This study evaluated 6 varieties of bread wheat on 27 farmers' fields in 3 districts of southern Ethiopia. Variety and location significantly affected plant height, spike length, seeds per spike, and yield. The highest-yielding variety was Digalu, which farmers in all districts ranked first due to its adaptation, disease resistance, quality, and market value. Variety Tay was also well-adapted and ranked second in 2 districts. However, variety HAR-604 performed poorly and was susceptible to diseases. The study concluded that Digalu can be recommended for all areas, while Tay is suitable for some locations.
Abstract
In Tigray, Ethiopia, maize is the principal cereal crop grown both under rain-fed and irrigation schemes. Potatoes have been grown for decades as a major vegetable crop and for income generation. And although both crops are grown mainly in mono-cropping, some farmers practiced intercropping without distinctive plant arrangement. Moreover, no research work has been conducted on the productivity of the system in the region. The objective of our study was to examine the potential of intercropping of maize–potato within a cereal cropping system to increase food production and income of rural households. To investigate the best production niches and highest land use efficiency for the productivity of maize–potato intercropping. The experiment was conducted during the 2012 cropping season at Hawzen Bureau of Agriculture nursery site, and consisted of three combination ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) in maize–potato row arrangements and maize–potato monocropping. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. ‘Melekasa II’ and ‘Gera’ varieties were used for maize and potato, respectively. Both crops were planted simultaneously in rows 75 cm apart with 30-cm intra-row spacing. Fertilisers were applied at rates of 50 kg urea and 100 kg DAP/ha for maize and 195 kg DAP/ha and 165 kg/ha urea for potato. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Mean comparison was performed using Duncan's new multiple range test, and land equivalent ratio (LER) index was used to evaluate intercrop efficiencies with respect to single crops. The analysis of variance showed significant differences on plant height and yield of maize in all treatments (p>0.01). The highest mean plant height of 238 cm was recorded from maize only and the lowest height of 198 cm from 1:1 cropping ratio. The highest grain yield of 4.7 t/ha was obtained from single crop followed by two rows of maize intercropped with one row of potato (4.4 t/ha). Partial LER showed a significant difference among treatments where two rows of maize/one row of potato gave 94% of the single crop. Highest tuber yield (34.4 t/ha) was obtained from potato only, whilst the lowest (14.09 t/ha) potato yield was obtained from two rows of maize/one row of potato. Results revealed that both maize and potato are compatible for intercropping under different cropping intensities. Partial LERs for potato and maize grown in the intercropping systems are less than unity. The highest partial LER of potato (0.80) and the least (0.41) were obtained from 1 row of maize to 2 of potatoes and 2 rows of maize to 1 of potato, respectively. Two rows of maize to 1 of potato gave the highest maize equivalence and the lowest potato equivalence. Partial equivalence of maize increased as equivalence of potato decreased. The current inter-cropping systems implied that farmers could benefit by growing the companion crops with different cropping intensity in the dry lands of Tigray.
Beyenesh Z. Kidane
The Study of Causes Losses Post-Harvests Of Cereal the Case of the Wheat - Ba...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
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.
Abstract
In Tigray, Ethiopia, maize is the principal cereal crop grown both under rain-fed and irrigation schemes. Potatoes have been grown for decades as a major vegetable crop and for income generation. And although both crops are grown mainly in mono-cropping, some farmers practiced intercropping without distinctive plant arrangement. Moreover, no research work has been conducted on the productivity of the system in the region. The objective of our study was to examine the potential of intercropping of maize–potato within a cereal cropping system to increase food production and income of rural households. To investigate the best production niches and highest land use efficiency for the productivity of maize–potato intercropping. The experiment was conducted during the 2012 cropping season at Hawzen Bureau of Agriculture nursery site, and consisted of three combination ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) in maize–potato row arrangements and maize–potato monocropping. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. ‘Melekasa II’ and ‘Gera’ varieties were used for maize and potato, respectively. Both crops were planted simultaneously in rows 75 cm apart with 30-cm intra-row spacing. Fertilisers were applied at rates of 50 kg urea and 100 kg DAP/ha for maize and 195 kg DAP/ha and 165 kg/ha urea for potato. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Mean comparison was performed using Duncan's new multiple range test, and land equivalent ratio (LER) index was used to evaluate intercrop efficiencies with respect to single crops. The analysis of variance showed significant differences on plant height and yield of maize in all treatments (p>0.01). The highest mean plant height of 238 cm was recorded from maize only and the lowest height of 198 cm from 1:1 cropping ratio. The highest grain yield of 4.7 t/ha was obtained from single crop followed by two rows of maize intercropped with one row of potato (4.4 t/ha). Partial LER showed a significant difference among treatments where two rows of maize/one row of potato gave 94% of the single crop. Highest tuber yield (34.4 t/ha) was obtained from potato only, whilst the lowest (14.09 t/ha) potato yield was obtained from two rows of maize/one row of potato. Results revealed that both maize and potato are compatible for intercropping under different cropping intensities. Partial LERs for potato and maize grown in the intercropping systems are less than unity. The highest partial LER of potato (0.80) and the least (0.41) were obtained from 1 row of maize to 2 of potatoes and 2 rows of maize to 1 of potato, respectively. Two rows of maize to 1 of potato gave the highest maize equivalence and the lowest potato equivalence. Partial equivalence of maize increased as equivalence of potato decreased. The current inter-cropping systems implied that farmers could benefit by growing the companion crops with different cropping intensity in the dry lands of Tigray.
