Classifying Ethiopian Tetraploid Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) Landraces by Combined Analysis of Molecular & Phenotypic Data

The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of the genetic diversity among gene bank accessions of Ethiopian tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) landraces using microsatellite markers, qualitative and  quantitative data. Thirty five accessions of Ethiopian tetraploid wheat (T. turgidum L.) landraces were grown in the greenhouse at IFA Tulln, Austria during spring 2009 for DNA extraction. The same accessions were already grown in spring 2008 at BOKU Vienna, Austraia for their phenotypical  characterisation. DNA was extracted from each approximately one month old plant according to Promega (1998/99) protocol. A total of 10 £gl  reaction mixture per sample was used for DNA amplification by PCR. The amplified mixture was loaded to PAGE (12%) containing TE buffer (1„e) in CBS electrophoresis chambers and run in an electric field for 2 hrs. The fragments were visualized by scanning with Typhoon Trio scanner. Six and ten quantitative and qualitative morphological traits data respectively were used for combined analysis. Genetic variation was significant within and between wheat species and within and between altitudes of collection site. Genetic distances ranged from 0.21 to 0.73 for all accessions while it ranged from 0.44 within Triticum polonicum to 0.56 between T. polonicum and T. turgidum. Genetic distance between regions of collection ranged from 0.51 to 0.54 while for altitudes it ranged from 0.47 (.2200 m) to 0.56(.2500 m). Cluster analysis showed that T. polonicum accessions were grouped together whereas T. durum and T. turgidum formed mixed clusters indicating T. polonicum as genetically more distinct from the other two species. We suggest combined analysis of molecular and morphological data for a better classification of accessions

On-Farm Diversity and Genetic Erosion of Tetraploid Wheat Landraces in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia

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Homemade Products and Socio-Cultural Values of Wheat Seed Production in Ambo and Dandi Districts of West Central Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to document homemade dishes/beverages from wheat landraces and socio-cultural lifestyles of people related to  wheat production in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa. A total of four Peasant Associations (PAs) (Awaro, Gosu-Kora, Awash-Bole and Haro-Dule) were purposively selected from the two districts. A questionnaire on wheat seed systems, utilization and socio-cultural life style of people related to wheat landraces cultivation and conservation were developed. Focused group discussions were made at village level among groups of farmers on specific points led by the principal researchers. Emphasis was given to women since the utilization of crops in the households are usually their  responsibilities. In addition, a total of 90 households were interviewed following the questionnaire developed on the three themes. Finally   consolidated ideas were noted by the researchers and organized into tables and figures of proportions. Farmers reported that nine different homemade dishes/snacks and two beverages which can be made from  wheat landraces. These include dufo-dabo, budena/injera, ambasha/kita, kinche, marka, mullu, aka’i, dabo-kolo, biscuit and beverages farso and arake. The different wheat landraces are suited for the preparation of at least two or more different dishes/snacks and beverages. These different dishes/snacks and beverages are prepared at regular times or on specialoccasions (e.g. New Year, religious and non-religious social gatherings). Some of the dishes and beverages are used as sources of income by urban and suburban women who sell their products at markets or bus  stops. Seed colour plays a critical role in determining end use qualities. White seed varieties are preferred for food uses while the purple seed  types are used for beverage production. The people of the study areas have deep rooted culture connected to wheat production. Farmers use  folksongs and proverbs to express the end use qualities and their peculiar morpho-agronomic characteristics of different wheat landrace varieties

Correlation and Divergence Analysis for Phenotypic Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes

A study was conducted to determine the magnitude of associations of traits and genetic divergence among the 64 sesame genotypes. The genotypes were arranged in 8 x 8 simple lattice design and grown in Arjo district, Western Ethiopia during 2013 cropping season. Data were recorded for 12 phenotypic traits and analyzed using SAS software version 9.20 (2002, USA). The results showed that seed yield had positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with all traits, indicating they are important yield components and can be used for yield improvement in sesame breeding program except for PH and BY. Further analysis by path coefficient method indicated that at genotypic level DM, CFP and HI exerted high positive direct effects on seed yield and strong and positive correlation with seed yield. Similarly, at phenotypic level positive and high direct effects were exerted by CFP, NPB and HI on seed yield and these traits had also strong positive associations with SY. Genetic distance analysis showed that the 64 sesame genotypes were grouped in to 4 clusters and maximum inter cluster square distance (D2) was recorded between cluster I and II followed by cluster I and III. Hence crossing involving cluster I with II and cluster I and III may exhibit high heterotic values and could give transgressive segregants. The principal component analysis revealed that four principal components explained about 66% of the total variation existed among the genotypes. The dominant seed color observed was brown followed by white in the genotypes. The study  generally indicated that there was significance genetic variability or  divergence among the genotypes. Thus, there is enormous opportunity to use the existing genotypes for direct selection as well as using distant parents for crossing purposes to improve specific traits

