Bako Agricultural Research Center Research Articles

Optimization of mango peel pectin extraction (Mangifera indica L.): For the production of jam and jelly

Pectin extracted from mango (Mangifera indicia L.) peel is commonly utilized as a gel-forming agent in food and pharmaceutical applications. In Ethiopia, there is a substantial amount of mango fruit production and the peel removed from mango fruits are discarded as waste. However, there was limited scientific data on the development of pectin from mango peel and its utilization in jam and jelly making. Therefore, the study aimed to develop pectin from mango peel and utilization optimized pectin in jam & Jelly developments. For expermental work, the mango kent variety was collected from the Bako Agricultural Research Center. Seventeen experimental runs were generated after the minimum and maximum temperatures (60–100 °C), time (60–120 min) and pH (2–3) were adjusted by Design Expert® software version 13.0.5.0 using the Response Surface Methodology. All physicochemical and sensory properties were determined using standard procedures and analytical graded chemicals. The results showed that the highest (64.63 %) extraction yield of mango peel pectin was recorded at 100 °C, 60 min and pH.2. Optimum process variables for pectin yield (65.20 %) extracted from dried mango peel were recorded at temperature 94.64 °C, time 118.67 min, and pH 2.01,The optimized mango pectin yield has 497.5 equivalent weight, 6.15 methoxy, 70.3 anhydrouronic acid, and 49.69° of esterification content. Mango jam and jelly were developed using optimized pectin yield of 3.64 and 3.42, 4.30 and 4.46 for pH and titrable acidity, respectively. The results of the sensory panelists showed that mango jam and jelly developed with pectin significantly (p < 0.05) liked the aroma and general acceptability compared to the control sample. The findings highlighted that the pectin optimized from dried mango peel has a good potential to develop jams and jellies with better physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability.

EVALUATION OF GENOTYPES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS OF LABLAB (PURPUREUS L.) AND IT'S DRY MATTER YIELDS STABILITY IN THE MIDLAND OF GUJI ZONE, SOUTHERN OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

Animal feed is one of the main challenges livestock producers face due to inadequate nutrition, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to identify the Lablab genotype's performance in different midlands areas of Guji zones. A 3mx2m plot was used to seed twelve Lablab purpureus genotypes obtained from the International Livestock Research Institute Gene Bank and a tick-registered variety from the Bako Agricultural Research Centre. During the main cropping rainy season in 2021-2022, three locations, Dufa, Gobicha, and Kiltu sorsa, Adola subsite, and on farms in two (2) consecutive years, respectively, were studied using randomized complete block designs (RCBD) with three replications. Information was gathered regarding the establishment, duration of various physiological stages, dry matter yield of fodder, chemical compositions, and additional relevant factors. AMMI and the SAS statistical analysis programmer, version (2002), were used to analyse variance in the gathered data. The list significant difference test was used to compare the means. The AMMI analysis of variance for forage dry matter yield showed substantial (P&lt;0.01) variations in genotype and environment but not in the effects of the G x E interaction. The representative testing site and the testing conditions (Adola Woyu and Kiltu sorsa) were quite good at differentiating genotypes. The combined analysis of the data revealed non-significant (P&gt;0.05) differences for plant height and thousand seed weight but significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches, leaf to steam ratio, number of pods, and number of seeds across the tested environments. The results showed that, out of all the examined locations, G-11620 (15.43 t/ha) and G-14486 (11.12 t/ha) had the highest forage dry matter production. It was observed that the leaf-to-steam ratio was higher in both G-11486 and G-11620. All chemical compositions across the tested genotypes were found to be significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among parameters, except DOMD and IVDMD, which did not show significant (p &gt;0.05) variations among genotypes. The recorded CP content ranged from 21.15% for G-14486 to 23.50% for G-11620, with the lowest value coming from typical cheek Gabis at 10.8%. The highest and the lowest NDFs were recorded from G-11620 (11.2%) and Gabis (22.23%), respectively. Generally, the mean performance, yield and stability of the G-11620 and G-14486 were high and stable across the tested locations. Therefore, genotypes (G-14486 and G-11620) were promoted to variety verification for further evaluation and possible release.