Beyenesh Z. Kidane
The Study of Causes Losses Post-Harvests Of Cereal the Case of the Wheat - Ba...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
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.
Stenocarpella maydis and Fusarium graminearum maize cob rots are two most devastating cob rots in maize which causes yield losses and reduce grain quality as a result of mycotoxins which is produced from this fungus. Developing varieties resistant to cob rots is a practical and economic strategy that provides cheaper protection against yield loss and poor grain quality. There is still low adoption of improved varieties partly because of limited incorporation of farmer preferred standards. Therefore farmers’ preferences and perceptions should be captured early in a breeding program to enhance the adoption of released varieties. A focus group discussion (FGD) participatory approach was used in four districts of Uganda to assess farmers’ perceptions on maize cob rots and to investigate the possibilities of breeding for farmer-preferred cob rot resistant varieties. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to selected seed merchants to consolidate and verify farmers’ reporting on seed varieties. Results ofinvestigationsuggested that absolute cob rot resistance was associated with undesirable traits such as small seededness, late maturing and low yields. Yield and earliness were the most preferred farmer agronomic traits, with a farmer-preference mean derived score of 4.5 and 3.75 respectively from the total of 5. In this regard, selection for farmer-preferred cob rot resistance varieties should strike a balance between yield and or earliness with cob rot resistance.
Growth and Yield Response of Bread Wheat Variety Grown Under Varying Seed Rat...Premier Publishers
Wheat is among the most important staple crop globally. However, constrained by appropriate agronomic practices. Therefore, the information on the interaction effect of seed rate and weeding period is useful to identify the effective time of weeding for high yield of wheat. Thus, the present study conducted at Amuru district of Horro Guduru Zone, Ethiopia in 2019 cropping season with the aim of identifying optimum seed rate and appropriate time of weeding to improve production and productivity of bread in the area. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. The treatment was arranged in factorial combinations of four weeding intervals (farmer practice, weeding at two weeks after emergence, three weeks after emergence and four weeks after emergence) and three levels of seed rate (125 kg, 150 kg and 175 kg-1).The result showed that days to 50% heading, days to maturity and effective tillers per plant were highly significantly (p<0.01) affected by the interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate. Moreover, interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate was significantly (p<0.01) affected the weed above ground dry biomass. Guizotia scabra (22.47%) with population density (370), Phalaris paradoxa (22.10%) with population (364), Plantago lanceolata (18.58%) with population density (306), and Bidens piloso L. (8.74%) were the dominant weed species competing with wheat in the study area. Minimum relative weed density (26.6%) weed dry biomass (1.7gm) and maximum weed control efficiency (98.08%) was recorded at weeding four weeks after emergence and 175kgha-1seed rate. Thus, the finding suggest grain yield was increased (52.3%) when weeding four weeks after emergence over farmers practice and 13.75% at 175kg seed rate.
Evaluation of Advanced Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones for High Tuber yi...AI Publications
In this study selected potato clones were evaluated for acceptable processing tuber attributes with yield. The most important processed potato products in the country are French fries (chips), followed by crisps. The demand for these products has increased over the years and therefore require more effort to develop varieties with appropriate qualities for the rapidly developing industry. Therefore, the experiments were conducted from 2016 to 2019 at multiple locations in the central, northwestern and south-eastern regions of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of seven (7) advanced potato genotypes breed at the International Potato Center (CIP) and three nationally released potato varieties for high tuber yield and processing qualities during the main cropping season, June to September. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in four locations over three years. The main objective of the experiments was to select high-yielding potato clones, with suitability for processing in four agro-ecological regions of the country. Data were collected on average tuber number, tuber weight, number and weight of marketable and unmarketable tubers,and total tuber yield. Tuber physicochemical properties, dry matter content (DM), specific gravity (SG), starch content (SC), and processing products after harvests were evaluated. Moreover, the frying suitability test (IBVL) and crispness/ texture/ for the product were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed and treatment means were compared using the Duncan multiple range test. The results revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among potato clones with respect to total and marketable tuber yields, dry matter content, and specific gravity. The highest total and marketable tuber yields were obtained from Holetta and Kulumsa, while Adet and Jeldu recorded the lowest. The growing season effect on clones marketable and total tuber yield, average tuber number and weight showed highly significant. The over locations mean for total and marketable tuber yield for CIP-398190.404 was 39.90 t/ha & 35.71 t/ha, respectively followed by CIP-391058.175 with 33.31 t/ha & 30.81 t/ha. Whereas, CIP-396034.103 gave 33.77t/ha and 28.84t/ha total tuber yield and marketable tuber yield, respectively. Tuber dry matter (DM) of 25.8, 24.3, and 25.7% was recorded, respectively. While, the specific gravity (SG) of 1.09, 1.08, and 1.09 g/cm3 were obtained, respectively. The frying suitability test (IBVL) value showed that CIP-396034.103, (8.5) followed by CIP-398190.404, (7.5) and CIP-391058.175, (7.0). Among the evaluated clones, three cultivars had overall acceptable DM, SG, and frying suitability test (IBVL) for French fries and crisp processing. Thus, among the tested clones, CIP-391058.175 was registred as the first processing variety in Ethiopia.
