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Due to war conditions, the local farmers had to largely rely on their own crop production, mainly by subsistence farming, in Tigray, North Ethiopia. We assessed the crop stands in 2021 and evaluated the level of resilience of the indigenous farming system. Quantitative data were collected from 161 farm parcels in various ecoregions of this tropical mountain region, in order to detect the share of sown land, crop types, and their status. This participatory monitoring was accompanied by semi-structured interviews. Farmers cultivated their farms late, left it uncultivated or marginally sowed oil crops as improved fallow (28%), due to lack of farming tools, oxen, fertilizer, seeds, or manpower. As compared to peace years, only few lands were sown with sorghum as there was active warfare in the sorghum planting period. The relatively good stands of wheat and barley (47%) are in line with the farmers’ priority given to cereals. Teff got a large land share because it could be sown up to the middle of the main rainy season and because farmers had consumed the seeds of their major cereal crops (wheat and barley) when hiding for warfare. Seeds left from consumption were only sown by late June, when troops had retreated, and the communities could revive. With almost no external support, the local farming system has proven to be remarkably resilient, relying on indigenous knowledge and local practices, block rotation, manure, improved fallow, changes in relative importance of crops, seed exchange, and support for one another. This is the first analysis of the socio-agronomic roots of the 2021–2022 Tigray hunger crisis, with a cereal harvest that could not at all sustain the local population as the planting season had been largely missed. The ability of the indigenous farming system to partially rebounce in times of autarky is another novel finding.

Sixteen cultivars (three resistant species and thirteen susceptible cultivars to cochineal insects) were included in the experiment to evaluate their nutritional and chemical compositions and to determine the in vitro digestibility of cladodes of the Opuntia species. Cultivars showed highly significant (p < 0.001) differences in their chemical composition. The cultivars’ content of ash, crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and Cell (cellulose) varied, with ranges of 8.18–22.75%, 3.19–10.40%, 86.40–91.88%, 77.45–91.82%, 68.25–87.3%, 55.81–78.95%, 14.88–26.15%, 29.66–67.05% and 10.99–19.92%, respectively. The ash content showed a significant highly negative correlation with OM (r = −1.00; p < 0.001), IVDMD (r = −0.603; p < 0.001) and DOMD (r = −0.904; p < 0.001), respectively. The Garao, Aloqa and O. robusta var. X11 cultivars showed the highest similarities, as they are found close to the first branch of the dendrogram. In total, 90% of the variation among the nutritional traits was attributed to the first four PCs, with 55.97% to the first two principal components (PCs). The nutritional composition of the resistant species was greater than or equal to the susceptible ones.

Cultural Effects on Sorghum Varieties Grown, Traits Preferred, and Seed Management Practices in Northern Ethiopia. Agrobiodiversity is fundamentally shaped by farmers’ preferences and management practices, and these are again shaped by the farmers’ social and cultural background. This study investigates variety preferences and seed management practices in the crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) among the Kunama and the Tigrayan ethnolinguistic groups living side by side in Northern Ethiopia. Surveys were conducted in 10 villages located in two districts inhabited by the two ethnolinguistic groups and analyzed using descriptive and multinominal analysis. We find important differences in varieties grown across the ethnolinguistic groups, but we also find that ethnicity and geographic proximity interact and affect trait preference and seed management practices. Altogether, 22 varieties are cultivated, and few farmers cultivated improved varieties, especially among the Kunama. Respondents considered use traits as important as agronomic traits when selecting sorghum varieties. Notably, preferred use traits were not limited to food (e.g., construction materials were important for the Kunama), and preferred agronomic traits were not focused on drought resistance. Timing of seed selection, seed selection criteria (e.g., panicle size and color), and seed storage practices differed among the ethnic groups. Understanding cultural and social preferences towards sorghum varieties, their traits, and the criteria used for seed management is crucial for the success of crop breeding programs, climate change adaptation policies, and development interventions.

