International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

Number Vol-8(3), 2020

247-288
Applications of Biotechnology for Characterization of Plants and Pests as the Key Components of Plant Protection and Production Strategies: A Review

Authors: Melaku Alemu

Abstract

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Number of views: 271

The second Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG), among the seventeen SDG, is concerned with the pursuit of global food security and agricultural sustainability, which become the key to the success of the entire SDG. Whereas agricultural production and productivity are heavily threatened by the incidence of pests that inflict huge losses in various forms. This calls for prompt applications of biotechnology for the fast, accurate and reliable means for characterization of plant generic resources and pests as it is the pre-requisite and gateway for designing appropriate plant protection and production strategies. It is imperative that pests be identified properly so that judicious use of the literature can be made and sustainable management strategies can be implemented at the right stage. To this end, the application of biotechnology has made significant advances for reliable characterization of plant genetic resources as well as accurate diagnosis of pests, study of their genetic diversity and variability, detailed mechanisms of their transmission and evolutionary relationships. Accordingly, this review article covers the comprehensive account of the various molecular techniques, genome mapping and OMICS sciences utilized for characterization plants and pests that ultimately allow the detailed study of the biology and epidemiology of pests at any stage of their life cycle. The resulting data are eventually employed for enhancing successful implementation of sustainable plant protection and production strategies. In conclusion, the increasing projections of transboundary pests, environmental and abiotic factors together with the continuous scientific advancements and breakthroughs have made biotechnology to be an important engine of bioeconomy for generating invaluable products, processes and services.

289-304
Wild Edible Fruits of Nepal

Authors: Ratna Silwal Gautam, Sudha Joshi Shrestha, Ila Shrestha

Abstract

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Number of views: 316

A review was done on the wild edible fruit plants of Nepal. Altogether 199 wild edible fruit plant species belonging to 139 genera representing 67 families documented from west Nepal to east Nepal. Study shows that people are using the wild edible fruits collected from forest resources as a part of their livelihood. People consume those wild fruits in different forms such as raw fruit, vegetables, pickles, spices and oil. Some species are taken in more than one form.

305-309
Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Maize: An Emerging Threat in Nepal and its Management

Authors: Santosh Kandel, Rakshya Poudel

Abstract

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Number of views: 376

Fall armyworm ((Spodoptera frugiperda) commonly known as FAW is polyphagous pest of maize with more than 85 host species. It is native to tropical and subtropical region of America. It has already been detected in India and reports from Nepal also suggests presence of FAW. Due to Open broader between Nepal and India chance of spreading in Nepal is very high. Delay maturing hybrids and late planted maize crops are likely to be affected by this pest. It can cause serious leaf damage along with direct injury to the ear. Major damage is done by younger larvae. Larvae causes damage by consuming foliage. Terai and inner terai region are considered to be affected more as climatic condition of this region highly favors FAW. So, timely preventive and management practices should be done before it leads to havoc condition. Management of the pest can be done through many biological, chemical and cultural means. Quality seed, Avoidance of late planting, Push-pull technology can be adopted for management practices. Different biological agents have been identified for controlling FAW such as Bacillus thuringenesis (Bt), Baculovirus and Beauveria bassiana etc. Chemicals like Methomyl, Methyl parathion, chlorpyrifos, malathion, permethrin are used to control the pest. However, use of chemical should be discouraged as it may affect soil fertility and natural enemy of FAW.

