Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research

The Foliage Business in Ornamental Horticulture: Markets, Value Chains, Sustainability and Future Opportunities

Manju M George — 2026-10-22

The foliage business occupies a distinctive but incompletely measured position within ornamental horticulture. It spans living indoor foliage plants, cut foliage and florist greens, propagation material, and the specialised services that connect breeding, production, logistics, wholesale, retail and final use. This critical narrative review integrates evidence from horticultural economics, consumer research, supply-chain management, postharvest science, environmental assessment, labour studies and plant-health scholarship to evaluate how foliage value is created, lost and redistributed. The literature indicates that foliage markets are shaped by high product differentiation, aesthetic and functional attributes, price sensitivity, rapid shifts in consumer preferences and strong dependence on channel configuration. Yet the evidence base is geographically concentrated and often extrapolated from the wider ornamental sector. Value-chain studies identify perishability, demand uncertainty, long biological lead times, fragmented information and variable quality as recurrent constraints, while postharvest research shows that storage, packaging and physiological management can materially extend marketable life for cut foliage. Sustainability is similarly multidimensional: peat and growing media, energy, water, pesticides, packaging, transport, labour conditions, invasive-species pathways and pathogen movement create trade-offs that cannot be reduced to a single “green” attribute. Consumer studies suggest that some buyers value local origin, reduced pesticide use and environmental labels, but willingness to pay is heterogeneous and depends on trust, product type and how claims are communicated. The most credible future opportunities therefore lie not in undifferentiated market expansion but in coordinated value-chain upgrading: functional and traceable growing media, integrated pest management, biosecurity-by-design, quality-sensing logistics, data-supported planning, diversified native and climate-resilient foliage portfolios, credible eco-labelling and direct-to-consumer models that preserve quality while improving information flow. Research priorities include foliage-specific trade statistics, longitudinal consumer studies, product-level life-cycle assessment, social-sustainability measurement and interoperable traceability systems.

Growth and Yield Performance of Basmati Rice Varieties under Integrated Nutrient Management in T. aman Season

Jannatul Raiyan Mim — 2026-09-18

Basmati rice is valued for its distinctive aroma and quality, but its performance under different nutrient management practices needs to be evaluated under Bangladesh conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the varietal performance of basmati rice varieties in T. aman season, to evaluate the yield performance of two basmati rice varieties under an integrated nutrient management system in T. aman season and to assess the combined effect of variety and integrated nutrient management on the yield performance of basmati rice varieties in T. aman rice. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from July to December 2024 to assess growth and yield performance of basmati rice varieties under integrated nutrient management in T. aman season. The experiment included Basmati rice (Pakistani, long-grain) (V₁) and Kasturi basmati rice (Indian) (V₂), combined with eight nutrient management practices, and was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Variety and nutrient management significantly affected most growth and yield-related traits. Kasturi basmati rice produced greater plant height (147.60 cm), total and effective tillers hill^-1 (10.69 and 9.33), panicle length (23.30 cm), grains panicle^-1 (91.82), 1000-grain weight (16.95 g), straw yield (5.34 t ha^-1), and biological yield (8.80 t ha^-1) than V₁, while grain yield was statistically similar between varieties. The recommended NPKS dose (N₂) produced the highest grain yield (4.08 t ha^-1), straw yield (5.76 t ha^-1), and biological yield (9.85 t ha^-1). Tricho-compost at 5 t ha^-1 (N₅) also performed well, producing 3.89 t ha^-1 grain yield. The V₂N₂ combination achieved the highest grain, straw, and biological yields of 4.23, 6.18, and 10.41 t ha^-1, respectively. Overall, Kasturi basmati rice with the recommended NPKS dose showed the best yield performance and appears suitable for T. aman cultivation in Bangladesh.

Effects of Mulching Types and Nitrogen Rates on the Performance of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Igboora

S. O. Akanni — 2026-09-18

Garlic is an important vegetable and medicinal crop, but its yield in Nigeria is low due to poor soil moisture, high weed pressure, and improper nutrient management. In Igboora, Oyo State, farmers often cultivate garlic without appropriate cultural practices such as nitrogen fertiliser application and mulching, which reduces nutrient-use efficiency, bulb yield and quality. This study therefore assessed the influence of mulching materials and nitrogen rates on the growth and bulb yield of garlic under field and screenhouse pot conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora. The treatments involved four mulching materials: black polythene, dry grass, sawdust, and no mulch, and five nitrogen fertiliser rates: 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹. A 4 × 5 factorial experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design for the screenhouse pot experiment and a randomised complete block design for the field trial; each was replicated three times. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, bulb yield, bulb diameter, and bulb length. Data were analysed using analysis of variance, and means were separated at the 5% probability level using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that mulching and nitrogen fertiliser rates significantly influenced garlic performance. Black polythene and dry grass mulches outperformed sawdust and no mulch in terms of higher growth parameters, bulb yield and nutritional quality. Bulb yield increased as the nitrogen rate increased from 0 to 150 kg N ha⁻¹, but declined at 200 kg N ha⁻¹. Black polythene and dry grass produced optimal bulb yield with N application at 150 kg N ha⁻¹. In conclusion, mulching and nitrogen application rates significantly influenced plant height, number of leaves and bulb yield. Black polythene and dry grass mulches combined with 100–150 kg N ha⁻¹ gave the highest garlic performance and can therefore be recommended for garlic production in this agro-ecological zone.

