Asian Journal of Research and Review in Agriculture

Efficacy of Greenzeb 80% WP Fungicide on Potato Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) in Bonke, Chencha and Kamba, Southern Nation Nationality People Regional States, Ethiopia

2026-01-09T12:46:12+00:00

The verification research was carried out at Bonke, Chencha, and Kamba in SNNPRs in 2021 to assess the performance of the fungicide Greenzeb 80% WP in comparison to another promising standard fungicide, Sabozeb 80% WP, for the treatment of potato late blight for registration reasons. The trials consisted of three treatments and were organized in a randomized full block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed substantial (P < 0.001) differences in late blight severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), and tuber yield between treatments and sites. The results revealed that plots sprayed with Greenzeb 80% WP at the three sites had the lowest mean severity (34.98%) and AUDPC (576.46%-days), as well as the highest marketable tuber output (16,622 kg ha-1). Plots sprayed with Sabozeb 80% WP at all three locations, however, revealed statistical similarities. In summary, evidence from the current verification studies revealed that Greenzeb 80% WP considerably decreased late blight epidemics, resulting in higher potato tuber yields across all sites when compared to unsprayed controls. Greenzeb 80% WP is therefore recommended for registration in order to manage potato late blight, as it has been shown to be quite effective.

Trait Associations and Genetic Parameters in Purple-Fleshed Sweetpotato Genotypes Evaluated at Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

2026-01-10T11:59:01+00:00

Purple-fleshed sweetpotato (PFSP) is a vital root crop enhancing food and nutrition security, owing to its high anthocyanin content with proven health benefits and industrial potential. This study assessed trait associations and genetic parameters in nine PFSP genotypes during the 2025 main cropping season at Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Nine key traits were evaluated: sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) severity, vine length, root length and girth, above-ground biomass, number of roots per plant, marketable/unmarketable root yields, and total root yield. Analysis revealed substantial genotypic variability across traits, with genotypic correlations exceeding phenotypic ones, highlighting strong genetic effect. High phenotypic (PCV: 61.6–286.2%) and genotypic (GCV: 59.6–272.9%) coefficients of variation, coupled with genetic advance as a percent of the mean (GAM) up to 536%, indicating robust improvement predictions. Broad-sense heritability (H²) was very high (93.6-99.4%), with higher GAM indicating additive gene action for most traits, which is ideal for selection. Notably, number of roots per plant, root length, and root girth showed positive correlations with yield, serving as reliable selection indices. These findings provide information to develop superior PFSP varieties with enhanced yield, anthocyanin levels, and SPVD resistance, to support food security, nutrition, and agro-industrial applications in Ethiopia.

Assessment of Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Practices at the Farm Level in Wondo Genet District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

2026-01-10T12:32:17+00:00

The advancing threat of land degradation continues to put sustainable livelihoods at risk in the study area. Diverse array of farm level Sustainable Land Management technologies was recommended as a potential solution for combating land degradation. However, sustained use of these practices is far below the expectation. The current study was conducted with the objective of identifying the determinants of farm level implementation of sustainable land management practices among smallholder farmers in 2023. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for quantitative and qualitative data collection and data analysis were conducted using binary logit model and descriptive statistics.

The results off descriptive and inferential statistics and Binary logistic model result indicate that the determinants of SLM such as sex of the household, family size, and distance negatively influencing the farmers’ decision to implement sustainable land management practices. While resource total livestock unit, extension services, access to credit, information landform are positively impelling the decision of farmers to implement sustainable land management practices. In addition, the key informant interview and focus group discussion revealed that there is a gap between the implementation of SLMP and land policy because of lack of well-organized institutional arrangements for the better implementation of SLM at farm plots. In general, the institutional linkage, strong follow-up and evaluation as well as bottom-up approach on building institutional capacities and strengthening and partnerships between the local, regional and national levels are should be needed for sustained implementation of SLM practices in the study area.

