College of Agriculture

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The College of Agriculture is committed to advancing agricultural education, research, and community service. It serves as a center for knowledge creation and dissemination in crop science, animal production, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture.

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Start date: 2020Has files: Yes

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    ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION SYSTEM, MORPHOLOGICAL TRAIT AND EGG QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN IN WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) DESTA GUTEMA SHURE
    A study was conducted in two selected woredas (Heban Arsi and Negelle Arsi) of West Arsi zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Production system, some morphometric traits and egg quality parameters of indigenous chickens were assessed. Using purposive multistage sampling a total of 120 households possessing 5 or more matured chickens were selected for study. A total of 360 indigenous chickens were used for determination of morphological traits. Egg quality parameters were evaluated on 240 eggs collected. Extensive management system was practiced in the study area. About 23.3% of households used purposively made chicken houses. Overall mean age at sexual maturity of hens was 6 months and cockerels 5.86 months. Disease, predators and feed shortages were the three major chicken production constraints. Majority of body feather colour of indigenous chickens were red and Red brownish /Kokima followed by White, black with white tips/Teterma, Black, Grayish/Gebsima and Multicolor/Ambasma. All of the chickens possessed normal feathers with the dominant white and red ear lobe colors, yellow shank colors, pea and single comb and plain as well as flat head shape. Overall mean body weight of chickens was 1.3kg. The wingspan length, shank length, shank circumference, comb length, wattle length, body length, back length and keel length measurements were 32.58, 7.74, 3.82, 3.35, 1.44, 30.79, 18.72 and 9.19cm respectively. The average egg weight, shell thickness, egg width, egg length was 39.88, 0.291, 37.80 and 50.64mm respectively with average shape index of 74.72%. The subsequent average albumen height, yolk height, yolk width and yolk color was 4.02 mm, 13.75 mm, 37.04 mm, and 6.77 colour fan of 1-15 respectively with the corresponding Hough unit score of 69.37%. To sum up, both study woredas and sex of chickens looks to approve the traits of indigenous chickens and egg quality traits under traditional managements system. Detailed Molecular characterizations is recommended to assess morphological traits of indigenous Chickens of the study woredas.
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    Assessment on Management Practices and Comparative Study on Egg Production and Egg Quality Parameters of Sasso and Local Chicken Breeds in Aleta Chuko Woreda, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) AYELE RODAMO BACHO
    The study was conducted in midland and lowland agroecologies of Aleta Chuko Woreda with the aim of assessing chicken management practices and compares egg production and egg quality parameters of the newly introduced Sasso chicken breed and that of local chicken. A total of 174 households rearing indigenous and Sasso chicken for at least three years were selected for the survey work based on systematic random sampling method. Three hundred eggs from the two agroecologies, (150 eggs from each agroecology, 75 eggs each from Sasso and local chicken from one agroecology) were collected from 6 Kebeles (3 Kebeles in one agroecology) and tested in Hawassa University poultry laboratory for its external and internal quality traits. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of the two breeds and the two agroecologies using SPSS version 20. From the respondents, 21.8% of the sampled households were female headed. The average number of chickens per households was 4.3. The current chicken breed composition in the study woreda was 62%, and 38% of local and Sasso respectively. The average age of local and Sasso chicken at first egg laying was 7.18and 5.14months of age, respectively. The average number of clutches per hen per year for local and Sasso chickens were 4.06 and 7.8, respectively. About 86.2% of the respondents from Sasso chicken rearers and 77% from local chicken rearers had experience of culling non productive chicken from their flock, with 79.3% of the culling Sasso chicken was caused due to sickness and 65.5% of the culling local chicken was caused by poor productivity. The overall means for egg production per hen per year for local and Sasso chicken was 52.74and 161.4, respectively. From this work, it is recommended that regular training must be given on management practices of the chicken and government should support on disease treatment mechanisms and vaccination of chickens.
