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Detection of Seed Borne Fungi Associated with Some Cereals and Legume Crops of Seeds Grown in Main Season at Holetta Agricultural Research Center
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
91-95
Received:
11 February 2020
Accepted:
25 February 2020
Published:
25 August 2020
Abstract: Fungi are a major cause of postharvest deterioration of cereals and legumes. The current work was carried out using sixteen samples of eight crops wheat, barley, Teff, oat, lentil, fababean, mungbean and chickpea samples were collected to investigate the presence and incidence of seed borne fungi associated with them using PDA media. Results of the mycological analysis revealed that a total of 14 fungi belonging to 11 genera viz. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris sp., Botrytis sp., Eppicocum sp., Sclerotium sp., Alternaria sp., Fusarium graminaerum, Fusarium moniliformae, Fusarium oxysporium, Trichoderma sp., Tilletia sp. and Rhizopus sp. were isolated from samples of the different crop seeds obtained from seed multiplication store, EIAR, HARC. Infection percentage varied from 5-100% in samples of seed multiplication store. In wheat variety wane and limu, in oat variety CI8237, CI8238, CI8239 and CI8240, in chickpea variety Natoli, Habru and Arerti, and in fababean variety Dosha showed 100% infection followed by Wolki of Fababean (97.5%), and one variety of Mungbean showed infection of 80%. One variety Iboni of Barley showed 75% infection and Dagem and Kora of Teff showed 37.5% and 12.5% infection. Bekoji variety of Lentil showed least infections of 5%. The obtained results revealed that seed-borne pathogens were present in most seed samples of important cereals and legume crops. Some of the identified fungi are potential producers of mycotoxins, thus their presence is important in terms of reduced food safety for humans and animals. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis and pathogen surveillance will provide time for the development and the application of disease management strategies.
Abstract: Fungi are a major cause of postharvest deterioration of cereals and legumes. The current work was carried out using sixteen samples of eight crops wheat, barley, Teff, oat, lentil, fababean, mungbean and chickpea samples were collected to investigate the presence and incidence of seed borne fungi associated with them using PDA media. Results of the...
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Effects of Moringa oleifera Aqueous Leaf Extract on Some Serum-biochemical Constituents on Wister Rats
Ibrahim Maina Hassan,
Bashir Saidu,
Ja’afaru Abdullahi Ishaq,
Ashiru Dahiru,
Nafisat Abdulazeez,
Halima Ibrahim Yusuf,
Jubril Saidu Fatima,
Yushau Shuaibu Baraya,
Adamu Abdul Abubakar,
Adama Musa Abdullahi
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
96-101
Received:
2 April 2020
Accepted:
18 May 2020
Published:
27 August 2020
Abstract: Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. The global market value of medicinal plant products exceeds $100 billion per annum. This study was conducted to know the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf on Serum biochemistry of experimental exposed Wister rats. Moringa oleifera leaf was extracted with distilled water and concentrated to semisolid form with rotary evaporator at 42°C. Twenty apparently healthy rats weighing 128-233g were exposed to different concentration of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract. Control group were exposed to only distill water. The animals were divided into 3 groups of five rats each, with Group-I exposed to 500 mg/kg crude extract. Group-II exposed to 1000 mg/kg crude extract and Group-III exposed to 2000 mg/kg crude extract. There significant difference (p< 0.05) in analyzed serum biochemical parameters (Creatinine, Urea, Aspartate amino transferase and Alanine amino transferase) between the experimental and control group. From this finding, it can be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract up to 2000mg/kg is safe and cause slight changes in serum biochemistry. Toxicity studies of this plant extracts as well as phytochemical studies to reaffirm it effect in several body tissues and organs and identify the bioactive compounds are highly recommended.
Abstract: Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. The global market value of medicinal plant products exceeds $100 billion per annum. This study was conducted to know the effect of Moringa ...
