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Review Article
Hybrid Coffee (Coffea arabica L) Plantlet Production via Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis in Ethiopia: Current Statue and Future Direction
Elyas Gebremariam*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
87-94
Received:
13 August 2024
Accepted:
9 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: Traditional hybrid coffee propagation methods using seed or vegetative cuttings has tremendous limitations. Seed propagation is associated with hand pollination which is time consuming and need large number of skilled labor. On the other hand, vegetative cuttings ensure uniformity, but; cuttings generate relatively low multiplication rates as they can only be obtained from orthotropic branches. Multiplication by tissue culture techniques could provide a best alternative to these traditional methods of coffee propagation as it allowed the production of relatively uniform plantlets on a large scale in a shorter period in any climatic condition. Among tissue culture techniques, indirect somatic embryogenesis of hybrid coffee plays substantial role in rapid industrial scale multiplication of high valued varities. Research on somatic embryogenesis of C. arabica hybrid has been conducted since the late 70s with the objectives to substitute the conventional vegetative propagation of selected varieties. In Ethiopia, in vitro propagation of hybrid coffee is recent phenomenon and research on indirect somatic embryogenesis is already well underway by different research groups. Here, we discussed the current status of coffee research on somatic embryogenesis in general and specifically, we provide recommendations for future research for the establishment of mass propagation protocol for F1 hybrids varities in Ethiopia that utilized wild endogenous lines.
Abstract: Traditional hybrid coffee propagation methods using seed or vegetative cuttings has tremendous limitations. Seed propagation is associated with hand pollination which is time consuming and need large number of skilled labor. On the other hand, vegetative cuttings ensure uniformity, but; cuttings generate relatively low multiplication rates as they ...
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Research Article
Analysis of Factors Affecting Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Wheat Cluster Farming: The Case of Gasera District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Obsitu Sultan*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
95-110
Received:
5 September 2024
Accepted:
27 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.plant.20241204.12
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Abstract: Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 259 sample respondents in three selected Kebeles out of 24 total kebeles in the woreda. Primary data sources were generated using an interview schedule, five Focus Group Discussions, and eight key informant interviews. Besides, secondary data were obtained from literature and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Both descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results showed that from the total sampled households, 169 (65.3%) were participant and, 90 (34.7%) were non-participant smallholder farmers of wheat cluster farming technology. According to the probit regression model, education status, wheat land, livestock size, frequency of extension contact, credit access, availability of fair price, market information, agricultural input access, training access and membership in a cooperative had a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to participate in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the local community, Woreda Agriculture Office and research institutes need to expand cluster farming technology to increase wheat production and policies aiming at increasing farmers’ awareness of producing wheat in cluster to increase yield of farmers.
Abstract: Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-st...
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Research Article
Estimation of Yield Loss Due to Potato Late Blight in Lukanga Village of Lubero Territory/Democratic Republic of the Congo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
111-119
Received:
8 July 2024
Accepted:
20 August 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.plant.20241204.13
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Abstract: Late Blight is one of important diseases of potato. This disease is present in the agro-ecological environment of Lubero. As a matter of concern, this study aims at assessing the level of tolerance of three potato varieties to this disease and estimating the loss in yield. For this reason, an experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the Adventist University of Lukanga in the main season of 2023, with an experimental device with complete random blocks. Three potato varieties (Carolus, Kinigi and Sarpo mira) were used with fungicide treatment and non-treatment to estimate the yield loss due to Late Blight. The data concerned the rate of attack of foliar Late Blight and the parameters of potato yield under natural infection. The results showed that tolerance varies from a variety to another, considering the three varieties and is very significant (p<0.001). The Carolus variety was more susceptible with a value of the area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC = 1030) and the Sarpo mira variety the most resistant (AUDPC = 0.000). For the loss of yield, it also varies depending on varieties and is proportional to the susceptibility to foliar Late Blight. It was between 2 and 70% respectively for Sarpo mira and Carolus. Sarpo mira variety, being the most resistant, must both be used for sustainable agriculture that respects the environment and taken in potato breeding program.
Abstract: Late Blight is one of important diseases of potato. This disease is present in the agro-ecological environment of Lubero. As a matter of concern, this study aims at assessing the level of tolerance of three potato varieties to this disease and estimating the loss in yield. For this reason, an experiment was carried out in the experimental field of ...
