Research Article
General and Specific Combining Ability of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines for Major Foliar Diseases, Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits Evaluated at Mid-altitude Agroecology of Ethiopia
Lemi Yadesa, Debela Diro, Zelalem Tafa
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 7-17.
DOI: 10.36348/merjafs.2021.v01i01.002
Abstract: Despite the fact that maize is a crucial cereal crop for food security, several foliar diseases are the main threats and limitations maize production in Ethiopia, resulting in low yields, particularly quality protein maize (QPM). Accordingly, national maize research program of Ethiopia has released QPM maize varieties adapted to the mid-altitude, low moisture stress and highland agro-ecologies of the country. Nonetheless, the market share of these varieties is generally small due to these reason and other features that have limited their adoption by farmers. General and specific combining ability analysis is one of the powerful instruments in identifying the best combiners that may be used in crosses to accumulate biotic resistance and productive alleles. A line x tester analysis involving 36 crosses generated by crossing 9 selected maize inbred lines with 4 testers were evaluated for different desirable agronomic traits during 2019/2020 main season at Bako and Jimma. The purpose of the experiment were to determine the GCA and SCA combining ability of QPM inbred lines, adapted to mid altitude agroecology of Ethiopia for grain yield and major foliar diseases. The crosses were evaluated in alpha lattice design replicated 3 times. For analysis of days to silking interval, days to maturity, turcicum leaf blight, grey leaf spot, common rust disease severity index, and grain yield were recorded. Analyses of variances showed significant mean squares due to crosses for almost all the traits studied. GCA mean squares due to lines and testers were significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01) for most studied traits. SCA mean squares were also significant for most attributes and major foliar maize diseases across locations. The comparative importance of GCA and SCA variances observed in the current study for most studied traits. Inbred lines L1, L2, L5 and L8 exhibited negative and highly significant GCA effects for husk cover. From this conduct it can be decided that better performing hybrids, inbred lines with desirable GCA and cross combinations with desirable SCA effects for grain yield, major foliar maize diseases and other traits were successfully identified.
Research Article
Response of Sulphur Fertilizer Application to Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Yield and Quality in Kulumsa, Arsi, Ethiopia
Almaz Admasu Terefie
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 18-24.
DOI: 10.36348/merjafs.2021.v01i01.003
Abstract: A field study was conducted during 2013/14 cropping season with the objectives of to study the response of bread wheat to different rates of sulfur fertilizer, to study the effect of Sulphur fertilization on yield and quality of protein of bread wheat and to suggest some recommendations about the optimal rates of sulfur fertilizer application for bread wheat as well as for further sulfur research works. The treatments applied as one factor of six levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60,80 and 100 kg S ha-1 . The treatments were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The experiment was carried out at the Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center on clay textured soil. Data were collected and statistical analysis was done on various characters of the crop. Soil Samples were also taken before and after the implementation of the experiment and chemically analyzed. The analysis of variance for the results of the study revealed among yield and Quality parameters of wheat; Thousand Grains Weight, Grain protein content and wet Gluten were significantly (p≤0.05) affected by rates of S. In addition to Grain yield and Hectoliter Weight were highly significant (p≤0.01) by rates of S. Average over S treatments, each S level brought about significant increase in grain yield and protein over no S. Accordingly, 60 kg S ha-1 further increased yields significantly over control (no N), followed by 40,20, kg S ha-1. Application of 60 kg S/ha increased the grain yield of wheat by 12.64%, 11.39%, 6.44% and 2.52% respectively when compared with the no S application and increased protein contents of wheat by 2.94%, 1.77%, 1.42% and 1.36% respectively when compared with the no S application. However, more systematic investigation should be made based on the detailed analysis of soil fertility, crop characteristics and economic feasibility of recommended treatments in different principal bread wheat growing areas of Ethiopia in order to reach a sound conclusion and recommendation.
Research Article
Evaluation and Participatory Selection of Newly Released Variety for Tef Growing Areas of Benishangul Gumuz Region
Tesfaye Mitiku, Misgana Marga, Desta Bekele
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 25-31.
