Ethnobotanical study of forage/fodder plant species in and around the semi-arid Awash National Park, Ethiopia

We undertook ethnobotanical study of forage/fodder plant species used by the Afar and Oromo （Kereyu and lttu） Nations in and around the semi=arid Awash National Park （ANP）, Ethiopia. The study aimed at investigating and documenting indigenous knowledge （IK） on forage/fodder plant species and threats to their survival. Ninety-six in= formants between 20 and 80 years old were selected using prior informa- tion. Data were collected using semi-structured interview, guided field wail discussion and field observation. Preference ranking, Jaccard＇s coefficient of similarity and priority ranking were used for data analysis. One hundred twenty-six forage/fodder species of 90 genera and 43 fami- lies were collected in the study area. More than 88% of the species were reported with their vernacular names, where 68% were reported by the Afar Nation and 70% by the Oromo Nation. Family Poaceae was repre- sented by 25 species （20%）, followed by Fabaceae 18 （14%）. Preference ranking for the most preferred forage grasses as perceived by key informants revealed that Chrysopogon plumulosus was the most important forage/fodder species. Overgrazing was the major threat in the study area, scoring 22%.

Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot disease of citrus: Achievements and challenges in the citrus industry: A review

Citruses are the worlds’ second fruit crops by volume next to banana. It is one of the most important commodity in tropical Africa as source of foreign currency, raw material for agro-industries and source of employment. The production and productivity of citrus in tropical Africa including Ethiopia are critically threatened by a number of diseases. Among others, pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot of citrus caused by a fungus Pseudocercospora angolensis is the most destructive disease of citrus. Literature reviews have been made by searching the available information on leaf and fruit spot of citrus. Journal articles, research papers, workshop proceedings, Thesis research, manuals, and quarantine regulations were among the information sources of the review. The disease is widespread in 22 African countries including Ethiopia with a single report around Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula. Scattered research efforts have been made by different researchers in Africa mainly dealing with its geographic distribution, biology, and management practices. Fungicides, plant extracts/essential oils, and host resistance are among the research efforts made for the control of P. angolensis. Even though the disease is not yet reported to the rest of the world, it becomes a serious concern as an important quarantine pest thereby critically affecting the world trade and germplasm exchange of the citrus industry. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to compile the scattered information on various aspects of leaf and fruit spot of citrus mainly to avail the information for researchers, development workers and policy people. Moreover, this review will suggest future research and development direction towards better understanding and sustainable management practices of the disease.

Nutrient Response Functions of Sorghum for Miesso District Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This study was executed to offer the basis for optimized profit from fertilizer use for sorghum yield and to determine robust crop nutrient response function and economic rate for the production of sorghum at Miesso Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Trails were conducted at six experimental sites, sorghum yield response to N and P fertilizers application and economically optimum rates of nitrogen (EONR) and phosphorus (EOPR) were evaluated on a vertisols within the semi-arid Miesso districts west Hararge zone of Oromia region. The nutrient rates in 2014 cropping season four levels of Nitrogen (N) alone, these levels with 20 kg·ha−1 Phosphorus (P) and without N, 69 kg·ha−1 N with three levels of P treatments including the zero control were evaluated. In 2015, cropping season similar rates of N alone, the same rate N with 20 kg·ha−1 P, 92 kg·ha−1 N with three rates of P including the zero control were evaluated. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications in factorial design. Nutrient responses of sorghum were determined using asymptotic quadratic plateau functions. The significantly highest nitrogen rate was 46 kg·ha−1 alone in 2014 season, which gave grain yield of 2.56 Mg·ha−1 with a maximum yield advantage of 43%. P rates in both seasons and combined (sites + seasons) were not significantly influenced sorghum yield. Nitrogen agronomic and partial factor productivity peaked at 23 kg N ha−1 but declined with increasing N rate. The EONR combined (sites + seasons) were 37, 45, 52 and 60 kg·ha−1 and for the profit to cost ratio (PCR) were 2.43, 3.65, 4.86 and 5.79 at difference cost to grain price ratios (CP) = 3.6, 2.3, 1.6 and 1.2 respectively at Miesso Ethiopia. Nitrogen application had economically profitable than P. The study concluded that the application of N at 37 or 60 kg N ha−1 to sorghum production could be economically profitable for those economically constrained farmers or economically not constrained farmers. Validation should be farther conducted on farmers’ fields for refining the results obtained.

