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Pesticides have been a major contributor to the growth of agricultural productivity and food supply. Pesticides were a key factor in significant agricultural productivity growth during the last century and continue to be a critical factor in reducing crop damage. Fifteen insecticides were investigated to select their effective and economic doses against Hairy caterpillar in a Tossa Jute variety during April-October’ 2020 at the Department of Entomology, Manikganj and Narayanganj, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Bangladesh following Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications. All new insecticides with a standard were found effective for controlling jute hairy caterpillar giving 95.38, 94.55, 95.19, 92.85, 93.59, 94.22, 93.49, 93.62, 89.84, 95.72, 93.56, 93.38, 94.42, 95.39, 91.34 and 95.41 % at Manikganj; 95.78, 93.32, 93.97, 93.18, 92.09, 92.49, 93.74, 92.93, 92.29, 93.69, 93.95, 93.17, 95.31, 94.99, 92.11 and 94.53 % reduction of infestation at Narayanganj at 5th day after spray over control plot respectively. In Manikganj, the highest fibre yield (3.66 t/ha) was found in the plot treated with Rock 20 EC and the lowest (2.96t/ha) was found in Reset 20WDG treated plot. In case of Narayanganj, the highest fibre yield (3.85 t/ha) was found in the plot treated with Proxy 20 EC and the lowest (2.79t/ha) was found in Daman treated plot. These insecticides can be recommended for the farmer’s use to control jute hairy caterpillar.

The present study was aimed to determine growth and blood parameters of soybean based milk replacer fed kids and naturally suckled counterparts in three villages of Mymensingh Sadar, Bangladesh. Twelve Black Bengal kids were allocated into two treatment groups; one group (n=6) was reared with milk replacer while the other (as control; n=6) was reared naturally keeping with their dam. Live weight and body measurement of kids were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected from 8 weeks old kids to determine their red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). The average initial live weight of the suckled and replacer fed kids did not show significant difference (p0.05) between treatment groups. In conclusion, feeding with soybean based milk replacer enhanced growth of kids comparing naturally reared counterparts. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (1):22-27

Red and green varieties of Syzygium samarangense, commonly known as Jamrul, are very popular as seasonal fruits to all ages of people in Bangladesh. Objective of the work was chemical and biological activity studies of S. samarangense red and green varieties grown in Bangladesh. Air-dried fruits of S. samarangense were successively extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol. The moisture and ash content of the raw fruits were determined by thermal heating at 105 and 700℃, respectively. Different biologically important functional groups were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy. The n-hexane, DCM and methanolic extracts were tested for cytotoxicity against HeLa and Vero cell lines. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity in the three extracts of both varieties were determined. The moisture content and ash content were 92% and 90%, and 0.12% and 0.16% in red variety and green variety, respectively. UV-Vis spectrum revealed the presence of long chain conjugation or polycyclic aromatic chromophores in n-hexane, DCM and methanolic extracts of S. samarangense. The DCM extract of both varieties had highest total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity compared to n-hexane and methanol extracts. The study concludes that the fruit of S. samarangense (red and green variety) grown in Bangladesh are rich source of phytochemicals which possess antioxidant activity and safe to health for their non-cytotoxic properties. The green variety contains more phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than red variety.

The study was undertaken to investigate fish entrails (heads, bones, viscera, fins) suitability as raw materials for fish silage production for the fish feed supplement. Two types of fish silages were prepared using pure culture of Lactobacillus as lactic fermentation starter and formic acid as acid fermenter. Lactobacilli was isolated and identified for the preparation of fermentation starter from fresh milk. The starter bacteria and molasses were added to minced raw materials in three different compositions to produce three fermented silages and 3% formic acid was used for acid silage production. Biochemical changes were monitored continuously during the fermentation of the silages. Non-protein nitrogen concentration increased from an initial value of 19.56% to 42%. The proximate composition of the final products after 80 days of fermentation on dry matter basis showed that acid silage contained higher crude protein (31.25±0.75%) than fermented silages (21±0.54% - 28±1.11%). Crude lipid content didn’t show any significant differences among silages prepared (P>0.5). Most of the essential amino acids were present in fairly good concentration in all the silages which are comparable to those of the FAO/WHO requirement. Protein content and the amino acid profile of the silages suggest that it should be possible to partially replace with fish meal in feeds for fish and animal.

The study was conducted for bacteriological assessment of pond bottom soil (sediment) from three selected fish ponds of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Samples were collected both in winter and summer seasons to see the seasonal variations of some bacterial genera. Physicochemical parameters of the pond water and sediment were also estimated monthly. Sediment samples were collected from the shore and middle zone of the ponds. All sediment samples were acidic. The total viable count of bacteria in pond sediment ranged from (8.5×106) to (4.9×109) cfu/g and bacterial count were higher in summer than in winter. A total of 16 bacterial genera were identified from the sediments. The predominant microflora consisted of Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Cytophaga, Escherichia, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Aerococcus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Moraxella while the first five listed the greatest abundance. Aeromonas was the most dominant organism. Bacterial diversification was found higher in summer than in winter.

Present study endeavored to evaluate the microbial contamination level along with their drug resistant pattern in some popular desert food items collected from different food shops in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The microbial evaluation was conducted through conventional cultural methods and drug susceptibility test was executed through disc diffusion method. All the samples were found to be contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria as well as fungi within the range of 103 to 105 CFU/g. In case of specific microflora, the growth of Staphylococcus spp. was very high in sweet, faluda, milk cake and ice cream as estimated up to 105 CFU/g, halua and sweet yogurt showed 104 CFU/g while rest of the samples revealed 103 CFU/g. E. coli was found only in faluda and ice cream up to 103 CFU/g whereas Klebsiella spp. was estimated in all the samples within the range of 102 CFU/g to 105 CFU/g. Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. were totally absent in all the samples. Most of the isolates were found to be resistant against most of the antibiotics. Meanwhile, streptomycin (10 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), azithromycin (15 µg), and nalidixic acid (5 µg) were effective drug against both E. coli and Staphylococcus spp.

