International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

6-11

Authors: Roushney Fatima Mukti, Sanjida Sakhawat Sinthee

The complexity of the microbial communities and metabolic pathways involved in the microbiological process of biogas production is poorly understood and numerous microorganisms in the fermentation sample of the biogas plant are still unclassified or unknown. The structure and function of microbial communities and the effects of the addition of trace elements are needed to be known, to control and channel the energy sources microbes produce and to capture and store the useful by-products or for targeted screening of novel enzymes. In this review, we discussed an emerging idea that Metagenome sequence data from a biogas-producing microbial community residing in a fermenter of a biogas plant provide the basis for a rational approach to improve the biotechnological process of biogas production. The composition and gene content of a biogas-producing consortium can be determined through metagenomic approach which allows the design of the optimal microbial community structure for any biogas plant for the significant progress in the efficacy and economic improvement of biogas production and biofertilizer of either balanced nutrition or rich in specific element for plant growth produced from the sludge of biogas plant. Biogas-producing microbial community from different production-scale biogas plants supplied with different raw materials as substrates can be analyzed by polyphasic approach to find out the best raw material composition for biogas production. The phylogenetic structure of the microbial community residing in a fermentation sample from a biogas plant can be analysed by an integrated approach using clone library sequences and metagenome sequence data obtained by 454-pyrosequencing.

22-26

Authors: Upama KC, Shiva Kumar Rai, Shaila Basnyat, Milan Upreti

The present study investigated the intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren of Kapan VDC, Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 330 schoolchildren were included in this study. Stool samples collected in clean, dry, screw-capped plastic containers were examined by formal-ether sedimentation technique. A total of 134 samples (40.6%) were positive for some kind of intestinal parasites. The percentage of monoparasitism (67.9%) were higher than multiparasitism (32.1%). Giardia lamblia (17.8%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.6%) were the commonest protozoa and helminthes respectively. Girls were marginally more infected (41.4%) than boys (39.8%) (p>0.05). Children <5 years were more infected (80.0%) than 5-10 years (36.0%) (p=0.001). Prevalence of parasitic infection rate was higher in family size >5 (41.5%) than ≤5 (40.1%) (p=0.82). In ethnic wise distribution, incidence rate of parasites was higher in Dalits (71.4%) and the least in Indo-Aryans (33.1%) (p<0.05). Children drinking water from groundwater source had marginally lower prevalence rate (31.3%) than who used tap water (58.4%) (p<0.001). The higher infection rate (51.3%) was observed in children belonging to labour family and the least in the business family (33.3%) (p=0.032). The children who had taken anti-parasitic drug within past 6 months had lower prevalence rate (25%) than those who had not taken drugs (44.4%) (p=0.005).

31-38

Authors: Ibrahim Ntulume, Ninsiima Victoria, Abubakar Sunusi Adam, Adamu Almustapha Aliero

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia and Septicemia among adults and children worldwide. Resistance to antimicrobials agents has been reported among S. pneumoniae which necessitate the need for alternative intervention such as ethno-medicinal plants. Cymbopogon citratus is an ethno-medicinal plant which is known to have pharmacological activities including antibacterial activity. This study aimed at determining the in vitro antibacterial activity of C. citratus ethanolic leaves crude extract against clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae. A fresh leaves of C. citratus were collected early in the morning; shed dried, pulverized and extracted using ethanol (96%) using standard extraction method. The antibacterial activity, Minimum Inhibitory and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations of C. citratus ethanolic leaves crude extract were determined against clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae. C. citratus ethanolic leaves extract crude showed antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae at 500mg/ml concentration with mean and standard deviation zone of inhibition (26.33 ± 1.53 mm) in comparison with that of 250mg/ml concentration which gave 20.33 ± 2.08 mm mean and standard zone of inhibition. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant crude extract against S. pneumoniae was 15.63 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentration was 125mg/ml. The study found that C. citratus leaves ethanolic crude extract was active against S. pneumoniae. It is recommended that studies should be done focusing on isolation of specific phytochemicals of the C. citratus leaves crude extract and then determines their antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae.

43-48

Authors: T. Maoudombaye, A. Bodering, Mahamat Seid Ali Malloum, G. Ndoutamia, A. Ngakou

The present work was carried out in the Doba petroleum basin, Eastern Logone Province, and focused on the serotyping of strains of salmonella isolated in well water, boreholes and rivers for the consumption of the population. The sampling was carried out according to a complete randomized device with 10 samples per source of water, making a total of 30 samples. Salmonellae were detected according to the French standard ISO 6579: 2002, followed by serotyping. The results of the biochemical identification test of the API 20 E gallery led, thanks to the Apiweb Tm-API 20E V4.1 site to Salmonella spp. The serotyping results revealed, according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor table, serovars Anatum, Mbandaka and Idikan. S. Anatum was detected in P4 well waters and F6 wells; S. Mbandaka, in F9 and R8 river water; and finally, S. Idikan, in F5 and R4 river water. These results show a homogeneous distribution of these serotypes in the different water sources of the study area. The presence of these pathogenic serotypes in drinking water sources attests that these waters are unhealthy in accordance with WHO's guidelines for drinking quality. Corrective measures are needed to improve the quality of these water rich in germs that may cause food poisoning.

54-61

Authors: Kamal Sah, Sushil Lamichhane

This study analysed the situation of water-induced soil erosion in Kamala River watershed of Sindhuli, Nepal covering 23,194.33 hectares of land, extending from 85°58'11.6"E to 86°18'16.8"E longitude and 26°56'45.9"N to 27°5'44.4"N latitude. Revised universal soil loss equation was applied in GIS environment using the satellite-based data, field measurements, surveys and lab analysis. R factor predicted from the average annual precipitation. K factor based on the soil texture and organic carbon content. LS factors derived from the DEM of 20m resolution. C factor derived from the NDVI value extracted from Landsat 8 OLI imagery of the pre-monsoon season. P factor assigned according to the land cover of the study area. The study explored the massive diversity of erosion rates even within the narrow span of a landscape in the Churia range of the Himalayan foothills. As predisposed by the diversity of terrain and vegetation cover, and aggravated further by the dominance of silts in the texture of soils, soil erosion rate has been found to vary and noticeably occur in higher ranges of severity. Overall, total potential of soil loss in the watershed was 1.460 million tons/ year, out of which only 0.297 million tons of soil was estimated to be actually eroded from the watershed in the existing conditions. Conservation measures are advisable in the areas having severe soil loss. The resulting soil erosion rate map can be a guideline for developing sustainable land management strategy in the concerned and similar lower foothills of Himalayan mountain landscapes.

