International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

394-399

Authors: Bijay Kumar Shrestha, Jenish Shakya

Candida albicans is a member of the healthy human microflora, colonizing several niches in the body and can cause opportunistic infection under host debilitated and immunocompromised condition. The present study aimed to investigate the in-vitro hemolytic activity of C. albicans isolated from oral cavity and screen biofilm through three different methods. During the study, 200 oral rinse samples from general human population were analyzed in microbiology laboratory of Central Campus of Technology, Tribhuvan University, Hattisar, Dharan. Nepal. Candida albicans were isolated and identified by conventional microbiological procedures. The hemolytic activity was evaluated through two different Sabouraud dextrose broth media (SDB) containing 7% defibrinated human blood, one supplemented with 3% glucose (SDBwG) and the other without glucose (SDBwoG). The biofilm formation was screened through congo red agar, tube method and tissue culture plate method. In this present study, 42 (21%) isolates of Candida albicans were isolated from 200 oral rinse samples. Isolated Candida albicans exhibited mean hemolysis activity of 28.66% on human blood SDB without glucose and 43.55% on human blood SDB with 3% glucose. Tissue culture plate method was considered sensitive, specific and accurate method for quantitative screening of biofilm in comparison to tube method and congo red agar method. This research concluded that Candida albicans exhibited greater hemolytic activity in human blood with glucose (SDBwG) than in human blood without glucose (SDBwoG). This finding explains that an increased blood glucose concentration may contribute to increased hemolysis activity of Candida albicans that could play pathogenic role for inducing infection like oral candidiasis in debilitated host like diabetic patients. Tissue culture plate method can accurately screen biofilms than tube and congo red agar method.

410-416

Authors: Srinivasa Murthy Kotilingam

Identification of termites is a challenging task due to variable morphological differences among species and their eusocial behaviour with different caste system. A method for easy and accurate species-level identification at any life stage is required. In this study, a 658-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was used to explore its utility in the identification of important subterranean termites. Termite specimens collected from 25 locations from various states, were characterized using specific primers for their identification. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed. The composition of the mitochondrial sequence of the COI gene in the present study was expectedly AT biased. GenBank accession numbers were obtained for the species. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed, which revealed significantly high percentage of A+T base composition. Molecular sequence information from NCBI revealed relatedness in all the collected termites, accurately as revealed by their morphological characters. The studies indicate the relevance of DNA sequencing to match different forms of termites and address ambiguities in morphological identification. The information on species diversity would help plan strategies for management of termites.

422-426

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

In present investigation karyotype of mitotic chromosomes were determined, two species of the genus Spilanthes, namely Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray and Spilanthes calva DC. from plants transplanted in earthen pots collected from different localities from Central Nepal in my home garden. The somatic chromosome number determined in present study were 2n=36 for both species, Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray and Spilanthes calva DC. The chromosomes total length ranged from 0.6 to 1.6 µm in Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray and 0.4 to 2.1µm in Spilanthes calva DC. The relative length ranged from 2.3 to 12.1 µm in the species Spilanthes calva and 2.0 to 8.5 µm in the species Spilanthes acmella. The Karyotype formula were M16+m2+sm16+st2 in Spilanthes calva DC. and M22 +sm14 in Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray cytologically obtained by using 2% aceto-orcein. The karyotype of the two species shows considerable variation exists in morphology of chromosome and structure. The variation in karyomorphology shows evolved nature of this species which play a great role in evolution.

432-436

Authors: Prashant Bhatt, Pratibha Bist, Laxmi Narayan Ojha

Kailali is the second highest district regarding wheat production and area coverage. A study was carried out in the Kailali district for preference of farmers on different wheat varieties that were being cultivated in the district. The objective of the study was to assess farmers’ preference and perception on the different improved wheat varieties in the area. Five commonly grown wheat varieties and seventeen important wheat varietal traits were selected through focus group discussion, key informant interview and preliminary survey. Sixty households were selected for face-to-face personal interview, twelve for each selected variety, at random from Ghodaghodi Municipality, Gauriganga Municipality and Kailari Rural Municipality of Kailali. The weightage of the seventeen selected traits were determined using an online survey conducted among individuals from different designation with the agricultural background who were well known about wheat cultivation practices in Kailali district. Yield, flour quality and tillering were found to be the trait of higher weightage and stem thickness was the trait of lowest weightage. The preferences of the farmers were measured using wheat preference index (WPI). The varieties Vijay, NL-971, HD-2967, Gautam and Aditya were ranked as I, II, III, IV and V respectively. The incorporation of farmers' preferred traits in future wheat varieties would increase the likelihood of adoption of the varieties. Similarly, proper participatory field trial of new improved wheat varieties would also help in the selection of the suitable varieties in the area concerning the farmers’ criteria of selection.

