Department of Dryland Crop and Horticulture Sciences

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Start date: 2024Has files: Yes

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    Organic Mulches and Weeding Frequencies Effect on Weed, Growth, Yield and Yield Component of Onion (Allium cepa L.) at the district of Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-11) Gebremeskel Hagos Ngus
    Onion (Allium cepa L.) is produced for home consumption and as income sources for many smallscale farmers and commercial growers in Tigray. However, the yield of the crop is not as high as the crop potential due to biotic and abiotic constraints among those weed competition is the major. Therefore, an experiment was conducted from January to June 2024 during the irrigation season with the objective of evaluating the effects of organic mulches and weeding frequencies on weed, growth, yield and yield components of onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The factors include three organic mulching (No mulching, Grass mulch and Wheat straw mulch) and 4 weeding frequencies (No weeding, single weeded, twice weeded and thrice weeded) made a total of 12 treatments. Results indicated that the highest marketable bulb yield (40.49 t ha-1), highest total bulb yield (41.5 t ha-1), longest plant height (63.8 cm), highest number of leaves per plant (20), longest leaf length (38.4 cm), highest average bulb weight (119.2 g), widest bulb diameter (7.1 cm), longest bulb length (6.4 cm), highest weed control efficiency (75.93 %) and highest weed control index (73.04%), was found in treatment (T8) combination of grass mulch and thrice weeded. The most frequent, abundant and dominant weeds were found to be Galinsoga parviflora cav. and Bidens pilosa L., with a frequency value of (100 % and 88.9 %,), abundance (20.1 and 12.3) and dominance (30.3% and 18.6%), respectively. The partial budget analysis of marketable bulb yield revealed that the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from (grass mulch combined with thrice weeded) with a percentage of marginal rate of return of (281.8%). The experiment was done for only one season at a single location and therefore it needs to be repeated over season and locations to make a conclusive recommendation.
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    Inter- and Intra-Row Spacing Effect on Growth, yield and economic Benefit of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Under Furrow Irrigation in Central and North Western Zones of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-16) Gebregiorgis Berhe
    Traditionally disorganized and haphazard plant spacing is among the inappropriate agronomic practices that seriously hinder the achievement of potential garlic production in central and north eastern zones of Tigray and the region at large. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in 2023/2024 cropping season under ridge furrow irrigation to evaluate the effect of inter- and intra-row spacing patterns on yield and yield components of garlic at Hatsebo and Selekhlekha districts in Tigray. The experimental treatments includes three inter row spacing (10, 20 and 30 cm) and three intra row spacing (5, 10 and 15 cm).The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three replications. Results revealed that, except leaf number per plant, all yield and yield traits of garlic were significantly influenced by the interaction effect of inter and intra row spacing. In addition, the combined analysis of variance indicated that bulb diameter, clove width small, medium and large bulb size distribution, and total, marketable and unmarketable bulb yield had significantly influenced by the interaction effects of inter-row spacing × intra-row spacing × location. Longer date of maturity (145 days), higher plant height (63.5 cm), leaf length (44.05 cm, leaf width (2.31 cm), bulb diameter (5.41 cm), bulb length (4.34 cm), bulb weight (50.84g), clove weight (3.23 g), clove width (2.05 cm, shoot dry weight (4.72g) and bulb dry weight (22.51 g) were recorded from the wider inter and intra row spacing of 30 x 15 cm. However, lowest values for these parameters were recorded at the spacing 10 x 5 cm. The closest inter-row and intra-row spacing of 10 x 5 cm resulted in the highest total bulb yields of 70.05 ton/ha and 14.07 ton/ha at Hatsebo and Selekhlekha, respectively. This spacing also produced the highest unmarketable yield of 3.86 ton/ha and 4.78 ton/ha at the two locations, along with smaller bulb size distributions of 6.81 ton/ha and 6.13 ton/ha. In contrast, the wider spacing of 30 x 15 cm yielded the lowest values. The highest marketable yields of 16.31 ton/ha and 12.39 ton/ha at the Hatsebo and Selekhlekha sites respectively, along with medium bulb sizes of 9.05 ton/ha and 5.82 ton/ha, and large bulb sizes of 6.55 ton/ha and 4.67 ton/ha, were achieved through the interaction of medium inter-row and intra-row spacing of 20 x 10 cm at both locations Additionally the partial budget analysis also revealed that 20 x 10 cm inter- and intra-row spacing offered the highest MRR (1546.9%) indicating its higher profitability. Therefore, this treatment combination was suggested for use by farmers in the study areas of the Central and North Western zones and other parts of the region having similar agroecologies. However, it is essential that these findings be complemented with appropriate fertilizer recommendations on multiple locations and seasons to have a full package for garlic production under furrow irrigation.