69-74

Authors: H.K. Poudel, R.R. Kattel, M.R. Poudel, S. Khanal

The study on value chain analysis of coffee was conducted in Palpa and Kaski districts, Nepal during June to August, 2016. The purposive and random sampling technique were used. Semi-structural interview with 160 households (HH) from Kaski and Palpa district (80 samples HH from each district) were conducted. In Palpa district, third party organic certification of coffee has been adopted from company initiation, whereas all coffee from Kaski district has gone through conventional market chain. The coffee cultivated land was 0.85 ropani which was higher among non-certified group (Kaski district) as compared to certified once (Palpa district). Average price of fresh cherry was NRs. 80 per kg which was lower for company initiative third party certification in Palpa (NRs.75/kg) than non-certified area in Kaski (NRs. 85/kg). Average productivity of coffee in study area was found 48 kg per ropani which was very less (13.05 kg/ropani) in certified area than non-certified area (82.96 kg/ropani). The low productivity of coffee and weak value chain structure of coffee was found in third party certified and conventional market chains. Education (49%) and access to credit (67%) were major contributing factors for organic certification of coffee. The land for coffee cultivation had positive and significant impact whereas private company based certification had negative impact on income from coffee subsector. Effective monitoring and premium assessment from certification scheme need to have judged from concerned stakeholders to increase the benefit from certification, to promote proper certification and in coffee market chain in Nepal.

81-87

Authors: Grace Mwuese Gberikon, Fredrick Ityolumun Iyoula, Smart Tersagh Ichor

Effect of bitter leaves extract on bacteria isolated from soils of some mechanic and non- mechanic site in Makurdi metropolis was investigated. Forty (40) soil samples (20g each) were collected at the depth of 8-10cm from different mechanic shops in Makurdi metropolis (New garage, Kanshio and North bank) and soil from non-mechanic site. Fresh leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaves) were purchased at Wadata market and identified at the Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Agriculture (FUAM). Serial dilution and pour plate technique was used for microbial analysis. Bacteria present were identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical techniques. Ethanol and methanol solvents were used to extract the bioactive constituents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were carried out on the bioactive components in the bitter leaves extracts. Susceptibility pattern of isolates were determined using Agar well diffusion assays. The genera Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Proteus and Escherichia were the predominant petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. Analysis from phytochemical screening showed that compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavanoids, terpenes, anthraquinones, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and phlobatannins were present. Alkaloids in the bitter leaves extract was more in quantity and quality as compared to other phytochemical components. Zones of inhibition of the plant extracts ranged between 20.00± 0.89mm - 32.78± 1.72mm for Methanol and 21.00± 2.37mm - 31.22± 2.05mm for Ethanol at 100mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of both solvents ranged between 23.83± 3.23m/l and 50.00± 0.00m/l.The MBC values ranged from 50.00± 0.00mg/l to 100.00± 0.00 mg/l. Bacteria from the control site which had no hydrocarbon products contamination were more susceptible than those from the mechanic sites. Results from findings have shown that Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaves) has potentials to be used as an alternative source of antibacterial agents in the ever increasing menace of Multi-Drug Resistance.

96-101

Authors: Ashish Ghimire, Sundarman Shrestha

The Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin is an important soil pathogen that attacks brassicaceae family of plants. The ability of pathogen to survive in soil for many years as a resting structure even in the absence of suitable host has increased its threat by making it more devastating. Lower effectiveness of treatments applied so far and failure to completely eradicate the disease once it enters the field has posed more problems. The study was conducted at a disease infected field in Sidhuwa, Dhankuta. It was focused on the effectiveness of different cultural and biological treatments against clubroot disease under field conditions. The treatments; lime, combination of lime and vermicompost, Effective Microorganisms (EM) solution and Trichoderma viride were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated four times. The yield and yield attributing parameters and clubroot scale were recorded at the time of harvest. Values like Disease Incidence, Disease Severity Index and Disease Control Percentage were calculated based on clubroot scale value. The treatments showed no significant influence on vegetative parameters of the plants and on disease incidence. However, the combined treatment of lime and vermicompost was found to be most effective regarding disease severity and disease control i.e. the least Disease Severity Index (31.25%) and highest Disease Control Percentage (50.94%) compared to the control were obtained from the combined treatment of lime and vermicompost. Effective Microorganisms showed the highest disease severity. The combination of lime and vermicompost used as a treatment yielded highest marketable head weight (1.779 kg) and head diameter (19.90 cm).

108-113

Authors: Wafa Shaheen, Syed Amir Gilani, Zain-ul Hasan, Mehreen Fatima, Raham Bacha, Sajid Shaheen Malik

The fetal Kidney length can be used in estimation of gestational age. In late 2nd and 3rd trimester both kidneys can be visualized easily and can be measured accurately. In late 2nd and 3rd trimester the fetal kidney length can be used as an investigational tool alone or may be in addition of other parameter in estimation of gestational age. The most commonly used parameters used by sonologist can predict gestational age in 1st and 2nd trimester. But as pregnancy advances, the accuracy of these parameters decreased. The length of fetal kidneys in mm collaborates very nicely with gestational age in weeks Objective: To evaluate that fetal kidney length is a reliable parameter for gestational age estimation in 2nd and in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Methods: 371 healthy, pregnant females with a normal fetus were included in this study. A standard 2nd and 3rd trimester ultrasound examination was done. In addition to the standard biometric parameters, both fetal kidneys length were also measured. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: This study finding confirmed that fetal kidney length can be used as standard parameters alone or in addition with other routine parameters for estimation of gestational age in late 2nd and 3rd trimester. The Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.988 which showed a strong correlation with kidney length and gestational age and p value is (0.00) Conclusion: Fetal kidney length estimates gestational age as accurate as other standard traditional parameters. It is more accurate in late 2nd & 3rd trimesters of pregnancy when other parameters are not much reliable. It is easy to detect and measure.