Analysis of the genotype through interactions with the environment and dry matter yield stability of Lablab purpureus L. in midland of Guji zone.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess Lablab genotyping performance in different Guji midland areas. A 3mx2m plot was used to seed twelve accessions of Lablab purpureus , which were obtained from the International Livestock Research Institute Gene Bank, and a tick registered variety from Bako Agricultural Research Centre. During the main rainy season in 2021-2022, three locations-Dufa, Gobicha, and Kiltu sorsa, Adola subsite, and on farms in two (2) consecutive years, respectively were studied using randomized complete block designs (RCBD) with three replications. Information was gathered regarding the establishment, duration of various physiological stages, dry matter yield of fodder, chemical compositions, and additional relevant factors. AMMI and the SAS statistical analysis programmer, version (2002), were used to perform an analysis of variance on the gathered data. The list significant difference test was used to compare the means. The results of the AMMI analysis of variance for forage dry matter yield showed that there were substantial (P &lt; 0.01) variations in genotype and environment, but not in the effects of the G x E interaction. Both the representative testing site and the testing conditions (Adola Woyu and Kiltu Sorsa) were quite good at differentiating genotypes. The combined analysis data revealed non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences for plant height and thousand seed weight, but significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches, leaf to steam ratio, number of pods, and number of seeds across the tested environments. The results showed that, out of all the examined locations, G-11620 (15.43 t/ha) and G-14486 (11.12 t/ha) had the highest forage dry matter production. It was observed that the leaf to steam ratio was higher in both G-11486 and G-11620. All chemical compositions across tested genotypes were found to be significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) in the study of composite chemical compositions, with the exception of DOMD and IVDMD, which did not reveal significant (p &gt;0.05) variations among genotypes. The recorded CP content ranged from 21.15% for G-14486 to 23.50% for G-11620, with the lowest value coming from typical cheek Gabis 10.8%. The highest and the lowest NDF were recorded from G-11620 (11.2%) and Gabis (22.23%) respectively. Generally the mean performance, yield and stability of the G-11620 and G-14486 were high and stable across the tested locations. Therefore, genotypes (G-14486 and G-11620) were promoted to VVT for further evaluation and possible for release.

Urea Split Application to Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth Stages of Medium Maturities, Influenced on Grain Yield and Parameter for Yield at Bako, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Appropriate timing of application can improve crop nutrient consumption efficiency. Maize production is still significantly below than its potential output, even though it is comparatively better than other main cereal crops. One of the main abiotic variables affecting crop growth is the timing of urea split application. Due to these gaps, an experiment was carried out at the Bako Agricultural Research Center during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in order to ascertain the best time to apply urea split in order to maximize the yield and yield attributes of the maize varieties BH-546 and BH-547 in a study area and in countries with comparable agroecologies. Six levels of urea split application time (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6) were arranged in factorial combinations with two levels of maize varieties. In addition, a randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the previously advised urea split application. The harvest index of maize, grain yield, number of kernels per ear, ear dimension, and number of ears per plant all significantly differed depending on when nitrogen split administration occurred. Mean dry biomass, cob diameter, cob length, cob weight, and thousands seed weight of maize were all highly impacted by the interaction varietals and split time of nitrogen treatment. Compared to the previously recommended (1/2 dose at planting and 1/2 dose at knee height stage of maize), the time of N split application resulted in a significantly higher grain yield (9003.88 kg·ha−1): 1/4 dose at planting + 1/2 dose of N at knee height + 1/4 dose at tasseling of maize. However, three urea application regimes 1/4 dosage at planting time, 1/2 dose at knee height, and 1/4 dose of split application should be utilized in the event of irregular and intensely rainy seasons in order to maximize grain output and yield attributable.

Reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crossbred dairy cows in Ethiopia's subhumid tropical environments.

