A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program (NCRP), Paripatle,
Dhankuta to determine the best grafting height for the highest success of grafting and the maximum
growth of sapling during r' January to 30'h December, 2010. Scions were collected from the
mother plant 'NCRP-49' grown under screen house and grafted on to one-year-old trifoliate orange
seedling rootstocks by shoot-tip method at 4 em, 8 em, 12 em, 16 em and 20 em height from the
collar region as the treatment. The grafts were planted inside the closed tunnel made from bamboo
splits, jute and plastic sheet at JOx8 em spacing in 64x/OO em experimental plots laid out in
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications containing 80 grafts per plot.
Treatments were allotted on the experimental plots randomly. The success of grafting was not
affected by the height of grafting, however growth of sapling was found significantly affected by the
height of grafting. Observation taken on sapling after one year of grafting revealed that the
maximum scion height (42.13 em), the highest number of/eaves per sapling (47.50), the highest
growth of scion diameter (55.61%), maximum length of primary branches (31.19 em), maximum
number of secondary branches per sapling ((3.24), the highest length of secondary branches (11.59
em), the highest canopy volume (15440 cm3
) and the highest graft spread (24.35 em) were found on
sapling grafted at 16 em height of the trifoliate orange rootstock. Hence, from the study it is
concluded that the most suitable height of grafting acid lime on trifoliate orange rootstock was 16
em.

A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program (NCRP), Paripatle,
Dhankuta to determine the best grafting height for the highest success of grafting and the maximum
growth of sapling during r' January to 30'h December, 2010. Scions were collected from the
mother plant 'NCRP-49' grown under screen house and grafted on to one-year-old trifoliate orange
seedling rootstocks by shoot-tip method at 4 em, 8 em, 12 em, 16 em and 20 em height from the
collar region as the treatment. The grafts were planted inside the closed tunnel made from bamboo
splits, jute and plastic sheet at JOx8 em spacing in 64x/OO em experimental plots laid out in
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications containing 80 grafts per plot.
Treatments were allotted on the experimental plots randomly. The success of grafting was not
affected by the height of grafting, however growth of sapling was found significantly affected by the
height of grafting. Observation taken on sapling after one year of grafting revealed that the
maximum scion height (42.13 em), the highest number of/eaves per sapling (47.50), the highest
growth of scion diameter (55.61%), maximum length of primary branches (31.19 em), maximum
number of secondary branches per sapling ((3.24), the highest length of secondary branches (11.59
em), the highest canopy volume (15440 cm3
) and the highest graft spread (24.35 em) were found on
sapling grafted at 16 em height of the trifoliate orange rootstock. Hence, from the study it is
concluded that the most suitable height of grafting acid lime on trifoliate orange rootstock was 16
em.

The effect of crop regulating treatments on guava cv. Allahabad Safeda was studied at guava
orchard of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, from May 2008 to
Nov. 2008. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD with four treatments. The treatments were urea
(15 %), NAA (800 ppm), Hand Defoliation (IOO%foliage removal) and control, replicating 5 times.
In the rainy season crop the highest number of 317.40 fruits per plant was observed in control, but
it was highest i.e., 206.60 fruits per plant in the hand-defoliated plants in winter. Similarly for rainy
season, net yield (31.13 kg/plant) as well as the estimated yield (34.57 kg/tree) including the loss
due to bird injury was the highest in control, but in winter, total yield was highest (27.87 kg/plant)
in hand-defoliated plants. From the present study, HD was found most promising treatment for
obtaining highest yield in Allahabad Safeda variety of guava under Chitwan condition. However
this study need further testingfor recommendation over a wide locations and environment.

The effect of crop regulating treatments on guava cv. Allahabad Safeda was studied at guava
orchard of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, from May 2008 to
Nov. 2008. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD with four treatments. The treatments were urea
(15 %), NAA (800 ppm), Hand Defoliation (IOO%foliage removal) and control, replicating 5 times.
In the rainy season crop the highest number of 317.40 fruits per plant was observed in control, but
it was highest i.e., 206.60 fruits per plant in the hand-defoliated plants in winter. Similarly for rainy
season, net yield (31.13 kg/plant) as well as the estimated yield (34.57 kg/tree) including the loss
due to bird injury was the highest in control, but in winter, total yield was highest (27.87 kg/plant)
in hand-defoliated plants. From the present study, HD was found most promising treatment for
obtaining highest yield in Allahabad Safeda variety of guava under Chitwan condition. However
this study need further testingfor recommendation over a wide locations and environment.

In the Dailekh district, despite steady increase in area devoted to citrus production productivity
was not increased as anticipated. Therefore, this study was conducted to establish the present state
of citrus cultivation and associated problems. The study was conducted during September 2008 in
three citrus production villages of Dai/ekh district: Goganpani, Lankuri and Du//u. Sixty citrus
growers were selected randomly from the a list of total that is twenty in each of three villages and
participated in semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and orchard visits. Eighty
percent farmers used seedling plants and only five percent of farmers used chemical fertilizer.
Further, only 10% of farmers had assured irrigation so rest had adopted rain-fed system. Growers
were in fulse belief thul inlercropping cereals increases citrus production due to be//er aeration a/
root zone by plowing. All orchards were affected by pests and diseases because of a limited access
to chemical control measure and a lack of knowledge meant that proper control measures were not
employed. Further, improper post-harvest handling caused farmers to receive lower prices for their
product. Integrated plant nutrient and pest management programs need to be adopted by R &D
partners for these production areas. Farmers have to be encouraged to plant grafted sapling
because these are free from bacterial and viral diseases and can better withstand water stress. It is
suggested that R and D partners organize training and awareness programs on proper orchard and
nursery management, and post-harvest handling and marketing processes.

In the Dailekh district, despite steady increase in area devoted to citrus production productivity
was not increased as anticipated. Therefore, this study was conducted to establish the present state
of citrus cultivation and associated problems. The study was conducted during September 2008 in
three citrus production villages of Dai/ekh district: Goganpani, Lankuri and Du//u. Sixty citrus
growers were selected randomly from the a list of total that is twenty in each of three villages and
participated in semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and orchard visits. Eighty
percent farmers used seedling plants and only five percent of farmers used chemical fertilizer.
Further, only 10% of farmers had assured irrigation so rest had adopted rain-fed system. Growers
were in fulse belief thul inlercropping cereals increases citrus production due to be//er aeration a/
root zone by plowing. All orchards were affected by pests and diseases because of a limited access
to chemical control measure and a lack of knowledge meant that proper control measures were not
employed. Further, improper post-harvest handling caused farmers to receive lower prices for their
product. Integrated plant nutrient and pest management programs need to be adopted by R &D
partners for these production areas. Farmers have to be encouraged to plant grafted sapling
because these are free from bacterial and viral diseases and can better withstand water stress. It is
suggested that R and D partners organize training and awareness programs on proper orchard and
nursery management, and post-harvest handling and marketing processes.

Root and soil samples of citrus (Citrus reticulate Blanco) were collected from Baitadi area. Twenty
nine samples were processed to find out the number and types of mycorrhizal spores and root
samples were processed to find out percent root colonized by mycorrhizae. The percent root
colonized by VAM fungi ranged from 27 to 92. The higher percentage colonized roots indicated
healthier roots. It also indicated that the soil condition for the symbiotic relation was good. The
percentage of root colonized by VAM was less on the sample indicated as diseased one. There was
positive correlation between number of spores and percentage root colonized by VAM fungi. The
diseased root, in general had lower root colonization. Number of spores in 200 grams of soil
ranged from 165 to 6089. Two soil samples had very high spore population, 27 and 30 spores per
gram soil. Predominantly Glomus spp. was found in most of the soil sample. Other genus found
were Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Sc/erocystis and Acaulospora.

Root and soil samples of citrus (Citrus reticulate Blanco) were collected from Baitadi area. Twenty
nine samples were processed to find out the number and types of mycorrhizal spores and root
samples were processed to find out percent root colonized by mycorrhizae. The percent root
colonized by VAM fungi ranged from 27 to 92. The higher percentage colonized roots indicated
healthier roots. It also indicated that the soil condition for the symbiotic relation was good. The
percentage of root colonized by VAM was less on the sample indicated as diseased one. There was
positive correlation between number of spores and percentage root colonized by VAM fungi. The
diseased root, in general had lower root colonization. Number of spores in 200 grams of soil
ranged from 165 to 6089. Two soil samples had very high spore population, 27 and 30 spores per
gram soil. Predominantly Glomus spp. was found in most of the soil sample. Other genus found
were Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Sc/erocystis and Acaulospora.