448-453

Authors: Prakash Acharya, Punya Prasad Regmi, Devendra Gauchan, Dilli Bahadur KC, Gopal Bahadur KC

A study was conducted in Jhapa, Sunsari and Bardiya district of Nepal to assess the benefit cost (BCA) analysis of small farm machineries (transplanter, reaper and power tiller) used for rice cultivation. Out of total respondents of 274 under mechanized farm category selected using Raosoft Software of sample size determination, 74% reaper owner (20), 67% power tiller owner (20) and 100% transplanter owner (09) were selected for analyzing benefit cost analysis using simple random sampling. BCA analysis showed that the NPV, B/C ratio, IRR and Payback Period of investing in transplanter were NRs 452743.62, 1.61, 24% and 2.75 years at 12% discount rate respectively. Similarly, NPV, B/C ratio, IRR and Payback period for reaper and power tiller were NRs 422541.93, 2.89, 123% and 1.14 years and NRs 619,719.34, 2.32, 65% and 1.46 years at 12% of discount rate respectively. The investment on reaper and power tiller would be profitable for their higher Benefit Cost ratio and IRR, and lower payback period. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that investments in reaper and power tiller would be profitable even if decrease in benefit or increase in cost or decrease in benefit and increase in cost by 20% is considered. However, in case of transplanter, the IRR would be less than the discount rate when benefit decreases by 20% and cost increases by 20%. Due to high investment at the initial stage, the payback period was longer and IRR was also less than 30% per annum in transplanter which indicated that investment would not be made for transplanter unless price of transplanter is lowered through regulation of price and provision of subsidy. It is suggested to motivate farmers for adoption of small farm machineries in rice cultivation through provision of differentiated rates of subsidy and technical capacity build up.

289-304

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

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.

310-317

Authors: Saurabha Koirala

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.

323-335

Authors: A. Ojha, B.R. Ojha

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.

343-354

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

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).

363-367

Authors: Rupak Kandel, Deepak Subedi, Chet Narayan Kharel

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.

132-139

Authors: Aasish Gautam, Sushil Neupane, Krishna Kaphle

Food safety and security are serious concerns to the world. The growing population, depleting resources demand that judicious production is key and ensuring that the product is safe from the farm is a collective responsibility. Pork is the source of most consumed animal protein on the planet. Concerns of various type from chemical residues, environment pollution and source of pandemic diseases have challenged the growth of the pork industry. There is strong correlation between contamination of pork by pathogens like, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichinella spiralis and human health hazard. The purpose of this study is to outline the possible risk factors, antibiotic susceptibility pattern, prevalence, possible reason behind high prevalence and developed resistance and possible control measures for Campylobacter spp. (C. coli and C. jejuni). The risk factor analysis-based research clearly indicated that possible contamination is due to unhygienic slaughtering, evisceration and processing practices. Prevalence is more in the retail meat of Nepal than other countries. The commonly used antibiotics in Nepal are not fully sensitive. The developed resistance might be due to overuse or misuse of antibiotics which may lead to post antibiotics era. Strict slaughtering procedure, HACCP (hazard analysis and critical point) and GMP (good manufacturing practices) during slaughtering are prerequisities for Campylobacter control in carcass. We need to focus through individual, policymaker, health professional level for enhancement of pig industry with strict biosecurity measures at farm level of Nepal.

146-153

Authors: Yosef Deneke, Rajib Deb

In the present study recombinant LigB protein is employed in latex agglutination test, which is a cross reacting lipoprotein able to detect acute infection caused by any pathogenic leptospiral serovars. It was employed for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis. The 46KDa 6X His tagged LigB protein, obtained by IPTG induction of recombinant E. coli M15 cells containing the N-terminal region of LigB gee in PQE30 expression vector, was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and adsorbed on latex bead surface for performing latex agglutination test against Leptospirosis suspected field sea. Western blot confirmed that rLigB is an immunodominant protein against which antibodies are produced during active infection. A total of 453 field sera, including 432 bovine sera, 18 caprine sera and three sera samples of buffalo bull collected post-mortem following death the animal from Indian Veterinary Research institute (IVRI) were tested using rLigB based LAT. The result showed that 300 sera were tested positive by rLigB based LAT, which were reconfirmed using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The results from LAT were in concordance with MAT. In conclusion, under laboratory and field conditions, rLigB based LAT is a rapid, pen site, reliable diagnostic tool of high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of Leptospirosis.