The jute yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus constitutes one of the major pests of jute crop in Bangladesh. The objective of this work was to find out the sources of resistance/tolerance accessions against jute yellow mite. This experiment was carried out in the fields of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, JAES, Manikganj and the Central station, BJRI, Dhaka, during jute growing seasons 2011 and 2012. Out of 79 accessions, only 13 accessions were found less susceptible to yellow mite. These accessions were studied further in the field and net-house condition. Considering the level of infestation in the net-house condition only three accessions namely 1510, 890 and 33-1-244 (A) 2 were found to perform better showing 9.75, 9.68 and 9.93% infestation. In field condition, in case of olitorius, accession 1510 showed lowest infestations (9.90%) giving maximum plant height 324.15 cm and yield 3.26 ton/ha. In case of capsularis, accession 890 also resulted minimum infestation (10.23%) giving satisfactory plant height 315.27 cm and yield 3.14 ton/ha respectively. Accessions 1510, 890 and 33-1-244 (A) 2 could be recommended as breeding materials for evolving yellow mite resistant jute variety.

Aims: This study aimed to optimize the levels of gibberellic acid (GA3) and plant spacing on growth and yield of lettuce. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, from November 2013 to January 2014. Methodology: The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A- two levels of gibberellic acid (GA3,) application, viz. G1= 25 ppm and G2= 50 ppm in relation to a control G0 and factor B- four plant spacing viz. S1=15cm x 15cm, S2=20 cm x 20 cm, S3=25 cm x 25 cm and S4=30 cm x 30 cm. GA3 was applied twice as a foliar application by hand sprayer at 20 and 30 days after sowing. First, second and final harvesting was done at 25, 35 and 45 days after sowing respectively. Results: The growth and yield characters of lettuce showed significant variation for different levels of GA3 and plant spacing. Among GA3 levels, 25 ppm GA3 produced the maximum number of leaves (15.6), leaf area (283.9 cm2), fresh weight (91.6 g plant-1), dry weight (11.8 g plant-1), fresh yield (1794 g plot-1) and gross yield (12 t ha-1) at final harvesting compared to control where GA3 was not used. Under plant spacing, highest plant height (17.5 cm), leaf area (281.1 cm2), fresh weight (99.1 g plant-1) and dry weight (12.1 g plant-1) was revealed from wider spacing 30 cm x 30 cm followed by optimum spacing 25cm x 25cm. Meanwhile, closure spacing 15 cm x 15 cm showed maximum fresh yield (1710 g plant-1) and gross yield (15.5 t ha-1) due to higher plant density at final harvesting. Besides, lower chlorophyll content (0.43%) and the highest number of leaves (16.2) was found from 25 cm x 25 cm at final harvesting. So, optimum spacing 25 cm x 25 cm would be more suitable considering different points of view. Moreover, the treatment combinations 25 ppm GA3 with 25 cm x 25 cm exhibited highest benefit-cost ratio (2.04) than other treatments. Conclusions: It is concluded that the combinations 25 ppm GA3 application with 25cm x 25cm spacing would be optimum for better growth and yield of lettuce

The jute yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus constitutes one of the major pests of jute crop in Bangladesh. The objective of this work was to study the biology of the P.latus, to determine its temperature-humidity responces in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) var. O-9897. Bionomics of jute yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus laenerationtus (Banks) were studied in the laboratory of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during March 2013 to September 2013. The incubation period of yellow mite on the variety O-9897 was 1.95 days for female and 1.90 days for male; larval period of 1.00 days for female, 0.75 days for male ; pupal period of 0.70 days for female and 0.71 days for male ; egg-adult period of 3.65 days for female and 3.44 days for male were highest in the 1st generation with 25.55±0.15oC and 56±1.47% relative humidity among three generations. pre-oviposition and oviposition period was o.65 days and 12.25 days. The highest longevity 13.45 days for female and 8.50 days for male. The daily mean of eggs were 2.20, 1.91 and 1.75 eggs in three successive generations. The number of eggs laid per female in her life time was 28.6, 24.8 and 12.2 eggs.

The present study was carried out in the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during October 2017 to March 2018 to study the Effect of phosphorus (P) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Four phosphorus levels viz P0 = 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, P1 = 65 kg P2O5 ha-1, P2 = 85 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P3 = 110 kg P2O5 ha-1 and three GA3 levels viz. G0 = 0 ppm GA3, G1 = 115 ppm GA3 and G2 =145 ppm GA3. The experiment was laid out in the two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Regarding P application, P3 gave the highest plant height (61.02 cm) and number of leaves plant-1 (7. 29.35) compared to control treatment but the highest yield parameters no. of spike ha-1 (368.60 thousand), bulb yield (25.88 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (14.21 t ha-1) were found from the treatment P2 whereas control treatment P0 showed lowest results. In case of GA3 application, G2 showed highest growth and yield parameter and the highest no. of spike ha-1 (362.30 thousand), bulb yield (25.38 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (14.00 t ha-1) were obtained from G2 whereas the lowest results were found from the control treatment G0. Treatment combine of P and GA3, the highest no. of spike ha-1 (405.60 thousand), bulb yield (31.45 t ha-1), and bulblet yield (16.01 t ha-1) were found from P2G2 combination whereas the lowest no. of spike ha-1 (189.60 thousand), bulb yield (14.57 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (9.05 t ha-1) was found from the control treatment combination of P0G0. In terms of economic analysis, the highest gross return (Tk. 471550), net return (Tk. 289337) and BCR (2.59) were also obtained from P2G2 whereas the lowest gross return (Tk. 227470), net return (Tk. 57703) and BCR (1.34) was obtained from P0G0. From the above results, it can be stated that that the P application @ 85 kg P2O5 ha-1 and GA3 application @ 145 ppm can be considered for higher yield and economic return in commercial cultivation of tuberose.