A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program, Paripatle, Dhankuta
during 111 November, 2004 to t" September, 2005 to determine the effect of different doses of GA1
and nitrogen under open and plastic tunnel condition on growth of trifoliate orange seedling. The
experiment was laid out in two factorial split-plot design consisting three replications of each
treatment. The open and plastic tunnel was considered as the main plot factor (Factor-A) and the
combination of different doses of gibberellic acid (GAJ) and nitrogen as sub plot factor (Factor-B).
The treatments were applied in seedlings two months after germination. Seedlings were planted at
J5x/O em spacing in 90 cmx80 em sized experimental plots supplied initially with 5 kg FYM per
plot containing 48 plants. White transparent plastic sheets were used for covering the plant in the
form of tunnel. GAJ was applied as foliar spray at one month intervals while nitrogen was applied
through urea as soil application at two split doses in I'' April and I'' May. Ten sample plants were
selected for the study from each bed From the study, it was found that the growth of seedling of
trifoliate orange was highly accelerated under the plastic house condition as compared to the open
condition. The height of seedling (47.75 em). number of leaf per plant (25.27) and size of seedling
diameter (5. 193 mm) were found highest at 300 days after sowing under plastic tunnel condition.
Similarly, the highest growth of seedling height (48.8/ em), number of leaf per plant (27.20) and
seedling diameter (5.383 mm) were observed in 120 ppm GA1 and 400 kg nitrogen/ha combination
at similar age of the seedling.

A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program, Paripatle, Dhankuta
during 111 November, 2004 to t" September, 2005 to determine the effect of different doses of GA1
and nitrogen under open and plastic tunnel condition on growth of trifoliate orange seedling. The
experiment was laid out in two factorial split-plot design consisting three replications of each
treatment. The open and plastic tunnel was considered as the main plot factor (Factor-A) and the
combination of different doses of gibberellic acid (GAJ) and nitrogen as sub plot factor (Factor-B).
The treatments were applied in seedlings two months after germination. Seedlings were planted at
J5x/O em spacing in 90 cmx80 em sized experimental plots supplied initially with 5 kg FYM per
plot containing 48 plants. White transparent plastic sheets were used for covering the plant in the
form of tunnel. GAJ was applied as foliar spray at one month intervals while nitrogen was applied
through urea as soil application at two split doses in I'' April and I'' May. Ten sample plants were
selected for the study from each bed From the study, it was found that the growth of seedling of
trifoliate orange was highly accelerated under the plastic house condition as compared to the open
condition. The height of seedling (47.75 em). number of leaf per plant (25.27) and size of seedling
diameter (5. 193 mm) were found highest at 300 days after sowing under plastic tunnel condition.
Similarly, the highest growth of seedling height (48.8/ em), number of leaf per plant (27.20) and
seedling diameter (5.383 mm) were observed in 120 ppm GA1 and 400 kg nitrogen/ha combination
at similar age of the seedling.

Citrus fruits are grafted in trifoliate orange {Poncirus trifoliate L) due to good fruit quality,
dwarfness, tolerant to soil born disease, cold and hardiness. Slow growth rate of trifoliate orange is
one of the serious problems of citrus nursery owners. It takes more than three year to attain the
grafting requirement for sapling production. Facing this problem an experiment was conducted on
trifoliate orange to accelerate the growth rate of seedlings. Seedlings are grown in different media
under three different environment condition i.e. polyhouse, plastic tunnel and open field condition
in NCRP, Dhankuta in Fiscal Year 2063/64 and 064/65. Seeds were grown in five different media
(five treatments) and replicated four times. Highest seedling height (83.67 em) and diameter (7.14
mm) was observed in polyhouse condition with vermin compost+ soil mixed {I: I) treatment where
as lowest height (28.20 em) and diameter (3.58 mm) observed in open field condition in the same
treatment within one year. The result shows that, highly significant effect of environmental
condition on seedling growth. Seedlings height of trifoliate orange is almost three times and
diameter was two times greater in polyhouse as compared to open field. Therefore, result of this
experiment guided to the nurseryman's, to grow the trifoliate orange seedling in the polyhouse
condition with soil and vermicompost mixed media (I: I) to accelerate growth of the seedlings and
to get stander height and diameter within one-year period This technology will be applicable to the
nursery mans to improve the quality of saplings in the nursery.

Citrus fruits are grafted in trifoliate orange {Poncirus trifoliate L) due to good fruit quality,
dwarfness, tolerant to soil born disease, cold and hardiness. Slow growth rate of trifoliate orange is
one of the serious problems of citrus nursery owners. It takes more than three year to attain the
grafting requirement for sapling production. Facing this problem an experiment was conducted on
trifoliate orange to accelerate the growth rate of seedlings. Seedlings are grown in different media
under three different environment condition i.e. polyhouse, plastic tunnel and open field condition
in NCRP, Dhankuta in Fiscal Year 2063/64 and 064/65. Seeds were grown in five different media
(five treatments) and replicated four times. Highest seedling height (83.67 em) and diameter (7.14
mm) was observed in polyhouse condition with vermin compost+ soil mixed {I: I) treatment where
as lowest height (28.20 em) and diameter (3.58 mm) observed in open field condition in the same
treatment within one year. The result shows that, highly significant effect of environmental
condition on seedling growth. Seedlings height of trifoliate orange is almost three times and
diameter was two times greater in polyhouse as compared to open field. Therefore, result of this
experiment guided to the nurseryman's, to grow the trifoliate orange seedling in the polyhouse
condition with soil and vermicompost mixed media (I: I) to accelerate growth of the seedlings and
to get stander height and diameter within one-year period This technology will be applicable to the
nursery mans to improve the quality of saplings in the nursery.

Mandarin is one of the important cash generating fruit crop in the hills of Nepal. The productive
area of mandarin in Nepal is 14601 hectare and annual production is 174868 these area and
production are more than double of that of /0 years before. Khoku, One of the prominent mandarin
growing villages of Dhankuta District, has been selected to conduct PRA survey in order to analyze
mandarin production and contribution in household income and constraints. The study was
initiated with the identification and selection of key sites under the command areas and group
discussion was made with the concern farmers. In the PRA survey, almost 30 farmers participated
In the study area, 32 % of the total annual income is contributed by mandarin followed by 30 %
non-farm activities (job salary, carpentry and remittance), I 3 %cereal crops and 10% livestock.
Annual sell of mandarin in each household ranges from Rs 30000 to Rs 250000. Mandarin is sold
on the contract basis. Most of farmers make the contract during the time of harvest. However, few
farmers make the contract prior to harvesting lime. Regarding the farm management practice,
compost is used each year by all farmers. Sulphur is sprayed only by 5 %farmers and no chemical
fertilizer is used Farmers suspected the greening diseases in some trees of several farm. Sample
has been collected and sent to NAST in order to make sure the diseases. However, farmers couldn't
get the result so far.

Mandarin is one of the important cash generating fruit crop in the hills of Nepal. The productive
area of mandarin in Nepal is 14601 hectare and annual production is 174868 these area and
production are more than double of that of /0 years before. Khoku, One of the prominent mandarin
growing villages of Dhankuta District, has been selected to conduct PRA survey in order to analyze
mandarin production and contribution in household income and constraints. The study was
initiated with the identification and selection of key sites under the command areas and group
discussion was made with the concern farmers. In the PRA survey, almost 30 farmers participated
In the study area, 32 % of the total annual income is contributed by mandarin followed by 30 %
non-farm activities (job salary, carpentry and remittance), I 3 %cereal crops and 10% livestock.
Annual sell of mandarin in each household ranges from Rs 30000 to Rs 250000. Mandarin is sold
on the contract basis. Most of farmers make the contract during the time of harvest. However, few
farmers make the contract prior to harvesting lime. Regarding the farm management practice,
compost is used each year by all farmers. Sulphur is sprayed only by 5 %farmers and no chemical
fertilizer is used Farmers suspected the greening diseases in some trees of several farm. Sample
has been collected and sent to NAST in order to make sure the diseases. However, farmers couldn't
get the result so far.

