Horticultural Science

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GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF ENSET (Ensete ventricosum) VARIETY ENTADA TO SOLAR UV-B RADIATION AND DIFFERENT PLANTING DENSITIES
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2018) ADEM ABE
Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman, commonly known as enset, is a monocarpic perennial herb originated in Ethiopia. Propagation is commonly practiced through traditional sucker inducing techniques. However, Entada, which is one of the enset landraces mostly cultivated in southern part of Ethiopia around Ari zone, which unlike other enset landraces, produces natural suckers like banana. Information is lacking about the response of Entada to environmental cues for the regulation of natural suckering of the landrace. Therefore, the present study was conducted during the 2016/2017 off season with the aim of evaluating the effect of UV and planting density on morphogenesis and physiology of Entada plants grown at Hawassa at an altitude of 1700masl. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Hawassa University field research station. The experiment had three level of planting density (0.5m x 0.5m (40,000 plants/ha), 0.75m x 0.75m (17,777plants/ha) and 1m x 1m (10,000 plants/ha) and two level of UV radiation (with solar UV-B radiation and without solar UV-radiation). Data were collected on light quality, morphological and physiological parameters. The analysis of variance showed that planting density and UV-B radiation significantly influenced light quality distribution, morphology and physiology of plants. It was observed that, total number of sucker and suckering ratio were significantly (p<0.05) affected by UV, planting density and their interaction. The highest planting density induced reduction in R: FR ratio significantly increased plant height by 18% but the number of suckers was reduced by 45% as compared to lowest. However, UV-B had stronger effect on plant height than planting density. Maximum number of suckers were recorded (47.3) from treatment combination of lower planting density (with higher R:FR ratio) and without UV-B radiation. Leaf number significantly responded to UV but not to the changing in planting density. With respect to specific leaf area, dry matter and total biomass no significant effects was observed among planting density, but significantly reduced by solar UV radiation. Photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm) significantly responded to UV than planting density. Removing UV-B radiation using plastic film significantly increased photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm) of leaves by 2.5%. Although stomata aperture significantly responded to UV than planting density, the stomata number showed a reduction pattern with increasing planting density. Generally, change in the composition of light quality using planting density and screening material approach has a significant effect on the modification of sucker development and morpho-physiological growth condition of Entada.
Evaluation of Blended and Non-blended Fertilizer Types and Rates on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Yield and Yield Components at Assosa, Western Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2018) DESTA BEKELE
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays a major role in national food security, poverty alleviation and income generation. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, among which soil fertility decline is one of the major factors limiting productivity. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of blended and non-blended fertilizers types and rates on yield and yield components of potato at Assosa, in Western Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of control, three rates of NP combinations (55 kg N and 45 kg P2O5 , 110 kg N and 90 kg P2O5 , 165 kg N and 135 kg P2O5 kg ha -1 ), one NPK combination (110 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 69 kg K2 O ha -1 )and two different formula of blended fertilizers with two N rates for each, formula 2 (100 % NPSB with adjusted N kg ha -1 and 200% NPSB with adjusted N ha -1 ) and formula 4( 100 % NPSZnB with adjusted N ha -1 and 200% NPSZnB with adjusted N ha -1 ). The treatments were laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experimental soil was strongly acidic in pH, clay loamy in texture, medium in organic carbon and CEC, low in total N and B, low in available P, sulfur and exchangeable K. Potato variety called Belete (CIP-393371.58) was used for the study. Analysis of variance revealed that the blended and non-blended fertilizers had highly significant influence on days to 50% flowering, leaf area index, underground dry biomass, plant height, mean tuber weight, marketable and total tuber yield, tuber dry matter content and large tuber size. It was observed that the maximum yields for marketable tuber yield (30.03 t ha -1 ) and total tuber yield (34.58 t ha -1 ) were obtained from the application of 110 kg N+90 kgP2O5 + 69kg K2 O ha -1 . The lowest marketable and total tuber yields were recorded with control. The highest N tuber concentrations were recorded at application of 100% NPSB+ 91.9 kg N ha -1 .The maximum P concentration in tuber were obtained at application of 110kgN+90kgP2O5 + 69kg K2O ha -1 and 165 kg N+ 135 kg P2O5 ha -1 . Highest nitrogen uptake of tuber was observed at application of 100% NPSB with adjusted N kg ha -1 whereas the lowest was recorded from control treatment. Maximum phosphorus uptake of tuber was obtained at application of NPK (110 kg N ,90 kg P2O5 , 69 kg K2 ha -1 ) whereas minimum phosphorus uptake was obtained at control treatment. The highest agronomic efficiencies of tuber yield were recorded from application of 100% NPSB with adjusted N kg ha -1 . Furthermore, 98.38 and 22.3% tuber apparent recovery efficiencies of N and P were obtained at 100% NPSB with adjusted N kg ha -1 . Tuber nutrients uptake was positively and significantly correlated to total dry tuber yields. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that application of 110 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 69 kg K2 O ha -1 resulted in highest net benefit and marginal rate of return. Therefore application of 110 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 69 kg K2 O ha -1 fertilizers can preferably be used as the most appropriate for potato production at Assosa area. However, since this experiment was conducted only for one season, further studies involving more levels of blended fertilizer including potassium over multi-locations should be conducted to give conclusive recommendation.
