Research Article
Demonstration of Local Honeybee Flora “Mentesie” (Becium grandflorum) Propagation Techniques in Wag - Himra Zone, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
162-168
Received:
13 August 2024
Accepted:
3 September 2024
Published:
12 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20241206.11
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Abstract: The demonstration of local honeybee flora "Mentesie" (Becium grandiflorum) propagation techniques was carried out over two rainy seasons in the Gazgibla district, Debreweyla watershed closure area of the Northeastern Amhara region. The shrub has numerous benefits for the community, including honey production, fuel use, and soil and water conservation. However, it has been gradually declining. To preserve these valuable shrubs, various propagation techniques were tested. The objectives of the experiment were to demonstrate the propagation techniques of Becium grandiflorum to beekeepers and to generate wider demand for its plantation among beekeepers and extension workers. The experiment compared two selected propagation techniques with local farmers’ traditional planting practices, under the guidance of forestry researchers. The treatments included seeds and cuttings. Seeds were collected from mature fruits, and cuttings were taken early in the morning from natural, mature, young, and healthy mother plants at a height of 40 cm during 2020/21. These materials were packed in perforated polyethylene bags. The average mean of flower numbers, branch numbers, and canopy cover for the enhanced propagation techniques (seedlings with pots) were 4107, 21.81, and 92.5, respectively. These values were higher than those for the comparative propagation technique, which had flower numbers of 2462, branch numbers of 19.4, and a canopy cover of 92.5. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among the propagation techniques in terms of canopy cover, height, number of flowers, and branches per plant. Farmers recognized the higher flower biomass, canopy cover, and potential for greater plant height of the enhanced techniques, which are beneficial for bee forage and soil and water conservation. Therefore, planting seedlings using pots were found to be the best method for the wider production of B. grandiflorum in its natural growing areas.
Abstract: The demonstration of local honeybee flora "Mentesie" (Becium grandiflorum) propagation techniques was carried out over two rainy seasons in the Gazgibla district, Debreweyla watershed closure area of the Northeastern Amhara region. The shrub has numerous benefits for the community, including honey production, fuel use, and soil and water conservati...
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Research Article
Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Thirteen (13) Promising Cassava Varieties to Diseases (Viruses-Bacteria) and Pests (Mealybugs-Mites) in Central Côte d’Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
169-180
Received:
29 September 2024
Accepted:
16 October 2024
Published:
12 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20241206.12
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Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a plant with starch-rich roots, plays a crucial role in global food security. For producers, it has become both a subsistence and cash crop. In Côte d’Ivoire, it ranks second among crops after yam. However, cassava is severely affected by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites, and mealybugs, causing yield losses ranging from 20% to 90%. This study was conducted at the Food Crop Research Station (FCRS) of the National Center for Agronomic Research (NCAR) in Bouake in central Côte d’Ivoire. The plant material consisted of thirteen varieties of cassava of the Manihot esculenta species, from the national cassava collection. It aimed to assess the performance of thirteen promising cassava varieties, originating from the national cassava collection, against these diseases and pests under natural infestation conditions. The results revealed that the Yacé variety showed the highest sensitivity to viruses, with an incidence (I) of 96.25% and a severity index (IGS) of 2.8. In contrast, the Yavo variety was the least sensitive, with an incidence of 11.50% and a severity index of 1.3. All varieties studied demonstrated high sensitivity to bacterial blight and mite attacks, with high incidence rates observed in Bocou1 (71.25%) and Bocou3 (68.75%). However, mealybug infestation was relatively low, ranging from 8.75% (Yavo) to 33.75% (Bocou2). Except for mosaic disease, the severity indices for diseases and pests were similar across all varieties.
Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a plant with starch-rich roots, plays a crucial role in global food security. For producers, it has become both a subsistence and cash crop. In Côte d’Ivoire, it ranks second among crops after yam. However, cassava is severely affected by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites, and mealybugs, causing yield losses ranging from ...
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