120-123

Authors: Saurav Shrestha, Bablu Thakur, Bharata Regmi, Manoj Kumar Shah

A 3-month-old male Murrah crossbred buffalo calf was presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Rampur, Chitwan with a history of anuria for the past 4 days. Physical examination was carried out to check the status of the urethra and urinary bladder. Ultrasonography revealed an intact distended bladder. Based on the history of anuria and above examinations, the condition was diagnosed as obstructive urolithiasis. Meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg) was injected intramuscularly as a preemptive analgesia and Streptomycin Sulphate (10 mg/kg) was administered intramusculary as a prophylactic antibiotic. The calf was sedated with Xylazine-HCl (0.2 mg/Kg) and analgesia was achieved with epidural administration of Lignocaine-HCl (3 ml) at lumbosacral space (L6-S1). The left ventral paramedian site was aseptically prepared and laparotomy surgery was performed. The subcutaneous tunnel was made to pass the leading edge of the catheter and outlet is affixed with skin by placing stay suture on the ventral aspect of the abdomen. The urinary bladder is identified, isolated and decompressed by aspirating with 60-CC syringe and the 3-way Folley catheter was introduced on the dorsal aspect of the urinary bladder. Peritoneum was sutured with Catgut # 2-0 in continuous suture pattern and all the muscle layers were sutured together with Catgut # 2 using modified ford lock sutures. Subcutaneous tissue was sutured with Catgut # 1 in continuous suture pattern and skin was sutured using nylon # 1 in simple interrupted pattern. The calf was placed in sternal recumbency till it gets recovered from the anesthesia. The urinary acidifier ammonium chloride (13g) twice a day daily orally upto 30 days was prescribed. The same antibiotic was administered once a day daily for 5 days and the wound was dressed daily with povidone iodine till complete healing of the wound. Finally, the skin suture was removed after 14 days.

285-293

Authors: N. Hewavitharana, S.D.P. Kannangara, S.P. Senanayake

Trichoderma spp. are fast growing fungi, widely used as bio-control agents for controlling soil borne diseases of plants, as well as growth promoters. The present investigation was carried out to isolate and identified fast growing Trichoderma spp. and mass production using low cost widely available solid and liquid carrier materials. Several fungal spp. were isolated and colony and microscopic characterization were observed in order to identify Trichoderma to generic levels following identification keys. Fast growing Trichoderma spp. were confirmed up to species level following ITS-PCR and sequencing. Identified five Trichoderma spp. were inoculated in solid (coir dust, saw dust and parboiled rice) and liquid (coconut water and rice washed water) carrier materials separately under sterile conditions. Viability and stability of each Trichoderma spp. was tested for 180 days at 40 days intervals by calculating the colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Twelve Trichoderma isolates were identified up to generic level and five Trichoderma isolates were identified as fast growing species based on their growth rates. Following molecular characterization, identities of these five Trichoderma spp. were confirmed as T. viride, T. asperellum, T. virens, T. longibrachiatum and T. harzianum. Trichoderma spp. incubated in solid carrier materials showed higher (106 CFU/ml) values than the liquid carrier materials (104 CFU/ml) after 180th days and it was significantly different. The highest stabilization potential was recorded for parboiled rice (5 x 106 – 8 x 106 CFU/ml) from day 20th to180th for all five Trichoderma spp. Locally available solid and liquid substrates can be used for the mass multiplication of selected Trichoderma spp. to maintain the viability and virulence for long term commercial availability.

302-307

Authors: Sudip Neupane, Kamala Gharti

Aquaculture plays an important role to increase farm income and hence alleviate widespread poverty in the country. Fish is considered as the principal source of animal protein. The research was conducted to assess the status of adoption of improved fish production technologies available in the Rupandehi, Nepal. The research was designed to ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers, determine available technologies on fish production, determine awareness and adoption of the available technologies and identify the major problems faced by farmers in using improved fish production technologies. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, standard deviation and indexing. The result shows that average age of the respondents was 39.8 years. Eighty percent respondents had post-secondary school certificate. Major sources of information of fish farming were trainings and information and communication technologies. Average pond size of respondents was 0.8 ha. Most of the respondents were aware of the technologies and adopted them. Indexing showed that High cost of fish feed was ranked as the major problem followed by high cost of fingerlings and inadequate capital in using improved fish production technology.

313-318

Authors: Dev Kumar Saphi, Dil Raj Yadav, Rajib Kumar Yadav, Rajendra Yadav

Dry direct seeded rice is an alternative to the farmers in the context of climate change and inputs scarcity especially labor. However, weeds are the major problem in dry direct seeded conditions competing with the different resources provided to the crop. Hence, field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years 2015 and 2016 in the experimental field of Rice Research Program, Hardinath, Dhanusha to identify the appropriate herbicides for DSR. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design and treatments were replicated thrice. Three varieties of rice namely Ciherang Sub-1, IET 16775 and Sukhkhadhan-3 were treated as main plot factors while five levels of weed control methods (Oxadiargyl @ 100 g a.i./ha as pre-emergence followed by Fenoxaprop @ 90 g a.i./ha with safener, Pendimethalin @ 1000 g a.i./ha as pre-emergence followed by Bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i/ha at three weeks after seeding, Pendimethalin @ 1000 g a.i./ha as pre-emergence followed by Pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 25 g a.i.ha + Bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i./ha at three weeks after seeding, hand weeding and weedy check) were treated as sub-plot factors. The statistical analysis showed that the effect of weed control methods on yield and yield attributing parameters of the tested rice varieties was significant. Out of the tested treatments hand weeding yielded significantly higher grain yield (5.4 t/ha) followed by herbicides Pendimithalin fb Pyrazosulfuron ethyl + Bispyribac sodium; which reduced the weed density and was comparable with hand weeding. The interaction effect of weed control methods and varieties was found non-significant. Pendimithalin fb Pyrazosulfuron ethyl + Bispyribac sodium was found to control broad spectrum of weeds and also reduced the human labour drudgery and increasing the rice yield than the other herbicides in direct seeded rice.

