East
African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Journals and Other Publications
ISSN
1993-8195
Journals
Current Issue:
Volume 1, No.2 (2007)
Chronicle:
Maiden Issue: Volume 1,
No.1 (2007)
Contact Address
East
African Journal of Sciences (EAJS) ISSN 1993-8195
Volume 1, No. 1, 2007
MAIDEN ISSUE
RESEARCH ARTICLES
G. Sileshi
Evaluation of Statistical Models for Analysis of Insect,
Disease and Weed Abundance and Incidence Data
Abstract
Gemechu Keneni, Mussa Jarso and Tezera Wolabu
Eco-geographic Distribution and Microcenters of Genetic Diversity
in Faba Bean
(Vica Faba L.) and Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Germplasm Collections
from Ethiopia Abstract
Ermias Estifanos, Geremew Bultosa,
Habtamu Zelleke and Harjit Singh
Agronomic Performance and Bread Making Quality of Advanced Bread
Wheat
(Triticum aestivum) Lines Grown in Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Abstract
T. Tekalign
Growth, Photosynthetic Efficiency, Rate of Transpiration, Lodging,
and
Grain Yield of Tef (Eragrostis Tef (Zucc) Trotter) as Influenced
by Stage
and Rate of Paclobutrazol Application
Abstract
[Back
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Asnakew Awuk and Berhan Tamir
Feed Intake, Weight Gain and Carcass Yield Characteristics of
Intact Hararghe
Highland Male Goats Fed on Different Hay to Concentrate Ratios
Abstract
Mastewal Yami, Kindeya Gebrehiwot,
M. Stein, and Wolde Mekuria
Impact of Area Enclosures on Density and Diversity of Large
Wild Mammals:
The Case of May Ba’ti, Douga Tembien District, Central
Tigray, Ethiopia
Abstract
Jiregna Gindaba, Lisanework Nigatu
and Heluf Gebrekidan
Potential, Distribution, Ethno-Botany and Tapping Procedures
of Gum Producing
Acacia Species in the Somali Region, Southeastern Ethiopia
Abstract
Kindie Getnet
Adding Benzene to Fire: Overlapping Seasonality as a Pull Factor
to Producer
Prices in Ethiopia
Abstract
CROP VARIETY REGISTRATION
Tesfaye Letta, Feyisa Taddese,
and Desalegn Lemma
Registration of Ilani and Oda Durum Wheat Varieties for Highlands
of Bale
Abstract
East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Evaluation
of Statistical Models for Analysis of Insect, Disease and Weed
Abundance and Incidence Data
G. Sileshi
World Agroforestry Centre
(ICRAF), SADC-ICRAF Agroforestry Programme, Chitedze Agricultural
Research Station, P O Box 30798, Lilongwe, Malawi
E-mail: sgwelde@yahoo.com
Abstract
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been a fundamental method used
for analysis of abundance and incidence data. However, abundance
and incidence data often violate the assumptions of ANOVA. Researchers
often ignore ANOVA assumptions, transform the data using arbitrarily
chosen functions and then fail to evaluate whether or not the
transformation actually corrected the problem. The statistical
power of the tests used is also seldom reported. Therefore,
the objectives of this paper are to demonstrate (1) implications
of using arbitrarily chosen transformations and ANOVA to the
validity of statistical inference on pest abundance and incidence
and (2) the application of LMMs and GLMs for efficient analysis
of such data. Abundance data were analyzed assuming normal,
Poisson and negative binomial error distributions. Incidence
data were analyzed assuming normal and binomial error distributions.
Among the data transformation functions, logarithmic transformation
gave better description of abundance data compared with square
root. Working logits were better than angular or square root
transformation of incidence data. The study has also demonstrated
that the choice of transformation can influence the statistical
significance and power of test. Transformation of either abundance
or incidence data did not necessarily ensure normality or variance
homogeneity. According to the Akaike information criterion (AIC),
a GLM assuming negative binomial error distribution was better
for description of most abundance datasets compared with a GLM
assuming Poisson error distribution or LMM. LMM based on working
logits also gave a better description of the data than a GLM
assuming binomial distribution. It is concluded that LMMs and
GLMs simultaneously consider the effect of treatments and heterogeneity
of variance and hence are more appropriate for analysis of abundance
and incidence data than ordinary ANOVA.