Wheat is an important staple crop in arid and semi-arid areas of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. However, the yield and quality of the crop is markedly constrained by low soil fertility, inappropriate rate and timing of nitrogen application. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of different rates and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application on the yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency of bread wheat varieties during 2013 and 2014 main cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69, and 92 kg N ha-1), three timing of N application (½ at sowing + ½ at tillering, ¼ at sowing + ½ at tillering + ¼ at anthesis, and 1/3rd at sowing + 1/3 rd at tillering + 1/3rd at anthesis) and two bread wheat varieties (Picaflor and Mekelle I) and 0 kg N ha-1 (control). The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. During both cropping years, increasing the rate of nitrogen application up to 69 kg N ha-1 significantly (P< 0.01) increased the total aboveground biomass and grain yields of the crop and decreased with further increase of applied N fertilizer. The highest aboveground biomass (6871 kg ha-1) and grain yields (2775 kg ha-1) of the crop were obtained in response to the application of 69 kg N ha-1, in 2013. The equivalent value for total aboveground biomass and grain yields during 2014 cropping season were (8815 kg ha-1and 3695 kg ha-1), respectively . The highest apparent recovery efficiency of 75% was obtained in response to the rate of 69 kg N ha-1applied in three splits of 1/4 at planting, ½ at tillering, and 1/4 at anthesis. The equivalent values for the highest apparent recovery was 81% in the 2014 cropping season. The highest agronomic efficiency of 25 kg kg-1 and utilization efficiency of 55 kg kg-1 were recorded at the rate of 46 kg N ha-1 in three splits of 1/4 at planting, ½ at tillering and ¼ at anthesis. The equivalent values in 2014 were 34 kg kg-1 and 78 kg kg-1, respectively. Grain protein concentration increased from 10.57% to 11.82% in 2013 and from 8.97% to 9.84% in 2014 cropping season as the rate increased from 23 kg N ha-1 to 69 kg N ha-1. The acceptable marginal rate of return (1618%) and highest net benefit (34141ETB ha-1) was obtained from 69 kg N ha-1 for the variety Picaflor. In conclusion, applying 69 kg N ha-1 in three splits of ¼ at planting, 1/2 at tillering and ¼ at anthesis resulted in optimum grain yield, protein concentration and economic return of the crop.

This training module aims to support the capacity building processes of professionals involved in the strengthening of SPCs in Ethiopia. By zooming in on elements related to seed quality control and assurance, it builds on the previous module’s focus on quality seed production. It is particularly aimed at executive members of SPCs, seed quality control committees, woreda experts, implementing partners, SPC farmers and SPC/PSP store workers.

This training module aims to support the capacity building processes of professionals involved in the strengthening of SPCs in Ethiopia. By zooming in on elements related to value addition, it builds on the previous module’s focus on seed quality control.

Seed production is a key component of a functional seed system and is expected to produce sufficient quantity seed of adequate quality within the nationally prescribed rules, regulations and standards. Successful agricultural work depends on improving the production and marketing of cereals, pulses, vegetables and cash crops, and thus raising income.

The experiment was conducted in Northern Ethiopia from 2011-2013 under rain fed conditions in a total of seven environments vis. E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6 and E7. The objective of the study was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of sesame genotypes across environments. 13 sesame genotypes were evaluated and the experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The average grain yield of the genotypes was 742.9 Kg/ha with the outstanding genotypes being G4 (926.8 kg/ha), G1 (895.1 kg/ha) and G12 (832.7 kg/ha) respectively, and low the yielding genotype was G9 (614.3 kg/ha). The combined ANOVA for grain yield showed significant effects of the genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interaction. According to the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction bi-plot (AMMI bi-plot) and Genotype x Environment interaction bi-plot (GGE bi-plot) G12 was the most stable, and G7, G8 and G9 were the unstable genotypes. Furthermore, the Genotype main effects and GGE bi-plot showed E5 as the most discriminating and representative environment. The GGE bi-plot also identified two different growing environments, the first environment containing E4 and E6 (in the Dansha area) with the wining genotype G1; and the second environment encompassing E1, E2, E3, E5 and E7 (in the Humera, Dansha and Sheraro areas) with winning genotype of G4. Key words: AMMI bi-plot, environment, GEI, GGE bi-plot.

