Parts Of Ethiopia Research Articles

Integrated Management of Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) in Tef Field at Western and Southwestern Shewa Zones in Ethiopia

Background: Corn marigold (Glebionis segetum (L.) Frourr.) is a serious weed species of agricultural crops in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of information on its management in tef fields in the country. Therefore, the current work was designed with the objectives of evaluating integrated management of the weed and determining the most economical integrated weed management options in tef fields. Methods: The field experiments were conducted in naturally corn marigold infested fields of Cheliya and Woliso districts of West and Southwest Shewa Zones in Ethiopia, respectively, during 2020 to 2021 cropping seasons. Results: Different corn marigold management practices exhibited different responses to different parameters of the target weed and the test crop differently. Application of Pyroxsulam 45g L-1 at a rate of 0.40 l ha -1 supplemented with once-hand weeding and Halauxifen-methyl 100g kg-1 + Florasulam 100g kg-1 sprayed at a rate of 50 g ha -1 supplemented with once-hand weeding increased grain yield by about 70 and 50%, respectively, over the weedy check. The marginal revenue and benefit-cost ratio obtained from the marketing of goods for the application of Pyroxsulam 45g L-1 with one supplementary hand weeding of corn marigold increased by110 89%, respectively, as compared to the weedy check. Conclusions: The present study revealed the role of integrated management of corn marigold in improving tef production and productivity by combating the weed. Future research should be directed towards scaling up and popularizing these technologies among the growers.

Bacteriological and physicochemical quality of drinking water and associated risk factors in Ethiopia

The problem of drinking water quality is critical public health concern in Ethiopia in which poor sanitation and the use of contaminated water are blamed for 80% of disease cases. This is very important for monitoring water supply to identify and address any potential contaminants as well as investment in infrastructures and treatment technology that can improve water quality. This review aimed to evaluate the quality of drinking water in Ethiopia based on the concentration status of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and its risk factors. Different studies in most parts of Ethiopia indicated that physicochemical quality of drinking water meet the prescribed standard limit, but in some parts of Ethiopia, water did not meet quality standard. Accordingly, an overall coliform count of drinking water in different areas of Ethiopia indicated that drinking water was at risk. Microbiological implications in the country showed that considerable amounts of drinking water were tainted with E. coli and fecal coliforms, which indicated the existence of dangerous pathogens. The quality issues several parts of Ethiopia were significantly influenced by poor handling practices. Consequently, proper handling practices of drinking water both at the source and point of use is essential to have a safe water supply and thereby protect public health. In order to guarantee that people have access to safe and clean water. The review’s findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced water quality monitoring and treatment in Ethiopia.

Determination of the Levels of Selected Heavy Metals in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Flour in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region

Background: Finger millet is a native and indigenous food crop in Ethiopia and has been cultivated in different parts of the country for centuries. However, its heavy metal contents in other parts of Ethiopia were not well studied, especially in the study area. The study was conducted in the Mankussa and Finoteselam district of the western Gojjam zone, Amhara region Ethiopia, to determine the heavy metal (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and Pb) levels of finger millet by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Methods: A wet digestion procedure was developed using a mixture of HCl, HNO3 and H2O2 to decompose a mixed powdered finger millet sample. Result: Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb mean levels were 3.751, 1.699, 0.072, 0.4485 and 0.024 mg/L, respectively, in Mankussa Black finger millet samples. In Mankussa mixed finger millet, the mean metal levels were 3.573 mg/L, 2.7585 mg/L, 0.0585 mg/L, 0.799 mg/L and 0.024 mg/L for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb, respectively and the mean metal levels of Mankussa White Finger millet were found to be 2.326, 2.289, 0.045, 0.5985 and 0.014 mg/L of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb respectively. While the mean metal level of Finoteselam black Finger millet samples was found to be 5.651 mg/L, 2.1955 mg/L, 0.0435 mg/L, 0.744 mg/L and 0.011 mg/L for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb respectively, in the mixed finger millet it was 3.023 mg/L, 2.155 mg/L, 0.0525 mg/L,1.259 mg/L of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. In white finger millet, it was found to be 2.8695 mg/L, 1.412 mg/L, 0.0525 mg/L and 1.0735 mg/L of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. Pb was not detected by the instrument in Finoteselam mixed and white finger millet samples. The metal levels investigated in this study were comparable with international standards.