This study was conducted to know the production performance of laying hen by using different graded level of linseed. At 56 weeks of age, a total of 160 laying hens were raised up to 63 weeks of age. All hens were fed a basal corn soyabean meal diet. The experiment was allowed 4 dietary treatments (T0, no addition of whole linseed in the basal diet; T1, addition of 5% whole linseed; T2, addition of 10% whole linseed and T3, addition of 15% whole linseed) with 5 replications and per replication contains eight hens. Egg production, feed intake, egg weight of each treatment was recorded. Egg samples were collected and analyzed for egg quality. The results showed that egg production and egg mass (kg) exhibited for all dietary treatment groups were unaffected (P>0.05) by feeding linseed to the laying hens. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was found significant difference within the four dietary group (P0.05) among treatments. A trend for lower yolk weight was observed in birds fed 10% linseed, where as the highest yolk weight percentage was recorded in control diet. There was no statistical difference among the different diets for yolk index. The results of the present trial suggested that feeding linseed to the laying hens has no detrimental effects on egg production and egg quality. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 20(1-2): 48-53, Jan-Dec 2013

This study aimed to analyze the hemato profile of crossbred lactating cows reared at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm. Thirty-two (32) healthy crossbred lactating cows of Holstein-Frisian (HF), Jersey (J), Sindhi Sahiwal (SS) and Red Chittagong (RCC) were selected for the study and divided into four (04) groups. The cows were allowed to feed and manage according to dairy farm own scheduled-ration. The collected blood samples were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters viz. Hemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Total leukocyte count (TLC), and Total erythrocyte count (TEC) and Serum urea, Glucose, Albumin, Calcium, and Phosphorus, respectively by using an automated chemistry analyzer. The results revealed that the hematological and biochemical parameters non-significantly (p>0.05) differed between the crossbred groups. From the experiment, the higher amount of Hb (11 g/dL) and PCV (40%) was found in HF and RCC cows, respectively. The TLC was higher in SS and RCC but the TEC was recorded stable along with a slight increment in RCC. As far as the biochemical parameters are concerned, the blood urea concentration was found higher (28 mg/dL) in HF and RCC lactating cows. The same pattern was observed in the case of albumin concentration. On the contrary, the lowest value of Calcium was found in RCC but the Phosphorus concentration showed a little higher in RCC. It can be concluded that the overall herd health was satisfactory based on the blood profile parameters. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (2): 139-144

A study was conducted to observe the existing feeding practices, nutritional supply and production performance of the lactating buffaloes in some selected agro-climatic zones of Bangladesh, viz. Bhola (AEZ-18, Coastal area), Mymensingh (AEZ-22, River basin area) and Dinajpur (AEZ-27, Drought area). Data on availability, amount and types of feeds and fodders fed to the lactating buffaloes, body weight, milk yield and quality and lactation length were collected from 30 farmers of the each selected locations. In this investigation, the mostly used feed ingredients found were rice straw, locally available green grasses, wheat bran, broken maize, mustard oil cake and broken rice. Total feed supply (DM kg/h/d) to lactating buffaloes were 17.4, 14.5 and 13.0 in coastal, river basin and drought areas, respectively, (p>0.05). But significantly (p = 0.000) different amount (DM kg/h/d) of concentrate were supplied in coastal (1.5), river basin (1.8) and drought (2.7) areas. The highest amount (kg/h/d) of green grass was supplied in coastal area (5.0) followed by river basin area (4.3) and drought area (1.3). Accordingly, amount (kg/d) of DCP and TDN were supplied was higher in coastal area (0.365 and 6.417, respectively) than that of the river basin and drought areas (0.247-0.248 and 5.501-5.891, respectively), which were below their requirements. Significantly (p=0.000) larger lactating buffaloes were found in the river basin and drought areas (weighed 372–380 kg/h) than that of coastal area (242 kg/h). The average daily milk yield was found significantly highest (p=0.000) in the drought area (5.3 L/d) which was 1.4 L and 3.1L more than that of the river basin and coastal area, respectively. The 4% FCM yield was found two times more (p=0.000) in drought area (7.7 kg/d) than that of the coastal (3.1 kg/d) and river basin (3.6 kg/d) area. On the other hand, the significantly (p=0.000) highest lactation length and lactation yield were 294 d and 1085 L, in the river basin area, which were 189 d and 1007 L in drought area and 197d and 429 L in coastal area, respectively. Among the milk constituents, protein, ash and lactose content was found higher in drought area than that of the other two areas (p=0.001). In conclusion, the prevailing variations are evidently considerable. Therefore, suggesting further works for large scale baseline data regarding buffalo populations, nutritive quality of feeds and fodder, effectiveness of existing management tools and adoption of new technologies. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (2): 127-138

Naturally grown mangrove forest is the south coastal community’s green barrier from any type of hydro-meteorological hazard and disasters. South-western coastal area of Bangladesh is covered by the Sundarbans, and mid-central zone is covered by Tengragiri wildlife sanctuary which is taken as a protected area in this recent era but not mapped properly with considering different species diversification and temporal changes pattern which is required for successful co-management of this mangrove forest. This study identifies species composition, plant diseases, degradation of the mangrove forests and further focuses on mapping mangroves by conducting plotting-based primary field visit, variability analysis using different indices and cross-matching with secondary databases. Existing mangrove forest boundary’s 200 m buffering with three-time series satellite imagery 2000, 2010 and 2017 is considered for further analysis. Including all buffering zone, this protected area considered 9 major classes that included four subclasses for presenting result like Baen (Avicennia officinalis), Gewa-Goran (Excoecaria agallocha, Ceriops decandra), Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Sundri (Heritiera fomes), Plantation trees Samanea Saman (Raintree), agriculture-grassland (agri-grass) and homestead settlement, sandbar and waterbody. Mapping accuracy assessment purpose automatically generated 996 points cross-matched with previously mangrove species level detailed survey results and found highest accuracy in Sundri species (70%) and all others above 50%. During 2000–2017, the Keora area showed the highest increase 129% over 2000 and increasing rate 13.17 ha/yr. About 26% Sundri and Baen–Passur increased around 13.45 ha/yr. In case of Sundri, 70% area coverage remained intact during 2000–2017, while other 25% classified in 2017 as Avicennia officinalis, Gewa-Goran classes. Furthermore, using refracted electromagnetic energy from various physical characteristics of plants application, four indices (NDVI, DVI, MSAVI-2, RVI) are usable where single-species-level crop density analysis has limitations, but identification of Sundri and Keora by MSAVI-2 and NDVI found significant and alternately lower accuracy values from RVI. Identification of dominant mangrove species groups as well as area gains and losses over 2000–2017 is a robust biophysical baseline for management of the sanctuary. Natural hearts of this area and working as first-step warriors against natural disasters originated from Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal; so far, it is very much required to save this forest and the coastal communities as well. The results of the study and maps will be helpful for the scientific community, planners, government-international bodies and the activists, Forest Department and the local community in effective planning, monitoring the effectiveness of co-management in conservation of the sanctuary.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) across all oceans has emerged as a significant marine hazard as worldwide plastic production continues to grow. Now and during the next 20-30 years will be the time to confront the implications of the plastic industry's rise, which has resulted in the large-scale global production of millions of plastic-based items, varying from a single pen to automobiles. Inappropriate management, lack of awareness of the detrimental effects, reckless universal use, and the indiscriminate disposal of plastic based synthetic materials, has turned Earth into a "plastic planet”. It is critical to have a throughout understanding of MPs' potential from sink to source as well as the processes that govern their distribution and uptake and exchange in ecosystems, to properly comprehend their potential consequences and ecological harm. The goal of the present study was to identify the scenarios of microplastics structure, functions and subsequent impact to the marine organisms. Diversified origins of MPs in the oceans and their negative effects on marine animals have been discussed critically in this review. Because of their small size, these plastic particles are easily ingested by a wide range of marine life (e.g., fish, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Annelida, Echinodermata, Nematoda, phytoplankton, zooplankton, algae, birds, Mammalia, marine reptiles, and coral), putting their health at risk. The ability of MPs to absorb a variety of dangerous hydrophobic chemicals from the environment directly transfers these toxins into the food chain. As a result, many laws and rules have been created to address the major issue of MP pollution in the marine ecosystem and it must be improved and implemented worldwide. To avert future dangers, it is critical to stop producing it and replace it with environmentally suitable alternatives.

