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Poor soil fertility status due to erosion, intensive farming, and leaching of nutrients causes food insecurity in Ethiopia. Hence, estimating soil fertility status using different measurements is very essential to secure food insecurity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of land management on soil fertility using a nutrient balance approach at Kecha and Laguna micro watersheds in 2016. Plant nutrient losses were estimated through measuring discharge and sediment loads coming from the treated (Kecha) and untreated (Laguna) catchments. A total of 40 bulk sediment and water samples were collected on a monthly basis. The inputs used in the two catchments, inorganic fertilizer and organic manure, were quantified through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Plant samples were collected from 92 plots for determining grain yield (OUT1) and straw biomass (OUT2). Other inputs and outputs were calculated using a transfer function. From sediment, grain and straw samples, NPK contents were determined. The nutrient balances were found to be −89.37, −23.66 and −124.75 NPK kg/ha, and −112.41, −20.62 and −130.26 NPK for Kecha and Laguna, respectively. The main paths for these negative balances were residue removal and soil losses. Higher nutrient losses were observed in Laguna than Kecha watershed; this may be due to lack of soil management practices, crop rotation and planting of leguminous plants. Therefore, soil management practices should be done to reduce these higher losses of plant nutrients, and maintain crop residues in the farm so that nutrient recycling and better soil fertility can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millettia ferruginea leaf solvent extracts were tested for repellency against the most important pests of stored maize; the maize weevils and the red flour beetles. 2.5%, 5%, and 10% dosages were applied in 9 cm Whatman number 1 filter paper, with dividing it into three parts. The untreated portion was used as a control, while the neutral was served as the insect release portion. Significantly (P <0.05) higher percentage weevils and beetles (>55%) repellency was recorded in all M. ferruginea leaf polar solvent extracts applied at rates of 5% and 10%, at 2 days after treatment than nonpolar and partial polar solvent extract treatments, and the untreated check. One hundred percent weevils and beetles repellency were recorded in all M. ferruginea leaf polar extract treatments applied at rates of 10%, at 3 days after treatment. Therefore, the M. ferruginea leaf polar solvent extracts were potent, and they could be used in the management of the maize weevils and the red flour beetles in stored maize, at 5% and 10% dosages, under farmers' storage conditions in Ethiopia. However, the crude extracts effect on a human beings, natural enemies, and the cost-effectiveness under farmers' storage conditions needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ethiopian cereal, tef, is a healthy food stuff for the people, and most preferred and palatable feed stuff for livestock. Evaluation of performance of genotypes at a number of locations provides useful information to determine their adaptation and stability. The objectives of the study were to estimate the magnitude of genotype-environment interaction (G × E), to determine its effects, and to identify stable tef genotypes. In the study, twelve genotypes of tef were evaluated in seven environments in the Northeast part of Ethiopia. The result showed that effects of genotype, environment and the G × E were significant and explained 5.08%, 82.67% and 12.25% of the treatment variance signifying that environment was the predominant contributor of the variation. The AMMI analysis showed that five of the IPCAs were significant. The first two, being very important, explained 66.04% and 20.35% of the G × E variance, respectively. The AMMI2 biplot showed that genotypes 202416A, 202382A and 205958 were not affected by environmental fluctuations as they had minimum interaction. The GGE analysis showed that 50.12% and 33.47% of the GGE variance were captured by the first and the second IPCAs, respectively. Based on the stability statistics considered, the genotypes 205953 and 202416A could be recommended as desirable (high yielding and stable) genotypes on the locations (environments) under study; both can be used as parents for future tef crossing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to assess the profitability and resource-use efficiency of sugarcane producers in Nawalparasi West district, Nepal. The primary data were collected from 135 sugarcane farmers' personal interview. Cost and return analysis and Cobb-Douglas production function were used for analysis. The B:C ratio of main crop was found 1.02 and ratoon crop was 2.08, whereas overall B:C was 1.35. Labor, setts, irrigation and nutrient were found to have significant and positive effect on gross return of sugarcane. Furthermore, labor and tillage hour were found to be over-utilized whereas irrigation, nutrient and setts were found to be underutilized. Insufficiency and unavailability