Agriculture and Forestry University

Carbon sequestration significantly aids in mitigating climate change, with its spatial distribution greatly influenced by topograph-ical factors. However, data on organic carbon distribution and its interaction with topographic factors inside the forest of the Far Western Region of Nepal are limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyze forest carbon stock variation under different topographic variables (physiographic region, aspect, and slope) in Far-western Nepal. In this study, stratified systematic cluster sampling was adopted with elevation, aspect, and slope as strata. A total of 181 circular plots were used for dendrometric measurements and soil sample collection. Within each plot, diameter at breast height and height of each tree (diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm) were measured for biomass carbon assessment. Composite soil samples (0-30 cm) from each soil pit within a plot were collected for determining soil organic carbon stock. Physiographic region-wise, our study reported the highest mean aboveground carbon (174.04 ± 29.75 ton ha −1) and belowground carbon (34.044 ± 5.95 ton ha −1) and soil organic carbon stock (150.62 ± 11.02 ton ha −1) in the Mountain and High Himal region. The East aspect exhibited the highest aboveground carbon (125.9 ± 22.34 ton ha −1) and belowground carbon (27.54 ± 3.44 ton ha −1) stocks, while the North aspect showed the highest soil organic carbon stock (96.85 ± 8.82 ton ha −1). Organic carbon stocks declined with steeper slopes, with the (0-10)° slope category recording the highest aboveground organic carbon (135.17 ± 17.87 ton ha −1), belowground carbon (27.03 ± 3.57 ton ha −1), and soil organic carbon (107.14 ± 12.51 ton ha −1) stocks. Conversely, the (30-40)° slope category exhibited the lowest organic carbon stocks across all pools. This study's findings will support accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes for initiatives like reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) and enhance credibility on United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reporting on a national scale. The design and application of site-specific management activities to optimize organic carbon storage are recommended due to the observed variability of organic carbon stock with topographic factors.

Bos gaurus, a globally vulnerable and protected priority species in Nepal, has experienced habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and diseases. Consequently, their population is isolated significantly in Parsa National Park and Chitwan National Park in Nepal. However, their distribution even in these protected areas is limited to topographical features. This study focuses on habitat suitability modeling of B. gaurus in Parsa National Park (PNP) utilizing the ensemble modeling approach to identify key ecogeographical and climatic variables influencing B. gaurus suitable habitat and to estimate suitability in and around Parsa National Park, Nepal. After the multicollinearity test, potential ecogeographical variables were integrated with ground presence points for ensemble modeling. The model revealed that distance from waterholes and settlements, slope, and bioclimatic variables highly influenced highly in B. gaurus's habitat suitability. The model found only 31.29% (285.55 km²) area as a suitable area for B. gaurus distribution in and around PNP. The eastern part of the park (newly extended area around Halkhoriya Lake) and the south‐central section of park show the suitable habitat for B. gaurus. However, wildlife‐friendly infrastructure in the East–West Highway (that fragments the park) within park can facilitate B. gaurus's movement among these crucial habitat patches. Future habitat projections under the SSP1‐2.6 climate scenario indicate a gradual reduction in suitable habitat, indicating a marginal impact of the climate change scenario on gaur habitat in the area. These changes highlight the limited vulnerability of B. gaurus to climate change and the risk of habitat fragmentation, potentially leading to population declines. However, conservation strategies including maintaining water sources, restoring degraded habitats, particularly in the northern section of the park, and enhancing connectivity through wildlife corridors could ensure long‐term survival.

Improper nutrient management has limited potato production in Nepal's mountainous region. Farmers prioritize macronutrients but neglect essential micronutrients like zinc (Zn), which are crucial for potato growth and enzymatic functions. However, Zn deficiency is prevalent in these regions and very few studies have highlighted its role in potato production. A field experiment with seven different concentrations of Zn-EDTA was conducted at three different locations with three replications to assess the effect of foliar application of Zn on growth, yield, and economic aspects of potatoes. The treatments were: control, single foliar spray (SS) of Zn at 50, 100, and 150 ppm, and double foliar spray (DS) at 50, 100, and 150 ppm. Results showed that the foliar application of Zn at the highest concentrations (DS-100 and DS-150) increased plant height, leaf number, and canopy diameter. Maximum tuber yield (29.99 t·ha⁻¹), tuber number (51.00), tuber diameter (1.44 cm), and B:C ratio were found with DS-150 ppm followed by DS-100 ppm. The maximum marketable tuber number (47.00) and marketable tuber weight (2,973.67 g) were found with the highest Zn concentration of DS-150 ppm whereas the maximum non-marketable tuber number (10.67) and non-marketable tuber weight (82.33 g) were obtained with control. All DS treatments produced higher yields and B:C ratios. However, DS-100 and DS-150 showed greater profitability due to marginal cost rise and higher income. Therefore, either DS-100 or DS-150 ppm Zn spray can be used. However, further research is needed to establish the threshold levels of Zn foliar application and micronutrient recommendations.