Ethnic Conflict between Oromo-Gumuz in Western Ethiopia Since 2008

For a long period, conflicts and instability in any part of Ethiopia have become a complex and interconnected problem that is present as part of the debate among Ethiopian communities. The primary security challenges in Ethiopia largely emanate from political exclusion/power struggle, ethnic and religious-based discrimination, violation of human rights, the proliferation of SALW, and poverty/famine as a significant threat to people's security. To strengthen this point, the article aims to study the causes of the Oromo-Gumuz inter-ethnic conflicts since 2008 along the border area. The study employed qualitative descriptive research to meet the stated objective of the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used to gather information. To attain the study objective, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as primary data. Primary data were gathered from different informants in both Oromo and Gumuz. The study’s finding showed that the leading cause of the conflict between the Oromo and the Gumuz was competition over farmland and grazing land, border disputes, and lack of good governance. The presence of arms dealers and cattle raiders hiding in the name of ethnicity split the communities.

Integrated management of Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) in Tef Field at Western and Southwestern Shewa zones in Ethiopia

Background: Corn marigold is a serious weed species of agricultural crops in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of information on its management in tef fields in the country. Therefore, the current work was designed with the objectives of evaluating integrated management of the weed and determining the most economical integrated weed management options in tef fields. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at naturally Corn marigold infested fields of Chaliya and Waliso districts of Western and Southwestern Ethiopia, respectively during 2020 to 2021 cropping seasons. Results: Different Corn marigold management practices exhibited different responses to different parameters of the target weed and the test crop differently. Application of Pallas 45 OD at a rate of 0.40 l ha-1 supplemented with once-hand weeding and QuelexTM 200 WG sprayed at a rate of 50 g ha-1 supplemented with once-hand weeding increased grain yield by about 70 and 50%, respectively, over weedy check. The marginal revenue and benefit-cost ratio inflicted from the marketing of goods for every one of integrated management of Corn marigold increased by about 42–110 and 32–89%, respectively as compared to a weedy check. Conclusions: The present study revealed the role of integrated management of Corn marigold in improving tef production and productivity by combating the weed. Future research should be directed towards scaling up and popularizing these technologies among end users.

Quantification of soil nutrient balance and stock on smallholder farms at Agew Mariam watershed in northern Ethiopia

Soil fertility has been declining in many parts of Ethiopia, moreover limits agricultural production, sustainability and food security. Nutrient balance is used to evaluate the state of soil fertility, rate of nutrient depletion, sustainability of land productivity, as well as to take the appropriate management decisions. This study was conducted to quantify soil nutrient balance and stocks on smallholder farms at Agew Mariam watershed, in northern Ethiopia in the 2020/21 season. The inflows-outflows of NPK into, and out of barley, tef, and wheat farms were determined through, field measurement, laboratory analysis and interviews. The nutrient balance in each crop was quantified by subtracting nutrient outputs from the inputs. The N partial balance of barley, tef and wheat was −66, −9.8, and −50.7 kg ha−1 yr−1fields, respectively. The P balance was also −5.9, 0.9, and −2.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 for barley, tef, and wheat fields, respectively. The K balance was −12.3, −3.2, and −5.4 kg ha−1 yr−1 in barley, tef, and wheat fields, respectively. The analysis revealed that N, P, and K had negative values except for P in tef. The stock of N was 1295, 1510, and 1240 in barley, tef, and wheat kg ha−1fields, respectively. The P stock was 63, 18.7, and 27.5 kg ha−1 in barley, tef, and wheat farms, respectively. Similarly, K stock was 1092.7, 1059.4, and 1090.6 kg ha−1 in barley, tef, and wheat cropping systems, respectively. Reversing the imbalance between inflows and outflows via adding organic and inorganic fertilizer is essential for barley, tef, and wheat cropping systems in the study area.