A total of 26 mandarin seedling trees of 25 years age, collected from Khoku and maintained at
National Citrus Research Program, Dhankuta were evaluated for four consecutive years from 2001
to 2004 for yield and fruit quality. High level of diversity was noted on marketable yield (25-13/
kg), yield efficiency (0.22-1./0 kglm3
), fruit size (66.5- 87.8 gram), seed number (8.6-16.6) and
acid content (0.81-1.40 percent) while variation on pulp percent, juice content and TSS was less.
Each tree was scored in 1-5 scale for its performance on TSS, total acid. TSS acid ratio, pulp
percent, juice content, seeds/fruit, percentage of big and medium sized fruits and yield efficiency.
Tree number: J-90 which obtained highest score (18) was selected as mother plant. Disease
indexing in Nepal and Corsica, France showed that J-90 was free from graft-transmissible
diseases. The selected plant was multiplied by grafting on Poncirus trifoliata rootstocks and
maintained as primary foundation mother plant under screen house at National Citrus Research
Program, Dhankuta and as secondary mother plants in private nurseries in Kavre and Lamjung.
Demand of disease-free saplings of this genotype is very high and is being sold by private nurseries
in a price of& 50-125 per sapling. The yield of three years old plant has been found up to 30 kg at
farmers'field

A total of 26 mandarin seedling trees of 25 years age, collected from Khoku and maintained at
National Citrus Research Program, Dhankuta were evaluated for four consecutive years from 2001
to 2004 for yield and fruit quality. High level of diversity was noted on marketable yield (25-13/
kg), yield efficiency (0.22-1./0 kglm3
), fruit size (66.5- 87.8 gram), seed number (8.6-16.6) and
acid content (0.81-1.40 percent) while variation on pulp percent, juice content and TSS was less.
Each tree was scored in 1-5 scale for its performance on TSS, total acid. TSS acid ratio, pulp
percent, juice content, seeds/fruit, percentage of big and medium sized fruits and yield efficiency.
Tree number: J-90 which obtained highest score (18) was selected as mother plant. Disease
indexing in Nepal and Corsica, France showed that J-90 was free from graft-transmissible
diseases. The selected plant was multiplied by grafting on Poncirus trifoliata rootstocks and
maintained as primary foundation mother plant under screen house at National Citrus Research
Program, Dhankuta and as secondary mother plants in private nurseries in Kavre and Lamjung.
Demand of disease-free saplings of this genotype is very high and is being sold by private nurseries
in a price of& 50-125 per sapling. The yield of three years old plant has been found up to 30 kg at
farmers'field

Matured banana of varieties Malbhog and Harichal were collected from Chitwan and Balkhu
respectively. Combs separated from bunch were partly used for candy preparation and partly
allowed/or ripening. Crystallized candy of banana was prepared according to prescribed method
having 65 °Bx TSS and dried to moisture content $10%. Dried candy was taken for sensory
evaluation for color, flavor, texture and taste and liked by most of the panelists with giving the
score (mean values) 7, 6.5, 7.5 and 8 respectively according to hedonic rating method. During
ripening, average pH and acidity (0/6) were observed daily till fully ripened and was found
increased gradually with different treatments for ripening MA. M8, Mc.for Malbhog variety and HA.
H8 He for Harichal variety to become 4.4 & 0.7787, 4.5 & 0.6668, 4.6 & 0.6065, 4.4 & 0.7639, 4.4
& 0.7615 and 4.5 & 0.7360 respectively. Similarly average TSS (OBx) was observed at the same
time of acidity evaluation and recorded as 21.8, 21.5, 21.3, 21.0, 20.8, and 20.5. Similarly chemical
components of both varieties ofMalbhog and Harichal were analyzed for moisture 70.25 and 71.72
%, total sugar 18.43 and 17.24%, protein 1.44 and/./%, pectin 0.95 and 0.73%, crude fiber 0.38
and 0.39%, total ash 0.89 and 0.96%, vitamin C 15.74 and /2.09 mg/JOOg, iron 0.4 and
0.55mgl/00g, calcium //.96 and /2./0 mg/100g, phosphorus 0.31 and 0.28 mg/100g and fat
content 0.39 and 0.43% respectively. From ripened banana, juice was extracted by the use of
pectinase enzyme by incubating at 32°C for 2 hours followed by squeezing. The juice was blended
with water 20% by weight, blended with sugar and citric acid to raise TSS to 56°Bx and 1.4%
respectively to make a concentrate form of nectar (when diluted to 4 times with water we got the
nectar of 20% fruit juice content, 0.35% acidity and 14% TSS). The nectar was then boiled. hot
filled, sealed and stored for self life observation and sensory evaluation. Sensory evaluation was
carried out in terms of color, flavor, mouth feel and taste and liked by most of the panelists with
giving score (mean values) 6, 7, 7 and 6 respectively according to hedonic rating method. The
nectar in concentrate form was stored for self life study and found in good condition without any
deterioration for 9 months.

Matured banana of varieties Malbhog and Harichal were collected from Chitwan and Balkhu
respectively. Combs separated from bunch were partly used for candy preparation and partly
allowed/or ripening. Crystallized candy of banana was prepared according to prescribed method
having 65 °Bx TSS and dried to moisture content $10%. Dried candy was taken for sensory
evaluation for color, flavor, texture and taste and liked by most of the panelists with giving the
score (mean values) 7, 6.5, 7.5 and 8 respectively according to hedonic rating method. During
ripening, average pH and acidity (0/6) were observed daily till fully ripened and was found
increased gradually with different treatments for ripening MA. M8, Mc.for Malbhog variety and HA.
H8 He for Harichal variety to become 4.4 & 0.7787, 4.5 & 0.6668, 4.6 & 0.6065, 4.4 & 0.7639, 4.4
& 0.7615 and 4.5 & 0.7360 respectively. Similarly average TSS (OBx) was observed at the same
time of acidity evaluation and recorded as 21.8, 21.5, 21.3, 21.0, 20.8, and 20.5. Similarly chemical
components of both varieties ofMalbhog and Harichal were analyzed for moisture 70.25 and 71.72
%, total sugar 18.43 and 17.24%, protein 1.44 and/./%, pectin 0.95 and 0.73%, crude fiber 0.38
and 0.39%, total ash 0.89 and 0.96%, vitamin C 15.74 and /2.09 mg/JOOg, iron 0.4 and
0.55mgl/00g, calcium //.96 and /2./0 mg/100g, phosphorus 0.31 and 0.28 mg/100g and fat
content 0.39 and 0.43% respectively. From ripened banana, juice was extracted by the use of
pectinase enzyme by incubating at 32°C for 2 hours followed by squeezing. The juice was blended
with water 20% by weight, blended with sugar and citric acid to raise TSS to 56°Bx and 1.4%
respectively to make a concentrate form of nectar (when diluted to 4 times with water we got the
nectar of 20% fruit juice content, 0.35% acidity and 14% TSS). The nectar was then boiled. hot
filled, sealed and stored for self life observation and sensory evaluation. Sensory evaluation was
carried out in terms of color, flavor, mouth feel and taste and liked by most of the panelists with
giving score (mean values) 6, 7, 7 and 6 respectively according to hedonic rating method. The
nectar in concentrate form was stored for self life study and found in good condition without any
deterioration for 9 months.

Onion (Onion cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops of Nepalese farmers, but a little
attention on research and development works of the crop has been focused. Different onion
varieties viz; Agrifound Dark Red, N-53, Red Creole, and Bemausami-1) were tested on station as
well as in the farmers' field for off-season production. Among the varieties tested, the most
promising variety Agrifound Dark Red was subjected to further dissemination to farmers' field in
Malika, Naule Katuwal, Bijaura, Chupra and Jarkot of Dailekh district with 8-10 farmers at each
site. Different parameters on onion viz,· plant height, bulb length, bulb diameter, bulb weight, days
to bulb harvest, fresh bulb yield, green tops yield, bulb rings, income from bulbs, income from
green tops, combined income from bulbs and green tops, cost benefit ratio, seed yield and days to
seed harvest were recorded Apart from these parameters, seed quality was also assessed. The three
years mean results (2008109 to 20/0/11) revealed that significant effect of sites on most of the
parameters was observed except in plant height and bulb rings. Similarly, significant effect of years
was observed on bulb length, bulb yield, income from bulb, income from green tops, combined
income from bulbs and green tops, production cost, cost benefit ratio and seed yield excluding bulb
weight, bulb diameter, days to bulb harvest, green tops yield, plant height, bulb rings and days to
seed harvest. The highest off-season bulb (705.30 kg/ropani) was obtained in Malika with maximum
income from off-season bulbs and green tops (Rs. 4297 1/ropani) and cost benefit ratio 1: 4.66.
Similarly. the highest seed yield (31.67 kglropani) was obtained in Malika. The assessment of seed
samples of the same variety showed relatively good germination and other seed quality parameters
as compared to those of imported seed source from India.

Onion (Onion cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops of Nepalese farmers, but a little
attention on research and development works of the crop has been focused. Different onion
varieties viz; Agrifound Dark Red, N-53, Red Creole, and Bemausami-1) were tested on station as
well as in the farmers' field for off-season production. Among the varieties tested, the most
promising variety Agrifound Dark Red was subjected to further dissemination to farmers' field in
Malika, Naule Katuwal, Bijaura, Chupra and Jarkot of Dailekh district with 8-10 farmers at each
site. Different parameters on onion viz,· plant height, bulb length, bulb diameter, bulb weight, days
to bulb harvest, fresh bulb yield, green tops yield, bulb rings, income from bulbs, income from
green tops, combined income from bulbs and green tops, cost benefit ratio, seed yield and days to
seed harvest were recorded Apart from these parameters, seed quality was also assessed. The three
years mean results (2008109 to 20/0/11) revealed that significant effect of sites on most of the
parameters was observed except in plant height and bulb rings. Similarly, significant effect of years
was observed on bulb length, bulb yield, income from bulb, income from green tops, combined
income from bulbs and green tops, production cost, cost benefit ratio and seed yield excluding bulb
weight, bulb diameter, days to bulb harvest, green tops yield, plant height, bulb rings and days to
seed harvest. The highest off-season bulb (705.30 kg/ropani) was obtained in Malika with maximum
income from off-season bulbs and green tops (Rs. 4297 1/ropani) and cost benefit ratio 1: 4.66.
Similarly. the highest seed yield (31.67 kglropani) was obtained in Malika. The assessment of seed
samples of the same variety showed relatively good germination and other seed quality parameters
as compared to those of imported seed source from India.

For evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma Iongo L.) genotypes for mid and far western terai of Nepal, a
study was carried out at the Regional Agriculture Research Station Khajura, Nepalgunj during the
year 2008/09 and 2009110 .Eight genotypes of turmeric namely C/9701, C/9801, C/9803, C/9804,
C/9807, C/9808, C/0209, Pokhara sano were evaluated in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 3 replications. Fertilizers were applied @75:50:50 kglha (NPK) and 30tlha compost.
Observations of growth and yield attributing characters were taken. The rhizome yield in genotypes
C/9803 (20.75tlha) and C/0209 (19.82tlha) were respectively higher than other tested genotypes
where as lowest rhizome yield was recorded in C/9807 (14.20tlha). On the basis of the results
obtained, it can be concluded that genotype C/9803 and C/0209 of turmeric was promising for
cultivation in mid and far western terai of Nepal. However it requires further investigation. For
recommendation

For evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma Iongo L.) genotypes for mid and far western terai of Nepal, a
study was carried out at the Regional Agriculture Research Station Khajura, Nepalgunj during the
year 2008/09 and 2009110 .Eight genotypes of turmeric namely C/9701, C/9801, C/9803, C/9804,
C/9807, C/9808, C/0209, Pokhara sano were evaluated in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 3 replications. Fertilizers were applied @75:50:50 kglha (NPK) and 30tlha compost.
Observations of growth and yield attributing characters were taken. The rhizome yield in genotypes
C/9803 (20.75tlha) and C/0209 (19.82tlha) were respectively higher than other tested genotypes
where as lowest rhizome yield was recorded in C/9807 (14.20tlha). On the basis of the results
obtained, it can be concluded that genotype C/9803 and C/0209 of turmeric was promising for
cultivation in mid and far western terai of Nepal. However it requires further investigation. For
recommendation

A study was carried out for two years on fresh cherry production of coffee at Agriculture Research
Station (Horticulture), Pokhara. The effect of six different treatments of organic and chemical
fertilizers was studied in four varieties of coffee namely Pacamara, Se/ection-10, Tekisic and
Yellow Caturra. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design with
split plot and three replications. The data on fresh coffee cherry production was collected in 2008
and 2009. The combined application of double doses of farmyard manure plus single dose of
chemical fertilizer (FYM@ 10 t ha"1 + chemical fertilizers /00:30:60 kg NPK ha"1
, respectively)
gave the highest amount of fresh cherry yield {1271.9 kg ha"1
) and followed (1005.3 kg ha"1
) by the
application of double dose of farmyard manure only. The lowest yield (532.10 kg ha"1
) of fresh
cherry was observed due to application of double doses of chemical fertilizer only (200:60: I 20 kg
NPK h_a"1
, respectively). In case of variety. Yellow Caturra gave the maximum cherry yield (1219.52
kg ha"1
) followed by 'Selection-10' (875.95 kg ha"1
). This study revealed that the application of
farmyard manure in combination with chemical fertilizer is suitable to produce more cherry
production of coffee as compared to application of only one type of either organic or chemical
fertilizer. It also indicated that application of higher dose of chemical fertilizer without addition of
organic manure is not effective to gel more cherry yield of coffee.

A study was carried out for two years on fresh cherry production of coffee at Agriculture Research
Station (Horticulture), Pokhara. The effect of six different treatments of organic and chemical
fertilizers was studied in four varieties of coffee namely Pacamara, Se/ection-10, Tekisic and
Yellow Caturra. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design with
split plot and three replications. The data on fresh coffee cherry production was collected in 2008
and 2009. The combined application of double doses of farmyard manure plus single dose of
chemical fertilizer (FYM@ 10 t ha"1 + chemical fertilizers /00:30:60 kg NPK ha"1
, respectively)
gave the highest amount of fresh cherry yield {1271.9 kg ha"1
) and followed (1005.3 kg ha"1
) by the
application of double dose of farmyard manure only. The lowest yield (532.10 kg ha"1
) of fresh
cherry was observed due to application of double doses of chemical fertilizer only (200:60: I 20 kg
NPK h_a"1
, respectively). In case of variety. Yellow Caturra gave the maximum cherry yield (1219.52
kg ha"1
) followed by 'Selection-10' (875.95 kg ha"1
). This study revealed that the application of
farmyard manure in combination with chemical fertilizer is suitable to produce more cherry
production of coffee as compared to application of only one type of either organic or chemical
fertilizer. It also indicated that application of higher dose of chemical fertilizer without addition of
organic manure is not effective to gel more cherry yield of coffee.

An experiment was conducted at ARS (Horticulture), Malepatan to evaluate si.r: different varieties
of coffee namely: Pacamara, Pacas, Tekisik, Chhetradeep (a locally grown variety), Hawai Kuna
and Indonesia in 2009 and 2010. ·Varieties were evaluated for their yield and yield attributing
characteristics. Data recorded were girth (em) at 20 em from ground, number of bearing and non
bearing branches per plant, numbers of nodes/branch, number of bearing nodes/branch, number
of cherry !node and cherry yield (kg ha"1
) and analyzed by using statistical software Mstatc. Girth
at 20 em above the ground was found highest (13. 75 em) in variety Hawai Kuna. Similarly number
of bearing and non bearing branches per plant was highest in variety Tekisik. Numbers of nodes
per branch were found similar in all varieties but there was significant difference in number of
bearing nodes per branch and highest was found in variety Hawai Kuna (7) which was followed
by Tekisik (6), and Chhetradeep {6). Likewise, difference was observed in varieties in number of
cherry per node which was found highest (4.22) in variety Indonesia and lowest (2.74) in Pacas.
Cherry yield was found significantly highest (1818.80 kg ha"1
) in variety Tekisik which was
followed by Pacas (I 181.36 kg ha"1
), Chheiradeep (1515.18 kg ha-1
), Indonesia (997.63 kg ha"1
).
Pacamara (907.08 kg ha"1
) and low.est in Hawai Kuna ( 887.25 kg ha"1
). There is positive
correlation between ch~rry yield and other parameters like number of nodes/plant (r = 0.288),
number of bearing nodes (r = 0.414) and number of cherry per node (r = 0.401) and negative
correlation between Cherry yield and number of non bearing branches and all are statistically
significant.

An experiment was conducted at ARS (Horticulture), Malepatan to evaluate si.r: different varieties
of coffee namely: Pacamara, Pacas, Tekisik, Chhetradeep (a locally grown variety), Hawai Kuna
and Indonesia in 2009 and 2010. ·Varieties were evaluated for their yield and yield attributing
characteristics. Data recorded were girth (em) at 20 em from ground, number of bearing and non
bearing branches per plant, numbers of nodes/branch, number of bearing nodes/branch, number
of cherry !node and cherry yield (kg ha"1
) and analyzed by using statistical software Mstatc. Girth
at 20 em above the ground was found highest (13. 75 em) in variety Hawai Kuna. Similarly number
of bearing and non bearing branches per plant was highest in variety Tekisik. Numbers of nodes
per branch were found similar in all varieties but there was significant difference in number of
bearing nodes per branch and highest was found in variety Hawai Kuna (7) which was followed
by Tekisik (6), and Chhetradeep {6). Likewise, difference was observed in varieties in number of
cherry per node which was found highest (4.22) in variety Indonesia and lowest (2.74) in Pacas.
Cherry yield was found significantly highest (1818.80 kg ha"1
) in variety Tekisik which was
followed by Pacas (I 181.36 kg ha"1
), Chheiradeep (1515.18 kg ha-1
), Indonesia (997.63 kg ha"1
).
Pacamara (907.08 kg ha"1
) and low.est in Hawai Kuna ( 887.25 kg ha"1
). There is positive
correlation between ch~rry yield and other parameters like number of nodes/plant (r = 0.288),
number of bearing nodes (r = 0.414) and number of cherry per node (r = 0.401) and negative
correlation between Cherry yield and number of non bearing branches and all are statistically
significant.

