Response of some cowpea genotypes to radiosensitivity using 60Co gamma radiation

Mutagenesis is one of the most effective methods for crop improvement as it expands the genetic pool, offering more opportunities for selecting desirable traits, especially in cowpea, which is predominantly self-pollinating.  For effective mass irradiation at acute doses, the sensitivity of cowpea genotypes to gamma rays needs to be determined. The objective of this study was to determine the lethal dose (LD50) at 50% germination and reduction in the appearance of cowpea growth (RD50) when exposed to gamma radiation. Five cowpea genotypes, namely, Hansadua, WC-36, ACC122WxWC-10, IT97K-819, and WC-10, were irradiated with gamma radiation from a 60Co radioactive source at 0-1200Gy with an interval of 100 Gy. The results showed significant wide variations in the responses of genotypes. Hansadua, an improved cultivar, had the lowest LD50 and RD50 values of 531.0 and 452.0 Gy, respectively, indicating its high sensitivity to gamma radiation. Thus, suggesting a relatively lower dose is required to kill half of the population and more so, a tendency to produce more useful mutants at lower doses of radiation from which selection could be made. In addition, the highest values of LD50 and RD50 were observed for ACC122WxWC-10 at 903.0 and 694.0 Gy, respectively. This implies that the ACC122WxWC-10 genotype was the least sensitive to gamma radiation, as more radiation was required to reduce the growth of the control population to half. In addition, there were progressive reductions in other parameters such as plant height, root length, shoot weight, and whole plant weight in all genotypes as the radiation dose increased. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 127-135, June 202

The release and registration of bread wheat variety (Kulito) for low moisture stress areas of South Ethiopia

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most valuable crop in Ethiopia. The low yield of existing varieties has been partly attributed to high wheat rust pressure and recurrent drought in the country. Field experiments were carried out in Halaba, Inseno, and Lanfero, South Ethiopia, during 2019, 2020, and 2022 cropping seasons, with the objective to obtain rust-resistant and high-yielding genotypes for low moisture stress areas. Under regional variety trials of 2019 and 2020, fifteen advanced lines and a local check variety, Ogolcho (released in 2011), were grown using four replications in a randomized complete block design. Plant height was 83.25, 87.73 and 78, 68 cm; yield was 3.18, 3.72 and 4.43 tons ha-1; and 1000-seed weight was 38.10, 33.07 and 39.54 g, respectively, for Halaba, Inseno and Lanfero. Plant height was 80.86, 81.61, 80.07, and 85.84 cm; yield was 4.09,4.23, 4.16, and 3.56 tons ha-1; and 1000-seed weight was 38.41, 35.46, 39,58, and 37.57 g, for the high yielding genotypes ETBW9131, ETBW9152, ETBW9077, and the check variety Ogolcho, respectively. Under variety verification trials of 2022, genotype ETBW9131, a local check variety, Ogolcho and a standard check variety, Biftu (released in 2022), were grown. The yield was 4.58, 3.35, and 2.96 tons ha-1 for ETBW9131, Biftu, and Ogolcho, respectively. For its high yield, moderate susceptibility to stem rust and moderate resistance to yellow rust, ETBW9131 has been released and registered by the variety name ‘Kulito’ for cultivation in low moisture stress areas of Halaba, Inseno, Lanfero, and other areas with similar agro-ecologies. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 109-114, June 202

Bank of industry’s small and medium enterprise programme: an exploratory impact analysis on the livelihood status of poultry farmers in Nigeria

The study evaluated how the small and medium business (SME) program of the Bank of Industry (BOI) affected the livelihood situation of chicken producers in Osun State, Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling process, data was gathered using a structured interview schedule from 185 beneficiaries (poultry farmers) who were chosen at random from each of the six administrative zones. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data, and inferential conclusions were drawn using paired sample t-tests, correlations, and chi-square. The survey found Osun State\u27s small and medium-sized poultry producers now have better living conditions thanks to the BOI\u27s SME programme. It was observed that the programme brought about an increase in innovative thinking and ideas of the beneficiaries. However, there was a significant association between the socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and their livelihood status; it revealed a significant difference (t= 21.424; P ≤ 0.05) in the livelihood status of the respondents before and after the programme, which implies that respondent’s income increases, experience tremendous growth in business output and were able to acquire more assets; hence, the programme should be sustained by successive government’s administration and should be extended to other enterprises. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 88-98, June 202

Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among adolescents with suspected genital infection in the Ngiri-Ngiri health zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Adolescents are among the groups most exposed to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and most likely to resort to self-medication, which constitutes a threat to public health. This study aimed to assess self-medication practices for symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents in the commune of Ngiri-Ngiri in the City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 224 adolescents using ODK software. Data were processed with XLSTAT. Of the 224 adolescents, 34.3% admitted to having symptoms associated with STIs. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was 45.5%. Of those who self-medicated, 70% attended school, 47% were male, and 53% were female. Of all the drugs used, amoxicillin ranked first, followed by penicillin, vaginal ovules, and tetracycline. The study also showed that some women resorted to phytotherapy. As for the source of information, 70% of teenagers confirmed that they had obtained this information from pharmacy owners, 29% from the community, and 23% from healthcare providers. Given the considerable prevalence of self-medication for symptoms associated with STIs in this environment, health workers and political decision-makers are called upon to pool their efforts to raise awareness of the rational use of medicines to reduce or even eradicate this harmful practice. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 147-154, June 202

Identification of antibiotic use patterns in poultry farms in the southwest region of Bangladesh

The study was conducted in southwestern Bangladesh, 90 chicken farmers were surveyed across three upazilas under three districts of southwestern Bangladesh to understand the practices and farmers\u27 perceptions of antibiotic use in poultry farming. Data were collected through direct interviews of poultry farmers using a pre-tested interview schedule. The results showed that the highest percentage of farmers kept broilers in their farms (30.0%), followed by layer (28.9%), Sonali (26.7%) and cockerel (14.4%). Farmers marketed broilers at an average of 35 days with a live weight of 2187.04 kg bird-1 and egg production of layer chickens was 88.88%. The majority of chicken farmers (84.44%) used antibiotics, while 47.8% and 92.2% of farmers used probiotics and vitamin-mineral supplements for chicken. The use of antibiotics was suggested by various people, such as veterinary doctors (35.56%), animal health workers (23.33%), drug company representatives (20.00%) and self (5.56%). More than half of the chicken farmers (56.67%) applied antibiotics regularly and the highest percentage was supplied through water (82.2%). Half of chicken farmers used antibiotics for disease prevention (50.00%), followed by treatment of sick chickens (31.11%), growth promotion (2.22%) and both disease prevention & growth promotion (1.11%). The majority of the farmers did not know about the negative impacts of antibiotic use in poultry farming (87.8%), among the remaining 7.8% of farmers said it was carcinogenic, 3.3% stated it was toxicity in humans and only 1.1% said it had no effect of antibiotics in human health. It can be concluded that most of the chicken farmers are using antibiotics indiscriminately, which suggests proper education and awareness creation of poultry farmers to reduce the risks associated with antibiotic use. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 1-8, December 202

Farmer’s pesticide uses and risks in onion fields in the central rift valley of Ethiopia

Improper use of pesticides has been the most problematic factor in affecting the environment and pollinating insects. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess farmers’ awareness and usage of insecticides for the protection of onion pests in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia from January to May 2022. A purposive sampling method was used to select onion growers in the study area. The respondents revealed that damage caused by pests and diseases led to yield loss in onions, and their choice was applying insecticide chemicals without training in the application technique of the chemical. A very high proportion of farmers (60%) in Adami Tullu Jido Kombolcha and Bishan Guracha (44%) never wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of insecticide application. The result also demonstrated that only 44% of respondents from Adami Tullu Jido Kombolcha and 25% from Bishan Guracha had attended formal training. They also revealed that they purchased pesticide chemicals without knowing their safe use or disposal methods. Due to this, farmers fail to follow the label for pesticide rate, spray volume, and wearing personal protective equipment. The results of this study suggest that farmers in the study area need training and inspection on the safe use and hazardous effects of insecticides. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 11-21, June 202

In vitro and in vivo screening of commonly used acaricides against Ixodid ticks in South Omo pastoral areas, South-Western Ethiopia

The study aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo antitick efficacy of commonly used acaricides in order to suggest efficient acaricides to livestock owners was conducted in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. According to Drummond\u27s method, the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) was applied to assess oviposition inhibition of engorged female ticks. Also, in vivo efficacy field trial of Deltamethrin 1% pour-on, Amitraz 12.5%, and Ivermectin 1% injection was conducted on a goat kept under a pastoral production system in the study area. A total of 528 fully engorged female R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus ticks were tested through the adult immersion test (AIT). A statistically significant (p<0.05) mean percent oviposition control was achieved by two in vitro tested acaricides. Amitraz induced 67.30±7.33 (min= 58.07%; max=74.02%) mean percent oviposition control while, Deltamethrin achieved 100±00 (min=100%; max=100%) on ticks from bovine. Similar results were obtained on ticks from caprine using Amitraz and Deltamethrin, and mean percent oviposition control was 82.90±2.7 (min=79.04%; max=85.01%) and 100±00 (min=100%; max=100%), respectively. A 61.45% and 73.15% oviposition control of R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus from bovine, and 81.77% and 84.03% oviposition control of R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus from caprine, respectively, were observed in in vitro studies. However, Deltamethrin was able to completely prevent oviposition in both bovine and caprine tick species. At the recommended field concentration, Amitraz, Ivermectin, and Deltamethrin, achieved 97.22%, 85.29%, and 99.03% effectiveness, respectively, in eliminating adult ticks from infested goats. We suggest both Amitraz and Deltamethrin were effective against Ixodid ticks infesting ruminants in the research area when used in the recommended dosages; however, more confirmatory in vivo field data is required. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 1-10, June 202

