Agricultural Research Center Research Articles

The Influence of Nitrogen Rates on Yield and Some Quality Parameters of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) Growing in Diyarbakır Districts of Türkiye

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt), is a maize subspecies with rapidly increasing consumption in the world and in Türkiye both in terms of its nutritional content and various uses in fresh, frozen and canned form. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in promoting most of plants growth and productivity. Plant nutrient recommendations are important to maximise profit and productivity in sugar maize production. The influences of nitrogen (N) fertigation on yield and some quality parameters of sweet corn under South Eastern Anatolia Region (Diyarbakır) conditions of Türkiye were investigated in that trial. Fertigation applications were executed under regional conditions of Diyarbakır on the experimental land of GAPUTAEM (GAP International Agricultural Research and Training Center). “BATEM Tatlı” variety of sweet corn was utilized as the plant material. The trial was arranged as randomized complete block design with 4 replications and five different N applications (0-75-150-225-300 kg ha−1) were implemented to trial plots through a fertigation system. During the 2015 and 2016 growing season that the trial was carried out a total of 520 mm and 476 mm of irrigation water were applied, respectively. According to the study results N levels had a significant effect on fresh grain yield, crude protein (p

Investigation of nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 in landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Aflatoxins, a group of toxic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus species, pose significant health risks due to their strong carcinogenic properties. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to aflatoxin contamination both pre- and post-harvest. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in various landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut. Groundnut germplasm was collected from three key regions: Gamo zone, Haramaya University (Haramaya), and Werer Agricultural Research Center (Werer). Key parameters, including individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, total carbohydrates, protein, total free amino acids, and AFB1 content, were analyzed. The results revealed significant variation (P < 0.05) among the landraces and varieties. The groundnut varieties from Haramaya exhibited significantly higher mean ISW. All five varieties from Haramaya showed zero percent kernel colonization by A. flavus, indicating certain level of resistance. Landraces from Gamo zone were found to be rich in total carbohydrates and total free amino acids. AFB1 levels, determined using indirect competitive ELISA, ranged from 1.84 ppb to 6.89 ppb. While four landraces from Gamo, two varieties from Haramaya, and five varieties from Werer met the European Union’s AFB1 safety threshold (2 ppb), the remaining germplasm exceeded this limit, posing health and trade concerns. No relationship was found between nutritional content and AFB1 levels; however, a significant correlation was observed between kernel colonization and AFB1 content, suggesting kernel colonization could serve as a cost-effective proxy for estimating AFB1 contamination in groundnuts.

Character Association and Path Analysis of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) for Yield and Its Attributes

This research sought to determine the associations between bulb yield and other traits and to measure their effects of yield attributes on bulb yield of garlic genotypes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications using twenty garlic genotypes with one standard check variety (HL) at Kulumsa Agricultural Research center, during 2020-2021. Yield and agronomic traits were determined. The data from two years were analyzed separately because the homogeneity of error variances of both seasons were not similar. In both seasons the association analyses indicated that the bulb yield was positively and significantly associated with plant vigor (0.9762), plant height (0.9057), neck thickness (0.5918), leaf width (0.7527), number of clove per bulb (0.766), cloves weight (0.9621), bulb polar diameter (0.9247), pseudo stem length (0.7885), clove height (0.9161), clove diameter (0.6412). Days to maturity and leaf length were negatively correlated with bulb yield at genotypic and phenotypic level. Consequences of path analyses indicated that bulb polar diameter (1.2478), clove height (1.0911), clove weight (0.9621), plant height (0.9057) and plant vigor (0.9762) had the highest positive direct effect on bulb yield at genotype level in first season and number of clove per bulb (0.9971), leaf width (0.9126), neck thickness (0.9912) in the 20221 season. On the other hand, most of the indirect effects of yield components on bulb yield were significant and positive. Because of the significant direct effects and positive correlations of those traits on bulb yield at phenotypic and genotypic levels, may be observed as important traits for garlic genotypes selection programs.