Changes and variability in rainfall onset, cessation, and length of rainy season in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa

Rainfall onset dates (ROD), rainfall cessation dates (RCD) and length of rainy season (LRS) are crucial for crop production and food security in Eastern Africa yet scantily documented. This paper seeks to investigate the spatial patterns of these parameters. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS v2.0) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gridded temperature. Threshold of 1 mm for rainy day, 20 mm over 5 days with at least 3 rain days and dry spell not exceeding 7 days in the next 21 days were used to determine RODs. The Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Water Balance (WB) criteria were computed to determine RCDs. The differences between ROD and RCD were used in calculating LRS. The results showed early rainfall cessation over more than 30 counties in Kenya lead to shortened rainy season by 10–20 days during MAM season. Similarly, 20–40 days early onset dates are observed in most counties in upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states in South Sudan, while 20–40 days delayed rainfall onset was observed in Khartoum and southern parts of Nile state western Darfur, eastern and Aljazeera states in Sudan, most parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea districts during JJA season. Highlands of western and Nyanza region in Kenya, most parts of Uganda observed rainfall onset by March and no sign of cessation before November. Early cessation over northern Uganda districts was behind shortened LRS, furthermore, the early RODs over western and southwestern Uganda districts increased LRS. Prolonged dry conditions over northern Sudan, southeastern parts of South Sudan, northern Kenya, central Somalia, northern Darfour, Kordofan and northern parts of Sudan exacerbated by significant delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall. These findings are important for rain-fed agricultural planning and food security in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.

Impacts of soil and water conservation measures on soil physicochemical properties in the Jibgedel Watershed, Ethiopia.

Soil erosion significantly affects agricultural production. Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures have been constructed to reduce soil loss. However, the impact of SWC measures on physicochemical soil properties has rarely been investigated in most parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of SWC measures on selected soil physicochemical properties in the Jibgedel watershed, West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. The study also assessed the farmers' perception of the benefits and impacts of SWC measures. Composite and core soil samples were taken at a depth of 0 to 20cm from four farmlands with SWC measures (soil bund, stone bund, and soil bund with sesbania tree) and without SWC measures in three replications. Results have shown that employing SWC measures in the farmland significantly improved most of the physicochemical properties of the soil compared to farmland without SWC measures. Bulk density from soil bund with and without sesbania trees was significantly lower than stone bund and untreated farmland. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and available phosphorus from soil bund with sesbania tree were significantly higher than other treatments. The result also revealed that most farmers perceived that the implemented SWC measures improved soil fertility and crop yield. SWC measures are easier to adopt for integrated watershed management when farmers are well-versed in them.

Morpho-agronomic variability, traits association and path analysis in Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.) genotypes from Ethiopia

Forty-five rosemary genotypes collected from different parts of Ethiopia were evaluated for quantitative morphological traits to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and association of characters. The genotypes displayed significant differences for all of the studied traits, showing the presence of wide variability among the tested genotypes. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were found to be medium and high for all growth and yield traits except for leaf length. Moderately high to high broad-sense heritability (0.66 -0.97) coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as a percent of the mean (10.37 -79.14) values were found for all traits. Correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis revealed that characters vis. branch number plant-1, fresh leaf weight plant-1, dry leaf weight plant-1, fresh leaf yield ha-1, and essential oil content had a high positive direct effect and significant positive association with essential oil yield ha-1. Thus direct selection for these traits would be quite effective for essential oil yield enhancement in rosemary. In general, the studied accessions were diverse in nature and could be exploited in the conservation, breeding and commercialization of the crop.

Review on Ruminant Fasciolosis in Ethiopia

Ethiopia possesses the largest livestock population in Africa. Ruminant Fasciolosis is a serious problem in animal production in different areas of the world especially in Ethiopia. It is a wide spread trematodal disease affecting ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) and also other species of animals. F. hepatica and F. gigantica are the parasitic species belonging to Genus Fasciola under the phylum platyhelminths. The fasciola disease has three phases of clinical sign acute, sub-acute and chronic forms. Fasciolosis is more apparent in young ruminant and is usually chronic in nature. Adult flukes in the bile ducts cause inflammation, biliary obstruction, distraction of liver tissue and anemia. Snails of family Lymnaeidae are main intermediate hosts having great role on the transmission of the disease and the infection is acquired through grazing on swampy pasture. The disease mostly diagnosed by prior knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease in a given environment; observation of clinical signs, information on grazing history, seasonal occurrence and standard examination of feces in the laboratory. The affected cattle should be effectively treated with narrow spectrum anthelmintic such as Triclabendazole in addition to reducing the population of the intermediate host to control the disease. Now a days, fasciolosis is recognized as emerging human disease over the world even if only few case reports of human fascioliasis are available in Ethiopia, as the disease mostly affects animals in the country. The disease causes a significant economic loss in ruminant production by inflecting direct and indirect loss at different parts of Ethiopia. To control and prevent the disease, the strategic destruction of snail population should be implemented throughout the country to break down the life cycle of liver fluke.