Nanoemulsion of Calotropis gigantea L. Extract: A Prospective Nanopesticide against Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm)

Shahabuddin Saleh — 2026-09-24

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) is an invasive pest associated with substantial losses in maize production in Indonesia, while effective and environmentally compatible control options remain limited. This study formulated a nanoemulsion of Calotropis gigantea leaf extract (NEC) and evaluated its lethal, sublethal, and antifeedant effects against third-instar FAW larvae. NEC was prepared by homogenisation, ultrasonication, and centrifugation. Six concentrations (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4%) were evaluated using leaf-dip and no-choice methods. Larval mortality, feeding inhibition, pupation, adult emergence, and particle size were assessed. Larval mortality was recorded 96 h after application, while feeding inhibition was assessed at 24 and 48 h. NEC showed concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, with an LC₅₀ of 1.79% and an LC₉₀ of 5.92%. At 6.4%, NEC caused 90% larval mortality, while pupation and adult emergence were reduced to 10% and 3.75%, respectively. Feeding inhibition also increased with concentration and observation time, reaching 50.02% at 48 h at the highest concentration. Particle-size analysis showed an average particle size of 266.1 nm and a polydispersity index of 1.22, indicating a relatively broad size distribution. These findings show that NEC has insecticidal and antifeedant activity against FAW under laboratory conditions. Further formulation optimisation, stability assessment, non-target testing, and field validation are required before practical application.

Adoption of Salt-Tolerant Rice Varieties among Coastal Farmers in Bagerhat, Bangladesh: Determinants, Constraints, and Decision-Making Factors

Abu Sayem — 2026-10-23

Soil and water salinity increasingly shape rice-production decisions in coastal Bangladesh, yet the availability of salt-tolerant (ST) rice does not automatically translate into farm-level adoption. This study examines the extent and spatial pattern of ST-rice adoption, varietal choice, decision-making factors, and production constraints among 250 rice farmers surveyed across the nine upazilas of Bagerhat District from December 2025 to February 2026. Farmers were selected through a population-proportionate random-sampling procedure, and responses were recorded digitally using KoboToolbox. Adoption was defined as cultivation of at least one recognised ST rice variety during the reference production period. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Welch's t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and binary logistic regression were used to compare adopters and non-adopters and identify factors associated with adoption. Overall, 39.6% of respondents were adopters. Adoption was highest in Mongla (53.3%) and Rampal (51.4%) and lowest in Chitalmari (20.0%). Among adopters, BRRI dhan97 (28.3%), BRRI dhan99 (23.2%), and Binadhan-10 (21.2%) accounted for 72.7% of primary ST varietal choices; 83.8% of adopters used ST rice in the Boro season. Mean adoption intensity was 65.0% of rice land. Adopters reported greater education, extension contact, ST-rice knowledge, quality-seed access, perceived yield advantage, profitability, farm compatibility, and trust, while non-adopters reported a substantially larger knowledge gap. In the adjusted logit model, perceived salinity severity (OR = 1.73, p < 0.001) and ST-rice knowledge (OR = 1.63, p < 0.001) were the strongest independent correlates of adoption; quality-seed access was positive at the 10% level. Labour requirement, saline intrusion, market-price uncertainty, and input cost ranked as the most severe overall constraints. The findings indicate that ST-rice adoption in Bagerhat is jointly shaped by salinity pressure and farmers' capacity to recognise, access, and manage suitable varieties, supporting integrated interventions that combine seed access, extension, demonstration-based learning, water management, and market-risk reduction.

