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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Evaluation of Smoke Treatments for the Ripening of Banana (Musa spp.) at Metema District, Northwestern EthiopiaAzeze Wubie Kassa1*, Hayat Yasin Mohamed1, Tegegne Ashagrie Endalew11 Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1337 Gondar- Ethiopia The analysis of the spatial interrelationship between soil properties and slope aspects is vital for understanding the range of influence on soil depth, moisture, and stone content distribution. This study investigated the spatial interrelationship of topsoil moisture and stone content under different slope aspects and soil depth. The 53.7 km2 watershed was divided into 500m by 500m grid using ArcGIS and 230 soil samples were collected. In each sampling point, the soil was taken at three soil depth classes (0-25cm, 25-60cm, and 60-100cm) using a cylindrical auger, then soil samples were tested to determine the percentage of topsoil moisture and stone content. The spatial interrelationship between aspect, soil depth, topsoil moisture, and stone content was analyzed using R and GS+ software. The study showed non-significant effects of this aspect on topsoil moisture, stone content, and soil depth. However, topsoil moisture tends to be higher on the north-facing slope, while stone content tends to be higher on the southeast-facing slope. The analysis of Local Moran’s I revealed that topsoil moisture, stone content, and soil depth were significantly autocorrelated. The cross-semivariogram analysis of soil depth with topsoil stone content depicted a negative spatial correlation. The experimental cross-semivariogram of soil depth versus topsoil moisture was positively fitted to exponential function whereas soil depth with topsoil stone content was best fitted to the Gaussian model. Overall, soil depth is the more influential factor than the slope aspect regarding topsoil moisture depletion and stone content distribution in the study watershed. Keywords: Banana ripening, Color change, Ethylene gas, and Kerosene smoke  Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Evaluation of Locally Available Botanical Extracts for the Management of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus C.) Insect in Eastern Amhara, EthiopiaZemenu Endalew1*, and Gizachew Haylemariam21*Adet Agricultural Research Center/ Woramit Horticultural Crop Research and Training Sub Center, P.O.Box 8, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2Sekota dry land Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 62, Sekota, Ethiopia The plant cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) locally known as beles is the common perennial fruit crop in arid and semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia and it is the most familiar and stable fruit crop. However, the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) insect is the most devastating and dangerous insect pest that threatens the perennial cactus pear production in the northern part of the country. Hence, this research activity was carried out to evaluate different locally available botanical extracts against cochineal insects in hot spot areas of Waghimra administrative zone in 2021. Three botanical extracts (Bio admix, Neem, and Nicotina) with control were evaluated in purposively selected plots using RCB design with four replications. Extractions of bioactive botanicals were prepared by grinding leaves using a mortar and pestle. Results depicted that all botanical extracts which were tested under filed conditions were significantly reduced cochineal number and further population buildup compared to the control treatment. However, based on its accessibility and its ease of extraction techniques over the two botanical extracts on mortality rate (>60%) of cochineal insect, the tree tobacco (Nicotina gluaca) was very sizeable for the management of cochineal insect. It was also very cheap and accessible in the area for ease of preparation. Thus, following all extraction techniques and procedures, the use of 18g Nicotina per liter of water was commendable for the management of cactus pear cochineal insect in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia, and related agroecology. Moreover, further studies on the biology, ecology, integrated management strategies, and chemical composition of botanicals should be conducted. Keywords: Botanicals, Cactus, Cochineal insect, Extraction methods, and Mortality rate Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Nutritional and sensory evaluation of complementary food prepared from blends of pumpkin seed, pumpkin flesh (Cucurbita pepo), maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max)Kiber Temesgen*, Ayenew Meresa, Ayalew Demissew, Seifu YilmaAmhara Regional Agriculture Research Institute, P.O.BOX 527, Bahir Dar Vitamin A, iron, and Zinc deficiencies are three of common nutritional