Abstract: Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an annual dicotyledonous oil crop and the only species cultivated in different countries throughout tropical and temperate zones. This study presents growth performance, seed yield and yield related traits of Guizotia abyssinica variety Kuyyu in different Nitrogen:Phosphorus fertilization rates of 0:0, 10.25:23, 20.5:23, 41:23 kg/ha and seeding rates of 7.5, 10 and 12.5 kg/ha in Gudane sirba Kebele of Guduru district, Horo Guduru Zone, Oromia regional...
Abstract: Potato is an important cash and food security crop in mid and highlands areas of eastern Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by many factors including improper application of irrigation amount and intervals. The field experiment was conducted at Haramaya University (Raare) research station during 2020 cropping season to assess the effects of furrow irrigation methods and intervals on tuber yield and quality of potato genotypes and to estimate water productivity ...
Abstract: Acid soils research has been one of the main priorities of the government of Ethiopia. However, the pace of research and development efforts to improve the productivity of acid soils was not commensurate with the extent and severity of the problem. This is, especially, true in Arsi-Bale wheat-belt, where soil acidity is a real yield-limiting factor. Cognizant of this fact, the research was conducted with the main objective of generating quantified information and agricultural techn...
Abstract: Faba bean production is a common practice in Limu Bilbilo areas. However, its productivity is affected and limited by poor soil fertility and lack of alternative technologies such as application of optimum phosphorus fertilizer for different faba bean varieties. Limited studies on the role of P on faba bean varietal yield and yield components are reported in Ethiopia, especially in the case of Limu Bilbilo conditions. Studies on the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilization are genera...
Abstract: Tomato is an important cash crop grown by smallholder farmers as well as private investors in Raya Valley, Northern Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop has been low due to poor soil fertility status and use of improper rates of fertilizers. Three independent field experiments were conducted to investigate the response of tomato to fertilizers at Raya Valley for two consecutive seasons during 2016/17 using drip irrigation. The first field experiment was carried out to investiga...
Abstract: In Ethiopia, salt affected soils are prevalent in the Rift Valley and lowland areas. Beans, which grow in different parts of Ethiopia, are salt sensitive. This experiment was conducted with the objective of screening bean varieties: namely Tumsa, Gora and Gachena for salt tolerance by the use of some agronomic traits such as days to seed germination, seedling shoot and root length, seedling shoot and root fresh weight, seedling shoot and root dry weight were measured in the laborat...
Abstract: Climate change is a key emerging threat to the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This study examines small-scale farmer adaptation strategies to climate change and climate variability, and the factors affecting adaptation choice inJimma, Southwestern Ethiopia. This research used a ‘bottom-up’ approach, which seeks to capture insights from the farmers. Primary data was collected through a household survey, focus group discussions and key informant intervi...
Abstract: This study sought to examine the collaborative participation approach and technology adoption. The objective of this study was to determine the linkage between socio-economic factors in collaborative participation and technology adoption and diffusion among Trans Nzoia district resource-limited farmers. Collaborative participation involves farmers, researchers, and extension agents in developing and disseminating technology. The study reviewed the push/pull’ technology of control...
Decline in yields and frequent failure of major crops in Embu and Kiambu counties, Kenya, is linked to inadequate or unevenly distributed rainfall and poor agronomic practices, among other factors. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using mulch and hydrogel in production of yellow passion fruit in Embu and Kiambu Counties, Kenya. The study was set up specifically to (i) determine the effect of mulch and hydrogel on soil moisture and nutrients in a yellow pass...
ABSTRACT Rice is relatively new to Uganda, yet consumption is outstripping production; and with a growing population, demand is likely to increase. NERICA (New Rice for Africa) rice – with high yields and ability to withstand dry conditions is being planted in most part of the country. However, weed infestation is becoming one of the biggest hindrances affecting rice production. The objective of the current work was therefore to investigate the effects of varietal differences, plant spacin...
ABSTRACT Green pepper (Capsicum annuum) is one of the most important and remunerative vegetable crops. Row spacing and mulching are important factors that influence water use, weed suppression, growth, quality, and yield of vegetables. Due to increased pressure on land, climate change and increased demand for vegetables, there is need for deployment of optimal agronomical practices that will ensure enough food production. This study was undertaken to determine the optimum spacing and mulching...
ABSTRACT Drought is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity in many regions of the world. It causes reduction in plant growth, dry matter accumulation and decline in plant water status of the plants and in certain cases interferes with biochemical processes within cultivated crops. The aim of the study was to map out the distribution of different African Nightshade species in Siaya and Kisii Counties of Kenya and to determine water stress effect on total antioxidant capacity and tot...
ABSTRACT Ultraviolet (UVB) radiation (280–315 nm) and interaction with Selenium (Se) have potential promoting plant tolerance to UVB stress in plants and modify metabolites that influence taste and functional properties of tea. The objectives of this study were to assess sensitivity of two tea varieties to ambient solar UVB radiation and Selenium nutrition on 1) yield components,2) secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity, theanine and mineral composition of tea and 3) non-aerated (gree...
Rice is a staple food and the main source of calories and proteins for more than half of the world population. Its increasing demand in Africa made it a commodity for food security and poverty reduction. Rice ranks third in Kenya’s staple food after maize and wheat. Its consumption has been growing rapidly due to urbanization and changing eating habits in both rural and urban households. In 2014, local rice production was estimated at 129,000 metric tonnes, while consumption was 548,00...
ABSTRACT Rice is considered main source of calories and protein especially in many countries of Africa as it constitutes a major part of the diet. It is steadily becoming a major staple food for many households in Kenya as annual consumption has increased by 12 % for rice; compared with 4% for wheat and 1% for maize hence, increasing its productivity is paramount, as eating habits changes especially among the youth. Threat of climate change continues to impede agricultural activities, resulti...