Key words: Mixed Models; Generalized Linear
Models; Statistical Power
[Back
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East African Journal of Sciences (January 2007), Volume 1, N.o1
(p.p 1-9)
ISSN 1993-8195
Eco-geographic
Distribution and Microcenters of Genetic Diversity in Faba Bean
(Vicia Faba L.) and Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) Germplasm Collections
from Ethiopia
Gemechu Keneni*, Mussa
Jarso and Tezera Wolabu
Holetta Agricultural Research
Center, P O Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: gemechukeneni@yahoo.com
Abstract
Ethiopia is considered an important center of secondary diversity
for both faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum
L.). However, areas of eco-geographic distribution and the microcenter
of genetic diversity are not well known. Two separate trials
consisting of 160 faba bean and 148 field pea accessions were
conducted at Holetta and Kulumsa in 2001. Simple and alpha-lattice
designs with 2 replications were used for faba bean and field
pea, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped faba bean accessions
into eight and field pea into five different classes. Mahalanobis’s
D2 analyses showed significant genetic distances between most
of the clusters in both crops. Accessions from the northern
parts of the country showed tendencies of being grouped together,
indicating that their genetic background may be related. Accessions
from the southern parts of the country were distributed over
most of the clusters showing more genetic diversity compared
to those from the northern parts. This indicates that the distribution
of genetic diversity among accessions is not uniform across
different eco-geographical regions in Ethiopia and the microcenter
of genetic diversity for both crops may be located in the southern
part of the country. The existence of more genetic diversity
in one region compared to the other could be due to differences
in the level of variability among the original introductions
to different regions, the nature and degree of both human and
natural selections after introduction, and effects of ecological
and agricultural conditions as major forces of evolution. Future
collection, conservation and utilization programs should focus
on the southern part to safeguard and exploit the tremendous
genetic diversity. However, a comprehensive study involving
both morpho-agronomic traits and molecular markers would be
needed for a more comprehensive conclusion.
Key words: Cluster Analysis; Eco-geographic
Distribution; Faba bean (Vicia faba L.); Field pea (Pisum sativum
L.); Genetic Diversity; Mahalanobis's Distance (D2); Microcenter
of Genetic Diversity
East African Journal of Sciences (January 2007), Volume 1, N.o1
(p.p 10-24)
ISSN 1993-8195
[Back
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Agronomic
Performance and Bread Making Quality of Advanced Bread Wheat
(Triticum aestivum) Lines Grown in Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Ermias Estifanos1, Geremew
Bultosa2*, Habtamu Zelleke3 and Harjit Singh3
1Agricultural Technical
and Vocational Education Training College, P O Box 242, Assosa,
Ethiopia, E-mail: ermiasestifo@yahoo.com
2 Department of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology, P
O Box 22, Haramaya University Campus, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: Bultosageremew@yahoo.com
3 Department of Plant Science, P O Box 219, Haramaya University,
Ethiopia
Abstract
Twenty bread wheat lines selected on the basis of their average
grain protein content and yield were evaluated for six agronomic
and eight baking quality traits associated with bread-making
quality. All the lines were grown in randomly complete block
design at two locations in Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia; namely,
Haramaya and Hirna in 2004/2005. Most of the quality traits
had higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability
than yield at both locations. Grain protein content and yield
related traits had low variabilities. Three bread wheat lines
(RBC/HAR800, HAR3740 and Pavon76) superior with respect to bread
making quality parameters and yielding ability of above and
around the grand mean were identified. These lines could be
useful as donor parents for bread making quality in bread wheat
improvement programs of Ethiopia. In addition, three lines (MILAN/SHA7,
609/720 and MAMBA/HAR1384) having strong flour character but
of which two lines had inconsistent yielding ability and one
line yielding less than the general mean yield of the experiment;
and five lines (Bobitcho, ETBW4311, ETBW4315, HAR3787 and Simba)
of moderate to strong flour character with yielding ability
above and around the grand mean were identified.
Keywords: Agronomic
Performance; Bread Making Quality; Bread Wheat; GCV; PCV
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o1 (p.p 25-34)
ISSN 1993-8195
[Back
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Growth,
Photosynthetic Efficiency, Rate of Transpiration, Lodging, and
Grain Yield of Tef (Eragrostis Tef (Zucc.) Trotter) as Influenced
by Stage and Rate of Paclobutrazol Application
T. Tekalign
Haramaya University, Department
of Plant Sciences, P O Box 150, Ethiopia
Email: tekaligntsegaw@yahoo.com
Abstract
The growth response of tef (Eragrostis Tef (Zucc.) Trotter)
to foliar spray of paclobutrazol was investigated under sub-humid
and hot tropical conditions of eastern Ethiopia. At both locations,
paclobutrazol was applied at tillering, jointing or panicle
emergence stage at rates of 0, 1, 2, and 3 kg a.i. per ha. The
results of the field trials demonstrated that paclobutrazol
treatment increased leaf chlorophyll a and b content, reduced
the rate of leaf transpiration, and increased photosynthetic
efficiency that has a direct effect on the productivity of the
tef crop. Paclobutrazol treatment had reduced plant height and
total leaf area there by reduced excessive vegetative growth
and lodging percentage. Paclobutrazol treatment resulted in
increased number of fertile tillers, number of fertile florets
per spike, and thousand seed mass there by increasing tef grain
yield. It is reasonable to point out that paclobutrazol is a
potential plant growth regulator for use as a height-shortening
anti-lodging agent in tef with subsequent grain yield benefits.