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    Effect of Integrating Maize Varieties and Insecticides against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Central Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-11) Fisseha Amaha Gebreslasea
    Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is the most devastating insect causing economic losses of maize production and productivity particularly in tropical and subtropical. A field experiment was conducted in 2024 under irrigated conditions to determine the integrated effect of insecticides with maize varieties against naturally occurring fall armyworm infestations. A randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications was used. The first factor included two improved maize varieties (Melkassa-2 and Melkassa-4), and one local variety (Berihu) while the second factor comprised four synthetic insecticides (Chlorfenapyr + Spinosad, Chlorfenapyr, Acetamiprid + Abamectin, Imidacloprid) and one control (water spraying) spraying three times. Data collected includes fall armyworm (FAW) larvae and egg masses count, plant damage, yield, and yield-related attributes analyzed with the Genstat software version 18. The result revealed that all the treatments significantly (p < 0.05) affected the FAW population, plant damage, and grain yield compared to the control. The highest larvae mortality (94.74%), lowest leaf incidence (4%), lowest leaf severity (0.993), lowest ear damage(1.667), highest ear length (23.23 cm), highest grain yield (5166 kg ha-1), highest avoidable yield loss (42.35%), and highest Marginal return rate (39071.6%) were obtained from Melkassa -2 treated with Spinosad +Chlorfenapyr, while the untreated Berihu variety showed the lowest larvae mortality (-44.55%), lowest egg masses (1.778), highest leaf incidence (98%), highest leaf severity (8.067), highest ear damage (8.133), shortest ear length (8.9cm) and lowest grain yield (1935 kg ha-1). Furthermore, Melkassa-2 showed the lowest leaf incidence, leaf, tassel, and ear severity, highest larval mortality, highest grain yield, and highest yield loss in comparison to the tested varieties. The minimum days required for tasselling (61.5), silking (65), maturity (99.2), highest plant height (186.4), and egg masses (3.889) were recorded from Spinosad +chlofenapyr insecticide. In conclusion, the highest FAW larvae mortality rate, lowest plant damage, uppermost MRR, lowest yield loss, and grain yield were found when the Melkassa-2 variety was treated with Spinosad+ Chlorfenapyr followed by Chlorfenapyr alone. Thus, it can be recommended that farmers use the integration of the tolerant maize (Melkassa-2) variety with selective insecticides (Spinosad+chlorfenapyr) to reduce the fall armyworm damage thereby enhancing maize productivity.
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    Evaluation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) genotypes for yield and agronomic traits under irrigation in southern Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) Desta Abadi
    Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is most important food crop in Ethiopia, and understanding its genetic variability is crucial for improvement efforts. However, research evaluating genotypes for yield and agronomic traits under irrigation in specific regions remains limited. This study aimed to assess the performance of 15 potato genotypes across 16 quantitative traits under irrigated conditions in Maichew and Emba-Alaje woredas during the 2024/2025. Randomized Complete Block design, with three replications was employed, utilizing plots of 3m x 3m with a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants. Significant interaction effect was observed among the genotypes for most traits. The highest total tuber yields were recorded for G12 CIP302498.72 (48.94 t ha-1), G3 CIP397029.21 (48.71 t ha-1) and G2 CIP312923.637 (48.49 t ha-1) at Maichew while the lowest yield was noted for G13 CIP312920.599 (14.27 t ha-1) at Emba Alaje. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between total tuber yield and Plant height (r=0.43), marketable tuber yield (r=0.99), unmarketable tuber number per hill (r=0.34), marketable tuber number per hill (r=0.68) and total tuber number per hill (r=0.58). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed with days to maturity (r= -0.47). Principal component analysis results revealed that the first three components accounted for 75.09% of the total variability (PC1:37.16%, PC2:23.98%, PC3:13.98%). Hierarchical clustering grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters based on yield and quality traits. These findings highlight significant genetic variability among the evaluated potato genotypes. Given that the study was conducted over a single growing season at two locations, further research involving multiple seasons and locations is recommended to validate these results and assess factors such as late blight resistance in the southern zone of Tigray and similar agro-ecological areas.