Estrus detection, timing of insemination, feeding, and health care practices are all factors that can significantly affect cattle breeding efficiency and lifetime production. In Ethiopia's subhumid environment, the age at first calving, number of days open, duration from calving to first heat, and number of services per conception are economic traits that affect reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crossbred dairy cows. Data collected at Ethiopia's Bako Agricultural Research Center between 1980-2019 was used to study the reproductive performance of Horro and Horro-crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey dairy cows. We identified overall mean ± standard error values of factors that affect reproductive performance, including age at first service (AFS) (29.2 ± 0.2 months), age at first calving (AFC) (39.8 ± 0.2 months), number of services per conception (NSC) (1.76 ± 0.4 months), calving interval (CI) (13.2 ± 0.3 months), days open (DO) (94.3 ± 4.3 days), conception rate (CR) (75.0 ± 1.3%), and replacement rate (RR) (28.4 ± 0.3%). The odds ratios of the 60-day and 90-day nonreturn rates (NRR) were 0.22 and 0.96, respectively. Sire and dam breed and birth period had significant (P < 0.001) effects on AFS and AFC, while season and dam parity had significant effects on CI and DO. Inconsistencies regarding feeding, heat detection, inseminator skills, insemination timing, animal health, and other husbandry practices may extend periods of AFS, AFC, CI, and DO. To optimize reproductive performance in Horro cows and Horro crossbreeds in Ethiopia's subhumid environments, improving management practices should be a priority.

Influence of Blended Npsb Fertilizer Rates on Growth of Sweet Potato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ipomoea batatas&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) Lam) Varieties in Bako District, West Shewa Zone

Sweet potato (<i>Ipomoea batatas</i> (L) Lam) is one of the most important root crops. It is used as food and economically important crop in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity is very low due to several factors: lack of information on the type and appropriate rate of fertilizers supplying major plant nutrients, which have been recognized to be deficient in Ethiopian soil and shortage of planting materials supplying system, Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center in 2019/2020, to investigate the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates and sweet potato varieties on growth, components of sweet potato. Five different rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha^-1) of blended NPSB fertilizer and two sweet potato varieties (Dimtu and Tola) were combined in a 5 X 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth components were collected and subjected to analyses of variance using SAS, version 9.3. The results of this experiment indicated that varieties and NPSB fertilizer rates highly significantly (p<0.01), and their interaction significantly (p<0.05) affected most of the growth parameters including: shoot fresh weight; shoot dry weight, vine length, days to bud sprout and days to physiological maturity. Tola at 100 kg ha^-1, 150 kg ha^-1 and 200kg ha^-1 NPSB fertilizer rates resulted in significantly (p<0.01) highest days to physiological maturity (136.69, 139.9 and 143.1) and the highest shoot fresh weight (653.3g, 668.3g and 690g), respectively. Dimtu at 0 kg ha^-1 fertilizer rates resulted in significantly (p<0.01) highest days to bud sprouting (14.0). In conclusion, the above findings indicated that the growth and productivity of sweet potato at the study area can be improved by the combined use of appropriate variety and application of optimum rate of blended NPSB fertilizer. However, as the results are limited to one season and location, further research needs to be conducted over more seasons and locations by considering also using the more than 200 kg ha^-1 of blended NPSB fertilizer rates and additional varieties to generate more reliable information.

Effects of Lablab purpurues and concentrate mixed supplements on reproductive performance and pre-weaning growth of Horro sheep grazing natural pasture in Ethiopia

The goal of this study was to compare the productivity and reproduction of Horro ewes treated with concentrate supplements (T1), and Gebis-17 (T2) and Beresa-55 (T3) Lablab purpurues varieties. Horro ewes (n = 21, 7 ewes per treatment) with a mean premating weight of 26.3 + 2.1 kg (Mean + SD) were employed in the study. Ewes with uniform parity were selected from the Bako Agricultural Research Center sheep breeding flock. They were then blocked based on the premating weight into seven groups of three ewes each, and within each group randomly allocated to one of the three dietary treatments assigning seven ewes per treatment. Over an 8-month period, the ewes were supplemented with respective feed regimens, which encompassed 5 months of gestation and 3 months of lamb growth up to weaning. The results showed that supplementation enhanced lamb birth weight (3.01 vs. 3.42 vs. 3.42 kg) and ewe weight gain during pregnancy (76.94 vs. 42.11 vs. 58.05 g/day) for T1, T2, and T3, respectively as well as all reproductive features studied, except for abortion instances that occurred in ewes fed a diet in T2 and T3. The causes of abortion in T2 and T3 cannot be ascertained because the experimental ewes were grazing during the day. Even though the T1 diet improved ewe performance in a similar way to T3 and T2, the use of such supplements is usually limited due to their high cost and inaccessibility to smallholder farmers. This emphasizes the importance of seizing the chance to replace conventional protein supplements with low-cost, on-farm cultivated forage legumes like the one studied in this study. As a result, enhancing Horro ewes' performance with either T2 (Gebisa-17) or T3 (Beresa-55) diets throughout their mating season is a promising strategy for maximizing their genetic potential. Future research should focus on the effect of supplements on lambs' post-weaning growth rate and survival.

