Year 2024

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Quantification of heavy metals in wild gravid female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) collected from different rivers of Sundarbans mangrove region
(Desalination and Water Treatment, 2024) Hannan, Md. Abdul; Pandit, Choyonika
Heavy metals pollution is one of our major problems in Sundarbans mangrove zone as we all their surrounding rivers. The presence of industrial development in the nearby areas of coastal and marine aquacultures sites are the cause of heavy metals pollution. The aim of the research was to quantify heavy metals in gravid female mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) in three different rivers of Sundarbans region. Mud crabs and their surrounding water and soil sediments were collected from Mongla, Kholpetua, and Kopotakkho rivers. Analysis of river water was conducted in the laboratory of Shiva Analyticals (India) Private Limited, India, whereas live mud crabs and sediment samples were analyzed from Quality Control Laboratory (QCL), Khulna, Bangladesh for the quantification of heavy metals. The results showed that the heavy metals As, Cr, Cd, Hg and Pb were detected in mud crabs and their surrounding river water and sediments, but the concentration of heavy metals in mud crabs was remains below the limit of human’s consumptions except the heavy metal Chromium (Cr). Maximum concentration of heavy metals was detected Kopotakkho river followed by Mongla and Kholpetua river. The concentration of heavy metals was highest in soil sediments followed by mud crabs and river waters. Mud crabs were contaminated by heavy metals that bioaccumulated from their surrounding sediments and water sources. The hierarchy of mean concentrations (mg/kg) of the heavy metals were Pb>As>Cr>Pb>Hg. Heavy metals are carcinogenic for human consumption when exceeded their permissible levels. It is urgent to stop pollution in Sundarbans mangrove zone and led to serve healthy foods for the nations.
Sex-related differences in the morphology of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in C57BL/6NCrSlc mice.
(Histol Histopathol (2025) 40: 1195-1208, 2024) Rubel, Md Zahir Uddin; Masum, Md Abdul; Namba, Takashi; Hiraishi, Masaya; Kon, Yasuhiro; Ichii, Osamu
Sex hormones regulate gut function and mucosal immunity; however, their specific effects on the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in the rectum of mammals remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the influence of sex on MALT in the rectum of mammals by focusing on the rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (RMALTs) of C57BL/6NCrSIc mice. Histological analysis revealed that RMALTs were predominantly located in the lamina propria and submucosa of the rectal mucosa, with a significant sex-related difference in the distance from the anorectal junction to the first appearance of the RMALT. Despite similar RMALT numbers, females exhibited significantly larger RMALTs than males. Immunostaining revealed the presence of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, proliferative immune cells, lymphatic vessels, and high endothelial venules (HEVs), in RMALTs. Compared with males, females showed elevated T cell, helper T cell, and cytotoxic T-cell gene expression levels, along with high percentages of specific T-cell subsets. The factors influencing RMALT development, such as the presence of HEVs, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 expression, and RMALT-containing cell proliferation, were also explored. Overall, this study revealed the detailed attributes of RMALTs, their immune cell composition, and their determinants in male and female mice, providing insights into the sex-specific characteristics of the rectal mucosal immune system.
Sustainable Grain Protection: Combatting Rice Weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) with Natural Plant Powders
(Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science, 2024) Rana, Md Sohel
Grain storage plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustaining agriculture for future generations. However, a wide array of insect pests, including the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), pose a significant threat to stored grains. This study was conducted at the Laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from October 2019 to March 2020, to evaluate the efficacy of plant-based powders for managing rice weevils. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments. These treatments included five botanical powders—Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Polygonum hydropiper (Biskatali), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco), and Lantana camara (Lantana)—applied at three dosage levels: 1 g, 3 g, and 5 g per 100 g of grain. Additionally, a chemical insecticide (Sevin 85 SP @ 0.25%) and an untreated control were included for comparison. Results revealed that neem leaf powder was the most effective, achieving the highest adult insect mortality and the lowest adult emergence. In contrast, Lantana powder exhibited the least efficacy, allowing 94.38% more adult insects to emerge compared to neem powder. Untreated grains experienced a 20% weight loss due to rice weevil infestation after one month of storage, whereas treatment with 5% neem leaf powder reduced weight loss to a mere 0.14%. This reduction was statistically significant compared to all other treatments. These findings suggest that neem leaf powder at 5% is a highly effective, eco-friendly, and safe alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling rice weevils in stored grains.