of chemical fertilizer, absence of irrigation and drainage facilities and unavailability of quality setts were reasons for underutilization. Assurance of availability and affordability of setts, fertilizers, irrigation and intervention of modern-integrated agro-machineries can play significant role for efficient use of resources. Moreover, subsidy on inputs and mechanization are recommended to reduce the cost of production and maximize the profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop pests (weeds, insect pests and pathogens) are recognised worldwide as a serious challenge to agricultural production and threat to food security. Potential losses due to weeds, animal pests and pathogens have been reported at 34%, 18% and 16%, respectively. In monetary terms losses can be high, for example, annual smallholder losses due to just five invasive species in six African countries have been estimated at US$0.9–1.1 billion. Here, smallholder mixed maize farmers' perceptions of the key constraints to their farming practices are considered. Semi-structured interviews with smallholder households, in addition to key informant interviews, reveal that farmers report insect pests, pathogens and weeds (collectively "pests") as the main constraints to farm production. Farmers report yield losses experienced due to pests, together with control expenditure significantly affect net income whilst undermining other livelihood assets. Farmers in Mwea West are highly vulnerable to a range of pests including a number of invasive alien species. Importantly, the farmer perceptions in this study agree with major research studies and confirm the serious impacts of pests on smallholder livelihoods. In order to achieve positive livelihood outcomes there is an urgent need for support to improve smallholder food security; this is especially important for countries with low gross domestic product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for growth of most crop plants in sub-Saharan Africa and legume crops largely depend on fixed nitrogen from indigenous nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The identification and symbiotic characterization of indigenous rhizobia is the basis for inoculants formulation for sustainable legume production in the face of climate change. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of indigenous rhizobia responsible for cowpea nodulation in farmers' fields across three Counties of Western Kenya. The symbiotic performance of abiotic stress-tolerant rhizobia in their homologous cowpea was also assessed. The results showed high genetic variability among the rhizobia isolates based on morphology and ERIC-PCR fingerprinting. Nine indigenous rhizobia isolates tolerant to extreme temperature, salinity and pH were tested for symbiotic efficiency in a glasshouse experiment. The rhizobia isolates were able to efficiently nodulate cowpea and showed wide variations in their symbiotic efficiency (SE). Five isolates (M2bii, B6ii, B2i, V5ii and V11i) showed significantly higher SE (p < 0.001) ranging from 114.6–179.6% compared to the commercial inoculant (CIAT 899) and N supplemented treatment. Further, six isolates with variability in symbiotic efficiencies were subjected to nifH symbiotic gene sequencing and confirmed their identities as Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium. These isolates have potential for inoculant formulation. The results indicates the existence of indigenous rhizobia isolates which can tolerate environmental stresses and are symbiotically effective and thus can be developed into inoculants to improve the productivity of cowpea in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is one of the widely cultivated crops, contributing for sustainable farming development due to its excellent nitrogen contribution via symbiosis. The response of Bradyrhizobium inoculants depends on the compatibility of the strain and the legume crop. Therefore, the current work aimed to evaluate the symbiotic effectiveness of the Bradyrhizobium isolates with cowpea varieties tested on sand. For these purpose, five Bradyrhizobium isolates (CP-24, CP-10, CP-37, GN-33 and GN-102) and five cowpea varieties (Keti (IT99K-1122), TVU, Black eye bean, White wonderer trailing and Bole) were used. The experiment was arranged using CRD, with three replicates. The result of the experiment showed, significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for all the measured parameters. White wonderer trailing inoculated with CP-24 exhibited the higher plant height (28.33 cm), whereas, the least plant height recorded when Keti (IT99K-1122) variety was inoculated with GN-102. The highest nodule number per plant (47.67) recorded from CP-24 inoculated Black eye bean variety. The highest nodule dry weight recorded from CP-24 inoculated TVU variety. A pink nodule color and green leaf observed from the cowpea varieties inoculated with Bradyrhizobium isolates. For all the parameters considered, the control treatments showed significantly lower performance compared with the inoculated treatments. Hence, this study proves the need for Bradyrhizobium inoculation to improve the growth, biomass and nodulation performance, and to use these isolates for field production of cowpea in the study area and similar agro-ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of tillage intervals to reduce weed infestation and increase the seed yield of lentil. The field experiments were conducted at Ude and Dekebora on a farmer's field from 2018–2019. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. Main plot treatments were assigned the four tillage interval viz., T0, T10, T15, and T20 after the first plowing and subplot treatments were three lentil cultivars. Results showed that tillage interval had a significant effect on most measured traits both at Ude and Dekebora. Lentil cultivars were also a significant effect on phenology at Ude and only days to maturity at Dekebora. The number of seeds per pod and seed yield was affected by tillage and cultivars interaction at Dekebora. At Ude, seed yield was affected by the year × cultivars × tillage system. At Dekebora, seed yield was on average 50.7% more with soil tillage with a T15 combined with Alemaya cultivar compared to T0 with R-186 cultivar. At Ude, lentil seed yield was also 49.6% more soil tillage with T15 combined Alemaya cultivar in 2018 as compared to 2019 cropping season to that of T0 with R-186 cultivar. It was concluded that subsequent tillage operation carried at the right time beneficial effects on lentil productivity and reduced weed infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global population doubled in the past decades and the situation is more serious in sub-Saharan African Countries. This also resulted in increased demand for biofuels, land, water, and increased pressure of prices of agricultural products, land, and water. Regardless of this it has been possible to increase per capita world food production by 24% and 40% by the adoption of green revolution technologies such as high yielding cultivars, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water. However, these technologies have their own drawbacks, which may be attributed to their adverse effect on human health, environment, and escalating prices of agricultural inputs, especially fertilizer. On the other hand, there are technologies which have been proved to be effective in addressing these problems. As a result, it is demanding to look for these alternative eco-friendly agricultural technologies that can be used along with modern practices to tackle the challenge in a sustainable manner. These eco-friendly technologies may include intercropping, alley-cropping, agroforestry, cover crops, composting, and vermin-composting. Hence, depending on the suitability and availability of the technologies it is possible to address both food security and environmental problems simultaneously by integrating these technologies along with modern techniques such as inorganic fertilizers, irrigation, and improved varieties in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentials of pragmatic crop rotation practices and organic matter applications for restoration of soil health and productivity of degraded highland crop fields were studied for three rotation phases from 2013 to 2015 in northwest Ethiopia. Factorial combinations of five crop rotations (R1+ = bread wheat–clover–potato, R2+ = clover–bread wheat undersowing lupine–potato, R3+ = potato–clover–bread wheat, R4+ = bread wheat undersowing lupine–potato undersowing lupine–bread wheat, and R5+ = lupine–potato undersowing lupine–bread wheat) and four manure application rates [M1 = control/0tha−1 manure, M2 = 2.5 tha−1 sesbania green manure (SGM), M3 = 5 tha−1 fresh cattle manure (FCM), and M4 = 2.5 tha−1 SGM + 5 tha−1 FCM] were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Plus sign (+) with crop rotation indicated that crop residues and green manure of legumes at 50% flowering were incorporated into the soil. The results showed that soil properties and productivity of crops were markedly improved with three-year interventions of crop rotation and manure application. As compared to that of the initial before starting the experiment, soil bulk density, pH, CEC, and contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, and exchangeable potassium were improved on average by about 23%, 18%, 67%, 89%, 150%, 89%, and 44%, respectively, with R1+M4 treatment combination in three-year period. Similarly, compared to that of 2013, productivity of bread wheat and potato increased on average by about 446% and 540% in 2015 with R3M4 and R1M4, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key among government strategies to promote efficient and participatory water management in Kenya is through empowering local communities to manage water resources through Water Resource Users' Associations (WRUAs) which is a collective action initiative. However, there is contrasting empirical evidence on the welfare benefits households derive from this water governance mechanism. The study applied the endogenous switching regression to estimate the causal impact on household consumption per adult equivalent and household incomes per adult equivalent. The results indicate that WRUA membership has