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Volume 4 Issue 2, 2023
Synergistic Effects of Nitrogen and Zinc Fertilization on Fibre Yield and Agronomic Traits of Jute (Chorchorusolitorius L.)
Md. Tariful Alam Khan, Md Nibir Sharkar, Md Mominul Islam, Dibbya Roy, Subha Azad, Mst. Fatematu Johura Mina, M. Robiul Islam and Mesbaus Salahin
Abstract: Optimizing nitrogen and zinc fertilizer application is crucial for achieving maximum fibre quality and yield in jute cultivation. A field experiment was conducted from May to September 2022 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, to assess the effects of varying nitrogen (urea) and zinc (ZnSO₄) rates on jute fibre development and yield. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three nitrogen rates: N₁ (100 kg ha⁻¹), N₂ (200 kg ha⁻¹), and N₃ (300 kg ha⁻¹), and three zinc rates: Zn₁ (5.5 kg ha⁻¹), Zn₂ (11 kg ha⁻¹), and Zn₃ (16.5 kg ha⁻¹). Standard agronomic practices were uniformly applied across all treatments. Application of 300 kg ha⁻¹ urea (N₃) significantly increased plant height (287.5 cm), stem diameter (13.67 mm), fibre area (2.80 mm²), fibre yield (4.49 t ha⁻¹), stick yield (9.90 t ha⁻¹), and biological yield (14.39 t ha⁻¹). Similarly, zinc application at 16.5 kg ha⁻¹ (Zn₃) enhanced plant height (283.26 cm), stem diameter (13.15 mm), fibre area (2.67 mm²), fibre yield (4.09 t ha⁻¹), stick yield (9.19 t ha⁻¹), and biological yield (13.28 t ha⁻¹). The interaction of N₃ and Zn₃ (300 kg ha⁻¹ N + 16.5 kg ha⁻¹ Zn) produced the highest values for plant height (309.4 cm), stem diameter (14.07 mm), fibre area (3.02 mm²), fibre yield (5.39 t ha⁻¹), stick yield (12.16 t ha⁻¹), and biological yield (17.55 t ha⁻¹). These findings suggest that applying 300 kg ha⁻¹ urea in combination with 16.5 kg ha⁻¹ ZnSO₄ is an effective strategy for maximizing jute fibre yield. Future research should investigate soil nutrient dynamics, plant nutrient uptake, and the economic and environmental implications of these fertilizer regimes.
Strategic Amelioration of Integrated Organic Manure and Microbial Fertilizer on the Reduction of Chemical Phosphorus Level in Maize Field
Mesbaus Salahin, Tanvir Md. Rashedur Rahman, Md. Mominul Islam, Md. Nibir Sharkar, Mosammat Nilufar Yeasmin and Md. Tariful Alam Khan
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy field laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, during the period from November 2019 to April 2020 to find out the effect of organic manure and microbial fertilizer on the reduction of chemical phosphorus level in maize field. The experiment consisted of one maize variety: BARI Hybrid Bhutta-9 and different treatments viz. T1 = 100% P2O5, T2 =100% P2O5+ Microbial fertilizers (MF), T3 =75% P2O5+25% Organic Phosphorus (OP) + Microbial fertilizers (MF), T4 = 50% P2O5+50% Organic Phosphorus (OP) + Microbial fertilizers (MF), T5 = 25%P2O5+75% Organic Phosphorus (OP) + Microbial fertilizers (MF), T6 =100% Organic Phosphorus (OP) + Microbial fertilizers (MF), and T7 = 100% Organic Phosphorus (OP). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest value for several parameters such as plant height (182.71 cm), leaf area (3221.67 cm2), total dry matter (103.96 gm-2), SPAD value (15.34), cob length (21.26cm), grain yield (10.94 t ha-1), stover yield (16.49 t ha-1), biological yield (27.43 t ha-1), and harvest index (39.85%) were recorded fromT3. On the other hand, the values considering plant height (159.60cm), leaf area (2759.41 cm2), total dry matter (80.31gm-2), SPAD (11.57), cob length (20.96cm), grain yield (9.22 t ha-1), stover yield (15.13 t ha-1), biological yield (24.35 t ha-1), harvest index (37.47%) were recorded when 100% chemical phosphorus was applied in T1. From all observations it can be concluded that T3 treatment always gave the highest yield. So, it will be beneficial for the farmer if they use these treatments.
Isolation and characterization of Cryptosporidium parvum in fresh foodstuff from Rajshahi district, Bangladesh
Md. Zamal Uddin, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Md. Shamim Uddin, Md. Golam Azam, Md. Emtiaj Alam, Lovely Nahar and Moizur Rahman
Abstract: Fresh foodstuff is vital to a healthy diet but can harbor foodborne pathogens with serious health risks. This study investigated the presence of the zoonotic parasite Cryptosporidium spp. in frequently consumed fresh foodstuff in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. A total of 450 samples (15 types; 30 each) were collected, processed, and screened using modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Overall, 6.0% (27/450) food samples were contaminated, with radish showing the highest prevalence (26.7%), followed by red amaranth (16.7%), water spinach and spinach (13.3% each), cabbage (10%), green amaranth (6.7%), and coriander leaves (3.3%). PCR analysis confirmed 4.88% (22/450) contaminated samples. PCR targeting the SSU rRNA/18S rRNA gene generated amplicons of 310 bp and 738 bp, which enabled species-specific identification of Cryptosporidium sp. and C. parvum. BLAST analysis of consensus sequences showed close similarity with global isolates, while phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering with human and non-human primate isolates. Bangladeshi isolates from other reservoirs also demonstrated evolutionary relationships with study isolates. These findings indicate geographic variation, adaptive mutation, and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium. The detection of this parasite in fresh foodstuff highlights a critical food safety concern and underscores the need for improved agricultural practices, surveillance, and public awareness to prevent zoonotic transmission and protect human health.