Incidence and management of dystocia of dairy cows in Manoharganj upazila of Cumilla district, Bangladesh
(Journal of Animal Reproduction, 2024) Wasef, Al; Islam, Md. Rashedul
Every year, thousands of cows and calves die during parturition for poor parturition managements, and insufficient veterinary services. A total of 83 cases of dystocia were the subject of a retrospective investigation between January 2021 and December 2023 to determine the incidence of dystocia in dairy cows in Manoharganj upazila of Cumilla district, Bangladesh. The study revealed that local breed cows had a higher prevalence of dystocia (53.01%) than cross-breed cows (46.99%). Also, younger cows had a higher incidence of dystocia (71.08%) than older cows. Primiparous heifers showed a higher incidence of dystocia (69.88%) than pluriparous cows (30.12%). In addition, compared with naturally inseminated cows (9.64%), artificially inseminated dairy cows had a higher dystocia rate (90.36%). The occurrence of dystocia was found to occur more frequently in fetal causes (65.06%) than in maternal causes (34.94%). Among maternal causes, incomplete cervix dilation was the most common (18.07%), while fetal head deviation was the most frequent fetal cause (27.71%). Fetal oversize, carpal flexion, shoulder flexion, fetal dropsy, twin calves, uterine torsion, and uterine inertia were other low-incidence causes of dystocia. The most common method of managing dystocia was manual correction (91.57%), followed by fetotomy (4.82%), and C-section (3.61%). After dystocia treatment, 96.25% of dams survived, and 3.75% of cases resulted in dam deaths; fetal death occurred in 32.5% of cases, while the fetal survival rate was 67.5%. Therefore, this study suggest that when using artificial insemination, it is best to consider the breed of the dam and sire.
Seasonal Shifts in Diatom Species Dominance in the Tidal Mangrove Estuary of Bangladesh
(Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University, 2024) Hasan, Jahid; Shaha, Dinesh Chandra; Das, Mousumi; kundu, Sampa Rani; Ahmed, Salman; Haque, Md Rashedul
Sustainable estuary management provides fishery resources, supports livelihoods and maintains estuarine food webs. However, these are highly dependent on hydrological factors and nutrients effects of the estuary itself. We studied seasonal phytoplankton quantity and composition of the Pasur River estuary in the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh to understand the phytoplankton structure and identify potential indicators of environmental changes. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected at 11 different locations around the study region from January to December 2019 to assess spatial and temporal differences. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in the average salinity were observed between the dry and rainy seasons. Elevated phytoplankton (blue-green algae) concentrations were associated with decreased salinity while increased diatom abundance was linked to higher salinity. Phytoplankton succession from blue-green algae (wet season) to diatoms (dry season) occurred due to variations in physicochemical parameters and nutrient factors. Simultaneously, phytoplankton diversity and density were shown to change in response to habitat quality and seasonal variation. This study highlights the potential impacts of both human activities and natural factors on the population structure in these estuarine environments.
Lipidomic study of kidney in a mouse model with urine low obstruction
(Scientific Reports, 2024) Gowda, Divyavani; Masum, Md. Abdul; Gowda, Siddabasave Gowda B.; Shekhar, Chandra; Rubel, Md. Zahir Uddin; Kira, Shunnosuke; Ichii, Osamu; Kon, Yasuhiro; Chiba, Hitoshi; Hui, Shu-Ping
Obstructed urine flow is known to cause structural and functional kidney damage leading to renal fibrosis. However, limited information is available on the change in kidney lipids during urinary tract obstruction. In this study, we investigated the change in lipidome in a mouse model with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The establishment of the UUO model was confirmed by histopathological examination using transmission electron microscopy. Untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was carried out over a time course of 4 and 7 days. Compared to the sham control, the UUO kidney at 7 days showed dilatation of the renal tubule with loss of brush borders and thickening of the capillary endothelium. In the kidney lipidomes obtained from the UUO 7 days group compared to the control, a significant decrease of ceramide, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids, and phosphatidylethanolamine was observed, whereas cholesteryl esters, free fatty acids, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipins were significantly increased. The present study revealed the disturbed lipid metabolism in the UUO model, which may provide a clue to potential lipid pathways and therapeutic targets for the early stage of renal fibrosis.
