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Carbon (C) sequestration in soil plays a crucial role in increasing soil quality through recommended management practices including applying organic amendments, following cropping patterns, fallow periods etc. This study aimed to assess the influence of rice-based cropping patterns on soil C and nutrient status in surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface soil (15-30 cm). Soils of five rice-based cropping patterns [Boro (winter rice)-Fallow-Fallow, Boro-Fallow-Aman (monsoon rice), Boro-Fallow-Aman-Mustard, Boro-Aus (summer rice)-Aman, Vegetables-short Fallow-Aman] from farmers' fields of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh were collected. Bulk soils were physically fractionated into particulate organic matter (POM: >53 µm) and mineral associated OM (MOM: < 53 µm) to assess the organic C (OC) distribution. Bulk soils were analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity, soil texture, nutrients (OC, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S)) contents. The results showed that all studied parameters varied significantly among the cropping patterns and soil depths. Surface soils contain higher amount of OC, N, P, K and S than sub-surface soils under all rice-based cropping patterns. Overall, relatively higher macronutrients (P, K, S) concentration was found in the cropping patterns with a greater number of crops compared to the patterns including fallow period. In contrast, OC and N were the highest in Boro-Fallow-Fallow field followed by Vegetables-short Fallow-Aman and the rest three patterns, which might correspond to less disturbance of soil. All the rice-based cropping patterns had noticeable proportion of MOM (presumably stable OC) than labile POM which indicates the capacity of paddy soils in sequestering OC in soils. However, this capacity can be influenced by the pattern and probably also by the management systems, e.g., tillage and nutrient managements. These findings revealed the necessity of paying more attention to the selection of cropping pattern and proper land/or crop management for higher C sequestration in arable soil. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(3.000): 186-194]

Tank-mixture of two or more chemical groups of either pre- or post-emergence herbicide might play a vital role to manage weeds of a diversified community more effectively than their single or sequential application. Although some proprietary herbicides are available in the market, their number is very limited. The aim of this research was to evaluate the weed response to different tank-mix pre- or post- emergence herbicide combinations and its impact on winter rice performance in zero-till non puddled transplanted condition. Twenty-one treatments were used in each experiment (either pre- or post-emergence herbicide). Treatments comprised six pre-emergence herbicides with their 13 tank-mix combinations (at a ratio of 1:1), one proprietary pre-emergence herbicide and a season-long weedy plot as control. Similar treatments combination was also considered for post-emergence herbicide. Both the experiments were conducted under RCB design with three replications. Sole application of Triafamone pre-emergence herbicide performed as the best in terms of weed control efficiency (%) and yield increase over control (%) followed by Triafamone + Pretilachlor and Triafamone + Pendimethalin. In case of tank-mix post-emergence herbicide Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl+ Penoxsulam performed as the best in terms of weed control efficiency (%) and yield increase over control (%) followed by sole application of post-emergence Penoxsulam. Tank-mixture of Triafamone + Pretilachlor or Triafamone + Pendimethalin pre-emergence herbicide or Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl+ Penoxsulam post-emergence herbicide at a ratio of 1:1 might be the perfect alternative to sole or sequential application of herbicide for effective weed control and to obtain higher rice yield. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(3.000): 220-231]

This experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the varietal response of split application of NPK fertilizer application schedule on transplant aman rice under zero till non-puddled condition. The experiment comprised three rice varieties viz. Bashiraj (local), BRRI dhan49 (inbred), Dhanigold (hybrid); and seven NPK fertilizer application schedules. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The effect of variety, NPK fertilizer split application schedule and their interaction showed significant variation on the yield attributes and yield of aman rice. In interaction, the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (11.66), total spikelets panicle-1 (164.00), grains panicle-1 (151.22), 1000-grain weight (38.70 g), grain yield (5.67 t ha-1) and harvest index (60.36%) were obtained from hybrid variety Dhanigold when fertilized following 3-splits of N [1/3 at 14 days after transplanting (DAT) + 1/3 at maximum tillering (MT)+ 1/3 at panicle initiation (PI)] and P (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at MT + 1/3 at PI ), and single split of K as basal (full dose). Same treatment combination also provides the highest yield of BRRI dhan49, but the local Bashiraj gave the highest yield at recommended practice where only N was top-dressed at 3 splits. Based on this result, it may be concluded that for better productivity hybrid Dhanigold and inbred BRRI dhan49 might be fertilized with 3-splits of N (1/3 at 14 DAT + 1/3 at MT + 1/3 at PI) and P (1/3 as basal + 1/3 at MT + 1/3 at PI) and full dose of K as basal during aman season under zero till non-puddled condition. On the other hand, for local variety Bashiraj 3-spilts of N either [½ as basal + ¼ at active tillering (AT) + ¼ at PI] or N (1/3 at 7 DAT + 1/3 at MT + 1/3 at PI) and P, K as single split as basal appeared as the best application schedule. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(3.000): 153-161]

This study aimed to ascertain the effect of land uses (cropland, orchard, grassland, and fallow) on soil OC pools in two depths (0–10 and 40–50 cm). Particulate organic matter (POM) (> 53 µm) and mineral associated OM (MOM) (< 53 µm) pools were physically separated from bulk soils and analyzed for OC and N analysis. For both depths, the soil from grassland showed considerably higher OC (0.96-1.47%) and N (0.084-0.095%) values than the other land uses. In surface depth, the lowest OC was found in cropland soil (0.83%) and in sub-surface, it was in fallow land soil (0.75%), whereas the orchard soil had moderate OC in both depths. Depth showed significant differences in OC distribution. Surface soils had higher OC than the sub-surface soils which can be explained by the continuous addition of organic residues (crop/leaf/dried grasses) on the top soil. The distribution of POM and MOM fractions among the soils of different land uses were different. Interestingly, cropland and orchard soils had higher MOM-OC (MOC) than POM-OC (POC) in comparison to the relatively less disturbed grassland and fallow land soils. The amount of OC and N in OM pools was significantly different among the land uses in both depths. In surface depth, cropland soil showed the lowest POC content whereas the orchard and fallow land soils showed relatively higher. The MOC content was highest in fallow land (2.73%), lowest in orchard (1.30%) and cropland had moderate amount. In sub-surface depth, amount of OC was higher than surface soils and the trend of OC distribution between POM and MOM was different. Grassland soil had the highest OC (2.89-3.10%) for both fractions, followed by cropland > orchard > fallow. These findings showed that in cropland disturbance in soil could aid in depleting OC only from the most labile POM pool keeping the OC almost intact in stable MOM pool. Less disturbance in native soil condition such as grassland does not always benefit in enhancing/maintaining OC, rather it depends on the quality and quantity of OM added in the soils from the vegetation cover. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(1.000): 483-489]

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the yield of boro rice influenced by transplanting systems and different weed management practices. The experiment comprised two transplanting systems viz., (ⅰ) puddled transplanted rice (PTR) and (ⅱ) zero till non-puddled transplanted rice (ZT-NPTR) and five weed management practices viz., (ⅰ) weedy, (ⅱ) weed free, (ⅲ) farmers' practice (3 manual weeding), (ⅳ) application of pre-emergence herbicide Pretilachlor, and (ⅴ) application of post-emergence herbicide Penoxsulam. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twelve weed species belonging to four families infested the experimental plots. Transplanting systems and weed management practices exerted significant influence on yield attributes and yield of boro rice. At 60 days after transplanting (DAT), maximum weed dry biomass (184.11 g m-2) was found in weedy practices of ZT-NPTR, while the highest weed density (143 no. m-2) was obtained from the weedy plots of PTR. The highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (15.60), grains panicle-1 (125), 1000-grain weight (22.50g), grain (4.78 t ha-1) and straw (5.16 t ha-1) yield was obtained from the weed free plots of PTR. The grain yield was at par with pre- and post-emergence herbicide applied plots of PTR, and farmers' practice and post-emergence herbicide applied plots of ZT NPTR. The maximum gross return (185650 Tk. ha-1), net return (79833 Tk. ha-1) and BCR (1.75) were obtained from the application of post-emergence herbicide Penoxsulam in ZT-NPTR system compared to other practices. Although, maximum grain yield was obtained from PTR under weed free condition, in terms of both grain yield and economic view point ZT-NPTR with post-emergence herbicide application might be an alternative way for sustainable crop production and weed management practices. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(1.000): 497-506]