a positive and significant effect on household consumption per adult equivalent and household income per adult equivalent. The results show that non-members would have significant welfare improvements in their household consumption and incomes if they undertook WRUA membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of chickpea in Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides viz., Fastac, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, Diazinon, Runner, and Lambda cyhalothrin were tested at Sirinka on trial site and Chefa on farmers' field in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications during 2017 and 2018. Percentage pod damage, mean larval count per plant, hundred seed weight, and grain yield were significantly affected by the treatments; all tested insecticides significantly reduced the percentage pod damage and mean larvae per plant accordingly increased grain yield ha−1 among insecticides Indoxacarb (48.11) and Spinosad (43.37%) gave higher relative yield increment with maximum MRR 8112.24% and 7698.28% respectively. Thus, the application of Indoxacarb (Avaunt 150 SC) 0.3 Lha−1 or Spinosad (Tracer 480 SC) 0.15 Lha−1 three times with a week interval can be advised for the management of H.armigera; however, it needs further investigation for the interval and frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faba bean is one of the principal foods and cash crops produced in Ethiopia. However, storage insect pests are causing its considerable loss, and farmers' food insecurity. Consequently, a survey involving bean grains sampling from a total of 162 farmers stores were conducted between 4, September 2019–15, May 2020 in its six, major producing kebeles of Farta District. From each kebele, nine villages were selected at random and at each village, three randomly selected farmers' stores using a nested design were used for grain sampling. The keys of storage pest books were used for insects identification collected from samples. A total of 1844 insects belonging to 10 species, within two families of order Coleoptera, and one family of order Psocoptera were identified. Acanthoscelides obtectus, Callosobruchus sp., Callosobruchus chinensis, Zabrotes subfasciatus, followed by Callosobruchus species and C. dimidatus were the densely distributed, and the most frequently occurring; thus, major pests. The major status of these pests was suggested to affect farmers' food security in the study area. Consequently, the farmers' traditional practices were ineffective for faba bean grains protection. Therefore, planning stored faba bean pests' management strategies in the study area, in particular and Ethiopia, in general is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield is a complex quantitative trait largely influenced by the environment. Direct selection for grain yield is less efficient in improving groundnut productivity. The selection efficiency can be enhanced by exploiting the relationship between yield and its related traits. Moreover, the use of genetically diverse parents is essential to generate genetic variation for successful selection of genotypes in a breeding program. Therefore, the study aimed at analysing the relationship between grain yield and its related traits and determining the morphological diversity among selected groundnut genotypes under natural rosette disease (GRD) infestation. The genotypes were evaluated in a 7 × 4 alpha lattice design with three replications. Data were collected on yield and yield-related traits. Correlation, path coefficient and multivariate analyses were done. The results revealed that yield was directly associated with plant height, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight, GRD incidence and number of secondary branches. Therefore, these traits should be considered in selection when improving groundnut for yield. Cluster analysis revealed existence of diversity among the evaluated groundnut genotypes with no influence of geographical origin to the clustering pattern. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) biplot was effective in showing the genetic distance among the genotypes and the results were comparable with those of the cluster analysis. Moreover, Shannon-Weaver diversity indices revealed existence of high diversity among the genotypes, an implication that groundnut improvement for yield is possible through selection in breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of synthetic pesticides in vegetables is burgeoning these days. A field experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal from March to June 2019 to evaluate the effect of bio-pesticides, mulching materials, and synthetic pesticides in the management of okra jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatment consisted of three insecticides (Chloropyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC (3 ml/liter), Neem oil 1% EC (2 ml/liter) and Trichoderma (2 gm/liter) and four mulching materials (silver plastic, black plastic, wheat straw, and bare soil). The best performance was recorded in the synthetics treated plots with the lowest jassid population (14.11/5 