Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES)

Bangladesh Agricultural University

Mymensingh

                                                                                                            GO BACK

Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University

Volume 3                                       Number 2                                      December, 2005

 Contents 

Abstracts

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 197–202, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Effects of ash and longitudinal set cutting on the yield and economics of off-season onion

M. F. Mondal and M. A. Hoque, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh -2202

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from July 2003 to January 2004. The objectives of the study was to examine the influence of set sizes including whole and cut pieces in order to develop a low–cost technology for onion production. The results of the experiment revealed that bulb yield increased with the increase in bulb size with proportionate increase in the production cost. Cut bulbs treated with ash had no effect on yield of onion bulbs. The yield of plants raised from whole bulbs was higher than that raised from cut bulbs irrespective of size. Small whole bulbs were more profitable for commercial onion production followed by very small whole bulb and cut pieces from large bulbs.

Keywords: Onion, Ash, Set, Growth and Yield

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 203–208, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Salinity tolerance of three mustard/rapeseed cultivars

M.N. Uddin¹, M. Tariqul Islam² and M.A. Karim¹

¹Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

²Senior Scientific Officer, Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh

A pot experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, to evaluate salinity tolerance of mustard/rapeseed cultivars viz., BINAsarisha-5, BINAsarisha-6 and Safal during October 2003 to January 2004. Salinity levels were 4, 6, 8 and 10 dSm^-1 with a control (0.43 dSm^-1). Plant height, leaf area, total dry matter, number of siliqua per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight and harvest index were decreased with the increase of salinity compared to control. Na⁺ content in leaves increased but K⁺ content decreased with the increase of salinity. BINAsarisha-6 showed the highest number of siliqua, seed yield per plant, harvest index, higher Na⁺ and medium K⁺ content in leaves and BINAsarisha-5 showed the highest number of seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight, lower Na⁺ and higher K⁺ content in leaves under the salinity levels. On the other hand, Safal showed the lowest number of seeds per siliqua, seed yield, higher Na⁺ and the lowest K⁺ content in leaves. BINAsarisha-6 and BINAsarisha-5 were found to be tolerant and Safal was less tolerant to imposed salinity.

Keywords: Salinity, Mustard, Yield, Tolerance

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 209–214, 2005               ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of salinity on some morpho-physiological characters and yield in three sesame cultivars

M.A. Ali¹, M. Tariqul Islam² and M. Tazul Islam³

¹Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

²Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh

³Graduate Training Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

A pot experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, during February to May 2004 to assess the effect of different salinity levels on growth and yield attributes of three sesame cultivars namely BINA TIL-1, T6 and BARI Til-3. The salinity levels were control, 6 dS/m and 9 dS/m imposed by irrigation of NaCl salt solution at 45 days after sowing. The experiment was laid out following Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Plant height, leaf area, total dry matter, number of capsule per plant, number of seeds per capsule, seed weight per plant, 1000-seed weight and harvest index progressively decreased with the increasing salinity level. BINA Til-1 showed better performance on the above morpho-physiological parameters. BARI Til-3 had higher Na⁺ in leaves and was found intermediate on the other parameters. T6 showed the lowest yield attributes, K⁺ content and the highest Na⁺ content in leaves. Salinity tolerance seemed to be better in BINA Til-1 followed by BARI Til-3 and T6.

Keywords: Salinity, Sesame and Yield

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 215–220, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of nitrogen and boron on the yield of wheat cv. Kanchan

M.M. Khan¹, A.K. Hasan², M.H. Rashid², and F. Ahmed³

¹Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), Sher-e-Banglanagar, Dhaka, 2Department of Agronomy and ³Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from January to April 2004 to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and boron on the yield of wheat cv. Kanchan. The treatments included four levels of nitrogen viz., 45, 60, 85 and 110 kg N ha^-1 and four levels of boron viz., 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg B ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that yield and yield contributing characters were influenced significantly by both levels of nitrogen and boron. Among the levels of nitrogen, 110 kg N ha^-1 produced the highest grain (5.54 t ha^-1) and straw (8.21 t ha^-1) yields. The lowest grain (3.23 t ha^-1) and straw (5.52 t ha^-1) yields were observed with the application of 45 kg N ha^-1. The highest grain (4.95 t ha^-1) and straw (7.38 t ha^-1) yields were produced with 3 kg B ha^-1. The minimum grain (3.59 t ha^-1) and straw (6.14 t ha^-1) yields were found in the control treatment. Highest plant height (103.23cm) and grains spike^-1 (62.53) was observed due to interaction of 110 kg N ha^-1 and 3 kg B ha^-1.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Boron, Kanchan variety, Wheat yield