Background:Escherichia coli is a major extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing organism responsible for the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that has compromised our ability to treat infections. Baseline data on population structure, virulence, and resistance mechanisms in E. coli lineages from developing countries such as Bangladesh are lacking.Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 46 ESBL–E. coli isolates cultured from patient samples at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)-Dhaka. Sequence data were analyzed to glean details of AMR, virulence, and phylogenetic and molecular markers of E. coli lineages.Results: Genome comparison revealed presence of all major high-risk clones including sequence type 131 (ST131) (46%), ST405 (13%), ST648 (7%), ST410 (4.3%), ST38 (2%), ST73 (2%), and ST1193 (2%). The predominant ESBL gene and plasmid combination were blaCTX–M–15 and FII-FIA-FIB detected in diverse E. coli phylogroups and STs. The blaNDM–5 (9%) gene was present in prominent E. coli STs. One (2%) mcr-1–positive ST1011 E. coli, coharboring blaCTXM–55 gene, was detected. The extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli genotype was associated with specific E. coli lineages. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome phylogeny largely showed correlation with phylogroups, serogroups, and fimH types. Majority of these isolates were susceptible to amikacin (93%), imipenem (93%), and nitrofurantoin (83%).Conclusion: Our study reveals a high diversity of E. coli lineages among ESBL-producing E. coli from Dhaka. This study suggests ongoing circulation of ST131 and all major non-ST131 high-risk clones that are strongly associated with cephalosporin resistance and virulence genes. These findings warrant prospective monitoring of high-risk clones, which would otherwise worsen the AMR crises.

Indigenous vegetables are available at low cost but there is little information about their nutritional composition. The study was conducted to compare the nutritional status of exotic and indigeno...

Stem cell factor (SCF) plays important roles in primordial follicle activation, oocyte growth and survival, granulosa cell proliferation, theca cell recruitment, and ovarian steroidogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SCF on in vitro growth of buffalo oocytes. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were dissected from early antral follicles of slaughtered buffalo ovaries and cultured for 6 days in media supplemented with 0, 50 or 100 ng/mL SCF. In vitro grown oocytes were further cultured for in vitro maturation for 24 h. The results showed that SCF significantly (P 0.05) increased oocyte diameter in vitro. The percentages of surviving oocytes were 60, 81 and 92 in 0, 50 and 100 ng/mL SCF supplemented group, respectively. SCF promoted formation of antrum-like structures in culture. The results also showed that SCF enhanced the maturation of in vitro grown buffalo oocytes. Here, 14% in vitro grown oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) stage in 50 ng/mL SCF supplemented group, whereas the percentage was increased to 26% in 100 ng/mL SCF treated group. These results show that SCF supports the growth, viability and nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro.

Constitutive overexpression of the rice heterotrimeric G protein beta subunit gene (RGB1) in the commercial rice cultivar BRRI Dhan 55 resulted in improved tolerance to heat or salinity or their combination. Two independently in planta transformed plants with the gene confirmed to be integrated at T2 by Southern hybridization and showing high expression at the T3 seedling stage showed better physiological performance after 8 days in 120 mM salt stress than the wild type. The plants had significantly lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde production, while showing higher levels of chlorophyll. Significantly higher germination at 48 °C or with combined stresses of 42/40 °C day/night stress in the presence of 120 mM salt for 2 days was also observed. Stress responsive genes such as OsAPX1, OsSOD, OsHKT1, OsHSP1, OsHSP2 and OsCOR47 showed higher expression in the RGB1 positive plants. These RGB1 transgenic plants can likely provide a strong defense against climate change.

A survey was conducted in commercially grown dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) orchards at the hills of Khagrachari district of Bangladesh to know the disease status. Stem rot is a devastating disease of dragon fruit, prevailed all over the hills of Khagrachari district that infected about 82% of plants with variable degree of disease severity. The typical symptom of the stem rot disease of dragon fruit was characterized by sunken lesion covered by black pycnidial mass on the surface with yellow margin. Based on the morphological, molecular characterization and pathogenicity test (Koch’s postulates) the fungus was identified as Diaporthe phaseolorum. So far, to our knowledge dragon fruit is the new natural host of D. phaseolorum, is the first report causing stem rot disease in Bangladesh.