leaves) followed by Trichoderma spp. (16.37/5 leaves) and Neem oil (17.96/5 leaves). Similarly, the synthetic was found statistically superior in the reduction of jassid population (45–62%). However, the synthetics and Trichoderma spp. treated plots had a statistically similar yield, 20.11 t/ha, and 18.68 t/ha, respectively. Silver plastic was found efficient for jassid (14.01/5 leaves) management, higher fruit yield (25.36 t/ha), pod length (27.37 cm), and pod diameter (7.05 cm). The interaction of silver plastic mulch and the synthetics provided the highest yield (27.74 t/ha) which was statistically similar to the combination of Trichoderma and silver plastic mulch (27.27 t/ha). Results from this experiment suggest that the application of Trichoderma spp. in combination with silver plastic mulch could be recommended for maximum and healthy okra production and effectively substitutes the use of synthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2019 to determine the effects of various weed management practices on weed dynamics and productivity of wet direct-seeded spring rice at Baniyani, Jhapa. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of Pretilachlor 50% EC (dose: 900 ml a.i. ha−1) as a pre-emergence herbicide, Bispyribac sodium 10% SC (dose: 240 ml a.i. ha−1) as a post-emergence herbicide, hand weeding (at 30 DAS and 60 DAS), weed-free (weeding at every 15 days interval) and weedy check as control. The rice variety used in the experiment was Hardinath-1. The plot treated with Bispyribac sodium recorded a significantly higher number of effective tillers per meter square and grains per panicle at 90 DAS while it recorded the lowest weed density (9.17 weeds m−2) at 60 DAS. Sedges were dominant as compared to broadleaf and grasses. Sterility percentage and 1000-grain weight were not affected by various weed management techniques. Bispyibac sodium was found statistically superior in terms of grain yield (6.97 tons ha−1), straw yield (7.78 tons ha−1) and harvest index (47.29%). The experiment concluded that there was a reduction in yield by 67.9 percent due to the presence of weed as compared to weed-free. The economic analysis revealed that the post-emergence herbicide Bispyribac sodium was beneficial as compared to other weed management practices in terms of gross returns, net returns and BC ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are the most threatened in Ethiopia due to agricultural land expansion as they are exposed to high population pressure and thus, conservation measures should be based on scientific evidence since resources for nature conservation are limited. We evaluated the species composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species at Gelawoldie community forest. This was analyzed from 32 quadrats laid down in belt transect, each with 400 m2 and 25 m2 for trees and shrubs, and seedlings and saplings, respectively using systematic sampling method. Diversity was analysed using Shannon-Wiener diversity index. A total of 59 woody plant species in 49 genera and 38 families were identified. Of these, 35.5%, 50.8% and 13.5% were trees, shrubs and climbers, respectively. The diversity and evenness of the forest were 3.8 and 0.9, respectively. Moreover, the forest had total mean stand density of 2016 stems ha−1 and basal area of 93.8 m2ha−1. More than 61% of the woody plant species had lower than 5% importance value index (IVI), while the remaining 39% had ≥ 5%. The overall results of the present study revealed higher number of individuals at the lowest diameter (2.5–10 cm) and height classes and progressively declined numbers in higher classes yielding reverse J-shaped distribution pattern. This shows that the forest had healthy regeneration. However, analysis from individual woody plant structure, and count of seedlings and saplings showed that about 17.7% and 5.3% of the species including the endemic have fair and poor regeneration, respectively. Thus, there is a strong need for conservation measures that have to start by identifying the major drivers of low regeneration and the subsequent loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is a very important crop that consists of traits with different associationship due to genetic and environmental factors. In order to determine the degree of association between seed cotton yield and important traits, a study was done using an RCBD experiment with ten genotypes. Seed cotton yield, GOT, lint yield, boll weight, bolls per plant, seed weight, plant height, fibre length, elongation, fineness and strength data were collected and analysed. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation analysis was done in Meta R. Estimation of direct and indirect effects was done using path analysis in Microsoft Excel. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for boll weight, seed weight, GOT and plant height. Seed cotton yield was correlated with lint yield (r = 0.71***), fibre elongation (r = 0.54***), bolls per plant (0.27***), seed weight (r = 0.22***), strength (r = 0.21***) and fineness (r = 0.13*) at genotypic level. Ginning outturn was correlated with lint yield (r = 0.70***), elongation (r = 0.60***) and strength (r = 0.50***). Boll weight was correlated with seed weight (r = 0.56***) whilst plant height was highly associated with fibre strength (r = 0.58***). The adjusted R Square (0.98), low standard error (0.12) and low residual effect (R = 0.01) in regression analysis indicated that variability of seed cotton yield was explained by the causal variables. Lint yield had the highest direct effect on seed cotton yield (r = 1.055). Traits that could be used for indirect selection were bolls per plant (r = 0.006), seed weight (0.022) and or plant height (0.012). Gin outturn (0.737) had the highest indirect contribution to seed cotton yield through lint yield, followed by strength (0.012) through plant height, seed weight (0.011) through boll weight, fibre fineness (0.010) through boll weight. It was therefore concluded that selection of high yielding cotton genotypes could emphasize more on lint yield, boll weights, plant height and bolls per plant for better-performing lines. Gin outturn and fibre strength could be used indirectly to improve seed cotton yield through other traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Willd (quinoa) is a crop that originated from the Andes and has been recently introduced in Zimbabwe so the agronomic performance is unknown yet. A 3-year field experiment was carried out at the Women's University in Africa research farm, Marondera, Zimbabwe. The research evaluated the response of quinoa to different cattle manure application rates, plant population ha−1 and growing seasons. A 3 × 3 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized block design with three replicates was used in the experiment. Cherry Vanilla Quinoa variety was established under three cattle manure application rates (0, 9 and 18 t ha−1), three planting densities (29629, 55555 and 80 000 plants ha−1) and two growing seasons per year (summer and winter). Analysis of variance was done to compare the effects of the treatments on quinoa growth parameters. There was significant (P < 0.05) interaction on cattle manure application rates × plant population ha−1 × growing season in all the measured response variables. The vegetative phase was higher on soil fertility amended than unamended plots in summer than winter regardless of the planting density. Highest grain yield (2.5 t ha−1) and thousand grain weight (T.G.W) (2.5 g) were recorded in winter at 9 t ha−1 + 55,555 plants ha−1 while lowest T.G.W (0.2 g) and grain yield (0.1 t ha−1) were noted in 18 t ha−1 + 80,000 plants ha−1 in summer. Quinoa can be grown in winter or summer with 9 t ha−1 + 55555 plants ha−1 for grain or biomass, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, indiscriminate slaughtering of pregnant ruminants and consequent foetal wastage (FW) are persistent practices, which have impacted the agricultural and economic advancement of such countries. Retrospective data from 2008 to 2016 of a municipal slaughterhouse in Ogun state, Nigeria was assessed for the current patterns of female cattle (FC) slaughter and FW. A total of 353,503 (mean/year: 29,457 ± 1651) FC were slaughtered, and 44,713 (12.65%; mean/year: 3,726 ± 584) FW estimated over a period of 9 years. There were significant yearly variations in throughput of FC and FW (p < 0.0001), and a strong and positive correlation between FC and FW (r = 0.74, p = 0.006). We report a significant increase in FC slaughter and FW. Action plans such as awareness programs among livestock stakeholders, review on slaughter reforms, enforcement of policies that encourage realistic and positive attitude geared towards sustainable livestock practices, animal welfare, food security, and prohibition of pregnant animal slaughtering are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is the most limiting nutrient in most of soils of highlands of Ethiopia. Mathematical models that integrate the soil test indices with fertilizer requirements can be important for phosphorus fertilizer recommendation. This study was conducted to verify the recommended soil test based calibration equation for phosphorus (P) fertilizer for two consecutive years on 16 farmers' fields. Before planting, the initial soil P level was analyzed and ranged from 5.8 to 11.4 ppm. Based on the P calibration model of Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center (DBARC), the phosphorus requirement ranged from 17 to 120 P2O5 kg ha−1. Nevertheless, in the second year, the initial P level was between 5.04 and 14.29 ppm and the need for P2O5 ranged from zero to 110.4 kg P2O5 ha−1 with DBARC model. In contrast, with agronomic phosphorus fertilizer recommendation, the need for P2O5 was 138 kg ha−1 for both locations for the two years. The first year result revealed that soil test based fertilizer application save 51% of the P2O5 applied compared to the agronomic fertilizer recommendation (138 P2O5 kg ha−1). However, in the second year DBARC and GARC model, could reduce P2O5 fertilizer applied by 65.94 and 44.2%, respectively. The first year result indicated that DBARC model had a mean grain and straw yield penalty of 0.8% and 0.7% compared to the agronomic phosphorus fertilizer