A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of plant spacing and phosphorus rates on yield related traits and yield of faba bean (Viacia faba L.) at Farmers Training Center, Duna District during 2015 summer cropping season. Three intra-rows spacing (5, 10 and 15 cm), three inter-rows spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three phosphorus rates (0, 46 and 92 kg/ha) were tested. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was replicated three times. Improved faba bean variety (Degaga) was ued as test crop. Phenological growth parameters yield and yield related data were collected and their ANOVA was analyzed using GenSta 5th edition and while treatment means were significantly different, they were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. There was highly significant (P<0.01) effect of the highest rate of phosphorus (92 kg P2O5 ha-1) on days to flowering, days to maturity, leaf area index, effective nodules per plant, plant height , primary tillers plant-1, seeds pod-1, hundred seed weight, grain yield, above ground dry biomass and harvest index. Significantly lowest days to flowering (54.3 days) after emergence and highest plant height (105.63 cm), leaf area (1073 cm2), seeds pod-1(3.57), grain yield (2633 kg ha-1), dry biomass (8108kg ha-1) and harvest index (32.47) were obtained from the highest rate of P (92 kg P2O5 ha-1). For all inter-rows spacing, the leaf area, number of primary tillers, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and hundred seed weight were increased as intra-row spacing increase and the highest leaf area (1084 cm2), primary tillers (2.99) and hundred seed weight (54.59 g) were obtained from the widest (50 cm) inter-row spacing, while the highest effective nodules (59.56) and leaf area index (3.51) were resulted from the narrowest (30 cm) inter-row spacing. On the other hand, the interaction effects of inter and intra-row spacing significantly influenced, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, above ground dry biomass, grain yield and harvest index. The 30 cm inter-row by 15 cm intra-row spacing gave the highest grain yield (2495 kg ha-1), harvest index (35.79%) and pods plant-1(19.68) whereas the highest dry biomass (8738 kg ha-1) was obtained from 30 cm x 5 cm spacing combination. Thus, it can be concluded that application of 92 kg P2O5 ha-1 rate of phosphorus at 30 x 15 cm spacing combination proved to be superior with respect to grain yield in the study area. However, further study at least for one more cropping season under different soils is required to reach at conclusive recommendation.
Introgression of Plantain Fruit Parthenocarpy (pfp) Genes in Land Races of Pl...Premier Publishers
Trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, to investigate the transfer and effects of parthenocarpy gene on ploidy and bunch traits of plantain and banana hybrids using five different banana and plantain clones with each serving differently as a male and female parent that gave a total of 10 crosses. The ten crosses were laid out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The Experimental materials consisted of three plantain cultivarsS: Agbagba, ObinaiEwai and UST Px/02/01; and two banana clones: Calcutta 4 and Yangambi (km5). The potential for indirect marker- assisted election through the utilization of predictive multiple regression equations, heritability (h2) and repeatability (R) in the selection of parthenocarpy progenies was tested. In all viable crosses between ObinaiEwai and Calcutta 4, one of these pfp genes segregates in euploid hybrid progenies resulting in the production of parthenocarpy and non-parthenocarpy progenies. Linear correlation and regression analysis showed that bunch weight, fruit size, bunch hand and fruit number were positively influenced by each ploidy increases and change of recessive to dominant in pfp genes alleles. Although ploidy increase and pfp allele substitution accounted for more than 50 per cent of the Heritability(h) value for the afore-mentioned traits, other genetic factors (pleiotropic) also affect the manifestation of these traits. This implies that ploidy and the effect of allele substitution did not explain all the genetic variation for bunch and fruit traits. This work has proved the use of indirect marker assisted selection which is cheap and reliable for the selection of the F1 2n and 4n parthenocarpy progenies which would be used for the production of superior secondary 3x progenies.
STUDY OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD ATRIBUTING CHARACTERS IN INDIGENOUS RICE (OR...Vipin Pandey
The present study was carried out to study ninety four rice accessions, along with checks, on the basis of sixteen
qualitative and twenty quantitative characters. Analysis of variance for quantitative characters showed differences for
different characters. High coefficient of variation in the entire genotypes was observed for grain yield per plant (27.4 %),
number of effective tillers per plant (22.37 %), test weight (21.14 %) and kernel length breadth ratio (20.59 %).
Correlation analysis revealed positive and highly significant correlation of total number of filled grains per panicle, total
number of grains per panicle, plant height and number of effective tiller per plant; harvest index, test weight, flag leaf
length and days to maturity had positive highly significant correlation with grain yield per plant. Principal Component
Analysis revealed, out of 20, only seven principal components (PCs) exhibited more than 1.00 eigen value, and showed
about 77.42 % variability among the traits studied. So, these 7 PCs were given due importance for further explanation.
Component matrix revealed that the PC1 was mostly related to quality characters while PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6 and
PC7 mostly associated with yield related traits. Cluster analysis performed by UPGMA method using Euclidean distance
as dissimilarity measure divided the 97 genotypes of rice into ten clusters. The cluster III constituted of 48 genotypes,
forming the largest cluster followed by cluster VI (22 genotypes), cluster V (10 genotypes), cluster II (5 genotypes) and
cluster VIII (4 genotypes), cluster I, IV and VII (two genotypes each), cluster IX and X had (only one genotypes each).
Quality analysis performed for 97 rice genotypes revealed wide range of genetic variability for most of the quality traits.
Intercropping of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with stevia (Stevia reb...paperpublications3
Abstract: Field experiment was conducted in the consecutive two cropping seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) to investigate Haricot Bean based farming system by inclusion of Stevia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five replications. The results showed that the yields of haricot bean were not significantly decreased with the increase of stevia population. Sole planting of stevia was superior to other intercropped treatments and produced 20035.3 kgha-1, 41859 kgha-1 and 30947 kgha-1 above ground biomass yield (total of three harvesting cycle), 12439.47 kgha-1, 26296.2kgha-1 and 19367.8 kgha-1 leaf fresh weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) and 3450.71kgha-1, 7570.3kgha-1 and 5510.5kgha-1 leaf dry weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) in the consecutive two cropping season and the pooled mean respectively. The LER and MAI indicating the practice of intercropping of haricot bean with stevia was more advantageous than the conventional monoculture crop. Even if significant yield difference was not observed for haricot bean among the treatment, haricot bean intercrop with 80% stevia mix proportion with LER of 1.43 and MAI of 88278 followed by 60% stevia mix proportion with LER of 1.34 and MAI of 62027 proved to be best than planted at sole indicating the practice of haricot bean–stevia intercropping was more advantageous and profitable than the conventional monoculture crop.
Keywords: Haricot Bean, Intercropping, Land Equivalent Ratio, Monetary Advantage, Stevia rebaudiana, Supplementary.
Participatory variety selection of Faba Bean for yield components and yield a...Premier Publishers
Faba bean is one the major highland grain food legumes contributing an enormous amount of protein to the human diet in Ethiopia. Though a lot of improved varieties were released by research centers farmers depend on low yield and local varieties. Participatory variety selection is one of the methods used to evaluate varieties through involvement of users. The participatory faba bean variety selection was conducted during 2014 cropping season at Chiro and Gemachis districts on two farmers training center and three farmers field. Eight released varieties with one local check were laid out in Randomized complete block design in three replications on Farmers training center and single plot on farmer’s field. Agronomic and farmer selection data were collected and analyzed. From all the tested varieties, variety Hachalu was superior in grain yield (1437 kg ha-1) and ( 808 kg ha-1) while Wayu variety was yielded (719 kg ha-1) and 796 (kg ha-1) at Chiro and Gamachis respectively. The lowest grain yield was obtained from Obse (215 kg ha-1) variety at Chiro and Local variety (581 kg ha-1) at Gemachis respectively. In case of farmer preference Hachalu score higher mean value (3.8) followed by Tumsa (3.6) and least mean value was recorded from variety local (2.2). Therefore, the varieties selected by researcher and farmer data Hachalu, Wayu and Tumsa were recommended for further production in these areas.