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    Management of onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) through Botanical Insecticides and Improved onion Varieties in central Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-11) Brkti Weldegebrial Gebrehiwet
    A field experiment was conducted in 2024 under irrigated conditions in hadash tekli tabia to investigate the integration effect of botanical insecticides and improved onion varieties on the management of onion thrips. A randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications was used. Factor one includes onion varieties (Adama red and Bombay red) and factor two consists of four botanicals, namely, Lantana camara leaf, Jatropha curcus seed, Ricinus communis seed, and Phytolacca dodecandra seed, one synthetic insecticide (Karate 5% EC) and one control (spaying only water) three times spraying for each at the interval of 10 days. Data were recorded on Thrips incidence, mortality, leaf severity yield-related parameters, and yield of onion analyzed using GenStat software version 18. The highest mortality percentage (80.18%), lowest incidence (23.3%), lowest leaf severity scale (1.3), highest leaf number (17.17), wide bulb diameter (5.39 cm), maximum marketable yield (12991 kg ha⁻¹), highest avoidable yield loss (67.7%), and highest MRR (548808%) was recorded from the Bombay variety treated with Ricinus communis. The lowest mortality (-32.58%), and highest incidence (70%), highest leaf severity scale (4.93), minimum leave number (6.97), narrow bulb diameter (2.05 cm), and minimum marketable yield (3521 kg ha⁻¹) were recorded on untreated Adama red. Among botanical insecticides, Ricinus communis recorded the highest bulb weight (57.89 g), longest bulb length (4.24cm), and highest plant height (54.9cm) however the smallest bulb weight (25.19 g), shortest bulb length (2.3cm), and plant height (33.cm) were recorded from control plot. Between varieties Bombay red recorded the highest bulb weight (48.5 g), longest bulb length (3.93cm), and highest plant height (51.48cm) in comparison to Adama red. In conclusion, the Ricinus communis-treated Bombay red showed the highest mortality of onion thrips, lowest incidence, lowest leaf damage, highest marketable yield, and MRR. Thus, it can be recommended that farmers use the integration of botanical insecticides and improved onion varieties) to reduce the onion thrips damage thereby enhancing onion productivity and improving environmental safety.
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    Effect of Sowing Methods and Seed Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Component of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) at Endamekony district, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-16) Birhanu Reda
    Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an important medicinal and commercial crop in Ethiopia. However, its productivity remains low due to lack of appropriate agronomic practices, particularly sowing methods and seed rates. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement with three replications to evaluate the effects of sowing methods and seed rates on growth, yield and yield components of black cumin. The factors were; sowing methods and seed rates (5, 7.5, 10 & 12.5 kg ha-1 for row sowing) and (12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 & 22.5 kg ha-1 for broadcasting). DE, DF, DM, PH, NBPP, NCPP, NSPC, 1000 seed weight, YPP and YPH was collected and analyzed using GenStat 18 software. Result showed that, sowing method and seed rate for row sowing was statistically significant (at p < 0.05) on most yield and yield components except in days to maturity. In addition, in broadcast sowing with different seed rates on PH, NBPP, NCPP, NSPC, 1000 SWT and YPH were significant. In row sowing, yield increased from 1383 to 2137 kg ha⁻¹ as seed rate increased from 5 to 10 kg ha⁻¹, then declined to 1647 kg ha⁻¹ at 12.5 kg ha⁻¹. In broadcast sowing, yield increased from 1232 to 1714 kg ha⁻¹ as seed rate increased from 12.5 to 20 kg ha⁻¹, but declined to 1549 kg ha⁻¹ at 22.5 kg ha⁻¹. The interaction effect was significant on NBPP, DM, NCPP and YPH. The highest yield (2137 kg/ha) was obtained from sr3 and followed by sr2 under row sowing (2122 kg/ha). The study concludes that row sowing with a seed rate of 10 kg ha⁻¹ as a main effect and interaction effect and broadcast sowing with 20 kg ha⁻¹ as a main effect are optimal for maximizing black cumin yield. These findings provide practical recommendations for improving black cumin productivity and support evidence-based decision-making for farmers, researchers, and policymakers. However, further research across different agro-ecological zones and seasons is recommended to validate and fine-tune these agronomic practices.
