Maximum Net Benefit Research Articles

Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat Production in Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Productivity of wheat was low due to depleted soil fertility and the blanket use of fertilizers. Fertilizer is the most vital input, contributing significantly to final wheat yields although wheat yields have long been low due to a lack of soil test-based site-specific fertilizer recommendations. This study aimed to determine an economically appropriate rate of NPS fertilizer based on calibrated Phosphorus for bread wheat production in the Degem district. The experiments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were based on already determined Phosphorous critical and requirement factors and consisted of 100% Pc from TSP fertilizer, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Pc from NPS fertilizer and control (without fertilizer). The phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) (5.85), phosphorus critical (Pc) (22 ppm), and optimum nitrogen optimum nitrogen (92 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) were used from previous studies. Improved bread wheat variety senete was used at 150 kg/ ha seeds rate. The results of a statistical analysis of variance demonstrated that NPS fertilizer rates based on calibrated phosphorus had significant effects on bread wheat production. Partial budget analysis shows the maximum net benefit (101,570.65 Birr ha<sup>-1</sup>) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (932’52 %) through the application of 75% of Pc from NPS with optimum nitrogen fertilizer use. Consequently, 75% Pc from NPS should be used in the Degem district for bread wheat production, with the optimum nitrogen. Thus, further scaled-up and demonstration of the technologies for bread wheat production in the Degem district.

Effect of Integrated Application of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District of East Showa Zone, Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center during 2022 cropping season to evaluate the responses of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizers on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The experiment consists of eight treatments: T1= Control (without fertilizer), T2=50% RNP+4t/ha VC, T3= 50% RNP+ 8t/ha VC, T4=100% RNP, T5= 4t/ha VC, T6= 8t/ha VC, T7= 100% RNP+ 4t/ha VC, T8=100% RNP+8t/ha VC. The result revealed that grain yield affected by combined application of these two fertilizes. There are gradual changes in some major soil parameters have statistically affected by combined application of vermin compost and inorganic fertilizer. Accordingly maximum grain yield (4596.3kg/ha) was recorded from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC where as the lowest grain yield (2109.3kg/ka) was from control plot. Lastly partial budget analysis was also calculated to determine best treatment combination for future farther use. Accordingly maximum net benefit (155,870.50ETB) was obtained from T2 where 50% recommended NP+4t/ha VC was combined. Therefore this treatment was used as best treatment combination for this area, for this crop, it needed for large scale soil fertility management and increasing land productivity.

Ecofriendly Management of Two Spotted Spider Mites on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (Mill) in Eastern Ethiopia

This study was initiated with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of tobacco leaf extract and potentiality of intercropping on TSSM in Eastern Ethiopia. The tomato, tomato + cabbage, tomato + common bean, tomato + onion, tomato + tobacco leaf extract and tomato + karate 5% EC were the treatments used for the trial. The overall result indicated that intercropping and tobacco leaf extract significantly reduced the population of these mite pests compared to sole tomato. The minimum population with infestation was recorded on karate (14.65, 0.79) followed by tomato – tobacco leaf extract (16.50, 0.92) and tomato onion (36.53, 1.74) from intercropping while control was the most in recording maximum population with maximum infestation (94.10, 2.88 respectively). The most population reduction with infestation was observed on tobacco leaf extract compared to untreated plot followed by tomato-onion intercropping. The highest yield (50.73tha-1) was recorded on the tomato-onion intercrops followed by karate 5%EC (43.96tha-1) and tobacco extract (43.65tha-1) while the lowest yield was recorded on head cabbage intercrops (30.10tha-1). The maximum net benefit was obtained from tomato-onion intercrops (688653.45 ETB) whereas the lowest net benefit was recorded on common bean (354176.60 ETB) intercrops. Therefore, tomato onion intercrops and tobacco leaf extract could be considered as the first options in boosting tomato production as an alternative to karate 5%EC and expected as common integrated management of TSSM on tomato.

