Ecological restoration partially relies on plant regeneration from the above-ground vegetation (AGV) and soil seed banks (SSB); however, the co-occurrence of species in these sources vary across ecosystems. In this study, we measured soil properties and surveyed SSB and AGV, monitored regenerants for two years to estimate survival rates. We assessed the variation of species abundance in AGV, SSB and natural regenerants using a log-linear model and tested for correlation between soil properties using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the association between the importance value index and survival rate of regenerants using generalised linear models. We found within-community dissimilarity between AGV and SSB, and the co-occurrence of species was predicted by periods of invasive species removal. There were five (4.46%) common species and five (4.46%), 34 (30.36%) and 42 (37.5%) exclusive species in natural regenerants, SSB and AGV, respectively. The common species among all periods of invasive species removal were 12.5%, 20%, and 41.7% in AGV, natural regenerants, and SSB, respectively. The diversity of SSB was positively associated with the survival rate of regenerants, but not AGV diversity. Survival rates of regenerants were associated with seed mass but not plant height, while plant functional traits were not associated with importance value indices of AGV. These findings show that native plant recovery can be accelerated by removal of invasive species; however, diversity differences exist between AGV and SSB, which were not necessarily modulated by plant functional traits and soil characteristics.
Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) is one of the most critical constraints limiting the storage, marketing, and utilization of cassava ( Manihot esculenta ). The rapid onset of PPD after harvest, often within 24-72 hours, leads to discoloration, tissue breakdown, and significant reductions in root quality, resulting in postharvest losses that can reach up to 50% in many cassava-producing regions. This problem is particularly severe in sub-Saharan Africa, where cassava serves as a major staple crop and a primary source of calories for hundreds of millions of people. Understanding the underlying drivers of PPD is therefore essential for improving Cassava shelf life and strengthening food security. This study synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic and environmental factors controlling PPD in cassava and highlights their implications for breeding programs. Evidence indicates that PPD is a genetically regulated physiological response triggered by harvest-induced wounding and mediated through complex biochemical pathways, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, phenolic metabolism, and antioxidant defense systems. Significant genetic variability exists among cassava genotypes in their tolerance to PPD, with certain cultivars exhibiting delayed deterioration due to enhanced antioxidant activity and more efficient stress-response mechanisms. Advances in molecular genetics, including genome-wide association studies, single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and genomic-assisted selection, have enabled the identification of loci associated with PPD tolerance and accelerated the development of improved cassava varieties. In addition to genetic determinants, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, harvesting methods, and storage conditions strongly influence the onset and progression of PPD. The interaction between genotype and environment further complicates the evaluation of PPD resistance, necessitating multi-environment trials and advanced statistical models to identify stable and adaptable genotypes. Integrating genetic improvement with optimized postharvest handling and storage practices offers a promising strategy to mitigate PPD. Ultimately, the development of cassava varieties with enhanced resistance to physiological deterioration will reduce postharvest losses, improve marketability, and contribute significantly to food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in cassava-dependent regions.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oil seed crop in Chad, but its productivity is constrained by seed-borne fungal pathogens affecting seed quality, germination, and seedling establishment. This study examined the different seed-borne fungi associated with sesame varieties using two International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)-recommended methods: the blotter paper method and agar plate method. The results show that 22 fungal species were identified, with notable differences between the two methods. The blotter paper method detected 13 species, while the agar plate method revealed 22 species, with 3 375 isolates detected using the agar plate method compared to 1 070 isolates on blotter paper method. Using the blotter paper method, Alternaria sesami (13.28%), A. brassicicola (12.51%) and Macrophomina phaseolina (10.69%) were the most frequent species and Bipolaris spicifera (3.86%) and Nigrospora sphaerica (4.02%) were the least frequent. With the agar plate method, the most frequent species were A. sesami (16.92%), Aspergillus niger (12.57%) and Cercospora sesami (12.5%). Pestalotia guepini and Verticillium dahliae were the least frequent species, with respective frequencies of 0.41 and 0.61%. These results revealed a wide diversity of seed-borne fungi of sesame, highlighting the need to develop effective strategies to control these seed-borne fungi.