Background Ticks are responsible for the transmission of various viral, bacterial, and protozoal pathogens through their mouthparts while feeding on the blood of the host. Owing to the increasing trend of tick-borne diseases, they are considered major emerging public health issues throughout the globe. In South Asia, the major important canine tick-borne pathogens are Babesia spp., Hepatozoon canis , Ehrlichia canis , Anaplasma platys , and Borrelia burgdorferi. Among various diagnostic tests, molecular techniques are considered the gold standard for the detection of tick-borne diseases. A total of 341 blood samples from each individual dog were collected from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, Nepal. The collected blood samples were subjected to hematological analysis, DNA extraction, and conventional polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, a total of 219 ticks were collected from the sampled dogs and identified via morphometry. Results PCR assays revealed four tick-borne pathogens, Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis , Hepatozoon canis , and Anaplasma platys, with prevalence rates of 26.09%, 5.87%, 3.52%, and 2.93%, respectively, and an overall prevalence of 31.09% (95% CI: 26.27--36.34%). However, this study could not identify the prevalence of Borrelia burgdoferi . During the hematological analysis, anemia and thrombocytopenia in the sampled dogs were significantly associated with the presence of Babesia spp. (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), lymphocytosis was significantly associated with hepatoma canis (p<0.001), and thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with Ehrlichia canis (p<0.05). Among the ticks infesting dogs at the study sites, the Rhiphicephalus genus was the most prevalent, followed by Hemaphysalis and Dermacentor, with an overall tick infestation rate of 27.86%. Geographic location, type of dog (stray or pet), and body condition score were determined as potential risk factors by multiple logistic regression analysis (OR= 0.40, 2.16, 0.73; p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.05,respectively) for the presence of canine tick-borne pathogens. Conclusions This study is among the first to investigate the prevalence of canine tick-borne pathogens in both pet and stray dogs in Nepal via molecular testing, which revealed the prevalence of at least four canine tick-borne pathogens and three genera of ticks present in the canine population of Nepal. This highlights the importance of robust treatment, control and preventive measures to mitigate the transmission of these pathogens.

Conservation of designated source sites is a fundamental strategy for global tiger recovery. Reliable estimates of tiger Panthera tigris habitat use within these source sites are crucial for informing effective management strategies. In this study, we assessed tiger habitat use within the Bardia‐Banke Complex, one of the 42 global source sites, situated in the western Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) of Nepal. We conducted a grid‐based detection and non‐detection camera trap survey across 719 grid cells, each measuring 2 × 2 km². To assess tiger habitat use while accounting for imperfect detectability, we applied a single‐season occupancy model. We analyzed nine covariates that have the potential to influence tiger habitat use in the Complex, including terrain, co‐predators, prey, water availability, and disturbance. We found that fine scale (2 × 2 km²) tiger habitat use in the Complex was 0.43 (SE ± 0.0085, 95% CI: 0.414–0.448). Our analysis demonstrated that tigers used habitats unevenly across the Bardia‐Banke Complex. Our results showed that the terrain ruggedness index, prey index, and proximity to waterholes were key determinants of tiger habitat use. Tiger habitat use was positively associated with prey abundance and negatively associated with terrain ruggedness and distance to waterholes. We emphasize the importance of influencing habitat covariates that determine the probability of habitat use for taking appropriate habitat‐management decisions for tiger conservation in the TAL. We highlight the importance of periodic assessment of tiger habitat use in this globally significant source site to monitor changes in spatial habitat use patterns, serving as a measure of the effectiveness of wildlife management interventions.

Tetrigidae is one of the largest orthopteran families, but very few studies so far have integrated molecular and morphological data. Unsurprisingly, few species have been DNA barcoded, and the unresolved taxonomy makes Tetrigidae a difficult group to work with. Here, we examined a sample of 90 specimens collected as a part of the Costa Rican DNA barcoding project and identified 20 species assigned to 24 BINs, among which are 8 newly described species: Scaria bimaculata sp. nov., Lophotettix semicristatus sp. nov., Otumba auricarinata sp. nov., Otumba tenuis sp. nov., Otumba ignicula sp. nov., Metrodora mollilobata sp. nov., Metrodora ala sp. nov., and Platythorus inabsolutus sp. nov. We found that coloration and lateral lobe shape are species-specific among the examined species of Batrachideinae and Metrodorinae and that Lophotettiginae and Metrodora might be more closely related than previously assumed.