problems of children in Ethiopia. Nutritious packed commercial complementary foods are beyond the reach of many Ethiopian households, especially the rural poor. Therefore, an attempt was made to improve zinc, iron and vitamin A contents of local complementary foods without compromising sensory quality. Porridge samples were prepared from composite flours of germinated maize, pumpkin pulp, its seed and soybean flour with ratios of 75%:5%:5%:15, 60%:10%:10%:20, 45%:15%:15%:25 and 30%:20%:20%:30% respectively. Control sample was prepared from 100% un germinated maize. Iron, Zinc and vitamin A (ß- carotene) contents, other proximate compositions and sensory analysis were conducted following standard procedures. The result indicated that Blending ratio of 30%:20%:20%:30% was significantly increased(p<0.05) Iron, zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A (ß- carotene), Omega -3 fatty acid, Omega-6 fatty acid, Protein, Fat and Energy contents from 3.97 to 11.00 mg, 1.86 to 2.98 mg, 29.9 to 52.2 mg, 21.89 to 26.72 mg, 8.41 to 47.24 mg,0.06 to 574 μg, 0 to 7.92 mg, 0 to 20.18, 10.98 to 20.26%, 1.7 to 17.22% and 374.18 to 436.87 k calorie respectively than control. The complementary food prepared from composite flours showed very much acceptable (> 5) in overall sensory quality using hedonic scale. In conclusion, blending germinated maize, pumpkin pulp, its seed and soybean flour improved iron, zinc and vitamin A(ß- carotene) contents without reducing other nutritive value, energy requirement as codex almentareous acceptable recommend Value for 6-23-month age children without compromising sensory quality of the complementary food and the proportion, 30% maze + 20% pumpkin pulp + 20% pumpkin seed + 30% soybean was recommended for small and micro industry Enterprise of complementary food processing or preparing at household level. Keywords: Complementary Food, Germinated Maize, Pumpkin, Vitamin A, Zinc Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) The Effects of Sowing Date and Variety on Yield and Yield Components of Teff under Irrigation in Northwestern Amhara, EthiopiaAgegnehu Shibabaw1*, Bitwoded Derebe1, Yechale Mengie1, Oumer Beshir1, Wudu Getahun1 and Alemayehu Assefa21*Adet Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box. 527, Bahir Dar Ethiopia Teff cultivation under irrigation is emerging as a new practice in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Thus, teff production under an irrigation environment necessitates optimization of agronomic practices including the sowing dates. Therefore, the experiment was carried out to determine the optimal sowing date for teff production in Koga irrigation scheme during the 2021-2022 seasons. A field experiment was designed with treatments consisting of two varieties (Quncho and Tsedey) having different maturity periods and seven planting dates (November 1st, November 15th, December 1st, December 15th, January 1st, January 15th, and February 1st). The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Variety was considered as the main plot factor and the sowing date as the sub-plot factor. Data of plant height, days to maturity, panicle length, grain yield, and biomass yield were collected and subjected to analysis of variance. The combined analysis of variance over the years showed a significant difference in response to varieties and sowing date on grain yield. However, the interaction effect was not significant. The long maturing variety, Quncho, had a higher grain yield than the medium maturing variety, Tsedey. Concerning the sowing dates, treatments sown on December 1st recorded the highest grain yield (2528 Kg ha-1) which was statistically similar with December 15th sown treatment. Therefore, December 1 to 15th could be recommended as optimum sowing dates for late maturing teff varieties like Quncho in Koga irrigation scheme and similar agro-ecologies. However, if double cropping is a target, the early maturing variety, Tsedey, could be a better alternative using the aforementioned sowing dates. Keywords: Grain yield; irrigation season; sowing time; teff; variety Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Participatory evaluation and demonstration of improved bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, EthiopiaYihenew Awoke1* and Mulugeta Alemayehu21Adet Agricultural Research Center P.O.Box: 08, Fax: 0583380235 2Amhara Agricultural Research Institute P.O.Box: 527, Fax: 0582205174 Wheat is one of the most significant food security crops in Ethiopia, widely grown by smallholder farmers. Although there is enormous potential to expand Ethiopia's wheat production and productivity, it is still limited due to many challenges. Among others, the prevalence of biotic (yellow rust, stem rust, septoria, fusarium) and abiotic (acidity, heat, drought) stresses, low adoption of new technologies, weak extension system, high cost and limited availability of inputs, and poor infrastructure and marketing systems are some of the challenges. Therefore, this research activity was conducted with the objectives of demonstrating bread wheat varieties to farmers, providing them with the opportunity to evaluate the varieties with their management practices, and raising the knowledge and skills of farmers on wheat production packages. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used to compare the improved varieties with those of the local variety with the local practice. Cost-benefit analysis and descriptive statistics were employed for quantitative data analysis. Farmers’ variety preference was assessed using the pairwise ranking method. Thus, based on the overall selection and evaluation criteria, farmers selected Tay, Danda’a, and Kekeba 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. Tay has 98.5% and Danda’a 82.7% yield advantage over the local check (Kekeba variety). Furthermore, the economic analysis result showed that an average marginal return of 130,822, 119,084, and 66,808 Birr per hectare was gained from Tay, Danda'a, and Kekeba varieties, respectively. Based on farmers’ selection criteria (disease resistance, plant height, and good spike length) and the actual yield data, Tay was selected for large-scale production in the intervention areas and other similar agroecologies. Keywords: Bread wheat, evaluation, participatory, production package, technology Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Milk Value Chain Analysis in North Mecha Woreda of Amhara Region, EthiopiaYeshiwas Tilahun*1 , Jema Haji2 , Bosena Tegegn31Andassa Livestock Research Center, P.O.Box. 17, Bahir Dar 2Haramaya University, Department of Agricultural Economics 3Bahir Dar University, Department of Agricultural Economics Ethiopia is the country that has benefited less compared with its potential of dairy production. Thus, milk value chain analysis is crucial and prior process for value chain development in dairy sector. This study was conducted in Mecha woreda with the general objective of analyzing cow milk value chain. Rapid market appraisal (RMA), key informants interview, focus group discussions (FGD) and survey were employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The data were collected from primary data sources (200 milk producers, 35 traders, five supermarkets, ten hotels and ten cafes and restaurants, three dairy cooperatives, two milk processors, and 60 consumers). Milk producers were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Traders, supermarkets, hotels and cafes, restaurants and consumers were sampled using snowball sampling method while all dairy cooperatives and milk processors were included for interview. Descriptive analysis and value chain analysis were used to analyze data. Milk producers, dairy cooperatives, milk processors, supermarkets and hotels, butter traders, cafes and restaurants and consumers are key value chain actors. Raw milk market access may suppress the traditional milk process and products. Milk producers had the highest share (65.07%) while cafes and restaurants had the least share (0.82%) of consumer price. The higher percentage of value addition was recorded by milk producers and processors. The type of value chain governance was predominantly captive type. Semi-process and product upgrading were the main upgrading types. Improved forage delivery, and strengthening improved breed program services, strengthening and forming of dairy cooperatives, upgrading milk and traditional milk products, transforming captive governance to market governance, offering improved processing technology, and further research on value addition techniques and traditional milk products need to be considered to improve the milk value chain development. Keywords: Cow milk, value addition, Mecha woreda, Ethiopia Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(1) Evaluation of potato-wheat composite flour for bread production in EthiopiaAyalew Demissew1*, Seifu Yilema1, Kiber Temesgen1, Ayenew Meresa1, Getu Tegegne11Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box: 527, Bahir Dar Consumption of wheat flour for bread and other baked products has increased in Ethiopia as well as worldwide. However, the wheat produced in Ethiopia is not enough to support bakery and pastry industries. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate suitability of composite flour from wheat and potato for commercial bread making. The experiment were conducted by blending wheat and potato flour in the ratio of 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 and 70:30 respectively. The composite flour samples were evaluated for their functional propertties, rheological characteristics and proximate composition. Functional and rheological properties of wheat-potato composite flour in the ratio of 75:25 had comparable properties with 100% wheat flour. Furthermore, breads produced from this mix was evaluated for it’s physical and sensory qualities. Physical and sensorial qualities of bread made from this composite flour had no significant difference from wheat flour bread at (p> 0.05). Hence, substitution of wheat flour up to 25% with potato flour is possible for commercial bread making. Keywords: Baking, functional, physical, rheological, substitution, sensory Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(2) Determination of sowing date for irrigated wheat in Metema and Belesa areas of Amhara region, EthiopiaTesfa Kassahun*, Fentahun Biset, Asaye Berihanu, Yohannes Azene and Moges Mare1Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI), P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 3 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics The sowing date is one of the most important factors in determining irrigated wheat yield. Appropriate sowing dates provide favorable temperatures for obtaining the maximum yield of wheat. Wheat sowing date experiment under irrigation was conducted at Metema (on station) from 2021 to 2022 and at Belesa (on farm) during 2022 irrigation seasons, to determine the appropriate sowing date for irrigated wheat. Six sowing dates (November 10, November 25, December 10, December 25, January 9 and January 24) wa tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The combined analysis of variance over years at Metema showed that sowing date was highly significant (P<0.01) for all parameters, where at Belesa all parameters significantly affected by sowing date except days to heading, days to maturity and spikelets per spike. Early sowing date delayed days to heading and maturity in Metema. Most yield related traits showed highest value when wheat sown in November 10th and lowest values, wheat sown in January 24th in both locations this was due to higher temperature in delayed sowing caused forced maturity of the crop, which increased respiration, reduced photosynthesis and accelerated phasic development and resulted in lower yield parameters and final yield of wheat crop. Maximum grain yield (5000 kg ha-1) and above ground biomass (11164 kg ha-1) were recorded when wheat sown on November 25 at Metema, whereas at Belesa the maximum grain yield (2737 kg ha-1) and above ground biomass yield (6191 kg ha-1) obtained in the early sowing date (November 10). The minimum grain yield (489 kg ha-1) and above ground biomass yield (2633 kg ha-1) at Metema and the minimum grain yield (1326 kg ha-1) and above ground biomass yield (3873 kg ha-1) at Belesa were obtained as sowing date delayed to January 24th. Therefore, early sowing from November 10 up to November 25 for Belesa and Metema and similar agroecologist recommended as the appropriate sowing dates for irrigated wheat production. Keywords: Sowing date, Irrigated wheat, Yield components Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(2) Response of maize yield to omitted nutrients on Nitisols and Vertisols of Tepid moist mid-highlands of Northwest EthiopiaZerfu Bazie1*, Ayalew Addis1, Baye Ayalew1, Habtamu Getnet1, Getachew Agegnehu3, Frnus Haylie2, Melkamu Adane1, Tamrat Worku1, Tesfaye Feyisa2, and Tarekegn Ybabie11Gondar Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 1337, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI), P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 3 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Crop production has several biotic constraints, including soil nutrient depletion in Ethiopia. Understanding crop response to different nutrient types is required to determine the right fertilizer source for different soil types. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to fine-tune fertilizer sources and identify the yield limiting nutrient of maize in Northwestern Ethiopia. Nutrient omission trials were implemented at diverse farmers’ fields. The treatments were composed of four omitted nutrients such as K (NPSZnB-K), S (NPKZnBl-S), and Zn (NPKSB-Zn), and B (NPKSZnl-B), control which is no added nutrient, three NPKSZnB treatments from a single source of fertilizer, blended with K split and without split which are denoted by All-1, All-2 and All-3. Additionally, both N and P were added as one treatment (positive control) which gives a total of nine treatments. Applied nutrients significantly affected grain yield across locations and soil types. Both mixed and fixed model analysis of variance was performed for each site and across location yield datasets Maize grain yields ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 t ha-1 from the control treatment. In Vertisols, applying NPKSZn-B nutrients increased yields to 8.6 t/ha. The mean grain yield increased by 5.8 t ha-1 in Nitisols and 7.8 t ha-1 in Vertisols with NP nutrient application. Without NP nutrients, yields dropped by 94% in Vertisols and 70% in Nitisols. Grain yield did not significantly varied due to applying different forms of fertilizers. We can conclude that, both