves and a higher inflorescence length. The accessions were grouped into 4 clusters. Cluster 2 had the greatest intracluster distance (D2 = 13.19), while Cluster 3 and 4 had the greatest intercluster distance (D2 = 21.73), followed by Cluster 2 and 3 (D2 = 17.37). Cluster 1 had the highest number of leaves per plant and the lowest yield. Cluster 2 had the maximum grain yield and plant height. Cluster 3 had the lowest inflorescence length, and cluster 4 had the highest leaf length and 1000 seed weight.

Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a wild herbaceous perennial blooming plant that is commonly known as stinging nettle. It's a common, multi-purpose crop that's sometimes overlooked. Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America are all home to stinging nettle. It is a plant that's edible and has nutritional and medicinal properties. Young leaves can be used to make curries, herb soups, and sour soups. The root of the stinging nettle is used to treat mictional difficulties associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, while the leaves are used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and allergic rhinitis. Its leaves are abundant in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids, as well as antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids. Stinging nettle has antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-infectious, hypotensive, and antiulcer characteristics, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular disease, in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, and seeds). Stinging nettle improves fish reproductive performance, making it a cost-effective aquaculture plant. Fertilizer and insecticides can be made from the plants. This review examines the nutritional and pharmacological aspects of stinging nettle, as well as its possible health advantages. Scientists, farmers, and academicians interested in stinging nettle collecting, cultivation, research, and development would find this review useful.

Effect of different doses of triacontanol on growth and yield of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes).

Triacontanol (TRIA), an endogenous plant growth regulator, promotes various metabolic activities in plants, resulting in improved growth and development in kohlrabi. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different doses of triacontanol on the growth and yield of kohlrabi. This study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications at Purkot Daha, Gulmi, Nepal, from October 2020 to January 2021. The treatments consisted of four doses of triacontanol (Niraculan 0.05% EC) diluted in water viz 0 mL L-1 (control), 1 mL L-1, 1.5 mL L-1 and 2 mL L-1. The results showed that triacontanol application significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, and width of the large leaf at 40 days after transplanting (DAT). Plants treated with triacontanol at the dose of 1 mL L-1 produced the highest plant height (14.61 cm), which was statistically at par with 0 mL L-1 (12.76 cm) and 2 mL L-1 (14.26 cm). Similarly, at 40 DAT, plants treated with triacontanol at the dose of 2 mL L-1 produced the highest number of leaves (5.56), which was statistically at par with 1 mL L-1 (5.4) and 1.5 mL L-1 (4.96). Likewise, at 40 DAT, the highest length of large leaf (13.95 cm) and width of the large leaf (5.09 cm) were found in plants treated with triacontanol at the dose of 1 mL L-1, which was statistically similar with 2 mL L-1. The yield was found to be higher (6.75% to 40.4%) in plants treated with triacontanol as compared to plants treated with triacontanol at the dose of 0 mL L-1. A significant difference was found in the harvest index. The highest harvest index (0.39) was found in plants treated with triacontanol at the dose of 2 mL L-1, which was statistically similar with 1 mL L-1 (0.35) and 1.5 mL L-1 (0.39). The lowest harvest index (0.31) was found in plants treated with 0 mL-1. This study suggests that farmers can apply triacontanol at the dose of 1 mL L-1 to enhance the growth and yield of kohlrabi.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: phytochemical composition, cytotoxicity, proximate analysis and their biological activities.

The present research work has been performed to evaluate the phenolic content, flavonoids content, and cytotoxicity of a multidimensional medicinal plant; Tinospora cordifolia and as well as to determine nutritive value by proximate analysis. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents of Tinospora cordifolia were found to be significantly greater in methanol extract as compared to corresponding hexane extract. Brine shrimp bioassay indicated Tinospora cordifolia is pharmacologically active. The percentage composition of different nutrition parameters namely moisture, total ash, crude fat, protein, fibre, carbohydrate, and vitamin C were assessed. The nutritive values of fresh and dried stem samples were evaluated as 156.44 Kcal/100g and 232.61 Kcal/100g respectively. From Gas column mass spectrometry analysis, it can be reported that inositol, 1-deoxy-, trans-sinapyl alcohol, n-hexadecanoic acid were present in the major amount in methanol stem extract. The findings from this study reveal Tinospora cordifolia contains an adequate amount of phenolic and flavonoids content, vital bioactive antioxidant compounds, and a good source of carbohydrates and fibers which potentially adds to the overall value of the plant.

Corrigendum to "Genetic variability and traits association in maize (Zea mays L.) varieties for growth and yield traits".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07939.].

Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid and kinetin on quality and self-life of banana (Musa spp.) fruits.

