Agro Ecologies Research Articles

Determination of Optimal Soil Moisture Depletion Levels for Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) at Wondo Genet, Ethiopia

Determining allowable soil moisture depletion level is critical for determining proper irrigation scheduling. The study was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, latitude 8°25'59'', longitude 39°01'44''and altitude of 1800 m.a.s.l to determine optimal soil moisture depletion level for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Six levels of soil moisture depletion (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 100% of total available water (TAW) of the soil), with three replication were used as treatments to evaluate the yield and yield component of sweet basil in randomized complete block design. Different levels of soil moisture depletion levels significantly affected all recorded yield and yield components of sweet basil including its water productivity. Significantly higher yield and yield components were associated with frequently irrigated treatment under lower soil moisture depletion levels before irrigation. However, when sweet basil was irrigated beyond 40% TAW lowest yield and yield components were recorded. Therefore, sweet basil could be irrigated when the soil moisture content is depleted by 40% of the total available water content in the soil to enhance yield and water use efficiency in the study area and similar agro ecologies.

Pre-scaling up of Improved Tef Variety in Chora District of Buno Bedele Zone Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia

Pre-scaling up of improved Dursi variety was carried out in Chora district of Buno Bedele zone Southwestern Ethiopia with the objectives to popularize improved Dursi tef variety, to create wider demand towards improved Dursi tef variety and strength stakeholders’ linkage in the study area. The variety was scaled up on ten farmers’ fields those predominantly selected in collaboration with respective three kebeles’ Development Agents based on farmers’ willingness to provide the required land size. The land size of 25 m x 25 m was used where all the recommended agronomic practice like seed rate, fertilizer rate and weed control method were used for the accomplishment of the activity. Training was provided to Dursi growers, development agents and woreda agricultural experts to facilitate further production and dissemination of the variety. Data like number of participants on the training and yield data were recorded and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The result revealed that, about 124 (104 male and 20 female) participants were participated on the training. The mean grain yield of 1790 kg ha-1 was obtained which is greater than yield obtained during demonstration trial. Therefore, Dursi variety was recommended for further dissemination across numerous tef producers in the study area and similar agro ecologies.

Performance Evaluation of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) Varieties in Buno Bedele Zone, South Western Oromia

Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) is one of the most important oil crops of Ethiopia and it is considered as the main food crop and the least expensive source of oil for the farmers in many highlands of the country. Even though numerous improved linseed varieties have been released in Ethiopia, the mean seed yield per unit area of the crop remains low due to poor access to improved varieties. To improve the crop’s production and productivity, testing the performance of improved linseed varieties in potential agro ecologies where the varieties have never been grown before is an essential activity. A study was carried out with the objective of testing the performance of improved linseed varieties and their genetic variability for seed yield and related traits in Bedele, Dabo Hana and Didesa districts of Buno Bedele zone, south western Oromia, Ethiopia. This experiment was carried out using twelve linseed varieties were used for investigation (Bekoji-14, Kassa-2, Welen, Bekoji, Kuma, Yadano, Furtu, Bakalcha, Dibane, Horesoba & Jitu) and one local check were sown in randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 main cropping seasons. Six (6) quantitative morphological traits were collected and analyzed by using R-software accordingly. Combined analysis of data from the three locations revealed that there is significant difference among varieties for days to flowering, days to maturity and grain yield, but non-significant for plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. Significant effect of location was observed in plant height, number of primary branch per plant, number of capsule per plant and grain yield however non-significant in days to flowering and days to maturity. The interaction of Variety X location was significant for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height and grain yield, however non-significant for number of primary branch per plant and number of capsule per plant. The maximum seed yield was recorded in varieties Kuma (1588.9 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) followed by Beokoji-14 (1476.7 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) and the lowest yield (978.9 kg/ha-1) was obtained from local check. The combine AMMI analysis for seed yield across environments revealed significantly affected by environments that hold 26.6% of the total variation. The genotype and genotype by environmental interaction were significant and accounted for 12.40% and 19.42% respectively. Principal component 1 and 2 accounted for 10.78 % and 6.13% of the GEI respectively with a total of 16.91% variation. In general, Kuma and Bekoji-14 varieties were identified as the best varieties for yielding ability, stability and recommended in the area and with similar agro-ecologies.