A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of plant spacing and phosphorus rates on yield related traits and yield of faba bean (Viacia faba L.) at Farmers Training Center, Duna District during 2015 summer cropping season. Three intra-rows spacing (5, 10 and 15 cm), three inter-rows spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three phosphorus rates (0, 46 and 92 kg/ha) were tested. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was replicated three times. Improved faba bean variety (Degaga) was ued as test crop. Phenological growth parameters yield and yield related data were collected and their ANOVA was analyzed using GenSta 5th edition and while treatment means were significantly different, they were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. There was highly significant (P<0.01) effect of the highest rate of phosphorus (92 kg P2O5 ha-1) on days to flowering, days to maturity, leaf area index, effective nodules per plant, plant height , primary tillers plant-1, seeds pod-1, hundred seed weight, grain yield, above ground dry biomass and harvest index. Significantly lowest days to flowering (54.3 days) after emergence and highest plant height (105.63 cm), leaf area (1073 cm2), seeds pod-1(3.57), grain yield (2633 kg ha-1), dry biomass (8108kg ha-1) and harvest index (32.47) were obtained from the highest rate of P (92 kg P2O5 ha-1). For all inter-rows spacing, the leaf area, number of primary tillers, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and hundred seed weight were increased as intra-row spacing increase and the highest leaf area (1084 cm2), primary tillers (2.99) and hundred seed weight (54.59 g) were obtained from the widest (50 cm) inter-row spacing, while the highest effective nodules (59.56) and leaf area index (3.51) were resulted from the narrowest (30 cm) inter-row spacing. On the other hand, the interaction effects of inter and intra-row spacing significantly influenced, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, above ground dry biomass, grain yield and harvest index. The 30 cm inter-row by 15 cm intra-row spacing gave the highest grain yield (2495 kg ha-1), harvest index (35.79%) and pods plant-1(19.68) whereas the highest dry biomass (8738 kg ha-1) was obtained from 30 cm x 5 cm spacing combination. Thus, it can be concluded that application of 92 kg P2O5 ha-1 rate of phosphorus at 30 x 15 cm spacing combination proved to be superior with respect to grain yield in the study area. However, further study at least for one more cropping season under different soils is required to reach at conclusive recommendation.
Introgression of Plantain Fruit Parthenocarpy (pfp) Genes in Land Races of Pl...Premier Publishers
Trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, to investigate the transfer and effects of parthenocarpy gene on ploidy and bunch traits of plantain and banana hybrids using five different banana and plantain clones with each serving differently as a male and female parent that gave a total of 10 crosses. The ten crosses were laid out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The Experimental materials consisted of three plantain cultivarsS: Agbagba, ObinaiEwai and UST Px/02/01; and two banana clones: Calcutta 4 and Yangambi (km5). The potential for indirect marker- assisted election through the utilization of predictive multiple regression equations, heritability (h2) and repeatability (R) in the selection of parthenocarpy progenies was tested. In all viable crosses between ObinaiEwai and Calcutta 4, one of these pfp genes segregates in euploid hybrid progenies resulting in the production of parthenocarpy and non-parthenocarpy progenies. Linear correlation and regression analysis showed that bunch weight, fruit size, bunch hand and fruit number were positively influenced by each ploidy increases and change of recessive to dominant in pfp genes alleles. Although ploidy increase and pfp allele substitution accounted for more than 50 per cent of the Heritability(h) value for the afore-mentioned traits, other genetic factors (pleiotropic) also affect the manifestation of these traits. This implies that ploidy and the effect of allele substitution did not explain all the genetic variation for bunch and fruit traits. This work has proved the use of indirect marker assisted selection which is cheap and reliable for the selection of the F1 2n and 4n parthenocarpy progenies which would be used for the production of superior secondary 3x progenies.
STUDY OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD ATRIBUTING CHARACTERS IN INDIGENOUS RICE (OR...Vipin Pandey
The present study was carried out to study ninety four rice accessions, along with checks, on the basis of sixteen
qualitative and twenty quantitative characters. Analysis of variance for quantitative characters showed differences for
different characters. High coefficient of variation in the entire genotypes was observed for grain yield per plant (27.4 %),
number of effective tillers per plant (22.37 %), test weight (21.14 %) and kernel length breadth ratio (20.59 %).
Correlation analysis revealed positive and highly significant correlation of total number of filled grains per panicle, total
number of grains per panicle, plant height and number of effective tiller per plant; harvest index, test weight, flag leaf
length and days to maturity had positive highly significant correlation with grain yield per plant. Principal Component
Analysis revealed, out of 20, only seven principal components (PCs) exhibited more than 1.00 eigen value, and showed
about 77.42 % variability among the traits studied. So, these 7 PCs were given due importance for further explanation.
Component matrix revealed that the PC1 was mostly related to quality characters while PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6 and
PC7 mostly associated with yield related traits. Cluster analysis performed by UPGMA method using Euclidean distance
as dissimilarity measure divided the 97 genotypes of rice into ten clusters. The cluster III constituted of 48 genotypes,
forming the largest cluster followed by cluster VI (22 genotypes), cluster V (10 genotypes), cluster II (5 genotypes) and
cluster VIII (4 genotypes), cluster I, IV and VII (two genotypes each), cluster IX and X had (only one genotypes each).
Quality analysis performed for 97 rice genotypes revealed wide range of genetic variability for most of the quality traits.
Intercropping of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with stevia (Stevia reb...paperpublications3
Abstract: Field experiment was conducted in the consecutive two cropping seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) to investigate Haricot Bean based farming system by inclusion of Stevia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five replications. The results showed that the yields of haricot bean were not significantly decreased with the increase of stevia population. Sole planting of stevia was superior to other intercropped treatments and produced 20035.3 kgha-1, 41859 kgha-1 and 30947 kgha-1 above ground biomass yield (total of three harvesting cycle), 12439.47 kgha-1, 26296.2kgha-1 and 19367.8 kgha-1 leaf fresh weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) and 3450.71kgha-1, 7570.3kgha-1 and 5510.5kgha-1 leaf dry weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) in the consecutive two cropping season and the pooled mean respectively. The LER and MAI indicating the practice of intercropping of haricot bean with stevia was more advantageous than the conventional monoculture crop. Even if significant yield difference was not observed for haricot bean among the treatment, haricot bean intercrop with 80% stevia mix proportion with LER of 1.43 and MAI of 88278 followed by 60% stevia mix proportion with LER of 1.34 and MAI of 62027 proved to be best than planted at sole indicating the practice of haricot bean–stevia intercropping was more advantageous and profitable than the conventional monoculture crop.
Keywords: Haricot Bean, Intercropping, Land Equivalent Ratio, Monetary Advantage, Stevia rebaudiana, Supplementary.
Participatory variety selection of Faba Bean for yield components and yield a...Premier Publishers
Faba bean is one the major highland grain food legumes contributing an enormous amount of protein to the human diet in Ethiopia. Though a lot of improved varieties were released by research centers farmers depend on low yield and local varieties. Participatory variety selection is one of the methods used to evaluate varieties through involvement of users. The participatory faba bean variety selection was conducted during 2014 cropping season at Chiro and Gemachis districts on two farmers training center and three farmers field. Eight released varieties with one local check were laid out in Randomized complete block design in three replications on Farmers training center and single plot on farmer’s field. Agronomic and farmer selection data were collected and analyzed. From all the tested varieties, variety Hachalu was superior in grain yield (1437 kg ha-1) and ( 808 kg ha-1) while Wayu variety was yielded (719 kg ha-1) and 796 (kg ha-1) at Chiro and Gamachis respectively. The lowest grain yield was obtained from Obse (215 kg ha-1) variety at Chiro and Local variety (581 kg ha-1) at Gemachis respectively. In case of farmer preference Hachalu score higher mean value (3.8) followed by Tumsa (3.6) and least mean value was recorded from variety local (2.2). Therefore, the varieties selected by researcher and farmer data Hachalu, Wayu and Tumsa were recommended for further production in these areas.
presentation of research proposal on lentilsSuraj Poudel
This is the presentation of research proposal on "Crop Establishment Options for Lentil At Paklihawa" for Undergraduate Practicum Assessment (UPA) prepared by me and my two friends. Any suggestions for improvement are highly welcomed.