Soil microbial biomass influenced by cover crop after fumigation of potato fields

Soil fumigation is commonly employed for pest control in potato production, although it can unintentionally harm non-target organisms in the soil. The presence of cover crops can significantly influence the abundance and composition of microorganisms. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the combined impact of soil fumigation and cover crops on soil health in potato fields. To address this knowledge gap, a field study was conducted at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University with a randomized split-plot design consisting of four fumigation treatments (no fumigation control, Telone, metam sodium, and co-applied Telone and metam sodium) as the main plots and five cover crop treatments [no cover crop, wheat (Triticum aestivum), mustard (Brassica nigra), radish (Raphanus sativus), and a mixture of winter pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba)] as the subplots. Compared to the control, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in non-fumigated soils of pea+faba bean, wheat, and radish increased by 41 %, 37 %, and 31 %, respectively. In soils treated with metam sodium, pea+faba bean, wheat, radish, and mustard increased MBC by 30 %, 34 %, 41 %, and 40 % compared to the control. The results demonstrated the potential of cover crops to enhance MBC after fumigation. Both Fumigation and cover crop did not impact the total yield of potatoes, although fumigation increased the yield of tubers within 171–283 g size category compared to the control. However, the current data is not sufficient for making a conclusive remark. Further field studies should be conducted to understand the role of fumigation and cover crops on potato soil health and potato production.

Phenology, growth, and seed tuber yield in potato (Solanum tuberosum L) varieties as influenced by plant density at adet, northwestern Ethiopia.

The effect of planting density on producing quality seed tubers using shoot tip cuttings and conventional methods from tubers has not been studied in Ethiopia. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of spacing on seed tuber yield and related traits of potato cultivars at Adet Agricultural Research Center in northwestern Ethiopia during the 2023 cropping season. The treatments consisted of two potato varieties (Belete and Gera) propagated by shoot tip cuttings at four inter-row spacings (30, 40, 50, and 60cm) and intra-row spacing (15, 20, 25, and 30cm). The two varieties propagated using seed tubers at 60cm inter-row and 30cm intra-row spacing. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the main effects of variety, inter-row spacing, intra-row spacing, propagation method, and the interactions of variety, inter-row spacing, and intra-row spacing significantly influenced the parameters considered. The earlier tuber initiation (43 days) and 50% flowering (51 days), were recorded from Gera variety propagated using shoot tip cutting. The earlier maturity date (85 days) was recorded from Belete variety propagated using shoot tip cutting. Gera variety propagated using shoot tip cutting at 40cm inter-row spacing and 25cm intra-row spacing recorded the longest plant height (85cm). Belete variety propagated using shoot tip cutting at 30cm×15cm inter- and intra-row spacing produced the highest leaf area index (5.51). The highest seed tuber number per hill (3.96), the highest average seed tuber weight (63g), and the highest seed tuber weight per hill (248g) were recorded from propagation by seed tuber (control). Gera variety propagated using shoot tip cutting at 50cm×15cm recorded the highest seed tuber yield (21.11 tons ha-1), which is 57.3% seed tuber yield increment over seed tuber propagation (control). Based on the study findings, it is recommended to propagate potatoes by shoot tip cutting at a spacing of 50cm inter-row and 15cm intra-row for seed tuber production in the study area.

Comparative Analysis of Building Structure Work Cost Estimation with BIM Construction Approach Case Study: Construction Project of Main Lecture Building of P4T Flagship Program of Empat Lawang Regency

Volume estimation and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) are crucial processes in construction planning. Currently, volume and BOQ calculations are still done manually by calculating the volume of each component in the working drawings. This process is time-consuming and prone to human error. One way to improve efficiency is to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in volume estimation and BOQ calculation to enhance work effectiveness. Autodesk Revit is one software that can assist in 3D modeling and accurate volume calculation. This research discusses how BIM can aid in the design volume calculation process and BOQ planning for the Main Lecture Hall building within the Integrated Agricultural Research and Development Center (P4T). Compared to conventional methods, the results show that implementing BIM on this project has provided significant benefits in terms of efficiency, increased calculation accuracy, material usage, and cost savings. With an optimization of concrete material usage by approximately 1,35% and reinforcement volume by approximately 2.11%, and a cost reduction of 0,985%, BIM has proven to provide significant added value to the project.