The growing demand of quality organic tea with increase in awareness on the deleterious effect of
chemicals and its residue in human health has revived the need of organic tea management. Field
experiments were conducted in 2006/2007 to 200712008 in flam and Dhankuta districts to study the
effect of di.fferent organic sources of nutrients and pest management on Orthodox tea cv. Gumti
Selection. In addition to productivity, the effect of nutrients on green leaf production trend,
plucking intervals in di.fferent months and changes in composition of soil in the experimental plots
were also studied Four di.fferent organic sources of nutrients; vermi compost, azatobacter
incorporated commercial organic fertilizer, improved ditch compost with EM. traditionally made
compost and di.fferent organic plant protection methods; enanthole, parasitic fungi Trichoderma
viride, mineral oil for management of blister blight disease and locally made botanical pesticide,
mineral oil and ultineem for management of thrips were tested separately in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven replications. The effect of different organic sources of
nutrients was found significant on green tea leaf production. In both districts, highest production of
green tea leaves was recorded in plots with azatobacter incorporated fertilizer and least informers'
traditional compost in both years. The result showed green leaf production of 3125 and 3031
kg/hac in 12-15 year old plantation and 1822 and 1798 kg/hac in 8-10 year old plantation with
yearly application of 495 gmlbush of azotobacter incorporated fertilizer. Di.fferent organic
treatments did not di.ffer significantly in the severity of blister blight disease. However, lowest
infestation was observed in plots with Trichoderma application. Leaf damage percentage was found
significantly lower in treatments other than control in both districts. The effect of organic thrips
management was significantly di.fferent in green tea leaf yield. Non significant changes in soil
chemical properties due to organic nutrients were found among the treatments. However, small
incremttnl in nitrogen and potassium contenl over the time was observed.

The growing demand of quality organic tea with increase in awareness on the deleterious effect of
chemicals and its residue in human health has revived the need of organic tea management. Field
experiments were conducted in 2006/2007 to 200712008 in flam and Dhankuta districts to study the
effect of di.fferent organic sources of nutrients and pest management on Orthodox tea cv. Gumti
Selection. In addition to productivity, the effect of nutrients on green leaf production trend,
plucking intervals in di.fferent months and changes in composition of soil in the experimental plots
were also studied Four di.fferent organic sources of nutrients; vermi compost, azatobacter
incorporated commercial organic fertilizer, improved ditch compost with EM. traditionally made
compost and di.fferent organic plant protection methods; enanthole, parasitic fungi Trichoderma
viride, mineral oil for management of blister blight disease and locally made botanical pesticide,
mineral oil and ultineem for management of thrips were tested separately in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven replications. The effect of different organic sources of
nutrients was found significant on green tea leaf production. In both districts, highest production of
green tea leaves was recorded in plots with azatobacter incorporated fertilizer and least informers'
traditional compost in both years. The result showed green leaf production of 3125 and 3031
kg/hac in 12-15 year old plantation and 1822 and 1798 kg/hac in 8-10 year old plantation with
yearly application of 495 gmlbush of azotobacter incorporated fertilizer. Di.fferent organic
treatments did not di.ffer significantly in the severity of blister blight disease. However, lowest
infestation was observed in plots with Trichoderma application. Leaf damage percentage was found
significantly lower in treatments other than control in both districts. The effect of organic thrips
management was significantly di.fferent in green tea leaf yield. Non significant changes in soil
chemical properties due to organic nutrients were found among the treatments. However, small
incremttnl in nitrogen and potassium contenl over the time was observed.

Demand of high yielding potato varieties with major diseases and pest resistance has been
tremendously increasing day by day in Nepal. With the objective of fulfilling this demand. a series
of on-station and on-farm studies as Initial Evaluation Trials, Coordinated Varietal Trials and
Coordinated Farmers' Field Trials were are continuously undertaken by National Potato Research
Programme (NPRP) after its establishment (1991). Results from several on-station and on-farm
trials conducted during the years of 2004/05 to 2009/010 demonstrated that clones L 235-4 and
C/P 389746.2 are superior to check varieties tested for their growth, yield characteristics and
farmers' preferences including better resistance level to late blight disease. Therefore, based on
their overall performance, clone L 235-4 has been proposed to release as the variety for
commercial cultivation/or the hills and clone C/P 389746.2/or terai ofNepal, respectively.

Demand of high yielding potato varieties with major diseases and pest resistance has been
tremendously increasing day by day in Nepal. With the objective of fulfilling this demand. a series
of on-station and on-farm studies as Initial Evaluation Trials, Coordinated Varietal Trials and
Coordinated Farmers' Field Trials were are continuously undertaken by National Potato Research
Programme (NPRP) after its establishment (1991). Results from several on-station and on-farm
trials conducted during the years of 2004/05 to 2009/010 demonstrated that clones L 235-4 and
C/P 389746.2 are superior to check varieties tested for their growth, yield characteristics and
farmers' preferences including better resistance level to late blight disease. Therefore, based on
their overall performance, clone L 235-4 has been proposed to release as the variety for
commercial cultivation/or the hills and clone C/P 389746.2/or terai ofNepal, respectively.

Improved potato clones selected from on-station trials were verified for two consecutive years 2009
and 2010 in the farmers' fields at Basantpur (2300 m) in Tehrathum district. Five potato clones
namely CIP 396010.42, CIP 392661./8, ClP 393385.39, were compared with Desiree and Kufri
Jyoti in RCBD with four replications. These clones were evaluated/or tuber yield and late blight
disease tolerance. Among the tested clones the highest number of tuber per plot (369.5) was
recorded in clone CIP 393385.39 while the highest mean yield was observed from Kufri Jyoti
(23.67 tlha) which was at par with C/P 393385.39 (22.6/t/ha). In addition to that clone ClP
393385.39 was found tolerant also to late blight disease. Both these clones were highly preferred
by the participatingfarmers. Therefore, clone ClP 393385.39 should be recommended first for high
hill rainfed potato production system of eastern development region of Nepal.

Improved potato clones selected from on-station trials were verified for two consecutive years 2009
and 2010 in the farmers' fields at Basantpur (2300 m) in Tehrathum district. Five potato clones
namely CIP 396010.42, CIP 392661./8, ClP 393385.39, were compared with Desiree and Kufri
Jyoti in RCBD with four replications. These clones were evaluated/or tuber yield and late blight
disease tolerance. Among the tested clones the highest number of tuber per plot (369.5) was
recorded in clone CIP 393385.39 while the highest mean yield was observed from Kufri Jyoti
(23.67 tlha) which was at par with C/P 393385.39 (22.6/t/ha). In addition to that clone ClP
393385.39 was found tolerant also to late blight disease. Both these clones were highly preferred
by the participatingfarmers. Therefore, clone ClP 393385.39 should be recommended first for high
hill rainfed potato production system of eastern development region of Nepal.

A large number of varieties were tested as initial evaluation trial, regional varietal trial and
farmer's field trial from 2063 to 2067 at RARS Parwanipur and its command area. On the basis of
overall desirable characteristics; yield, pest and disease resistance, post-harvest characteristics,
and preferences of the farmers, clone CIP 393280.64 has been selected for the central terai. In the
trials, the tuber yield with this clone was increased by 28.2% as compared to Kufri Sindhuri, a
check variety. Other check varieties Khumal Rato-2, /PY-8 and Khumal Laxmi were even inferior to
Kufri Sindhuri. In addition to that, storability of this clone wsa also highly superior and observed
that farmers can store this variety in their farm house as ware potato for jive to sit months and use
tuber as seed potato for planting on November as sprouted tubers.

A large number of varieties were tested as initial evaluation trial, regional varietal trial and
farmer's field trial from 2063 to 2067 at RARS Parwanipur and its command area. On the basis of
overall desirable characteristics; yield, pest and disease resistance, post-harvest characteristics,
and preferences of the farmers, clone CIP 393280.64 has been selected for the central terai. In the
trials, the tuber yield with this clone was increased by 28.2% as compared to Kufri Sindhuri, a
check variety. Other check varieties Khumal Rato-2, /PY-8 and Khumal Laxmi were even inferior to
Kufri Sindhuri. In addition to that, storability of this clone wsa also highly superior and observed
that farmers can store this variety in their farm house as ware potato for jive to sit months and use
tuber as seed potato for planting on November as sprouted tubers.

Field and storage experiments were conducted to find out the main effects and interactions between
different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on total yield, yield of different size grade,
storability and better processing quality for chips of potato variety Kufri Jyoti at Hattiban farm
Khumaltar and storage house of Nationai Potato Research Program (NPRP) Khumaltar and at
Balaju cold store, respectively. After harvesting and curing of potato, 5 kg of tubers weight each
tuber more than 60 gram weight were used for the storage and processing qualitY determination.
The storage experiments were conducted in CRD design with 3 replications. Plastic racks and net
bags were used for storage of potato in dark room and cold storage house, respectively. Potato was
stored for 90 days in dark room and 120 days in cold house. Laboratory analyses were carried out
at National Academy of Science and Technology (NAS1) at Lalitpur before and after storage of
potato in ordinary conditions and before immediately after removing from cold store and 15 days
after re-conditioned. Observations were recorded on yield, storage losses, sprouting, chips quality
parameters like specific gravity (SG), dry matter (DM) and reducing sugar (RS). The storage loss
and sprouting percentage was recorded at 15 days intervals of dark sore potatoes and before
storage, immediately after removing from cold and 15 days after reconditioned of cold store
potatoes. The results showed a significant effoct of N and K20 and there interaction on yield,
sprouting, weight loss percentage and quality parameters. Based on the yield and quality
parameters the combination of 150:100:60 kg N: P20 5: K20 along with 20 tons compost I ha is
found suitable for storage and production of processing chips quality potato at Lalitpur and
similar soil and environment condition of Nepal.