DOI: 10.36348/merjafs.2021.v01i01.004
Abstract: Tef Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) r) is a panicle bearing C4 self-pollinated cereal that originated and diversified in Ethiopia. Urbanization displaces the major tef production belts of the country resulting a serious threat to this an income-generating preferred endemic grain and emerging global commodity. Tef should now expand its horizons to all suited agro-ecologies and poise the country to take advantage of the emerging global opportunities. So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the best performing improved tef variety/es and advances the outstanding and tef variety/ies via participatory variety selection to large scale demonstration by incorporating farmers’ selection criteria. To strengthen the partnership of tef growers in order to enhance adoption levels and reduce limited technology outreaching. The trial was composed of 12 newly released tef variety including one standard check and one local check. As results of combined analysis of the two year data indicated that there was high (p≤0.01) significant difference among most of the varieties at variable traits. Accordingly; 50% heading, 95% maturity, Plant height, panicle length, grain yields exhibit significant difference indicates the presence of large genetic variation among the genotypes and further improvement through simple selection is possible; whereas lodging index and shoot biomass were non-significant indicating no genetic variability between genotypes in these two traits which insures further improvement of the varieties with this traits is limited success. Thus; DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 1335.9 (kg/ha), Areka-1 1257.1 (kg/ha), and Quncho 1071.3 (kg/ha) revealed the highest grain yield. Farmers’ visual selection of the varieties based on grain yield, white seed color, panicle length, low loading index, and high shoot biomass and plant height was practiced. Thus; farmers’ selected DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse) 65 total scores, Quncho 52 total scores and Areka-1 39 scores respectively with rank of one to third as overall preference of the farmers. The three varieties DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), Quncho and Areka-1 were recommended in that DZ-Cr-429 (Neguse), and Areka-1 on the yield advantage of the varieties and Quncho for the honor of farmer’s preference by common discation and similar consensus based on the results of field experiment and farmers preference.
Review Article
Influences of COVID-19 on Environment
Hina Ayub
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 32-35.
DOI: 10.36348/merjafs.2021.v01i01.005
Abstract: This study aims to show the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on the environment and test how individual mobility is affected by the spread of local diseases and homeopathic regulations. During the COVID-19 epidemic. Since solitary confinement can affect mental health, this study aims to quantify the occurrence of sadness, nervousness, and sleep illnesses in world during incarceration. I associate educated air pollution levels with unusually high atmospheric precipitation levels in different parts of the world. Electricity demand has been significantly abridged because of the current COVID-19 epidemic. Administrations worldwide are being forced to cut business operations in comeback to reducing the hazard of coronavirus. This continuing condition because of COVID-19 has altered the way of life around the world as people live at home and work at home when possible. Therefore, there is a noteworthy rise in the claim for real estate while there is a considerable reduction in trade and manufacturing loads. This dire situation poses new challenges to the power sector's practical and economic services, which is why many resources around the world have embarked on a disaster risk management program to address these ongoing challenges/threats. Satellite data has shown declining air pollution levels in many areas. Of the earth. This review purposes to examine the global cOVID-19 conditions worldwide.
Research Article
Larvicidal Potential of Conidia Suspension of Aspergillus flavus against Anopheles Mosquitoes
Abdulrahman Itopa Suleiman, Abba Nasidi, Kizito Eneye Bello, Muhammed Mahe Muktar, Nasir Sirajo Sadi, Mustapha Omenesa Idris, Salawudeen Shuaibu Omeiza, Abdullahi Hassan Amoto, Abdullahi Abdulkadir Im
Middle East Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science; 36-41.
DOI: 10.36348/merjafs.2021.v01i01.006
Abstract: Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the larvicidal potential of the conidia suspension of Aspergillus flavus against Anopheles mosquitoes. Method: Aspergillus flavus was isolated from soil using soil suspension procedures and was identified using morphological characteristics. Bioassay was performed to determine the efficacy of Aspergillus flavus conidial suspension against early 4th instar larvae of Anopheles mosquito using WHO-2005 protocol with slight modifications. Results: Four different concentration of conidial suspension; 3.3×106, 3.3×105, 3.3×104 and 3.3×103 conidia/ml were tested, and the results show that; mortality increases with increase in conidial concentration and exposure time. Conclusion: These results indicated that Aspergillis flavus conidia suspension are pathogenic to immature stage of Anopheles mosquito and could be suggested as a biological control for mosquito management.
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