In Vitro Regeneration Protocol through Direct and Indirect Organogenesis for Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) Accessions in Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2018) HUNDESSA FUFA
Jatropha curcas L. is among the important tree crops in the world with a potential for biofuel production. The crop is drought resistant and thrives well in warm tropical climates. Ethiopia has favorable environment for Jatropha production and there is a soaring investors’ interest to produce Jatropha in the country for biodiesel production. However, insufficient good quality of propagation material is a major production constraint. In line with this, a study was undertaken to establish a protocol for in vitro mass propagation of Ethiopian Jatropha using three accessions, viz. Metema, Adami Tulu and Shewa Robit accession through direct and indirect organogenesis. The experiment was laid out in CRD with five replications in factorial arrangement. Nodal and leaf explants were used as explants for direct and indirect organogenesis, respectively. Local bleach (Berekina) at a concentration of 2.5% and 3% for 15min found to be effective for sterilization of leaf and nodal explants, respectively. For direct organogenesis, the highest percentage of shoot induction (86-90%) was achieved when on MS medium with BAP (1.5mg/l) and IBA (0.5 mg/l) for all the three accessions. The maximum (6) number of shoots was obtained for Metema when BAP (0.5mg/l) with Kn (0.5mg/l) was used. Whereas, the maximum (3.2cm) shoot length was recorded for Shewa Robit on media with 0.5mg/l Kn. The highest rooting percentage (84.8-88%) for all accessions and maximum root number (5.43) were recorded on media supplemented with 0.25mg/l IBA. The maximum root length was observed for both Shewa Robit (4.3cm) and Metema (4cm) on media with 0.25mg/l IBA. Whereas, maximum root length (3.8cm) was achieved on media with combination of 0.5mg/l IBA and 0.25mg/l NAA for Adami Tulu accession. For indirect organogenesis, in vitro regeneration protocol was partially achieved through regeneration of adventitious shoots from leaf-derived callus tissue. The medium supplemented with combination of 1mg/l BAP and 1mg/l 2,4-D resulted in maximum percentage of callus (100%) formed for all accessions. The maximum shoot regeneration (66.67%) from callus with 10.13 number of shoot was obtained from Shewa Robit in MS medium fortified with TDZ (0.5 mg/l) and IBA (0.1mg/l). In shoot multiplication, the maximum shoot number (3.5) was obtained from Shewa Robit on media with 0.5mg/l BAP. Whereas, the maximum shoot length was recorded (2.1-2.26cm) for all accessions on media supplemented with combination 0.5 of mg/l BAP and 0.5mg/l Kn. However, the elongated shootlet which transferred into half MS medium containing various concentrations of IBA and NAA failed to induce root growth. On the other hand, micro shoots regenerated via direct organogenesis were well rooted and successfully established in green house environment with survival rate of 86.67% for Shewa Robit followed by 73.33% and 66.67% for Metema and Adami Tulu, respectively. This study provided optimal protocol for micro-propagation of Jatropha accessions through direct organogenesis to boost its production. In order to see further achievement in vitro propagation of Jatropha, it is imperative to include additional accessions and combinations of PGRs.
Assessment of Postharvest Management and Effects of Harvesting Methods and Drying Structures on Unwashed Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Quality in Kercha District, Southern Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2019) DANIEL DUBA BULULA
Arabica coffee, which has 75-80% share in the world coffee production and marketing is the most important economic crop in Ethiopia. Unwashed coffee shares 71% of total coffee processed in the country. There is lack of profound assessment work to identify the specific postharvest management practices that affecting the quality of unwashed coffee in Kercha district, and effect of harvesting method and drying structures on each quality parameters of the coffee as general. The study was designed to assess the postharvest management practices, and evaluate the effects of harvesting methods and drying structures on unwashed coffee quality in 2018 production season. For the assessment, from 3 representative kebeles, 120 households were selected randomly. A total of 9 focused group discussion (role model, non-role model and women farmers) and 15 key informant interviews were employed. Survey data were analyzed by using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The experiment was conducted as a factorial combination of two harvesting methods (selective picking and stripping) and four drying structures (bare ground, cemented floor, bamboo mat bed and mesh wire bed) in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Coffee quality analysis was done in laboratory by certified panelists’ team of Ethiopia commodity exchange (ECX) enterprise following the standardized grading scale procedures. Experimental data were analyzed by using Software for Agricultural Sciences (SAS) and General Linear Model (GLM) procedures. The results showed that in the district, 50.8%, 100%, 82.5% and 33.3% of the farmers harvesting their coffee by stripping at inappropriate fruit maturity stage, packing with polyethylene sack, storing at inappropriate place and transacting at illegal market respectively. The interaction of the harvesting methods and drying structures showed significant effect (P<0.0266) on the primary defects, acidity and body of unwashed coffee. Similarly, the interaction effect was significantly (P<0.0018) affected the flavor and total cup quality of the coffee. The main effect of the harvesting method s showed significant effect (P<0.0001) on the secondary defects and total raw bean quality. The main effect of the drying structures revealed significant effect (P<0.0001) on the odor of the beans. Both the main effects of harvesting methods and drying structures showed significant effects (P<0.0001) and (P=0.0002) on the overall coffee quality. Generally, in Kercha district, postharvest management practices of unwashed coffee are amongst the main problems that affecting the coffee quality. Selective picking with mesh wire bed, bamboo mat bed and cemented floor resulted in better quality coffee than stripping with all of these structures, and selective picking with bare ground. Therefore, there should be improvement in coffee harvesting methods, storage and transactions conditions in the district. Besides, selective picking with drying on bamboo mat bed which maintains the inherent quality of unwashed coffee is recommended for the farmers.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MORINGA (Moringa stenopetala L.) ACCESSIONS SEEDLING TO WATER STRESS UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITION AT HAWASSA, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2019) GEBRE GARMAME
Moringa stenopetala L. is a plant sometimes called miracle plant due to its adaptability and versatility in use. Indeed, it is considered as a super food, store house of nutrients, remedy for more than 300 diseases, water purification material, oil and biogas source, post-harvest preservative, and climate change mitigate plant. However, in spite of its marvelous importance, the plant has not got research attention for morphological and physiological responses of accession to water stress. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of Moringa stenopetala L. accessions seedling to water stress under greenhouse condition from October to January, 2018 at the college of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Ethiopia. The experiment was consisted of three accessions (Konso, Arbaminch Zuria and Humbo) and four water stress levels imposed as irrigation interval (daily, 5 days interval, 10 days interval and 15 days interval watering) assigned in completely randomized design with three replications. The results revealed that accessions significantly differed for most of the morphological and physiological parameters studied in this experiment. The accession “Arbaminch Zuria” was higher in seedling height, stem collar girth, leaf area, root length, fresh and dry weights, total seedling fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll a, b and total and instantaneous water use efficiency than other accessions. Oppositely, the accession “Humbo” was lower in all parameters except root length, stomata number and instantaneous water use efficiency. The accession “Konso” and “Humbo” was stastically similar in root length and instantaneous water use efficiency. The accession “Konso” and “Arbaminch Zuria” was stastically similar in leaf number, root diameter, stomata number, length and width. Regarding to water stress, the experiment shown that, increased water stress significantly reduced stem collar girth, leaf area, root length, diameter, fresh and dry weights, total seedling fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll a, b and total. Additionally, fresh and dry leaf weight, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf relative water content were significantly influenced due to the interaction effect of accession and water stress. Accession “Arbaminch Zuria” grown under daily watering was higher in all parameters except leaf relative water content those indicated significant due to interaction. The present results therefore, indicated that accession “Arbaminch Zuria” with daily watering performs better in raising Moringa stenopetala seedling. As the experiment was a single trail with limited resources, study is still needed on more indigenous and exotic accession under different water stress including under field conditions
EFFECT OF COMBINED APPLICATION OF FARMYARD MANURE AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER (NP) SOURCE ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) IN HADIYA ZONE, DUNA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA.
