Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is one of the major diseases occurring in all rice growing areas of Nepal. Management of this pathogen is difficult due to its broad host range and high survival ability under various environmental conditions. This present study aims to evaluate native Trichoderma isolates for eco-friendly management of the disease. Thirty Trichoderma isolates from the soils of rice fields of different parts of Nepal terai, and three Rhizoctonia solani isolates from sheath

blight-infected rice plants grown in the terai region were isolated. The R. solani isolates were tested for pathogenicity in rice cv. Sona Mansuli and selected a virulent one for further use. The Trichoderma isolates were evaluated for antagonism against R. solani by dual culture technique. Of the 30 isolates, RN-1, RN-5, RN-4, RN-10, and RN-12 significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani, thus selected for an in-vivo experiment in a screenhouse. The experiment included four rice varieties recommended for Nepal terai (Sabitri, Bahuguni 2, Sworna Sub-1, and Sona Mansuli), seed and seedling treatments by the selected five Trichoderma isolates following challenge inoculation with R. solani, and assessment of disease reduction and plant growth. All five selected Trichoderma isolates (based on dual culture results) significantly reduced the relative lesion height of sheath blight in treated rice plants as compare to untreated control. Highest reduction of the disease was obtained with the isolate RN-1 in all four rice varieties. The Trichoderma isolates also significantly enhanced the growth of rice plants. Plants treated with the isolates RN-10 and RN-1 had significantly highest plant height, maximum flag leaf length, number of tillers, and root length. The present results clearly showed that native Trichodermas have potential in controlling sheath blight disease and enhance growth of rice plants.

This study compares the nutritional quality, sensory attributes and shelf-life of fresh fruit juices with the commercially packaged fruit juices. Fresh fruit juices, typically extracted directly from fruits, are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In contrast, packaged fruit juices undergo processing techniques such as pasteurization and filtration, which can reduce nutrient levels and introduce additives like

preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and flavor enhancers. Nutritional analysis showed that fresh juices, such as orange, apple, and mango, contained higher levels of vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C) and antioxidants compared to their commercially processed counterparts. Packaged juices, while convenient and having a longer shelf-life, often contained added sugars and preservatives that were absent in fresh juices. Sensory evaluation revealed that fresh juices were preferred for their natural taste and aroma, though they have a shorter shelf-life, typically lasting only a day when refrigerated. Consumer surveys highlighted that while fresh juices are perceived as healthier, they are less convenient and more expensive. Packaged juices, despite concerns over added sugars and preservatives, are favored for their practicality and longer shelf-life. This study emphasizes the trade-offs between freshness, nutrition, and convenience in fruit

juice consumption.