Northwestern Tigray Research Articles

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Under-five mortality during the war in Tigray: A community-based study

BackgroundChild mortality is one of the key indicators of the Sustainable development goals. The Ethiopian healthcare system in general and Tigray’s healthcare system in particular has shown a remarkable progress in terms of reducing maternal, neonatal, and under-five mortality in the last couple of decades. However, the war erupted in November 2020 caused the healthcare system to collapse and little is known about the status of child mortality in Tigray. Thus, this study aimed to examine the magnitude and causes of under-five child mortality in the embattled Tigray region was conducted from October 2020 – May 2022.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based survey was employed. The study included all zones except the western zone and some areas of eastern and north western Tigray bordering Eritrea. These areas were skipped for security reasons. Based on multistage cluster sampling, 121 tabiyas in districts were selected. Census was conducted to survey 189,087 households in the 121 Tabiyas. A locally developed household screening tool and the latest world health organization verbal autopsy instrument were used. The Verbal Autopsy data was processed using the Inter-VA–5.1 (probabilistic modeling) to assign the cause of death. Under-five mortality rate (U5MR) was calculated per 1000 live births with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsIn the present study, out of 29,761 live births, 1761 under-five children died giving an under-five mortality rate of 59(95% CI, 57–62) per 1000 live births. Deaths in the neonatal period and post-neonatal period accounted for 60% and 19.9% of the deaths respectively. Overall, the top 3 causes of under-five child mortality in the present study were: Perinatal asphyxia (n = 277,18%,) prematurity (n = 235,16%) and diarrheal diseases (n = 162, 12.5%). In those who died after first month of life, diarrheal diseases, lower respiratory tract infection, sever acute malnutrition and HIV were the main causes of death. Concerning the place of death, 61.6% of the children died at home.ConclusionThe present study revealed the doubling of under-five mortality in Tigray from where the figure stood in the pre-war period. The leading causes of death in under-five mortality are potentially preventable in situation where the healthcare system is functioning. Restoring the healthcare system and its apparatus, improving access to skilled institutional delivery, smooth perinatal transition, improving nutrition status of children, access to full course of vaccines could ameliorate the staggering under-five mortality rate in the war in Tigray.

Assessment of Soil Salinity and Irrigation Water Quality at Tahtay-Adyabo District, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

A study was conducted in Tahtay Adyabo northern Ethiopia to assess the salinity and irrigation water quality at farmer-level irrigation sites in the year of 2012. irrigation sites was identified and sampling units was assigned. 38 soil samples were collected from 19 plots (Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, Egum dima, and scattered wells in Mentebteb district ) at depths of 0-30cm and 30-50cm, along with, 21 water samples from 14 wells and 7 rivers. These samples were then analyzed at the Shire Soil Laboratory for salinity and fertility parameters. The results showed that the salinity status of surface soil at 0-30cm depth for dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish was 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline. For Endaserawat, 50% was slightly saline, 25% moderately saline, and 25% strongly saline. Egum Dima showed 67% slightly saline and 33% moderately saline. In subsurface soil at 30-50cm depth, dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish were 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline, while Endaserawat was 25% slightly saline and 75% moderately saline, and Egum Dima was 67% slightly saline, 16.5% moderately saline, and 16.5% strongly saline. Water analysis for the wells showed that out of 14 samples, 21% were non-saline, 21% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. For the rivers, out of 7 samples, 43% were slightly to moderately saline and 57% were severely saline. Overall, out of 21 water samples from wells and rivers, 14% were non-saline, 29% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. In general, the salinity status in Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, and Egum Dima varies from non-saline to strongly saline, but the severity is more pronounced in Endaserawat and Egum Dima. This salinity is attributed to the parent material and the water table. Crop selection, integration of organic matter, applying extra irrigation water and regular salinity monitoring is recommended, to optimize the productivity of the soils in the irrigation site.