Evaluation of Alternative Break Crops in Rotation with Bread Wheat (triticum aestivum l.) in South-Eastern Ethiopia

Crop rotation could be a possible intervention to resolve multifaceted problems of monoculture. In recent years, there is a concern about soil depletion caused by intensive farming. In crop rotation legume crops, which capture atmospheric nitrogen and “fix” it into forms available to plants will increase soil fertility. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), oat (Avena sativum L.) and vicia (Vicia dasycarpa Ten.) forage mixture were considered as a break/precursor crops. The result showed that most profitable cropping sequence was faba bean grown in a 3 year cycle with 2 crops of wheat (Amanuel et al., 1994). Thus, searching for promising and alternative break crops for wheat based rotation could increase productivity and maximize profit. Adaptaion trial around Bekoji showed that sweet lupine seems an option in tolerating acidity where faba bean is found susceptible. Thus, the objectives of this study was to evaluate alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. Thus, this study was executed for three consecutive years from 2017- 2019 main cropping seasons at Kulumsa, Bekoji and Asasa Arsi zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia to evaluate advantage of alternative break crops on yield and yield components of the succeeding wheat and its effect on soil fertility maintenance in the rotation scheme. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with five replications. The treatment include: wheat-sweet lupine-wheat-wheatwheat in year one (2017), sweet lupine-wheat-wheat faba bean-Ethiopian mustard in year two (2018) and wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat-wheat in the third year (2019). These leguminous crops have improved physico-chemical properties of soil. Plant nutrients of soil on which legumes were grown were increased. This improvement of soil properties by leguminous crops has resulted in higher yield of wheat than plots on which wheat was grown after wheat. Although non-significant, the third year Bekoji and Asasa combined analysis of variance revealed that the highest wheat grain yield (4197kg/ha) was obtained at sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat (4003kg/ha). However, plant height was significantly (P<0.05) affected by rotational crops effect. The tallest plant height of wheat (105.0cm) was recoded from wheat-Ethioian mustard-wheat treatment. From this study, sweet lupine-wheat-wheat followed by wheat-faba bean-wheat with proper agronomic packages could be forwarded as a temporary recommendation in Asasa, Bokoji and Kulumsa areas and in areas with similar agro ecologies.

Fodder trees: Identification, leaf biomass yield, nutritional quality and socioeconomic importance in Essera district, Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia

The scarcity of feed in terms of quantity and quality tremendously impacts livestock productivity in Ethiopia. Using fodder trees (FTs) as livestock feed could partially overcome this gap. Thus, the present study aimed to identify species, estimate leaf biomass yield (LBY), evaluate nutritional quality and assess the socioeconomic importance of FTs in the Essera district. The study sites and households (HHs) were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data on the socioeconomic importance of FTs were collected from 134 randomly selected HHs. Ten FT species were evaluated for LBY determination, and 15 FTs (including nine FT species) were evaluated for nutritional quality across three agroecologies (AEs). In total, 34 FTs were identified at the species level. The overall mean of LBY of the FTs ranged from 14.32 to 370.94 kg/tree, with the lowest and highest values of 10.85 and 430.27 kg/tree at mid- and low-altitudes, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of the selected FTs was observed between AEs. The overall mean of dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the FTs ranged from 90.03 to 93.55 %, 6.26–16.52 %, 13.05–25.50 %, 33.06–50.42 %, 25.58–34.52 %, and 4.19–8.38 %, respectively. Moreover, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the FTs ranged from 37.80 to 67.89 %. The results indicated that the overall mean tannin, phytate, and oxalate contents were 2.84 ± 0.12 %, 0.60 ± 0.05 %, and 1.66 ± 0.21 %, respectively. Antinutritional factors (ANFs) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FT species. In addition to feed sources, FTs were used for air pollution reduction (52.2 %), income generation (44.0 %), and soil erosion prevention (34.3 %) in the studied areas. In conclusion, due to the high CP content, high digestibility potential, low to moderate fibre and lignin contents, and tolerable levels of ANFs in FTs, the use of FTs as supplementary feed to livestock in the study area is recommended. Further experimental studies should be conducted on the impact of FTs on livestock performance.

