Horticultural Science

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://etd.hu.edu.et/handle/123456789/41

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Start date: 2018End date: 2019

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    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
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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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.