Application of 1 kg a.i. paclobutrazol per hectare seems to
be optimum rate and the appropriate stage of application appeared
to be between tillering and jointing.
Keywords: Eragrostis Tef; Grain Yield;
Lodging; Paclobutrazol; Tef
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o1 (p.p 35-44)
ISSN 1993-8195
[Back
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Feed
Intake, Live Weight Gain and Carcass Yield Characteristics of
Intact Hararghe Highland Male Goats Fed on Different Hay to
Concentrate Ratios
Asnakew Awuk and Berhan Tamir*
Department of Animal Sciences,
Haramaya University, P O Box 40 Haramaya, Ethiopia
* Corresponding author. E-mail: berhantamir@yahoo.com
Abstract
Feed intake, live weight gain and carcass yield characteristics
were studied using twenty-five yearling intact Hararghe highland
male goats (17.6 ± 0.11 kg body weight) fed diets containing
different hay to concentrate ratios, viz., 100:0, 80:20, 70:30,
60:40 and 50:50% for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively, in
a randomized complete block design experiment with five animals
per treatment that lasted for 90 days. The amount of CP supplied
was 3.73, 10.15, 13.36, 16.57 and 19.79% per kg DM and the ME
(MJ/kg DM) was 6.64, 7.51, 7.95, 8.38 and 8.82 for the respective
treatments. Dry matter and nutrient intakes were measured daily,
while live weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were recorded
at the weekly interval. At the end of the feeding trial, all
goats from each treatment were fasted for 12 h and slaughtered
after taking the slaughter weight of each goat. Measurements
were also taken on empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing
percentage (DP) and rib eye muscle area. Concentrate supplementation
of goats resulted in high (P < 0.05) dry matter, crude protein
and metabolizable energy intake, which was reflected in increased
(P < 0.05) average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion
efficiency (FCE). The empty body weight, hot carcass weight,
DP and rib eye muscle area were higher (P < 0.05) for concentrate
supplemented groups compared to those fed on hay alone. Goats
on equal hay to concentrate ratio (T5) had higher empty body
weight, hot carcass weight and rib eye muscle area when compared
to those on T2 and T3. Different proportions of hay to concentrate
did not affect the DP, but carcasses dressed from goats offered
with concentrate feeds had higher (P < 0.05) percentages
of lean and boneless meat, and lean: bone and lean + fat: bone
ratios, but lower percentage of bone than the carcasses from
goats fed hay alone. The percentage of boneless meat was similar
between goats on T2, T4 and T5, while the percentage of total
edible offal components was similar between supplemented and
un-supplemented groups. The proportion of the gut content and
total non-edible offal components decreased with the increasing
concentrate level, while the percentage of the total saleable
components increased. Correlation and regression analysis revealed
a positive and significant (P < 0.01) relationship between
dry matter intake (r = 0.67), slaughter weight (r = 0.89), hot
carcass weight (r = 0.90), dressing percentage (r = 0.70), lean
meat (r = 0.95) and rib-eye muscle area (r = 0.92) with the
level of concentrate supplementation. However, there was a non-significant
(P > 0.05) weak negative correlation (r = –0.16) between
ADWG and the level of concentrate supplementation. Considering
ADWG, FCE, DP and percentage of boneless meat, the diet with
20% concentrate level could be recommended for optimum live
weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and carcass yield characteristics
of goats.
Keywords: Body Weight Gain; Carcass Yield;
Feed Intake; Hararghe Highland Goats; Hay to Concentrate Ratio
East African Journal of Sciences (January 2007), Volume 1, N.o1
(p.p 45-54)
ISSN 1993-8195
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Impact
of Area Enclosures on Density and Diversity of Large Wild Mammals:
The Case of May Ba’ati, Douga Tembien District, Central
Tigray, Ethiopia
Mastewal Yami1*, Kindeya
Gebrehiwot1, M. Stein2, and Wolde Mekuria1
1Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection,
Mekelle University,
P O Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: mastewalyami@yahoo.com
2University of Life Sciences, Norway
Abstract
In Ethiopian highlands, area enclosures have been established
on degraded areas for ecological rehabilitation. However, information
on the importance of area enclosures in improving wild fauna
richness is lacking. Thus, this study was conducted to assess
the impact of enclosures on density and diversity of large wild
mammals. Direct observations along fixed width transects with
three timings, total counting with two timings, and pellet drop
counts were used to determine population of large wild mammals.
