Faba bean gall (Olipidium viciae Kusano) disease management using fungicides in North Shewa, Highlands of Ethiopia

Faba bean gall becomes the worst problem for the crop production. The diseases can cause up to complete crop failure. Studies showed that, applications of some fungicides and seed dressings have certain effects of reducing faba bean gall diseases and increases yield. Thus, the study aims to select best effective and economical fungicide for faba bean gall disease management. The experiment was conducted at farmers’ field on hot spot areas to manage the disease using fungicides in 2019/20 cropping season. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Nativo SC 300, Eminant star, Rex-Dou and Mancozeb 80 WP fungicides were applied as manufacturers’ recommendations. Significant difference between plots in plant height, disease severity, area under disease progress curve, grain yield and thousand kernel weights were recorded. The highest (46.67%) disease score were recorded in control plots followed by Rex-Dou (40.0%) sprayed plots. Whereas the lowest, disease severity (15.11%) were recorded from Eminant star sprayed plots. The highest grain yield was recorded in Eminant star (3.08 ton ha-1) sprayed plot followed by Nativo Sc 300 (3.01 ton ha-1) and Mancozeb 80 WP (2.54 ton ha-1) sprayed plots respectively. Eminant star sprayed plots also gave the highest economic benefit ETB (102770.0) and marginal rate of return (1678.46) followed by Nativo Sc 300 with net benefit of ETB (99190.0) and a marginal rate of return (925.40) were received. Pod per plant was not showed significant difference between plots.

Top Dressing of Fertilizers: A Way Forward for Boosting Productivity and Economic Viability of Grasslands

Grasslands in the Ethiopian highlands have been degrading with grazing loads. Fertilizers like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur improves the soil fertility and species composition of the grazing lands. This study justifies, evaluation of top dressing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on biomass yield of grass lands for market-oriented livestock production studied at Chosha kebele, Southern Ethiopia in 2017. Three fertilizer levels ((T1), 150 kg ha−1 urea (T2) and combination of 110 kg ha−1 urea and 100 kg ha−1 NPS (T3)) were laid out in randomized complete block design with 6 replications in summer and winter cropping seasons. Dry matter yield was significantly (P<0.001) different among treatments and higher results were obtained for combination of urea and NPS, followed by urea and the control one. Higher grasses species composition between application of combination of urea and NPS than urea alone. Net revenue is higher in nitrogen alone application than nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, better marginal rate of return (MRR=828%) recorded in Urea application for grazing land improvement in Gamo highland areas. It is recommendable to apply 150 kg/ha urea fertilizer to bring optimum yield of grazing land in Southern Ethiopian Highlands.

Maize Response to Blended Fertilizer Estimates through Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economic Analysis from Assosa, Western Ethiopia

Context: Soil fertility depletion and soil acidity are critical problems for maize (Zea mays L) production in western Ethiopia. Objective: Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2016 to2017 cropping season to investigate the response of growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) to different blended fertilizer rates and types. Methods: The treatments consists of: control, three rates of N and P combined (92/46, 115/57 and 138/69 N/P2O5 kg ha− 1 and two formula of blended fertilizers with different rates, formula 2 consists of 100 kg NPSB + 73.9 N, 150 kg NPSB + 110.8 N and 200 kg NPSB + 147.8 N kg ha− 1 and formula 4 consists of 100 kg NPSZnB + 75.1 N, 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N 1 and 200 kg NPSZnB + 150.2 N kg ha− 1. The treatments were laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Result and and conclusion: Application of blended fertilizers (NPSB, NPSZnB) hastened days to tasseling silking and maturity by 10, 7 and 15 days, respectively as compared to combined N and P rates. Application of blended fertilizer increases significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the plant height, cob weight, ear length, 100 kernels weight, number of kernels per row and ear height as compared to combined N and P and the control. The analysis of variance revealed that fertilizer types and rates significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected on grain yield, straw yield and harvest index. However there was no significant difference between the two blended fertilizer types. Maximum grain yield (7056.2 kg ha− 1 ) was recorded with 200 Kg NPSZnB + 150.2 N kg ha− 1 application, while minimum grain yield 2996.0 kg ha− 1 was recorded from control treatment. The application of 150 kg NPSB + 110.8 N kg ha− 1had highest Marginal rate of return (MRR%) and net benefit. Significance: Therefore, we recommended the treatment (150 Kg NPSB + 110.8N kg ha− 1) since it produced high marginal rate of return, high net benefit and relatively small total cost of production, for maize production in Asossa area. Furthermore, based on yield, net benefit and relatively low total cost of production the farmer of Asossa area also can use 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N in case of absence of NPSB in market.