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    Effect of Blended (NPSB) Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance, Yield and Yield Components of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) Varieties in Enderta District, Northern Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) Birhane Kebede Weldegebriel
    The effects of blended fertilizer rates (NPSB) on growth, production, and yield components of tomato varieties (lycopersicon esculentum M.) were studied using irrigation facilities at Elshadai Relief and Developmental Association (ERDA agricultural farm, Mekelle). 4x3 factorial experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD. The treatments included four rates of blended (NPSB) fertilizer (0 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, and 150 kg ha-1) and three tomato varieties (Melka shola, Roma VF, and Gelelma). Data were collected on tomato growth, yield, and yield components. Results indicated that the impacts of blended fertilizers (NPSB) on tomato varieties were significant with p-value of 0.05 in terms of plant height, leaf number per plant, marketable fruit number per plant, and number of total fruit yield per plant, and total fruit yield per hectare. The blended fertilizer rates (NPSB) and tomato varieties had important interaction effects on the Number of fruit cluster per plant, number of leaves per plant and total fruit yield per hectare. Results indicated a positive association between tomato varieties growth, yield, and yield components. Among the different rates of blended fertilizer rates, significantly shorter days to 50% flowering dates (47 days) and maturity date (105), taller plant height (92cm), higher leaf number per plant (93.79), the highest number of total fruit number per plant (43.61), higher marketable fruit number per plant (40.51), and total fruit yield (28.23 t ha-1) were gained from the application of 150 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1. Among the varieties, Gelelma produced the highest overall fruit number per plant (40.62) and marketable fruit yield (24.50 t ha- 1) over Melka shola and Roma VF. In the study area, Gelelma tomato variety treated with 150 kg ha-1 of blended (NPSB) fertilizer produced the highest total yields (32.20 t ha-1) under 150 kg ha- 1 of blended (NPSB) fertilizer. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further research in tomato varieties in many locations and seasons with different (NPSB) blended fertilizer rates.
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    Effects of Time of Earthing up and Varieties on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Southern Zone of Tigray, Northern
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-16) Berhe Tsegay Hishe
    Potato is the fourth largest food crop globally, following rice, wheat, and maize. In Ethiopia, it serves as both a food and cash crop, playing a vital role in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially in the highlands. However, productivity remains low due to factors such as limited knowledge on optimal agronomic practice particularly time of earthing up and the use of low yielding varieties. This study evaluated the effects of time earthing up time and varieties on growth, yield and quality of potato. The experiment was conducted under irrigation from February to June 2024 in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial combinations and three replications. Treatments included four time of earthing up (Control, 15, 30, and 45 days after complete emergence) and three varieties (Local/Tebeb, Gudenie, and Belete). Results showed that the time of earthing up and varieties, and also their interaction effects had showed significantly influenced (P < 0.05) on growth, yield and quality parameters. Earthing up at 15 days after complete emergence was recorded the tallest plants (81.02 cm), the highest average tuber weight (52.62 g), number of large size (22.59), specific gravity (1.220) and dry matter content (24.40%), lowest number of unmarketable (4.4) and number of greening tubers (1.669) compared to the control (no earthing) and late earthing up. Gudenie recorded the highest number of stem (10.750), plant height (79.20cm), number of large size tuber (18.06), weight of large size tuber (1136.8 g), dry matter content (22.86%) and the lowest number of unmarketable tuber (2.683) that compered to local (Tebeb) varieties. The combination of Gudenie variety with 15 days earthing up was obtained highest total tuber number (33.80), total tuber yield (31.90 t/ha) and marketable yield (31.11 t/ha), whereas the lowest marketable yield (10.89) and total tuber yield (14.05) was from the combination of local (Tebeb) with no earthing up. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between average tuber weight and both marketable (r=0.791) and total tuber yield (r=0.84), whereas greening negatively affected on yield performance. Economic evaluation demonstrated that the Gudenie variety, when earthed up at 15 days after complete emergence, achieved maximum profitability, with a net benefit of 1,185,496 ETB/ha and a marginal rate of return of 1,520%. These findings suggested that the combination of Gudenie with 15 days earthing up was recommended for potato production in the study area and similar agroecological zones. However, further research across multiple locations, seasons, and years was necessary to validate and generalize these recommendations.
