Agro Ecologies Research Articles

English

This study was conducted on 810 goats in three agro ecological zones (Highland, Midland and Lowland) of Loma district in southern Ethiopia were considered with sex and age groups factor to characterize morphologically Woyto Guji goat types in their home tract. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for recording morphological features, body weights and linear body measurements. Both qualitative and quantitative traits were recorded on randomly sampled goats from three agro ecologies and the data were analyzed using SPSS and SAS software. The goat type in the study area was characterized by higher proportion of plain coat patterns (91.2%) with brown coat color (45.7%), straight head profile (80.6), semi pendulous ear formation (69.8%) and long ear type (97.3%). The horns were characterized by backward orientation with a straight shape. Body weight of the goats’ changes at increasing rate at 0PPI to 3PPI and gradual increase was observed at older ages. Sex, age, agro ecological zones, sex by age and age by agro ecologies interaction had a significant (p<0.05/p<0.01) effect on body weight and many of the linear body measurements. The mean live body weight (BWT), heart girth (HG), height at wither (HW), chest width (CW), pelvic width (PW), rump height (RH), rump length (RL), ear length (EL), and horn length (HL) of females were 26.53±2.91 kg, 57.48±0.64 cm, 70.20±0.21 cm, 64.12±0.18 cm, 13.74±0.07 cm, 13.20±0.19 cm, 66.04±0.52 cm, 11.97±0.13 cm, 13.74±0.16 cm and 11.20±0.10 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for male counterpart were 27.16±0.70 kg, 60.13±1.17 cm, 74.98±0.33 cm, 68.34±0.05 cm, 14.48±0.41 cm, 13.25±0.37 cm, 68.37±0.50 cm, 12.83±0.43 cm, 14.02±0.020 cm and 13.22±0.47 cm respectively. Heart girth had the highest correlation with body weight at various ages and in both sexes compared with other parameters, except in females of zero dentition was not significant. The regression equation for pooled overall age groups was estimated as Y = (-28.20) + 0.74 X; (where X stands for HG), with R2 value of 0.68 for female and Y = (-39.12) + 0.88 X; (where X stands for HG), with R2 value of 0.78 for male goat in the present study. The result indicated that phenotypic characterization, body weight and linear body measurement description could help as an input for efficient utilization, conservation and designing improvement strategy for this genetic resource in the community.   Key words: Age, agro ecology, body weight, linear body measurements, sex.

Evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of triclabendazole, nitroxynil and albendazole against naturally acquired fascioliasis in cattle of Bangladesh with special reference to its residual effect

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of triclabendazole, nitroxynil and albendazole against fascioliasis in naturally infected cattle of government dairy farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study included 50 cattle breed of which 30 were naturally infected and randomly selected 20 based on their weight and egg count. Twenty cattle of 2-3 years old irrespective of sex infested with fascioliasis were selected for this experiment and randomly divided into four equal groups (group A, B, C and D) where each group consisted of 5 cattle and cattle of group D were kept as control group. One injectable nitroxynil (10 mgkg-1 body weight, S/C) preparations (Renata Ltd. Bangladesh) and two solid triclabendazole, albendazole (12 mgkg-1, 15 mgkg-1 body weight, orally) preparations (Novartis Ltd. and Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bangladesh) were used for positive control of fascioliasis as group A, B and C. Cattle of group D was kept as control without giving any treatment. Before trials (day 0), total egg count, blood samples and initial body weight were recorded. During the study period the fecal and blood samples were collected directly from rectum and examined on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day using McMaster fecal egg counting method. Body weight was recorded on day 28 following the treatments. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through determination of parasitic prevalence, body weight gain/loss and hematological findings. Pre and post-treatment EPG (eggs per gram) values were recorded, and efficacies compared. The results showed that the efficacy of nitroxynil was 92.57%, followed by triclabendazole 91.55% and albendazole 84.53%, which were significant (p<0.01). The observed differences in efficacy between these three brands of anthelmintics were most likely due to variations either in quality or the administered doses. The body weight of the treated animals was increased, which were significant (p<0.01). After treatment triclabendazole, nitroxynil and albendazole, Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb) content and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were increased significantly (p<0.01 and p>0.05) in cattle but Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) were decreased significantly (p<0.05 and p>0.01) in all treated cattle and body weight was increased significantly (p<0.01) on day 28. Â The farm management practices along with results of the present study revealed the efficacy of multiple anthelmintics against fascioliasis in cattle. Additional detailed studies are required to clarify the current status of the efficacy of the anthelmintics widely used in different agro ecologies, animal species, and livestock management systems in Bangladesh.