Food taboos and their perceived reasons among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review, 2022

BackgroundThere are foods considered as taboo across different communities in the world and in Ethiopia in particular. Although food taboos exist across all ages or physiologic states, they are predominant among pregnant women and children. Identifying such foods among pregnant women is crucial in providing focused interventions and prevents their negative consequences. Therefore, the aim of this review was to review the available evidence on food taboos and their perceived reasons among pregnant women in Ethiopia to provide comprehensive and precise evidence for decision making.MethodsElectronic search of the literature was made from Pub-Med, Google Scholar, Google Scopus, and Medline databases using search terms set based on the PICO/PS (Population, Intervention/exposure, Comparison, and Outcome) and PS (Population and Situation) search table. The search was made from December 05, 2020 – December, 29, 2021, and updated on January, 2022. All quantitative and qualitative studies published in English were included in the review. The systematic review protocol was registered at INPLASY (Registration number: INPLASY202310078). The outcome of interest was food taboo for pregnant women and its perceived reasons. The results of the review was narrated.ResultsAfter identifying eighty two articles, thirteen were found eligible for the review. Vegetables, fruits, and fatty foods like meat, and dairy products were considered as taboo for pregnant women in different parts of Ethiopia. The reasons stated for the food taboo vary from fear of having a big baby, obstructed labour, and abortion to evil eye and physical and aesthetic deformities in the newborn.ConclusionsThough not uniform across the country, there are foods considered as taboo for pregnant women in Ethiopia due to several perceived reasons, misconceptions, and societal influences. This could increase the risk of malnutrition and could have short and long term consequences on both the mother and her growing foetus. Therefore, context specific nutritional counseling with emphasis during ante-natal care and post-natal service is important.

Assessment of Dairy Production System, Handling, Processing and Utilization Practices in South Ari and Malle District of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Milk is produced, processed and utilized in different parts of Ethiopia and the majority in rural areas is processed at the household level into milk products using traditional technologies and marketed through informal channels. This study was initiated to assess and describe the traditional knowledge of milk production, handling, processing and utilization practices in South Ari and Malle district. Three dairy potential Kebeles from each district were selected via a purposive sampling procedure. Then, 196 households were selected through a systematic random sampling procedure. Data were collected using a semi-structure questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS (Version 23) software. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in livestock composition across the study districts. About 75% in South Ari and 72.9% in Malle have their own grazing land. Feed shortage (73%) and improved breed access (26%) in South Ari, and feed shortage (52.1%), drought (44.8%) in Malle were among the main constraints affecting dairying. About 65% of South Ari used plastic buckets for milking and clay pots for fermentation and churning. In Malle 88.5% used calabash containers for milking, accumulation and churning. The average days of raw milk fermentation before churning in South Ari and Malle were 4.2±0.1 and 2.9±0.0 days. The average butter-making time was 63.4±1.8 minutes in both districts. The amount of milk fermented and butter produced from this fermented milk is significantly different (P < 0.05) across districts. Nearly 95% of South Ari milk is traditionally processed into yogurt, butter, buttermilk and cheese; and used for home consumption and marketing. However, in Malle 72.9% of yogurt and buttermilk processing is used for home consumption; and 26% of butter processing is only used for marketing. It is possibly concluded that dairy production was commonly practiced and it was a good source of income in both districts. Therefore, it is vigorous to support the dairy linkage with extension services by enhancing the input provision.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. (Asteraceae).