Plant Tissue Nutrient Concentration and Major Soil Nutrients Influenced by NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Plant Population of Maize (Zea Mays L.) at Bako, Oromia National Regional State

Plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur are the nutrients frequently limit the yields of maize over the world. Nutrient recommendation should be based on the optimum yield and environmental save that can be through plant tissue analysis and soil test. This experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center west region of Ethiopia Gobu Sayo using split plot desighn with three levels of plant population 53.333,66,666 and 76,923 plants per hectare on main plot and five level 0,100,150,200,250 kg/ha of NPSB fertilizer rates on sub-plots. Soil sample was taken from the plots pre-harvesting for composite sample and post-harvest from each plot and analyzed at Bako soil laboratory and Ethiopia water work design Addis Ababa for soil fertility management. Nutrient in plant tissue was analyzed at Holota Agricultural Research Center soil laboratory. Collected data was analyzed using Genstat computer statistical soft-ware package. The result of pre planting soil analysis showed soil of the study area was categorized as clay soil with medium and stable organic matter and low organic carbon and low total nitrogen that shows low soil fertility. The ANOVA result showed addition of fertilizer reduced soil pH from 5.7 to 5.47 and bellow. 150 kg/ha of NPSB which gave economically feasible yield 9460kg/ha moderately acidified the soil. This soil analysis result showed that the level at which fertilizer boost yield of maize. Only percent of phosphorus was changed due to plant population density. Plant tissue concentration at silking was significantly influenced by fertilizer rates. Potassium is at sufficiency range for all level of supplied fertilizer. Sufficient range nitrogen at silkin was recorded from the plot received 100-150 kg/ha which gave economically feasible yield. It is better to use fertilizer rate of 150kg/ha which shows sufficiency range for nutrient concentration of soil and plant tissue in leaf at silking stage. This finding is not the end for the area and further research should be carried out for feature. Keywords: plant tissue, soil, Zea mays L., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, potassium DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-13-04 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Performance Evaluation of Lablab Genotypes across Various Locations of Ethiopia

This study was conducted evaluate the performance of Lablab genotypes across various locations of Ethiopia. Twelve accessions of L. purpureus obtained from ILRI Genebank and a check registered variety from Bako Agricultural Research Center were sown under a 3 × 13 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the rainy season in 2020, across three locations, namely Tepi, Bechi, and Kite sites of South West Ethiopia. The data were collected on the establishment, days to different physiological stages, forage yields, soil properties, and other related parameters. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model of SAS and mean comparison via list significance difference test. A significant difference ( p ≤ 0.01 ) was observed across locations for most of the studied agronomic traits. The highest average dry matter (DM) forage yield recorded for T6 (accession 11613), T8 (acc. 10953), T5 (acc. 14417), and T4 (accession 11612) was 10.3, 8.7, 6.8, and 7.4 t/ha-1, respectively. Dry matter forage yield was positively associated and regressed with plant height and leaf-to-stem ratio. Lablab accessions are well adapted to the ecology tested. Lablab could also be produced in these locations without any remarkable disease problems. It is recommended that five top forage producing accessions be advanced for the next step of yield evaluation in standard multilocation. This leads to recommending best lablab accessions to be registered for the Tepi area and other similar agroecologies. Furthermore, recommended varieties should be evaluated through animal performance through feeding trials. Refining the main agronomic practice such as time of sowing, application of fertilizer, harvesting time, identifying best food crop-lablab integration methods, and feeding strategies is also vital to address in the future.