327-331

Authors: Dipesh Shahi, Rajiv Sapkota

The use of different dyes and pigments is increasing with the increase in industrialization leading to the high production of effluent. The effluent contaminated with dyes and dye-stuff has harmful effects on public health and the environment. Thus, the treatment of effluent is essential. Biological approaches are gaining much interest due to their cost-effective and eco-friendly nature over various physicochemical methods for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater. This study highlights on the biodegradation of congo red and malachite green by using leaf and root extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus. The extract and the dye were mixed in the ratio of 1:2 and incubated at 40ºC for 90 minutes. Decolorization assay was performed using UV visible spectrophotometer which indicated that decolorization was due to degradation of dyes into non-colored metabolites. The leaves extract exhibited higher decolorizing activity than roots extract. The maximum decolorization for leaves extract was 55.8% (congo red) and 51.6% (malachite green). Furthermore, phytotoxicity test was carried out to determine the effect of dyes and their degradation metabolites on seed germination and seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L). The germination percentage and seedling growth were more in degradation metabolites than untreated dyes, indicating less toxic nature of degradation metabolites. Hence, it can be inferred that P. hysterophorus extracts can be used to treat dye wastewater and treated wastewater can be used for irrigation.

339-343

Authors: Tulasi Prasad Paudel, Bishwas Poudel, Damodar Neupane

Caponization is a surgical technique that alters the sexual maturation of male chickens and improves quality characteristics of carcass and meat. The present experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of caponization on body weight, carcass composition and meat quality of dual purpose chicken. A total of 48 dual-purpose breeds of Chicken, namely New Hampshire (NH) and Black Australorp (BA) were examined in a 2 × 2 factorial design each treatment having twelve birds till the age of 32 weeks. The results showed that the growth rate up until the age of 20 are not significant statistically which became significant afterwards (p<0.01). Likewise, some desirable changes in body morphology, carcass quality (p<0.05) and dressing out recovery were also observed. The hedonic ranking test also inferred that the meat from capons are liked by consumers highly significantly (p<0.01). The results of this study indicate that the caponized chicken can be used as a valuable material for production of high quality meat. Based on the overall results patterns and indication of this study, a more detailed study to minutely study the fatty acid, amino acid and mineral profile along with evaluation of the proper age at which caponization can bring about the most desirable changes should be lined up.

351-358

Authors: Dikshit Poudel, Suryamani Dhungana, Kalyani Mishra Tripathi, Krishna Kaphle, Shrawan Kumar Sah

Food insecurity, sadly still remains a concern with Nepal. The remote settlement of communities, harsh terrains, inequity in income generation have left millions of Nepalese experiencing some level of food insecurity mostly among marginalized population in both urban and rural settings. A pilot study was conducted within ninety households of four different locations with the purpose to assess various dimensions of food and nutritional security of the landless people living in undocumented land by purposive selection of Chitwan District of Nepal. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data and secondary data was obtained from Bharatpur Municipality and Madi Agriculture Service Centre, Chitwan. Analysis revealed 57.77% household expressed themselves as food secured in terms of their production and source of income while 42.23% were food insecure. The most food insecure ethnic group was Janajatis (indigenous) (34.21%) followed by Dalits and Brahmins (15.78%). Similarly, 79.99% (36.66% male, 43.33% female) respondents were under-nutrition and 20.01% (5.56% male and 14.45% female) were nutritionally secured from calculation using Harris-Benedict principle based on net calories they obtained from their daily meal. Females were more insecure in terms of population size, education, skill, nutrition and diseases followed by males. Of those interviewed, 57.77% households lack production activity and were also food insufficient. Main source of income was off-farm work (40%) followed by remittance (35.56%). Various natural calamities were also the reason behind being landless in case of some households and they reportedly migrated from elsewhere. Still, peoples are involved in foraging and traditional farming activities with low output. Addressing agricultural production, nutrition awareness, climate change monitoring, livelihoods strengthening and disaster preparedness to ensure access to food is urgent need even in urban areas like Chitwan. Dependence on food import, shying from production activities, traditional food sources has to be addressed for Nepal’s struggle against food insecurity.

366-372

Authors: R.V. Mahato, R.K. Singh, A. M. Dutta, K. Ichihara, M. Lamsal

Introduction: Reference interval (RIs) is the range of values provided by laboratory scientists in a convenient and practical form to support clinician in interpreting observed values for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of a disease. Laboratories in Nepal uses RIs, provided in the kit inserts by the manufacturers or from the scientific literature, established for western/European population. It is well known that population across the globe differs physiologically, genetically; race, ethnically, lifestyle, food habits and diet which have great impact on the reference values. Thus, it is inappropriate to use RIs that do not represent the local population. This approach highlights for establishing reference values in Nepalese population using the IFCC-CRIDL guidelines published in (C28-A3). Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze blood lipids concentration in apparently healthy Nepalese population to set up reference values for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and Low Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and compare with the internationally recommended values. Methods: Reference individuals selected from healthy volunteers according to the IFCC/C-RIDL protocol in (C28 –A3). Volunteers were requested to avoid excessive physical exertion/exercise/excessive eating and drinking and fast overnight for 10-12 hour. Blood samples were collected from 120 subjects from each five centers of the country between 7:00-10:00 am, serum were separated and refrigerated at -20 in a cryo-vials. Finally, 617 samples were transported to Yamaguchi University, Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan for analysis in dry Ice and 30 parameters were measured by fully automated biochemistry analyzer, Beckman Coulter (BC480) in the clinical laboratory. Results: A reference interval for each parameter was calculated from the 95% reference intervals ranging from 2.5% and 97.5% percentiles and, arithmetic mean + 2 SD were also calculated. The 95% reference range for total cholesterol (2.53-6.14), triglyceride was(0.42-3.32),for HDL Cholesterol was (0.28-1.46), for LDL was(1.05-4.00) and for VLDL was (0.054-0.92) for Nepalese population. Conclusion: Nepalese clinicians can take into consideration of reference lipid values of this study for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease.

