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Research Article
Isolation and Characterization of Striga hermonthica Seed-Bank Depleting Bacteria from Striga Infested Sorghum Growing Areas of Ethiopia
Getachew Yilma*
,
Mamo Bekele,
Fasil Assefa,
Taye Tessema
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
58-68
Received:
3 September 2024
Accepted:
29 September 2024
Published:
13 November 2024
Abstract: Striga hermonthica is a very serios parasitic weed of (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). It attack host plants by living as hemi-parasite and attaching small sucker root system to host plant. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bacterial isolate obtained from soil samples collected from Striga infested sorghum growing fields in Amhara, Tigray and Oromia Regions to inhibit (deplete) the Striga seed bank. Surface sterilized and conditioned Striga seeds were buried in the soil by using teabag to determine germinated, viable and decayed seeds at different times after burial. A total of 44 isolates were isolated from germinated and decayed striga seeds and tested for their effect on germination and seed decay of Striga seeds. Six isolates (GS29, GS32, GS34, GS39, GS42 and GS45) were stimulated 10.33, 9.0, 9.67, 8.33, 5.33 and 8.33 Striga seeds germination from the total of 35 seeds respectively in the absence of host plant synthetic stimulant. On the other hand four isolates (SD3, SD9, SD36 and SD46) significantly decayed Striga seeds at P<0.05 (21, 20, 21.33 and 21 seeds respectively) in order to reduce Striga attack. Selected isolates were characterized by using biochemical tests, and three isolates were classified under the genus Pseudomonas while the other three isolates were grouped under the genus Klebsiella. The four isolates that showed seed decay were classified under the genus Bacillus morphologically.
Abstract: Striga hermonthica is a very serios parasitic weed of (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). It attack host plants by living as hemi-parasite and attaching small sucker root system to host plant. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of bacterial isolate obtained from soil samples collected from Striga infested sorghum growing fields in Amhara, Tigra...
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Research Article
Screening of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Septoria Tritici Blotch in Central Highland of Ethiopia
Endashaw Girma*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
69-74
Received:
30 October 2024
Accepted:
18 November 2024
Published:
7 December 2024
Abstract: Septoria tritici blotch is a major disease that limits wheat yields globally. This study aimed to identify Septoria-resistant bread wheat genotypes for use in future breeding and variety development programs. A total of 49 genotypes were evaluated in the first year and 60 in the second year, selected from an international nursery and evaluated during the 2016–2018 cropping seasons. The experiments were conducted in both research and farmers' fields during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 cropping seasons. The trial used an alpha lattice design with three replications. Data on yield and related traits were analyzed using SAS version 9.3 software. The results indicated significant (P < 0.01) variation among the genotypes for all phenotypic traits measured at Holetta over the two years. Similarly, significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed at Weliso for all traits except for Septoria disease severity, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield. Across the two locations, the highest grain yield recorded was 5.4 t/ha, while the lowest was 1.8t/ha. Therefore, the study findings indicated that some genotypes showed the best performance and a good opportunity to incorporate a variety of development of wheat breeding programs.
Abstract: Septoria tritici blotch is a major disease that limits wheat yields globally. This study aimed to identify Septoria-resistant bread wheat genotypes for use in future breeding and variety development programs. A total of 49 genotypes were evaluated in the first year and 60 in the second year, selected from an international nursery and evaluated duri...
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Review Article
Review on Forage Soybean Utilization and Status in Ethiopia
Hilena Yifred*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
75-79
Received:
8 November 2024
Accepted:
20 November 2024
Published:
7 December 2024
Abstract: Soybean is a vital crop that is known to support the livelihoods of millions of people in West and Central Africa. Soybean is one of the forage legumes it can be planted for high-protein feed, such as grazing, haying, or ensiling. It grazed or harvested from the flowering stage to near maturity for use as high-quality hay. Soybean has great future potential as a high protein and nutritious forage. This review is focusing on the forage production and adoption in Ethiopia. This work includes a critical review of several published journals, publications, and studies related to animal feeding. The development of Ethiopia's livestock sub-sector is hampered by several restrictions, one of which being a lack of feed and poor feeding practices. In Ethiopia, feed scarcity, particularly during the dry season, is the most significant barrier to optimal output. The introduction of legume forages in farming systems could be one solution to tackle these constraints. Soybean is a forage legume and a candidate fodder that can aid in nutrient reduction in agricultural leftovers and natural pastures. A soybean plant has a nutritional value comparable to early-bloom alfalfa, which is high in protein and easily digestible by lactating dairy cows. Animal evaluation feed trial should be implemented to know the effect of the feeding value of forage soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill].