Introduction. Cordia africana Lam. is a tree that produces small fruits eaten in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. The fresh fruit are sold in the market place in open bowls and, traditionally, the fruit is dried on the tree like dates. Materials and methods. Modern methods of processing the fruit were studied. Some of the changes in the nutrient content and chemistry of the fruit were measured using standard methods. Results and discussion. In the fresh fruit, the traditional method of handling collected 7.6 g dust kg −1 . The TP (total phenols measured with Folin Ciocalteu's reagent) contents varied significantly between the processing methods. Using a solar dryer, the fruit dried within 5 days while the on-tree drying process took 63 days. The taste of the fruit from the direct solar dryer was less preferred to those dried on the tree. The TP values were found to be good in the dried fruits with 200 g fruit being enough to meet the daily requirement. In addition, the vitamin A and vitamin C levels were still good after drying and storage. For both fresh and dried fruits the organic acid and basic sugar profile did not show a very clear picture, as the difference in rainfall and evaporation rates between the two years of the study influenced these parameters. The headspace gas chromatography (HSGC) gave 20 volatile organic compounds and the coupled mass spectrometry (HSGC-MS) gave 39 volatile organic compounds. Conclusion. The dried fruit of Cordia africana could be used to partially meet the daily nutritional requirements of households in Ethiopia.

Chickpea is an economically important pulse produced by millions of smallholder farmers as a source of food, income and nutrition in Ethiopia. Mold infection and mycotoxin production can potentially lead to significant losses of chickpea during storage. Under laboratory conditions we tested comparative effects of hermetic and traditional storage structures on mold infection, germination and mycotoxin levels of chickpea. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, Super GrainPro (SGP) bags, and small metal bins were compared to the traditional and popularly used chickpea storage structures such as polypropylene (PP) bags and jute bags over a six-month storage period. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, chickpea temperature and moisture, seed infection with molds and percentage germination and mycotoxins levels were determined every two months for six months. In PICS bags, SGP bags and metal bins chickpea temperature and moisture changed very little during storage, whereas in jute and PP bags significant temperature and moisture increases were observed. Oxygen levels in PICS and SGP bags decreased from 20% to 8–10% in six months and carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.4% to 10% in PICS bags and from 0.1% to 17% in SGP bags. In jute and PP bags, oxygen levels were around 20% but carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.05% to 0.1–0.2%, perhaps due to mold activity. Mold infection decreased over time in chickpea stored in PICS bags, SGP bags, and metal bins, and seed germination was high (82–92%). Mold infection increased and seed germination decreased in chickpea stored in jute and PP bags. Increases in levels of aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynevalenol, and ochratoxin were observed only for chickpea stored in metal bins, and in jute and PP bags. Our study showed that PICS and SGP bags can effectively arrest mold growth, mycotoxin accumulation and preserve germination of chickpea during six months of storage.

In order to evaluate performance of genotypes and study the direct and indirect effects of characters on fruit yield, thirty six tomato genotypes introduced from different countries were grown at Humera Agricultural Research Center during 2010/11 cropping season under irrigation condition. The trial was laid out in 6 x 6 simple lattice design in two replications. The maximum marketable yield was obtained from the genotype CLN-2037-A (49.20 tons ha-1) and the minimum with H-1350 (3.00 tons ha-1). Estimates of genotypic direct and indirect effects of various characters on fruit yield showed that number of matured fruits plant-1 (0.798) and average weight of fruits plant-1 (0.644) had highest positive direct contribution to fruit yield. This indicated direct selection based on these characters will improve fruit yield. On the contrary, fruit set percentage (-0.447) and fruit polar diameter (-0.392) exerted highest negative direct effect on fruit yield ha-1.