Determining the Best Rate of Blended NPKSZnB Fertilizer for Optimum Onion Yield and Yield Components in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Aim: The nutrient content of current fertilizer recommendations is unbalanced and is based on a very general and blanket recommendation for all soil and crop types, and their economic benefit is low. Therefore, this study was initiated to validate the recommendations regarding blended fertilizers applied to the soil and to identify the best fertilizer dose that ensures optimal yield and maximum economic return. Study Hypotheses: significance effect of blended NPKSZnB fertilizer on onion yield and yield components. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications and seven treatments. Place and Duration of the study: The field experiment was conducted in the off-season of 2018 and 2019 in Tahtay Koraro (two farmers), and Laelay adyabo (two farmers) districts of in northern Ethiopia. Methodology: Seven treatments with NPKSZnB fertilizer rates (25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg·ha-1) were tested under irrigation conditions. Thus, for each plot nitrogen from Urea was applied at a rate of 150 kg ha-1. Surface soil samples were collected before planting onion harvesting at a depth of 0-20 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Results: The application of different doses of NPKSZnB under irrigation conditions had a statistically significant (P < 0.05) impact on onion phenology, yield and yield components. The highest average onion yield (10,329 and 19,196 kg ha-1) was obtained after applying compound fertilizer doses of 200 and 250 kg ha-1 in Teahtay Koraro and Laelay Adyabo districts, respectively. However, the use of NPKSZnB fertilizer at a dose of 100 and 50 kg ha-1 for onion cultivation under irrigated conditions in T/koraro and L/adyabo districts was found to be economically viable. Thus, growers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for onion production and productivity. Conclusion: Therefore, farmers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for optimum onion production.

Comparative advantage of improved feed trough and the traditional feeding material for efficient utilization of crop residue at small-scale farmers in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to reduce the high feed wastage by practicing the improved feed trough in the study area. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Koraro district Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Improved feed trough was constructed on a total of 20 interested farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected andanalyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the improved feed troughs reduced feed waste significantly in the study area. That is 4.13% and 25% feed loss respectively in improved and traditional feed troughs. The result from the farmers perception also shows that, the farmers were preferred the technology in its less feed wastage, reduces feed contamination, gives an opportunity for persons to do other task than keeping animals, comfortable for the animals, reduces feed competition among the animals; and protects the feed from rain and sun. But farmers are less preferred the technology in its cost for its construction. Therefore, based on the result it is recommended that the technology has to be popularized and promoted to the large number of the farmers of the area for the efficient crop residue utilization.

Impact of urban and peri-urban growth on arable land (1976–2029) in a medium sized city of Shire Indaselassie, North Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Urban and peri-urban areas have been growing rapidly globally due to population increase and other factors. However, poor urban land use planning caused remarkable impacts on the loss of potentially arable land. This study aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns of urban and peri-urban expansion and its impact on arable land in the Shire Indaselassie city, North Western Tigray. Multi-temporal and spectral Landsat images were used as an input and processed using TerrSet, ERDAS imagine 2015, and ArcGIS 10.8.1 softwares. The Cellular Automata-Markov Chain model was used to predict the future urban and peri-urban areas. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to examine the association among the population, urban, peri-urban growth, and its impact on arable land in Stata/SE v14. The findings revealed that urban and peri-urban lands increased by 7.5 km2 (22.1%) and 1.0 km2 (2.9%), while arable land decreased by − 0.1 km2 (− 0.2%) from 1976 to 2019. It is also predicted to increase by 1.0 km2 (2.80%) and 0.9 km2 (2.70%) until 2029, while arable land is anticipated to shrink by − 1.0 km2 (− 3.0%). The relationship among population growth, urban, and peri-urban land shows positive (r = 0.942, p = 0.058; r = 0.985, p = 0.016). However, arable land has been negatively correlated with population growth, urban, and peri-urban lands (r = − 0.610, p = 0.392). The result of this research is indispensable for urban planners and decision makers to optimize urban and peri-urban expansion related information without jeopardizing the size of arable lands.

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining Activities on the Waters and Sediments Around Meli, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

The paper presents the environmental impact of artisanal gold mining activities on the waters and sediments around Meli, northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. Stream sediment, water, and tailing samples were collected in the dry season in January of 2019 and analyzed for heavy metals Cu, Zn, Pb, and As. The physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, major cations, and anions) of a few water samples were also measured. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the level of the metals in stream sediments. The results show that tailing has the highest concentration of metals followed by the stream sediments. The least concentrations are recorded in water for all metals. Pb has the highest mean concentration of all heavy metals in stream sediments, waters, and tailing samples. The mean Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF) suggest that the sediment represents uncontaminated to moderately contaminated classes. Concentrations of Cu and Zn in the water samples are generally within the maximum allowable concentration of the WHO, whereas concentrations of Pb and As are above the limit. Metal Index for surface and groundwater suggests that the area is polluted with heavy metals Pb and As. The main sources of the metals are assumed to be the sulfide ores facilitated by natural weathering processes and artisanal mining activities like excavations, crushing, grinding, and amalgamation processes. The Gibbs and Durov plots show that major hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry are water-rock interactions with considerable mixing of water types.
 

