Yilmana Densa Research Articles

Determination of the rate and frequency of Natura 250 EW fungicide for the management of cedar rust from Gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) in the north west Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Rhamnus prinoides (Gesho) is grown in the homesteads of farmers in western Amhara. The leaves, twigs, and stems of Gesho are indispensable ingredients in traditional beverages. Its production has recently suffered from cedar rust caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium. To manage this disease, different fungicides have been recommended. Therefore, this research was designed to determine the rate and frequency of the use of the Natura 250 EW system for managing this disease in Gesho during 2020. Five application rates of Natura 250 EW and three spray frequencies were used as treatments to manage the disease in infected Gesho plants via the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between treatments for most parameters. Among these 0.75 litter ha-1 treatments, two spray applications resulted in the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy, followed by three spray applications of 0.50 litter ha−1 at Bahir Dar Zuria district. However, at Yilmana Densa district, the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy were found for the 0.75 litter ha−1 spray, followed by the 0.50 litter ha−1 spray, compared with the other treatments. Even though 0.75 litter ha−1 had greater relative efficacy and lower disease severity than the other treatments, there was no statistically significant difference between the three sprays of 0.50 litter ha−1 at both locations. Therefore, three sprays of Natura 250 EW at 0.50 litter ha−1 in 15-day intervals should be recommended and demonstrated for the management of cedar rust disease on Gesho.

Sero- and Feco-Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Its Associated Risk Factors among Adult Dyspeptic Patients Visiting the Outpatient Department of Adet Primary Hospital, Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Most gastric cancers in the world are attributed to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections. The prevalence of H. pylori infection is influenced by socioeconomic status, hygiene, and lifestyle of the population. This study aimed to assess sero- and feco-prevalence of H. pylori infections and its associated risk factors among adult dyspeptic patients visiting the outpatient department of Adet Primary Hospital, Yilmana Densa District, northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 10, 2022 to April 10, 2022. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected by pretested questionnaires. Blood and stool specimens were collected from each patient for antibody and H. pylori antigen tests, respectively. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0. A logistic regression model was used to assess the strength of association between H. pylori positivity and risk factors. The sero- and feco-prevalence of H. pylori infection was 62% and 51.1%, respectively. In those patients who had a positive result with either the antibody (Ab) or antigen (Ag) test, rural residence (AOR = 5.55; 95% CI: 2.34-13.14; p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (AOR = 12.34; 95% CI: 2.29-66.51; p=0.003), having no awareness about H. pylori transmission (AOR = 4.76; 95% CI: 1.86-12.15; p=0.001), using pond/river as a source of drinking water (AOR = 5.22; 95% CI: 1.91-14.27; p=0.001), and open field defecation (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 1.67-10.52; p=0.002) were the explanatory risk factors significantly associated with H. pylori infection. This study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was very high. Most cases of gastric cancers are ascribed to H. pylori infection. Therefore, education should be given to communities so as to increase their awareness of the infection and the associated major explanatory risk factors identified in the present study.

Crop production in northwestern Ethiopian highlands under changing climate

AbstractClimate change is the most serious threat to agricultural productivity. Ethiopia's agricultural sector is affected by climate change. The northern part of Ethiopia is among the drought prone and topographically diversified areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of climate change on crop yields, assess the pattern of rainfall maximum and lowest temperatures and assess the trajectory of selected crop yields. Historical weather station and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) power data were collected from 1981 to 2020. The Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test and Sen's slope (SS) method estimator were employed to estimate the trends and the direction of the trend. RClimDex package is used for climate extreme analysis. Nine rainfall and 11 temperature indices from a list of 27 extreme rainfall and temperature indices were used. The study found that the rainfall showed a significant decreasing and insignificant decreasing trend in Farta and Yilmana Densa districts, respectively. Maximum and minimum temperatures in both sites showed increasing trends. Rainfall happenings become more unanticipated, owing to the precipitation concentration index and anomaly trends. The majority of the indicators for extreme rainfall at both sites showed a downward trend. With the exception of the duration of cold spells, the annual lowest value of the daily minimum temperature, cold days and cold nights, the majority of the extreme temperature indices at both sites showed an increasing trend. The principal crop yields were connected with rainfall and temperature fluctuation, according to Pearson's product–moment correlation results, although the effects varied by crop and region. In summary, rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation may have a negative influence on agricultural activities, especially crop productivity.