The objective of the study was to estimate genetic diversity among tomato genotypes. Thirty-six genotypes introduced from different countries were evaluated at Humera Agricultural Research Center, Northern Ethiopia, during 2010/2011 in 6 × 6 simple lattice design with two replications. Cluster analysis was made by average linkage method. Mahalanobis distance (D2) was used to estimate the genetic distance between pair of clusters. Estimates of cluster analysis revealed that the thirty-six genotypes were grouped in to six distinct clusters. Genetic distance between any pair of clusters showed very highly significant difference. The maximum and minimum distances were recorded between clusters IV and V (1805.00) and cluster II and III (81.94) respectively. This indicated the existence of a possibility to improve genotypes through hybridization from any pair of clusters and subsequent selection can be made from the segregant generations. Principal component analysis showed that the first six principal components explained about 83.03% of the total variation. Generally, the study confirmed presence of adequate genetic diversity between any pair of clusters which could be exploited through hybridization. Key words: Cluster analysis, Mahalanobis distance, principal component analysis, eigenvalue, eigenvector.

Seven sweet potato varieties (Bellela, Kabode, Kulfo, LO, Temesgen, Tulla and Vitae) were tested in southern and eastern zones of Tigra, Ethiopiay in 2012 to evaluate their total root yield potential. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment Yield data was analyzed using combined ordinary analysis of variance and the additive main effect and multiplication interaction effect model (AMMI). The combined analysis of variance across locations showed significant variation among genotypes, locations and the genotypes by locations interaction for the total storage root yield (t/ha). Based on this, the superior mean total root yield (26.82 t/ha) was obtained at Kukufto testing location while the inferior (13.45 t/ha) was at Rarhe. Similarly, among the genotypes, LO gave the highest mean total root yield (30.9 t/ha), while bellela gave the lowest (7.78 t/ha). The AMMI analysis for the total storage root yield also showed highly significant difference for genotypes, locations and the genotypes by locations interaction components The contribution of genotype, location and genotype by location interaction to the total variation in root yield was about 54.1%, 21.4% and 19.4%, respectively. The genotype main effect contributed more to the total variability indicating that the variation was largely due to the inheritance of genotype effect. The genotype by location interaction was further partitioned using AMMI model and the first two principal components explained 100% of the total variability. The model captured 83.4 % of the interaction sum of squares with the first Interaction Principle Component Axis (IPCA) (in 58.3% of the interaction degrees of freedom) and 16.6% by the second IPCA axis (with 41.7% of the G x E d.f). AMMI biplot view of this study identified kukufto as best testing location and LO, Tulla and Kulfo as best genotypes for south and south east zones of Tigray region.

Wheat, barley and finger millet as a major crop and lupine as a companion crop are food crops often traditionally grown in an intercropping in North Western Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted on intercropping of lupine (Lupinus albus L.) with wheat (Triticum aestivum), barely (Hordeum vulgar) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in 2009 at Adet Agricultural research station. The treatments were sole wheat at a seed rate of 175 kg/ ha, sole barley at a seed rate of 125 kg/ ha, sole finger millet at a seed rate of 30 kg/ ha, sole lupine at a seed rate of 90 kg/ h and 25, 50 and 75% of the sole lupine seed rate combined with each full cereal seed rate to determine the effect of lupine intercropping and seed proportion on the growth, yield and yield component; and lodging of wheat, barley and finger millet. The trial layout was a completely randomized block design with three replications. SAS software’s were used to compute the analysis of variance. Increasing in lupine seed proportion in a mixture, delay in finger millet days to heading and maturity also significantly increased. The yield and yield component of most cereals were not significantly affected when they were intercropped with lupine in all seeding ratios except finger millet plant height, harvest index and wheat total biomass yield. Hence, growing cereals in association with lupine was not showed its yield reduction and the farmer’s primary objective of maintaining a ‘full’ cereal yield was attained. Intercropping lupine with cereals gave physical support for cereals particularly in high lupine seed proportion. The combined yield advantage was greater than one in the cases of lupine-wheat followed by lupine-finger millet mixtures at all seeding ratios. Hence, two of the best combinations which were gave higher land use efficiency are the lupine-wheat mixture at the 75:100 seeding ratio (49.4%) followed by the lupine-finger millet mixtures at the 75:100 seeding ratio (29.4%). Key words: Wheat, barley, finger millet, lupine, intercropping, seed proportion.