Potential ecotourism site suitability evaluation for sustainable natural resource management in Kafta Sheraro National Park (KSNP), north-western Tigray, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Kafta Sheraro National Park is endowed with richest biodiversity and physical resources. These resources have a great potential contribution to the development of ecotourism. However, so far there have been no well-identified and mapped potential ecotourism sites. This study is aimed to identify potential ecotourism sites using a combination of Geographic Information System and Analysis Hierarchy Process method. In this paper, an integrated geospatial baseline data, such as biophysical features, wildlife, topography, climate, culture, and accessibility, were considered as main independent factors. Eleven criteria were designed based on 22 discussions with experts, as well as literatures, intensive field surveys, satellite imageries, and exiting thematic maps. The overall analysis result indicates that 27.63% of the area was highly suitable, 35.49% moderately suitable, 26.22% marginally suitable, and 10.66% not suitable. Most of the highly suitable areas lie in the western, north western, and some parts of the south eastern of the park. But, the moderately suitable areas are found in the central and southern parts of the park. Model area under the curve in the training data is 86.15%. Therefore, the output of this study can use as a basis for evaluating the suitability ecotourism development by governmental policy makers.

Early breastfeeding and complementary feeding in Ethiopia: cross-sectional data from implementation of nutrition programming on regional inequalities

Improving nutrition for young children remains an urgent priority globally. Ethiopia has made great strides over the last two decades in improving health and nutrition for children. The task of scaling improved nutrition services now turns to addressing progress on the regional level. This research sought to highlight regional disparities identified in scaling nutrition services for child nutrition in Ethiopia, by identifying variations in early breastfeeding and child feeding practices and associated socio-demographic characteristics by geographic area in four regions of the country. The cross-sectional study data derived from an evaluation of nutrition services and programming and included 1299 participants, of whom 50% reported practicing recommended early breastfeeding practices. This varied from less than 8% in one zone of Afar region to 84% in a zone of Tigray, with differences also noted by socio-demographic characteristics. Among the total sample, 70% of respondents met the recommendation for minimum number of feedings per day, and 16% met the recommendation for dietary diversity. Less than 8% of families in the service population in Northwestern Tigray zone met the dietary diversity recommendation compared to 36% in South Wollo, Amhara region. Utilizing regional and zonal data will allow for government and other agencies involved in improving nutrition and health outcomes to appropriately provide services and programs for families and children over the life course.

Factors Affecting Women Access to Agricultural Extension Services: Evidence from Poultry Producer Women’s in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Rural poultry production is an appropriate system for supplying the fast-growing human population with quality food and provides additional income to resource-poor farmers, especially women to impr...

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the iron–duricrust deposit in Adi-Daero area, northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia: implication for the origin and controlling factors

ABSTRACT Mineralogical and geochemical variations of elements from the Adi-Daero iron–duricrust were studied using petrographic, X–ray diffraction and geochemical analyses. Petrographic studies of the samples confirmed the presence of nodular and colloform textural features. The XRD analysis showed the presence of haematite, goethite, quartz, kaolinite and ilmenite are the mineral constituents. Major–element geochemistry was determined by ICP-AES, and trace and REEs were analysed using ICP-MS. Of the major oxides, Fe2O3 (6.8–72.93 wt-%) and SiO2 (11.07–77.75 wt-%) showed significant variation with generally increasing and decreasing trends from the iron-rich duricrust to the bedrock, respectively. In the profile studied, the alkali and alkaline earth elements (Ca, Mg, Na and K) were highly depleted, suggesting that iron–duricrust near–complete leaching. Elevated values of Sr and Ba in the lower part of the profile are probably due to their abundance in the protolith material (sandstone). A considerable enrichment of V and Cr, and Zr and REEs in the iron-rich duricrust and clay-rich horizon compared to the bedrock confirms their substitution for the Feoxyhydroxides, occurring in heavy mineral phases and adsorbed onto clay minerals, respectively. The La/Y <1 indicates an acidic environment in the upper part of the profile (AD-1 to AD-6; 0.64–0.99) and La/Y >1 a basic environment in the basal part of the profile (AD-7 to AD-12; 1.13–1.58). Similarly, the (La/Yb)N ratio of samples AD-1 to AD-6 (6.81–8.05) is significantly lower than that of AD-7 to AD–12 (10.09–24.54), reflecting an acidic environment. Positive Ce anomalies in the samples of AD-1 to AD-2 (1.17–1.2) are linked to the existence of cerianite due to change in oxidation state of Ce while in AD-8 and AD-9 (0.92–0.93), it is related to adsorption of Ce ions onto clay particles protolith. Therefore, the absolute enrichment of iron in the Adi-Daero iron–duricrust deposit was most likely an in situ process that involved vertical transfer from the iron-poor sandstone source rock.