379-385

Authors: Saira Iram, Syed Amir Gilani, Zain-ul Hassan, Mehreen Fatima, Raham Bacha, Sajid Shaheen Malik

Prediction of gestational age based on sonographic fetal parameters is perhaps the cornerstone in modern obstetrics. The transverse cerebellar diameter serves as a reliable predictor of GA in the fetus and is a standard against which abnormalities in other fetal parameters can be compared. A variety of sonographic fetal biometric parameters can be used to assess gestational age in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The TCD is an additional biometric parameter against which aberrations in other fetal parameters can be compared. Objective: To assess the predictability of GA calculated by fetal TCD measured in 2nd & 3rd trimester of pregnancy on ultrasound. Methods: This was an cross-sectional study with a sample size 371 healthy, pregnant females with a normal fetus included aged 18 to 40 years, conducted in Gilani ultrasound center ferozpur road lahore. A standard 2nd and 3rd trimester ultrasound examination was done. In addition to the standard biometric parameters, the transcerebellar diameter was also measured. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient method was applied at a significance level of 1% (α = 0.01).using statistical software SPSS version 23.0. It was observed that BPD and TCD had a statistically significant, strong, linear correlation (r=0.976), GA of FL (r=0.978), LMP (r=0.976) P value (0.000) were considered significant. Conclusion: The TCD is a reliable parameter for the determination of GA in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.

199-206

Authors: Muhammad Abdullah Shaukat, Ammad Ahmad, Farwa Mustafa

Brinjal or eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is widely grown vegetable in South and South-East Asian countries. There are various factors that limits the production of brinjal among which brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guen) is the most common one which occurs during the time at all the phases of the crop development. The damage caused by shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis L.) in brinjal begins immediately after transplantation of crop and growers will have to harvest an immature crop. The life cycle of BSFB completes in 19-28 days. It is estimated by various specialists that increase in the number of shoots per plant will lower the attack rate of the pest. Round shape fruits are more susceptible compared to long bodied fruits. It is also examined that total sugar contents increase the attack while total phenol contents produce resistance to pest. The information of nature and relative extent of gene exploit (additive and non-additive) is of key importance in scheming appropriate and well-organized breeding plan for enhancement of resistance and crop yield. Physical and chemical features, for example, plant structure, fruit form, spines of leaves, branches, petioles, calyx of fruits, fruit skin thickness and shoot thickness, synthetic traits, for example, ash, crude fibre, silica, sugars, mineral ingredients, total phenol contents of fruit and shoot of brinjal are examined to be included towards the shoot and fruit borer resistance in brinjal.

215-219

Authors: Hom Prasad Sitaula, Roshan Dhakal, Geetesh DC, Dharmendra Kalauni

An experiment was conducted at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal to find out the growth and yield performance of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD).The treatment includes the four different substrate i.e. paddy straw (100%), maize cob+ paddy straw (1:1), sugarcane bagasses+paddy straw (1:1) and sawdust+ paddy straw (1:1). The parameters taken for the observation during the experiment were colonization period, fruit initiation period, length of stalk, diameter of stalk, diameter of pileus, fresh weight of the first and second flush of mushroom and also the biological efficiency (BE) of various substrates. Among the used substrates, the time for colonization and fruit initiation was found to be shorter in case of the paddy straw i.e.18.25 days and 21.75 days respectively. However, the length of stalk was highest in sugarcane bagasses+paddy straw (1:1) i.e.6.10 cm, but the diameter of stalk and pileus were highest in paddy straw i.e.0.80 cm and 7.90 cm respectively. Similarly, the biological efficiency was found to be highest in case of the paddy straw (96.29688%) followed by maize cob+paddy straw (1:1), sugarcane bagasses+ paddy straw (1:1) and sawdust+ paddy straw (1:1) respectively.

227-231

Authors: M. Mohaparta, Debasmita Mohanta, Sushree S. Behera, Hemabaijyanti S. Dhir, Sushree S. Behera, B.K. Mohanty

In the present study of eco physiological effects of lead nitrate was observed by taking a local cultivated cereal crop Vigna mungo (L). The germination data showed that there is a negative impact of concentration of lead nitrate on the germination of seeds. There is decrease in seed germination at higher concentration in comparison to control. Root and shoot growth of seedling was effected when exposed to high concentration of lead nitrate. Roots were more affected and much reduced than shoots. Morphologically they look different from normal roots by their size and shapes. Effect of different concentration of lead nitrate was visible in different pigment concentration of leaves. Lead toxicity inhibits chlorophyll formation which visually showed in degeneration of green pigments in shoots exposed to different concentration of lead nitrate. With the increase in concentration of the toxicant, the exposed seedlings showed a decline in chl-a, chl-b, total chl, carotenoid and pheophytin content in shoots. This was a clear indication that the fall in the growth rate, pigment content had direct impact on photosynthesis. Conclusively, our results show that lead at higher concentration decreases seed germination, chl-a, chl-b, total chl, carotenoid and pheophytin contents in the mung seedlings.

238-243

Authors: Pramod Budhathoki, Gopal Paudyal, Rishiram Oli, Nirjan Duwal, Jagadeesh Bhattarai

The mineralogical phase of eight different types of contemporary and historical ceramic tile samples used in Kathmandu valley of Nepal was analyzed using their X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra to assess their quality. Mineralogical phases existed in these eight different tile samples, i. e., three wall, three floor and two ancient tile sample specimens, used in this study are identified as quartz, feldspars, spinel, mullite and hematite including paragonite with the help of the corresponding Joint Committee for Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) database files. The firing temperature applied during the time of these ceramic tiles production should be 1000° C or slightly more. The mineralogical compositions of the contemporary tile samples are found to be comparable with those of the ancient brick samples of the historical temples and monuments of Kathmandu valley of Nepal.

252-254

Authors: Prativa Lamsal

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the hygiene status of cattle in commercial farms of Rampur and its association with subclinical mastitis. Study Design: Purposive study with cross sectional design. Methods and Methodology: Hygiene Scorecard devised by N.B Cook University of Wisconsin- Madison, USA was taken as reference to evaluate hygienic status of rear and hind parts of animal with score of 1 to 4, 1 for the cleanest and 4 for the dirtiest. For screening test of subclinical mastitis, California mastitis test with 211 cows with all their 4 quarters were examined from November 2015 till February 2016. Results: The overall prevalence rate was reported as 69% in cattle. Mean hygiene score of cow was 2.4 with udder, lower leg and flank being 2.80, 2.42 and 2.64 respectively. Mean CMT score of different quarters was found to be left front, left hind, right front, and right hind being 0.86, 0.83, 0.88, and 0.74 respectively. Hygiene score of cow of different parts and SCM presence percentage in all individual scores were calculated to make obvious relation that with increasing score from 1 to 4, SCM presence rate was increased making it clear that with compromised hygienic condition SCM presence was high. Conclusion: The study revealed that prevalence of Subclinical mastitis was high with increasing hygiene score of rear body parts that is with increasing unhygienic condition. Udder was competitively cleaner than rear and flank regions. Mastitis test (CMT) was done in a total of 211 cows with 844 quarters.