Verification of Fungicide and Its Application Frequency for Management of Frog Eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora capcisi) on Hot Pepper Under Rain Fed Condition at Bako

Cercospora leaf spot is caused by Cercospora capcisi is an important disease which reduces the productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum spp.). Field experiment was conducted to evaluate different fungicides and its application frequencies against Cercospora leaf spot in order to select an important fungicides and its application frequency at Bako Agricultural Research Center. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replication. Two different fungicides (Mancozeb 80WP and Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP) and four application frequencies (two, three, four and five) times with untreated control were used. Data on disease severity, area under disease progress curve, marketable yield and unmarketable yield of hot pepper were recorded. The result revealed that, both fungicides sprayed control Cercospora leaf spot which is significantly different from untreated check in disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and marketable yield. However, application frequencies of fungicides were not significantly different on disease severity, AUDPC and marketable yield of the plant. Application of Trust Cymocop 439.5WP reduces 26.67% relative yield loss of hot pepper over control check. An economic analysis was done for fungicides and shows feasibility of fungicide application for management of Cercospora leaf spot. Fungicide which has the highest Marginal Rate of Return was used for recommendation. Two times application of Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP was recommended to reduce disease severity and yield loss of the plant. Keywords: Cercospora leaf spot, frequency, hot pepper, and trust-Cymocop 439.5WP DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-20-01 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Constraints Identification and on Station Evaluation of Hormonal Assisted Artificial Insemination on Reproductive Performance of Horro Cattle in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Guto gida, Diga and Sibu sire districts of East Wollega, Bako tibe and Ilu galan district of West Shaw zones and on station in Bako agricultural research center with the objectives to assess constraints associated with hormonal assisting artificial insemination and to evaluate the response of Horro cattle (Bos indicus) cows after estrous synchronization. In this study, structured questioner was used and a total of 204 respondents (180 small holder dairy farmers, 8 animal health workers, 8 animal production professionals and 8 AI technicians were interviewed. Retrospective data from specified districts were also included to identify constraints associated with hormonal assisting artificial insemination in the study areas. The study indicated that most of the respondents (93.33%) were got information/ took training on the issue of mass estrous synchronization and AI services before the commencement of the program. However, most of the respondents (57.78%) had moderate knowledge on heat detection and only few (27.22%) of them can keep the record of their synchronized cows/heifers. The main restraints for the low success rate of on farm hormone assisted artificial insemination (estrus synchronization) were identified as failure of conception (42.22%), using poorly managed cows/heifers (15%), difficulty in heat detection by the farmers (13.89%), skill gap and unavailability of artificial insemination technicians (AITs) (12.78%) and poor hormonal responses (11.11%) and the assessment made on farm in comparison with observational test made on station indicated that there were minimum or very few problems with estrus synchronization since majority of cows hormonally treated were conceived as that of normally cycling animals. Therefore, to enhance the genetic potential of indigenous dairy cows through cross breeding scheme, revising of the existing hormone assisted estrus synchronization, artificial insemination delivery system, improving the ability of farmers and experts on the handling of frozen semen and management of dairy cows/heifers before and after hormonal synchronization should be due in place. Moreover, awareness creation should be done to change the attitude of farmers on hormone assisted estrus synchronization.

Effects of Seeding Rate and Sowing Date on Herbage Dry Matter and Seed Yield Performance of Brachiaria Grass Grown under Subhumid Climatic Conditions of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center (BARC) for three years (2013, 2014 and 2015) to compare the effect of sowing dates and seeding rates on productivity of Brachiaria decumbens. The treatments consisted of four sowing dates (1 week, 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks) after onset of main rain and four levels of seeding rates (6, 8, 10 and 12) kg ha -1 . Accordingly, sowing dates started on May 28, 2013 and thereafter at 14-days intervals: June 11, 2013; June 25, 2013 and July 09, 2013. An experimental design of a randomized complete block in factorial arrangement with three replications was used. The analysis of variance indicated that seeding rate by planting time interaction effect was highly significant (p&lt;0.01) for herbage DM yield and seed yield. However, none significant differences were observed for plant height, plot cover and vigorousity. The highest herbage dry matter yield and seed yield (18.67 ton ha -1 ) and (6.37 Qt ha -1 ), respectively were obtained from seeding rate of 6 kg ha -1 that planted at three weeks after the commencement of main rainy season. Year have also significant (p&lt;0.01) effect on both herbage dry matter and seed yields. Maximum herbage dry matter yield (22 ton ha -1 ) and seed yield (9.76 qt ha -1 ) were obtained during the first year (2013) in the second sowing time (June 11, 2013) at 6 kg ha -1 seeding rate. Therefore, it can be recommended that the lower seed rate (6kg ha -1 ) sown at 3 weeks after commencement of the main rain was produced better herbage DM (18.7 ton ha -1 ) and seed yields (6.37 qt ha -1 ) and was favorable for Bako area and similar agro ecologies. Keywords : Dry matter, herbage yield, sowing time, seed rate DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/70-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Adaptability Evaluation of Cowpea (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vigna unguiculata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Lablab (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lablab purpureus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Forage Crops at Farmers Conditions in Dire Dawa and Harari, Eastern Ethiopia

