1. A new pechay (Chinese cabbage) variety called 'Sufola Batishak' has been developed by BRAC in Bangladesh through conventional breeding over several generations of selection for traits like higher yield, late flowering, disease tolerance, and year-round cultivation ability.
2. Testing showed it outperformed existing varieties, with plant weight increased 15.72% and fresh vegetable yield per hectare up to 8.42% higher. It is suitable for both open field and protected cultivation.
3. After multi-location testing, 'Sufola Batishak' was released as a commercial variety in 2017-18 due to its profitable production, suitable agroclimatic adaptation, and potential for
Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. #For more information please follow the link of my you tube video on spinach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3_V5Cf8JY&t=79s #and more videos on spinach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAAeCJDHxg&t=9s
Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. #Please my you tube video on research on spinach at BARDC following the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3_V5Cf8JY&t=79s #and another video on spinach harvesting from balcony garden following Cut-and-come-again practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7bZRd74y0&t=136s
Pumpkin belong to the family cucurbitaceae is an important vegetable grown widely in Bangladesh. Its fruits, vines, flowers as well as seeds are extensively consumed by the Bangladeshi people and this is why pumpkins are cultivated as commercial as well as home garden vegetables in every part of this country. Although it is believed that originally its fruits were not sweeter and tasty rather they were bitter in taste and a mutation in the early phase of its domestication has changed its bitter taste into present day’s pumpkin which is not only sweeter in taste but also tasty. In Bangladesh generally it is grown in the Rabi season as relatively shorter day length and moderate temperature is required to induce female flowering and high temperature inhibits the production of female flower. Even though pumpkins are usually cultivated commercially by constructing beds in the open field but trellis grown pumpkin or pumpkin grown on roof tops or on bigger trees are also common in the homestead areas of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, it is also grown as intercrop and after potato harvesting sweet gourd cultivation is very common in the northern part of Bangladesh. At present, both open pollinated and hybrid pumpkin varieties are being cultivated by the Bangladeshi pumpkin growers but the price rate of F1 hybrid is much higher than the open pollinated varieties and seeds of the hybrid varieties cannot be utilized for pumpkin cultivation in the successive years. Considering the importance of pumpkins in Bangladesh as well as its demand in other countries BRAC started a pumpkin variety development program during the year 2000 and so far one open pollinated variety of pumpkin has been released for commercial cultivation by BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre. And the history of the newly developed open pollinated variety ”Barmashi” has been elaborated in this communication. #To enjoy my you tube video on hybrid pumpkin cultivation please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-EtqcuBMc&t=10s
Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. # To enjoy my you tube video on spinach please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAAeCJDHxg&t=9s
Cow pea is an important leguminous pulse crop grown mainly in the southern districts of Bangladesh and it is used as either green vegetables or as delicious pulse crop. Basically It is a Kharif season crop and its advantage is that it can be grown in the coastal areas as it has got tolerant capacity to moderate level of salinity. Plants and the fruits are very much similar to yard long beans but exhibits determinate growth and the fruits are shorter in size than yard long bean. Longer fruits with higher yield potentiality of cow pea is desirable than the traditional type low yielding plants with shorter size fruits. Again it seems that its area of cultivation can be expanded all over Bangladesh as a potential vegetable as well as pulse crop as its production cost is also very low and unlike yard long bean it does not require any trellis or bamboo sticks for its commercial cultivation. BRAC has recently developed a high yielding cow pea variety which will fetch more profit to the cow pea growers. #To enjoy my you tube video on cow pea harvesting please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6W14IeCUS0&t=22s #and also another video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTD2CMr3Ts&t=22s
Yardlong bean is a very common delicious legume vegetable grown in Bangladesh both for domestic consumption and for the exporting of vegetable items to the foreign super markets. Since it can be grown in our country almost throughout the year- this popular vegetable has enormous importance within the country and in the upstream markets as well. A pink coloured yardlong bean variety ‘Shova’ has been developed in BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through hybridization between an exotic variety and local yardlong bean varieties. This pink coloured yardlong bean variety is an almost year-round variety and its yield in the actual growing season has been recorded as 10-11 Mt/ha. Its anthocyanin rich pink coloured tender fruits are 45-46 cm long and individual pod wt. is around 34-35gm. Good uniformity in its pod size and shape was observed and this yard long variety was found to be tolerant to major disease and insect attacks as well. Unlike green type yardlong bean varieties its plot looks very beautiful at the fruiting stage due to its huge no. of attractive pink coloured fruits. Owing to its decorative pod colour, pink coloured yardlong bean variety increases sales rate of traditional type green fruited yardlong beans when these pink colored fruits are inserted into the bunch of green fruited beans. Its thicker fleshy fruits are non-fibrous and has good taste. Consumption of pink coloured yardlong bean along with the green type ensures more nutrition to the cooked food items of yardlong bean. #To enjoy my you tube video on extra early season cucumber cultivation in Bangladesh please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9T5kHpjhe0
Leafy vegetables are important constituent of fresh vegetables and these vegetables are excellent source of minerals, vitamins, fibers etc. These vegetables require minimum labour as well as inputs for their production and fresh vegetables can be harvested within 30-40 days after seed sowing. Since the plants of these vegetables remain edible up to 70-80 days through cut-and-come-again practice 2 or more harvesting of fresh vegetables can be ensured from single sowing. And this practice actually saves time and money for repeated production of these leafy vegetables. The details of the impact of cut-and-come-again practice on 5 leafy vegetables has been described in the article. #suggested my you tube video link on cut-and-come-again practice on spinach grown in the balcony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7bZRd74y0&t=136s #and another video link of the same practice on coriander leaf harvesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Xi3wYrPRM&t=5s
Performance Evaluation of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea Capitata) Cultivars in M...AI Publications
Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Capitata) is being one of the most popular and demanded vegetables and in Nepal. Five cultivars; Wonder ball, Green voyager, Green challenger, Omphalus and Green coronet were transplanted in first week of October in 2016 and 2017 consequently years in mid-hills (Kathmandu valley, 1300 masl) and grown during winter season with 45X45 cm spacing. Crops were fertilized with 200:120:100 N.P.K Kg/ha and 15 ton FYM/ha. One spray insecticide and fungicide were sprayed in the early season for crop establishment. The main objective of this experiment was to find out suitable high yielding and insect pest and disease field tolerant hybrid cabbage cultivars for commercial growing in mid-hills of Nepal. Crops were evaluated with its vegetative, insect pest and disease, yield and farmers and consumers response in two consecutive years. Result showed that among the tested cultivars Wonder ball was found highly uniform, vigorous, less attack by insect pest and disease, significantly higher yield (71.7 t/ha), higher average head weight (1622 g), early harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0) as compared to check Green coronet widely grown cultivar Green coronet which has only yield (57.91 t/ha), average head weight (1358 g), days to harvest (114 days), freshness (3.0) and market preference (3.0) respectively. It was followed by Green challenger which had yield (57.77), average head weight (1387), earlier harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0). Hence, Wonder ball and Green challenger have been selected and recommended for varietal registration and commercial cultivation in mid-hills of Nepal.
Pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation to enhance growth, productio...Innspub Net
The research was aimed to enhance growth, production, and seed quality of Jack Bean through pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation. The research was carried out from Mei to October 2016 at Puwasari Village, Dramaga, Bogor – Indonesia and be countinued by seed testing (December 2016) at Seed Testing Laboratoty, Bogor Agricultural University. The research was arranged in a Completely Randomyzed Block Design (CRBD) with 6 treatments, consisted of: Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 100cm x 100cm, Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Without pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm. The experiment was replicated by three replications. The result research showed spacing regulation and pruning has significantly effect to some variables observed. The wider spacing showed the better growth. The treatment of without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P2) resulted better growth, while the treatment of pruning treatment using square spacing and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P5) resulted better seed quality, however the highest production was reached by pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm (P6).
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Bangladesh and very recent successful operation of regular sustainable commercial vegetable cultivation of its horticulture division has given a new dimension to the Agriculture Sector in strengthening economy of this country. Considering the importance of horticultural crops in shaping the country’s socio-economic as well as cultural status, poverty eradication and ensuring nutritional security BRAC intervened into this horticultural sector of Bangladesh and started its vegetable seed distribution program to its beneficiaries after independence during the year 1972 to engage more people particularly the women into this vital sector. Gradually BRAC started vegetable seed production program and to provide support to the vegetable sector BRAC launched its variety development program in its own research and development center BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre). Along with other advantages which favours seed trading, since vegetable seed business is a round the year trade and the high priced vegetable seed usually occupy relatively smaller area during storage it also facilitate seed industry development in the country and BRAC also gave importance to the vegetable sector to involve itself in the seed business. As an NGO, undeniably it may be argued that it is quite ridiculous that BRAC has established a research section for the improvement of horticultural crops but it is interesting to note that through this research activities BRAC has played a very vital role not only in producing best quality vegetable seed within the country but also played a significant role in promoting and popularizing vegetable cultivation in Bangladesh. Besides absorbing a good no. of agriculturalists, botanists and other skilled persons in its agriculture sector every year BRAC is also helping to control the unemployment problem of Bangladesh as well.
