Volume 11, No. 1 (June, 2026)

1. BEJOY CHANDRA SARKAR, ARPITA PANDEY, AHMED KHAIRUL HASAN, FAHMIDA AKTER AND MD. SHAFIQUL ISLAM* [Optimising nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition for Indonesian red rice cultivation in the Aman (Monsoon) season of Bangladesh]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 1-10 (2026). Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh *(e-mail: shafiqagron@bau.edu.bd)

ABSTRACT

Indonesian red rice is an emerging variety in Bangladesh due to its nutritional benefits, yet its productivity is highly dependent on precise nutrient management, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. However, inadequate knowledge on its specific nutrient requirements leads to imbalanced fertilizer use, limiting yield potential and causing environmental concerns. We conducted a field experiment from July to December 2023 at Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University to assess the impact of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) doses on yield of red rice. The experiment comprised five doses of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 kg/ha) and three doses of phosphorus (0, 25, 50 kg/ha P2O5) in a RCBD with three replications. The results revealed that N significantly influenced rice yield and yield contributing traits. The highest grain yield (3.67 t/ha) and straw yield (6.33 t/ha) were obtained from 100 kg N/ha, while the lowest grain yield (3.13 t/ha) and straw yield (5.71 t/ha) were in control. Optimal grain yield (3.60 t/ha) and straw yield (6.84 t/ha) were obtained with the application of 25 kg P‚ O… /ha, whereas the lowest grain yield (3.15 t/ha) and straw yield (5.76 t/ha) were in control. The combined application of 100 kg N/ha and 25 kg P‚ O… /ha resulted in the highest grain yield (4.28 t/ha) and straw yield (7.07 t/ha) along with other yield traits. Thus, 100 kg N/ha and 25 kg P2O5/ha appeared as the best combination for obtaining the highest grain yield of Indonesian red rice in Aman season.

2. Mukti Ram Poudel*, NEERU Lamshal, Rijal Anuska, Ghimire Manisha, Ghimire Prakriti, Lamsal Karuna and Kafle Kriti [Mitigation of drought stress in promising wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for future breeding programs]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 11-17 (2026). Department of Plant Breeding, Paklihawa Campus Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) Tribhuvan University, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, Nepal *(e-mail: mukti.poudel@pakc.tu.edu.np; muktipoudel15@gail.com)

ABSTRACT

Drought is one of the most prevailing issues that limits crop production and yield, particularly in wheat grown under rainfed and water-limited conditions amid increasing climatic variability. Therefore, identifying and evaluating drought-tolerant winter wheat lines based on key physiological and adaptive traits is essential to enhance resilience and sustain productivity under stress environments. The experiment was conducted on a year 2023-2024 during winter at IAAS, Paklihawa – Nepal with the goal of determining drought-resilient genotypes by comparing stress tolerance and looking into water limits and the effects of drought on wheat yield characteristics. The main aim of this experiment was to assess tolerance of seventeen advance lines and three commercial check varieties of wheat genotype to drought stress. Alpha-lattice experimentation was used, with two replications. Based on grain yield, six indices (TOL, GMP, MP, YSI, STI and SSI) were computed to evaluate drought tolerance. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed highly positively association between yield grain with GMP (0.846**) and YSI (0.756**) in stress condition and TOL (0.982**), MP (0.984**) and GMP (0.683**) in non-stress condition. Among the indices TOL, GMP, MP and YSI were the indicators that were most dependable for assessing stress tolerance. Drought indices identified genotypes NL-1447, Bhrikuti, NL-1445, NL1488 and RR-21 as a highly drought tolerant. Conversely, Highest value had emerged by genotype NL-1488(881.55) and genotype NL-1447(5943.5) in stress (Ys) and non-stress (Yp) conditions, respectively. With the goal of creating drought resistant wheat varieties and improving food security in drought affected areas, these genotypes have been identified as good candidates for breeding programs.