Effect of Fertilizer Micro-dosing on Seed Yield of Four Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivars

Ahmed M. El Naim — 2026-10-26

The manuscript addresses the need for efficient and economical fertiliser management in sesame production. Fertiliser micro-dosing involves applying small, targeted quantities of nutrients close to the root zone, which can improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce fertiliser losses. This approach may support sustainable sesame production, particularly in nutrient-deficient and low-input farming systems, by optimising fertiliser use, reducing unnecessary input costs and improving productivity. An experiment was conducted under rain-fed conditions during the 2016/17 season at Abu Gebeha, eastern South Kordofan, Sudan. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of NPK (15-15-15) fertiliser micro doses (0.9 g/hole: 0.6 g/hole: 0.0 g/hole) on the yields of four sesame cultivars: Promo, Umshagra, Abukhatra and Alimahadi. The experiment comprised twelve treatments. The treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that the highest seed yield was obtained from Abukhatra cultivar (69.38 g plant^-1), Alimahdi (58.87 g plant^-1) whereas a lower yield was obtained from Promo (29.77 g plant^-1). The 0.9 g NPK micro-dose produced the highest number of branches per plant (5.2), the highest number of capsules per plant (107.8), the highest number of seeds per capsule (130) and the highest seed yield (56.1 g plant^-1), compared with the other treatments. The results indicated that the 0.9 g NPK fertiliser micro-dose produced the highest seed yield under rain-fed conditions in South Kordofan, Sudan. Furthermore, the study recommended the Abukhatra cultivar for sesame farmers in South Kordofan to attain higher grain yields.

Priority Analysis of Non-Timber Forest Products for Household Food Security in Aik Berik Community Forest, Central Lombok Regency

Nurul Jihan — 2026-10-28

Community-based forest management enables households to use non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to support livelihoods and household food security. However, the types of NTFPs utilised do not consistently support household food energy security. This study aimed to identify food and non-food NTFPs utilised by households, determine the priority of food NTFPs based on economic, social, and environmental criteria, examine their contribution to household food energy security, and analyse the relationship between the economic contribution of NTFPs and household food energy security. The study was conducted in the Aik Berik Community Forest, Central Lombok Regency, employing quantitative data supported by qualitative information. Data were collected from 93 households. AHP determined the weights of the economic, social, and environmental criteria, while SAW ranked food NTFPs. Household food energy utilisation was calculated from actual annual food consumption using an energy requirement standard of 2,100 kcal per capita per day. The results showed that households used 14 types of food NTFPs. Durian had the highest priority score (0.7770), followed by avocado (0.5074) and coffee (0.4874). Actual household food energy utilisation reached 186,278,916.50 kcal/year, representing 88.6% of the annual energy requirement. Food non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contributed 9,186,972.50 kcal/year, accounting for 4.93% of the annual energy requirement. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong and significant relationship between the economic contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and household food energy utilisation (r = 0.981; p = 0.001). The results indicate that food non-timber forest products (NTFPs) serve as an additional source of food and income, thereby supporting household food energy utilisation.

Effect of Botanical and Chemical Treatments on Post-Harvest Quality and Shelf Life of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Bikash Acharya — 2026-11-03

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is an important commercial fruit crop in Nepal, but its high perishability and inadequate postharvest management contribute to considerable quality deterioration and storage losses. This study evaluated the effectiveness of selected botanical and chemical treatments in maintaining postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of mandarin fruits under ambient storage conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design with seven treatments and four replications at the Horticulture Laboratory of the Citrus Development Centre, Tansen, Palpa, from January to April 2026. The treatments consisted of 15% Aloe vera extract, 15% ginger extract, 15% garlic extract, 4% calcium chloride, 4 mM salicylic acid, 30 ppm gibberellic acid, and distilled water as the control. The experiment was conducted from January to April 2026 under ambient storage conditions (23–27°C and 65–75% relative humidity). Physicochemical quality parameters were assessed at seven-day intervals until 42 days after treatment (DAT), while shelf-life monitoring continued separately until 50% of the fruits exhibited visible decay or became unmarketable.

The treatments significantly influenced several quality attributes during the later stages of storage. Aloe vera extract was the most effective in reducing physiological weight loss and retaining juice content, whereas calcium chloride showed greater retention of titratable acidity. Aloe vera-treated fruits also maintained a comparatively lower TSS/TA ratio, indicating better retention of the sugar–acid balance. Shelf life differed significantly among treatments, with Aloe vera providing the longest storage life (70.75 days), followed by calcium chloride (64.25 days), compared with 47.25 days for the control. Overall, Aloe vera extract 15% showed the most consistent performance, followed by calcium chloride 4%, in maintaining postharvest quality and extending the marketable shelf life of mandarin fruits under ambient conditions. These treatments may therefore provide practical options for reducing postharvest deterioration and losses in mandarin.