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 121–224, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of planting density of soybean grown in association with Eucalyptus tree on its yield and yield contributing characters under the cropland Agroforestry system

F. Ahmed¹, G.M.M. Rahman¹ and A.K. Hasan²

¹Department of Agroforestry and ²Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

A field experiment was conducted at the Agroforestry Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period from December 2003 to April 2004 to find out the effect of planting density of soybean in association with Eucalyptus tree on its yield and yield contributing characters under the cropland agroforestry system. The experiment was carried out in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The density of soybean was 60 plants/m²_, 50 plants/m² and 40 plants/m²_. Two factors i.e. tree (Eucalyptus) and planting density of soybean was involved in the experiment. In general Eucalyptus tree influenced plant height, no of seed pod^-1, seed yield and total dry matter yield of soybean significantly; while no of pod plant^-1, length of pod, weight of 1000 seed and harvest index were insignificant. Among the three plant densities of soybean, 50 plants/m² gave best results in all the yield and yield contributing characters except no of pod plant^-1 and harvest index compared to that of 40 plants/m² and 60 plants/m². Considering Eucalyptus-Soybean association 50 plants/m² plant densities of soybean grown as undestroyed crop in association with Eucalyptus is best for higher yield of soybean.

Keywords: Soybean yield, Eucalyptus, Cropland agroforestry

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 225–230, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Genetic parameters, inter-relationship and path-coefficient analysis in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

A.K. Datta, M.A. Hossain and L. Rahman

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted to study the components of phenotypic variation for yield and yield contributing characters and relationship between them in 21 genotypes of soybean. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The highest genotypic and phenotypic co-efficient of variation was observed in pod/plant followed by leaf area, yield/plant, 100 seed weight and yield/plant. High heritability (broad sense) was observed for all the characters except seeds/pod. Higher level of heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean was found in leaf area, plant height and pods/plant. In most of the cases genotypic correlations were higher than the phenotypic ones. Pods/plant, seeds/pod and 100 seed weight showed significant and positive correlation with yield/plant at phenotypic level. The number of pods/plant had higher direct effects on yield. These results suggest that number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod and 100 seed weight were the most important characters in yield determination and could be used for future yield improvement programmes in soybean.

Keywords: Soybean, Glycine max, Genetic parameters, Correlation, Path analysis

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 231–138, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Cropping systems dynamics in greater Kushtia

M.H Rashid¹, A.H. Khan² and M.M. Alam²

¹BRRI Regional Station, Bhanga, Faridpur-7830

²RFS Division, BRRI, Gazipur-1701

Understanding in changes of cropping systems over time and seasons related to the shifting of cropping patterns of a particular area is of importance for guiding policy makers, researchers and extension personnel for future research and development planning. The diagnostic sample survey was conducted in five Blocks under five upazilas of greater Kushtia district during 2004 using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire with a view to documenting the changes in cropping patterns and the reasons for the shift therein. About 80 % of the net cropped area were found under rice-based cropping patterns which was increased at about 89 % during 1998-99 to 2002-03. A total of 14 rice-based cropping patterns were identified in greater Kushtia district which was decreased and resulted in decreasing tendency in crop diversity. Lion’s share of the cropped area was covered by Boro-Fallow-Transplanted Aman, which was remarkably increased in all Blocks over time. The pulses and spices are replaced by Boro rice, tobacco, maize, aroid and potato. Increased irrigation facilities, lack of appropriate marketing channel and increased insect and disease pressure in pulses and other minor crops are the main reasons for the shifting of cropping patterns. The farmers demanded improved varieties of Aus and Transplanted Aman rices like BR11 and Swarna, suitable for this drought prone area. Research and development activities for non-rice crops in this area might get priority for sustainable crop diversity.