261-264

Authors: Bikalpa Karki, Rabin Raut, Krishna Prasad Sankhi, Umesh Mandal, Gokarna Gautam

Repeat breeders cause substantial loss in dairy herds mainly affecting the reproductive efficiency and economy of milk production in cattle and buffaloes. A study was conducted in cattle farms of various farmers of three districts of Central Region of Nepal; Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur during March-August 2016. A total of 20 repeat breeder cows were selected for the trial. Repeat breeder cows were identified based on the history of at least three repeated breeding at an interval of around three weeks. We applied Ovsynch protocol where two reproductive hormones; Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Prostaglandin (PGF2α) were injected. Pregnancy was initially diagnosed by Biopryn Test kit using serum samples. Rectal examination confirmed pregnancy after 2 months of artificial insemination (AI). 16 cows expressed clear estrus signs during fixed time AI. 5 (83.3%) out of 6 cows with cystic ovary expressed estrus at the time of fixed time AI. 4 (66.7%) of these cows became pregnant.

270-273

Authors: Ravi Bika, Nirajan Bhandari, Amit Khanal

The study was carried out to examine the optimum dose of Nitrogen on Broccoli in Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus during Sept, 2015- Jan, 2016. Six treatment Viz. 50, 100,150,200, 250, 300 kg/ha of Nitrogen with same level of P and k (160:100 kg/ha) and FYM (20 t/ha) were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Effect of treatments on plant height, leaf area and head weight plant-1, yield ha-1 were significant and other parameters (leaf number, SPAD reading, plant spreading) were not affected by the treatments. Treatment that received 300 kg N ha-1 gave the maximum yield ha-1 (14.77 ton) which was followed by treatment that received 250 kg N ha-1 (10.60 ton), 200 kg N ha-1 (8.11 ton), 150 kg N ha-1 (7.432 ton), 100 kg N ha-1 (5.96 ton) and 50 kg ha-1 (4.24 ton). Treatments 250 kg N ha-1, 200 kg N ha-1, 150 kg N ha-1 and 100 kg N ha-1 were statistically at par while 50 kg produced the least yield ha-1. Application of 300 kg N ha-1 gave the higher result with respect to plant height (17.75 cm), leaf area (699.32 cm2), leaf number (7.77), SPAD reading (68.71), plant spreading (70.21 cm), compared to other treatments while minimum result obtained from application of 50 kg N ha-1. Hence, we can conclude that the total head production increased with increased N

279-284

Authors: Rajeswari Ramasamy, Subha Ashley Thanga Subramanian, R. Abinaya Rajagopal, Karthikadevi Muthusamy, Jesteena Johney, R. Ragunathan

Multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was resistant to various antibiotics which are commonly used to treat against the bacterial infections, and is now emerged as a great risk. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed to determine the scope of drug resistance of the bacteria. Further studies regarding the responsible genetic material were performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction and RFLP techniques. The remedial measures for treating these bacteria were studied with the help of metabolites obtained from various strains.

63-66

Authors: Milan Acharya

Conservation agriculture is resource conserving strategy for improving productivity and profitability of farming through efficient utilization of available resources with minimum foot print to the environment. Conservation Agriculture helps in carbon sequestration, soil erosion control, ground water recharge and moisture conservation. Conservation agriculture has been found to improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil compared to conventional practices and ultimately helps in increasing nutrient and water use efficiency. Optimizing soil fertility and soil moisture simultaneously is possible through CA practice which ultimately increases resource use efficiency.

75-80

Authors: Nabin Sharma Poudel, Kapil Khanal

Viral diseases are the important diseases next to the fungal and bacterial in Nepal. The increase in incidence and severity of viral diseases and emergence of new viral diseases causes the significant yield losses of different crops in Nepal. But the research and studies on plant viral diseases are limited. Most of the studies were focused in viral diseases of rice (Rice tungro virus and Rice dwarf virus), tomato (Yellow leaf curl virus) and potato (PVX and PVY). Maize leaf fleck virus and mosaic caused by Maize mosaic virus were recorded as minor disease of maize. Citrus Tristeza Virus is an important virus of citrus fruit in Nepal while Papaya ringspot potyvirus, Ageratum yellow vein virus (AYVV), Tomato leaf curlJava betasatellite and Sida yellow vein Chinaalphasatellite were recorded from the papaya fruit. The Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV) are the viral diseases of cucurbitaceous crop reported in Nepal. Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) found to infect the many crops Limabean, Kidney bean, blackgram and Mungbean. Bean common mosaic necrosis virus in sweet bean, Pea leaf distortion virus (PLDV), Cowpea aphid‐borne mosaic potyvirus (CABMV), Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) in groundnut, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Chili veinal mottle potyvirus (CVMV) and Tomatoyellow leaf curl gemini virus (TYLCV) were only reported and no any further works have been carried out. The 3 virus diseases Soyabean mosaic (SMV), Soybean yellow mosaic virus and Bud blight tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV) were found in soybean.

87-96

Authors: Bishal Bista, Sagar Dahal

In this modern era of chemicals, the haphazard use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and weedicide is becoming a great concern. Accumulation and magnification of those toxic materials in soil is degrading soil health and also affects the human health indirectly. Hence, Agriculture is concentrating more towards organic, sustainable and eco-friendly measures of production. Provision of healthy organic products is a great challenge for modern agriculturist (Farmers). Organic farming relies on judicious use of FYM, Compost, Vermicompost, Green manures and several other factors. Green manures are organic sources for amelioration of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Furthermore, Green manure conserves the soil available nutrients and suppresses the losses incurred due to erosion, leaching etc. Not only that, Green manure inhibits the several disease, pests and weeds.

