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Research Article
Effect of Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum L. Maton) at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia
Behailu Mekonnen*,
Asrade Chane,
Belay Gezahegn,
Hassan Seid,
Getachew Shiferaw,
Tsegaye Mulualem
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2024
Pages:
13-21
Received:
4 December 2023
Accepted:
2 January 2024
Published:
20 March 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20241302.11
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Abstract: An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO3 (0.2%), GA3 (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of these factors was arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Different parameters were measured, including seed germination percentage, germination index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, as well as root volume. Notably, the main effect of the priming solution had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the aforesaid germination and seedling growth attributes. However, the main effect of soaking duration and their interaction with priming solutions did not exhibit a significant effect (P>0.05). Among the priming solutions, the application of cow urine at a 10% concentration exhibited a significant effect on the seed germination and subsequent growth of the cardamom seedlings. Advantageous results of seedling vigor indexes I and II were observed from cardamom seeds primed with the same solution. Accordingly, the growers and seedling producers in the study area are advised to apply a 10% cow urine priming solution before sowing cardamom seeds for enhanced germination and seedling growth.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of seed priming on the germination and seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment consisted of two factors, namely; five priming solutions (distilled water, KNO3 (0.2%), GA3 (200 ppm), cow urine (10%), and tap water), and two soaking durations (6 hrs. and 9 hrs.). The factorial combination of the...
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Research Article
Studies of Genetic Variability in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Collections for Morpho-Agronomic Traits at Werer, Ethiopia
Mesay Tadesse*,
Negash Geleta,
Gudeta Nepir
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2024
Pages:
22-30
Received:
16 January 2024
Accepted:
26 February 2024
Published:
20 March 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20241302.12
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Abstract: Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted to estimate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among sesame accessions. A total of sixty-four sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Accessions were evaluated in an 8*8 lattice design with two replications in 2021 at the Werer Agricultural Research Center. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, except for the 50% days to emergence and the number of seeds per pod, there were statistically significant differences between the accessions for all traits. A relatively high (>20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was estimated for the number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield, and biomass yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) was recorded for thousand seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass yield, and seed yield. The information and genetic variability obtained in the present study could be used to plant appropriate breeding procedures and develop genotypes with high productivity in future sesame improvement programs.
Abstract: Knowledge of genetic variability is necessary to develop a suitable breeding method for crop improvement. Thus, further information on the existence of variability in sesame accessions is needed to set appropriate breeding strategies and improve sesame in terms of yield and desired quality traits. Based on this concern, this research was conducted ...
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Research Article
A Review on the Impact of Soil Acidification on Plant Nutrient Availability, Crop Productivity, and Management Options in the Ethiopian Highlands
Amanuel Tadesse Warke*
,
Tesfaye Wakgari
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2024
Pages:
31-45
Received:
29 January 2024
Accepted:
29 February 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: Soil acidity is a type of soil deterioration that has a negative impact on Ethiopia's overall and Western Oromia's specific sustainable agricultural production. Currently, soil acidity in highland portions of Western Oromia, including Gimbi, Nedjo, and surrounding areas, is a major problem that can impede agricultural productivity. Reviewing the mechanisms of soil acidification, which can affect soil nutrient availability and agricultural production, as well as management choices, were done in this context for this review topic. The main causes of acid soils are leaching of exchangeable basic cations and topsoil erosion caused by high temperatures and heavy rains, which promote the loss of organic matter the most. In most of Ethiopia's highland regions, the removal of agricultural waste and ongoing use of inorganic fertilizers that produce acidity are major factors in the development of soil acidity. Al and Mn toxicity are caused by acid soil, which also reduces nutrient availability. Furthermore, agricultural yield decreases due to acidity in the soil. The management options for acid soils include crop types resistant to Al toxicity, liming, and the use of organic materials as integrated forms of soil fertility control. Therefore, lime and organic fertilizers should be employed as crucial agricultural techniques for small-holder farmers in acidic soil locations in order to decrease the effects of soil acidity.
Abstract: Soil acidity is a type of soil deterioration that has a negative impact on Ethiopia's overall and Western Oromia's specific sustainable agricultural production. Currently, soil acidity in highland portions of Western Oromia, including Gimbi, Nedjo, and surrounding areas, is a major problem that can impede agricultural productivity. Reviewing the me...