Selenium and its nanoparticles modulate the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and morpho-physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to combat oxidative stress under water deficit conditions
(BMC Plant Biology, 2024) Hasanuzzaman, Mirza; Raihan, Md. Rakib Hossain; Siddika, Ayesha; Bardhan, Kirti; Hosen, Md. Sarwar; Prasad, P. V. Vara
Abstract Background Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crop species worldwide, but its growth and development are adversely influenced by drought stress. However, the application of trace elements is known to improve plant physiology under water-limited conditions. In this study, the effects of drought stress on wheat plants were investigated, with a focus on potential mitigation by foliar application of selenium nanoparticles (Se(np)) and sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). The experiment was conducted in a net house using a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments involved three levels of drought stress (mild, moderate, and severe) started at 30 days after sowing (DAS), with foliar sprays of Se(np) and Se (both 25 µM) initiated at 27 DAS and repeated 4 times at 7-day intervals until 55 DAS. Results Drought stress significantly reduced plant growth, whereas Se(np) and Se sprays enhanced it. Drought stress induced chlorophyll degradation, increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, impaired membrane stability, and caused electrolyte leakage. Severe drought stress reduced the levels of antioxidants (e.g., proline, ascorbate, and glutathione by 4.18-fold, 80%, and 45%) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and others). Conversely, treatment with Se(np) and Se restored these parameters, for example, 1.23-fold higher total chlorophyll content with Se(np) treatment, 26% higher APX activity with Se treatment, 15% lower electrolyte leakage with Se treatment in wheat plants under severe drought stress. This Se-associated enhancement facilitated rapid scavenging of reactive oxygen species and reduced methylglyoxal toxicity, thereby diminishing oxidative stress and positively affecting the morphophysiological and biochemical responses of the plants under drought
Nanocellulose: A novel pathway to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and circular bioeconomy
(International Journal of Biological, 2024) Ahmed, Sujat; Islam, Md. Saiful; Antu, Uttam Biswas; Islam, Md. Moshiul; Raj, Vishnu D.; Mahiddin, Nor Aida; Paul, Joyti Rani; Ismail, Zulhilmi; Ibrahim, Khalid A.; Idris, Abubakr M.
Abstract: Nanocellulose, obtained from natural cellulose, has attracted considerable interest for its distinctive properties and wide-ranging potential applications. Studies suggest that nanocellulose improves the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of conventional cellulose. This review investigates the production, properties, approach, and application of nanocellulose from various sources in agriculture. The main role play of cellulose-nanocomposite is discussed as a seed coating agent to improve seed dispersal, germination, protection against fungi and insects, plant growth promoter, adsorption of targeted pollutants, providing water and nutrient retention, and other advantages. As a nobility, we included all mechanical, chemical, and static culture approaches to the production procedure of nanocellulose and its application as a nanocarrier in soil, including the unique properties of nanocellulose, such as its high surface area, inherent hydrophilicity, and ease of surface modification. Here, methods such as melt compounding, solution casting, and in situ polymerization were evaluated to incorporate nanoparticles into cellulose materials and produce nanocellulose and cellulose-nanocomposites with improved strength, stability, water resistance, and reduced gas permeability. The commercialization faces challenges such as high production costs, scalability issues, and the need for more research on environmental impacts and plant interactions. Despite these hurdles, this field is promising, with ongoing advancements likely to yield new and improved agricultural materials. This review thoroughly examines the innovative application of nanocellulose in slow and controlled-release fertilizers and pesticides, to transform nutrient management, boost crop productivity, and minimize the environmental impact.
Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Japan: An in-depth study
(Elsevier, 2024) Kabir, Mohammad Hazzaz Bin; Kato, Kentaro
Cryptosporidium species, causing diarrheal illnesses in humans and animals worldwide, are under investigation for their molecular epidemiology in Japan. The study focuses on detecting Cryptosporidium species in humans, animals, water, and the environment, revealing three species in people: C. parvum, C. meleagridis, and C. hominis. Subtype IIa of the C. parvum gp60 gene is prevalent, indicating potential zoonotic transmission. Animal studies identified sixteen species, mainly cattle and pets, with C. parvum (subtype IIa) common in cattle and C. canis and C. felis prevalent in pets. Additionally, C. bovis and C. ryanae were found in cattle and sika deer. Knowledge gaps exist, particularly in water and environmental source typing, with limited research revealing five species and five genotypes, suggesting a significant role of water in transmission. Further research is needed to understand the molecular diversity and transmission dynamics across humans, animals, water, and the environment in Japan.
Edibility of cultivated green seaweed Ulva intestinalis from Monkhali Beach, Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh: bio-toxicity and heavy metal contents
(Scientific Reports, 2024) Mohibbullah, Md.; Hossain, , Md. Afzal; Mithu, Mahfuzul Alam; Islam, Md. Maynul; Azam, Mohammed Shariful; Khan, Mohammed Nurul Absar; Choi, Jae-Suk
Ulva intestinalis (UI) is widely available edible seaweed and has potential to be introduced as functional food items in Bangladesh. However, potential health hazards of this seaweed with biotoxicity assays and its relation to heavy metal contents were not evaluated previously. With these objectives, toxic effects of UI collected from floating raft culture in Monkhali Beach was evaluated using various organisms such as Chlorella vulgaris, Artemia salina, Daphnia magna, and Lactuca sativa. In relation to this effects, heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As) and its potential health hazards were subsequently analyzed. The results showed that UI water extract had positive effects on the survivability and growth of the all-test organisms over different time periods, with minimal LC50 values, indicating no toxic to tested organisms. However, increased levels of total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity were observed as extract concentrations increased but considered to be safe below 5 mg kg −1 , as compared to control. Moreover, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn (43.60, 0.10, 0.44, 0.07, 0.27 and 0.13 mg kg −1 of dry weight, respectively) in UI were found to be low levels compared to previous studies, in addition, Cd and As remained not detected. No significant health risk (HQ < 1) and target carcinogenic risk were found. Therefore, UI could be utilized as functional foods or nutraceuticals for health-conscious consumers of Bangladesh without having potential risks.
Impact of anthropogenic activities and the associated heavy metal pollution in Sundarbans waterways: threats to commercial fish and human health
(2024) Anik, Amit Hasan; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Islam, Md. Saiful; Reza, Abu; Islam, Md. Towfiqul; Saha, Shantanu Kumar; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar
The exposure of fish to heavy metals is a significant concern for human health and natural ecosystems. Despite being a critical issue, the extent of contamination in tropical fish from developing countries like Bangladesh remains somewhat unexplored. In this study, ten economically vital fish species (Osteogeneiosus militaris, Arius gagora, Har‑ padon nehereus, Mugil ephalus, Pseudapocryptes elongates, Apocryptes bato, Labeo bata, Tenualosa toil, Notopterus notopterus, and Pampus chinensis) from the Pasur River, Bangladesh, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer for the concentrations of four concerned heavy metals, viz., As, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and the associated human health risks. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order of As (3.30±1.43)>Pb (2.32±0.73)>Cr (0.63±0.29)>Cd (0.37±0.24). Additionally, the bioaccumulation factor of the metals in the investigated fish species followed a decreasing trend of As (824.75)>Cr (781.25)>Cd (744)>Pb (385.83). While most species fell below the minimum bioaccumulation line, a few exceptions were noted for some species specific to metals. Health risk assessments indicated no significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for both children and adults, although children exhibited greater vulnerability to both types of health effects. Multivariate analysis and local perceptions supported the conclusion that heavy metals primarily originated from anthropogenic sources related to development activities adjacent to the riverine areas.