161-169

Authors: Padam Bahadur Poudel, Uttam Kumar Jaishi, Laxmi Poudel, Mukti Ram Poudel

A field experiment was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Bhairahawa during winter season of 2019/2020 to find out the performance of wheat genotypes under timely sown (November 29, 2019) and late sown (December 25, 2019) conditions. The research was carried out in two environments (timely sown and late sown) following alpha lattice design with two replications. Each replication consists of five blocks with four plots in each block. The results revealed that all genotypes performance was decreased in late sowing environment. In late sown condition, there was significant difference among genotypes for all the traits under study and under timely sown condition, there was significant difference among genotype for all traits under study except weight of grains per spike and grain yield. The maximum yield was recorded in NL 1179 and Bhirkuti in timely and late sown conditions respectively. It was found that the mean grain yield in timely sown condition is 90.77 % higher than in late sown condition. The maximum grain yield was recorded in NL 1179 across combine environment.

179-186

Authors: Anup Sharma, Sulochana Thapa, Mohan Prasad Khatiwada

Kiwifruit is one of the leading agriculture commodities having tremendous potential of export to the international market. Nepal offers suitable topography, climate and soil for profitable production of kiwifruit having unique taste, precocity and high nutritive and medicinal values. This study attempts to analyze the production trend, export and import, current scenario and future prospects of kiwifruit in Nepal. Findings shows that the production of kiwifruit is in increasing trend with an average annual growth rate of 46.5% from fiscal year 2014/15 to 2016/17 in Nepal. The commercialization of Nepalese kiwifruit is still in the state of infancy. Even though possessing passable shot in local and the global market, country yet produces small-scale of kiwifruit. The main challenges include inadequate scientific research on kiwifruit, lack of adoption of improved technology, insufficient investment, and poor-quality planting material, unstable prices and profit margins along with inappropriate market channels. Thus, to fortify kiwifruit subsector, it is recommended to focus on strategy of improving kiwifruit productivity with conventional mechanization, improved technology adoption, price intervention, market recognition, establishment of storage and processing centers and diplomatic relations for convenient global marketing.

191-198

Authors: Shila Bashyal, Padam Bahadur Poudel, Jenny Budha Magar, Laxmi Dhakal, Suraj Chad, Binita Khadka, Sidda Lal Bohara

In Nepal, the productivity of maize is very low in comparison with developed countries. The use of hybrid varieties with proper nutrient management helps to unlock the high yielding potential of maize. So, the experiment was conducted at Fulbari, Dang, Nepal from June 30, 2019 to October 16, 2019 to find the yield performance of two maize varieties (Local and Hybrid) under different nutrient management. The study was conducted in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications and eight treatments. Treatments consist of different combinations of two maize varieties (Local and hybrid) and four different nutrient management practices. Significant effects of Nutrient management were observed on plant height, l eaf area index (LAI), kernels per row, kernels per cob maize, test weight, biological yield, economic yield and harvest index of maize. Similarly, significant effects of varieties was observed on plant height, leaf number, LAI, cob length, kernel rows per cob, kernels per kernel row, kernels per cob maize, test weight, biological yield, economic yield and harvest index of maize. Interaction effect of Nutrient management and varieties was found significant on LAI, kernel rows per cob, kernels per kernel row, kernels per cob maize, test weight, biological yield, economic yield and harvest index of maize. The overall performance of hybrid maize under Leaf color chart (LCC) based nutrient management was found better than other treatments. Therefore, production of Hybrid maize under LCC based nutrient management is suggested.