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    ASSESSMENT OF BUTTER PRODUCTION, CONSUMER AND MARKET PREFERENCES, QUALITY AND PRICES IN KINDDO DIDAYE OF WOLAITA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) AMANUEL ELIAS LOTA
    The study was conducted at Kinddo Didaye district, Wolaita zone southern Ethiopia with the objective of assessing butter production, consumer and market preferences, quality and prices in the area. Based on data collected between April to July 2019. The effect of agro ecology on butter production was analyzed. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select representative kebeles and households from Kinddo Didaye district. To conduct the study, one sample district (Kinddo Didaye) was purposively based on dairy cow potentiality and butter production. Six kebeles were selected in total (three from midland and three kebeles from lowland). 138 butter producing households were purposively selected based on dairy cow production and butter production from the study district. Besides this different 40 retailers, 10 butter shops and 50 consumers were interviewed. Local cattle are the most dominant milking cows were kept by all six kebeles. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, involving household survey. Thus, all (100%) of the respondents were reported that clay pot churn is tool used for butter making. For washing and smoking milk equipments, plant leaves such as Ocimum hardiense (68.1%) and Cymbopogan martini (23.9%) were mostly used in both agro-ecologies. For butter averagely 3.0±0.12 and 2.91±0.01 volume of milk churned at a time in both lowland and midland agro-ecologies respectively. In addition, 17.92±0.13 and 15.04±0.09 liters of milk in both lowland and midland agro-ecologies respectively were used to produce 1kg of butter. Retailers and consumers got quality butter from producer; The destinations of the butter were to different areas in the country, mainly Wolaita Soddo, Hawassa, Addis Abeba and others. All assembler/butter shops sell butter by their shops. Consumers report shows that the quality attributes of butter preferable by consumers were 44% flavor, 32% texture, 20% color and remaining 4% fermentation in study district. The price of butter rise during holy days, non-fasting period and dry season. The challenges of butter production in the area were feed shortage, shortage of grazing area, dry season, price fluctuation and fasting season. The major type of adulteration that reported by consumers were 62.5% banana and 37.5% ‘shenolega’ in the study area
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    ASSESSING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF EXOTIC CHICKEN BREED, REARED IN SHEBEDINO DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) ALEMU ALASO ADISO
    Exotic chicken management practices, performance and challenges and opportunity infive kebeles of Shebedino district in Sidama Regional state, Ethiopia were assessed. Sample size of HHs for the survey was determined using a multi stage sampling technique and Processed data analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0 soft ware. Five kebeles (2 from highland, 3 from midland and 4kebeles and 1kebele from rural and urban areas respectively) were selected purposively based on potential of production. Total sample size of selected population was 137of which59.85% was male and 40.15% were female. The average family sizes were 5.54 and 5.53 persons with in highland and mid-land of the district, respectively. Age of respondents ranged from 44.5 and 45 years for Highland and Mid-land Agro-ecologies of the district, respectively. Total landholding/HH were 0.5-1 ha (24.8%) and 1.25-1.75 ha (57.67%), 2-2.25 ha (13.13%) and 2.5-3 ha (4.4%) of the respondents both high and mid land agro-ecologies. Average numbers of exotic chicks, pullets, cockerels, hens and cocks per HH were 17, 5.3, 2.6, 7.3and 2.8 respectively, both high and mid land agro-ecologies. Majority of the sample respondents (58.7%) and (63.7%) in the highland and midland of the district respectively; keep exotic chickens primarily for income generation and next home consumption. Commonly distributed exotic chicken breeds were Sasso (49.64%), IB (Issa Brown) (43.06%) and BB (Bovans Brown) (7.3%) in the high land and mid land of the district. Majority of households (71.53%) practice free-scavenging or/and extensive poultry production system and about a quarter of them semi-intensive poultry production system. The exotic chickens rearing experiences of household were ≤ 5 years (8.76 %), 6-10 years (41.61 %) and > 10 years (49.63 %). Majority of respondents (67.9%) used traditional housing with main house. Higher numbers of the respondents (68.6%) obtain from local available feeds.75.9% of the respondents practiced supplementary feeding by maize, kocho, home left over and wheat bran to their exotic chickens. Majority of respondents (82.4%) provided water adi-libitum, whereas 14.7% provided three times per day and the remaining 2.9% offered twicea day. The major diseases reported in the study area, in the order of their importance, were Newcastle, coccidiosis and fowl pox. Bovans brown, Issa brown and Sasso attained sexual maturity at 90-120 days. The predators that most commonly occur and attack exotic chickens were wild cat (local name Ganchara), fox and hawk. Disease, feed problems followed by predators and poor adaptation were challenges of exotic chicken production. Major opportunities of rearing exotic chickens in the study areas were access to market, veterinary service and extension service and adaptation problem of exotic chickens. Government should create awareness on vaccination of chicken against major poultry diseases in the study areas.