Rhizoctonia root rot and web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is one of the destructive diseases of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A two-year study was conducted (2019–2021) to evaluate the common bean landraces and genotype, biocontrol agents, and chemical fungicides against the pathogen. Nine landraces from high-altitude agriculture in the Jumla district in western Nepal (29.27443900, 82.19332200; 2540 m msl) and one genotype of commercial common bean from the sub-tropical Chitwan district in central Nepal (27.65186564, 84.34869288; 256 m masl) were evaluated for resistance against the pathogen under screenhouse and field conditions. All were found highly susceptible to the pathogen and the highest lesion length (3.02 cm) was measured in the Rato Male Simi followed by Rato Sano Chhirke Simi (2.40 cm) in Chitwan conditions. Three chemical fungicides—SAAF™ (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP), Vitavax® (carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% DS), and Nativo® (tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% w/w (75 WG)—and three biocontrol agents—Trichoderma viride (10⁹ cfu/mL), Pseudomonas fluorescens (10⁹ cfu/mL), and Bacillus subtilis (10⁸ cfu/mL)—were evaluated as seed and soil treatments in fourteen different combinations against R. solani. SAAF™ and Vitavax® were found highly effective as they completely suppressed the incidence of pre-emergence damping off. SAAF™ was equally effective followed by Vitavax® and Nativo® in suppressing post-emergence damping off. On the other hand, the highest disease incidence (26.63%) was recorded in treatment where seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens formulation at the rate of 10 g per kg of FYM slurry along with soil application with Pseudomonas fluorescens formulation at the rate of 10 kg per ha with 50 kg FYM was applied, whereas the lowest disease incidence (4.96%) occurred in SAAF™ for both seed and soil applications. Highest grain yield (4125 kg/ha) was recorded on Nativo® where seed treatment at the rate of 1.5 g per kg along with soil drenching at the rate of 1.5 g per liter was used. Thus, it can be concluded that the best control for pre-emergence damping off was achieved by SAAF™ where seed treatment at the rate of 2 g per kg along with soil drenching at the rate of 2 g per liter and Vitavax® as seed treatment at the rate of 2 g per kg along with soil drenching at the rate of 2 g per liter was used, while the best control of post-emergence damping off was achieved with combined seed treatment and soil treatment with SAAF™. There was no incidence of web blight throughout the growing period. Our findings could be useful in devising strategies for the integrated management of R. solani causing root rot disease in common beans.

Sandalwood is one of the exotic species of Nepal. Among all, Sandalwood (Santalum album) is found cultivated in a private land by local farmers. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals. The research was carried out to assess the growth performance of Sandalwood in particular soil condition in the Pyuthan district of Nepal. Four villages of Swargadwari municipality, Ward No. 3 of the Pyuthan district where large numbers of Sandalwood plants have been planted by local households on their private land, were selected. The objective of the study was to document the growth performance of sandalwood in terms of mean annual volume increment. Data collection was carried out through primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through the diameter and height measurement of the Sandalwood tree by using a diameter tape, Abney’s level, and a linear tape. As supportive data source, secondary data were collected from different journal articles, yearly publications of the Division Forest Office, Pyuthan, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented in the form of a map, table, and bar graph. The highest mean annual height increment was 0.51 m/year at the age of 10 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual height increment was 0.44 m/year at the age of 16 years. The highest mean annual diameter increment was 1.009 at the age of 15 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual diameter increment was 0.97 m/year at the age of years. The highest mean annual volume increment was 0.004 m³/year at the age of 15 years, and the lowest mean annual volume increment was 0.001 m³/year at the age of 9 years. The result shows a gradual increase in the mean annual volume increment with age from the age of 9–15 years, and it shows a slight reduction at the age of 16 years as compared to that of 15 years.