3. Shegaw Derbew*, Solomon Shibeshi, Tariku Semion, Shimeles Mohammed, Muluneh Mekiso, Shiferaw Mekonen and Melese Lema [Stability and adaptability of food barley genotypes in multiple environments using AMMI and GGE biplot analysis]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 18-32 (2026). Sidama Agricultural Research Institute Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, Hawassa, P. O. Box 2126, Ethiopia *(e-mail: dshegaw@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Barley in Ethiopia is among the major cereal crops grown and used for making various types of foods, and home-made and industrial beverages. The field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications at seven environments from mid-July to January of 2022 to 2024 in the main cropping season. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of genotype by environment interaction on the grain yield performance of barley genotypes and to identify high yielding and stable genotypes across environments. The analysis of variance demonstrated that the trait considered differed significantly (P<0.001) among genotypes, indicating that the traits under investigation displayed genetic variability. In the AMMI analysis of variance, it was discovered that the environment (E), genotype (G), and G×E interaction accounted for 44.37%, 29.52%, and 27.11% of the treatment sum of squares, respectively. The two IPCAs were sufficient for cross-validation of the grain yield variation explained by GEI because they accounted for a combined 62.39% of the interaction sum of squares. There were two mega environments found in the current investigation. Identifying mega environments with optimal genotypes can significantly enhance production in each area and also increase farmers’ income. Bule is more discriminating of the genotypes and representative of the test environments. The AMMI stability value, Yield Stability Index (YSI), AMMI and GGE biplot techniques selected genotypes G2, G3, G13 and G5 as stable and high yielding in all situations. These genotypes would be proposed for official release. Moreover, G4, which was high yielding, widely adaptable in five environments among the seven environments and moderately stable and selected by two parameters YSI and GGE biplot, would also be proposed for release and grow in its suitable agro-ecology.

4. V. P. Singh* and R. K. Maiti [Sorghum crop growth: Physiological insights across edapho-climatic conditions]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 33-51 (2026). Gaurav Publications, Shop No. 17. Ground Floor, Om Shopping Complex Behind Head Post Office, Old Area Udeypurian Street, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India *(e-mail: cropresearch1@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

This article examines recent advancements in research concerning the physiological mechanisms underlying sorghum crop growth under diverse abiotic stress conditions. Photoperiod sensitivity and photosynthesis are critical determinants of sorghum development and productivity, governed by multiple environmental and hormonal factors. Sorghum is significantly influenced by abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperature fluctuations, and salinity, which impact both growth and physiological parameters. Substantial progress has been made in identifying sorghum genotypes with enhanced resistance to these stressors, as well as elucidating the physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes involved in such resistance. The accumulation of osmolites including HCN, proline, ABA, HPSs, and betaine plays a pivotal role in improving tolerance to drought, temperature stress, and salinity. The selection of straightforward traits, such as seedling glossiness and sustained leaf greenness during severe drought, represents significant advances in breeding. Implementing proper agronomic practices is advocated to mitigate crop stress. A comprehensive understanding of the physiological basis of sorghum growth and its application in breeding strategies is essential for maintaining crop productivity and resilience under various stress conditions in the semi-arid tropics.

5. S. K. Bhowal*, S. S. Proma, S. K. Bhowmik, S. Roy And M. M. Bashir [Harnessing relay cropping: Evaluating mustard varieties with broadcasted Aman rice in lowland ecosystems]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 52-61 (2026). Department of Agronomy Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh *(e-mail: shamal.042022@student.bau.edu.bd)

ABSTRACT

Relay cropping presents a promising avenue for sustainably intensifying land use in lowland rice-based agro ecosystems by enabling temporal overlap between crop growth cycles. This study investigated the agronomic performance and economic returns of four mustard (Brassica spp.) varieties i.e BARI Sarisha-9, BARI Sarisha-14, BARI Sarisha-17, and the local check Tori-7, cultivated as relay crops with broadcast Aman rice in the agro-ecological zone AEZ-19 (Cumilla and Chandpur) during the 2020-2022 Rabi season conducted by On-farm research division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Cumilla, Bangladesh. A randomized full block design with four replications was used to measure plant height, yield components and economic indicators. BARI Sarisha-17 outperformed the other cultivars in terms of plant height (92.5 cm), seed yield (1.7 t/ha) and number of seeds per pod (41.8). Key characteristics for choosing high-yielding mustard varieties under relay cropping in Bangladesh’s lowland ecosystem were identified by principal component analysis, which explained 95% of the total variation. PC1 (78%) was driven by seeds per pod, plant height, plant population, and seed yield, while PC2 (17%) was driven by pods per plant. It also fared better economically than others, with the largest gross margin (Tk. 92,000/ha) and gross return (Tk. 110,500/ha). With an output of 1.5 t/ha and a gross margin of Tk. 79,000/ha, BARI Sarisha-14 came in second. Tori-7, on the other hand, performed the worst in every category, producing only 0.96 t/ha with a gross margin of Tk. 43,900/ha. These findings underscore the suitability of BARI Sarisha-17 for relay cropping systems, offering a high-yielding and economically viable option to sustainably intensify rice-based farming systems in the lowlands of Bangladesh.

