cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/lbpb3b
title: Combing Ability Analysis ofamong Early Generation Maize Inbred Lines

description: Combining ability estimates are important genetic attributes ina maize breeding program aiming to develop stable andhigh yielding hybrids and synthetic varieties. The objectives of this study were to estimate combining ability effects of locally developed and introduced early generation maize inbred lines for grain yield, yield related traits, and reaction to gray leaf spot (GLS) and northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) diseases; and (2) identify promising hybridsthat could be used in the breeding programs or for commercial production. Twenty-nine early generation maize inbred lines were crossed to two testers(SC22 and Guto-LMS5) using line xtester mating design. The resulting F1 progenies along with two check hybrids were tested across three locations (Hawassa, Arekaand Bako) in Ethiopia. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the hybrids for all studied traits. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were also significant, indicating the contributions of both additive and non-additive gene actionsin controlling the traits studied. However, the relative magnitudes of GCA and SCA sum of squares indicated the preponderance of additive gene effects for all characters studied. Parental lines 2, 8, 9, 15 and 20 showed significantly positive GCA effects for grain yield. For GLS parents 1,7,23, and 26, and for TLB parents 5, 6and 7 revealed significantly negative GCA effects. These inbredlines couldbe good sources ofgenes for the improvement of the traitsunder considerationin the breeding programs.Five crosses, namely,L5 x GuttoLMS5,L7x Gutto LMS5, L8 x Guto LMS5, L15 x SC22 and L20 x TSC22) gave significantly higher grain yield advantage over the two standard checks. Further evaluation of these crosses can give reliable information about their performances to recommend the crossesfor commercial production.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/f8vulo/wpns9n
title: 156186-Article Text-407563-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/f8vulo
title: Tef (Eragrostis tef) Variety Kora

description: Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], is a staple food crop of Ethiopians that originated and diversified in Ethiopia. It has existed in Ethiopia throughout recorded history. Annually, it occupies 3.02 million hectares thereby ranking first among all cereals cultivated in the country. However, the national average yield of tef is low 1.6 t ha-1. The use of unimproved local cultivars and biotic and abiotic stresses are partially attributed to the low yield of the crop. Thus, the experiment was designed to develop high yielding and desirable quality improved varieties of tef suitable for diverse agro-ecologies, farming systems and purposes. Fourteen tef genotypes including two checks were laid out in randomized complete block design using four replications for two years (2012 and 2013) at eight locations. The combined data analysis across locations and over the years indicated that candidate variety Kora (DZ-Cr-438 (RIL No. 133B) performed better than the two checks and other test genotypes. Consequently, Kora was identified and approved for large scale production.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/fimzeb/s49sr4
title: 156185-Article Text-407561-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/fimzeb
title: Grouping of Environments for Testing Navy Bean in Ethiopia

description: Common bean variety selection within its production environment is often challenged by the occurrence of significant genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) in the variety development process. Grain yield performance of 16 navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines was tested in a multi-environment variety trial during 2010 and 2011 main growing seasons of Ethiopia. Field experiments were conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 14 rainfed environments of the major common bean growing areas. The objectives were to assess the line by environment interactions (LEI), determine stable genotypes, and grouping of test environments. Significant differences were found among the lines for grain yield on each environment and combined over environments. The combined analysis of variance across environments indicated that both environment and LE interactions were significantly influenced lines yield. All interactions in relation to L×E showed high significant difference (P&lt;0.01) for grain yield. Statistical methods as AMMI, GGE and some stability parameters were used to describe the LE interaction and to define stable lines in relation to their yield. The highest yield (2435 kg ha-1) was obtained from the line ICA BUNSI X SXB 405/1C-C1-1C-87. The stability analysis also identified lines ICA BUNSI X SXB 405/1C-C1-1C-87 and ICA BUNSI X SXB 405/1C-C1-1C- 37 as the most stable lines. Lines identified as superior differed significantly from the standard varieties and can be recommended for use by farmers in the bean growing areas of Ethiopia. Cluster analysis, based on grouping of locations showed that Melkassa, Alemtena and Haramaya as potential and high yielding, but Jimma, Bako, Pawe, Areka, Assosa and Sirinka as low to medium yielding locations.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/7s8euo/ziv9rl
title: 156184-Article Text-407559-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/7s8euo
title: Familiarization and Application of ICTs in Agricultural Advisory Services to Farmers: The Case of Two Rural Districts of Ethiopia