As evident from the past, although pandemic is a health issue it could lead to food security and economic crises. Since agriculture accounts for more than 3.3% of global gross domestic product and 60% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, COVID-19 pandemic impact on agriculture may result in acute hunger and malnutrition, and the deepest global recession in recent history. Agriculture is experiencing a huge challenge in dealing with both supply and demand shocks. Globally, there is sufficient food to feed the people but the challenge is to make food available to everyone due to logistic bottlenecks and high price. The hard-won lessons from this pandemic is that feeding the world is always a challenging task and therefore we should search for a more resilient, sustainable and regenerative food production and supply system to cope with such a crisis. Prompt response and immediate acceleration are needed to support the recovery process and minimize deterioration. Agri-food sector must be reoriented so that it can function more effectively in the post COVID-19 era. [Fundam Appl Agric 2020; 5(3.000): 289-294]

Timely sowing/planting of rabi crops in T. aman rice Rabi crop Boro rice pattern is very important. Short duration rice varieties are cultivated in aman season to facilitate timely sowing of rabi crops. Most of the short duration aman rice varieties are sensitive to early transplanting and thus, early vacating of land for subsequent rabi crops planting does not happen. This experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University to investigate the yield performance of some boro rice varieties in response to date of transplanting in aman season. Five rice varieties viz. BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55, BRRI dhan58 and Binadhan-7 were transplanted at four dates viz. 21 June, 11 July, 1 August and 22 August 2016 in a split-plot design with three replications. The variety and date of transplanting had significant interaction effects on grain yield and most of the crop characters of rice. BRRI dhan58 produced the highest grain yield (5.45 t ha-1), straw yield (6.17 t ha-1), biological yield (11.62 t ha-1) with in the lowest field duration (96 days) among the different varieties transplanted at different dates. Short duration aman rice variety Binadhan-7 gave the highest yield of 5.10 t ha-1 when planted on 1 August and required field duration of 109 days while BRRI dhan48 gave the highest yield of 5.10 t ha-1 and required 107 days when transplanted on 22 August. The present study concludes that BRRI dhan58 could be used as a short duration rice variety for obtaining high yield in early aman season and for vacating the land for facilitating early sowing of rabi crops. [Fundam Appl Agric 2020; 5(1.000): 108-115]