310-317
Mustard Aphid and Crop Production

Authors: Saurabha Koirala

Abstract

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Number of views: 450

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (L.) Kaltenbach (Homoptera: Aphididae) is the most notorious, cosmopolitan louse-like and obligate ectoparasite, which causes a bulk of the qualitative and quantitative loss of rapeseed-mustard crops. This article reviews the general overview of biology, damages, and the management of mustard aphids. Biologically, L. erysimi adults are soft bodies, varying in color mostly yellowish-greenish, small to medium-sized, globular, pear-shaped, manifesting wing dimorphism based on the resource availability. Plasticity in reproductive mode either sexually or asexually stimulated as an adaptive response to cope with seasonal fluctuations, maximizes the chance of survival from predators being outnumbering. Mustard aphid infested host plant in three major ways, firstly by sucking the plant phloem through stylets, the needle-like piercing-sucking mouthparts which manifest injury like curling and yellowing of the leaf, stunting and drying up of the plants. Secondly, by excreting a sticky substance (honeydew) on which 'sooty mold' growth, which blocks the process of photosynthesis. Thirdly, it causes secondary plant injury by transmission and dissemination of viruses including turnip mosaic viruses. The appearance, multiplication, and disappearance of mustard aphid are largely regulated by weather variations. Its prolific multiplication greatly thrives by cool, wet, and cloudy weather. The mustard aphid can be eschewed more so if the crop is sown before 20th October. Applications of the recommended dose of fertilizers, irrigation, resistant varieties are some cultural practices to cope with the aphid population. Natural enemies are effective and impressive nowadays for crop protection. Ladybird beetles viz., Cocciniella septempunctata, Hippodamia variegata, and Cheilomones vicina are active predators of this pest. Chemical control includes the application of systemic insecticides below the ETL (Economic Threshold Level). Some major insecticide includes are Imidacloprid 17.8% @ 0.25 ml/l, Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2g/l and Dimethoate 30EC @ 1 ml/l of water.

318-322
Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Field Conditions

Authors: Abdul Samad Soomro, Abdul Sattar Soomro, Shabana Naz Mazari

Abstract

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Number of views: 545

The exercise of using (PGRs), especially Gibberellic acid and in field of agriculture has become commercialized in some of the country including Pakistan. Number of different crops are being treated by farmers mostly vegetables; currently evaluated in rice crop through foliar application at different intervals to evaluate their efficiency at different doses. Results revealed that there was no significant difference in crop maturity compared with control. Plant height was variable among treated plots, highest plant height was recorded (121.2cm) in 2017-18 experiment in T-3 Gibberellic acid @ 12grams/acre while minimum (96.2cm) in 2016-17 in T-7 Control. Tillers/hill was increased, and maximum counted 18.5/hill in T-3 Gibberellic acid @ 10gms/acre whereas 11.9/hill was recorded in T-7 Control. Grain filling was obvious recorded with significance; counted 83 percent in T-5 Naphthalene acetic acid treated 100ml/acre whereas average minimum (71.3%) was recorded in T-7 Control. Not only plant development was modified by the treatments but yield was also increased average maximum (3228kgs/acre) with 19.61 percent was recorded in T-5 Naphthalene acetic acid @ 100ml/acre.

323-335
Assessment of Morpho-Physiological, Yield and Yield Attributing Traits Related to Post Anthesis Drought in Wheat Genotypes Under Rainfed Condition in Rampur, Chitwan

Authors: A. Ojha, B.R. Ojha

Abstract

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Number of views: 301

A set of twenty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes was evaluated to assess morpho-physiological, yield and yield attributing traits related to post-anthesis drought in wheat genotypes under rainfed condition in a Randomized completely block design with three replications at research farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Rampur, Chitwan, during winter season of 2016/2017. The result revealed highly significant genotypic effects for number of tillers per m2 area, plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, weight of grains per spike, 1000 kernels weight, days to booting, days to heading, days to anthesis, days to flag leaf senescence, days to maturity, SPAD meter reading, peduncle length, grain filling duration and reproductive growth period. Significant genotypic effects were found for grain yield, biological yield and harvest index and an array of variation was found among the genotypes for each trait. But non-significant genotypic effect was found for canopy temperature depression. WK2373 gave highest grain yield kg/ha (3035 kg/ha) and biomass yield kg/ha (8080 kg/ha). This study presented WK2373, WK2379, WK2380, WK2386, WK2388, WK2383, WK 2378 and WK1481 the best genotypes governing different valuable traits. These potential genotypes for valuable traits found in different clusters. Crossing genotypes belonging to different clusters could maximize the opportunities for transgressive segregation as there is a higher probability that unrelated genotypes would contribute unique desirable alleles at different loci. Therefore, this study can help breeders to increase genetic diversity by selecting materials of divergent parentage for crosses, thereby reducing vulnerability to diseases and climate changes.