On farm Performance Evaluation of Exotic Chickens in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The study was carried out on two purposively selected districts of central zone of Tigray, viz., Mereb Leke and Tahtay Michew. The aim of the study was to evaluate the on-farm performance of three exotic chicken strains under the farmer condition. A total of 96 households (48 household per district) were participated and then the selected strains (Sasso Rhode Island Red, Kuroiler and Koekoek) were distributed. GLM procedure was used for the on-farm data analysis. Data collected during the entire study were, growth data, fertility and hatchability, egg production, weight and age at point of lay. Better overall average daily body weight gains were achieved from 12-16 and 16-20 weeks by kuroiler chicken strains with value of 10.29, 13.68 gram respectively. Egg at first lay of SRIR and Kuroiler strains were 23.69 and 25.25 weeks respectively. The overall average egg production in the study area was 63.36% which was scored by SRIR strain. According to this study, based on their fast-growing kuroiler strain and based on their egg production potential SRIR strain were recommended to the study area and like agro ecologies.

Honeybee Floral Diversity of Gemachis Forest, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Gemachis forest from October 2019 to November 2020, which is an important area of biodiversity conservation, tourism attraction and carbon sequestration for modulating climate change. The forest is also very important for honey production and other non-timber forest products. The study was designed with the objective of assessing honey bee floral diversity of the forest. For the inventory of bee forages a transect line were made in three selected altitudinal strata. Honey samples also were obtained from the three agro ecologies of the forest: Arer (high altitude), Chafe kebene (medium altitude) and Sororo (low altitude). The pollen spectrum of the honey was analyzed to determine the botanical and geographical origin of the honey. According to inventory of the honeybee flora, forty-eight (48) bee plant species were identified; belonging to 33 families, of which &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Fabaceae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Roseaceae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Verbenaceae &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;were the most frequent families in the study area. Among these bee forages 54.1% were shrub 16.6% were trees and 29.1% were herbs. From identified bee forages, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanium spp&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Andropogon abyssinica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Guizotia spp&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Hypoestes forskaolii&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; were the most abundant bee flora species in the study area. The pollen analysis of honey revealed that, two types of monofloral honey types were identified in the area which includes &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Guizotia spp&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eucalyptus globulus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; accounting for 74.9% and 54.9% pollen frequency respectively. Thus, beekeepers should conserve the forest for sustainable honey production since the forest is endowed with good honeybee plant diversity.