Highly diversified tropical tree species could be a potential source of allelopathic compounds, which could lead to development of natural bio-herbicides for sustainable weed management. The present study was therefore designed to investigate into the allelopathic potential of sawdust obtained from eleven tropical tree species available in Bangladesh viz., Azadirachta indica, Swietenia macrophylla, Acacia auriculiformis, Tamarindus indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Syzygium cumini, Mangifera. indica, Albizia. saman, Artocarpus. heterophyllus, Diospyros discolor and Tectona grandis. The aqueous sawdust extract of these plant species were diluted into four different concentrations viz. 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20 (w/v) and tested for their potentiality in inhibiting seedling growth of allelopathic sensitive plant Raphanus sativus under laboratory condition. A control (distilled water without extract) was also maintained in every cases and the bioassay experiment was replicated thrice. The results of this experiment showed that S. macrophylla, E. camaldulensis, M. indica and A. saman inhibited more than 90% shoot and root growth of R. sativus. The sawdust of these four plant species were selected to evaluate their potentiality in controlling paddy field weeds under filed condition. A total of 16 weed control treatments were considered in the field experiment viz., sawdust of selected four tree plant species at three application rates (1, 2 and 3 t ha-1), manual weeding (three times), chemical control (pre- + post- emergence herbicides), chemical + manual control and season long weedy (control). The results showed that the effect of different sawdust on the weed control varied significantly. Weed growth suppression by the sawdust was increased with the increase in application rate. The results revealed that manual, chemical weed control and application of E. camaldulensis saw dust @ 3 t ha-1 reduced the weed density by 79, 77 and 72%, respectively, and weed biomass by 86, 84 and 79%, respectively. On the other hand, manual weed control offered 100% rice yield increase while, chemical control and E. camaldulensis saw dust @ 3 t ha-1 both resulted in 92% rice yield increase over control. Although, manual and chemical weed control offered higher weed control efficiency and resulted in better rice productivity, but from environmental viewpoint application of E. camaldulensis sawdust @ 3 t ha-1 may be considered for sustainable weed management in rice. [Fundam Appl Agric 2019; 4(3.000): 906-915]

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July to December 2016 to find out the effect of age of seedlings and level of nitrogen on the growth and yield of transplant Aman rice cv. Binadhan-16. The experiment comprised four ages of seedlings viz. 15, 20, 25 and 30-day old and four levels of nitrogen viz. 0, 50, 70 and 90 kg N ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the effect of age of seedlings and level of nitrogen and their interaction was significant on yield and yield contributing characters of transplant Aman rice. The highest plant height and total dry matter production hill-1 were recorded in the treatment of 15-day old seedlings with 70 kg N ha-1. Grain yield gradually increased with the use of relatively younger seedlings and with 15-day old seedlings produced the highest values of effective tillers hill-1 (8.583), grains panicle-1 (122.7), grain yield (4.265 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.392 t ha-1). In case of level of nitrogen, 70 kg N ha-1 produced the highest grains panicle-1 (114.1), grain yield (4.539 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.623 t ha-1). In interaction, 15-day old seedlings with 70 kg N ha-1 produced the highest effective tillers hill-1 (9.71), grain yield (5.17 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.20 t ha-1). Therefore, 15-day old seedlings with 70 kg N ha-1 appeared as the promising technique to obtain the highest grain yield [Fundam Appl Agric 2019; 4(2.000): 785-791]

Over dependence on chemical fertilizers is a threat to the sustainability of rice ecosystem. Application of organic and biofertilizers might reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and thus can play a vital role to boost up rice productivity in an eco-friendly way. An experiment was conducted at Mymensingh (24°10'0'' N latitude and 90°25'0" E longitude at 15 m above the sea level), Bangladesh during November 2015 to April 2016 to evaluate the effect of different dosages of Agroplus Biodecomposer, an organic biofertilizer containing Streptomycetes bacteria, on the growth and yield performance of some rice. The experiment included four winter rice varieties viz. (i) Hybrid rice Hira and (ii) Hybrid rice Tej (iii) BRRI dhan28 and (iv) BRRI dhan29; and four concentrations of Agroplus Biodecomposer viz. (i) no Agroplus Biodecomposer (Control), (ii) 2% Agroplus Biodecomposer (iii) 3% Agroplus Biodecomposer and (iv) 4% Agroplus Biodecomposer. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Agroplus Biodecomposer positively influenced growth and productivity of winter rice. It was evident that both plant height and tillering ability of winter rice were increased gradually with increased concentration of Agroplus Biodecomposer at all the growth stages of rice. All the yield contributing characters of rice were enhanced due to Agroplus Biodecomposer application which resulted in increased grain yield. Compared to control, rice grain yield was increased by 14, 20 and 28%, respectively due to application of Agroplus Biodecomposer at 2, 3 and 4% concentration. Rice variety also differed significantly in terms of growth and yield performance among themselves. Hybrid varieties performed better than inbred ones. Hybrid variety Hira appeared as the best performer followed by another hybrid Tej. Hybrid variety Hira interacted favorably with 4% Agroplus Biodecomposer to produce the highest grain yield of rice (7 t ha-1). Therefore, biofertilizer Agroplus Biodecomposer can be introduced to Bangladesh and foliar spray with 4% Agroplus Biodecomposer at 30, 45 and 60 DAT can be recommended for boosting up winter rice yield in a sustainable way. [Fundam Appl Agric 2018; 3(1.000): 372-381]