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Major Achievements of Plant Biotechnology in Crop Improvements
Birhanu Babiye,
Girma Haile,
Mulugeta Adamu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
102-106
Received:
19 February 2020
Accepted:
10 March 2020
Published:
27 August 2020
Abstract: Biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for a specific use. Agricultural biotechnology is the area of biotechnology involving applications to agriculture. Based on an understanding of DNA, scientists have developed solutions to increase agricultural productivity. Integrating recombinant techniques into conventional breeding programs could substantially enhance the efficiency of agricultural research and development. Breeding could be accelerated due to the more targeted transfer of desired genes into the crop. The major transgenic breeding objectives are; improving the agronomic traits and quality traits of different crops. Deliberate alteration of the genome of an organism by introduction of one or a few specific foreign genes is referred to as 'genetic engineering' or 'genetic transformation', and the modified organism is described as a 'transformed' or 'transgenic' organism. Achievements of biotechnology in crops were producing Bt crops, herbicide resistance crops, salinity tolerant crops, drought-tolerant crops and so on. Genetically engineered crop varieties that farmers deploy. Transgenic crops, especially those with resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors, fit well into small-scale farming systems and can easily be integrated without adjusting traditional cropping practices. The comparatively low setup cost for adopting genetically engineered technologies at the farm level also makes this technology useful for semi-subsistence agriculture. Plant tissue culture also one of the applications of biotechnology used to improve crops and used to increase the speed or efficiency of the breeding process, to improve the accessibility of existing germplasm and to create new variation for crop improvement. Generally, the role of crop biotechnology for food security and poverty reduction should not be overrated. Many problems in low- and middle-income countries are not amenable to technological solutions.
Abstract: Biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for a specific use. Agricultural biotechnology is the area of biotechnology involving applications to agriculture. Based on an understanding of DNA, scientists have developed solutions to inc...
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Assessment of Factors Affecting Vaccine Cold Chain Management Practice in Bahir Dar City Health Institutions, 2019
Sileshi Mulatu,
Getasew Tesfa,
Habitamu Dinku
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
107-113
Received:
3 May 2020
Accepted:
3 June 2020
Published:
27 August 2020
Abstract: Background: Vaccines are the only essential commodities that required their own specific supply chain system with storage of 2°C to 8°C. It is critical that they should be kept at appropriate temperatures during transit and storage. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess vaccines’ cold chain management practice at public health facilities in Bahir Dar City health institutions. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 5 to January 12 2019 in Bahir Dar City, Amhara Regional State, and Northwest Ethiopia. The information was collected by an interviewer administered, pre–tested and structured questionnaire in health center and hospital in Bahir Dar city. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify factors related to the practice of cold chain management. Result: From a total of health facility 9 (64.3%) had functional thermometer, 14 (100%) had an electrical power source refrigerator, and 10 (71.4%) had functional generator for backup service. 9 (64.3%) had guide line in the facility. From a total of health facility 10 (71.4%) had monitor temperature twice daily in there facility. Among the factors, only work experience and level of knowledge on vaccine cold chain management had a statistically significant association with the practice of health workers on cold chain management. The adjusted model indicated that respondents who had good level knowledge were 2.6 times more likely to have proper cold chain management practice as compared with those who had not. Health workers whose work experience more than two years were about 5 times more likely to have proper practice on cold chain management compared to their counterpart with 95% 5.2 (1.4 -19.14) and 95% 1.97 (0.77-5.03). Conclusion and recommendation: Respondents had adequate knowledge and the cold chain equipment was not in a good condition and we would like to recommend On-going follow up should be given to continue their strength
Abstract: Background: Vaccines are the only essential commodities that required their own specific supply chain system with storage of 2°C to 8°C. It is critical that they should be kept at appropriate temperatures during transit and storage. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess vaccines’ cold chain management practice at public health faciliti...