Distribution and Abundance of <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i>L. in Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a harmful invasive weed to plant biodiversity and human health. It is native to American tropics and first introduced to Ethiopia in the 1970s. Today, it is widely distributed across the country and severely affecting the biodiversity, crop, and animal production in the country. In the Metekel Zone, there was no report on its distribution and impacts so far. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the distribution and abundance of the plant in the zone. The distribution and abundance data of the weed were recorded at five km intervals following all accessible roads of the zone. The result reveals that P. hysterophorus L. was less distributed in the area with a 4.95% frequency. However, it was found abundantly growing at roadsides, wastelands, around habitation, market place, and around Zeghibridge where it can rapidly spread to most economical lands like the arable and grazing lands. Moreover, it has aggressively invaded a nursery site, which enables the weed to enter agricultural fields directly. This suggests that the weed is on a fast move to agricultural lands in the zone. The regular active development activities such as agricultural investment, construction of roads, and factories are presumed to promote its spread. Therefore, a decisive and timely decision is needed to mitigate the weed when it is still sparse and small.

Sheep Production Systems and Breeding Practices for Selected Zones of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

A study was undertaken to identify the production system, breeding practices and major production constraints of common Tigray highland sheep in 16 rural kebelles from eight districts of Tigray Regional State. A total of 480 households (30 households for each rural kebelle) were selected purposively to collect data through personal observations and a detailed structured questionnaire. Mixed crop-livestock production system was the dominant farming system in all the study districts. The farmers kept a variety of livestock species including sheep, goats, cattle, chickens horse, donkeys and bee colony. Sheep, principally as source of income, meat for home consumption, production of manure and for socio cultural purposes, are commonly herded with other species in the open grazing fields by young boys in a family. Mating was generally uncontrolled. Body size, growth rate and adaptability were the major traits in selecting rams, whereas ewes were selected based on body size, twining ability and lambing interval. Majority of sheep across all districts are housed in structures known as Gebella which is built from stone and mud wall and tree/corrugated iron sheet roofing separated from the main family house. The major constraints hampering sheep production in the study areas were feed shortage (0.25), lack of capital (0.24), insufficient veterinary services (0.2), limited grazing land (0.2), water scarcity (0.06) and predators (0.05) with index value indicated in parenthesis. In order to improve the productivity of sheep, it is important to involve farmers and other stockholders in addressing these constraints and designing breed improvement interventions, considering the overall farming and breeding practice of smallholders.

Multi-Environment Evaluation and Genotype ×Environment Interaction Analysis of Sorghum [<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>(L.) Moench] Genotypes in Highland Areas of Ethiopia

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a high-yielding, nutrient-use efficient, and drought tolerant crop that can be cultivated on over 80 per cent of the world’s agricultural land. However, a number of biotic and abiotic factors are limiting grain yield increase. Diseases (leaf and grain) are considered as one of the major biotic factors hindering sorghum productivity in the highland and intermediate altitude sorghum growing areas of Ethiopia. In addition, the yield performance of crop varieties is highly influenced by genotype × environment (G × E) interaction which is the major focus of researchers while generating improved varieties. In Ethiopia, high yielding and stable varieties that withstand biotic stress in the highland areas are limited. In line with this, the yield performance of 21 sorghum genotypes and one standard check were evaluated across 14 environments with the objectives of estimating magnitude G × E interaction for grain yield and to identify high yielder and stable genotypes across environments. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in all environments. The combined analysis of variance across environments revealed highly significant differences among environments, genotypes and G × E interactions of grain yield suggesting further analysis of the G × E interaction. The results of the combined AMMI analysis of variance indicated that the total variation in grain yield was attributed to environments effects 71.21%, genotypes effects 4.52% and G × E interactions effects 24.27% indicating the major sources of variation. Genotypes 2006AN7010 and 2006AN7011 were high yielder and they were stable across environments and one variety has been released for commercial production and can be used as parental lines for genetic improvement in the sorghum improvement program. In general, this research study revealed the importance of evaluating sorghum genotypes for their yield and stability across diverse highland areas of Ethiopia before releasing for commercial production.