Plant spacing and weeding regime are amongst the key factors determining rice growth and yield through maximum utilization of space, plant nutrients, water and sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to identify optimum spacing and proper weeding regime for ensuring the potential yield of a rice cultivar. A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during July- December 2012 to study the influence of spacing and weeding regime on the performance of transplant aman rice cv. Binadhan-7. The experiment comprised four plant spacings viz. 25 cm × 15 cm, 20 cm × 15 cm, 15 cm × 15 cm and 15 cm × 10 cm, and five weeding regimes viz. no weeding, one weeding at 15 days after transplanting (DAT), two weeding at 15 and 30 DAT, three weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAT and weed free. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest weed density and dry weight were recorded with the spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm and 25 cm × 15 cm, respectively. But the lowest values were observed in the closest spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm. Plant spacing exerted significant influence on most of the plant characters except plant height and 1000-grain weight. The highest and statistically significant grain yield was obtained from 20 cm × 15 cm spacing (6.05 t ha-1) and 25 cm × 15 cm spacing (6.04 t ha-1) because of highest number of filled grains panicle-1 (143.65) and highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (10.13). Weeding regime also had significant effect on all the parameters except 1000-grain weight. The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) was obtained from the weed free condition which produced 37.33% higher yield than unweeded condition (4.58 t ha-1). Interaction between plant spacing and weeding regime significantly influenced all the parameters studied except 1000-grain weight. The highest grain yield (6.71 t ha-1) was obtained from the interaction between 20 cm x 15 cm spacing and three weeding regimes at 15, 30, 45 DAT which was similar to the treatment combination of 15 cm × 15 cm spacing and weed free condition. But maintaining season long weed free condition is not practical from economic view point, therefore Binadhan7 should be transplanted at 20 cm × 15 cm spacing following three times weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAT for higher yield and effective weed control. [Fundam Appl Agric 2017; 2(3.000): 331-339]

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during November 2021 to January 2022 to evaluate the varietal response of mustard to zinc (Zn) and boron (B) fertilization. The experiment comprised two varieties viz., BARI sharisa-14 and Binasharisa-11, and nine doses of Zn & B viz., Zn 0 kg ha-1 B 0 kg ha-1 (control), Zn 2 kg ha-1, Zn 4 kg ha-1, B 2 kg ha-1, B 4 kg ha-1, Zn 2 kg ha-1 + B 2 kg ha-1, Zn 2 kg ha-1 + B 4 kg ha-1, Zn 4 kg ha-1 + B 2 kg ha-1 and Zn 4 kg ha-1 + B 4 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Binasharisa-11 produced taller plants (115.09 cm), the highest number of branches plant-1 (7.85), 1000-seed weight (3.81 g), seed yield (1.76 t ha-1) and stover yield (4.02 t ha-1) while BARI Sharisa-14 gave the lowest values of all parameters. Application of Zn 2 kg ha-1 + B 2 kg ha-1 produced the highest number of branches plant-1 (8.82), total number of siliqua plant-1 (59.11), 1000-seed weight (4.29 g), seed yield (1.84 t ha-1) and stover yield (4.23 t ha-1) and lowest values were found in control. In case of interaction the highest number of branches plant-1 (9.62), effective siliqua plant-1 (54.08), number of seeds siliqua-1 (31.55), seed yield (t ha-1) and stover yield (4.51 t ha-1) were found in Binasharisa-11 fertilized with Zn 2 kg ha-1 + B 2 kg ha-1 while the lowest values were recorded in BARI Sharisa-14 with control fertilization of Zn & B. Therefore, Binasharisa-11 fertilized with Zn 2 kg ha-1 + B 2 kg ha-1 appears as the promising technique in terms of higher seed yield of mustard. However, further trials can be conducted at different agro-ecological zones of the country to confirm this result. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(1.000): 475-482]

