Photo: Collected
A researcher at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has developed a heat-tolerant hybrid variety of bottle gourd, opening up new prospects for cultivation of the vegetable.
“The development of heat-tolerant vegetable varieties has become increasingly important in Bangladesh amid the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures,” HSTU Public Relations Department Director Md Khademul Islam told BSS on Tuesday.
Against this backdrop, Md Shafiqul Islam, a researcher of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, achieved the breakthrough through his PhD research on developing heat-tolerant hybrid bottle gourd. According to the research findings, he evaluated the genetic characteristics and heat tolerance of 58 bottle gourd genotypes and selected five promising hybrids.
The research aimed to maintain bottle gourd productivity under high temperatures and adverse environmental conditions and to establish a foundation for developing improved varieties in the future. The findings were presented at his PhD final defence seminar held at Conference Room of the Faculty of Agriculture at HSTU at 4pm on Tuesday.
HSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Enamulllah attended the seminar as the chief guest. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Nawsher, Treasurer Professor Dr Md Masudul Hasan Khan, Registrar Professor Dr Md Abu Hasan, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Professor Dr Md Moniruzzaman Bahadur, Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Agriculture Professor Dr Md Mamunur Rashid, departmental chairmen, research supervisors and co-supervisors, teachers, researchers and officials were also present
Professor Dr Md Hasanuzzaman, supervisor of the research, said developing heat-tolerant vegetable varieties is an important demand of the time in the context of climate change.
“The five hybrids selected through Shafiqul Islam’s research will serve as a basis for developing improved varieties in the future,” he said.
He expressed hope that the research findings would open up new possibilities for agricultural production in Bangladesh. Shafiqul Islam is currently working in the vegetable research department of BRAC Seed and Agro Enterprise.
He expressed gratitude to his department head, colleagues and relevant authorities for their support in his higher education and research. He also thanked his supervisor, co-supervisor, teachers, family members and well-wishers. HSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Enamulllah told BSS that the university is placing importance on advancing research alongside its academic activities.
“Research activities are continuing on various subjects, including agriculture, and we hope to further expand these activities in the coming days,” he said.
Source: Online/GFMM
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