Popularization of Sanate Bread Wheat Variety in the Highlands of Guji Zone, S...AI Publications
In Ethiopia wheat is the national strategic crop to solve food insecurity. Highland districts of Guji zone were potential producers of bread wheat varieties. The production of bread wheat on large area is limited by occurrence of rust and lack of improved bread wheat varieties. But the demand and supply of wheat is imbalance in the area. Farmers were demanding improved and rust tolerant bread wheat varieties. Sanate variety was tested on small area on few experimental farmers. The variety was recommended for the wheat production in the areas. Therefore, it is necessary to disseminate Sanate variety in highlands areas of Guji zone. The objectives of the study were to popularize Sanate variety, to evaluate yield and profitability of Sanate production, capacitate farmers on bread wheat production and linkage among key stakeholders. Four districts were selected based on wheat production potential. Farmers were selected based their interest to grow Sanate variety and ownership of land. 57.72 quintals of improved Sanate variety was distributed for four districts, 12 kebeles and 156 farmers were participated during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 production seasons. 39 ha of land were covered by Sanate variety. The seed was sown 20 cm between rows and drilling of 148 kg/ha seed rate in the rows. 121kg/ha of NPS fertilizer was applied at planting time. Hand weeding and 2-4-D was used to control weed. Yield data, costs of production, income from Sanate production and farmers’ feedback were collected and analysed by descriptive statistics, qualitative and cost benefit analysis. Training, exchange visit and field day were used for the popularization of Sanate. 539 participants were capacitated on Sanate production. 32.23 qt/ha was obtained from pre scaling up of Sanate. The cost benefit analysis shows that Sanate variety was profitable with 27,966.5 ETB/ha. Even though, Sanate gave high yield and profit at the study areas the variety was not highly demanded on the market due to its dark color. However, it was used for household consumption. The variety was also affected by rust at some farmers field. Therefore, the production of Sanate should be done with the support of fungicide in the highlands of Guji zone.
Presented at the Pulses for Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health” on 31 May-1 June 2016 at NASC, New Delhi, India. The conference was jointly organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), TCi of Cornell University (TCi-CU) and Agriculture Today.
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.
Stenocarpella maydis and Fusarium graminearum maize cob rots are two most devastating cob rots in maize which causes yield losses and reduce grain quality as a result of mycotoxins which is produced from this fungus. Developing varieties resistant to cob rots is a practical and economic strategy that provides cheaper protection against yield loss and poor grain quality. There is still low adoption of improved varieties partly because of limited incorporation of farmer preferred standards. Therefore farmers’ preferences and perceptions should be captured early in a breeding program to enhance the adoption of released varieties. A focus group discussion (FGD) participatory approach was used in four districts of Uganda to assess farmers’ perceptions on maize cob rots and to investigate the possibilities of breeding for farmer-preferred cob rot resistant varieties. Semi- structured questionnaires were administered to selected seed merchants to consolidate and verify farmers’ reporting on seed varieties. Results ofinvestigationsuggested that absolute cob rot resistance was associated with undesirable traits such as small seededness, late maturing and low yields. Yield and earliness were the most preferred farmer agronomic traits, with a farmer-preference mean derived score of 4.5 and 3.75 respectively from the total of 5. In this regard, selection for farmer-preferred cob rot resistance varieties should strike a balance between yield and or earliness with cob rot resistance.