Performance and egg quality traits of local chickens across different agroecologies in the Kewot district, North Shewa zone, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance (productive and reproductive) potential and egg quality traits of local chickens (LCs) across different agroecologies (AEs) in the Kewot district, North Shewa zone, northern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study sites and households (HHs). The data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, monitoring and measurements. A total of 147 HHs were included in this study. Ninety brooding hens were monitored to determine hatchability and survivability percentages. A body weight of 120 LCs was measured at the market centres. Furthermore, the egg quality traits of 120 freshly laid eggs were evaluated. The data were analysed by a statistical package for social sciences (version 20). In the study area, the average flock size of the LC/HH populations was 9.90 ± 0.36. The most common flock type was chicks, followed by pullets, with significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the lowland (LL) AE. The mean age at first egg of females and the mean age at sexual maturity of males were 6.05 ± 0.06 and 5.68 ± 0.08 months, respectively. The numbers of eggs per clutch and per year were 14.29 ± 0.40 and 50.02 ± 1.51, respectively. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the average number of clutches/hen/year across AEs, while significantly lower (p < 0.05) numbers of eggs per clutch and per year were recorded for highland (HL) AEs than for LL agro-ecology. The mean hatchability percentage was 80.94 ± 1.69%. The mean market body weights of the male and female LCs were 0.91 ± 0.05 and 0.82 ± 0.05 kg, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in egg weight, egg width, shell thickness, shell ratio, albumen height, albumen and yolk weight, yolk colour, and Haugh unit (HU) between the AEs. The results revealed that the performance potential and egg quality traits of the LC in the study district were somewhat poor. Therefore, AE-specific development interventions should be designed and implemented to improve the performance potential and egg quality traits of LC in the study area.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Seed Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat in Jimma Zone South Western Ethiopia

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in terms of production and consumption in Ethiopia. The country has the potential to produce a sufficient amount of wheat grain using irrigation, and government also gave attention to produce wheat and export it. But inappropriate agronomic practices, soil fertility depletion, and drought are among the constraints to the low yield of wheat crops in the country. In view of this, the field experiment was conducted during the irrigation season of 2020/2021 in two districts that are selected as irrigation potential and irrigation facilities namely, Sekacokorsa and Tiroafetadistricts of Jimma zone. The field experiment consisted of four N fertilizer rates (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg Nha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and three seed rates (125, 150, and 175 kg•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replications. From the field experiment results, the growth, yield and yield components of the crop were improved by optimizing plant population density and nitrogenfertilizerapplication. Numerically the highest grain yield and above ground biomass of 6.7 and 13.09 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;at Tiroafeta and 3.67 and 9.61 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; at Sekacokorsawas recorded in response to the seed rate of 175 kg•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; respectively. On other hand in response to N fertilizer rate the maximum grain yield of 6.9 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and above ground biomass of 14.04 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; at Tiroafetawas recorded from 92kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and 69 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; respectively. Whereas at Sekacokorsa the highest grain yield of 3.72 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and above ground biomass of 9.76 t•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; was obtained from nitrogen fertilizer rate of 46kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;. In conclusion, N fertilizer rate of 46kg•Nha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and seed rates of 125 kg•ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;in both locationsgavethe optimum yield. But due to the field experiment was done for one year only it should be repeated over the years to give sound recommendationsunder similar agro ecologies.

Diagnostic Survey of Honeybee Diseases, Pests and Predators in Selected Districts of West Hararghe Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Darolabu, Ciro and Gemechis Districts of West Hararghe Zone with the objective of determining the occurrence and prevalence of honeybee diseases, pests and predators and their effects on honeybee colonies and bee products in selected districts of West Hararghe Zone. Three districts were purposefully selected based on their relative beekeeping potentials in highland, midland and lowland agro–ecologies. Three Kebeles from each district and ten beekeepers from each Kebeles were selected for the interview. For major honey bee diseases and pest examination, a total of 68 suspected bee colonies were sampled. Out of the total respondents, 58% and 77.4% of beekeepers replied that honeybee colonies and honey yield, respectively, were decreasing from time to time. The respondents listed a lack of bee forages, disease, pest and predators as the major constraints of beekeeping in the study area in their decreasing orders. Wax moth, honey badger and hive beetles were more commonly occurring pests and predators, while nosema and amoeba were among the important diseases. The prevalence all bee diseases and pests including nosema, amoeba, varroa mite, bee lice, wax moth, and small hive beetle, was not associated with either agro-ecology or hive type. The factors contributing for their prevalence across all agro-ecologies and hive types need further study.