Efficacy of Copper Plus WP against Tomato Late Blight, Early Blight, Bacterial Spot, and Powdery Mildew at Arba Minch and Mihirab Abaya in Southern Region, Ethiopia

2026-01-10T12:55:42+00:00

The study was carried out under rain-fed conditions with supplementary irrigation at Arba Minch and Mihirab Abaya in SNNPRs in 2021 to evaluate the efficacy of Copper Plus WP relative to another promising standard check bactericide, Copper oxide 77% WP, for the management of bacterial spot, late blight, early blight, and powdery mildew in tomato for registration purposes. The study consisted of three treatments and was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that application of bactericide/fungicide at 14-day intervals significantly reduced mean bacterial spot (23.39%), late blight (14.90%), early blight (32.73%), and powdery mildew (9.53%) severities in the three locations. Bacterial spot, late blight, early blight, and powdery mildew had the lowest mean AUDPC values across locations, at 234.78, 297.82, 518.62, and 120.08%-days, respectively. Plots sprayed with candidate chemical had the highest mean (30,150.05 kg ha-1) marketable fruit output among the three locations. In comparison to Copper oxide 77% WP in every location, Copper Plus WP significantly reduced the epidemic development of a bacterial spot, late blight, early blight, and powdery mildew, which in turn increased tomato fruit yield. It is therefore advised to register Copper Plus WP for the treatment of these diseases as it was discovered to be quite efficient.

A Delphi Study of Challenges Affecting the Implementation of Animal Husbandry Trade Education in Delta State Secondary Schools

2026-01-29T07:19:54+00:00

This study investigated the challenges hindering the efficient execution of the Animal Husbandry Trade Subject in secondary schools within Delta State. Utilizing the Delphi method, twenty experts in animal husbandry identified and agreed on the most significant challenges to implementation over four rounds. Initially, forty challenge items were developed in Round One, which were refined through structured questionnaires and consensus criteria in subsequent rounds. By Round Four, a total of 29 major challenges were identified, including the lack of working school farms, absence of live animals for hands-on lessons, insufficient funding, inadequate qualified teachers, poor infrastructure, scarcity of teaching materials, and limited cooperation with livestock farmers. The results indicated that these issues hinder the learning of practical skills and the achievement of curriculum goals. The study recommends establishing working school farms, providing timely funding, hiring and training qualified teachers, and improving infrastructure to enhance the effectiveness of animal husbandry education.

Contribution of Soil and Water Conservation Practices to Livelihood Improvement and Land Resource Restoration in Meribo and Halu Sub-Watersheds, Wondogenet Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

2026-03-07T13:05:10+00:00

Land degradation has long been a major environmental and socio-economic challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in Wondogenet Woreda. This study aimed to examine the contribution of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices to rural livelihoods and land resources.

A cross-sectional research design was employed using mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approaches. Data were collected from 162 household heads selected through purposive and simple random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test and binary logistic regression). Qualitative information from key informant interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed narratively for triangulation.

The results indicate that the most common physical SWC practice was Fanjuu (47.6%), while the dominant biological practices were agroforestry (45.2%) and crop rotation (40.7%). Among soil improvement measures, mulching (50%) was the most widely used. Participation in SWC practices was associated with improved livelihoods, with mean annual household income increasing from 28,096 birr (non-participants) to 32,681 birr (participants). SWC practices also enhanced land resources by improving soil fertility, increasing grass and tree cover, enhancing water availability, and reducing soil erosion and flooding. Key determinants influencing SWC adoption included labor availability, education level, land fertility, access to credit, distance to plots, training, slope category, and household income.

In conclusion, SWC practices significantly contribute to both livelihood improvement and land resource sustainability in the study area. Strengthening technical support from local institutions and promoting both physical measures (e.g., soil bunds and fanjuu) and biological practices that enhance soil organic matter are recommended to sustain and scale up the benefits.