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    ASSESSMENT OF SHEEP PRODUCTION SYSTEM, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND HABIT OF SHEEP MILK CONSUMPTION BY THE SOCIETY IN ALETA WONDO WOREDA, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2020) ABIOT GARO DUMO
    This study was conducted in Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region to assess sheep production system, objectives of production, reproductive performance and habit of sheep milk consumption. For the study 158 households (HHs) owning at least one milking sheep were selected from Highland and Midland agro ecologies using systematic random sampling method and data were collected using structured questionnaire, key informant interview, field observation and secondary data. The family size was variable ranging from 2-4(44.9%), 5-8(50%) and above 9(5.1%). The mean total land holding was 0.88±.0534ha per with a difference between agro-ecologies. The average sheep flock size per HH was 3.02 ± 0.08 with a difference between agro-ecologies. Generating income, saving, meat and milk followed by manure and skin in their decreasing order of importance were main purposes of keeping sheep. Mixed crop- livestock production system was the dominant farming system in the area. Natural pasture, crop residues and crop aftermath, improved forage and enset and banana were feed resources available in the area. Mostly tethered system of feeding is practiced with no difference between agro ecologies. Above half of the respondents have no experiences of cultivating improved forages. Although feed types used for supplementation differs, all respondents were supplementing their sheep both in dry and wet seasons. Feed shortage in terms of quality and quantity throughout the year was one of the major problems of sheep production. Pond and deep well during dry season and river and pond during wet season were the main sources of water. Majority of the respondents in midland agro ecology suffer from shortage of water due to drying and pollution from coffee industries in dry season. Majority (58.2%) of the respondents house their sheep in main house with a difference between agro ecologies. Controlled mating was a common practice in both agro ecologies. All respondents in the area were selecting and culling sheep for production using different criteria. About 74.7% and 59.5% of the farmers were not castrating and fattening sheep respectively. For sheep, estimated average age at first service is 7.9±0.07months for male and 9.5±0.11months for female, age at first lambing 13.5±0.11month and lambing interval 8.04±0.06 month with a difference between agro ecologies. Most (76.4%) of the respondents in Highland area are consuming sheep milk whereas the inverse is true for Midland agro ecology with 90.7% due to unawareness. The constraints were land and feed shortage, disease and parasites, lack of improved breed, lack of extension service, water shortage and market price fluctuation. The major opportunities ranked by respondents were high market demand, increase of urbanization, and suitability of agro ecology and government attention for sheep production in decreasing order of their importance. Therefore, to use the available opportunities, the identified constraints should be solved in Aleta Wondo Woreda.
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    DETERMINATION OF CRITICAL PERIOD OF WEED CONTROL ON GINGER (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) AT SELAM, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2024) MULUKEN ASFAW WOLDE
    Ginger is an important spice and cash crop in Ethiopia. However, its production is constrained by different abiotic and biotic factors; weed is one of the most important biotic factors which reduces yield of ginger. Therefore, this study was conducted in 2023 main cropping season at Yeki, South Western Ethiopia to determine the critical period of weed competition and yield loss. The trial had twenty treatments in two sets, namely weedy set and weed-free set, each sets comprising weed competition durations of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 135 days after crop emergence and weedy control as well as weed-free plot throughout crop life cycle. The trial was laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications and the treatments were assigned randomly to experimental units within a block. The weed and crop data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance by using SAS software. The most dominant species was Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae family) with density and relative density of 73 m -2 and 18.4%, respectively. Weed density, weed dry biomass, yield components and yield of ginger were significantly affected by weed competition durations. Uncontrolled weed growth reduced the yield of ginger by 93%. The beginning of CPWC (Critical period of weed control) based on 10% AYL (acceptable yield loss level) occurred at 180 GDD (Growth degree days), which was corresponded to 26 DAE (Days after emergence). The end of the CPWC at 10% AYL occurred by 1150 GDD or 143 DAE. To prevent more than 10% yield loss, the efficient weed contr ol period for ginger at Selam area could be accomplished by keeping the crop weed free between 26 to 143 DAE. Further research in different physiographic, edaphic and climatic conditions is recommended.