Grain Quality and Yield Response of Malt Barley Varieties to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates in the West Arsi, Oromia Reginal State of Ethiopia

Grain yield and yield components of malt barley (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Hordeum vulgare&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) were investigated concerning varieties and nitrogen application rates. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate (i) the optimal fertilizer level for maximum yield and quality of malt barley varieties (ii) to determine the impacts of nitrogen fertilizer rate, vaieties and growing season on yield and yield components of malt barley. Three malt barley varieties (Ibon, Bekoji 1, and EH1847) and four fertilizer rates (RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, 150% RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, 200% RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; and RNPS kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) were studied over two growing season (2019 and 2020) in a factorial arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The main effects of&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; variety and fertilizer rate were significantly (P&amp;lt;0.01) variation, on grain yield, biomass yield, hectolitre weight and thousand kernel weight, while plant height, spike length and grain protein content showed significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) variations. The interaction effect of variety and fertilizer rate on the number of grains per spike indicated significant (P&amp;lt;0.001) variation. The use of a 200% RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; fertilizer rate resulted in a higher (4152.9 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) grain yield. The highest (33.1) number of grain per spike was produced from the combination of 150% RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; fertilizer rate with Bekoji 1 malt barley variety, Like wise higher (48.6) thousand kernel weight was produced from RNPS. The results of this study indicated that, the importance of using appropriate malt barley variety and fertilizer rate to increase the yield of malt barley with acceptable grain quality in the study area. Hence application of 150% RNP and 200% RNP kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; gave a grain yield of (3582.81 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and (4152.9 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, and economic benefit of 5.99 (ETB) and 3.65 (ETB) respectively. Among malt barley varieties highest (4110.4) and (3538.3) kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; grain yield was recorded from EH1847 and Bekoji 1 verities respectively. The production of malt barley with higher yield, optimal kernel protein concentration and higher economic benefit was obtained via EH1847 malt barley varieties along with 150% RNP and 200% kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; fertilizer rate in the study area and similar agro ecologies.

Adaptation Trial of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) Varieties in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia Industry

Developing improved varieties with high yield and wide adaptation is one of the major objectives. This indicates that there are some localities which are not fully addressed to satisfy the need for maximizing yield, using high yielder, disease resistant and early maturing variety of the crop is very important. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the main cropping season of 2018 and 2019 at Chelenko ATVET Collage and Boko Agricultural Research sites in Meta and Fadis Districts (Woredas), respectively, with an objective to select adaptable, high yielder, early maturing and disease resistant or tolerant varieties across moisture stressed areas of eastern Oromia, Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of eleven released finger millet varieties including standard check were used as planting materials. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The combined mean analysis of variance revealed that highly significant difference (P &lt; 0.01) for days to maturity, plant height, finger per plant, finger length and grain yield whereas, significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for days to 50% flowering, effective tiller per plant and thousand seed weight. The earliest days to flowering were observed on Tesema variety with 84.33 days but there was no significantly different with other tested varieties. The results showed that Mereb was the earliest in terms of maturity taking only 126.9 days. The results of combined mean values indicated that, Aksum (3090 kgha-1) followed by Gute (2807 kgha-1) were found to be high yielding finger millet varieties whereas, Mereb (2103 kgha-1) was identified as the least seed yielding variety as compared to all tested varieties. These results depicted that across location Aksum variety was significantly higher grain yield advantage by about 11.11% over standard check followed by Gute. Therefore, Aksum and Gute varieties were showed consistency over locations in this study and recommended to demonstrate with production packages in Meta and Fedis districts and similar agro ecologies.

Registration of Early Maturing “Erer” Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Variety

“Erer” with pedigree designation of 3443-2- OP X P9403 is sorghum variety was released in 2021 for Eastern part of Oromia specifically, Fadis and Babile districts and other similar agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. The variety was developed and released by Oromia Agricultural Research institute, Fadis Agricultural Research Center. Originally it was obtained from Melkasa Agricultural Research Center of Sorghum Research Program which was crossed material followed by screening method. The regional variety trial was done at two locations of Fadis research station and Erer sub-station for three years (2016-2019). From the genotypes evaluated Erer variety recorded high grain yield, large biomass and stay green traits than the standard check Dekeba and other genotypes. Mean grain yield of Erer ranged from 49 to 51 Qt ha-1 on research field, and 34 to 40 Qt ha-1 on farmers’ field. Finally, ‘Erer’ released as superior sorghum variety East Hararghe low lands and similar agro ecologies in 2021.

