Comparative Effects of Two Organic Fertilizers, Inorganic Fertilizer, and Their Integrated Application on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Kabul Condition

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The sustainable management of soil fertility is essential for improving common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan. This study evaluated the comparative effects of two organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizer (NPK), and their integrated application on the growth and yield performance of common bean during the 2025 growing season at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six fertilizer treatments and three replications. Growth traits, yield components, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated by Tukey’s HSD test at the 5% probability level. Fertilizer treatments significantly influenced most growth and yield parameters. The integrated application of 50% OF-1 + 50% NPK (T5) consistently produced superior plant growth, increased yield components, and achieved the highest grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index compared with the sole application of organic or inorganic fertilizers and the unfertilized control. The improved performance of the integrated treatment was attributed to enhanced nutrient availability and more efficient nutrient utilization throughout the crop growth period. These findings demonstrate that integrated nutrient management is a sustainable and effective strategy for increasing common bean productivity under semi-arid agroecological conditions. Future studies should evaluate long-term effects of integrated nutrient management under diverse agroecological conditions.

Effects of Different Amount of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean

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This study evaluated the effects of different rates of diammonium phosphate fertilizer on the growth, yield, and yield components of common bean under field conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Kabul University, during the 2025 growing season. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications and four fertilizer treatments: 0 (control), 30, 60, and 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate. Data were collected on vegetative growth traits, including plant height, number of branches, and number of leaves, as well as reproductive traits such as number of pods per plant, grains per pod, pod length, pod width, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test at the 5% significance level. Fertilizer application significantly affected most growth and yield parameters. The application of 60 kg ha⁻¹ produced the greatest vegetative growth, recording the highest plant height (33.8 cm) and number of branches (4.47), while the unfertilized control produced the highest number of leaves (36.4). The application of 90 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in the highest reproductive performance, including number of pods per plant (12.33), grains per pod (4.00), pod size, 100-seed weight (66 g), and grain yield (1090 kg ha⁻¹). The findings indicate that moderate fertilizer application promotes vegetative growth, whereas a higher application rate maximizes reproductive development and grain yield. Therefore, applying 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate is recommended to improve common bean productivity under agroecological conditions similar to those of the study area.

Comparison of the Yield of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) Varieties under the Climatic Conditions of Kabul

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Buckwheat is gaining attention as a promising crop because of its nutritional value and ability to grow under diverse environmental conditions. This study investigated the performance of three buckwheat varieties Common Buckwheat, Devyadka, and Zyloni under the agro-climatic conditions of Kabul during the 2025 growing season. The field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, using a randomized complete block design with four replications across two contrasting field environments. Several growth characteristics, including plant height, leaf number, leaf width, and number of branches per plant, together with total biomass and 100-seed weight, were evaluated. The results revealed that plant height, leaf number, leaf width, and total biomass varied significantly among the varieties and between environments, with a clear interaction between genotype and environmental conditions. These findings indicate that the growth and productivity of buckwheat are strongly influenced by the environment in which each variety is cultivated. In contrast, the number of branches per plant and 100-seed weight remained relatively stable across environments, suggesting that these traits are less affected by environmental variation. Among the tested varieties, Devyadka produced the greatest vegetative growth and biomass under favourable conditions but showed greater sensitivity to environmental changes. Common Buckwheat maintained consistent performance across both environments, demonstrating strong adaptability and stable productivity, while Zyloni displayed moderate performance with reasonable stability. The study concludes that environmental conditions play an important role in determining buckwheat performance in Kabul. Considering both yield potential and stability, Common Buckwheat is the most suitable variety for cultivation under the variable agro-climatic conditions of the region.

Effect of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid at Different Concentrations on Growth, Yield and Quality of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Semi-Arid of Kabul conditions

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Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated worldwide for its high-quality protein and oil content. Using the Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), particularly gibberellic acid (GA₃) for foliar application, is considered to have great potential in enhancing the yield of soybeans. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar-applied GA₃ on the growth and yield of soybean under the semi-arid condition prevailing in the Kabul University research farm during the 2025 growing season (May-September). Different concentrations of GA₃, such as 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm, were used at the V6, pre-flowering, and pod-setting stages. The results showed that GA₃ application significantly influenced the growth performance, yield attributes and, seed quality. The plants treated with 150 ppm produced the tallest plants (64.14 cm). The maximum branch number (6.1) and leaf area (42.4 cm²) were recorded in plants treated with 100 ppm GA₃, and there was no significant difference between 100 and 150 ppm. The maximum number of pods per plant (60.35), seed yield (2967.3 kg ha), harvest index (43.4%), 100-seed weight (15.17 g), and seeds per pod (3.07) were noted in plants treated with 150 ppm. However, for all these parameters, there was no significant difference between 100 ppm and 150 ppm treatments. Protein and oil contents were highest in the 100-ppm treatment (38.03 and 19 %).