Response of Maize (<i>Zea may</i> <I>L.</I>) Cultivars to Urea Time Application on Phenology, Growth and Grain Yield at Bako, East Wollaga, Ethiopia

The results of this research provide a basis for additional exploration and advancement, which will culminate in suggestions for the timing of split urea treatment and cultivars for sustainable maize production within the study region. During the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, a field experiment was conducted at the Bako Agricultural Research Center to determine the response of hybrid maize cultivars to urea split application on phenology, growth, and grain production. In the experiment, six levels of urea split application were applied to two types of corn. T1 = 1/2 dose of urea at planting + 1/2 dose of urea at Knee height; T2 = 1/2 dose of urea at planting + 1/2 dose of urea at tasseling; T3 = 1/ 3 dose of urea at planting + 1/3 dose of urea at knee height + 1/3 dose of urea at tasseling; T4 = 2/3 dose of urea at knee height + 1/3 dose of urea at tasseling; T5 = 1/2 dose of urea at knee height + 1/2 dose of urea at tasseling; and T6 = 1/4 dose of urea at planting + 1/2 dose of urea at knee height + 1/4 dose of urea at tasseling. The experiment's randomized complete block design made use of three replications. The primary effects of the urea split time of application were found to have a substantial impact on plant height, 90% physiological maturity, grain production, total leaf area per plant, and leave area index. Three urea split applications 1/4 dosage at planting, 1/2 dose at knee height, and 1/4 dose at tasseling provided the maximum net benefit of EB 246,536.7 ha-1 and the best marginal rate return of 2822.26% for maize output. In conclusion, urea split application 1/4 doses at planting stage 1/2 dose at knee-height and 1/4 dose at tasseling stage is the best time of application in good rainy seasons and hence recommended for the end users. However, in the case of erratic and heavy rainy seasons, application at three times should be used to get maximum profit and acceptable MRR.

Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet

The field experiment was conducted on Pearl millet during kharif season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatment consisted of three levels of nitrogen (60,80 and 100 kg/ha) and zinc (Soil application 25 kg/ha, Foliar application 0.5% and Soil application 25 kg/ha + Foliar application 0.5%) along with recommended doses of phosphorus and potash and a control (20-40-20 N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatment and replicated thrice. Application of Nitrogen 100 kg/ha + 0.5% Zinc (treatment 8) recorded significantly highest grain yield (1.77 t/ha) and stover yield (5.15 t/ha) of pearl millet crop. Maximum net returns (60,336.17 t/ha), gross returns (96,361.67 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.67) are observed in same treatment of pearl millet.

Productivity of soybean (Glycine max) varieties under different levels of integrated nutrient management

The present experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the performance of various soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties under different levels of integrated nutrient management. A three-time repeated factorial randomized block design (F-RBD) was used for the experiment having 3 varieties (Factor 1), viz. PS-1225; YEZIN-15; and PS-24 and 5 nutrient management treatments (Factor 2), viz. 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); 75% RDF+3 t/ha farmyard manure (FYM); 75% RDF+1.5 t/ha vermicompost; 75% RDF+3 t/ha FYM+25 kg/ha ZnSO4; and 75% RDF+1.5 t/ha vermicompost+25 kg/ha ZnSO4. Findings explored that 75% RDF+1.5 t/ha vermicompost+25 kg/ha ZnSO4 supply in PS-24 variety ensured highest seed yield (2601 kg/ha), stover yield (5241 kg/ha) and harvest index (33.17%) owing from high nutrient uptakes. Further, production economics stated that PS-24 cultivated with 75% RDF+1.5 t/ ha vermicompost+25 kg/ha ZnSO4 supply registered maximum net return (₹42994/ha) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.32) indicating its suitability in eastern Indian condition.

Cross-provincial collaborative transaction that considers both the green electricity and the green certificate markets under a renewable portfolio standard policy

In the current implementation of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), various quota entities are facing challenges, including high costs and limited flexibility within a non-collaborative, single green certificate market mechanism. To address these issues, we developed a cross-provincial collaborative transaction model that considers both the green electricity and the green certificate markets. It consists of five sub-models: a green electricity production net revenue maximization sub-model, a green electricity consumption net benefit maximization sub-model, a green electricity and green certificate market categorization sub-model, a cooperative game sub-model for green electricity and green certificate buyers and sellers, and a cooperative benefits allocation sub-model. The roles of each province (i.e., green electricity and certificate buyers and sellers), along with the optimal green electricity generation, green certificate trading volume, and cost of achieving RPS objectives for each province, can be determined by utilizing the first four sub-models. Ultimately, the cooperative benefit allocation sub-model promotes cooperation among the provinces. To validate the model's effectiveness, we chose five representative provincial-level regions of China for empirical analysis. We found that the cooperative mode decreased the cost by 238.554 × 108 CNY (15.9%) compared with each province independently achieving RPS targets in a non-cooperative mode. Moreover, cooperation increased green electricity generation by 447.94 × 108 kWh (13.3%). The cooperative mode will therefore encourage provincial governments to formulate cooperative strategies for achieving RPS objectives, ultimately reducing implementation costs and increasing flexibility and effectiveness.