205-210

Authors: Pushpa Karna Mallick

Pollen morphology of fourteen species of angiosperms from Kathmandu valley was investigated using aceto-carmine and palynological characters such as pollen size, shape, aperture numbers and exine sculpture were evaluated. The results indicate that various types of pollen grains are in angiosperms. In this investigation Pollen grains of Linum usitatissimum L. from the family Linaceae, Lathyrus odoratus L. from Fabaceae, Magnolia grandiflora L. from Magnoliaceae, Malva alcea L. and Malva sida L. from Malvaceae, Murraya koenigii Spreng from Rutaceae, Nerium oleander L. from Apocynaceae studied. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Salvia coccinea Buchz ex Etl. Salvia splendens Sellow ex J.A. Schultes from Lamiaceae, Oenothera rosea L. from Onagraceae, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. from Rosaceae, Solanum nigrum L. from Solanaceae and Zinnia elegans L. from Asteraceae were studied in this investigation. Shape of the pollen grains found to be spheroidal, sub-spheroidal, elongate, oval, circular, ellipsoidal and triangular type. Ornamentation of exine wall found to be echinate, smooth, coarse, wrinkle and tected type. Aperture of the pollen grains found to be triporate to periporate. Sizes of the pollen grains encountered in this study were large, medium and small. The high diversity of exine ornamentation type in pollen grains of angiosperms has been associated to diversity in pollination systems. Echinate pollen grains train the bees to restrict to nectar collection and help the flowers to save more pollen grains for pollination. Smooth walled pollen grains are linked with wind or water pollination.

216-222

Authors: R.K. Verma, H.N.P. Singh, A.K. Thakur, S.J. Kohli

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used since the time immortal in different parts on the world including India. Ayurveda provides a detailed insight of different medicinal plants and their use. Different regions of India have a array of different types of medicinal and aromatic herbs. Depending upon climate and soil they may have different degree of pharmacological importance. Lower Gangetic plane present at around eastern part of the Bihar has some sort of Medicinal and Aromatic plants common to Bhagalpur and nearby region. These plants were surveyed on non-agricultural fields of four different localities of Bhagalpur by using quardat method. Abundance, Counts, Cover, Frequency and relative importance were calculated as a whole. About 14 plants were recorded having either well known medicinal or aromatic properties in a total survey area of 1000m2.

231-234

Authors: T. Eswar Ganesh Babu, S.A. Mastan, M. Sai Sowjanya, G. Rajesh, K. Harshitha, A. Madhavi, U. Haritha, B. Sindhulekha, P. Sivanarendra Babu

Alfa- Feto- protein (AFP) is a protein produced by the baby in the womb. The protein is normally found in the blood stream of the mother, which tends to be elevated or lowered in the blood of the women carrying babies with certain abnormalities it is an Albumin like glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 70,000 D. Is a formed in the yolk sac. Non differential liver cells and the fetal gastro- intestinal tract. Elevated MSAFP levels have also been associated with Chromosome abnormalities, Omphalocele and gastroschisis and rarely congenital, additionally elevated MS AFP levels have associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal out comes including preeclampsia, premature labor, low birth weight, placental abruption and stillbirth.

241-246

Authors: Sandesh Thapa, Anjal Nainabasti, Sashila Acharya, Neha Rai, Rakshya Bhandari

Rooftop gardening is one of the present needs for urban settlement for solving food security problems and promoting sustainable agriculture. To highlight the present status of rooftop gardening in Kathmandu a key informant survey was conducted where 52 respondents were selected where the majority of the rooftop garden maintainers were females (52.8%). All of the respondents have a positive response regarding rooftop gardening and was significant with a year of farming in roofs (χ²= 45, df= 9, P-value=0.000) and the area covered by rooftop farms range from 5-13%. There was a significant monetary value of the soft benefit from rooftop garden as food production ($3456.86), air quality ($11-19), stormwater retention ($20609), and carbon sequestration ($6-7) benefits. However, the traditional method was employed to maintain rooftop gardens with planting materials such as plastic bags, pots, and styrofoam carats. Since constraints were recorded in the study area regarding rooftop farming establishment and also is continuing, thus, there should be proper training for the individuals interested in rooftop gardening which enables them to manage and continue their farms more efficiently.

