Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Determinants of Farmers’ Seed Replacement Rate of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Central Ethiopia

Bekele Gemechu, Nigussu Bekele — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Chickpea is a prominent pulse crop in Ethiopia, accounting for over 17% of the nation's total legume production. Farmers’ seed replacement rate plays a crucial role in providing valuable insights for planning the area dedicated to quality seed production. An increase in the seed replacement rate is essential for enhancing crop productivity. This study was designed to examine determinants of farmers’ seed replacement rate of chickpeas in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in six districts located within three administrative regions of Ethiopia namely, Amhara, Oromia, and Central Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from random samples of 128 farm households, and data were subject to descriptive analysis using the SPSS Software. The demographic result indicated that a majority of chickpea-producing farmers (64.8%) are in the active labor force though most of the household heads (~78%) are illiterate or only educated up to primary grades. The study indicated that the seed replacement rate for chickpea seed with the maximum five years and minimum of two years replacement interval and about 43 % of the respondents replace their seed with in three years. The findings from the cross tabulation analysis using chi square test showed a statistically significant variance between chickpea seed replacement and land holding of the household head, sex of the household and variety preferences of the household head at a significance level of (P < 0.01). The absence of reliable seed sources, seed quality and related problems, and increasing seed prices were also indicated as bottlenecks for chickpea seed replacement in the study areas. Therefore, the determinants of the seed replacement rate should be carefully observed by the responsible institutions in accessing quality chickpea seed

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Early Generation Seed Production: The Case of Public Seed Enterprises and Research Institutes in Ethiopia

Karta K. Kalsa — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding the cost of production of early generation seed (EGS) at public seed enterprises and research institutes in Ethiopia can help to better understand the need for greater specialization in terms of the crop type and the seed class. This study was conducted to assess the production costs of pre-basic and basic seed for tef (Eragrostis tef), wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), maize (Zea mays L.), and faba bean (Vicia faba), and formulate recommendations to improve early generation seed (EGS) supply and contribute to the seed sector development in the country. The study was conducted in Amhara, Oromia, and South Ethiopia and Sidama regional states and included EGS producers from federal and regional research institutes and public seed enterprises. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data directly from producers on EGS production costs and sale prices from producers. Besides, key informant interviews were conducted with technical experts and managers from research centers, seed enterprises, private companies, and seed unions. Descriptive and budgetary techniques such as profitability analysis, break-even analysis and sensitivity analysis were employed for data analysis. The results showed that the EGS production of tef, wheat, and maize was profitable to research institutes and public seed enterprises. Barley EGS production for research institutes and faba bean EGS production for both research institutes and public seed enterprises were not profitable. Possible causes of low profitability are discussed and interventions for a sustainable EGS business production recommended

Effect of Pollination Methods on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seed Yield and Quality

Kedir Oshone, Karta K. Kalsa — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a strongly protandrous crop that requires cross-pollination by insects and different agents for seed production. This experiment was conducted in the years 2021 and 2022 with the objective to investigate the effect of pollination methods on onion seed yields and seed quality attributes. One onion variety (Naffis) and four pollination methods were compared during two production seasons. RCBD and CRD designs for field and laboratory experiments were used respectively. The treatments were arranged with factorial in four replications. The results of analysis showed that onion seed yields, analytical purity, thousand seed weight, germination percentage, seedlings length (shoot and root), seedling dry weight, seedling vigor index-I and II were significantly affected by main effects of treatments and their interactions. Mean seed yield of variety produced with honeybee pollination methods showed highly significant (P<0.01) difference than seed produced in open field pollinated by different pollination agents. Among analytical purity components pure seed, and inert matter showed highly significant (P<0.01) differences between production seasons and pollination methods. Highly significant (P<0.01) interaction effects were found with year of production and pollination methods for germination percentage. Seeds produced with honeybee pollination showed highly significant (P<0.01) differences regarding seedling shoot and root lengths, seedling dry weight and for seedling vigor index-I and -II. The results suggested that pollination of onion seeds by honeybee is better for production of high seed yields and analytical purity and physiological (Germination and vigor induces) seeds quality.

Estimation of Smallholder Farmers’ Demand for Certified Seed: Evidence from Wheat and Tef Seed Systems in Ethiopia

Abera Gemechu — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Previous studies in Ethiopia have focused on the adoption of improved tef and wheat varieties and complementary inputs. However, there is a gap in research on the factors that influence the demand for certified seeds. This study aims to assess the factors that influence farmers' decisions to purchase certified seeds and the quantity of seeds purchased by tef and wheat farmers. Data were collected from 186 randomly selected sample farmers using a multistage sampling approach. A double hurdle model was used to analyze the data, considering that the decisions to participate in certified seed purchase and the quantity of seeds purchased are influenced by different factors. The study found that household size, tef farming experience, proximity to the cooperative office, age, and land size were significant factors in the likelihood of purchasing certified tef seeds. Additionally, education level, distance to the extension office, certified wheat seed price, and extension contacts influenced the decision to purchase certified wheat seeds. Moreover, education level, land size, certified tef and wheat seed price, and livestock ownership significantly influenced the quantity of certified tef and wheat seeds purchased. In conclusion, the study suggests that enhancing farmers' skills, ensuring local seed availability through collective actions, and implementing a seed price subsidy program.

