The purpose of this article is to provide information on the history, accomplishments, and future direction of the Bt brinjal (eggplant) program in Bangladesh, formerly under the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II, now the South Asia Eggplant Improvement Partnership (SAEIP). The India-based Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco) developed an eggplant expressing Cry1Ac (EE-1) for control of the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). In a partnership among Mahyco, USAID, Sathguru Management Consultants and Cornell University EE-1 was provided to the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) who bred it into local varieties. After regulatory approval, four varieties were distributed to 20 farmers who harvested Bt brinjal in 2014. Adoption in subsequent years has increased rapidly so that, in 2018, 27,012 farmers used this technology. This article provides background information on the process leading up to current adoption levels, the level of control of EFSB achieved and the economic benefits of Bt brinjal. Efforts on stewardship, farmer training and communication are discussed. In order to ensure the long-term future of the partnership, we discuss the need to enhance involvement of the private sector in the production and stewardship of Bt eggplant. Bt brinjal is the first genetically engineered crop to be commercially released in Bangladesh, and other GE crops are in the pipeline. Hence, success of the Bt brinjal partnership is likely to affect the future of other GE crops in Bangladesh, as well as other parts of the world where biotechnology is needed for food security and environmental safety.

Eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena) is a popular vegetable grown throughout Asia where it is attacked by brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis). Yield losses in Bangladesh have been reported up to 86% and farmers rely primarily on frequent insecticide applications to reduce injury. Bangladesh has developed and released four brinjal varieties producing Cry1Ac (Bt brinjal) and is the first country to do so. We report on the first replicated field trials comparing four Bt brinjal varieties to their non-Bt isolines, with and without standard insecticide spray regimes. Results of the two-year study (2016–17) indicated Bt varieties had increased fruit production and minimal BFSB fruit infestation compared with their respective non-Bt isolines. Fruit infestation for Bt varieties varied from 0–2.27% in 2016, 0% in 2017, and was not significantly affected by the spray regime in either year. In contrast, fruit infestation in non-Bt lines reached 36.70% in 2016 and 45.51% in 2017, even with weekly spraying. An economic analysis revealed that all Bt lines had higher gross returns than their non-Bt isolines. The non-sprayed non-Bt isolines resulted in negative returns in most cases. Maximum fruit yield was obtained from sprayed plots compared to non-sprayed plots, indicating that other insects such as whiteflies, thrips and mites can reduce plant vigor and subsequent fruit weight. Statistically similar densities of non-target arthropods, including beneficial arthropods, were generally observed in both Bt and non-Bt varieties. An additional trial that focused on a single Bt variety and its isoline provided similar results on infestation levels, with and without sprays, and similarly demonstrated higher gross returns and no significant effects on non-target arthropods. Together, these studies indicate that the four Bt brinjal lines are extremely effective at controlling BFSB in Bangladesh without affecting other arthropods, and provide greater economic returns than their non-Bt isolines.

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On-farm trials funded by Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF) were conducted at Shibganj(Bogra), Mithapukur (Rangpur), and Ulipur(Kurigram) upazilas to determine and minimize yield gaps in mustard, potato, boro, and T.Aman rice of Mustard/Potato-Boro-T.Aman rice cropping pattern during 2011-12. To conduct the trials, one bigha (1200 sq.m) land was divided into two- where trial plots received the recommended technology and farmers’ plots (control) traditional technology. The trials were carried out with mustard, boro, and T.Aman rice at Shibganj and potato, boro, and T.Aman at both Mithapukur, and Ulipur locations. Fertilizers were applied according to BARC Fertilizer Guide, 2005 and plant protection measures taken following IPM techniques in trial plots. Traditional practices were followed in farmers’ plots. Data on yield and yield components were taken and analyzed statistically using paired t-test. Gross return and gross margin were calculated based on production & variable costs and prevailing market price of the produces. The yield of mustard in trial plots was 49.7% (yield gap) higher than that in farmers’ plots. The yields of potato in trial plots were 37.66% and 33.96% (yield gap) higher over farmers’ plots at Mithapukur and Ulipur sites, respectively. Likewise, yields of boro rice at Shibganj, Mithapukur and Ulipur in trial plots were 16.67%, 22.03%, and 17.61% (yield gap) higher compared to those of farmers’ plots. At all three locations, yields of T.Aman in trial plots were also 17.37%, 21%, and 23% (yield gap) higher over farmers’ plots. In addition, gross return, gross margin, and BCR in trial plots were found higher than those of farmers’ plots. Results revealed that yield gaps varying from 16.67% to 49.7% exist in boro, T.Aman rice, potato and mustard. The gaps could be attributed to difference in the use of variety and management practices in fertilizers and pests between trial and farmers’ plots. The yield gaps might be minimized by using HYVs of crops and improved management practices, especially in fertilizers and pests at field level. It is, therefore, necessary to explore the scope to increase the yields of the crops by minimizing yield gaps using improved technologies. The support of extension agencies through demonstrations, field visits and monitoring is essential to minimize the yield gaps. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(2): 227-240, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i2.15886

An experiment was conducted at Pulses Research Center, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh during kharif-I to find out the insect pests attacking mungbean crop sowing at different dates to determine the optimum date(s) of sowing. It is seen that the incidence and population fluctuation of various insect pests was very much dependent on the prevailed climatic conditions of the cropping season.