recommendation. Similarly, in second year the penalty could be found to be 10.3% and 7.8%. The result also indicated that DBARC P calibration model had the higher net benefit of 19,088 ETB ha−1. The same was true for benefit cost ratio. Therefore, from this study, it is recommended that soil test based fertilizer recommendation shall be used for farmers and hence the P critical and P factor for the test crop were found to be 12.56 and 6.41, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of good breeding program usually depends upon the genetic variability present in the breeding materials, however, spatial and temporal studying on the amount, kind and magnitude of variability as well as genetic relationship of traits are not efficiently exploited yet. The present investigation was designed to assess the extent of variability, genetic advance, heritability and interrelation of different traits of 100 chickpea genotypes using triple lattice design in Takusa district, North Gondar, Ethiopia, during 2018/19 main cropping season. The examined genotypes were highly significant for all studied traits. The magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation indicated the presence of variability among advanced lines. The trait above ground biomass exhibited the highest range of variability followed by grain yield, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight, days to flowering and days to maturity. The highest estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were exhibited grain yield followed by number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, above ground biomass, and harvest index. The highest broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for grain yield, number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, above ground biomass and hundred seed weight. In the present investigation inter distance (D2) values were ranged from 81.6 to 874.5 with a total of 9 significant clusters. The first four principal components, whose Eigenvalues greater than one, accounted more than 81.5% of the total variation. Hence, the existence of huge variability infers, exploiting the existing variation is enough to improve chickpea grain yield only thorough simple selection by giving due attention for above ground biomass, number of secondary branch per plant, number of pod per plant and harvest index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The participatory evaluation was conducted to assess the forage yield of the natural pasture in degraded grazing land through the application of urea, manure and Vicia sativa over sown with farmers' practices at the Emba Alaje district. Using a single plot design, a total of 180 quadrats of size 1 × 1 m2 were employed to analyze data on herbaceous vegetation through ANOVA using R-software. Hence, the results of the study revealed that Vicia saliva over sown, manure and urea treated pastureland had significantly (P < 0.001) recorded a higher total dry matter yield (3.43, 3.87 and 4.27 ton/ha, respectively) as compared to the farmers' practice (2.93 ton/ha). The Shannon diversity index for herbaceous species was also found to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher for manure treated (1.99) and farmers' practice (1.73) pasturelands. Results from the partial budget analysis also indicated that urea, manure treated and Vicia sativa over sown on the degraded pastureland had the better economic benefit than the existing farmers' practice as the calculated net return was found to be positive. The results suggest that an improved pastureland interventions involving legume over sowing, urea application and manure application can increase biomass productivity of degraded grazing lands. Therefore, the study concluded that the application of improved pastureland interventions compared to the local practice is better options for pastureland enhancement, which has the potential to enhance herbaceous species rehabilitation and forge productivity where it generates better net returns at reasonable cost implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low crop yields are observed in the soils of South Kivu and lead to food insecurity and malnutrition. An experiment was conducted on a ferralsol to determine the optimal dose in both local and improved common bean cultivars (M'Sole and HM-21) and subsequently that which will allow store nutrients not only in the leaves but also in the seeds, the two parts of the plant commonly consumed and sold in the region. Experiments were conducted in a split-plot design with three replications in 2017 and 2018. Observations were focused on growth and yield parameters. N, P, and Fe levels were determined in leaves, roots and seeds. Results showed that common bean yield and its related parameters were influenced by the fertilizer doses and varieties. The biofortified variety (HM-21) presented higher yield than the local (M'Sole). The allocation of N, P and Fe varied from one variety to another; the best concentration was obtained with 51 kg ha−1 of N, P and K which corresponded to 300 kg ha−1 of NPK composite fertiliser. High nutrient concentrations were observed in young (0.23 g kg−1 