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Research Article
Effects of Biochar and Chitosan on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Salt Stress
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
21-29
Received:
3 February 2025
Accepted:
22 February 2025
Published:
11 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251302.11
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Abstract: Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses that hindering growth and yield of rice. Biochar (BC) and Chitosan (CHT) has been shown to promote growth and yield of plants. However, it still unexplored whether the use of soil amendment BC and exogenous CHT can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt stress on rice. Hence, the current study explored the effect of BC and CHT to rice variety BRRI dhan100 grown under 80 mM NaCl stress conditions. The experiment was sequenced according to a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates. Six different treatments namely control (control, neither salt nor biochar or chitosan), BC (5%), CHT (200 ppm), NaCl (80 mM), NaCl plus biochar (NaCl+BC, 80 mM NaCl plus 5% biochar) and NaCl plus chitosan (NaCl+CHT, 80 mM NaCl plus 200ppm chitosan) were used in the experiment. The results confirmed that salt stress negatively affected plant height, number of tillers, leaf area, total chlorophyll concentrations, SPAD value, yield and yield contributing characters of rice plants. However, MDA content and Na+/K+ ratio significantly increased under salt stress. The use of biochar and chitosan led to significant increases in plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll concentrations, SPAD value, yield as well as yield contributing characters of salt-stressed BRRI dhan100 plants; however these treatments cause significant decreases in MDA content and Na+/K+ ratio in the salt-stressed rice plants. The results demonstrated the significance of biochar and chitosan in mitigating the detrimental impacts of salt on growth and yield of BRRI dhan100 plants.
Abstract: Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses that hindering growth and yield of rice. Biochar (BC) and Chitosan (CHT) has been shown to promote growth and yield of plants. However, it still unexplored whether the use of soil amendment BC and exogenous CHT can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt stress on rice. Hence, the current study expl...
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Research Article
Distribution and Intensity of Wheat Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) Disease in Awi Zone, North West of Ethiopia
Mintiwab Enyew*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
30-37
Received:
24 April 2024
Accepted:
11 June 2024
Published:
21 March 2025
Abstract: Stripe or yellow rust, caused by Pucciniastriiformiswestend f. sp. tritici, is one of the most commonly occurring diseases affecting of wheat and causes a significant yield loss worldwide, including Ethiopia. The survey was conducted in 2019/2020 main cropping season in five districts of Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, with the aim of assessing the distribution and intensity of wheat stripe rust in Awi zone. It was carried out using purposive and random sampling methods having a total of 75 farmers’ fields. The results of the study revealed that, incidence and severity varied depending on agro ecologies and farmers’ agronomic practices but not disease prevalence. The prevalence was 100% across zone, individual districts and Peasant associations. In contrast, incidence and severity at district level varied 71.0-97.3% and 49.0-82.3%, respectively. At Peasant associations’ level, the respective incidence and severity ranged between 54%-100% and 28-97% respectively. Moreover, this study showed that different agronomic practices such as; type of preceding crop, plowing frequency, sowing method, wheat variety used, weeding system and plant growth stage did not alter the prevalence of the disease at the study area. Additionally, sowing method, plowing frequency and crop growth stage did not significantly alter incidence and severity. On the other hand, wheat variety used, previous crop, and weed density, significantly affected both disease incidence and severity. This suggests that if the environment is conducive, it may result development of disease epidemics and newly evolving races to risk of wheat to cause yield loss. To tackle this damage, intensive disease survey and surveillances needs to be conducted at untouched areas to develop management practices and develop protocols for resistance breeding and know distribution magnitude of this disease. Integration of breeding and pathology programs is a must to develop resistance variety for stripe rust and reduce yield loss.
Abstract: Stripe or yellow rust, caused by Pucciniastriiformiswestend f. sp. tritici, is one of the most commonly occurring diseases affecting of wheat and causes a significant yield loss worldwide, including Ethiopia. The survey was conducted in 2019/2020 main cropping season in five districts of Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, with the aim of assessing ...
