The present study was carried out to explore rooting performance of Punica granatum (Dalim) in Bangladesh through clonal propagation by stem cutting under 3 different doses of rooting hormone IBA (Indole Buetairic Acid) and planted in the perforated plastic tray filled with coarse sand and gravel placed in the non-mist propagator. The experiment was laid out following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications (blocks). The treatments were T0= control, T1 = 0.2% IBA, T2 = 0.4% IBA, T3 = 0.8% IBA. The rooting ability of cuttings was significantly influenced by the application of IBA. The results showed that the highest rooting percentage (70%) and longest root length (11.75 cm) of P. granatum stem cuttings were obtained from the cuttings treated with 0.2% IBA followed by 0.4% IBA (47.5% and 7.95 cm respectively) whereas the highest root number (32) and maximum root diameter (2.7 mm) were recorded with 0.4% IBA followed by 0.8% IBA (28 and 2.47 mm respectively). Survival percentage of the cutlings (the rooted cuttings) after 3 months of transferring them into poly bags was also significantly enhanced by exogenous rooting hormone (IBA) application. The highest survival percentage (73.5%) was observed with 0.4% IBA treatment followed by 0.8% IBA (68.5%). Findings of the present study reveal that P. granatum is highly amenable for clonal propagation by stem cuttings using low-cost non-mist propagator and 0.4% IBA treatment may be recommended for mass production of quality planting stocks for the cultivation of the species in homestead agroforestry or in fruit orchards. These outcomes can assist to provide edible fruit to poor rural people of natural disaster vulnerable Bangladesh.

Rice, the highest producing cereal crops in Bangladesh. Saline induced changes in growth was screened at germination to find out the salt tolerant traditional rice genotypes and chemical tests were carried out to detect the protein-content of rice genotypes. Four traditional rice genotypes (Kalijira, Sakkor khana, Chinigura, Ghoto balam) with one improved variety BRRI dhan28 were used in this experiment. The germination experiment was conducted in petri dish at 0, 8, 12, 16 dS/m salinity with three replications each.  Based on the data obtained, the genotypes were scored and categorized as highly tolerant (score 1), tolerant (score 3), moderately tolerant (score 5), susceptible (score 7), and highly susceptible (score 9) to salinity. Salinity caused reduction in germination and declines of shoot length, root length, shoot wet weight and shoot dry weight. Mean salinity tolerance score (MSTS) was computed. Based on MSTS, two genotypes named Kalijira and Chinigura were selected as tolerant, two genotypes named Sakkor khana and BRRI dhan28 as susceptible, and the rest one genotype named Ghoto balam as highly susceptible to salinity in germination stage. Total protein content of rice genotypes were determined by Kjeldahl method. Among 5 varieties studied, Chinigura contains the highest amount of protein (8.855%). The overall data estimated that, Chinigura is more salt tolerant and highly protein rich genotype than other rice genotypes.

Growing Acacia catechu trees on rice fields is one traditional crop-land Agroforestry system of Rajshahi region in Bangladesh. Farming system was explored with detailed information on farm operations and cropping calendar including system outputs. System dynamics was also evaluated. PRA exercises were conducted for a biophysical assessment. The information was collected on informant wise and cross-checked. Best growth of trees observed under rain-fed conditions. Higher density of trees found in un-irrigated fields. Trees were better managed in small plots. In general, density of khoir trees was found higher in small holdings (less than 2 ha) with secured land tenure. Trees on farms were of uneven age indicating the khoir + rice system biologically sustainable. The ease of establishment of Khoir seedlings, the low cost of its maintenance, and less vulnerability to any serious pest or disease, easy marketability of products rated high in the farmer’s preference for khoir. They appreciate the versatility of the wood for a variety of farm uses though its prime economic use to them is for production of lali for katha. They also get pitch khoir as by product of katha (red dyestuff for textiles and paper) production. The multiple products and services offered and the ease of managing the trees on crop fields without causing any immediate or long-term reduction in crop yield seemed to be the most important factors that encourage the farmers to continue this traditional practice. If farmers could be motivated to follow appropriately the silvicultural practices, production could further be increased.