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Research Article
Effect of Weight at First Mating on the Performance of New Zealand White Rabbit Population in the Rainforest Zone of Nigeria
Collins Odion Obugo,
Godspower Bello-Onaghise*,
Arierhire Michael Orheruata
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2024
Pages:
46-51
Received:
17 October 2023
Accepted:
16 November 2023
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: It has been generally accepted that for breeders to embark on intensive production of rabbits there is a need to use appropriate body weight rabbit that has better performance. To provide such information, this study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of weight at first mating on the performance of the New Zealand White rabbit population at the University of Benin Teaching and Research Farm. The rabbits were grouped into four based on their weight before the first service (1.00 to 1.49kg, 1.50 to 1.99kg, 2.00 to 2.49kg, and 2.5kg and above) as weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The rabbits were raised under acceptable management. The experimental animals were fed a commercial diet of 18% CP and 2700kcal/kg ME. Data collected were weight of doe before service (WBS), number of time served (NTS), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW), pre-weaning mortality percentage (PWM), gestation length (GLT), and stillbirth (SBT). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the R statistical package version 3.3.3 (2017). Significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results obtained showed an increasing trend with body weight at first service. The mean values for LWB were 40.08±1.04, 43.83±2.16, 49.26±2.93 and 45.57±3.74 g for weight groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Rabbits in weight 2 and 3 had a higher CV of 30%. Mean LWW ranged from 366.20±26.92 in group 1 to 442.90±29.74 in weight group 4. The average LSB was 4 kits. Litter sizes at weaning (LSW) were 3 kits except for group 4 with 4 kits. The body weight at first mating had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the performance traits. Gestation length (GLT) and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) showed significance (P<0.05). Gestation length (GLT) was highest in weight group 4 with mean days of 32.14±0.40 and the least in group 3 (30.53±0.09). Percentage SBT was highest in group 3 (10.48%) and none was recorded in group 4, 0.00±0.00. Percentage PWM was highest in groups 1 and 2 with 23.25% and 1.50%, respectively, while there was no PWM recorded in groups 3 and 4. The results of the efficiency of gain of offspring from the weight group were not significantly different (P>0.05) except for mortality which showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Rabbits from weight groups 1 and 3 showed better performance but for the high mortality in group 1, it will be better to mate rabbits for the first time at weight group 3.
Abstract: It has been generally accepted that for breeders to embark on intensive production of rabbits there is a need to use appropriate body weight rabbit that has better performance. To provide such information, this study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of weight at first mating on the performance of the New Zealand White rabbit popula...
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Research Article
Effect of Intercropping by Flax, Radish and Fenugreek on Faba Bean, Vicia faba L., Production and Reduction of Orobanche crenata Forsk Seed Bank
Esmat Hegazi*,
Abou Zeid,
Manal Ahmed Attia,
Mervat Abo Elhamed Hasaneen,
Amany Abu Shall,
Mohamed Awad El Eryan,
Nagat Mohamed Aly,
Sania Fateh Allah Showiel,
Safaa Moustafa Abd El-Rahman,
Hamdy Kotb Abou Taleb,
Anter Kenawy Mahmoud,
Wedad Emam Khafagi,
Marwa Ahmed Farag
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2024
Pages:
52-59
Received:
15 February 2024
Accepted:
13 March 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20241302.15
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Abstract: Faba bean Vicia faba L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, Orobanche crenata Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to O. crenata heavy soil infestation. Several methods have been used for controlling this parasite, but without obvious success. Many researches have shown that intercropping has been more effective than monocropping in suppression of parasitic weeds. The effect of intercropping (fenugreek, radish and flax) using two resistant cultivars (Giza 843& Misr 3) on the emergence of the broomrape spikes and faba bean production were carried out. Intercropping flax or fenugreek among faba bean cultivars, caused a significant reduction in the infestation levels of O. crenata and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by O. crenata than fenugreek. This reduction appeared to be related to reduced seed germination which may have been as a result of allelochemicals released by fenugreek roots, though this was not confirmed in this study. The reduction in weed infestation was more pronounced in Giza 843, than in Misr 3. Flax treatment showed the lowest weed infestation compared with other intercropping treatments. Fenugreek intercropping treatment resulted in the highest pod yield for both Giza 843 and Misr 3. Using resistant cultivars intercropping with fenugreek or flax is very promising trend that generally combines both good yield and low number of emerged spikes that reduce broomrape seed bank in the infected soils, with variations depending on the cultivar and growing season.
Abstract: Faba bean Vicia faba L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, Orobanche crenata Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to O. crenata heavy soil infestation. Several methods have bee...
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