Effects of Varying Levels of Poultry Manure on Growth and Yield of Canola (Brassica napus L.) under Kabul Agro-climatic Conditions

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Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the key oilseed crops worldwide, serving as a vital source of edible oil, livestock feed, and biofuel. In Afghanistan, canola production faces significant challenges due to declining soil fertility and over-reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers. Poultry manure, as a low cost and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, offers a sustainable alternative for improving crop productivity. However, limited scientific information is available regarding the optimal poultry manure application rate for canola under Kabul’s agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, an experimental research was conducted at Kabul University Agricultural Research Farm during the 2025 cropping season using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments. The study aimed to evaluate Effects of Different Levels of Poultry manure on Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Canola. The findings of the study revealed that the application of poultry manure significantly influenced on growth, yield and yield components of canola. Overall, the application of 8-ton poultry manure ha-1 had better performance than control. The maximum plant height (117.45 cm), number of branches plant-1 (5.65), number of leaves plant-1 (39.77), number of siliques plant-1 (184.61), silique length (6.01 cm), number of seeds silique-1 (18.39), thousand seed weight (3.40 g), seed yield (2.74 t ha⁻¹), biological yield (9.87 t ha⁻¹), and harvest index (27.76%) were all recorded in T4. The lowest values for all parameters were observed in the control treatment (T1). It is recommended that use 8 tons of poultry manure ha-1 in order to realize optimal seed yield and biological yield of the crop.

Nanoparticles In Cancer Drug Delivery: Recent Advances, Therapeutic Applications And Challenges

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Cancer is one of the major causes of Mortality around the world, Despite Having significant advances in diagnosis and treatment. Conventional therapeutic-based approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries are often limited due to poor selectivity, Toxicity, inadequate accumulation of drugs at tumor sites, and development of resistance to multi-drugs. Nanotechnology has developed as a better platform for improving Cancer treatment through the development of Nanoparticle based System of drug delivery. These nanoparticles have unique Physical and chemical properties that include It’s nano scale size, Large surface area and its characteristics, enhanced drug-loaded capacity and controlled release of the drugs. These kind of properties helps to fight cancer cells by minimising damage to the healthy tissues. Various kinds of nanoparticles, Such as dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, and hybrid nano carriers, result in better therapeutic Outcomes in preclinical and clinical studies. Recent advancements Which include Smart Nanoparticles, gene delivery systems, Immunotherapy based Nanomedicines and environment responsive drug delivery systems for tumors, Etc. These nanoparticle-based therapies have a better potential for multi-drug resistance and enhance the treatment efficiency. Despite having these advancements, there are also some challenges Which includes toxicity, Biological effects, Manufacturing And regulatory approval. This affects its widespread use for clinical treatments. This review therefore summarizes the recent developments, therapeutic applications, challenges, and future perspectives of Nanoparticle based cancer drug delivery systems.

Comparative Evaluation of Yield and Agronomic Traits of Four Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Char Asiab District, Kabul, Afghanistan

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Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple cereal crops that provides income and support the livelihoods of local farmers of Afghanistan, while also playing a vital role in food security. It is a major source of carbohydrates and proteins for human consumption, while its straw is commonly used as livestock feed in Afghanistan. yet productivity remains below potential due to limited availability of locally adapted improved varieties. This study evaluated the agronomic performance, yield, and yield-related traits of four winter wheat varieties (Sohla 02, Sohla 018, Chont, and local variety Riza Gul) under irrigated conditions in Char Asiab District, Kabul, during the 2024–2025 growing season. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, the data was analyzed with Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR 2.0.1) software. significant varietal differences were observed for most traits. Result showed that Sohla 018 produced the highest grain yield (4,866.67 kg ha⁻¹), 1000-grain weight (44.36 g), and grains per spike (51.11). While Sohla 02 showed superior vegetative growth, this did not translate to higher yield. The findings identify Sohla 018 as the most suitable variety for cultivation in Char Asiab District, with potential to improve wheat productivity and contribute to food security in Afghanistan.