The experiment was conducted on intercropping of lupine (Lupinus albus L.) with wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgar) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in 2009 at Adet Agricultural research station, in Western Gojam. The treatments were sole wheat at a seed rate of 175 kg/ha, sole barley at a seed rate of 125 kg/ha, sole finger millet at a seed rate of 30 kg/ha, sole lupine at a seed rate of 90 kg/ha, and an additive series of 25, 50 and 75% of the sole lupine seed rate combined with the full cereal seed rate to determine the effect of intercropping on competition (CR) among the different species, the land equivalent and area time equivalent ratios (LER and ATER); and the economic feasibility of each intercropping system(MAI) as compared with sole cropped. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with nine intercropping and four sole cropping systems in three replications. Lupine was planted in rows after establishment of main crops. JMP-5 (SAS, 2002) software’s was used to compute the analysis of variance. Partial LER of lupine was lower than LER of cereal, indicating an advantage for main crops and a disadvantage for the minor crop. Values of ATER showed 4.9%-31.3% and 11.1%-37.8% advantage in lupine-wheat and lupine-finger millet combinations, respectively, whilst lupine-barley combinations showed ATER of 54.5%-60.9% disadvantage. CR showed dominancy of wheat and barley over lupine while lupine was higher CR than finger millet. Positive MAI values were recorded in lupine-wheat and lupine-finger millet mixtures indicating that these intercropping systems were a definite yield advantage and the most profitable as compared to sole cropped. In conclusion, the lupine-finger millet mixture at the 50:100 seeding ratio and 75:100 seeding ratio; and lupine-wheat mixture at the 75:100 seeding ratio indicated a significant advantage from intercropping which was attributed to better MAI and land use efficiency (higher LER and ATER), lower CR and thereby enhanced sustainability of crop production in West Gojam, but the other socio-economic and cost of production aspects of intercropping should also be assessed especially under small scale farmers’ conditions.

Lack of improved varieties and production practices have been the major bottlenecks of onion production and productivity in Tigray, particularly at Aksum area. There have been no recommended intra-row spacing and variety for that area specifically; rather farmers used to practice non-uniform plant spacing. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of intra-row spacing, variety and their interactions on yield, shelf life and bulb quality of onion, thereby recommend the optimum practices to farmers in the study area. The study was conducted between August 2010 and April 2011 at Aksum area (L/maichew district). Three different intra-row spacings (5, 7.5 and 10 cm) were evaluated using four varieties of onion (‘Adama’ Red, ‘Bombay’ Red, ‘Melkam’ and ‘Nasik’ Red) using RCBD replicated four times. Data on yield and quality parameters were recorded and subjected to ANOVA. Results indicate that intra-row spacing of 10 cm was superior in plant height, leaf number per plant, leaf biomass yield, leaf dry matter content and percentage of bolters. Highest total bulb yield was recorded at the closest intra-row spacing (5 cm) followed by 7.5 cm. ‘Melkam’ variety was the highest yielder, while ‘Adama’ Red was the lowest yielder. Average bulb weight increased with increasing intra row spacing. ‘Melkam’ variety followed by ‘Bombay’ Red variety was superior in average bulb weight. ‘Adama’ Red recorded the highest unmarketable yield. Key words: Intra-row spacing, yield, quality, onion varieties, spacing.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of intra-row spacing and, variety on yield and shelf life of onion. The study was conducted between August 2010 and April 2011 at Aksum area (Laelay Maichew District). Three different intra-row spacings (5, 7.5 and 10 cm) were evaluated using 4 varieties of onion (‘Adama’ Red, ‘Bombay’ Red, ‘Melkam’ and ‘Nasik’ Red) using randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Data on yield and shelf life parameters were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.2 software. The result showed the post harvest deterioration as measured by percentage of marketable loss, total soluble sugars inoBrix and dry matter content (DMC) was less on ‘Nasik’ Red variety. The largest bulb size, produced by the larger intra-row spacing, showed highest rotting percentage compared to the smaller ones. Average bulb weight loss during storage also was higher at the intra-row spacing of 5 cm than 7.5 cm. Moreover, the result revealed that‘Melkam’ and ‘Bombay’ Red varieties were superior in yield and an intra-row spacing of 7.5 cm can gave good yield bulbs while ‘Nasik’ Red had best storage quality and‘Melkam’ and ‘Adama’ Red are moderate. Key words: Quality, yield, storage, onions, dry matter content.

