- Srimangal, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh
Web: https://ijarit.online - 01712119843
- International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT) is a peer-reviewed open access sci... moreInternational Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT) is a peer-reviewed open access scientific online journal (ISSN: 2224-0616) of agricultural research, innovation and technology dedicated to publish high quality research works, short communications and review articles in the field of agricultural sciences includes: soil science, horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, plant science, crop physiology, animal science, veterinary science, aquaculture, food science and technology, agricultural engineering, agricultural machinery, post harvest technology, genetic engineering and plant breeding, biotechnology, microbial biotechnology, agricultural extension, agricultural development, agricultural economics, rural development, sustainable agriculture, organic agriculture, forestry, environmental technology, food security and other related fields. The journal is published twice a year (June and December) in English.edit
- Dr. M.S.A. Mamun, Mr. Frnacis Chimpeni, Mr. Babul Aktar, Mr. Cj Liyanaarachchi, Ms. Lin Lin Myat, Mr. Wangchuk Tenxin, Mr. Zakir Hossain, Mr. D.H. Ripan, Dr. Shofiqul Islam, Dr. Rajib Biswas, Dr. A.H.M. Kamal, Professor Dr. A.V.K. Iyengar, Professor Dr. M. Shahjahan, Mr. Ali Samandi, Dr. Sam Muleiedit
This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical... more
This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women.
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The study was undertaken to assess the input used pattern and profitability of maize in selected intensive maize-growing areas of Bangladesh from February to July 2019. The present study was conducted in four districts viz. Chuadanga,... more
The study was undertaken to assess the input used pattern and profitability of maize in selected intensive maize-growing areas of Bangladesh from February to July 2019. The present study was conducted in four districts viz. Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Meherpur and Kushtia were located at AEZ-11, an intensive maize-growing area. In this study, 160 farmers were selected, of which 40 from each district were randomly selected for data collection. The average farm size was 0.64 ha, whereas the maize cultivated area was 0.34 ha. It was observed that maize was cultivated from November to December in the study area. The average per hectare seed required was 20 kg ha-1 and the fertilizer requirement was 1532 kg ha-1. The average labor required was 275 man-days in a season due to less use of technology. Total production cost was Tk. 162047 ha-1 , in which variable cost was Tk. 101066 ha-1 (62%) and the fixed cost was Tk. 60980 ha-1 (38%). The price of the main maize grain at Farmgate was Tk. 18 kg-1. The gross margin was Tk.1 91962 ha-1 and the net margin was Tk. 40515 ha-1 average. The benefit-cost ratio on a cash-cost basis was 1.90 and on a total-cost basis was 1.18, meaning maize cultivation was profitable. Land preparation, seed, organic manure, TSP, Urea, MoP, DAP, Gypsum, Zinc and Boron had a positive influence on maize production. The high price of fertilizer and seed was the main problem farmers faced and due to high demand, there were no marketing problems. Though it had some problems, maize cultivation overall was a profitable crop.
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The study sought to ascertain spider mite prevalence, infestation, and identification and to assess the response of potato genotypes. In 2022, this pest was only observed on some genotypes in December. In late January, an infestation,... more
The study sought to ascertain spider mite prevalence, infestation, and identification and to assess the response of potato genotypes. In 2022, this pest was only observed on some genotypes in December. In late January, an infestation, incidence, and severity increased from 10 to 13 genotypes on potato tuber stocks stored for irrigation experiments. Those genotypes were planted in irrigated fields, and the sprouted tuber losses ranged from 12.5% to 100% and up to 15.38% in the 2022 and 2023 records, respectively. Following this, spider mites, often known as two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) or Tetranychus urticae, were identified. This is the first time a potato sprout infestation has been recorded in Ethiopia. The two-spotted spider mites damaged the tubers quantitatively by sucking the moisture of sprouts up to the 5 th grade, with 97 and >75% infestation levels, incidence, and severity, respectively. The pest grows very rapidly and hastens the drying of sprouted tuber leaves. Some genotypes were resistant to TSSM and recovered after the sprouts were infected and dried, which were treated with pesticides in 2023. The typical agricultural insecticides were ineffective in controlling the pest in the first year, and a Profenofos was applied in the second year. Thus, seed tubers are the main production limit unless appropriate research efforts are undertaken and management techniques are created.
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Preventing, reducing, and improving infection control have been struggles that have preoccupied the World Health Organization for many years. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Bactigel hydro-alcoholic gel on the cutaneous... more
Preventing, reducing, and improving infection control have been struggles that have preoccupied the World Health Organization for many years. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Bactigel hydro-alcoholic gel on the cutaneous flora of hands. The study was conducted by interviewing people on their knowledge and use of hydro-alcoholic products and culture of palm flora samples before and after hand disinfection. Results showed that 90% of respondents knew about hydro-alcoholic products, 96.3% of whom had already used them, and 92.3% were still used. In addition, 90% do not have alcohol-sensitive skin, and 80% use soap and water with soap for hygiene in their homes. Bactigel significantly reduced the microbial load on palms by 90.04%. Based on these results, Bactigel hydro-alcoholic gel is effective against skin germs. It is concluded that Bactigel can only be effective in the community when compliance is good hand hygiene.
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Bangladesh has immense potential for cut flower production and export to the world market. Although the export earnings from cut flower cultivation are gradually increasing in our country, production and profitability are hindered by some... more
Bangladesh has immense potential for cut flower production and export to the world market. Although the export earnings from cut flower cultivation are gradually increasing in our country, production and profitability are hindered by some constraints. The present study was undertaken in Jashore (Jhikargachha) and Dhaka (Savar) districts to examine the financial profitability, constraints, and opportunities of cut-flower cultivation in Bangladesh. A total of 120 cut flower cultivating farmers were selected for interview in 2019, taking 60 sample farmers from each location. Multi-stage random sampling method was followed to collect primary data. For profitability analysis, two cut flowers, namely gladiolus and rose, were selected for the study. The result indicates that per hectare total cost, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were Tk. 687439, Tk. 261509 and 1.38, respectively, for gladiolus cultivation. On the other hand, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and BCR of rose cultivation were Tk. 2325762, 146%, and 1.46, respectively, indicating that rose production is highly profitable to the farmers of the study areas. Despite such potentialities, cut flower cultivation was constrained by the requirement of high initial investment, lack of modern varieties, lack of credit facility, lack of storage facility, attack by pests & diseases, and uncertain market price. However, there is a huge scope to increase cut flower production by removing constraints in Bangladesh that can boost up livelihoods, incomes, and living conditions of rural people.
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Farmers need new technologies and information to cope with the challenges and difficulties of agricultural extension. YouTube, a low-cost tool, offers opportunities for farmers' feedback, interaction, and networking. In order to utilize... more
Farmers need new technologies and information to cope with the challenges and difficulties of agricultural extension. YouTube, a low-cost tool, offers opportunities for farmers' feedback, interaction, and networking. In order to utilize this tool for the benefit of farmers, it is necessary to learn the prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content preparation and dissemination. Data were collected from 105 respondents under the Khulna Metropolitan Agriculture Office (both Metro 1 and 2) and from the 3 content creators from February to May 2023. However, the majority of respondents (94.30%) perceive YouTube as a promising tool for agricultural content dissemination. Besides, the majority of the respondents (64.80%) perceive problems with YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination. Age, farm size, experience, extension media contact, and training received positively impact respondents' perceptions of YouTube. The findings suggest that the public extension system and policymakers may consider reducing internet costs and providing low-cost devices for both respondents and content creators. Additionally, other virtual video platforms like YouTube can be made more accessible, allowing audiences to access information from diversified virtual video channels.
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Ethiopia has favorable climate conditions for the production of spices, herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants useful for flavoring food, aroma, therapeutic and marketing for cash income. Ethiopian is the largest consumer of spices in... more
Ethiopia has favorable climate conditions for the production of spices, herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants useful for flavoring food, aroma, therapeutic and marketing for cash income. Ethiopian is the largest consumer of spices in Africa, but the contribution of spice to the national economy is meager. The study area is endowed with diversified spice types with different purposes. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given and still many spices are growing in the wild. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given, and many spices are still collected from the wild. This study aimed to assess spice production and marketing in Kaffa biosphere reserve. This study was undertaken in four districts of Kaffa zone including Tello, Gimbo, Shishoende and Decha districts by selecting one representative kebele from each district. The data collection method used for this study is a household survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. Out of the total sampled 89% of sampled households participate and produce diversified types of spice. Korarima, red pepper, rue, ginger, turmeric, bush tea, holey basil, machewolago, aemacho nechamacho, coriander, rosemary, onion, long pepper and lemon grass were identified at the household survey. About 60.9% of the sample households provide spice products to market and the sample households generate a mean income of 1,611.14 ETB from spice product marketing. Most sampled households ranked themselves at low and very low knowledge levels on spice production and marketing. Spices are mainly produced in the home garden area for consumption. The main challenges for spice production in the study area are the unavailability of improved variety, low attention given by government and stakeholders, unavailability of the market, lack of knowledge and skill on production and post-harvest handling, low-value addition practice and unavailability of recommended practice. Creating a market for spice products and promotion is needed its importance and give attention to spice production. Training is needed for the farming community on spice cultivation, management, post-harvest handling and processing.