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Training Need Assessment Among Health Care Providers in Public Health Facilities of Benishangul Regional State, North West Ethiopia, 2018
Lemessa Jira,
Nigatu Weyessa,
Sileshi Mulatu,
Tamiru Bogale
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
114-120
Received:
8 May 2020
Accepted:
22 May 2020
Published:
27 August 2020
Abstract: Background: Continuing education is crucial for quality improvement in health care. The needs assessment of CE helps to ensure effectiveness. However, such an assessment necessitates certain techniques that are unfamiliar to health care communities in developing countries. This study identifies the needs of providing training to health care providers in Benishangul Gumuz regional sate. Objective: The aim of this survey is to assess training needs among health care providers in Benishangul Gumuz regional state health facility, North West Ethiopia, 2018 Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from Jun first to July 30, 2018 in public health facilities of Benishangul Gumuz regional state. This study was designed as a questionnaire survey to investigate the demographics, training needs, and preferred approaches to improve performance of the target population. The study population included the health care providers of public health care facilities in Benishangul Gumuz regional sate. We used the World Health Organization– adopted Hennessy Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire, a self-reported close-ended structured questionnaire with a core set of 30 items. Results: In total, 450 questionnaires were distributed; the response rate was 86%, and most respondents were nurses. Neonatal care, Gender based violence, Emergency care, Maternal care, Public health promotion /Disease prevention/, TB /Leprosy, Malaria, ART, Treatment of intensive care patients (ICU) and Leadership and system thinking was found to be the most required training needs among health care providers in the public health facilities of Benishangul Gumuz regional state Conclusions: Providing training according to needs is vital, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia where resources are extremely limited. The assessment result offers perspective on how to conduct needs assessment and serve as a reference for the region. Planning to provide training to health care providers particularly on Neonatal care, Gender based violence and Emergency care take a priority for the region.
Abstract: Background: Continuing education is crucial for quality improvement in health care. The needs assessment of CE helps to ensure effectiveness. However, such an assessment necessitates certain techniques that are unfamiliar to health care communities in developing countries. This study identifies the needs of providing training to health care provide...
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Microbial Protein Production from Agro-industrial Wastes as Food and Feed
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
121-126
Received:
4 March 2020
Accepted:
31 March 2020
Published:
3 September 2020
Abstract: Microbial protein refers to dead, dry microbial cells or total proteins extracted from pure microbial cell culture and is produced using a number of different microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and algae, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds. It can also be called single cell protein, bio protein or biomass. Microorganisms, utilize inexpensive feedstock and wastes as sources of carbon and energy for growth to produce biomass, protein concentrate or amino acids. Besides high protein content (about 60-82% of dry cell weight), microbial protein also contains fats, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins and minerals like potassium, phosphorus. Another advantage with microbial protein is that it is rich in certain essential amino acids like lysine, methionine which are limiting in most plant and animal. With increase in population and worldwide protein shortage the use of microbial biomass as food and feed is more highlighted. One of the most prominent applications of microbial protein (single cell protein) is that it can be used as dietary supplements to address important issues like malnutrition especially in the developing countries.
Abstract: Microbial protein refers to dead, dry microbial cells or total proteins extracted from pure microbial cell culture and is produced using a number of different microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and algae, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds. It can also be called single cell protein, bio pr...
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Yield Losses in Wheat Caused by Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis) in Egypt
Atef Shahin,
Mamdouh Ashmawy,
Walid El-Orabey,
Samar Esmail
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
127-134
Received:
9 May 2020
Accepted:
28 May 2020
Published:
3 September 2020
Abstract: The production loss in eight local wheat cultivars was estimated under yellow rust disease pressure at four locations of northern Egypt during 2017/2018 and 2018/19 growing seasons. Considerable disease pressure, as revealed by final rust severity (%), was observed at all locations with a maximum value (100%) in northern Egypt. The tested wheat cultivars were evaluated at the adult plant stage under field conditions using two epidemiological parameters final rust severity (FRS%) and area under disease progression curve (AUDPC). Final rust severity ranged from 5% to 100% for the tested cultivars. AUDPC ranged from 260 to 2800 at Sakha, 115 to 2800 at El- Gemmeiza, 115 to 2600 at Itay El-Baroud, and 115 to 2600 at Shebin El-Koum during the two growing seasons. The values of FRS (%) and AUDPC during the first season were less than those in the second season. Losses in grain yield per plot ranged from 2.72% to 37.72% during the first season and 6.18% to 69.33% in the second season at the Delta region. The highest grain yield losses were recorded with wheat cvs.; Gemmeiza 11 (64.20%), followed by Misr 1 (62.38%), as well as for Misr 2 (57.66%) and Sids 12 (50.89%). While, the lowest loss cvs.; was recorded in Misr 3 and Giza 171, as it was 7.65% and 9.44%, respectively. Regarding yield losses in the 1000 kernel weight, wheat cvs.; Misr 3 showed the lowest value of loss i.e. 1.71%, while Gemmeiza 11 showed the highest loss i.e. 39.67% during 2018/2019 growing season. A significal positive correlation was found between yield losses and each of final rust severity (%) and area under disease progression curve (AUDPC). These results would serve as a fruitful tool in the national wheat breeding program for yellow rust resistance, in Egypt.