Clubroot, caused by the biotrophic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae , is a devastating root disease that affects all members of the Brassicaceae family. Significant progress has been made in understanding its occurrence, life cycle and management strategies. This disease has posed a considerable threat to producers and breeders globally, including South Asia. The disease has been reported in India, Nepal and parts of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The cool and moist climatic conditions in the northern Himalayan belt, combined with acidic soils and inadequate disease management systems, are key factors, particularly in areas of India and Nepal prone to clubroot outbreaks. Disease management strategies currently focus on soil amendments, the use of synthetic fungicides and fumigants and the application of resistant genotypes. However, limited research has been conducted on modes of disease transmission. Recent studies revealed that contaminated soil and infected seedlings are major contributors to the spread of the pathogen. Brassica crops such as B. juncea (mustard), B. napus (canola) and B. oleracea (cabbage) are particularly vulnerable. However, resistant cultivars like B. napus ‘Midas’ and B. oleracea ‘Big Sun 111’, ‘Nepa Star’ and ‘Kathmandu Local’, have been identified in India and Nepal, offering some potential for mitigating the disease. To combat clubroot effectively, there is an urgent need for integrated disease management strategies and the development of resistant genetic materials. These efforts should involve diverse stakeholders, including producers, industries, government sectors and academicians, aiming to advance the understanding of clubroot challenges and bridging critical research in South Asia.

The growing global demand for food, particularly animal protein, is intensifying challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability. The increase in organic waste generation, coupled with inefficient waste management, is further deteriorating living conditions by negatively impacting the environment and public health, especially in developing nations. This study investigated the potential of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to recycle major daily organic waste fractions in Nepal. BSFL were exposed to seven different biowaste-based substrates locally sourced from fruit and vegetable markets, farms, and food industries. Additionally, the study evaluated rapeseed cake as a supplement to enhance BSFL growth and nutritional content. BSFL survival rates exceeded 80 % on food industry waste but dropped to 63 % on high-moisture substrates like vegetable waste. Mixed vegetable waste (14.7 mg/day) and bakery waste (11.5 mg/day) supported higher average daily weight gain, likely due to their better nutrient values (soluble carbohydrates and proteins). Although rapeseed cake alone hindered larval growth, its supplementation to biowastes improved growth, survival, and bioconversion rates, increased larval protein content up to 32 %, and reduced fat by 36 %. These findings indicate BSFL can effectively recycle diverse, locally available organic wastes in developing countries like Nepal, providing a sustainable source of domestic protein and contributing to feed security. As this is the first BSFL study in Nepal, further research is needed to elucidate the chemical and microbial safety of BSFL reared on biowastes and to develop technical solutions for commercial BSFL production in countries with a low-income economy.

Background Crossover interactions stemming from phenotypic plasticity complicate selection decisions when evaluating hybrid maize with superior grain yield and consistent performance. Consequently, a two-year, region-wide investigation of 45 hybrids maize across Nepal was performed with the aim of disclosing both site and wide adapted hybrids. Utilizing an innovative “ProbBreed” package, based on Bayesian probability analysis of randomized complete block designs with three replicated trials at each station, this study substantively streamlines hybrids maize selection. Results This finding revealed substantial genetic, environmental, and interactive influences on grain yield (p < 0.05). Among the hybrids, DKC9149 (8.8 tons/ha) emerged as the elite with probability coefficient of (0.39), followed by NK6607(0.35 & 8.6 tons/ha). Joint probability analysis identified RMH1899 super (0.23 & 8.3 tons/ha), followed by RMH 666 (0.15 & 8.4 tons/ha) and Uttam 121 (0.11 & 8.6 tons/ha), all of which accounted for overall environmental conditions. Additionally, over the years, DKC 9149, NK 6607(0.18 & 8.6 tons/ha), GK 3254(0.18 & 8.5 tons/ha), Shann 111(0.12 & 8.4 tons/ha), Sweety 1(0.13 & 8.4 tons/ha), and ADV 756(0.10 & 8.2 tons/ha) consistently demonstrated superior performance and stability. Delving with site specific recommendations include Nepalgunj: RMH 9999(8.5 tons/ha), NK 6607(8.6 tons/ha); Parwanipur: DKC 9149, MM 2033(8.5 tons/ha); Rampur: ADV 756, DKC 9149, MM 2929(8.6 tons/ha); and Tarahara: GK 3254(8.5 tons/ha), NK 6607(8.6 tons/ha), Uttam 121. Conclusion Thus, Selected hybrids are predicted to outperform within the recommended domain. Over and above, integrating genomic information into Bayesian models expected to enhance prediction accuracy and expedite breeding progress.