Grain yield and quality responses of durum wheat (Triticum turgium L. var. durum) to nitrogen and phosphorus rate in Yilmana Densa, Northwestern Ethiopia

Proper rate of fertilizer application is the major factor that affects yield and quality of durum wheat. Location specific fertilizer recommendation is lacking for durum wheat, therefore, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) field experiment on durum wheat was carried out on farmer's field in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at Yilmana Densa district, Northwestern Ethiopia. The objective was to examine the response of durum wheat to N and P application and determine the optimal rate of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for durum wheat production in the district and similar agro ecology areas. Factorial combinations of four N levels (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha−1) and four P levels (0, 17.5, 35 and 52.5 kg ha−1) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications per site, over two sites in each year. Results indicated that N significantly affected most of the crop parametrs including grain yield, plant height, total number of tillers and effective tillers, spike length and seeds per spike, and the maximum value of the parameters recorded at the highest rate of N while application of phosphorus affected grain yield, plant height and spile length. The interaction effect of N and P significantly affected grain yield, plant height and seeds per spike. Grain yield showed quadratic and linear response to N and P application, respectively. The maximum grain yield (5182 kg ha−1) was obtained from the highest rate 270/52.5 N/P kg ha−1. The economic analysis revealed application of 270/52.5 N/P kg ha−1 gave the highest net benefit of 169741 ETB ha−1 with marginal rate of return 1453% and full fills the standard for quality of durum wheat production and hence can be recommended in Yilmana Densa District and other similar agro-ecologies in Ethiopia. The study revealed the need to further investigation for optimal N and P rates for different durum wheat varieties as they differ in protein content under the same management practices.

Undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers in rural Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Undernutrition is continued to be significant public health problem worldwide. The extra calories and nutrients required to support breastfeeding make lactating mothers at higher risk of malnutrition than general population. Undernourished lactating mothers have also been found to influence both the quantity and quality of breast milk and then the nutritional and health status of their offspring. Different evidence showed that undernutrition among lactating mothers is a serious public health problem in Ethiopia in which one of every four lactate mothers are undernourished. Despite this fact, the prevalence of undernutrition among lactating women in Ethiopian was not well investigated and very limited number of studies are conducted. This study aims to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers in rural Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 lactating mothers. The data were collected by using interviewers administered structured questionnaire; and also, anthropometric measurements were taken from the study participants. Binary logistic regression model was undertaken to identify significantly associated factors with undernutrition. The prevalence of undernutrition among lactating mothers was 22.6%. Household income, food security status, dietary diversity score, number of meals, potable water source, and latrine facility were found to be significantly associated with undernourishment of lactating mothers. A significant proportion of lactating mothers in the district suffered from undernutrition and hence, to improve nutritional status of lactating mothers, strategies should focus on nutrition counseling, advancing diversified production and consumption, improvement of access to potable water and latrine, as well as effective household food security interventions.

Determinants of default from full completion of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa district, west Gojam zone, Ethiopia, 2019.

BackgroundVaccination is one of the best cost-effective public health interventions to safeguard children from vaccine-preventable diseases. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of default to the full completion of child immunization is high. However, the determinants of default to full completion have not been thoroughly investigated in this study area. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants of default to the full compilation of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa District, west Gojam, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based unmatched case-control study design was employed in the Yilmana Densa district among 343 (111 cases and 232 controls) randomly selected 12–23 months old children. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data using a multistage sampling method. For analysis, data were entered into epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 23 software. Descriptive analysis followed by binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05.ResultThis study identified that mothers who had not attended ANC follow-up [AOR = 5.55, 95% CI: (1.789–17.217)], mothers who had not gotten information about vaccinations [AOR = 8.589, 95% CI: (4.414–16.714)], and mothers whose time taken to reach vaccination site is more than 39 min were at higher risk to default from completion of vaccination [AOR = 3.252, 95% CI: (1.952–5.417)]. Furthermore, maternal waiting time (>45 min) for child vaccination [AOR = 2.674, 95% CI: (1.517–4.714)] and home delivery [AOR 3.19, 95% CI: (1.751–5.814)] were risk factors to default child from full completion of vaccination.ConclusionMothers delivered at home, mothers not attending ANC follow-up, mothers who did not get health information about the vaccine, mothers taking longer time to reach the vaccination site, and staying longer time for child vaccination are causes of default. Motivated institutional delivery services utilization is recommended. The district office should consider the distribution of vaccination sites by the opening of new outreach site to reduce the waiting time of mothers.

Yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) increased by more than two-folds through nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in the highlands of North-Western Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a huge potential to increase the production and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) mainly in north-western regions where current potato yields are less than 10 t ha−1. Soil fertility and disease are the major yield-limiting factors of potato in this part of the country. Three-year’s on-farm research was conducted to get the optimum economic levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients for the major potato-growing areas of north-western Ethiopia. A factorial experiment with four levels of N (46, 92, 138, and 194 kg ha−1), three levels of P2O5 (46, 69, and 92 kg ha−1), and one pilot treatment with no NP nutrient inputs was used. A randomised complete block design with three replications was used. The findings of the research showed that more than 40 t ha−1of potato could be attained (about four times the current productivity) in the study areas through NP nutrient management. The yield was increased significantly with an increased rate of N at all sites (p < 0.01). The yield difference was nonsignificant (p > 0.05) between P levels for most of the sites and years. The financial analysis of the findings for Yilmana Densa district indicated that applying 138 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha−1, together, gave a marginal return of (Birr/Birr) 70.9, whereas 138 N and 69 P2O5 kg ha−1 resulted in 10.7. For the South Gondar, 138 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha−1 gave a marginal return of 24.3 (Birr/Birr). Therefore, based on the farm gate price of potato and the cost of fertilizer, 138 N, combined with 69 P2O5 kg ha−1, is recommended for the Yilmana Densa. For the South Gondar, 138 N, combined with 46 P2O5 kg ha−1, is recommended.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used for the treatment of domestic animal diseases in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background: In Ethiopia, about 90% of the animal population has been treated by traditional medicine derived from medicinal plants. Thus, for the sustainable use of the species there should be an exploration of unexplored areas of the country to present an output data for conservation planners and policy makers. The current study districts were one of the unexplored areas of the country. Methods: Reconnaissance survey was conducted from September 2015 to June 2016. General informants were selected systematically. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews, and observation. Consensus factor, fidelity level and ranking exercises were calculated to analyze the data. Results: Thirteen medicinal plants were recorded in the districts. Most of the species were herbs, non-cultivated, and used to treat cattle diseases. Leaves were the primary source of remedy. Most remedy was prepared by crushing from non-dried parts. Most of the remedy was administered through oral routes and used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Stephania abyssinica showed the highest fidelity level for the gastrointestinal disorders whereas Phytolacca dodecandra was the most preferred. Overharvesting and agricultural land expansions were the major identified threats. Conclusion: Medicinal plants of the districts are under serious threats, and thus the species should be conserved by taking an immediate conservation action. Keywords: Healing potential, informant agreement, marketability, respondents

English

Garlic is a fundamental component of many dishes in Ethiopia. However, there is a low production of this crop in the Yilmana Densa district of Amhara Region (Ethiopia). Thus, a study was initiated in 2014/2015 to assess farmer&rsquo;s garlic production practices under an irrigated farming system in the Yilmana Densa district (Adet Zuria, Goshaye and Ambesit kebels) of Ethiopia. Production data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires from 30 garlic producing households where the whole value chain of garlic production system were recorded. Results showed that the agronomic and cultural practices employed by farmers contributed to the low productivity of garlic. Major constraints of garlic production include lack of suitable irrigated land, lack of quality planting material, shortage of irrigation water, fertilizers and pesticides, lack of money for input purchase, and disease incidences (white rot). For enhancement of production and productivity of garlic, it is necessary to solve problems associated with the production of garlic through extension activities. Key words: Bulb yield, households, garlic grower, productivity, water productivity.

Mothers' Acceptance and Willingness to Pay an Out-of-Pocket Payment for Maternal and Child Nutritional Services in Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundAround $3.5 trillion globally and up to $2.78 billion in Ethiopia, losses are reported annually due to malnutrition. Even if in Ethiopia nutrition services are delivered free of charge, specific public health programs may start to charge users of services that include maternal and child health services. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess mothers’ willingness to pay an out-of-pocket payment for maternal and child nutritional services and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Yilmana Densa district from March to May 2017. The sample size was 569, and a systematic random sampling technique was used. Bi-variate, multivariable logistic regression, and Tobit econometric analysis models were done. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and B-coefficient with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value were used.ResultsA total of 545 (response rate of 95.8%) study participants were included in the study. The finding indicates that 88.8% of households were willing to pay for maternal and child nutrition services. The average amount of money to pay per visit was 19.6 ETB (CI = 18.8, 20.4) (0.84 USD). Mothers with good knowledge, good perceived family health status, medium and high perceived quality of services, and satisfaction with maternal and child nutritional services were significant variables to accept an out-of-pocket payment. In addition, the Tobit econometric model analysis reveals that knowledge, mothers’ age, pregnancy status, mothers’ educational status, wealth status, and self-reported satisfaction were identified as significant factors.ConclusionThe majority of mothers were willing to accept out-of-pocket payments for maternal and child nutritional services with an average of 19.6 ETB. Therefore, strengthening awareness and improving the quality of nutritional services and maternal satisfaction may increase mothers’ willingness to pay an out-of-pocket payment.

