Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient analysis, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence between yield and its contributing traits were estimated using fifteen (15) different chilli genotypes in northern region of Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to screen out suitable parents for next hybridization program. The phenotypic coefficient of variations was found slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variations for all characters studied, indicating that the apparent variation is not only genetic but also influenced by the growing environment in the expression of the traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed in length of fruit (27.27% and 27.81%). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance in percent of mean in fruit yield per plant (71.23 and 39.38), number of fruits per plant (71.26 and 31.18), weight of individual fruit (88.52 and 43.80), length of fruit (96.13 and 70.59) and diameter of fruit (79.58 and 35.79) suggested that these characters would be considered for varietal selection. The correlation studies revealed that fruit yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with plant height (0.369), number of fruits per plant (0.587), weight of individual fruit (0.634) and length of fruit (0.450) which can be considered for selection of a good variety. Path analysis revealed weight of individual fruit (0.293), plant height (0.205), number of branches per plant (0.186), length of fruit (0.164), number of fruits per plant (0.132) and diameter of fruit (0.078) had direct positive effect on yield per plant, indicating these traits are the main contributors to fruit yield per plant. The divergence value for cluster analysis showed the highest inter-cluster distance between clusters II and IV which indicates that these genotypes may provide high heterosis in hybridization and expected to show wide variability in genetic architecture.

Agricultural by-products or residues remain in the soil and are considered a burden unless properly managed. Traditionally, agricultural by-products and agro-food industry-derived waste streams are managed through composting or incineration, but these methods fail to unlock the wastes full potential. Thus, a promising yet unexplored research area for sustainable management of agricultural waste needs to be investigated. Under these circumstances, this review paper positions the conversion of these wastes into biochar (BC). It provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances and critical limitations in the application of BC, particularly derived from agricultural by-products, for sustainable use in agricultural soils. BC, a carbon-rich product obtained from the pyrolysis of organic materials, has gained significant attention due to its potential to improve enhance soil health by improving soil fertility while, simultaneously sequestering carbon, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. However, the widespread adoption of BC has notable challenges. This paper elaborates current research on the production of BC from various agricultural residues, examining its physicochemical properties (e.g., surface area, porosity, pH, etc.) and influencing soil amendment processes. The focus is on how effective BC is in enhancing soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity, along with its role in reducing soil acidity and heavy metal and organic contamination. A critical evaluation of the limitations in current research, including variability in BC characteristics, uncertainties in long-term effects, and challenges in large-scale application, is presented. The paper also explores the economic and environmental aspects of BC application in agriculture, addressing the balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the paper discusses the policy and regulatory framework surrounding BC application, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines to maximize its benefits. This review emphasizes the necessity for multidisciplinary research approaches to optimize BC use in agricultural soils, ensuring both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

The aim of the experiment is to study in vitro regeneration efficiency of international potato center (CIP)-bred salt tolerant potato genotypes under salt stress condition and to identify effective potato genotype(s) for saline belt areas of Bangladesh. An in vitro shoot bioassay of eight CIP-bred potato genotypes viz. CIP 102, CIP 106, CIP 111, CIP 117, CIP 124, BARI Alu 72 (CIP 139), and BARI Alu 73 (CIP 127) and CIP 136 were used. In this study, single node of these genotypes was cultured in MS media supplemented with 0, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 mM NaCl. Among the eight genotypes, BARI Alu 72 (CIP 139) showed the highest tolerance against salinity up to 160 mM NaCl (14.61 dS/m) for all studied parameters (except shoot and root initiation) with the highest plant height (9.67 cm), leaves number (13.60), nodes number (9.50), root length (6.50 cm), roots number (7.80), fresh weight of shoot (536.1 mg) and root (205.60 mg). On the other hand, CIP 106 was found the most susceptible genotype against salinity showing its highest salinity tolerance up to 120 mM NaCl (10.96 dS/m) with maximum plant height (7.17 cm), leaves number (12.50), nodes number (6.50), root length (7.50 cm), roots number (9.7), fresh weight of shoot (572.3 mg) and root (250 mg). The experiment's findings corroborated CIP's findings that they were salt tolerant, as well as recommended for their cultivation suitability in saline-affected area in Bangladesh.