The leaves of V. auriculiferahas been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, and pain in various parts of Ethiopia. However, to our knowledge, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract and solvent fractions has never been experimentally studied. To assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activitiesof V. auriculifera leaf extract and solvent fractions in rodent models. Air-dried leaves ofV. auriculiferawere grounded and macerated using 80% methanol. The air-dried, grounded leaves were also successively extracted with ethyl acetate, and methanol. The residue was then macerated in water for 72 hr. The extract's peripheral analgesic activity, as well as the solvent fractions, were determined using an acetic acid-induced writhing test. The hot plate model was used to assess the central analgesic effect. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect in rats. The 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions have demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) peripheral and central analgesic activity. Both 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions of V. auriculifera were found to have anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. In the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, all concentrations of 80% methanol leaf extract (ME), methanol fraction (MEF), and aqueous fractions (AQF) of V. auriculifera inhibited exudate and granuloma formation. Although all tested doses significantly inhibited granuloma mass formation, only the medium and highest ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) doses significantly inhibited the generation of inflammatory exudate. This study's findings indicate that the solvent fractions and 80% methanol extract of V. auriculifera have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study's findings not only confirm the plants' traditional claim but also provide clues for further investigation of the active principles of this plant for the development of effective and safe analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Extent and Correlates of Self‐Medication Practice among Community‐Dwelling Adults in Eastern Ethiopia

Background. The use of medications without proper medical consultations poses significant health risks, drug resistance, and undiagnosed disease conditions, becoming a major pharmaceutical challenge in the 21st century. This study assessed the magnitude and associated factors of self‐medication practice among adults in parts of Ethiopia. Methods. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 647 randomly selected adults residing in randomly selected households in eastern Ethiopia via a stratified sampling approach. A pretested interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the data on self‐medication practice. Data were presented using tables, frequencies, percentages, and graphs. A multivariable binary logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with self‐medication practice and presented as an adjusted odds ratio along with its 95% CI. Associations with a p value below 5% were used to declare statistical significance. Results. A total of 647 adults with a mean age of 41.7 (11.4) years were included. Overall, 15.8% (95% CI: 12.5–18.2) of them reported to have practiced self‐medication in the past month, while 67.9% (95% CI: 64.1–74.7) have practiced self‐medication, mainly due to the mild nature of the symptom (11%), intention to get a rapid cure (12.2%), physical accessibility (9.1%), and less confidence in the quality of health facility services (3.7%). The majority of the drugs were in the form of oral tablets in the antibiotic, antipain, and gastrointestinal categories. Female (AOR = 1.66 and 95% CI: 0.76–3.61), larger family size (AOR = 1.34 and 95% CI: 0.73–2.46), illiteracy (AOR = 4.47 and 95% CI: 1.17–17.1), poor socioeconomic class (AOR = 4.6795 and CI: 1.71–12.7), perceived health facility visit stay as long (AOR = 1.55 and 95% CI: 0.80–3.00), khat use (AOR = 2.86 and 95% CI: 1.27–6.47), cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.86 95% CI: 1.27–6.47), and poor knowledge on proper medication use (AOR = 7.98 and 95% CI: 4.61–13.8) were associated with increased odds of self‐medication. Conclusion. The practice of self‐medication is a health concern and is associated with lower socioeconomic class, illiteracy, substance abuse, a perceived long stay at a health facility, and poor knowledge of medication use. Behavioral interventions targeting this segment of the population via various approaches would help.

Management of ginger bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) epidemics by soil solarization and botanical mulching at Tepi, Southwestern Ethiopia

Ginger is one of the most valuable cash crops for farmers in different parts of Ethiopia. Bacterial wilt disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, creates major limitation to production of ginger in Ethiopia. Heavy losses due to the disease occur regularly, causing an additional impediment for production in infected areas. Field tests were conducted at Tepi, South- Western Ethiopia, during the 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons to assess the effects of soil solarization and botanical mulch on epidemics of bacterial wilt of ginger. Four soil solarization periods, lasting two, four, six or eight weeks before planting were integrated with four different botanical mulch treatments after planting: vetivar grass, lemon grass, Chinese chive and Lantana camara. Unsolarized and unmulched plots were used as the control for comparison. Treatments were arranged in factorial arrangements with randomized complete block design with three replications. The outcomes indicated that soil solarization integrated with lemon grass mulch treatments significantly reduced bacterial wilt mean incidence by 22.1% up to 42.2%, compared to control plots. These treatments also dramatically reduced AUDPC and disease progress rates. Soil solarization for eight weeks integrated with lemon grass mulch resulted in the lowest (42.2%) final mean disease severity and AUDPC (33.8%) in comparison to the control. Typical results of this study indicated that soil solarization integrated with botanical mulch treatments were effective in slowing dawn the epidemics of bacterial wilt and in recovering ginger production and productivity, and they are consequently recommended for application in the study areas along with other crop management schemes.

