Crop IPM

Background: Chickpea Fusarium wilt is the foremost devastating fungal disease that leads to massive grain yield loss in chickpea. Field experiments were therefore carried out to appraise the synergistic effect of seed dressing fungicides, vermicompost and chickpea varieties on Fusarium wilt intensity, and yield of chickpea. Methods: Treatment combinations were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design. Results: The finding revealed that the interaction among seed dressing fungicides, chickpea varieties and vermicompost application had a significant impact on wilt intensity, yield, and related yield attributes of chickpea. Thus, the Natoli variety when treated with Goldazim 500SC seed dressing fungicide and supplemented with vermicompost showed the lowest wilt incidences (0.35%) and percent severity index (PSI) (0.6%) at Fogera site. Conversely, untreated Dehra variety retained the highest mean incidence and PSI of 27.26% and 31.07%, respectively at Bahir Dar Zuria. The maximum grain yield recorded was 2953.8 kg ha-1 achieved by the Natoli treated with Goldazim 500SC and receiving vermicompost application. The study also noted that the highest grain yield loss due to Fusarium wilt were 27.8% at Bahir Dar Zuria and 23.96% in Fogera district correlating with increased disease incidence and severity. The correlation analysis between disease intensity parameters and yield components in chickpeas demonstrated significant negative relationships, indicating that the increased Fusarium wilt intensity adversely affected yield and yield contributing components. Conclusion: The integrated application of seed dressing fungicides and vermicompost, in moderately resistant varieties like Natoli, offers a promising strategy for minimizing the adverse impact of Fusarium wilt and maximizing chickpea productivity.

The primary aim of this study is to identify significant predictors affecting the deployment of upgraded seed in Udayapur, Nepal. With minimum prior study and insufficient information in the survey area, this research tries to fill the knowledge gap by investing socioeconomic, institutional, financial and technical factors affecting the adoption of improved seed. A sample size of 75 respondents were interviewed at farm level. Benefit Cost ratio, Binary Logistic regression and Scaling index techniques are employed for the research. The benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) for improved seed adoption was found to be 1.37, which is higher than of local seed (1.10). The total area under cultivation (p = 0.010) and training status of farmers (p = 0.050) were significant factors affecting the adoption of improved seed. For every increase in one-unit, area (hectare) and trained farmer, the odds of planting improved seed increase by 15.1 % and 4.168% respectively. The untimely availability of improved seed (0.71), fragmented land holdings (0.65) and lack of technical knowledge (0.53) were top three ranked factors hindering the adoption of premium seeds. To further encourage the use of high graded seed, technical and financial assistance, timely supply of input, land consolidation, and cooperative's roles become crucial. To streamline the future plans and programs for maize cultivation in the research area, an endeavor is made to study possible pathways for interventions.

Fresh vegetables, whether seasonal or off-seasonal, are seen as valuable crops in Nepal, and there is a strong push for their commercial production. Among them, tomato cultivation is widespread, with off-season tomato farming gaining traction for its greater financial returns compared to seasonal production. The main objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic condition, economic aspects of tomato production in plastic tunnels, involving the estimation of the production function, problems and evaluation of the benefit-cost ratio. House-hold survey was conducted from May 5 to July 10, 2023, gathered data from 100 tunnel tomato growers from random sampling method from 3 wards (Chouketar Dahachok, Baad Bhanjyang and Thankot) in Chandragiri municipality, Kathmandu. We included 100 tunnel tomato growers (58 men, 42 women;

Hay que tener en cuenta que por cada dólar o euro que los consumidores pagan a los vendedores minoristas dentro de la cadena agroindustrial, la sociedad paga otros dos dólares o euros por los daños ambientales y a la salud que la misma cadena provoca. La cuenta total de los costos directos e indirectos de operación de la cadena agroindustrial equivale a cinco veces el gasto anual en armamento de los gobiernos del mundo. Y los suelos degradados son el resultado de todos los años de agricultura industrializada. Para introducirnos en la regeneración biológica de estos suelos, debemos en primer lugar dejar de lado la mente colmena, es decir, dejar de analizar consecuencias sin siquiera comprender las causas. La vida de los suelos es desconocida para muchas personas que se dedican a la agricultura. La simbiosis entre los microorganismos y las raíces de las plantas es sin duda uno de los elementos más importantes a tener en cuenta. Los hongos son quienes junto a las redes de raíces, conforman una extensa capa donde se van alimentando otros microorganismos, con los siguientes efectos: descomponen la materia orgánica liberando nitrógeno, retienen nutrientes en su interior, generan nutrientes para otros microorganismos, protegen a las raíces, las micorrizas mueven minerales. Los protozoarios liberan nitrógeno para la planta cuando se alimentan de bacterias, controlan patógenos que atacan a la planta, estimulan y regulan las poblaciones de bacterias. Los nematodos liberan nitrógeno para la planta cuando se alimentan de bacterias o de hongos. Existen 26 mil especies de nematodos. Un suelo sin hongos es un suelo degradado.