Evaluation of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Related Parameters in Potential Growing Areas of Ethiopia

Multi-environment trials were carried out at 3 locations in different black cumin growing zones of Ethiopia during June-December, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 to select high yielding and adaptable genotypes for commercial production in Ethiopia. Ten advanced black cumin genotypes were evaluated with one standard check variety. The genotypes were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The ANOVA revealed that the differences in seed yield among genotypes (G), environments (E) and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) were highly significant (p&lt;0.01). Besides, significant (p&lt;0.01) differences were obtained for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of pod plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield plant-1, and thousand seed weight. However, days to emergence, number of primary and secondary branches plant-1 were not significant (p&gt;0.05). The highest seed yield was recorded from genotype 242840 (1102 kg ha-1) followed by 242841(1038 kg ha-1) and these genotypes had 35% and 26.39% yield advantage over the check variety-Aden respectively. Moreover, the two genotypes were better in oleoresin content among others. The partitioning of GE through GGE biplot analysis showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 47.09% and 18.18%, explaining 65.27% of the total variance. The GGE biplot ranked the genotypes for yield performance; the genotypes viz. 24840 and 24841 were among the five marker (winning) genotypes and showed their wider adaptability across the testing environments. Therefore, the genotypes were selected as potential candidate genotypes for on farm verification and possible release for commercial production in the testing environments and similar agro ecologies.

Performance Evaluation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Genotypes for Lowland Areas of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract Sorghum is an important food security crop in Ethiopia. As the grain is preferred for food the biomass is equally important for farmers to use it as animal food. It is a major crop in lowland parts of eastern Amhara as the environment of the area best fits for the crop. The study was conducted with the objective of identifying high yielder and adaptable sorghum varieties for moisture deficit areas of eastern Amhara region. Eleven sorghum genotypes including two checks were evaluated at eight different environments of four locations namely; Sirinka, Jari, Chefa and Shewarobit within two years in 2016 and 2017 under rain feed condition. The experiment was implemented using a randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications. The combined analysis of variance over years and across locations revealed highly significant difference (p < 0.01) among genotype for all traits. Genotype × year × environment interaction was non-significant except for plant height. The smallest days to maturity recoded by G8 (125.8 days) while G11 took more number of days to mature (132.9 days). G8 also recorded the highest panicle/head weight (4.56 tonha-1) whereas G11 recorded the lowest head weight (2.7 tonha-1). Genotypes ranged from 2.363 tonha-1 for G11 to 3.95 tonha-1 for G8 in grain yield. As the highest grain yield (3.95 tonha-1) was obtained by genotype G8 (Sima) while that of standard and local checks were 3.1 tonha-1 and 2.67 tonha-1, respectively. Thus, G8 (Sima) was found superior over the rest of the tested sorghum genotypes and it has 47.4% and 27.29% yield advantages over local and standard check, respectively. As a result G8 (Sima) was selected, verified and officially released for its early maturing and high yielding in 2019 by the name of Kalu for production in moisture deficit areas of eastern Amhara region and similar agro ecologies of the country.