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) DEMEKE WOEMEBO SELATO
Potato (Solanum tuberosum.L) is one of the most important tuber crops produced in southern Ethiopia. However, production and productivity of the crop is far below the world average due to inappropriate agronomic management practices including nutrient management. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of combined application of farmyard manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizer (NP) on yield and quality of potato. Treatments consisted of five levels of NP (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended NP) and four levels of FYM (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha -1 ). The treatments were assigned in completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with a 5x4 factorial arrangement with three replications. Data were collected on growth, yield and quality parameters and analyzed using SAS 9.0 software. Results revealed that most of the growth, yield and quality parameters such as, plant height, days to flowering, main stem number, days to physiological maturity, total tuber number, marketable tuber number, total tuber yield, marketable tuber yield and specific gravity were influenced by the main effect of inorganic NP and farmyard manure. The result also indicated that interaction effect of inorganic NP and farmyard manure significantly affected unmarketable tuber yield, aboveground fresh yield, aboveground dry yield, large sized tuber (%), Medium sized tuber (%) and Dry matter content. The highest aboveground fresh yield, highest aboveground dry yield, highest large sized tuber and medium sized tuber were obtained from application of 100% inorganic NP with 15t ha -1 farmyard manure. While the lowest values of parameters were recorded from the control treatment. Further, the highest marketable yield, total tuber yield and highest tuber dry biomass were obtained from each of 15 t ha -1 FYM and 100% NP fertilizer. From economics point of view, the maximum marginal rates of return (2446.90%) with its net benefit value of 190,128 ETB ha -1 was recorded from the application of 10t ha -1 farmyard manure. With regard to inorganic fertilizer 50% of recommended NP showed the highest marginal rate of return (1176.14%) with a net benefit of 167645ETB.Therefore, farmers in the study area can apply 10t ha -1 farmyard manure or 50% of recommended inorganic NP fertilizer.
ASSESSMENT OF SWEETPOTATO (Ipomea batatas L.) PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT STORAGE MATERIALS FOR ROOTS TO BE USED AS A SOURCE OF PLANTING MATERIAL
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) TINSAE ABRHAM AMANUEL
Sweetpotato is commonly known as the poor man’s crop in Ethiopia and one of the food security crops in the country. However, its production and productivity is constrained by the limited access of quality planting material at the onset of the rainy season. Therefore, a household survey was conducted to determine its major production constraints in the three major sweetpotato growing Kebeles (Gere Bulgita, Tikare Kokere and Wera Boshera) of Misrak Badewacho district. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the households. The result revealed that drought (27%), rodents attack during storage (42%), shortage of planting materials (15%) and lack of suitable storage (30%) were identified as the major sweetpotato production constraints in the study area. Based on the survey result the second experiment was conducted to evaluate the storage and growth performance of roots of selected sweetpotato varieties under different storage types as sources of planting materials. The experiment was consisted of three sweetpotato varieties (Awassa-83, Ogan-Sagan and Wolaita-local) with five storage types (straw, soil, ash, sawdust and sand storage) in Complete Randomized Design in three replications. Result revealed that, the combination of Awassa-83 variety and sand storage were performed better in percentage of decay, weight loss and weevil damage; whereas the main effects of variety and storage types were significantly different in length of vine and number of vine per storage. Thus, Awassa-83 variety stored in sand storage showed better performance after storage and can be recommended for maintaining the storage roots during dry periods and access of quality vines at the onset of the rainy season.
PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY AND YIELD RESPONSE OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)VARIETIES UNDER DIFFERENT SOIL MOISTURE LEVELS AT HAWASSA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) REFISA JEBESSA GELETA
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an herbaceous annual leguminous plant grown worldwide for its edible dry seeds or green unripe pods. Bean is particularly suitable for food security due to its short growing cycle and adaptability to different cropping systems. However, the common bean productivity is commonly influenced by different biotic and abiotic factors. Soil moisture is one of the main environmental factors affecting growth and crop yield. A pot experiment was performed to study the effects of moisture stress on the morphological, physiological traits, and yield components of common bean varieties under shade house. The treatment comprised a factorial combination of five common bean Varieties (Hirna, kufanzik, Awash-1, Ado, Chercher) and three moisture levels (control, waterlogging stress, and drought stress) with three replication, totally 15 treatment combination was formed. The drought stress and waterlogging treatments were imposed at 20 days after planting, as soon as the commencement of trifoliate leaves. The result of this finding revealed that all growth parameters were significantly influenced by moisture levels; however, crop phenology influenced by the interaction effect of main factors. photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, relative water content, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, chlorophyll (a+b), chlorophyll fluorescence, pods per plant, seeds per plant, grain yield per plant and harvest index were significantly influenced by the interaction effect of varieties and moisture levels, but free proline content was increased similarly under control and drought stress. Stomata number, epidermal cell number, stomata width, and stomata length were only influenced by varieties. The result also indicated that the morphological and physiological reactions to drought stress and waterlogging stress were varies among varieties. Varieties exposed to water stress and waterlogging significantly reduced all tested parameters, except for crop phenology and proline concentration as compared to daily watering (control) treatment. Ado and Awash-1 were relatively susceptible to damage when drought stress and waterlogging stress occurred compared to Hirna, Chercher, and Kufanzik. From this study Hirna and Kufanzik Varieties were considered as tolerant as they were able to maintain their phenotypic plasticity and performed better yield compared to Chercher, Awash-1 and Ado, but Chercher variety was able to tolerate under logging stress than others, however, this study was conducted on a specific common bean variety in one season. Further research is hence needed under field condition to determine the water stress effects on a large number of common bean varieties before generalized conclusions can be drawn.