# To enjoy my you tube video on red spinach please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijF78rwhaY&t=57s
Ash gourd is a very popular vegetable in Bangladesh but considering other type of gourds very few commercial hybrid ash gourds are available in the seed market of Bangladesh therefore an attempt was made to develop a suitable F1 hybrid for the vegetable growers of Bangladesh at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) using its active germplasms. After systematic collecting and evaluating germplasms suitable promising inbreds were selected based on their desirable characteristic features. These probable parents were crossed reciprocally and the F1 hybrid of Dinajpur X BARDC was found to be suitable as this hybrid exhibited good vigour with excellent vine spreading habit and produced high degree of femaleness with good fruit setting performance. Its fruits were oblong type with good shape & size and the quality of marketable size young fruits were very attractive. Compared to check variety this hybrid was found to be tolerant to mosaic virus disease and its yield was also found to be satisfactory as its yield was recorded 94.44 % higher than the check variety ‘Jupiter’. Taste of its marketable size young fruits were very good and had relatively small quantity of seeds in its fruit. #To enjoy my video on pumpkin please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-EtqcuBMc&t=10s
Banana plantlet production through tissuecultureAbed Hawas
Banana plantlet production through tissueculture
Banana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissueculture
An improved type good quality kangkong advance line ‘Red stem kangkong’ has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) through the hybridization between an exotic white flowered kangkong variety (Philippino variety) and a local light purple flowered variety. This improved variety is characterized by excellent vigour, faster growth, reddish stem, good spreading, higher rate of sprout production after each harvesting, light purple coloured flower, tolerant to major diseases, good adaptability and higher production of fresh vegetable & seed yield. Its fresh vegetable production has been recorded as 11-12 Mt/acre in the monsoon season. Its seed production is also profitable as 400 – 450 kg/acre of good quality seeds can be obtained and high percentage of seed germination can be ensured during the cultivation of this new kangkong variety. Due to its nice flavour, good taste and ‘Deshi’ (traditional type) type appearance, it created a good market demand in the leafy vegetable market. Its roof top or balcony cultivation is also easy and cultivating this ‘Red stem kangkong’ variety in balcony dual purpose can be served i.e. safe fresh vegetable can be consumed regularly and side by side its aesthetic beauty can be enjoyed like an ornamental plant.
#Suggested my you tube video link on growing kankong in balcony as ornamental plant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbqpDc2iGMk
#Another link of my you tube video on the cultivation of newly developed kang kong variety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGsLyesBPBs&t=106s
Generation and proliferation rate assessment of saba banana (Musa balbisiana)...Innspub Net
The main production constraint of banana is the availability of disease-free and healthy planting materials. Tissue culture is a technique that could provide these materials, but it requires high cost and technical expertise. Macropropagation offers simpler and more affordable processes that could enhance seedling production. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation levels and growth enhancers on macropropagation of saba banana under glasshouse conditions using factorial in completely randomized design. Factor A consisted of irrigation levels: A1=50%RR, A2=100% RR and A3=150%RR. Different growth enhancers were used for Factor B: B0=Control, B1=Coconut water, B2=Seaweed extract and B3=Benzyl Amino Purine. Results clearly suggests the advantage of using plant growth enhancers and appropriate irrigation level for macropropagation of banana. The irrigation level of 50% of recommended rate or 4liters/day plus the application of BAP (2mg/l) or the plant growth enhancers may be recommended for obtaining maximum growth, more plantlets produced and irrigation water efficiency of banana. It could not only save water for plants but also accelerate the growth and production of banana.
As a part of mung bean variety development programme, several local green seeded mung bean varieties were brought to BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre) during the year 2000. These germplasms were evaluated accordingly, and 2 yellow seed bearing plants were isolated through selection and found to be distinctly different from the green seeded genetic stocks collected from Meherpur. One of them had larger golden yellow coloured grains and was given the name as YS-I while the other was YS-II having small sized yellow grains. Comprehensive screening and further evaluation of these two yellow seeded strains, YS-I was found to be a relatively determinate and short duration line while YS-II was identified as an indeterminate type line having longer crop duration. After several years of generation advancement through constant selfing YS-I was established as a promising early maturing yellow seeded short duration line. Following rigorous and continuous selection it was improved further and through multilocation adaptive trial this line was also found to be very promising. Field demonstration trials of YS-I also brought positive feedback since it matures earlier than other commercial varieties and it has a very good attractive golden colored seed besides its tolerance to cercospora leaf spot and MYMV (Mung bean Yellow Mosaic Virus) disease. Along with better eating quality proximate analysis revealed the fact that YS-I is a variety having low fat content compared to green seeded variety BARImung-5 & BINAmung-7. #suggested my youtube video link on yellow seeded mung bean:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAeo_QHGRI&t=110s #Another video on mung bean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3qS2hX0lxM&t=3s
Growth of Bush Pepper Seedlings of Different Sources of Cuttings Grown on Var...AI Publications
Pepper grows creepingly following the growth of its climbing plants, making it difficult to maintain and harvest. Therefore, bush pepper cultivation was developed by replacing climbing trees with 1.5 m high concrete. However, seedlings that can grow into bush pepper are cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches, which are difficult to grow because the nodes of these branches do not have root primordia. This study aimed to obtain cuttings that can grow into bush pepper on the most superior growing media. The experiment was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD) with two treatment factors, namely formulas of growth media (M1= soil + organic fertilizer + husk; M2= soil + organic fertilizer + compost; M3= soil + organic fertilizer + husk ash; and M4= soil + organic fertilizer + moss) and sources of cuttings (S1= climbing stem; S2= axillary branch; S3= fruit branch; and S4= primary branch with one main stem node). Based on the growth percentage of fruit branches and primary branches in the seedlings, cuttings from climbing stem and axillary branches were not able to grow into bush pepper, because fruit and primary branches only grew less than 5% in all media formulas. Cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches affect the formation of bush pepper with an average percentage of growth of fruit branches and primary branches of more than 95% on M2 and M3 media. Growth of buds, leaves and roots of cuttings from climbing stem and axillary branch was significantly better than cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches.
Normally country bean is grown in Bangladesh in the winter season. But due to market glut situation the farmers do not get much profit by selling these beans during this season. Therefore, BRAC scientists have developed few varieties of heat tolerant country bean which can be grown in the summer season through the utilization of hybridization technique. By growing these beans in the off season the growers are now getting much more profit. Now by cultivating these off season type beans and seasonal type beans this nutritious vegetable is becoming available round the year in Bangladesh for the customers. #Suggested my you tube video link on summer tomato cultivation in Dinajpur district :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_UydD6LGO8&t=14s
Grain Quality of Doubled Haploid Lines in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Produced by ...Galal Anis, PhD
Genetic devlopment to imrove genotypes with high quality is the most important approach of rice. Thus, anther culture technique is one of straight forward approaches for improvement of rice cultivars with good grain quality. Therefore, this investigation aimed to develop some doubled haploid lines (DH) through anther culture technique and evaluate them along with their five parents including two check varieties for some nutritional characteristics. The results indicated that the three mineral element contents (Zn, Mn and Fe) of rice grain were clearly different among genotypes (DH), which implied that genotypic variations might provide opportunities to select for higher mineral element content. Analysis of variance revealed that the differences among genotypes were significant for all studied traits. Highly significant positive correlations were recognized among the studied characteristics. Accordingly, Rice lines with the high nutritional values will use as donors for this trait in rice breeding programs for exploitation and in hybridization.
In a Bengali proverb there is a wise saying 'Age dorshon dhari pore gun bichari' (i.e. to be nice to look at first and then make a judgement on its quality). Based on the proverb, a few colourful vegetable varieties have been developed at BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Coloured vegetables plays a very important role when these vegetables are included in our regular diet. These colourful vegetables not only have the decorative value but also have the nutritional value as well. In Bangladesh red okra, red spinach, white pumpkin, purple hot pepper, red yard long bean has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre and preliminary investigation revealed that these vegetables have increased level of anthocyanin, carotene, iron, sulphur etc. However, more research is needed before releasing them into the market. #Suggested link of my you tube video on colourful vegetable variety development:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijF78rwhaY&t=52s
Effect of Seedling Density on Growth Attributes of Cauliflower variety Kathma...AI Publications
Nursery management including optimum seedling density is an important factor for better crop performance. A study was carried out to examine the effect of seedling density on growth attributes of cauliflower seedlings cv. Kathmandu local in the field of Lamjung Campus in Oct., 2018. Experiment consists of four treatments which were replicated five times and laid out in RCBD. Seed spacing treatments viz. 0.5cm x 1.0cm, 1.0cm x 1.0cm, 1.5cm x 1.5cm and 2.0cm x 2.0cm were maintained in a raised nursery beds. Field germination percentage was recorded up to 60% at fourth day after sowing (DAS) whereas in lab it was up to 74%. Above and below ground seedling biomass, unfold leaves area, number of true leaves, plant height and root length were recorded at 23 DAS by destructive method. ImageJ package was used for leaf area measurement. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and analyzed by GenStat. Root length (4.85cm) was significantly higher in spacing of 2cm x 2cm which was at par with 1.5cm x 1.5cm whereas lower in 0.5cm x 1.0cm. Significantly maximum value for fresh weight of root (0.045gm), fresh weight of shoot (0.91gm), dry weight of shoot (0.11gm) and dry matter percentage (12%) was observed in 1.5cm x 1.5cm spacing. Seedlings greater than 1.5cm to 2cm spacing performed better than closer spacing in most of the variable of interests, however, there was no significant differences observed in number of true leaves, leaf area and plant height. A trial with wider spacing considering seedling health is recommended.
