In vivo evaluation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars for moisture stress

In Ethiopia, wheat productivity is constrained by water stress especially at germination and seedling stage. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of moisture stress on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. Four wheat cultivars (Dandaa, Kubsa, Huluka and Local) were treated with six levels of water stress (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g L-1) using PEG-6000. The experiment was arranged factorally in completely randomized design with three replications. Data on germination and growth indices were collected and analyzed using one way ANOVA. The result revealed that highest germination percentage (99.7%), germination rate (14.6 plants day-1) and seedling vigor index (9.67) were obtained from the local cultivar. Progressive increase in water stress had also significantly reduced germination indices. There was no significant difference among the cultivars in producing taller root and shoot length. The local cultivar had significantly produced highest root number (4.3 plant-1), shoot fresh weight (0.214 g), seedling fresh (0.314 g) and dry weight (0.097 g). Even though, all the growth parameters of wheat cultivars showed a diminishing trend with increasing the level of PEG-6000 induced water stress, a highly significant decrease in the parameters were observed starting from 150 g L-1 PEG concentration. Higher shoot length inhibition was observed for Dandaa cultivar followed by Huluka. Hulukas root growth was more inhibited than Dandaa. According to the growth and germination indices results, the local cultivar is the drought tolerant wheat cultivar. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i2.22651 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (2): 55-60, December, 201

Intention toward condom use and its associated factors among students of Debre Work Senior Secondary and Preparatory School, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Objective: The main aim of this research was to investigate the students’ intention toward condom use and associated factors among students in Debre Work Secondary and Preparatory School, 2015. Methods: A survey was carried out in the high school and the preparatory school. The selfadministered semistructured questionnaire was distributed to 422 students. Systematic sampling techniques were employed to each class. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0 software. Descriptive and analytical data analysis and presentation were used. Logistic regression model was used to check independent associations. Result: Most (80.8%) of the respondents were not married. More than half (53.0% and 52.3%) of the respondents had low perceived benefit and low perceived self-efficacy of using condom. About 46.79% of respondents had an interest in using condoms and the rest had no intention. Males were 1.96 times more likely to have intention to use condom compared to females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96 [1.29, 2.99]). When the intention to use condoms was compared, married respondents were 2.41 times more likely than those who were not married (AOR, 95% CI 2.41 [1.41, 4.14]). Intention to use condoms among respondents who had high perceived benefit of using condom were 1.57 times more compared to those who had low perceived benefit of using condom (AOR, 95% CI 1.57 [1.03, 2.39]). Intention to use condoms among those who had high perceived self-efficacy on condom use was 4.37 times higher compared to those who had low perceived self-efficacy (AOR, 95% CI 4.37 [2.85, 6.71]). Conclusion: The level of intention to use condoms among students of Debre Work Senior Secondary and Preparatory School was low. Sex, current marital status, perceived benefit of using condom, and perceived self-efficacy on condom use were the most positive contributing factors for intention to condom use.Habtamu Abera, Fanta Tamiru, Getiye Dejenu Kibre