Development and Validation of an In-Hospital Mortality Prediction Model for Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often face unknown risks during acute exacerbation of the disease (AECOPD), which could potentially result in mortality. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of in-hospital mortality in AECOPD patients. Clinical data of patients hospitalized at The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City for AECOPD between January 2013 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. Variables underwent selection through LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression to develop a nomogram model. The model's predictive performance was assessed using the concordance index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA), with internal validation conducted using the bootstrap method. A total of 1224 patients were included in this study, with 98 (8%) deaths occurring during hospitalization. LASSO regression identified 11 variables, used to construct model A. Further multivariable logistic regression was conducted to select variables with P < 0.05 to establish model B. model B was selected as the final model based on discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, encompassing variables including acute respiratory failure, lung cancer, heart rate, hemoglobin, absolute neutrophil count, serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, and serum chloride. The nomogram model achieved a concordance index of 0.858. Internal validation of the model was conducted using the bootstrap method with 500 repetitions, resulting in a concordance index of 0.851 (95% CI: 0.805, 0.893). The calibration curve demonstrated a good fit, with a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test P-value of 0.520. Moreover, DCA findings suggested patient benefit within a threshold probability range of 0.02 to 0.73, with a maximum net benefit of 0.07. The model constructed in this study has good predictive performance, which helps clinical doctors identify patients at high risk of death early.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in organic carbon (0.452%), nearly neutral in soil pH (7.1), high nitrogen (178.48 kg/ha), medium phosphorous (23.6 kg/ha), medium potassium (231.4 kg/ha). The experiment laid out in a randomized block design consists of three replications along with three cowpea varieties (viz., Kashi Nidhi, Kashi Unnati, Kashi Kanchan) and three solid organic manures (i.e. Poultry manure 2 t/ha, Goat manure 10.5 t/ha, Pig manure 15 t/ha) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that maximum plant height (52.73 cm), dry weight (15.03 g/plant), crop growth rate (12.57 g/m2/day), number of pods/plant (11.80), number of seeds/plant (11.50), test weight (81.00g), seed yield (2.40 t/ha), stover yield (4.10 t/ha). Maximum net returns (INR 79,515.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.30) which was significantly superior over other treatment T3 (Kashi Kanchan + Poultry manure 2 t/ha). It can be concluded that Kashi Kanchan variety with application of poultry manure 2 t/ha brought about significant improvement in the production and also proven economically viable in cowpea crop.

Effect of NPS Rates and Row Spacing on Production of Faba Bean (Viciafaba L.) at High-land of North Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Plant density and poor soil fertility are among the major factors that limit faba bean production in the study areas. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum NPS (nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur with the ratio of 19% N, 38% P2O5, and 7% S) rate and appropriate inter-row spacing for faba bean production in the highlands of the north Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Factorial combination of four rates of NPS (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (30, 40, 50, 60cm) were laid out in a Randomized Compete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result of the study indicated that the soil required amending with organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Both the main and the interaction effects of NPS and inter-row spacing significantly influenced the faba bean phenological and growth parameters. However, NPS had more profound effects in enhancing the growth response of the crop than inter-row spacing. Increasing the rate of NPS from nil to 100 kg ha-1 resulted in a 30% increase in grain yield, with no further increases noted beyond this level. However, the result revealed that increased inter-row spacing from 30cm to 60cm decreased grain yield. Decreasing inter-row spacing implies high plant density, which consequently correlates with high yield. The total yield per unit area depends not only on the performance of individual plants but also on the density of plants per unit area, as confirmed in this study. The maximum net benefit of 91,639.5 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return 486.3% was obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate and 30 cm inter-row spacing. Thus, this rate and inter-row spacing are suggested for faba bean production in the north shewa zone.

A nomogram clinical prediction model for predicting urinary infection stones: development and validation in a retrospective study.