DIVERSITY OF CULTIVATED AND WILD YAMS (Dioscorea spp) IN SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA BASED ON FARMERS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) TSEGAYE BABEGE WOROJIE
DIVERSITY OF CULTIVATED AND WILD YAMS (Dioscorea spp) IN SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA BASED ON FARMERS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION Yam (Dioscorea spp) is a traditional crop that has long been cultivated in Ethiopia as a co-staple crop. Several yam species might have their origin in Ethiopia and are among those crops with wild relatives in the country. Though the genus Dioscorea is reported to show a wide range of variation, it has not been studied across its range of distribution. This study was investigated the diversity of wild and cultivated yams in Bench-Sheko and Sheka Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Toward this effort, 5 studies were carried out. The first 2 studies were designed to investigate folk biosystematics, diversity and distribution and the local management practices of yams in Southwest Ethiopia. In the third study, accessions from South and Southwest Ethiopia were considered to investigate the diversity of yams based on agro-morphological traits. In the fifth study, we link two data sets to assess the knowledge of wild yam and the process of domestication. Lastly, we analyze the nutritional compositions based on selected yam landraces. We also have another study which is underway and was part of our initial project initiated with the objective of studying the true genetic diversity of yams using SSR marker. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on 15 Kebeles in 5 districts of Bench-Sheko and Sheka Zones from Dec., 2016 to Nov., 2017. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 272 households. Seventy-five yam accessions corresponding to 30 differently named landraces were used for morphological study. Sixty of the 75 accessions were collected in Kaffa, Bench-Sheko and Sheka Zones of Southwest Ethiopia. The rest represented previously collected accessions from Basketo, Gamo-Gofa and Wolaita areas of Southern Ethiopia. They were grown in RCBD with 2 replicates in 2018 at Hawassa University research field. The process of wild yam manipulation in Southwest Ethiopia was studied by linking two data sets derived from (1) ethnobotanical survey using 231 interviews and (2) morphological study using 47 selected accessions. Twelve landraces composed of different species and contexts were analyzed for nutritional composition in Addis Ababa at the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute. Results obtained from ethnobotanical study suggest that there exists a systematic and welldeveloped folk naming and taxonomic system in Sheko and its environs. Sheko and Bench botany of yam recognizes 58 named individuals. These individuals are grouped into 3 well recognized ranks, namely sub-variety, variety and supra variety. Taxa assigned to each ranks have distinct features that mark them as members of a separate group. Farmers manage a wide range of morphological characters and some other attributes other than morphological ones for grouping of the taxa assigned to distinct groups. An account of each of these aspects and its link with the taxa recognized in the domain of formal science are presented. A folk biological classification of yam consisting of 4 taxonomic ranks is proposed. Our result showed much information of biological and functional aspects which can aid the taxonomic and genetic study of yams in Ethiopia. Our assessment also showed that there exists a wide range of yam diversity in Southwest Ethiopia. Altogether, 40 actually grown yam landraces, including those found in farms of unsampled households were recorded; making Bench-Sheko and Sheka Zones an area of notably high landrace diversity. The greatest number of these individuals had a narrow xviii distribution and low abundances, with a few being cosmopolitan. This was evident in a positive and significant correlation between distribution and local abundance, such that a few cosmopolitan landraces were locally more abundant. Maintenance and distribution range of landraces is related with the local management practices. A description of farmers’ decisions to the on-farm landrace maintenance is presented and implication for the collection and conservation of yam germplasm are suggested. Morphological diversity study based on 37 qualitative and 13 quantitative traits has shown a considerable variability among accessions of yam species studied. Our multivariate analysis showed that all the traits used were useful for capturing the variability among accessions, but 21 traits (17 of which are qualitative traits) were useful for capturing the variability among accessions of distinct species. The remaining traits were useful for capturing the variability among accessions within and between species, which could be exploited, if improvement need arises. The overall structure of morphological diversity is consistent with the locally perceived biota. Yet, no clear morphological variations were obtained among some differently/similarly named landraces, suggesting the need for DNAbased studies to show the full extent of the existing diversity. The observed manipulations of wild growing yams in Southwest Ethiopia suggest that yam domestication is still an active process. Knowledge of domestication was shared by 44% of the farmers, even by those that had never practice it. Farmers who have recent transplants in their garden varied from 4% in Bench to 10% in Sheko. The duration of domestication can take up to 6 years, but with most of the individuals it only takes 3 to 5 years. By linking two types of evidences, two divergent adaptation processes are distinguished: (1) parents of recent domesticate expressing a domestication syndrome belongs to wild D. abyssinica or D. praehensilis, and (2) populations of incipient domesticate that might be derived from feral or diverse types of hybrids. A description and analysis of each of these processes and their role on the adaptation process of yams is presented. Based on this account, the term adoptive transplantation is proposed to replace domestication. Although only a few landraces were used, a considerable variability existed in nutritional compositions among the studied samples. The results of nutritional study showed that landraces from D. alata contained high amounts of crude fat and ash contents that make them a good source of energy and minerals. Landraces from the D. cayenensis complex contained low moisture content that makes them suitable for prolonged storage and processing. The variability observed both among different species and among landraces in a single species highlights their potential in future breeding. More generally, this PhD study documented a great wealth of knowledge on distribution, the level of diversity within the yam, the taxonomic status, folk biosystematics and the local management practices. This constitutes an essential step towards setting development priorities and for enhancing the traditional yam farming in the studied areas. This study thus form an important part of an ongoing study aimed at designing an effective collection and conservation strategies for efficient utilization in future yam improvement.
