ALBERT

Description: The study was conducted to evaluate phenotypic variation in one hundred and sixty six wheat landraces from mid and far western districts of Nepal. They were sown in randomized complete block design with two replications at National Wheat Research Program in 2014/15. The observed traits were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using MINITAB v. 14. The results showed a wide range of phenotypic variability in observed parameters. The results also showed that the highest value of the standard deviation from mean (Sd) was for grain yield (±290.10) followed by plant height (±7.21). Among the traits the lowest deviation from mean (Sd) was for thousand grain weight TGW (±2.68). Wheat landraces grouped in four clusters depending on similarity of the studied traits. The results in this cluster, showed that days to maturity ranged from 97 to111 days, TGW ranged from 16 to17 gm, plant height ranged from 76 to 85 cm, and grain yield ranged from 2800 to 3000 Kg ha-1. Wheat landraces under study are grouped depending on specific traits useful for wheat improvement program. Results of this study can be supportive to detect wheat landraces within species with similar traits. In addition it can be useful for sampling in successive studies and parental selection in wheat breeding program.International Journal of Environment Vol.4(4) 2015: 32-44

Description:   Wheat, the third major staple crop of Nepal has been suffered from many diseases. Various diseases are the major limiting factors of considerable wheat production, one of them is Spot blotch. Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is a major disease of wheat in warm and humid regions of the Nepal. The fungus has a worldwide distribution but as a pathogen it is the most aggressive under the conditions of high relative humidity and temperature associated with the low fertility of soils in South Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. The yield loss due to the disease is very significant Nepal. This experiment was conducted to identify the genotypes (crossing) having good level of resistance against spot blotch. The experiment set was received from CIMMYT comprises 52 entries and arranged in alpha lattice design with two replication in 2012/13 at NWRP, Bhairahawa condition. Three times diseases scoring were done in double digit method and calculated the Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Heading days, days to maturity, plant height and test weight were found highly significant but the grain yield and AUDPC were not significant among the entries. However, the grain yield and test weight (50.5 gm) were found higher where the AUDPC was lower recorded in genotype 6719 (4046 kg/ha and AUDPC 488.33) followed by genotype 6737 (3765 Kg/ha and AUDPC 576.9) and genotype 6718 (3550 kg/ha and AUDPC 596.33). International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015Page: 140-150

Description:  A study on the effect of climate change and associated factors on the production and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) over last 25 years in the Terai region of Nepal was conducted. Three major wheat growing districts of Nepal (Kanchanpur, Rupandehi and Dhanusha) were focused. Climate and wheat management data were deployed. Farmers' feedback was taken through a set of semi-structured questionnaire followed by one day workshop cum seminar. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted in the field. Comparison over 25 years showed that rainfall during wheat season declined significantly while maximum temperature increased by over 10C. Mean minimum temperature showed slight decline. Farmers' interaction indicated that growth period of wheat appeared to reduce over years, while new diseases/races and weeds have emerged. This led to increase in use of chemical pesticides. Use of inputs such as chemical fertilizers increased significantly leading to increased production cost by many folds. Despite limitations, wheat farming area and production has increased significantly in the past 25 years. The major issues for farmers were found to be a deficit of inorganic fertilizers, insufficient supply of quality seeds and an unsystematic market. The coping mechanism for climate change in wheat farming in all the three districts was not applied due to lack of knowledge, facilities and access to improved technologies. The farmers expected advanced technological know-how along with other facilities for climate resilient wheat farming.International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015Page:

Description: Around 25% of total wheat area in Terai of Nepal falls under rain-fed and partially irrigated condition. A Coordinated varietal trial (CVT) was conducted during two consecutive crop cycles (2011-12 and 2012-13) under timely sown rain-fed conditions of Terai. The trial was conducted in Alpha Lattice design with two replications at Nepal Agricultural Research Council, National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa and Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Regional Agriculture Research Station, Nepalgunj. Observations were recorded for yield and yield traits and analyzed using statistical software Cropstat 7.2.The combined analysis of coordinated varietal trial showed that BL 3978 possessed the highest yield (2469.2 Kg ha-1) followed by NL 1097 (2373.2 Kg ha-1) and NL 1094 (2334.06 Kg ha-1). Genotype x Environment interaction for grain yield was significant (p