The Nypa fruticans Wurmb (Nypa), a true mangrove palm, is abundant in the Sundarbans reserved forest of Bangladesh. Leaves are the primary product obtained from the Nypa, which are often used as thatching materials and source of income for the forest-dependent communities in the Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ) of Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to assess the usefulness of the Nypa leaf collection as a livelihoods strategy in the SIZ of Bangladesh. A total of 90 Nypa leaf collectors from three coastal unions were interviewed by administering a semi-structured interview schedule. Effects of social factors [age, education level and household (HH) members involved in income generation] and economic factors (primary, secondary and tertiary occupation) on the HH total income of the Nypa leaf collectors were analyzed using linear regression and Pearson’s correlation, respectively. Moreover, the effect of physical factors on the HH total income was analyzed by ANOVA and linear regression. Results suggested that income from the Nypa leaf collection, though making only a quarter percent of HH total income, was constrained by underdeveloped infrastructure, inaccessibility to fair market price, limitations of financial capital and frequent attack of Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The study, therefore, suggests that Nypa leaf collection from the Sundarbans alone could not be a sustainable livelihoods strategy for the forest-dependent communities in the SIZ of Bangladesh. Diversified and advanced husbandry activities, which have the potential to further reduce dependency on forest resources, would strengthen the livelihoods strategy and ultimately conserve the resources of the Sundarbans.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is becoming an essential part of the regular food menu for both health cautiousness and its dietary value over other foods. Availability of high yielding cucumber variety is one of the major obstacles for cucumber production in Bangladesh. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a significant role to alter the various type of physiological and morphological characters in cucumber. In this research, Bangladeshi local cucumber variety ‘Baromashi’ was used to observe the effect of PGRs on growth and yield-related characters. Four different treatments (Control: untreated plant, T1: maleic hydrazide 200 ppm, T2: ethephon 300 ppm and T3: NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) 18 ppm) were used. Application of PGRs showed an increased number of primary and secondary branches however, negative effect on stem length and node for the first flower was also observed. PGRs showed the opposite effect on the time required for the first flowering where male flower needed more time and female flower required less time compared to the untreated plants. In the case of fruit-related characters, PGRs possessed positive effect and ethephon 200 ppm showed the best result among the treatments. Total yield might be directly related to the number of branches as well as with the number of female flowers in local cucumber variety.

Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, and it has been identified as the single most important cause of early death in the developed world. It's critical to recognise a patient with ACS because the diagnosis prompts both triage and care. CHD is responsible for more than half of all cardiovascular incidence in individuals. cTnI is a myocardium-specific tissue marker that has proven to be a highly sensitive and specific marker for AMI. After an ACS, the best predictor of death is ventricular function. It is a myocardial damage marker that also offers information on systolic function, diagnosis, and prognosis. Objective of the Study: The study sought to determine the effect of LVEF on elevated Troponin-I levels in patients experiencing their first attack of NSTEMI. Method: From December 2015 to November 2016, a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the cardiology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 130 first-time NSTEMI patients were included. The sample population was divided into two groups: Group–I: Patients with first attack of NSTEMI with LVEF

The present study described the cytopathic effect of PPR virus presently being used in serial passages at level of 60th in Vero cells and infected tissue culture fluid was used in this study as viral inoculum. Vero cells were grown on cover slip & were infected with tissue culture fluid at a fixed multiplicity of infection (MOI) 0.01. The infected cover slip along with control were stained with H&E stain at periodic intervals and cytopathic effect was studied with microscope. The cytopathic effect (CPE) was visible at first from 24 hpi and the Vero cells showed initial cell rounding, aggregation and syncytial development. Development of inclusion bodies and cell degradation was noticed by 72 hpi. Complete detachment of the cell monolayer was observed by 84 hpi. It is concluded that, development of numerous inclusion bodies is the indication of well adaptation & extensive multiplication of PPRV in Vero cells.

The Sundarbans, the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest, has been facing increased challenges due to the combined effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Climate change coupled with anthropogenic disturbances poses a great threat to the existence of this mangrove. Many regions of the world are affected by climate change, but Sundarbans is one of the highest affected regions due to high level of salinity, sedimentation, and land erosion. The salinity is increasing day by day due to frequent cyclones, sedimentation, and brackish tiger prawn cultivation. The increased salinity is jeopardizing the ecosystems of Sundarbans and poses more risk than any other stressors. The study aims to assess the impact of salinity on the pioneer and indicator plant species in terms of species distribution and the coping capacity with the increased salinity. Primary data was collected from 30 sample plots which were fresh swamp and fresh–brackish swamp in the past. Secondary historical data was collected from the Forest Department to understand the natural dynamics. It was found that the fresh swamp forests disappeared from their historical range. The pioneer species, Heritiera fomes, and the indicator species Nipa fruticans and Phoenix pelludosa are being replaced by the invasive species and highly salt-tolerant Avicennia marina. An immediate action is required to stop tiger prawn culture and to restore the government-owned canals from the encroachers.

The study was conducted to determine the perception of locals and fishermen toward marine turtle in Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. A revised map was created by mapping the location of important nesting sites according to local’s given information. This study confirmed seven important nesting sites in Cox’s Bazar district, which were identified using key informant interviews. Five species of sea turtles have been making nests in Bangladesh. The olive ridley (39%) was seen the most while green turtles, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead were also observed. A total of fifty-two people were selected randomly to be interviewed in order to assess their perception toward marine turtle. About 58% of the respondents thought that turtles were helpful while 4% of the respondents thought turtles were bad. The rest of the respondents (21%) answered that they were not sure whether sea turtle was beneficial or harmful while 17% said they are of no use. 88% respondents have a positive attitude toward turtle conservation while 12% respondents were oblivious. Exploring local perceptions has revealed that a high proportion of locals are aware of turtle’s protection by law even though its endangered status is not well known subject. Results showed that all of fishermen did not catch turtles intentionally. Most turtles are entangled in current jal (38%) and basha jal (23%) accidentally. Basically, 43% of fishermen said turtles are important while the remaining 57% said they have no idea about its importance.

This study deals with the fabrication of three layer hybrid particleboard using kadam branch (Anthocephalus chinensis (Lam.) A. Rich ex Walp.) and dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata (Willd.)) as raw material with urea formaldehyde resin adhesive as 11% in the face and 9% in the core. Two types of particleboard i.e., dhaincha fine particles: face layer and kadam wood coarse particles:core layer (HB-A) and dhaincha kadam fine mix:face layer and coarse mix:core layer (HB-B) were produced by using three different mixing ratios (50:50, 60:40 and 70:30). Physical and mechanical properties of hybrid particleboards were evaluated according to the procedure of ASTM D-1037 standard. It was found that the particle mixing ratio has a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of hybrid particleboards. Consequently, containing lower face layer (30 wt%), the HB-A and HB-B board showed highest density (0.61 and 0.64 g/cm3, respectively) as well as MOE (2.56 and 3.56 GPa, respectively) and MOR (18.6 and 26.62 MPa, respectively) among hybrid particleboards. Presence of wood fine particles in face layer also proved effective in properties enhancement. Due to having wood fine particles content in face layer, HB-B type hybrid boards showed higher density and bending strength than HB-A boards. Presence of wood particles in face layer also reduces the WA and TS of the boards. Significant difference was examined among the properties of six particleboards during statistical analysis. The results confirmed that HB-A3 and HB-B3 particleboards met the minimum ANSI A208.1 requirements for physical and mechanical properties of M-3 grade particleboard. In decay resistance test, HB-A type particleboards showed resistance to white rot, but non-resistant for brown rot fungi where the HB-B type particleboards showed moderately resistant to both fungi. So the results indicated that the fabrication HB-B type hybrid particleboards would be technically feasible under lower face layer percentage.