7-13

Authors: Pratiksha Parajuli, Sudiksha Pandit, Krishna Kaphle

Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease, affecting all domestic as well as wild cloven-hoofed animals caused by Apthovirus of Picornaviride family. FMD is endemic in Nepal causing substantial economic losses to livestock industry mainly cattle and buffalo, directly by decreasing the production and change in herd structure, and indirectly losses by cost of FMD control. The predominant serotype responsible for endemic outbreak of FMD in Nepal is ‘O’ however serotypes ‘A’ and ‘Asia-1’ have also been detected. Peak level of occurrence is noticed during pre-monsoon (April - May) and post-monsoon (Oct-Nov) period, however it occurs throughout the year. Movement of animals within the country mainly during festival season, illegal trading of livestock between Nepal and India because of open border, poor knowledge about the disease among farmers, high cost of treatment and control, lack of strict quarantine practices are the major factors contributing to high frequency of outbreak. Cattles were most frequently affected followed by buffalo, goat, sheep and pig. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the current scenario of FMD in Nepal, its transmission, diagnostic approaches and prevention and control measures. This paper is based on review of different articles from various journals, magazines, epidemiological bulletin, and reports from government of Nepal. The present approach to control this disease is through the vaccination of animal by imported multivalent vaccines. Vaccinations based on the matching of a vaccine strain to a field strain can be a better approach.

21-28

Authors: Olukayode Olugbenga Orole, Naja’atu Shehu Hadi

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified as an urgent threat to human health based on its increasing antimicrobial resistance to the beta-lactamases and Carbapenemases. The pathogen has become a threat to both patients and healthcare providers as its incidence is on the increase, becoming a major global healthcare issue. The study was aimed at characterizing and determining the plasmid profile of resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from urinary tract of patients at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Early morning mid-stream urine samples were collected from patients with urinary tract infections between April and May, 2019 and Klebsiella pneumoniae characterized on the basis of its antibiotic resistance pattern, and the plasmid DNA profile determined. Thirty-eight strains of resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae were obtained of which 33 showed resistance to more than three antibiotics. About 51.1% of the isolates were resistant to Tetracycline, while the isolates were least resistant to Azithromycin and Cefotaxime (30.3%) respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates showed 32 different resistance patterns, 24 of the strains had the capacity to produce Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases enzymes: CTX-M 24(72.7%), SHV 19(57.6%) and TEM 16(48.5%) respectively. All the resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated had the same plasmid size of 48.5 kilobases and only 1 plasmid each though they all obtained a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index > 0.2. The study concluded that Klebsiella pneumoniae harbours genes which confer antibiotic resistance on the isolates. The study exposes further the challenge of antibiotic resistance and need for concerted effort at stopping the challenge of drug resistance.

33-44

Authors: R.A.I.S. Ariyarathna, S.L. Weerasena, C.K. Beneragama

Bean is a popular vegetable grown in most parts of Sri Lanka. Farmers and home gardeners purchase seeds in packeted form retail outlets. However, quality problems are frequently reported, especially on low field germination. Quality parameters namely, percentage germination, field emergence, seedling length, vigour index and chlorophyll fluorescence analysis were used to determine the effect of different storage environmental conditions on seed longevity of two bean varieties during a two-year storage period, 2016 to 2018. Seeds in triple-laminated packets stored in four contrasting conditions; low temperature storage conditions (Tem. 5oC, 65% RH); three geo-environmental conditions namely, Gannoruwa (mid country wet zone), Kundasale (mid country intermediate zone), and Mahailuppallama (low country dry zone) showed varied behavior in seed quality parameters respective of the variety. It was apparent that germination test alone does not represent the full potential of field emergence. Results of the present study revealed that when field emergence and vigour are also taken in to account, both varieties of bean seeds can be stored under ambient conditions at Gannoruwa, Kundasale or MahaIlluppallama for a maximum period of 12 months, without compromising the seed quality. The seeds stored under low temperature conditions (i.e. 5 °C), maintained the seed germination over 75% for a period of 24 months.

52-60

Authors: D.B. Thapa, A. Chapagain

A cross-sectional study was conducted at National Avian Disease Investigation Laboratory, Chitwan to determine antibiogram of Escherichia coli isolated from avian colibacillosis cases of broilers and layers in Chitwan. One hundred and sixty (95 from broilers and 65 from layers) liver samples were collected aseptically during postmortem. Samples were taken purposively from dead birds showing lesions perihepatitis, pericarditis, air-saculitis, omphalitis and egg peritonitis. Isolation and identification were made by examination of cultural characteristics of E. coli in MacConkey’s agar, Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar, Gram’s staining and biochemical tests. Antibiogram of identified E. coli isolate was evaluated against six antibiotics of six different groups by disk diffusion method following CLSI guidelines. One hundred and three E. coliisolates (73 from broilers and 30 from layers) were isolated from one hundred and sixty samples. Highest resistance was observed against Ampicillin (100%) followed by Co-trimoxazole (86.40%), Doxycycline (46.60%), Levofloxacin (45.63%), Nitrofurantoin (26.21%) and Amikacin (10.68%). Nearly about all (96.12%) isolates from 103 isolated E. coli isolates showed multidrugs resistance to two or more than two antimicrobials. All multidrug resistance isolates showed 16 different patterns with each isolate being resistance to at least two drugs. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.2 to 0.8 and proportion of isolates with MAR index greater than 0.2 was 96.12%.