Effect of Black Polyethylene Mulch on Pineapple Yield and Farmer Perceptions under On-Farm Conditions in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

2026-05-27T09:55:55+00:00

Pineapple is an important tropical fruit crop that demonstrates a degree of drought tolerance despite its shallow root system and contributes significantly to household nutrition and diet diversity. This study evaluated the effect of black polyethylene mulch on growth performance and economic yield of pineapple under farmer-managed conditions in Aletachuko district, Sidama Region. Framers were selected purposively based on production potential, land availability, willingness of the farmers to implement full package of technology, aware effect of black Polyethylene on soil and health and sharing their knowledge to other farmers with collaboration of Woreda and Kebele agricultural experts. A field demonstration was implemented on 20 volunteer farmers’ field; where each plot (100 m²) was divided into mulched and non-mulched treatments. Results indicated a substantial yield advantage from mulching, with an average yield of 89.04 tons ha^-1, significantly higher than the traditional practice. Farmers’ attitudes, perceptions, and opinions toward the mulching technology were assessed using a five-point Likert scale. The majority of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the mulching technology helped retain soil moisture (63.59%), increased productivity (91%), improved fruit taste (63.6), marketable (81.7%) and was easy to apply (81.7%)) whereas without mulching soil moisture (10.89%), increased productivity (36.29%), reduced weed pressure (3.5%), marketable (29%) and was easy to apply (9.02%). So the results revealed majority of them reported positive perceptions, highlighting improved soil moisture retention, reduced weed pressure, and improved productivity, marektable. Although the technology was promising, adoption may be constrained by the cost and availability of polythene sheets in the area. Moreover, concern about the potential environmental impacts of plastic sheet on soil biodiversity and micro-flora need further research.

Farmers' Knowledge, Post harvest Practices, and their Impact on Fungal Contamination and Seed Viability of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia

2026-05-28T11:46:03+00:00

Maize is the most important cereal crop in Ethiopia, but post‑harvest fungal contamination threatens food safety and seed viability. This study aimed to assess smallholder farmers’ knowledge of mycotoxins, their pre‑ and post‑harvest practices, and the consequent impact on fungal load and seed viability. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 60 farmers in four major maize producing districts (Bako Tibe, Ilu Gala, Boricha, and Halaba). 180 maize grain samples were collected at three stages: at harvest, after three months of farm storage, and after six months from local markets. Using the standard blotter method, kernel infection, germination percentage, vigour index, and fungal genera were determined.The survey revealed profound knowledge gaps: 91.7% of farmers had never heard of aflatoxins or fumonisins, 95.0% were unaware of associated health risks, and 100% attributed mould solely to storage pests. Hazardous practices were common: 100% used traditional maturity tests (biting), 51.7% delayed harvest, 80% used manual threshing, 75% did not dry grain, and only 10% used hermetic PICS bags. Kernel infection increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from87.2% at harvest to 99.1% in market samples. Fusariumwas the dominant genus, increasing from 48.7% to 78.4% along the value chain. Germination collapsed from 82% (field) to 46% (market), and vigour index became immeasurable in market samples.The combination of poor knowledge and hazardous practices creates conditions that favour fungal proliferation and destroy seed viability. Urgent interventions awareness campaigns, hermetic storage, moisture-based harvest decisions, and resistant varieties are required.

Cluster-Based Demonstration of Potato Variety (Belete), at Goriche Woreda in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