Development of genomic simple sequence repeat markers for yam

Yam ( Dioscorea spp.) is a major staple crop widely cultivated for its starchy tubers. To date, very few marker resources are publicly avail - able as tools for genetic and genomic studies of this economically important crop. In this study, 90 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed from an enriched genomic library of yellow Guinea yam ( D. cayenensis Lam.). Cross- amplification revealed that 85 (94.4%) and 51 (56.7%) of these SSRs could be successfully transferred to the two major cultivated species of D. rotundata Poir. and D. alata L., respec - tively. Polymorphisms in 30 markers selected on the basis of reliability and reproducibility of DNA bands were evaluated using a panel of 12 D. cayenensis , 48 D. rotundata , and 48 D. alata accessions. Accordingly, number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8 in D. cayenensis (mean = 3.9), 3 to 30 in D. rotundata (mean = 13.9), and 2 to 22 in D. alata (mean = 12.1). The average observed and expected heterozygosi - ties were 0.156 and 0.634 ( D. cayenensis ), 0.326 and 0.853 ( D. rotundata ), and 0.247 and 0.836 ( D. alata ), respectively. Clustering based on six SSRs that were polymorphic in at least four of the five cultivated Dioscorea species studied, including D. cayenensis , D. rotundata , D. alata , D. dumetorum (Kunth) Pax., and D. bulbifera L., detected groups consistent with the phyloge - netic relationships of the species except for D. dumetorum . These new SSR markers are invalu - able resources for applications such as genetic diversity analysis and marker-assisted breedingYam ( Dioscorea spp.) is a major staple crop widely cultivated for its starchy tubers. To date, very few marker resources are publicly avail - able as tools for genetic and genomic studies of this economically important crop. In this study, 90 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed from an enriched genomic library of yellow Guinea yam ( D. cayenensis Lam.). Cross- amplification revealed that 85 (94.4%) and 51 (56.7%) of these SSRs could be successfully transferred to the two major cultivated species of D. rotundata Poir. and D. alata L., respec - tively. Polymorphisms in 30 markers selected on the basis of reliability and reproducibility of DNA bands were evaluated using a panel of 12 D. cayenensis , 48 D. rotundata , and 48 D. alata accessions. Accordingly, number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8 in D. cayenensis (mean = 3.9), 3 to 30 in D. rotundata (mean = 13.9), and 2 to 22 in D. alata (mean = 12.1). The average observed and expected heterozygosi - ties were 0.156 and 0.634 ( D. cayenensis ), 0.326 and 0.853 ( D. rotundata ), and 0.247 and 0.836 ( D. alata ), respectively. Clustering based on six SSRs that were polymorphic in at least four of the five cultivated Dioscorea species studied, including D. cayenensis , D. rotundata , D. alata , D. dumetorum (Kunth) Pax., and D. bulbifera L., detected groups consistent with the phyloge - netic relationships of the species except for D. dumetorum . These new SSR markers are invalu - able resources for applications such as genetic diversity analysis and marker-assisted breedin

Quantifying the socio-economic impact of leg lymphoedema on patient caregivers in a lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis co-endemic district of Ethiopia

Background Lymphoedema caused by lymphatic filariasis (LF) or podoconiosis can result in physical dis-ability and social exclusion, which is exacerbated by painful acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) episodes. These conditions have a significant impact on patients, however, little is known about the indirect effects on their caregivers. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the impact on caregivers for patients with leg lymphoedema in a co-endemic district of Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal findings A cross-sectional survey of lymphoedema patients and their caregivers was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires in the Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. Lymphoedema patient information on clinical severity (mild, moderate, severe), frequency of ADLAs, their socio-demographic characteristics and the identity of main caregiver(s) was collected. Caregiver information on socio-demographic characteristics, types of care provided, their quality of life (QoL) measured across nine domains, and productivity was collected, with key indicators compared in the presence and absence of patients’ ADLAs. A total of 73 patients and 76 caregivers were included. Patients were grouped by mild/moderate (n = 42, 57.5%) or severe (n = 31, 42.5%) lymphoedema, and reported an average of 6.1 (CI± 2.18) and 9.8 (CI± 3.17) ADLAs respectively in the last six months. A total of 48 (65.8%) female and 25 (34.2%) male patients were interviewed. Caregivers were predominately male (n = 45, 59.2%), and spouses formed the largest caregiving group for both female and male patients. In the absence of an ADLA, most caregivers (n = 42, 55.2%) did not provide care, but only one caregiver did not provide care during an ADLA. In the absence of an ADLA, the average time (hour:minute) spent by mild/moderate (00:17, CI: ± 00:08) and severe (00:10, CI: ± 00:07) patient caregiver per task was minimal. The time mild/moderate (00:47, CI: ± 00:11) and severe (00:51, CI: ± 00:16) patient caregivers spent per task significantly increased in the presence of an ADLA. In addition, caregivers’ QoL was negatively impacted when patients experienced an ALDA, and they had to forfeit an average of 6 to 7 work/ school days per month. Conclusion/Significance Lymphoedema and ADLAs impact negatively on patients’ and their caregivers’ lives. This emphasises the importance of increasing access to effective morbidity management and disability prevention services to reduce the burden and help to address the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, target 5.4, which seeks to recognise and value unpaid care and domestic work