ASSESSMENT OF SWEETPOTATO (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) SEED SYSTEM AND THE EFFECT OF VINE CUTTING PORTIONS ON PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED VARIETIES
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) REHIMA SHUKRE SEID
Sweetpotato is an important subsistence crop with high food and nutrition security significance in Southern Ethiopia including Sidama Region. The productivity of sweetpotato in Ethiopia is very low compared to the global average. The low productivity of sweetpotato in Ethiopia is often linked to multitude of factors, but mainly ascribed to seed vine inaccessibility, lack or less adoption of improved varieties and use of sub-optimal agronomic practices, particularly related to seed vines. The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing sweetpotato seed system and evaluation of the performance of selected varieties established from different vine cutting portions in Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The seed system assessment was conducted in 2018/2019 involving 120 sweetpotato growing households from four Kebeles of Boricha and Dale woredas while the field experiment was done at Hawassa University research field. Survey results revealed that sweetpotato production in Sidama mainly occurs in smallholder settings on average farm size of ≈ 0.15 ha under variable socio-economic contexts. The highest average number of planted sweet potato seed vines (6855.53) per household was reported from Debub Mesenkele whereas the lowest (1704.03) was reported from Hanja Chafe. Most farmers used vine with middle cutting portions and medium seed age in studied area. Farmer’s meet their seed needs from multiple sources including own-saving, free purchasing, institutional donations, and exchange with relatives and fellow farmer friends across the community, but they heavily rely on their own stocks and on immediate circle of relatives and friends. The field experiment consisted three cutting portions (apical, basal and middle) combined with four selected varieties (Awassa-83, Alamura Hawassa -09 and Kabode) arranged in factorial-RCBD using three replications. The result revealed that from the 20 examined response parameters, only three including marketable root yield (ton/ha), root dry weight (g) and leaf area (cm 2 ), were significantly affected by vine cutting portions and varietal interaction effects. The remaining 17 parameters showed only main effect factors either for vine cutting portion, variety or both. The apical vine portion with total root yield of 38.5 ton/ha produced almost twice as high as basal cutting portion (19.8 tone/ha). Similarly, for marketable root yield (ton/ha), taking vines from older basal portion instead of the tender terminal apical regions of vines can decrease total marketable root yield by up to 51.43 %, depending on varieties. Variety Hawasa-09 out-performed the other three varieties for yield and yield component traits including total root yield (49.6 ton/ha), total root number and marketable root number. In the inter-trait correlation analysis, significant (p < 0.05) and negative correlations showed that early bud sprouting (r = -0.51) and crop maturity (r = - 0.49) did not favor for higher marketable root yields. Overall, sweetpotato production in Sidama is constrained severely by limited access to the required quantity of good quality seed-vines. From our experiment, regardless of varietal differences, apical seed-vine portions out-performed for important yield and yield component traits. We recommend evaluation of more number varieties accompanied by GXE multi-locations trials for evaluation of vine cutting portion for use as planting materials.
MORPHO - PHYSIOLOGICAL BASED SCREENING OF SWEETPOTATO (Ipomoea batatas L.) VARIETIES FOR MOISTURE STRESS CONDITION AT HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) SERKALEM ESHETU G/WOLD
Sweetpotato is one of the potential root and tuber crop playing major role in food security due to its high yielding and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. However, various constraints like biotic and abiotic factors reported for the low productivity of the crop. Therefore, the study was designed to evaluate sweetpotato varieties morpho-physiological characters under different irrigation interval in shade house condition at Hawassa, Ethiopia from October to March, 2019/20. The treatment were comprised of a factorial combination of three sweetpotato varieties (NASPOT 12 O, Kulfo and Dilla) and four irrigation intervals (daily, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days) in complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data on morpho-physiological and yield parameters were collected. The result revealed that, main effect of varieties and irrigation interval has a significant effect on vine length, leaf temperature and vine fresh weights. Leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll a, b and total (TC), maximum quantum yield, proline content, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomata conductance, IWUE, RLWC, tuber fresh weight, total biomass and tuber number were significantly influenced due to interaction effect of two main factors. Most of parameters were significantly reduced with increased irrigation interval except Proline content and leaf temperature. Maximum tuber fresh weight (700 g) was recorded from NASPOT 12 O as compared to Dilla (533.33 g) and Kulfo (233.33 g) varieties. In the case of physiological response NASPOT 12 O treated with daily irrigation gave maximum concentration of chlorophyll a, b and total (TC), Photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate and stomata conductance in leaf as compared to other varieties. The maximum proline content was observed from variety “NASPOT 12 O” with 21 days irrigation interval whereas; the minimum was from all varieties with daily, seven and fourteen days irrigation which was statistically similar. Dilla and NASPOT 12 O varieties had better relative leaf water content as irrigation interval increases but variety Kulfo show strong reduction. It can be concluded that, Variety “NASPOT 12 O” was considered to be more tolerant as compared to other varieties. This is, therefore, NASPOT 12 O with 7 days irrigation interval recommended and in areas where moisture is a limiting factor NASPOT 12 O varieties with 14 days irrigation interval might be recommended for small scale farmers. Consequently, further research is needed for morphological and physiological responses under different varieties and water stress under open field condition before a generalized conclusion can be drawn.
CASSAVA PRODUCTION PRACTICES, UTILIZATION AND EVALUATION AS INGREDIENT FOR INJERA MAKING AT AMARO AND OFFA DISTRICTS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) SHIFERAW BOGALE MANDOYE
Cassava is commonly known as the poor man’s crop and emerging as dominant staple and alternative food security crop in southern Ethiopia. However, limited research has been done so far for identifying suitability variety as ingredient for injera making. Therefore, household survey and laboratory analysis experiment were conducted to determine farmer’s practices in selecting suitable cassava variety with its ratio as ingredient of injera making. Based on the survey result laboratory analysis was conducted with different ratio of cassava blended with teff to verify the farmer’s practice. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondent households. The survey result revealed that Qulle (20.8%), Kello (12.5%) and both Qulle and Kello (70%) were identified as the common cassava varieties in the study area. The household reported that, yield, maturity earliness, resistance to disease and pest (53.3%) are the major criteria for selecting the variety. About 45% of the respondent were used 40 to 60 ratio of cassava with teff followed (38.3%) by 50 to 50 as ingredient of injera. During the laboratory analysis, two cassava varieties (Qulle and Kello) and five blending ratios (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) of cassva with teff were tested in Randomized Completed Design with three replications. Teff with 100% was used as a control. The result revealed that, cassava varieties and blending ratio had significant effect on protein, fiber, fat, ash and cyanide content while non-significant effect on moisture and carbohydrate, respectively. Higher protein, fiber and fat, ash content was recorded from 90% teff with 10% Qulle and Kello variety. The result further explained that, as cassava proportion were increased; protein, fat, ash and fiber content decreased but moisture and carbohydrate content were increase. Composite injera with 50% of Kello variety has highest cyanide content (0.48mg/100g) than that of Qulle. Higher score of acceptability for texture (7.23%), sourness (7.56%), aroma (7.58%) and taste (7.33%) were recorded from 10% of Kello variety than Qulle. Therefore, it can be concluded that, for cassava-teff injera preparation mixing the cassava up to 30% is found to be acceptable. Further research should be done in cassava starch characterization as the staling and less eye formation are the major traits to be improved for increasing the quality of injera prepared from teff mixed with cassava.
GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE AND YIELD RESPONSES AND OIL CONTENT OF ETHIOPIAN MUSTARD (Brassica carinata A. Braun) GENOTYPES AT DIFFERENT ALTITUDES
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2021) YENENESH TEFERA WOLDE
Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is an important vegetable and oil seed crop in the highlands of Ethiopia. The crop has attracted a lot of interests in recent years due to its potential as a feedstock and as a biofuel crop. However, there are little research effort towards the crop in terms of productivity and optimized agronomic requirements. The seed and oil yield of the crop is constrained by a number of factors among which the growing climate is the paramount factor. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted at three locations with varying altitudes to investigate the impact of altitude on phenology, reproduction, growth, yield and oil content of 11 Brassica carinata genotypes. The study was conducted from January 2011 to June 2011, at three altitudes i.e. high (Bale Goba, 2743 masl), mid (Arsi Negele, 2043 masl) and low (Dilla, 1416 masl)) under irrigated condition using 11genotyp of Brassica carinata which resulted in 33 treatments. The factorial experiment was laid out in a completely randomized (CRD) design with three replications as pot experiment in a controlled edaphic condition. Data were collected on phenological and reproductive traits, growth parameters, yield and yield related traits and oil content. The result of the study revealed that interactions between altitude and genotype very highly significantly (p<0.0001) influenced all characters, except number of leaves per plant and pod length which were only influenced by the main factors. Increasing the altitude from low to high delayed the time for all the studied phenological traits. As a result, the number of days for 50% emergence, 50% flowering and 90% maturity were increased from 6.33 to 17.67, 50 to 107.33 and 92.67 to 147 respectively and the earliest genotypes to attain days to 50% emergence and days to50% flowering were 23601 respectively. The genotype to attain shortest days to maturity (92.67 days) was genotype 21338 at lower altitude. Reproductive traits showed an increase with increasing altitude. Hence the highest flower number per plant (218.6) was attained from genotype 23601 at higher altitude. Similarly Yield and yield components are also increased with increasing altitude. The maximum seed yield per hectare (194556Kg) was recorded from genotype 23601 at high altitude followed by the genotypes 202488(1538.89Kg) and 215187(1503.33Kg) at mid altitude. The highest oil percentage (41.79%) was recorded from genotype yellow dodolla at the same altitude. Hence, from the result it can be concluded that, high and mid altitudes respectively were appropriate to maximize Brassica carinata seed and oil yield. However, since the experiment was done only for one season and with limited number of genotypes repeating the experiment over different seasons with more number of genotypes at field condition will be demanding to come up with plausible recommendation.
EFFECTS OF NITROGEN CONCENTRATION AND SHOOT HARVESTING FREQUENCY ON THE REGROWTH OF SHOOT AND DEGENERATION OF ROOT OF WATER HYACINTH (Eichhornia crassipes) GROWN ON POT AT HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2022) YEDIDYA BIRATU DERESSA
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a perennial, herbaceous, free-floating, flowering, and invasive aquatic plant of the genus Eichhornia in the Pickerelwe family (Pontederiaceae). Recently, water hyacinth has been considered an invasive aquatic plant in Ethiopia. The main control methods of water hyacinth in Ethiopia are manual harvesting or weed removal by hand. The problem related to manual harvesting: there is no recommended harvesting schedule concerning the regeneration potential of the weed, and there is no integrated management practice. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer and harvesting frequency on the regrowth of shoot and root degeneration of water hyacinth, to evaluate the response of water hyacinth to different rates of nitrogen fertilizer application, and to evaluate and determine the optimum harvesting frequency that degenerates the regrowth of shoot in water hyacinth under shade house conditions. The treatments comprised a factorial combination of six nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg L -1 ) and four harvesting levels (unharvested, harvested once, harvested twice, and harvested thrice) with three replications. A total of 24 treatment combinations were formed. The pot experiment will be set out as a complete randomized design (CRD). The results revealed that all growth parameters were significantly influenced by the mean factor as well as the interaction. When it comes to root growth, the treatments with 0 and 20 mg L -1 nitrogen treated without harvest had the greatest root length, root diameter, and root number. All gas exchange parameters are also influenced by the interaction effect of the main factor, except leaf relative water potential and stomatal conductance, which are both only affected by the main effect. Chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll are only influenced by nitrogen fertilizer. Water hyacinth exposed to frequent harvesting significantly reduced all tested parameters except stolen production. The present result, therefore, indicates that 60 mg/L -1 nitrogen fertilizer is the best for the growth of water hyacinth and that harvesting frequency decreases the regrowth of shoots and degeneration of roots. Therefore, we recommend management practices that reduce water body's pollution and frequency of harvesting to degenerate the root of water hyacinth and its impact on the water bodies
Effect of Green Bean-Sugarcane Intercropping on Growth and Yield Performance of Companion Crops at Omo Kuraz Sugar Project, South Omo Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2022) ABIY NEGESSE
Sugarcane is a relatively long-duration crop planted on wider spaced rows with slow initial growth, during this period, much of the solar radiant energy and land is wasted and up to 70% of the land between cane rows is left unutilized. Effects of green bean-sugarcane intercropping trials were conducted to ascertain practicability of intercropping green bean and sugarcane under irrigated farming at Omo Kuraz Sugar Development Project. The study was initiated to evaluate the effect of intercropping of two green bean varieties with sugarcane and that are planted at two row planting space, on growth performance and yield of the two crops. Factorial experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on yield and yield contributing traits were collected and subjected to analysis of variance. The analysis of variance for marketable pod yield and phenological parameters showed a significant difference (p<0.01) among varieties and interactions of the factors. Amongst the two green bean varieties, variety plati gave the highest (7.6 t ha -1 ) pod yield as compared to that of variety B.C 4.4 which gave the lowest yield (1.75 t ha -1 ). Whereas the highest pod yield (8t ha -1 ) was recorded on the interaction of (variety plati, with 10cm planting space and sole cropped). On contrary the lowest pod yield (0.8 t ha -1 ) was recorded on the interaction of (variety B.C 4.4, with 15cm planting spacing and intercropped with sugarcane). The highest pod yield was recorded (5.108 t ha -1 ) on 10cm planting spacing, while (4.242 t ha -1 ) was recorded on 15cm planting spacing. However, the two planting spacing’s and cropping system showed no significant difference (p<0.05) on pod yield. Similarly the lowest pod yield (i.e., 4.858 t ha -1 ) and (4.492 t ha -1 ) was recorded on sole cropped green bean and intercropped with sugarcane respectively. Moreover, there was also significant difference (p<0.05) among cropping systems and varieties, in number of pod per plant. The highest number of pod per plant (32.33) was recorded on variety plati, followed by sole cropping system (29.25). Variety plati also scored the largest pod diameter (6.7mm) and pod length (11.45cm). Likewise, sugarcane tiller number found to be significantly (p<0.05) affected by intercropped planting spacing’s of green bean and cropping system. Accordingly, the highest (231,034 tiller number ha -1 ) and the lowest (143,214) tiller number ha -1 was recorded in sole sugarcane crop and intercropped crop respectively. Green bean planting space also showed a significant effect on sugarcane tiller number per plot (i.e., 103,189.7 in 10 cm and 183,237.6 in 15 cm spacing’s). However no significant difference was observed on mill able cane stalk number per hectare, single cane stalk weight, cane yield and sugar yield among varieties, spacing’s, cropping systems and there interaction. The result clearly highlighted that intercropping of sugarcane with green bean has no significant impact on crop yields of both crops and efficient land utilization advantage. Which subsequently confirms the technical viability/practicability of sugarcane-green bean intercrop under irrigated farming system Therefore, under irrigated farming system condition, variety plati with 15 cm spacing and 10cm can be recommended for green bean-sugarcane intercropping, and sole cropping system respectively at Omo Kura at Omo Kuraz Sugar Development Project.