Ripening Response of Sugarcane Varieties to Chemical Ripeners and Economic Benefits during the Early Period of Harvesting at Wonji-Shoa and Metahara Sugarcane Plantations, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Wonji-Shoa and Metahara sugarcane plantations experience reduced sucrose content (%) during the starting period of sugarcane crushing due to the combined influence of high (>27°C) temperature and the presence of high residual soil moisture. Studies elsewhere showed the potential of chemical ripeners in boosting the sucrose content (%), where natural ripening is deterred by these challenges. Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the responsiveness of selected sugarcane varieties to chemical ripeners at both plantations. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of four sugarcane varieties (B52298, NCo334, C86-56, and SP70-1284) and six ripener treatments: (1) Ethephon™(720 g ai ha−1), (2) Fusilade Forte™(25.6 g ai ha−1), (3) Moddus™ (250 g ai ha−1), (4) Ethephon™ (720 g ai ha−1) + Fusilade Forte™ (25.6 g ai ha−1), (5) Moddus™ (250 g ai ha−1) + Fusilade Forte™ (25.6 g ai ha−1), and (6) Unsprayed (control). The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The results showed a significant ( p = 0.025 ) and highly significant ( p = 0.001 ) variety by ripener interaction in stalk height and sucrose content, respectively, while the main effect ripener highly significantly affected stalk weight ( p = 0.001 ) and sucrose yield ( p = 0.003 ). The variety C86-56 sprayed with combinations of Ethephon™ + Fusilade Forte™ and Moddus™ + Fusilade Forte™ had the shortest stalk heights of 1.27 and 1.29 m, respectively, compared with the control. Ethephon™ + Fusilade Forte™ combination resulted in the highest reduction of stalk weight (8.36%), while the lowest was recorded in the sole Moddus™ treatment (6.31%). From the ripener treatments, the Moddus™ + Fusilade Forte™ combination and Ethephon™ + Fusilade Forte™ combination improved sucrose yield by 1.42 and 1.34 t ha−1, respectively, compared with the control. However, in economic terms, the Moddus™ + Fusilade Forte™ combination treatment resulted in the highest marginal rate of return of 1244%. Therefore, the Moddus™ + Fusilade Forte™ combination ripener treatment was found to be promising to be evaluated at a commercial scale on immature sugarcane varieties B52-298, NCo334, and SP70-1284.

Production and marginal analysis of lactating cows subjected to dietary cation-anion balances

The objective of this study was to evaluate productive, nutritional, and economic traits in lactating cows on pasture fed diets with different cation-anion balances (DCAB). Ten lactating ¾ Holstein × ¼ Dairy Gyr cows in the middle third of lactation, at an average age of 70 ± 4.6 months and an average body weight of 400 ± 55.2 kg, were distributed into five treatments in a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design with two simultaneous squares. Treatments consisted of diets with DCAB of +237, +258, +294, +347, or +419 mEq dry matter (DM). No effects of intake were observed. There was no significant effect of DCAB on milk yield. The milk protein content was not influenced by the DCAB. Body condition score was not significantly affected by the DCAB. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter and nutrients (crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients) were not affected by the DCAB. Marginal rate of return did not show significant differences. Under good conditions of pasture, forage availability, and quality associated with the lactation phases of the cows, all diets were efficient in milk production, dry matter intake, and digestibility. However, in economic terms, the most attractive DCAB was +237 mEq kg-1 DM.

Determining the rate of blended fertilizers and urea for potato production under rainfed condition in Jeldu, West Showa, Ethiopia