Does the adoption of homestead gardening increase dietary diversity in climate‑vulnerable coastal areas? Evidence from Bangladesh
(Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, 2024) Rahman, Md. Sadique; Zulfiqar, Farhad; Ullah, Hayat; Himanshu, Sushil Kumar; Rahman, Mofasser; Datta, Avishek
Coastal areas are not conducive to cultivating a variety of crops due to the occurrence of natural disasters. Therefore, homestead gardening has the potential to increase food production and consumption in coastal households, thereby enhancing climate resilience. Adopting homestead gardening as an adaptation measure for climate change can improve food security in climate-vulnerable areas. This study identified factors associated with the adoption of homestead gardening and their impacts on dietary diversity in coastal areas of Bangladesh. A total of 750 coastal households were surveyed. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, household dietary diversity score, endogenous switching regression model, and propensity score matching method were applied. According to the results, only 14.26% of coastal households adopted homestead gardening. The likelihood of adoption was increased by factors, such as age, spousal education, own cultivable land size, salinity perception, and mobile phone ownership. Results of the endogenous switching regression model indicated that the adopters of homestead gardens had a 13-point greater mean probability of a higher household dietary diversity score than the non-adopters. Results of the propensity score matching also showed a nearly identical finding. A strong extension service that uses modern information technology is required to disseminate homestead gardening technology in coastal areas. Climate change awareness initiatives are recommended to raise households cognizance on the negative effects of climate change, which in turn helps increase the adoption of homestead gardening as an adaptation measure.
Optimizing growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Chinese cabbage through vermicompost and reduced fertilizer application in organic farming systems
(J. Hortic. Sci, 2024) N., Islam; M.K., Chowdhury; S., Biswas; J., Uddain
Chinese cabbage, though less prominent in Bangladesh, has shown potential for successful cultivation in theregion. This study aimed to assess various cultivars’ efficacy on Chinese cabbage growth, yield, and qualitywithin an organic farming system. A field experiment employed a for two consecutive years, investigating thecombined impact of cultivar and vermicompost with reduced fertilizer levels on yield. Three cultivars viz., BARIChinakopi 1, Blues, and Retasi, were tested along with four fertilizer levels namely, recommended NPK (control);80% NPK + vermicompost 6 t/ha; 70% NPK + vermicompost 8 t/ha; and 50% NPK + vermicompost 10 t/ha.Results demonstrated that cv. Blues, treated with 50% NPK + 10 t/ha of vermicompost, exhibited significantenhancements in various parameters compared to the control group. Notably, the treated var. Blues showcasedincreased plant height (43%), head diameter (46.3%), dry matter (71.2%), and gross yield (72.2%) at harvest.Moreover, var. Blues treated with vermicompost at 10 t/ha displayed elevated levels of vitamin C (28%),β-carotene (96.3%), Ca (7.1%), Mg (18.4%), P (5%), K (10.5%), Fe (13.1%), and Zn (21%) compared tocontrol. These findings suggest that utilizing 50% NPK + vermicompost at 10 t/ha significantly enhances Chinesecabbage growth and quality, particularly in cv. Blues. Incorporating this treatment method could effectivelyelevate both production yield and crop quality, providing valuable insights for organic farming practices.
Thermochemical and physical characterization of agricultural biomass for sustainable energy in Bangladesh” Energy Rep. 12 (2024) 5758–5768
(Energy Reports, 2024) Kamruzzaman, Mohammad; Bhattacharjya, Debu Kumar; Alam, Edris; Karim, Md. Rezwanul; Nath, Bidhan; Hattawi, Khawla Saeed Al
Factors Influencing Milk Production among the Dairy Farms of Savar Sub-District, Dhaka, Bangladesh
(Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 2024) Sultana, M. S.; Reshma, B. Z.; Hasnat, M. K.; Kabir, M. H.
