Syed Aflatun Kabir Hemel

This study investigated the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress on the germination and seedling growth of five tossa jute varieties under three treatment conditions: control, PEG 5%, and PEG 10%. Significant reductions were observed in germination percentage (GP), seedling length and fresh and dry weight of root and shoot under PEG treatments. Total length (TL), root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) were reduced under PEG stress, particularly in varieties Acc. 1148(V2) and Acc.6099(V3). PEG reduced mean GP from 94.4% (control) to 87.1% (PEG 5%) and 88.8% (PEG 10%), and reduced mean shoot length by 16–24%, while root length was largely maintained or increased, indicating a shift in early biomass allocation under osmotic stress. BJRI Tossa pat 5(V4) consistently showed the highest tolerance to PEG stress, maintaining relatively better germination, seedling growth, root length and biomass compared to other varieties. Correlation study revealed that, early seedling vigor in tossa jute is strongly influenced by root length, root biomass and total dry matter accumulation. The positive associations between GP, TL and RW highlight their importance as selection indices for drought tolerance while negative correlations of shoot weight with root traits indicate an adaptive balance between root and shoot under water deficit. BJRI Tossa pat 5 was identified as a promising genotype for early-stage drought tolerance but subsequent validation is needed under field water-deficit conditions.

Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a natural fibre crop that produces good quality golden fibre. Predicting fibre yield and quality is crucial in jute breeding programs. Fibre anatomical characteristics provide valuable insights into both fibre yield and quality. Hence, seven tossa jute genotypes were investigated through field-based morphological studies and laboratory-oriented anatomical studies for fibre yield and yield-attributing morpho anatomical variability at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during March 2023 to February 2024. Morphological analysis revealed significant genotypic variations in plant height, base diameter, green weight, fibre yield and stick yield (p < 0.05), highlighting their potential as key differentiators for breeding activities. The genotypes JRO-524 and O-0412-9-4 exhibited superior traits, including higher plant height (2.67 m and 2.64 m) and base diameter (13.89 mm and 13.18 mm) at 110 days after sowing. High heritability was observed for green weight (80.22 %) and fibre yield (80.05 %), indicating that these traits can be effectively targeted for genetic improvement. Anatomical studies revealed significant variability in stem diameter, bark thickness and fibre bundle attributes (p < 0.01). JRO-524 demonstrated the highest stem diameter (17.67 mm) and bark thickness (1.53 mm), while BJRI Tossa pat 9 excelled in trapezoid width and total bundle area. Principal component analysis (PCA) captured 85.7 % of cumulative variance across the first three components, with plant height, base diameter and fibre yield being major contributors. The PCA biplot categorized genotypes into five groups, elucidating genetic diversity for targeted breeding strategies. These findings will provide a foundation for developing high-yielding, fibre-rich tossa jute varieties in future.

For decades, agricultural intensification is practiced to ensure food security for the increased global population in developing countries. Conventional approaches , in particular, extensive and inefficient use of N fertilizer result in enhanced crop production costs and environmental pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions, ammonium volatilization, groundwater contamination, etc. In long term, intensive agricultural practice causes depletion of soil productivity by limiting its functions such as biomass production, carbon sequestration, etc which may threaten our sustenance. In this crisis scenario, for sustainable intensification, organic agriculture has been proposed as a one-stop solution with enormous benefits. Many researchers have proved that organic fertilizer application in agriculture improves soil health by enhancing biogeochemical properties. Moreover, organic agriculture has been claimed as climate-smart agriculture. Despite having all these positive aspects, at present only 1.5% of total agricultural land is under organic farming. This chapter will focus on the present global scenario of organic agriculture, advancement, the associated scopes, drawbacks, and its impacts on the environment.

One of the most significant linchpins of the socioeconomic and livelihood milieu for rural farmers around the world is agroforestry. Several agroforestry practices are being employed by farmers in Bangladesh’s northern region, with Choi Jhal (Piper chaba)-based agroforestry being one of the most prevalent. Numerous researches have been conducted in different regions of Bangladesh to determine the potential livelihood for farmers who engage in diversified agroforestry, but hardly any comprehensive research has been carried out considering the aforementioned system as one of the most sustainable practices. To address this knowledge void, the present research was conducted in the Chinai union of Rajarhat Upazila in the Kurigram district of Bangladesh, surveying 105 Piper chaba farmers to assess the impact of this existing agroforestry system on their livelihood predicament. A mixed-method approach, including secondary data review, questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations, were used for data collection and triangulation. To evaluate livelihoods and the problem severity, the Livelihood Improvement Index (LII) and the Problem Facing Index (FPI) were utilized, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the most suitable tree for Piper chaba cultivation is the betel nut (74.3%), and the majority (64.8%) of farmers have 41 to 90 Piper chaba plants. By strengthening farmers’ constant availability of food, fruit, timber, fodder, and fuelwood, this agroforestry system has markedly increased the sustainability of their livelihoods. This practice is thought to boost farmers’ livelihood capitals, with natural capital improving the most, while social capitals improve the least. However, eight major problems have been identified that farmers face while growing the crop and these must be remedied if different livelihood capitals are to be vastly improved. This research gives a full insight into the current Piper chaba production scenario and livelihood dynamics of local farmers, allowing some bold propositions to be formulated for further upgrading of their subsistence.