description: This study presents extension workers’ familiarization and application of reachable Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide agricultural advisory services. For the purpose of the study, 40 Agricultural Extension workers at district and rural villages were purposively selected from two districts and data collected using paper based questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and chi-square statistic. The study identified that the majority of (87.5%) of the respondents interviewed had moderate and low familiarization levels of available modern ICTs. The study also found that 70% of the extension workers had not using available ICTs while giving advisory services to the farmers. This might be on account of many factors such as limited access to ICT tools (computers, internet service, agricultural information CDs, and other facilities,) poor quality of internet services, limited awareness on some information and reference materials, inadequate skill to apply ICTs, weak linkage with research centers and other information sources, etc. Hence, the study concluded with the need to improve the linkage by creating available information sources and resources at the district agricultural office so that it is possible to advance ICTs access, availability, and application. Moreover, on job short-term capacity building trainings on selected ICTs tools should repeatedly be arranged to agricultural extension workers in order to enhance the application of available ICTs in agricultural advisory services.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/qqkbuu/xfuew6
title: 156183-Article Text-407557-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/qqkbuu
title: Species Assortment and Biodiversity Conservation in Homegardens of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

description: Biodiversity in urban gardens can play a vital role in the fight against hunger and diet-related health problems. A study was undertaken to assess the species composition and diversity of homegardens in Bahir Dar City. Interviews were administered to 178 sample households residing in 7 Sub-cities covering 12 former kebeles, and inventories made on fruit species in gardens and types of other higher plant and livestock species recorded. The plant component was found to be dominant with 58 higher plant species of various use; 17 fruit (28.8%), 12 miscellaneous-use (20%), 11 vegetable (18.6%), 11 medicinal (18.6%) and 8 spices/condiments (13.6%). The most abundant perennial plant species was mango (20.8%) followed by guava (13.4%), avocado (11.6%), papaya (11.2%) and Persian Lilac (9.9%). Especially, the City gardens were found to offer a unique opportunity for preservation of medicinal & aromatic plants. There however appears a competition and substitution between horticultural and other crops like Chat in the outer city gardens. Generally, the study revealed that the urban gardens are a storehouse of biodiversity including species that run the risk of disappearance in the natural habitat. It is suggested that City development planning considers urban gardening so as to create a biodiversity-friendly gardens that offer a wide range of ecosystem services.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/pqownw/4zotia
title: 156182-Article Text-408830-1-10-20170530.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/pqownw
title: Vermicompost Application as Affected by Rhizobium Inoculation on Nodulation and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.)

description: The effect of vermicompost on the effectiveness of Rhizobium inoculation on nodulation, yield and yield traits of fava bean at Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia, was investigated. Ten treatments were made by afactorial combination of five levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 ton ha-1) and two levels of Rhizobium inoculation (inoculated anduninoculated. The treatments were laid out in arandomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed that Rhizobium inoculation, vermicompost application, cropping season and their interactions significantly (P &lt;0.05) affected all investigated traits of faba bean. Over years, the highest mean nodule number (NN) (298.00) and nodule dry weight (NDW) (0.7598 g) were recorded at 4 ton ha-1. Rhizobiuminoculation increased the mean NN and NDW by 6 and 11%over uninoculated, respectively. The remaining investigated traits remarkably increased with increasing levels of vermicompost application and Rhizobium inoculation. Regardless of inoculation, the mean grain yield over years was increased with increasing vermicompost application rates. The highestmean grain yield (4822.1 kg ha-1) was found at 8 ton ha-1 vermicompost application. Total mean P accumulation increased from 0.12894 to 0.17110% when the vermicompost rates were increased from unfertilized at 8 ton ha-1. However, inoculation and vermicompost application did not affect significantly (P &gt;0.5) mean total plant N concentration. Hence, integrated application of Rhizobiumand8 ton ha-1vermicompost is needed to boost the productivity of faba bean in the study site.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/mev57i/fwab5v
title: 156181-Article Text-407555-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/mev57i
title: Oil and Meal Quality of Ethiopian Sesame Varieties and their Implications for Quality Improvement

description: Reports on the physicochemical compositions and fatty acids of Ethiopian sesame genotypes and their implications on oil yield and quality improvement are limited. Proximate and mineral compositions and fatty acids of commercial sesame cultivars and their associations were examined using standard procedures like petroleum ether Soxhlet extraction and Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy analysis. Cultivars had immense proximate compositions, minerals, and fatty acids. The crude oil (44-56),carbohydrate (3.6-17.2), protein (19.3-27.1), crude fiber (4.6-7.7), and ash (5.8-7.4) proportion in percentage were variable in examined sesame seeds. Ca (188.2-666.6), Zn (5.9-8.6) and Mg (134.3-165.6) content (mg/100g) also varied. Oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0), in that order, were the principal fatty acids identified. Crude oil was positively correlated with a linoleic acid.In all, best cultivars with more desirable constituent(s) can be used for intended purposes like industrial input and sesame oil yield and quality improvement programs.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/qg9wcy/wm9uiv
title: 156180-Article Text-407553-1-10-20170518.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/qg9wcy
title: Genetic Variability in Soybean (Glycine max L.) for Low Soil Phosphorus Tolerance