2026-05-30T11:51:15+00:00

Potato is one of the important root crops contributing to income, food security, and nutrient security for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. But its production potential is hindered by inappropriate usage of the package, lack of improved tuber seed, and limited extension information. Hence, this study was implemented to demonstrate potato technologies, assess farmers’ feedback, and evaluate farmer tuber yield performance. From Goriche woreda purposively selected Moranicho Goriche kebele based on production potential, land availability (adjacent farmland up the planned 5.5 hectares), willingness of the farmers to implement full package of technology, sharing of input cost and sharing their knowledge to other farmers with collaboration of Woreda and Kebele agricultural experts. Total, 25 host farmers were selected. Demonstration started with providing awareness-creation training for farmers and agricultural experts. Necessary inputs were accessed from Hawassa Agricultural Research Center and host farmers through cost-sharing. Specifically, 18000kg of potato tuber, 235kg of NPS, and 150kg of Urea fertilizer were used per hectare. Mancozeb was applied to treat late blight. At the maturity stage, a field day was conducted with media coverage. Data on farmers' feedback and tuber yield was collected. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and a qualitative method. Farmers positively perceived the demonstration results, particularly the outstanding traits of the variety 'Belete' and the effect of the package on tuber yield. The average tuber yield of the variety was 42.95 tons per hectare. The results implied that farmers were able to double their potato tuber yield by appropriately applying recommended packages with quality tuber seed. Hence, the demonstrated potato packages need to be scaled up within the demonstrated area and beyond, to similar agro-ecologies.

Evaluation of Fertility Response and Transient Sterility Following N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea Exposure in Male Japanese Quails

2026-06-02T10:07:44+00:00

In Nigeria, Japanese quail production faces significant challenges due to the bird’s small size, which results in low meat yield and limited consumer acceptance. These constraints highlight the need for genomic improvement strategies aimed at enhancing economically important traits such as body size. As an initial step toward genomic improvement, this study investigated whether administering N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) as a chemical mutagen could induce transient sterility in male Japanese quails—a critical marker of successful germline mutagenesis. A total of ninety male Japanese quails were randomly assigned to one of three groups for this study: an ENU treatment group, a sham shock solution control group, and a normal saline control group. Each group received its respective treatment solution via intraperitoneal injection, with dosages adjusted according to individual body weights and administered once a week for three consecutive weeks. Fertility and semen quality parameters were evaluated both before and after the treatments. Specifically, the ENU-treated cocks were injected with a total dose of 300 mg ENU per kilogram of body weight, delivered in three weekly fractions of 100 mg ENU/kg. Fertility in ENU-treated cocks decreased significantly during weeks 1, 2, and 3 post-treatment, but no significant differences were observed from weeks 4 to 6. Although there was an early decline in fertility, transient sterility was not induced, as fertility remained relatively high. Semen quality parameters showed no statistically significant differences between ENU-treated and control cocks. The study concludes that the dosage regimen was insufficient to induce transient sterility in Japanese quail cocks, suggesting that species-specific reproductive physiology, particularly the rapid spermatogenic cycle of Japanese quail, may restrict the mutagen’s effectiveness. To address these limitations, future research should explore alternative dosing strategies that account for the species-specific characteristics of Japanese quails.

Biology, Epidemiology, Economic Importance and Management of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) in Ethiopia: A Review

2026-05-19T13:35:35+00:00

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and industrially pivotal cereal crop globally. Ethiopia is the second-largest maize producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the crop serves as a primary staple for millions of smallholder farmers across diverse agro-ecologies. Despite its importance, production is severely constrained by a complex matrix of biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic constraints, Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) has emerged as the most destructive transboundary viral threat to maize productivity in the region. This review aims to assess the occurrence, biological mechanisms, epidemiology, economic impact, and management strategies of MLND in Ethiopia. Data were consolidated from peer-reviewed journals, doctoral dissertations, technical reports, and international symposia proceedings. Findings indicate that MLND causes catastrophic grain yield losses ranging from 50% to 100%. The disease is driven by a unilateral synergistic co-infection where SCMV suppresses the host's innate immune system via RNA silencing interference, leading to hyper-accumulation of MCMV. Epidemiology is primarily governed by thrips (Frankliniella spp.) and aphid (Rhopalosiphum spp.) vectors, supplemented by low-rate seed transmission, which facilitates long-distance dissemination. Effective mitigation requires an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) framework involving rigorous phytosanitary protocols, synchronised crop rotation, targeted vector control, and the deployment of resistant hybrids developed through marker-assisted breeding. This review concludes that while MLND poses a critical threat to national food security, its impact can be mitigated through the strategic integration of host resistance and optimised cultural practices.