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Ethiopia has pledged to restore 22 million ha of degraded and deforested lands by 2030. To this end, Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts are underway. But empirical studies that critically evaluated the effectiveness of FLR in the... more
Ethiopia has pledged to restore 22 million ha of degraded and deforested lands by 2030. To this end, Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts are underway. But empirical studies that critically evaluated the effectiveness of FLR in the country are scanty. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of FLR initiatives on rural households' livelihoods in Sodo district, Southern Central Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was used to draw 260 sample households (120 households from FLR participating and 140 households from non-FLR participating). Using a structured questionnaire, data on socio-demographic characteristics such as on household heads, household assets, access to credit, land size, household income and related expenditures were gathered. Besides formal survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observations, and review project documents and official reports were used to gather data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique. The results showed that FLR participants are likely to gain higher total and crop income than non-FLR participants. The average off-farm income of FLR participants also increased by 10,252.4 ETB (200 USD). The number of beehives and the amount of honey produced was higher with FLR participants. FLR participants received more training and had better access to credit and engaged more in rearing sheep and poultry. In conclusion, to maximize impact on livelihoods, FLR initiatives should be combined with agricultural intensification and diversification as well as with business-oriented forest development activities.
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Despite their ecological and socioeconomic contributions, the lowland dry forests of Ethiopia have largely been neglected and hence experience severe deforestation and degradation challenges. It is, therefore, crucial to assess the status... more
Despite their ecological and socioeconomic contributions, the lowland dry forests of Ethiopia have largely been neglected and hence experience severe deforestation and degradation challenges. It is, therefore, crucial to assess the status of the dry forest resources to formulate appropriate management strategies that facilitate their sustainable utilization. This study was undertaken to determine spatial distribution, species composition, structure, and regeneration of gum and resin-producing species in the dry forests of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. The recent Sentinel-2A image was procured and used to classify the area, using a supervised Random Forest Algorithm, into different land covers and vegetation types. Inside the two key vegetation types (Acacia dominated woodland and Mixed woodland), forest inventory was conducted by establishing 30 m x 30 m size quadratic sample plots. The results revealed that the study area was divided into settlement (0.2%), bare land (6.0%), undifferentiated forest (0.5%), acacia woodland (36.3%), mixed woodland (54.1%) and scrubland (2.9%). Thirty-four woody species were identified and recorded with a Shannon diversity of 3.03. The population structure showed a lack of sufficient natural regeneration. This shows that the forest containing the gum and resinbearing species is not replacing itself as well as it should. On the other hand, if managed properly, the forest has the potential to produce various types of oleo-gum resins. Thus, implementing appropriate restoration measures is urgent to enhance natural regeneration. Moreover, formulating sustainable utilization while creating a product market of gum and resins are important consideration to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of dry forests in the region.
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Banana (Musa sapientum L) is a widely grown and consumed fruit due to its distinct aroma and taste. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of knowledge and trends on the processing and consumption of processed and shelf-stable banana products. The... more
Banana (Musa sapientum L) is a widely grown and consumed fruit due to its distinct aroma and taste. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of knowledge and trends on the processing and consumption of processed and shelf-stable banana products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of frying time and layering of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder on the proximate composition, oxidative stability and sensory properties of green banana chips. In this study, prepared chips from green bananas using two levels of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder layers (3% & 6%) and three levels of frying time (1.5, 2.0, & 2.5 minutes) following standard methods. Proximate Composition, Oxidative Stability and Sensory Properties of the chips were analyzed. The results showed that the banana chips had moisture (3.35-7.34%), total ash (5.67-13.65%), crude fiber (4.43-12.43%), crude fat (3.34-11.70%), crude protein (3.56-13.80%), carbohydrate (57.78-67.29%). Descriptive sensory analysis (DSA) showed that banana chips prepared with layering of M. stenopetala leaf powder was bitter, darker, rougher, and more astringent than chips fried from only banana. Banana chips fried without Moringa leaf powder for 2.5 minutes were crispier. M. stenopetala leaf powder layered banana chips were lower in quality and had weak acceptability compared with banana chips fried without M. stenopetala leaf powder. This study suggested that layering M. stenopetala leaf powder during prolonged frying to banana chips improves nutritional value and oxidative stabilities without compromising the sensory properties of banana chips.
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The primary reason for postharvest deterioration, which is primarily brought on by fungal invasion, is the loss of turmeric products in Southwestern Ethiopia. The study was conducted to determine the main fungi responsible for the... more
The primary reason for postharvest deterioration, which is primarily brought on by fungal invasion, is the loss of turmeric products in Southwestern Ethiopia. The study was conducted to determine the main fungi responsible for the postharvest deterioration of turmeric in major turmeric-growing areas of southwestern Ethiopia. In total, 60 samples of dried and stored turmeric were gathered in 2020 and 2021 from different production zones of southwestern Ethiopia. The fungus that causes postharvest turmeric to deteriorate was isolated and identified at the genus level. At the study locations, rhizomes were not cleaned, washed, sorted, or separated from healthy rhizomes. The spoiled turmeric samples contain fungi from four genera: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Rhizopus. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were isolated from drying and storage samples in all zones. However, Rhizopus was only isolated from samples that had been stored. It was discovered that Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were primarily responsible for the observed deterioration. The identified genera's percentage incidence ranged from 15.1% (Fusarium) to 45.2% (Aspergillus). Proper harvesting, postharvest handling procedures, and adopting suitable turmeric harvesting and postharvest handling technology can help decrease turmeric postharvest degradation.
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This study aimed at determining the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal (BVLM). Thirty rabbits weighing an average of... more
This study aimed at determining the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal (BVLM). Thirty rabbits weighing an average of 999 g were allocated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to five treatments (BVLM 0%, which was the control diet, BVLM 5%, BVLM 10%, BVLM 15% and BVLM 20%) with six replicates. The rabbits were adapted to the assigned diets for one week and fed for ten weeks. Feed intake, live weight changes and feed conversion ratio were the performance parameters measured. Existing market prices for feed items were used to appraise the diets economically. A digestibility study was undertaken during the 10th week. No mortality was recorded during the study. Before termination of the feeding trial, 15 rabbits (3 from each treatment) were selected randomly, taken off feed for 24 hours and humanely slaughtered. Carcass parameters and weights of internal organs were measured and recorded. Results revealed that live weight changes, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were similar for all treatments. However, the cost of feed/kg and feed/kg gain decreased linearly with an increase in the inclusion level of BVLM. The results also showed that BVLM could be utilized in up to 15% of grower rabbit diets without lowering nutrient digestibility and dressing percentage. It was concluded that BVLM could be used up to 20% of the diet of grower rabbits to reduce the cost of feed/kg and cost of feed/kg gain without any adverse effects on live weight changes and weights of internal organs.
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The study assessed the technical performance and economic viability of a 200 kg capacity biomass-powered inclined bed dryer for drying maize. The dryer recorded an average air temperature of 73.54˚C in the plenum, which reduced the... more
The study assessed the technical performance and economic viability of a 200 kg capacity biomass-powered inclined bed dryer for drying maize. The dryer recorded an average air temperature of 73.54˚C in the plenum, which reduced the moisture content from 23.25% (w.b) to 13.61% (w.b) at a drying time of 2 hours 40 minutes. This resulted in a drying rate, drying efficiency, and specific energy consumption of 9.50 kg/h, 71.37%, and 25.70 MJ/kg, respectively. The germination potential of dried maize grains was 80% compared to 93% for grains assessed before drying. Stress-crack analysis revealed a lower percentage of no-cracks for dried maize (71%) than maize gains before drying (98%). There was a statistically significant difference between the dried and the undried maize grains for germination viability (p = 0.01) and stress crack analysis (p = 0.00) at α=0.05. At a drying charge of US$ 2.4 per 100 kg bag of maize, the investment cost could be regained at a pay-back period of 6 months and 15 operation days and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.27. The drying system is economically viable at net present value of US$ 1313.48 and internal rate of return of 44%. Evidently, adopting the dryer could contribute to reducing post-harvest loss of maize at the smallholder level and increase farmer's income.