Growth and Yield Response of Bread Wheat Variety Grown Under Varying Seed Rat...Premier Publishers
Wheat is among the most important staple crop globally. However, constrained by appropriate agronomic practices. Therefore, the information on the interaction effect of seed rate and weeding period is useful to identify the effective time of weeding for high yield of wheat. Thus, the present study conducted at Amuru district of Horro Guduru Zone, Ethiopia in 2019 cropping season with the aim of identifying optimum seed rate and appropriate time of weeding to improve production and productivity of bread in the area. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. The treatment was arranged in factorial combinations of four weeding intervals (farmer practice, weeding at two weeks after emergence, three weeks after emergence and four weeks after emergence) and three levels of seed rate (125 kg, 150 kg and 175 kg-1).The result showed that days to 50% heading, days to maturity and effective tillers per plant were highly significantly (p<0.01) affected by the interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate. Moreover, interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate was significantly (p<0.01) affected the weed above ground dry biomass. Guizotia scabra (22.47%) with population density (370), Phalaris paradoxa (22.10%) with population (364), Plantago lanceolata (18.58%) with population density (306), and Bidens piloso L. (8.74%) were the dominant weed species competing with wheat in the study area. Minimum relative weed density (26.6%) weed dry biomass (1.7gm) and maximum weed control efficiency (98.08%) was recorded at weeding four weeks after emergence and 175kgha-1seed rate. Thus, the finding suggest grain yield was increased (52.3%) when weeding four weeks after emergence over farmers practice and 13.75% at 175kg seed rate.
Evaluation of Advanced Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones for High Tuber yi...AI Publications
In this study selected potato clones were evaluated for acceptable processing tuber attributes with yield. The most important processed potato products in the country are French fries (chips), followed by crisps. The demand for these products has increased over the years and therefore require more effort to develop varieties with appropriate qualities for the rapidly developing industry. Therefore, the experiments were conducted from 2016 to 2019 at multiple locations in the central, northwestern and south-eastern regions of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of seven (7) advanced potato genotypes breed at the International Potato Center (CIP) and three nationally released potato varieties for high tuber yield and processing qualities during the main cropping season, June to September. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in four locations over three years. The main objective of the experiments was to select high-yielding potato clones, with suitability for processing in four agro-ecological regions of the country. Data were collected on average tuber number, tuber weight, number and weight of marketable and unmarketable tubers,and total tuber yield. Tuber physicochemical properties, dry matter content (DM), specific gravity (SG), starch content (SC), and processing products after harvests were evaluated. Moreover, the frying suitability test (IBVL) and crispness/ texture/ for the product were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed and treatment means were compared using the Duncan multiple range test. The results revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among potato clones with respect to total and marketable tuber yields, dry matter content, and specific gravity. The highest total and marketable tuber yields were obtained from Holetta and Kulumsa, while Adet and Jeldu recorded the lowest. The growing season effect on clones marketable and total tuber yield, average tuber number and weight showed highly significant. The over locations mean for total and marketable tuber yield for CIP-398190.404 was 39.90 t/ha & 35.71 t/ha, respectively followed by CIP-391058.175 with 33.31 t/ha & 30.81 t/ha. Whereas, CIP-396034.103 gave 33.77t/ha and 28.84t/ha total tuber yield and marketable tuber yield, respectively. Tuber dry matter (DM) of 25.8, 24.3, and 25.7% was recorded, respectively. While, the specific gravity (SG) of 1.09, 1.08, and 1.09 g/cm3 were obtained, respectively. The frying suitability test (IBVL) value showed that CIP-396034.103, (8.5) followed by CIP-398190.404, (7.5) and CIP-391058.175, (7.0). Among the evaluated clones, three cultivars had overall acceptable DM, SG, and frying suitability test (IBVL) for French fries and crisp processing. Thus, among the tested clones, CIP-391058.175 was registred as the first processing variety in Ethiopia.
Popularization of Sanate Bread Wheat Variety in the Highlands of Guji Zone, S...AI Publications
In Ethiopia wheat is the national strategic crop to solve food insecurity. Highland districts of Guji zone were potential producers of bread wheat varieties. The production of bread wheat on large area is limited by occurrence of rust and lack of improved bread wheat varieties. But the demand and supply of wheat is imbalance in the area. Farmers were demanding improved and rust tolerant bread wheat varieties. Sanate variety was tested on small area on few experimental farmers. The variety was recommended for the wheat production in the areas. Therefore, it is necessary to disseminate Sanate variety in highlands areas of Guji zone. The objectives of the study were to popularize Sanate variety, to evaluate yield and profitability of Sanate production, capacitate farmers on bread wheat production and linkage among key stakeholders. Four districts were selected based on wheat production potential. Farmers were selected based their interest to grow Sanate variety and ownership of land. 57.72 quintals of improved Sanate variety was distributed for four districts, 12 kebeles and 156 farmers were participated during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 production seasons. 39 ha of land were covered by Sanate variety. The seed was sown 20 cm between rows and drilling of 148 kg/ha seed rate in the rows. 121kg/ha of NPS fertilizer was applied at planting time. Hand weeding and 2-4-D was used to control weed. Yield data, costs of production, income from Sanate production and farmers’ feedback were collected and analysed by descriptive statistics, qualitative and cost benefit analysis. Training, exchange visit and field day were used for the popularization of Sanate. 539 participants were capacitated on Sanate production. 32.23 qt/ha was obtained from pre scaling up of Sanate. The cost benefit analysis shows that Sanate variety was profitable with 27,966.5 ETB/ha. Even though, Sanate gave high yield and profit at the study areas the variety was not highly demanded on the market due to its dark color. However, it was used for household consumption. The variety was also affected by rust at some farmers field. Therefore, the production of Sanate should be done with the support of fungicide in the highlands of Guji zone.