This study evaluates the feasibility of kiwi farming as a commercial crop in Sandakpur Rural Municipality, Ilam, Nepal. Using a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the research analyzes socio-economic and environmental factors, identifies key challenges such as market access and pest management, and explores opportunities for growth. Results show that 50% of farmers find kiwi cultivation profitable, with notable increases in household income and employment opportunities. Recommendations include improving market infrastructure, technical training, climate-resilient farming, and promoting organic production for premium markets..

Solanum nigrum L., commonly known as Makoi or Black Nightshade, is a widely cultivated fruit
vegetable crop valued for its high nutritional content. However, its production is significantly threatened
by the cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis). This highly destructive pest causes severe economic losses
and compromises crop quality due to its aggressive feeding behavior. Biopesticides have recently gained
attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional insecticides for managing S. littoralis infestations. This
study evaluated the efficacy of three commercial bioinsecticides applied at their recommended concentrations
against 2nd instar larvae of S. littoralis under semi-field conditions over two growing seasons. Larval mortality
was assessed three days post-treatment, and all tested bioinsecticides demonstrated significant effectiveness.
Among them, emamectin benzoate consistently exhibited the highest mortality rate across both seasons.
Additionally, the tested bioinsecticides remained effective for up to 10 days after application. Treatment with
LC50 concentrations of these bioinsecticides resulted in significant alterations in soluble protein, carbohydrate,
and lipid levels, as well as the activity of specific carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. These findings highlight
the potential of bioinsecticides as effective and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, offering both
targeted pathogenic effects on insect pests and safety for non-target organisms.

Banana is an important cash crop in Bangladesh. Despite potential to increase its acreage, banana faces a range of different threats, including Panama wilt, bunchy top and sigatoka diseases, and insect pests. The Feed the Future Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Activity (IPMA) project developed an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package for banana to support farmers in combating production threats. The IPMA has introduced a business model aimed at creating demand for IPM solutions by providing farmers with capacity-building training, facilitating business-to-business (B2B) connection between IPM solution providers and local input dealers to reach last-mile farmers, and establishing field trials to showcase the results of IPM solutions. The IPMA has systematically collected data to measure the adoption of IPM solutions, including improved cultural practices, and assessed their impact on overall production and gross return. Farmers who adopted these practices obtained 33% and 36% higher revenue and gross margin, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2022, while farmers secured a 23% and 27% higher revenue and gross margin, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2023. Cumulative effects of improved fertilization, cultural practices, and adoption of bio-based IPM solutions contributed to achieving higher revenue and gross margin.

the impact of two sowing methods (Line sowing and broadcasting) and four varieties (Bijaya, Gautam, Aditya, and Borlaug 2020) on wheat was investigated. We aimed to identify the best sowing method and variety using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study focused on various growth and yield parameters, including plant height, tiller number, grain per spike, effective tillers per square meter, thousand grain weight, grain yield per hectare, and biological yield per hectare. Line sowing was found to have the highest impact on biometrical as well as yield attributing characters. More height (111.51 cm), number of tillers (3.80), grain/spike (57.02), and grain yield (3.85 ton/ha) were obtained in line sowing. There was a significant difference observed among the varieties for all the traits except tiller number and biological yield. Borlaug 2020 was found to be superior for performance based on yield attributing traits which have grain/spike, effective tiller/m 2 , biological yield, and grain yield of 62.88, 177.15, 6.60 ton/ha, and 3.95 ton/ha respectively. From the interaction effects, variety Borlaug 2020 and line sowing method were found to be superior for cultivation. The study further demonstrates that farmers of Dang can combine Borlaug 2020 with line-sowing methods to obtain promising results.

This study assessed the overall scenario of mechanization in different ecological zones of Nepal and identified determinants of mechanization. A perception-based semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted in four districts, each in Terai and Hills of Lumbini province, Nepal. Index ranking method and descriptive statistics were used to rank farmers' perceptions of factors affecting adoption, problems, and the impact of mechanization. A multiple linear regression model (OLS) was used to analyze determinants of farm mechanization, and the model was tested for normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity. The average machinery used per household in the study area was 1.68, and 58% of the machinery purchased was in grant support from the government. Extension service is a major source of information for adoption, and cost reduction is a major reason for using machines in farming. Most surveyed farmers responded that cost has decreased and production has increased with...