65-70

Authors: Nisha Niraula, Anil Timilsina

The productivity of crops is highly affected by the seedling quality, which is governed by seeding density in the nursery. So, an experiment was conducted to explore the effect of seedling spacing in the growth attributes of Broad Leaf Mustard cv. “Marpha Chauda Paate” at IAAS, Lamjung Campus, during Oct 2018. Four spacing treatments viz 0.5 cm × 1 cm, 1 cm × 1 cm, 1.5 cm ×1.5 cm and 2 cm × 2 cm were arranged in RCB Design with 5 replications. Observation of seedling height, leaf area, leaf number, shoot & root fresh weights, shoot dry matter, and dry matter percentage from twenty-three days old seedlings were recorded. The total leaf area was estimated using the Image-J package. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and analyzed by Gen Stat. Treatments differed significantly in seedling height, shoot and root fresh weight, leaf area, root length, and shoot dry weight, while the number of leaves and dry matter percentage did not differ statistically. Maximum shoot fresh weight (1.09 g), shoot dry weight (0.11 g), leaf area (48.24 cm2), root length (4.89 cm), root fresh weight (0.03 g) per plant and shoot dry matter percentage (9.24%) were found in widest spacing (2 cm × 2 cm). However, seedling height was recorded higher in closer spacing. Therefore, the study of the overall characteristics asserted that the seed spaced at 2 cm × 2 cm produced superior seedling over all other spacings.

78-82

Authors: Kapil Kafle, Mahesh Jaishi

Insect pests are the major constraints of crop production. Mustard aphid is the major problems of rapeseed contributing mustard decline in Chitwan, Nepal. Semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted on randomly selected farmers of Chainpir Village Development Committee (VDC), Chitwan after a pre-testing in Mangalpur VDC to study the farmers’ knowledge and management practices adopted against mustard aphid in Chitwan. Study revealed majority (60%) of the respondent suggested aphid as the major insect of rapeseed and moreover, 86% of the respondent experienced it to cause 25% loss to the crop yield. Much proportion of respondents (58%) also realized low temperature with high humidity at the time of flowering as a cause in higher aphid infestation. Farmers use 2-3 sprays of chemical insecticide to control aphid but was found to destroy natural enemies and bee population besides damaging natural environment and human health.

96-101

Authors: Prem Lal Mahato, Milan Kandel, Shrijana Khanal, Deepak Subedi, Bishnu K.C, Douglas Wilson

Dog play an important role as companion and guard animal. In Nepal, most dogs are free to roam and only few of household keep the dog as owned-dog. This study was carried out at Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan where 95 dogs owned families who owned 119 dogs were purposively surveyed with well-structured pretested questionnaire to collect baseline data on owned dog demographics, assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog owners concerning dogs. In the study, the sex ratio was found 1:1 in the population. Median age of population was found to be 2.5 years and range from 1 month to 12 year. Respondents showed no any specific preference for keeping dogs i.e. 39.5% for male, 23.5% for female and while 37% does not concern about the sex and most animals were kept for companionship (52.9%). Of those surveyed mixed dogs, of no definable cross, were most common, followed by Japanese Spitz (23.5%) and German shepherd (11.8%). Results show that 92.1% of respondent have knowledge on vaccination schedule while 94% of dog were vaccinated and 82.4% dog were routinely de-wormed. Study findings revealed that majority owner reported the dog were not facing any major problem (84.9%) while some are facing ecto-parasite problem ( 7.5 %) followed by dermatological problem (2.5%), endo-parasite problem (2.4%) and viral disease (1.6%). Among the total population only in 15.1% neutering was done Thus, based on the findings of present study, it is concluded that focus should be given to animal birth control program (ABC) while developing health management strategies. Meanwhile, further study covering wider geography and considering the major risk factors is recommended.