nitrogen and phosphorus were the major yield-limiting nutrients in study districts. Therefore, we suggest right nutrient at site-specific rate to improve maize productivity in the study areas and similar agroecologies of the farming system. Keywords: Fertilizer, Nitrogen, Limiting, Phosphorus, Productivity, Soil Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(2) Teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) Variety Development for Moisture Deficit Areas in Northern EthiopiaAtinkut Fentahun1*, Sewagegne Tariku1, Gedefaw Misganaw1, Misganaw Ferede1, Atalay Fentahun1, Mukuken Bayable1, Zigale Dagnew1, Eyberu Abere2, and Aemiro Bezabih31 Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2 Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 74, Wolidia, Ethiopia, 3 Debre Birha Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 112, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia Teff is the most widely cultivated food crop in Ethiopia, accounting for around one‐third of the total acreage and one‐fifth of the gross grain production of all cereals cultivated in the country. In Ethiopia, more than fifty-eight improved teff varieties have been developed and released by agricultural research institutes. Most of these varieties were released for high-potential areas of the country except the very few early maturing varieties that were specifically released for the low moisture stress areas. The objective of this experiment was to identify and release stable and high-yielding teff genotypes which are preferred by farmers and adapted to the moisture deficit areas of Northern Ethiopia. Twenty selected teff genotypes including standard and local checks were evaluated at Ataye and Sirinka in 2019 and 2020, whereas during 2019 at Simada and at Shewarobit in 2021 cropping season using randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance detected significant differences among genotypes for all observed traits both separated and combined analysis. The combined ANOVA for grain yield across environments revealed genotypes are significantly affected by environments, Genotype and their interaction accounted for 70.5 %, 9.5 %, and 13.3 % respectively. Among the genotypes tested, DZ-01-974 XGA-10-3 (RILL-16) was found predominant in terms of yield and stability at tested moisture-stress environments. This genotype was later released as DZ-CR-459(RIL-16) or Ataye by the National Variety Release Committee in 2023, with a yield advantage of 21.3% and 35.2% over the standard (Mena) and local check, respectively. Keywords: Ataye, Teff, Early maturity, Variety released, Yield Download
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BNJAR 2024 | 5(2) Response of Tef to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers and its Nutrient Uptake on Vertisols of Central Gondar Zone, Northwestern EthiopiaTamrat Worku Mekonene *1, Kehali Jembere Tiruneh2, and Tesfaye Feyisa Beyene31 Gondar Agricultural Research Centre, Gondar. Email= tamratwork59@gmail.com, Po. Box 1337, Gondar. Cell phone; +251918046236 2 College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Gondar. Email= jembere.kehali@gmail.com. Cell phone; +251918776716 3 Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI), Bahir Dar. Email= tesfaberhan98@yahoo.com. Cell phone; +251911039605 Tef production in Takusa and Dembia, Central Gondar Zone, suffers from poor nutrient management, as farmers apply fertilizers without understanding crop requirements, resulting in low yields. A study during the 2023/24 rainfed cropping season aimed to evaluate the effects of N & P fertilizers on tef yield and their uptake. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, four N levels (46, 92, 138, and 184 kg ha-1) and three P2O5 levels (23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1) were tested, along with a control plot, using the improved tef variety HIBER-1. Data analysis revealed that significant effects of N on various agronomic parameters, and the interaction of NP rates affected the number of effective tillers, grain yield, harvest index, and nutrient uptake. The highest grain yield (2.01 t ha-1) was recorded in plots treated with 92 kg N ha-1 and 69 kg P2O5 ha-1. The maximum grain N uptake (44.39 kg ha-1) was also recorded at this combination, while the highest straw and total N uptake were observed with 184 kg N ha-1. Economic analysis showed that the combination of 92 kg N ha-1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest net benefit (215,220 ETB ha-1) with a marginal rate of return of 1684.97%. Therefore, it can be concluded that 92 kg N ha-1 and 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 are recommended for optimal tef yield and economic returns in these districts and other areas with similar agroecological conditions. Keywords: Grain yield, Nitrogen, N uptake, Phosphorus, P uptake, Tef Download
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