Evaluation of Improved Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) Varieties for Adaptation ...Premier Publishers
This study was carried out to evaluate and identify adapted improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) varieties in southern tigray lowlands of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate three improved cowpea varieties for yield and yield related traits under rain-fed conditions at Mekoni Agricultural Research Center site and Kara Adisheho farmer’s field. Analysis of variance showed that all the traits measured were statistically significant at 5% level of probability except plant height. The earliest days to 90% maturity (79 days) were observed for the variety Kenkety, whereas the longest was recorded by bole variety (89.6 days). Similarly, Kenkety variety filled their seeds in a short period of time (25 days) compared to Assebot and Bole varieties (29; 32 days). The highest pooled mean grain yield was obtained from Kenkety variety (1958 kgha-1), while Assebot and Bole had the lowest yield of 1656 and 1481 kgha-1 respectively. When we see variety × location wise mean, still Kenkety variety outsmarts in both locations over the varieties and Kara Adisheho were suitable for cowpea production with (2128 kgha-1) grain yield. Taken as a whole, Kenkety variety over weights Assebot and Bole varieties especially for the two main traits of earliness and yield performance. Thus, Kenkety was promising variety for demonstration and scaling up activities in the agro ecology.
Barley is one of the most important traditional crops in Ethiopia which is a major center of genetic diversity for barley along with other crop plants species. Two hundred seven accessions and 18 released varieties were laid down in 15*15 simple lattice design and planted in 2008 main cropping season (June to Nov) at Kokate. The objective of the study was to conduct the morphological characterization and to determine the nature and degree of variability in morpho- agronomic traits of landrace of barley in southern Ethiopia collections. The proportion of genotypes in kernel row number were 26.6, 15.3, 16.6, 41.5 and 0.4% for two rowed with lateral floret, two rowed deficient, irregular, six rowed with awns on lateral floret and branched heads, respectively. Genotypes with white kernel color (57.5%) and amber (normal) lemma color (50%) were dominant. The highest diversity indices pooled over the characters within zones/ special woredas were recorded for accessions sampled from Dawro (H’= 0.75 ± 0.05) followed by Sheka (H’=0.74 ± 0.07), Gamgofa (H’ =0.70 ± 0.05) and Keffa (H’= 0.70 ± 0.08). These zones can be used for in situ conservation for barley landraces as representatives of southern Ethiopian high lands. The barley genotypes were clustered into five distinct groups of various sizes based on 8 qualitative traits. The estimates of diversity index (H’) for each trait in each of the three altitudinal class has shown that polymorphism was common in varying degrees for most traits, implying the existence of a wide range of variation in the materials.
A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.
Participatory Varietal Selection and Evaluation of twelve Soybeans [Glycine m...Premier Publishers
Participatory varietal selection was carried out at North Western parts of Ethiopia, Metekel Zone at Mandura and Mambuk woreda during the main cropping season in 2017/18, to select the best performing, stable, adaptable Soybean varieties in the target areas, to enhance accessibility of improved varieties for producers and to get farmers’ indigenous knowledge used in varietal selection for future soybean research. The result of the current study clearly showed a significant difference between the released 12 Soybean varieties for most agronomic traits obtained at both districts. Seed yield, disease resistance and Number of pods per plant were the dominant selection criteria used by the farmers at both districts. Accordingly, majority of farmers frequently selected Pawe-01 variety. In addition, farmers gave priority for Seed yield at both districts and secondly, they gave equal emphasis to Number of pods per plant, disease resistance and number of branch per plant at Mandura and plant height, seed per pod and disease resistance at Mambuk. General, development of high seed yielding with many pods per plant for Mandura and high yielding with medium plant height in line with disease resistance and medium maturing for Mambuk district can enhance farmers’ preference towards improved Soybean varieties.
YIELD PERFORMANCE and ADAPTATION of KABULI CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) VARI...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted under rain fed condition at Chiro agricultural research center and Arberekete research station during the year of 2019 main cropping season to evaluate the yield performance and adaptability among released Kabuli chickpea varieties for the target area. The varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The environment by variety interaction analysis showed highly significant difference for the varieties, implying that there is best fit cultivar independently for each location. Accordingly, the highest grain yield at Arberekete was revealed by shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech consecutively; while at Chiro; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech demonstrated top four yield scores. Therefore, Shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech varieties were adapted for Arberekete and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararge; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech varieties were adapted and promoted for Chiro and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararghe zone.
Effect of time and proportion of leaf harvest on pest, forage and root yields...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Dearth of knowledge exists regarding the leaf harvest intensity and frequency thresholds that support optimum forage and fresh storage root yields in Sierra Leone. A study was carried out to assess the effects of leaf harvesting time and proportion on Cylas puncticollis infestation, growth and yield of sweet potato in the inland valley swamp and upland ecologies of Njala. Treatment combinations comprised of two varieties ("Kabia" and "Gbanie"), four leaf harvest regimes: 0, 30 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP); and four-leaf harvest intensities (0, 25, 50 and 100%). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected included Cylas puncticollis severity on vines and storage roots, root dimensions and numbers, fresh foliage and storage root yields. The results revealed that leaf harvesting twice at 25 and 50% contributed more to optimum forage and storage root yields and related attributes of sweet potatoes compared to other treatments. The present study suggests that good agronomic management of sweet potato that supports optimum forage and storage root yields should be selected to meet the dual purpose for which it is grown. These findings serve as good guide for incorporation of leaf harvesting time, proportion of leaf harvest in germplasm assessment and new population development objectives.
presentation of research proposal on lentilsSuraj Poudel
This is the presentation of research proposal on "Crop Establishment Options for Lentil At Paklihawa" for Undergraduate Practicum Assessment (UPA) prepared by me and my two friends. Any suggestions for improvement are highly welcomed.
Evaluation of Improved Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) Varieties for Adaptation ...Premier Publishers
This study was carried out to evaluate and identify adapted improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) varieties in southern tigray lowlands of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate three improved cowpea varieties for yield and yield related traits under rain-fed conditions at Mekoni Agricultural Research Center site and Kara Adisheho farmer’s field. Analysis of variance showed that all the traits measured were statistically significant at 5% level of probability except plant height. The earliest days to 90% maturity (79 days) were observed for the variety Kenkety, whereas the longest was recorded by bole variety (89.6 days). Similarly, Kenkety variety filled their seeds in a short period of time (25 days) compared to Assebot and Bole varieties (29; 32 days). The highest pooled mean grain yield was obtained from Kenkety variety (1958 kgha-1), while Assebot and Bole had the lowest yield of 1656 and 1481 kgha-1 respectively. When we see variety × location wise mean, still Kenkety variety outsmarts in both locations over the varieties and Kara Adisheho were suitable for cowpea production with (2128 kgha-1) grain yield. Taken as a whole, Kenkety variety over weights Assebot and Bole varieties especially for the two main traits of earliness and yield performance. Thus, Kenkety was promising variety for demonstration and scaling up activities in the agro ecology.
Barley is one of the most important traditional crops in Ethiopia which is a major center of genetic diversity for barley along with other crop plants species. Two hundred seven accessions and 18 released varieties were laid down in 15*15 simple lattice design and planted in 2008 main cropping season (June to Nov) at Kokate. The objective of the study was to conduct the morphological characterization and to determine the nature and degree of variability in morpho- agronomic traits of landrace of barley in southern Ethiopia collections. The proportion of genotypes in kernel row number were 26.6, 15.3, 16.6, 41.5 and 0.4% for two rowed with lateral floret, two rowed deficient, irregular, six rowed with awns on lateral floret and branched heads, respectively. Genotypes with white kernel color (57.5%) and amber (normal) lemma color (50%) were dominant. The highest diversity indices pooled over the characters within zones/ special woredas were recorded for accessions sampled from Dawro (H’= 0.75 ± 0.05) followed by Sheka (H’=0.74 ± 0.07), Gamgofa (H’ =0.70 ± 0.05) and Keffa (H’= 0.70 ± 0.08). These zones can be used for in situ conservation for barley landraces as representatives of southern Ethiopian high lands. The barley genotypes were clustered into five distinct groups of various sizes based on 8 qualitative traits. The estimates of diversity index (H’) for each trait in each of the three altitudinal class has shown that polymorphism was common in varying degrees for most traits, implying the existence of a wide range of variation in the materials.
A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.