103-109

Authors: M. Sakthipriya, S.S. Vishnu, S. Sujith, P. Rajesh Kumar, K K Sabu

Genetic diversity represents the heritable variation within and between populations of organisms. A better understanding of genetic diversity and its distribution is essential for its conservation and use. In this study the genetic diversity analysis was performed in 30 accessions of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. using 10 SSR markers. C. asiatica is a tropical medicinal plant from Apiaceae family native to Southeast Asian countries. It is among the top herbs in the category of anti-aging and CNS drugs used worldwide. The whole plant and aerial parts are used widely in traditional and alternative medicines due to its ample pharmacological activities. The molecular screening through microsatellite markers showed low polymorphism (0.019) between the samples analyzed. Further studies, including the effect of environmental factors, genetic composition or possibility of inbreeding, are required to analyze the probable reason for the low variability exists in the species.

115-121

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

In this study chromosome number determination and karyotype analysis of four species of genus Blumea from the family asteraceae was carried out. The specimen plants were collected from central parts of Nepal, namely Blumea fistulosa (Roxb.) Kurz, Blumea lacera var.glandulosa (DC.) Hook, Blumea lacera (Buem f.) DC. and Blumea laciniata DC were observed. The chromosome number in somatic cells were recorded to be 2n= 22 in Blumea fistulosa; 2n= 32 in Blumea lacera var.glandulosa; 2n=18 in Blumea lacera and Blumea laciniata. The range of chromosome length found to be 0.6 to 1.6 µm in Blumea fistulosa, 0.6 to 1.6µm in Blumea lacera var.glandulosa, 0.6 to 1.7 µm in Blumea lacera and 0.8 to 1.6 µm in Blumea laciniata. Karyotype formula for Blumea fistulosa is M12+ sm10, for Blumea lacera var. glandulosa is M14+sm14+ st4, for Blumea lacera is M14+ st2 and for Blumea laciniata is M12+ sm6 in Blumea laciniata. In this investigation a pair of satellite chromosome found in only one species Blumea fistulosa at the end of shot arm of chromosome. Mainly three types of chromosomes observed in this study having centromere at middle point, at sub-median region and at sub-terminal region. Numerical and structural variation in chromosome are evolutionary significance. Similarity in size of chromosomes and karyomorphology indicates the homogeneity of the taxa within this tribe.

127-131

Authors: Kapil Khanal

Ginger is the potential high value sub-sector in Nepal for small scale farmers’ livelihoods. In this context, this research was conducted in 2016 to analyze value chain of ginger sub-sector in Salyan district of Nepal. Dadagaun and Tharmare VDCs of Salyan were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire for household survey as well as focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII) and rapid market appraisal (RMA) survey were used. Household level cross-sectional data from 140 households (70 from Dadagaun and 70 from Tharmare VDC) were sampled using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, and value chain analysis were used to analyse data. Average land under ginger cultivation was 1.62 ropani which was higher in Dadagaun (2.17 ropani) than Tharmare (1.07 ropani) and found statistically significance different at 1 percent level. The average marginal cost of fresh ginger was NRs. 12.15/kg. Local traders were the major market actor influencing the price of ginger and bargaining power as the major factor whereas farmers were seemed weaker in the value chain due to low bargaining power with lack of market information. Huge marketing margin (NRs. 94/kg) and low producers share (14.55%) showed that there was no strong linkage between the producers and traders. This study revealed that ginger value chain analysis in the study area found very unstructured and poor strengthening of business enabling environment, unorganized functional market chain and poor inputs and service provision.

137-141

Authors: Suman Lal Shrestha

The adsorption capacity of ferrous ions onto bio-sorbents prepared from two different types of bio-waste of banana peel (CABP) and sawdust (CASD) treated with sulfuric acid was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Result shows that the optimum pH value for about 99 % Fe (II) adsorption onto the CABP and CASD was found to be 3 and 4, respectively, after 5 hours or more contact time period. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models are fitted to remove the Fe (II) ions from aqueous solution by the bio-adsorbent of CABP and CASD. The maximum adsorption capacities for the CABP and CASD were found to be about 34 and 116 mg/g, respectively. These results showed that the CASD seems to be more effective bio-adsorbent than the CABP to remove the Fe (II) ions from drinking or/and wastewaters.

152-157

Authors: Tonessia Dolou chalotte, Kotchi Valère, Gore Bi Boh Nestor, Kouassi Koffi Djinkin, Soro Lacina, Soumahin Eric Francis, Akaffou Doffou Selastique, Kouadio Yatty Justin, Aké Severin

In order to contribute to cotton cultivation sustainability in west central Côte d'Ivoire, a phytosanitary diagnostic study was conducted in 11 plots. It consisted of monitoring the sanitary condition of 10 rural plots and an experiment plot set up at the Research Farm of University Jean Lorougnon Guédé of Daloa according to the regular and careful inspection of cotton seed germination, seedling health and cotton plants throughout the growing season. The results obtained indicated that the cotton varieties used by farmers had very low germination with maximum number of healthy seedlings of 43.75 % in an experiment condition. Highest number of infected seedlings (24-51%) showing characteristic symptoms of seedling blight leading to their death was observed. Under cultivation, a variety of pests was identified on cotton plants. The most important were Bemisia tabaci, Jacobiella fasciali, Helicoverpa armigera, Dysdercus sp, Earias sp, Zonocerus Variegatus, Haritalodes derogata. The Species Zonocerus Variegatus and Haritalodes derogata proved to be devastating on the experimental plot where 100% loss was recorded. The main disease observed at flowering stages in cotton plants was cotton virescence disease. Although lowly infection were observed (0.11 -0.35%) cotton cultivation monitoring and management must be set up so as to prevent its expansion in the west central. Theses finding gives useful information to farmers to reduce cotton yield losses in west central Côte d'Ivoire.