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were coated either with chitosan (1, 1.5, and 2% solution, w/v) or aloe vera (AV) gel and the coatings were air dried. Coated strawberries were put in a polypropylene box and stored in refrigerator (6 ± 1°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity. The success of coating in retaining the postharvest quality of the strawberries was evaluated by determining respiration rate, firmness, weight loss, external colour change, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids, acidity, pH, microbial decay and sensory quality. The incidence of microbial rot started on day-6 in uncoated and 1% chitosan coated strawberries. Strawberries coated with 1.5 and 2% chitosan were affected by microbial decay on day-9 of storage. On the other hand, rot incidence was initiated in AV gel coated strawberries on day-15 of storage. Aloe vera gel or chitosan coating reduced respiration rate, weight loss, and microbial decay and preserved firmness, ascorbic acid content, and other quality parameters,...

Background The hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodidae) is widely distributed in East Asia, China, Australia and New Zealand. It can transmit many infectious pathogens, including the causative agents of human rickettsiosis, bovine theileriosis, bovine babesiosis and canine babesiosis. Therefore, a greater understanding of H. longicornis biology might aid in the development of more effective control measures against the tick and tick-borne pathogens. Methods We analyzed the expression of miR-184 in different developmental stages and various tissues of H. longicornis using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184, whilst Ms-Ant and non-injected ticks were used as the negative and blank controls, respectively. We used online software tools (RNAhybrid and TargetScan) to predict the putative target genes of miR-184. Results The expression of miR-184 was highest in unfed nymphs and lowest in unfed larvae. The tissue distribution of miR-184 showed abundant expression in the midgut. To investigate the probable roles of miR-184, antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184 (t(4) = 12.32, P = 0.0002). After inhibiting miR-184, other biological factors were examined in each group. The engorged body weight was significantly reduced in the treated group (Ant-184) in contrast to control groups (t(22) = 2.19, P = 0.0388). The mean duration of the egg-laying days was significantly increased (33.5 ± 1.91) and the number of eggs (t(10) = 3.147, P = 0.0137), and egg mass (t(10) = 3.4472, P = 0.0063) were significantly reduced in the treated group. During oviposition, eggs were monitored and in half of the ticks of the Ant-184 group the eggs were completely desiccated, lacked embryo development and did not hatch. We analyzed the expression of Vg proteins (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) in semi-engorged ticks, engorged ticks, ticks at day 2 after engorgement and egg stage in Ant-184, non-injected and Ms-Ant groups, and found significant variation. Conclusions This study provides information on the role of miR-184 in H. longicornis ticks. The data suggest that miR-184 targets Vg proteins and affects blood digestion and oviposition.

Effectiveness study of sulfaclozine as anticoccidial drug by counting litter oocyst were carried out on a total of 12 broiler farms at Sirajgonj District in Bangladesh. For this study 12 broiler farms were selected randomly and kept under close observation for the natural outbreaks of coccidiosis in a period of one broiler crop grow out. Poultry rearing and farm management systems followed in all farms were almost same. Litter samples were collected following same procedure in every week throughout the experimental period both before and after treatment with four (04) commercially available sulfaclozine Na preparations. The number of oocysts per gram (OPG) of litter was calculated following McMaster method. Huge number of oocyst was counted after outbreaks but before treatment of coccidiosis in almost every farm and after treatment oocyst were found significantly (P ˂0.01) reduced in number. From the study it was concluded that use of sulfaclozine Na in the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis was found still now effective.

The jute yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus constitutes one of the major pests of jute crop in Bangladesh. The objective of this work was to investigation on the natural enemies of jute yellow mite. The investigation on the natural enemies of jute yellow mite were studied in the laboratory of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during March 2011 to September 2013. As many as six predators of jute yellow mite viz, Predatory mite, Thrips, Minute pirate bug, Lady bird beetle, Mirid bug and Spider were collected and identified. The predation rate of the predatory mite Amblyseius sp. showed an average of 8.8 jute yellow mite per hour in laboratory condition. Predatory mite reached the peak on the 20th June. The highest population was 25 predatory mite/25 leaves. The population of predatory mite declined sharply in the 1st week of July. The nymph and adult of Scolothrips consumed an average of 15.4 and 20.10 yellow mite per hour. Scolothrips sp reached its peak population on 30th June and declined occurred in the 1st week of July. Both nymph and adult stage of Orius sp. predate 24.5 and 21 jute yellow mite respectively. The highest number of Minute pirate bug 20 was recorded at 30th June. Both the grubs and adults of lady bird beetle predate on all the stage of yellow mite. Grub was found as voracious feeder showing a predation efficiency of 35 per hour. The highest and lowest number of Ladybird beetle was recorded on 25th June and 5th May respectively. The highest 15 Mirid bug was recorded at 30th June. An unidentified species of spider was found to consume yellow mite.

Autophagy-related 8 (ATG8) protein has been reported to be involved in plant&rsquo, s innate immune response, but it is not clear whether such genes play a similar role in cereal crops against obligate biotrophic fungal pathogens. Here, we reported an ATG8 gene from wheat (Triticum aestivum), designated TaATG8j. This gene has three copies located in chromosomes 2AS, 2BS, and 2DS. The transcriptions of all three copies were upregulated in plants of the wheat cultivar Suwon 11, inoculated with an avirulent race (CYR23) of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal fungal pathogen of stripe rust. The transient expression of TaATG8j in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that TaATG8j proteins were distributed throughout the cytoplasm, but mainly in the nucleus and plasma membrane. The overexpression of TaATG8j in N. benthamiana slightly delayed the cell death caused by the mouse apoptotic protein BAX (BCL2-associated X protein). However, the expression of TaATG8j in yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) induced cell death. The virus-induced gene silencing of all TaATG8j copies rendered Suwon 11 susceptible to the avirulent Pst race CYR23, accompanied by an increased fungal biomass and a decreased necrotic area per infection site. These results indicate that TaATG8j contributes to wheat resistance against stripe rust fungus by regulating cell death, providing information for the understanding of the mechanisms of wheat resistance to the stripe rust pathogen.

