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Volume 3 Issue 1, 2022
Free-living Stage of Helminth Parasites Isolated from Common Vegetables Available in Local Markets of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Md. Zamal Uddin, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Lovely Nahar and Moizur Rahman
Abstract: Vegetables are rich in critical vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as dietary fiber, which have numerous health benefits. Fresh veggies can carry a variety of deadly parasites, making people more prone to foodborne illness. This study aims to isolate and identify the free-living stage of helminth parasites in fresh vegetables. Nine different types of samples (30 each) were collected and washed scientifically. The wash materials were collected, sieved, centrifuged, and inspected under a light microscope to determine parasite contamination. Out of 270 samples, 186 (68.9%) tested positive for at least one parasite genus or species. Water spinach had the highest degree of parasite contamination (93.3%), while jute leaves had the lowest level (36.7%). Strongyolides stercoralis (51.1%) was the most commonly observed parasite, while Stictodora fuscata (3.7%) was the least prevalent. Other detected parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (37.8%), hookworm (47.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.6%), Schistosoma haematobium (14.8%), and Paragonimus sp. (8.1%). There was a substantial association (p<0.05) between parasite contamination and several vegetable varieties. This finding highlights a critical public health hazard in which humans and animals are at great risk of being infected with different types of parasites. So, to avoid foodborne parasite infections, everyone should practice proper personal hygiene and carefully wash vegetables to ensure safe consumption.
Exotic Pangas and Tilapia Farming in Bangladesh: Status, Constraints and Potentials
Khaleda Nasrin and Md. Yeamin Hossain
Abstract: In Bangladesh, the farming of exotic pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus/O. mossambicus) has gained significant importance over the last three decades. This study was conducted across Mymensingh, Bogura, and Cumilla regions, where a substantial number of fish farmers engaged in production, utilizing both primary data from face-to-face interviews with 180 respondents and secondary data from relevant literature to explore the farming techniques, constraints, and potential opportunities of these fish farming. The rise of exotic fish farming, marked by the introduction of improved varieties of these fish, had led to the predominance of polyculture systems, where pangas was preferred as the primary species by 83.33% of respondents, compared to 16.67% for tilapia. Polyculture involving a diverse range of co-species and varying stocking densities, farmers tended to utilize more diversified supplementary feeds in pangas farms compared to tilapia farms, thereby facilitating the selection of pangas as the primary crop. Despite notable potentials, the sector continues to grapple with challenges, including financial constraints, a lack of institutional support, and the need for quality aquafeed to ensure competitiveness in the global market. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to realize the full potential of aquaculture in Bangladesh and meet future demand.
Impact of Planting Time on the Growth and Yield of Distinct Carrot Varieties (Daucus carota L.)
Fahmida Muyeed, Md. Kawser Ali, Iffat Nuha, Adnan Muyeed, Jafor Raihan, Most. Moslema Haque and M. Al Masud
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of planting time on the growth and yield of distinct carrot varieties. A field experiment was conducted at Kashiadanga, Rajparathana in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, from October 2021 to March 2022 to evaluate the effects of planting time and variety on the growth and yield of carrots. A two-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with three replications, evaluating three planting times (P1= 06 November, P2= 16 November, P3= 26 November) and three carrot varieties (V1= KS Kuroda, V2= Pusa Kesar, V3= New Kuroda). Results indicated that early planting (6 November) significantly enhanced plant growth and yield attributes, including total plant length (69.96 cm), root length (16.66 cm), shoot length (53.30 cm), root diameter (33.72 mm), and total yield (25.40 t/ha). Among the varieties, Pusa Kesar demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest plant length (74.54 cm), root length (19.00 cm), and total yield (25.39 t/ha). Interaction effects further highlighted that early planting combined with Pusa Kesar maximized yield potential (28.93 t/ha). Delayed planting (26 November) resulted in reduced growth and yield, likely due to suboptimal environmental conditions. The findings emphasize the significance of optimal planting time and variety selection in enhancing carrot productivity and quality, providing valuable insights for sustainable carrot cultivation in similar agroecological zones.
Growth and Yield Response of Summer Onion Seed (Allium cepa L.) Influenced by Plant Spacing and Nitrogen Levels
Mst. Sabina Begum, Md. Abdul Alim, Md. Abdur Rahim and Md. Arifur Rahman
Abstract: The experiment was carried out to find out the effect of spacing and levels of nitrogen on the growth, yield contributing characters, yield and quality of onion seed. The trial was investigated with plant spacing (viz.25 cm x 10 cm, 20 cm x 15 cm, 25 cm x 15 cm and 25 cm x 20 cm) and nitrogen levels (viz., 0 Kg ha-1, 100 Kg ha-1, 150 Kg ha-1 and 200 Kg ha-1). Results revealed that planting with closest spacing gave the highest seed yield (501.43 kg ha-1) whereas widest spacing produced the highest seed weight per plant (1.43g). The vegetative growth along with seed production ability of the plants was increased gradually with the increase of nitrogen level. The highest seed yield ha-1(490.13 kg) and yield contributing characters were found with the application of highest dose of nitrogen (200 Kg ha-1) but the lowest values were obtained from 0 Kg ha-1. Due to the combined effect, seed yield was increased with reduced in spacing and increase of nitrogen level but the superior quality seed was produced from the combination of wider spacing with highest doses of nitrogen in the experiment.
The Trend of Agribusiness Research Worldwide: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on the Scopus Database
Mohammad Shahab Uddin, A K M Kanak Pervez, Md. Shahriar Kabir, Md Mahedi
Abstract: Agribusiness involves the multifaceted interactions among activities related to the supply, distribution, and marketing of agricultural goods. As agricultural value chains have evolved, so have the many facets of agricultural value chain analysis, such as management and market dynamics. The current study investigates the growing trend of agribusiness and related issues worldwide, focusing on developing agribusiness in developing countries. The research integrates the latest agribusiness, rural entrepreneurship, and rural self-employment research with sophisticated bibliometric analysis, showing trends and contributions in these sectors. Leading sources include in Agribusiness research "World Development," "PLOS ONE," and "Journal of Rural Development." Across different countries, with the USA, India, China, Australia, the UK, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Germany, and Brazil being the top-producing countries. However, developing countries have lower average income from agricultural sectors, and Africa needs more private investment to promote agribusiness in modernizing agriculture and the financial system. Finally, agribusiness is vital for mitigating economic crises and alleviating food shortages. Agribusiness can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future by integrating women and micro-credit programs.