Regression analysis and ANOVA were used to test the significance
of the relationships among age of enclosures, canopy cover,
density and diversity of large wild mammals. The enclosures
have higher density and diversity of large wild mammals than
adjacent unprotected areas. The density and diversity of large
wild mammals was higher for the older enclosures with few exceptions.
Diversity of woody species also showed strong relationship (r2
= 0.77 and 0.92) with diversity of diurnal and nocturnal wild
mammals. Significant relationship (at p<0.05) was observed
between age and density as well as among canopy cover, density
and diversity of large nocturnal wild mammals. The existence
of both large carnivore and herbivore wild mammals indicated
the effectiveness of area enclosures in biodiversity conservation.
However, for further improvement of the habitat and thereby
biodiversity, development of water points and vegetation management
are timely needed.
Key words: Area
Enclosure; Density; Diversity; Ethiopia; Large Wild Mammal
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o1 (p.p 55-68)
ISSN 1993-8195
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Potential,
Distribution, Ethno-botany and Tapping Procedures of Gum Producing
Acacia Species in the Somali Region, Southeastern Ethiopia
Jiregna Gindaba1*, Lisanework
Nigatu2 and Heluf Gebrekidan2*
1Department of Horticultural
Science, Stellenbosch University, P/Bag X1, Matieland 7602,
South Africa
Fax: +27 021 808 2121
*Corresponding author. E-mail: jgindaba@sun.ac.za
2College of Agriculture, Haramaya University, P O Box 138, Dire
Dawa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: helufgebrekidan@yahoo.com
Abstract
A survey study was undertaken in eight districts of the Somali
Region, southeastern Ethiopia to identify gum producing species;
their distribution and abundance; gum-tapping practices; and
local uses. Nine gum producing Acacia species; widely known
by pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Region were identified.
Dihun and Gerbo Districts in Fik Zone were the high potential
areas for gum arabic (Acacia Senegal(L.) wild.) and gum talh
(Acacia seyal Del.) production based on the abundance of the
source species. Degahamedow District in Degahabur Zone was another
promising gum production area following the Districts in Fik
Zone. However, both A. senegal and A. seyal were abundantly
found in all study Districts, with the former being the most
abundant and widely distributed throughout the study Zones.
The gum resource in the Somali Region appeared under-exploited
due to lack of proper tapping and extraction skills in the area.
Apart from gum tapping, the woody vegetation of the Region supports
livestock production, mitigates desertification, ensures biodiversity
maintenance, and provides immense non-wood forest products.
Therefore, promotion of gum extraction in the Somali Region
both for economic benefit of the community and sustainable management
of the fragile ecosystem is recommended.
Key words: Acacia,
Bushland; Gum Arabic; Gum Talh; Somali Region
East African Journal of Sciences (January 2007), Volume 1, N.o1
(p.p 69-78)
ISSN 1993-8195
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Adding
Benzene to Fire: Overlapping Seasonality as a Pull Factor to
Producer Prices in Ethiopia
Kindie Getnet
Department of Marketing,
Ambo College, Jima University, Ethiopia
E-mail: k-getnet@cgiar.org
Abstract
Coupled with the seasonal nature of agricultural production,
seasonality of farmers' cash demand influences the level of
actual market supply and price of agricultural products. This
study investigates the seasonal behaviours of producer prices
and farmers' cash demand for two crops (white teff and white
wheat) that serve as staples and sources of cash income around
Ambo, Ethiopia. Descriptive studies on price time series show
that producer prices for the two crops get low during the harvest
and immediate post harvest seasons and survey results show that
most farmers have a high demand for cash during same seasons
and, as a result, sell a great proportion of their marketable
stock of the two crops during such seasons. This creates overlapping
seasonality between agricultural production, on the one hand,
and high cash demand of farmers, on the other. This overlapping
seasonality due to the high cash demand of farmers is expected
to aggravate the seasonal decline of producer prices already
resulted from the seasonal supply of agricultural production.
A most likely policy implication, to raise and stabilize producer
prices, is therefore to influence the seasonal behaviour of
farmers' high cash demand in such a way that it coincides with
the lean seasons of agricultural supply. This could be approached
through rescheduling the time of fertilizer debt and land use
tax payment, those important factors that put farmers into selling
a large proportion of their marketable crops during such seasons
of low producer prices. By raising and stabilizing farmers'
income from crop sales, such policy will promote the economic
incentive of smallholder farmers to increase their productivity.