The water harvesting ponds (haffirs) are used for drinking, agriculture, domestic needs and activities. These haffirs are designed
to store water to be used during the dry-season in Sudan. The objectives of the series of the 4 previously published studies were
to investigate the possibility of pollution hazardous materials like heavy metals (HMs), pesticides and hydrocarbons (HCs) and
relate them to the registry of cancer and renal problem cases of Gedarif State (GS), Eastern Sudan. Three haffirs, representing 3
regions within the state, were subjected to the investigations, viz. Azaza, Tarfa and Elkafay. The HMs results showed that levels of
several of them were higher than the WHO permissible levels (PLs) in the soil and water. The herbicide 2,4-D, and the insecticides
carbaryl, lindane, their degradation products, in addition to some hydrocarbons were detected. It is concluded that the levels of
some of these pollutants might be behind the incidence of some of the reported cancers and the renal failure cases in the area. The
study recommended that haffirs site selection, design, facilities, logistics and protection must be given the required attention by all
stakeholders.
Keywords: Water-Harvesting; Heavy Metals; Carbaryl; Lindane; 2,4-D; Cancer; Renal Problems; Gedarif State; Sudan

The water harvesting ponds (haffirs) are used for drinking, agriculture, domestic needs and activities. These haffirs are designed
to store water to be used during the dry-season in Sudan. The objectives of the series of the 4 previously published studies were
to investigate the possibility of pollution hazardous materials like heavy metals (HMs), pesticides and hydrocarbons (HCs) and
relate them to the registry of cancer and renal problem cases of Gedarif State (GS), Eastern Sudan. Three haffirs, representing 3
regions within the state, were subjected to the investigations, viz. Azaza, Tarfa and Elkafay. The HMs results showed that levels of
several of them were higher than the WHO permissible levels (PLs) in the soil and water. The herbicide 2,4-D, and the insecticides
carbaryl, lindane, their degradation products, in addition to some hydrocarbons were detected. It is concluded that the levels of
some of these pollutants might be behind the incidence of some of the reported cancers and the renal failure cases in the area. The
study recommended that haffirs site selection, design, facilities, logistics and protection must be given the required attention by all
stakeholders.
Keywords: Water-Harvesting; Heavy Metals; Carbaryl; Lindane; 2,4-D; Cancer; Renal Problems; Gedarif State; Sudan

Have you ever wondered why population dynamics studies are important to integrated pest management?
These studies are extremely important, as they provide fundamental information on when and to what extent a given harmful organism may appear in crops. This guides decision-making regarding control measures at the most appropriate time, resulting in better pest management. Although population dynamics are obtained in a specific location, they are very likely to show the same trends in other locations with similar environmental conditions to the study site. This makes it possible to launch predictions based on local studies.

The South American sogata, Tagosodes orizicolus (Muir) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), population dynamics in irrigated rice ecosystem in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, is still unknown. This makes difficult the overall planning of integrated pest management measures to be implemented in farms. The aim of this study was monitoring the sogata incidence to know its population dynamics and its periods of greatest occurrence in rice fields. Weekly sweep net samplings were carried out in the following environments: rice field, fallow land and pasture. Each sample consisted of 30 pendulum strokes of the net, taken at five points in each environment. Concomitantly, light traps were set in irrigated rice fields at Epagri Experimental Station, in Itajaí, SC. From September 2020 to March 2024 the light traps were turned on, from 4pm to 9am once a week, except from April to August of each year when they remained turned off. The population dynamics of T. orizicolus in irrigated rice fields was characterized by a low number of individuals between October and December and a subsequent continuous increase of individual’s number from January onwards. In the off-season, the sogata population remains in areas with rice regrowth. In Itajaí, Santa Catarina, the largest populations in irrigated rice fields occurred in March.

The yellow scarab beetle, Geniates barbatus Kirby (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), population dynamics in guava orchards on the North Coast of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, is still unknown. This makes difficult the regional planning of integrated pest management to be implemented in guava farms. The aim of this study was monitoring the yellow scarab beetle incidence in guava crop, in order to know its population dynamics and the periods of greatest occurrence in the region. Light traps, were set in domestic guava orchard at Epagri Experimental Station, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Between October 2019 and February 2024, the light traps were turned on daily from 4pm to 9am, except from March to September/October of each year when they remained turned off. The population dynamics of G. barbatus beetles was characterized by a rapid initial increase and subsequent gradual decay of individuals in a short time. In the North Coast of Santa Catarina, the largest populations occur in November.