Genetic Variability, Yield and Yield Associations of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) Genotypes Grown at Gitilo Najo, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted to evaluate the variability in yield, heritability, genetic advance and associations among characters, to estimate contribution of each trait in yield of the eighteen lentil genotypes. The genotypes were grown at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Gitilo Najo Research Site. The genotypes were planted in RCBD and replicated three times. Data were collected for 12 morpho-agronomic traits. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant (P< 0.05) difference for all traits among the genotypes except for number of primary branches and hundred seed weight. The heritability values for the 12 characters ranged from 4.3% (hundred seed weight) to 94.3% (days to emergency). Estimates heritability values for days to emergence, plant height, number of pods per plant, biomass yield are >60% while for days to flowering, days to maturity, grain filling period and harvest index are between 40 % and 60%. Estimates of genetic advance as percent of mean at 5% selection intensity ranged from 0.59 % (hundred seed weight) to 78.1% (number of pods per plant). High heritability values coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean were observed for number of pods per plant and biomass yield which indicates the traits are controlled by additive type of genes. A low genotypic coefficient of variability and low genetic advance as a percent mean observed for characters hundred seed weight and pod length indicated that the characters were under high environmental influence, and that phenotypic selection based on these characters would be ineffective. Days to 50 % flowering showed positive and highly significant correlation with days to 95 % maturity at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with plant height and biomass yield while it was negatively and significantly correlated with harvest index. The result revealed wide variability for yield and yield determining traits for the tested genotypes which will help in the improvement of lentil genotypes for the area

Innovative Partnership Approach to Chickpea seed production and Technology Dissemination: Lessons from Ethiopia

Innovative partnership in chickpea seed production and technology dissemination was assessed in increasing chickpea productivity through facilitated access to quality seed. The study was designed to evaluate the benefits gained from partnership implemented for the last 10 years in chickpea technology by seed system of crop production. Farmers' participatory variety selection (FPVS)' has been implemented as epicenter of the new innovation. The varieties selected by the farmers were ultimately demonstrated and visited by large number of farmers and other stakeholders. This was complemented with the establishment and technical backstopping of farmers' seed producer associations to produce and market quality seed to fill the gap by the formal sector. Intervention with chickpea technologies were initiated right after training partners in chickpea seed and grain vale chain. From 2008 to 2015, over 350 FPVS trials were conducted concurrently with demonstrations. The farmers' seed producer associations cover the lion's share of the seed supply and became an innovative approach that enhanced the chickpea seed system. The production of certified and quality declared seed increased from 632.7t in 2008 to 3290 tons in 2014. The drastic increase in productivity and production of chickpea during the intervention period were largely attributed to the interventions made. The national chickpea productivity has doubled in a decade's time (2006-2015) and attained peak of 1.9ton ha-1 in 2014. Similarly production showed drastic increase during the intervention period where the production in 2015 was 124% more compared to the production in 2006. Lessons were driven from the approach that many development parties and the government policy recognized the approach as key player for enhancing the chickpea sector

Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and their determinant factors among patients with cancer in southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study was aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and their determinant factors among patients with cancer attending follow-up at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital cancer treatment centre, Ethiopia.DesignInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was implemented.SettingPatients with cancer at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital cancer treatment centre from October 2019 to December 2019.ParticipantsRandomly selected 415 patients with cancer who had follow-up at cancer treatment centre.Main outcome measuresAnxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultThe prevalence rates of depression and anxiety symptoms were found to be 244 (58.8%) and 249 (60.0%), respectively. Older age (&gt;50 years) (AOR (adjusted OR)=2.24, 95% CI=1.14 to 4.40), being unemployed (AOR=1.96, 95% CI=1.08 to 3.56), advanced stage of cancer such as stage III (AOR=5.37, 95% CI=1.34 to 21.45) and stage IV (AOR=4.55, 95% CI=1.12 to 18.44), comorbid psychotic symptoms (AOR=1.67, 95% CI=1.07 to 2.61) and eating problem in the past 2 weeks (AOR=6.16, 95% CI=1.98 to 19.11) were independent factors significantly associated with depressive symptoms. In addition, cancer stage such as stage II (AOR=3.92, 95% CI=1.07 to 14.36) and stage IV (AOR=5.04, 95% CI=1.44 to 17.59) and comorbid psychotic symptoms (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.12 to 2.66) were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms.ConclusionDepression and anxiety symptoms among patients with cancer were considerably high. Age, occupation, cancer stage, comorbid psychotic symptoms and eating problem were determinant factors of depressive symptoms among patients with cancer. Moreover, cancer stage and comorbid psychosis were determinants of anxiety symptoms. Healthcare professionals working in the oncology unity need to conduct routine screening and treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms for patients with cancer.</jats:sec

