Genotype by Environment Interaction (G x E) and Grain Yield Stability Analysis of Ethiopian Linseed and Niger Seed Varieties

General Background: Niger seed [(Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass.), 2n = 30] and Linseed [(Linum usitatissimum L.), n=15] are indigenous oil crops of Ethiopia. Over many years, there are a few Linseed and Niger seed varieties developed and released through intensive breeding and genetics research program in Ethiopia. However, whether these varieties are stable, adaptable to the environments of Western Ethiopia and similar agro-ecologies are not clear.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to (i) assess genotype by environment interaction (G x E) and (ii) identify stable and adaptable Linseed and Niger seed varieties for specific and wide adaptions.Materials and methods: All Niger seed and Linseed released varieties of Ethiopia between the years 1984 and 2008 were tested for multi-locations and years. Independent experiments of linseed and Niger seed varieties were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Eight varieties of Linseed with one local variety were evaluated at Arjo, Gute and Shambu locations. In addition, five Niger seed varieties including one local variety were tested at Bako, Gute and Shambu locations.Summary of the result and application of the findings: The seed yields ranged between 0.898 tons ha-1 and 1.575 tons/ha for Linseed and between 0.600 tons ha-1 and 0.690 tons ha-1 for Niger seed. Analysis of variance using additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model revealed significant differences (pG0.01) for genotype, environment, genotype x environment interaction and interaction principal component (IPCA1) for Linseed, while only environment was found to be significantly different for Niger seed. Based on AMMI analysis, Kulumsa-1 was the best yielding, stable and widely adapted, while CI-1525 and Berene were high yielding but unstable and specifically adapted Linseed varieties to high yielding environments. Belay 96, Chilalo, Tole and CI-1652 were moderately stable and adapted to high yielding environments. Among Niger seed varieties, Shambu-1 and Esete-1 had comparable seed yield with moderately stable for the tested environments whereas Kuyu and local variety were unstable and not adopted to the testing environments.Key words/phrases: Adapted variety, Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Genotype x environment (G x E) interaction, Stable variet

Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) and genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses aid selection of high yielding and adapted finger millet varieties

Background and justification: Lack of stable high yielding cultivars is one of the major bottlenecks for production and productivity of finger millets in Ethiopia. Identification of adaptable, stable and high yielding genotypes under varying environmental conditions prior to release as a cultivar is the first and foremost steps for plant breedingr and this has direct bearing on the adoption of the variety, its productivity and total production of the crop.Objective: The major objectives of the present study were to (i) assess the stability and yield performance of advanced finger millet genotypes  evaluated in multiple environments, and (ii) identify stable high yieldingcandidate cultivar (s) for possible release using different statistical tools.Material and methods: A total of 30 advanced finger millet genotypes were evaluated against two standard checks (Gute and Taddese) across four locations (Arsi Negele, Assosa, Bako and Gute) in 2012 and 2013 main cropping seasons. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times.Summary result and application of the study: Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype and Genotype by Environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis and, Eberhart and Russellmodel revealed that Acc. 203544 is stable high yielding (3.16 ton ha-1) with a yield advantage of 13.7% over the best standard check, Gute (2.78 ton ha-1), and thus should be recommended for possible release with wider environmental adaptability. Acc. 242111 (3.08 ton ha-1), Acc. BKFM0051 (3.07 ton ha-1) and Acc.229738 (2.99 ton ha-1) were also high yielding, but showed narrow stability and thus should be recommended for verification and possible release for specific environments.Key words/phrases: Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana), Genotype by Environment Interaction (GEI

Training Report: Training of trainers and farmers’ training on validated sweetpotato silage making and use in Masaka and Kamuli districts.

European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen

Effect of feeding supplemented sweetpotato silage on pig performance in smallholder production systems in Uganda.

European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen

Technical Report: Economic analysis of sweetpotato silage based diets for smallholder pig farmers in Uganda

European UnionInternational Fund for Agricultural Developmen

Technical report: Characteristics of silage based on sweetpotato with combinations of local feed resources in Uganda.

A study to determine the characteristics and chemical composition of different silages based on sweetpotato vines in combination with several local feed resources was conducted in the Animal Science laboratory at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). Sweetpotato vines from variety NASPOT 11 were used. Maize bran and cassava root were used as ferment starters (additives) during the ensiling process. The silages were analyzed for pH, moisture content, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, ether extracts and ash, calcium and phosphorus. The results showed that sweetpotato vines can produce silage of acceptable quality even when no external ferment starter is added. However, addition of a solid ferment starter like maize bran served to absorb the moisture that would accumulate as effluent at the bottom of the silo and eventually lead to spoilage. The dry matter content of the silage was low (> 24%) and would not meet the requirements of young growing pigs. The resultant silage had crude protein content higher than 19 percent and would meet the requirements for growing pigs except for the balance of essential amino acids and low dry matter of the material. For efficient utilization, feeding sweetpotato silage diets would require supplementation to satisfy requirements for dry matter and essential amino acids