description: Assessment of the genetic variability of soybean genotypes under low soil phosphorus (P) conditions provides an understanding of the genetic potential of the genotypes to improve the crop for low P tolerance. The study was designed objectively to estimate the extent of genetic variability of soybean genotypes for low P tolerance. Thirty six soybean genotypes that were introduced from various sources were grown in simple lattice design with three replications at three locations in Western Ethiopia characterized by P-deficient-acidic soils. It was revealed that weight of 100 seeds; plant height, root and biomass fresh weight exhibited relatively high heritability and genetic advance on low P soils. Principal component analysis also revealed that the first five principal components (PCs) accounted for more than 85% of the total variation. The first principal component that contributed for 37.7% of the total variation was influenced by root fresh weight, tap root length, root volume, fresh biomass weight, days to maturity and days to flowering in the order of importance; indicating the significance of these traits for low P tolerance screening. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into four clusters. Observation of large variation and relatively high heritability indicates that selection would be effective to improve soybean varieties for performance on P stressed soils and identify low P tolerant varieties that helps smallholder farmers optimize soybean productivity on P deficient soils.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/c5xjwz/2aakdi
title: 150378-Article Text-395185-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/c5xjwz
title: Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows Suitable for Smallholder Production Systems at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre

description: The present study was undertaken to investigate productive and reproductive performances of F1 crossbred cows to produce and develop improved dairy cattle breed at on station and back up the on farm crossbreeding program at Holetta Research Center (HRC). One hundred fifty three F1 crossbred heifers were used to study growth performances and 111 worldwide sire (WWS) and 42 Kality (NAIC) sire records were used to analyze the data. A total of 802 milk records out of which 711 from worldwide sire (WWS) milk records and 91 from Kality (NAIC) bulls’ milk records were used to analyze the milk production performances. Least squares means of growth traits in this study birth weight (BWT), average daily gain (ADG) of crossbred heifers was 24.83 ± 2.33 kg and ADG ranges from 0.437 ± 0.01 to 0.546 ± 0.02 kg respectively. Least squares mean for age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), and number of service per conception (SPC) were 26.4±0.8 months, 35.7±o.81 months, 500.32±2.92 to 395.64 ± 4.9 days, and 1.2 ± 0.2 to 2.37 ± 0.05 services, respectively. Lactation milk yield (LMY) obtained from this result reflected progressive trend from 1st to 5th parity (1874.65 ± 67.7 to 2582.69 ± 111.2 kg) and started declining thereafter. The declining trend observed after the 5th parity is the normal biological phenomenon from dairy cows under normal conditions. The improvement gained from this result is the outcome of the of management procedures and practices followed which have accounted for 15.5 % of early calving of young heifers and 21 % in milk yield increments made from Frisian Boran (FB) crossbred cows at HARC. The overall observed growth, reproductive and milk yield performance of FB crossbred dairy cows at HARC has shown progressively significant improvement. Thus in order to continue with the crossbreeding for development of F1 50% crossbred dairy cows to maintain the on station and backup the on farm breeding activity there is a need to do intensive and proper performance evaluation based on defined breeding objectives. Culling procedures to avoid milking cows beyond the 5th parity is important. Research centers have to put maximum efforts to improve routine management activities to maintain performance evaluated animals at the centers at all levels.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/ng8cyd/2ipant
title: 150369-Article Text-395167-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/ng8cyd
title: Early Generation Seed Production and Supply in Ethiopia: Status, Challenges and Opportunities

description: Early generation seed production may constitute maintenance breeding of improved variety and regular multiplication and supply of smaller quantities of breeder, pre-basic and basic seed. The main purpose of EGS Early generation seed production is to maintain the genetic potential and identity of a variety and regular provision of high quality breeder seed which is the basis for subsequent seed production. Ethiopia has adapted four seed classes for seed production: breeder seed, pre-basic seed, basic seed and certified seed. Variety maintenance, production, and distribution of the breeder, pre-basic, and basic seed are carried out by the public breeding institutions or private seed sector. EGS production is a distinct step in the seed production requiring particular knowledge, skills and facilities. This article summarizes the regulatory framework and institutional and technical arrangements in EGS production and the challenges and the opportunities to enhance EGS supply. To meet the current demand of EGS, it suggests the institutionalization of early generation seed production in Ethiopia.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/ie7l2b/qpecus
title: 150362-Article Text-395150-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/ie7l2b
title: Morphological Characterization of Fungal Disease on Tapped Boswellia papyrifera Trees in Metema and Humera Districts, Northern Ethiopia