Impact of Different Levels of Chicken Manure on the Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris-L.) under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Kabul

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Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris-L.)  is one of the most popular pulse crops, providing substantial economic benefits in the farming communities of Afghanistan, and it is for both food security and income generation. it is an important source of calories, proteins, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins for millions of people in both developing and developed countries worldwide. Organic fertilizers play an important role in the growth, yield, and yield attributes of beans. To study this, an experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Faculty of Kabul University during, (2025) growing season, examining the effects of three different levels of chicken manure (control, 10 t/ha-1, 15 t/ha-1, and 20 t/ha-1) on the yield and yield components of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris -L.) under Kabul’s Agro-climatic conditions. Different crop agronomic traits, including to the growth and yield parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, biological weight t/ha-1 100-seeds weight, and grain yield t/ ha-1.  The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and the data were analyzed with Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR 2.0.1) software. The results of research indicated that different levels of chicken manure had significant effects on all studied traits (plant height, number of branches/plant, leaves number/plants, number of pods/ plants, number of seeds /pods, one hundred seed weight and seed yield t/ha-1), According to statistical analysis, 20 t/ha-1 chicken manure improved growth and yield characters of common bean. For increased productivity of common beans in Kabul climate, the farmers are recommended to apply a proper dose of chicken manure.

Phosphate Removal from Laundry Wastewater Using a Hybrid Biofilter–Phytoremediation System with Broken Roof Tile Media and Chlorella sp.

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Laundry wastewater is one of the primary sources of phosphate discharge into aquatic environments due to the extensive use of phosphate-based detergents. Excessive phosphate concentrations in aquatic environments can accelerate eutrophication, leading to excessive algal growth, depletion of dissolved oxygen, and ecological imbalance. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly treatment system. This study evaluated the performance of a hybrid biofilter-phytoremediation system using broken roof tiles as the biofilter medium and Chlorella sp. as the phytoremediation agent to reduce phosphate levels in laundry wastewater. The experiment consisted of three treatment groups: wastewater (control), a biofilter with microalgae (BF+MA), and a biofilter containing broken roof tile fragments combined with microalgae (BFg+MA). Wastewater quality was monitored through several sampling periods, and phosphate concentration was analyzed as the primary parameter. Supporting parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, total suspended solids, and temperature, were also evaluated. The data were analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA to assess differences among treatments. When significant differences were found, the analysis was continued with the Games–Howell post hoc test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed that the hybrid system effectively reduced phosphate concentrations in laundry wastewater. Phosphate removal was attributed to adsorption by the broken roof tile media, microbial activity within the biofilm, and nutrient assimilation by Chlorella sp. Changes in supporting water quality parameters indicated favorable conditions for biological and physicochemical treatment processes. These findings suggest that the hybrid biofilter-phytoremediation system has significant potential as a sustainable and low-cost alternative for laundry wastewater treatment.

Agribusiness Challenges and the Impact of Contract Farming on Market Access among Small-scale Bean Farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh

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This study explores agribusiness challenges and examines the impact of contract farming on market access among small-scale bean farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh. The study aimed to understand farmers’ experiences regarding production constraints, institutional relationships, market participation, and livelihood conditions within contract farming arrangements. A qualitative case study approach was employed to obtain in-depth insights from farmers and relevant stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observation, and documentation involving contract farmers, non-contract farmers, agricultural extension officers, and agribusiness representatives. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The findings reveal that small-scale bean farmers face several agribusiness challenges, including price instability, high input costs, weak bargaining power, limited access to formal markets, and dependence on intermediaries. Participation in contract farming was found to improve market access through stable buyer linkages, technical assistance, input support, and greater price certainty. However, farmers also experienced challenges such as delayed payments, unequal bargaining relationships, limited transparency in contractual agreements, and dependence on contracting firms. The study concludes that contract farming has the potential to strengthen market integration and improve farmers’ livelihoods when supported by transparent agreements, institutional coordination, and fair governance mechanisms. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, agribusiness firms, and rural development practitioners in promoting inclusive and sustainable agribusiness systems in Bangladesh.