Review on the prevalence and economic importance of camel tuberculosis in Ethiopia

Camel tuberculosis is a chronic disease, which is portrayed by the development of granulomas, essentially in the respiratory tract and related lymph nodes, from which the mycobacteria are discharged and contaminate other susceptible animals. Camel tuberculosis has public health implications, especially in pastoral areas of Ethiopia due to the communities having the habit of consuming raw milk and its products and those who do have consistent or day-to-day contact with their camels. In the pastoral areas of Ethiopia, the camel is the spine of their everyday life and extraordinarily adjusted to cruel conditions camels are for the most part raised in Afar, Somali, and Oromia (Borena, Kereyu and Guji). Camels have a high contribution to the economic development of the country. The pastoral community utilized camel products, such as milk and meat, and used camels for various purposes for example, for transportation, drafting, ploughing land, festivity and rivalry as in dashing. In most parts of Ethiopia, camel milk is accepted as a treatment for gastritis, asthmatics, stomach inconvenience, HIV, Hamot (kar), tuberculosis, fever, urinary issues and hepatitis. Among significant illnesses, tuberculosis is one of the principles, which influence camel’s Health and has a zoonotic impact. In addition to this, the etiological agents are transmitted to humans through an aerogenous route from those animals with active cases in the herd. The infection has been reported from several parts of pastoral areas of the country essentially dependent on tuberculin tests and abattoir inspections. Therefore, attention should be given to the control of tuberculosis in livestock; public health education on the zoonotic importance of the disease or awareness creation and the national tuberculosis control needs to consider the one health approach and further epidemiological studies should be undertaken.

Phenotypic diversity of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.) accessions for qualitative characters

Rosemary is one of the industrially significant crops traded over the world. Its cultivation in many countries depends on locally adapted populations rather than on the use of improved varieties. Collection and characterization of the local populations could contribute to their conservation and selection of desirable traits. Therefore, this study was undertaken to estimate the diversity of 45 rosemary accessions collected from different parts of Ethiopia using qualitative morphological traits. The frequency distribution of characters reflected the polymorphism of the studied characters, and a total of 39 phenotypic classes were observed. Shannon-weaver diversity indices estimated across accessions ranged from 0.43 to 0.99 with a mean value of 0.79, demonstrating the existence of adequate phenotypic diversity among the accessions. Estimates of diversity indices within and among growing regions revealed that intra-region diversity (0.57) exceeds inter-region diversity (0.43). Cluster analysis classified the accessions into six major clusters regardless of the accessions' geographical origin. This was consistent with the estimated within and among growing regions diversity indices. The results clearly showed the presence of considerable levels of phenotypic diversity that could be exploited as a source of a valuable gene pool for future breeding programs.

Ethnobotanical study of endemic and non-endemic medicinal plants used by indigenous people in environs of Gullele botanical garden Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia: A major focus on Asteraceae family.