Integrated morbidity mapping of lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis cases in 20 co-endemic districts of Ethiopia

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that pose a significant physical, social and economic burden to endemic communities. Patients affected by the clinical conditions of LF (lymphoedema and hydrocoele) and podoconiosis (lymphoedema) need access to morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. Clear estimates of the number and location of these patients are essential to the efficient and equitable implementation of MMDP services for both diseases. Methodology/Principle findings: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia using the Health Extension Worker (HEW) network to identify all cases of lymphoedema and hydrocoele in 20 woredas (districts) co-endemic for LF and podoconiosis. A total of 612 trained HEWs and 40 supervisors from 20 districts identified 26,123 cases of clinical morbidity. Of these, 24,908 (95.3%) reported cases had leg lymphoedema only, 751 (2.9%) had hydrocoele, 387 (1.5%) had both leg lymphoedema and hydrocoele, and 77 (0.3%) cases had breast lymphoedema. Of those reporting leg lymphoedema, 89.3% reported bilateral lymphoedema. Older age groups were more likely to have a severe stage of disease, have bilateral lymphoedema and to have experienced an acute attack in the last six months. Conclusions/Significance: This study represents the first community-wide, integrated clinical case mapping of both LF and podoconiosis in Ethiopia. It highlights the high number of cases, particularly of leg lymphoedema that could be attributed to either of these diseases. This key clinical information will assist and guide the allocation of resources to where they are needed most

Podoconiosis in East and West Gojam Zones, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is prevalent in red clay soil-covered highlands of tropical Africa, Central and South America, and northern India. It is estimated that up to one million cases exist in Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of podoconiosis in East and West Gojam Zones of Amhara Region in northern Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal Findings: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Debre Eliyas and Dembecha woredas (districts) in East and West Gojam Zones, respectively. The survey covered all 17,553 households in 20 kebeles (administrative subunits) randomly selected from the two woredas. A detailed structured interview was conducted on 1,704 cases of podoconiosis identified in the survey. Results: The prevalence of podoconiosis in the population aged 15 years and above was found to be 3.3% (95% CI, 3.2% to 3.6%). 87% of cases were in the economically active age group (15–64 years). On average, patients sought treatment five years after the start of the leg swelling. Most subjects had second (42.7%) or third (36.1%) clinical stage disease, 97.9% had mossy lesions, and 53% had open wounds. On average, patients had five episodes of acute adenolymphangitis (ALA) per year and spent a total of 90 days per year with ALA. The median age of first use of shoes and socks were 22 and 23 years, respectively. More men than women owned more than one pair of shoes (61.1% vs. 50.5%; x2 = 11.6 p = 0.001). At the time of interview, 23.6% of the respondents were barefoot, of whom about two-thirds were women. Conclusions: This study showed high prevalence of podoconiosis and associated morbidities such as ALA, mossy lesions and open wounds in northern Ethiopia. Predominance of cases at early clinical stage of podoconiosis indicates the potential for reversing the swelling and calls for disease prevention interventions

Exploiting thrips aggregation pheromones to develop a lure-and-kill strategy for the management of the bean flower thrips

The potential of semiochemicals to lure insect pests to a trap where they can be killed with biopesticides has been demonstrated as an eco-friendly pest management alternative. In this study, we tested two recently characterized male-produced aggregation pheromones of the bean flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom), namely (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate (major) and (R)-lavandulol (minor), for their field efficacy. Moreover, compatibility of these pheromones and two other thrips attractants, Lurem-TR and neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, with the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 69 has been determined. Our study revealed that the M. sjostedti aggregation pheromones have dose-dependent antifungal effects on the EPF viability, but showed no fungistatic effect at a field-realistic dose for attraction of thrips. (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate had similar antifungal effects as neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate 8 days after exposure; whereas, Lurem-TR had a stronger antifungal effect than other thrips attractants. In the semi-field experiments, all autoinoculation devices maintained at least 86% viability of M. anisopliae conidia after 12 days of exposure. Field trials demonstrated for the first time that (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate increases trap catches. Our findings pave a way for designing a lure-and-kill thrips management strategy to control bean flower thrips using autoinoculation devices or spot spray application