Therapeutic efficacy of ivermectin, fenbendazole and albendazole against naturally occuring gastrointestinal nematodiasis infection in Black Bengal Goat of Bangladesh

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin, fenbendazole and albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goats of government goat development farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study included 50 black Bengal breed of which 30 were naturally infected and randomly selected 20 on the basis of their weight and egg count. Twenty black Bengal goats of 13-15 month old irrespective of sex infested with gastrointestinal nematodes were selected for this experiment and randomly divided into four equal groups (group A, B, C and D) where each group consisted of 5 goats and goats of group D were kept as control group. One injectable ivermectin (200 µgkg-1 body weight, S/C) preparations (Techno Drugs, Limited, Bangladesh) and two solid fenbendazole, albendazole (7.5 mgkg-1 body weight, orally) preparations (Techno Drugs, Limited and Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Bangladesh) were used for positive control of gastrointestinal nematodes as group A, B and C. Goats of group D was kept as control without giving any treatment. Before trials (day 0), total egg count, blood samples and initial body weight were recorded. During the study period the fecal and blood samples were collected directly from rectum and examined on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day using McMaster fecal egg counting method. Body weight was recorded on day 28 following the treatments. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through determination of parasitic prevalence, body weight gain/loss and hematological findings. Pre and post-treatment EPG (eggs per gram) values were recorded, and efficacies compared. The results showed that the efficacy of ivermectin was 100%, followed by fenbendazole 95.33% and albendazole 90.11%. The observed differences in efficacy between these three brands of anthelmintics were most likely due to variations either in quality or the administered doses. The body weight of the treated animals was slightly increased, which were significant (p<0.05). After treatment with ivermectin, fenbendazole and albendazole, Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb) content and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were increased significantly (p<0.01 and p>0.05) in goats but Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) were decreased significantly (p<0.05 and p>0.01) in all treated goat and body weight was increased significantly (p<0.01) on day 28. The farm management practices along with results of the present study revealed the efficacy of multiple anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodiasis in goat. Additional detailed studies are required to clarify the current status of the efficacy of the anthelmintics widely used in different agro ecologies, animal species and livestock management systems in Bangladesh.

Variations in Stem Borer Infestation and Damage in Three Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) Types in Southern Guinea Savanna and Rainforest Zones of Nigeria

The effects of location, maize types and borer control with carbofuran (Furadan 3G®) on the severity of maize stem borer infestation and damage was investigated in the late maize planting season of 2011. Treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design using a split-slip-plot factorial arrangement. Whole plot factor consisted of two locations (Southern Guinea Savanna and Rainforest agro-ecological zones of Nigeria), subplot factor consisted of 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 and 0.0 kg a.i.ha-1 of carbofuran, while the sub-sub-plot factor comprised of three endosperm types of maize (flint, pop and sweet corn). Stem borer infestation (quantified by dead heart count and larval population per plant) and damage (quantified by %lodged stem, %bored internodes, %bored ears, number of exit holes, number of stem borer cavities and number of damaged seeds per plant) as well as yield were compared. Results revealed that borer infestation and damage were significantly higher (P 0.05) location × carbofuran × maize type and location × maize type effect was detected. However, significant (P < 0.05) location × carbofuran and carbofuran × maize type interaction effects were observed. We conclude that in both agro ecologies, flint corn was more tolerant of borer attack while sweet corn was more susceptible compared to either flint or popcorn. In addition, carbofuran at 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 can significantly reduce stem borer population in the three maize types.