Serious hurdles plague maize cultivation in Nepal's mid-hills, which poses many bottlenecks to commercialization and productivity. This study investigates the dynamics of maize production and commercialization in the Ishma, Malika, and Madane Rural Municipalities of Gulmi district, where maize seed and grain production has potential. The findings reveal that, while seed producers are marginally younger, their household heads perform much better than grain producers on all three family size, economic activity, and labor use criteria. Better seed and better inputs (labor and manure) benefit seed producers and increase the production cost. Although they average the same maize yield, seed producers obtain higher returns as their total return is NRs. 140669.2, compared with only NRs. 68,036.42 for grain producers. For Gulmi, maize seed production is more profitable than grain production (1.47: 1.31, respectively) as indicated by the Benefit-to-Cost ratio (B: C). Similarly, seed producers were found to have a higher (1.204) return to scale than grain producers (1.147). Production obstacles include shortages of workers, problems with pests and diseases, poor infrastructure, and lack of technical expertise. These challenges are exacerbated by marketing problems, such as distance to market and low seasonal prices, which make commercialization difficult. According to the Cobb-Douglas production function analysis, the increased cost in intercultural operations, pre-sowing operations, and post-harvest activities leads to higher income for seed and grain producers. The results pinpoint the need for improved access to inputs, technical training, and better infrastructure to enhance the maize production efficiency and commercialization in Gulmi.

An ovigerous female of Athanas dimorphus Ortmann, 1894 captured from intertidal zone at Buleji (Karachi, Pakistan) on December 03, 2005 was kept under the laboratory conditions. The larvae were hatched out on December 07, 2005. The zoea I of Athanas dimorphus passed through II, III and IV zoeal stages within four days at room temperature: 23°C-26°C, in filtered seawater with salinity of 35-37‰ and pH 7.5-7.9. The developmental stages are described along with their illustrations and compared with the available descriptions of Athanas dimorphus larvae given by Gurney, 1927 for the first stage and Bhuti, et al., 1977 for first three stages. Thus, the fourth stage is being described for the first time not only in the species but in the genus Athanas

One of the major pomegranate pests is the fruit borer Deudorix isocrates Fab. A comprehensive review of the literature found that ninety-one insects, six mites, and one snail were pests that fed on Anar crops in India. The Anar butterfly Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates Fab., is the almost annoying foe and can ruin over half of the fruits. Field tests were carried out to assess the effectiveness of cyanatraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 200, 250, 300 and 400 g/ha along with two standard checks i.e., Lamda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS @ 500 ml/ha and Fipronil 5% SC @ 2.0 l/ha
against fruit borer of pomegranate at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jhalawar during the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD showed that test product was evenly effective @ 400 and 300 g/ha to control fruit borer on pomegranate crop and better than other standard treatments. The highest crop yield of Anar was recorded in the treatment of cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 400 g/ha which was 98.20 q/ha and 109.20 q/ha during the respective year in comparison to untreated control.

New techniques for Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) control are being studied and developed to replace traditional organophosphate pesticide applications. A mass trapping strategy offers promising medfly control within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Field assays were performed to study the efficacy of two mass trapping techniques based on PheroNorm® and Ceratrap® lures that were compared to a conventional approach to control the medfly in Tunisian apricot orchards. The results showed that both mass trapping techniques had a similar efficiency in reducing the C. capitata population. The degrees Brix in the fruits was a determinant issue since the initial apricot fruit damage was detected at 6.4%. At harvesting, the lowest fruit damage rate was recorded in the PheroNorm® (4.25%) and Ceratrap® (6.50%) treated orchards, compared with the conventional approach (10.75%). Therefore, the use of 50 PheroNorm® and Ceratrap® traps per ha density within an IPM approach may be ...

Potato farming is one of the most lucrative enterprises in the Baglung district, primarily due to the favorable geographic and edaphic conditions. The major goal of our research was to analyze the marketing dynamics of Potatoes in the district, focusing on marketing channels, actors involved and major problems. A survey was undertaken with a representative sample size of 106 farmers using the simple random sampling technique and 14 traders (collectors, wholesalers and retailers) using the snowball sampling technique, encompassing all PMAMP potato zones. Data collection methods included Household Surveys, FGD, KII, along with various secondary sources of information and data analysis was done using SPSS and Ms. Excel. An indexing/scaling technique was utilized to rank the identified problems in marketing. Additionally, value chain mapping was employed to illustrate the actors, their functions, and enablers in the value chain activities related to potatoes and a SWOT analysis was done to find strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the potatoes at the producer's level. Three main marketing channels were identified, with the marketing margin at NRs. 12.24/kg and the producer's share at 79.6%. Farmers predominantly sold sorted and graded products, with transportation means ranging from tractors to porters. Market information primarily came from friends, with a 51.72% satisfaction level among farmers. Farmer's illiteracy and lack of awareness emerged as the most serious problem in marketing of potatoes followed by dominance of middlemen/intermediaries.