Onion is an important field crop and it is widely cultivated as a spice crop in Bangladesh. The major onion growing districts in Bangladesh are Rajshahi, Faridpur, Pabna, Meherpur, Kushtia, Magura, Bogura, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Jamalpur etc. Although different types of improved onion varieties are cultivated here in this country but the two popular local varieties namely ‘Taherpuri’ and ‘Faridpuri’ have good market demand in the market due to their good bulb shape, size, taste, flavour, pungency and storability. However, no improvement of these 2 varieties have been done so far as a result the yield of these 2 local varieties is poor and the bulb quality has been deteriorated significantly. Among these 2 popular varieties, in an effort to improve the variety ‘Taherpuri’; bulb samples of local ‘Taherpuri’ variety were collected and after following a series of breeding steps finally the improvement of the local stock has been made at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre. It has been released as ‘Improved Taherpuri’ onion variety which is characterized by excellent plant vigour, good uniformity rate, larger bulb size having good taste and storability. Its yield has been recorded as 10-12 Mt/acre with better bulb shape, size, bulb wt. (bulb wt. 40-45gm) and good bulb quality as well. Desirable quantity of good quality seeds was also obtained from the newly developed improved variety. #To enjoy my you tube video on onion seed production please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGbLuxvsVT4&t=98s
BRAC is one of the largest NGO of Bangladesh and no. one NGO (Non Governmental Organization) in the world started its agricultural research activities on vegetables during the year 2000 in its own premises of BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC), Gazipur. However, during the year 2013-14 began to work with internationally reputed World Vegetable Centre (AVRDC) and a very significant achievement has been made through the joint collaboration of BRAC & AVRDC in the vegetable sector. The summary of the outcome has been shown through this presentation. #To enjoy my you tube video on summer tomato cultivation please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_UydD6LGO8&t=14s #and also another video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UddTDTzIV6M&t=8s
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Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. #For more information please follow the link of my you tube video on spinach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3_V5Cf8JY&t=79s #and more videos on spinach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAAeCJDHxg&t=9s
Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. #Please my you tube video on research on spinach at BARDC following the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF3_V5Cf8JY&t=79s #and another video on spinach harvesting from balcony garden following Cut-and-come-again practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7bZRd74y0&t=136s
Pumpkin belong to the family cucurbitaceae is an important vegetable grown widely in Bangladesh. Its fruits, vines, flowers as well as seeds are extensively consumed by the Bangladeshi people and this is why pumpkins are cultivated as commercial as well as home garden vegetables in every part of this country. Although it is believed that originally its fruits were not sweeter and tasty rather they were bitter in taste and a mutation in the early phase of its domestication has changed its bitter taste into present day’s pumpkin which is not only sweeter in taste but also tasty. In Bangladesh generally it is grown in the Rabi season as relatively shorter day length and moderate temperature is required to induce female flowering and high temperature inhibits the production of female flower. Even though pumpkins are usually cultivated commercially by constructing beds in the open field but trellis grown pumpkin or pumpkin grown on roof tops or on bigger trees are also common in the homestead areas of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, it is also grown as intercrop and after potato harvesting sweet gourd cultivation is very common in the northern part of Bangladesh. At present, both open pollinated and hybrid pumpkin varieties are being cultivated by the Bangladeshi pumpkin growers but the price rate of F1 hybrid is much higher than the open pollinated varieties and seeds of the hybrid varieties cannot be utilized for pumpkin cultivation in the successive years. Considering the importance of pumpkins in Bangladesh as well as its demand in other countries BRAC started a pumpkin variety development program during the year 2000 and so far one open pollinated variety of pumpkin has been released for commercial cultivation by BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre. And the history of the newly developed open pollinated variety ”Barmashi” has been elaborated in this communication. #To enjoy my you tube video on hybrid pumpkin cultivation please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-EtqcuBMc&t=10s
Considering the huge demand of a high yielding spinach variety in the market; ‘Sufola palong’- an improved quality spinach variety has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through selection. It is a very fast growing high yielding spinach variety and fresh spinach can be harvested within 36-37 DAS. This high quality spinach has high vigour, broad thicker soft tastier leaves with nice flavour and also has a very good uniformity rate. Since the yield of this improved quality spinach is much higher than the traditional variety (20-22 Mt/ha) and seed production performance of the newly developed spinach variety is excellent Bangladeshi vegetable growers are now cultivating ‘Sufola palong’ regularly with good enthusiasm and earning a huge profit by growing this novel variety. This high yielding spinach variety can also be grown in the summer season. Besides normal harvesting, its leaves can be harvested sequentially following cut-and-come-again method and its high quality leaves can be harvested 3-4 times from the same plot from one time sowing of seeds in the early part of the season. Good quality seeds can also be harvested from these excised plants if these regrown plants are allowed to maintain after bolting. # To enjoy my you tube video on spinach please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAAeCJDHxg&t=9s
Cow pea is an important leguminous pulse crop grown mainly in the southern districts of Bangladesh and it is used as either green vegetables or as delicious pulse crop. Basically It is a Kharif season crop and its advantage is that it can be grown in the coastal areas as it has got tolerant capacity to moderate level of salinity. Plants and the fruits are very much similar to yard long beans but exhibits determinate growth and the fruits are shorter in size than yard long bean. Longer fruits with higher yield potentiality of cow pea is desirable than the traditional type low yielding plants with shorter size fruits. Again it seems that its area of cultivation can be expanded all over Bangladesh as a potential vegetable as well as pulse crop as its production cost is also very low and unlike yard long bean it does not require any trellis or bamboo sticks for its commercial cultivation. BRAC has recently developed a high yielding cow pea variety which will fetch more profit to the cow pea growers. #To enjoy my you tube video on cow pea harvesting please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6W14IeCUS0&t=22s #and also another video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTD2CMr3Ts&t=22s
Yardlong bean is a very common delicious legume vegetable grown in Bangladesh both for domestic consumption and for the exporting of vegetable items to the foreign super markets. Since it can be grown in our country almost throughout the year- this popular vegetable has enormous importance within the country and in the upstream markets as well. A pink coloured yardlong bean variety ‘Shova’ has been developed in BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre through hybridization between an exotic variety and local yardlong bean varieties. This pink coloured yardlong bean variety is an almost year-round variety and its yield in the actual growing season has been recorded as 10-11 Mt/ha. Its anthocyanin rich pink coloured tender fruits are 45-46 cm long and individual pod wt. is around 34-35gm. Good uniformity in its pod size and shape was observed and this yard long variety was found to be tolerant to major disease and insect attacks as well. Unlike green type yardlong bean varieties its plot looks very beautiful at the fruiting stage due to its huge no. of attractive pink coloured fruits. Owing to its decorative pod colour, pink coloured yardlong bean variety increases sales rate of traditional type green fruited yardlong beans when these pink colored fruits are inserted into the bunch of green fruited beans. Its thicker fleshy fruits are non-fibrous and has good taste. Consumption of pink coloured yardlong bean along with the green type ensures more nutrition to the cooked food items of yardlong bean. #To enjoy my you tube video on extra early season cucumber cultivation in Bangladesh please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9T5kHpjhe0
Leafy vegetables are important constituent of fresh vegetables and these vegetables are excellent source of minerals, vitamins, fibers etc. These vegetables require minimum labour as well as inputs for their production and fresh vegetables can be harvested within 30-40 days after seed sowing. Since the plants of these vegetables remain edible up to 70-80 days through cut-and-come-again practice 2 or more harvesting of fresh vegetables can be ensured from single sowing. And this practice actually saves time and money for repeated production of these leafy vegetables. The details of the impact of cut-and-come-again practice on 5 leafy vegetables has been described in the article. #suggested my you tube video link on cut-and-come-again practice on spinach grown in the balcony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7bZRd74y0&t=136s #and another video link of the same practice on coriander leaf harvesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Xi3wYrPRM&t=5s
Performance Evaluation of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea Capitata) Cultivars in M...AI Publications
Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Capitata) is being one of the most popular and demanded vegetables and in Nepal. Five cultivars; Wonder ball, Green voyager, Green challenger, Omphalus and Green coronet were transplanted in first week of October in 2016 and 2017 consequently years in mid-hills (Kathmandu valley, 1300 masl) and grown during winter season with 45X45 cm spacing. Crops were fertilized with 200:120:100 N.P.K Kg/ha and 15 ton FYM/ha. One spray insecticide and fungicide were sprayed in the early season for crop establishment. The main objective of this experiment was to find out suitable high yielding and insect pest and disease field tolerant hybrid cabbage cultivars for commercial growing in mid-hills of Nepal. Crops were evaluated with its vegetative, insect pest and disease, yield and farmers and consumers response in two consecutive years. Result showed that among the tested cultivars Wonder ball was found highly uniform, vigorous, less attack by insect pest and disease, significantly higher yield (71.7 t/ha), higher average head weight (1622 g), early harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0) as compared to check Green coronet widely grown cultivar Green coronet which has only yield (57.91 t/ha), average head weight (1358 g), days to harvest (114 days), freshness (3.0) and market preference (3.0) respectively. It was followed by Green challenger which had yield (57.77), average head weight (1387), earlier harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0). Hence, Wonder ball and Green challenger have been selected and recommended for varietal registration and commercial cultivation in mid-hills of Nepal.
Pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation to enhance growth, productio...Innspub Net
The research was aimed to enhance growth, production, and seed quality of Jack Bean through pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation. The research was carried out from Mei to October 2016 at Puwasari Village, Dramaga, Bogor – Indonesia and be countinued by seed testing (December 2016) at Seed Testing Laboratoty, Bogor Agricultural University. The research was arranged in a Completely Randomyzed Block Design (CRBD) with 6 treatments, consisted of: Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 100cm x 100cm, Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Without pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm. The experiment was replicated by three replications. The result research showed spacing regulation and pruning has significantly effect to some variables observed. The wider spacing showed the better growth. The treatment of without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P2) resulted better growth, while the treatment of pruning treatment using square spacing and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P5) resulted better seed quality, however the highest production was reached by pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm (P6).
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Bangladesh and very recent successful operation of regular sustainable commercial vegetable cultivation of its horticulture division has given a new dimension to the Agriculture Sector in strengthening economy of this country. Considering the importance of horticultural crops in shaping the country’s socio-economic as well as cultural status, poverty eradication and ensuring nutritional security BRAC intervened into this horticultural sector of Bangladesh and started its vegetable seed distribution program to its beneficiaries after independence during the year 1972 to engage more people particularly the women into this vital sector. Gradually BRAC started vegetable seed production program and to provide support to the vegetable sector BRAC launched its variety development program in its own research and development center BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre). Along with other advantages which favours seed trading, since vegetable seed business is a round the year trade and the high priced vegetable seed usually occupy relatively smaller area during storage it also facilitate seed industry development in the country and BRAC also gave importance to the vegetable sector to involve itself in the seed business. As an NGO, undeniably it may be argued that it is quite ridiculous that BRAC has established a research section for the improvement of horticultural crops but it is interesting to note that through this research activities BRAC has played a very vital role not only in producing best quality vegetable seed within the country but also played a significant role in promoting and popularizing vegetable cultivation in Bangladesh. Besides absorbing a good no. of agriculturalists, botanists and other skilled persons in its agriculture sector every year BRAC is also helping to control the unemployment problem of Bangladesh as well.
# To enjoy my you tube video on red spinach please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijF78rwhaY&t=57s
Ash gourd is a very popular vegetable in Bangladesh but considering other type of gourds very few commercial hybrid ash gourds are available in the seed market of Bangladesh therefore an attempt was made to develop a suitable F1 hybrid for the vegetable growers of Bangladesh at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) using its active germplasms. After systematic collecting and evaluating germplasms suitable promising inbreds were selected based on their desirable characteristic features. These probable parents were crossed reciprocally and the F1 hybrid of Dinajpur X BARDC was found to be suitable as this hybrid exhibited good vigour with excellent vine spreading habit and produced high degree of femaleness with good fruit setting performance. Its fruits were oblong type with good shape & size and the quality of marketable size young fruits were very attractive. Compared to check variety this hybrid was found to be tolerant to mosaic virus disease and its yield was also found to be satisfactory as its yield was recorded 94.44 % higher than the check variety ‘Jupiter’. Taste of its marketable size young fruits were very good and had relatively small quantity of seeds in its fruit. #To enjoy my video on pumpkin please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-EtqcuBMc&t=10s
Banana plantlet production through tissuecultureAbed Hawas
Banana plantlet production through tissueculture
Banana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissuecultureBanana plantlet production through tissueculture
An improved type good quality kangkong advance line ‘Red stem kangkong’ has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) through the hybridization between an exotic white flowered kangkong variety (Philippino variety) and a local light purple flowered variety. This improved variety is characterized by excellent vigour, faster growth, reddish stem, good spreading, higher rate of sprout production after each harvesting, light purple coloured flower, tolerant to major diseases, good adaptability and higher production of fresh vegetable & seed yield. Its fresh vegetable production has been recorded as 11-12 Mt/acre in the monsoon season. Its seed production is also profitable as 400 – 450 kg/acre of good quality seeds can be obtained and high percentage of seed germination can be ensured during the cultivation of this new kangkong variety. Due to its nice flavour, good taste and ‘Deshi’ (traditional type) type appearance, it created a good market demand in the leafy vegetable market. Its roof top or balcony cultivation is also easy and cultivating this ‘Red stem kangkong’ variety in balcony dual purpose can be served i.e. safe fresh vegetable can be consumed regularly and side by side its aesthetic beauty can be enjoyed like an ornamental plant.
#Suggested my you tube video link on growing kankong in balcony as ornamental plant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbqpDc2iGMk
#Another link of my you tube video on the cultivation of newly developed kang kong variety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGsLyesBPBs&t=106s
Generation and proliferation rate assessment of saba banana (Musa balbisiana)...Innspub Net
The main production constraint of banana is the availability of disease-free and healthy planting materials. Tissue culture is a technique that could provide these materials, but it requires high cost and technical expertise. Macropropagation offers simpler and more affordable processes that could enhance seedling production. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation levels and growth enhancers on macropropagation of saba banana under glasshouse conditions using factorial in completely randomized design. Factor A consisted of irrigation levels: A1=50%RR, A2=100% RR and A3=150%RR. Different growth enhancers were used for Factor B: B0=Control, B1=Coconut water, B2=Seaweed extract and B3=Benzyl Amino Purine. Results clearly suggests the advantage of using plant growth enhancers and appropriate irrigation level for macropropagation of banana. The irrigation level of 50% of recommended rate or 4liters/day plus the application of BAP (2mg/l) or the plant growth enhancers may be recommended for obtaining maximum growth, more plantlets produced and irrigation water efficiency of banana. It could not only save water for plants but also accelerate the growth and production of banana.
As a part of mung bean variety development programme, several local green seeded mung bean varieties were brought to BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre) during the year 2000. These germplasms were evaluated accordingly, and 2 yellow seed bearing plants were isolated through selection and found to be distinctly different from the green seeded genetic stocks collected from Meherpur. One of them had larger golden yellow coloured grains and was given the name as YS-I while the other was YS-II having small sized yellow grains. Comprehensive screening and further evaluation of these two yellow seeded strains, YS-I was found to be a relatively determinate and short duration line while YS-II was identified as an indeterminate type line having longer crop duration. After several years of generation advancement through constant selfing YS-I was established as a promising early maturing yellow seeded short duration line. Following rigorous and continuous selection it was improved further and through multilocation adaptive trial this line was also found to be very promising. Field demonstration trials of YS-I also brought positive feedback since it matures earlier than other commercial varieties and it has a very good attractive golden colored seed besides its tolerance to cercospora leaf spot and MYMV (Mung bean Yellow Mosaic Virus) disease. Along with better eating quality proximate analysis revealed the fact that YS-I is a variety having low fat content compared to green seeded variety BARImung-5 & BINAmung-7. #suggested my youtube video link on yellow seeded mung bean:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAeo_QHGRI&t=110s #Another video on mung bean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3qS2hX0lxM&t=3s
Growth of Bush Pepper Seedlings of Different Sources of Cuttings Grown on Var...AI Publications
Pepper grows creepingly following the growth of its climbing plants, making it difficult to maintain and harvest. Therefore, bush pepper cultivation was developed by replacing climbing trees with 1.5 m high concrete. However, seedlings that can grow into bush pepper are cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches, which are difficult to grow because the nodes of these branches do not have root primordia. This study aimed to obtain cuttings that can grow into bush pepper on the most superior growing media. The experiment was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD) with two treatment factors, namely formulas of growth media (M1= soil + organic fertilizer + husk; M2= soil + organic fertilizer + compost; M3= soil + organic fertilizer + husk ash; and M4= soil + organic fertilizer + moss) and sources of cuttings (S1= climbing stem; S2= axillary branch; S3= fruit branch; and S4= primary branch with one main stem node). Based on the growth percentage of fruit branches and primary branches in the seedlings, cuttings from climbing stem and axillary branches were not able to grow into bush pepper, because fruit and primary branches only grew less than 5% in all media formulas. Cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches affect the formation of bush pepper with an average percentage of growth of fruit branches and primary branches of more than 95% on M2 and M3 media. Growth of buds, leaves and roots of cuttings from climbing stem and axillary branch was significantly better than cuttings from fruit branches and primary branches.
Normally country bean is grown in Bangladesh in the winter season. But due to market glut situation the farmers do not get much profit by selling these beans during this season. Therefore, BRAC scientists have developed few varieties of heat tolerant country bean which can be grown in the summer season through the utilization of hybridization technique. By growing these beans in the off season the growers are now getting much more profit. Now by cultivating these off season type beans and seasonal type beans this nutritious vegetable is becoming available round the year in Bangladesh for the customers. #Suggested my you tube video link on summer tomato cultivation in Dinajpur district :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_UydD6LGO8&t=14s
Grain Quality of Doubled Haploid Lines in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Produced by ...Galal Anis, PhD
Genetic devlopment to imrove genotypes with high quality is the most important approach of rice. Thus, anther culture technique is one of straight forward approaches for improvement of rice cultivars with good grain quality. Therefore, this investigation aimed to develop some doubled haploid lines (DH) through anther culture technique and evaluate them along with their five parents including two check varieties for some nutritional characteristics. The results indicated that the three mineral element contents (Zn, Mn and Fe) of rice grain were clearly different among genotypes (DH), which implied that genotypic variations might provide opportunities to select for higher mineral element content. Analysis of variance revealed that the differences among genotypes were significant for all studied traits. Highly significant positive correlations were recognized among the studied characteristics. Accordingly, Rice lines with the high nutritional values will use as donors for this trait in rice breeding programs for exploitation and in hybridization.
