This article has been retracted due to following reasons: Misconduct: Academic misconduct due to serious conflicts and data privacy concerns related to the project.Conflict of interest: A key professor associated with the project has denied the use of data from his project in this publication. The editor-in-chief has no confidence in this article so it was retracted. The authors agree with the retraction.

Broad Leaf Mustard (BLM) is one of the extensively cultivated vegetable crops in Nepal. In our study, we conducted a thorough analysis to explore how organic fertilizers impact the growth and yield of Broad Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) cv. Manakamana Rayo in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Nepal. To carry out this investigation, we employed a Randomized Complete Block Design, incorporating seven distinct treatments, labeled as T1 (FYM), T2 (Poultry Manure), T3 (Compost), T4 (Vermicompost), T5 (Black Wonder), T6 (Black Wonder Double), and T7 (Control), each replicated three times. Each treatment plot, measuring 1.2 m2, accommodated 60 plants. The application of organic fertilizers was done during the initial phase of field preparation. Our results highlighted the effectiveness of Vermicompost applied at a rate of 20 tons per hectare. This treatment produced the tallest plants (34.83 cm), longest leaves (32.37 cm), widest leaves (17.73 cm), and increased yields, specifically 61.1g/plant and 2.10 kg per plot. Furthermore, Farm-Yard Manure (FYM) at 28.4 tons per hectare and Black Wonder at 0.96 tons per hectare resulted in the maximum number of leaves (11.67). These findings offer practical insights for farmers and researchers keen on optimizing Broad Leaf Mustard cultivation through the judicious use of organic fertilizers.

Sheep farming in Nepal is closely linked to its agricultural heritage and contributes to livelihoods and the socio-economic fabric. This study synthesizes the morphological characterization of Kage and Baruwal (Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758) sheep, highlighting their genetic and functional attributes, including body size, conformation, coat color, horn morphology, and reproductive parameters. This study synthesizes the morphological characterization of Kage and Baruwal (O. aries) sheep, highlighting their genetic and functional attributes, including body size, conformation, coat color, horn morphology, and reproductive parameters. The analysis revealed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01**) in quantitative traits between the two breeds. The Baruwal sheep exhibited higher mean values for tail length (12.96 ± 0.47 cm), ear length (10.67±0.20 cm), neck length (21.75±0.38 cm), chest girth (67.14±0.50), height at hip bone (64.78±0.44 cm), body weight (33.04±0.65 Kg), and height below withers (67.10±0.56). Additionally, correlation analysis of different quantitative traits was found to be significant at the 0.01 level on a two-tailed test. The study's results indicate significant quantitative variations, which suggest genetic adaptations and selective pressures. The analysis of qualitative traits highlights differences in horn presence, shape, fleece, head color, neckline, and tail shape, providing insights into genetic diversity and functional adaptations. The study concludes that comprehending such phenotypic traits helps with breed management, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The preservation of genetic diversity and adaptability is underscored by indigenous sheep breeds, which requires further research to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying these traits.

This study investigates the impact of various nitrogen doses on the growth and grain yield of hybrid maize (Zea mays L., Gold 97). Nitrogen plays an important role in crop phenology, morphology, and grain yield of maize plants. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with six levels of nitrogen (150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 kg/ha) in four replications to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen on the growth and yield of maize. Germination percentage, Days to 75% tasselling and silking, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area (LAI), cobs length, grain per row, pod, and total grain yield were recorded. Maximum germination was found in 180 kg N /ha. Plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area (LAI) were found to be maximum in the plots treated with 180-200 kg/ha of N. This field experiment revealed that different nitrogen dose has significant effects on days to 75% Tasselling and silking and found to be maximum in 180 kg/ha N treated plot. Also, nitrogen has a significant effect on cobs length, and grain per row was found highest at 180 kg N/ha. The highest Grain yield was found 180 kg/ha N treated plot. Findings have demonstrated that increasing nitrogen levels can often lead to increased grain yield up to a certain point, after which the yield plateaus or even declines. These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing agricultural practices to meet the increasing global demand for cereal crops.

Water is essential to all life on Earth, serving as a critical resource for both industrial and agricultural activities. However, the quality of groundwater, particularly in urban areas, is a growing concern due to its direct impact on human health. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in selected public places within Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India, to assess its suitability for drinking purposes. A total of 48 groundwater samples were collected from four locations across the city. Various physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and ion concentrations, were measured and compared against the national standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The analysis revealed that while certain parameters such as pH, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate levels were within acceptable BIS limits, others, including TDS, total hardness, magnesium, and calcium, exceeded the permissible thresholds. The Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment further categorized the water quality at all studied locations as 'bad,' indicating significant contamination. The findings suggest that the groundwater in these areas is unsuitable for human consumption without prior treatment. The presence of elevated levels of dissolved solids and hardness, along with other contaminants, highlights the need for immediate intervention to mitigate potential health risks. This study underscores the urgent necessity for effective water management and treatment strategies in Meerut City to ensure safe and sustainable access to potable water.