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Agriculture is an ongoing changing field where farmers constantly change production technology by adopting different updated modern practices. The study explores the motivating factors influencing farmers to switch to synthetic pesticides... more
Agriculture is an ongoing changing field where farmers constantly change production technology by adopting different updated modern practices. The study explores the motivating factors influencing farmers to switch to synthetic pesticides dependent on farming from organic farming methods. The main factors are the lower price of organic vegetables, pesticide availability, social responsibility and economic considerations. The most challenging AEZ-13 coastal Satkhira has been taken for this study. The result shows that farmers who choose to switch give high importance to the production cost, price of organic vegetables, supply of bio-product, and availability of organic products than the moral, economic and social concerns.
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This study evaluated the potential of compost-combusted forest litters as alternative sources of ex-situ organo-mineral products to the direct use of controlled fire for enhanced soil nutrients in forest stands. Floor litters from six (6)... more
This study evaluated the potential of compost-combusted forest litters as alternative sources of ex-situ organo-mineral products to the direct use of controlled fire for enhanced soil nutrients in forest stands. Floor litters from six (6) delineated standing forest patches of Pterocarpus erinaceus, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Bambusa vulgaris, Ceiba pentandra and Mangifera indica were characterized for N, K, P, Ca and Mg; composted for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days and then uniformly combusted to produce organo-minerals for early growth response of Dacryodes edulis in a 6 x 4 split-plot factorial experiment. Analysis of variance was conducted for litter characteristics, calorific values, moisture, ash contents, and germination and growth variables of Dacryodes edulis while significant means were separated with DMRT (p ≥ 0.05). Results showed that Mangifera had the highest P (0.68%) and K (1.15%); Bamboo had the highest N (1.92%). Germination was 6>9>12> 3 days with Bamboo > Ceiba > Teak > Mangifera > Gmelina > Pterocarpus for 6 days organo-minerals, but the highest height (21.56 ± 6.77 cm) by Pterocarpus to implicate litters under microbethermal mediation as sustainable organo-mineral ex-situ products to combat incidence of forest fire for fertile forest soil. Thus, in-situ controlled fire in standing forests is no longer needed for nutrient-rich forest-agriculture.
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Rice crop is essential in a country. Still, the production and productivity are low due to uncovering a suitable area for rice production and the shortage of improved and unedited welladapted variety. To solve this problem, the study was... more
Rice crop is essential in a country. Still, the production and productivity are low due to uncovering a suitable area for rice production and the shortage of improved and unedited welladapted variety. To solve this problem, the study was conducted in Dasenech district during (2020/21 and 2021/22) cropping seasons to select well-adapted varieties. The study contains 6 varieties (Gode, Shebele, Chewaqa, Kallafo, Nerica-15, and Pawe-2). For this study used a randomized complete block design with three replications. Yield and other trait data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance. The result of the analysis of variance showed that all parameters were significantly affected among tested rice varieties. The Pawe-2 variety gave the highest grain production (6284.7 kg ha-1) among the tested varieties. Based on the study result, it can be suggested that variety Pawe-2 perform well and is suitable for agro-pastoral in the Dasenech area under irrigation condition and its similar agro-ecology.
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Ethiopian coffee production is greatly hampered by frequent droughts.This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a drip irrigation system for coffee production on a farm. Additionally, it estimated the amount of water required for... more
Ethiopian coffee production is greatly hampered by frequent droughts.This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a drip irrigation system for coffee production on a farm. Additionally, it estimated the amount of water required for coffee crops. An experiment was conducted on a 5-year-old coffee plant with 2m spacing between lines and 2m between plants. Catch cans were used to evaluate the system performance of the installed drip irrigation system. Based on these, the average hydraulic characteristics of the installed drip irrigation system, distribution uniformity was 93.55%, Christiansen uniformity coefficient was 95.40%, flow variation was 18.52%, and coefficient of variation was 5.59%. Coffee plants grew and produced more when irrigation was used. A fresh cherry yield of 6785 kg ha-1 was obtained under irrigated coffee and 2346 kg ha-1 under non-irrigated coffee. Compared to non-irrigated coffee, irrigated coffee had the highest crop water use efficiency of 2.5 kg ha-1 mm-1 , and the lowest was obtained 1.7 kg ha-1 mm-1 , under non-irrigated coffee. Similarly, irrigated coffee had the highest irrigation water use efficiency (3.6 kg m-3), whereas nonirrigated coffee had the lowest (1.4 kg m-3). These findings show that drip irrigation, compared to non-irrigated coffee plants, enhances yield and water use efficiency by 65% and 60%, respectively. In order to boost production, yield, yield components, and irrigation water use efficiency, drip irrigation is a helpful irrigation technique in locations with limited water resources and extended drought spells.
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The pathogen Phytophthora capsici, which causes black pepper foot rot, is the most detrimental disease that affects black pepper productivity and lowers qualitative and quantitative spike yields in southwest Ethiopia. The effectiveness of... more
The pathogen Phytophthora capsici, which causes black pepper foot rot, is the most detrimental disease that affects black pepper productivity and lowers qualitative and quantitative spike yields in southwest Ethiopia. The effectiveness of several fungicides and cultural methods against Phytophthora capsici in black pepper was tested in a field experiment. Five commercial fungicides and cultural practices were examined, and a natural Phytophthora capsici infection was noted. Disease incidence was determined by visually observing leaf blight, spike infection, leaf shedding, and vine yellowing. The most effective fungicide, with a disease incidence of 14.3%, was Koka blue 50 WG (Copper oxychloride) spraying when combined with cultural approaches. More 720 WP (Mancozeb + Cymoxanil), a combination of cultural practices and 19.1% disease incidence, came next. Agro-laxyl 63.5 WP (Metalaxyl + Mancozeb) and Progress 250 EC (Propiconazole 25%) combined with cultural practices were also effective against Phytophthora infection and found better than only cultural practices applied plot and control.
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The study was carried out to document the production system of indigenous Woyto-Guji goats and the major limitations to goat production reared in two districts (Nyangatom and Maale) of South Omo, Ethiopia. Stepwise purposive followed by a... more
The study was carried out to document the production system of indigenous Woyto-Guji goats and the major limitations to goat production reared in two districts (Nyangatom and Maale) of South Omo, Ethiopia. Stepwise purposive followed by a random sampling method was used to select respondents. Based on the result, the households in Nyangatom district preferred to rear cattle, goats and sheep and less number of poultry when compared to those residing in the Maale district. The purpose of keeping goats in the district was primarily for tangible and intangible benefits. They are raised for their milk, meat, and blood as a source of wealth creation and insurance against emergencies. The results also indicated that the respondents in Maale district provide feed supplements. Communal grazing is prevalent in Nyangatom district, while in the Maale district, they interchangeably used both communal and private grazing lands; this all depended on the carrying capacity of the grazing land. Natural grazing and browsing the bush was the common form of feeding in both the study areas, while crop residues too were provided in Maale district. The sources of water varied across the study areas, the respondents in Nyangatom district relied solely on river Omo, 'Omo shesh' and 'kure shesh'. While the flocks in Maale district were provided with water in the nearby streams besides the river water. The frequency of delivering water in the districts showed that every alternate day at Nyangatom and daily in the Maale district. The major limitation towards goat production in Nyangatom district was the unavailability of feed mainly in the dry season, followed by incidences of diseases; while some also indicated the problems associated with erratic and decrease in rainfall, thefts of the livestock were the identified problems. In Maale district, disease prevalence was major problem in the area as well as feed shortages followed by shrinkage of grazing lands, predators and lack of herders to take the animals for grazing. The current result on the production and farming system of goats and the major problems associated with goat production in the district helps to design different intervention options for the district.
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In Ethiopia's mid and lowlands, where rainfall is erratic, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important cereal crop. Finger millet yield is low partly due to variety instability and low yield potential. Field experiments were... more
In Ethiopia's mid and lowlands, where rainfall is erratic, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important cereal crop. Finger millet yield is low partly due to variety instability and low yield potential. Field experiments were conducted in Boricha, Dore Bafano and Halaba districts of Southern region, Ethiopia, in 2018 and 2019, during the main cropping season from early May to October, to identify finger millet genotypes with high yield and wide adaptation. Eleven finger millet genotypes (ten improved and one local check) were grown in a randomized complete block design with four replications. AMMI analysis generated four principal components (PCs) with PC1 and PC2 being statistically significant (p<0.01).