The Assessment of Potato Late Blight Disease in Western Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Potato late blight disease (LBD) is the most important biotic constraints of potato production in Ethiopia. Hence, field assessment on 75 farmer fields in Banja, Guagusa Shikudad, Yilmana Densa, Farta and Lay Gaint districts was conducted during 2017 to assess the prevalence, incidence, severity and to assess the farmers perception about late blight disease and management methods and finally to draw possible recommendations for further LBD management in Western Amhara. All surveyed fields were found infected by late blight disease. Whereas, the incidence were varied from 30% at Lay Gaint to 100% at Banja and Guagusa Shikudad. Similarly, the mean severities also ranged from 30.56% in Lay Gaint to 69% in Banja. The district, altitude, soil type, previous crop, variety, plant density and cropping system were significantly associated with incidence and severity of LBD in logistic regression model. Based on the results obtained, LBD was found on all surveyed areas but the majority of farmers did not know the epidemiology, causative agent and proper management methods of the disease. Therefore, awareness should be created for potato producer farmers about the disease biology and its management opportunities. The disease management options should be demonstrated on these study areas.

Toxicity and Oviposition Deterrent Activities of Thyme Essential Oils against Anopheles arabiensis

Background. Malaria is one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia. Owing to their costs and environmental issues, synthetic insecticides are poor choices to control mosquitoes. Plant-based products can be considered as safe and biodegradable alternatives. The present study aimed to test the toxicity and oviposition deterrent activities of Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi essential oils (EOs) against Anopheles arabiensis. Methods. Thyme EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation using the Clevenger-type apparatus. They were named Tar, Ala, and Yil after the areas of thyme collection Tarmaber, Alamata, and Yilmana Densa, respectively. Laboratory-based tests were used to determine the larvicidal, adulticidal, oviposition deterrent, and half lethal dose (LD50) of each EO. Results. The concentrations of 100 μl/L and 50 μl/L resulted in complete mortalities of larvae and adults, respectively, for all the three Eos considered. The EOs exhibited high repellency with oviposition activity index of −1 (OAI = −1) at concentrations of 50 μl/L (Tar), 100 μl/L (Ala), and 200 μl/L (Yil). Conclusions. The EOs of T. serrulatus and T. schimperi were effective against larvae and adult mosquitoes at small doses and resulted in oviposition deterrence at doses from 50 to 200 μl/L. Thus, these EOs are promising mosquitocides and oviposition deterrents. But, further tests both in the presence of already known and effective deterrents and field trials are required.

Intention to use institutional delivery service and its predictors among pregnant women, North West Ethiopia: Using theory of planned behavior.

BackgroundImproving institutional delivery service is the most crucial strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortalities. In developing countries, only 50% of pregnant women deliver in health facilities and in Ethiopia only 48% of pregnant women deliver in health facilities. Maternal mortality remains the highest in Ethiopia. This study assessed intention to use institutional delivery service and its predictors among pregnant women using theory of planned behavior.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 645 Yilmana Densa District Pregnant women using multi-stage followed by cluster sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed with STATA version 14. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify independent predictors of intention at 95% confidence level and P < 0.05 was used to determine statistically significant predictors.ResultsIntention of pregnant women to use institutional delivery service was 74.3% (CI; 70.71%, 77.6%). In the multivariable logistic regression; those who had 1–3 and 4 &above antenatal care 2.85(1.41, 5.75) and 3.14(1.16, 8.45) respectively, those who had past experience of institutional delivery (AOR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.72, 6.71), parity of 1–3 and 4 & above % (AOR = 0.37, 0.19, 0.71) and (AOR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.55) respectively, rural residence (AOR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.96), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.56, 5.50), favorable perceived behavioral control (AOR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.44, 4.69) were factors significantly associated with intention to use institutional delivery service.Conclusion and recommendationMajority of the pregnant women were intended to deliver in the institution. Good Knowledge on institutional delivery, antenatal care visit, past experience of institutional delivery, rural residence, parity, attitude and perceived behavioral control were identified factors significantly associated with intention to use institutional delivery service. So, strengthening awareness creation and behavioral change communication programs are required at all levels of health system to raise intention of residents towards institutional delivery.