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a highly cross-pollinated plant, and the identification of insect visitors is critical for enhancing its production. A study was conducted in Baisjagar, Tanahun, Nepal, from March to April 2023 to assess the diversity and relative abundance of insect visitors to Litchi trees. The experiment involved the use of yellow sticky traps placed on five different Litchi trees, with two traps installed per tree on branches near the panicles. Readings were taken weekly over four weeks. A total of eighteen insect species from six orders and thirteen families were identified during the study. Among the recorded insects, the order Diptera was the most abundant, accounting for 51.12% of the total, and was represented by five families: Syrphidae, Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Tachinidae. This was followed by Hymenoptera (32.02%), Hemiptera (12.54%), Lepidoptera (2.24%), Coleoptera (1.31%), and Orthoptera (0.74%). The species Apis cerana was the most frequently recorded, with 108 individuals captured. The study highlights the importance of pollinators, particularly Diptera and Hymenoptera, in Litchi production. Effective management and conservation of these pollinating insects can help ensure successful pollination and fruit production. Additionally, integrating apiculture with Litchi farming can enhance pollination services and provide mutual benefits, increasing yields and economic returns for farmers. This study suggested the need for sustainable practices to protect insect diversity in agricultural ecosystems.

The current study investigated the concerns about the possible effects of metro infrastructure's fast growth on the environment, particularly air quality. This study investigates how the building of metro lines in Delhi, India, affects the quality of the air at the selected locations in south and west parts of union territory of Delhi. Different air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), gaseous pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), were monitored. Air Quality Index (AQI) was also applied to the obtained data to convert the intricate data into single digits. The findings revealed that the values of PM10 and PM2.5 were beyond the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) threshold at the proximity of metro work zones due to construction activity. Moreover, higher NO2 concentrations were noted because of construction machinery operations and vehicle emissions. The study emphasizes the necessity of efficient mitigation solutions, such as green barriers, emission control plans, and dust suppression tactics, to reduce the negative environmental effects of metro development on Delhi's air quality. The results of this study can help urban planners and politicians to create sustainable development plans for transportation infrastructure that protect the environment and public health.

A study conducted in Sarlahi, Nepal, from February to July 2024 examined farmers' perceptions of climate change and their adaptive strategies to sustain rice yields. Among the 94 surveyed households, 96.8% reported rising temperatures, while 90.4% noted reduced rainfall frequency and intensity. Additionally, most respondents (70.2%) observed decreased flooding intensity, and 90.4% reported lower water availability in tube wells, ponds, and rivers. The study revealed limited climate knowledge among farmers, with only 2.1% being well-informed; personal experience was the primary source of information for 75.5% of respondents. Farmers employed various adaptation techniques, including improved rice varieties (66%), green manuring (34%), and alternate wetting and drying (24.5%), although only a small percentage (8.5%) utilized crop insurance. Key challenges included climate-induced disease outbreaks like blast and bacterial blight, along with pests such as the rice stem borer and leaf roller. The findings indicated that gender and landholding size significantly influenced the adoption of adaptation practices, with larger landholders more likely to adapt than smaller ones. This research contributes valuable insights into the adaptive capacities of farmers facing climate change, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance resilience in rice cultivation through comprehensive education and resource support.

Allelopathy plays an important role in weed control and crop productivity. We evaluated the effect of the residues of Rumex maritimus on the growth performance of boro rice comprising two cultivars i.e., BRRI dhan58 and BRRI dhan74 and four rates of R. maritimus residues treatment such as 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 t/ha and a farmers practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. We identified four weed species (Panikachu, Shama, Shusni, Chesra) belonging to four families. Dry weight of Shama, Shusni, Chesra except Panikachu were significantly affected by variety. The highest Shama dry weight (6.61 g/0.0625 m2) was found in BRRI dhan74 and the lowest weed population (5.81 g/0.0625 m2) was obtained in BRRI dhan58 at 1% level of probability and also the highest Chesra dry weight (5.58 g/0.0625 m2) was found in BRRI dhan74 and the lowest weed population (4.89g/0.0625 m2) was obtained in BRRI dhan58 at 1% level of probability. The highest Shusni dry weight (5.11 g/0.0625 m2) was found in BRRI dhan58 and the lowest weed population (5.00 g/0.0625 m2) was obtained in BRRI dhan74 at a 1% level of probability. Weed density and dry weight were also significantly affected by variety and residue treatment. Results of this study indicate that R. maritimus residues showed the potential to inhibit weed growth of boro rice. Therefore, R. maritimus residues might be used as an alternative way for weed management in effective and sustainable crop production.

This study evaluated the efficacy of biopesticides against major insect pests of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Lekbeshi, Surkhet, Nepal. A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted with four treatments: Beauveria bassiana (1 ml/L), Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (2 ml/L), Jholmol (1:5 concentration), and an untreated control. After the third spray, B. bassiana reduced red pumpkin beetle populations from 1.4 to 0.4 insects per plant, while Bt reduced fruit fly populations from 2.8 to 1.6 insects per plant, compared to the control (4.2 to 2.2). At 60 days after transplanting, Bt-treated plants were significantly taller (137.45 cm) than control plants (111.28 cm). Fruit damage was lowest in Bt-treated plots (1.8% and 0.69 kg damage weight) compared to the control (3.8% and 0.69 kg). While yield attributes showed no significant differences, total yield was highest in B. bassiana-treated plots (35.58 t/ha) compared to the control (17.8 t/ha). Economic analysis revealed that B. bassiana treatment had the highest benefit-cost ratio (4.19), followed by Bt (2.9), control (2.8), and Jholmol (2.3). These findings suggest that biopesticides, particularly B. bassiana and Bt, can effectively manage major cucumber pests while improving yield and economic returns, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides in subtropical regions.