6. Malkamu Fufa Ajema* [Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) in Ethiopia: Importance, biology, epidemiology and management]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 62-72 (2026). Sidama Region Agricultural Research Institute Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1226, Hawassa, Ethiopia *(e-mail: melkamufufa@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and industrially pivotal cereal crop globally. Ethiopia is the second-largest maize producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the crop serves as a primary staple for millions of smallholder farmers across diverse agro-ecologies. Despite its importance, production is severely constrained by a complex matrix of biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic constraints, Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) has emerged as the most destructive transboundary viral threat to maize productivity in the region. This review was undertaken to: 1) assess the economic impact and yield losses attributed to MLND in the Ethiopian context; 2) elucidate the biology and synergistic mechanisms of the causative pathogens- Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV); 3) examine the epidemiological drivers of the disease, with an emphasis on vector dynamics and alternative host reservoirs; and 4) synthesize sustainable management strategies. Data were consolidated from peer-reviewed journals, doctoral dissertations, technical reports, and international symposia proceedings. Findings indicate that MLND causes catastrophic grain yield losses ranging from 50 to 100%. The disease is driven by a unilateral synergistic co-infection where SCMV suppresses the host’s innate immune system via RNA silencing interference, leading to hyper-accumulation of MCMV. Thrips (Frankliniella spp.) and aphid (Rhopalosiphum spp.) vectors, supplemented by low-rate seed transmission, which facilitates long-distance dissemination, primarily govern epidemiology. Effective mitigation requires an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) framework involving rigorous phytosanitary protocols, synchronized crop rotation, targeted vector control, and the deployment of resistant hybrids developed through marker-assisted breeding. This review concludes that while MLND poses a critical threat to national food security, its impact can be mitigated through the strategic integration of host resistance and optimized cultural practices.

7. P. M. Bavaliya, J. R. Talaviya*, K. D. Shah, V. A. Savaliya, Vrajesh paghdar and Vadar Bhargav D. [Bio-efficacy of pre-mixed fungicides against Alternaria alternata causing early blight in tomato]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 73-77 (2026). Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh- 360 201, Gujarat, India *(e-mail: jrtalaviya@jau.in)

ABSTRACT

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most remunerative and widely grown vegetables in the world. This crop is affected by major fungal pathogens (viz., early blight, late blight, wilt, collar rot, damping off and powdery mildew), among them early blight (Alternaria alternata) is considered as most important one. Among the fungicide tested, the majority were found effective in inhibiting the radial growth of test fungus and highest inhibition was recorded in Prochloraz 24.4 + Tebuconazole 12.1 EW, fluxapyroxad 250 g/l + pyraclostrobin 250 g/l SC at 500 and 1000 ppm, pyraclostrobin 13.3 + epoxiconazole 5 SE and azoxystrobin 18.2 + difenoconazole 11.4 SC at 1000 ppm concentration and were found equally effective and completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata in vitro and proved significantly superior over rest of the treatments.