description: Boswell papyrifera is a tree species which is found in Amhara, Tigray, and Benshangul Gumuze region and used for the production of frankincense. Frequent tapping at different rounds and at different position of the tree is made to produce frankincense. A study aiming at evaluating the health status of tapped Boswellia papyrifera was carried out on samples obtained from Metema and Humera. Galls were commonly observed on most tapped Boswellia trees and a black wood discoloration was found on the wood beneath these galls. Isolation made from the discolored part of the wood resulted in growth of fungal colonies with a white to gray fluffy aerial mycelia which later changed into blackish mycelial growth as it matures. The spore of the fungus has hyaline, ellipsoid to ovoid shaped and it has one septa. The spore has a rounded base and truncate apex. The color, the shape of the colony and the characteristics of the conidia is found to be identical with description of Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Hence, based on the morphological characteristics of the colony and the spore, the fungus isolated from symptomatic trees, is tentatively identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Molecular characterization is essential to confirm the identity of the fungus. The pathogenicity test resulted into development of lesion depicting that the fungi isolated from Boswellia papyrifera can cause disease on the tree.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/8wximu/mtodkr
title: 150356-Article Text-395138-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/8wximu
title: Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Tef (Eragrostis tef) in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

description: A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive cropping seasons (2013-2014) on farmers’ fields in Dendi district of Oromiya Regional State. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of tef and soil chemical properties. The treatments included eleven selected combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (Farm yard manure, vermicompost, Compost, Nitrogen and Phosphorus). The design was randomized complete block with three replications. Results showed that tef yield, some yield components and soil chemical properties are significantly affected by the application of organic and inorganic fertilizer sources. The highest tef grain yield (3144.8kg ha-1) and biomass yield (12562.5kg ha-1) were obtained from the applications of half doses of vermicompost (4.8t ha-1) which is based on recommended N equivalent and half doses of the recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (34.5kg ha-1N and 30kg ha-1P that half dose contains) followed by 2846 kg ha-1and 11833.3 kg ha-1for grain yield and biomass yield, respectively, due to the application of the full recommended N and Prates (69kgN ha-1and 60kg P ha-1). Application of the different organic fertilizers improves the organic matter, Total N, available P and pH of the soil in the study area. The result also showed that the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from application of 3.2t ha-1vermicompost + 2.37t ha-1 conventional compost + 1.37t ha-1 farmyard manure (based on equivalent N rate, which is economically the most feasible alternative on vertisols of central Ethiopian highlands.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/kjrxum/4b251r
title: 150346-Article Text-395118-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/kjrxum
title: Agricultural Research and Extension Linkages: Challenges and Intervention Options

description: The article presents the historical evolution of attempts made in Ethiopia to strengthen the agriculture research and extension linkages since the start of formal agricultural research and extension in the early 1950s. The result reveals that there is a gradual improvement with increased types and mechanisms of the research-extension linkage in recent years that are related with (i) institutional linkages of actors of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) with actors of formal agricultural technology delivery systems, (ii) technology demonstration and popularization promoted by the NARS in collaboration with MoA and Regional Bureaus of Agriculture (RBoA), (iii) Farmers’ Research Groups (FRGs) approach promoted by the NARS in collaboration with MoA and RBoA, (iv) Technology specific special pre-extension activities promoted by the NARS, (v) Publications made available by the NARS, and (vi) Agricultural Development Partners' Linkage Advisory Councils (ADPLACs) as research-extension linkage platforms. However, there are number of challenges that need policy and development attention to fully exploiting the potentials these approaches offer in strengthening the linkage, which is crucial for the aspired agricultural transformation.
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/z6jhxs/tlrzmz
title: 150341-Article Text-395108-1-10-20170123.pdf

description: :unav
DOI: 10.20372/eiar-rdm/z6jhxs
title: Performance of Single Axle Tractors in the Semi-Arid Central Part of Ethiopia

description: Performance evaluation of three single axle tractors namely Dongfeng15 hp and 12 hp Chinese made walking tractors and Vari6.5 hp Czech Republic made, were conducted at the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC). Drawbar and field performance data were recorded and analyzed. The experimental plots were laid side by side in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The maximum drawbar pull in Newton (N) generated by DF-15 tractor at 1500 engine rpm settings (three-fourth load) were 2524.9, 2499.4 and 2125.34 in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears respectively. In the same order maximum drawbar pull for DF-12 tractor were 2268.81, 2111.38 and 2061.24N. Similarly field performance tests conducted on equipment test field at MARC indicated highest average field capacity, field efficiency and ploughing depth for DF-15 tractor but least for Vari tractor which consumed much higher fuel per unit area than the two DF models. Consequently from the standpoint of pulling capability and operational efficiency, DF-15 model tractor (WT) was preferred and advanced for comparative agronomic evaluation with conventional animal power technology (AP).The result showed that grain yield(kg/ha) 2.386 and 2.184 (ton/ha) respectively for WT and AP were not significantly different (P&lt;0.1).