College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Effects of Gibberellic Acid (Ga) Concentration and Soaking Duration on Seed Physiological Quality and Agronomic 3 Attributes of Maize Inbred Line (Zea Mays L.) Under Irrigation Condition in Bahir Dar, North Western Ethiopia

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of Gibberellic Acid (Ga) Concentration and Soaking Duration on Seed Physiological Quality and Agronomic 3 Attributes of Maize Inbred Line (Zea Mays L.) Under Irrigation Condition in Bahir Dar, North Western Ethiopia Yemataw Chanie The seed yield of hybrid maize varieties relies on the traits of their parental inbred lines. However, inbred lines are susceptible to environmental factors due to inbreeding challenges in field establishment, stand uniformity, and yield. To address these challenges, the laboratory experiment was conducted at Adet, and the field experiment was conducted at Bahirdar under irrigation conditions to evaluate the effects of GA concentrations and soaking durations on seed physiological quality and agronomic attributes of maize inbred line. Treatments comprised a factorial combination of four GA 3 3 concentrations (0 ppm, 75 ppm, 150 ppm, and 225 ppm) and three soaking durations (12, 18, and 24 hours). The laboratory experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications, while the field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the main effect of GA concentrations and soaking durations significantly influenced seed physiological quality, yield, and yield components; however, their interaction was non significant. The highest germination (95.25%, 94.31%), seedling vigor index (2842.30, 2499.63), and seed yield (4.22 t/ha, 3.44 t/ha) were achieved with 225 ppm GA₃ and 24-hour soaking, respectively, while reducing 50% maturity time (132.33, 134.83 days). The combined effect of 225 ppm GA₃ + 24 hours gave the highest emergence index (3.71) and shortest mean emergence time (6.12 days). The partial budget analysis confirmed the feasibility of treating seeds with 225 ppm GA₃, yielding a net benefit of 510,293.16 ETB/ha and a marginal rate of return of 1,420.06%. Similarly, a 24-hour soaking duration resulted in the highest net benefit (427,705.44 ETB/ha) and marginal rate of return (11,524.76%). In conclusion, 225 ppm GA 3 3 concentration and 24-hour soaking duration enhanced seed quality, field emergence, yield, and yield components. These findings recommend adopting these treatments for sustainable inbred line seed production; however, further research is needed to confirm consistency and applicability by repeating field experiments across multiple years and locations.

Seed System and Quality Analysis of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in Libo Kemkem Woreda, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Seed System and Quality Analysis of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in Libo Kemkem Woreda, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia Asnka Tarekegn Rice crop is considered as a food security crop which is expected to contribute ensuring food security in Ethiopia. Despite its importance, research on its seed systems is limited, emphasizing the need to improve productivity and food security. This study assesses the existing seed system and analyze seed quality attributes among existed seed source in Libo Kemkem District of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The survey data were gathered from 120 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Rice seed samples were obtained from both formal (20 samples) and informal (25 samples) seed sources for laboratory testing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for survey data and independent t-test for laboratory data with SPSS V27.0 Moreover, laboratory experiments were carried out at ANRS Agriculture and safety Authority Bahir Dar Branch. The study identified the presence of formal and informal seed systems to access rice seed by farmers. The survey results revealed that most of the farmers (74.1%) accessed seed through the informal seed system; the local market (30.8%), their stock (21.7%), exchanges with neighbors or relatives (13.3%), and revolving seed (8.3%). 25.9% of served households accessed seed from formal channels. Farmers’ reasons for using improved rice varieties were high-yielding potential, seed color, marketability, drought resistance, early maturity, shattering resistance, and disease resistance. Farmers’ seed management practices enable to maintain and improve rice seed quality in the study area. Household perceptions of seed quality attributes were generally positive. Laboratory results revealed that most of the seed quality parameters (physical, physiological, thousand seed weight, and moisture content) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the formal and informal seed systems. The present of pure seed collected from the formal seed systems (98.8%) met the national seed quality standard set for breeder, p/basic and basic seeds (98%). The highest germination percentage (86.6%) and (80.04) was recorded in the formal and informal seed system respectively. Both seed systems met the national seed quality standard set for breeder, p/basic and basic seeds (80%). Moisture content (11.16%) and (11.29 %) was recorded for formal and informal systems respectively; both systems fulfilled the standards better (13%).Seed access from formal seed systems was significantly higher (P=0.000) in all tested vigor variables. High-vigor seeds can improve seed germination and seedling emergence, increase crop yield and reduce the cost of agriculture production