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Sixty-four soybean genotypes were evaluated to study the association among yield and related traits and determine the directions of association. The field experiment was conducted during the main cropping season in 2019 at Jimma and Bonga... more
Sixty-four soybean genotypes were evaluated to study the association among yield and related traits and determine the directions of association. The field experiment was conducted during the main cropping season in 2019 at Jimma and Bonga Southwestern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid with a simple lattice design with two replications. Data were collected on quantitative traits. Analysis of variance showed significant to highly significant differences among genotypes for all of the studied traits. Correlation analysis exhibited that grain yield was positively and significantly associated with harvest index and the number of pods per plant. Harvest index exerted the maximum positive direct effect on grain yield, followed by pod per plant, seed yield per plant at a genotypic level, and these traits could be used for selection to improve grain yield in soybean.
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A preliminary study was conducted to estimate cost and return analysis on yam cultivation at Gaidghat of Bagharpara upazila of Jashore from February to March 2021. The average yam cultivation area was 0.12 ha in the study area. Different... more
A preliminary study was conducted to estimate cost and return analysis on yam cultivation at Gaidghat of Bagharpara upazila of Jashore from February to March 2021. The average yam cultivation area was 0.12 ha in the study area. Different types of yam were cultivated in the study area, which had excellent local names, such as LalJhupi, KaloJhupi, Gorai, Lalteer, Altapat, Munshi, etc. Yam seed was shown from April to May and harvested from December to March. Most of the farmers planted yam seeds in rows where plant to plant distance was 1.5-2.5 feet and line to line distance was 2-3 feet. Average number of plants per hectare was 17023 nos., and the seed required 851 kg ha-1. The total cost of yam production was Tk. 1,23,060 ha-1 , where the variable cost was Tk. 69,579 ha-1 (56.54%) and fixed cost were Tk. 53,481 ha-1 (43.46%). Yield of yam tuber was 44.98 ton ha-1 , and seed yam was 2.05 ton ha-1. Gross return was Tk. 1,75,097 ha-1 , gross margin was Tk. 1,05,518 ha-1 and the net return was Tk. 52,037 ha-1. The benefit cost ratio was 2.52, which means it's a profitable crop. Some disease organisms like fungi, viruses, and mites affect yam.
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Soil fertility reduction is the main problem for sustainable crop production and productivity in southern parts of Ethiopia. Integrated soil fertility management is the best choice to improve soil fertility constraints using accessible... more
Soil fertility reduction is the main problem for sustainable crop production and productivity in southern parts of Ethiopia. Integrated soil fertility management is the best choice to improve soil fertility constraints using accessible organic and chemical fertilizers. The aim of the experiment was to examine the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on crop yield and soil fertility improvement. This experiment was conducted from 2017 to 2018 in Debub Ari district, southwestern Ethiopia. The treatments contain Control (no fertilizers), Recommended NP (69/30), 250 kg NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea, 10 t ha-1 compost, and 5 t ha-1 compost + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg Urea top dress. Potato variety 'Belete' became used for the experiment and was planted early in the 'Belg' season. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil sample was randomly collected before treatment application with a depth of (0-20cm) and composited into one kg of a sample. The analysis results of the initial soil sample revealed that it was sandy clay in texture, moderately acidic, low in total N, OC, CEC, and very low in available P. The analysis of variances showed significant differences among the treatments on potato tuber yield when compared to untreated plots. Potato tuber yield is increased by 32, 22, and 35% of sole use of inorganic fertilizer, compost alone, and 50% of compost + 50% of NPSB treatment, respectively, than control. The maximum tuber yield 18.7 t ha-1 was obtained from treatment 5 t ha-1 compost + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg Urea top dress, whereas the minimum tuber yields 13.85 t ha-1 were obtained by untreated plot (without any fertilizer application). Farmers in the study area can use by selecting either recommended NP (69 N and 30 P) ha-1 or 5t + 125 kg NPSB + 80 kg urea ha-1 depending on the accessibility of labor, composting material, and cash to purchase an adequate amount of fertilizers.
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Moringa is a tree with medicinal, nutritional, industrial, and socioeconomic values. Moringa leaf extracts have potential antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiulcer, diuretic, hepato-protective and cholesterol-lowering activities. The... more
Moringa is a tree with medicinal, nutritional, industrial, and socioeconomic values. Moringa leaf extracts have potential antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiulcer, diuretic, hepato-protective and cholesterol-lowering activities. The study was conducted to analyze the nutritional quality of different moringa provenances and to promote the best provenances for the end users. Field experiments were conducted in Goro and Dallo Mena districts of Bale located in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. Collected samples were airdried at room temperature and milled for laboratory analysis. According to this study growing environment did not bring significant variation (P>0.05) in average mineral contents like Mg, Zn, P and CP content of the provenances. But significantly higher (P<0.05) Na, K, and Ca were recorded for the samples collected from Dallo Mena district, whereas higher Ash and Fe content was recorded in Goro district. On the other hand, provenance from Dallo Mena and Bako is superior to most of the quality characters analyzed. However, the one from Arbaminch is higher in Na and Zn contents. Provenance from Abay Filiklik is higher in Ash, K and P content. Moringa leaf is rich in Ash, Zn, Cp, and Mg to the sufficient level, while Fe, Ca and P are to the level of high or double to triple to the optimum level when compared to the optimum nutrient content of plant material. Generally, higher mean and individual chemical quality values were recorded from provenances grown in Dallo Mena district except for K, Fe, Zn, and CP, which are higher in Goro.
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This study describes the characteristics of household market participation in avocado production. It investigates the approach required to overcome determinants of market participation among smallholders of avocado farmers in Shebedino... more
This study describes the characteristics of household market participation in avocado production. It investigates the approach required to overcome determinants of market participation among smallholders of avocado farmers in Shebedino woreda, SNNPRS, Ethiopia. The primary sources of the data are farm household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Two hundred twenty-eight households were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data obtained were evaluated using Double-hurdle econometric models. The results of the binary probit model revealed that in the decision to sell, land size, family size, distance from the nearest market center, market information, access to media, and the total amount of avocado produced played a significant role. The truncated regression model indicated that the age of the household head, family size, market information and the total amount of avocado produced significantly affected the level of commercialization. The result showed that enhancing the efficient utilization of the existing limited farmland, family size, access to market information, and the total amount of avocado produced had a higher value and was seen as a critical opportunity to improve the lower-income farm households. As a result, better market information, family planning, and new technology like improved verity are required to increase demand for avocado produce and income generation. Concerned bodies need to establish a market center for the farmers around their home, increasing the probability of avocado market participation. The findings of this study may help in the development of appropriate policy intervention mechanisms to promote smallholder avocado commercialization in Sidama Zone.
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The medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera is frequently used in conventional healthcare to treat various conditions, including diabetes. The scientific evidence regarding M. oleifera's antidiabetic characteristics and its potential as a... more
The medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera is frequently used in conventional healthcare to treat various conditions, including diabetes. The scientific evidence regarding M. oleifera's antidiabetic characteristics and its potential as a supplemental treatment for diabetes control are examined in this review study. Studies have shown that M. oleifera has potent antidiabetic properties, lowering blood sugar levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and decreasing complications from the disease. These benefits are thought to be caused by the plant's bioactive chemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which boost insulin secretion, prevent intestinal glucose absorption, and lessen oxidative stress. It has also been demonstrated that M. oleifera positively affects lipid metabolism, reducing overall cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels while raising HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the plant possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may strengthen its anti-diabetic benefits by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, which are connected to the onset and progression of diabetes. People with diabetes may benefit from the potential anti-diabetic qualities of M. oleifera. Additional study is required to ascertain the ideal dose, duration, and safety of employing M. oleifera as an anti-diabetic medication. As a result, M. oleifera needs to be utilized as supplemental therapy under the guidance of a medical expert.