Presented at the Pulses for Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health” on 31 May-1 June 2016 at NASC, New Delhi, India. The conference was jointly organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), TCi of Cornell University (TCi-CU) and Agriculture Today.
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.
Influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on...Premier Publishers
The study was conducted to determine influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on yield and Gross Monetary Value (GMV) of sorghum. The treatments were included two legume crops, two time of planting, three planting patterns of legumes and sole crops (sorghum, soybean and cowpea). The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replication. Sorghum/soybean cropping system reduced sorghum grain yield by 23.9% where as sorghum/cowpea reduced by grain yield by 40.3%. The highest LER (1.55) and the lowest LER (1.19) was recorded in sorghum/soybean and sorghum/cowpea intercropping system. Highest gross monetary benefit (20561 Ethiopian birr) accrued from planting two rows of cowpea with the first weeding of sorghum in between the two rows of sorghum. However, it was at par with simultaneous planting of cowpea in double alternate plants within sorghum plants along with two rows of cowpea in between sorghum rows and two rows of soybean planted in between two rows of sorghum with first weeding of sorghum. Legumes crop soybean and cowpea should involved in sorghum cropping either simultaneously planting or sowing at first weeding or hoeing of sorghum.
Evaluating the Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.), Varieties To Plant Population...paperpublications3
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2011 small rainy season (Belg) at Elefeta Farmer Training Center (FTC), in west Badewacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, with the objectives to determine the optimum proportion of maize-haricot bean intercropping for maximum productivity and economic benefit; evaluate the performance of different maize varieties intercropped with haricot bean; identify the optimum haricot bean population density of intercropped with different maize varieties; and Estimate economic benefits of maize haricot bean intercropping. Three varieties of maize (PHB3253 Jabi, PHB30G19 Shone and Local) were planted intercropped with four haricot bean population densities (D1 = 62,500; D2 = 125,000; D3 = 187500; D4 = 250,000) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In this study, sole cropped maize’s varieties gave significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)> with 100 % haricot bean population density is recommended for intercropping for their better compatibility and economic benefit with haricot bean as compared to other varieties and population densities in the study area.
Evaluating the Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.), Varieties To Plant Population...paperpublications3
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2011 small rainy season (Belg) at Elefeta Farmer Training Center (FTC), in west Badewacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, with the objectives to determine the optimum proportion of maize-haricot bean intercropping for maximum productivity and economic benefit; evaluate the performance of different maize varieties intercropped with haricot bean; identify the optimum haricot bean population density of intercropped with different maize varieties; and Estimate economic benefits of maize haricot bean intercropping. Three varieties of maize (PHB3253 Jabi, PHB30G19 Shone and Local) were planted intercropped with four haricot bean population densities (D1 = 62,500; D2 = 125,000; D3 = 187500; D4 = 250,000) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In this study, sole cropped maize’s varieties gave significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)> with 100 % haricot bean population density is recommended for intercropping for their better compatibility and economic benefit with haricot bean as compared to other varieties and population densities in the study area.
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.
Cereal and grain legumes play a vital role in food security and as income sources for millions of people in Ethiopia.
However, poor storage handling and storage pests lead to high postharvest loss. This study therefore assessed
farmers’ storage practices and grain storage hygiene status in selected districts of Jimma, West Shoa, and East
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Participatory on farm evaluation of improved bread wheat technologies in some districts of southern ethiopia
1. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.4, 2012
Participatory On-Farm Evaluation of Improved Bread Wheat
Technologies in Some Districts of Southern Ethiopia
Mathewos Ashamo1* Tewodros Mulualem2 Yasin Goa1
1. Areka Agricultural Research Center, PO box 79, Areka, Ethiopia
2. Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Jimma, Ethiopia
* E-mail of the corresponding author: ashamom2003@yahoo.com
Abstract
Six released varieties of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) were evaluated on 27 framers fields in Lemu,
Angacha and Mareka districts of Southern Ethiopia in 2010/2011. The objectives were to test the adaptability
and acceptance of bread wheat technologies and create awareness to the farmers. The pooled analysis of variance
showed mean square due to varieties were highly significant (P < 0.01) for Plant height, spike length, number of
seeds/spike and number of days to mature; and significant (P< 0.05) for yield (t/ha). The interaction of
treatments and location was highly significant (P < 0.01) for these characteristics implying that the traits were
highly influenced by the environments. The mean from combined grain yield of varieties (1.78t/ha) was lower
than that of Mareka (2.02t/ha) and higher from Lemu (1.69t/ha) and Angacha (1.74t/ha). Farmers of all districts
ranked variety Digalu first. Tay took the second place in Mareka and Lemu; and the fifth in Angacha.