The effect of weed is one of the important limiting factors for crop growth and productivity in agricultural crop production. Weeds compete with tef for nutrients, soil moisture, sunlight and space. The magnitude of losses would depend upon the type of weeds and duration of competition with the crops. Mechanical and cultural methods sometimes do not work due to fact that there is a morphological similarity of some major weeds of the crops. Combining cultural methods, pre- or post-emergence application of herbicides and hand weeding has been found to be effective and economical. Then; there should be a little information on the “Effect of various Weeds management practices on yield and yield components of Tef”. Hence, this study was conducted in Buno Bedele zone (Gachi district) and Bedele (BeARC, Ilke sub-site) district; Southwestern Oromia to evaluate effectiveness of weed management practices on weeds, and growth, yield and yield components of tef and to determine optimum rates of herbicides, and their combination with hand weeding and hoeing for weed management in tef at Southwestern Oromia. The experiment was carried out in randomized completely block design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of ten weed control treatments were evaluated. The two years data (2023 and 2024) were noticed highly significant difference on the assessed parameters of weed, Yield and yield components of tef. The highest grain yield, Gross return and net return was obtained from Pallas 45 OD 0.5lt ha -1 + HW @ 40 DAS. Finally; using Pallas 45 OD 0.5lt ha -1 + HW @ 40 DAS is an economical and/or recommendable for tef production.
The increasing commoditization of traditional biostimulants has driven the need for more precise and targeted solutions in climate change scenarios. Single Biostimulant Molecules (SBM) represent a novel approach that departs from conventional multi-compound formulations, which often contain undefined mixtures of bioactive components, triggering multiple responses. Instead, SBMs focus on a specific bioactive molecule with a defined mode of action, ensuring greater consistency and predictability in plant responses under field conditions. This study evaluated Carrabiitol®, an oligosaccharide polyol single biostimulant molecule, for alleviating stress response in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Arka Rakshak’). Plants were subjected to water deficit, high temperature, and salinity stress during the flowering stages. Treatment involved seed priming and application of Carrabiitol® (3ml/L) on foliage during vegetative and pre-flowering stages. Plants were evaluated for their Plant height, Number of fruits per plant, Total Soluble sugars, Total Acidity, Lycopene content, Carotenoids content and fruit yield. Experiments were arranged in a complete block randomized design with four replications. Results showed recovery in plant height and marketable yield with significant improvement in the tomato lycopene content that increased by more than 76% under water deficit stress and 164% under salinity stress when treated with Carrabiitol® @ 3ml/L (T6) compared to untreated plants (p ≤ 0.05). Total carotenoids improved by up to 89% (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, study illustrated that application of Single Biostimulant Molecule (SBM), Carrabiitol® was effective in improving the qualitative trait of tomatoes by alleviating applied abiotic stresses.