This study aimed to develop a nomogram prediction model to predict the exact probability of urinary infection stones before surgery in order to better deal with the clinical problems caused by infection stones and take effective treatment measures. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 390 patients who were diagnosed with urinary calculi by imaging examination and underwent postoperative stone analysis between August 2018 and August 2023. The patients were randomly divided into training group (n = 312) and validation group (n = 78) using the "caret" R package. The clinical data of the patients were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen out the independent influencing factors and construct a nomogram prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves were used to evaluate the discrimination, accuracy, and clinical application efficacy of the prediction model. Gender, recurrence stones, blood uric acid value, urine pH, and urine bacterial culture (P < 0.05) were independent predictors of infection stones, and a nomogram prediction model ( https://zhaoyshenjh.shinyapps.io/DynNomInfectionStone/ ) was constructed using these five parameters. The area under the ROC curve of the training group was 0.901, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.865-0.936), and the area under the ROC curve of the validation group was 0.960, 95% CI (0.921-0.998). The results of the calibration curve for the training group showed a mean absolute error of 0.015 and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test P > 0.05. DCA and clinical impact curves showed that when the threshold probability value of the model was between 0.01 and 0.85, it had the maximum net clinical benefit. The nomogram developed in this study has good clinical predictive value and clinical application efficiency can help with risk assessment and decision-making for infection stones in diagnosing and treating urolithiasis.

Response of tef yield and yield components to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.

The challenge facing Ethiopian farmers are the combination of low soil fertility and reduced agricultural productivity. The study aimed to quantify nitrogen and phosphorus-containing fertilizers for tef production in Sekota and Lasta-Lalibela districts, using four nitrogen and three phosphorus levels from urea and triple super phosphate sources. The Results showed that nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly affected tef yield and yield components. Application of nitrogen at the rate of 92 kg ha-1 increased tef grain yield by 131.01%, 87.78% and 182.23% in Woleh, Sayda and Lasta Lalibela districts, respectively, compared to control treatment. Similarly, 23 kg ha-1 phosphorus increased tef grain yield by 7.42 and 8.52% in Woleh and Lasta Lalibela, respectively. In Lalibela and Woleh, the application of 92 kg N ha-1 resulted in a maximum net benefits of 2099.6 and 2007 United States Dollar (USD) respectively. Furthermore, in Sayda, the application of 92 kg N ha-1 and 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 yielded a net benefit of 1812.55 USD. The marginal rate of return (MRR) from these applications was 539.6% in Lalibela, 781% in Woleh and 352.44% in Sayda. Therefore, application of 92 N and 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 is appropriate for maximum tef production in Sekota and Lasta districts of Amhara region. Further research and extension services should focus on promoting the adoption of these optimized fertilizer practices among smallholder farmers to maximize the sustainable production of tef.

Effect of organic nutrient management on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) in hill zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2021 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal, to study the response of 2 aromatic rice cultivars (‘Kalture’ and ‘Kalonunia’) under 4 organic nutrient management (cowdung manure @ 5 t/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha, mustardcake @ 0.5 t/ha, and leaf mould @ 1 t/ha). ‘Kalonunia’ exhibited greater tiller production (435/m2 ), leaf-area index (3.08) and dry-matter accumulation (452 g/m2 ) at 63 days after planting (DAT), and ‘Kalture’ showed taller plants (137.1 cm) and lodging susceptibility (score 4.0) at maturity. ‘Kalonunia’ performed significantly better in terms of grain yield (3.32 t/ha), non-lodging habit, protein content (7.25%) and net income (`57,043/ha) than ‘Kalture’ cultivar. Although the application of vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha resulted in the maximum grain yield (3.22 t/ha) and nutrient uptake (44.6 kg N, 16.4 kg P and 39.0 kg K/ha), mustard-cake @ 0.5 t/ha could be an alternative option owing to near-maximum grain yield (3.11 t/ha) with high protein content (7.1%), medium aroma (score 1.7), maximum net income (`51,040/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.01) in hill zone of West Bengal.

Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to Different Bio-Regulators under Varying Fertility Levels

A field experiment on “Response of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to different bio-regulators under varying fertility levels” was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during rabi 2017-18. With regard to the effect of different bio-regulators on mustard, all growth attributes studied during the course of investigation such as dry matter accumulation per plant, number of primary branches and secondary branches per plant showed significant improvement due to application of cycocel (CCC) @ 1500 ppm (B3). Whereas significantly the lowest plant height was exhibited under treatment B3. Similarly, treatments B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) and B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm) remained comparable and exhibited significantly higher values of yield components and quality parameters viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, protein content and oil yield. Application of cycocel @ 1500 ppm (B3) also significantly increased N and S content in seed and stover and also resulted in significant improvement in uptake of N, P, S and Zn in seed, stover and total uptake followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). However, harvest index, phosphorus and zinc content in seed and stover as well as available nutrients status in the soil (N, P2O5, S and Zn) did not influenced due to application of different bio-regulators. Treatment B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) realized the highest net return (₹ 64,090/ha) followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). The results of the present investigation indicated that all the growth attributes in terms of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant; yield attributes viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, seed, stover yield and quality parameters viz., oil content, oil yield and protein content showed significant improvement due to application of balanced fertilization treatment N4 (N50P50S40Zn1.7), though it was at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) registered significantly higher N, P2O5, S and Zn content (%) in seed and stover and seed, stover and total uptake by mustard followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Similarly, application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) noted significantly higher available N (180.38 kg/ha), P2O5(39.68 kg/ha), S (8.49 mg/kg) and Zn (0.46 mg/kg), being at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40) except available Zn status in soil. From economic point of view, the maximum net return (₹ 64,897/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.13) were received with application of 50 kg N + 50 kg P2O5+ 40 kg S + 1.7 kg Zn/ha (N4) followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40).

Effect of Chemical and Hand weeding Control Methods on Growth Yield Components and Yield of Field Pea in Bale Highlands, Southeastern Ethiopia

Afield experiment was conducted during bona season of 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 at two location Agarfa sub-site and Sinana on station to evaluate the integrated effects of pre-emergence herbicides and hand-weeding on weed control, yield components, yield, and their economic feasibility for cost effective weed control in field pea. The treatments consisted of three dual gold rates (1, 2 and 3 liter per hectares) and three times (0, 1and 2 times hand weeding). The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement of RBCD with three replications. Results indicated that Dual-gold 2 liter per hectare supplemented with hand weeding at 25-30 days after crop emergence resulted in the highest grain yield and economic benefit. However, in case labor is constraint and Pre-emergence herbicide is timely available, pre emergence application of Dual-gold 2 liter per hectare should be the alternative to prevent the yield loss and to ensure maximum net benefit for the producers. Thus, the result of this study, it can be tentatively concluded that herbicides application is an integral part of farmer’s pulse crop management in modern agricultural systems.

Pre-extension Demonstration of Soil Test Based NPS Fertilizer Recommendation under Lime Application for Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Horo Distric at Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Wheat is a major crop produced in Ethiopian high lands and in particularly in study area, which is a staple food crop. Soil nutrient depletion restrains agricultural crop production and economic growth. A major challenge on recommendations on the amount and type of fertilizers to applied in the country level and in the study area. Soil test based phosphorous calibration study was conducted on bread wheat for three consecutive years for determination of the values of critical level phosphorus (10 ppm) and phosphorus requirement factor (11.03 kg/ha) in Horo District. This District was selected purposively based on potential Bread wheat production. Due to Ethiopia begun to use NPS fertilizer recently, Optimum NPS fertilizer rate for bread wheat production was determined in Horo District. In order to gain confidence in the diffusion of technology to end users, a pre-extension demonstration of the NPS fertilizer recommended rate for bread wheat based on soil tests was completed in the Horo district. The goal of this demonstration was to allow farmers to participate and test the technology during the 2020–21 cropping season. There were two treatments presented: a blanket recommendation and 100% phosphorous critical NPS at optimum nitrogen (46 kg/ha). The research findings were that the soil test crop-based NPS fertilizer rate application from 100% phosphorous critical NPS at optimum nitrogen (46 kg/ha) was recommended for the production of bread wheat in the Horo district. The analysis of variance indicated that, the highest grain yield (4110 kg/ha) was obtained from the application of Soil Test based NPS fertilizer recommendation (STBFR) whereas the lowest grain yield 3322.67 kg/ha from the blanket fertilizer recommendation. The economic analysis also revealed that the maximum net benefit 87089.40 Ethiopia Birr was obtained from STBFR. Soil test based NPS fertilizer recommendation was economically feasible and the highest Marginal rate of return and net income were obtained from soil test based fertilizer recommendation. Therefore, 100% Pc from NPS and Nitrogen 46 kg/ ha fertilizer rate recommended for bread wheat production and productive in the study area. Further scaling up/out the technology to reach more produced in the same soil type and agro ecology in particularly Eastern Wollega Zone and Horo district.