Calf morbidity and mortality are important causes of economic losses on dairy farms worldwide. An investigation on the incidence of calf morbidity and mortality was conducted on 92 purposively selected CIG (Common Interest Group) dairy farms in Muktagacha upazila of Mymensingh district. A total of 119 calves from the farms were longitudinally followed from August 2014 to November 2014 for major health problems. Representative fecal samples from diarrhoeic calves were tested to identify gastro-enteropathogens associated with diarrhea by rapid detection test kit (Bio K 306). The overall incidence risk of morbidity and mortality were 56.17% and 6.29%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was diarrhea with incidence risk of 34.82% followed by navel ill (7.22%) and pneumonia (6.29%). In addition, fever, arthritis, pica and foot and mouth disease were encountered. The main causes of death in calf were pneumonia (3.739%) and FMD (1.78%). A variety of infectious agents are implicated in calf diarrhea and co-infection of multiple pathogens is not uncommon. The overall prevalence of microorganisms associated with diarrhea was 69.2% in which Clostridium perfringens was the highest (38.5%) within the first month of age. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp within first month of age was 7.7%. In this study, mixed infection with Clostridium perfringens and Cryptosporidium spp or Corona virus was found in 7.7% of diarrheic calves within 10 days of the age. It is now established that calf morbidity and mortality are an important limiting factors for the success of modern dairy farms and accordingly vigorous and comprehensive research should be taken to minimize the problem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23715 Bangl. J. Vet. Med . (2015). 13 (1): 37-43

Bangladesh has been considered one of the countries most affected by climatic change impacts. Increases in natural hazards, perceived to be due to climate change, have affected the southwestern coastal environments of Bangladesh and people’s livelihoods in this area. Remarkably, the numbers of human deaths due to floods, cyclones, and tidal surges have decreased, primarily because of mitigation strategies such as safe houses. However, the number of homeless people has increased sharply, contributing to internal migration in Bangladesh, including migration between neighboring cities. This chapter discusses the influence of climate-induced hazards on the decision to move, and the circumstances that prompt migrants to take decisions to migrate. Semistructured questionnaires were used to collect data in the Gabura union in the Shyamnagar thana in the Satkhira district, and qualitative analysis and case studies were conducted to further elaborate the outcomes. The results showed that along with anthropogenic causes—such as government policy implementation to protect the Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest in the world) and changes of paddy cultivation fields into saltwater fish and shrimp farms—natural hazards such as periodic cyclones and tidal surges have damaged the territory of poor workers and/or day laborers, leading them to move to places where employment is more readily available. In this regard, climatic hazards have played a fundamental and influential role with other factors in the process of migration.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production is seriously hampered by the infestation of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM 1 (Middle East-Asia Minor 1). The infestation behavior of the whiteflies could be affected by the quantity of plant released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to nitrogen concentrations of the plant. In this study, we determined the infestation behavior of B. tabaci to the tomato plants that produced different levels of VOCs after application of different levels of nitrogen with a wind tunnel and an olfactometer. We also analyzed the VOCs released from nitrogen-treated tomato plants using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the production of eight VOCs (β-pinene, (+)-4-carene, α-terpinene, p-cymene, β-phellandrene, α-copaene, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene) was reduced after the plants were treated with high levels of nitrogen. However, more whiteflies were attracted to the tomato plants treated with high levels of nitrogen than to the plants treated with normal or below normal levels of nitrogen. These results clearly indicated that nitrogen can change the quality and quantity of tomato plant volatile chemicals, which play important roles in B. tabaci host plant selection.

This research was conducted to test the feasibility of using date palm(Phoenix dactylifera L.) brown sugar as an alternative to refined cane sugar in preparing sweet dahi. Quality assessment tests were conducted on four different types of dahi prepared by adding different levels of date palm brown sugar, such as 10% (A), 12% (B), 14% (C) and 12% refined cane sugar (D, as control). All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities. The scores for smell and taste, body and texture, color and appearance, and total scores for four types of dahi samples showed significant differences at various levels (p

The study was conducted to produce fish sauce from small freshwater fishes like Kholisa ( Colisa fasciatus ), Tit punti ( Puntius ticto ), Jat punti ( Puntius sophore ), Tengra ( Mystus vittatus ), Taki ( Channa punctatus ), Gutum ( Lepidocephalichthys guntea ), Guchi ( Macrognathus pancalus ), Veda ( Nandus nandus ), and Bujuri ( Mystus tengara ) by using different concentrations of salt (25% as Treatment-I, 30% as Treatment-II and 35% as Treatment-III). Fishes were fermented for 9 months by the combined action of microorganisms and enzymes present in fish tissue and viscera in presence of salt. During fermentation the initial protein content in fish was 15.17% which were nearly digested and liquefied at the end of fermentation. Crude protein content on the basis of total nitrogen were found to be 14.58, 13.88 and 12.63% in Treatment-I, II and III respectively while the highest ash content in fish sauce was 22.97% in Treatment-III. Initial Total Volatile Base Nitrogen in fish was 1.92 mg/100g, which reached 20.88, 20.52 and 20.31 mg/100g respectively in three treatments. Initial aerobic plate count (APC) in fish was 5.99 × 10 6 cfu/g and after fermentation and 15 days of aging the APC in fish sauce was reduced to 1.53 × 10 4 cfu/ml in Treatment-I, 1.40 × 10 4 cfu/ml in Treatment-II and 1.27 × 10 4 cfu/ml in treatment-III. The major bacterial groups identified in fish sauce were Bacillus, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas. Considering the values of different parameters and result of panel test, fish sauce produced with 25% salt (Treatment-I) was found to be of best quality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19170 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 171 - 180, 2013

