Yamin Kabir

Rice is the principal crop, a key component of food security, and a cultural staple of Bangladesh. However, growing rice requires a lot of urea, which is easily lost through denitrification, volatilization, leaching, and runoff. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chitin nanofiber (CNF) as a nitrogen source on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan28 at the Nursery of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh, from February to May 2022. Four CNF concentrations—0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and Control (without CNF)—were used in the completely randomized design (CRD) trial, which was duplicated seven times. Before and after transplanting, varying amounts of CNF were added to the soil. CNF application to the soil had a statistically significant effect on total biomass and leaf chlorophyll content index at 64 days after transplanting (DAT), tiller number hill-1 at 41 DAT. In comparison to the control treatment, which typically produced lower values, the experimental results showed that 0.4% CNF produced numerically higher plant height (87.88 cm), tiller number (26.00 hill-1), grain yield (10.08 g hill-1), total filled grain (580.50), straw weight (40 g hill-1), total biomass (50.08 g hill-1), 1000-grain weight (17.22 cm), and panicle length (21.05 cm). Heat stress was likely the cause of the low growth and yield characteristics, such as grain yield and harvest index. Thus, 0.4% CNF may be considered for rice cultivation based on the results. In Bangladesh and other countries, this knowledge may contribute to improved rice cultivation practices and a reduction in chemical fertilizer use; however, further research is warranted.

Papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit, but due to its climacteric nature, its shelf life is short. The effect of chitin nanofiber (CNF) on the physico-chemical changes, microbial characteristics, and shelf life of papaya cv. Shahi was examined in an experiment conducted during the period from January 29th to February 14th, 2024, at the Germplasm Centre, Horticulture Laboratory, and Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna. The experiment was replicated three times and included five treatments: control, 0.1% chitin nanofiber (CNF), 0.2% CNF, 0.3% CNF, and 0.4% CNF. Total soluble solids (TSS) and weight loss are two physicochemical measures that rise with storage in both treated and untreated fruits. The incidence and severity of the disease showed a rising trend. The amount of vitamin C, however, dropped. The lowest amount of total soluble solids (8.30%) was found in the 0.1% chitin nanofiber treatment. The least amount of weight was lost (11.56%) was found with the 0.2% chitin nanofiber treatment. The 0.3% chitin nanofiber treatment had the lowest disease severity (45.77%) on the ninth day of storage, while the control had the highest disease severity (53.96%). Papaya's shelf life varies greatly depending on the CNF concentrations. The 0.4% CNF had the longest shelf life (10.17 days), whereas the control had the shortest shelf life (6.31 days). Overall, papaya's shelf life and other postharvest quality attributes were better preserved at 0.4% CNF. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(4): 532–541, 2025

Although dragon fruit is gaining popularity worldwide, its postharvest management remains a major challenge due to rapid quality deterioration under ambient conditions. This study investigated the effect of chitosan coating on the postharvest quality and shelf life of three dragon fruit varieties (pink-, white-, and yellow-fleshed) using four concentrations of chitosan solution (control, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Significant variations were observed in physico-chemical parameters, including weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total flavonoid and carotenoid contents, antioxidant activity, and shelf life. At 9 days after storage, pink-fleshed fruits coated with 0.5% chitosan exhibited the best quality attributes—lowest weight loss (3.2%), lowest TSS (10.67 °Brix), and highest firmness, vitamin C, flavonoid, carotenoid, and antioxidant levels—resulting in a shelf life extension to approximately 17 days, compared to 9 days in uncoated fruits. The findings highlight the novel use of 0.5% chitosan as a natural, biodegradable coating for maintaining the quality of dragon fruits under ambient storage, offering a practical and sustainable alternative for postharvest management where cold storage facilities are limited.

The study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical attributes of three cauliflower genotypes of different colors (white, yellow, and purple). The experiment was conducted from February to March 2024 following a completely randomized design (CRD) with seven replications. Statistically, physical attributes did not vary among the three cauliflower genotypes. However, the yellow cauliflower had the highest weight, height, and percent edible parts numerically, and the purple cauliflower had the highest diameter and thickness of curd. The three cauliflowers have different chemical attributes. The maximum values in vitamin C (83.633 mg∕100g), titratable acidity (0.16%), and carotenoids (0.0266 mg∕100g) were found in yellow cauliflower. The purple cauliflower had the highest riboflavin content (0.5746 mg∕100g), while the white cauliflower had the lowest riboflavin content (0.3944 mg∕100g). The purple cauliflower was also superior in terms of anthocyanin (0.9349 mg∕100g) and flavonoid contents (0.3943 mg∕100g). The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the differences in nutritional and physical properties among cauliflower genotypes, which could help consumers and farmers. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(3): 419–424, 2025

Elephant foot yam is a popular South Asian tuber crop and is also widely distributed in Bangladesh. However, genotypes may differ in growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted during the period from March to September 2024 at Dumuria, Khulna, to evaluate ten elephant foot yam genotypes for their growth and yield attributes using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The genotypes were Kolkata, BAU-1, Satkhira Bagha, Jashore Local, Chuadanga, Madrasi, Bandarban Ruma, Satkhira Local, Sahebi Lomba, and BAU-2. The growth and yield components varied significantly among the genotypes, except for the number of plants per plot. Results revealed that less time was required for sprouting (23.00 days) in Bandarban Ruma. The highest plant height (158.33 cm) was recorded in Madrasi, while the maximum number of leaves was recorded (49.66) in Jashore Local. The highest leaf length and leaf breadth were recorded in BAU-2 (31.66 cm) and Madrasi (22.66 cm), respectively. The maximum corm length and corm diameter were observed in Sahebi Lomba (22.40 cm) and Madrasi (24.33 cm), respectively. The highest corm yield (40.13 t ha-1) was recorded in Madrasi. Overall, Madrasi may be selected for commercial cultivation in the Khulna region. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(3): 359–365, 2025