The experiment were conducted at Fedis Agricultural Research Center by supported to AGP-II program in 2017 and 2018 consecutive years on-farm in Harari regional state (Qile PA) and Dire Dawa (Adada PA) with three cowpea [V. unguiculata (Local. check), (9334) and (9333)] and three lablab (Gebis-17, Beresa-55 and Local check) selected varieties that introduced from Bako Agricultural Research Center and obtained from farmers as local checks which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications based on the objective of selected and recommended high quantity yielding and adaptable varieties to the area and the same agro-ecologies. The analyzed result showed in Table 1 aboveground dry biomass and grain yields of cowpea were a significant different (p < 0.05) over locations among varieties. The highest aboveground dry biomass of cowpea-9334 (4.67 t ha^-1) followed by cowpea-9333 (4.00 t ha^-1) at Harari (kile PA) and the minimum was obtained from Local check (2.52 t ha^-1) at Dire Dawa (Adada PA) and statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among varieties of lablab dry matter yield at Harari (Qile PA) and at Dire Dawa (Adada PA) over locations. The highest dry matter of 15.44 t ha^-1, 9.74 t ha^-1 which was obtained from variety lablab Beresa-55 at Harari and Dire Dawa respectively. It was concluded that the cowpea-9334 and lablab Beresa-55 were found promising to be demonstrated under in the study areas and same agro-climatic conditions with the study area.

Prediction of Body Weight from Linear Body Measurements for Horro Sheep Breeds in Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was carried out in Bako Agricultural Research Center’s sheep farm and Horro district to determine the relationship between live weight and linear measurements and predict live weight from morphometric traits and morphometric measurements from 1589 Horro sheep (1131 female and 456 male) were used to determine relationships between body weight and linear body measurements. Accordingly, Body weight, Body length, Height at wither, Chest girth, Chest width, Rump length and Pelvic width measurements were recorded for each animal. Correlation and regression analysis between body weight and the linear body measurements were conducted independently for male and female within the different age categories defined using dentition. In most of the analyses, there was a significantly (p<0.001) higher correlation between body weight and the linear body measurements. Chest girth has showed the most higher and consistent correlation with body weight in both sex and the different age categories. Based on the correlation results chest girth was primarily used to fit the equation for prediction of body weight in stepwise regression. Thus, the general equations developed from the regression analyses were based only on sex rather than for different age categories. As a result the equations BW= -24.24 + 0.68CG for male Horro sheep, and BW= -29.03 + 0.75CG for female Horro sheep can accurately predict body weight of the breed at any age.

Comparative Evaluation of Urea and Effective Microbes Treated Finger Millet Straw on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Composition of Lactating Crossbred Dairy Cows at BARC