Effects of Priming and ing and Coating on Seed Germination Field Establishment, Yield, and Yield-Related Traits of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench) in Northwestern Ethiopia

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of Priming and ing and Coating on Seed Germination Field Establishment, Yield, and Yield-Related Traits of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench) in Northwestern Ethiopia Sintayehu Asmare Sorghum is the fourth most widely produced cereal in Ethiopia. Despite its coverage and importance, the productivity remains low due to several constraints, notably the use of poor-quality seed, limited availability of improved seed, and low adoption of pre-sowing seed treatment technologies, which results poor field establishment, low stand uniformity, and ultimately low yield, particularly in the lowland areas of Gondar. To address these challenges, an experiment was conducted at Gondar City in the GARC seed laboratory, and the field experiment at Metema and West Armachiho districts in the 2023 main cropping season to evaluate the effects of priming and coating on seed germination and yield of sorghum. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of four priming materials (control, Tap water, MLE, and cow urine) and four coating materials (Control, Thiram, Apron Star, and Dynamic). The laboratory and field experiments were laid out in a CRD and RCBD design with four and three replications, respectively. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.4.2. Combined ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects of priming and coating on germination %, speed of germination, shoot and root length, VI₁ and VI₂, head length, width and weight, dry biomass, Stover yield, grain yield, and HI. In contrast, seedling dry weight, days to emergence, heading and maturity, plant height, and TSW were significantly (p < 0.05) affected only by the main effects of priming and coating. The highest germination (94.25%) and grain yield (4,364.92 kg ha⁻¹) were obtained from seeds primed with MLE and coated with Apron Star, followed by MLE-primed seeds coated with Thiram. The PBA also indicated that seeds primed with MLE and coated with Apron Star had the highest NB (146,999.7 Birr ha -1 ) with an acceptable level of MRR (116,792.1%) as compared to other treatments. Therefore, treatment combinations of seeds primed by MLE with coated by Apron Star, as well as seeds primed by MLE with coated by Thiram, are recommended for sorghum growers in lowland areas of Gondar and other similar agro-ecologies. However, these results are from a single year; extending the study across multiple seasons would help account for seasonal variability and strengthen the final recommendation.

Seed System and Quality Analysis of Finger Millet (Elusine Coracana L. Gaertn) in Dera, Mecha, and Sekota Districts of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Seed System and Quality Analysis of Finger Millet (Elusine Coracana L. Gaertn) in Dera, Mecha, and Sekota Districts of Amhara Region, Ethiopia Getasew Msganaw Finger millet, a nutritious crop grown in Africa and India, holds significant cultural and economic value in Ethiopia. Despite its importance, research on its seed systems is limited, emphasizing the need to improve productivity and food security. This study evaluates seed quality and assesses the existing seed system for finger millet in the Dera, Mecha, and Sekota Districts of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia, to provide recommendations for developing an effective seed system. The data were gathered from 264 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire, along with 18 key informant interviews and six focus group discussions. Various finger millet seed samples, stored using different methods, were obtained from both formal (3 samples) and informal (24 samples) seed sources for laboratory testing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests with SPSS V22.0, while ANOVA was used to check the existence of significance differences and LSD to compare mean differences between seed samples from informal sources using SAS software V9.0. The results indicated that farmers mainly rely on informal seed sources, with formal sources being underutilized. Significant differences in seed quality attributes were observed, with formal seed samples demonstrating superior physical purity, physiological quality, and thousand seed weight (TSW) compared to informal ones. Additionally, formal seed samples showed better physiological traits, including higher normal seedling emergence, seedling dry weight, and fresh seed weight. ANOVA results revealed significant variations in physical purity and physiological quality between seed samples from informal sources. While smallholder farmers mainly rely on informal seed sources, formal seeds showed superior quality. Limited access, inadequate extension services, and a lack of awareness restrict the use of formal seeds. To enhance finger millet production in the Amhara Region, it is crucial to strengthen the formal seed system.