336-342
Isolation and Screening of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) Producing Bacteria Utilizing Agricultural Waste

Authors: Inzer Gul Afghan, Anupama Shrivastav

Abstract

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Number of views: 372

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biosynthetic, environmentally friendly and biodegradable polyester stored as a granules inside the cytoplasm of microorganisms, granules are compounds of PHAs used as carbon and energy source, Synthetic polymer take many years to demolish completely, microorganisms can degrade PHAs within a year into carbon dioxide, water and energy, The main contributor for PHAs production cost is carbon sources cost, Accordingly it is favorable to produce PHA from any agriculture waste like rice bran. Aim of this dissertation is to utilize rice bran which was obtained from Limda field near Parul University, screening and isolation of polyhydroxyalkanoates PHAs producing bacteria, Synthesis of most effective PHB, different wild type microorganisms were studied by flask shaking method to determine their ability to produce PHA utilizing rice bran as carbon source, Total 16 isolates showed the fluorescence in the presence of Nile blue in solid medium under UV light, two bacterial isolates SF-3 and SF-2 isolated from jaggery waste, respectively, PHA Accumulation for (2%RB-1%) and (2%RB-5%) was 68% and 47% PHA/(CDW) respectively, the PHB obtain from (2%RB-1%) and (2%RB-5%) was analyzed by FTIR and NMR as poly hydroxyl butyrate (PHB).

343-354
Response of Nutrient Omission and Irrigation Scheduling on Growth and Productivity of Maize

Authors: N.R. Acharya, S.K. Sah, A.K. Gautam, A.P. Regmi

Abstract

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Number of views: 231

An experiment was conducted for response of nutrient omission to irrigation scheduling in hybrid maize during winter season of 2015 at farmer’s field Khajura, Banke where intense summer and severe winter occurs. Soil is sandy loam and climatically humid sub-tropical with average annual rainfall of 1000-1500 mm. The experiment was replicated 3 times with split plot design having plot size of 3 x 3.6 m2. There were three irrigation level as main plot; (30 -35 DAS, tasseling stage), (30-35 DAS, tasseling, grain filling stage), (tasseling stage) and six level of fertilizer dose as sub-plot; farmer fertilization practice (27.6:27.6:18 N-P-K kg ha-1), recommended dose of fertilizer (160:60:40 N-P-K kgha-1), 50 percent above recommended dose (240: 90: 60 N-P-K kg ha-1), N0PK (60:40 P-K kg ha-1), NP0K (160:40 N-K kg ha-1), NPK0 (160:60 N-P kg ha-1). 3 level of irrigation increased the grain yield (4333 kg ha-1) by 33.7% than 2 level of irrigation (3240.6 kg ha-1) and 78.4% than single irrigation (2428.8 kg ha-1). Similarly, 182.4% grain yield could be increased with RDF (4994.9 kg ha-1) than N0PK (1768.6 kg ha-1). Grain nutrient uptake was recorded 80.4% N (56.3 kg ha-1), 79% P (18.8 kg ha-1), 88.8% K (15.1 kg ha-1) higher with three levels of irrigation than single irrigation N (31.2 kg ha-1), P (10.5 kg ha-1), K (8 kg ha-1) and 184% N (64.6 kg ha-1), 183.7% P (21 kg ha-1) and 188% K (17 kg ha-1) was recorded higher with RDF than (N0PK) N (22.7 kg ha-1), P (7.4 kg ha-1), K (5.9 kg ha-1).