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    CHICKPEA WILT (FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. CICERIS) INTENSITY IN NORTH SHOA, ETHIOPIA, AND EVALUATION OF CHICKPEA GENOTYPES AGAINST THE PATHOGEN
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2024) Kalkidan Wudu
    Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) is an important pulse crop in Ethiopia. However, chickpea Fusarium wilt (CFW) is the major constraint on its production. Thus, this study was designed with the following objectives: to assess the prevalence, incidence, and association of biophysical factors with CFW in North Shoa Ethiopia and evaluate chickpea genotypes against the pathogen. For this purpose, a field survey was conducted during the 2022 main growing season. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model were used to analyze association of the disease with different biophysical factors. Fungal isolation was done out by placing small bits of infected root on PDA at Hawassa University Crop Protection Laboratory. Colony characteristic of the fungus were studied on PDA. The spores were obtained by growing the fungal pure culture on SNA. The pathogen was morphologically identified using appropriate identification manual. Sixteen chickpea genotypes were screened for their reaction to CFW under a lath house condition. The survey results revealed that CFW was prevalent in all the surveyed areas, with different levels of incidence. A higher CFW incidence (43.2%) was recorded at Siyadebrna-wayu district, while a lower (34.8%) CFW incidence was recorded at Ensaro district. High mean CFW incidence was recorded on chickpea sown late August (39.2), desi-type chickpea (39.7), fields previously sown with legumes (43.9),lower altitudes (40.3), pod setting stage (41.2) and weedy fields (45.8%). In the model, crop growth stage, district, previous crop, and weeding practice were significantly associated with FOC incidence. The highest (>38%) wilt incidence was highly associated with weedy fields. The fungal mycelia were white in color. The macro conidia were straight to slightly curve with three septa. While the micro conidia were oval and no septation, Based on these, the pathogen was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC). Three chickpea genotypes (DZ-2012-CK-0312 followed by FLIP12-138c and ICCMABCD-21) were moderately resistant, while nine chickpea genotypes were susceptible. The result of the current study confirmed that CFW was highly prevalent in the study areas. Thus, designing effective CFW management options by targeting important biophysical factors that influence disease pressure and using chickpea varieties that have some degree of resistance to the disease is essential. It would be better to repeat the late house experiment for one or two times and further tests under field conditions to come up with sound recommendations.
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    EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING MAIZE VARIETIES WITH DIFFERENT CROPS ON FUNGAL CONTAMINATION OF MAIZE GRAIN IN DOREBAFANA WOREDA SIDAMA REGION
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) TESHALE TAFESSE LINTAMO
    Maize (Zea mays) is attacked by many diseases in the field as well as in the storage. Fungi are among the principal causes of deterioration and yield loss on farmers’ maize. The present study was aimed to identify the effect of different crop combinations in the intercropping systems and maize varieties on fungal contamination of maize grain. The experiment was conducted at dorebafana woreda of Sidama region at rukesa suke kebele and the laboratory analysis was conducted at Hawassa University, College of Agriculture, Plant Protection Laboratory. Three maize varieties (Limu, Kurtu and BH 540) and four cropping systems (Maize sole, Maize with haricot bean intercropping, Maize with mung bean intercropping, maize with sweet potato intercropping) were the treatments. The experiment was laid using completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications. For each treatment a sample of 100 seeds were tested for fungal contamination using the blotter technique in the laboratory. A total of six fungal genera consisting of nine species of fungi were isolated from maize grains collected from the experimental field. Fusarium sppwere the most frequently isolated ones followed by Aspergillus spp. The fungal contaminations of maize grains were significantly different (p<0.05) between sol cropping and intercropping treatments. The sol cropping had higher fungal contamination level compared to intercropping treatments. On the other hand, i ntercropping maize with haricot bean has resulted in the lowest fungal contamination followed by intercropping maize with mung bean. Fusarium spp had resulted highest contamination level followed by Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Alternaria spp, Trichoderma spp, and Rhizopus sp. Low level of fungal frequency was recorded on limu maize variety. Whereas the variety kurtu had the highest level of fungal contamination. The result of the present study revealed that maize cropping system affects the level of fungal contamination. In the present study it is also seen that maize varieties tested vary in their resistance to fungal contamination. Thus, good agronomic practices like intercropping and variety selection can play determinant role in reduction of fungal contamination in maize grain. Based on the finding of present study, intercropping maize with haricot bean and variety limu can be used to reduce effect of maize contamination with fungi.