Zinc deficiency is now very common in Bangladesh causing significant yield losses of different crops including rice. Due to zinc and other micronutrient deficiencies the high yielding rice varieties fail to produce their potential yield even under good management practices. Although many farmers have started applying zinc fertilizer they are not aware of proper dose and application method. Therefore, in many cases farmers are applying zinc fertilizers indiscriminately without considering the efficacy and economic output. Keeping those in mind the proposed study bears huge importance to elucidate and enrich the present state of knowledge on zinc fertilization in rice for ensuring food and nutritional security of Bangladesh in a sustainable way. An experiment was therefore conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from December 2020 to May 2021 to investigate into the effects of different doses of Zn applied through soil, root soaking and foliar on rice growth and yield and their economics in Boro seasons following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Two Boro rice varieties (BRRI dhan58 and Hira Dhan-1) and seven different zinc application approaches (including soil application, root dipping and foliar spray of zinc with different dose/concentration). Hybrid variety Hira Dhan-1 performed better than BRRI dhan58. Application of zinc resulted in better crop growth and higher yield. Soil application appeared as the most efficient approach. Grain yield increased over control due to zinc application raged from 5.1 to 14.7%. Present study confirms the necessity of zinc fertilizer application for increasing Boro rice yield. Among the different application approaches, soil application was found most effective and foliar spray was least effective. Although soil application of ZnSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 produced the highest yield, application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 was the most economic one. Hybrid rice Hira Dhan-1 out yielded high yielding inbred variety BRRI dhan58. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate hybrid rice in Boro season with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 for higher yield and better economic return. [Fundam Appl Agric 2022; 7(2.000): 121-130]

Seed priming, partial hydration of seeds followed by re-drying before sowing, is found to improve germination rate and seedling growth through triggering some physiological changes and exhilarating the enzyme activities. Wheat in Bangladesh under late sown conditions is often exposed to heat and moisture stresses resulting in poor growth and reduced yield. Seed priming can be a feasible tool to combat those abiotic stresses. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of different seed priming agents for increasing seed emergence, seedling growth, and vigor of wheat. A laboratory experiment was conducted at the Agro Innovation Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University during the 2nd week of November in 2019 with the wheat variety BARI Gom-33. The experiment comprised the following two factors arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications; Factor A: Priming agent (23) namely; i) Control (No priming) ii) Hydropriming (distilled water) iii) 10000 ppm NaCl iv) 20000 ppm NaCl v) 30000 ppm NaCl vi) 50 ppm PEG vii) 100 ppm PEG viii) 150 ppm PEG ix) 1 ppm Na2MoO4 x) 2 ppm Na2MoO4 xi) 3 ppm Na2MoO4 xii)5000 ppm ZnSO4 xiii) 10000 ppm ZnSO4 xiv) 15000 ppm ZnSO4 xv) 25 ppm CuSO4 xvi) 50 ppm CuSO4 xvii) 75 ppm CuSO4 xviii) 10000 ppm KCl xix) 20000 ppm KCl xx) 20000 ppm KCl xxi) 10000 ppm CaCl2 xxii)20000 ppm CaCl2 xxiii) 30000 ppm CaCl2; Factor B: Priming duration (2); i) 6 hours ii) 12 hours. One hundred seeds were placed manually on moist sand maintaining more or less equal distance in each petri dish. Results revealed that seed priming has a positive impact (except CuSO4 and ZnSO4) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat. Germination parameters and seedling growth traits were significantly affected by priming agents, and a clear advantage of seed priming over non control was evident. Seed priming for 12 hours performed better than6 hours priming. Among the priming agents tried, CaCl2 performed the best in terms of germination percent and index, root and shoot length, seedling length, dry weight and vigor were. It may therefore be concluded that seed priming can increase seed germination rate and improve seedling vigor of wheat to some extent, and pre-sowing seed priming with CaCl2 for 6 hrs can be recommended for wheat. [Fundam Appl Agric 2021; 6(4.000): 444-459]