Keywords: Bread wheat, released varieties, evaluation, adaptation
1. Introduction
Wheat is an important crop commodity in Ethiopia, which could contribute a major part in achieving the
millennium goal of the country, food grain self-sufficiency. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia ranks second next to
South Africa in terms of total production and area coverage of bread wheat. The total annual production in
Ethiopia was estimated at about 1.400,000 metric tons from an area of about 1,000,000 ha (Aquino, 1996).
Utilization wise, wheat is used for the manufacture of flour for different purposes. Bread, biscuits and pasta
products such as macaroni, spaghetti and noodles are some of the industrial products. Bread wheat is known to
be a major source of energy and protein. Traditionally the crop is used for making "dabo", "dabokolo","ganfo",
"kinche" and other types of foods. The straw is good source for animal feed and is also used for thatching roofs.
The potential use of bread wheat will be that it will enter the export market if production is expanded and
productivity is increased. This will save the foreign currency used to import bread wheat.
Since some years back, there is a slight increase of bread wheat in both area and total grain yield (Bekele
Geleta and D.G. Tanner, 1995; Adanech, 1991). An increase in production is attributed to not only through areal
enlargement, but also due to adoption of improved and better adapted varieties in a few bread wheat growing
localities of the country. Currently, the national bread wheat requirement is estimated to be 2.2 million tones,
thus indicating the need to increase the current national bread wheat yield level up to 2.2 tones/ha (CSA 2003
and CSA 2006). Therefore, there is a need to further enlarge bread wheat production and productivity in order to
meet the country’s full demand.
The crop is largely grown in the mid and highland areas of Ethiopia at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 3000
m.a.s.l; however, the most suitable agro-ecological zones for bread wheat production fall between 1900 and 2700
m.a.s.l (Hailu Gebremariam, 1991).
The Southern Nation, Nationality and People Regional State (SNNPRS) is an ideal place for bread wheat
production in Ethiopia. In the region, among the total land size of 859,340.71 hectares planted by all cereals,
bread wheat covered 131,162.87 hectares, which is 15.26 % of production area covered by all cereals grown in
the region. It is the third major crop in the region next to maize and tef. According to the report of CSA (2010),
in the year 2009/10 in SNNPR, regional productivity (q/ha) of bread wheat was 18.65 which is too low and even
less than half of the potential productivity of bread wheat which could be obtained through using improved bread
wheat varieties.
The survey report which was conducted at regional level in 2008, also confirmed that the yield obtained
from the local cultivars is too low. And in many parts of the region, lack of improved crops varieties and
associated improved management practices are some of the major constraints in the crop production systems i.e.
farmers in many remote areas of SNNPR even do not know the existence of the new bread wheat varieties.
Moreover, it is a recent event that almost all bread wheat farms in SNNPRs were seriously attacked by
yellow rust out breaks which occurred in 2010. Even improved bread wheat varieties like Kubsa and Galema,
which have been well adopted by farmers in some parts of the region, have been found to be victims of the
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2. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.4, 2012
epidemics.
In order to solve those problems, continual identification of the best and suitable bread wheat production
technologies appeared to be essential. Participatory on farm evaluation of available bread wheat technologies
with farmers is a good approach to identify the most adaptive and suitable technologies in different
agro-ecologies of the region. Dissemination of preferred technologies should also be undertaken as it has a
tremendous impact on total bread wheat production and productivity, and this also fosters supply of alternative
seed sources to the farmers. Therefore, this study was designed to create awareness to farmers on bread wheat
production technologies and evaluate the yield performance of the varieties for further scaling up program.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Field evaluation
Six improved bread wheat varieties (Table 3) were planted on nine farmers’ fields in each of three districts
(Mareka, Angacha and Lemu) of Dauro, KembataTembaro and Hadya zones of Southern Ethiopia which represent
major bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production environments in the region (Bekele Geleta and D.G. Tanner,
1995; Adanech, 1991). A variety, HAR-604, the so called Galema which is an improved bread wheat variety, is
well adopted in all districts. Thus, there was no need to include extra local cultivars in all districts. The plot size
was 10m x 10m and the distance between plots was 1.0m and the experimental plots were fertilized 100 kg DAP/ha
and 25 kg Urea/ha at planting, and Urea top dressing three weeks after planting as the source of the reminder N.