The aim of the present study was to get a total physical and chemical characterization and comparison of the principal components in Bangladeshi buffalo (B), Holstein cross (HX), Indigenous cattle (IC) and Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) milk. Protein and casein (CN) composition and type, casein micellar size (CMS), naturally occurring peptides, free amino acids, fat, milk fat globule size (MFGS), fatty acid composition, carbohydrates, total and individual minerals were analyzed. These components are related to technological and nutritional properties of milk. Consequently, they are important for the dairy industry and in the animal feeding and breeding strategies. Considerable variation in most of the principal components of milk were observed among the animals. The milk of RCC and IC contained higher protein, CN, β-CN, whey protein, lactose, total mineral and P. They were more or less similar in most of the all other components. The B milk was found higher in CN number, in the content of αs2-, κ-CN and α-lactalbumin, free amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, Ca and Ca:P. The B milk was also lower in β-lactoglobulin content and had the largest CMS and MFGS. Proportion of CN to whey protein was lower in HX milk and this milk was found higher in β-lactoglobulin and naturally occuring peptides. Considering the results obtained including the ratio of αs1-, αs2-, β- and κ-CN, B and RCC milk showed best data both from nutritional and technological aspects.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity and immunosuppressive effects of GM-97 strain of infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 500 broiler chickens were vaccinated with the virus through oral route at 10 and 17 days of age (10 2 -10 3 EID50/dose). Chickens were also vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus (Hitchner B1) orally at 14 and 21 days old. Chickens were euthanized (at 12, 14, 16, 20, 23, 26 days of age) after measuring body weight. Bursa of Fabricius was examined for any gross lesion, weighed and processed for histological investigations. Bursa to body weight ratio and bursal lesion scoring were made to evaluate pathogenicity of the virus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibody response to ND vaccine virus using HI test. Results showed that the GM-97 strain of IBDV induced mild to moderate depletion of lymphoid cells in the center of bursal follicles and non-significant difference in bursa to body weight ratio amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. Chickens responded well to ND vaccine by mounting high level of serum NDV specific HI antibody titers. It can be concluded from the present study that GM-97 strain of IBDV has mild pathogenicity but is not immunosuppressive.

A survey was carried out to evaluate the overall condition, infrastructure facilities, handling and quality management system, condition of raw materials of shrimp, Bagda ( Penaeus monodon ) farms and depots of some selected shrimp producing areas of Cox’s Bazar (Chokoria and Teknaf), Khulna (Paikgacha and Koira), Bagerhat (Rampal and Mongla) and Satkhira (Munshiganj and Ashashuni) through direct observation and interview with cross section of people engaged in farms, depots and processing industries. The survey results revealed that the production of shrimp was not satisfactory. The post-harvest quantitative and qualitative losses in the farms were due to longer duration of harvesting, exposure of shrimp at high ambient temperature for a long time (delayed icing), contamination from dirty floor and lack of general hygiene and sanitation. On the other hand, major quality loss in depots were due to delayed icing, use of inadequate ice, rough handling and peeling, presence of foreign materials, packed under pressure in the bamboo basket, contamination, body crushing, use of dirty utensils and lack or poor personal hygiene of depot workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17363 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 125 - 134, 2008

Post harvest qualitative and quantitative changes have been studied in an important crustacean species prawn, Golda ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii ) of Bangladesh at various stages of handling Golda have been studied. Detailed information on post-harvest handling, storage, transportation, and distribution of prawn using pre-tested questionnaires was collected from some selected farms and depots of four Golda producing districts viz. Khulna, Bagerhat, Jessore and Norail area. The information on various aspects was collected through interview with cross section of people engaged in farms and depots. The aspects of information collected on Golda farms were: farm conditions, infrastructure, harvesting, farm production, post-harvest care, transportation and quality measures. Information collected on various aspects of depots was: infrastructure facilities, condition of shrimp during receiving, handling, transportation, washing and owners’ opinion about the quality of prawn from previous year experiences. The post-harvest losses of Golda is due to soft shell, improper washing or washing with unclean water, longer duration of harvesting, exposure of shrimp at high ambient temperature for a long time (delayed icing), contamination, piled up on a dirty floor, general lack of hygiene and dipping in water to weight gain was about 1-4% of the total harvested quantity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i2.16959 Progress. Agric. 19(2): 177 - 186, 2008

Studies were conducted to evaluate the drying performance of rotating and solar tunnel dryer for the production of high quality dried fish products. Three marine fish species : Silver jew fish ( Johnius argentatus ), Bombay duck ( Harpodon nehereus ) and Ribbon fish ( Trichiurus haumela ) were used for drying in a rotating dryer and solar tunnel dryer. Temperature and relative humidity were measured at time interval during the whole drying period. During 20 hours of drying in rotating dryer, temperature and humidity varied from 15-20 o C and 45 to 72%, respectively. On the other hand, air temperature outside the tunnel dryer varied from 28 to 32.83 o C. Temperature inside the tunnel dryer varied from 31.33 o C at 3.00 pm to 47.78 o C at 12.00 pm. Humidity outside the tunnel dryer ranged from 58.83 to 74% and inside from 33.83% to 68% showing an inverse relationship between temperature and humidity. Moisture content of the fresh Ribbon fish, Silver Jew fish and Bombay duck was in the range of 78.7% to 85.47% with highest value was found in Bombay duck and lowest value in Ribbon fish. After 31 hours of drying in solar tunnel dryer, moisture content decreased in the range of 14.05 to 16.19%. whereas, after 20 hours of drying in rotating dryer final moisture content reached in the range of 16.36 to 19.1%. The present study indicated that drying performance of rotating dryer with low humidity was faster than that of solar tunnel dryer producing quality dried products. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16869 Progress. Agric. 20(1 & 2): 173 – 181, 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality changes in an important crustacean species giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (locally called golda) at various stages of handling. The samples under study were obtained from farms and depots of four golda producing districts viz. Khulna, Bagerhat, Jessore and Norial area by determining organoleptic and biochemical aspects. The golda samples stored in ice immediately after harvest were in acceptable condition for seven days after harvesting period while the samples obtained from depots from all stations were in acceptable condition for 4 days only. There was a large fall of protein solubility and ATPase activity in all the samples obtained from farms and depots. The fall of solubility and ATPase activity was faster in samples obtained from depots compared to the samples obtained from farm immediately after harvest. The large fall of protein solubility and ATPase activity of samples indicated the denaturation of protein during ice storage.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v22i1-2.16476 Progress. Agric. 22(1 & 2): 139-149, 2011