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    EVALUATION OF WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON MUNG BEAN (Vigna radiata L.) YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS AT TEPPI, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA.
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) MULUKEN ASMAMAW
    Mung bean is characterized by fast growth, low water requirement, and excellent soil fertility enhancement through nitrogen fixation. The productivity of mung beans is decreased by weeds, diseases, and insect pests. Weed competition is among the most important factors responsible for the low yield of mung bean by as much as 87%. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate the effect of weed management practices on yield and yield components of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Nine control options (One-hand weeding at 4 weeks after sowing, complete weed control, No-weed control, Haloxyfop-R-methyl ester at 0.3, 0.6, and 0.3 kg ai ha⁻¹ + One-Hand weeding at 4 weeks after sowing, pendimethalin at 1, 1.5 and 1 kg ai ha⁻¹ + One-Hand weeding at 4 weeks after sowing) were compared in randomized complete block design in three replications. The application of herbicides and the weeding practices significantly reduced the broadleaf, sedge, and grass weeds. The highest grain yield (0.98 ton ha⁻¹), total dry biomass (2.82-ton ha⁻¹), and plant height (43.76 cm) were obtained in complete weed control followed by application of pendimethalin at 1.5 kg ai ha⁻¹ (0.92 ton ha⁻¹), total dry biomass (2.78 ton ha⁻¹), plant height (50.03 cm). The lowest grain yield (0.36 ton ha⁻¹), total dry biomass (1.59-ton ha⁻¹), and plant height (64.63 cm) were recorded from the No-weed control plot. The highest number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and weight of a hundred seeds were recorded in complete weed control and application of pendimethalin at 1.5 kg ai ha⁻¹. The results indicated that complete weed control and/or control with pendimethalin at 1.5 kg ai ha⁻¹ were the best management practices to maximize economic benefit. Thus, we recommend using the applications of one of the two weed control methods for the management of weeds in mung bean in Teppi, South West Ethiopia, and locations with similar agroecologies of Teppi.
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    ASSESSMENT OF MANGO YIELD LOSS AND FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE) MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MANGO PRODUCING FARMERS IN ARBAMINCH ZURIA WOREDA, ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2023) ESSEYNESH ALEMAYEHU FENTAHUN
    Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a valuable food and cash crop that contributes to agricultural development agents. This study was conducted to assess mango fruit yield loss due to fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) and management approaches by farmers in Arbaminch, Zuria Woreda. Three administrative kebeles, viz., "Chano mile," "Lante," and "Kolla shele," were purposively selected from the Arbaminch Zuria Woreda. Both survey and assessments were collected. Sixty respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Mango variety, mango pests and their economic importance, abundance, infestation, yield loss estimation, management practices applied for fruit flies and farmers’ willingness to pay for the best management options were assessed. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and presented using descriptive statistics; and the variables were tested by chi-square test. Farmers in Arbaminch Zuria produced five types of mango varieties, with local mango varieties being the most common. All the respondent farmers (100%) had the local mango variety. Common mango fruit pests like fruit flies, white mango scales, mealybug, grivet monkeys, speckled birds, and weaver ants as an indirect pest which may interfere with natural enemies were recognized. The fruit fly species Bactrocera invadens was trapped in the field with the abundance of 43 flies per trap per day (FTD). Fruit flies caused 94.28±10.21 Kg and 29.84% of loss in fruit yield per tree. The mean monetary loss value was estimated to 471,412.3±51010.9 birr/ha/year. The highest infestation was recorded in the peak harvest time (February) which was 40.78%. To overcome the fruit fly damage, mango producers applied different management methods. Of these methods, Methyl Eugenol trapping, field sanitation, burying infested fruits, and smoking the field were the most common. It was concluded that mango fruit flies are the most economically important insect pests of mango in the Arbaminch Zuria Woreda. The study recommends the evaluation and release of less susceptible mango varieties to fruit fly infestation, white mango scale, and other pests and diseases, evaluate the farmers’ practices. And new methods of management to develop a holistic integrated pest management system