Significant postharvest losses from stored grain pests emphasize the need for sustainable control methods, with Telakucha (Coccinia grandis) leaf extract showing promise as a natural, eco-friendly pesticide due to its allelopathic effects. The aims of this study are to assess the mortality response of rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), Red Flour Beetles (Tribolium castaneum), and pulse beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis) influenced by the 100, 70, and 50% methalonic leaf extract of Telakucha (Coccina grandis). Telakucha leaf extracts mixed with three concentrations of grain weight, viz., dose-1 (10% of grain weight, 2 ml), dose-2 (7.5% of grain weight, 1.5 ml), and dose-3 (5% of grain weight, 1 ml). The result showed that the mortality percentage is higher in a 100% extract treatment than 70% and lower in a 50% extract. Rice weevil mortality at the dose-3 of 100% extract was lower than the other two pests. At 70% extract, the mortality rate of pulse beetles in dose-1 and dose-2 was lower than the other two insects, and the mortality rate of red flower beetles in dose-3 was found to be lower than the rest. In 50% extract, the mortality rate of rice weevil at doses 1, 2, and 3 was higher than that of red flower beetles and pulse beetles. This treatment had the best results on rice weevils and the least on red flower beetles. Here three dosages demonstrated no activity on the red flower beetle and pulse beetle. In the case of 10% dose exhibited the highest allelopathic effect of each pest, whereas 5% dose demonstrated the lowest allelopathic effect. The effectiveness of the leaf extract was found to increase proportionally with the increase in dosages. The Telakucha leaf extract result also showed that it was significantly higher than that of the control. Therefore, Telakucha leaf extract might be used for the effective and eco-friendly management of these three pests.

The present work deals with the extraction of volatile oil from dried bark of Cinnamomum
zeylanicum. The volatile oil was extracted by the common hydro distillation method and determined by
GC–MS. A total of 12 components were identifed. The major component in the essential oil was the
aromatic compound E, Z–cinnamaldehyde (31.91%), followed by the main groups, monoterpenoids
or oxygenated monoterpenes (27.25%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (15.29%) and sesquiterpenoids
(10.69%). The essential oil possessed ovicidal activity against three-day old eggs of Spodoptera littoralis
(Boisduval) with  LC50
and LC90
values of 1.64 and 7.42%, respectively. Dipping eggs in LC50
values might
be indicated the presence of abnormalities in the external morphology of eggshell, chorion surface and
micropyle area as compared to untreated eggs using a scanning electron microscope. Additionally, the
tested oil signifcantly reduced total soluble protein, total lipids and activities of both acid phosphatase and
phenoloxidase enzymes as compared to control. Moreover, the oil afected some biological parameters
such as incubation period of the eggs and subsequent ofspring, i.e., larval mortality, larval and pupal
duration and pupal weight compared to the control. This information might help in developing IPM
strategies against this serious pest

Within the framework of diligent and continuous research for alternative tools and botanical products to control Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Salvia officinalis (L.) (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) essential oil was assayed as an ovicidal and larvicidal. Chemical analysis of S. officinalis oil using GC-MS analysis showed monoterpenoids 1.8-Cineole (61.80%) and Camphor (17.18%) followed by monoterpenes Camphene (5.64%), α-Pinene (5.18%) and 2-β-Pinene (2.86%). Generally, the results of toxicity tests indicated that 1st instar larvae are more susceptible than 3rd instar one, LC50 and LC90 values were (1.963, 5.993 ppm) and (4.555, 26.073 ppm), respectively. On the other hand, treating three days old eggs possessed LC50 and LC90 21.152, 396.892 ppm respectively. Biological results revealed that the oil elongated the larval duration, reduced pupal weight and increased pupal mortality than control. Meanwhile, the tested oil caused a reduction in AchE and increased LDH enzymes as compared to control.

Aim: To investigate the biology, growth and development, morphometrics and population life tables of invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on sunflower, Helianthus annuus (L.). Methodology: The study was conducted in a controlled environment with regulated temperature (27±2°C), humidity (75±5%) and a photoperiod of L12:D12. Sunflower plants were grown as host following recommended agricultural practices, excluding specific plant protection measures. All the observation were taken using standard procedures and protocols. Interpretation: This study provides valuable insights into the life cycle and basic biology of fall armyworm on sunflower as well as critical information about population dynamics to develop strategies to mitigate its impact on agriculture.

The present information is based on the morpho-taxonomic study of the zoeal stages of Synalpheus thai Banner and Banner, 1966. The ovigerous female of Synalpheus thai was collected from Nathia Gali (Pacha, Karachi). Larvae were hatched at room temperature 30-32 o C, in filtered seawater of a salinity of 35-37 ppt and pH 7.8. All the zoeal stages of S. thai are described along with their illustrations, and compared with the available descriptions of its congeners larvae given earlier.