The experiment was conducted at Bako agricultural research center to evaluate the effect of EM2 and urea treated finger millet straw supplemented with concentrate mix on feed intake, milk yield and composition of crossbred dairy cows. Four cows of same milk yield, body weight, stage of lactation, but differing parities were arranged in 4x4 Latin square design. The animals were provided with natural grass hay (T1), untreated finger millet straw (T2), EM2 treated finger millet straw (T3) and urea treated finger millet straw (T4) diet ad libitum and all treatments were supplemented with concentrate mix. Results of chemical analysis of the treated finger millet straw showed that the treated straw had good nutritive value. The daily dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intakes were significantly (P<0.001) different among the treatments with the highest intake observed for cows fed EM2 and urea treated finger millet straw (T3 and T4). Milk yields varied significantly among the dietary treatments with the lower mean milk yield recorded for cows in T1 and T2 as compared to those in T3 and T4. This study indicated that EM2 and urea treated finger millet straw diet increased the net return. Feeding EM2 and urea treated finger millet straw with concentrate mix was found to be an effective approach to maximize the utilization of locally available feed resources for relatively high animal productivity during the dry season for small scale dairy keepers in rural areas. Therefore, the result demonstrated that EM2 and urea treated finger millet straw had better feeding value as compared to untreated finger millet straw and natural grass hay for lactating crossbred dairy cows.

SCREENING OF MAIZE INBRED LINES UNDER ARTIFICIAL EPIPHYTOTIC CONDITION FOR THEIR REACTION TO TURCICUM LEAF BLIGHT AND COMMON LEAF RUST.

Common leaf rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw) and Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilum trurcicum) is the major foliar fungal diseases of maize in Ethiopia causing yield losses in the range of 12% to 61% rely up on the genotypes. Screening was done on 178 (106 quality protein maize and 72 normal maize lines )maize inbred lines against Common leaf rust (CLR) and Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) diseases in order to know the reaction of those maize lines for two consecutive years. The experiment was conducted at Ambo plant protection research center (TLB and CLR) and Bako agricultural research center (TLB only), on station experimental fields. Out of 178 maize inbred line, 105 (53 quality protein maize and 52 normal maize lines) were evaluated for CLR; and 73 (53 quality protein maize and 20 normal maize lines) were evaluated for TLB. A randomized complete block design was used. Artificial inoculation was made twice a week for three continuous weeks, when plants were 30-45cm high (4-5 leaf stages). Among 73(53 quality protein maize and 20 normal maize lines) maize lines, resistant and susceptible responses were recorded on 42 (33 quality protein maize and 9 normal maize lines) and 3 (1 quality protein maize and 2 normal maize lines) lines for TLB disease, respectively. Out of 105 (53 quality protein maize and 52 normal maize lines) maize lines, resistant and susceptible responses were recorded on 33 (11 quality protein maize and 22 normal maize lines) and 4 (quality protein maize only) lines for CLR disease, in that order. Those selected resistance maize lines from this screening will be used in breeding program and finding of resistant maize lines for both diseases should be continued using modern screening tools as well as techniques in addition to this conventional method. &#x0D;

Genetic variability among Ethiopian sorghum landrace accessions for major agro-morphological traits and anthracnose resistance

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is one of the major food crops serving millions of people in the semi-arid regions of the world but its production is curtailed by anthracnose, among other challenges. Breeding high yielding and anthracnose resistant sorghum cultivars is an overriding goal for water-limited environments that experience high humid conditions, including Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess genetic variation among Ethiopian sorghum landrace accessions based on agro-morphological traits and anthracnose resistance, aiming to select promising genotypes for breeding. Three hundred and sixty six sorghum landrace accessions and three check cultivars were evaluated at the Bako Agricultural Research Center in western Ethiopia for 2 years. Data on 11 agro-morphological traits and anthracnose reaction were collected. The analysis of variance indicated that the genotype main effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for all the assessed traits. Hierarchical clustering using the phenotypic trait data grouped the accessions into five major clusters. The five clusters contained genotypes sourced from different geographical origins, and two accessions that did not belong to any particular cluster. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits, reflecting the confounding effect of environment and genotype interactions in the observed variation. Panicle length, anthracnose reaction and fresh biomass yield had relatively higher heritability and high expected genetic advance, suggesting that these traits could be improved by direct selection. Path coefficient analysis indicated that harvest index and fresh biomass had the strongest direct effects on grain yield. Accessions 71559, 71571, 71425, 71644, 243645, 71524, 70161, 204622, 71653 and 71551 were the best performers in grain yield, yield components and anthracnose resistance. These accessions are selected for yield and anthracnose improvement in sorghum breeding programs.