Variability of new self-pollinated maize lines’ response to CMS depending on the sterility source and weather conditions of the year

The wide introduction of new maize hybrids into production is possible only if they are transferred to a sterile basis. This requires data on the lines’ response to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The purpose of the current study was to classify new self-pollinated maize lines according to their ability to fix and restore based on various sources of sterility and contrasting weather conditions during the conducted estimation. The study was carried out at the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2022–2024. The conditions during the study were contrasting (HTC = 0.49 – 2022, HTC = 0.83 – 2023, HTC = 0.22 – 2024). As the sterility sources there were used the forms М1 and М2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Moldavian (‘M’) type, and the forms С1, С2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Bolivian (‘C’) type of CMS. The objects of the study were 15 new constant (I6) self-pollinated maize lines and 60 test-cross hybrids obtained from analyzed crossings. The response of the self-pollinated lines depended on the source of sterility and the weather conditions of the year of study. The fertility level of testers with the participation of the sources M2 and C2 was higher than that of testers of the sources C1 and M1. In the arid year of 2024, the selfpollinated lines SK 7, SK 9 and SK 11 reduced the fertility level according to the ‘C’ type from partial fertility (class 2) to complete sterility (class 0), or from complete fertility (class 5) to partial fertility (class 3). According to the ‘M’ type, there was a fertility decrease in the lines SK 11 and SK 12. There have been identified such new self-pollinated maize lines as SK 1, SK 6, SK 7, SK 8, SK 14 and SK 15, which are sterility fixers of the ‘M’ type of CMS. These lines are valuable as maternal forms when transferring maize hybrids developed with their participation to a sterile basis. There have been identified the lines SK 5 and SK 9 as the natural fertility restorers of the ‘M’ type, which are valuable for use as paternal forms of hybrids. According to the ‘C’ type of CMS, the sterility fixers SK 5, SK 12, SK 14 and the constant fertility restorers SK 2, SK 3, SK 6, SK 10 and SK 13 are of the greatest interest.

Genetic Diversity of Local Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Traceability in the Production of Galician Bread (Protected Geographical Indication) by Microsatellites

Galician wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) serves as the foundational component of Galician bread, a traditional Spanish product granted the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI, EU quality scheme), which is primarily conserved at the Agricultural Research Center of Mabegondo (CIAM), Xunta de Galicia, A Coruña, Spain. This study evaluated 20 ecotypes and cultivars, in comparison to 4 Galician wheats and 14 commercial wheat varieties used as references. Seventeen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were evaluated to elucidate their genetic structure, determine their origins, and differentiate them from commercial cultivars for traceability purposes. In total, 296 wheat plants were analyzed, revealing 156 unique genotypes, 13 of which were from commercial cultivars and 143 of which were from local cultivars and ecotypes. The SSR loci revealed 221 microsatellite alleles, with an average of 11 alleles per locus. Of these, 151 alleles were found in local cultivars and ecotypes, and 134 were present in commercial cultivars, with 65 and 50 alleles exclusive to each group, respectively. A Structure software analysis demonstrated substantial genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.26) between two primary clusters, RPP1 (comprising commercial cultivars, and two ecotypes, 41 and 43) and RPP2 (consisting of local cultivars, elite lines, and ecotypes). Moreover, neighbor-joining tree analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the high differentiation between these clusters, highlighting the singularity of Galician wheat, which is useful for the traceability of Galician bread. Furthermore, the SSRs were effective in tracking the use of Galician wheat, which displayed specific Galician alleles, in flour, sourdough, and bread samples, corroborating previous findings even when a greater number of Galician ecotypes were included.

Maize (Zea mays L., 1753.) evapotranspiration ando crop coefficient in semi-arid region of Ethipia

Maize (Zea mays L.,1753) plays an important role in the economy of maize-growing nations. Supplying the right amount of water to a crop based on its needs is the main agenda for implementing water-saving agriculture. Non-weighting lysimeters were used to determine the actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of maize at the experimental farmland of the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. Soil-water balance approaches were applied to obtain actual crop evapotranspiration, while the Penman-Monteith technique was used to compute reference evapotranspiration. The growth stages-wise crop coefficient was calculated as the ratio of the actual crop evapotranspiration ratio to the reference evapotranspiration. The total seasonal maize actual crop evapotranspiration during the 2017 and 2018 experimental years was 503.7 and 511.06 mm, respectively. The 2-year average maize actual crop evapotranspiration was 507.4 mm. The mean locally developed actual crop coefficient values of 0.55, 1.19, and 0.56 were observed for the initial, mid, and end seasons, respectively. The FAO-adjusted crop coefficient for the mid-season was 1.15. The developed Kc values differed considerably from the FAO-adjusted Kc values. Therefore, the determination of actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficients for crop growth under local climatic conditions is vital for decision-making concerning agricultural water management in areas where irrigation is practiced.

