Correlation studies and path coefficient analysis for seed yield and yield components in Ethiopian coriander accessions

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual spice herb that belongs to the family Umbelliferae. Even though Ethiopia is a centre of primary diversity for the crop, the current knowledge about its biology, variety development and agronomy is neither complete nor conclusive under Ethiopian conditions. To contribute to filling some of the existing gaps, a field experiment was conducted during the main rainy season of 2007-2008 at Wondo Genet and Kokate, southern Ethiopia. Data for 15 agronomic and quality traits were measured and statistically tested. Moreof the traits were found having high correlation coefficients at genotypic level than the phenotypic level, demonstrating intrinsic associations among the traits. Seeds plant-1 and thousand seeds weight were associatedsignificantly and positively with seed yield plant-1 at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Essential oil and fatty oil contents were negatively associated with most of the trait studied. Path analysis revealed that days to end 50% flowering, longest basal leaf length, plant height, days to 50% maturity and seeds umbellet-1 exerted positive direct effect on seed yield plant-1, indicating that selection using these traits would be effective in improving seed yield in coriander.Key Words: Coriandrum sativum, essential oil, Ethiopia, fatty oi

Technology generation to dissemination:lessons learned from the tef improvement project

Indigenous crops also known as orphan crops are key contributors to food security, which is becoming increasingly vulnerable with the current trend of population growth and climate change. They have the major advantage that they fit well into the general socio-economic and ecological context of developing world agriculture. However, most indigenous crops did not benefit from the Green Revolution, which dramatically increased the yield of major crops such as wheat and rice. Here, we describe the Tef Improvement Project, which employs both conventional- and molecular-breeding techniques to improve tef\u2014an orphan crop important to the food security in the Horn of Africa, a region of the world with recurring devastating famines. We have established an efficient pipeline to bring improved tef lines from the laboratory to the farmers of Ethiopia. Of critical importance to the long-term success of this project is the cooperation among participants in Ethiopia and Switzerland, including donors, policy makers, research institutions, and farmers. Together, European and African scientists have developed a pipeline using breeding and genomic tools to improve the orphan crop tef and bring new cultivars to the farmers in Ethiopia. We highlight a new variety, Tesfa, developed in this pipeline and possessing a novel and desirable combination of traits. Tesfa\u2019s recent approval for release illustrates the success of the project and marks a milestone as it is the first variety (of many in the pipeline) to be released

Strengthening horticultural innovation systems for adaptation to effects of urbanisation and climate variability in peri-urban areas

The significance of urban agriculture is increasingly being recognised across the globe. Urban agriculture’s contribution to food security and poverty reduction, especially for the urban poor, has received increasing attention in urban policy discourses (Satterthwaite et al. in Adapting to climate change in Urban areas; the possibilities and constraints in low- and middle-income countries. IIED, London, 2007; Mutonodzo in Agriculture in urban planning: generating livelihoods and food security. Earthscan, London, 2009; Mkwambisi in Agriculture in urban planning: generating livelihoods and food security. Earthscan, London, Mkwambisi 2009). The impacts of climate change, climate variability and urban growth reduce the benefits derived from agro ecosystem services in peri-urban areas in most developing countries. Peri-urban areas play a significant role in providing ~80% of the vegetables consumed in urban areas of Malawi. However, the vegetable production is dependent on stream water or residual moisture from wetlands, which are being affected by climate change. This study investigated the viability of multi-stakeholder experimentation with sustainable technologies for improving vegetable production in a peri-urban setting experiencing water shortages due to climate change and variability in the Mulanje district in Southern Malawi. Using a participatory action research (PAR) approach, farmers, researchers, extensionists and village leaders worked together to source, test and evaluate various different horticultural production practices. Over a two-year period, they experimented with technologies such as bag (vertical) gardening, differential use of manure and fertiliser, new crops and crop varieties, seed bed preparation techniques and judicial use of pesticides. Those practices identified as successful in 2011 were replicated in 2012 for further evaluation. In general, the study found considerable improvements in vegetable production resulting from the improved agronomic practices. Further, many farmers found bag gardening more convenient due to reduced irrigation requirements, lower labor demands, all year round seasonal production, ease of access and crop security. Improved quality of produce, earlier harvest and increased total number of harvests of leafy vegetables due to manure incorporation, use of improved varieties and high yields in general were among other advantages that were realised. In addition, the technologies promoted minimal use of chemicals, which resulted in reduced seepage of inputs, thereby maintaining agro-ecosystem health. Most communities in the area have adopted the technologies as strategies for climate change adaptation. Scaling up these practices can therefore improve vegetable supply challenges arising from urbanisation, climate change and variability while reducing impacts on agro-ecosystem services