Abstract:Soybean is one of the most important economic crops as a source of protein and oil. Biotic stresses such as pathogens, insects and weeds can cause negative impacts on its production. Among the diseases, Asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Sydow. & Sydow.) is the most destructive, and over 80% losses are common when environmental conditions are conducive to disease development. To date, six race-specific resistance genes have been identified in plant introductions. However, races of P. pachyrhizi able to overcome the resistance conferred by these genes have evolved. Due to the limited availability of resistant varieties, fungicide application is the only management tool available for farmers, which significantly raises the production cost and the risk of environmental and human contamination. Thus, the transfer of resistance genes through classical breeding followed by marker-assisted selection allows the development of resistant varieties and their use as an efficient and cost-effective method for controlling soybean rust.
Keywords:Asian soybean rust; Phakopsora pachyrhizi; Soybean; Glycine max; Genetic resistance; Rpp gene.

Abstract:This investigation were undertake in order to evaluate the association of characters and path coefficient analysis on seed yield and yield contributing traits in Ethiopian mustard planted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center during the 2017/18 main cropping season.. The correlation analysis showed seed yield per plot was highly significant and positively correlated with oil yield, biomass per plot, harvest index, plant height and thousand seed weight. In contrast, seed yield per plot was negatively correlated with number of pod per plant (rph= -0.294,rg= 0.473)both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Character association analysis among oil yield at phenotypic and genotypic level highly significant (p<0.001) and positively correlated with seed yield per plot, thousand seed weight, harvest index, seed per pod, seed yield per plant and oil content. The path analysis indicated the higher magnitude positive direct effect at phenotypic and geneotypic level on seed yield per plot was exerted by biomass per plot, harvest index and thousand seed weight. This showed those traits can be used as an indirect selection criteria to improve Ethiopian mustrard since the traits have strong positive correlation with seed yield per plot.
Keywords:selection index, association among traits.

Abstract:This study was carried out to analyze indigenous knowledge practices of conservation agriculture employed by farmers in some district of Ethiopia. A total of 121 farmers were randomly selected from three district of Ethiopia Oromia regional state. Questionnaire and FGD interview were used to obtain information from the respondents. Descriptive statics and Chi Square test were used to analyze data collected. Results showed that 25.6% of respondents agree climate change affects the crop production 20.7% reported that shortage of farm land was serious problem and 19.8% of the respondents are in agreement that deterioration of soil fertility was problem of the farming systems. 92.67 % of the respondent was applied inorganic fertilizer 84.3% of the respondents use organic fertilizers like FYM (farm Yard Manure) and Compost. Chi-square test also shows that there is significant difference (χ2=54.233a, p=0.000) between farmers exercising fallowing but there is no significant difference (χ2=2.983 a, p=0.668) in using placing of crop residue on farm plot. the most widely used forms of organic fertilizers are manure, house hold garbage and humus because of  lack of capacity to buy inorganic fertilizer 86.1% of the respondents confirmed that highly inclined to use their own indigenous knowledge of fertility maintaining mechanisms. 13.1% of the respondents appeared to be indifferent. Chi-square test also shows that there is significant difference (χ2=65.463a, p=0.000) between farmers adopting indigenous knowledge of applying compost on farm lands. Therefore before adopting such indigenous knowledge, integrating it into development programs, practices need to be examined for their appropriateness just as any other technology. It is very clear that there is much to be learned from the indigenous knowledge systems of local people. The recommendation for Ethiopian farming system all the academics, policy makers, development partners should pay greater attention to this very useful wealth of knowledge that is in jeopardy by disappearance.
Keywords:Indigenous knowledge, Conservation agriculture.

Abstract:This study was aimed to evaluate the chemical compositions of canola varieties in Ethiopia to generate baseline information for breeders, nutritionists, manufacturers and food service providers so that they will be able to choose the appropriate variety for their own purpose based on their chemical compositions. Three canola  seeds used for Physico-chemical study and extraction of oil were collected from Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. The  seeds were sun-dried, milled and stored at 4 ^oC until needed for analysis. Oil from each sample was exhaustively extracted with a Soxtec^TM 800 apparatus using hexane (boiling point range 40-60 ^oC) as the extractant. The protein and oil content of these varieties was found to be in the ranges of  20.02- 22.92 % and 41.97-46.63 % respectively.Dodgarhas significantly higher protein content followed by Belindaand Axanhas significantly higher oil content among all varieties followed by Belinda. The residual oil obtained was characterized by investigating Physico-chemical parameters and results show that the extracted oils was liquid at room temperature, have average density (0.95-0.97), Refractive index(1.367-1.447), acid value (2.05-2.24), saponification value (175.2-182.8), iodine value (99.00-101.36), peroxide value (4.93 - 5.70). All varieties generally showed an appreciable amount of all the omega fatty acids (omega-3,-6, -9) but is specifically rich in omega-9 fatty acid with 61.48 to 62.11% oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids with PUFA/SFA ratio between in the ranges of 2.94(Belinda) – 3.08(Dodgar) which in general, meets the requirement set by WHO/FAO to be greater than 0.4.This result of analysis confirms the standard specification and reveals that the extracted oil has good quality for consumption as well as industrial purposes and commercial applications.
Keywords:Canola oil, Physico-chemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, Quality, Varieties.