Keywords: Cropping systems, Dynamics, Greater Kushtia

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 239–242, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of IAA on yield and yield contributing characters of aman rice under irrigated and moisture stress conditions

A.H.M. Razzaque and M.S. Rahman

Crop Physiology Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box # 4, Mymensingh-2200

A pot experiment was carried out at the experimental site of Crop Physiology Division of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh during August to November 2003 to study the effects of IAA (Indole acetic acid) on yield and yield attributes of aman rice var. Binashail grown under irrigated and moisture stress conditions. The experiment comprised of four levels of IAA viz. 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm and two levels of irrigation viz. continuous irrigation and moisture stress for 7 days at booting stage. Results revealed that most of the yield contributing characters had better performance under irrigated condition compared to the water stress. The application of 50 ppm IAA produced the maximum grain yield/hill as a consequence of higher number of tillers/hill, longer panicle length and higher number of filled grains/panicle. The interaction effects of irrigation and IAA showed that application of 50 ppm IAA in continuously irrigated plants had resulted in the highest grain yield. The application of the same dose also produced the highest grain yield/hill even in seven days stress at the booting stage.

Keywords: IAA, Yield, Irrigation, Moisture stress

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 243–248, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Comparative carcass characteristics of ruminant species in Bangladesh

S.M.A. Abedin¹, M.R. Alam² and M.O. Faruque¹

¹Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh, ²Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The present study describes the effect of species on carcass yield and composition of goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo. This experiment was conducted on 32 goats, 21 sheep, 8 cattle and 9 buffaloes in the slaughter house of Mymensingh town and Animal Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Animals were slaughtered according to “Mohammedan” method by severing the major vessels of the throat by a transverse cut. The average age at slaughtering of goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo was 11.48, 11.32, 38.00 and 28.00 months and the dressing percentage was 43.73, 41.60, 44.02 and 42.64 respectively. There was no significant effect of genotype on the dressing percentage of the animals. The total average edible products and by-products for goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo were 58.18%, 55.23%, 57.24% and 58.32% respectively and it varied significantly (p<0.05) among the aforesaid species. All edible by-products (except heart) i. e. head, liver, lung plus trachea, pluck, spleen and kidney differed significantly (p<0.01 or p<0.05) as per cent of body weight among the four different species. The total average inedible by-products percentage for goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo were 42.13, 44.85, 42.68 and 40.21respectively and there was no significant variation on it among the species considered. There was significant (p<0.01) species effect on leg and skin as per cent of body weight while that for blood and gut it was not. In case of carcass chemical composition, the moisture content (%) was as 74.37, 75.27, 75.79 and 74.72; crude protein (%) as 21.52, 19.59, 20.18 and 20.41; ether extract (%) as 3.29, 3.25, 2.60 and 3.36; ash (%) as 1.23, 1.26, 1.07 and 1.15 for goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo respectively. There was no significant difference in the carcass chemical composition among the four species.

Keywords: Species, Slaughter house, Dressing percentage, Products and By-products, Carcass

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 249–255, 2005                                                ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of Rhizobium inoculum and N-fertilizer on bio-mass production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forage at different stages of maturity

M.N. Sultana, M.J. Khan,  Z.H Khandaker and M.M. Uddin

Department of Animal Nutrition, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202

An experiment was conducted for a period of 60 (sixty) days during March to May 2003 to study the effect of Rhizobium inoculum and N-fertilizer on bio-mass production in 3 (three) stages (40d, 50d and 60d) of maturity of cowpea plants following a randomized block design (RBD). There were six treatments as: T₀ (uninoculated control), T₁ (inoculated), T₂ (25 kg N/ha), T₃ (inoculated + 25 kg N/ha), T₄ (35 kg N/ha) and T₅ (45 kg N/ha) having three replication in each treatment. With the advancement of plant age, yield of cowpea forage on green as well as dry basis increased linearly. The maximum green biomass (265 q/ha) production was attained in treatment T₅ at 60 days of plant age against 200 q/h in untreated control (T₀). Similar trend was observed in total dry matter and organic matter production (P<0.05) at harvest age of 60 days. Crude protein in different treatments raged from 5.39 to 4.74, 4.24 to 6.64 and 4.04 to 6.35 q/ha in 40, 50 and 60 days of plant age respectively. Maximum yield of crude protein attained at 50% flowering stage (50d) of maturity in all treatments. Rhizobium inoculum and/or nitrogen fertilizer application had significant (P<0.01) effect on green matter, DM, OM, and CP yield of cowpea forage. Rhizobium inoculum with or without N-fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer alone significantly (P<0.01) and progressively increased plant height over the control but decreased leaf and stem ratio at all stages of maturity. Inoculum + N fertilizer and N-fertilizer alone with the application of 35 to 45 kg N/ha from urea showed a tendency to enhance rate of branching compared to control (P<0.05).