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Research Article
Effects of Mutagenic Treatments on Drought Tolerance Indices of Selected Cowpea Mutant Lines from Niger State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
120-125
Received:
2 October 2024
Accepted:
21 October 2024
Published:
14 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.plant.20241204.14
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Abstract: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop cultivated in many regions of Nigeria. It serves as a source of protein, nutrients and income for communities. However, its production and yield potential are severely affected by drought which has been a prevalent constraint over the years, posing a significant threat to cowpea production and food security hence the need to develop mutant lines that can withstand drought conditions for continuous sustenance of lives and livelihoods. This study aimed to determine the effects of mutagens on drought tolerance indices in selected cowpea mutant lines treated with gamma irradiated and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) collected from the gene bank of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. These mutant lines were subjected to water stress for two weeks and assessed for drought tolerance potential. The study revealed that gamma rays and EMS had significantly effects on drought tolerance indices. The Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) ranged from 4.11 (V2G4) to 7.11 (V3EG3). Stress Intensity (SI) values ranged from 0.050 (V1EG4) to 0.585 (V2G4). V1EG4 exhibited the lowest SI. The SSI values of the cowpea mutant lines ranged from 0.43 in genotype V1EG4 to 2.69 in genotype V2G4. It was observed that four mutant lines namely; V1EG4 (0.43), V1G4 (0.47), V3EG3 (0.48), VIEG3 (0.58), V3EG1 (0.95) respectively had SSI value less than one (1). The Tolerance Index (TOL) ranged from 8.60 (V3EG3) to 12.93 (V2G4). The TOL values of the mutant lines V3EG3 exhibited the lowest and in contrast; V2G4 had the highest TOL, Stress Tolerance Index (STI) values of the cowpea mutant lines ranged from 0.407 in genotype V2G4 to 1.949 in genotype V3EG3. Mutant lines VIG4 (1.741) V1EG3 (1.893), V1EG4 (1.816) and V1EG3 (1.893) also had higher STI as compared to mutant lines V2EG4 (0.892), V1EG2 (0.714) V3G4 (0.709) and V3G1 (0.548). YI values ranged from 0.32 in genotype V2G4 to 2.24 in genotype V3EG3. The HM values ranged from 3.86 in genotype V2G4 to 7.08 in genotype V3EG. Drought tolerance indices studied confirms that mutagen treatments such as gamma rays and EMS significantly affected the tolerance and productivity of cowpea positively. Mutant lines such as such as V3EG3, V1G4 and V1EG4 exhibited enhanced drought tolerance as evidenced in their high MP, GMP, and STI values, along with low TOL and SSI values suggesting this mutant lines could be used for improving drought tolerance in cowpea breeding initiatives.
Abstract: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop cultivated in many regions of Nigeria. It serves as a source of protein, nutrients and income for communities. However, its production and yield potential are severely affected by drought which has been a prevalent constraint over the years, posing a significant threat to cowpea prod...
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Review Article
Prickly Pear Cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae, in Morocco: Vigilance and Perspectives
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
126-130
Received:
27 September 2024
Accepted:
22 October 2024
Published:
20 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.plant.20241204.15
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Abstract: The appearance in the Province of Sidi Bennour of a pest attacking the prickly pear was announced on 29-07-2015 by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). In case of heavy infestation and in the absence of control measures, the insect can cause plant dieback. Since then, it has caused the death of the prickly pear in all Moroccan regions, resulting in heavy damage for small farmers. This plant is known for its use in animal, industrial, cosmetic, therapeutic and environmental food and whose fruit is appreciated internationally. The development of resistant varieties and new control methods with the establishment of a monitoring system is necessary given the importance of this sector. An inventory of the report, the probable causes and the countermeasures of Morocco and at the level of other regions of the world in the face of this problem, was carried out. The spread of the pest in Morocco has continued to grow since its discovery in 2014. A control and awareness program was launched by ONSSA in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Ministry of Agriculture has devoted 80 million Dirhams to the operation to fight against the cochineal with the establishment of a vigilance and surveillance committee to manage the plan for uprooting and burying diseased cacti. In addition, a selection program for resistant varieties and treatment products was launched and carried out by the services of the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) in partnership with the various regional administrations of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture launched, on August 17, 2021 in social networks, a call for vigilance after the appearance of the insect in northern Algeria with the development of a three-year national strategy of control and to strictly apply agricultural quarantine to limit the spread of the insect.
Abstract: The appearance in the Province of Sidi Bennour of a pest attacking the prickly pear was announced on 29-07-2015 by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). In case of heavy infestation and in the absence of control measures, the insect can cause plant dieback. Since then, it has caused the death of the prickly pear in all Moroccan regions, resu...
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