In a Bengali proverb there is a wise saying 'Age dorshon dhari pore gun bichari' (i.e. to be nice to look at first and then make a judgement on its quality). Based on the proverb, a few colourful vegetable varieties have been developed at BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Coloured vegetables plays a very important role when these vegetables are included in our regular diet. These colourful vegetables not only have the decorative value but also have the nutritional value as well. In Bangladesh red okra, red spinach, white pumpkin, purple hot pepper, red yard long bean has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre and preliminary investigation revealed that these vegetables have increased level of anthocyanin, carotene, iron, sulphur etc. However, more research is needed before releasing them into the market. #Suggested link of my you tube video on colourful vegetable variety development:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijF78rwhaY&t=52s
Effect of Seedling Density on Growth Attributes of Cauliflower variety Kathma...AI Publications
Nursery management including optimum seedling density is an important factor for better crop performance. A study was carried out to examine the effect of seedling density on growth attributes of cauliflower seedlings cv. Kathmandu local in the field of Lamjung Campus in Oct., 2018. Experiment consists of four treatments which were replicated five times and laid out in RCBD. Seed spacing treatments viz. 0.5cm x 1.0cm, 1.0cm x 1.0cm, 1.5cm x 1.5cm and 2.0cm x 2.0cm were maintained in a raised nursery beds. Field germination percentage was recorded up to 60% at fourth day after sowing (DAS) whereas in lab it was up to 74%. Above and below ground seedling biomass, unfold leaves area, number of true leaves, plant height and root length were recorded at 23 DAS by destructive method. ImageJ package was used for leaf area measurement. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and analyzed by GenStat. Root length (4.85cm) was significantly higher in spacing of 2cm x 2cm which was at par with 1.5cm x 1.5cm whereas lower in 0.5cm x 1.0cm. Significantly maximum value for fresh weight of root (0.045gm), fresh weight of shoot (0.91gm), dry weight of shoot (0.11gm) and dry matter percentage (12%) was observed in 1.5cm x 1.5cm spacing. Seedlings greater than 1.5cm to 2cm spacing performed better than closer spacing in most of the variable of interests, however, there was no significant differences observed in number of true leaves, leaf area and plant height. A trial with wider spacing considering seedling health is recommended.
Similar to 'Sufola Batishak' A Good Quality Pechay Variety Developed by BRAC Through Conventional Breeding Method (20)
Onion is an important field crop and it is widely cultivated as a spice crop in Bangladesh. The major onion growing districts in Bangladesh are Rajshahi, Faridpur, Pabna, Meherpur, Kushtia, Magura, Bogura, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Jamalpur etc. Although different types of improved onion varieties are cultivated here in this country but the two popular local varieties namely ‘Taherpuri’ and ‘Faridpuri’ have good market demand in the market due to their good bulb shape, size, taste, flavour, pungency and storability. However, no improvement of these 2 varieties have been done so far as a result the yield of these 2 local varieties is poor and the bulb quality has been deteriorated significantly. Among these 2 popular varieties, in an effort to improve the variety ‘Taherpuri’; bulb samples of local ‘Taherpuri’ variety were collected and after following a series of breeding steps finally the improvement of the local stock has been made at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre. It has been released as ‘Improved Taherpuri’ onion variety which is characterized by excellent plant vigour, good uniformity rate, larger bulb size having good taste and storability. Its yield has been recorded as 10-12 Mt/acre with better bulb shape, size, bulb wt. (bulb wt. 40-45gm) and good bulb quality as well. Desirable quantity of good quality seeds was also obtained from the newly developed improved variety. #To enjoy my you tube video on onion seed production please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGbLuxvsVT4&t=98s
BRAC is one of the largest NGO of Bangladesh and no. one NGO (Non Governmental Organization) in the world started its agricultural research activities on vegetables during the year 2000 in its own premises of BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC), Gazipur. However, during the year 2013-14 began to work with internationally reputed World Vegetable Centre (AVRDC) and a very significant achievement has been made through the joint collaboration of BRAC & AVRDC in the vegetable sector. The summary of the outcome has been shown through this presentation. #To enjoy my you tube video on summer tomato cultivation please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_UydD6LGO8&t=14s #and also another video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UddTDTzIV6M&t=8s
There is a popular saying in Bangladesh ’Sali Dhaner Chira ar Binny Dhaner Khoi ‘ (flattened rice of ‘Sali Dhan’ & puffed rice of ‘Binny Dhan’). Actually those days are gone by when there was a golden period of ‘Binny Dhaner Khoi’ in the rural Bengal and ‘Binny Dhaner Khoi’ is now very rare in Bangladesh. But an effort was made to cultivate ‘Binny Dhan’ in this year during the Amon season and home made puffed rice of ‘Binny dhan’ has been prepared from the cultivated rice. Very good quality ‘Binny Dhaner Khoi‘was obtained from this scented special type of rice as its taste is delicious and has fine aroma. Although the yield was relatively lower as the crop suffered from lodging but this variety is a unique for making nice quality ‘Khoi’ (puffed rice) which are very much suitable for eating after fasting and for those people who wants to control diet. Moreover, for the elderly people and for children it is a unique type of snacks. Besides ‘Binny Dhaner Khoi‘ is also a very good item used and solde in different festivals. But research effort is needed to make it a high yielding and good quality variety as now a days there is a very good demand of ‘Binny Dhaner Khoi ‘in the super shops of major cities of Bangladesh as well. # To enjoy my you tube video on scented rice variety ' Tulshi mala' please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOiU8V8W6Rw
# To enjoy more videos on rice follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaT3UVfJ8rI
#And to enjoy my you tube video on wheat cultivation in Bangladesh follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2nw5xEoRBc&t=3s
The great leader having versatile personality, philanthropist,friends of the poor & distressed people Sir Fazle Hasan Abed founded BRAC (the no. 1 of the world) during the year 1972 which was initially operating the rehabilitation program of the distressed & helpless people who returned to Bangladesh from India after the liberation war of Bangladesh. Gradually he involved himself in the activities of different socioeconomic development sectors of Bangladesh and other foreign countries like, education, agriculture, health nutrition and population program, microfinance,social enterprises, activities related to empowerment of the women and eradication of the hunger & poverty to contribute more to the society & serve for the humanity. He also founded BRAC university & BRAC bank to improve the standard of education and banking sector of Bangladesh as well.Through his greater vision and farsightedness he also founded an agricultural research & development centre at Gazipur for the development of agriculture sector of Bangladesh and improvement of the livelihood standard of the marginal and poor farmers. For his greater contribution to the society he received a good no. of domestic & international prizes and honors (Knight, World food prize etc.) which made him a great international figure as well. In this article some sweet memories of his presence in BRAC Agriculture Research & Development (BARDC) has been presented briefly. #To enjoy my you tube video on 'BRAC Town' please follow the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70QrL3xz88I
Bangladesh has diversified agro-climatic conditions; on the other hand crop varieties require suitable edaphic and climatic conditions to exhibit their actual performance. Therefore, Product Development Support Section of BRAC Seed & Agro Enterprise is playing a vital role in selecting demand-led crop varieties or market oriented products which facilitating sales & marketing of new varieties or products to the farmers of Bangladesh. Each and every year new varieties/ products are being evaluated under this PDS program and are being recommended to the Sales & Marketing Division. In this presentation important observational findings of the year 2018-19 has been presented and the Action Plan for the year 2019-20 has been shown in a brief manner. #To enjoy my video on sunflower trial please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEGiBEC4okY&t=56s
Watermelon cultivation in Bangladesh has gained momentum significantly in Bangladesh for the last 2-3 decades particularly with the introduction of hybrid varieties as farmers are getting more profit by cultivating these improved varieties. Not only these hybrid varieties are ensuring better production, these varieties are producing high quality fruits having bigger size, excellent colour, and more sweet & have crispy flesh with fewer seeds. With the increasing demand in the country, watermelons are now being cultivated in Bangladesh in the off season too and besides normal cultivation watermelons are now being cultivated on trellis as well. To popularize watermelon cultivation, BRAC started research on watermelon during the year 2002-2003. So far BRAC has released 6 improved varieties for commercial cultivation. And during the last year i.e. in the year 2018-19 BRAC has sold 130 kg of watermelon seeds of those varieties to the growers. It can be mentioned here that these BRAC varieties are very popular among the growers and also to the consumers. In this presentation a brief idea on BRAC Watermelon Research has been described. #To enjoy my you tube video on watermelon please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw2m0OrLP2g
A variety screening trial of 5 BARI released high yielding potato varieties viz., BARI Alu-36, 37,40, 62 & 63 was conducted in 5 locations (Joypurhat, Sherpur, Mohonpur & Tanore) respectively in the last rabi season of 2018-19. Among the 5 varieties BARI Alu 62 was found to be suitable for the growers, seed dealers, local consumers and also traders due to its higher yield, nice appearance, good cooking quality, prolonged dormancy and its suitability for exporting potatoes. BARI Alu-63 was also found to be a good variety due to its higher yield, nice appearance and good taste as well. Hence it was recommended for the consumption as table potato. Due to early bulking and higher no. of tubers per plant of BARI Alu-40; this variety was recommended for early potato harvesters who want to catch early potato market. All the potato varieties were found to be relatively tolerant to major disease and insect attack too. #To enjoy my you tube video on BARI potato variety please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbrObWrA2TE