Response of Rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) Oil Components to Different Irrigation Water and Nitrogen Applications

In this study, the effects of different irrigation water amounts and nitrogen doses on the components of rose oil obtained from rose flowers harvested in different periods were investigated in oil rose (Rosa damascena Mill.). The experiment was set up in Süleyman Demirel University Agricultural Research and Application Center and carried out according to the randomized block factorial experimental design with 3 replications. The experiment trials were created as 4 irrigation water amounts created depending on Class A pan (T0: 0.00, T1: 0.40, T2: 0.80, T3: 1.20) and 4 nitrogen levels (N0: 0 kg N da-1, N1: 8 kg N da-1, N2: 16 kg N da-1, N3: 24 kg N da-1, pure substance). Irrigation was carried out at 10-day intervals by drip irrigation method. According to the study results, differences were observed in the ratios of citronellol, geraniol and nerol which are the important components of rose oil according to the trial subjects. Citronellol ratios were 19.41-38.25 (1st year: 25.35-34.40; 2nd year: 19.41-30.10; 3rd year: 24.16-38.25) and geraniol ratio was 9.62-35.36 (1st year: 27.86-33.87; 2nd year: 28.12 -35.36; 3rd year: 9.62-26.62). The C/G ratio was found to be 0.91, 1.00, 1.16, 1.61 and 1.40 in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th harvest periods, respectively.

Оценка на адаптивность образцов озимой мягкой пшеницы селекции Омского аграрного научного центра

In modern conditions, the role of adaptive varieties that effectively use the bioclimatic resources of the environments is important. The purpose of the research was to compare the yield and the adaptability indicators of samples (varieties and lines) of winter soft wheat developed at the Omsk Agricultural Research Center (ARC). The calculation of adaptability indicators was carried out based on the yield values of the numbers from the competitive variety testing (CVT) studied in 2017–2023. The highest yield in the experiments was line 45/19 (5.21 t/ha). The plasticity index in winter wheat varieties was higher than one (bi = 1.07–1.33), and in lines it was lower than one (bi = 0.77–0.93). The varieties from this set of CVT are more suitable for an intensive cultivation back-ground, and the lines are more extensive. The lines, in general, turned out to be more stable than the varieties (ϭ2d = 0.09–0.14 versus ϭ2d = 0.15–0.49). When calculating the coefficients of variation, it was found that the variability of yield in varieties was significant (V = 21.4–33.8 %), and in lines – average (V = 14.9–18.6 %). The 45/19 line was the best in terms of genetic flexibility (xmin + xmax /2 = 5.42) and breeding value (Sc = 3.45). The 48/19 line was distinguished by the stability factor (SF = 1.51) and homeostaticity (Hom = 15.38). In accordance with the values of the adaptability indicators, lines 48/19 and 45/19 received the highest rank (2) among all samples of the CVT. The lines had better average rank values than the varieties (2–3 vs. 4–7), which can be explained by the result of purposeful selection of new and more promising material (lines) in comparison with previously created varieties in the laboratory.

Enhancing Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) Heat Stress Tolerance: Effects of Sowing Date on Seed Yield, Oil Content, and Fatty Acid Composition in Hot Climate Conditions.