In all other pre and post stand establishment, cultural practices in the experimental plots were managed by the
farmers themselves under close supervision of researchers and respective development agents from agricultural
offices of each district. The plots of nine experimental farmers’ fields in each district were used for data collection
and analysis. Assessments were made on all agronomic and phonological characters recorded immediately after
germination it included plant population and development (vegetative and flowering), Uniformity, plant
height(cm), Spike length(cm), number of seeds/spike, yield kg/ha and number of days to mature at optimum plant
harvesting stage and insect and disease incidence one-five scale considered as a whole. The analysis of yield
and other quantitative traits were performed using SAS computer software packages (SAS, 2001) considering
individual farmers fields as replications or blocks with the overall experiment, thereby, tested as a randomized
complete block design with nine replications.
2.2. Farmers’ assessment
In this study, individual and group discussions, field visits and questionnaire was used for evaluation and data
collection with farmers. Through recurrent discussions, we reiterated our engagement to ground the research on
farmers’ knowledge and preferences. Our relationship with the farmers and key informants developed into a sort of
contract based on mutual benefit. Such contracts with farmers appear as pre-requisites for joint learning and
platform generation and form the frames on which the research trial and activities are developed.
Through focus group and individual discussions with farmers and key informants in three districts; a total of
15 different criteria were identified to farmer’s selection and preference. These criteria were submitted to the
group of farmers for further evaluation in each district. Selection of individual farmer was made on meeting with
key informants familiar about the crops to determine the adaptability and the growth performance of all bread
wheat technologies through the entire growing period. The interviews are later extended to group participatory
discussions with selected farmers in two clusters from each district. Group discussions were conducted to
carefully build on and critically examine derived information from individual farmers of different households. It
was also intended to clear conflicting ideas on issue like adaptability, the yield potential and growth performance
of those of improved bread wheat varieties. The group discussions critically focused on: i) Preference and
selection of the varieties ii) Yield potential iii) Growth performance and adaptability of the varieties iv)
Marketing value and seed color v) Resistant to frost, disease and insect pests and vi) Seed size as a whole. Focus
group interviews and key informants were used to understand the underlying factors influencing farmers’
decisions to conserve and sustainable utilization of improved technologies on farmers’ field. Information
obtained from the interviews (individual households and group discussion) and from the key informants was
used to obtain a broad understanding on sustainable utilization of those technologies in the areas. After harvested
the crop, tested farmers from each district was evaluated and gave its ranking of selected varieties based on their
evaluation criteria.
The pair-wise ranking (Russell, 1997) method was used to analyze the position of each of variety in tested
areas by farmers evaluation criteria. A matrix table of varieties in each district was constructed. Farmers were
asked to compare each variety to the other ones with regards to the values (Yield, plant height, spike length,
number of seeds/ spike, backing quality, market value, seed color and size, etc.) and the priority each farmer
gives to the variety. Each variety was compared in turn with each of the other varieties. The process was
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3. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.4, 2012
repeated for all varieties until all possible comparisons had been made. The number of times each variety was
found to be more important was counted for each individual farmer. This value represents the individual score
for each variety. An aggregation was then realized on the scores for each variety over the farmers participating in
the exercise. This aggregated score represents the district score. The ranking of these scores provides the position
of the varieties in the local economy. The same process was applied to criteria farmers consider for variety
choice in the three districts.
3. Workforce Sizing Plan (WOZIP)
3. Results and Discussions
3.1. Farmers field experiment
The combined analysis of variance over locations (Table 1) indicates that out of the 5 traits studied mean square
due to varieties showed very highly significant variation (P < 0.01) for 4 of the 5 traits and significant variation (P<
0.05) for yield t/ha. Statistically significant location effect on all traits, except yield t/ha, shows that these traits
were highly influenced by change in the environment. The significance of location effect was expected as all of
Mareka, Lemo and Angacha vary for their soil type, average annual rainfall, average temperature and etc. Like to
all tested locations, the variability in total yield (t/ha) was significant for combined analysis. The variability of
treatments in tested locations for yield indicates that varieties containing high yield can be developed if desired.
The interaction of treatments and location was highly significant (P < 0.01) for plant height (cm), spike length
(cm), number of seeds/spike; number of days to mature and total yield (t/ha) (Table 1).
The mean combined data over locations (Table 2) indicated the yield performance of treatment (1.78t/ha)
was lower than that of Mareka (2.02t/ha) and higher from Lemo (1.69t/ha) and Angacha (1.74t/ha). Variability
in all traits over locations was varying ranged from 0.46 to 12.4t/ha, 25.5-70.2, 3.9-9.95 cm, 72.8-120.6 cm and
83-167 for total grain yield, number of seeds/spike, spike length, plant height and number of days to mature
respectively (Table 2). This shows that there exists sufficient variability to develop high yielding bread wheat
variety for production in these areas.