Seed Quality Analysis of Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) from Formal and Informal Sources in Enarj Enawuga and Yilmana Densa Districts, West Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The production and productivity of field pea crop in Amhara region depends mainly on the un availability of quality seed supply system for a number of improved varieties. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the quality and seed management practices of field pea seeds from the informal and formal seed systems in Enarj Enawuga and Yilmana Densa Districts during 2016/17 cropping season.

Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts of West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background: Wild edible plants are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. Currently, these plant resources have faced major threats because of anthropogenic factors in different parts of Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of the study was to record and document wild edible plants with their habits, habitats, edible parts, collecting households, use diversities and threats in Yilmana Densa and Quarit districts, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia to pave a way for further research and conservation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation were the data collection methods. Preference ranking was conducted to rank the wild edible plants based on their use preference whereas direct matrix ranking was used to measure the use diversity of multipurpose wild edible plants. Market surveys were also conducted to record the availability of wild edible plants and their type, price, and market potential. Results: Thirty-two wild edible plants were reported in the two districts. Most of the species were reserved in forests and most of them were herbs. The major (53.1%) edible parts were fruits and most of the wild food was collected by males. Conclusion: The findings showed that districts are the reservoirs of an appreciable number of wild edible plants like many other parts of Ethiopia. Also, the consumption practice of the species is low. Therefore, conducting awareness-raising in the areas should be the primary task. Keywords : Threats, use category, wild edible plants, collecting households

Response of crops to fertilizer application in volcanic soils

Potassium (K) has been considered as a non-deficient nutrient in most Ethiopian soils. However, some studies recommended K application to K sufficient soils if K/Mg ratio is < 0.7. To resolve this controversy, field experiments and laboratory soil analysis were conducted in two districts (Yilmana Densa and Dera) in north-western Ethiopia on Mollic Nitisols (aric, humic) (pH = 5.5), Pellic Vertisols (aric, gilgaic, mazic) (pH = 6.2) and Vertic Luvisols (aric, nitic) (pH = 5.2) using wheat, tef and maize, respectively as test crops. The field experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 7 K fertilizer rates (0, 42, 83, 125, 166, 208, and 249 kg ha−1 K) and four replications. KCl and DAP (200 kg ha−1) fertilizers were added at planting. Urea (200 kg ha−1) was added in split, half at planting and half at tillering for wheat and tef; and at knee-height stage for maize. Soil samples were taken two weeks after planting to determine K and Mg contents, K critical levels and optimum K/Mg ratio. The ammonium acetate extraction method was used to determine the K and Mg contents in the soil using a flame photometer and an atomic absorption spectrometer, respectively. Yield data were collected after harvest. The results of the study indicated that Mollic Nitisols (aric, humic), Pellic Vertisols (aric, gilgaic, mazic) and Vertic Luvisols (aric, nitic) had high K contents of 351, 380 and 434 mg kg−1, respectively. Rising K fertilizer levels increased soil K contents; however, this did not significantly increase crop yields. Mg contents were also in high category (>351 mg kg−1). The K/Mg values ranged from 0.60 to 0.80 in Mollic Nitisols (aric, humic), 0.70 to 0.88 in Pellic Vertisols (aric, gilgaic, mazic) and 0.71 to 1.04 in Vertic Luvisols (aric, nitic), and the values increased with an increasing K rates. However, wheat, tef and maize grain yields showed an increasing trend up to K/Mg ratio of 0.71 in Mollic Nitisols (aric, humic), 0.78 in Pellic Vertisols (aric, gilgaic, mazic) and 0.88 in Vertic Luvisols (aric, nitic), respectively, and declined above these values.

Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Ethiopian thyme (Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi) against tooth decay bacteria.

In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activities of the essential oils (EOs) of Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi collected from Ofla (Ofl), Alamata (Ala), Yilmana Densa (Yil), Tarmaer (Tar), Butajira (Buta), and Bale (Bal) in Ethiopia against cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus) isolated from human teeth. Inhibition zones (IZs), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were measures of the antibacterial activity. Significant bacterial inhibitions resulted in a dose-and EO-dependent manner. At 128 μl/mL, IZs against S. mutans were 37.33 mm (Tar), 36.00 mm (Bal), 33.67 mm (Yil), 33.33 mm (Ofl), 30.00 (Ala), and 29.67 mm (Buta) and IZs against Lactobacillus were 31.00 mm (Tar), 30.67 mm (Yil), 27.67 (Bal), 27.00 (Buta), 26.67 (Ofl), and 21.33 (Ala). The respective inhibition zones due to 3% DMSO (negative control) and 3% H2O2 (positive control) were 0.00 mm/30.00 mm against S. mutans and 0.00 mm/29.00 mm against Lactobacillus. At 128 μl/mL dose, all the EOs resulted in significantly higher inhibition zones than that of 3% H2O2 against S. mutans and Lactobacillus.

