Assessment of yield stability in sorghum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)) is the third major cereal crop in Ethiopia in terms of area and production next to tef (Eragrostis tef) and maize (Zea mays). It is the major crop in drought stressed lowland areas that cover 66% of the total arable land in the country. Yield stability is one of the setbacks facing plant breeders in developing widely adapted varieties with superior yield. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of genotype by environment (GxE) on the yield stability of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) using fifteengenotypes in eight environments (Locations x years combination). There were significant differences among the genotypes, the environments and GxE interactions. Thus, the three types of univariate stability models: Type-1 (CVi and S2i), Type-2 (W2i, s2i, and bi) and Type-3 (Sd2i) were compared for ranking of the genotypes. Theparameters of W2i and si2 had perfect positive correlation (r=1.0) and strong positive correlation with bi (r=0.80),but either weak or no correlation with the rest of the parameters. Similarly, CVi and S2i had strong rank correlation(r=0.97) but both had either very weak or no rank correlation with the rest of the parameters tested. The Sd2i had very weak negative correlation with the remaining parameters. Based on the three stability statistics, the different genotypes were classified as stable. To compliment and verify findings of this univariate approach, the GxE which uses a mulivariate approach was used. The multivariate approach (AMMI model) gives a broader inference. Based on the AMMI model, genotypes 2 and 5 were the most stable, although genotypes 1 and 3 had satisfactory levels of yield performance as well as stability. Therefore, these four genotypes with wider adaptationare recommended for sorghum growing dry lowlands of the country

Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Watersheds for Soil Erosion Management in Upper Gibe Catchment

As morphometric investigation is connected to prioritization of watershed, morphometric analysis has got a significance role in light of soil and water conservation. In this study, an endeavour for the examination of point by point morphometric analyses of sub-basins was accomplished through the measurement of linear and shape parameters by using ArcGIS-9.3 software. Specifically, linear and shape morphometric parameters like stream length, stream order, drainage density, stream frequency, bifurcation ratio, Length of overland flow, basin perimeter, form factor, compactness coefficient, elongation ratio has been considered. The SRTM DEM (30 x 30 m) is processed for the delineation resulting in 61 sub-basins. The morphometric parameters which affect the soil erodibility are considered to organize the sub-basins and relegate positions on the premise of their association with erodibility to get compound parameter (Cp) esteem. Based on the value of Cp the sub-basin with the lowest Cp value was given the highest priority and then categorized the sub-basins into three classes as high, medium and low in terms of priority. Accordingly, high priority zone comprises 11 sub-basins, medium 19 and low 31 sub-basins. The sub-basins which are falling under high priority were a great deal more defenceless to soil disintegration and ought to be given high need for land preservation measures

Occurrence of fungal diseases of Coffea arabica L. in montane rainforests of Ethiopia

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD), Colletotrichum kahawae, Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD), Gibberella xylarioides and Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), Hemileia vastatrix are the three major diseases reducing production and consumption of coffee in Ethiopia. A survey was conducted from July to September 2005 for CBD and CWD and from 2003 until 2007 for CLR in montane rainforest coffee areas of Ethiopia to estimate the occurrence and distribution of these diseases. Diseases were prevalent in all the surveyed forest coffee areas of Ethiopia: Harenna, Bonga, Berhane-Kontir and Yayu. Depending on the forest coffee area the mean percent incidence of CBD ranged from 2 to 40 % in general and from 2 to 17.9 % at Berhane-Kontir and Bonga, respectively. The mean incidence of CWD varied from 2.4 % at Berhane-Kontir to 16.9 % at Yayu forest coffee areas. The mean incidence of CLR also varied for instance in 2005 from 32.2 % at Berhane-Kontir to 96 % at Harenna forest coffee areas. The detection of the diseases during our surveys requires an integrated management of major coffee diseases for a sustainable conservation and wise use of coffee in montane rainforests of Ethiopia

Outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila associated with the parasitic infection Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in pond of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings at Sebeta, Ethiopia

Outbreak of a disease was observed on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings manifested by white nodules all over the body and hemorrhage in the skin that occurred on June 20, 2011 in an earthen pond at Sebeta, Ethiopia. The outbreak was investigated by using a combination of methods that included clinical observations, gross and histopathology examination and bacterial isolation. On histopathological  examination co-infection of Aeromonas hydrophila with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis a holotrichous ciliate, was found to be the cause of the outbreak. In order to control the outbreak, the fish density was reduced and the fish were removed and treated with sodium chloride (3%) and moved to another properly disinfected pond that contains fresh and good quality water. The former pond was drained and left empty for two  weeks to dry and then lime was added over it before filling it with water. The sick fish got cured after three weeks and no new case was observed; which may be due to development of immunity or the intervention measures taken to control the problem. This intervention protocols need to be further investigated in a properly designed experiment as a possible control of co-infection of these two pathogens in catfish  fingerlings.Keywords: Aeromonas hydrophila, Co-infection, Ethiopia, Ichthyophthirius multifilii

Antibiogram of E. coli serotypes isolated from children aged under five with acute diarrhea in Bahir Dar town