Baglung district. The study used a representative sample size of 106 individuals from all PMAMP potato zones. Household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a variety of secondary sources of data were among the techniques used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, the Cobb-Douglas production function, benefit-cost ratio analysis, and gross margin analysis. An indexing/scaling method was applied to the problems that were identified. The profitability of potato production was highlighted by economic analysis, which showed an average variable cost of production of NRs. 213,777.47 per hectare, gross returns of NRs. NRs. 271,392 per hectare, and a gross margin of NRs. 57,614.58 per hectare with a BCR of 1.27. An analysis of the Cobb-Douglas production function showed a significant positive relationship between various factors and total income. A return to scale value of 1.24 was found in the study, indicating increasing returns on potato production in the research area. The cost of intercultural operations, harvesting, manure, and seeds were found to be underutilized and required to be increased, while the cost of overusing resources for land preparation needed to be decreased for optimal distribution, in accordance to the resource use efficiency analysis. Disease and pests emerged as severe problems, with late blight and red ants being predominant threats. The research demonstrated that potato growing is a profitable and potentially viable agricultural enterprise in the study area. Consequently, it is imperative for all concerned stakeholders to collaborate in efforts to enhance production and profitability.

Abstract
Several states in Sudan suffer from lack of water, especially during November to June (dry-season). Therefore, some states,
including Gedarif, resort to water-harvesting in pond (haffirs), which are used for drinking, agriculture and other domestic needs
and activities. The current paper is one of a series of studies, 3 of them already published covered heavy metals contamination of
the soil, water and the sensitivities of the ICP-OES vs. atomic absorption methods on determining their concentrations. The current
paper covers the presence and levels of pesticides and hydrocarbons as pollutants in the 3 studied haffirs. Soil samples were taken
from the surface of the haffirs, 30 cm and 60 cm depth, in addition to water samples every 2 wk. Samples were prepared as required,
extracted, cleaned, concentrated and the concentrations of pesticides and hydrocarbons (HCs) were determined by GC-MS. The
herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the insecticides carbaryl, lindane, in addition to oils and fuel were detected
at different levels. The study recommended that haffirs site selection, design, facilities, logistics and protection must be given the
required attention by the health authorities, water corporations, the states and the municipalities. Further studies should be carried
out to study the other pollutants, e.g. microorganisms.
Keywords: Water-Harvesting Ponds; Haffirs; Water; Soil; Contamination; Pesticides; Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Gedarif; Sudan

Satellite remote sensing has emerged as a transformative tool in modern agriculture, providing real-time, large-scale, and cost-effective solutions to enhance both productivity and sustainability. This paper reviews the current applications of satellite data in agriculture, with a particular focus on its potential in Nepal. By examining global use cases in crop health monitoring, soil moisture estimation, weather pattern analysis, and land use classification, the paper emphasizes the value of integrating satellite technology into Nepal9s agricultural practices. It also explores the challenges of data accessibility, technical expertise, and policy integration, offering recommendations for overcoming these barriers to foster sustainable agricultural development. The paper introduces KrishiDrishti, a platform designed specifically for Nepal that uses satellite data to deliver actionable insights, empowering farmers and policymakers with tools for precision agriculture. By leveraging the potential of KrishiDrishti, this platform supports the transition to more efficient and climate-resilient farming practices, showcasing its transformative potential in Nepal9s agricultural sector.

This study evaluated the growth, yield, and fruit quality of grafted and non-grafted tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars under protected cultivation. Conducted from March to July 2024 at Bhattarai Shiva Shakti Krishi Farm, Bhaktapur, Nepal, the experiment used two cultivars, Heemsikhar and Srijana, as scions grafted onto Solanum torvum (wild brinjal) rootstock. Four treatments  T1: Grafted Heemsikhar, T2: Control Heemsikhar, T3: Grafted Srijana, and T4: Control Srijana4were put in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Key parameters, including plant growth, fruit yield, and quality traits such as firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sugar-acid ratio, and vitamin C content, were assessed. Grafting significantly improved fruit yield, TA, and vitamin C content but had no effect on plant height, stem diameter, fruit firmness, TSS, or sugar-acid ratio. The T3 (Grafted Srijana) treatment yielded the highest fruit weight, with 129.60 g/plant in the first harvest and 121.30 g/plant in the second. T1 (Grafted Heemsikhar) followed, with yields of 112.01 g/plant and 84.60 g/plant at the respective harvests. T3 also recorded the highest TA and vitamin C content, highlighting its potential for enhancing both yield and  nutritional quality. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing tomato cultivation through grafting and offer practical recommendations for improving  productivity and fruit quality under protected conditions.