Rice is the staple food for about half of the world’s population and requires extensive urea fertilization. However, urea is prone to multifaceted losses, leading to environmental pollution. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the suitability of using chitin nanofiber (CNF) on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan28. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments, e.g., 0.4% CNF, urea (recommended dose), CNF: urea (50:50), CNF: urea (75:25), and water (control) and replicated seven times. Among the treatments, CNF-urea (50/50) resulted in statistically similar plant height, tiller number, panicle length, and effective number of panicles with urea. CNF-urea (50/50) also had lower unfilled spikelets than the recommended dose of urea. Moreover, grain yield and harvest index were numerically higher for CNF-urea (50/50) than the recommended dose of urea. Therefore, CNF-urea (50/50) may produce a rice yield similar to urea, suggesting that half of the urea-nitrogen can be supplemented by CNF without significant yield loss of rice (BRRI dhan28). However, further experiments should be conducted in different seasons and in multilocation to get a final recommendation. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(3): 287–295, 2025

The short shelf life of jujube is a problem for postharvest preservation and the fruit industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan on postharvest quality, including the shelf life of jujube. The experiment consisted of four treatments (control, 0.1% chitosan, 0.3% chitosan, and 0.5% chitosan) and five jujube varieties (Ball Sundori Kul, Apple Kul, Kashmiri Kul, Thai Kul, and Narkeli Kul) and was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Data were collected on weight loss, fruit length, breadth, color attributes [L* (lightness), a* (redness or greenness), b* (blueness or yellowness), C* (chroma), and h° (hue angle)], total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, pH, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and disease incidence, generally at 3, 6, and 9 days after storage (DAS). Fruits were also evaluated for shelf life. The minimum weight loss (14.33%) was recorded from 0.5% chitosan-coated Ball Sundori Kul. The 5% chitosan also resulted in better colorimeter values (*L, a*, b*, C*, and h*) than the other treatments. Ball Sundori Kul coated with 0.5% chitosan showed the highest Vit C (19.62 mg100g-1) and TSS (15.13%), while uncoated fruit had the highest pH (4.11) at 9 DAS. Moreover, Ball Sundori Kul coated with 0.5% chitosan retained the highest total flavonoid (0.90 mg100g-1) and total anthocyanin (35.25 mg100g-1), and the lowest disease incidence (55%). Furthermore, Ball Sundori Kul coated with 0.5% chitosan had the highest shelf life (9 days). Therefore, jujube fruits, particularly Ball Sundori Kul, can be coated with 0.5% chitosan for postharvest preservation. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(3): 398–409, 2025

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is a macronutrient essential for the growth, development, yield, and quality of vegetables and fruits. It performs structural, enzymatic, and signaling functions in plants. This review examines Ca²⁺ translocation from soil to the fruit via the plant xylem network, emphasizing the importance of Ca²⁺ compartmentalization within fruit cell organelles in the development of calcium deficiency disorders such as blossom-end rot (BER). The underlying causes of BER and potential control measures are also discussed. Soil-available Ca²⁺, transported by water flow, enters the root apoplast through membrane channels and moves toward the xylem via apoplastic or symplastic routes. The transpiration force and the growth of organs determine the movement of Ca²⁺-containing xylem sap to aerial plant parts, including fruits. At the fruit level, the final step of Ca²⁺ regulation is intracellular partitioning among organelles and cellular compartments. This distribution ultimately determines the fruit’s susceptibility to Ca²⁺-deficiency disorders such as BER. Excessive sequestration of Ca²⁺ into organelles such as vacuoles may deplete cytosolic and apoplastic Ca²⁺ pools, compromising membrane integrity and leading to BER, even when overall Ca²⁺ levels are adequate at the blossom end. Effective BER management requires cultural and physiological practices that promote Ca²⁺ uptake, translocation to the fruit, and appropriate intracellular distribution. Additionally, the use of BER-resistant and Ca²⁺-efficient cultivars can help mitigate this disorder. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of Ca²⁺ dynamics in plants is critical for managing BER, minimizing production loss and environmental impacts, and maximizing overall crop productivity.

Calcium (Ca2+) is a macro-mineral essential for the growth, development, yield, and quality of vegetables and fruits. It performs structural, enzymatic, and signaling functions in plants. This review outlines Ca2+ translocation from soil to fruit via the plant xylem network, emphasizing the importance of Ca2+ compartmentalization within fruit cell organelles in developing the Ca2+-deficiency disorder, blossom-end rot (BER). The causes and possible control measures of BER are also discussed. Soil available Ca2+ enters the root apoplast with the water flow and moves towards the xylem via apoplastic or symplastic routes. The transpiration force and growth of organs determine the movement of Ca2+-containing xylem sap to aerial plant parts, including fruits. The final step of fruit-Ca2+ regulation is the partitioning among cellular compartments, which determines susceptibility to Ca2+-deficiency disorders such as BER. Depleting cytosolic and apoplastic Ca2+ due to excessive deposition in organelles such as the vacuole may lead to disintegration of the plasma membrane, resulting in BER, even at high Ca2+ availability at the blossom end of the fruit. BER management requires cultural and physiological practices that ensure Ca2+ translocation to the fruit and proper Ca2+ compartmentalization. The use of BER-resistant and Ca2+-efficient cultivars may also help in BER management. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of Ca2+ dynamics in plants is crucial for managing BER, reducing production costs, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing crop productivity.