Status of Root-Knot Nematode (<i>Meloidogyne</i>Species) and Fusarium Wilt (<i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>) Disease Complex on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>L.) in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Development of diseases in cultivated crops depends on the complex interrelationship among host, pathogen and prevailing environmental conditions. In nature, plants are rarely, if ever, subject to the influence of only one potential pathogen and this is especially true of soil-borne pathogens like fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum). In the present study, the co-occurrence of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne species) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici was surveyed in the main tomato growing areas of the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Mineral and organic samples were collected from 59 farmlands representing five districts and two commercial farms during the main cropping season of 2017. Cultural, morphological and virulence analysis of these pathogens revealed their co-existence. Out of 59 samples, 39% were found infected with the disease complex [Meloilodogyne species.* Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopesici (FOL)]. Off which, 16.9% and 6.8% resulted from concomitant infection of Meloidogyne incognita* FOL and Meloidogyne javanica* FOL, respectively. The percent prevalence of the disease complex ranged between 27.3% and 60%. The co-occurrence of these pathogens within a single host plant within the same ecological niche will indicate the probability of any type of interaction between each other. Therefore, subsequent research studies on their nature of interaction should be done in the future.

First Report of <i>Stemphylium vesicarium</i>Causing Onion Stemphylium Leaf Blight in Ethiopia

A suspected fungal disease was observed on onion leaves during survey in onion fields of the central rift valley of Ethiopia in the offseason in 2019. The disease symptoms were round to oval small spots on onion leaves which coalesce to form blighted leaves that change to brown lesion and black sporulation with time. The disease was of high incidence (up to 95.2%) and severity (up to 4.67) where in some fields it has been causing early plant senescence and reduced bulb size during harvest with massive yield loss, named to be “Yeshinkurt Ebola” to mean “Ebola of onion” by farmers. Dirty white to light grey front colony color and light brown to deep brown reverse colony color with alternative white and brown band fungal growth were isolated from infected onion leaf samples. The conidia were olive brown, oval to ovoid, oblong and ovoid to oblong are born on conidiophores. Pathogenicity of the pathogen was confirmed on 45-days-old onion (cv. Nafis) plant, and it was identified as Stemphylium vesicarium based on cultural, morphological and pathogenic results. This is the first report of S. vesicarium, the causative agent of onion stemphylium leaf blight.

Sero-prevalence, Risk Factor and Community Perception of Foot and Mouse Disease in Cattle under Extensive Management in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

To determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease in southern zone of Tigray,North Ethiopia,a cross-sectional examination of 340 sera samples were conducted from November 2015 up to May 2016.In addition,a structured questionnaire survey was done to know the perception and knowledge of the local community about the disease and 120 informants were interviewed.The overall sero-prevalence was 20.9%and there was no statistical significant difference(P>0.05)in prevalence of foot and mouth disease between sexes,agro-ecology,breed and vaccination history.However,a statistical significant difference(P<0.05)was noticed between the age groups,different body conditions,farming systems,and history of contact with wild life.The logistic regression analysis indicated that all the factors which had an association with sero-positivity were found significant risk factors for the disease.The questionnaire survey indicated that 65%of the contacted informants described the disease consistent with the major clinical signs mentioned in literature.The study revealed that the virus is circulating in the area and requires further identification of the serotypes.Moreover,implementing control of foot and mouth disease with integrated approaches has paramount importance.