Composition and hepatoprotective activity of essential oils from Ethiopian thyme species (Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi)

ABSTRACTThe chemical composition of six essential oils (EOs) of Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi from six localities in Ethiopia, namely Ofla, Alamata, Yilmana Densa, Tarmaber, Butajira and Bale was determined. The in vivo hepatoprotective potential of three of the EOs was evaluated. GC-MS and NMR were used to determine chemical composition and GC-FID to quantify the main compounds. The number of EO components ranged from 17 to 41. The EOs were of two chemotypes with either thymol (Ofla, Alamata, Tarmaber and Bale) or carvacrol (Yilmana Densa and Butajira) being the main compound. Hepatoprotection of EOs was tested against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Hepatoprotective properties of the oils were demonstrated by reduced serum levels of hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and normal hepatocytes structure. The most effective one was the thymol type EO from Alamata.

Acute oral toxicity study of &lt;i&gt;Thymus serrulatus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Thymus schimperi&lt;/i&gt; from Ethiopia

Thymus serrulatus and Thymus schimperi both endemic to Ethiopia are used by the public as tea and food additives. They are claimed to have some sort of toxicity. However, no toxicity test has been conducted to date. So the present study aimed to test the acute oral toxicities of their Essential Oils (EOs). T. serrulatus was collected from Ofla (Ofl), Alamata (Ala), and Yilmana Densa (Yil) and T. schimperi from Tarmaber (Tar), Butajira (Buta), and Bale (Bal). The control group (Group I) mice were administered with calculated amounts of 0.1% Tween-80 in normal saline. Experimental group (Groups II to VI), on the other hand, were delivered with 2000 μL/Kg body weight of Ofl, Ala, Yil, Tar, Buta and Bal EOs respectively. Treated and control mice were observed, and changes were recorded for 14 days. On the 14th day, after mice were humanely killed by heart puncture method, their organs were weighed, organ to body weight ratios were calculated and packed cell volumes (PCVs) were determined. Growth rate decrease was observed in mice treated with Yil and Buta EOs (carvacrol chemotypes) than in those treated with the thymol chemotypes (Ofl, Ala, Tar, and Bal). The organ to body weight ratios of the control group were either significantly higher than or comparable to that of the treatment groups implying that the EOs had no any inflammatory effects on the organs. The % PCVs of mice treated with the EOs were either significantly higher than or comparable to the control mice. The median lethal dose (LD50) of each EO was between 2000 μL/kg to 5000 μL/kg body weight. The LD50 values of the dry weights of thyme were calculated based on their EO yields that were approximated to be around 278g /kg bw (Bal), 313g /kg bw (Yil, Tar, and Buta) and 500g /kg bw (Ofl and Ala). Since the aerial parts, not the EOs, of thyme are used in the form of tea and food additives (not their EOs), this value is so high that these plants are not toxic. However, cautions should be taken for vulnerable groups.Key words: Acute Toxicity, Thymus serrulatus, Thymus schimperi, Essential oils

Economic and agronomic optimum rates of NPS fertilizer for irrigated garlic (Allium sativum L) production in the highlands of Ethiopia

AbstractField experiment has been conducted in Yilmana Densa District during the 2014/2015 irrigation season with the objective of identifying the economical and agronomically optimum rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer for garlic production under irrigated smallholder farming system in the Highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia. Twelve NPS fertilizer rates, laid down on Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications were tested on local garlic variety. Accordingly, most of the growth and yield parameters were significantly affected by NPS fertilizer rates where non-fertilized plants were inferior in all parameters. Significantly highest plant height (69.23 cm) and above ground biomass (25.33 g) were recorded on garlic plants supplied with N:P2O5:S at the rate of 105:122.6:22.6 kg ha−1. Similarly, the biggest bulb diameter (4.27 cm) and the highest leaf number (13.4) as well as marketable (17.42 t ha−1) and total bulb yields (17.8 t ha−1) were recorded on plants which were supplied with 140:...