The eastern ridge of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest (DLCF) harbors high plant species diversity within the bush land and woodland. Concentric plots were established to analyze the existing plant species of the area. The recorded plant species were indicated for whether indigenous, alien, alien and invasive. Shannon Wiener Diversity index was applied to calculate diversity index of shrubs and trees. Trees and shrub densities were calculated. Herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees distribution were evaluated. During this study, a total of 113 herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees were recorded. The calculated Hꞌ for shrubs and trees ranged from ≤3.5 - ≥1.5 an implication of high diversity. The densest plant species was an alien invasive plant, Lantana camara L. indicating that the area is dominated by alien invasive plants. The eastern ridge of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest accommodates high plant species diversity that requires management. Further study is needed, control alien invasive plants, replace the existing alien plants with indigenous plants.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods crops whose demand is increasing mainly due to population growth and urbanization. It is ranked first in most Asian countries and second to maize in Malawi. The aim of the current study was to determine variability in local landraces and elite rice germplasm using agro-morphological traits in order to identify and document superior germplasm for conservation and use in further breeding programmes. The experiment was conducted at Lifuwu Agricultural Research Station - Experimental Fields during the 2024/2025 rainy season in Alpha Latic Design (ALD), with three replications and each plot comprised a dimension of 5 m x 0.4 m, length and width, respectively. The number of days to reach physiological maturity ranged from 119 days (G102, G154) to 158 days (G2), while milling recovery was from 57% to 75%. and top- ten highest yielding entries (G17, G127, G14, G130, G175, G171, G132, G119, G16, and G19) produced grain yields ranging from 7396 to 8121 kg/ha, highlighting their potential candidature for breeding and genetic improvement programs. The Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) performed using GenStat 19th Edition produced six main clusters such that cluster 1 comprised 66 germplasm and cluster 6 had 8 germplasm, suggesting germplasm variability, ideal for broad spectrum breeding and least populated lines; respectively. This study has a huge contribution to rice improvement goals in identifying and documenting diverse superior germplasm which could be directly adopted by rice growers after advancement or used in further breeding programs.
Piper nigrum is an important crop. However, this crop is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can cause a drop in production if no control methods are applied. The general objective of our study is to contribute to a better understanding of diseases and the various associated pests and diseases in the study sites (Njombe and Penja). To achieve this objective, the main diseases of pepper in the field were identified and described. In each site, four quadrats of twenty pepper plants out of twenty were planted; the different diseases were identified and described according to their characteristic symptoms. Their incidence and severity were assessed along the diagonal of each quadrat. The pathogens responsible for these diseases were characterized macroscopically and microscopically using several identification keys. The results showed that in both study areas, several symptoms were observed, including necrosis, scorching, diffuse spots, sparse spots, blistering on the leaves and leaf yellowing corresponding to diseases such as: Anthracnose, Cercosporiosis, Mildew, Rust, Galle and slow decline. In both sites, the incidence varied from 65 to 100% and the severity from 25 to 75%. In the Petri dishes, the colour of the mycelium varied between black, white, pink and brown and had a milky, cottony appearance. Microscopically, the shape of the spores varied from round, oblong, fusiform, reniform and falciform. Some hyphae were septate and others were non-septate. Species of fungi such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. necator, Cercospora sp., F. solani, F. oxysporum, Rhizoctonia sp. and Cephaleurus virescens were identified as being responsible for these diseases. Knowledge of these pathogens could contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly control methods.
Postharvest quality deterioration remains a major limitation in the cut rose industry due to accelerated senescence driven by physiological and biochemical processes such as ethylene production, respiration, microbial contamination, and water imbalance. This study evaluated the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), cytokinin, and abscisic acid (ABA), applied at different concentrations and application timings, on postharvest quality of tea hybrid rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cv. Rhodos. The experiment was conducted at Redlands Roses PLC, Ruiru, Kiambu County, Kenya, during two production flushes: November–December 2024 and January–February 2025. Treatments comprised CaCl₂ at 250, 500, and 750 mg L-1, cytokinin at 150, 250, and 350 mg L-1, and ABA at 5, 10, and 15 mg L-1, applied as preharvest-only, postharvest-only, or combined preharvest and postharvest applications, alongside an untreated control. Postharvest quality parameters assessed at two-day intervals included chlorophyll content (SPAD values), petal colour (CIE L*, a*, b*), percentage weight loss, and vase life. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance in SAS version 9.4, with mean separation at P ≤ 0.05. Postharvest application of CaCl₂ significantly enhanced chlorophyll retention in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing SPAD values from 55.33 and 51.77 in the control to 64.53 and 58.73 at 750 mg L-1 in the first and second flushes, respectively. Preharvest application of cytokinin produced the highest chlorophyll content, reaching SPAD values of 69.23 and 62.50 at 350 mg L-1, while postharvest cytokinin application was not significant. ABA consistently reduced chlorophyll content, particularly under preharvest application. Calcium chloride significantly improved petal brightness and colour intensity, with the highest L*, a*, and b* values recorded at 750 mg L-1 under combined application. Cytokinin enhanced petal redness, achieving maximum a* values of 57.83 and 62.44 at 350 mg L-1 across both flushes, whereas ABA suppressed colour development. Weight loss was lowest under postharvest CaCl₂ application at 750 mg L-1 and preharvest ABA at 10 mg L-1. Vase life was significantly extended by preharvest CaCl₂ and cytokinin, reaching 14.67 and 13.67 days, respectively, compared with 11.61 days in the control. The study demonstrates that preharvest application of calcium chloride and cytokinin is an effective strategy for improving postharvest quality, extending vase life, and enhancing marketability of cut roses under commercial production conditions.