Keywords: Producer Price; Farmers’
Cash Demand; Overlapping Seasonality; Sub-Saharan Africa; Ethiopia
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o1 (p.p 79-87)
ISSN 1993-8195
[Back
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Registration
of Ilani and Oda Durum Wheat Varieties for Highlands of Bale
Tesfaye Letta*, Feyisa
Taddese, and Desalegn Lemma
Sinana Agricultural Research
Center, P O Box 208, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: tesfaye_letta@yahoo.com
Abstract
Two durum wheat (Triticum durum desf.) varieties: Ilani (DZ
2234) and Oda (DZ 2227) developed by Sinana Agricultural Research
Centers were released for production in highlands of Bale similar
agro ecologies. These varieties were selected and evaluated
at Sinana on-station and three on-farms in highlands of Bale
for three consecutive years and they were proved to have stable,
high yield and superior industrial qualities. They were also
proved to have resistance to stem, yellow and leaf rusts. Multilocation
testing in the regional variety trial confirmed their productivity
with above-average yield performance in all environments and
demonstrated their yield stability compared to the commercial
durum wheat cultivars Foka, Cocorit-71 and Ingiliz.
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o1 (p.p 88-89)
ISSN 1993-8195
East
African Journal of Sciences (EAJS) ISSN 1993-8195
Volume 1, No.
2, 2007
REVIEW ARTICLE
Gemechu Keneni
Concerns on Mismatches between Environments of Selection and
Production of Crop Varieties in Ethiopia-----------------Abstract
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Fajinmi A. A. and Odebode C.A.
Effect of Poultry Manure on Pepper Veinal Mottle Virus (Pvmv),
Yield and Agronomic Parameters of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in
Nigeria-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Mosisa Worku and Habtamu Zelleke
Advances in Improving Harvest Index and Grain Yield of Maize
in Ethiopia---------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Girma Abera and Hailu Gudeta
Response of Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica) to Organic and Inorganic
Fertilizers Rates and Plant Population Density in Western Oromia,
Ethiopia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
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Debele Debela, Fekadu Lemessa
and H. Ravishankar
Development and Performance Evaluation of Indigenously Made
Cooling Chambers for Extending the Shelf Life of Mangoes and
Sweet Oranges------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Emiru Birhane, Demel Teketay,
Pia Barklund
Enclosures to Enhance Woody Species Diversity in the Dry Lands
of Eastern Tigray,
Ethiopia------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Tessema Zewdu and Yvan Oustalet
Vegetation Composition, Biomass Production, Carrying Capacity
and Grassland Types in Odolla Area of Shinile Zone, Eastern
Ethiopia-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract
Getachew Fisseha and Heluf Gebrekidan
Characterization and Fertility Status of the Soils of Ayehu
Research Substation, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia----Abstract
CROP VARIETY REGISTRATION
Chemeda Fininsa and Bulti Tesso
Registration of Chercher and Haramaya: Common Bean Varieties
for Production in Eastern Ethiopia-----------------------Abstract
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Concerns on Mismatches
between Environments of Selection and Production of Crop Varieties
in Ethiopia
Gemechu Keneni
Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 2003, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
E-mail:gemechukeneni@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Crop production plays a significant role in the Ethiopian economy.
The sub-sector's output has, however, been very low partially
due to the biophysical challenges constraining productivity
in smallholder farms and inadequate technological interventions.
Genetic modification of crops to improve productivity is preferred
to the continual manipulation of the growing environment because
of cost particularly to the large majority of resource-poor
farmers who cannot afford for production inputs. Consideration
of varietal selection vis-à-vis actual target production
environment is vital to maximizing gains from breeding efforts.
The tradition across most of the breeding programs in Ethiopia
is to develop varieties under optimum management despite the
fact that marginal management characterizes the ultimate target
production environments. Whether selection under optimum management
is likely to result in better productivity gain than under the
actual target production environments is a crucial issue in
varietal development. This paper discusses the logical framework
for breeding success and the conventional approach to varietal
selection and its challenges in Ethiopia. Based on the analyses,
the paper proposes that the wheel of the current variety development
schemes should be redirected and made more objective and focused
towards better serving the major target beneficiaries, i.e.
the resource-poor farmers.