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Review Article
Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
38-58
Received:
8 January 2025
Accepted:
22 February 2025
Published:
10 April 2025
Abstract: The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges in meeting the projected food demand of 9.7 billion people by 2050, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and temperature extremes. Nanobiotechnology, the synergistic integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers transformative solutions in plant genetic engineering to enhance agricultural sustainability and ensure food security. Nanobiotechnology exploits the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, enabling the precise delivery of genetic materials, advanced gene editing, and real-time monitoring of cellular processes. Innovative nanoparticle-mediated methods facilitate the transfer of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules into plant cells, overcoming the limitations of conventional genetic transformation methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene gun technologies. For example, magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes have shown promise in genotype-independent genetic material delivery and efficient transgene expression. This review highlights groundbreaking applications of nanobiotechnology, including enhanced delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components for accurate gene editing, nanoscale sensors for intracellular process monitoring, and the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for stable gene silencing. Despite these advancements, barriers such as nanoparticle biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and scalability in agricultural systems must be addressed. Regulatory frameworks ensuring the safe adoption of nanomaterials in agricultural practices are equally critical. Nanobiotechnology holds the potential to revolutionize plant genetic engineering by enabling precise trait manipulation, increased crop resilience, and reduced environmental impact. Leveraging these advancements can foster sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the challenges posed by global food demands and climate change.
Abstract: The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges in meeting the projected food demand of 9.7 billion people by 2050, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and temperature extremes. Nanobiotechnology, the synergistic integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers transformative solutio...
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Research Article
Impacts of Cropping Systems on Normalized Difference Vegetative Index and Soil Moisture in Maize-Bean Crops
Yaya Tesfa*,
Jemal Bekere
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
59-65
Received:
3 January 2025
Accepted:
14 March 2025
Published:
17 April 2025
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the three leading staple cereal crops worldwide along with rice and wheat. Conservation agricultural practices (CA) may conserve the limiting natural resources especially soil moisture and soil nutrients. Optical sensor has been proven to be an effective tool for monitoring management. In season monitoring of agricultural crop conditions using normalized differentiated vegetative index (NDVI) and soil water during crop growth stage is very important. This field experiment was done at Melkassa agricultural research center during the rainy season of 2018 1nd 2019 to study the impacts of cropping systems on normalized difference vegetative index and soil moisture in maize-bean crops. Split plot treatment design with three replication was used. Two tillage levels were assigned to the main plots and four maize-legume systems were assigned to the sub plots. NDVI of maize at vegetative and tasselling stage were significantly affected by tillage types, and tillage x cropping system interaction. However, NDVI of maize at grain filling stage was significantly affected by tillage types only. At maize vegetative and tasselling stage NDVI was higher for conventional crop production practice (CP) than CA practice. At maize grain filling stage NDVI was become higher for conservational practice. Soil moisture content at different depth was greater for maize bean rotation under conservation agricultural practice.
Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the three leading staple cereal crops worldwide along with rice and wheat. Conservation agricultural practices (CA) may conserve the limiting natural resources especially soil moisture and soil nutrients. Optical sensor has been proven to be an effective tool for monitoring management. In season monitoring of agricultu...
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Review Article
Agronomic Management Practices for Rice Production and Productivity in Ethiopia: A Review
Eshetu Yadete Urge*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
66-72
Received:
10 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has emerged as a strategic and priority commodity for food security in Ethiopia. Nonetheless, Ethiopia's average rice production is only about 2.8 t ha-1, which is less than the global average of 4 t ha-1, statistics indicate that has been flat for a long time. The main reasons for Ethiopia's low rice yield and productivity are poor agronomic management practices (improper land preparation, untimely planting, inadequate fertilizer applied, inappropriate seed rate, weeds and insect pest). Enhancing agronomic management practices would increase rice yield and productivity. Yet, poor land preparation, suboptimum seed rate and date of planting techniques are reported to be the most important rice production constraint. Another key factor in rice production is the availability of plant nutrients, especially nitrogen, at different phases of plant growth. The most effective fertilizers management that is right fertilizers rate, right source, right place and right time of fertilizer applications are enhanced rice productivity. NPS and urea (supplying nitrogen and phosphorus) were the major fertilizers used by farmers in Ethiopia. In order to get the highest possible yields of rice, effective agronomic management techniques are required to increase productivity. Improving rice production and productivity as well as facilitating its processing and marketing access is therefore one of a key part of the economic growth strategies in the Ethiopia government’s food self-sufficiency initiatives. Therefore, this review advances our understanding of recommended agronomic practices for rice production in Ethiopia's and will encourage more use of recommended agronomic practices.