Wheat is a vital global cereal crop, but its productivity and nutritional quality are severely threatened by stripe rust, a devastating fungal disease caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. When genetic resistance in cultivars fails, fungicide application is critical for protecting yields. A study conducted at Khalsa College Amritsar (2022-24) evaluated the efficacy of various fungicides against stripe rust using a Randomized Block Design. Treatments were compared to a control (cultivar PBW-343) based on disease severity, the Average Coefficient of Infection (ACI), and yield parameters including grain yield and 1000-grain weight. Under artificial inoculation, Nativo 75 WG (trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole) applied twice at 15-day intervals recorded the highest grain yield (49.41 q/ha) and 1000-grain weight (43.79 g), increasing yield by 60.95% over control. Custodia, Fusion Top, and Tilt followed, while Opera (pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole) showed the lowest efficacy (45.68 q/ha, 41.17 g). Nativo also had the lowest ACI (1.6%), compared to the control (54.34%). Other treatments-Custodia (2.4%), Fusion Top (4.65%), Tilt (8.4%), and Opera (11.6%) were statistically superior to control. Systemic fungicides like Custodia, Nativo, Tilt, Opera, and Fusion Top, with diverse modes of action (e.g., DMIs, QoIs), effectively suppressed the disease. These findings highlight their role in managing stripe rust and safeguarding wheat productivity.
Ethiopia is both the origin and center of diversity for teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) and many other crops due to its diverse agro-ecology and culture. Teff is an autogamous and allotetraploid crop with a chromosome number of 2n=4x=40 and a staple food crop for more than 70 million people in Ethiopia. It occupies over three million hectares of land and is cultivated by over 7.2 million households. However, the yield of teff is very low as compared to other cereals cultivated in Ethiopia. Its productivity is constrained by many factors, which still need further research to intervene. Scientific teff research in Ethiopia started in the 1950s, and many improved teff varieties (about 54 until 2022) have been released to the farming community through conventional breeding approaches like pure line/mass selection and hybridization. Nowadays, the Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) Agricultural Research Center has a full mandate at the national level in teff breeding activities. Globally, only a few cereal crops are feeding the world population and getting more attention from the international scientific community; however, orphan crops like teff have recently gotten consideration from many national and international organizations due to their golden merits and nutritional quality, like gluten-free products. Many efforts have been made to improve and tackle teff breeding challenges through the molecular breeding approach, and there are some achievements. However, the major challenges of teff breeding still need focus and significant contributions from the national and international scientific communities, companies, governments, and other stakeholders. The development of gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized and enhanced breeding in many other cereals. The application of these gene-editing tools in the teff breeding program, particularly for the challenging traits like lodging, seed size, grain yield, and other related traits, will be the next assignment for the teff breeders.
