The present study was conducted at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur during the period from September 2004 to June 2005 to investigate the effect of different concentrations of BAP and NAA on virus free plant regeneration, shoot multiplication and different concentrations of IBA and IAA on in vitro root formation of banana cv. BARI Banana-I. The culture meristem first turned brown in colour in 4-5 days which grew into a green globular hard coat mass after 30-35 days. From this ball like structure, adventitious plantlets were developed. Among the different concentrations, 7.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA showed highest shoot proliferation of 0.75, 2.75 and 6.25 shoots per explant at 10, 20 and 30 DAI, respectively. The longest shoot (1.03, 2.45 and 3.38 cm) at 10, 20 and 30 DAI, respectively, was produced by the treatment combination of 7.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA. The maximum number of leaves (2.50, 3.25 and 7.00 leaves/explant at 10, 20 and 30 DAI) were produced on the medium supplemented with the same treatment and it also produced the longest leaves, 0.85, 2.70 and 4.23 cm at 10, 20 and 30 DAI, respectively. For root initiation half strength MS medium supplemented with different levels of IBA (0, 0.5, 1 .0 and 1.50 mg/l) and IAA (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l) was used. Root numbers varied with different concentrations of IBA and IAA. The highest number of roots were produced by 0.5 mg/l IAA + 0.5 mg/l IBA. The highest length (2.93, 4.63 and 5.88 cm) was recorded at 10, 20 and 30 DAI in the same treatment which was statistically significant. Meristem derived plantlets were transferred to poly bags containing 1:1 (ground soil : cowdung) mixture after 7 days hardening in room temperature (28-30°C) and established plantlet was ready for planting. Key Words: Banana; regeneration; micropropagation; plantlet.  DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5840Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 645-659, December 2009

Two field experiments were conducted at domar and sadar upzilla of Nilphamari district to find out an effective control measure against rhizome rot (Pythium aphanidermatam) disease of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose). Each experiment consisted of nine treatments, where three fungicides (Ridomil, Metataf and Secure), three organic amendments (poultry refuse, mustard oilcake and saw dust burning) and two bio control agents (Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride) were tested. Fungicides were used as seed treatment and soil drenching and organic materials and bio control agents were used as pre plant soil amendments. All the treatments significantly decreased the incidence and severity of the diseases and increased germination, tiller number and rhizome yield. The most effective treatment was seed treatment (0.2%) and soil drenching (0.2%) with Ridomil gold. Seed treatment and soil drenching with Secure (0.1%) and soil amendment with poultry refuse (10 t/ha) were also found to be effective to control the diseases and to increase rhizome yield.

Response of garlic (var. BARI Garlic-2) to zinc, boron, and poultry manure application along with a blanket dose of 150 kg N, 50 kg P, 100 kg K, and 40 kg S/ha was evaluated through field trials in the Grey Terrace Soil under AEZ 25 (Level Barind Tract) at Spices Research Centre, Bogra during two consecutive rahi seasons