164-168

Authors: Bibek Thapa, Keshab Raj Pande, Baburam Khanal, Santosh Marahatta

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage practices, residue management and cropping system on soil properties at NMRP, Rampur, Chitwan from November 2015 to April 2016. The experiment was laid on Strip split design with combination of 12 different treatments i.e, zero tillage & conventional tillage as main plot in the strip, residue retention & residue removal as sub-plot factor and maize – wheat, maize + soybean – wheat & soybean – wheat cropping system as sub-sub plot factor. Three replications of the treatments were made. Soil sample before experiment and after harvest of wheat was taken (0-15cm). The experiment showed significant effect of zero tillage on organic carbon (2.169%) and on total soil nitrogen (0.112 %). Zero tillage with retention of residues is valuable tool for the conservation agriculture and helps in sustainability of soil however long-term research for the tillage management and residue retention should be conducted to highlight the major effects on change in properties of soil.

174-180

Authors: D. Rawat, R. Shah, D.B. Nepali, J.L. Yadav

An experiment was conducted, with objective to determine the feed consumption, final live weight, weight gain, feed efficiency and economy in broiler chicken fed with locally available low protein based diets (20 percent CP in starter and 18 percent CP in finisher) supplemented with methionine, lysine and homeopathic medicine alfalfa. For this hundred fifty day-old birds of commercial broiler (Vencobb) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments(10 chicks/treatment) and replicated three times in CRD with treatments composition of low protein based diets (LPB) (T0), LPB+ 100g/100 met + 300g/100 lysine (T1), LPB + 200g/100 met +300g/100lysine (T2), LPB + Alfalfa 5ml/100 chicks 2 day in week with drinking water (T3) and LPB + Alfalfa 5ml/100 chicks 3 day in week with drinking water (T4). Synthetic methionine and lysine was used for supplementation of deficient amino acid. Same condition was applied in finisher diets of broiler chicken. The result showed that chicks fed with LPB in both starter and finisher diet had significantly (P<0.05) lower feed intake, final live weight , total weight gain, feed efficiency and income over feed and chicks cost (IOFCC) with compromising chicks fed with LPB with addition of methionine and lysine each and also homeopathic medicine alfalfa in starter and finisher period. Highest feed intake, final live weight, weight gain, feed efficiency was obtained with treatment (T1) followed by treatment (T2). However, positive growth response and better health status of chicks was also observed from supplementation of homeopathic medicine alfalfa with LPB and non-significant difference on Income Over Feed and Chicks Cost was obtained with treatment (T1). So, it was concluded that with supplemental methionine, lysine and alfalfa, the CP level of broiler chicks could be reduced up to 20 percent in starter and 18 percent in finisher diets without adverse effect on feed intake, final live weight, weight gain, feed efficiency and Income overfeed and chicks cost, provided under locally based feed ingredients.

12-16

Authors: Chalinda Koshitha Beneragama, Ganege Don Kapila Kumara

Drought responses of turf-type Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) in relation to their growth, carbon allocation and accumulation of nonstructural carbohydrates were investigated. Seedlings were exposed to a 20 day terminal drought, followed by 20 day recovery with irrigation. Leaf dry matter was lower in water-stressed plants than control plants by the end of drought, but did not differ in roots. For both species, more carbon was allocated towards roots in response to drought. Total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentration in shoots was increased in drought-stressed plants of both species. However, root TNC concentrations in Bahia grass were decreased after drought. TNC pool sizes also showed a similar variation, hence correlated with TNC concentrations. Bahia grass maintained a better quality than Bermuda grass after the drought, having recorded a higher aesthetic score, higher relative water content and a lower electrolyte leakage. Results suggest that, both species are considerably tolerant to short-term drought though Bahia grass seems more promising.

23-26

Authors: Doj Raj Khanal, Eliza Ranjit, Sanjeev Kumar Adhikari, Bimal Ghemosu, Meera Prajapati, Swoyam Prakash Shrestha

Mycoplasmas are amongst the avian pathogens that causes chronic respiratory and joint diseases incurring a huge economic loss to poultry industry of Nepal. Among different species of Mycoplasmas, we investigate Mycoplasma gallisepticum-synoviae from the serum samples of the poultry using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) and dot-ELISA test of ImmunoComb. These tests rely on the antibodies present in the serum samples which binds to the pre-coated antigen in the ELISA/developing plates. A total of 92 sera samples were collected, of which 62 were from broiler and 30 were from layers. Of the 92 samples taken from different farms of Bhaktapur in early 2017, thirty (32.6%) were found positive on standard or routine ELISA and fifty-four (58.7%) on dot-ELISA. It further indicates high rate of infections in broiler (42 on dot-ELISA and 24 on standard ELISA) than in layers (12 in dot-ELISA and 6 on standard ELISA) to M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae. The present result indicates higher efficacy of dot-ELISA over standard one as the latter could not efficiently detect the infections as compared to the dot-ELISA. Furthermore, this finding poses an alarming threat to the commercial poultry industries of Nepal where there is lack of effective biosecurity practices and preventive vaccination policy.

38-44

Authors: Ram Das Chaudhary, Bisheswar Prasad Yadav, Santosh Raj Tripathi, Padam Prasad Poudel, Govinda KC, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Indrapal Singh

Regional Agricultural Research Station Nepalgunj (RARS/N) has its four major outreach sites in Satbariya Village Development Committee (VDC) of Dang, Betahani VDC of Banke, Mahammadpur VDC of Bardiya, Patharaiya VDC of of Kailali and model village in Mainapokhar VDC of Bardiya district for test and verify the acceptance of new released varieties under farmers' field condition and provide an opportunity to the farmers to select most suitable variety on their own choice based on performance. Seed was distributed throughout the OR sites and model village for newly released varieties for self seed sufficiency. New most recent varieties of rice and wheat released in the previous year from concerned commodity research programme, National Rice Research Programme (NRRP), Hardinath and National Whear Research Programme (NWRP), Bhairawaha respectively, were selected. The yield attributing characters, total yield, percentage yield used as seed in the next fiscal year were recorded. Response of the participating farmers for various varieties with respect to various attributes of yield and other important criteria for sustainable cultivation were recorded in individual sheet. Agronomic management practices were done according to recommendation practices for particular crop. Rice varieties of Sukkha series adoption rate was increasing trend. Among them Sukkha Dhan 1, Sukkha Dhan 2 and Sukkha Dhan 3 adoption rate was higher. Wheat variety Gautam adoption rate was higher followed by NL 971.