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has emerged as a strategic and priority commodity for food security in Ethiopia. Nonetheless, Ethiopia's average rice production is only about 2.8 t ha-1, which is less than the global average of 4 t ha-1, statistics indicate that has been flat for a long time. The main reasons for Ethiopia's low rice yield and productivity a...
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Research Article
Response of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Intra Row Spacing and NPS Ratio for Growth, Yield Components and Yield at Bench-Sheko Zone, South Western Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
73-79
Received:
16 October 2024
Accepted:
31 December 2024
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: The objective of this study is to identify the optimum Nitrogen, Phosphorus and sulfur and plant density for maximum production of garlic crop in the study area. Garlic is an important condiment and cash crop in Ethiopia. Low yield and productivity of the crop are the major characteristics of the crop in the country. The field experiment was composed of three intra raw spacing and four labels of NPS ratio, three levels of intra-row spacing with 5 cm, 10 cm and 15 cm laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Data pertaining growth, yield and yield-related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3. The result of the study revealed that almost all of the variables considered were significantly affected by the interaction between NPS ratio and intra-row spacing. As a result,, bulb length (4.71 cm), bulb diameter (3.7 cm), bulb weight (59.0 g), clove number per bulb (29.00), dry matter (37.13 %), marketable bulb yield (kg ha-1) (6715.87 kg ha-1), unmarketable bulb yield (kg ha-1) (607.67 kg ha-1), total bulb yield per hectare (kg ha-1) (7313.97 kg ha-1) and harvest index (57.93 %). The highest marginal rate of return of garlic (873.75 %) was obtained from the treatment combination of 19: 38: 7 labels of NPS ratio with wider intra row spacing (15 cm). The minimum marginal rate of return (-7,160.1 %) was recorded from the treatment combination of 0: 0: 0 labels of NPS ratio with medium intra row spacing (10 cm). The correlation analysis indicated that the relationship between marketable yield and all variables except unmarketable bulb yield and total bulb yield (where negative and significant) was positive and highly significant (P<0.001). According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that applying 19: 38: 7 labels of NPS ratio combined with the wider intra row spacing (15 cm) helps to produce higher product in the study area. Because it was helps to produce higher marginal rate of return. Therefore, it is better to use 19: 38: 7 labels of NPS ratio combined with the wider intra row spacing (15 cm) for producing higher garlic product in the study area. But, since the current study was limited to a single season at a single location and varieties, it should be repeated across locations, seasons and varieties for comprehensive recommendation.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to identify the optimum Nitrogen, Phosphorus and sulfur and plant density for maximum production of garlic crop in the study area. Garlic is an important condiment and cash crop in Ethiopia. Low yield and productivity of the crop are the major characteristics of the crop in the country. The field experiment was compos...
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Research Article
Potato Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) Disease Management and Yield Loss Assessment in East Gojjam, North Western Ethiopia
Belachew Bekele*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
80-85
Received:
9 March 2025
Accepted:
1 April 2025
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: Late blight potato disease (Phytophthora infestans) is the most devastating and causes 50–70% potato yield loss under favorable environmental conditions. Fungicide application is among the effective management options to control the disease. The experiment was conducted at Debre Markos agricultural research center station (Aneded) in 2023/24 main cropping season to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides to manage late blight disease of potato and to quantify the losses incurred duo to the disease in the area. Randomized complete block design with three replications was applied using Jalene variety to the experiment. Banjo forte 400 SC, Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG, Electis 75% WG, Funguran-OH and Mancozeb 80% WP fungicides were used to execute the experiment. The highest 71.67 percentage severity and the lowest (12.69 t ha-1) marketable tuber yield were obtained from untreated plots, whereas the lowest (20.00%) percentage severity and the highest (27.54 t ha-1) marketable tuber yield were obtained from treatments treated with Redomil gold MZ 68 WG fungicide. Also the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was significantly reduced in treatments and the highest 1591.7% and the lowest 545.8% AUDPC value were recorded from untreated control and Redmil MZ 68 WG fungicide treated plots, respectively. This study showed the susceptible variety Jalene treated with Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG and Banjo forte 400 SC fungicides were more economical and feasible for the management of late blight potato disease and increased yield.
Abstract: Late blight potato disease (Phytophthora infestans) is the most devastating and causes 50–70% potato yield loss under favorable environmental conditions. Fungicide application is among the effective management options to control the disease. The experiment was conducted at Debre Markos agricultural research center station (Aneded) in 2023/24 main c...
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