Agronomic Biofortification of Maize with Zinc Fertilizers Increases Zinc Uptake from Maize Flour by Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Abstract Objectives Zinc deficiency is prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries. Maize is an important staple food source in many of these regions, however, it contains low levels of nutritionally important minerals including zinc. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that application of zinc-containing fertilisers would increase both the zinc content of, and amount of zinc available for absorption from, maize flour. Methods Maize was grown in pots in zinc-deficient soils (&amp;lt;1.22 mg/L) at the Bako Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia. Zinc (ZnSO4) was applied via several routes: directly to the soil; in the side dressing; as a foliar application; or through seed priming. Zinc content of maize flour samples was measured by ICP-OES. Flour samples were then subjected to simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and zinc uptake by human intestinal Caco-2 cells was measured using ICP-MS. Results Addition of zinc to the soil alone did not increase zinc uptake by Caco-2 cells compared with untreated control maize. In contrast, addition of ZnSO4, to the side dressing (3.6-fold increase), through foliar application (2.9-fold increase), or through seed priming (4.2-fold increase) significantly increased zinc uptake compared with untreated controls and the soil zinc treatment groups (1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Zinc uptake by Caco-2 cells was correlated significantly with the zinc content of the flour (r2 = 0.24; P &amp;lt; 0.02). Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate that several fertilisation methods can be used to increase zinc content of maize flour. This additional zinc is, at least partly, available for absorption by human intestinal epithelial cells. Agronomic biofortification is therefore a promising strategy to combat zinc deficiency in vulnerable populations. Funding Sources This work was funded in part by a grant from the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Verification of Fungicide and Its Application Frequency for Management of Frog eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora capcisi) on Hot Pepper Under Rain Fed Condition at Bako

Cercospora leaf spot is caused by Cercospora capcisi is an important disease which reduces the productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum spp.). Field experiment was conducted to evaluate different fungicides and its application frequencies against Cercospora leaf spot in order to select an important fungicides and its application frequency at Bako Agricultural Research Center. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replication. Two different fungicides (Mancozeb 80WP and Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP) and four application frequencies (two, three, four and five) times with untreated control were used. Data on disease severity, area under disease progress curve, marketable yield and unmarketable yield of hot pepper were recorded. The result revealed that, both fungicides sprayed control Cercospora leaf spot which is significantly different from untreated check in disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and marketable yield. However, application frequencies of fungicides were not significantly different on disease severity, AUDPC and marketable yield of the plant. Application of Trust Cymocop 439.5WP reduces 26.67% relative yield loss of hot pepper over control check. An economic analysis was done for fungicides and shows feasibility of fungicide application for management of Cercospora leaf spot. Fungicide which has the highest Marginal Rate of Return was used for recommendation. Two times application of Trust-Cymocop 439.5WP was recommended to reduce disease severity and yield loss of the plant. Keywords: Cercospora leaf spot, frequency, hot pepper, and trust-Cymocop 439.5WP DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-20-01 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

English

Knowledge of the sources and magnitude of variability among genotypes plays a pivotal role in any crop improvement program to maximize gains from selection. This experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Research Center in 2011 cropping season with the objective of studying and estimating the extent of genetic variability in common bean genotypes under sole and mixed cropping systems. Meanwhile, the wider range of variability observed from the mean of various quantitative traits. The genotypes that varied by cropping system depicted the presence of high level of variability. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values were recorded for hundred grain weight (29.56 and 35.46 g), biological yield (27.22 and 31.37) and grain yield (26.60 and 31.54 q/ha), whereas the lowest GCV and PCV values were recorded for days to maturity of sole common bean genotypes. Phenotypic variance in both sole and mixed cropping systems was higher than that of genotypic variances. This implies that, considerable contribution of environmental factors to the phenotypic expression of the genotypes. High broad sense heritability as observed under both sole and intercropping systems indicated that, genetic improvement can be obtained through further selection programme. Important agronomic traits: pods per plant, seeds per pod and branches per plant had positive and significant correlation with grain yield in most cases. Path coefficient analysis at genotypic level indicated that all traits except plant height, seeds per pod and hundred grain weights exerted their positive direct effect on grain yield. Hence, the current study identified the presence of wide variability between those common bean genotypes which can be used for further breeding program and selection can be made using those traits associated to yield. Key words: Genotypic variance, heritability, intercropping, phenotypic variance, quantitative traits, sole cropping.