Field and storage experiments were conducted to find out the main effects and interactions between
different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on total yield, yield of different size grade,
storability and better processing quality for chips of potato variety Kufri Jyoti at Hattiban farm
Khumaltar and storage house of Nationai Potato Research Program (NPRP) Khumaltar and at
Balaju cold store, respectively. After harvesting and curing of potato, 5 kg of tubers weight each
tuber more than 60 gram weight were used for the storage and processing qualitY determination.
The storage experiments were conducted in CRD design with 3 replications. Plastic racks and net
bags were used for storage of potato in dark room and cold storage house, respectively. Potato was
stored for 90 days in dark room and 120 days in cold house. Laboratory analyses were carried out
at National Academy of Science and Technology (NAS1) at Lalitpur before and after storage of
potato in ordinary conditions and before immediately after removing from cold store and 15 days
after re-conditioned. Observations were recorded on yield, storage losses, sprouting, chips quality
parameters like specific gravity (SG), dry matter (DM) and reducing sugar (RS). The storage loss
and sprouting percentage was recorded at 15 days intervals of dark sore potatoes and before
storage, immediately after removing from cold and 15 days after reconditioned of cold store
potatoes. The results showed a significant effoct of N and K20 and there interaction on yield,
sprouting, weight loss percentage and quality parameters. Based on the yield and quality
parameters the combination of 150:100:60 kg N: P20 5: K20 along with 20 tons compost I ha is
found suitable for storage and production of processing chips quality potato at Lalitpur and
similar soil and environment condition of Nepal.

The investigation entitled "Evaluation of true potato seed (FPS) families for seedling tuber
production in mid and far western terai of Nepal" was carried out at Regional Agriculture
Research Station Khajura. Nepalgunj during the winter season of 2066/67 and 2067/68. Studies
were performed taking eight genotypes ofTPSfamilies namely MF/1 x TPS67, HPS!l/67, HPS7/67,
TPS7 X TPS67, C98HT-200.14 X C99HT-2-58.1, C96H-02.4 X C99HT-1-58.1, C96H-4 X C99HT-
64.8, C96H-02.4 x C99HT-2-32.17. The families were tested in randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 3 replications. Plot size was lm x lm. Nursery beds were raised to 15 em height with
the mixture of soil and farm yard manure at 1: I ratio. Fertilizers were applied@ /50:100:50 kglha
(NPK). The major objectives of the experiment was to identifY the suitable true potato seed (FPS)
families for seedling tuber production in nursery bed with good uniformity, color, shape, resistant
to disease and yield The tuber yield produced by HPS 11167 (2.614 kglm2
) and C98HT-
200.14xC99HT-2-58.1 (2.596 kglm1
) were obtained higher than other tested families. The maximum
plant uniformity was also recorded on HPSI/167. None of the tested families were found resistant to
late blight. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that TPS family HPSI//67 and
C98HT-200.14 x C99HT-2-58. 1 of potato were suitable for seedling tuber production in mid and
far western terai of Nepal. However for recommendation it requires further investigation.

The investigation entitled "Evaluation of true potato seed (FPS) families for seedling tuber
production in mid and far western terai of Nepal" was carried out at Regional Agriculture
Research Station Khajura. Nepalgunj during the winter season of 2066/67 and 2067/68. Studies
were performed taking eight genotypes ofTPSfamilies namely MF/1 x TPS67, HPS!l/67, HPS7/67,
TPS7 X TPS67, C98HT-200.14 X C99HT-2-58.1, C96H-02.4 X C99HT-1-58.1, C96H-4 X C99HT-
64.8, C96H-02.4 x C99HT-2-32.17. The families were tested in randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 3 replications. Plot size was lm x lm. Nursery beds were raised to 15 em height with
the mixture of soil and farm yard manure at 1: I ratio. Fertilizers were applied@ /50:100:50 kglha
(NPK). The major objectives of the experiment was to identifY the suitable true potato seed (FPS)
families for seedling tuber production in nursery bed with good uniformity, color, shape, resistant
to disease and yield The tuber yield produced by HPS 11167 (2.614 kglm2
) and C98HT-
200.14xC99HT-2-58.1 (2.596 kglm1
) were obtained higher than other tested families. The maximum
plant uniformity was also recorded on HPSI/167. None of the tested families were found resistant to
late blight. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that TPS family HPSI//67 and
C98HT-200.14 x C99HT-2-58. 1 of potato were suitable for seedling tuber production in mid and
far western terai of Nepal. However for recommendation it requires further investigation.

A study was conducted to assess the economic profitability of commercial potato (mairz season)
cultivation among farmers of KusaDevi, Kavre. Potato forms one of the major agriculture
enterprises with summer production as major share and other being autumn season. Farmers were
selected randomly and were provided with daily farm record format jointly developed by NPDP
and MRSMP. Data were filled by farmers and verified by regular supervision from NPDP
throughout the crop season for use of inputs and yield whereas information regarding farming,
command area, marketing and other relevant information were obtained by focused group
discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS 16. The total investment per
ropany (500m1
) was found approximately 9530 NRs of which household resources accounted 69%
share and remaining being direct cash investment. The blc ratio was approximately 1.32 and 1.77
and ROI was found 0.32 and 0. 77 at the farm-gate price (FGP) at harvesting time and most
common selling price respectively. Farmers' product price varied greatly with their retention
capacity, storage availability and dealing with traders at local and distant markets such as
Kalimati and other wholesale markets of Kathmandu valley. Seed, fertilizer and labor ranked first,
second and third respectively by share of investment in potato cultivation. Cost of cultivation
particularly seed potato, fertilizer and labor cost in one hand; and the yield and FGP of fresh
potato as well as its demand pressure from market on other hand were the major factors
determining the net economic return to the farmers.

A study was conducted to assess the economic profitability of commercial potato (mairz season)
cultivation among farmers of KusaDevi, Kavre. Potato forms one of the major agriculture
enterprises with summer production as major share and other being autumn season. Farmers were
selected randomly and were provided with daily farm record format jointly developed by NPDP
and MRSMP. Data were filled by farmers and verified by regular supervision from NPDP
throughout the crop season for use of inputs and yield whereas information regarding farming,
command area, marketing and other relevant information were obtained by focused group
discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS 16. The total investment per
ropany (500m1
) was found approximately 9530 NRs of which household resources accounted 69%
share and remaining being direct cash investment. The blc ratio was approximately 1.32 and 1.77
and ROI was found 0.32 and 0. 77 at the farm-gate price (FGP) at harvesting time and most
common selling price respectively. Farmers' product price varied greatly with their retention
capacity, storage availability and dealing with traders at local and distant markets such as
Kalimati and other wholesale markets of Kathmandu valley. Seed, fertilizer and labor ranked first,
second and third respectively by share of investment in potato cultivation. Cost of cultivation
particularly seed potato, fertilizer and labor cost in one hand; and the yield and FGP of fresh
potato as well as its demand pressure from market on other hand were the major factors
determining the net economic return to the farmers.

Solanum tuberosum (Potato) is one of the most important tuber crops with the production of 315
million tons worldwide per year. In the present study an attempt has been made to screen and
· evaluate the antifungal activity of plant extracts against the fungal pathogens of potato plant.
Crude ethanolic extracts of five different plant materials viz. Brassica nigra (cake), Cinnamomum
camphora (fruits), Eupatorium adenophorum (twigs), Lantana camara (twigs) and Melia
azedarach (fruits) were screened and tested against the three fungal isolates (Phytophthora
infestans, Alternaria so/ani and Fusarium oxysporum) from diseased potato leaf samples. The
antifungal activity of the crude extracts obtained was evaluated by agar well diffusion method and
two fold broth dilution method. C. camphora gave the highest yield of700/6 while M azedarach had
the lowest yield of 9. 7 5% of crude extracts. B. nigra was found most effective against P. infestans
with both MIC and MFC values 6.15mg/ml. Similarly, M azedarach showed the higher antifungal
activity against A. so/ani with both MIC and MFC values 3.115mglml. C. camphora was found
least effective against P. infestans and A. so/ani while it was most effective against F. oxysporum
with both MIC and MFC values 3.115 mg/ml. Different types of plant extracts with different
concentration significantly inhibited the growth of all the fungal pathogens at P (<0.05). The
extracts used in this experiment were found to be suitable for the control of these fungal pathogens.