Participatory Varietal Selection and Evaluation of twelve Soybeans [Glycine m...Premier Publishers
Participatory varietal selection was carried out at North Western parts of Ethiopia, Metekel Zone at Mandura and Mambuk woreda during the main cropping season in 2017/18, to select the best performing, stable, adaptable Soybean varieties in the target areas, to enhance accessibility of improved varieties for producers and to get farmers’ indigenous knowledge used in varietal selection for future soybean research. The result of the current study clearly showed a significant difference between the released 12 Soybean varieties for most agronomic traits obtained at both districts. Seed yield, disease resistance and Number of pods per plant were the dominant selection criteria used by the farmers at both districts. Accordingly, majority of farmers frequently selected Pawe-01 variety. In addition, farmers gave priority for Seed yield at both districts and secondly, they gave equal emphasis to Number of pods per plant, disease resistance and number of branch per plant at Mandura and plant height, seed per pod and disease resistance at Mambuk. General, development of high seed yielding with many pods per plant for Mandura and high yielding with medium plant height in line with disease resistance and medium maturing for Mambuk district can enhance farmers’ preference towards improved Soybean varieties.
YIELD PERFORMANCE and ADAPTATION of KABULI CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) VARI...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted under rain fed condition at Chiro agricultural research center and Arberekete research station during the year of 2019 main cropping season to evaluate the yield performance and adaptability among released Kabuli chickpea varieties for the target area. The varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The environment by variety interaction analysis showed highly significant difference for the varieties, implying that there is best fit cultivar independently for each location. Accordingly, the highest grain yield at Arberekete was revealed by shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech consecutively; while at Chiro; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech demonstrated top four yield scores. Therefore, Shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech varieties were adapted for Arberekete and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararge; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech varieties were adapted and promoted for Chiro and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararghe zone.
Effect of time and proportion of leaf harvest on pest, forage and root yields...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Dearth of knowledge exists regarding the leaf harvest intensity and frequency thresholds that support optimum forage and fresh storage root yields in Sierra Leone. A study was carried out to assess the effects of leaf harvesting time and proportion on Cylas puncticollis infestation, growth and yield of sweet potato in the inland valley swamp and upland ecologies of Njala. Treatment combinations comprised of two varieties ("Kabia" and "Gbanie"), four leaf harvest regimes: 0, 30 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP); and four-leaf harvest intensities (0, 25, 50 and 100%). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected included Cylas puncticollis severity on vines and storage roots, root dimensions and numbers, fresh foliage and storage root yields. The results revealed that leaf harvesting twice at 25 and 50% contributed more to optimum forage and storage root yields and related attributes of sweet potatoes compared to other treatments. The present study suggests that good agronomic management of sweet potato that supports optimum forage and storage root yields should be selected to meet the dual purpose for which it is grown. These findings serve as good guide for incorporation of leaf harvesting time, proportion of leaf harvest in germplasm assessment and new population development objectives.
Knowledge of Farmers about production technology of root and tuber cropsVedant Girawale
It is believable that to motivate farmers for adopting package of
practices of root & tuber crops for food security and nutritional security is very much essential. Final decision of farmers to adopt root & tuber crops cultivation is usually the result of their knowledge about package of practices of tuber crops. Therefore, it was felt necessary to study level of knowledge of the farmers about package of practices of root & tuber crops in Navsari distrist of south Gujarat, India.
Effect of sowing year and seedbed type on yield and yield component in bambar...Innspub Net
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is one of the most promising food legumes in Africa, due to its agronomic and nutritional potential. To take advantage of these attributes, several research programmes gathering agronomic and genetic data are being implemented throughout Africa. In this context, the responses of yield and yield components to year sowing and seedbed type were tested in a three densities (13 900 plants ha−1, 62500 plants ha−1 and 250000 plants ha−1) field experiment using a bambara groundnut landrace with a semi-bunch growth habit. Three years sowing: 2005, 2006 and 2007 were coupled with two seedbed types – raised and flat. A factorial trial using a split-plot design with three replicates was set up to analyse seed yield and plant biomass, as well as nine yield components (Plant spread, Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Number of pods per plants, Number of seeds per plant, Pods weight per plant, Pod fill ration, Seed harvest index). The seedbed type and year of experiment did not influence significantly the marketable yield and plant biomass (p> 0.05). This result has been attributed to the suitability of the amount and distribution of rainfall and temperature for the production of bambara groundnut at the target site. Based on the trend of yield response, cultivation of landraces of bambara groundnut characterized by a semi-bunch growth habit on flat seedbeds was suggested in woodland savannas of Côte d’Ivoire to enhance seeds yield and reduce labour. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/effect-of-sowing-year-and-seedbed-type-on-yield-and-yield-component-in-bambara-groundnut-vigna-subterranea-l-verdc-in-woodland-savannahs-of-cote-divoire/
An Agronomic field study was conducted at University of Limpopo Experimental farm, Syferkuil, over two summer growing seasons to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) rate and also assess the productivity of pigeonpea under intercrop with maize. Five P rates (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg P ha-1) were evaluated under sole and intercropped pigeonpea. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results revealed that variable P fertilizer rates exerted significant effect on pigeonpea grain yield in both seasons. Highest grain yields of 922 and 1141.7 kg ha-1 under sole and intercrop plots, respectively, were achieved at 45 kg P ha-1 during first and second seasons, respectively. However, the predicted optimum grain yield of 734 and 1034 kg ha-1 based on the response model was achieved at 52.67 kg P ha-1 and 42.84 kg P ha-1, in the respective seasons. Intercropping achieved a significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (+37%) during second year than sole cropping following P addition; with over 21% mean grain yield advantage across the two planting seasons. Hence, depending on the inherent soil-P level, application of 42-53 kg P ha-1 under pigeonpea/maize intercrop represents the range at which P is optimum for maximum pigeonpea grain yield and better returns for farmers.
Investigation of Correlation Coefficient for Forage and Grain Yield with Rela...Premier Publishers
Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a staple worldwide in both human and animal nutrition. It is mainly grown for livestock, depending on its grain and forage yield in Turkey. This study was based on defining correlation coefficients of some oat genotypes (nine lines and three cultivars) in Konya, Turkey, among fodder and grain yields, and their components. The experimental design of this study was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The correlations were analyzed after harvesting at milk to dough period. The findings illustrated that there was a significant positive correlation between green fodder yield and leaf weights in ten stems, and grain yield and the number of panicles stems per square meter. The highest negative correlations was found between green fodder yield and the number of panicles stems per square meter, and grain yield and 50% flowering periods in addition to green fodder yield. This research suggests that the number of panicles stems per square meter and dry fodder yield would be selection criteria for grain yield. The number of leaves per stem, the number of nodes, and plant height would also be considered for green fodder yield by oat breeders in their program in Anatolia.
Growth characteristics and yield of jute mallow when intercropped with common...Innspub Net
In Tanzania, farmers harvest Jute mallow for granted when it grows without being cultivated. This limits its potential production and possibilities for exploiting its fully benefit in nutrition and market. This study was conducted to find a better intercropping combination which is agronomically viable with higher yield advantages by integrating Jute mallow in commonly grown cereals in Tanzania. Field experiment was conducted at Hombolo Agricultural Research Centre in Dodoma and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) farm in Arusha to assess the growth and yield performance of jute mallow when intercropped with either maize, sorghum or finger millet. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that growth parameters of Jute mallow with sorghum and jute mallow with finger millet intercrops such as plant height, number of branches and number of leaves were not affected by intercropping. Jute mallow intercropped with maize suppressed growth and yield performance of Jute mallow. Among intercropped stands, Jute mallow intercropped with sorghum and with finger millet was not affected by intercropping on fresh leaf yield. However, all intercropped stands had yield advantages over mono-cropped stands, jute mallow-sorghum intercrop had the highest yield advantage with a LER of 1.7 and 1.53 in Dodoma and Arusha respectively. If farmers opt for intercropping and maximizing land use, this study recommends jute mallow to be intercropped with sorghum and with finger millet for better yields and sustainable growth.
Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Released Napier Grass Varieties unde...PriyankaKilaniya
Five Napier grass varieties were evaluated for agronomic performance and yield at Abobo agricultural research center under rain fed condition in Gambella. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on agronomic parameters such as plant height, survival rate, leaf to stem ratio, node number per plant, internodes length per plant, tillering performance and dry matter yield were analyzed using general linear model(GLM) procedure of SAS, least significant difference (LSD) at 5% was used for mean separation. Combined analysis indicated that tested varieties varied significantly (p<0.05) for survival rate, plant height, leaf to stem ratio, tillering performance, internodes length per plant and dry matter yield. The highest plant survival rate (86.33%) was recorded for Check followed by varieties 16819(73.60%), 16984(71.92%), and 16791(67.83%) respectively. On the other hand, variety 15743(66.67%) showed the lowest plant survival rate. The mean plant height ranges from 2.09m to 2.49m with an overall mean plant height of 2.31m. The tallest mean plant height (2.49m) was recorded in 15743 while shortest mean plan height (2.09m) was recorded in check. The mean leaf to stem ratio range from 1.71 to 1.28 with the overall mean of 1.52, and The higher leaf to stem ratio value (1.71) were recorded from check, followed by 16984(1.67), 15743(1.59), 16819(1.35) while the lowest value were recorded in 16791(1.28). In a combined analysis the mean dry matter yield range from 20.02 t/ha to 14.05 t/ha with the overall mean of 16.24 t/ha. The higher dry matter yield value (20.02 t/ha) were recorded from 16819, followed by 16791(16.77t/ha) and check (16.12t/ha) respectively. The lowest mean dry matter yield were recorded in 16984(14.05 t/ha) and 15743(14.26t/ha). Generally, Napier grass varieties tested has shown variation for agronomic performance and yield under rain fed condition in Gambella
Snap bean is a warm-season crop harvested for its immature seed pods. In Ethiopia its production increased from time to time for both export and local markets. A field experiment was conducted at the research field of JUCAVM, during 2017 cropping season using irrigation aiming to improve the quality of snap bean. Five levels of N (0, 41, 82, 123, and 164 kg ha−1) and four levels of P (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg ha−1) were laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replications. N was applied in two equal splits (50% at planting and 50% during flowering) as Urea and the entire dose of P was applied basal as triple super phosphate at sowing. In this experiment pod length, pod diameter, pod protein concentration, pod straightness and marketable pod yield were measured as quality parameters. The results revealed that the main effects of N and P fertilizer rates showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for all quality parameters except for percentage of pod protein concentration and straightness of pod. Accordingly, the interaction effects of N and P were significant for percent of pod protein concentration and straightness of pod. Considering the major quality parameters and marketable pod yield applying 82 kg N ha −1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha−1 gave better result to increase the quality of snap bean in Jimma area. However, repeating the experiment for more seasons and similar location would help us draw sound conclusion and recommendations.
In the Guinea savannah zone of northern Ghana, the soils are reported to be declining for agricultural productivity. In these farming communities that depend on soybean production for their livelihoods, resource-poor farmers are not able to afford purchases of high cost inorganic phosphatic fertilizers to enhance the crop’s production. The need arises to identify efficient practices and strategies and research into alternative means of enhancing soybean production to improve food security. This Randomized Complete Block Design as an experimental tool was employed to carry out a research in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana (Tolon District) to assess the agronomic and economic productivity of rhizobia inoculation use in soybean production. Treatments used for the experiment were sole soybean production, soybean + recommended phosphorus (P) fertilize rate, soybean + inoculums, and soybean + P + inoculum. A planting distance of 60*10cm was used during planting. Each treatment was replicated three times. Growth and yield data were collected on plant height, nodule number and dry weight, shoot dry weight, pods number and dry weight, grain yield, 100 seed weight and nodule effectiveness. The results revealed the existence of significant difference in grain yield between treatments (p = 0.011). Soybean + inoculation + P gave the highest yield of 3.6 t/ha followed by soybean + inoculation (3.17 t/ha), soybean + P (2.97 t/ha) and soybean only (2.6 t/ha) respectively. Significant difference was also observed for number of pods between treatments (p= 0.01), with soybean + inoculation + phosphorus recording the highest followed by soybean + inoculation, soybean + phosphorus and soybean-only treatment respectively. However, use of sole inoculation in soybean production was associated with the least production cost, high revenue generation and high benefit/cost ratio. As rhizobia inoculation of soybean produced higher yields and is comparatively cheaper than phosphorus application, inoculation is suggested for the resource poor farmer in Northern Ghana.
Investigating the Genetic Diversity in Upland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Genotype...Premier Publishers
The study was conducted using thirty six upland rice genotypes in 2017 at Gojeb and Guraferda; Southwestern Ethiopia to classify and identify groups of similar genotypes and thereby estimate the genetic difference between clusters of the genotypes, the experiment was laid down in 6 × 6 simple lattice design. The combined analysis of variance over the two locations revealed that the genotypes showed highly significant (P≤0.01) differences for all the characters studied, except for days to 50% heading, panicle weight, thousand seed weight, lodging incidences, leaf blast and brown spot. Similarly genotype × location interactions revealed highly significant (P≤0.01) differences for panicle shattering and grain yield and significant (P≤0.05) differences for days to 85% maturity, plant height, number of fertile tillers per plant, number of unfilled spikelets per panicle and biomass yield. The squared distance (D2) analysis grouped the 36 genotypes in to four clusters. This makes the genotypes moderately divergent. The Chi-square (x2) test showed that all inter-cluster squared distances was highly significant. The principal component analysis revealed that four principal components have accounted for 70.54% of the total variation. The present study revealed that number of panicles per meter square and harvest index can be considered for selection.
Genetic and Morphological Diversity Analysis of Ethiopian Mustard (Brasica ca...Premier Publishers
Growing of Ethiopian mustard, as an oilseed and leaf vegetable require genetic improvement which relies on its genetic diversity. The experiment was executed to analyse genetic and morphological diversity of Ethiopian mustard land races at Holetta agricultural research center. Forty-nine genotypes collected from different agro ecologies were analyzed using morphological traits in order to assess the genetic and morphological diversity that exists in these materials. The experiment was carried out in a simple lattice design. The analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among genotypes for all traits compared except seed yield per plant, fresh leaf biomass per plant topped at 40, 50 and 60 days of growth and number of intact leaves at flowering. The significant difference indicates the existence of genetic variability among the accessions that is important for selection and breeding. For yield component traits, high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations was observed in seed yield per plot and oil yield. This shows that selection of these traits based on phenotype, may be useful for yield improvement. The highest heritability in broad sense was recorded for thousand seed weight(68.80%), followed by days to flowering (65.91%), stand percent (63.14%), linolenic acid (62.58%), days to maturity(60.43%), plant height (59.63%), palmitic (58.19%), linoleic (57.46%),leaf area (52..09%), oil content (50.33%), leaf width (48.29%),leaf length(46.28%), oil yield(44.84%), fresh leaf biomass at 50 days of topping(43.40%), seed yield per plot(42.99%), number of leaves at vegetative state(40.48%), seed yield of 50 days growth stage topped plants(38.85%) and primary branches (34.20%). This suggests that large proportion of the total variance was due to high genotypic variance. Hence, a good progress can be made if some of these traits are considered as selection criteria for the improvement of yield, yield component and vegetative traits. The present study revealed the presence of considerable variability among genotypes for all traits compared except seed yield per plant, fresh leaf biomass per plant topped at 40,50 and 60 days of growth and number of intact leaves at flowering. These conditions indicate that there is good opportunity to improve these characters using the tested genotypes.
Combining ability of inbred lines in quality protein maize (QPM) for varietal...Premier Publishers
Information on the combining ability of elite germplasm is essential to maximize their use for variety development. Sixty-six F1 crosses resulted from diallel crosses of 12 QPM inbred lines and two standard checks BHQP542 and Melkassa6Q were evaluated to determine general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability for yield and yield related traits using alpha-lattice design with two replications during the 2013 cropping season at Mechara. Analysis of variance showed that mean squares due to entries were significant for most traits studied, indicates existence of variability among the materials. Mean squares due to crosses and crosses versus checks were also significant for most studied traits. GCA and SCA mean squares revealed highly significant (p<0.01) differences for grain yield and most yield related traits. Inbred lines P1, P3 and P12 were good general combiners as the lines showed significant and positive GCA effects for grain yield. Among the crosses, P2 x P11 and P6 x P8 manifested positive and significant SCA effects for grain yield, indicating high yielding potential of the cross combinations. In general, this study identified inbred lines and hybrid combinations that had desirable expression of important traits which will be useful for the development of high yielding varieties.
