A total of 179 garlic (Allium sativum L.) accessions were collected from various parts of Nepal in 2000. Each accession was planted in each of a plot of 2.25 m 2 at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) Horticulture farm (225 m asl) and at the Agriculture Research Station, Dailekh (

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) are difficult to manage once established in the field because of their wide host range, and soilborne nature. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the use of resistant root stock of wild brinjal (Solanum sisymbriifolium) to reduce the loss caused by the nematodes on tomato. For the management of root-knot nematodes, grafted plant with resistant root stock of the wild brinjal was tested under farmers' field conditions at Hemza of Kaski district. Grafted and non-grafted plants were produced in root-knot nematode-free soil. Around three week-old grafted and non-grafted tomato plants were transplanted in four different plastic tunnels where root-knot nematodes had been reported previously. The plants were planted in diagonal position to each other as a pair plot in 80 × 60 cm 2 spacing in an average of 20 × 7 m 2 plastic tunnels. Galling Index (GI) was recorded three times in five randomly selected plants in each plot at 60 days intervals. The first observation was recorded two months after transplanting. Total fruit yield was recorded from same plants. In the grafted plants, the root system was totally free from gall whereas in an average of 7.5 GI in 0-10 scale was recorded in the non-grafted plants. Fruits were harvested from time to time and cumulated after final harvest to calculate the total fruit yield. It was estimated that on an average tomato fruit yield was significantly (P>0.05) increased by 37 percent in the grafted plants compared with the non-grafted plants. Grafting technology could be used effectively for cultivation of commonly grown varieties, which are susceptible to root-knot nematodes in disease prone areas. This can be used as an alternative technology for reducing the use of hazardous pesticides for enhancing commercial organic tomato production. Keywords

A farmer's participatory field experiment was accomplished during three consecutive years  (2003-2005) for the sustainable management of black scurf disease of potato at Mainapokhar, Bardiya, Nepal. A heavily infested field with Rhizoctonia solani was selected prior to experimentation. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The efficacy of two concentrations (2% and 3%) of boric acid and 0.15% of Thiophanate Methyl were tested for disease control through seed treatment. An antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum was used as seed and soil treatment. As per treatment plan some plots were sterilized with formaldehyde 1% prior to planting. The plots having healthy seed (pre-basic seed) planted in sterilized plots showed minimum disease(6.8%) followed by 3% boric acid treated seed planted in sterilized plots (10.8%) and 2%  boric acid without soil sterilization (13.1%) and seed and soil treated plot with T. harzianum (17.1%). Farmers did not accept treatments connected with soil sterilization by Formalin. After analyzing the overall results of three years experiment farmers choose seed treatment with 2% boric acid prior to planting and identified application of Trichoderma harzianum for black scurf management as second option.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 56-62DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11581

Basmati rice, also called the king/prince of rice landraces has very special values in Nepalese society as well as in other countries of Indian Subcontinent. With the objectives of collecting, analyzing and documenting Basmati related information in Nepal, we visited different sites; carried out key informant surveys; organized focus group discussions, online interaction and discussion meetings; requested all relevant offices/ persons/ stakeholders through phone, website, and letter to share information; organized high level official meeting, and Basmati rice expert meeting; documented video documentary and did online as well as library search. Because of its high market value at global level, many countries and organizations have been attempting to get intellectual property rights (mainly patent and geographical indication tag) on Basmati rice. India applied for GI tag to Basmati rice in the European Union (EU) in July 2018, and Nepal submitted opposition letter along with proofs and evidences of origin, diversity, cultivation and use values of Basmati rice on 9 December 2020. A total 133 Basmati type rice landraces are grown in 60 districts of Nepal. Basmati rice is traditionally grown, sold, and consumed in geographically localized areas of Nepal since ancient time. International and national scientists have defined lower altitude of Nepal as one of the centers of origin of Basmati rice. Many Nepalese basmati rice landraces have been characterized and evaluated using morphological traits, isozymes and DNA markers. Four basmati type of rice landraces have been registered in National Seed Board. Many community seed banks have maintained different types of Basmati rice landraces. National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center and International genebanks have collected more than 80 and conserved 68 basmati landraces. Basmati rice landraces have geo-linked traits. The historical culture of production, consumption and marketing of native basmati rice in Nepal should always be favored by both national and international rules and regulations. Nepal has ample and valid evidences to get geographical indication (GI) right on Basmati rice.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health issue, particularly in resource-constrained countries like Nepal. This case report highlights the consequences of prolonged self-treatment and non-compliance with TB management protocols, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old male from Nepal self-medicated with anti-tubercular drugs for 13 years after completing the recommended course of treatment. He experienced worsening symptoms, including respiratory distress and visual impairment. Upon evaluation, he was diagnosed with chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis, a complication of prolonged self-medication. The patient received comprehensive treatment, including antifungal therapy, steroids, antibiotics, and respiratory support, resulting in significant improvement. Conclusions: This case highlights the dangers of self-treatment and non-compliance with TB management protocols. It emphasizes the importance of patient education, awareness programs, and regular follow-up to ensure treatment adherence and detect complications. The case also reveals gaps in the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course) program, including the need for improved surveillance, and a multidisciplinary approach. The complications arising from prolonged self-medication underscore the need for increased awareness, intervention, and patient education in TB management. Improving patient education, raising awareness about the risks of self-medication, and integrating ophthalmologic evaluations into standard management are essential for better TB control in Nepal.