Seven sweet potato varieties were tested at three locations of southern and eastern zones of Tigray.in 2012 cropping season. The objective of the study was to evaluate the yield and yield componentsof the varieties and theexperiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications and inplot size of 4.2m x 2.4m. Net harvestable plot area was 7.2 m2with inter and intra-row spacing of 0.60m and 0.30m respectively. Individual analyses of variance for the three locations indicated the existence of significant to highly significant (P < 0.01) genotype differences for all traits except vine length, above ground fresh biomass weight and stand count at harvest considered at Rarhe and Kukufto locations. In addition, vine length, unmarketable storage root number per plot and stand count at harvest were also showed non-significance genotype difference at Illala location. Similarly, the combined analysis of variance across locations showed significant variation among genotypes, locations and the interaction for all traits except vine length and above ground fresh biomass weight. Kukufto was the highest total root yielding location followed by Illala for almost all varieties but Rarhe yielded lowest. Varieties tulla, LO and kulfo had highest total root yield at Kukufto and Illala locations. Vitae gave above average root yield only at Rarhe but kabode, temesgen and bellela yielded lower and below average total roots at all locations.Based on the combined mean total root yield of locations and different yield evaluation methods, high yielding varieties were identified. Accordingly, LO and Tulla varieties gave highest root yield per unit area at all locations, followed by Kulfo. Therefore, these varieties can play a vital role in food self sufficiency and food security of Tigray region and they should be widely distributed to farmers of the testing locations and similar areas of the region

A set of 192 barley genotypes of wide eco-geographic origin were evaluated for flowering time (FT), the major adaptive trait in Ethiopian barleys. Morphological, functional and DArT markers were used to explore trait-marker associations, population structure, genetic diversity and extent of pair-wise linkage disequilibrium (LD). A wide magnitude of variation in FT was detected within and across environments and spanned at least 50–60 days with clear G × E interactions (GEI). The average DArT polymorphism estimated by gene diversity and polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.33 and 0.27 respectively. Four distinct subpopulations, with one outlying group were identified which indicated that the populations were structured. The genome-wide LD extended up to 25 cM, with extensive variation at chromosome level. Markers associated with FT were found close to known QTLs for FT such as VRN-H1, VRN-H3, Ppd-H1, Ppd-H2 and earliness per se (Eps-2S), but also in regions known for FT-like and CO-like genes working under short days. In some QTLs the magnitudes and directions of the effects varied with environments. It is proposed that genes conditioning tolerance to drought and/or waterlogging interact with FT genes and modify the phenotype. A non-random association of alleles on different chromosomes—vrs1 (2H), BYDV resistance (3H) and srh (5H) associated with altitude and FT indicated a co-adapted gene complex. A set of 95 genotypes were selected to represent the Ethiopian section of the Barley Core Collection.