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In the coastal region, crab cultivators are concerned about the wastage produced by crab moulting and polluting soil health for pisciculture. Farmers have recently been using different bio-compost, produced after decomposing as vegetable... more
In the coastal region, crab cultivators are concerned about the wastage produced by crab moulting and polluting soil health for pisciculture. Farmers have recently been using different bio-compost, produced after decomposing as vegetable wastage, cow dung, Tricocompost and vermin-compost. The nutritional composition of carapace based on dry matter has been approximately analysed and indicates DM-97.33%, Moisture-2.67%, Crude protein, CP-0.02%, Ether extract, Lipid-2.12%, Crude fiber, CF-5.57% and Ash, Minerals-20.25%. After decomposing, the crab shell was used for BARI hybrid summer tomato production in a field trial to observe the plant vegetative and yield performance. In the field, trial has been set five (5) treatments with six (6) replications for each treatment as T1= control treatment, T2= Soil (50%) + vermin-compost (50%), T3= vermin-compost (100%), T4= Crab Shell compost (100%), T5=Soil (50%) + Crab Shell compost (25%) + Vermin-compost (25%). Crab shell compost has a significant relation to vermin compost for enhancing the leaf length of the plant. T4 was more significant than T2 and T5 for enhancing the leaf width of plants and average fruit weight. Crab shell compost is non-significance for increased tiller number, inflorescence number and plant height. T5 have a more significant relation than vermin-compost for increasing the tiller number of plant. After the field trial, the soil nutrient analysis report showed that alkalinity is on the optimum label for crop production. Decomposed crab shell-treated soil also increases Organic matter, Nitrogen, Potassium, Boron, Zinc, and salinity but reduces phosphorous compared to the control treatment. Therefore, the decomposed crab shell is a nutrient source for agricultural production.
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The main focus of the research was to examine the dispersion of elements and evaluate the possible ecological impact of heavy metals in the water of the Upper Banar River. To achieve this, water samples were obtained from ten different... more
The main focus of the research was to examine the dispersion of elements and evaluate the possible ecological impact of heavy metals in the water of the Upper Banar River. To achieve this, water samples were obtained from ten different locations along the river, and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results exhibited that the abundance of Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As in water varied from 1.10 to 3.20, 0.11 to 1.30, 1.30 to 13.50, 1.14 to 1.91, 0.39 to 0.75 and 1.44 to 2.56 µgL-1 , respectively. Mean (±SD) concentrations of considered metals declined with the following downward direction: Cu (5.07±4.11) > As (1.94±1.15) > Cr (1.81±0.63) > Cd (1.42±0.23) Pb (0.55±0.12) > Ni (0.54±0.41), indicated that concentrations were reasonably assorted throughout the observed region. Moreover, the Upper Banar River water was contaminated with heavy metals, but the pollution level was not significant based on HPI analysis. Based on the computed HEI values, water quality is deemed low hazard and lower degrees of contamination. Overall, the river's water was still in good condition and had low levels of contamination, as per PI and CD ratings. Upper Banar River water's computed ERI ranged from 7.24 to 12.16, which showed a low-risk level. The study concluded that the Upper Banar River experienced some metallic pollution because of anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, responsible authorities should immediately implement appropriate management strategies and conduct routine water quality monitoring.
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Reducing postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables is a major pathway to food and nutrition security in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted in 30 selected upazilas of Bangladesh from February to October 2021 to explore the nature and... more
Reducing postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables is a major pathway to food and nutrition security in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted in 30 selected upazilas of Bangladesh from February to October 2021 to explore the nature and magnitude of postharvest losses. This study assessed the knowledge gap, attitudes and practices of the value chain's key actors, and the status of market opportunities in the country. A total of 515 farmers and 295 traders were interviewed from selected upazilas of the country. The findings of this study revealed that 50-70% of growers showed a positive attitude toward good agriculture practices (GAP), maturity indices, and the role of good packaging in keeping the products safe for consumers. More than 41% of farmers aggregated their harvested commodities beside the field on direct soil contact under open sunlight. Only 27% of farmers and traders washed fruits and vegetables before marketing, of which 32% used unsafe water found in the canal or ditches. On average, 86.91% of farmers and traders sorted out their products before marketing for a better price. More than 56% of farmers and traders used jute or nylon sac for packaging fresh fruit and vegetables. Nevertheless, only 20.2% of farmers and 24.41% of traders used plastic crates as packaging containers. Generally, the farmer used different local vehicles, including three-wheeler van, rickshaw, bicycle , tempo, etc. In contrast, the traders transported their produce to the wholesale market using a truck and pickup van. The average postharvest losses were estimated 12.5% at the farm level, whereas 6.7% at trader's level up to the wholesale market.
Research Interests:
Compact, medium size, white to creamy cauliflower curds were packed into different packaging techniques like i. without packaging (control); ii. packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) bag with 1% perforation; iii. wrapped with... more
Compact, medium size, white to creamy cauliflower curds were packed into different packaging techniques like i. without packaging (control); ii. packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) bag with 1% perforation; iii. wrapped with polyethylene (PE) cling film and iv. newspaper (locally used). Half of each treatment was kept at (6±1°C and 50±5% RH) and the other half was kept at ambient conditions (25±3°C and 60±5% RH). LDPE bag or PE cling film has a great effect to retain firmness and reduce weight loss of cauliflower in both storage conditions. Respiration rate, rot incidence and changes of colour values (lightness and hue angle) was reduced significantly for the cauliflowers packed in LDPE bag or wrapped with PE cling film stored in a refrigerator than that of control (without packaging) and all packaging techniques stored at ambient condition throughout the storage period. Initially, acidity, TSS and ascorbic acid content were 0.26%, 4.7° Brix and 58.7 mg 100g-1 , respectively. Ascorbic acid content was reduced severely in the cauliflower stored in ambient conditions than that stored in a refrigerator. Cauliflower wrapped with PE cling film and packed in an LDPE bag (1% perforation) stored in a refrigerator (6±1°C and 50±5% RH) could retain white colour, good sensory quality, firm and fresh curds with minimum loss in weight, texture and disease incidence up to 18 days and 16 days, respectively.
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The aim of the experiment was to determine the correlations between tuber yield and yield components and to measure the direct and indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield of potato genotypes. The experiment was conducted using... more
The aim of the experiment was to determine the correlations between tuber yield and yield components and to measure the direct and indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield of potato genotypes. The experiment was conducted using eleven potato genotypes with one standard check variety (Belete) and a local check at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Bekoji sub-station during 2020-2021. Data were collected for tuber yield, tuber dry matter content (%), plant height (cm), stem number, specific gravity, and phenological parameters. Since the two seasons had heterogeneous error variance, analysis was carried out separately. In 2020, correlation analysis indicated that the tuber yield was positively and significantly associated with stem height (0.608), marketable tuber (0.997) and positively associated with tuber dry matter content, stem number per plant, days to maturity, while it was negatively correlated with specific gravity, days to emergence and days to flowering at the genotypic level. Total tuber yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to maturity (0.640), stem height (0.791), marketable tuber (0.977) and stem number at the genotypic level. While specific gravity was positively and significantly correlated at the phenotypic level; and negatively at the genotypic level in the second season. Results of path analyses indicated that marketable tubers had the highest positive direct effect (+1.059) on total tuber yield followed by days to flowering (+0.057) and specific gravity (+0.026) in 2020 while marketable tuber (0.7107), stem height (0.2842), tuber dry matter content (0.0078), days to maturity (0.1250) had also positive direct effect in 2021. In addition, most of the indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield were significant and positive. Significant effects of marketable tuber, tuber dry matter content, days to maturity and stem height on total tuber yield, indicated that they could be used as the criteria for potato improvement and breeding programs.
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The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and suitable variety and as well as to identify the interaction effect of varieties and Intra-row spacing on the yield of sorghum. The experiment having a factorial... more
The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and suitable variety and as well as to identify the interaction effect of varieties and Intra-row spacing on the yield of sorghum. The experiment having a factorial arrangement of three varieties (Geremew, Lalo and farmer's local variety) and three intra-row levels (10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm) was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. According to the current results, varieties were significantly (p<0.05) affected by all the parameters (days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, thousand seed weight and total grain yield) except stand count. The maximum days to maturity and total grain yield (205.2 days and 5628.1 kg ha-1 respectively) were obtained from Lalo. The highest thousand seed weight (23.1 g) was recorded from Geremew and at it takes a short period for maturity (119.5 days). Similarly, intra-row spacing significantly (p<0.05) affected the panicle length and stand count. The highest panicle length (28.15 cm) was recorded in 15 cm intra-row spaced plants. The maximum stand count (78.6 % and 83.6%) was obtained from 15 cm and 20 cm spaced plants respectively. Generally, the outcome of this study revealed that even though the yield was statistically non-significant to intra-raw spacing, at 15cm and 20cm the grain yield was a maximum of 4178.5 kg ha-1 and 4190.9 kg ha-1 , respectively. Therefore, among the intra-row spacing 20 cm intra-row spacing for its minimized planting materials (seed) and easy management and among the varieties, Lalo could be promoted in study areas and similar agro-ecologies.