Background: Diarrheal disease and its complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The prevalence and antibiogram of E. coli as causative agents of diarrhea vary from region to region, and even within countries in the same geographical area.Objectives: To determine the serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli in children under-five years of age.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 children with diarrhea from December 2011 to February 2012. Identification of E. coli and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done following standard procedures.Results: The overall isolation rate of E. coli was 48.3%. Poly 2 sero-groups, poly 3 sero-groups, poly 4 sero-groups and E. coli O157:H7 accounted for 80 (39.2%), 40 (19.6%), 25 (12.3%), and 59 (28.9%) of the isolates, respectively. Poly 2 sero- groups, constituting isolates belonging to enteropathogenic E. coli were the most commonly isolated serotypes. E. coli exhibited high levels of antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin (86.8%), tetracycline (76%) and cotrimoxazole (76%). Low levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin (6.9%) and norfloxacin (9.3%) were documented.Conclusion: High prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli compounded by alarming antimicrobial resistances is a serious public health problem. Regular determination of antibiogram and public education are recommended.Keywords: E. coli, antimicrobial susceptibility, diarrhea, Ethiopi

Maternal dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy during pregnancy and related factors in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016.

BackgroundMonotonous and less diversified diets are associated with micronutrient deficiency. Evidence on maternal dietary intakes during pregnancy is essential to achieve the 2025 global nutrition target and reduce maternal and child mortalities. This study assessed pregnant women's dietary diversity and identified factors associated with inadequate dietary diversity in East Gojjam Zone.MethodsWe conducted a community-based cross-sectional study between April and June 2016. Eight hundred thirty-four pregnant women were randomly sampled. The Women Dietary Diversity Score tool developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) was used. Data were entered into EpiData with double entry verification, and analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20. Level of significance was set to P ResultsThe mean (±SD) dietary diversity score was 3.68 (±2.10). Inadequate dietary diversity was prevalent in 55% [95% CI (52.3-59.3%)] of pregnant women, or indirectly micronutrient was inadequate in more than half of the pregnant women. Commonly consumed dietary groups were legumes, nuts, and seeds (85.5%) followed by starchy staples (64.7%). Inadequate dietary diversity was higher among non-educated [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.30, 95% CI (2.35-22.68)] compared to college and above completed women. Wealth index had significant association with dietary diversity, in which women in the poorest [AOR = 8.83, 95% CI, (1.60-48.61)], poorer [AOR = 6.34, 95% CI (1.16-34.65)], poor [AOR = 8.46, 95% CI (1.56-45.70)], and richer [AOR = 6.57, 95% CI (2.16-20.01)] had higher odds of inadequate dietary diversity. Those who had not received dietary counseling had three folds [AOR = 3.31, 95% CI (1.49-7.35)] of inadequate dietary diversity compared to their counterparts. Less likelihood of inadequate dietary diversity was among women with an increased meal frequency [AOR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.38-0.74)].ConclusionConsumption of less diversified food during pregnancy is common in the study area. Adequacy of micronutrients is insufficient for more than half of the studied pregnant women. We conclude that being non-educated affects pregnant women to depend on less diversified diet. Providing dietary counseling during pregnancy can improve nutritional practice for pregnant women

Evaluation of bio-physiological and yield responses of stay green QTL introgression sorghum lines to post-flowering drought stress