Abstract: The production loss in eight local wheat cultivars was estimated under yellow rust disease pressure at four locations of northern Egypt during 2017/2018 and 2018/19 growing seasons. Considerable disease pressure, as revealed by final rust severity (%), was observed at all locations with a maximum value (100%) in northern Egypt. The tested wheat cul...
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Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: Trend, Triggers and Implications for Sustainable Development
Abayomi Muftau Adesina,
Adegboyega Adegboye
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
135-143
Received:
23 October 2019
Accepted:
20 November 2019
Published:
3 September 2020
Abstract: Sustainable development has been a major aspiration of many developing countries, including Nigeria. However, the incidence of maternal mortality in the country has elicited serious concerns from all stake holders. This paper attempts to examine the incidence of maternal mortality in Nigeria, its trend and triggers with a view to appraising its implications for sustainable development. The study utilized secondary data obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators 2015. The research indicates the existence of high maternal mortality in Nigeria, in spite of various government interventions in the health sector. The reasons ascribed for this situation include: poor health management; poverty, unemployment, poor access to health facilities, high illiteracy level and ignorance especially among rural dwellers, pathological causes, corruption, poor gender relations, and dearth of project management expertise. Implications for sustainable development revealed by the study include: Late/low school enrollment, absence of maternal care, increased poverty, waste of the nation’s non-renewable resources, productivity impairment and slowed Gross Domestic Product growth rate. The paper therefore recommends that the government should strongly fight corruption and enforce the nine years of universal basic education, ensure comprehensive health management, craft an inclusive theory of consumption, intensify public sensitization especially for rural dwellers and hone the project management skills of health workers. Finally, government needs to intensify campaign for gender equality in order to improve female-confidence and voice in the society while also making health facilities and processes more public-friendly with a view to facilitating access to pre- and post-natal services.
Abstract: Sustainable development has been a major aspiration of many developing countries, including Nigeria. However, the incidence of maternal mortality in the country has elicited serious concerns from all stake holders. This paper attempts to examine the incidence of maternal mortality in Nigeria, its trend and triggers with a view to appraising its imp...
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Combined Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Growth and Pulsation of Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia coerulea) Ephyrae
Zhilu Fu,
Jie Li,
Jiale Wang,
Junxiang Lai,
Yin Liu,
Ming Sun
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
144-151
Received:
8 August 2020
Accepted:
20 August 2020
Published:
14 September 2020
Abstract: Blooms of the scyphozoan jellyfish Aurelia coerulea have caused serious problems for the fishing industry and the power plants in the coastal waters of China. The population size of adult medusae is strongly influenced by their ability to survive the ephyra stage. In this study, the growth and pulsation of A. coerulea ephyrae from the northern Yellow Sea were analyzed under sixteen different temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25°C) and salinity (22, 25, 28 and 31 PSU) combinations over a 21-day experimental period. The temperature had a significant effect on the growth of ephyrae. The growth rate of ephyrae increased with increasing temperature. The effects of salinity and its interaction with temperature on the growth of ephyrae were not significant. The highest growth rate was recorded in the 25°C and 25 PSU group. The pulsation rate of ephyrae was also significantly influenced by temperature. The mean pulsation rates of newly released ephyrae were 24.2, 39.1, 52.5, and 73.15 beats min-1 at 10, 15, 20, and 25°C, respectively. As ephyrae developed into medusae, the pulsation rates generally decreased. Salinity and its interaction with temperature did not have a significant effect on the pulsation of ephyrae. We conclude that a warm spring can cause an A. coerulea bloom in that year.