Keywords: Grafting, tomato, wild-brinjal, yield

This review paper explores hydroponics as a progressive method of urban agriculture, addressing challenges of confined land availability, food security, and environmental worries resulting from urbanization. Hydroponics, a soilless agricultural technique, emerges as a sustainable response to the urban challenges of limited arable land and water scarcity. Overall, this review synthesizes the study's insights into setup costs, operational challenges, and profitability, aligning them with global trends and local constraints. Recommendations for strategic interventions, including subsidies, training, and urban planning integration, highlight pathways to foster the adoption of hydroponic farming in urban contexts.

The field trial was conducted at Soybean Research Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi during Kharif season of 2021 and 2022 using variety JS-335. Results revealed that two foliar sprays applied at 35 and 50 days after sowing with Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambda cyhalothrin (5%) ZC (Ampligo 150 ZC) @ 200 ml ha-1 recorded lowest cumulative mean larval population of tobacco caterpillar i.e., 1.48 and 2.22 larvae per meter row length (mrl) during 2021 and 2022, respectively. The next best treatments were biological insecticides viz., emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 15 g ha-1 (1.68 and 2.33 larvae mrl-1) and spinosad 45 SC @ 75 g ha-1 (2.22 and 2.41 larvae mrl-1) with less larval population during 2021 and 2022, respectively. The treatment Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambda cyhalothrin (5%) ZC (Ampligo 150 ZC) @ 200 ml ha-1 also recorded highest mean seed yield (1915.5 kg ha-1) and highest benefit cost ratio (4.63).
Key words: Tobacco caterpillar, JS-335, insecticide, yield, benefit cost ratio.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and repellency of leaf aqueous extracts i.e., Melia azedarach (Bakain), Nicotiana tabacum L. (Tobacco), Eucalyptus globulus Labill (Eucalyptus), Moringa oleifera L. (Moringa) and Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint) against two major sucking pests i.e. aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) and two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and their natural enemies such as ladybird
beetle (Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus) and predatory mite (Amblyseius andersoni Chant). The leaf dip method was used to conduct bioassay and this experiment was performed under Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed that N. tabacum extract was more toxic to aphids, two-spotted spider mites, ladybird beetles and predatory mites and caused 80.82, 81.49, 39.77 and 51.55% mortalities, respectively, after 96 hours. M. azedarach extract showed the second highest mortalities i.e., 73.85% in aphids, 70.54% in two-spotted spider mites, 31.05% in ladybird beetles and 46.49% of predatory mites. Mortality trend observed in other aqueous extracts was eucalyptus > moringa > peppermint. The repellent effect of these extracts was also evaluated and observed after 12 and 24 hours. N. tabacum extract caused 80.55 and 86.88% repellencies against aphid and two-spotted spider mites, while 68.55 and 74.34% against ladybird beetle and predatory mites, followed by bakain > peppermint > moringa > eucalyptus. The results revealed that all these leaf aqueous extracts can be used effectively against aphids and two-spotted spider mites, but we have to be careful with their slightly toxic effects on predators.

Apple is one of the most economically viable fruit of the high-hills since it has great export potentiality in the international market. Apple is one of the key fruits with potential to generate income and employment in the high mountain districts of western Nepal. Despite this fact farmers are unable to get proper price even in domestic market. The study analysed the marketing practices of apple in mustang district using simple random sampling of 80 farmers from two village development committee (VDC) namely Kobang and Tukuche, comprising 40 samples from each study VDC. The survey was conducted in 2009. For the market information, two contractors each from Kobang and Tukuche VDC, two wholesalers and two retailers each from Jomsom, Beni, Baglung and Pokhara were interviewed. Data obtained from semi-structured questionnaire were subjected to descriptive analysis. The results showed that pre-harvest contractual system was the most common mode of selling and Jomsom, Beni, Baglung and Pokhara were the major market spots for apple. The marketing margin per kg was higher in Kobang (Rs 30.39) while producers' share was higher in Tukuche VDC (Rs 34.04). Most of the traders perceived that lack of transportation facilities and market information were the major problems in marketing of apple in the study area.

Cotton bollworms, spiny bollworm Earias, insulana Boisduval, spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fabricius, american bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) are major pest of cotton (Balouch et al., 1990). Two main cotton growing localities Hala and Saeedabad, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan have been selected for study. The light traps and specific sex pheromone traps were used and fixed on one hector area in each locality to monitor the adult population of all species mentioned above. The lures of traps were changed after the interval of 15 days and data were collected weekly. The metrological observations were taken weekly and also took the rainfall data of 2006 and 2007 from Metrology department of Sindh. The adult moths of all species were present in great number through out the cotton season in both localities except H. armigera which was present in noticeable number only in Hala, that was 92 in 2006 and 122 in 2007 while in Saeedabad they were very few in number even they did not reach to double figure, but remaining three species were more than one hundred in Saeedabad, among these pectinophora was in greater number i.e. about 161 adult moths (98% of these were only male, caught by sex pheromones alone). Sex pheromones proved more effective for monitoring the adult moth of all species except H. armigera, ie. 48 adults were captured by light traps and only 26 were caught by pheromones. P. gossypiella was very attractant to sex pheromones, only 2 % were captured through light trap, but response of Earias species were positive to both techniques, here also pheromones seemed more successful in capturing the adult moth than light trap with little variation in both years. The population of all species was present throughout the cotton season, but high infestation occurs in August to September and reached to its peak in September because of low rain fall in Hala and Saeedabad during both years but the infestation was higher in 2007 than 2006 because of the less rain in 2007 in comparison to 2006.

