Horticultural Science

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AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF ETHIOPIAN MUSTARD (Brassica carinata) LANDRACES IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2025) IBRAHIM HASSEN GUYO
Genetic diversity analysis of Ethiopian mustard landraces is an important step in selection and hybridization of plant with required traits to develop well adapted and farmers preferred high yielding varieties. The Field experiment was conducted at Hula district in Sidama region to study the genetic diversity of forty nine brassica carinata landraces collected from different agro-ecologies of southern Ethiopia. The experiment was carried out in a simple lattice design with the objective of assessing and estimating the genetic diversity of local landraces based on phenological and agro-morphological traits; estimating association and heritability of the study traits and to identify the best performances of landraces further breeding work for their leaf yield. The analysis of variance shows the significant differences among landraces for all leaf parameter as well as all phenological traits. The high degree of variability among the Ethiopian mustard landraces were observed for studied traits. The estimation of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations was studied, the highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation suggested that the Brassica carinata landraces are highly diverse and provides a wide range of possibilities for selecting further breeding. The result heritability of broad sense (H2b) values in all traits was very high ranging from 90.99 to 99.975%; this implies that the genetic component of variation is substantial for all traits. To evaluate the pattern of variation, the principal component analysis was conducted for all quantitative traits. The first three principal components accounted for most of the variation observed and cumulatively explained 82.99% of the total variation among the all quantitative traits. Clustering produced a clear grouping of the forty nine landraces into four major groups of clusters Where, by the individuals within any one cluster are more closely related than individuals in different clusters. The landraces that early flowered are grouped in the same group, and the same is true for the late flowering landraces as well as the landraces with highest leaf yield was clustered in the same group. Overall, the study shows the wide variation and presences of high genetic variability among Brassica carinata landraces.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 NPS AND UREA FERTILIZER RATE ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENT OF HEAD CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea L.) AT KOFALE DISTRICT, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2024) MULUWERK ADDISU
Cabbage is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetable crops in the world. Among the factors responsible for low yields in cabbage, unbalanced use of N and NPS fertilizer was considered the major problem causing a high reduction in the potential yield of cabbage. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in 2023 main cropping season to investigate the effect of N and NPS fertilizer on growth, yield, and yield components of cabbage in Kofale district. The experiment consisted of a factorial combination of three rates of NPS (0, 100, and 200 kg ha -1 ) and four rates of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1). The interaction effects of N and NPS fertilizer were found to have a significant impact on days to 50% head initiation, days to 90% head maturity, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, head length, head width, folded number of leaf head diameter, fresh and dry head weight, and marketable head yield. The highest head dry weight (0.174 kg plant -1 ) and marketable 118.34 t ha -1 ) head yields were obtained by 200 kg ha -1 NPS and 300kg ha -1 N rate of fertilizer, which were significantly on par with 100 kg ha -1 NPS and 300 kg ha -1 N rate of fertilizer that recorded 118.01 t ha -1 marketable head yields of cabbage. Therefore, the use of 200 kg ha -1 NPS and 300 kg ha-1 N can tentatively be recommended for cabbage producers in the study area.