Interactive effects of microplastics and typical pollutants on the soilplant system:a mini-review

Although research on microplastics(MPs)interactions with other soil pollutants is increasingly becoming available,most studies do not consider risks to soil fertility or plant growth.This review aims:1)to summarize the results of current studies on interactions between MPs,heavy metals,and organic pollutants;and 2)subsequently evaluate risks to the soil-plant nexus.Available-literature shows that polypropylene,polyethylene and polylactic acid increase cadmium(Cd)bioavailability and subsequently reduce root growth.Such effects are not evident in sandy or clay soils due to the formation of CdCO3 and iron-oxide by altered bacterial communities that stabilize Cd contamination.Chronic instead of short-term exposure to polystyrene in copper(Cu)-polluted soils decreases crop yield.With coexistence of MPs and lead(Pb)in soil,the uptake of Pb in crops increases,causing altered malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activities.Moreover,co-toxicity of polystyrene or polytetrafluoroethylene with arsenic(As)decreases root biomass,photosynthesis rate and the chlorophyll-a content.In alkaline soil,polyvinyl-chloride could decrease the bioavailability of MeHg due to changes in the abundance of Proteobacteria,and Firmicutes.We also found strong interactions between MPs and organic pollutants.Polystyrene decreases negative impacts of sulfamethazine on bacterial diversity,and structure in soil.Polyethylene,polyvinyl-chloride and polystyrene have a strong adsorption capacity for 17β-estradiol.This implies that 17β-estradiol toxicity can be reduced by these MPs.At low concentrations,polyethylene,polypropylene,and polystyrene have low affinity to diazepam.In conclusion,serious ecological risks are associated with MPs and other pollutants'interactions to soil-plant system.

Epidemiological Study on Equine Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Mekelle, North Ethiopia

A cross-sectional examination of 384 fecal samples was conducted from July 2016 up to November 2016 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of equines in Mekelle, North Ethiopia. Out of total fecal samples examined 196 fecal samples were taken from horses, 164 from Donkeys and the rest 24 from Mules. The prevalence of gastro intestinal helminths was 41.6% as detected by coprological examination. Coprological examination revealed that the prevalence in horses was 33.7%, in donkeys 51.8% and in mules 37.5%. There is significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of GIT helminth infection between the equine species. Coprological examination revealed 35.4% infection with strongyle followed by mixed infections (10.4%), P. eqourum (8.3%), O. equi (5.7%) and Anoplocephala species (4%). No significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence of GIT helminth was noticed between sexes. However, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was noticed between the age groups, between different body conditions, feeding status, history of colic and frequency of deworming. The study revealed that Equines in the study area are infected with a range of heminths, which are representatives of the important equine pathogenic parasites found in Ethiopia.

Building a Resilient Wheat Seed System to Resist Rust Risks in Ethiopia

This study is a review of existing reports and summary of some field experiences aiming at building of a resilient wheat seed system to resist rust risks in Ethiopia. Practical gaps in the wheat seed system were identified with regard to understanding of seed system factors that build, or undermine resilience to rust risks. The study has recognized that the formal seed multiplication schemes are too slow to respond to the ever increasing frequencies of wheat rust outbreaks. Therefore, it is indicated that new approaches such as pre-release and farmer based seed multiplication schemes are helpful in insuring availability of seed of rust resistant wheat varieties to the small farmers.

The invasion of Prosopis juliflora and Afar pastoral livelihoods in the Middle Awash area of Ethiopia

Introduction:An evergreen shrub,Prosopis juliflora is one of the most invasive species in arid and semi-arid areas.Since its introduction to the Middle Awash area of Ethiopia,it has invaded a huge acreage of grass-and rangelands which are life-supporting unit for Afar pastoralists.Methods:Survey,using group discussion and questionnaire,was made to study the effect of P.juliflora invasion on Afar pastoral livelihoods.The obtained data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test,chi-square analysis,and logistic regression.Results:According to the result,84%of the total surveyed households rated P.juliflora as undesirable species even though the bush was often used for fuelwood,fencing homesteads,and barn and house construction.Invasion of P.juliflora was also blamed to limit transhumance,occupying settlement areas and affecting multipurpose trees/bushes and grass availability.All these effects put pressure on the livestock assets causing about 80%livestock loss,testing the pastoral livelihoods heavily.Each household,on average,lost 6.5 small stock and 7 cattle during the past 10 years due to health hazards caused by P.juliflora pod.Consequently,P.juliflora as a source of income was considered by a quarter of the surveyed pastoral households,with the age of a household head and change in livestock asset being influential variables in decision-making.Conclusions:In sum,P.juliflora invasion has made livestock rearing extremely difficult which raised pastoralists’ecological vulnerability in the fragile ecosystem they possess.