Teff ((Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is one of the most important food crops in Ethiopia, has the biggest value both in production and consumption. However, due to the use of improper inter row spacing and inappropriate N fertilizer rate along with other agronomic practices, its productivity is very low. Thus, during the 2019 croping season a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of inter row spacing and N fertilizer rates on teff growth, yield components, and yield at Burie District, Northwest Ethiopia. RCBD with three replication was used for the experiment. Four levels of inter row spacing (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm) and three levels of N fertilizer (30.5, 42, and 53.5kg ha-1) in combination were used as a treatment. Crop phenological, growth, yield-related and yield data were collected following the standar procedures and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. The collaboration effects of N fertilizer and inter-row spacing were not significant for the collected parameters. However, the main effects of N fertilizer and inter-row spacing showed a significant difference for all parameters except days to 50% emergence, whereas days to 90% physiological maturity and harvest index were influenced only by the main effect of inter-row spacing (P<0.05). The heighest and the lowest grain yield were obtained at 53.5 and 30.5 kg ha -1 N respectively. Based on this result, it can be concluded that 53.5 kg/ha N fertilizer and 15cm inter row spacing improves yield components and yield of teff and can be suggested for the study area and areas with similar agroecology.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has emerged as a strategic and priority commodity for food security in Ethiopia. Nonetheless, Ethiopia's average rice production is only about 2.8 t ha-1, which is less than the global average of 4 t ha-1, statistics indicate that has been flat for a long time. The main reasons for Ethiopia's low rice yield and productivity are poor agronomic management practices (improper land preparation, untimely planting, inadequate fertilizer applied, inappropriate seed rate, weeds and insect pest). Enhancing agronomic management practices would increase rice yield and productivity. Yet, poor land preparation, suboptimum seed rate and date of planting techniques are reported to be the most important rice production constraint. Another key factor in rice production is the availability of plant nutrients, especially nitrogen, at different phases of plant growth. The most effective fertilizers management that is right fertilizers rate, right source, right place and right time of fertilizer applications are enhanced rice productivity. NPS and urea (supplying nitrogen and phosphorus) were the major fertilizers used by farmers in Ethiopia. In order to get the highest possible yields of rice, effective agronomic management techniques are required to increase productivity. Improving rice production and productivity as well as facilitating its processing and marketing access is therefore one of a key part of the economic growth strategies in the Ethiopia government’s food self-sufficiency initiatives. Therefore, this review advances our understanding of recommended agronomic practices for rice production in Ethiopia's and will encourage more use of recommended agronomic practices.
Since its first detection in 2017, the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) has become one of the most damaging pests threatening Ethiopian maize output. This invasive pest presents considerable issues due to its quick spread, strong reproductive capacity, and adaptation to a variety of agroecological zones. The current study summarizes research findings from 2019 to 2025 on FAW distribution, epidemiology, economic impact, and management techniques in Ethiopia. FAW is currently found in all major maize-growing regions, with infection rates affected by climatic factors, cropping patterns, and agroecological conditions. Economically, FAW produces yield losses ranging from 20% to over 70%, with serious consequences for smallholder farmers' livelihoods and national food security. Cultural practices (early planting, crop rotation, intercropping), mechanical control (handpicking, trapping), biological control (parasites, predators), botanical insecticides (neem extracts), entomopathogens (fungal and bacterial agents), host plant resistance (the development of tolerant maize varieties), and chemical control (insecticide application) have all been investigated and implemented. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques that combine these strategies have shown the greatest potential for long-term control. However, difficulties such as low farmer awareness, insufficient extension services, pesticide resistance, and a lack of bio-pesticide infrastructure impede effective management efforts. This analysis emphasizes the importance of increased research, farmer training, policy assistance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in order to improve FAW control and safeguard Ethiopia's maize output. Adoption of IPM adapted to local contexts remains crucial for minimizing FAW consequences and preserving agricultural resilience in the face of this ongoing threat.