In Bangladesh maize has become a very popular cash crop in recent times and most of the maize seeds are utilized in the feed mills to produce poultry or fish feed. It is interesting to note that BRAC played a vital role in popularizing maize cultivation in Bangladesh. A major hindrance faced by the Bangladeshi farmers at the early phase of commercial maize cultivation is that they could not find markets to sell their produce. Therefore, initially set up BRAC Poultry Feed Mill where huge volume of maize seeds were required to produce poultry feed and thus a lucrative market for maize growers was created. BRAC also distributed maize seeds as relief material to promote maize cultivation and it has so far released 5 good quality hybrid maize with the help of national and international research institutes. As a part of maize research and strengthening maize sector in Bangladesh BRAC conducted on farm demonstration trial of HTMA 19 (Heat Tolerant Maize for Asian Countries) and white maize ( BARI Hybrid-12 & BARI Hybrid-13) this year and found both HTMA-19 as well as white maize BARI Hybrid-13 as promising varieties. The stress tolerant varieties HTMA-19 gave 8.57 Mt/ha yield while white maize variety BARI Hybrid-13 produced 7.21 Mt grains per hectare. The maize growers liked both the varieties; HTMA-19 for feed purpose and the white maize variety BARI Hybrid-13 for human consumption. And advance line of white maize ARS 3322 developed by BRAC was also evaluated. #Please enjoy my you tube video on maize cultivation after potato harvesting following the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVUP8r8t294
Bangladesh is famous for its super natural beauties and also for its diverse types of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in different parts of the country. As it is situated in the sub tropical region and in between the great Himalayan Mountain and the Bay of Bengal its typical agro climatic condition and plain fertile soil is favorable for growing various kinds of fruits including the delicious juicy fruit watermelon. During the dry Bengali months of 'Chaitra' & 'Baishakh' (March–April) when everybody feel uneasy due to hot sunny days and excessive dry weather then this watermelon fruits give a big relief to the Bangladeshi people as the watermelon fruits become available during this period. And its mesmerizing taste as well as juicy red colored flesh quenches the thirst of its people by giving a huge satisfaction. Actually, these high quality watermelons usually comes from different parts of the country viz., Golachipa, Patuakhali, Amtoli, Char fashion, Rangabali, Bhola, Gurudash pur, Santhia, Panchagarh, Chokoria, Teknaph etc. Watermelons in Bangladesh are generally cultivated during the Rabi Season (October-January) and cultivation of watermelon in the summer season is very rare . However, the coverage of the summer season watermelon cultivation in Bangladesh is expanding day by day. Therefore a suitable watermelon cultivation technique for the summer season is the need of the hour and this article has been prepared to meet the demand. # To enjoy my you tube video on the performance super early watermelon variety in Sunamganj please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw2m0OrLP2g #and another video on mango cultivation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MIcxvIM-tA&t=79s
Two exotic hybrid rice varieties BB 01/18 & BB 02/18 were evaluated in the last Amon season i.e. in the Amon season of 2018 in 8 territories of Bangladesh to assess their yield performances as well as their adaptation potentiality using ‘BB 03/18’ as check variety. In all the territories transplanting method was followed for their cultivation while in Gopal ganj region ‘Broadcasting method’ was followed. Undoubtedly in all locations farmers liked these 2 exotic varieties due to their good plant architecture, excellent vigour, good tillering habit, first-class grain density in the panicle, tolerant to major diseases and insects, good crop exposure at the harvesting period, higher yield, shattering resistant and nice grain quality. Between the 2 varieties; on an average variety BB 02/18 gave yield of 5.96 Mt/ha and its highest yield 8.40 Mt/ha was recorded in Rangpur region while BB01/18 also gave highest yield in Rangpur district (8.20Mt/ha) exhibiting average yield 5.26Mt/ha. Between the 2 exotic varieties BB 02/18 was found to be superior to BB 01/18 and both of these varieties gave 46.79% and 30.04% increased yield than the check variety ‘BB 03/18’. In addition, our observations revealed that these 2 exotic hybrid rice varieties can also be cultivated through broadcasting method in the Amon season as they both gave satisfactory yield by this practice while the check variety failed to grow in ‘Broadcasting’ method. It was also found that there is a very good marketing opportunity of the varieties BB 01/18 & BB 02/18 in Bangladesh during the Amon season. And on an average the 3 hybrid varieties used in this adaptive trial exhibited almost 29.77 % higher yield than the traditionally grown inbred varieties for this Amon season of 2018.
In a Bengali proverb there is a wise saying 'Age dorshon dhari pore gun bichari' (i.e. to be nice to look at first and then make a judgement on its quality). Based on the proverb, a few colourful vegetable varieties have been developed at BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Coloured vegetables play a very crucial role when these vegetables are included in our regular diet. These colourful vegetables not only have the decorative value but also have the nutritional value as well. Besides in some cases colourful varieties increases the disease tolerance capacity or stress tolerance potentiality in the commonly cultivated vegetables than the traditional type. In Bangladesh red okra, red spinach, white pumpkin, purple hot pepper, red yard long bean, red stem kang kong etc. have been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre very recently and preliminary investigation revealed that these vegetables have increased level of antioxidants (anthocyanins, carotenes etc.), iron, sulfur etc. However, more research is needed to exploit the full benefits of these coloured vegetables. #To enjoy my you tube video on coloured vegetables please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijF78rwhaY&t=52s
Golachipa belong to the Potuakhali district of Bangladesh is well known for the hub of best quality watermelons.These watermelons are cultivated in the Char's (river bed) of this upazilla where each and every year silts are deposited as these chars usually goes under water during the monsoon season. After receding water from the Chars growers usually start the cultivation of watermelon. Different varieties of watermelon such as watermelon with dark green rind, light green rind colour and deep green stripes in light green back ground. Watermelon also with yellow rind and yellow flesh watermelons are cultivated here. Practically, the watermelons of Golachipa are famous for its special size, better quality and excellent taste (due to cultivation of watermelon in the coastal areas where saline codition is prevalent). As watermelon farming is profitable this is why the watermelon growers of Golachipa are gradually increasing. Very recently I got an opportunity to visit the watermelon plots mostly situated in the char areas of Golachipa and gathered a little experience over the watermelon business of this coastal region which has been described in this article. #To enjoy my you tube video on watermelon please follow the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw2m0OrLP2g
Although PDS section in BRAC Seed & Agro Enterprise is a new section but its importance is enough in the Seed Sector. This section is conducting on farm evaluation and demonstration trials of different varieties and products in the farmers plot following standard procedure. After receiving satisfactory performance of the varieties & products promising ones are recommended for marketing. Demonstration trials of newly released varieties or products are being systematically carried out to display the performance of the newly launched products and/or varieties. It is expected that PDS section will play a crucial role in the seed business in the coming days. To enjoy my you tube video on sunflower trial please follow the link :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEGiBEC4okY&t=56s
Considering the importance of radish as a short duration vegetable crop and its wider use in the form of salad and other types of cooked food item BRAC- one of the largest Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in the world began its research activities on radish near about two decades ago in its own R&D centre and so far released two open pollinated and one hybrid radish varieties for commercial cultivation. ‘Sufola 40’ and ‘China 35’ are open pollinated varieties while ‘White Star’ is a hybrid variety. Besides these seasonal type of radish varieties BRAC scientists are also working on the development of off season type of radish variety and one promising summer radish advance line has been developed. Research work on ‘Shakmula’, ‘Green radish’ and ‘Bicoloured radish’ is also going on to create new market demand among the consumers and promote different kinds of radish cultivation in Bangladesh throughout the year. #Suggested my you tube videolink on similar crop sweet cultivation in the balcony:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viG7Qu1-10A&t=10s
Yardlong bean is a very popular leguminous vegetable of Bangladesh. Its different coloured tender fruits are used either as stir fried food item or in the soup or in curry. It is cultivated both in the home gardens as well as commercially.Since it can be grown almost round the year there is very good market of yardlong bean in this country and now a days commercial vegetable growers are cultivating yard long bean widely as they earn a big profit by selling this vegetable in the kitchen market. Considering the importance of yardlong bean BRAC started research work on yardlong bean nearly 2 decades ago and so far developed a good no. of advance lines which are likely to be released for commercial cultivation. Breeding techniques of the development of new yardlong bean lines and major characteristics of the advance lines have been described in this article. #Suggested my you tube video link on similar leguminous crop cow pea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6W14IeCUS0&t=22s