High temperatures can impede the growth and development of soybean plants, resulting in decreased yield and seed quality. Heat-induced damage can be mitigated by adjusting sowing date and selecting genotypes that are suitable for cultivation in hot climates. A 2-year (2017-2018) field experiment was conducted at Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, employing a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots were assigned three different sowing dates (June 22, July 6, and July 21), while the subplots featured eight soybean genotypes (SF1, SF2, SF3, SK93, M13, SG4, SG5, and Salend) belonged to IV to VI maturity groups. Temperature affected the fatty acid composition across all genotypes. Planting soybeans on June 22 and July 6 resulted in a 16% and 8% decrease in seed yield, respectively, compared to planting on July 21 over 2 years of experiments. SK93 exhibited the highest oil content (25.59%) when sown on the third date (July 21), whereas the SF3 genotype planted on June 22 displayed the lowest oil content (18.68%). Based on our findings, a decrease of approximately 0.33% in oil content and a 0.7% increase in protein content were observed with a one-degree temperature rise from 33°C during the seed-filling period. When the temperature ranged between 36°C and 38°C, the highest seed yield (2665-3008 kg.ha-1) was obtained, whereas the lowest seed yield (1940 kg.ha-1) occurred at 41.60°C. Delaying planting led to a higher seed yield (19.72%) and enhanced seed oil content (11.54%). The indeterminate growth genotype SK93 consistently showed the highest average seed yield (3231 kg.ha-1) over the 2-year experiment, exceeding other genotypes.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Rhodes Grass (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Chloris gayana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Genotypes

Evidence on the collective association of traits is important for effective selection in forage-breeding program. Twenty four genotypes of Rhodes grass and one check were evaluated at Mechara Agricultural Research Center (Onstation) with lattice design in 2023/24 main rainy season to evaluate the Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and determine the direct and indirect effects of yield-related traits on dry matter yield. The mean sum of squares of genotypes showed significant differences (p &amp;lt; 0.05) for stand vigor, days to 50% emergence, date to 50% flowering and Plant height and highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.001) for biomass yield, dry matter and number of leaf per plant. Maximum phenotypic variance and genotypic variance value was recorded for days to maturity. The range observed for heritability (H&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;bs) was from (0.0%) to (55%). Stand vigor exhibited highest value of genetic advance as percentage of mean followed by number of leaf per plant. Highest genotypic coefficient variation were recorded from days to maturity (89.8%) flowed by Plant height (62.3%) and Highest phenotypic coefficient variation were recorded from plot cover (184.9%) followed by days to maturity (225.4%). Phenotypically and Genotypically dry matter yield was highly positive significant associated with of Plot cover (0.546**), stand vigor (0.566**), leaf per plant (0.439**) and showed highly negative significant with days to 50% emergence. The results of phenotypic path coefficient analysis showed that stand vigor (0.378) and leaf per plant had exerted moderate positive direct effect on dry matter. stand vigor followed by plant height, plot cover and leaf per plant had exerted high and positive direct effect on dry matter yield and genotypic path analysis showed stand vigor followed by plant height, plot cover and leaf per plant had exerted high and positive direct effect on dry matter yield. This indicates that selection based on these traits could be more effective to maximize dry yield.

Sorghum Production in Ethiopia: An Overview of Advances, Successes, and Challenges

Sorghum is an essential crop, particularly significant in semiarid areas with minimal precipitation. It is the fifth most important grain crop globally and originated in Ethiopia, where it underwent diversification. In Ethiopia, sorghum serves multiple purposes, including as a food staple in forms such as popped grain, beer, malted beverages, cooked gruel or porridge, chips, and enjera. It also provides fuel, making it a vital resource for local communities. Sorghum is a critical crop for Ethiopia, contributing significantly to food security, agricultural livelihoods, and the economy. Advances in agronomic practices, breeding programs, and technology adoption have led to improved yields, disease resistance, and drought tolerance, enhancing the crop&amp;apos;s resilience in the face of climate variability. Successes in government initiatives, research collaborations, and farmer engagement have facilitated increased sorghum production and diversification of its uses. However, sorghum production faces challenges, including biotic, socioeconomic, and abiotic factors such as diseases, pest insects, drought, and the parasitic weed striga. Soil degradation, limited access to improved seed varieties, inadequate infrastructure, and the ongoing impacts of climate change further hinder productivity. Coordination in Ethiopia is managed by the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center of the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, which oversees the national sorghum breeding program. Through regional and national sorghum improvement initiatives, Ethiopia now has access to a wide variety of open-pollinated and hybrid sorghum varieties suited to diverse agro-ecological settings. This paper discusses these advancements, successes, and challenges in-depth, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in research, policy support, and capacity building to overcome barriers and ensure the long-term sustainability of sorghum production in Ethiopia.

