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ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to isolate, identify and characterize the predominant microorganisms during the fermentation of incwancwa and optimize fermentation conditions. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) load from fermented uncooked samples ranged from 4.6 ± 1.46 to 6.56 ± 0.2 log CFU/g whereas the load for yeast and coliforms ranged from 1.5 ± 0.39 to 2.12 ± 0.43 log CFU/g and 2.14 ± 0.22 to 4.09 ± 0.57 log CFU/g, respectively. LAB were the dominant microorganisms in incwancwa where Lueconostoc lactis was the main. Fermentation time and temperature had significant (p

Ten Napier grass genotypes (accessions) were assessed across 3 locations, Bako, Boneya Boshe and Gute, for forage dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) concentration, leaf:stem ratio, nutrient composition and digestibility characteristics during 2016 and 2017. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Mean DM yield was higher for accession ILRI 16804 across all locations followed by ILRI 16801 and ILRI 16800. Leaf:stem ratio, CP concentration and CP and digestible organic matter (OM) yields also varied significantly among genotypes with the highest values obtained for accession ILRI 16804 across all locations, followed by ILRI 16800 and ILRI 16801. Yields of DM, CP and digestible OM and leaf:stem ratio were higher at Boneya Boshe and Gute than at Bako and higher during 2017 than during 2016. The consistently superior performance of ILRI 16804, ILRI 16801 and ILRI 16800 in both years across the 3 sites suggests that these genotypes should be studied further on farms and in differing environments before being recommended for general cultivation in this area. Examining performance with more frequent harvests and feeding studies with livestock would confirm the benefits to be obtained from planting these new accessions.

Background. Farmers’ participation in varietal selection process is important to collect the actual feedbacks on their performance in the field and hastens promotion and popularization of technologies. The study was conducted during 2016-2017 main cropping seasons in Gofa district of southern Ethiopia. Objective. To assess and select superior cowpea variety (ies) that meet needs of farmers and preferences through farmers’ participation. Methodology. Data on agronomic traits were collected on plant and plot basis whereas at maturity and post harvest stages, farmers were requested to evaluate each variety. Eight cowpea varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates on the Gofa research station and additional unreplicated block at three nominated farmers’ fields from each testing site. Results. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the existence of significant differences (p