355-362
Monitoring of Antibiotic Residues in Chicken Meat, Cow and Buffalo Milk Samples in Nepal

Authors: Tulsi Ram Gompo, Ramchandra Sapkota, Manita Subedi, Pragya Koirala, Pragya Koirala, Diker Dev Bhatta

Abstract

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Number of views: 293

In animal products, the antibiotic residue is a serious concern to public health in the Himalayan nation, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate antibiotic residues in meat samples of chicken and milk samples of cows and buffaloes from different districts of Nepal. An equal number of chicken meat samples, 42 each from Kailali (Farwestern Province), Kaski (Gandaki Province), and Nuwakot (Bagmati Province) districts were tested for tetracycline, sulphonamides, penicillin, gentamicin and streptomycin residues by the application of the ELISA method. At Kaski district, approximately 57% (24/42), 50% (21/42) and 83% (35/42) of the samples were tested positive for gentamicin (mean-ppb:11.5 μg/Kg/L), tetracycline (mean-ppb:1.44 μg/Kg/L), and fluoroquinolones (mean-ppb:11.46 μg/ Kg/L) residues, respectively. In Kailali, 48% (20/42) of meat samples were tested positive for sulphonamides (mean-ppb:15.9 μg/ Kg/L) and in Nuwakot, 50%(21/42) of meat samples were tested positive for penicillin (mean-ppb: 0.39 μg/ Kg/L). Of the total 168 tests performed in the milk samples of Kavre district, on average, 55% (93/168) were detected with the antibiotic residues for gentamicin, streptomycin, and sulphonamide. The antibiotic residues in chicken meat were within the national maximum residue limit (MRL); however, milk samples exceeded the national MRL for sulphonamide residues (mean-ppb: 26.44 μg/ Kg/L). Effective surveillance for antibiotic residues should be implemented strictly on animal products in Nepal.

363-367
Seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus Among Cattle of Selected Areas in Terai Belt of Nepal

Authors: Rupak Kandel, Deepak Subedi, Chet Narayan Kharel

Abstract

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Number of views: 242

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus in dairy cattle of selected areas in Chitwan, Nawalpur, and Rupandehi districts, Nepal from November to December 2018. A total of 92 serum samples were collected and screened by Indirect ELISA from ID vet. Out of 92 samples, three samples were positive resulting overall prevalence of 3.27%. As there is no practice of vaccination, overall seroprevalence was from natural infection. Significantly (p=0.034) all samples were seropositive from the Rupandehi district. Sero-prevalence was higher in Jersey crosses (4.22%) as compared to Holstein Friesian (HF) crosses (0%) and cattle of age >3 years were found to be more seropositive (6.97%) as compared to cattle of age ≤3 years (0%). There was no statistically significant association of seroprevalence with breed and age group. Thus, the cattle population of Rupandehi District are at high risk of acquiring chlamydia infection. Strict quarantine and good biosecurity can prevent the possibility of a disease outbreak.

368-373
Constraints and Determinants of Coffee Processing Methods in Gulmi District, Nepal

Authors: Manoj Paudel, Kiran Parajuli

Abstract

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Number of views: 495

Nepalese coffee is widely recognized as organic and specialty coffee due to its peculiar aroma and flavor. Altitude, geographical location, orchard management practices, post-harvest handling are the major factors that affect the coffee quality. Coffee quality is determined 40% in the field, 40% at post-harvest primary processing, and 20% at secondary processing. In Nepal, dry and wet methods are the most common coffee processing methods. Wet processed coffee is more preferred by the consumers in comparison to dry coffee and commands higher price. Main objective of the study was to know the most common processing method adopted in Gulmi district and to know the determinants and constraints of the processing method. 100 coffee growers from four different local bodies of Gulmi district were selected by the purposive sampling method for the household survey. Descriptive statistics, logit model and index score ranking method were used for the data analysis. Gender of household head (p <0.01), education level (p<0.05) and technical trainings (p<0.05) were found to have significant effect upon the selection of processing methods. Due to several constraints all coffee growers were unable to adopt wet processing of coffee. Index score method was used to rank the constraints for adoption of wet processing methods. Lack of availability of hand pulpers was ranked as the major constraint by the coffee growers with an index score of 0.867 followed by unavailability of water, no access to transportation as other major constraints for adoption of wet processing method.