Jute cultivation has shown decreasing trend in recent years globally despite the prospective demand. Being laborintensive, with labor making up over 70% of the entire cost and technological advancements still not evident in farmers' fields limits productivity of jute in Nepal. This study aims to analyze the economic viability of jute production, factors affecting it and constraints of jute production in Sunsari district, Nepal. Well-structured and pretested interview schedule was used to acquire required data from 120 jute cultivators of Bhokhraha Narsingh and Duhabi municipality using random and purposive sampling technique. Benefit-cost ratio analysis and multiple regression were conducted using Excel 2019 and SPSS Version 25. Jute production is found profitable as shown by positive gross margin and the average Benefit-Cost ratio of 1.52. Highest education of the family, machinery and subsidy were positively significant with Benefit-cost ratio. Number of economically active female members had shown negative influence on benefit-cost ratio of jute production. Distance to nearest extension service center showed highly significant negative relation with benefit-cost ratio implying increasing distance lowers BC ratio by a greater extent. High cost of production and labor problem were ranked as major problem in sustainable jute production. To increase the jute productivity and sustainability, this study recommends focusing on labor issues and enhancing technology interventions. The findings of this study offer policymakers a foundation to implement strategies that strengthen jute production, fostering both economic stability and environmental sustainability in Sunsari district, Nepal.

A study was carried out in Gulmi District, Nepal, focused on the status of post-harvest technology and mandarin post-harvest losses. A random sampling technique was used to select the household and an interview with a semi-structured questionnaire was carried out. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive through SPSS and Ms. Excel and results were obtained. Through the collection and analysis of data from a sample of 100 respond-ents, this study delved into various aspects of Mandarin’s post-harvest status, including socio-demographic char-acteristics, post-harvest operation, and challenges faced by farmers. The findings revealed critical insights into the demographics of the surveyed farmers, their practices related to post-harvest management of Mandarin, and the issues they encounter. The study uncovered that while many farmers exhibit a lower understanding of post-harvesting technology including the use of chemicals, processing facilities, the effect of proper harvesting tech-nique, and other post-harvest handling practices on the shelf life of fruits, there is still room for improvement, particularly in post-harvest handling techniques and access to markets. Aggregate mean post-harvest losses were found to be 8.12% at the harvesting stage, followed by 4.05% at the grading stage, 3.07% at the sorting stage, and 1.65% during storage. The end use of market-rejected poor-grade fruits was also studied. The research also high-lighted the significance of farmer groups and the potential for training programs to enhance post-harvest knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the study identified critical needs among farmers, emphasizing the importance of access to essential resources, training, credit related to post-harvest management, marketing assistance, and improved infrastructure to improve Mandarin post-harvest handling in the region. These findings can inform tar-geted interventions and policies aimed at enhancing Mandarin farming practices, post-harvest handling practic-es, and improving farmers' livelihoods in the Gulmi district.

A case of severe infestation of the black weevil (Rhynchophorus
palmarum)  (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Rynchophorini) on Canary Island
palm (Phoenix canariensis) in the department of Treinta y Tres, Uruguay.
Bibliographic references on the species and the nematode are provided.
causing the disease known as “red ring) (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus)

Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni is the oomycete that causes sunflower downy mildew (SDM). Traditional means of controlling this pathogen are using resistant hybrids, crop rotation and seed coating with fungicides. Disease control strategies that use a variety of approaches are becoming an increasingly essential aspect of pest management strategies. We conducted this exploratory investigation to evaluate whether specific plant resistance inducers might work against P. halstedii. In this study we used azadirachtin (AZA) a botanical insecticide; benzothiadiazole (BTH) and Trichoderma asperellum. Three-day-old susceptible sunflower seedlings were pre-treated with different doses of inducers for two hours. The seedlings were immediately inoculated of 7 different pathotype of P. halstedii. As a control, metalaxyl-M a systemic fungicide was used. Nine-day-old sunflower plant leaves were sprayed with bidistilled water to stimulate sporangial growth. In vivo experiments showed that BTH, T. asperellum and the highest doses of AZA significantly reduced downy mildew symptoms. The various pathotypes of the pathogen significantly affected the plant height and disease symptoms under experiments.