3.2. Farmers’ Evaluation and preferences
In all tested areas, farmers maintain their desires in satisfying different bread wheat varieties for foods, income
generation and socio-cultural value that farmers preserve. In this study, some farmers prefer more early-maturing
varieties instead of late-maturing varieties to solve their seasonal food shortage. However, farmers express some
contrary needs and make different choices as economic or market importance. In most of tested farmers appreciate
late-maturing varieties for which the harvesting coincided with the period of increasing bread wheat market price
in all tested areas. This strategy of synchronizing the harvesting time with the high market price enables farmers to
avoid investing supplementary storage costs. So the agronomic performance of cultivated varieties, their
suitability to satisfy the household or community needs the market demand form the basis of farmers’ preferences.
On the market, price premium is given to crops with different characteristics. On bread wheat, seed color, seed
size, shape and free from disease and insect pests are important characteristics to consumers. Faye (2002) reported
similar results on cowpea in Senegal and found that buyers are willing to pay a premium for grain size and white
skin color but discount price for other color and number of bruchid holes on the grain. Coulibaly (2002) revealed
that seed color and seed size are important characters for farmers needs.
The pair-wise comparison of varieties by farmers in Mareka, Angacha and Lemo districts showed that
Variety (Tay) took the second place after variety (Digalu) in Mareka and Lemo districts and the fifth in Angacha
(Table 3). The farmer’s logic behind this result is that even if the supply of different varieties in bread wheat
enables farmers to have their needs gradually satisfied over different years, there is periods improved bread
wheat seeds scarcity. Moreover, in all districts, variety Digalu was selected at the first rank by its the following
merits; had high yielder, easily adapted to different environment, resistant to disease and frost, had good stands
and resistance to lodging, high tillering capacity, quality of grain for bread or “injera”, high dough quality and
had high market value due to its good seed size and color. Nevertheless, variety HAR-604 (Galema) had not
selected by farmers in all tested areas due its poor performance and highly susceptible to diseases and insect
pests particularly yellow rust and frost.
Variety Millennium was also selected at the third place by Mareka and Angacha farmers; it has good
tillering capacity, had good seed size and color.
Based on farmers’ field and evaluation concluded that variety Digalu is the most vigorous, persistent and
highly adapted variety in all tested environments, and thus can be safely recommended for the all tested districts.
Besides, the growth performance of variety Tay is also good at Marko and Lemo; therefore, it is recommended
for those areas. However, the performance of HAR-604 is poor in all areas this is probably resulting from
unfavorable climatic conditions; as a results, it is not recommended in all tested areas.
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4. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.4, 2012
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ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.4, 2012
Table 1. The Combined analysis of variance, coefficient of variation, and coefficient of determination (R2) for five traits
assessed in six bread wheat varieties grown at Mareka, Lemo and Angecha districts of southern region.
Source of Mean square
Variation DF. Plant Spike Number of Number of Yield t/ha
length(cm) seeds/spike days to mature
height (cm)
Replication 8 120.45 59.98 10.67 950.95 0.06
Treatments 5 220.9*** 17.52*** 202.2*** 393.06*** 0.24*
Location 2 428.7*** 368.63*** 389.77*** 22441.5 *** 1.68***
Treat x Loc 10 113.8*** 18.67*** 157.53*** 347.7*** 0.24***
Error 133 30.84 6.21 45.22 53.5 0.10
C.V(%) 5.930 29.99 14.30 5.51 17.92
R2 0.57 0.62 0.47 0.90 0.44
Note: ***, **, * = significant at 0.1%, 1% and 5% respectively
Table 2. The combined mean and range values of five traits assessed in six bread wheat varieties
grown at Mareka, Lemo and Angecha districts of southern region.
Traits Mareka Lemo Angacha Combined
Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range
Plant height(cm) 97.27 97.15 80.3-120.6 91.4 72.8-114.1 93.54 72.8-120.6
75.5-109.2
Spike length(cm) 5.7 10.89 5.6-27.3 8.45 5.6-12.8 8.30 3.9-9.95
3.9-8.1
Number of 43.39 25.5-57.9 47.48 33.8-63 49.27 32.6-70.2 47.01 25.5-70.2
seeds/spike
No of days to 143.83 135-152 107.06 83-141 147.11 133-167 132.53 83-167
mature
Yield(t/ha) 2.02 1.41-3.01 1.69 1.05-2.46 1.74 0.46-12.4 1.78 0.46-12.4
LSD
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Vol 2, No.4, 2012
Table 3. Varieties and their rankings on the basis of pair-wise comparisons by nine farmers each from Mareka,
Angacha and Lemo districts of southern Ethiopia.
Varieties Districts
Mareka Angacha Lemo
Millennium 3rd 3 rd 5th
Digalu 1st 1st 1st
Guasay 5th 4th 3 rd
Alidoro 4th 2nd 4th
Tay 2nd 5th 2nd
HAR-604 6th 6th 6th
90
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