Keywords: Direct Selection; Indirect Selection; Selection
Environment; Target Environment
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 93-103)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Effect
of Poultry Manure on Pepper Veinal Mottle Virus (PVMV), Yield
and Agronomic Parameters of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Nigeria
Fajinmi A. A.1* and Odebode
C.A.2
1Crop Protection Department,
Colplant, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta P.M.B 2240, Alabata
Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author. E-mail: ayofaji@yahoo.com
2Department of Botany and Microbiolgy, University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Four fertilizer treatments were applied to two PVMV susceptible
pepper (Capsicun annuum) varieties (NHV1-D96 and NHV1-E96) and
one PVMV tolerant variety (NHV1-G96) to determine their effects
in reducing the incidence and severity of pepper veinal mottle
virus disease and on yield and agronomic parameters. The treatments
were: (1) no manure application, (2) poultry litter organic
manure at the rate of 10 tons/ha, (3) poultry litter organic
manure at the rate of 20 tons/ha, and (4) NPK (20:10:10) at
the rate of 0.26 tons/ha inorganic fertilizer. Broadcasting
method was used for all the fertilizer applications. The experiment
was carried out both in the field using a randomized complete
block design and in 5 kg sterilized soil-potted experiment in
the greenhouse in complete randomized design. The treatments
showed a significant effect (P < 0.01) on PVMV disease incidence
and severity, plant height, leaf number, internodes distance,
number of fruit per plant, and fruit yield both in the field
and greenhouse plants. The interactions between the treatments
were also significant (P < 0.05) for PVMV disease incidence
and severity, plant height, leaf number, internodes distance,
number of fruit per plant and fruit yield. Mean PVMV disease
incidence and severity, plant height, leaf number, internodes
distance, number of fruit per plant and fruit yield, varied
significantly (P < 0.05) in all the treatments applied. The
application of 10 tons/ha and 20 tons/ha poultry manure showed
a significant (P < 0.01) effect in reducing the incidence
and severity of PVMV disease on the three pepper varieties.
The poultry manure treatments were also observed to have positively
and significantly contributed (P < 0.05) to the plant height,
leaf number and fruit yield of PVMV infected pepper plants in
all the three pepper varieties used both in the field and in
the greenhouse. The yield of pepper decreased with increasing
PVMV disease incidence and severity in all the treatments.
Keywords: Capiscum annuum; Pepper Veinal Mottle Virus; Poultry
Organic Manure
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 104-111)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Advances
in Improving Harvest Index and Grain Yield of Maize in Ethiopia
Mosisa Worku1 and Habtamu
Zelleke2*
1Ethiopian Institute of
Agricultural Research, Bako Agricultural Research Centre, P
O Box 3, Ethiopia
2Haramaya University, College of Agriculture, Department of
Plant Sciences, P O Box 147, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: habtaamu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The local maize varieties are inefficient in transferring assimilates
to the ear sink and as a result they are low yielding. To replace
these low yielding local varieties by high yielding ones, different
breeding methods have been used in Ethiopia. This study was
undertaken to compare improved maize varieties released in Ethiopia
for their harvest index and other important agronomic traits.
Twelve improved maize varieties which were released from 1970s
to 1990s in Ethiopia and 8 breeding populations were tested
in a randomized complete block design at Bako Agricultural Research
Centre under sub-optimum and optimum soil fertility conditions
in 1997 and 1998. The analysis of variance for harvest index
and other important agronomic traits showed significant differences
(P<0.01) among the varieties. The mean harvest index varied
from 31.1% (Bako composite) to 45.0% (BH-540), indicating wide
differences among the varieties in partitioning the photosynthate
into grain and vegetative plant part. The mean grain yield also
varied from 4.3 t ha-1 (EAH-75) to 7.2 t ha-1 (BH-660). All
the varieties released in the 1990s had a better harvest index
than the old maize composites, indicating the breeding progress
made was successful for both grain yield and harvest index.
Further progress in maize breeding to improve harvest index
and grain yield would be possible with the use of refined breeding
methods and tools.
Keywords: Genotype; Grain Yield; Harvest Index; Maize Varieties;
Zea mays L.
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 112-119)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Response
of Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers
Rates and Plant Population Density in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Girma Abera 1* and Hailu
Gudeta2
1 Hawassa University,
Hawassa College of Agriculture, Horticulture Department
*Corresponding author. E-mail: girmajibat2006@yahoo.com
2 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Improving
Productivity and Market Success (IPMS) of Ethiopian Farmers
Project, Ada’a Pilot Learning District (PLD), Bishoftu
Abstract:
A comparative study of organic and inorganic fertilizer, and
intra-row and inter-row spacing experiments were conducted at
Bako Agricultural Research Center for three consecutive years
(2002-2004) to determine optimum nutrient supply and plant population,
respectively, for anchote production. The experiments were laid
out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
The fertilizer study consisted of four nitrogen levels: 0, 46,
92 and 138 kg N ha-1 and three phosphorous levels: 0, 20 and
40 kg P ha-1 in a factorial arrangement along with farmyard
manure (FYM) at rates of 5, 8 and 10 t ha-1. The spacing study
was conducted using three intra-rows: 10, 20 and 30 cm and four
inter rows: 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm. Analysis of variance showed
highly significant difference among N rates with respect to
root length and root yield. Similarly, P and FYM supply resulted
in highly significant difference in root yield. Apparently,
application of 5 and 8 t ha-1 FYM resulted in an improved root
yield of 44% and 63% over control, respectively. The supply
of FYM was found to be superior over inorganic fertilizer supply
perhaps due to its merits in improving soil structure, organic
matter and enhancement of nutrient uptake. Intra-row spacing
affected root yield highly and significantly while inter row
spacing affected root yield and average root weight per plant.