Gullele Botanical Garden (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is a joint venture of Addis Ababa government and the university. The garden has been built mainly to conserve the endemic plants and to advance the research on the endemic and non-endemic plants collected from different part of Ethiopia. Many traditional healers from the environs of GBG and different subcities of Addis Ababa depend on the garden for their practice of traditional medicine but there is no systematic documentation of the traditional medicinal knowledge of these healers. The main objective of the present study is to comprehensively document the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal information from the traditional healers of different ethnic and cultural groups depending on GBG and to create a database of the endemic plants used by these healers. The ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal data obtained from 60 traditional healers have been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 81 medicinal plants belonging to 47 families have been identified. Majority of the plants used belonged to Asteraceae (12) family. The most frequently used plant form and plant parts are herbs and leaves. The major method adopted by the healers for preparation and administration of traditional medicine is crushing and topical, respectively. Skin and general diseases are the most important ailments treated by the healers. The three most cited plants used to treat diseases are Echinops kebericho Mesfin (60), Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel (60) and Laggera tomentosa (A.Rich.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. & Hiern (58). The present study is the first systematic, qualitative, and quantitative ethnobotanical analysis and documentation done on the use of the medicinal plants from GBG for traditional medicine. In addition, our study reveals that E. kebericho is endemic and endangered plant and is highly used in traditional medicine. Therefore, GBG authorities should take steps for the propagation and restoration of this plant. Further it is suggested that the pharmacological properties of the roots and leaves of E. kebericho should be compared to find the possibility of use of leaves in place of roots for the preparation of traditional medicine which would help in conserving this endemic plant of Ethiopia.

Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic pastoral community of Dire District, Borena zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne protozoan neglected tropical disease. In some parts of Ethiopia, it is a public health problem and its main causative agent is the Leishmania donovani complex. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of VL and factors associated among the asymptomatic pastoral community of Dire District, Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based study was conducted among 432 pastoralist communities from June to July 2021. A systematic random sampling method was used to select households. Pretested structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. A single finger-prick blood sample was collected and tested for Leishmania donovani complex using an immune-chromatographic test (rk39-ICT). A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with VL infection and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 432 study participants were included (their mean age was 26.69) and 218 (50.5%) were females. The overall seroprevalence of VL was 33/432(7.6%) (95%CI: 5.32-15.60). Sero-prevalence was significantly associated with high family size (>5) (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 5.134; 95% CI: 2.032-9.748), sleeping or/and staying under acacia tree (AOR = 2.984; 95%CI = 1.074-8.288), presence of cracked house walls (AOR = 1.801; 95%CI: 1.026-4.926), presence of termite hills (AOR = 1.938; 95%CL: 1.002-7.050), availability of water points (AOR = 3.893; 95%CI: 1.034-7.426) and presence of domestic animals (AOR = 2.124; 95% CI: 2.341-5.108). It is recommended that community awareness on the transmission and prevention methods of Leishmania donovani complex and taking appropriate interventions on the identified factors play a greater role to prevent and control infection in the area. Further investigation is also needed to characterize the pathogens and risk factors and tackle the problem.

Genetic Variability Analysis and Association of Traits in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces Collected from Ethiopia at Jimma

This study was conducted on one hundred common bean landraces at the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Melko, with the objective of assessing genetic variability and association of traits in common bean landraces collected from different parts of Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a simple lattice design with two replications. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. This highly significant difference indicates the existence of large variability among genotypes. High phenotypic coefficients of variation and genotypic coefficients of variation were obtained for plant height (19.43, 11.73), pod length (11.27, 10.69), and 100-seed weight (15.42, 12.74). High heritability in the broad sense was found for days to 50% flowering (66.98), days to 90% maturity (87.43), pod length (90.03), pod width (78.23), harvest index (98.67), and 100-seed weight (68.31). High genetic advance as a percentage of mean with high heritability was obtained for pod length, pod width, harvest index, and hundred seed weight. Grain yield had a positive and significant association with pod length (rp = 0.153 ∗ , rg = 0.282 ∗ ∗ ) and 100-seed weight (rp = 0.294 ∗ ∗ , rg = 0.492 ∗ ∗ ). Hundred seed weight exerted the highest positive direct effect (0.294) on grain yield at genotypic level. The D2 classified landraces into 7 clusters and one solitary, which makes them moderately divergent. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters VII and IV. The first five principal components with eigenvalues greater than one altogether explained about 79.56% of the total variation. In conclusion, the top high-yielding landraces, namely, P#1247, P#1092, P#1077, P#861, P#990, P#763, P#58, and P#857, should be included in the next breeding program. 100-seed weight had the highest direct effect and a positive significant association with grain yield. Thus, it should be considered as the selection criteria for further common bean yield improvement. However, the current result is merely indicative and cannot be used to draw definite conclusions. Therefore, the experiment should be replicated in different locations and seasons for greater consistency.