MRCKα is a novel regulator of prolactin-induced lactogenesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Myotonic dystrophy-related Cdc42-binding kinase alpha(MRCKα)is an integral component of signaling pathways controlling vital cellular processes,including cytoskeletal reorganization,cell proliferation and cell survival.In this study,we investigated the physiological role of MRCKα in milk protein and fat production in dairy cows,which requires a dynamic and strict organization of the cytoskeletal network in bovine mammary epithelial cells(BMEC).Within a selection of 9 Holstein cows,we found that both mRNA and protein expression of MRCKα in the mammary gland were upregulated during lactation and correlated positively(r>0.89)with the mRNA and protein levels of b-casein.Similar positive correlations(r>0.79)were found in a primary culture of BMEC stimulated with prolactin for 24 h.In these cells,silencing of MRCKα decreased basal b-casein,sterol-regulatory element binding protein(SREBP)-1 and cyclin D1 protein level,phosphorylation of mTOR,triglyceride secretion,cell number and viabilitydwhile overexpression of MRCKα displayed the reversed effect.Notably,silencing of MRCKα completely prevented the stimulatory action of prolactin on the same parameters.These data demonstrate that MRCKα is a critical mediator of prolactin-induced lactogenesis via stimulation of the mTOR/SREBP1/cyclin D1 signaling pathway.

Estimating landscape susceptibility to soil erosion using a GIS-based approach in Northern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a very critical form of land degradation resulting in the loss of soil nutrients and downstream sedimentation of water storages in the highlands of Ethiopia.As it is technically and financially impossible to conserve all landscapes affected by erosion,identification of priority areas of intervention is necessary.Spatially distributed erosion models can help map landscape susceptibility to erosion and identify high erosion risk areas.Integration of erosion models with geographic information systems(GIS)enables assessing evaluate the spatial variability of soil erosion and plan implementing conservation measures at landscape levels.In this study,the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted for sediment delivery ratio was used in a GIS system to assess landscape sensitivity to erosion and identify hotspots.The approach was applied in three catchments with size being 10–20 km^(2) and results were compared against quantitative and semi-quantitative data.The model estimated mean soil loss rates of about 45 t ha^(−1) y^(−1) with an average variability of 30%between catchments.The estimated soil loss rate is above the tolerable limit of 10 t ha^(−1) y^(−1).The model predicted high soil loss rates at steep slopes and shoulder positions as well as along gullies.The results of the study demonstrate that knowledge of spatial patterns of high soil loss risk areas can help deploy site-specific conservation measures.

Redesigning crop varieties to win the race between climate change and food security

Climate change poses daunting challenges to agricultural production and food security.Rising temperatures,shifting weather patterns,and more frequent extreme events have already demonstrated their effects on local,regional,and global agricultural systems.Crop varieties that withstand climate-related stresses and are suitable for cultivation in innovative cropping systems will be crucial to maximize risk avoidance,productivity,and profitability under climate-changed environments.We surveyed 588 expert stakeholders to predict current and novel traits that may be essential for future pearl millet,sorghum,maize,groundnut,cowpea,and common bean varieties,particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.We then review the current progress and prospects for breeding three prioritized future-essential traits for each of these crops.Experts predict that most current breeding priorities will remain important,but that rates of genetic gain must increase to keep pace with climate challenges and consumer demands.Importantly,the predicted future-essential traits include innovative breeding targets that must also be prioritized;for example,(1)optimized rhizosphere microbiome,with benefits for P,N,and water use efficiency,(2)optimized performance across or in specific cropping systems,(3)lower nighttime respiration,(4)improved stover quality,and(5)increased early vigor.We further discuss cutting-edge tools and approaches to discover,validate,and incorporate novel genetic diversity from exotic germplasm into breeding populations with unprecedented precision,accuracy,and speed.We conclude that the greatest challenge to developing crop varieties to win the race between climate change and food security might be our innovativeness in defining and boldness to breed for the traits of tomorrow.