This study investigates the adoption of improved orchard management practices among mandarin growers in Sankhuwasabha, Nepal, and identifies the socio-economic factors influencing their adoption. A sample of 88 households was selected using purposive sampling followed by convenience sampling from a frame of 950 households. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the key factors that influence the adoption of improved orchard management practices. The results indicate that farmers with higher education levels, secondary income sources, and access to extension services are 2.45 times more likely to adopt chemical fertilizer use, 1.63 times more likely to implement mulching practices, and 5.70 times more likely to engage in pruning respectively. In contrast, intercropping practices were negatively influenced by education levels and farm size. The major challenges were powdery mildew, fruit flies, and irrigation problems. This study suggests that socio-economic conditions play a vital role in adopting improved orchard management practices in citrus orchards. Thus, policy implications should be tailored to target extension services, subsidies, and localized training programs to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and financial capacity.

Abrupt changes in climatic conditions trigger river channels to migrate laterally due to changes in surface water conditions. West Rapti River in the Terai, a flat geographic region of Nepal with high mountains and Chure Hill on the north, is highly susceptible to water-induced disasters. Geographical Information System and Remotely Sensed Imageries were used to analyze the spatio-temporal changes of West Rapti River between 1990 and 2023, to assess their impact within the approximately 53 km range of Deukhuri Valley (Dune Valley). Using freely available Landsat satellite imagery we extracted water surface features through the Normalized Difference Water Index and generated 27 cross-sections (CS) to track channel shift. Those cross-sections were generated in the gap of 2000 m using the River Bathymetry Toolkit (RBT) to assess the Sinuosity & Braiding Index of the river channel within the planform. This study found that river channels migrated laterally determined as significant shifts, notably 1.43 km towards the northeast within CS-23 and 0.72 km towards the south direction within CS-25 in the last 33 years. Nearly no shifting impact was observed from CS-12 to CS-17 showing embankment and mitigation efforts being effective within this range. The study shows the river is naturally multi-channeled and exhibits a braided pattern with sinuosity index values ranging from 1.02 to 1.38, indicating highly braided conditions during 2010 and 2015. The river channel was found to be driven by a high sediment deposit of about 15.35 Sq. km across the 53 km range. These results are crucial for formulating integrated river basin management plans in the West Rapti River basin laying the foundation for future research to explore sustainable river management practices in the future.

Although citrus cultivation has a comparative advantage in subtropical climates, meeting the increasing demand is challenging, primarily due to weed pressure contributing 25–33% yield loss. Henceforth, to assess the efficiency of weed management methods, enhance plant growth, and analyze economic treatment costs, research was conducted in a three-year-old mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) orchard at Citrus Development Center, Tansen, Palpa, in 2022. The experiment was designed in a single factorial randomized complete block design with five treatments: plastic mulch, organic mulch, herbicide, hand weeding, and a control. Fourteen weed species were identified, and the highest weed density was of sedges (45%). Results of the study showed that plastic mulch was an efficient method providing lower average weed diversity (1.7); weed density in all days after treatment (DAT) (0.5, 0.6, 1.9, 6.6, and 1.1 m⁻²); and weed dry weight at 15, 30, and 45 DAT (0.1, 0.3, and 0.4 gm⁻²). Plastic mulch observed with higher weed control efficiency (93.9, 87.1, 93.1, 91.8, and 93.4%) and weed control index (89.6%, 85.8%, 93.8%, 90.8%, and 96.35%) in all DAT. Whereas, the weed persistence index was lower in herbicide-treated plots at 30 (0.73), 45 (0.44), and 75 (0.24) DAT. Herbicide-treated plots showed the highest increment in crop growth parameters of plant height (33.7%) and plant canopy cover volume (180.8%) and were also the most economical with the lower annual treatment cost (NPR 210 thousand/ha). The superior plant growth, higher weed control, and lower cost proved herbicide treatment as an effective weed control method. However, plastic mulch, with outcomes resembling herbicide, can be a sustainable approach for weed control.

A study was conducted in 2023 to assess the adoption status and influencing factors related to improved coffee production technologies among coffee farmers in Arghakhanchi, Nepal. The research focused on a purposively selected coffee zone command area. A total of 80 households were sampled through simple random sampling and were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, indexing, and binary logistic regression with SPSS and MS Excel software. The majority of coffee producers adhered to recommended practices for fertilizer application (92.5%), intercropping (71.25%), and shading (73.75%). Moderate levels of adoption were noted for pit size and spacing (52.5%) and mulching practices (42.5%), whereas adoption of pruning (37.5%), irrigation (30%), and stumping (15%) was relatively low. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that training had a significant and positive impact on the adoption of most improved production technologies. Additionally, factors such as years of experience, plant population, age, family size, and education were significant in influencing the adoption of various practices. Key motivations for coffee farming included favorable returns, reduced wildlife damage, and positive neighbor feedback, while major challenges encompassed inadequate rainfall, poor irrigation infrastructure, insufficient training and technical knowledge, and pest issues.