Assessing mechanized, conservation, and small-scale tillage impacts on Alexander wander wheat performance in Bamenda, Cameroon

Tillage practices constitute the major initial applications of farm power and machinery during crop cultivation. They comprise all soil-related manipulations aimed at preparing a good seedbed for appropriate crop growth. In order to improve crop yields while enabling sustainable soils, tillage practices executed during crop production in a particular region need to be assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of tillage practices on Alexander wander wheat growth, and yield in Bamenda, Cameroon. An experiment was conducted during the cropping seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the College of Technology of the University of Bamenda, Cameroon laid out in a randomized complete block design comprising five tillage treatments namely; mechanized tillage (disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing), conservation tillage (no-tillage, and strip tillage), and small-scale tillage (burning in ridges (“Ankara”), and traditional ridge tillage). Disc ploughing was conducted using a 3-disc standard right-handed disc plough followed by disc harrowing using an offset disc harrow. Tillage significantly influenced wheat performance (growth parameters, and yield attributes) during both the 2023, and 2024 cropping seasons. Ankara produced the best wheat performance followed by traditional ridge tillage. Disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing came third, while no-tillage, and strip-tillage practices produced the poorest wheat growth parameters, and yield attributes during both years. Thus, small-scale tillage practices (Ankara and traditional ridge tillage) are recommended for Alexander wander wheat production in Bamenda, Cameroon followed by mechanized tillage (disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing). Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 20-27, December 202

Pre-extension demonstration of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) technologies in selected districts of Ethiopia

Black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.), known as the "King of Spices," is a high-value crop with significant economic and medicinal importance. This study evaluates the pre-extension demonstration of black pepper technologies in selected districts of Southwest Ethiopia and Gambella Region, focusing on two improved varieties, Gacheb and Tato, under real-world farming conditions. The study involved 66 farmers across Yeki, Sheko, and Godere districts, aiming to enhance farmers\u27 knowledge and skills in black pepper production, management, and post-harvest handling. Data were collected on agronomic performance, economic viability, and farmer perceptions. Results showed that both varieties adapted well to local conditions, with Gacheb exhibiting higher yield potential (2-3 kg/vine/year) compared to Tato (1.5-2.5 kg/vine/year). Economic analysis revealed a benefit-cost ratio of 4.71 for Gacheb and 4.29 for Tato, indicating profitability. Farmers expressed positive perceptions of black pepper\u27s adaptability and financial benefits, ranking it second in priority after coffee. However, challenges such as pests, diseases, and inadequate knowledge in certain cultivation practices were identified. The study recommends capacity-building programs, development of resilient varieties, scaling-up demonstrations, and strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages to promote sustainable black pepper production. These efforts can enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and support the wider adoption of black pepper technologies in Ethiopia. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 70-77, June 202

Stability, performance and participatory evaluation of potato varieties under rain-fed and irrigation conditions at Southeast, Ethiopia

The goal of potato breeding is to develop widely adaptable, highly productive cultivars that farmers would prefer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and stability of potato varieties linking the preferences of smallholder farmers in rain-fed and irrigated environments. Using a randomized complete block design in three replicates, twelve potato cultivars were assessed in 10 settings in Southeast Ethiopia during the Meher and Belg seasons in 2019 and 2020. The environments, genotypes, and GEI all revealed significant differences (p<0.001) in the pooled analysis of the variance of tuber yield. The tuber yield variances for GEI, environment, and genotypic impacts were 15.48%, 7.61%, and 59.49% explained by the AMMI analysis, respectively. The environments were grouped into three distinct categories. A total of 99.6% of the variance was the cumulative contribution of PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, and PC5 sharing 80.8%, 11.3%, 4.3%, 2.2%, and 1.0%, respectively High-yielding and widely adapted were Gera, Gudanie, Bubu, Belete, Shenkolla, Guassa, and Maracharre varieties, according to the AMMI, BLUP, GGE biplot, and WAAS. However, dynamic types that were particularly affected by environmental variations include Jalenie, Dagim, Gorebella, Awash, and Zemen. A stability measure of metric and preference based on various traits identified Gudanie and Guassa varieties. The scores of the small holder farmers were consistent throughout the test environments. The canonical correlation analysis indicated the significant association between the metric traits collected by the breeder and the small- holder farmer preferences. The study provides baseline data for potato breeding, and the varieties must be evaluated in the nation\u27s mega-environments for additional recommendations. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 85-98, December 202