Economic Efficiency Analysis of Smallholder Sorghum Producers in West Harargh...Premier Publishers
The study was aimed at analyzing the economic efficiency of sorghum producing smallholders in West Hareghe zone. It was based on cross-sectional data of 200 sample sorghum producing households randomly selected. The estimation of stochastic frontier production function indicated that labor, DAP fertilizer, area, seed and oxen power affects sorghum yield positively. The estimated results showed that the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies were 78.9%, 38.6% and 33.6% respectively which indicates the presence of inefficiency in sorghum production in the study area. Among factors hypothesized to determine the level of efficiencies, frequency of extension contact had positive relationship with technical efficiency and it was negatively related to both allocative and economic efficiencies, while soil fertility was also found to significantly influence technical efficiencies positively and experience has positive relationships with technical efficiency and allocative efficiency and slope significantly affects technical efficiency negatively. The result also indicated that cultivated land was among significant variables in determining technical efficiency and economic efficiency of farmers in the study area. Education was found to significantly determine allocative and economic efficiencies of farmers positively. The result indicated that there is a room to increase the efficiency of sorghum producers in the study area. Therefore, emphasis should be given to improve the efficiency level of those less efficient farmers by adopting and using the best practices of relatively efficient farmers.
Economic Efficiency Analysis of Smallholder Sorghum Producers in West Harargh...
cassava journal
1. Agriculture and Food
Sciences Research
ISSN: 2411-6653
Vol. 3, No. 1, 12-18, 2016
http://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AESR
12
Achievements of Cassava Agronomy Research in Southern
Ethiopia in the Last two Decades
Daniel Markos1
Legesse Hidoto2
Fiseha Negash3
1,2
Awassa agricultural research center, P.O.Box - 06,
Awassa, Ethiopia
3
Areka agricultural research center, P.O.Box- 79,
Areka, Ethiopia
( Corresponding Author)
Abstract
The paper describes research results of obtained in the process of generation of appropriate cultural
practices, cropping systems and other agronomic studies of cassava in Ethiopia. Based on plant
population studies carried out for three consecutive years on major cassava growing areas of SNNPR,
plant spacing of 100 cm x 80, 120 cm x 80 and 80 cm x 80 was recommended for Awassa, Amaro kele
and Amaro Jijola areas, respectively. The moisture content of cassava roots were invariably higher in
varieties Qule, Kele and local in 12th and 15th MAP; But, decreases there after markedly in a linear way.
Conversely, viscosity and root yield of the cassava increases significantly (P < 0.05) starting the 12th
MAP. Results of intercropping maize and cassava showed that alternate rows (1C:1M) had LER
advantage of 71%. Similarly, growing cassava intercropped with haricot bean, cow pea, soy bean and
mung bean resulted in LER of 1.82, 1.49. 1.48 and 1.62 compared to sole beans in Amaro area. In one
study that investigated planting positions and planting parts, slant and vertical plantings are suitable in
Awassa sandy soils compared to horizontal planting. Similarly, this study revealed that planting
materials shall be taken from middle and top part of the main stem of cassava compared to its branches.
In another study that investigated land preparation methods, it was found that furrow and ridge planting
produced comparable results of 48t/ha and 43t/ha compared to 38t/ha produced by flat plantings.
Planting date trial carried out for three consecutive seasons elaborated that rainfed cassava planting
could be carried out from mid April to early May based on optimum marketable and total tuber yield
obtained. Thus, the crop responded very well to crop management practices like plant density, land
preparation methods, planting positions, intercropping, etc.and farmers or investors could optimize
production by using these recommendations.
Keywords: Plant density, Intercropping, LER, Planting date, Starch content.
Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
2. Objectives............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
3. Methodologies ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4. Results and Discussion......................................................................................................................................................... 14
5. Planting Dates...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
6. Planting Position and Planting Materials ........................................................................................................................... 16
7. Land Preparation Methods ................................................................................................................................................. 17
8. Conclusions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
9. Future Research Directions................................................................................................................................................. 17
References ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Citation | Daniel Markos; Legesse Hidoto; Fiseha Negash (2016). Achievements of Cassava Agronomy Research in Southern
Ethiopia in the Last two Decades. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 3(1): 12-18.
DOI: 10.20448/journal.512/2016.3.1/512.1.12.18
ISSN | 2411-6653
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Asian Online Journal Publishing Group
2. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
13
1. Introduction
Cassava is a stable food of more than 600 million people all over the world and is grown in as many as 90
countries [1]. It is the most important root crop in Africa. The next is yam. It is a hardy crop that grows reasonably
well in poor soils and in areas well with erratic or low or unpredictable rainfall. It has been common among the rural
poor mainly because it required fewer fertilizer inputs. “Cassava is a staple food crop cultivated in several
developing countries, largely by small farmers. It is a source of subsistence and of cash income to poor farmers as
well as a source of rural employment, particularly of women manly because it tolerant to poor soils and harsh
climatic conditions producing reasonably yield poor management conditions. It is a perennial crop native to tropical
America with its center of origin in north-eastern and central Brazil. It is cultivated mainly for its enlarged starchy
root. Globally, it is the sixth most important source of calories in the human diet. In Africa, it has expanded as a food
security crop. In SNNPR, the average total area planted to the crop and production of cassava per annum is 4942 ha
and 53036.2 tones respectively. During the past 20 years, production of cassava expanded rapidly in Asia, especially
in Thailand, in response to expanded demand for imports by the European Community, where it is used as livestock
feed. There are concerns, however, about the likely decline in demand for cassava as food as incomes rise in
developing countries and also about the stability of the European demand.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is sixth most important source of calories in the human diet-world,fourth
most important food energy source in the tropics, is food security crop, because of its ability and capacity to yield
well in drought prone, marginal wasteland under poor management where other crops would fail, the average total
coverage and production of cassava per annum in Southern region is 4942 ha and 53036.2 tones, respectively and in
Ethiopia, cassava is grown in Southern and south eastern parts as staple crop.
Fig-1. Cassava in local markets in Ethiopia
Source: Picture taken in Konso market, Southern Ethiopia
Cassava based production systems include small scale rain-fed farming in pathes of plots in backyard eg. Amaro,
Bele, Gofa, Yeki and Tepi areas, Medium scale production in wide private farms eg. Amaro, Metu and Gofa areas,
Irrigated cassava production particularly in dry periods eg. Amaro and finally cassava is grown intercropped together
with taro, sorghum, teff, safflower, maize, enset, common beans , etc
Problems in cassava production include limited availability of additional land for crop production, decreased soil
fertility and declining yield for major food crops have been cited as the major concerns for agriculture’s ability to
provide nourishment for the increasing population, cassava is a long duration crop that takes more than 18 months
for harvest and is planted at intra and inter row spacing of 80-120 X 60-100 and takes 3-4 months to develop enough
canopy.
2. Objectives
to sensitize and document the findings of cassava agronomy research in southern Ethiopia
to draw conclusions based on major findings of cassava management research and subsequently recommend the
necessary technologies for further use
3. Methodologies
Cassava agronomy research has been carried out in the last twenty years in southern agricultural research
institute. Summary of research findings was prepared and presented by authors in the national first cassava research
review workshop from 17-18 May 2012 at Awassa, SARI southern Ethiopia. Data of different experiments were
3. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
14
gathered from various research centers and authors. The gathered data were systematically compiled in logical
manner that makes sense where conclusions were drawn accordingly using standard methodologies. Agronomic data
like plant height, weight and number of roots/plant and roots/plot, root length and root diameter were measured at
harvest where as canopy diameter was estimated at mid flowering in all experiments.
The LER is calculated as
LER = LA
+ LB
+ …… + LN
= AASY + BBSY + …… + NNSY = Σ=NINNSY1 Where LA
, LB
… LN
is
the LER for the individual crops
YA
, YB
… YN
are the individual crop yields in intercropping.
SA
, SB
… SN
is their yields as sole crops
When LER is greater than 1 or more, it signals yield advantage and a ratio of less than 1, is yield
disadvantage [2].
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Plant Population Density at Awassa
An experiment was conducted in 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons in Fluvisols of Awassa at 70
04’N and 380
31’E
longitudes at an altitude of 1700 m a.s.l. with the objective of determining appropriate plant and row spacing that
maximizes cassava root yield in sub-humid region of Ethiopia. The experiment was laid in randomized complete
block design with three replication where each replication contain factorial combination of four levels of plant
spacing (60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm and 120 cm) and three levels of row of spacing (80 cm, 100 cm and 120 cm).