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The most devastating disease that affects ginger production and productivity in Southwestern Ethiopia and lowers qualitative and quantitative rhizome yields is ginger leaf spot, which is caused by the pathogen Phyllosticta zingiberi. In... more
The most devastating disease that affects ginger production and productivity in Southwestern Ethiopia and lowers qualitative and quantitative rhizome yields is ginger leaf spot, which is caused by the pathogen Phyllosticta zingiberi. In Tepi, Southwestern Ethiopia, during the main cropping seasons of 2020 and 2021, a field experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of several fungicides in managing epidemics of ginger leaf spot disease. The fungicides evaluated were Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (Metalaxyl-M), Ethiozeb 80% WP (Mancozeb), Shega 50 WP (Copper oxychloride), and Matico (Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP). While the plot without spray is used as control. The results of the experiment indicated that among the different fungicides tested four times spray of Matico (Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP) starting from the appearance of the disease on the field within 15 days intervals produced the lowest leaf spot disease severity of 10.2% followed by foliar spray with Mancozeb (Ethiozeb 80% WP) 16.2% first at disease appearance and then 3 times at 15 days intervals. Similarly, the highest yield of 16.3 t ha-1 was also obtained by foliar from the plot foliar spray of Matico (Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP) which is followed by spraying with Mancozeb (Ethiozeb 80% WP) with a yield of 12.56 t ha-1. Therefore, four times foliar spray of Matico @ 2.5 kg ha-1 is highly effective against leaf spot disease of ginger in southwestern Ethiopia.
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From the mid of the 19 th century chemical fertilizers were introduced into Bangladesh as an additional source of plant nutrients. After that the use of fertilizer in crop production increases. However, the extreme use of chemical... more
From the mid of the 19 th century chemical fertilizers were introduced into Bangladesh as an additional source of plant nutrients. After that the use of fertilizer in crop production increases. However, the extreme use of chemical fertilizers can create hazardous environmental degradation, which in turn can lower yields. So, the optimum level should maintain that can help in turn increase production. In this current study, 150 groundnut farmers in the research areas were taken based on their fertilizer application methods. It shows that the number of chemical fertilizer users constituted a major share of the total almost 44.67%. Among all the farmers, chemical fertilizer users incurred the highest return on investment by 1.48. Land area, cost of irrigation and chemical fertilizer affect the adoption of chemical fertilizer usage positively. The higher cost of production due to the application cost of inorganic fertilizer also increases the yield simultaneously. The study shows that farmers who avoid using fertilizer result in lower production compare to others. In that case, age and education were identified as factors that pushed the farmers towards chemical fertilizer and enjoying higher production.
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Since the high market value of seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1970), mainly found in Bangladesh's coastal waters and tidal rivers of Bangladesh, farmers in those areas cultivate it alongside carp fish in ponds and shrimp farms. Even... more
Since the high market value of seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1970), mainly found in Bangladesh's coastal waters and tidal rivers of Bangladesh, farmers in those areas cultivate it alongside carp fish in ponds and shrimp farms. Even though farming began many years ago, progress in overcoming obstacles of only natural sources for hatchlings, supplemental feeding, and knowledge on advanced farming management in seabass farming at the field level has been prolonged. This study discusses the current farming and trading of seabass in Bangladesh's coastal districts. Seabass fry is collected from rivers and estuarine areas, grown in hatcheries or ponds, and sold to farmers in large sizes. Some farmers cultivate this fry in mixed fish culture ponds in the extensive method; some farmers cultivate them with carp fish in a semi-intensive method. Seabass feeds only live feed (Tilapia and carp fishes fry); continuous supply is difficult and expensive. In these ponds, seabass is cultivated in the traditional method in 18-20 months, weighing 7-8 kg, and in the advanced traditional method in 1 year, weighing 2-3 kg. The profit percentage of seabass farming with the semiintensive method is 77.42%. To expand this profitable fish farming, it is crucial to acclimate the fish to induced breeding and supplemental food. The institutions involved should not work in isolation but rather collaborate on developing induced breeding techniques and expanding seabass farming. In this case, prosperous seabass farming countries' experience can be applied.
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Most sweet potato varieties currently grown by farmers are poorly adapted, have low root yields, less nutritive and white fleshed which have no beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin "A". However, among the cheapest and richest sources of... more
Most sweet potato varieties currently grown by farmers are poorly adapted, have low root yields, less nutritive and white fleshed which have no beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin "A". However, among the cheapest and richest sources of vitamin A; orange fleshed sweet potato varieties were rich in beta carotene are well accepted by young children. Hence the aim of this research project was conducted to evaluate the adaptability and performance of improved orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties on yield and other yield related traits during the 2020 main cropping season in southwest Ethiopia. The varieties used were Tulla, Kulfo, Guntutie, Vita, Kabode, Alamura and Dilla. The experiment was carried out using a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance over locations depicted significant differences (p ≤0.05) among varieties for most of the studied traits. In this study, Alamura (31.42 t ha-1) and Dilla (27.8 t ha-1) varieties give a high yield among seven evaluated orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties. Based on farmer test preference, the first and second rank of test preference was recorded from Alamura and Dilla variety. Therefore, by considering both farmer's test preference and the yield potential of the variety, Alamura and Dilla were selected as high yields and have the best test preference. Therefore, to fill the gap vitamin "A" deficiency at the community level Alamura and Dilla were selected as the best orange fleshed variety that has the best test preference with the highest yield in the humid tropics of Southwestern Ethiopia and these two varieties were recommended for production. Finally, since the result of this finding was based on data gathered from two locations and only one cropping season to test adaptability. So, one more additional season evaluation is necessary and also further studies are required to generate more reliable information on performance, nutrition and resistance to disease.
Research Interests: Agronomy and Sweet Potato
Genotype main effect and genotype by environment interaction biplot analysis is the best fit model for which-won-where pattern analysis, genotype, and test environment evaluation. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify stable and... more
Genotype main effect and genotype by environment interaction biplot analysis is the best fit model for which-won-where pattern analysis, genotype, and test environment evaluation. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify stable and high-yielding soybean genotypes for production in diverse environments by using the genotype main effect and genotype by environment biplot stability model. Eighteen soybean genotypes were evaluated across six environments during the 2019 cropping season by using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Among evaluated environments and genotypes, Tiro-afeta gave the highest yield (3.71 t ha-1); while Humera gave the lowest yield (1.37 t ha-1), and genotype JM-HAR/PR142-15-SB gave the highest mean grain yield of 2.9 t ha-1 across the six locations. Based on the information generated from the GGE biplot, Tiro Afeta and Areka were identified as ideal environments, whereas genotypes PR-143-(14), JM-HAR/G99-15-SD-2 and JM-HAR/PR142-15-SB were ideal genotype. The 'which won where' biplot of the GGE analysis revealed that the six environments grouped into three different megaenvironments with different winning genotypes. Among the testing environments, Areka, Sirinka and Humera grouped into one mega environment; while Tiro afeta grouped into the second mega environment and Jimma and Hawasa were classified into the third mega environment with the winning genotypes JM-HAR/PR142-15-SB, PR-143-(14) and KS4895 for each mega environment, respectively. Based on the GGE biplot stability model used in the study, JM-HAR/G99-15-SD-2, JM-HAR/PR142-15SB, and PR-143-(14) were high yielder and stable genotypes. Hence, these genotypes were recommended for variety verification and release after additional evaluation for more seasons.
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Nutrient deficiency is one of among major problems constraining the development of economically successful agriculture. Specifically, this resulted from lower crop performance. To enhance crop performance, the application of the newly... more
Nutrient deficiency is one of among major problems constraining the development of economically successful agriculture. Specifically, this resulted from lower crop performance. To enhance crop performance, the application of the newly recommended fertilizer rate is among the necessary measures. Hence, this pre-extension demonstration of the newly recommended fertilizer rate on maize and evaluated the change in its profitability. The demonstration was conducted at two farmers' training centers and ten beneficiary farmers' fields. Partial budget analysis was employed to evaluate the change in profitability from the new recommended rate. Based on the result, the average yield performances that were obtained from farmer's fields were 40.0 Q ha-1 , 29.4 Q ha-1 of the new rate, and blanket recommendation rate, respectively. In addition, the yields obtained from the farmers' training center were 47.0 Q ha-1 and 33 Q ha-1 of the new recommendation rate and blanket recommendation rate, respectively. This might be due to the effective monitoring and follow-ups in the farmers' training center than the farmers' field. The result of the partial budget analysis revealed that adopting of newly recommended rate increases the overall profit, which is 8680 ETB per hectare. Therefore, it is better if increase the adoption rate of the newly recommended fertilizer rate on maize to improve the production and productivity of maize producers.
