Abstract: Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is indigenous to the tropical rain forests of Ethiopia in the South and Southwest where there was persistent usage since ancient times. Coffee soils in the south-western parts of Ethiopia can be attributed to excessive accumulations of aluminum, iron or manganese which leads to deficiencies of phosphorus other nutrients. This low soil pH and nutrient deficiencies encountered in the soils of the study area are expected to decrease the growth and dry matter of coffee seedlings. Liming is more effective in combination with phosphorus fertilization or that the secondary effect of liming is higher phosphorus fertilizer availability to the coffee seedlings. The research was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Center, south west Ethiopia to evaluate the response of lime and phosphorus rates on coffee seedlings dry matter production and partitioning. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatments were arranged in factorial combinations of five levels of lime (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g) and four levels of phosphorus (0, 400, 600 and 800 mg) 2.5 kg-1 top soil. The statistical data was analyzed through SAS software and treatment means were compared at 5% probability using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that the interactions of lime and P rates significantly increased dry matter production, partitioning and shoot to root ratio. The maximum dry matter production, partitioning and shoot to root ratio were recorded from the interaction of 10 g lime and 800 mg P rates 2.5 kg-1 top soil. Hence, combined application of 10 g lime and 800 mg P rate 2.5 kg-1 top provides the optimum dry matter production, partitioning and shoot to root ratio for the growth of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions.Abstract: Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is indigenous to the tropical rain forests of Ethiopia in the South and Southwest where there was persistent usage since ancient times. Coffee soils in the south-western parts of Ethiopia can be attributed to excessive accumulations of aluminum, iron or manganese which leads to deficiencies of phosphorus other nutrients. ...Show More
Abstract: Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum (Apocynacae) leaves have a reputation of abortifacient activity. We investigated traditional claim and found that methanolic leaf extract produce antifertility activity by lowering the progesterone level in rat model. Aim of the present study was to find out the chemical constituent (s) responsible for antifertility activity of methanolic leaf extract of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.). The ethyl acetate, chloroform and toluene fractions of methanolic extract of T. peruviana leaves freed from cardiac glycosides [TPL-Me-G] were selected for phytochemical investigation and in-vitro uterotonic activity. The methanolic extract of T. peruviana leaves (1.103g) was fractionated with toluene (100ml, n=20); chloroform (100ml, n=20); and ethyl acetate (100ml, n=20) in the successive order. These fractions were examined for phytoconstituents and evaluated for in-vitro uterotonic activity. The toluene fraction (TPL-T) was found to have triterpenes, flavonoids and phytosterols. Quercetin (0.8904%) is present in TPL-T. The chloroform fraction (TPL-Ch) was found to contain flavonoids, triterpenes and phytosterols. Presence of alkaloids and flavonoids (quercetin 0.1606%) were observed in ethyl acetate fraction (TPL-Et-Ac). In contrast to TPL-Et-Ac, the TPL-T and TPL-Ch induced dose dependent uterine contraction in the isolated estrogenized rat uterus model. Highest uterotonic activity was found with TPL-Me-G which has kaempferol as phyto-constituent additionally. The in-vitro uterotonic activity is not influenced by quercetin and primary contributor is kaempferol though some unknown phytoconstituent/s also contributes to uterotonic activity and synergizes the action of kaempferol too. So, further research is needed to identify other contributory unknown phytoconstituent/s for antifertility activity of methanolic leaf extract of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.).Abstract: Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum (Apocynacae) leaves have a reputation of abortifacient activity. We investigated traditional claim and found that methanolic leaf extract produce antifertility activity by lowering the progesterone level in rat model. Aim of the present study was to find out the chemical constituent (s) responsible for antifertil...Show More