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    Effects of Bentonite Clay-Starch Coated Urea Fertilizer Rates on Tomato (Solanum lycoperiscum) Growth and Yield in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-16) Azeb Berihu
    . N loss from applied urea fertilizer in the soil is a major challenge due to its high volatile behavior, high leaching, low usage efficiency, excessive solubility rate. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of different rates of coated urea fertilizer with bentonite clay-starch on growth and yield of tomato. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Treatments consisted four different nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120 kgha-1) using coated and uncoated urea fertilizers replicated four times. Data on plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plants, fruit diameter, number of fruits cluster per plant, weight of single fruit and fruit yield were collected from five plants which were randomly selected from the middle rows of each plot, and the data were made to statistical analysis significance of treatments and comparison of treatment means. The statistical analysis showed that was a significant (P<0.05) difference among treatments for all parameters. The application of 40 kgha-1coated nitrogen fertilizer provided 31.9, 27.9 and 74.1%% increment of plant height, number of leaves and number of primary branches, respectively over the control treatment. Furthermore, application of 40 kg ha-1 coated nitrogen fertilizer increased the number of fruit cluster per plant and yield of tomato fruit per hectare by 124.1 and 60% over the control treatment, respectively. However, tomato yield was at parity between 40N kgha-1 coated and 120 kg N ha-1 uncoated urea per hectare. Coated urea having 40 kg N ha-1 had the highest NUE (1,645.3). Results indicated that the application of bentonite clay-starch coated urea fertilizers significantly improved plant growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency compared to uncoated urea. Economic analysis, showed that coated urea having 40 kg N ha-1 highest profitability. Therefore, farmers should use 40 kg N ha-1 coated urea fertilizers, as these levels have shown significant improvements in tomato yield and profitability.
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    Effect of mulching types and varieties on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Raya Azebo, southern zone of Tigray
    (Mekelle University, 2025-02-01) Tsirha Gidey
    Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most significant vegetable crops in the Solanaceae family and one of the most widely consumed fruit vegetables in the world valued for nutritional benefits and economic impacts. However, the cultivation of tomatoes faces various agronomic challenges including low soil fertility, water stress, soil erosion and weed competition, which can adversely affect plant growth and over all yield. The experiment was conducted under irrigation condition from March–July 2024 at Mekelle University, agricultural research and innovation centre Mekoni site, Southern Tigray to evaluate the best mulching types and to screen tomato varieties based on their growth, yield performance and resistance to diseases. It was done in a randomized complete block design with three tomato varieties (Roma VF, Gelilama and Melka shola), three mulching types (white plastic, black plastic, grass) and with as no mulch. Data on plant height, number of primary branches per plant, weed density, soil moisture, disease incidence and severity, fruit diameter, fruit number per plant, total yield per plant, average fruit weight, total yield, marketable yield, unmarketable yield, total soluble solid (TSS) and fruit texture were collected and analysed using GENSTAT, 15th edition. The Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare between treatment means using a significance level of α = 0.05. The findings showed that strong interactions between mulching types and tomato varieties, while both black and white plastic mulches improved yield and quality parameters. Black plastic mulch appeared the most effective in weed suppression, moisture retention,. In regards to the varieties, Gelilama appeared the most resilient and productive under various mulch conditions, while it may be more prone to disease, its potential for higher economic return due to greater yield fruit quality could make it a viable option for grower, whereas Melka Shola demonstrates high fruit numbers. Based on the current study, white plastic mulch with Gelilama variety is an effective strategy for enhancing tomato yield. However further research on the interaction of drip irrigation with mulching and both breeding and management practices can be conducted to explore its efficiency on tomato production and disease management practices.