8. Urvashi S. Kotadiya, J. R. Talaviya*, Vrajesh Paghdar and K. D. Shah [Isolation, identification, and fungicidal management of major mycoparasitic pathogens infecting oyster mushroom [Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm]]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 78-83 (2026). Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362 001 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail: jrtalaviya@jau.in)

ABSTRACT

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a fleshy, edible fungus widely consumed across the world and popularly known as “Dhingri” in India. It ranks among the most cultivated mushrooms globally and holds second place in India. It is highly nutritious, containing proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, phenols, vitamins, and essential minerals, and is valued for both dietary and medicinal purposes. However, like other cultivated crops, oyster mushrooms are highly susceptible to diseases due to their high moisture content (over 80%), which makes them prone to attack by various mycoparasites at different stages of cultivation, adversely affecting yield and quality. Infected spawn and bags were collected, and mycelium was isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Identification based on morphological characteristics under a compound microscope revealed the presence of Trichoderma spp. and Aspergillus niger as major contaminants. Trichoderma showed fast growth with green concentric colonies and branched conidiophores with flask-shaped phialides, while A. niger produced dark, globose conidial heads with unbranched conidiophores. Several fungal contaminants were observed, including Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. Among these, green mold (Trichoderma spp.) and black mold (A. niger) were the most destructive, significantly reducing yield and quality. Laboratory evaluation of fungicides showed that carbendazim (50 and 100 ppm), mancozeb (1000 ppm), and thiophanate methyl (50 and 100 ppm) completely inhibited the growth of Trichoderma spp. For A. niger, captan (1000 ppm) was most effective (84.50% inhibition), followed by carbendazim (100 ppm) with 81.72% inhibition.

9. Santosh Khanal* [Ethnobotanic knowledge transfer among the Gurung ethnic community in Nepal]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 84-90 (2026). Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Gauradaha Agriculture Campus, Gauradaha, Jhapa, Nepal *(e-mail: sntkhanal1991@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Nepal’s rich ethnic and ecological diversity supports extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, with communities relying on numerous plant species for traditional medicine and livelihoods. The continuity of ethnic culture depends on the effective transfer of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK), which is now declining due to modernisation, necessitating urgent documentation and conservation. The present study aims to explore how the ethnobotanical practices of the Gurung community were transferred in the Annapurna conservation area, Bhujung, Lamjung district. Information on ITK status, its way to transfer, etc. were collected by interviewing a total of 90 individuals, including traditional faith healers, Shamans (jhakri), local plant users, elderly people and knowledgeable person were selected purposively and interviewed in depth with both structured and semi structured set of questionnaires. The results revealed that 63% of respondents reported a lack of transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge from one generation to the next, while 37% acknowledged the passing down of such knowledge. Prime factor was more trust and reliable access to modern medicines and declining interest of younger generations in traditional medicinal practices. Higher education level of the younger generation is negatively associated with ethnobotanical practices, i.e., -0.76, while cultural shift was positively associated. However, the oral and cultural dissemination of knowledge from older to younger generations remains significant.

10. NWAKPU C. C.* [Effects of socio-economic factors on the profitability of small ruminant production among urban and peri urban livestock farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria]. Farming & Management 11 (1): 91-101 (2026). Department of Agricultural Economics Management and Extension, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria *(e-mail: cletakpus@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

The heightened demand for high quality protein foods resulting from increased urbanization has strategically placed small ruminant production as a profitable investment enterprise. Socio-economic variables are, however, known to have divergent influences on the profitability of agricultural enterprises. Yet, the effects of such socio-economic indices on the profitability of urban and peri-urban livestock farmers have not been adequately subjected to empirical analysis. This study examined the effects of socio-economic factors on the profitability of small ruminant production among urban and peri urban livestock farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Ninety-six urban and peri urban households engaged in rearing small ruminants (goat and sheep) sampled in two stages were selected for the research conducted during the first quarter of 2025 farming season. Structured questionnaire was administered to these respondents but data collected from 95 of them were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that level of formal education, flock size, annual income, access to veterinary extension services and access to credit significantly at 1% increased the profit margins of urban and peri-urban small ruminant production enterprise by 3.66%, 3.76%, 4.16%, 3.22% and 4.14% respectively. On the other hand, 1% increase in age of the farmers negatively decreased their profit margins by 3.06%. Constraints to increased small ruminant production in the area were inadequate capital, scarcity of improved stock breeds, high cost of feeds among others. The study recommended for effective implementation of policy measures that ensure strategic expansion of small ruminant farmers’ access to credit especially through government financial institutions. Effective collaboration should be brokered between the National Animal Production Research Institute, the International Livestock Research Institute and Nigeria’s extension system to ensure that high quality breeds of small ruminants are developed and popularized among livestock farmers through efficient extension services for profitable livestock business in Nigeria.

*******************************