Keywords: Cowpea, Rhizobium inoculum, N-fertilizer, bio-mass production, stages of maturity

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 257–260, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Short Communication

Growth performance of broiler under different management systems

R. Khatun, M.S. Islam, J. Alam and M.M. Rahman

Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka

The experiment was undertaken to study the growth performance and meat yield characteristics of broiler on floor, slat, and cage systems and also to find out a suitable broiler rearing system. Ninety-nine broiler chicks (strain-Starbro) were allocated to three systems; cage (T1), slat (T2) and floor (T3). Each group had 3-replications of 11 birds in each. All management procedures were similar for birds under study. Broiler performance in terms of live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, livability, cost affectivity, meat yield characteristics was evaluated and incidence of breast blisters were measured. The live weight gain, feed consumption, livability and cost affectivity of broiler production were better on slat system than other two management systems. Breast blisters and leg deformities were not found in birds reared on these three-management systems. The dressed yield was increased (P<0.05) on slat system, moderate in cage and lowest in floor system. No significant differences (P>0.05) on other meat yield traits in three management systems were observed.

Keywords: Broiler, Management system, Growth performance, Cost affectivity

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 261–264, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Production performance of different exotic and native crossbreds chickens

K.N. Monira, M.N. Islam and M. Salah Uddin

Poultry Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted with 350 layer birds for a period of 20-48 weeks. BPRxRIR, RIRxBPR, RIRxWR, RIRxWLH, WRxRIR, NNxWLH and DxWLH. crossbreds chickens which were divided into 7 treatments having 5 replications for each treatment. The number of birds in each replication was 10. Each group was reared in cages and there were three birds in each cage. Body weight differed significantly (p<0.05) among the groups. The highest body weight was found in WRxRIR. RIRxWLH crossbred produced highest number of eggs (77.28%) followed by RIRxBPR (72.76%), NNxWLH (72.18%), DxWLH (69.48%), RIRxWR (69.38%), BPRxRIR( 68.44%) and WRxRIR ( 63.74%) which were statistically non-significant. Egg weight differed significantly (p<0.05) among the crossbred. The highest egg weight was found in RIRxWR (65.60) and RIRxBPR crossbreds (65.60g). Feed intake among the crossbreds was non-significant while, FCR differed significantly (p< 0.05) among the crossbreds. The highest FCR was found in group NNxWLH crossbred (2.84). Mortality % among the crossbreds was non-significant.

Keywords: Production performance, Crossbreds, Chicken

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 265–270, 2005               ISSN 1810-3030

Problem confrontation of the smallholder farmers in managing goat

H.M.M. Ahmed¹ and M.A. Hossain²

¹Nabin Agro Farms Ltd. (Goat Division), Gazipur

²Department of Poultry and Dairy Science. Government  Veterinary College. Chittagong

The purpose of the study was to determine the extent of problem confrontation of the smallholder farmers in managing goat in two selected villages namely Sutiakhali and Digarkanda of sadar upzila under Mymensingh district. Attempts were also made to explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of farmers and the extent of problem confrontation in managing goat. Data were collected by using an interview schedule through face to face interviewing, which took 20 days from 3 August, 04 to 23 August, 04. A4 point modified Likert type scale was employed to measure the extent of problem confrontation of the smallholder farmers in managing goat base on the responses namely no, low, medium, and high with weights assigned as 0,1,2,and 3 respectively. Problem confrontation Index (PCI) ranged from 130 to 260 against a possible range of 0 to300. Top three problems according to rank order was 1). Lack of knowledge related to goat management 2) inadequate veterinary services 3) lack of knowledge of goat diseases. Overall problem confrontation of the farmers indicate that the highest proportion (66%) of the farmers had high problem, less than one half (34%) medium to low problem confrontation category in managing their goat. The relationships between the variables were tested by computing the coefficient of correlation. The results of correlation analysis revealed that out of nine possible correlations six were statistically significant. Among these five had negative relationship while only one variable had the significant positive relationship with the extent of problem confronted in managing goat.