Genetic variability among sorghum accessions for seed starch and stalk total sugar content

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a staple food grain in many semi-arid and tropical areas of the world, notably in sub-Saharan Africa because of its adaptation to harsh environments. Among important biochemical components for sorghum for processors are the levels of starch (amylose and amylopectin) and total sugar contents. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variation for total starch in the seed, its components and total sugar in the stalks of the sorghum accessions from Ethiopia and South Africa. Samples of 22 sorghum accessions were evaluated. Significant variations were observed in total starch (31.01 to 64.88 %), amylose (14.05 to 18.91 %), the amylose/amylopectin ratio (0.31 to 0.73) and total stalk sugar content (9.36 to 16.84 %). Multivariate analysis showed a wide genetic variation within and among germplasm accessions which could be used in the selection of parental lines for the improvement of traits of interest through breeding. The variation found among the sorghum accessions shows that an improved total starch and starch components and stalk sugar contents can be achieved through crossing these selected genotypes

Cairo's Urban Transformation: Mohandeseen and Zamalek Narratives

Im Gegensatz zu anderen Großstädten der Welt hat Kairo im Laufe seiner langen Geschichte einen bedeutenden Wandel durchlaufen. Während einige Elemente der Vergangenheit noch sichtbar sind, allen voran die Pyramiden von Gizeh, sind andere Elemente längst verschwunden. Es ist schwer vorstellbar, dass das historische Kairo einst das Zentrum einer fruchtbaren, von Seen durchzogenen Landschaft war, vor allem wenn man mit den heutigen Realitäten einer dichten, meist grauen Stadtlandschaft konfrontiert wird, die von einer dünnen Staubschicht und einer Vielzahl von Umweltproblemen bedeckt ist. Kairo ist die größte Mega-Stadt auf dem afrikanischen Kontinent und verändert sich weiterhin schnell, sowohl formal als auch informell. Um die Transformation Kairos zu steuern und die informelle Entwicklung auf dem verbleibenden fruchtbaren Land einzuschränken, werden neue staatlich finanzierte Wüstenstädte geplant, gebaut und bewohnt. Gleichzeitig haben massive Hochhäuser die einst charakteristischen großen, wohlhabenden Villensiedlungen in regulär entwickelten Kernstadtgebieten wie Zamalek und Mohandeseen ersetzt. In Zamalek hat sich diese Transformation dazu geführt, dass sich viele Bürger der Oberschicht in die Wüstenstädte zurückziehen und Spuren des Verfalls hinterlassen, während Mohandeseen zu einem der teuersten Gebiete in Kairo geworden ist, das fast keine Spuren des Garden City-Konzepts hinterlässt, das seine frühe Entwicklung bestimmt hat. Während viel Aufmerksamkeit auf die Erweiterung und Verbesserung informeller Gebiete und die Schaffung neuer Wüstenstädte gerichtet wird, ist es auch wichtig, aus der Vergangenheit zu lernen und die zukünftige Transformation von Kernstadtgebieten wie Mohandeseen und Zamalek zu steuern. Im Folgenden wird die Transformation ausgewählter Gebiete in Monhandeseen um die Libanon Street und den Assuan Square sowie um Zamalek im Norden des Gezira Sporting Club untersucht.Not unlike other major cities around the world, Cairo has undergone a significant transformation over the course of its long history. While some elements of the past are still visible, the most notable being the Pyramids of Giza, other elements have long since disappeared. It is hard to imagine that historic Cairo was once at the center of a fertile landscape dotted with lakes, especially when confronted with today’s realities of a dense mostly gray cityscape covered by a thin layer of dust and a host of environmental problems. Cairo is the largest mega-city on the African continent and it continues to transform rapidly, both formally and informally. In an effort to guide Cairo’s transformation and limit informal development on its remaining fertile land, new state funded desert cities are being planned, built and inhabited. At the same time, massive tower blocks have replaced the once characteristic large prosperous villa estates within formally developed core-city areas such as Zamalek and Mohandeseen. In Zamalek this transformation has caused many upper class residents to withdraw to the desert cities leaving behind signs of decay, while Mohandeseen has become one of the most expensive areas in Cairo leaving almost no trace of the Garden City concept which guided its early development. While much needed attention goes to the expansion and improvement of informal areas and to the creation of new desert cities, it is also important to learn from the past as well as to guide the future transformation of core-city areas such as Mohandeseen and Zamalek. The following investigates the transformation of select areas of Mohandeseen around Lebanon Street and Aswan Square in addition to Zamalek to the north of the Gezira Sporting Club