Performance Evaluation and Adaptation of Lentil Varieties in Lemu, Gumur and Damot Gale Districts of Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted on stations and on farm in three districts of South region, Ethiopia, to evaluate the lentil varieties for yield and adaptation, assess farmer’s preferences during 2004/05 Meher Season. Data on plant height, hundred seed weight, pod per plant, days to flowering, days to maturity and grain yield were collected. Six lentil varieties which included five released and one local check of respective locations were planted on 3.2m2 plots at spacing of 20cm* 2cm. The plots consisted of four rows which were four meters long for on-centre and on farm trials. The trials were laid in randomized complete block design with four replications. Twelve farmers from three districts of four farmers at each village were participated in executing on farm trials. Each farmer was a replicate for on farm component. There were significant differences among varieties for grain yield and some of traits. The results for the on-centre and on farm trials indicated that there were significant yield differences between the local check and the released varieties at two stations and three districts. The varieties Teshale and Alemaya were superior yielded overall to the local check across three villages ’and on stations. Thus, Alemaya and Teshale out yielded other varieties and had average yields of 1239.1 kg/ha and 1193.8 kg/ha at on station and 1165.1 kg/ha and 1202kg/ha at on farm trials, respectively. Combined statistical analysis and farmers assessments identified two genotypes (Teshale and Alemaya) as potential varieties for production in south Ethiopia. Therefore, based on researchers and farmers’ preference, varieties Teshale and Alemaya are recommended for production in Lemu, Gumur and Damot Gale districts and similar agro ecologies of south Ethiopia.

Characterization of a barley-based farming system in the Arsi Highlands, Ethiopia

In order to minimize the gap between the demand for barley, particularly malt barley, and its supply, this study was initiated to assess the existing farming systems of the selected agro ecologies in order to develop appropriate malt barley technologies and major production constraints. In line to this, two districts with a potential in barley production were purposively selected from the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia and totally 120 farmers were selected and used to conduct the study. During 2009 to 2010 production season, both food and malt barley varieties were grown by about 95% of surveyed farmers. Among the surveyed farmers, about 82% have knowledge or knowhow to improved barley varieties while 19% did not. Yielding potential and market value are the major reasons of farmers for preferring to produce some malt barley varieties over the others. Holker, miscal-21, and local food barley varieties are the relatively high-yielding as well frequently cultivated varieties in the study areas. The present and foreseen increase in number of breweries and their expansion currently and in the future indicates the demand for malt barley product in the future. Unpredictable rainfall, shortages of labor, improved seed, working capital, low quality of seed, untimely supply of inputs, and problem of good market facilities were the major constraints of barley production in the study area. Key words: Characterization, barley, barley based farming system and Arsi highlands.

Climate change, crop production and child under nutrition in Ethiopia; a longitudinal panel study.

BackgroundThe amount and distribution of rainfall and temperature influences household food availability, thus increasing the risk of child under nutrition. However, few studies examined the local spatial variability and the impact of temperature and rainfall on child under nutrition at a smaller scale (resolution). We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of weather variables on child under nutrition and the variations in effects across the three agro ecologies of Ethiopia.MethodsA longitudinal panel study was conducted. We used crop productions (cereals and oilseeds), livestock, monthly rainfall and temperature, and child under nutrition data for the period of 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2004. We applied panel regression fixed effects model.ResultsThe study included 43 clusters (administrative zones) and 145 observations. We observed a spatio temporal variability of rainfall, stunting and underweight. We estimated that for a given zone, one standard deviation increase in rainfall leads to 0.242 standard deviations increase in moderate stunting. Additionally, a one standard deviation increase temperature leads to 0.216 standard deviations decrease in moderate stunting. However, wasting was found to be poorly related with rainfall and temperature. But severe wasting showed a positive relationship with the quadratic term of rainfall.ConclusionsWe conclude that rainfall and temperature are partly predicting the variation in child stunting and underweight. Models vary in predicting stunting and underweight across the three agro ecologic zones. This could indicate that a single model for the three agro ecologies may not be not applicable.