Enhancing Soybean Production Through On-Farm Demonstration of Improved Soybean Varieties at Tselemti and Tahtay Adyabo Districts of North-Western Zone Tigray, Ethiopia

Soybean is a drought tolerant crop which can grow from low to medium altitudes. In the lowland areas of North-Western Tigray the growing of leguminous crop is very low. To introduce soybean commodity in North-western Tigray, demonstration of improved soybean varieties were conducted in 2018/19. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Adyabo and Tselemti Districts that have a potential for growing the soybean. It was conducted by selecting three Kebelles from the districts. A total of 35 farmers were involved in the intervention. The necessary training was given to the participant farmers and experts. Following this improved seed of Awassa-95 and Gizo varieties at Tahtay Adyabo Districts, and Wegayen and Gizo seed at Tselemti District were offered to participant farmers. Each farmer have been planted a plot size of 0.02 ha for each of the two varieties. The descriptive result shows, Awassa-95 soybean variety has given significantly higher yield at Tahtay Adyabo as compared to Gizo variety. The variety was gave an average yield of 1067 kg/ha and 570 kg/ha respectively Awassa-95 and Gizo varieties. On the other hand an average yield of 1231 kg/ha and 1052 kg/ha, respectively was obtained for Gizo and Wegayen varieties at Tselemti District. This shows that Tselemti District is more better for the cropping of Gizo variety. Moreover, the improved soybean verities (Gizo at Tselemti district and Awassa-95 at Tahtay Adyabo district) were found to be early maturing and best option to moisture stressed areas for the society protein source. Based on the result it is recommended to be popularize Awassa-95 soybean variety at Tahtay Adyabo District and Gizao soybean varieties at Tselemti District to large farmers. Therefore, the research center and the office of agriculture and rural development of the Districts to be popularized the varieties to large number farmers of the areas.

On-farm Evaluation and Demonstration of Koekoek chicken under farmers condition in North western Tigray, Ethiopia

The demonstration trail was conducted at Tselemti district northwestern zone of Tigray. Main objective of the study was to compare production performance of the Koekoek chicken. A total of 60 female headed households were included in the study. Twenty Koekoek chicks forty-five days old were delivered to each participant farmers. Quantitative data such as age at first laying, average weight of male and female chicken, average weight of eggs, average number of egg laying per year of the chicken and qualitative data farmers point of view was collected. The collected data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage. Based on the result, the average weight for male and female Koekoek were recorded 2.65 kg and 1.82 kg, respectively. While the local chickens were gave an average weight of 2.01kg and 1.3 kg both male and female, at twelve months age, respectively. The breeds produce an average egg production of 176.03 and 81.4 hen-1year-1, respectively both the Koekoek and local. The result from farmers response shows, the breeds are promising in most of the attributes such as, age to egg laying and slaughter, egg laying capacity, hatchability and market price of the egg as compared to the local. But farmers raised that the breeds are poor in brooding, resistant to diseases, in escaping from predators and low market preference of the chicken than the local. By giving strong emphasis on the management aspect like housing, vaccination and feeding, the breed is promising to the area.