Barley is one of the most important cereal crops grown for the livelihoods of the poor farmers of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. As many low input and marginal environments it has benefited less from the yield increases achieved by modern breeding. This has been largely attributed due to genotype × environment intraction (GEI). To investigate the causes of GEI, ten barley varieties including local checks (two farmers developed varieties, four modern varieties and three rare local varieties) were tested over 21 environments. Participatory methods were applied to sample an adequate number of environments spanning the regional diversity. The yielding ability and stability of the varieties was graphically depicted by GGE and PLSR biplot. There were two major groups of environments, the central and northern highlands, the latter with less rainfall and poorer soils. Rainfall per month and total nitrogen level were the environmental variables that differentiated these two groups. In Tigray, rainfall in June and July were negatively correlated with yield, reflecting waterlogging problems. The different varieties were either specifically or widely adapted across the two environments. The variety ‘Himblil’, originating in Tigray, was the highest yielding and also most stable in the region of origin. However, it was inferior to improved varieties (Shege and Dimtu) at high yield levels. The association of earliness with grain yield indicates that the trait can be effectively manipulated within the existing materials. We recommend breeding for drought/water logging resistance based on selection in the target environment as the best strategy to provide stable and high yielding varieties for Tigray.

Farmers' innovation and selection of barley varieties were studied in the Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia. Two districts each in the central and southern zones and three districts in the eastern zone of Tigray were randomly selected for this study, which sought to understand the current status of local barley varieties and to measure their relative preference by farmers. Household surveys were conducted covering 240 households to elicit farmers' views on the values, constraints, and opportunities of growing local varieties of barley. This was supported by focus-group and informal discussions with elders, key informants, and women's groups. Case studies were made of local farmers whom the community recognized as barley breeders. Twenty-four barley varieties and their major descriptors were recorded. Seed and varietal-selection criteria depended on the environmental and varietal characteristics. Investigation of intrahousehold decision making indicated that, while men tended to decide on the type of variety to grow, seed storage and processing were exclusively the responsibility of women. Farmers undertook preharvest and postharvest selection, giving emphasis mainly to earliness and spike characteristics. The distinct varietal-selection and seed-renewal procedures revealed their potential for use in further plant breeding. The case-study analysis of farmer-developed varieties provided knowledge that, if combined with scientists' knowledge, could lead to identification and development of valuable cultivars with a wide potential for use in semiarid areas of Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts were enumerated and identified from naturally fermented buttermilk. Isolates were first subjected to chemical tests and then to molecular characterization. Molecular identification involved pure sequencing of 16s rRNA (LAB) and 18s rRNA (yeast) genes. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) was used for detection of microbiota composition. Eighty-five LAB and 26 yeast isolates obtained from 16 small-scale dairy farms were isolated and identified. The microbial composition was dominated by strains of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Molecular techniques enabled not only genetic confirmation but also detection of some uncultivated strains. The presence of diverse strains of LAB and yeasts in NFB indicated a potential for development of different starter cultures to make new dairy products.

Majority of the Ethiopian population are dependent on tef ( Eragrostis tef ( Zucc ) trotter) flour to make injera, a staple food in Ethiopia, although injera could be made from different cereals. The price of tef, however, is high and the yield potential of the crop is low. Thus, searching for alternative cheaper grains and developing a blend of different cereal flours that can produce injera of acceptable quality and improved nutritional value would be important. This study was conducted to evaluate the sensory quality of injera made from a blend of different cereals (Tef, barley, sorghum and maize) with differing ratios: 100, 75, 50 and 25%. The sensory evaluation of injera was conducted at Mekelle University in a replicated trial. The results revealed significant differences among the cereal flour blends in injera texture, mouth feeling, suppleness and overall rate, while colour, taste and the appearance of injera surface gas holes were non- significant. Injera made from 100% tef flour got the highest preference rank in terms of the texture, mouth feeling, suppleness and overall ratings. Injera made from 50:50 tef + barley blend was the second best in both texture and suppleness followed by 50:50 tef + sorghum, 50: 50 tef + maize blends and tef + barley + sorghum blend of equal ratio. Similarly, results from blend of tef + barley + maize, tef + sorgum + maize and from the four varietal blends in equal ratios produced very good injera quality. From the study results injera quality ranked next to sole tef (tef + barley, tef + sorghum, tef + maize in 50:50 blends and tef + barley + sorghum in equal ratios) could be used as an alternative option for injera utilization and could provide nutritional and dietary benefits to consumers. Keywords : Sensory attributes, Injera quality, cereal flour blends, Tef, Ethiopia.