Genetic Variability and Character Association among Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes at Areka, Southern Ethiopia

Evaluating genetic variability among genotypes is vital for identifying superior genotypes because selecting parents who create segregating populations is critical in breeding programs. The current study was done at Areka Agricultural Research Center during the 2020/21 major cropping season, with the goal of estimating genetic diversity and character connection among 25 common bean genotypes. The experiment consisted of two replications of a 5 x 5 simple lattice design. Data were obtained on 12 quantitative parameters, and the analysis of variance revealed extremely significant variations between genotypes for all characters. It demonstrated that genotypes vary significantly. GCV and PCV were highest in plant height, number of pods per plant, biological yield, number of seeds per plant, and seed yield, while lowest in days to flowering and days to maturity. Plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, biological yield, and seed yield all showed significant broad-sense heritability (H2) and high predicted genetic advance as a percentage of mean GAM. This suggested the presence of additive gene activity in the inheritance of these traits. The number of major branches per plant, biological yield, days of 50% flowering, hundred seed weight, and harvest index all show a highly substantial and positive link with seed yield at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The biological yield and harvest index both have a strong positive direct effect on seed output. As indicated, these traits could be utilized for selection to increase seed output. Based on the D2 value, 25 common bean genotypes were divided into four clusters. Clusters I and IV had the greatest inter-cluster distance (766.78), whereas clusters I and II had the smallest (53.78). Breeding programs could use genotypes from distant clusters to increase variety. Thus, the enormous genetic variation among common bean genotypes must be evaluated for use in common bean breeding efforts.

Development of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties for Lowland Areas of Ethiopia and Registration of the “Asgori” Variety

Identifying improved crop varieties is crucial for Ethiopia's diverse agroecologies, as different crops respond differently. To meet food grain demand, stable, high-yielding genotypes and resistance to diverse factors are needed. Conducting trials in multiple locations is essential. Multi-location trials in Ethiopia from 2020-2021 involved 75 advanced bread wheat genotypes across 13 environments. The finest genotype, exhibiting high grain yield and stability, was selected based on its performance across different locations. In comparison to the Control Ogolcho, Hawi, Kakaba, Kingbird, Deka, Abay, Dursa, Balcha, and EBW192369, Asgori demonstrated significantly improved agronomic characteristics and enhanced yield by 121.6%, 53.9%, 29.6 %, 29.2%, 14.8%, 13.6%, 9.6%, 5.3%, and 4.1%, respectively. The newly chosen and released genotype, named Asgori, with the pedigree of MUTUS*2/HARIL#1/3/SWSR22T.B./2*BLOUK#1//WBLL1*2/KURUKU/4/MUTUS*2/HARIL#1, was officially developed by the Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research in 2023. Asgori is a widely adaptable, high-yielding, medium, erect cultivar with excellent end-use qualities. It is resistant to leaf rust, yellow rust, and stem rust, and has been approved for cultivation under rain-fed conditions.

Reaction of Highland Maize Inbred Lines Against Turcicum Leaf Blight (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Exserohilum turcicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Disease Under Artificial Inoculation

Maize is one of the most extensively grown crops in Ethiopia and the rest of the world. However, the maize production in Ethiopia is mainly threatened by the major foliar diseases like turcicum leaf blight (TLB), which cause up to 62.4% yield loss. To develop TLB-resistant maize varieties, it is important to look for resistant inbred lines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the reaction of the highland maize inbred lines against TLB disease under artificial inoculation. Eighty inbred lines were obtained from the highland maize breeding program based at Ambo Agricultural Research Center (AARC). The experiment was arranged in a row-column design with two replications. The experiment was established at the AARC TLB screening maize pathology dedicated disease nursery field in the 2022 maize cropping season. The inbred lines were artificially inoculated using TLB disease inoculum. A scale of 0 to 9 was used to score, and the TLB disease severity was recorded four times at ten-day intervals starting from the disease onset. Disease data were analyzed using R-software version 4.0.5. The severity of the TLB disease was significant among the inbred lines. Accordingly, out of 80 genotypes screened for TLB Inbred lines coded as IL1-IL4 were resistant whereas IL5-IL22 were selected as moderately resistant.