Socio-environmental conflicts between the refugee populations and their host communities: The case of Eritrean Refugees in North Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract This article presents research on the socio environmental impact of refugees on their host communities. We assessed the challenges of refuge populations to their host community in north western Tigray, Ethiopia, where the Eritrean refugees are settled,. Primary data was produced from semi-structured questionnaires and a random sampling technique deploying a logistic regression model to describe the relationship between the socio-environmental changes of the host community. Results suggested 96% of the sample respondents confirmed changes of tree species and forest coverage on community farms was observed during the study period. Similarly, change in forest coverage and changes in tree species are strongly and positively associated with the existence of refugees in the study communities. The dramatic change observed on forest coverage and tree species has led to a progressive decline in natural resources. The study concluded that unplanned human population influxes, especially refugee inflows, affected host communities negatively and the socio-environmental situation has been significantly changed in the study areas. The study highlights the need for holistic intervention to ameliorate the negative impacts and to maintain the sustainable management of natural resources so as to improve the socio-environmental impact of refugees on host communities.

Conservation Challenges and Causes of Wildlife Habitat Change in Kafta Sheraro National Park, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Aims: Assess the major conservation challenges and causes of wildlife habitat changes in Kafta Sheraro National Park.&#x0D; Study Design: This study was investigated based on a questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, and field observation.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Kafta Sheraro National Park, Northwest Ethiopia (from October 2016 to March 2017).&#x0D; Methodology: The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, descriptive statistics analysis such as Frequency, percentages, Chi-square (χ²) test and P- values were used. Eleven villages were selected based on proximity to the national park. A total of 460 household heads were interviewed.&#x0D; Results: The result of the study indicated 385 (83.7%) of respondents were mixed farming, while 57 (12.6%) livestock rearing and 17 (3.7%) other business activities were engaged. Agricultural expansion 131 (28.5%), livestock grazing 113 (24.6%), deforestation 68 (14.8%), forest fire 57 (12.4%), illegal gold mining 26 (5.7%) and hunting 24 (5.2%) were the major problems of the park. Among the respondents, lack of community awareness 161 (35.0%), followed by lack of patrolling and monitoring 120(26.1%), lack of law enforcement, 95 (20.7%), issue of a boundary 30 (6.5%), and lack of security 13 (2.8%) were the main causes for properly wildlife conservation and management.&#x0D; Conclusions: The human, livestock and wildlife interactions will continue to destroy the park. Unless urgent management action is taken to solve the problems through full participation from the local people. Therefore, stakeholders should work together and displace agricultural activities out of wildlife habitat through commitment and introduce community-based conservation approaches.

Determination of Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals Concentration in Drinking Water at Asgede Tsimbila District, Tigray, Ethiopia

The characteristics of the water decides whether the available water is suitable for consumption of living organisms. Therefore the measurement of heavy metals concentration and physicochemical parameters decides the quality of the water resources which significantly contributes to the social quality of the people living in the particular area. In this regard an attempt is made to measure the quality of the water available in Asigde Tsimbla Woreda in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. There are 25 drinking water samples were collected for the analysis. In order to understand the quality of drinking water in Asigde Tsimbla Woreda, national and international standards was utilized for analyzing the various physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. The heavy metal concentration was found to be Cd (44%), Co (76%), Cr (40%), Fe (76%), Ni (44%), Cu (16%), Pb (64%) and Zn (100%) which were higher than WHO limit for drinking purposes. The results shows that water exhibit the poor in quality, then it needs the physicochemical treatment during drinking purposes.

Evaluation of Different Propagation Methods of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Richard Munro) in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Aims: The study was conducted with the aim to identify the appropriate propagation techniques of the Oxytenanthera abyssinica.&#x0D; Study Design: Four different propagation techniques namely rhizomes, culm cuttings, direct seed sowing and seedlings were used. A randomized complete block design was used for studying different seed and vegetative propagation treatments. Four planting materials were planted in each plot and replicated four times.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in Tselemti district northwestern zone of Tigray national regional state from June 2016-January 2018.&#x0D; Results: The survival rate was higher in the direct seed sowing (56.25%) and seedlings (43.75%) compared to that of the rhizome (12.50%) and culm cutting (0%). The numbers of the culms per clumps were significantly higher in seedlings (15.75), direct seed sowing (22) and rhizome (9) than the culm cutting (0) and also the average height of the culms were higher in rhizomes, seedlings, and direct seed sowings than the culm cutting (P&lt;0.05). Significant lower diameter sizes were recorded in direct sowing and culm cuttings compared to the rhizome and seedlings.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study confirmed that the direct sowing and seedlings propagation techniques of Oxytenanthera abyssinica are more appropriate and recommended to use in the study area.