Status and diversity of the cassava Mosaic disease causal agents in Sierra Leone

Cassava is the most important root and tuber crop in Sierra Leone. Its low yield can be attributed to several production-limiting factors including cassava mosaic disease (CMD). This study examined in a much wider scope the diversity, prevalence, distribution, incidence and level of severity of the CMD within the cassava farming communities across major agro ecologies in Sierra Leone. A survey was conducted October, 2010. Field assessment was also conducted on farms evaluated. Data was collected on the spot and complimented with group discussions and interviews. Field coordinates were determined using a global positioning system (GPS) recorder. This study showed a countrywide prevalence of 85.2% out of 156 sites visited using GPS mapping. The rain forest ecology had the highest prevalence of 97.2% while the coastal plain had the lowest disease prevalence. Incidence of CMD per district was generally high. Tonkolili district recorded the highest incidence of 99.2% followed by Kailahum and Pujehun. Bonthe district had the lowest severity score, while pujehun district had the highest severity score. Difference in CMD infection was also observed in terms of agro-ecology. Test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and also for the first time the East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) in two locations in the Moyamba district, southern Sierra Leone. The result from this study indicates the need for an increased adoption of CMD resistant cassava genotypes that are high yielding, has good cooking quality and with the ability to replace the local choice variety without significantly altering the cultural and aesthetic quality of the generally accepted local cultivar.

English

One hundred and forty four finger millet landraces collected from different regions of Ethiopia and some introduced from Kenya, Eritrea, Zambia and Zimbabwe were planted with six improved varieties in randomized complete block design at Gute and Arsi Negele (Ethiopia) during 2011 to assess genetic diversity for qualitative traits with respect to geographic location and agro-ecologies. Erect type growth habit, open ear type, light green ear (glumes) color, enclosed grains by glumes, lower spikelet density and purple black seed color was predominant phenotypic classes for the traits recorded in the present study. At 75% similarity level, finger millet populations from Ethiopia and Eritrea were grouped together; Kenyan, Zambian and Zimbabwe&rsquo;s landraces formed the second cluster. Agro-ecological proximity was manifested in clustering of landraces on the basis of altitude classes. The resemblance probably implies either similarities in climatic and other edaphic factors of those geographical locations and agro ecologies; selection by farmers were practiced for the same traits, or same primary seed source. Shannon diversity analysis indicated that variation was highest at the lowest level (among landraces), followed by within regions, among regions or countries, within altitudes, with the least similarities appear among altitudes. This implied that intensive collection and&nbsp;in situ&nbsp;genetic conservation should be given due attention at lower class than the subsequent classes. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Eleusine coracana, finger millet, qualitative traits, Shannon diversity index. &nbsp

Correlation and heritability estimates of maize agronomic traits for yield improvement and Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze tolerance

A study was carried out to estimate percent heritability and correlation coefficients of desirable maize agronomic characters under artificial infestation with Striga lutea. Forty five F1 hybrid maize of varied striga tolerance and their ten parents inbred were evaluated along with two check entries. This was sited in three locations representing different agro ecologies of south western Nigeria in 1999 cropping season. The results showed high and moderate heritability estimates of 94.0 and 40.0 for striga emergence count and striga syndrome rating respectively, while low heritability estimates of 13.0, 11.32, 16.0, 5.70 and 16.22% were obtained for tolerance index, days to tasseling, days silking, kernel rows/cob and grain yield respectively. Genotypic correlation coefficients of striga emergence count with maize agronomic traits were positive and significant, while phenotypic correlation between striga count and other maize agronomic traits were also positively and significantly correlated, except striga count which was negatively correlated with striga syndrome rating. On the other hand, maize ear aspect alone contributed 19.4% to grain yield, while inherent yield loss of 23.0% was estimated if striga is left uncontrolled. Parameter estimates revealed that all striga and maize agronomic traits were positively associated with grain yield except plant and ear heights under striga infestation. Although, implications of these estimates have been discussed, this study affirmed that genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients as well as heritability estimates were found suitable as models for yield improvement and selection for S. lutea tolerant genotypes. Key words: Heritability estimates, correlation coefficient, striga tolerance rating, grain yield.

Plant species used in traditional smallholder dairy processing in East Shoa, Ethiopia

Plant species used in traditional dairy processing were studied in three districts (Bosset, Ada, and Gimbichu) in Eastern Shoa, Ethiopia, from October 2007 to March 2008. A total of 300 smallholders were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, and three focus group discussions were conducted, followed by plants specimen collection and identification. A total of 36 plant species, falling under 24 plant families, were identified. Nearly half of the identified plant species had more than one use types. Eleven plant species were/are used for washing (scrubbing) dairy utensils, ten plant species for smoking dairy utensils, 12 plant species in butter making, 15 plant species in ghee making, and five plant species for packaging (wrapping) butter and cheese. The plant species that had the highest overall citations from each use category were Ocimum hardiense, Olea europaea subspecies africana, Trachyspermum copticum, Curcuma longa, and Croton macrostachyus. The plant species used in the three study districts, representing different agro ecologies, showed some similarities, but levels of uses differed significantly (P < 0.05). Higher informant citations might indicate their better efficacy, however need to be further investigated to determine their effects on milk and milk product quality and to make sure that they are innocuous to human and animal health. Finally, as the present study tried to document natural products used in traditional dairy processing, it could be considered as part of the global efforts aimed at promoting organic food production.