Determination of Optimal Irrigation Using Soil Moisture Depletion on Yield and Water Productivity of Onion at Odo Shakiso District, Southern Ethiopia

Irrigation scheduling is the use of water management strategies to prevent over-application of water while minimizing yield losses due to water scarcity or drought stress. The experiment was conducted in Odo Shakiso district at a farm during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 irrigation seasons with the aim of determining the optimal irrigation schedule for yield, yield component and water productivity of onions based on the available soil moisture depletion levels. The experiment was performed in RCBD with three replicates randomly assigned to experimental plots with treatments. Five available soil moisture depletion levels (20% ASMDL, 40% ASMDL, 60% ASMDL, 80% ASMDL and FAO recommended ASMDL) were used for treatment. Results from two years of research showed that different levels of available soil moisture had a significant impact (P<0.05) on bulb diameter, bulb weight, unmarketable onion yield, marketable onion yield, and water productivity. However, different soil moisture depletion did not show a significant difference in plant height. The highest onion diameter (4.25 cm) and marketable onion yield (363.9 qt/ha) was recorded at 60% ASMDL. The highest water use efficiency at marketable onion yield (9.487 kg/m³) was also achieved at 60% ASMDL, which was statistically comparable to the FAO-recommended ASMDL treatment. On the other hand, the minimum water use efficiency (6.234 kg/m³) was recorded at 40 percent ASMDL. Therefore, based on the results of the current experiment, it is recommended to use 60% ASMDL under a furrow irrigation system for onion cultivation in areas around Shakiso and similar agro ecologies as it is the best option to increase yield and water use efficiency for onion production.

Performance evaluation and sustainability challenges of tropically adopted exotic chicken breeds in Northwest Ethiopia

The study aimed to describe performance and challenges of village-based exotic chicken production in Northwest Ethiopia. Three zones, 13 districts, and 300 households were selected. The data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, and key informant interviews. In the study area, the average exotic chicken holding per household was 4.27 ± 0.13 birds. The most dominant flocks were hens followed by pullets with high significant difference (P < 0.01) in the midland agro ecology. The annual number of egg production of Sasso, Bovans brown, and Koekoek was 110.99 ± 1.45, 123.29 ± 1.16, and 102.92 ± 1.22, respectively. The average age of pullets at first egg laying was 5.25 ± 0.03 (Sasso), 5.53 ± 0.02 (Bovans brown), and 5.71 ± 0.03 (Koekoek) months. The age of cockerels (mean ± SE) at first mating was 4.18 ± 0.06 (Sasso), 4.89 ± 0.06 (Bovans brown), and 5.15 ± 0.06 (Koekoek) months. Male age (mean ± SE) at slaughter of Sasso, Bovans brown, and Koekoek were 4.24 ± 0.06, 6.28 ± 0.05, and 5.68 ± 0.06 months, respectively. The lack of improved breed supply was the first production challenge followed by feed shortages and disease outbreaks. Therefore, designing exotic chicken market supply, practicing ration formulation with locally available feed resources, controlling disease, and predator with biosecurity measures and other proper management strategies in respective of agro ecologies could be mandatory.

Preliminary Studies on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Offers Opportunity for Selection in the Guinea and Sudan Savanna Agro Ecologies of Ghana

Genotype by environmental interaction is important for breeding improved cowpea genotypes. The study was designed to identify promising inbred lines with high yield potential, stable mean yield with specific adaptation to a particular environment or environments. The study was conducted at three locations namely Nyankpala, Tumu, and Damongo. Twenty-two inbred lines plus 2 contrasting parents used to generate inbred lines were the test genotypes. Randomized complete block design with 4 replications was used. Seeds were planted at each location but were later thinned to one plant per hill. Each plot contained 5 rows of 10 plants per row with plant spacing of 60 cm between rows and 20 cm within rows with the number of entries being 24 plots giving the total plots as 96 plots for each location. Data collected were days to first flowering, 50% flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and hundred seed weight and grain yield. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Gen Stat statistical package 12th edition. Combined analysis of variance across locations for grain yield were determine. Results showed significant genotypic differences among inbred lines for studied traits. significant genotype by environment interaction was observed for days to 50% flowering, ranging between 42 and 45 days. Number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and biomass also showed variable responses across locations. Phenotypic correlation analysis for days to flowering and maturity did not have any influence on yield, as genotypes 116, 189, 131 flowered within 43 and 45 days with corresponding yields of 1.89,1.82 and 1.7 tonnes per hectare. Yield variability showed the possibility for selecting location specific adapted lines as well as across all three locations.