Effect of Nitrogen and Intra Row Spacing on Growth and Head Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. capitata) at Bako Agricultural Polytechnic College, West Shewa, Ethiopia
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2022) CHIMDESSA WAKUMA GELDASSA
Low soil fertility and spacing are considered as serious problems among several production limiting factors in cabbage crop production. Nitrogen is one of the critical plant nutrients in cabbage yield and its information in relation to plant spacing in the study area is very limited. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rate and intra row spacing on growth and head yield of cabbage under field conditions. Thus, field experiment was conducted at Bako Agricultural Polytechnic College, West Shewa zone of Oromia National and Regional state during the wet season of 2021/2022. The treatments consisted of four levels nitrogen rate (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and three intra row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm) which were laid down in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data on phenology, growth and yield components of cabbage were collected and analysis of variance was done using SAS version 9.3. The results revealed that some of the growth and yield related parameters of cabbage were significantly influenced by rate of nitrogen and intra row spacing. Days to maturity, number of leaf before heading, plant height, head diameter, leaf area, above ground plant fresh weight, marketable weight, unmarketable weight, tota yield, dry matter and head firmness were very highly significantly (p < 0.001) affected by the treatment combination. The highest marktable head weight (80.40 t/ha) were obtained at the combination of 150 kg/ha nitrogen rate with 35 cm intra row spacing where as the lowest (33.00 t/ha) were recorded in plots that received no nitrogen rate with 15 cm intra row spacing. The highest (82.00 t/ha) and lowest (37.99 t/ha) total head yield was recorded by treatment combination of 150 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer with 35 cm intra row spacing and no nitrogen fertilizer rate with 25 cm intra row spacing, respectively. Larger leaf number before heading (15.67), longer plant height (35.97 cm), wider head diameter (17.84 cm) and wider leaf area (441.12 cm 2 ) were recorded at higher (150 kg/ha) nitrogen fertilizer rate. Plant height, head diameter, above ground plat fresh weight and marktable head weight were found superior at 35 cm intra row spacing. Result of current study shown that 150 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer rate and 35 cm intra row spacing can be used for higher marketable head yield of cabbage. But future study need to be designed to be carried out at different locations and seasons so as to come up with valid recommendation.
EFFECT OF INTER ROW SPACING ON GROWTH, YIELD AND TUBER QUALITY OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) VARIETIES IN HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) MULUGETA SODANO LANTERO
Potato is the very important food and cash crop in Ethiopia, especially in the high and mid altitude areas. It is important to select better yielding potato varieties with appropriate plant density per unit of area to get for better yield and tuber quality in given location. This experiment was conducted to determine proper inter row spacing for potato varieties and to select better performing potato variety at Hadiya zone Misrak Badewaccho district, during the year 2022 G.C main cropping season. The experiment was arranged in a factorial combination of three inter row spacing (70 x 30 cm, 60 x 30 cm and 50 x 30 cm) and five potato varieties (Gudane, Zemen, Belete Jalene and local) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The result revealed that days to 50% emergence and stem number per hill were significantly affected by variety, days to 90% maturity, plant height, leaf number per plant, leaf area index, harvest index, total biomass, total tuber yield, tuber number per hill and tuber size distribution were significantly affected by main factors (variety and inter row spacing) but not by interaction. Days to 50% flowering, leaf area, marketable tuber yield, unmarketable tuber yield, marketable tuber number, unmarketable tuber number, dry matter, total starch content and specific gravity were significantly influenced by main factors (variety and inter row spacing and interaction). The highest, stem number per hill, plant height, leaf number per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, harvest index, total dry biomass, total tuber yield, tuber number per hill, marketable tuber yield, marketable tuber number dry matter and specific gravity was scored from Gudene variety whereas, lowest data was recorded from local variety. The highest stem number per hill, plant height, leaf number per plant, leaf area, total dry biomass, tuber number per hill, specific gravity and total starch content recorded at inter row spacing (70 x 30) cm. The highest interactive effect was scored from marketable tuber yield from Gudene (36.00t/ha -1 ) and Belete (34.67t/ha -1 ) variety and at inter row spacing (60 x 30 cm) whereas, lowest interactive effect was recorded from local (12.83t/ha -1 ) variety and at inter row spacing (50 x 30 cm). Therefore, from this study, it can be concluded that Gudene and Belete varieties at inter row spacing (60 x 30cm and 70 x 30cm) resulted in highest marketable potato yield. The results obtained in this study are based conducted at single season and single location it should be repeated to validate this result before recommending to the area.
GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA INOCULATED AVOCADO (Persea americana M.) RACESUNDER MOISTURE STRESS CONDITIONS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) HIWOT KELBO
Avocado is one of the most economically important and widely grown fruit crops in tropical and subtropical regions. It is mainly grown in the southern, South Western, and Eastern parts of Ethiopia, with high economic returns. Despite its importance, production is hampered by abiotic factors like moisture limitation in the nursery and later in the orchard. This requires alternative and effective strategies and tools to overcome the challenge, such as inoculating with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi as a soil amendment. This study was designed to investigate the effect of AMF inoculation on the morpho physiological and biochemical responses of two avocado (Persea americana M.) races under different moisture levels. A factorial combination of two inoculation levels (inoculated and non-inoculated), two avocado races (Mexicana and Guatemalan), and four water withholding intervals (daily watering, 7-days, 14-days, and 21-days watering intervals) were arranged in a CRD design with three replications. Results of the study revealed that growth parameters of avocado seedlings such as internode length and seedling height were influenced by the main effects of arbuscular mycorrhizae and moisture while, leaf number, leaf area were influenced by main and two way interaction effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae and moisture while xylem number and xylem width affected by interaction effect of race and moisture. However, root length, root number, and average root diameter were influenced by the main, two-way, and three-way interaction effects of race, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and moisture levels. The highest mean values of leaf area, root number, root length, xylem number, xylem width, and biomass fresh and dry weight were observed from Mexicana treated with arbuscular mycorrhizae under daily and moisture stress treatments. Whereas the minimum value was recorded from Guatemalan race grown under non-inoculated and 21 days water withholding treatment. Moreover, photosynthesis rate, transpiration, water use efficiency, chlorophyll content, proline content, biomass fresh and dry weight were significantly influenced by the main, two ways and three-way interaction effect of avocado races, arbuscular mycorrhizae and moisture levels. All growth, physiological and biomass parameters were significantly decreased under drought stressed conditions. However, compared to non-inoculated seedlings, the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizae considerably increased all those growth, physiological, biochemical, and biomass parameters even under drought stress. Among the tested races, "Mexicana" showed significantly well performance under drought stress conditions than Guatemalan cultivar. In conclusion, the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizae considerably improved drought stress tolerance in both races compared to non-inoculated treatments. However, further research is needed under field condition before generalized conclusions can be drawn
MORPHO-PYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD RESPONSE OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) VARITIES TO BELNDED FERTILIZER UNDER DIFFERENT MOISTURE LEVELS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) ALEM SISAY SAHILE
Common bean is the most important food legume crop for direct consumption in the world and is the most popular legume of the Americas and Eastern and Southern Africa. In Ethiopia, common bean is grown predominantly under smallholder producers as an important food crop and source of cash. There are biotic and abiotic stresses which causes a decrease losses in crop yield, being the water deficit, and soil fertility are the most limiting factor in the world agricultural production. Therefore, the aim of this study was designed to investigate the effect of blended fertilizer on morpho-physiology, accumulation of reserve compounds and yield of common bean varieties under different soil moisture levels from Feb to May 2021. A factorial combination of 3 different blended fertilizer (0, NPSBZn and NPSBZn+K), 3 common bean varieties (Hirna, Awash Melka, and Haromaya) and 2 moisture levels (30% SWC and 75% SWC) were arranged in CRD design with three replications. Results of the study showed that, morphological parameters such as leaf number, branch number and plant height were influenced by main and two-way interaction effect of varieties and moisture as well as fertilizer and varieties. But leaf area was influenced by three way interactions of variety, moisture and fertilizer levels. in addition, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, proline content, carbohydrate content, and grain yield were significantly influenced by three way interaction effects of variety, fertilizer and moisture levels. They showed significant decrement under drought stressed conditions. The supplementation of K significantly increased physiological, and yield parameters under drought stress conditions compared to NPSZnB alone and zero fertilizer level. From the result of this study it is indicated morpho-physiology and yield response of common bean varieties varied under water deficit conditions. Hirna and Haromaya performed well under water deficit than Awash Melka variety. Better performances were observed in terms of photosynthesis, water use efficiency, relative water content, and stomata conductance, proline and carbohydrate accumulation in Hirna and Haromaya under drought stress condition. Generally, it was concluded that application of K as a supplement to NPSBZn significantly increased drought stress tolerance and increased yield in all varieties as compared to other treatments. However, further research is needed in an open field condition with different rates of blended fertilizer on mass number of varieties before a generalized conclusion has been drawn.
EVALUATION OF ANCHOTE (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cong) ACCESSIONS FOR THEIR GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCES UNDER DIFFERENT ALTITUDES IN SIDAMA REGION
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) NEJAT ALI
Among the most important root and tuber crops, anchote is one of the potential crops produced in the western and south-western parts of Ethiopia. It serves as a food, cultural, social, and economic crop for the producers. Due to limited research coverage and less attention to determining the growth and yield performance of anchote accessions, the production of anchote has not spread to other parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield responses of anchote accession grown at different altitudes in the Sidama region of Ethiopia from June to November 2021. Nine anchote accessions (Gimbi, Jimate, Degaga Didhessa, Jimma Arjo, Ale, Sheka, Sibu Sire1, Sibu Sire2, and Sibu Sire3) were sow in three locations representing different altitudes (1305 masl, 1835 masl, and 2504 masl). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth and yield data were collected following standard procedures. The results revealed that phenological parameters and growth performances (leaf area, leaf number, vine length, above-ground fresh and dry biomass) were significantly influenced by the main factors of accession, location, and their interactions. Days to 50% of flowering were affected by the main factors (accession and location), and vine number was affected only by location. The highest (92%) and lowest (58.7%) emergence percentages were obtained from Sheka accession at mid-altitude and Sibu Sire1 at Bilate, respectively. The largest (597.3 g) and the minimum (6.2 g) above-ground fresh biomass per plant were produced by accession Sibu Sire1 under Leku and accession Gimbi under Hula, respectively. The maximum (62.1 g) and minimum (33.6 g) above-ground dry biomass were produced by accession Ale under Leku and accession Jimate under Bilate. In the case of yield, yield-related parameters (root weight and diameter, total biomass weight, root yield, and underground dry root weight) of anchote accessions were significantly affected by accessions, location, and their interaction. Root number per plant was affected by accessions and location. Root diameter was affected only by accession. The highest storage root weight (522.3g) and total biomass (847 g) per plant were obtained from Degaga Didhessa anchote accession under Hula location. Whereas, the lowest storage root weight (94.6 gm) and total biomass (153 gm) were also recorded from Sibu Sire3 under Hula conditions. The highest yield (59.6 t/h)) was obtained from the anchote accession of Degaga Didhessa at the Leku location. The significantly lowest yield (12.3 t/h)) was recorded from Gimbi Anchote accessions under Bilate. Anchote accessions evaluated in this study showed a differential response to different locations that represented different altitudes. We recommended accessions of Degaga Didhessa, Sheka, and Sibu Sire1 that produced better storage root yield, high underground dry biomass content, root weight, and dry matter content across three locations that indicated good performance and adaptation. Those accessions that we recommend are suggested to be produced by farmers in the areas of Bilate, Leku, and Hula and related conditions in the Sidama region.