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.

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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.

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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.

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