This experiment was conducted to determine the rate of blended fertilizers and urea for potato production under rainfed condition in Jeldu, West Showa, Ethiopia. Different fertilizer treatments viz., 150 kg ha-1 NPSB+80 kg ha-1 urea, 250 kg ha-1 NPSB+80 kg ha-1 urea, 350 kg ha-1 NPSB+80 kg ha-1 urea, 150 kg ha-1 NPSB+140 kg ha-1 urea, 250 kg ha-1 NPSB+140 kg ha-1 urea, 350 kg ha-1 NPSB+140 kg ha-1 urea, 150 kg ha-1 NPSB +200 kg ha-1 urea, 250 kg ha-1 NPSB +200 kg ha-1 urea and 350 kg ha-1 N+200 kg ha-1 urea was used for the production of Belete and Gudenie potato varieties (cv. Jeldu Wereda) during 2018-2019 using RCBD factorial arrangement in three replication. This study revealed that there was a highly significant difference between the yield and yield components of potato due to the main effect of fertilizer rates. The interaction did not significantly affect any parameter of potato during the study. The highest total and marketable yields (22.95 t ha-1 and 20.06 t ha-1), respectively were harvested from 350 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 urea though not significantly different from total and marketable yield of 250 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 urea (22.08 and 19.14 t ha-1) and 350 kg ha-1 + 140 kg ha-1 urea (21.65 and 18.84 t ha-1), respectively. The partial budget analysis indicated that the highest benefit (64,916.00ETB) was fetched from 350 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 urea followed by 250 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 urea (63,004.00ETB) while the highest marginal rate of return (19,430.00%) was recorded from 250 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 followed by 150 kg ha-1 NPSB+200 kg ha-1 urea (17,000.00%). From this, it can be concluded that the NPSB+ urea rates highly significantly affected the yield and yield component of potato. Thus, 250 kg ha-1 urea+200 kg ha-1 urea can be used for high yield and high economic return of potato in Jeldu district.

Rate and Spraying Frequency Determination of Propiconazole Fungicide for the Management of Garlic Rust at Woreilu District, Northeastern Ethiopia

Rust is a major disease of garlic in Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted at Kabe and Segno Kebeles of Woreilu District in 2019 to determine the appropriate rate and spraying frequency of propiconazole fungicide and select cost-effective management options of garlic rust. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The combination of five rates and three spraying frequencies of propiconazole fungicide and unsprayed treatments was evaluated. A combination of rate and spraying frequencies of propiconazole significantly reduced disease with correspondingly increased bulb yield of garlic. The minimum percentage severity index and area under disease progress curve were scored from plots treated by all rates with three times spraying frequency of Tilt fungicide application. The highest bulb yield was obtained from plots treated with all fungicide rates with three times spraying frequencies of propiconazole application. But the highest (6896.36%) marginal rate of return was obtained from plots treated with 0.5 L with two times spraying. Generally, 0.5 liters with two times spraying of propiconazole was effective in controlling garlic disease and get the highest cost-benefit advantage as compared with other treatments. Therefore, it could be recommended for the management of garlic rust in Ethiopia.

Analisis Anggaran Parsial dan Usahatani Teknik Semai pada Budidaya Bawang Merah True Shallot Seed (Partial and Farm Budget Analysis of Some Sowing Techniques in TSS Cultivation)

<p>Penelitian ini diarahkan untuk mendapatkan informasi kelayakan ekonomis berbagai cara semai serta melakukan analisis usahatani budidaya true shallot seed (TSS). Percobaan dilakukan di Brebes, Jawa Tengah, April–September 2017. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Kelompok dengan enam kombinasi perlakuan metode semai (sebar, garit, dan soil-block) dan umur semai (30 dan 45 hari). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa cara semai soil-block umur 30 hari menghasilkan bobot umbi tertinggi. Produksi per hektar semai soil-block umur 30 hari adalah 29,3 ton/ha (bobot segar) atau 17,7 ton/ha (bobot kering). Indikator B/C ratio tertinggi (0,75) dan tingkat pengembalian marjinal tertinggi (27,769%) mengindikasikan bahwa cara soil-block umur 45 hari merupakan perlakuan yang paling ekonomis. Harga per semaian berkisar antara Rp37,6 – 42,6 sehingga biaya total semaian adalah Rp24,4 – 27,7 juta per hektar. Biaya sebesar ini berpotensi menghapus salah satu advantage penggunaan TSS karena tidak lebih murah dibanding biaya benih umbi per hektar. Walaupun menunjukkan potensi hasil cukup tinggi (18–29 ton/ha), namun karena efisiensi lahan rendah (54%) serta susut bobot tinggi (56%) maka probabilitas mengalami kerugian masih cukup tinggi. Hasil studi menyarankan penelitian lanjutan yang diarahkan untuk menekan biaya produksi semaian, meningkatkan produktivitas, meningkatkan efisiensi lahan, dan menurunkan susut bobot umbi.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Benih biji botani; Cara semai; Kelayakan ekonomis; Analisis anggaran parsial </p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>The study aimed to assess the economic feasibility of sowing methods and farm-budget of TSS cultivation. A trial was conducted in Brebes, Central Java (April–September 2017). RCBD with six treatment combinations of sowing method and sowing age, and four replications was employed. Results indicate that seedlings from soil block (30 days) produce the highest tuber weight. The fresh yield of using soil-block (30 days) is 29.3 tons/ha, while the dry yield is 17.7 tons/ha. Based on the highest B/C ratio and highest marginal rate of return, the soil-block (45 days) is assessed as the most feasible sowing method. The cost per seedling ranges from IDR 37.6 – 42.6, thus the total seedling cost is IDR 24.4 – 27.7 millions/ha. This may potentially eliminate one advantage of using TSS because the seedling cost is not lower than the cost of purchasing seed bulbs. Producing high fresh yield (18 – 29 tons/ha) could not compensate low land efficiency (54%) and high weight loss (56%), so that the loss probability is still quite high. The study recommends further works needed to lower seedling cost, increase yield, increase land efficiency, and reduce the bulb weight loss.</p>