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Both organic and chemical fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing crop productivity and maintaining soil health. However, inflated prices of chemical fertilizers also reduced their rate of application, hence, reducing crop productivity... more
Both organic and chemical fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing crop productivity and maintaining soil health. However, inflated prices of chemical fertilizers also reduced their rate of application, hence, reducing crop productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, to sustain the productivity of lands and crops, there is an urgent need to promote the use of organic fertilizers. Vermicomposting is one method of preparing enriched compost with the use of earthworms. With the support of the second phase of the Agricultural Growth Program (AGP-II), the introduction and promotion of vermicomposting technology were conducted. However, the production status and role of vermicomposting for smallholder farmers in the area are unclear. Therefore documenting the achievement and progress of vermicomposting is necessary. Both primary and secondary data (2018-2021) were collected by using snowball sampling techniques. The descriptive statistics reveal that in addition to potato production, farmers are using vermicompost for chat, enset, coffee, forage and vegetable production. Accordingly, the production, utilization, and sale trend of vermicompost increased from 2018 to 2021. In addition, vermicomposting created an opportunity for farmers to participate in earthworms and vermicompost selling. Due to this, those who had vermicompost in their home garden do not use inorganic fertilizers for any crop production during the last four years. In addition, the average cultivated cropland coverage by vermicompost-based production also increased from 2018 to 2021. Its preparation procedure is also consistent with the manual provided to them. Therefore expanding vermicomposting technology in the area has the potential to enhance sustainable crop and land productivity.
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The effect of harvesting stages (mature green, half-ripe and full ripe) and storage conditions (zero energy cool chamber, wooden box and underground storage) on post-harvest quality and sensory acceptability of mango fruit was evaluated.... more
The effect of harvesting stages (mature green, half-ripe and full ripe) and storage conditions (zero energy cool chamber, wooden box and underground storage) on post-harvest quality and sensory acceptability of mango fruit was evaluated. Three harvesting stages of mango fruit were harvested and 10 kg of mango fruit was stored in three storage conditions until the end of the storage period. Spoilage and weight loss of mango fruit were recorded from storage in three-day intervals. All samples were analyzed for Post-harvest quality of mango fruit before and after storage at Arba Minch University, Abaya Campus Chemistry laboratory, and sensory acceptability was evaluated by using untrained 45 panelists at the end of the storage period. Completely Randomized Design in factorial arrangement with three replications was used to evaluate the shelf life and postharvest quality of mango fruit. Weight loss, spoilage, firmness and total soluble solids of mango fruit were increased while vitamin C, moisture content and titratable acidity were decreased with increased storage time. The vitamin C content of mango fruit was highest at half ripe in a zero energy cool chamber and was lowest at full ripe harvested in a wooden box after the end of the storage period. The highest overall acceptability of mango fruit was observed at the half-ripe harvested stage in zero energy cool chambers while the lowest was observed at the mature green harvested stage mango fruit in a wooden box after the end of the storage period. Based on the current study, half ripen mango fruit in zero energy cool chamber storage recorded the least percent of weight loss, spoilage amount, maximum shelf life and quality, especially vitamin C content and higher overall acceptability. Further study will be needed on the microbial quality of mango fruit in different harvesting stages and storage conditions during storage periods.
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In Burkina Faso, Senna occidentalis, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Pupalia lappacea and Triumfetta cordifolia are frequent weeds in the maize crop. This work evaluated the inhibitory effect of Parkia biglobosa pods and Tephrosia purpurea leaves and... more
In Burkina Faso, Senna occidentalis, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Pupalia lappacea and Triumfetta cordifolia are frequent weeds in the maize crop. This work evaluated the inhibitory effect of Parkia biglobosa pods and Tephrosia purpurea leaves and identifies their chemical compounds. Biological and chemical approaches were used to identify the weeds. The inhibitory effect of powders was evaluated on weed germination and growth. Experimental results showed that powders reduced both germination (p<0.001) and growth (p<0.016). Parkia biglobosa pods were rich in total flavonoids (544.2±1.4 µg mg-1) and condensed tannins (182.3±1.5 µg mg-1) than Tephrosia purpurea leaves which contained small amounts of total flavonoids (6.7±1.7 µg mg-1) and condensed tannins (5.7±1.2 µg mg-1). Parkia biglobosa pods could be used in the biological control of weeds.
Research Interests:
Body condition scores (BCS) and/or body weights (BWT) are often used as visual or tactile management tools to evaluate and improve reproductive competency in pasture-managed small ruminant animals. This study was designed to evaluate... more
Body condition scores (BCS) and/or body weights (BWT) are often used as visual or tactile management tools to evaluate and improve reproductive competency in pasture-managed small ruminant animals. This study was designed to evaluate relationships between BCS, BWT and reproductive traits (number born alive and weaned, litter size, birth and weaning weights) in 16 purebred Kiko, 11 purebred Boer and 7 Kiko x Boer crossbred meat goat dams that were semi-intensively managed and bred to both Boer and Kiko bucks. BWT was recorded using a scale and palpable BCS scale of 1 to 5 (1= emaciated to 5= obese) and was subjectively determined at breeding, parturition and weaning. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analysis was used to determine the relationships between residual values of reproductive and progeny performance and BWT or BCS. Pre-partum BCS and weaning BCS had a correlation of r=0.09. A moderate correlation was observed between BWT at breeding and the number born alive (r=0.36) suggesting that pre-partum BWT is the key body conformation measurement linked to the reproductive performance of dams both at birth and weaning. Both at breeding and at weaning BCS were negatively correlated with litter size (r=-0.11) and birth weight (r=-0.32) and weakly correlated with the number born alive (r=0.06). Also, negative correlations were obtained between BCS at weaning and kid weaning weight (r=-0.58) and number weaned (r=-0.26). Although BCS had no significant (P≥0.05) effect on kg kids born per dam, birth weight of kids, and kids weaning weights, it is evident that a BCS score of 3 at the mating time could optimize reproductive performance. The results of this project established the important roles that pre-breeding BWT and/or BCS have on reproductive performance (kidding rate) in meat goat herds. We recommend their evaluation as a useful management tool for distinguishing differences in the prepartum nutritional needs of meat goat herds, especially in the pasture-based production system.
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Cured meats are desirable to consumers across the world. Unfortunately, the use of nitrite to obtain cured characteristics has health implications for consumers. Three (3) kg each of ham were produced and labeled as H0, H1, H2, H3 and H4,... more
Cured meats are desirable to consumers across the world. Unfortunately, the use of nitrite to obtain cured characteristics has health implications for consumers. Three (3) kg each of ham were produced and labeled as H0, H1, H2, H3 and H4, respectively. H0 represented traditional ham produced with nitrite-curing salt and H4 contained common salt alone. H1, H2 and H3 were produced with 15.0 mg kg-1 , 30.0 mg kg-1 and 60.0 mg kg-1 Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract as an additive with common salt. Proximate composition, pH, water activity and residual nitrite levels in treatments as well as color profiles were studied. The percentage contents of moisture, fat, protein and ash ranged from 40.02 (H3) to 41.20 (H4), 2.05 (H0) to 2.61 (H2), 19.37 (H4) to 20.83 (H3) and 2.27 (H4) to 2.69 (H2), respectively. Residual nitrite levels reduced significantly (P<0.05) with increased use of OG as an additive in ham production. Lightness, redness and yellowness characteristics of OGcommon-salt-cured ham were not significantly different (P>0.05) from nitrite-cured ham, but redness of common-salt cured ham was significantly lower (P>0.05) compared to 60.0 mg kg-1 Ocimum gratissimum-common-salt-cured and conventionally cured types of ham. It was concluded that Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract as an additive can potentially influence the development of desirable characteristics in ham.