Soil beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a key role on soil properties, nutrients availability and fertility. Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSFs) in plants rhizosphere have the ability to convert insoluble organic and inorganic phosphate into soluble form and make the phosphorus available to the plants. Many soils in West and North-West of Cameroon lack soluble phosphate for plants growth, development and productivity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of phosphate solubilizing fungi under the soybean’s rhizosphere in the Noun Valley, Western Highlands of Cameroon. Fifteen soybeans rhizosphere samples were randomly collected in five localities of the Noun Valley, and analyzed. Fungi isolation was done by serial dilution plate method on nutrient agar plates (PDA) amended with antibiotic, and PSF selection were done on Pikovskaya’s agar (PVK) media. The phosphate (P) solubilization efficiency was done on PVK broth and modified Pikovskaya’s broth amended with Al(PO4). Functional activities such as metabolites and enzymes production ability were assessing. Fungi diversity was done through macroscopic and microscopic features observation, (colony colors, mycelia shape, growth and sporulation rate, mycelia branching pattern and spores’ organization). From 178 isolates obtained from the fifteen sampling sites, 148 strains grouped in four genera (Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp.) and 15 fungi species, showed phosphate solubilization ability. The solubilization efficiency (SE) and P-released were done at temperature range of 25°C- 30°C and at pH range of 6-7. The SE ranged between 96. 59% and 15.7% on agar media while the amount of P released in broths ranged from 15.45 to 2.64 mg/L depending on isolates, the broth and the incubation time. Among these, Rhizopus sp. (15.45mg/L) showed the highest solubilization efficiency, followed by Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp. With 13.46 mg/L, 12.03 mg/L and 9.19 mg/L respectively. The entire PSF were able to produce organic acid and showed cellulose hydrolysis activity. Therefore, these fungi species from soybeans rhizosphere are potential PSF for the solid and liquid formulation of PSF based-biofertilizers.
The field experiment was conducted at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), a horticulture research field in Yundum (Latitude: - 13.35903° N longitude: - 16. 72244° W) from January to April 2020 cold-dry season in The Gambia to study the effects of intra-row spacing on the growth and yield of onion. The experiment consists of four intra-row spaces (10, 15, 20 and 25cm). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Data collected on the growth; yield component and yield were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant differences mean were separated using the least significant differences (LSD) test at the 5% level of probability. There were significant differences between the intra-row spacing of plant height at harvest, total bulbs, bulb yield, average bulb diameter and individual bulb weight. There were no significant differences observed in the number of leaves per plant. Intra-row spacing of 10cm obtained the highest yield (30.76 t ha-1), while wider intra-row spacing of 25cm recorded the lowest yield (18.85 t ha-1). Based on the findings of this study, it could be concluded that intra-row spacing of 10 and 15cm can be suggested for onion production during the cold-dry season in The Gambia.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important global bulb crop valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. However, its yield in Bangladesh remains below potential. This study evaluated the performance of BINArashun-1, a newly released high-yielding variety, alongside four commonly grown cultivars (Local, Italy, China, and Patnai) under the agro-climatic conditions of Mymensingh during the Rabi season of 2023-24. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed at BINA’s Horticulture Research Farm, Mymensingh. Key traits including plant height, number of leaves, neck and bulb diameter, number of cloves per bulb, bulb weight, cured bulb weight, weight loss, and final yield were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. Significant differences were observed for most traits. Although plant height was statistically similar across cultivars, BINArashun-1 had the highest number of leaves. China exhibited the widest neck diameter (0.90cm) but the smallest bulb diameter, while Local and Italy showed larger bulbs. Patnai and Local had the highest number of cloves per bulb, and China the fewest. Bulb and cured bulb weights were statistically similar, though Italy showed the highest weight loss during curing. In terms of yield, China produced the highest (11.62 t/ha), followed closely by BINArashun-1 (10.60 t/ha). Despite slight yield gaps from reported potential, BINArashun-1 demonstrated strong adaptability and productivity under local conditions. Its adoption could enhance domestic garlic production and reduce dependence on costly imported seed bulbs.