Evaluation of Different Level of Vermicompost on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat at Vertisols of L/Machew District

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate different rates of vermicompost, and inorganic NPS(Nitrogen-Phosphate Fertilizer With Sulphur) fertilizers for wheat production in 2015-2017 main cropping seasons at L/machew district of the Tigray Regional State. There were five systematically combined rates of vermicompost and one rate of NPS treatments during the study. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Surface soil samples were collected before planting to analyze selected soil properties. The textural class of the soil was clay. The pH of the soil was rated under moderately acidic. Available P was rated under medium in most of the experimental sites while total N was low in all experimental sites. The treatments significantly affected crop phenology, yield and yield components of wheat. Thus tallest plant height was found from treatments that received 100kg/ha NPS, followed by 8.75t/ha vermicompost which resulted in (73.25cm) while the shortest plant (62.73cm) was obtained from control plots, respectively. Highest mean wheat grain yield (2642.8kg/ha) was obtained in response to 100kg NPS from inorganic fertilizer application followed by the second highest dose of vermicompost (7t/ha) with grain yield of 2620 kg/ha. At the wheat plants grown in plot received vermicompost compost at 7t/ha of vermicompost increased the grain yield by 67.78% over the control. Though highest grain yield was obtained from highest dose of vermicompost the partial budget analysis shows that the highest marginal rate of return (456) was obtained from 3.5t/ha VC ha-1 plus 100kg/ha urea at the study area.

Evaluation of Blended Fertilizer Formulas under Limed Condition of Acid Soil on Soybean (Glycine max) at Asossa District of Benishal-gul Gumuz Regional State

Purpose: To evaluate the blended fertilizer formulas types, under unlimed limed condition of Asossa acid soil on soybean in Benishagul Gumuz of Ethiopia. Methods: Two factorial RCB design with three replications was used in the investigation. Five types of blended fertilizer formulas were tested under limed and unlimed condition in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design. Lime and blended fertilizer types were used as factor. The amount of lime that was applied at each location was calculated on the basis of the exchangeable acidity, bulk density and 15 cm depth of the soil. One mole of exchangeable acidity would be neutralized by an equivalent mole of CaCO3. Accordingly, the amount of lime for this particular activity would be uniformly applied for all plots at 1.5 times of the exchangeable acidity (Equation 1) and incorporated in to the soil a month before seed sowing. Results: The effects of applied lime (CaCO3) and fertilizer types on growth and yield components of soybean were non-significantly (P>0.05) influenced except 100 seed weight, whereas the lime by blended fertilizer types interaction effects were not-significantly (P>0.05) affect all growth and yield components of soybean (Table 2). The highest plant height (71.58 cm) was obtained from NPKSZnB (Formula 5 modified) fertilizer type, however statistically non-significant from the other treatments. Conclusion: The partial budget analysis indicated that, it was not necessarily based on the highest marginal rate of return, rather based on the minimum acceptable marginal rate of return and the treatment with the high net benefit, relatively low variable cost together with an acceptable MRR becomes the tentative recommendation. Therefore we recommend the treatments (100 kg /ha NPSB) that have acceptable marginal rate of return, relatively high net benefit and relatively small total cost of production for soybean production in Asossa zone.