Solanum tuberosum (Potato) is one of the most important tuber crops with the production of 315
million tons worldwide per year. In the present study an attempt has been made to screen and
· evaluate the antifungal activity of plant extracts against the fungal pathogens of potato plant.
Crude ethanolic extracts of five different plant materials viz. Brassica nigra (cake), Cinnamomum
camphora (fruits), Eupatorium adenophorum (twigs), Lantana camara (twigs) and Melia
azedarach (fruits) were screened and tested against the three fungal isolates (Phytophthora
infestans, Alternaria so/ani and Fusarium oxysporum) from diseased potato leaf samples. The
antifungal activity of the crude extracts obtained was evaluated by agar well diffusion method and
two fold broth dilution method. C. camphora gave the highest yield of700/6 while M azedarach had
the lowest yield of 9. 7 5% of crude extracts. B. nigra was found most effective against P. infestans
with both MIC and MFC values 6.15mg/ml. Similarly, M azedarach showed the higher antifungal
activity against A. so/ani with both MIC and MFC values 3.115mglml. C. camphora was found
least effective against P. infestans and A. so/ani while it was most effective against F. oxysporum
with both MIC and MFC values 3.115 mg/ml. Different types of plant extracts with different
concentration significantly inhibited the growth of all the fungal pathogens at P (<0.05). The
extracts used in this experiment were found to be suitable for the control of these fungal pathogens.

Farmers of the eastern hills grow cabbage during off-season (April-October) period to the plains
for higher market prices but production during this period is risky with the potential losses to
insect pests: cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.), diamond back moths (Piutella xylostella L.)
and aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.). Considering this fact, an experiment in RCBD with three
replications was conducted to identify suitable chemical and botanical insecticides against cabbage
pests: diamond back moth (Piutella xylostella L.). cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) and aphid
(Brevicoryne brassicae L.) at ARS, Pakhribas (1750 mas/) during 2008 and 2009 March-May
production with variety, "Green Coronet". Treatments included were Commercial azadirachtin
formulation (0.003 ·%}, Aqueous Melia azedarach leaf extract, Aqueous tobacco extract + soap,
Aqueous solution Acorus calamus rhizome powder/Deltamethrin 0.003%, Cypermethrin 0.025%,
Malathion 0.05%, Endosulfan 0.15%, Dichlorvos 0.075%, combination of botanicals and control.
The result showed that diamond back moth had developed resistance to Cypermethrin 0.025% due
to its use since a long time in vegetable cultivation. Melia azedarach leaf extract and Acarus
calamus rhizome extract are ineffective in controlling insect pests of cabbage. Application of either
of commercial azadirachtinformu/ation (0.003 %), Aqueous tobacco extract+ soap, Deltamethrin
0.003%, Malathion 0.05%, Endosulfan 0./5% and Dichlorvos 0.075% twice fortnightly: two
weeks after transplanting cabbage seedling provide sufficient protection from diamond back moth,
cabbage butterfly and aphid Alternate use of botanicals (Azadirachtin and tobacco) with chemical
pesticides (Deltamethrin, Endosulfan, Malathion and Dichlorovos) could be a better option to
reduce selection pressure on DBM larvae.

Farmers of the eastern hills grow cabbage during off-season (April-October) period to the plains
for higher market prices but production during this period is risky with the potential losses to
insect pests: cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.), diamond back moths (Piutella xylostella L.)
and aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.). Considering this fact, an experiment in RCBD with three
replications was conducted to identify suitable chemical and botanical insecticides against cabbage
pests: diamond back moth (Piutella xylostella L.). cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) and aphid
(Brevicoryne brassicae L.) at ARS, Pakhribas (1750 mas/) during 2008 and 2009 March-May
production with variety, "Green Coronet". Treatments included were Commercial azadirachtin
formulation (0.003 ·%}, Aqueous Melia azedarach leaf extract, Aqueous tobacco extract + soap,
Aqueous solution Acorus calamus rhizome powder/Deltamethrin 0.003%, Cypermethrin 0.025%,
Malathion 0.05%, Endosulfan 0.15%, Dichlorvos 0.075%, combination of botanicals and control.
The result showed that diamond back moth had developed resistance to Cypermethrin 0.025% due
to its use since a long time in vegetable cultivation. Melia azedarach leaf extract and Acarus
calamus rhizome extract are ineffective in controlling insect pests of cabbage. Application of either
of commercial azadirachtinformu/ation (0.003 %), Aqueous tobacco extract+ soap, Deltamethrin
0.003%, Malathion 0.05%, Endosulfan 0./5% and Dichlorvos 0.075% twice fortnightly: two
weeks after transplanting cabbage seedling provide sufficient protection from diamond back moth,
cabbage butterfly and aphid Alternate use of botanicals (Azadirachtin and tobacco) with chemical
pesticides (Deltamethrin, Endosulfan, Malathion and Dichlorovos) could be a better option to
reduce selection pressure on DBM larvae.

Cultivation of Brassica vegetables specially cauliflower and cabbage is one of the important
income generating livelihood options to the farmers. Clubroot disease (Piasmodiophora brassicae
Woronin) is causing huge losses in cabbage and cauliflower production. Use of resistant varieties
is the easiest, safest and cheapest method to combat with disease. No resistant varieties against
this disease have been identified yet in Nepal. During 2005 to 2007, seedling screening of different
Brassica vegetables collected from local market and Agriculture Research Stations was conducted
under screenhouse at Khumaltar. Likewise, during 2008-2010 a set often resistant cauliflower and
cabbage hybrids from Syngenta Seeds were verified for seedling and adult plant resistance in
screenhouse and in infested farmers' field at Bhaktapur. A scale of 1-6 was used for assessing the
c/ubroot severity. Of the Brassicas evaluated. radish genotypes and broad leaf mustard cv. Marpha
Chaudapat were found resistant. Cauliflower hybrids: Clopton A, Clap/on B, Clarify A, Clarify B
and cabbage hybrids: Teki/a, Kilazol, Kilaherb, Kiloton and Kilaxy were found highly resistant
(score I) while susceptible cauliflower check Milky Way scored more than 3. Cauliflower hybrid,
Tetris was found moderately resistant. Marketable curd yield of those resistant hybrids of
cauliflower and cabbage ranged from 22 to 39 Kg and 20 to 27 Kg per 5 m1 respectively. The use of
those resistant hybrids could be the non chemical tool for the management of clubroot disease.
However, seed should be made available in the market through concerned agencies.

Cultivation of Brassica vegetables specially cauliflower and cabbage is one of the important
income generating livelihood options to the farmers. Clubroot disease (Piasmodiophora brassicae
Woronin) is causing huge losses in cabbage and cauliflower production. Use of resistant varieties
is the easiest, safest and cheapest method to combat with disease. No resistant varieties against
this disease have been identified yet in Nepal. During 2005 to 2007, seedling screening of different
Brassica vegetables collected from local market and Agriculture Research Stations was conducted
under screenhouse at Khumaltar. Likewise, during 2008-2010 a set often resistant cauliflower and
cabbage hybrids from Syngenta Seeds were verified for seedling and adult plant resistance in
screenhouse and in infested farmers' field at Bhaktapur. A scale of 1-6 was used for assessing the
c/ubroot severity. Of the Brassicas evaluated. radish genotypes and broad leaf mustard cv. Marpha
Chaudapat were found resistant. Cauliflower hybrids: Clopton A, Clap/on B, Clarify A, Clarify B
and cabbage hybrids: Teki/a, Kilazol, Kilaherb, Kiloton and Kilaxy were found highly resistant
(score I) while susceptible cauliflower check Milky Way scored more than 3. Cauliflower hybrid,
Tetris was found moderately resistant. Marketable curd yield of those resistant hybrids of
cauliflower and cabbage ranged from 22 to 39 Kg and 20 to 27 Kg per 5 m1 respectively. The use of
those resistant hybrids could be the non chemical tool for the management of clubroot disease.
However, seed should be made available in the market through concerned agencies.