Maize is the most frequently widely grown crop in the world; one of the major constraints affecting maize production and productivity is the inadequacy of widely adapted, high-yielding, disease- and insect-resistant varieties. The objective of this study was to select widely adapted, stable, high yielder and good agronomic traits hybrid maize varieties for the study area.. The study was conducted at Mechara, Boke, and Doba locations for two years, during 2022-2023 main cropping seasons. Seven-hybrid maize Varieties were examined in six environments under rain-fed conditions using the RCB Design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) variance due to varieties, environments, and GEI among all traits. days to silking, days to maturity, plant height, Ear height, Number of row per ear, ear length, hundred seed weight and grain yield were highly affected by environment, and varieties, while Days to silking, Number of Kernel per ear, hundred seed weight, Ear length and Grain Yield were mainly affected by GEI variations. AMMI analysis indicated significant genotype, environment and GEI effects; accounting for 6.8%, 47.7% and 8.6%, respectively, to the total variation. IPCA1 and IPCA2 accounted for 84.3% (63.2% and 21.1%) of the G + GE variation for grain yield of the varieties evaluated at six environments. Among testing sites, Three Varieties (BH549, Damote and DK-77) were superior and stable across test environments for grain yield and related traits. Overall, based on mean grain yield, AMMI and GGE biplot, BH549 was the most stable and high-yielding hybrid maize variety.. It can be concluded that this superior hybrid maize variety can be demonstrated and popularized, as well as being important for inclusion in further breeding programs since they may contribute favorable alleles in the synthesis of new varieties and make a great contribution to the food security of the target areas.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) production in Ethiopia is highly constrained by diverse biotic and abiotic stresses, and it is full genetic potential has not been exploited yet. Chickpea grain yield is one of the complex quantitative traits influenced by prevailing environmental conditions. As a result, multi-environmental yield trials are indispensable to detect wide adaptable and high yielding cultivars in the breeding program. To this end, a total of 12 advanced chickpea genotypes were evaluated against two standard checks (Arerti and Harbu) across two locations (Sinana and Ginnir) from 2019 to 2021 main cropping season. Pooled analysis of variance for grain yield showed significant differences t (p ≤ 0.01) among the main effects of genotypes and environments and (p ≤ 0.01) for G × E interaction effects. This indicates that either the genotypes differentially responded to the changes in the test environments or the test environments discriminated the genotypes or both. The first two principal components accounted for cumulative of 84.88% interaction effects, indicating that the majority of interaction effects were within two principal components. Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) biplot enabled identification of adapted genotypes, G5 (FLIP-09-287C) and G2 (FLIP-09-155C). GGE biplot analysis suggested the presence of one mega environment and enabled identification of high seed yielding and broadly adapted genotypes G5 (FLIP-09-287C). Therefore, FLIP-09-287C can be released as wide adaptable Kabuli type chickpea variety for potential growing areas of Bale and East Bale as well as other similar agro-ecologies.
This study evaluated the morphological variation of Panicum maximum across two agro-ecological zones in Tanzania: Semi-arid (Mpwapwa district) and sub-humid (Moshi rural district). Plant sampling was conducted using 0.5m2 quadrants, with one plant per quadrant, as assessed for plant height, leaf-to-stem ratio, leaf size, number of tillers, and fresh weight to estimate biomass. In six villages, four 10 m2 plots were established, and six quadrant throws per site provided 144 samples. Soil texture, mineral composition, cation exchange capacity, and fertility were also analyzed. The results indicated sandy soils in the semi-arid zone and clay soils in the sub-humid zone. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all measured morphological traits across zones. The average leaf-to-stem ratio varied significantly between districts and terrains, with hilly areas exerting notable effects on forage quality. Leaf length differed significantly between valley and plain areas, while tiller number varied between zones. In the sub-humid zone, plant traits were relatively stable across terrains, whereas in the semi-arid zone, terrain strongly influenced growth. Biomass yield was consistent across all agro-ecological indicating the species' adaptability. Soil and moisture conditions were key determinants of P. maximum performance. These findings emphasize the importance of soil fertility enhancement and moisture conservation as interventions to optimize P. maximum performance and sustain its role as a key forage resource in diverse environments.