Keywords: Goat, Management, Problem confrontation index, Smallholder

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 271–276, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

In vitro anthelmintic effects of some indigenous plants against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats

M. Rahman¹, M. Shahiduzzaman², M.K. Islam², M.M.H. Mondal²

¹Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Dinajpur Government Veterinary College, Basherhat, Dinajpur

²Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of twelve indigenous plants were screened for in vitro anthelmintic effect against adult gastrointestinal nematodes of goat origin (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris spp., Strongyloides papillosus, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Cooperia spp. and Bunostomum trigonocephalum) and their infective larval stage (L₃) obtained from in vitro culture. Aqueous extract of the plants showed potent (90-100%) effects against adult g/i nematodes at a concentration of 100 mg/ml whereas in ethanol extracts all plants except Amrul (Oxalis corniculata) were potent only at 50mg/ml concentration. Ethanol extracts were found to be more effective than aqueous extract against both adult and infective larval stage (L3) comparing at different concentrations. In both cases in vitro activities against adults were much higher than that of infective larvae. Two patent drugs Deminth® (Morantel citrate) and Helmex® (Albendazole) were included as positive control showed 100% effective against adult worms in vitro.

Keywords:   Indigenous plants, In vitro anthelmintic effects, Gastrointestinal nematodes, Goat

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 277–282, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Antidiabetic effects of Azadirachta indica , Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europea and Glibenclamide in experimentally diabetic induced rat

M.E. Choudhury, M. Mostofa and M.A. Awal

Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Medicinal plants as a folk medicine are used for the treatment of diabetes all over the world. The present study investigated, the effects of some indigenous medicinal plants viz Olea europea, Azadirachta indica and Trigonella foenum-graecum in terms of their antidiabetic activity such as hypoglycemic effect and improvement of body weight gain in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and compared with that of a patent drug as Glibenclamide.The blood glucose lowering activity of these selected plants was studied in Streptozotocin (50mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rat, following oral administration of Olea europea, Azadirachta indica and Trigonella foenum-graecum at the dose rate of 1gm/kg, 500mg/kg and 1gm/kg body weight respectively. Blood glucose level and body weight gain were measured by Glucotrend Kit and Electric balance respectively and that compared with a patent drug Glibenclamide at dose rate of 800μg/kg body weight. The data were compared statistically by using Student’s unpaired t-test. The herbal preparations of these plants significantly reduce blood glucose level in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and comparable with that of the standard drug, Glibenclamide. The herbal preparation also significantly increased body weight gain as compared with the patent drug. The present study clearly indicated the significant antidiabetic activity of Olea europea, Azadirachta indica and Trigonella foenum-graecum and supports the traditional usage of the herbal preparations by Ayurvedic physicians for the therapy of diabetes.

Keywords:   Azadirachta indica, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Olea europea, glibenclamide, blood glucose, body weight, streptozotocin, diabetic rat 

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ.. 3(2): 283–290, 2005                                                       ISSN 1810-3030

Helminth parasites in indigenous ducks: Seasonal dynamics and effects on production performance