Artificial fruit ripening agents have become increasingly popular in recent years. During the off-seasons, various ripening agents are used for the ripening of banana fruits. The effects of various ripening agents of banana fruits (variety: Malbhog) were studied. Seven treatments consisting of distilled water, Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 100 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm, GA3 @ 300 ppm, kinetin @ 3 ppm, kinetin @ 5 ppm, and kinetin @ 7 ppm were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The maximum loss in weight (9.195%), Total Soluble Solids (20.33˚B), the highest color score (6), pH (4.767), Total Soluble Solids/Titratable Acidity TA (34.23), and Pulp peel ratio (2.84) were observed in banana sprayed with distilled water whereas the minimum value for TSS (12.67˚B), pulp peel ratio (1.813), peel color rating (2.67), TSS/TA (15.32) were observed in GA3 @ 300 ppm treated fruits. The maximum (32.67 days) and the minimum (18.33 days) shelf-life was observed in GA3 @ 300 ppm and distilled water respectively. This research will help in the regulation of ripening as per the needs of consumers and the distance of the market. In horticulture, it will help to extend storage life and reduce quality and economic loss.

Genetic variability and trait association in maize (Zea mays L.) varieties for growth and yield traits.

The present study was carried out to study the variation, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance, correlation among traits for growth, yield, and its attributing traits in maize genotypes. Ten maize genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications from June 2019 to September 2019. The results indicated that the genotypes were significantly different for all traits. For all traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The grain yield showed the highest PCV (26.91%) and GCV (25.9%) whereas leaf width at maturity showed the lowest PCV (4.07%) and GCV (6.05%). Genetic Advance over Mean (GAM) for the traits ranged from the lowest value (0.1%) for days to 50% anthesis to the highest value (51.36%) for grain yield. Higher values of heritability and GAM % were obtained for grain yield (0.93, 51.36%) and 1000 grain weight (0.99, 36.95%) whereas the lowest values of heritability and GAM% were found for leaf length (0.5, 7.25%) and leaf width (0.39, 5.25%). Grain yield showed positive and significant phenotypic correlation with test weight (r = 0.706), cob length (r = 0.671), cob diameter (r = 0.573) and number of rows per cob (r = 0.539), respectively. Therefore, traits having high variation can be used as selection indices for indirect selection for the improvement of maize productivity.

Evaluation of growth and yield traits in rice genotypes using multivariate analysis.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the first staple crop in terms of production and area of cultivation in Nepal. The amount of genetic variability is important factor in identifying suitable genotypes in rice breeding programs. This study was conducted in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal during rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019. Forty rice genotypes were planted in Alpha Lattice Design with two replications to determine the genetic diversity among them. The rice genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters based on growth and yield traits. The traits sucnamely plant height, panicle length, number of tillers/plant and grain yield were found highly significant (p < 0.01). Rice genotypes NR 10676-B-1-3-3-3 produced the highest yield (5.65 t/ha), followed by NR10410-89-3-2-1-1 (5.54 t/ha). The highest distance between cluster centroids (83.51) was found in the cluster 2 (Bange Masino, Hansa raj, Indrabeli, NR 11178-B-B-6-1, NR 11368-B-B-17, Pokhreli Jethobudho, Pokhreli Masino), and cluster 4 (IR73008-136-2-2-3, IR74052-95-3-2) indicating genetic dissimilarity among the genotypes which can be utilized in a hybrid breeding programme. Genotypes of cluster 2 had the highest grain yield (4.97 t/ha). The results of this study suggest that genotypes grouped in cluster 2 can be grown for higher grain production in mid-hills of Nepal.

Production and distribution system of maize seed in Nepal.

This study analyses the gaps and issues in the production and distribution system of maize seed in Nepal. A total of 682 households were surveyed in 2017 by employing multistage random sampling with probability proportionate to size by representing different (tarai and hill) agro-ecological zones. Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) and four key informant interviews (KII) were also carried out. Results showed that the old varieties like Rampur Composite and Manakamana-3 are still popular in the farmers' fields. The cost of seed production was about 48% and the profit of the producer was 18% of the consumer price. The share of wholesalers was 15% of the consumer price whereas it was 19% for retailer/agro-vet. The average total cost of production was found to be $1392/ha and gross income was $1925/ha with the 1.38 average B: C ratio; it is, therefore, a lucrative enterprise. Out of a total of 27 released varieties, only 12 varieties have been used in seed production. Results revealed that 83% of the farmers cultivate open-pollinated maize varieties whereas 17% of them cultivate hybrid maize varieties. Seventy-five per cent of seed was from a formal source. The maize productivity, hybrid maize area, and seed replacement were below the targets set in Nepals' National Seed Vision, a policy document of the government. Focus on the production of nucleus and breeder seed by Government research farms and use of these seeds by private seed companies and community seed producing groups to produce next generation foundation seeds are urgently required. Equally important is enabling private and community-based organizations to produce hybrid seeds of the crop.