The reduction of intra-row spacing from 30 cm to 10 cm resulted
in increase of total tuberous root yield by 137%. Reduction
of inter row spacing from 100 cm to 40 cm resulted in high total
tuberous root yield by 37.4%. From the present findings, therefore,
5-8 t ha- 1 FYM or 46/20 kg ha-1 N/P and 40-60 cm inter row
and 10 cm intra-row spacing are recommended for high yield of
anchote production and enhancement of soil structure and its
nutrient contents for the western sub-humid zones of Oromia,
Ethiopia.
Keywords: Anchote; Farm Yard Manure; Inorganic Fertilizer;
Root Yield; Spacing
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 120-126)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Development and Performance
Evaluation of Indigenously Made Cooling Chambers for Extending
the Shelf Life of Mangoes and Sweet Oranges
Debele Debela, Fekadu
Lemessa* and H. Ravishankar
Department of Food Sciences
and Post Harvest Technology, Haramaya University, P O Box 138,
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: fekadulemessa@yahoo.com
Abstract:
A study was conducted to develop, construct and evaluate the
performance of cooling chambers made from factory pressed burnt
clay (structure-1), locally molded mud blocks (structure-2)
and wood wall (structure-3) for extending the shelf life of
mangoes and sweet oranges. It was observed that structure-1
significantly (p?0.05) registered low temperature and high relative
humidity over structure-2 and structure-3. Significant lower
physiological loss (p?0.05) in weight (PLW) was observed in
commodities stored under structure-1 due to the low temperature
and high RH probably arising from the low vapor pressure. Structure-2
registered significantly (p?0.05) low PLW as compared to structure-3
attributable to the differences in wall thickness. Total soluble
solids increased as storage time progressed. The rate of increment,
however, was significantly lower in mangoes stored under structure-1
as compared to the other chambers. The juice content of the
commodities decreased over time irrespective of cooling chambers.
The rate of reduction in juice content was, however; significantly
lower in structure-1 than the other two.
Keywords: Cooling-Chamber; Mango; Shelf-life; Sweet-Orange
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 127-135)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Enclosures
to Enhance Woody Species Diversity in the Dry Lands of Eastern
Tigray, Ethiopia
Emiru Birhane1*, Demel
Teketay2, Pia Barklund3
1Mekelle University, Land
Resources Management and Environmental Protection Department,
P O Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: emibir@yahoo.com
2Forest Stewardship Council, African Regional Office (FSC Africa),
P O Box UP 805, Kumasi, Ghana
3Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of
Forest Pathology, P O Box 7060 SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Abstract:
Vegetation and soil seed banks were studied in exclosures and
unprotected areas, to investigate the role of exclosures in
the rehabilitation of degraded drylands. Woody vegetation was
assessed in fifty plots in exclosures and 30 in unprotected
areas, each measuring 20 × 20 m². Twenty-seven woody
species representing eighteen families were observed in exclosures
and fourteen woody species representing twelve families were
recorded in open area. Higher abundance, density and basal area
were found in the exclosure. An expanding population structure
in exclosure, and obstructed population structure in open area,
showed favorable succession in the set-aside area. In both cases,
woody species were absent in the soil seed bank.
Keywords: Degradation; Natural Regeneration; Rehabilitation;
Soil Seed Bank
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 136-147)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Vegetation Composition,
Biomass Production, Carrying Capacity and Grassland Types in
Odolla Area of Shinile Zone, Eastern Ethiopia
Tessema Zewdu1 and Yvan
Oustalet2
1Department of Animal Sciences, Haramaya Univesity, P O Box
138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: tessemaz@yahoo.com
2Handicap International, P O Box 2686, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Abstract:
A study was conducted to characterize vegetation composition
and grassland types as well as to estimate biomass production
and carrying capacity of the rangeland in Ordolla areas of Shinile
zone, eastern Ethiopia in October 2004. The Ordolla grasslands
covered 22,621ha on alluvial plain composed of sand and silt
texture and clay in minor cases in small hydromorophic depressions.
Seventeen vegetation types are identified in Orodolla areas
based on soil types, vegetation structure and density, and drainage
pattern described using LANDSAT image and geographical map of
the area. The dominant grass species were Cynodon dactylon,
Cynodon nlemfuensis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Cenchrus ciliaris,
Andropogon greenwayii, Brachiaria leersiodes, Setaria pumila
and Sorghum arundinaceum. Acacia tortilis, Acacia nilotica,
Acacia mellifera and Acacia seyal were the most dominant shrubs
with scattered Caddaba rotundifolia, Caddaba furmisa, Seddera
bagshawei, Tamarix nilotica, Dobera glabra and abundant Parthenium
hysterophorus, Cissus rotundifolia and C. quadrangularis. The
grass biomass estimated in enclosed site near Ordolla village
was 4.5 t DM/ha/yr and the total grass biomass produced in Ordolla
rangeland was estimated around 27 534 t DM/year. The theoretical,
dry and wet seasons carrying capacities were 0.16, 0.06 and
0.09 TLU/ha, respectively. There were good grazing lands in
hydromorphic depression and well drained facets in Ordolla areas
but the palatable grasses, trees and shrubs are decreasing due
to overgrazing, runoff and drought and replaced by Parthenium,
Calotropis, Solanum and Xanthium species, which are invader
category of the plant community, indicating overgrazing and
rangeland degradation.