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
EVALUATION OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA FUNGI ON MORPHOPHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolues vulgaris L.) VARIETIES UNDER DIFFERENT MOISTURE CONDITIONS
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2025) BIRTUKAN AREDA GOFE
Common bean is a suitable crop for food security due to its short growing cycle and adaptability to different cropping systems. However, its productivity is limited by factors such as moisture stress. To mitigate such effect, soil amendments with beneficial symbiotic rhizosphere microbes such as Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is one of the strateg ies. Hence, this experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of AMF on moisture stress tolerance and nutrient uptake of three common bean varieties. A pot experiment was conducted from June to September 2024 at Hawassa University College of Agriculture in a Shade house. The experiment used three common bean varieties, SER-119, Dame, and Awash Metene; AMF inoculation and two moisture conditions (80% FC and 40% FC) as a combined treatment. The experiment was executed as a factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design with three replications. The results of this study indicated that the main effect of moisture stress, variety and AMF, and their interaction had a significant impact on most of the phenological, morpho -physiology, nutrient uptake, microbial traits and yield and yield components of common beans. Even though almost all parameters significantly decreased under 40% FC, the AMF inoculation significantly improved seed emergence, days to 50% flowering, pod setting and physiological maturity under moisture stress conditions at 40 % FC. Similarly, the stem and leaf traits are significantly affected by the inoculation of AMF under moisture -stressed conditions. Physiological responses mainly Photosynthesis rate, stomata conductance, chlo rophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, transpiration rate and stomata length were improved by AMF inoculation under 40 % FC. Yield and yield components, specifically pod length, thousand seed weight, seed weight, number of seed s per pod, total above ground biomass fresh weight, total above ground biomass and total below ground fresh weight were enhanced by AMF inoculation under 40 % FC. Tissue nitrogen was also enhanced by AMF under 040%FC. Overall, the study found that even though highest values were recorded under 80% FC with AMF treatment, the presence of AMF significantly improved the response of the verities under stress conditions at 40% FC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
GROWTH, YIELD, QUALITY , AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF NITROGEN AND VERMICOMPOST INTEGRATION IN THREE TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ) VARIETIES
(Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2025) BEYENE BEKELE
Tomato is a major vegetable crop of high nutritional and economic value, yet its productivity in Ethiopia remains low mainly because growers apply nitrogen and VC inefficiently under declining soil fertility. Integration of vermicompost and mineral nitrogen enhanced soil health (higher organic matter and microbial activity), increased agronomic N use efficiency, improved fruit quality attributes and produced greater marketable yield and economic return. This study evaluated the effects of combined mineral nitrogen (N) and vermicompost (VC) fertilization on the growth, yield, fruit quality, and economic performance of three tomato varieties (GALILEA 39, NUN TOP, and ALBATROS) at Shallo Farm during the 2016 E.C. cropping season. Treatments consisted of three nitrogen rates (0, 175, and 350 kg N ha⁻¹) and three vermicompost levels (0, 5, and 7 t ha⁻¹) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on phenology, growth, yield, and fruit quality parameters, while economic feasibility was assessed using partial budget analysis. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA under the GLM procedure in SAS 9.4, and assumptions were verified by checking normality and variance homogeneity through diagnostic plots; percentage variables were normalized using the arcsine square-root transformation. Results revealed that variety, nitrogen, and vermicompost rates, as well as their interactions, significantly influenced most growth, yield, and quality traits. GALILEA 39 recorded the highest fruit set (78.26%) and total yield (14.02 t ha⁻¹) under 350 kg N ha⁻¹ + 5 t VC ha⁻¹. Nitrogen enhanced vegetative growth and fruit size, while vermicompost improved soil fertility, flower retention, and fruit development. Physical fruit quality improved with N and VC increased fruit length and fruit shape index, vermicompost increased fruit width, and the N × VC interaction produced the thickest pericarps, indicating greater firmness and better postharvest life . Chemical quality responded positively to integrated fertilization: moderate to high N rates and both VC levels raised TSS and SAR, whereas TA increased relative to the unfertilized control but plateaued beyond 175 kg N ha⁻¹, producing a net improvement in taste and processing quality. Partial budget analysis showed that the combination of 175 kg N ha⁻¹ and 7 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost generated the highest net field benefit (476,937.36 Birr) and marginal rate of return (2521.48%) for GALILEA 39, while NUN TOP achieved the greatest profitability (MRR = 5621.85%) under the same combination. For ALBATROS, 350 kg N ha⁻¹ with 5 t VC ha⁻¹ was most economical (MRR = 5210.50%). Therefore, under the agro-ecological conditions of Bishan Guracha, applying 175 kg N ha⁻¹ with 7 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost is recommended for GALILEA 39 and NUN TOP, while 350 kg N ha⁻¹ with 5 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost is optimal for ALBATROS. . Future studies should refine nitrogen–vermicompost ratios across soil types and assess long-term effects on soil health, productivity, and sustainability.
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.