Haricot bean is an important source of protein, calories and cash for small holder farmers of Ethiopia. Five genotypes of haricot bean were grown with and without phosphorous fertilizer application, under irrigation and rain fed growing conditions in randomized complete block design with three replications in three locations of the Tigray and Afar regional states, northern Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to examine the performance and select the best and well adapted varieties, as well as to determine the role of phosphorus on yield response of varieties and on root nodulation. Varieties like Awash-1 and Mexican-142 were better in terms of earliness to maturity. Variety Chore exhibits high mean grain yield (24.5 qt/ha under irrigation and 19.6 qt/ha under rainfed) followed by Awash-Melka (20.7qt/ha under irrigation and 19 qt/ha under rainfed). Phosphorus application did not significantly affect various parameters examined and its effect was erratic and inconsistent. Significant variations were observed among haricot bean varieties for number of nodules per plant. It is recommended to grow early maturing varieties Awash-1 and Mexican 142 under rain-fed and the intermediate to late maturing and better yielding varieties such as Awash-Melka and Chore under irrigation. Keywords : Haricot bean varieties, Fertilizer-P, growing season, Northern Ethiopia.

Ten genotypes were tested for their adaptability study at five wheat growing areas of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. The elite varieties were arranged in RCB design with three replications. Data on grain yield was taken and subjected in to analysis of variance using Genstat 12 statistical software. Univariate stability analysis was also computed using different stability models. The combined analysis of variance showed that there were significant variations among genotypes, locations and their interaction. Based on grain yield, Mekelle-03 (3.24 t/ha) and FRET1 (3.15 t/ha) had scored the highest yield, while the local check yielded the least (2.35 t/ha). With respect to the univariate stability parameters, the different models identified the stability performance of the varieties. Based on the overall rank sum of stability parameters, the local check, M20ESWYT-46, Picaflor and FRET1were the most stable varieties, while HAR-1668, HAR-2501 and JEFERSON the least stable once. Since the tested varieties had shown differential yield responses across the environments, it is concluded that varietal recommendation should be based not only on overall mean yield, but also on their stability performance.

Maintaining on-farm diversity of crop varieties has received increasing attention as a strategy for mitigating production risk and protecting food security in resource-poor farming systems with few opportunities for insurance or trade. Barley is grown under a wide range of environmental conditions and in marginal areas or seasons where the production of other cereals is limited. Food consumption preferences and variable tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses influence the mixture and number of varieties to be grown. Phenotypic diversity was determined using Shannon diversity index. An econometric approach has been applied to identify the social and economic factors that influence levels of diversity maintained on-farm. A high phenotypic diversity index (0.79) was recorded from sampled barley varieties. Censored regression indicates that physical characteristics of the farm (land fragmentation index, farm size), agro climatic features of the site (altitude, rainfall, temperature) and household characteristics (only number of children) had a significant and positive impact on diversity and area allocation of barley. The significant negative relation of number of extension contact with barley diversity implies further attention and analysis. Key words: On farm diversity, Determinants of diversity, On farm conservation, Diversity index

The understanding of the interactive effects of abiotic stresses is a crucial issue for improving cereal production in arid environment. For this reason, study was conducted in northern Ethiopia, Tigray region in three sites characterized by different climatic conditions during the cropping season of 2009/10 to understand the agronomic responses of the barley crop to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization rates combined with supplementary irrigation. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers were applied under three water regimes to 'Sasa' barley variety using split - split plot design with three replications where the sites were treated as a main plot, water regimes assigned to the sub-plot and N and P fertilizers to the sub-subplot. fertilizers and sites had significant (p