Abstract: Blooms of the scyphozoan jellyfish Aurelia coerulea have caused serious problems for the fishing industry and the power plants in the coastal waters of China. The population size of adult medusae is strongly influenced by their ability to survive the ephyra stage. In this study, the growth and pulsation of A. coerulea ephyrae from the northern Yell...
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On-Farm Evaluation and Demonstration of Different Feeding Technological Options for Beef Cattle Fattening in Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha District of East Shoa Zone
Aman Gudeto,
Mieso Guru,
Tesfaye Alemu Tucho,
Ashebir Worku,
Genet Dadi,
Frehiwot Mesele,
Girma Debele
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
152-156
Received:
27 November 2019
Accepted:
24 December 2019
Published:
17 September 2020
Abstract: Evaluation and demonstration study was conducted at Gerbi kebele of Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha district on two-two and three year age old Borana bulls with the objectives of evaluation and demonstration of bulls fattening technologies at on-farm level. One farmer’s research extension group (FREG) was formed for fattening the bulls. Twenty bulls were purchased from Borana zone by farmers for the fattening trials. Two feeding treatments (T1=Grazing + 20% crushed maize grain + 45% wheat bran + 35% Noug cake and T2=Grazing + 65% wheat bran + 35% cotton seed cakes) were evaluated. The animals were randomly assigned for dietary rations and data on live weight change of the animals were taken using weight chart tape (developed by JICA project). Final body weights, total weight gain and average daily weight gain of the bulls were not significant (P>0.05) between the treatments. Bulls fed on treatment one attained an average daily weight gain of 0.83 kg; while bulls fed on treatment two gained 0.76 kg per day. Total gross margin of treatment one (53, 154.5 ETB) was higher than treatment two (49, 467.75 ETB). Cost-benefit analysis indicated that feeding option number one (T1) is more economical as compared to bulls fed on T2. However, fatteners can use any of the feeding options depending on availability of the ingredients in their area.
Abstract: Evaluation and demonstration study was conducted at Gerbi kebele of Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha district on two-two and three year age old Borana bulls with the objectives of evaluation and demonstration of bulls fattening technologies at on-farm level. One farmer’s research extension group (FREG) was formed for fattening the bulls. Twenty bulls were ...
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Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) Population Size and Their Distribution in Community Forest in Gasera District of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
157-164
Received:
24 October 2019
Accepted:
29 April 2020
Published:
24 September 2020
Abstract: The study on population size and distribution was carried out in community forest in the Gasera district of Bale zone south east of Ethiopia from February 2017 to January 2018. Hamadryas baboon population size and distribution has never been studied and determined by Gasera district. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Hmadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) Population Size and their Distribution in Community forest in Gasera District of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Materials used for this study were GPS to plot study area, camera for scan sampling, Binocular to see a Hamadryas baboon from the distance, note pad, pen, pencil and was used to record data and video cameras was to insure hamadryas baboon counting. Assessing Population size and distribution of hamadryas baboon was estimated using the total count method at three counting sites by line transect. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test to compare sex and age structure of hamadryas baboon and T-test was used to compare wet and dry season population size of hamadryas baboon in each study site. The total number of individuals during wet season was 1199 and 1146 during the dry season. The average number of hamadryas baboon observed in the entire study area during both season was 1173. There was no significant difference between wet and dry season (x2=1.1978, df=1, p>0.05). During the wet season, the individual count from the study area was 16% adult male, 27% adult female, 12% sub adult male, 18% sub adult female, 10% juvenile male, 14% juvenile female, 3% infants. During the dry season, the individual count was 15.8% adult male, 28% adult female, 11.5% sub adult male, 18.5% sub adult female, 9% juvenile male, 14% juvenile female, 2.5% infants. The proportion of female hamdryas baboon was high in all age groups except infant in which identification of sex is difficult.
Abstract: The study on population size and distribution was carried out in community forest in the Gasera district of Bale zone south east of Ethiopia from February 2017 to January 2018. Hamadryas baboon population size and distribution has never been studied and determined by Gasera district. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess Hmadryas baboon (Pa...