Anisuzzaman, M.A. Alim, M.H. Rahman and M.M.H. Mondal

Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Seasonal dynamics of helminth parasites affecting indigenous ducks and the effects of parasites on production performance under semi-scavenging conditions were studied. To study the seasonal dynamics ducks were collected from different areas of Mymensingh district and subjected to routine post-mortem examination for the collection of helminth parasites. A total of 300 ducks were examined of which 295 (98.33%) were positive for one/more species of helminth parasites. Thirty-one species of helminth parasites were identified, among them 16 species belonged to trematodes, 8 species belonged to cestodes, 5 species belonged to nematodes, and 2 species belonged to acanthocephala. Relatively higher prevalence was recorded in rainy season (100%) followed by summer (98.10%) and winter (97.99%). In case of trematodes and acanthocephala, the infection rate was the highest in rainy season (100% and 28.26%) followed by winter (89.93% and 7.38%) and summer (83.80% and 4.76% respectively). But in case of cestodes and nematodes first peak was observed in rainy season (67.39% and 47.83%) followed by summer (59.80% and 20.95%) and winter (42.95% and 17.45% respectively). The mean density of trematodes (21.93±2.05), cestodes (79.84±4.19), nematodes (6.82±1.13) and acanthocephala (52.08±2.59) was also the highest during rainy season. However, these variations were not statistically significant. On the other hand, this study revealed that the helminth parasitic infection greatly hampered the body weight gains and egg production. The mean body weight in the anthelmintic treated group was 1496.00±20.80 gm but in the untreated control group it was 1182.00±34.17 gm which was significant at 1% level. Besides, the onset of egg production was 32 days earlier in the treated group. The ducks of the treated group laid more eggs, 9.75 eggs /bird in contrast to 5.55 eggs/ bird in control group. The highest egg production was 55% in the treated group while in the untreated group it was 30%. The mean egg production per month in the treated group was 54.33±34.51 and in untreated group 37.00±31.19, which was significant at 5% level. Moreover, the birds of the treated group also laid relatively larger eggs. The mean weight of eggs of the treated group was 63.24±1.44 gm but that of untreated group was 55.60±1.50 gm.

Keywords: Helminth parasites, Indigenous ducks, Seasonal dynamics, Production

                   performance

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 291–295, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Evaluation of egg custard for freshwater prawn, Macro-brachium rosenbergii (de Man) larvae culture

M. Lokman Ali 

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh-2201

A study was conducted  for a period of 45 days to evaluate the efficiency of egg custard in substituting Atemia nauplii for post larvae production of giant fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Three Treatments were designed for feeding with three replications as follows: (i) Treatment T_1, alternate diet (1^st 10 days only Artemia  then only egg custard), (ii) Treatment T_2, combined feed (Artemia  and egg custard) and (iii) Treatment T_3, egg custard. Stocking density of larvae was 50/liter. Larvae cultured on combined diets had the highest ( P<0.05) mean production rate 26.07±1.13 /l with a corresponding survival of 52.13±2.14%. The post larval yield for the group of larvae fed egg custard alone was nil. This result indicate that rearing of M. rosenbergii larvae using only custard is not possible. During the feeding of combination diet it was observed that larvae were not fed artificial feed before 7 days of rearing period. artificial feed. The survival rate of larvae fed alternate diet (7.27±0.08%) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than the survival rate of larvae fed combined diet (52.13±2.14%). It indicate that egg custard alone (after 10 days) might not be adequate diet as Artemia for higher production of M. rosenbergii post larvae. It is concluded from the present study that combined diet (Artemia and custard) can be used for larvae rearing of M. rosenbergii and custard can be used after 10 days of rearing period with Artemia.  

Keywords: Prawn, Custard, Artemia, Post-larvae

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 297–302, 2005                                                ISSN 1810-3030

Taxonomic comparison of the populations of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) in Bangladesh

M.M. Hassan¹, M.G.Q. Khan¹ and M.A. Hasanat²

¹Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202

²Fish Hatchery and Training Centre, Raipur, Laxmipur

A study on the taxonomic comparison of five populations of the climbing perch, koi, Anabas testudineus was conducted from five regions of Bangladesh viz. Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet. The comparison was based on the morphometric and meristic data of the populations collected over a period of 4 months from July to October 2003. The average total length, standard length, post orbital length, eye diameter, length of base of the dorsal and anal fin of the population of Khulna region were higher than those of the other four populations. All the population characteristics of Chittagong region revealed significant difference (P<0.05) than those in Khulna.

Average meristic characters showed no difference (P>0.05) in all five populations in dorsal fin rays, pelvic fin rays, anal fin rays, and number of scale below and above lateral line. However, number of dorsal spine was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in Dhaka region than those in other regions. Number of caudal fin rays was also higher in Dhaka region. Five different body proportions viz., Standard Length: Head Length; Standard Length: Body Depth; Head Length: Eye Diameter; Head Length: Pre-orbital; and Head Length: Post orbital were recorded and significant differences at 5% level were obtained.

