Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

Screening of legumes against pulse beetle [Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), coleoptera: bruchidae] under storage condition in Chitwan, Nepal

Janak Pant — 2025-01-21

The study was carried out to find out the host preference of pulse beetles against different legumes at the entomology laboratory. It is found that the major cause of heavy loss of grain legumes in the storage condition is the pulse beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis L.). Farmers grow large scale of legumes, however, due to the pest especially Callosobruchus chinensis, the productivity of grain legumes is low, so the study focused on finding the susceptible and resistant legumes. Study carried out at the entomology laboratory of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Rampur, Chitwan. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Seven different legumes were used as treatment in the experiment. After 20 days of treatment chickpea seems most susceptible legumes than other as the average number of beetles were highest in chickpea (35.666) and least number of beetles was found in kidney bean (3.333) which denotes the most resistant legumes against pulse beetle after 20 days after treatment. Later, the average number of pulse beetles increased rapidly in lentils till last recording and the pulse beetle number in kidney beans seems to be null. After 100 DAT (Days After Treatment), the total number of damaged grains per 100 seeds is found maximum in Pea (10.68) and Cowpea (10.68) minimum in Soybean (0.00) and Kidney bean (0.00). Based on host preferences lentil was best host and was most susceptible to pulse beetle and kidney bean as least susceptible to the pulse beetle.

Effect of intercropping on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) with leafy vegetables

Sharoar Jahan Shishir — 2025-01-28

A study was carried out to assess the impact of intercropping on growth, yield and yield attributes of Okra with leafy vegetables. Okra was used as the main crop; Indian spinach (Basella alba) (T2), Stem amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) (T3) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) (T4) were used as intercrops and were planted in between Okra rows in separate plots. Morphological growth data were recorded during 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days after sowing (DAS). Significant effect was found at different intercropping systems on the growth, yield and yield attributes compared with sole cropping (Okra). Plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm), no. of leaves plant^-1, petiole length (cm), leaf length (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), fresh weight of fruit (g), dry weight of fruit (g) and total weight (g) of okra were negatively affected by the intercropping at an early stage with Stem amaranth. Stem amaranth affected adversely the yield and yield attributes of Okra. Intercropping with Coriander as well as Indian spinach at the early stage of Okra plant growth does not reduce the yield significantly, thus Coriander and Indian spinach may be intercropped in the Okra field for increasing yield and economic benefits.

Assessment of enset root mealybug (Cataenococcus ensete) Williams and Matile-Ferrero (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in enset-growing areas of Ari Zone, South Ethiopia

Feyisa Bekele — 2025-02-07

This survey assessed the prevalence, incidence, distribution, and existing farmers' practices of root mealybug on enset (Ensete ventricosum), an important crop widely cultivated in Southern Ethiopia, such as the Ari zone. The study aimed to provide information to develop sustainable pest management. A survey was conducted in two woredas during the 2023/2024 cropping seasons. Fourteen (14) kebeles were purposively selected based on enset production potential. Data were collected through stratified random sampling across 95 farms, covering 485 enset plants complemented by farmer interviews. Findings of this study revealed a significant variation in prevalence and incidence; South Ari has a slightly lower mean prevalence and incidence than North Ari. Across both districts, the grand mean prevalence is 53.44%, and the grand mean incidence is 39.91%. Altitude influenced infestation levels, with higher rates observed at mid-altitudes (1681 and 2200 m.a.s.l.), with the corm being the most affected plant part. Farmer awareness was low, with 93.68% unaware of the pest, and most prioritized bacterial wilt. Pest management practices were limited, with 92.63% neglecting debris burning and only 36.84% applying cultural controls. The exchange of infested planting materials and poor field sanitation practices were identified as significant contributors to pest spread. The study recommends educating farmers on enset root mealybugs to increase awareness, promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and enforcing stricter planting regulations to control pest spread and ensure sustainable enset production. These findings provide practical recommendations to local farmers for improving early detection, reducing pest damage, and enhancing yields by adopting sustainable practices.