Determination of Optimum Intra-Row Spacing for Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) on its Yield and Yield Components in West Hararghe, Ethiopia

The western part of the Ethiopia is generally well suited for the current maize varieties with the largest adoption, in particular to west hararghe. However, agronomic management practices such as appropriate plant spacing and use of improved varieties are quite important for enhancing maize production. Hence, a field experiment was not conducted before 2023 cropping season at Gumbi bordodde district western hararghe to determine the effects of intra -row spacing on yield and yield components of maize varieties. The experiment consisted of the factorial combinations of two maize varieties (“BH-546”,’’M-6’’ and “M-2”) and five intra-row spacing (20, 25, 30, 35 cm and 40cm) with a total of 15 treatments in RCBD with three replications. The results of the study had shown that there were highly significant differences due to the main effects of varieties on days to 50% tasseling, 50% silking, and 90% maturity. There was also highly significant difference due to the main effects of both variety and intra-row spacing on ear length and number of grains per row while, leaf area index was highly significant on the main effect of varieties and significant on main effect of intra-row spacing. Avery highly significant interaction effect of variety and intra-row spacing on above ground dry biomass yield and grain yield and highly significant in hundred grain weight. Generally, higher grain yield and above ground dry biomass were obtained from BH-546 at 25 cm (10325.47kg∙ha−1 and 34334.65kg∙ha−1) respectively. The highest grain yield (10325.47kg∙ha−1) was obtained at 25cm spacing in BH-546 while the lowest grain yield (3735.18 kgha−1) was obtained from 40cm spacing in 1. M2. The result of economic analysis showed that the maximum net benefit (ETB 278988.75 ha-1) was obtained at spacing of 25cm in BH-546. Therefore, based on economic analysis it can be conclude that optimum intra row spacing (25 cm) is promising for BH-546 maize variety production in main season of Gumbi bordodde district and similar agro ecologies. For better confirmation of the result, this one-year experiment needs to be repeated at multi-locations and in different seasons.

Phosphomonoesterases Activity in Phosphorus-fertilized and Mycorrhizae-inoculated Cassava’s Rhizosphere in Two Savanna Agro–ecologies of Nigeria

Rhizosphere is a bio–influenced zone of soil where the interaction of microorganism and plant roots occurred tailored by the activity of soil enzymes. The activity of the enzymes depends largely on the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil environment. Experiment was carried out to examine the activity of phosphomonoesterases in the rhizosphere of cassava planted in two sites (Samaru and Minjibir) located in savanna ecologies of Nigeria. Soils from rhizosphere of the cassava were sampled from each treatment in an experiment involving split plot design. The treatments included 3 main plots (phosphorus rates at 0, 17.5 and 35 kg P2O5 ha–1) and 3 sub–plots (mycorrhizal inoculants: Glomygel and Mycodrip; and a Control). The Result of the analysis indicated higher activities of the phosphomonoesterases (acid and alkaline phosphatases) in Samaru site than Minjibir. The former recorded higher acid and alkaline phosphates activities over the latter with a magnitude of 96.84% and 43.65% respectively. This is attributed to the variability in the soil characteristics between the two sites. The main effect of P fertilizer indicated that 0 kg P2O5 ha–1 recorded a significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher phosphomonoesterases activity than application of 17.5 and 35 kg P2O5 ha–1. Inoculation with mycorrhizae also increased the activities of the phosphomonoesterases in both sites which indicate increase mycorrhizal colonization as a result of inoculation. It is concluded therefore, that the activity of phosphomonoesterases in the rhizosphere can be affected by fertilization as well as enhanced by inoculation with the influence of soil characteristics.