Significant positive association was observed between dry root yields (DRY) and root diameter, root size, root
number, root length, canopy diameter and dry biomass yield (DBY). Results showed that significantly higher root
diameter (p<0.05) and significantly wider canopy diameter were observed due to row spacing of 120 cm than that of
80 cm row spacing. However, responses of root and canopy diameter were not significantly different (P<0.05)
among 100 cm and 120 cm row spacing. Significantly higher (p<0.01) root yield/plant was measured due to 120 cm
row spacing than other row spacing levels. However, cassava root yield per unit area was significantly higher
(p<0.05) due 100 cm and 120 cm row spacing than 80 cm row spacing. But, the effects of row spacing were not
significant on number of roots/plant and length of roots. When plant spacing was considered, canopy diameter
(p<0.01) and number of roots/plant (p<0.05) were significantly higher due to 120 cm plant spacing than other plant
spacing levels. Yield/plant due to plant spacing levels of 100 and 120 cm was not significantly different (p<0.05).
Also, effects of plant spacing were not significantly different (p<0.05) on cassava root diameter, root length and root
yield/unit area. However, 60 cm plant spacing produced significantly lower (p<0.05) number of roots/plant, canopy
diameter and root yield/plant than that of 80 cm. Hence, use of 100 cm row spacing and 80 cm plant spacing is
optimum for cassava production in Fluvisols of Awassa and similar agro-ecologies [3].
4.2. Plant Population Density at Amaro Kele, Jijola, Bele and Loma
Factorial experiment was laid in RCBD with three replications at Jijola district, Amaro to determine optimum
inter and intra row spacing for cassava. The treatments involved 80, 100 and 120 cm row spacing and 60, 80, 100
and 120 cm plant spacing. Aboveground biomass was significantly (p<0.05) affected by spacing and the highest
biomass was observed at spacing of 100 cm x 120cm. similarly, the root yield of cassava was statistically higher due
to 80 cm x 80 cm spacing. In Amaro Kele area 120 cm x 80 cm spacing produced significantly higher yield
compared to other interaction levels. Non significant results were obtained in the plant population study trials at
Loma and Bele [2, 4, 5].
4.3. Harvesting Stage and Cultivars Effects on Starch Quality and Quantity
The trial was carried out during 2009-2010 at Gofa Woreda, SNNPR. A factorial combination of five level of
harvesting stage (9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24 months after planting) and three cassava varieties (‘kelo’, ‘qulle ’ and a local
variety) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on tuber yield, yield
components were recorded and some starch quality parameters from cassava tubers were analyzed in laboratory and all
the data were statistically analyzed. Statistically analyzed quality parameters results indicated that moisture of the tuber
starch was affected significantly by harvesting stage and variety of cassava. PH and viscosity of the tuber starch were
significantly affected by harvesting stage. The highest viscosity of the starch was recorded by harvesting the crop at 18
months after planting. Moisture content was significantly reduced after 15 months after planting. PH of the starch was
significantly reduced 15 months after harvesting. Neither the harvesting stage nor the variety did not affect significantly
the color and dry appearance of the cassava starch. Tuber yield and yield components of the crop were significantly
affected by the interaction of variety and harvesting stage. The highest tuber yield (151q/ha) was obtained when variety
‘qul'e’ was harvested at 21 months after planting. Generally significantly better tuber yield of all varieties were recorded
by harvesting cassava starting 18 months after planting.
Table-1. Moisture content of different cassava varieties as affected by harvesting stage
Variety
Harvesting stage (months after planting)
mean
9 12 15 18 21
kelo 63.5 82.4 84.0 67.8 55.1 70.56
qulle 63.3 81.4 77.1 56.2 64.5 68.49
local 65.1 83.9 80.1 50.6 64.9 69.49
Mean 63.99b 82.57a 80.39a 58.18c 60.53bc
Cv (%) 7.6
Source: unpublished data
4. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
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Table-2. Viscosity and PH of cassava as affected by harvesting stage
Harvesting stage (months after planting) Viscosity PH
9 7.7ab 6.7ab
12 4.97c 6.9ab
15 6.52bc 7.4a
18 9.42a 6.7ab
21 8.17ab 6.1b
Cv (%) 32.3 11.2
Source: unpublished data
Table-3. Tuber yield of different cassava varieties as affected by harvesting stage
Variety
Harvesting stage (months after planting)
mean
9 12 15 18 21
Kelo 36.14 49.38 45.25 113.7 105.7 70.03
Qulle 19.9 47.5 72.1 138.5 161.8 86.0
Local 15.9 48.34 71.63 51.17 140 65.5
Mean 23.99 48.41 63.01 101.3 135.8
LSD(5%)variety= 17.63, harvesting stage=22.76, variety X harvesting stage = 39.43
Cv (%) = 33.5
Source: unpublished data
4.4. Cassava / Maize Intercropping
This study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 at Goffa woreda, Gamo Goffa zone, to determine optimum ratios of
component crops that will improve land use system of intercropping system. There were four cassava/maize
intercrop row arrangements: 1row cassava: 1 row maize, 2rows cassava: 1 row maize, 2rows cassava: 2 rows maize,
1row cassava: 2 rows maize, and two sole crops of maize and cassava were incorporated. Maize hybrid variety ‘BH-
140’ and ‘Quele’ variety of cassava were used in the trial. Other agronomic practices were applied equally for all
plots. The experiment was lied out in randomized complete block design with four replications. The combined
analysis over years showed that different maize plant densities intercropped with cassava had significant (p<0.001)
effect on grain yield and yield components of maize. The highest grain yield of maize was obtained when maize and
cassava was intercropped in alternate rows (1row cassava: 1 row maize). On the other hand cassava tuber yield was
not affected by the intercropped maize. The analysis of land equivalent ratio showed that the advantage of
intercropping was 71 % over sole cropping. Among the intercropping pattern the highest yield advantage were also
obtained when cassava and maize were intercropped in alternate rows. The economic analysis also indicated that the
highest net benefit (13,715.4 birr/ha) were obtained when one maize row was grown between 2 cassava rows.
Table 4. Grain yield of Maize and tuber yield of cassava (q/ha) under different intercropping pattern (mean 2005-2006)
Treatments Maize Cassava stand percent of maize at harvest
1C:1M 53.11a 450.5 91.2a
1C:2M 47.32ab 474.5 60.6b
2C:1M 21.40c 464.5 94.7a
2C:2M 30.08bc 470 92.4a
Sole cassava - 502
Sole maize 66.28a 65.1b
Pr
CV (%)
0.0002 26.1 <.0001
14.6
Means followed by the same letter(s) with in a are not statistical different by DMRT (P< 5%)
Source: AwARC [2]
4.5. Cassava-Legumes Inter-Cropping
The trial was carried out for two successive cropping seasons from 2005 to 2008 at Amaro clay loam textured
soil with a pH of 6.5 and located in an altitude of 1400 m a.s.l. The site has bimodal rainfall with very short rain
season starts from last week of February to end of March and the second season from September to October. The
cassava variety used was Kelo while the four legume varieties were haricot bean (Omo-95), mung bean (boroda -1),
soybean(Awassa 95), and cow pea ( Maze). Two rows of 40cm apart were made between the two cassava rows to
plant legumes with the spacing of 40cmX 10cm haricot bean, 40cmX 5cm for soy bean, 40cmX 10 for cow pea and
40cmX 5 cm for mung bean. Both crops were planted at a time during the first shower of rainfall, February –May.
Data of each crop were taken from 5 randomly tagged plants per experimental unit (plots). Root yield of cassava
were weighed using spring balance during cassava harvest and grain yield of legumes also weighed using ordinary
balance. Land equivalent ratio of cassava is calculated as intercrop yield of cassava/pure stand yield of cassava and
that of legumes is calculated as intercrop yield of legumes/pure stand yield of legumes; The overall land equivalent
ration (LER) is simply the sum of LER of cassava and LER of legumes. The competitive value is simply the ratio of
the individual LER’s of the two crops. The collected data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS computer software.
Table-5. Effect of intercropped grain legumes with cassava on yield of legumes kg/ha)
Treatments Sole yield (kg/ha) Intercrop yield (kg/ha) LER Competitive value
Haricot Bean 3510 3222 1.09 1.49
Cow Pea 3302 2844 0.86 1.37
Soybean 2010 2010 1.00 2.08
Mung Bean 1740 1948 1.12 2.24
Source: unpublished data
5. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
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Intercropping cassava with haricot bean, cowpea, soybean and mung bean, reduces cassava yield by 27%, 37%,
52% and 50% respectively. However, intercropping cassava with haricot bean, cowpea, soybean and mung bean
resulted in 82, 49, 48 and 62% greater land use efficiency than for either crops grown alone.