Implementation of BIM Methodology in Calculating Column and Beam Structures for the Main Lecture Building of P4T Empat Lawang Regency

Reliable volume estimation and BOQ are indispensable for streamlined construction planning. Errors and omissions in manual calculations and communication result in cost overruns, delays, and ultimately lead to conflicts and disputes among the parties involved in the project. This process is time-consuming and prone to human error. One way to improve efficiency is to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in volume estimation and BOQ calculations to enhance work effectiveness. Autodesk Revit is one software that can assist in 3D modeling and accurate volume calculations. This research discusses how BIM can aid in the process of calculating the volume of structural columns and beams for the Main Lecture Hall in the Integrated Agricultural Research and Development Center (P4T). Compared to conventional methods, the research results indicate that the implementation of BIM in this project has provided significant benefits in terms of efficiency, improved calculation accuracy, material usage, and cost savings. With the optimization of concrete usage in structural columns and beams by approximately 26.92% and reinforcement volume by approximately 13.55%, BIM has proven to provide significant added value to the project.

Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulch Application on Onion (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Allium cepa L&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) Bulb Yield and Water Productivity Under Drip Irrigation at Ambo, West Shoa, Ethiopia

Drip irrigation, combined with mulch and deficit water application, can significantly improve the water efficiency of irrigated agriculture. Study at Ambo Agricultural Research Center during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 irrigation seasons aimed to determine the most suitable deficit levels and mulch for drip-irrigated onion. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with two factors: irrigation levels (at 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100% of the Evapotranspiration of the crop) and mulch types (un-mulched, plastic, and straw mulch), resulting in a total of twelve treatment combinations replicated three times. The results showed that irrigation levels and mulch significantly affect bulb yield, water productivity, and yield-attributing parameters. Applying 100% ETc level and straw mulch resulted in the highest yields of 39450 kg/ha and 41038 kg/ha, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest yields were obtained with 55% ETc levels and un-mulched treatments, with respective values of 30913 kg/ha and 33969 kg/ha. Water productivity was also higher for irrigation levels at 55% and 70% ETc compared to 85% and 100% ETc, with values of 10.1 kg/m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and 9.7 kg/m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, respectively. Additionally, straw mulch application resulted in significantly higher water productivity. Economic analysis indicated that straw mulch had a higher net return with 369% MRR (Marginal Rate of Return) and a benefit-cost ratio of 32.8, while applying a 70% ETc level resulted in a 125% MRR. Based on the results, 70% ETc level with straw mulch for onion production is recommended for the study area, considering bulb yield, water productivity, and economic viability.

Maize Fertilizer Requirement Estimates Through Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economic Analysis from Assosa, Western Ethiopia

Scientific information with regards to the response of maize (Zea mays L.) to different blended fertilizer rates for its optimum production in Nitisols of Assosa area is limited. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2016/17 cropping season to investigate the response of growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) to different blended fertilizer rates and types. The treatments consists of: control, three rates of N and P combined (92/46, 115/57 and 138/69 N/P&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;O&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;5&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and two formula of blended fertilizers with different rates, formula 2 consists of 100 kg NPSB+ 73.9 N, 150 kg NPSB +110.8 N and 200 kg NPSB + 147.8 N kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and formula 4 consists of 100 kg NPSZnB + 75.1 N, 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N &amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and 200 kg NPSZnB +150.2 N kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;. The treatments were laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Application of blended fertilizers (NPSB, NPSZnB) hastened days to tasseling silking and maturity by 10, 7 and 15 days, respectively as compared to combined N and P rates. Application of blended fertilizer increases significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.01) the plant height, cob weight, ear length, 100 kernels weight, number of kernels per row and ear height as compared to combined N and P and the control. The analysis of variance revealed that fertilizer types and rates significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) affected on grain yield, straw yield and harvest index. However there was no significant difference between the two blended fertilizer types. Maximum grain yield (7056.2 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) was recorded with 200 Kg NPSZnB + 150.2 N kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; application, while minimum grain yield 2996.0 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; was recorded from control treatment. The application of 150 kg NPSB + 110.8 N kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; had highest Marginal rate of return (MRR%) and net benefit. Therefore, we recommended the treatment (150 Kg NPSB + 110.8N kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) since it produced high marginal rate of return, high net benefit and relatively small total cost of production, for maize production in Asossa area. Furthermore, based on yield, net benefit and relatively low total cost of production the farmer of Asossa area also can use 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N in case of absence of NPSB in market.