Drought is the most drastic abiotic stress that limits crop production in sub-Sahara Africa. Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is among the most climate resilient cereals of the future due to its tolerance to drought and heat. Thus, identification of tolerant genotypes and plant characteristics that contribute to drought adaptation is timely. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of 12 genotypes, including seven Stay-green (Stg) QTL introgression sorghum lines and their two donor; and three recurrent parents, to induced post-flowering drought stress. The recurrent parents were varieties released for drought prone lowlands of the country, and the donor parents were lines known to have stay-green properties. The study was conducted at Werer, in the Great Rift-valley of Ethiopia, during the off-season of 2014 under well-watered and water limited conditions. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among genotypes under water deficit regimes, for all measured physiological, biochemical (proline content), yield and yield related traits. Three Stg QTL introgression lines showed better tolerance to drought than their recurrent parents, as reflected by yield and maintenance of green leaf area. Three Stg QTL introgression lines, Teshale/E36-1, Gambella/B35-5 and Meko/B35-12, gave the highest grain yield under post-flowering drought stress, and B35 and Teshale/B35 gave the poorest yield under similar conditions. Therefore, these improved lines bear potential for use as alternatives in breeding programmes and for possible release in parts of the country where post-flowering drought stress is frequent. Proline content, weight of hundred seeds (HSW) and CO2 assimilation are effective screening tools for Stg property due to their high correlation with other parameters.La s\ue8cheresse est le stress abiotique le plus drastique qui limite la production agricole en Afrique Sub-saharienne. Le sorgho ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) est parmi les c\ue9r\ue9ales les plus r\ue9silientes au climat pour le futur d\ufb \ue0 sa tol\ue9rance \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse et \ue0 la chaleur. Donc, l\u2019identification des g\ue9notypes tol\ue9rants et les caract\ue9ristiques des plants qui contribuent \ue0 l\u2019adaptation \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse est opportune. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer la r\ue9ponse de 12 g\ue9notypes, comportant sept lign\ue9es de sorgho conf\ue9rant l\u2019introgression des QTL des attributs verts (Stg), leurs deux donneurs\ua0; et les trois parents r\ue9currents, au stress de la s\ue9cheresse post floraison induite. Les parents r\ue9currents ont \ue9t\ue9 les vari\ue9t\ue9s lib\ue9r\ue9es sensibles \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse dans les plaines du pays, et les donneurs ont \ue9t\ue9 les lign\ue9es connues pour leurs propri\ue9t\ue9s relatives aux attributs verts. L\u2019\ue9tude a \ue9t\ue9 conduite \ue0 Werer, dans la grande vall\ue9e du Rift d\u2019Ethiopie, pendant la contre saison de 2014 dans des conditions d\u2019irrigation abondante et d\u2019irrigation limit\ue9e. De diff\ue9rences significatives (P<0.05) ont \ue9t\ue9 observ\ue9es entre les g\ue9notypes sous des r\ue9gimes de d\ue9ficit hydriques, pour tous les traits physiologiques, biochimiques (teneur en proline), le rendement et les composantes de rendement. Trois lign\ue9es d\u2019introgression de Stg QTL ont montr\ue9 de meilleure tol\ue9rance \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse que leurs parents r\ue9currents, comme refl\ue9t\ue9 par le rendement et la maintenance de la surface verte de la feuille. Trois lign\ue9es d\u2019introgression de Stg QTL, Teshale/E36-1, Gambella/B35-5 et Meko/B35-12, ont donn\ue9 le plus haut rendement sous le stress de s\ue9cheresse de post floraison, et B35 et Teshale/B35 ont donn\ue9 le plus faible rendement dans des conditions similaires. En cons\ue9quence, ces lign\ue9es am\ue9lior\ue9es d\ue9tiennent tout le potentiel pour leur usage comme alternatives dans des programmes d\u2019am\ue9lioration g\ue9n\ue9tiques et pour une lib\ue9ration possible dans les r\ue9gions du pays o\uf9 le stress de la s\ue9cheresse post floraison est fr\ue9quent. La teneur en proline, le poids de 100 graines (HSW) et l\u2019assimilation du CO2 sont des outils effectifs de criblage pour la propri\ue9t\ue9 de Stg due \ue0 leur forte corr\ue9lation avec les autres param\ue8tres

Study of growth and physiological characters in stay-green QTL introgression Sorghum bicolor (L.) lines under post-flowering drought stress

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth, physiological and yield traits of stay-green (Stg) QTL introgression sorghum lines, which were developed by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research in collaboration with ICRISAT between 2006 and 2008, under induced post-flowering drought stress. It involved a total of 12 genotypes including seven Stg QTL introgression lines, two Stg donor parents and three senescent recurrent parents. It was organized in a split plot design with three replications under well-watered and induced drought stress growing conditions at Melka Werer, Ethiopia during the post-rainy season of 2014. Analysis of variance revealed that the effect of moisture regimes on all measured traits was significant (P > 0.05). Differences among the genotypes and genotypeby- water regime interaction were also significant (P > 0.05) for all the traits considered. Postflowering drought stress was observed to significantly reduce most of the growth, physiological and yield related traits. The Stg introgression lines Meko/B35-selection 120, Teshale/B35-selection 2 and Teshale/E36-1 showed better drought stress tolerance properties than the rest of the genotypes based on the measured growth and physiological traits. These introgression lines also showed better grain yield than their recurrent parents under post-flowering drought stress and can be used as new versions of the existing varieties (served as recurrent parents) and for future breeding programs. Furthermore, leaf chlorophyll content, assimilation rate, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, root length and root dry weight were found to have strong correlation and can be used to screen genotypes for post-flowering drought tolerance

Effectiveness of Bilateral Superficial Cervical Plexus Block as Part of Postoperative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy in Empress Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction. The pain after thyroid surgery is considered of moderate intensity and short duration. Most trials showed significant reduction in pain intensity and severity of pain in patients for whom bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) was done. Objective. To assess the postoperative analgesic effect of BSCPB for thyroid surgery. Methods. Sixty six euthyroid patients were recruited and assigned to two groups (33 patients each). Group 1 BSCPB and Group 2 standard analgesia. The unpaired Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney test were used for comparison. Statistical significance was stated at p value < 0.05. Results. The median postoperative pain score (NRS) was 3 in the BSCPB group and 5 in the control group (p=0.002). There was also statistically significant difference at 6th, 12th, and 24th hour showing a lower median pain score in the BSCPB group compared to the control group. The median time was (360 minutes) in the treatment group and (180 minutes) in the control group (p=0.0006). The median tramadol consumption within 24 hours is 0 mg in the BSCPB group compared to 100 mg in the control group (p=0.001). Conclusion and Recommendation. BSCPB done for thyroidectomy under general anesthesia decreases the postoperative pain score, total analgesia consumption, and time to first analgesia request