Milk production among the dairy farms is one of the important sources of income for the farmers. However, many reasons may influence milk production. In this aspect, the objective of the study was to assess the determinants or factors influence milk production in the dairy farm of Savar sub-district under Dhaka district of Bangladesh. A sample of 218 dairy farmers was randomly selected for data collection. The survey was conducted using a pre-tested structured interview schedule among the respondents. The data was analyzed using percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation, and regression analysis. Majority of the farmers (96.8%) had up to 70 liters of milk production in their farm with an average of 18 liters. The statistical analysis showed that credit, total cow, milking cow, and livestock income significantly influences on the amount of milk produced in the farm. The Department of Livestock Service (DLS) and other related Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) may arrange more livestock income related programs for the dairy farmers focused on milk. Initiative like providing credit facilities either interest free or lower rate of interest to purchase milking cow may help the farmers to improve their livelihood through more milk production.
Sustainable Grain Protection: Combatting Rice Weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) with Natural Plant Powders
(Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science, 2024) Hasan, Rakibul; Rana, Sohel; Nasim, Roconuzzaman; Billah, Masum; Rahaman, Sadia; Shahrin, Kazi Rifat; Rahman, Anisur; Das, Krishna Rany; Ahmed, Kazi Shahanara
Grain storage plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustaining agriculture for future generations. However, a wide array of insect pests, including the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), pose a significant threat to stored grains. This study was conducted at the Laboratory of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from October 2019 to March 2020, to evaluate the efficacy of plant-based powders for managing rice weevils. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments. These treatments included five botanical powders—Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Polygonum hydropiper (Biskatali), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco), and Lantana camara (Lantana)—applied at three dosage levels: 1 g, 3 g, and 5 g per 100 g of grain. Additionally, a chemical insecticide (Sevin 85 SP @ 0.25%) and an untreated control were included for comparison. Results revealed that neem leaf powder was the most effective, achieving the highest adult insect mortality and the lowest adult emergence. In contrast, Lantana powder exhibited the least efficacy, allowing 94.38% more adult insects to emerge compared to neem powder. Untreated grains experienced a 20% weight loss due to rice weevil infestation after one month of storage, whereas treatment with 5% neem leaf powder reduced weight loss to a mere 0.14%. This reduction was statistically significant compared to all other treatments. These findings suggest that neem leaf powder at 5% is a highly effective, eco-friendly, and safe alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling rice weevils in stored grains.
Geospatial Assessment of Wetland Changes in the Fringe Area of Dhaka City: Past, Present and Future Scenarios
(he Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2024-04-01) Ullah, Md. Sofi; Tuhin, Md. Khayrul Islam; Shapla, Tarulata; Suhi, Kazi Farha Farzana
This study examines the changes in wetlands in the fringe area of Dhaka city using geospatial assessment techniques. The wetland in the area is crucial as they serve as a buffer zone for the Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA) and play a significant role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance. Thirty-meter NASA Landsat 4-5TM and Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery were used to extract wetland features in the fringe area of Dhaka city. The Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) was applied to delineate wetland features. Finally, ArcGIS geometric computing was used to detect yearly changes, and a Cellular Automaton (CA) Markov Model was applied to predict future transitions. The research findings reveal that wetlands in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area are declining at a rate of 1.1% between 1991 and 2016, indicating the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure the sustainability of the region’s natural resources. The percentage of wetlands in the fringe area has been decreasing significantly over the years, with wetlands making up only 12.98% of the fringe area in 2022, down from 28.22% in 1989. This trend is predicted to continue, with wetlands accounting for only 8.02% of the total area by 2034. The strong negative correlation coefficient between the year and wetland area suggests that the trend of decreasing wetland is likely to continue unless significant measures are taken to protect wetlands. The study highlights the importance of conserving and restoring wetlands in Dhaka’