Keywords: Anabas, Morphometric & Meristic character, Monotypic, Taxonomic variability

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 303–308, 2005               ISSN 1810-3030

Growth performance of Spirulina platensis in three different concentrations of banana leaf ash with added jackjfruit seed powder and urea

M.A. Toyub¹, M.M. Rahman¹, M.I. Miah² and M.A.B. Habib³

¹Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh

²Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

³Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202

The growth performance of Spirulina platensis was studied in three different concentrations of banana leaf ash (BLA) added with 0.4 g/l jackfruit seed powder (JSP) and 0.2 g/l urea in the laboratory. S. platensis was cultured in three different concentrations viz. 4.8, 7.2 and 9.6 g/1 of BLA and Kosaric medium (KM) as control with three replications for a period of three months. Each trial was done for a period of 12 days in the laboratory. The initial cell weight of S. platensis was 4 mg/1 which attained a maximum cell weight of 545 mg/1 in Kosaric medium followed by 523, 485, and 307 mg/1 in 7.2, 4.8, and 9.6 mg/1 of BLA media with added 0.4 g/l JSP and 0.2 g/l urea respectively, on the 8th day of culture. Similar trend was observed in case of chlorophyll a content where the highest amount was 8.12 mg/l in KM and among different concentrations of BLA highest amount was 7.53 mg/l in 7.2 g/l BLA with added 0.4 g/l JSP and 0.2 g/l urea. The percentage of crude protein, crude lipid, moisture, ash and NFE contents of JSP were recorded 12, 1.85, 10, 3.62, and 72.53%, respectively. The percentage of total nitrogen, phosphorus, sulpher, sodium and calcium of BLA were recorded 0.18, 0.09, 2.35, 0.10, 0.07 and 10.81%, respectively. The result showed that the growth rate of S. platensis was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 7.2 g/1 BLA medium with 0.4 g/l JSP and 0.2 g/l urea than other concentrations of BLA. It is suggested that BLA algal culture medium is as effective as commercially produced culture medium making it feasible to culture Spirulina.

Keywords: Spirulina, Culture media, Cell weight and Chlorophyll a

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 309–316, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Growth performance and chemical composition of Scenedesmus obliquus in various concentrations of fertilizer factory effluent media

M.A. Toyub¹, S.R. Ahmed¹, M.I. Miah² and M.A.B. Habib³

¹Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh

²Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

³Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202

The growth performance of Scenedesmus obliquus in fertilizer factory effluent media (FFEM) was studied in the laboratory. Five different concentrations viz. 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60% FFEM and Bold basal medium (BBM) as control was used with three replications for a period of three months. Each trial was done for a period of 14 days in the laboratory. The initial cell density of S. obliquus was 2.2×10⁵/ml which attained a maximum density of 135.34 cells/ml in BBM followed by 119.10, 99.33, 93.49, 87.71 and 82.37 (×10⁵) cells/ml in 50, 60, 55, 45 and 40% FFEM, respectively on the 10^th day of culture. The maximum chlorophyll a content for FFEM and BBM was 6.12 and 6.86 mg/l, respectively on the 10^th day of culture. The specific growth rate (SGR, m/day) of cell and chlorophyll a of S. obliquus were found in the range of 0.36 to 0.41 and 0.38 to 0.41, respectively and was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in BBM. The maximum total biomass was found 458.95 mg/l in BBM, which was also significantly (p<0.05) higher than other treatments. Overall growth performance of the alga S. obliquus was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 50% FFEM than other concentrations of FFEM.

Keywords: Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorophyll a, SGR, Total biomass, Physico-chemical

                   parameters

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 317–326, 2005                                               ISSN 1810-3030

Diffusion coefficients for predicting barley re-wetting behavior

M.A. Basunia¹, T. Abe² and M. Rostom Ali¹

¹Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202

²Department of Biomechanical Systems, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8655, Japan

The diffusion coefficients are very important for explaining the heat and mass transfer phenomena in agricultural products and can be used in thin-layer equations for computer simulations of designing new and improving existing commercial drying and re-wetting process.  Thin-layer moisture adsorption data were measured for barley in the temperature range of 5.7 to 47.3^oC and for relative humidities between 48.2 and 88.6% to determine the diffusion coefficient. The initial moisture contents were in the range of 10.15 to 11.55% dry-basis. New equations, exponential and arrhenius-type, for temperature dependent liquid diffusion coefficients in re-wetting barley are presented. The diffusion coefficient in re-wetting barely was lower than that in drying. The results presented here, over five day re-wetting, will be useful in studying the long term moisture transfer process occurring during cooling and ventilated stored barley.