Effect of Different Storage Methods on Growth, Seed Quality and Corm Yield of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. (Schott.)) in Southwestern Ethiopia

Behailu Mekonnen — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Taro is a staple root crop in the south, central, western, and southwestern parts of Ethiopia. However, its production is limited due to several factors. The seed corm storage condition is one of the main factors that affects the production of taro. A study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to determine the suitable storage methods for corms of taro for seed production. Five different storage methods (a cemented floor in a warehouse; under a tree shade covered with grass; a raised mesh-wired bed under a thatched roof shelter; an underground pit covered with grass; and an underground pit covered with soil) were evaluated using a completely randomized design with three replications. A widely adopted variety known as Denu was used. Data on seed quality, growth, and yield parameters were measured. Results indicated that there was a significant (p<0.05) variation among storage methods in terms of seed quality, growth, and corm yield of taro. Seed quality attributes such as percentages of clean and sprouted seed corms, number of verticals per hill and leaves per plant, and the total number of sprouts were significantly higher in the seed corms stored on the cemented floor in the warehouse. Similarly, the highest values for corm number and weight per plant, as well as taro corm yield, were recorded in the seed corms stored on the cemented floor. In conclusion, storing taro seed corms on a cemented floor within a warehouse improved seed quality, growth, and taro corm yield. It is, therefore, recommended that farmers in the area adopt this method. However, further study on the economic efficiency of those storage methods is required to justify farmers’ investment.

Effects of Drying Method and Seed Priming Duration on Coffee Seed and Seedling Quality

Taju Mohammednur — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Coffee is an economically important cash crop in Ethiopia. However, the conditions under which coffee seeds are dried and processed significantly affect the seedling quality and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-sowing treatments and drying methods on the physiological quality of coffee seeds and seedlings. The study included two coffee varieties (74110, 75227), two drying conditions (under-shade drying room, open sun), and five durations of seed hydropriming (6, 8, 18, 24 hours, and an untreated control). A factorial combination of the three factors were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design of three replications. Results indicated that the highest germination percentage (91%), emergence rate (90%), and seedling vigor index-I (2236 cm.%) were recorded for seeds dried under-shade drying room. In contrast, the lowest values of germination percentage, emergence rate, and vigor index were observed for seeds dried under open sun. There was a significant difference in seed germination based on hydropriming time, with the highest germination percentage (83%) recorded for seeds soaked for 6 hours, followed by 24 hours (83%). The lowest germination percentage (77%) was recorded for un-soaked seeds. In conclusion, drying seeds under shade is better for coffee seed quality, and hydropriming has improved seedling vigor. However, further investigation into seed priming methods and preservation techniques for primed seeds is necessary to improve coffee seed quality.

Farmers' Malt Barley Seed Sources and Seed Quality Perceptions in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Mekonen Haile — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the release of several malt barley varieties in Ethiopia over the past four decades, most farmers have limited access to certified seeds of these improved varieties. This study investigated the malt barley seed sources and seed quality perceptions of farmers in eight major malt barley growing districts in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 344 farmers, supplemented with key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. Farmer cooperatives supplied 57.3% of the total seed, considered as both certified (C-1) and recycled seed. About 31% of farmers used seeds from informal sources: own saved seed (15.4%), seeds from other farmers (8.7%), and purchased from local market (6.7%). The formal seed sector accounted for only 11.8%. Farmers selected seeds based on cleanliness, plumpness, germination potential, and being pest-free. While 59% of farmers perceived their seeds as good quality, 41% received poor-quality seeds. To improve seed availability and quality, it is recommended to strengthen farmers’ cooperatives with technical training and resources, increase formal sector involvement, and implement rigorous quality control measures. These steps can ensure farmers to receive the required amount and quality malt barley seeds, enhancing crop yields and agricultural productivity.

Effect of Priming on Seed Germination, Seedling Vigor and Yield of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Moisture-Stress Conditions

Astawus Esatu — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Uniform stand establishment of wheat is considered one of the most important yield-contributing factors in semi-arid areas. An experiment evaluated how different priming media and durations impact germination, vigor, and yield. The experimental design involved a bread wheat variety (Hidase), four priming media (distilled water, 0.1% KNO3, 2% Mannitol, 0.06% Salicylic acid, and a non-primed control), and two priming durations (12 and 24 hours), under laboratory and field conditions, using factorial CRD and CRBD, respectively. The results revealed that the priming media had a significant (P<0.05) effect on germination, vigor, the number of fertile spikes, yield, and year. The highest germination percentage was achieved with distilled water (93.58%), followed by 0.1% KNO₃ (92.62%). The vigor index-I was not enhanced by priming, with the control exhibiting the highest value (1803.8%cm). The highest Vigor index-II (1069%mg) was observed in seeds primed with 0.1% KNO₃ for 24 hours. Priming with 0.1% KNO₃ for 12 hours resulted in a higher number of spikes (487 m^-2) and yield (5.12 t ha^-1) compared to the control. However, the same priming medium resulted in the lowest yield (4.03 t ha^-1) at a priming duration of 24 hours. A priming duration of 12 hours with 0.1% KNO₃ resulted in a 19% yield increase compared to the unprimed control. In conclusion, 0.1% KNO3 contributed to the enhancement of germination, early seedling establishment, and yield of wheat under moisture-stress conditions