Pumpkin is a very popular vegetable crop grown widely in Bagladesh.It is grown both as commercial vegetable as well as home garden vegetable.Although it is normally cultivated by preparing beds but trellis cultivation and roof top cultivation of pumpkin is also common in Bangladesh. As pumpkin can be stored for 4 to 5 months easily and can be sold at higher price during the off season, local people have also established common store house for preserving pumpkin at few places of Bangladesh. Since during the harvesting period market glut situations occur this is why the pumpkin growers usually preserve their produces in the commonn store house and sell them when the price of pumpkins become higher. Being a very productive and nutritious crop and has storing advantage huge quantity of pumpkins are cultivated in Bagladesh every year.Considering the importance of pumpkin BRAC started a pumpkin variety development program at BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre, Gazipur and an Open Pollinated variety 'Baromashi' has been released for commercial production very recently. This pumpkin variety is performing very well within the country and in the African soil as well. #Suggested my you tube video link of hybrid pumpkin cultivation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-EtqcuBMc&t=10s
BRAC- the largest NGO of the world started its own pulse program during the year 2000 to address the issues related to pulse cultivation in Bangladesh and increase the pulse grain production in Bangladesh significantly. Side by side to reduce the poverty and malnutrition BRAC also wanted to contribute more through its pulse program.Three main types of activities such as variety screening, variety development and seed production are being performed in BRAC pulse program and the target pulse crops are mung bean, lentil, pea, cow pea, chick pea etc.Along with the screening of varieties of different pulse crops, several good quality advance lines of mung bean and cow pea have also been developed. Constraints and prospects of of pulse crop cultivation in Bangladesh have also been discussed. #Suggested links of my you tube video on lentil cultivation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3DfknzVx_c #and another video on mung bean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjyXXQkO4n8&t=1s
A Technical report on the hybrid summer tomato evaluation and the development of seasonal tomato hybrids has been published in the AVRDC bulletin "Feed Back from the Field". Their suitability as new promising tomato hybrids has also been discussed. #suggested link of my you tube video on summer tomato: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UddTDTzIV6M&t=8s
Bangladesh has a very good agroclimatic condition suitable for growing different vegetable crops. Its people are fond of vegetables as well. Normally in male dominated society of Bangladesh men are involved in the production of fresh vegetables and their seeds while women are involved in the post harvest operations. But situations are changing very fast and now women are becoming more and more involved in the other type of activities besides their traditional type of household works. vegetable gardening in the homestead areas is one of them. To operate home garden availability of good quality seeds is an important step. And if women become involve in the production of vegetable seeds it will be easier to collect vegetable seeds for ladies from the women entrepreneurs.Therefore, in this particular presentation different aspect of the importance of women entrepreneurship in the small scale vegetable seed production has been discussed. #suggested my you tube video link of bottle gourd cultivation in balcony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1licWC0a2M&t=4s #and spinach cultivation in balcony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAAeCJDHxg&t=9s
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'Sufola Batishak' A Good Quality Pechay Variety Developed by BRAC Through Conventional Breeding Method
1. 1
‘Sufola Batishak’ A Good Quality Pechay Variety Developed by BRAC for the Vegetable
Growers
Sitesh C. Biswas*
BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre, BRRI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh
*Corresponding author: sitesh.cb@brac.net
Abstract
A good quality pechay (Batishak) has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research and Development
Centre (BARDC) to meet the increasing demand of fast growing leafy vegetables in the vegetable market of
Bangladesh performing conventional breeding method introduction followed by reselection method. Compared to
check varieties this newly developed pechay variety (commercial name Sufola Batishak) gave higher yield, exhibited
late in flowering and it was found to be tolerant to major diseases & pests as well. This new pechay variety is also a
year round variety and besides its open field cultivation it gave a very good yield when cultivated under polythene
tunnel in the rainy season during the crisis period of vegetables. At BARDC, satisfactory production of the new pechay
variety was also noticed following cut-and-come-again method. Due to the better performance of newly developed
pechay line at the farmer’s level it was released by the BRAC Seed Enterprise Division giving the commercial name
as ‘Sufola Batishak’. Its fresh vegetable production has been recorded as 25-30 Mt/ha. Since at the growers level a
very good seed production performance of this ‘Sufola Batishak’ was found in Bangladeshi agro-climatic condition
this pechay variety was found to be a profitable vegetable for seed business and sustainable batishak cultivation as
well in this country.
Key words: Brassica rapa L. Introduction, Leafy vegetable, Nutritious vegetable, Pechay, Selection, Sufola
batishak
Pechay or Bok choy or Bati shak (Brassica rapa) belongs to the family Cruciferae or Brassicaceae
(Gonzales et al. 2015) is a quick growing short aged popular leafy vegetable of China, Philippines, Eastern
Asia and South East Asian countries and this very profitable nutritious vegetable requires cool and moist
environment for its better growth and development. Its leaves are consumed as raw or in cooked form
(Aglosolos et al. 2021) although consumption of raw leaves are recommended since nutritional value is
diminished by cooking (Prado 2014) and its petioles also considered as a preferable part for preparing
delicious dishes. In the Philippines, pechay is believed to be an oldest green vegetables and this particular
leafy vegetable plays a vital role in its economy and the nutrition of its people (Gonzales et al. 2015). In
Bangladesh it is relatively a new vegetable and so far only one variety of pechay has been released by
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (Razzaque et al. 2000). Although pechay can be grown in this
country almost throughout the year but its seed production is restricted only in the winter season (Razzaque
et al. 2000). Owing to its excellent flavor, good taste, relatively higher production of fresh vegetables within
a very short period and has good health benefits due to the presence of calcium, iron, carotene, phosphorus,
vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants etc. (Utama and Wibowo 2022, Baek et al. 2021) gradually it is becoming a
profitable vegetable for the Bangladeshi commercial vegetable growers. Besides its cultivation as a field
crop; it can be grown as a suitable vegetable for the roof garden and balcony gardens as well. Pechay can
also be grown hydroponically (Baek et al. 2021, Briggs et al. 2019, Nair and Irish 2016). Considering the
importance of pechay as an important leafy vegetable and to develop a new BRAC pechay variety, a Filipino
accession of pechay germplasm (Pechay 01) was introduced at BARDC (BRAC Agricultural Research and
Development Centre) during the year 2007. After a series of cultivation and reselection from the Filipino
accession a new advance line of pechay was developed.
Seeds of pechay received from ATI (Agriculture Training Institute), Manila, Philippines were sown
on 10.11.2008 in seed bed for its successful germination and emergence of seedlings. Fifteen days old
healthy seedlings were transplanted on 26.11.2008 in the main plot consisting 0.94 decimal of land
maintaining the distance line to line as 30 cm. and plant to plant as 15cm. Standard pechay cultivation
2. 2
practices were followed to ensure better plant growth and development. At 21 days after transplanting
(DAT) data were recorded from randomly selected ten plants as in Bangladeshi consumers usually prefer
to consume pechay at this stage and the data have been presented in Table.1. First generation data reveals
the fact that the performance showed by the Filipino pechay is relatively satisfactory. Observing good plant
growth and development rest of the plants were allowed to grow for seed production. Normal flowering
and excellent fruit setting was observed in the pechay plants in Bangladeshi agro climatic condition. Seeds
from healthy plants were harvested and stored carefully at the end of the season. Healthy seeds obtained
from the Filipino stock (Pechay 01) were sown in the next year for growing second generation of pechay
and again selection process was operated for its further improvement. Following the same procedure up to
the 6th
generation a relatively homogenous group of pechay plants was obtained which constituted the
advance pechay line (BRAC Pechay) (Figs.1 & 2). A comparative analysis of data between the 1st
generation
and 6th
generation has been presented in the Table. 1.
Table. 1. Comparison between 1st
and 6th
generation morphological data of BARDC developed
pechay (Bati shak) (at 21 DAS).
1st
generation
Plant
height/plant
(cm)
Plant
spreading/plant
(cm)
No. of leaves/
plant
Length of 3
fully expanded
leaves
(cm)
Width of 3
fully
expanded
leaves
(cm)
Plant wt./ plant
(g)
Mean 23.14 35.90 11.97 28.45 15.61 204.34
Range 21.00 -32.86 31.9 -39.26 10.04 -15.52 27.09 - 30.43 14.30 -17.04 142.43 -250.17
S.D ±2.26 ±2.48 ±2.48 ±1.29 ±1.22 ±34.85
6th
generation
Plant height
/plant (cm)
Plant
spreading/plant
(cm)
No. of leaves/
plant
Length of 3
fully expanded
leaves
(cm)
Width of 3
fully
expanded
leaves
(cm)
Plant wt./plant
(g)
Mean 30.27 33.50 10.63 28.95 16.85 236.47
Range 28.00 -33.00 29.00 - 37.00 10.00 - 11.00 25.67 - 31.33 15.00 - 18.67 156.90 - 320.10
S.D ±1.43 ±1.91 ±0.51 ±1.29 ±0.91 ±47.49
Compared to 1st
generation in the 6th
generation plant height and plant wt. per plant were found to
be increased considerably (30.81% and 15.72% respectively) while plant spreading was found to be
decreased (7.16%) which may due to the operation of selection process towards the more compact and
heavier large plants in each and every generation. Table.1 also reveals the fact that uniformity rate among
the plants of the 6th
generation population has been increased compared to the 1st
generation plants. The
main features of the new BRAC pechay line are:
1. Quick growing short duration leafy vegetable having delicious taste.
2. Plants have a nice vigour, stems are fleshy, white and broad deep green leaves are thicker with
crispy texture and white petioles.
3. Very easy to cultivate and free from the attack of major diseases and pests.
3. 3
4. Production per unit area is appreciably high compared to traditional leafy vegetables viz., red
amaranth, radish, spinach and the vegetable form of oil seeded Brassica (Sorisha shak).