Simple sequence repeat-based mini-core collection for white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) germplasm

Open Access Article; Published online: 07 Dec 2020A core subset with a small number of accessions representing the genetic diversity of the base collection plays a vital role in facilitating efficient utilization of plant genetic resources. This is particularly relevant for vegetatively propagated large plant size tuber crops with a long growing period, such as white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.). For the efficient utilization of D. rotundata genetic resources, this study was aimed at developing a mini‐core collection from a core collection of 447 D. rotundata accessions maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Accordingly, a D. rotundata mini‐core collection representing 102 accessions was selected using 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, retaining ∼98% of the SSR allelic diversity of the base collection. A similar level of diversity was captured within the mini‐core collection and the base collection with respect to 21 morphological traits, ploidy level, and geographic origin. The mini‐core collection demonstrated a wide range of variation in agronomic traits such as growth period, number of tubers, average tuber weight, and total yield per plant. This variation was considerable when compared with the variation observed for the same traits among the 10 lines or genotypes conventionally used in the breeding program at IITA, which were included in this study as checks. The selected mini‐core accessions could serve as a working collection to broaden the genetic variation for use in practical breeding programs, as well as in future genomic analyses aimed at the genetic improvement of D. rotundata in West Africa

Mortality and Disability-adjusted Life-years (DALYs) for common neglected tropical Diseases in Ethiopia, 1990 to 2015: evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015

Introduction: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are important public health problems in Ethiopia. In 2013, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has launched a national NTD master plan to eliminate major NTDs of public health importance by 2020. Benchmarking the current status of NTDs in the country is important to monitor and evaluate the progress in the implementation of interventions and their impacts. Therefore, this study aims to assess the trends of mortality and Disability-adjusted Life-Years (DALY) for the priority NTDs over the last 25 years. Methods: We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015 estimates for this study. The GBD 2015 data source for cause of death and DALY estimation included verbal autopsy (VA), Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), malaria indicator surveys (MICS) and other disease specific surveys, Ministry of Health reports submitted to United Nations (UN) agencies and published scientific articles. Cause of Death Ensemble modeling (CODEm) and/or natural history models were used to estimate malaria and NTDs mortality rates. DALY were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature mortality and Years Lived with Disability (YLD). Results: All NTDs caused an estimated of 6,293 deaths (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 3699 – 10,080) in 1990 and 3,593 deaths (95% UI: 2051 – 6178) in 2015, a 70% reduction over the 25 years. Age-standardised mortality rates due to schistosomiasis, STH and leshmaniasis have declined by 91.3%, 73.5% and 21.6% respectively between 1990 to 2015. The number of DALYs due to all NTDs has declined from 814.4 thousand (95% UI: 548 thousand–1.2 million) in 1990 to 579.5 thousand (95%UI: 309.4 thousand – 1.3 million) in 2015. Age-standardised DALY rates due to all NTDs declined by 30.4%, from 17.6 per 1000(95%UI: 12.5-26.5) in 1990 to 12.2 per 1000(95%UI: 6.5 – 27.4) in 2015. Age-standardised DALY rate for trachoma declined from 92.7 per 100,000(95% UI: 63.2 – 128.4) in 1990 to 41.2 per 100,000(95%UI: 27.4 – 59.2) in 2015, a 55.6% reduction between 1990 and 2015. Age-standardised DALY rates for onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and lymphiatic filariasis decreased by 66.2%, 29.4% and 12.5% respectively between 1990 and 2015. DALY rate for ascariasis fell by 56.8% over the past 25 years. Conclusions: Ethiopia has made a remarkable progress in reducing the DALY rates for most of the NTDs over the last 25 years. The rapid scale of interventions and broader system strengthening may have a lasting impact on achieving the 2020 goal of elimination of most of NTDs. Ethiopia should strengthen the coverage of integrated interventions of NTD through proper coordination with other health programs and sectors and community participation to eliminate NTDs by 2020