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Genotype x Environment Interaction and AMMI Analysis of Oil Yield Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes in Northern Ethiopia
Yirga Belay Kindeya,
Firew Mekbib,
Eyasu Abraha Alle
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
165-171
Received:
11 March 2020
Accepted:
3 April 2020
Published:
28 September 2020
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the nature and magnitude of Genotype x Environment Interaction (GEI) for oil yield of sesame genotypes and to identify stable and promising genotypes for general and specific adaptations across sesame growing areas of northern Ethiopia: Humera, Dansha, Maykadra, Sheraro, Wargiba and Gendawuha. Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD) with three replications across all the environments used. Seventeen white seeded sesame genotypes were evaluated in all locations. The combined analysis of variance revealed that highly significance difference (p<0.001) among genotypes, environments and GEI for oil yield. The grand mean oil yield over six environments was 296.6kg/ha and the mean oil yield of genotypes across six environments ranged between 125.48kg/ha in Humera to 531.21kg/ha in Sheraro, respectively. High mean oil yield variation was detected among genotypes ranged between 193.6 kg/ha for G8 and 409.4kg/ha for G1 respectively. The oil yield of genotypes varied to different environments with rank changed, this variation among genotypes indicating that selection should be based on mean oil yield performances of the genotypes to their respective environments. According to stability models, AMMI Stability Value (ASV), Yield Stability Index (YSI) and Environmental Index (EI) land racegumero and HuRC-4 were identified as the most stable and higheroil yield were recommended for wider areas. While, HuRC-2and Acc 227880 were unstable accompanied with high oil yield performance will be recommended for specific environments.
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the nature and magnitude of Genotype x Environment Interaction (GEI) for oil yield of sesame genotypes and to identify stable and promising genotypes for general and specific adaptations across sesame growing areas of northern Ethiopia: Humera, Dansha, Maykadra, Sheraro, Wargiba and Gendawuha. Randomized Complete...
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Farmers' Knowledge, Perceptions and Management of Black Sigatoka in Small Plantain-Based Farms in Southern Benin
Fanou Alain Ahohouendo,
Codjo Euloge Togbe,
Finagnon Robert Agbovoedo,
Bonaventure Cohovi Ahohuendo
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
172-182
Received:
3 September 2020
Accepted:
22 September 2020
Published:
29 September 2020
Abstract: Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a key crop, relevant to achieve food security and improve the livelihoods of many households in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where it has become a major staple food. But along with its production, farmers are facing a major foliar disease, the Black Sigatoka that limits the productivity. The yield losses incurred by farmers due to this disease can reach 50%. Knowledge regarding this disease is crucial for effective management of the disease. This paper aims at diagnosing the differences in perceptions and knowledge between farmers and scientists with regard to strategies of managing black Sigatoka on plantain. A survey was conducted on 446 randomly selected farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire in five major plantain growing municipalities (Athiémé, Adja-Ouèrè, Tori-Bossito, Ouinhi, Zè) in Benin. This study came up with knowledge and perceptions of farmers on the symptoms, causes, conducive conditions for disease development, and means of dissemination and strategies for managing black Sigatoka. It appeared that most farmers recognized the disease lesions on the leaves, but failed to associate these symptoms with the targeted disease. In addition, farmers had very limited knowledge of the causal agent, disseminating mechanism and effective management methods. The majority of farmers that are aware of the symptoms (92.7%) associated the yield loss on plantain field with the occurrence of this disease. This appreciation varied from a significant yield loss (54.2%) to a moderate yield loss (45.8%). Most farmers (69%) did not adopt any disease control measures. Deleafing was the most common control method used by 30.2% of the farmers. Apart from this technique, very few farmers reported using synthetic pesticides and biopesticides based on neem leaves (Azadirachta indica). Agricultural research institutes and farmers’ advisory systems were poorly involved in building and managing knowledge related to black Sigatoka in southern Benin. This study has the merit to bring out key information that will help design appropriate programme that would make it possible to manage this disease successfully in short and medium terms with smallholder farmers.
Abstract: Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a key crop, relevant to achieve food security and improve the livelihoods of many households in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where it has become a major staple food. But along with its production, farmers are facing a major foliar disease, the Black Sigatoka that limits the productivity. The yield losses incur...
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