Abstract: Soybean is a vital crop that is known to support the livelihoods of millions of people in West and Central Africa. Soybean is one of the forage legumes it can be planted for high-protein feed, such as grazing, haying, or ensiling. It grazed or harvested from the flowering stage to near maturity for use as high-quality hay. Soybean has great future ...
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Review Article
Arabica Coffee: Genetic Diversity, Conservation Challenges, and Breeding Approaches
Kalifa Nasiro*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
80-106
Received:
28 October 2024
Accepted:
19 November 2024
Published:
13 December 2024
Abstract: Arabica coffee, native to Ethiopia, is esteemed for its exceptional quality and dominates the global specialty coffee market. As the primary cultivated coffee species, it accounts for approximately 60–65% of global coffee production. The genetic diversity of Arabica coffee, shaped through natural evolution and human domestication, is a cornerstone of its adaptability and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Domestication syndrome traits such as reduced seed dispersal, compact growth, and increased uniformity have facilitated its cultivation, yet these traits have inadvertently narrowed its genetic base, making the crop more vulnerable to environmental and pathogenic threats. The genetic makeup of Arabica coffee is unique, with an allotetraploid genome that combines contributions from two diploid species, Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides. Despite its evolutionary significance, Arabica coffee exhibits relatively low genetic variation compared to other Coffea species. This limited diversity heightens its susceptibility to genetic erosion caused by deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable monoculture practices. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving Arabica’s genetic resources, employing both ex-situ and in-situ strategies. Ex-situ methods include seed banks, cryopreservation, and field gene banks, while in-situ conservation protects wild populations in their natural habitats. Modern biotechnological tools such as molecular markers, genetic mapping, and somatic embryogenesis enhance the precision and efficiency of germplasm conservation and utilization. Breeding programs aim to address the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases by developing varieties with enhanced drought tolerance, disease resistance, and higher yields. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) has shown promise in boosting adaptability and productivity. While vegetative propagation ensures uniformity and retention of elite traits, it limits genetic recombination, which is vital for long-term adaptability. In contrast, seed-based propagation facilitates genetic improvement but may compromise trait consistency. Notable achievements in breeding include improved cultivars like Geisha, SL28, and F1 hybrids, which balance productivity with stress resilience. Preserving Arabica coffee’s genetic base and advancing breeding efforts remain essential to securing the crop’s future and maintaining its contribution to global agriculture and livelihoods.
Abstract: Arabica coffee, native to Ethiopia, is esteemed for its exceptional quality and dominates the global specialty coffee market. As the primary cultivated coffee species, it accounts for approximately 60–65% of global coffee production. The genetic diversity of Arabica coffee, shaped through natural evolution and human domestication, is a cornerstone ...
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Research Article
Sorghum Production in Ethiopia: An Overview of Advances, Successes, and Challenges
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
107-113
Received:
4 November 2024
Accepted:
19 November 2024
Published:
13 December 2024
Abstract: Sorghum is an essential crop, particularly significant in semiarid areas with minimal precipitation. It is the fifth most important grain crop globally and originated in Ethiopia, where it underwent diversification. In Ethiopia, sorghum serves multiple purposes, including as a food staple in forms such as popped grain, beer, malted beverages, cooked gruel or porridge, chips, and enjera. It also provides fuel, making it a vital resource for local communities. Sorghum is a critical crop for Ethiopia, contributing significantly to food security, agricultural livelihoods, and the economy. Advances in agronomic practices, breeding programs, and technology adoption have led to improved yields, disease resistance, and drought tolerance, enhancing the crop's resilience in the face of climate variability. Successes in government initiatives, research collaborations, and farmer engagement have facilitated increased sorghum production and diversification of its uses. However, sorghum production faces challenges, including biotic, socioeconomic, and abiotic factors such as diseases, pest insects, drought, and the parasitic weed striga. Soil degradation, limited access to improved seed varieties, inadequate infrastructure, and the ongoing impacts of climate change further hinder productivity. Coordination in Ethiopia is managed by the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center of the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, which oversees the national sorghum breeding program. Through regional and national sorghum improvement initiatives, Ethiopia now has access to a wide variety of open-pollinated and hybrid sorghum varieties suited to diverse agro-ecological settings. This paper discusses these advancements, successes, and challenges in-depth, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in research, policy support, and capacity building to overcome barriers and ensure the long-term sustainability of sorghum production in Ethiopia.
Abstract: Sorghum is an essential crop, particularly significant in semiarid areas with minimal precipitation. It is the fifth most important grain crop globally and originated in Ethiopia, where it underwent diversification. In Ethiopia, sorghum serves multiple purposes, including as a food staple in forms such as popped grain, beer, malted beverages, cooke...
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