Keywords: Biomass Production; Carrying Capacity; Grassland
Types; Grazing Lands; Vegetation Composition
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 148-159)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Characterization
and Fertility Status of the Soils of Ayehu Research Substation,
Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
Getachew Fisseha1 and
Heluf Gebrekidan2*
1Bahir Dar University,
P O Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
2Haramaya University, P O Box 4, Haramaya University, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author. E-mail: helufgebrekidan@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The pedogenic properties and fertility status of the soils at
Ayehu Substation of the Amhara Region Agricultural Research
Institute were studied both in the field and through laboratory
analysis. On the basis of in situ description of two soil profiles
and laboratory analysis, the soils of the study site qualified
for the Nitisol soil group as per the FAO/UNESCO Soil Grouping
System. The soils were moderately acidic in reaction and silty
clay to clay in texture. The pedons exhibited increasing clay
contents with depth qualifying for argillic (Bt) horizons. The
surface horizons of both pedons revealed the lowest and the
bottom (Bt3) horizons indicate the highest bulk density values.
The consistent increase of bulk density with depth is apparently
due to the decreasing level of organic carbon (OC) with depth
from 2.6 to 0.6% in pedon 1 and from 2.8 to 1.1% in pedon 2.
The lowest total porosity (44.2%) was observed in the Bt3 horizon
of pedon 1 and the highest (55.2%) in the composite surface
soil collected around pedon 2. Throughout the depths of the
two pedons and surface soil samples, pH (H2O) values were higher
than pH (KCl) resulting in positive ?pH values and indicating
the presence of variable charge clay surfaces. The subsoil horizons
showed lower values of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and percentage
base saturation suggesting intensive weathering and presence
of 1:1 (kaolinitic) clay minerals. The quantity of exchangeable
Na was trace whilst appreciable amount of exchangeable K was
available in both pedons. The surface horizons contained high
exchangeable Ca and Mg to the extent that the sum of these bases
occupied over 83% of the CEC in both pedons. In accordance with
OC, total N decreased with depth from 0.19 to 0.05% in pedon
1 and from 0.22 to 0.10% in pedon 2. The highest contents of
Olsen P (3.21 mg l-1) and Bray P (4.40 mg l-1) were obtained
in the surface horizon of pedon 1 and both showed decreasing
trends with depth in the two pedons. Application of increasing
rates of P fertilizer increased both the Olsen and Bray II P
consistently, while applied rates of N did not bring significant
change in soil total N content.
Keywords: Ayehu Area; Bray II Available P; Nitisols; Olsen
Available P; Pedon
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 160-169)
ISSN 1993-8195
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East African
Journal of Sciences
(EAJS)
Registration
of Chercher and Haramaya: Common Bean Varieties for Production
in Eastern Ethiopia
Chemeda Fininsa* and Bulti
Tesso
Department of Plant Sciences,
Haramaya University, P O Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
* Corresponding author. E-mail: chefigu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Two common bean (Phaselus vulgaris L.) varieties: Chercher (STTT-165-96)
and Haramaya (G-843) developed by the Haramaya University were
released for production in the highlands of Hararghe and similar
agro-ecologies in 2005 and 2006, respectively. These varieties
were selected and evaluated at 12 environments (locations x
years) in eastern Ethiopia between 1998 and 2001. The varieties
were described in their phenological and seed characters, yield
performance, disease reaction, quality aspect, and adaptation,
and compared with the standard and local checks. The varieties
have indeterminate bush type growth habit and preferable seed
size and color, stable and high yield (1.7 tons ha-1 for Chercher
and 2.8 tons ha-1 for Haramaya) across environments, resistance
reactions to major fungal and bacterial diseases, and superior
canning (Chercher) and food qualities.
Keyword: Chercher; Common Bean; Haramaya; Variety Registration
East African Journal of Sciences (January
2007), Volume 1, N.o.2 (p.p 170-171)
ISSN 1993-8195
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Contact Information
Telephone
251-025-5530324
FAX
251-025-5530325/31/54
Postal address
Haramaya University
Editorial Office
P.O.Box 116
Haramaya, Ethiopia
Electronic mail
General Information:
E-Mail: teshew@yahoo.com
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