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Anabaena isolates from diverse rice agro‐ecologies of India

The genus Anabaena is one of the commonly observed genera in the rice fields in South-east Asia. Diversity analyses of a set of 70 Anabaena strains (including 67 strains isolated from diverse rice agro ecologies of India, and three International Reference/Type strains), was carried out using morphological and molecular datasets. The pattern of growth in liquid and solid medium and microscopic observations revealed tremendous diversity in the Anabaena germplasm analysed. The species wise distribution in different soil types and soil pH revealed that Anabaena iyengarii was present at pH ranging from 5.5-8.5 and all the species of Anabaena except A. oscillarioides were present in alluvium soils. Molecular profiling using primers based on HipTG, STRR(mod) and STRR1A sequences generated specific fingerprints for individual isolates. STRR1A was observed to be the most informative and useful for differentiating the isolates. Analyses of a combined dataset, including both morphological and molecular data, proved highly effective in discerning the genetic relationships among the 70 Anabaena strains. The present study provided useful information for the development of a comprehensive database based on the distribution of Anabaena strains in diverse agro ecologies of India and identified useful primers for PCR based differentiation of isolates.

Registration of &lt;i&gt;Ilani&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Oda&lt;/i&gt; Durum Wheat Varieties for Highlands of Bale

Two durum wheat (Triticum durum desf.) varieties: Ilani (DZ 2234) and Oda (DZ 2227) developed by Sinana Agricultural Research Centers were released for production in highlands of Bale similar agro ecologies. These varieties were selected and evaluated at Sinana on-station and three onfarms in highlands of Bale for three consecutive years and they were proved to have stable, high yield and superior industrial qualities. They were also proved to have resistance to stem, yellow and leaf rusts. Multilocation testing in the regional variety trial confirmed their productivity with above-average yield performance in all environments and demonstrated their yield stability compared to the commercial durum wheat cultivars Foka, Cocorit-71 and Ingiliz. East African Journal of Sciences Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 88-89

Influence of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on yield and yield components of crops under different cropping systems in south west Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted in two villages (Oniyo and Moloko Ashipa) representing two agro ecologies in the south west area of Nigeria during 2000 and 2001 cropping seasons. The objective was to determine the effects of NPK fertilizer and poultry manure on the yield and yield components in cassava/maize/melon systems. The factors were (1) cropping systems: cassava/maize/melon, sole cassava, sole maize and sole melon; and (2) fertilizers: no fertilizer, NPK 15-15-15 (400 kg/ha), poultry manure (5 t/ha), 2.5 t/ha poultry manure + 200 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 and mineral fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15). Intercropping had no significant effect on cassava root yield but it reduced maize and melon seed yield compared to sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values were however higher under intercropping than sole cropping. Crop yields were statistically the same under NPK alone and NPK + poultry manure but significantly higher than both poultry manure alone and control in both locations

DISTRIBUTION AND SOCIO-ECONOMICS OF TWO LEGUMINOUS TREE SPECIES IN

This study was carried out to obtain information on the distribution and socio-economics of Parkia. Biglobosa and Tamarindus indica , as well as other constraints to their production in the Sudan and Guinea savanna agro ecologies of Nigeria, using structural questionnaires that were administered to farmers and herb sellers/herbalist who are not less than 40 years of age. The data generated showed that P. biglobosa and T. indica were commonly found in and around the house-hold compound (40%), while plantation of these tree species were rarely in existence within the agro ecologies (10%). It was gathered from the findings that these tree species play great role in socio-economic (100%) and trado-medical life (50%) of the rural people. Many of the respondents (40-90%) reported insect pests and disease as major constraints to their cultivations, while some admitted that low seed germination greatly hindered the cultivation of these trees within the agro ecologies. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 122-126