Abstract:Parthenium weed is an annual herb in the family Asteraceae which is characterized by deep tap root, pale green leaves and an erect stem that becomes woody gradually.The aim of this review wasto identify the distribution,impacts and the possible management practices against Parthenium hystrophorus L.in Ethiopia.Parthenium hystrophorusL.is one of the invasive weed species invading the natural ecosystem in Ethiopia as well as many countries of the world.The weed can tolerate wide ecological range;occur in diverse habitats,on wide range of soils and grow throughout the year provided adequate moisture,temperature and sunlight are available.A large area in Ethiopia has also been invaded and invasions by these weed are expected to change the natural diversity and balance of ecological communities in the country.Before encroaching onto native vegetation, these aggressive environmental weed generally takeover disturbed areas.Thus the survival of many indigenous plants may be threatened. Apart from this these alien weed species can disrupt waterways,produce allergies,adversely affect human and animal health,livestock production and reduce aesthetic values.This weed is capable of displacing other desirable plant species in many habitats and had impacts forests due to its allopathic effects which can reduce germination of neighboring plants.Its establishment in pasture and grazing landcompetesthe valuable plant species for livestock. Parthenium can cause heavy yield reductions in many crops.Therefore,these weed is increasingly seen as a threat not only to biodiversity and ecosystem services, but also hazard to human and animal health.Mechanical,physical,chemical,cultural methods and biological control methods were the most commonlypractices in Ethiopia.Zygogrammabicolorata and Listronotussetosipennis most commonly used bio control agents in Ethiopia that were reared under green house at Ambo plant protection research center but Zygogrammabicolorata was released to naturally infested field at Eastern part of the country.Therefore,sustainable long term management strategies should include prevention, use of replacement competitive plants in newly infested and insect bio-agents in severely infested areas. In grazing and pasturelands as well as in low infested forests and non-crop areas, integrated use of herbicides as well as rehabilitation with useful plant species has to be developed. To contain the further spread and soil seed bank buildup for future infestation these weeds should be utilized for mulching, composting, residue incorporation in crop fields and production of biogas etc. Besides,extensive mass awareness and community campaign especially to uproot Parthenium and its safe disposal among the stakeholders needs be conducted.
Keywords:Control,impact,Parthenium hystrophorus L.,weed.

Abstract:Common bean is the most important major food legume which is used either as a source of protein for local consumption or as an export crop for income generating in Ethiopia. The purpose of the present study was to profile, to quantify and to identify the best nutritional value of common bean varieties that grow under Ethiopian agro ecology. Twenty three varieties of common bean were evaluated for this study. The 100 seed weight ranged between 18.03g (Sari-I)- 51.47g (Hirna) and statically they showed  significant difference at  P <0.05.The longer cooking time was taken by Babile and Batagoni with the value of 74.67 and 93.00 min respectively  and the lowest cooking time was taken by Ecab-0081and Fedis with the same value of 29.00min and statically they also showed significant difference at P<0.05.The proximate compositions were varied from 9.33% (Gobirasha) to 10.61% (Ayenew), from 3.52% (Beshbesh) to 4.70% (Omo-95) ,from 0.84% (Sari-I)  to 2.86% (Hundane) ,from  4.40% (Beshbesh) to 8.89% (Ufanzik) ,from 18.62% (Gobirasha) to 25.98 (Tinike) ,from 58.21% (hundane) to 66.36% (Gobirasha) for  moisture ,total ash ,crude fat, crude fiber, total protein and total carbohydrate respectively. The highest food energy of Ramadan was found to  be the lowest with the value of 314.75Kcal/g and the highest for Hirna (336.42Kcal/g) and showed statistically significant different at P<0.05.The phytate concentrations were ranged from 124.63 to 217.44 mg/100g with this value the highest phytate concentration was recorded by SER-119 and the least was noticed by Babile.The mineral compositions were ranged from 612.95(SER-125) to 1488.65mg/100g(Red Wolaita),from 0.18(Ufanzik) to 6.21mg/100g(Red Wolaita), from 18.3(Gobirasha) to 55.62mg/100g(Red wolaita),from 193.71(Ufanzik) to 423.84mg/100g(SER-119), from 4.63(Ufanzik) to 44.51mg/100g(Lehode),from non-detectable (ND) by the instrument (for Waju and Ufanzik) to detectable concentration of 8.58mg/100g (Red Wolaita) and from 0.05 (Ufanzik) to 0.48mg/100g (Babile) for Phosphorous(P), Sodium(Na) ,Magnesium(Mg) ,Potassium (K),Calcium(Ca) ,Iron(Fe) and Zinc(Zn) content respectively.
Keywords:Common Bean Varieties; Proximate Composition; Mineral Content; Phytate Content; Food Energy.

Abstract:Different researches showed that contamination of heavy metals in soil has become more and more serious, which affects Both soil fertility degradation and detrimental to human health through food chain causing adverse effects on human health. The concentration of metals beyond Maximum Permissible Level (MCL) leads to number of nervous, cardiovascular, renal, neurological impairment as well as bone diseases and several other health disorders and also computed the macronutrient in the human body. Due to these it needs more attention towards the contamination area using either prevention or minimizing methods of the source of contamination. Different researches mentioned different remediation techniques which involve phytoremediation, lime, phosphates, and different biochar materials. Remediation mechanisms basically consist of two fundamental principles. The first is to completely remove contaminations from polluted area and the second is to transform these pollutants to harmless forms. The application of Biochar in soil makes dual purpose which ameliorating soil fertility and remediated heavy metal due to the content of different physicochemical properties. So in this paper, including source of heavy metal, effect of heavy metal in human, plant growth and soil microorganism and  remediation technique of contaminated soil, reaction of biochar in soil and application of biochar in soil quality were discussed. Therefore this is particular importance as it indicates the value of biochar as alternative remediation and amendments to ameliorate soil nutrient and acid soils for small-scale farmers who cannot afford to regularly purchase lime and mineral fertilizers as compared to phytoremediation techniques. But phytoremediation wide scope of area use of plants to partially or substantially remediate selected contaminants in contaminated soil, sludge, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and wastewater.
Keywords:contaminated soil, Heavy metal, remediation, biochar, phytoremediation.