Cauliflower (Brassica o/eracea var. botrytis) cultivation is popular in Nepal and is profitable to
farmers. Although the Terai region produces and sells more cauliflower, hilly region produces has
better value. A study on production and marketing potentiality of cauliflower from the perspective
of commercialization was conducted in Taplejung district in 2010, where membership of
Commercial Agriculture Alliance (CAA) was distributed Two hundred twenty seven farmers from
four VDCs were selected purposively. The regression analysis showed that income from cauliflower
has significant (p<O.OJ) contribution to total household income. Around 80 percent farmers were
buying seeds from agro-vets. Most of the farmers were using hybrid varieties such as White Sticks,
Snow Crown and Snow Mestique. Average area used per household for cauliflower production and
its productivity was found 0.52 Ropani (0.026 ha) and 947 Kg/Ropani (18.94 tonslha) respectively.
The cost of production per Kg cauliflower was NRs. 5. 7. Means of transportation to district
headquarters was by human labor and its cost ranged from NRs. 2-5 per Kg whereas
transportation cost from district headquarters to Birtamod market was ranged from NRs. 4-6
depending up on season. Gross margin of cauliflower per Ropani was NRs. 32,406 (648, 1 20/ha)
and the benefit cost ratio was 6.9. The highest average price of cauliflower (NRs. 35-37.5 per Kg)
at Birtamod wholesale market was found in July to October, whereas the highest average price of
cauliflower (NRs. 50 per Kg) at Taplejung market was found in March to July. About 11.90 and
47. 10 percent household has been practicing collective farming and collective marketing,
respectively. However, hundred percent respondents were thinking about collective marketing in
future. Findings revealed that access to collection centre, high transportation cost, and insufficient
knowledge on improve technologies and post harvest handling were the major problems, whereas
suitability of climate, availability of improved technology, improving access to road and
communication, uniting and thinking about collective marketing were the major strengths for
cauliflower production in the district. Findings indicated that there was high potentiality of
commercial cauliflower production in Taplejung district; however, it will be necessary to suitably
adjust by creating time and place utility in future

Cauliflower (Brassica o/eracea var. botrytis) cultivation is popular in Nepal and is profitable to
farmers. Although the Terai region produces and sells more cauliflower, hilly region produces has
better value. A study on production and marketing potentiality of cauliflower from the perspective
of commercialization was conducted in Taplejung district in 2010, where membership of
Commercial Agriculture Alliance (CAA) was distributed Two hundred twenty seven farmers from
four VDCs were selected purposively. The regression analysis showed that income from cauliflower
has significant (p<O.OJ) contribution to total household income. Around 80 percent farmers were
buying seeds from agro-vets. Most of the farmers were using hybrid varieties such as White Sticks,
Snow Crown and Snow Mestique. Average area used per household for cauliflower production and
its productivity was found 0.52 Ropani (0.026 ha) and 947 Kg/Ropani (18.94 tonslha) respectively.
The cost of production per Kg cauliflower was NRs. 5. 7. Means of transportation to district
headquarters was by human labor and its cost ranged from NRs. 2-5 per Kg whereas
transportation cost from district headquarters to Birtamod market was ranged from NRs. 4-6
depending up on season. Gross margin of cauliflower per Ropani was NRs. 32,406 (648, 1 20/ha)
and the benefit cost ratio was 6.9. The highest average price of cauliflower (NRs. 35-37.5 per Kg)
at Birtamod wholesale market was found in July to October, whereas the highest average price of
cauliflower (NRs. 50 per Kg) at Taplejung market was found in March to July. About 11.90 and
47. 10 percent household has been practicing collective farming and collective marketing,
respectively. However, hundred percent respondents were thinking about collective marketing in
future. Findings revealed that access to collection centre, high transportation cost, and insufficient
knowledge on improve technologies and post harvest handling were the major problems, whereas
suitability of climate, availability of improved technology, improving access to road and
communication, uniting and thinking about collective marketing were the major strengths for
cauliflower production in the district. Findings indicated that there was high potentiality of
commercial cauliflower production in Taplejung district; however, it will be necessary to suitably
adjust by creating time and place utility in future

Seven genotypes of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) obtained from different sources JVere
evaluated at Agriculture Research Station, Dailekh (1300 mas/) during August 2008/09 and
20091/0. The genotypes viz; Trishu/i, LB-37, LB-31, LB-33, Chaumase/Four Season, Dolpa Local
and Salyan Local were experimented in RCBD with three replications in the field condition. Each
of these genotypes was recorded for different parameters viz; days to flowering, days to podding,
pod length, pod diameter, numbers of picking, harvest duration, number of seeds per pod, hundred
seed weight, fresh pod yield and seed yield. Apart from these parameters, some visual observations
on the morphology of plant parts were also taken. Two years mean results revealed the significant
effect of genotypes on most of the parameters except numbers of fresh pod picking. Excluding LB-
31, LB-33 and Dolpa Local, the remaining ones recorded the maximum green pod yields
(ropanilkg) such as Trishuli (505 kg), Chaumase (449 kg), LB-37 (467 kg) and Salyan Local (430
kg) with at par fresh pod production. Similarly, those genotypes along with LB-3 I were found as
promising genotypes for seed production.

Seven genotypes of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) obtained from different sources JVere
evaluated at Agriculture Research Station, Dailekh (1300 mas/) during August 2008/09 and
20091/0. The genotypes viz; Trishu/i, LB-37, LB-31, LB-33, Chaumase/Four Season, Dolpa Local
and Salyan Local were experimented in RCBD with three replications in the field condition. Each
of these genotypes was recorded for different parameters viz; days to flowering, days to podding,
pod length, pod diameter, numbers of picking, harvest duration, number of seeds per pod, hundred
seed weight, fresh pod yield and seed yield. Apart from these parameters, some visual observations
on the morphology of plant parts were also taken. Two years mean results revealed the significant
effect of genotypes on most of the parameters except numbers of fresh pod picking. Excluding LB-
31, LB-33 and Dolpa Local, the remaining ones recorded the maximum green pod yields
(ropanilkg) such as Trishuli (505 kg), Chaumase (449 kg), LB-37 (467 kg) and Salyan Local (430
kg) with at par fresh pod production. Similarly, those genotypes along with LB-3 I were found as
promising genotypes for seed production.

The field experiments led byARS, Malepatan, were conducted during three consecutive fiscal years
2006107 to 2008/09 in three different locations; Agriculture Research Station (Hort.). Malepatan;
National Grain Legume Research Program, Rampur; and National Citrus Research Program,
Paripatle. The specific objective of the experiment wase to select and recommend high yielding
vegetable type cowpea variety for inner Tarai, river basin areas, and lower hill conditions of
Nepal. The trial was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications in a// the
years and locations. Among the tested genotype 'IT 86F-2089-5, Green' produced the highest fresh
pod yield (7.73t ha1)fo/lowed by genotype '/T86F-2062-5, White' (7.62t ha1
), and the lowest fresh
pod obtained from check cultivar 'Surya' (4.940). Determinate in growth habit, short duration
(<90 days), absence of fiber even in ripening period. good cooking quality, and better pod yield
genotype 'IT86F-2089-5, green has been purposed to release by the name of 'Ma/epatan-1' in
2010.

The field experiments led byARS, Malepatan, were conducted during three consecutive fiscal years
2006107 to 2008/09 in three different locations; Agriculture Research Station (Hort.). Malepatan;
National Grain Legume Research Program, Rampur; and National Citrus Research Program,
Paripatle. The specific objective of the experiment wase to select and recommend high yielding
vegetable type cowpea variety for inner Tarai, river basin areas, and lower hill conditions of
Nepal. The trial was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications in a// the
years and locations. Among the tested genotype 'IT 86F-2089-5, Green' produced the highest fresh
pod yield (7.73t ha1)fo/lowed by genotype '/T86F-2062-5, White' (7.62t ha1
), and the lowest fresh
pod obtained from check cultivar 'Surya' (4.940). Determinate in growth habit, short duration
(<90 days), absence of fiber even in ripening period. good cooking quality, and better pod yield
genotype 'IT86F-2089-5, green has been purposed to release by the name of 'Ma/epatan-1' in
2010.

Cucumber is the most important cucurbit vegetable which is commercially grown in Nepal from
Terai to high hills. A locallandrace of cucumber which is long and dark green is very popular in
the eastern Nepal. A study was conducted to identify the date of planting which produce maximum
and earliest fruit at Agricultural Research Station, Pakhribas. The study was .conducted for two
consecutive years of 2007 and 2008. The treatments were jive planting dates Fa/gun, Chaitra,
Baisakh, Jestha and Asar. The experiments were executed in randomized block design with three
replications. Earliest flowering and first harvesting were recorded from Baisakh planting (32.5
days and 56.83 days respectively). Fruit diameter was not significantly different while fruit length
was found maximum from Baisakh planting and shortest from Asar planting. Fa/gun planting.
produced maximum fruit yield (48.8 t/ha) followed by Chaitra planting (34. 7 tlha).

Cucumber is the most important cucurbit vegetable which is commercially grown in Nepal from
Terai to high hills. A locallandrace of cucumber which is long and dark green is very popular in
the eastern Nepal. A study was conducted to identify the date of planting which produce maximum
and earliest fruit at Agricultural Research Station, Pakhribas. The study was .conducted for two
consecutive years of 2007 and 2008. The treatments were jive planting dates Fa/gun, Chaitra,
Baisakh, Jestha and Asar. The experiments were executed in randomized block design with three
replications. Earliest flowering and first harvesting were recorded from Baisakh planting (32.5
days and 56.83 days respectively). Fruit diameter was not significantly different while fruit length
was found maximum from Baisakh planting and shortest from Asar planting. Fa/gun planting.
produced maximum fruit yield (48.8 t/ha) followed by Chaitra planting (34. 7 tlha).