Improving blueberry cold storage quality:the effect of preharvest hexanal applicationon chilling injuries and antioxidant defensemechanisms
(Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2024-05-21) Sönmez, Duygu Ayvaz; Öz, Ayşe Tülin; Ali, Md. Arfan; Kafkas, Ebru; Bilgin, Ömer Faruk
Blueberries are vulnerable to chilling injury (CI). This can lead to limited longevity when they are subjected to cold storage con-ditions. This study investigated the effectiveness of a preharvest spray containing 0.02% hexanal in reducing CI and improvingthe postharvest storage quality of ‘Star’ and ‘Biloxi’ blueberries. The blueberries were stored for a period of 5 weeks at 2 °C andin 90% relative humidity (RH). The ﬁndings revealed that the preharvest hexanal spraying of both cultivars delayed senescenceby mitigating CI, as evidenced by the bolstering of the antioxidant defense system through increased superoxide dismutase(SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity.The treated fruit also maintained elevated levels of total phenol content (TPC), total ﬂavonoids (TFC), and vitamin C, demon-strating enhanced free radical scavenging capacity (FRSC), while exhibiting reduced polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, andreduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and H2 O 2 content in comparison with the control group. The preharvest hexanal treatmentalso suppressed fruit softening by maintaining greater ﬁrmness and higher membrane stability index (MSI) scores, inhibitingthe activity of polygalacturonase (PG), pectinmethylesterase (PME), xylanase, and ⊍-amylase, and reducing microbial counts(MC) and incidence of decay (DI) in comparison with the control. Preharvest hexanal treatment also improved the overall stor-age quality by reducing weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and the TSS/acid ratio, while increasing titratable acidity(TA) in comparison with the control during cold storage. The ﬁndings suggest that hexanal, as a preharvest application, delayssenescence effectively and preserves overall quality by enhancing cold tolerance through antioxidant defense mechanisms inblueberry storage under cold conditions.
OPTIMIZING GROWING CONDITION AND PLANTING DATE FOR GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF SQUASH IN BANGLADESH
(SAARC Journal of Agriculture, 2024-06-15) Hossen, M.A.; Islam, M.N.; Rahman, M.J.; Uddin, M.M.; Hossain, H.M.M.T.; Akther, S.
An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research field of Horticulture Research Centre Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh, during October 2018 to March 2019 to find out the effect of growing condition and planting date on yield and yield attributes of squash. The experiment comprised two sets of treatments viz., (a) Growing conditions: (i) Open cultivation (C1); (ii) Net protected cultivation (C2) and Cultivation with barrier crop (C3) and (b) Planting dates: (i) 1 November (D1); (ii) 15 November(D2); (iii) 1 December (D3) and (iv) 15 December (D4) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety BARI squash-1 was used in this experiment. The results showed that net protected cultivation showed significantly the highest fruit plant-1 , fruit length, yield plant-1 and yield ha-1 . Growing condition did not affect quality parameters of quash. Early planting (1 November) showed significantly higher yield, yield attributes and quality parameters than late planting. Fruit diameter did not showed any significant difference irrespective of planting date. The interaction between growing condition and planting dates was significant for yield and quality parameters. Based on the study results it is concluded that maximum yield (49.33 t ha-1 ) and quality of BARI squash-1 could be achieved through cultivation under net protected condition with 1 November planting.
Evaluating the Safety of Imidacloprid FS Seed Treatment Use in Potato Production: A Case Study from China
(Molecules, 2024-06-17) Kaium, Abdul; Wu, Chi; Man, Yanli; Dong, Fengshou; Zheng, Youngquan
This study evaluated the residue behavior and dissipation dynamics of a new imidacloprid FS 600 seed treatment in potato cultivation systems in Shandong and Jilin, China. Sensitive and accurate UPLC-MS/MS methods were established to quantify imidacloprid residues in potatoes, potato plants, and soil. Results showed that imidacloprid dissipation followed a first-order kinetic model, with half-lives ranging from 6.9 to 26.7 days in plants and 19.8 to 28.9 days in soil. At harvest, the highest average residues in potatoes and soil were 0.778 mg/kg and 0.149 mg/kg, respectively. The dietary risk assessment indicated a chronic risk quotient (CRQ) of 39.73% for adults, indicating minimal risk to human consumers, while the ecological risk quotient (ERQ) and ecotoxicity exposure ratio (TER) revealed low to moderate toxicity to earthworms, warranting caution in the use of this formulation. This research provides valuable data for assessing the safety of imidacloprid FS seed treatment in potato cultivation.