of N and 51 ppm of Fe), actively growing leaves (0.19 g kg−1 of N and 50 ppm of Fe) and at the end of the growth cycle (0.19 g kg−1 of N and 48 ppm Fe). Thus, grains and leaves of biofortified beans can reduce anemia problems in eastern of DR Congo by increasing yield and nutrient concentrations in grains and leaves by using 300 kg ha−1 on degraded ferralsols of South-Kivu, eastern of DR Congo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava genetic resources are highly threatened by devastating viral diseases. It is therefore important to conserve the specifically farmer-preferred landraces/cultivars that are highly susceptible. The study assessed the efficiency of hot water therapy and meristem tip culture techniques in the elimination of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) causal viruses. Stems of symptomatic cassava genotypes confirmed infected with cassava brown streak viruses (CBSV) and cassava mosaic viruses (CMV) were subjected to hot water therapy at varying temperatures (25°C—60°C) followed by two rounds of meristem tip culture (MTC). Data on sprouting in the screen house and response in vitro were recorded and weaned plants were indexed for CMV and CBSV. The results indicated 100% elimination of CMV and a significant reduction in the viral load of CBSV. Thus, these techniques could be integrated into the cassava conservation strategy, for sustainable management of cassava genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the effect of price policy, payment period and production factors in sugarcane production. Data were collected from 200 sugarcane producers in Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu district of Nepal. Linear multiple regression was used as the analytical technique. Findings revealed positive and significant effect of labour, chemical fertilizers, weeding and irrigation frequencies at 1% and 5% level of significance. The impact of Minimum Procurement Price (MPP) and direct cash subsidy were found insignificant, and delay in payment to the farmer was negative and significant at 5% level of significance. Similarly, the coefficient of multiple determinations (adjusted R2) was 0.93, which indicated that 93% variation in sugarcane yield was explained by all explanatory variables. The results showed delay in payment as major challenge disrupting the effective implementation of price policies (Minimum Procurement and direct cash subsidy) and farmer economy. The delay payment was responsible for the consequences of losses, financial distress, shift of sugarcane cultivation and ultimately decreasing the sugarcane area and production. Thus, scientific MPP, strict regulation and monitoring of sugar-mills, stock clearance of surplus sugarcane by government, incorporation of local crushers under sugarcane policies and activities, and release of direct cash subsidy during the sugarcane cultivation period could be a better solution to maximize sugarcane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado production has increased exponentially over the years worldwide. This has been necessitated by the various uses of avocado fruits other than as a source of nutrients which includes pharmaceutical, cosmetic and oil industries. These various uses of avocado have resulted to improved livelihood in terms of income generation. Increased avocado production worldwide has been at the expense of other tree and food crops. In Kenya, it is attributed to decreased acreage of key cash crops such as coffee and tea as well as staple food crops such as maize and beans. Avocado production, however, has been faced by several constraints such as poor rootstalks, diseases, pests, abiotic factors, poor harvesting technology, poor handling of harvested fruits and post-harvest diseases. All these challenges lead to poor fruit quality at the market both local and export market leading to losses economically. Of major concern is anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum boninense, Pestalotiopsis microspora both in the field and after harvest. The disease is associated with 60% losses as a result of abortion of fruits in the field and post-harvest rots. Limited studies on the the interaction of the causal agents, the disease cycle and its epidemiology in Kenya, has rendered disease management impractical. Control of this disease has been through pruning and sorting of the diseased fruits. However, majority of the farmers do not apply any control measures. Furthermore, the use of chemical control has been limited due to a lack of available fungicides registered for use in Kenya. Fruit rots and quality issues due to black spots has affected the marketability of avocado fruits in the export market mainly EU market. Due to this, the avocado farmer in Kenya has been receiving low returns from their avocado export. Further understanding of the anthracnose disease epidemiology, virulence and genetic variation of the causal agent and the sensitivity of the causal agent to available fungicides will enhance the effectiveness of the anthracnose disease management, resulting in improved avocado productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]