Table-6. Agronomic performance of cassava under intercropped and sole production conditions
Treatments Roots/
plant
Root
length(cm)
Root diameter
(cm)
Biomass
(ton/ha)
Root yield
(ton/ha)
LERc LER
Cassava + haricot bean 2.7 32 2.98 49.38b 14.81b 0.73 1.82
Cassava + cow pea 2.7 36 3.13 35.99b 12.88c 0.63 1.49
Cassava+ soybean 2.9 38 2.87 49.29b 9.71de 0.48 1.48
Cassava+ mung bean 2.4 29 2.30 44.25b 10.26d 0.50 1.62
Sole cassava 2.9 37 3.48 72.50a 20.33a
Cv% 50.8 27.69 36.09 22.24 31.57
LSD5% NS NS NS 13.69* 7.24*
Note: NS = not significant, Letters in the same column= Significant at 5% probability.
Source: unpublished data
The highest value of LER was obtained by growing cassava with haricot bean (1.82) followed by cassava with
mung bean (1.62) whereas relatively the lowest was cassava grown with soybean (1.48). Overall land equivalent
ratio (LER) was greater than one when cassava intercropped with legumes. This suggested that the actual
productivity was higher than expected when cassava was intercropped with grain legumes. This is so because early
slow growth of cassava was effected by grown additional legume, cassava can maintain its maximum growth after
component crop removal and the growth one these crops under cassava has no adverse effect on growth performance
of each crops. land use efficiency improved by 82% when cassava intercropping with haricot bean and that of
mung bean was by 62% and the lowest was with soybean and is by 48% which indicated that the actual productivity
was higher than expected when cassava was intercropped with legumes. The benefit of obtaining additional legume
grain would have positive advantage on food security and land use efficiency, especially in weed suppression and
soil conservation in the first six months of cassava growth were slow growth of cassava could lead to such problems
5. Planting Dates
Cassava can be planted in any time of the year if moisture is available either in the soil through rainfall or
irrigation. However, planting date trial carried out for three consecutive years showed that march to May plating is
better than the other planting in the major cassava growing areas of Ethiopia. At planting there should be enough
moisture to secure 80 to 90% of germination; however, if soils are waterlogged aeration and root formation were
usually hindered. The harvesting date study revealed that the released Qule and Kele varieties could be harvested in
18 months time. However, starch contents are higher if cassava is harvested in dry months.
Table-7. Mean of cassava root yield as affected by planting dates for three consecutive growing seasons at Amaro
Planting dates Mean Root yield (t/ha)
Marketable yield Total root yield
April 7/2000,01,02 14.85 20.52
May 2/2000,01,02 13.42 23.07
May 17/2000,01,02 8.91 17.83
June 1/2000,01,02 9.77 17.41
June 16/2000,01,02 5.25 16.05
July 1/2000,01,02 9.51 21.48
July 16/2000,01,02 5.78 14.7
July 31/2000,01,02 6.53 18.92
Aug. 15/2000,01,02 4.81 15.9
Aug. 30/2000,01,02 2.61 14.55
Sept. 14/2000,01,02 3.79 14.46
Sept. 29/2000,01,02 2.46 13.04
CV 10.85 16.32
LSD (5%) 4.19 5.07
Source: AwARC [1]
6. Planting Position and Planting Materials
The orientation of cuttings during planting depends on plant variety and environmental conditions, and
influences numerous growth characteristics and yield.
The study compared different planting methods. Results showed that slant and vertical plantings are suitable in Awassa
sandy soils compared to horizontal planting. Similarly, the study revealed that planting materials shall be taken from main
stem of cassava compared to its branches. In this study it was confirmed that the middle and top portion of the cassava stem
produced quality planting materials that resulted in superior yield.
6. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
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Table-8. Mean of yield components and yield of cassava at Awassa
Position Planting materials Root length
cm
Root
diameter, cm
Root yield
(t/ha)
No. stems/hill
Slant Main stem top 29 4.5 27.5 3.2
Main stem middle 25.5 3.8 24.0 3
Main stem bottom 28.2 3.3 21.7 2.8
Branch stem top 35 3.8 16.7 1.8
Branch stem bottom 26.7 3.5 13.3 2.2
Vertical Main stem top 27 3.7 20.5 2.3
Main stem middle 25 3.5 18.7 2.8
Main stem bottom 26 3.7 14.4 3
Branch stem top 28.7 3.7 15.5 2
Branch stem bottom 24.8 3 16.7 2
Horizontal Main stem top 21.5 3.2 9.1 3.8
Main stem middle 21.5 2.7 11.4 3.5
Main stem bottom 22.2 2.8 6.9 3
Branch stem top 26.8 3.8 11.5 2.3
Branch stem bottom 25.2 3.8 9.9 2.2
LSD PP X PM (0.05) NS NS 6.64 NS
Planting position (0.05) 2.99 NS 2.97 0.33
Planting parts (0.05) 3.86 3.4 3.83 0.43
CV (%) 22.07 25.38 46.18 24.09
Source: Legesse, et al. [6]
7. Land Preparation Methods
Flat, furrow and ridge planting were compared under different plant density scenarios at Amaro. Results showed that
furrow and ridge planting produced comparable results of 48t/ha and 43t/ha compared to 38t/ha produced by flat plantings.
This might be due to reaped advantage of moisture conservation that subsequently manifested in wider canopy diameter, root
length and diameter of cassava. However, manual harvesting required deeper digging, more labor and time in furrow planting
compared to others. Therefore, planting cassava in a ridge was recommended in Amaaro Kele area.
Table-9. Mean of root yield of cassava as affected by land preparation methods at Amaro
Kele
Source: Gobeze, et al. [3]
8. Conclusions
Cassava is produced in diverse ecological systems for multiple purposes in Ethiopia. This diversity and
multiplicity coupled with site specificity of soils and climate related parameters makes generalization of agronomic
recommendations difficult. However, specific recommendations were made on similar edaphic and agro-ecological
conditions. Results showed that cassava can be grown easily under variable climatic and edaphic conditions.
When cassava is intercropped with legumes, the cassava root yield generally decreases compared with when
cassava is planted alone. This is due to the competition of the component crops for light, water and nutrients.
However, cassava-legume intercropping systems usually increase the land use efficiency and economic return over
solely grown cassava. These advantages can occur as a result of complementary use of growth resources such as
nutrients, water and light by the component crops. The yield advantage may be in terms of higher yield or higher net
income. It could further be explained that the yield can be quantified in terms of dry matter production, grain or root
yields, nutrient uptake, energy or protein production and market value.
9. Future Research Directions
Strategic cropping system integration should be sought particularly with climbing beans, cow pea and mung
beans to allow green manuring, residue cover, residue incorporation, atmospheric nitrogen fixation and enhance
cassava and component crop productivity besides breaking disease and insect pest cycles.
Herbicides should be screened for early stage of cassava growth for sedges management as cassava does not
tolerate weed effects at early stage of growths.
Further studies on fertilizer requirements, plant density, land preparation, planting positions and harvesting
methods shall be carried out under irrigated and mechanized farming conditions.
References
[1] AwARC, Progress report of horticultural section division for the year 2003. Awassa, Ethiopia: AwARC, 2005.
[2] AwARC, Progress report of agronomy & crop physiology division for the year 2004. Awassa, Ethiopia: AwARC, 2005.
[3] L. Gobeze, H. Legese, and M. Daniel, "Effect of land preparation methods and spacing in growth and yield of cassava," in
Proceedings of African Society of Crop Sciences, 2007, pp. 68-72.
[4] M. Daniel, L. Gobeze, and H. Legesse, "Effects of inter and intra row spacing on growth and yield of cassava (Manhot Esculenta
Cranz) in Fluvisols of Southern Ethiopia," in Proceedings of Horticultural Science Society of Ethiopia, 2009.
[5] L. Gobeze, H. Legesse, and M. Daniel, "Effect of inter and intra row spacing on yield and yield components of cassava in moisture
stress areas," in Proceedings of African Crop Science Society, 2005, pp. 147-150.
Land preparation methods Cassava yield (t/ha)
Ridge 27 a
Furrow 21 ab
Flat 19 b
LSD (5%) 7
7. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2016, 3(1): 12-18
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[6] H. Legesse, L. Gobeze, A. Shegro, and N. Geleta, "Impact of planting position and planting material on root yield of cassava,"
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology USA, vol. 5, pp. 448-454, 2011.
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