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Appropriate fertilization methods for a particular crop based on real limiting nutrients and crop demands are cost-effective and wise utilization of fertilizers for long-term agricultural productivity. An experiment was done to assess... more
Appropriate fertilization methods for a particular crop based on real limiting nutrients and crop demands are cost-effective and wise utilization of fertilizers for long-term agricultural productivity. An experiment was done to assess alternative fertilizer types and rates for better maize production during main cropping season of 2018 and 2019. The fertilizers were set depending on the study area's limiting nutrients, which include NPS and NPSB at various rates. There are seven treatments in the experiment: (1)no fertilizer;
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The trial was conducted at Sinana Agricultural Research Centre from observation nursery to preliminary yield trial and promising fenugreek genotypes were selected from yield trial based on seed yield and reaction to diseases, especially... more
The trial was conducted at Sinana Agricultural Research Centre from observation nursery to preliminary yield trial and promising fenugreek genotypes were selected from yield trial based on seed yield and reaction to diseases, especially powdery mildew. These promising genotypes were evaluated against standard check Hunda'ol and Ebisa across three locations for three consecutive years (2017 to 2019). Arganne showed superior yielding ability, producing a mean seed yield of 17-26 Qt ha-1 on the research field and 15-21 Qt ha-1 on the farmers' field. The seed yield of the new variety exceeded that of the standard check Hunda'ol and Ebisa varieties by about 12.00% and 11.23%, respectively.
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Rural people living around forests in Ethiopia depend on income from forest product collection as one of their livelihood activities. The forests of Sheka are threatened by unsustainable use and conversion to alternative land uses. This... more
Rural people living around forests in Ethiopia depend on income from forest product collection as one of their livelihood activities. The forests of Sheka are threatened by unsustainable use and conversion to alternative land uses. This study was conducted to identify and quantify income from major forest products collected from the Sheka forest and examine factors that determine income from forest product collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. By stratified random sampling method, three kebeles were selected from the Masha district and 156 households were randomly selected from those kebeles and interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined by SPSS and STATA software. Multiple linear regression models were employed to determine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and forest income. The result indicates 17 major forest product were collected and contributes an average of $1553.75 or 41.17% of their total annual income and was the highest contributor to total income. Forest income varies with agro-ecology and distance from the nearby markets in the study area. Households in the study area utilize more forest products for home consumption. Incomes from forest product collection are significantly related to the level of education of the household head, family size, and distance of home from the forest and market. Households in the study area depend to a higher degree on income from forest product collection and have an implication of sustainable management of forests in the long term.
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Soil fertility depletion is a serious problem in Ethiopian highland due to leaching of topsoil by runoff, which reduces production and productivity. This experiment conducted in Debub Ari district for two years with the aim of... more
Soil fertility depletion is a serious problem in Ethiopian highland due to leaching of topsoil by runoff, which reduces production and productivity. This experiment conducted in Debub Ari district for two years with the aim of investigating single and combined effect of compost and FYM with inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility improvement and onion crop production. The treatment includes T1) Control, T2) Recommended NP (69/30), T3) NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 (264 kg NPSZnB + 161 kg urea), T4) 10 t ha-1 FYM, T5) 10 t ha-1 compost, T6) 5 tha-1 FYM + 50% of treatment-3 and T7) 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of treatment-3. Treatments are arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil before the experiment showed moderately acidic, moderate in organic matter and boron, low in sulfur high in available P and total nitrogen. The results showed significant differences among the treatments on onion plant height, bulb diameter, marketable and biological yield. The highest total yield 19.99 t ha-1 , 19.59 t ha-1 and 19.25 t ha-1 was recorded from NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 , 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of T-3 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3 respectively and that increase yield by 39%, 35% and 33% over the control. Soils after the experiment become medium in sulfur remain static in available boron and total nitrogen. Economic feasibility that the maximum net benefit of 246059 and 242442 ETB ha-1 with acceptable %MRR of 290 and 1300 was obtained with the application of NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3, respectively. Therefore, the application of those two treatments is recommended for higher yield production in the study area.
Research Interests: Agronomy and Fertilizer
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is an underutilized pseudo-cereal with excellent nutritional and functional properties. The nutritional compositions, anti-nutritional and mineral content of two Amaranth species were evaluated by using standard... more
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is an underutilized pseudo-cereal with excellent nutritional and functional properties. The nutritional compositions, anti-nutritional and mineral content of two Amaranth species were evaluated by using standard procedures. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for nutritional, anti-nutritional and mineral content with two treatments and five replications. The nutritional compositions of Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean scores excepting moisture content. Phytate and oxalate content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05), but tannin content did not show a significant difference (p<0.05). The calcium, iron and zinc content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean, scores. The Amaranth grain species were rich in crude protein, fat and fiber as compared to common cereal grains (maize, sorghum, rice, teff and wheat). A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can contribute minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, which are very important for human nutrition. The results of the current study indicate that A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can provide better nutritional values and mineral content with a minimum value of antinutrients that are very important to minimize binds and block the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc and calcium. Using A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus alone and with other cereals should be encouraged and recommended for consumption to increase the nutritional composition of diets and decrease food security problem in a study areas.
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The study was conducted to determine the impact of tobacco cultivation on soil and human health in the agricultural ecosystem at Bhuapur and Kalihati upazila of Tangail region from January to December 2019. Among them, 40 soil samples... more
The study was conducted to determine the impact of tobacco cultivation on soil and human health in the agricultural ecosystem at Bhuapur and Kalihati upazila of Tangail region from January to December 2019. Among them, 40 soil samples were collected, each 20 from Kalihati and Bhuapur Upazila. Among 20 samples, every 10 samples were collected from tobacco and non-tobacco land at a depth of 0 to 15 cm in Bhuapur, 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm in Kalihati Upazila. The soil pH, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), available sulfur (S), available zinc (Zn), exchangeable potassium (K), exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and exchangeable calcium (Ca) were analyzed in the laboratory of Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Tangail. In Kalihati Upazila, tobacco land showed significantly higher content of OM, available N, available P, available Zn, exchangeable K and exchangeable Mg, whereas pH was low in non-tobacco land. Surface soil (0 to 15 cm) and tobacco land showed significantly higher content of S than sub-surface (15 to 30 cm) soil and non-tobacco land. On the other hand, there was no significant variation between tobacco and non-tobacco land on soil properties in Bhuapur Upazila. In both Upazilas, all the nutrients except exchangeable Ca and Mg were lower than optimum in tobacco and nontobacco land, which was unsuitable for crop cultivation. The cost of production was higher in tobacco land than in non-tobacco land in both Upazilas. About 36% of farmers informed that they were suffering from various diseases due to tobacco cultivation and curing. Tobacco cultivation in these areas degrades soil health and the agricultural ecosystem and releases nicotine into the environment, hampering food safety and human health. The study indicated that tobacco cultivation should be replaced by other crops to protect soil quality and human health.
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The overall goal of this study was to examine the effects of climate change on the yield of four distinct crops (Aus, Aman, Boro and Wheat) in Sylhet by using secondary climate data from 1970 to 2020. The study's other goal is to assess... more
The overall goal of this study was to examine the effects of climate change on the yield of four distinct crops (Aus, Aman, Boro and Wheat) in Sylhet by using secondary climate data from 1970 to 2020. The study's other goal is to assess the impact of river water levels on crop productivity in Sylhet over time. Data on crop productivity, weather variability and river water levels were gathered from the various fields. Yield vs. climatic correlation was discovered in the study, and this correlation varied according to season. To estimate the impact of climate change on rice yield, a multiple regression model is used. Climate variables in the model were found to account for 11% of the overall variation in Aus rice yield. The relationship between relative humidity and maximum temperature is positive and statistically significant. Other variables had no effect on yield because they were not significant. Furthermore, Regression results indicated that climate variables account for 60.6 percent of the overall variation in Aman rice output. Relative humidity, on the other hand, can undermine the yield. Climate variables account for 53.5 percent of the overall variation in Boro rice output, according to the findings. As a result, an increase in rainfall may have a negative impact on Boro rice yield. Maximum and minimum temperatures might have a favorable impact on Boro rice yield. Increases in maximum temperature, on the other hand, can considerably boost Wheat yield while decreases in minimum temperature can diminish Wheat yield. On the other side, the results of the regression analysis suggest that river water level has a minor impact on Aus, Aman, and Boro yield. However, as the model demonstrates, the river water level can have an impact on wheat yield. The impact of temperature and rainfall on water level was also investigated in this study because the regression model failed to produce positive results. Surprisingly, the model performs well, despite the fact that maximum temperatures have a negative impact on water levels in the Aus and Aman seasons. This shows that if warmer temperatures aid raises Aus and Aman yields, then the water level cannot sabotage the yield rise. Rainfall has a favorable impact on the water levels in the Aus, Aman, and Boro seasons, but has a negative impact on the water levels in the Wheat season.