Efficacy of Insecticides against Fall Army Worm &lt;i&gt;Spodoptera frugiperda&lt;/i&gt; (J E Smith) on Sorghum

Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is an important pest of sorghum, which is causing heavy losses in Ethiopia. This study was conducted at the Metema experimental site Gondar, Ethiopia during main cropping seasons of 2020 and 2021 to determining appropriate rate of selected insecticides against S. frugiperda larvae using randomized complete block design with three replications. Melkam variety used at a seed rate of 15 kg ha-1 and plot size of 22.5 m2 was used. Plots sprayed with Proven and Agrolambacin in company recommendation rate reduced the incidence of larvae and gave higher grain yield. Cost benefit analysis showed that maximum net benefit (ETB 63,410.3 ha-1) was obtained with followed by Agrolambacin 55535 ETB ha-1.

Response of Summer Forage Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Spacing and Seed Rate

A field experiment on “Response of summer forage cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to spacing and seed rate” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The result revealed that significantly the highest plant height was recorded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Higher numbers of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were observed under the line sowing at 45 cm. Cowpea sown at narrow row line sowing at 30 cm produced significantly the highest green forage and dry forage yield. The maximum net realization and benefit cost ratio were recoded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Seed rate of 50 kg/ha recorded significantly higher plant population and plant height. Higher number of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were recorded with seed rate of 30 kg/ha. Higher green forage and dry forage yield were recorded under seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum net realization was accured with the seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum benefit cost ratio was accured with the seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

Predictive efficacy of combined tumor markers and gastrin for recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection in early gastric cancer patients.

This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of tumor markers combined with gastrin for tumor recurrence after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with early gastric cancer. The clinicopathological data of 169 patients with early gastric cancer treated with ESD between March 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a relapse group (n=45) and a non-recurrence group (n=124). Clinical data such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), gastrin 17, pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II, as well as tumor size and degree of infiltration were examined to construct a recurrence prediction model using lasso regression. The comprehensive model showed superior predictive power (AUC=0.958, C-index=0.966) over biomarker-only models (AUC=0.925), indicating a significant improvement in the prediction of recurrence risk. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the model with a maximum net benefit of 73.37%. Key indicators such as CEA, CA19-9, AFP, gastrin 17 and pepsinogens I and II were statistically significant in predicting recurrence with P values < 0.01. The comprehensive model combining tumor markers with clinical data provides a more accurate and clinically valuable tool for predicting recurrence in early gastric cancer patients after ESD. This approach facilitates personalized risk assessment and may significantly improve prognostic management, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted strategy in the management of early gastric cancer.

Optimizing seeding rates for irrigated bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in the lowland area of Jawi, northwestern Ethiopia

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main food security crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The Ethiopian government is putting a great effort into increasing the production of bread wheat under various production systems to narrow the gap between demand and supply. There is no agronomic recommendation for wheat production produced under irrigation conditions. Thus, this study was initiated to identify the optimum seeding rates of different wheat varieties for the highest-yield and profitability in the lowland area of northwestern Ethiopia under irrigation conditions in 2020/2021. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments are five levels of seeding rates (100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 kg ha-1) and three bread wheat varieties (Fentale-2, Kakaba and Ogelcho). Wheat yield and yield component data were statistically subjected to analysis of variance using SAS-JMP-16 software. Results revealed that the performance of wheat varieties in the lowland area of Jawi was promising irrespective of their yield differences. The study showed the highest number of total and effective tillers per unit area; and biomass and grain yield were recorded when varieties Fentale-2, Kakaba and Ogelcho were planted at a seed rate of 200 kg ha-1, 175 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1, respectively.The same varieties gave a grain yield of 3.99 t ha-1, 3.47 t ha-1 and 3.44 t ha-1, respectively. On the other side, maximum net benefit and marginal rate of return were obtained when the variety Fentale-2 was planted at a seeding rate of 200 kg ha-1 (NB = 65,778.8 ETB ha-1 and MRR = 224 %) followed by the same variety at the seed rate 175 kg ha-1 (NB = 63,402.4 ETB ha-1 and MRR = 297 %). Thus, it can be concluded that planting variety Fentale-2 with 200 kg ha-1 seed rate under irrigation condition is the promising agronomic practice in lowland agro-ecology of Jawi area. However, further research is also recommended by considering the appropriate planting time and the irrigation water requirement.