Factors Influencing Diversity and Distribution of Banana Cultivars: Comparison of Embu, Meru and Tharaka-Nithi Counties in Kenya

J. Kiramana — 2026-11-03

Banana is an important crop, supporting food security, nutrition, income generation, employment, and livelihoods. However, banana cultivar diversity is influenced by complex interactions among several factors that remain inadequately documented in Kenya’s main production areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors influencing the diversity and distribution of banana cultivars in three Kenyan counties to inform appropriate management. A survey of 509 farmers was conducted using structured questionnaires and observations. Cultivar diversity was assessed using cultivar richness (S), Shannon diversity index (H), and Pielou’s evenness index (J). County differences were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment for significant differences. The results identified 35 banana cultivars from 1,947 observations. Overall diversity was relatively high (H=2.59), while evenness was moderate (J=0.73). Significant differences were observed in diversity index (H=6.496, P=0.039) and evenness (J=6.630, P=0.036), but not in richness (S=3.893, P=0.143). Although Shannon diversity differed significantly overall among the counties (P=0.039), Dunn’s pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment did not identify significant differences between county pairs. However, cultivar evenness was significantly higher in Embu than in Meru (P=0.030). Gender, education, farming experience, labour availability, income contribution, market orientation, land allocation, and cultivar selection criteria varied significantly across the counties (P < 0.05) and were associated with differences in cultivar distribution and management. Marketability (Meru 37.6%, Tharaka-Nithi 33.3%, Embu 29%) was the leading criterion for cultivar selection, and selection criteria differed significantly between counties (χ² = 56.609, df = 16, P < 0.001). Commercialisation encouraged the adoption and wider distribution of improved cultivars, which, in turn, may reduce traditional cultivar diversity. The study concludes that banana cultivar diversity and distribution remain substantial but are shaped by socioeconomic and market dynamics. Strengthening gender-responsive extension services, indigenous cultivar conservation, farmer-to-farmer germplasm exchange, and promotion of both improved and locally adapted cultivars are recommended to support productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable conservation of banana genetic resources.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Innovations among Smallholder Sorghum Farmers in Soin Sigowet Sub County, Kericho County

Michael Boroon — 2026-11-10

Drought has substantially affected agricultural productivity in Kenya. For example, farmers experience income losses due to reduced crop yields, deterioration in crop quality, insect infestations, including recent locust outbreaks in Kenya, high irrigation costs, plant diseases and a reduction in productive, arable land. Persistent drought in parts of Kenya has created a need for coping strategies, including growing alternative crops and the adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) innovations. KALRO has been promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations in sorghum production in Kericho County to increase production and alleviate food insecurity among small-scale farmers. However, despite these efforts, production levels have remained low. The study hypothesised that limited adoption of CSA innovations among farmers may be a contributing factor. The study examined the socioeconomic and institutional factors that influence the adoption of these CSA innovations among smallholder sorghum farmers in Soin Sigowet Sub-County, Kericho County. A descriptive survey research design was used, and a multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 239 respondents from a population of 629. Both structured and unstructured questionnaires were used in data collection. A binary logistic regression model was analysed to determine the factors affecting the adoption of CSAs. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. The results indicated that land size (p =0.000, β =1.237), years of schooling (p =0.000, β =1.877) and household size (p =0.007|β =0.319) significantly and positively influenced the adoption of CSA innovations. However, the age of the household head (p =0.002, β =-0.15) significantly and negatively influenced the adoption of CSA innovations. The study recommends that more farmers receive training in the use of CSA interventions. Furthermore, policymakers should develop policy directives that encourage intensification of farm production that could increase agricultural production and incomes among small-scale farmer households.

Drivers of Maize Farmers’ Participation in the Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (Ng-Cares) Programme in Kano and Jigawa States, Nigeria

O. Ebenehi — 2026-11-12

Background: The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme supports smallholder farmers, but evidence on factors associated with maize farmers’ participation in Kano and Jigawa States remains limited. This study examined the socioeconomic and financial characteristics associated with participation.

Methods: A multistage sampling technique selected 260 beneficiaries and 260 non-beneficiaries (n = 520) from six Local Government Areas. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model.

Results: Beneficiaries had a pooled mean age of 49.70 years, mean household size of 12.67 persons and mean farm size of 1.45 hectares. Corresponding non-beneficiary values were 47.18 years, 13.15 persons and 1.51 hectares. Men accounted for 85.4% of beneficiaries and 95.0% of non-beneficiaries. Participation was positively associated with age (β = 0.0841; p < 0.001), marital status (β = 1.2570; p < 0.001), access to credit (β = 2.9670; p < 0.001) and source of credit (β = 2.0670; p < 0.001). Educational level showed a negative association (β = −0.2538; p = 0.014), while household size showed a weaker negative association (β = −0.0355; p = 0.090). Farm size, major crop grown, major income source, farming experience and access to basic amenities were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that demographic and credit-related characteristics were associated with NG-CARES participation. Programme administrators may strengthen inclusive communication, transparent registration and access to appropriate financing.