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July-October 2016 to investigate into the tolerance of hybrid rice variety Dhani Gold to tiller separation. The experimental treatments included (a) 3 times of tiller separation viz. tiller separation at 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT), 4 WAT & 5 WAT and (b) 5 levels of number of tillers separated hill-1 viz. intact hill, 1 tiller, 2 tillers, 3 tillers & 4 tillers separated hill-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Tiller separation adversely affected the growth, in terms of plant stature and tillering ability, of Dhani Gold. Intact hill showed taller plants and higher number of tillers compared to tiller mutilated hills. With the delay in tiller separation, plant height of Dhani Gold was gradually decreased but tillering ability gradually increased. Effective tiller production was reduced only when tillers were separated after 4 WAT, but delay in tiller separation enhanced grains panicle-1 production. Early separation of tillers up to 4 WAT did not affect grain yield, but separation after 4 WAT reduced grain yield of Dhani Gold. Separation of only 1 tiller hill-1 at 3 or 4 WAT and intact hills produced statistically similar yield. To conclude, hybrid rice variety Dhani Gold can tolerate tiller separation to some extent. Only one tiller can be separated before 4 WAT without causing any yield reduction of mother plant, but tiller separation after 4 weeks will reduce the yield of mother plant. Therefore, farmers may be advised to separate tillers from Dhani Gold within 4 WAT for re-transplanting as a post flood crop after recession of flood water. [Fundam Appl Agric 2020; 5(1.000): 70-77]

High water requirement of flood irrigated boro rice is of great concern because water is becoming scarce and expensive day by day. Dry direct seeded boro rice, grown in unpuddled and unsaturated/aerobic soil condition, requires only 50-60% water as compared to traditional flooded transplanted rice, and therefore it could be adopted as a water saving rice cultivation system in boro season of Bangladesh. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity to grow winter leafy vegetables as intercrop. But high weed infestation is one of the major constraints in dry direct seeded boro rice. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, during the period from February to June 2017 to study the feasibility of growing different leafy vegetables as intercrop in dry direct seeded boro rice for higher profitability and better weed suppression following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four leafy vegetables viz., Jute, Gima kalmi, Indian spinach and Red amaranth were intercropped with dry direct seeded boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan28) following three different rice planting patterns such as 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip, 75 cm spaced 4 row rice strip and 100 cm spaced 5 row rice strip; sole rice was also maintained as control. The highest weed density and dry matter were found in Indian spinach intercropping with 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip which was statistically identical with sole rice and some other intercropping systems. Performance of Red amaranth as intercrop was the best in terms of weed suppression followed by Jute. Rice yield was the highest (3.8 t ha-1) in sole cropping, and intercropping resulted in significant yield reduction. Although intercropping diminished rice yield, but increased net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) as compared to rice sole cropping (net return 49910 Tk ha-1 and BCR 1.58). Among the vegetables, Gima kalmi performed the best followed by Red amaranth in terms of yield. Red amaranth intercropping following 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip resulted in highest weed suppression (32% less weed biomass compared to sole rice) while Gima kalmi intercropping following 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip showed the highest net return (220340 Tk ha-1) and BCR (3.30). [Fundam Appl Agric 2018; 3(3.000): 545-558]