Interactions between humans and livestock could increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. In addition, limited knowledge of zoonoses and foodborne diseases among livestock farmers could heighten the risks of foodborne illness and outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. This study evaluated the awareness of zoonotic diseases and preventive practices for zoonotic and foodborne diseases among livestock farmers of the Chitwan, Rupandehi, and Tanahun districts of Nepal by conducting a cross-sectional survey of 280 livestock farmers. They were recruited using the purposive sampling method from October to December 2022. Descriptive statistics revealed that most (72.1%; n = 202/280) livestock farmers were aware of zoonosis. None of the farmers knew about the zoonotic nature of leptospirosis. Two-thirds of pig farmers (67%; n = 12/18) were aware of zoonotic transmission of swine flu, and more than half of the poultry (58%; 50/86) farmers knew about zoonotic avian influenza. The majority of the farmers who had dogs (83%) and cats (89.4%) in their homes or farms knew that rabies can be transmitted to humans from dogs or cats. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that farmers from the Rupandehi district (aOR: 5.56; 95% CI: 2.18–14.22) and Chitwan (aOR: 6.52; 95% CI: 2.46–17.25) had a higher odds of having good preventive practices than those from Tanahun. Also, farmers who had no sickness in the past 6 months after consumption of animal products were three times (aOR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.48–6.01) more likely to have better practices. Furthermore, secondary education (aOR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.41–9.44) was a significant positive predictor of good zoonotic diseases and food safety preventive practices. Our study underscores the necessity to enhance Nepalese livestock farmers’ awareness and practices regarding zoonotic and foodborne diseases. It emphasizes the importance of understanding risks, effective behavioral change strategies, and engaging farmers in developing zoonotic disease and foodborne illness prevention programs.

The physico-chemical, nutritional, cooking, and milling properties of rice play a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences and market demand in Nepal. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation of the major rice quality parameters of 30 fine and aromatic rice landraces, collected from different regions of the country, as potential alternatives to imported improved rice cultivars. Statistical analysis revealed that the amylose content in Sunaulo Sugandha (25.6%) and Hiupuri (27.1%) was higher than that of the check cultivars (Kalanamak: 14.3% and Samba Masuli Sub-1: 18.2%). The rice landraces were comparable to the check cultivars in terms of kernel length to breadth ratio (3.4–3.6), which ranged from medium to long and slender. The milling and head rice recovery for Balamsari Dhan and Lalka Basmati exceeded 70%, while the check cultivars had values below 60%. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and highly significant relationship between amylose content and length to breadth ratio (r = 0.59***), as well as between milling recovery and head rice recovery (r = 0.69***). A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.33*) was also observed between milling recovery and grain yield. Balamsari Dhan (12.30%), Kalo Masino Dhan (11.90%), and Bayarni Masino (11.40%) were identified for higher crude protein content. This study uncovered substantial variability among the landraces across various traits, highlighting their potential for use in breeding programs aimed at improving both quality and yield components of rice.

The rusty-spotted cat ( Prionailurus rubiginosus ), the world’s smallest felid, is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Despite its Near Threatened status on the IUCN Red List, research on this elusive species remains fragmented, focusing mainly on species distribution through incidental camera-trap data. With the development of tailored, evidence-based conservation strategies requiring sufficient knowledge of the species' biology and threats, we aim to summarize critical knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for filling them. We systematically reviewed the existing literature to assess the state of research on the species, identify key research trends, and highlight areas requiring urgent attention. Additionally, we mapped 121 occurrence records and delved into 15 conservation projects to understand current monitoring and conservation efforts throughout its range. Our findings from 52 studies indicate that most studies focus on habitat preferences and distribution, with limited research on biology, genetics, disease, and threats to the species. Major threats identified include habitat loss, fragmentation, road mortality, and potential disease risks. Occurrence records are heterogeneous in terms of the methods employed but do identify potential species range expansions in India. Most conservation projects stem from India, however, efforts in Nepal and Sri Lanka have increased in recent years, reinforcing the growing conservation importance of this species. The review underscores the need for standardized monitoring protocols, long-term targeted research, and collaborative conservation efforts across the species’ range. By addressing these gaps, we envisage the development of more robust research and conservation strategies for the rusty-spotted cat in the future.