Effect of Varieties and Fungicide Application Frequencies on Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) Disease Development and Fruit Yield of Tomato in North Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Diseases like late blight are among the major constraints that limit tomato production in most tomato growing regions. Field experiment was conducted in North Western Tigray in 2018 main season with objectives: to investigate the effect of varieties and fungicide application frequencies on late blight disease development and tomato fruit yield. The treatments consisted of four tomato varieties (Melkashola, Melkasalsa, Sirinka-1 and Gelilema) and five application frequencies of the fungicide Matco 72% WP including the control. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Results indicated that integration of varieties and fungicide spray frequencies significantly reduced late blight disease development and maximizes tomato fruit yield. Melkasalsa variety is found better with lowest disease incidence (36.87%), disease severity (26.83%), AUDPC (587.5% days), DPR (0.0604unit per days) and highest marketable (50.05 tha-1) and highest total fruit yield (54.63 t ha-1) when sprayed four times. The highest percent disease incidence (81.50%), disease severity (74.60%), AUDPC (1558.3% days) and Disease Progress Rate (DPR) (0.1074 units per day) were obtained from untreated Gelilema variety. The lowest fruit yield (35.02 tha- 1) was harvested from none sprayed Gelilema variety. Highest MRR of 3058% was obtained on Melkasalsa variety treated thrice. Thus it is recommended to use 3 sprayings of the fungicide Matco 72% WP at 10 days interval where the variety Melkasalsa is to be used in the study area. However, other management practices should be employed to this variety to confirm its resistance ability and to maximize its fruit yield in the presence of the disease in main season.

Petrographic Characterization of Hydrothermal Gold Deposits in Adi Gozomo Area, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Gold mineralization in Adi Gozomo area in northwestern Ethiopia was studied through petrographic analysis from both surface and core rock samples. Mineralization is associated with Neoproterozoic basement rocks comprised of metavolcanic, metasedimentary rocks and intrusives. Four phases of deformation and development of NE-SW foliation and shear zones were some of the common geological structures. The hydrothermal gold deposit s cramped to shear zones, 2nd generation quartz veins, 4th phase of deformation, silisifed and carbonatized alteration zone. Based on decreasing order of abundance the ore assemblage of the area includes pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite and gold. The petrographic data indicates that the deposit is hydrothermal vein related type and an island arc tectonic setting. The mineralization is comparable with other known orogenic sulfide deposit types of the country in particular and Arabian-Nubian Shield in general.

Nationally Released Tef Variety Adaptation Trial in North Western Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2018

Nowadays tef is becoming the most preferred crop both for consumption and market value. However, its production and productivity is still very low due to traditional agronomic practices, nutrient deficiencies, and lack of improved varities and susceptibility of the crop to lodging. So, the current trial was carried out during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in Medebay zana district at onstation with twenty eight nationally released tef varieties including standard and local check were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing tef variety/ies. Alpha lattice experimental design with three replications was used on plot size of 2mx2m [1]. The data recorded were days to 50% heading and 75% physiological maturity plant height, panicle length, grain yield, biomass yield and harvest index. The data was analyzed using Genestat software and means were separated using Duncan mulple range test (DMRT). The combined two years data analysis showed that varieties varied significantly for most studied traits at (P&lt;0.01 and (P&lt;0.05). Based on the obtained result, two improved tef varieties namely; Niguse shown to be high yielder variety followed by the varieties Tesfa and Guduru with the values of 1880.0, 1769.0 and 1692.0 kg ha-1, respectively, greater than 20% yield increment than local variety . The varieties Guduru, Wollenkomi and Magna were found to be having high biomass with the values of 9599.0, 9166.0 and 9139.0 kg ha-1, respectively. So, Niguse was superior in almost all the agronomic traits evaluated while the local variety of Abat tef and was out performed by most of the improved varieties of teff tested. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits, the variety Niguse was found most promising having the potential to increase the average yield of tef in Medebay zana district and is therefore recommended for general cultivation through demonstration and pre extension popularization activity as alternative tef variety for production at the testing and similar sites.