5. It can be utilized in the international standard hotels and restaurants and also as an exportable
vegetable commodity for the super markets as well.
6. Plants having 14-15 leaves with the leaf size- 30 cm X 17 cm and vegetable harvesting can be
started from 21-22 days after transplanting.
7. Production of fresh vegetable is around 25- 30 Mt/ha.
8. Seed production of the new pechay line is also profitable as on an average 20g -25g of seeds
can be produced from a single plant.
9. This good quality pechay line can also be grown as a suitable vegetable for roof top and balcony
gardening.
10. Multiple harvesting of vegetables is possible from this pechay line following cut-and-come-
again practice.
11. Late bolting pechay line which ensures higher production and good quality.
After the development of the new advance pechay line (BRAC Pechay) this promising line was
tested in the preliminary yield trial for its suitability as a commercial variety. For this purpose,
seeds of the advance pechay line were sown in experimental plot along with the check varieties on
05.10.2014 in 3 replications. Results of the preliminary yield trial has been presented in Table. 2.
Fig. 1. Newly developed pechay line in the experimental Fig. 2. A single plant of BARDC developed
plot of BARDC. advance line of pechay.
Preliminary yield trial showed the superiority of BRAC pechay line over the other two check
varieties in all the characters (Figs. 3, 5 & 9). It was also identified as an early variety and gave higher yield
too (Table. 2). Data showed that the BRAC pechay line had 10.45% higher plant wt. than the pak choy of
Momin seed and 9.20% than Bati shak of Rajdhani seed. Similarly, the newly developed line recorded
8.42% increased yield than pak choy of Momin seed and 4.30% higher yield Bati shak of Rajdhani seed.
Critical observation also revealed the fact that BRAC developed line is a late bolting variety as well (Fig.
4. 4
4 & 9) and it produced on an average 20-25g of seeds per each plant. Haunold (1981) also opined that along
with introduction, reselection is a less expensive breeding technique through which a variety can be
improved in a relatively shorter time. It can be mentioned here that this advance pechay line also exhibited
nice performance when they were grown under polythene tunnel during the rainy season (Biswas 2012). In
Bangladesh, during the monsoon period only few vegetables can be grown due to severe waterlogging
condition resulted due to heavy rainfall but if the pechay can be grown under polythene tunnel the crop
usually give a very satisfactory performance and the farmer can earn a very good profit.
Table. 2. Mean values of morphological characters of BARDC developed pechay and check
varieties (PYT).
Variety Source Plant
height/
plant (cm)
Plant
spreading/
plant
(cm)
No. of
leaves/
plant
Length of
3 fully
expanded
leaves
(cm)
Width
of 3 fully
expanded
leaves
(cm)
Plant wt./
plant
(g)
% of
increased
plant wt.
in BRAC
Pechay
than
check
varieties
Yield
(Mt/ha)
% of
increased
yield in
BRAC
Pechay
than
check
varieties
BRAC
Pechay
BRAC 29.20±1.01 36.59±2.68 9.52±0.63 25.57±2.62 15.57±0.91 83.97±3.08 - 4.12±4.32 -
Pak
choy
Momin
seed
29.02±0.87 33.02±2.49 8.52±0.27 25.50±2.22 13.65±0.28 76.02±2.30 10.45 3.80±3.41 8.42
Bati
shak
Rajdhani
seed
26.59±2.20 31.20±1.46 7.82±0.42 23.75±1.04 12.47±1.02 76.89±7.50 9.20 3.95±5.34 4.30
Fig. 3. Comparison between BRAC pechay (BARDC) & Fig. 4. Late bolting nature of BRAC pechay
check varieties. (BARDC) variety.
5. 5
Fig. 5. Preliminary yield trial plot (PYT) of BARDC developed pechay line along with the check varieties.
Newly developed pechay line was also tested for Cut-and-come-again practice (Table. 3,
Figs. 6, 7 & 8). Fresh pechay seeds collected from the new line were sown on 4.40 m X 1m bed
for this purpose. Excellent seed germination was noticed and since the growth of the pechay plants
were relatively faster, within a few days the plants attained a height of 20-21 cm and became
suitable for 1st
harvesting of leaves at 30 DAS (Days After Sowing). Young pechay plants with
tender leaves were cut at 2-3 inches up from the soil surface and a total of 3 kg of leaves were
collected at 1st
harvesting. After 1st
harvesting, the excised plants were provided with normal
fertilization and irrigation practices. In response to the proper cultural practices, each of the cut
plants started to produce new leaves and the emerged shoots were again found to be suitable for
2nd
harvesting after 14 days i.e. at 44 DAS. However, to gather more information regarding seed
production from the cut plants, the plants were kept intact for seed production. Flowering in the cut plants
was found to be delayed by 4-5 days than normal plants but excellent flowering as well as fruit setting were
observed in the regenerated shoots of the excised plants. Interestingly, good quality pechay seeds were also
obtained from these cut plants at the end of the season. Liu and Liu (2023) also recommended the practice
of multiple harvesting of pechay when it is grown at the homestead level. In a separate experiment, Biswas
(2012b) reported a very amazing result in spinach applying Cut-and-come-again practice.
Fig. 6. Pechay ready for Fig. 7. Multiple harvesting Fig. 8. Normal (L) & sprouted pechay
plant leaf harvesting. practice in pechay. (R).
6. 6
Table 3. Comparative study of morphological characters of the normal and cut plants at 45
DAS).
Status of
the plant
Plant height
(cm)
Plant
spreading
(cm)
No. of
leaves/
plant
Length of
leaves
(cm)
Width of
leaves (cm)
Days taken to
1st
flowering
Cut plants 31.83
(30.00 - 34.00)
28.17
(25.00 - 30.00)
7.33
(6.00 - 8.00)
30.06
(27.67- 32.33)
13.08
(11.33 -16.17)
47.00
(47.00 - 50.00)
Control 25.67
(25.00 – 26.00)
26.33
(26.00 - 27.00)
12.00
(10.00 -14.00)
24.67
(24.00 - 25.67)
11.34
(9.67-12.67)
42.00
(42.00 - 45.00)
Fig. 9. Better performance of Sufola Batishak (Left) in the Fig. 10. Sticker used on seed
experimental Plot of BARDC. packet.
After successful Advance Yield Trial (AYT) and Multilocational Yield Trial (MLT) this
BRAC pechay advance line was released as a commercial variety giving the name ‘Sufola
Batishak’ and BRAC produced 300 kg seed for marketing during the year 2017-18 (Fig. 10).
References
Aglosolos, M. P., M. J. L. Regencia and F. E. Arcilla Jr. 2021. Effects of vermicomposts produced from
cow dung, saw dust and shredded paper on the growth rate and yield of Chinese pechay (Brassica
rapa). IAMURE International journal of Ecology and Conservation. 34 (1): 36-49.
Baek, M.W., H. R. Choi, T. Solomon, C. S. Jeong, H. O. Lee and S. Tilahun. 2021. Pre harvest Methyl
Jasmonate Treatment Increased the Antioxidant Activity and Glucosinolate Contents of
Hydroponically Grown Pak choi. Antioxidants. 2021,10, 131. https:// doi.org/10.3390/antiox
10010131.
Biswas, S. C. 2012a. ‘Cut-and-come-again’ method for harvesting spinach in Bangladesh. FEEDBACk
from the field. AVRDC- The World Vegetable Centre. Global Technology Dissemination. P.O. Box
42, Shanhua, Tainan 74199, Tiwan. March Issue. p. 3.
7. 7
Biswas, S. C. 2012b. Vegetable cultivation in the monsoon season in Bangladesh. FEEDBACK from the
field. AVRDC- The World Vegetable Centre. Global Technology Dissemination. P.O. Box 42,
Shanhua, Tainan 74199, Tiwan. September Issue. pp. 5-6.
Briggs, H. R., A. M. Tallontire and A. J. Dougil. 2019. Exploring the Contribution of Vertical Farming to
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Gonzales, L. M. R., R. A. Caralde and M. L. Abun. 2015. Response of pechay (Brassica napus L.) to
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Haunold. A. 1981. Hop production, breeding and variety development in various countries. The American
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Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342455544_Bok_Choy_an_Asian_Leafy
_Green_Vegetable_Emerging_in_Florida.
Nair, A. and L. Irish. 2016. Commercial Production of Pak choi. Iowa State University Extension &
Outreach: Ames, Iowa. pp. 1-4.
Prado, A. J. 2014. Effect of organic fertilizer on growth performance of Brassica rapa under La Union,
Philippines. E-International Scientific Research Journal. 5 (4): 1-6.
Razzaque, M.A., M. A. Sattar, M. S. Amin, M. A. Kayum and M. S. Alam. 2000. KRISHI PROJUKTI
HATBOI (Handbook of Agro-technology). Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur
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Utama, D. N. and A. Wibowo. 2022. Virtual plant computational model of green-leaf vegetable plant bok
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998012049.
Address:
Dr. Sitesh Chandra Biswas
Program Specialist (Retired)
BRAC Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC)
Jogitola, BRRI, Joydebpur, Gazipur
BANGLADESH
Mobile Phone: +8801730349845
E-mail: sitesh.cb@brac.net
or, siteshchbiswas@yahoo.com
ORCID ID : Sitesh C. Biswas http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2179-8608
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