Keywords: Diffusion coefficients, Barley, Drying, Re-wetting

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 327–332, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Simulation of solar radiation from temperature at Mymensingh, Bangladesh

M.H. Ali¹, A.K.M. Adham² and S.H. Bhuiya³

¹Agricultural Engineering Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box-04, Mymensingh-2200, ²Department of Irrigation and Water management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh and ³Electronics section, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box-04, Mymensingh 2200

Solar radiation has a direct effect on plant growth and, thus, is required for many simulation models of crop growth and productivity, and evapotranspiration. For locations where measured values are not available along temporal and/or spatial scales, it can be estimated using empirical models. This study was conducted to simulate the solar irradiance from temperature using Richardson model. The effect of seasonality was investigated by subdividing the yearly data into two subsets, wet and dry period. The calibration coefficients are comparable with the values developed elsewhere. The calibrated models were then tested against independent data sets. For the yearly data, the root mean square error (RMSE) was 1.38 MJ/m²/d compared with 1.82 MJ/m²/d for wet period and 1.33 MJ/m²/d for dry period. The percentage error for yearly data was 17 , compared with 26.6  for wet period and  14.5 for dry period. Results showed that the simulation models provide reasonably accurate estimates of irradiance and hence, can be used for non-instrumented periods and at sites away from calibrated site. Seasonal subdivision of the data adds accuracy of estimates.

Keywords: Global radiation, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Bangladesh, Richardson model

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 333–342, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Effect of water stress and electrical conductivity of nutrient solution on the growth of rice

K.P. Halder¹ and S.W. Burrage²

¹Farm Management Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

²Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (Wye-Campus), University of London, UK

The effect of intermittent water stress in relation to solar radiation (0.60 MJ m^-2) received by the plant and nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) on dry matter production in rice crop was studied. The rice plants were grown using nutrient film technique (NFT). Two intermittent water stress treatments [CC= Continuous circulation of nutrient solution throughout the life cycle and RS= Water stress was imposed from panicle initiation (PI) to maturity of the crop] and two levels of nutrient solution EC (3.0 mS cm^-1 and 2.0 mS cm^-1) were used. Results revealed that drought stress significantly decreased the dry weight (DW) of leaf, stem, panicle, root and whole plant. Plant grown in EC 3.0 solution produced more DW than EC 2.0 solution.  Due to drought stress, DW decreased more in the EC 3.0 plants than in the EC 2.0 plants. Tiller and leaf number did not decrease due to drought stress but plant height, leaf area and panicle number decreased.

Keywords: Water stress, Solution EC and Rice

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 343–347, 2005                                            ISSN 1810-3030

Water quality index and human health risk: a case study on Surma river

Z. Muyen¹,  M. Mamun², M.J.B. Alam² and Molla R. Islam³

¹Department of Farm Structure, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

² Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology,

  Sylhet, Bangladesh

³Department of Chemistry, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

The study involves extensive laboratory tests to determine the physical and chemical parameters of the Surma river water, the values of which were used to calculate the water quality index and health risk. These parameters were Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Solids (TS), Ammonium Nitrate (AN) and pH. Water samples were collected at different points along the Surma river for both dry and wet seasons. Samples were analyzed for the above parameters and using the average dry and wet season values of these parameters, an expression of Water Quality Index (WQI) was developed. Moreover, risk has been calculated for the same by Hazard Quotient (HQ). The values of WQI were found to be 73.37 for dry season and 73.51 for wet season. HQ for Cu only was found to be 0.1788. The study concluded that the Surma river water was slightly polluted and no health risk was imminent at that time.

Keywords: Water parameters, WQI, HQ

J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 3(2): 349–356, 2005               ISSN 1810-3030

Faster addition algorithm based on generalized earliest first (GEF) technique

M.R. Hassan¹, M.M. Rahman², M.S. Hossain² and M.M.A. Hashem²

¹Department of Computer Science & Mathematics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh ²Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna

In this paper, an improved GEF fast addition algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm reduces time and memory space. In this algorithm, carry is calculated on the basis of arrival timing of the operand’s bits without overhead of sorting. Intermediate terms are generated from the most significant bit and the carry is generated from the least significant bit using the functions of efficient operators. This algorithm shows better performance for use in the fastest computational devices of the near future.

Keywords: Fast addition, Carry propagation, and Conditional sum adder