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Agricultural Research Coordination Service

OROMIYA AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

Bulletin No. 2

THIRTY THREE YEARS OF RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Bako Agricultural Research Center

1 9 6 4 - 1 9 9 7

Editors:Aliye Hussen, Abdissa Gemeda and Geremew e m

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Agricultural Research Coordination Service OROMIYA AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

Bulletin No.2

Published December 1998Oromiya Agricultural Development Bureau P.O.Box 8770,8646 Tel. 158874, 515905 Fax 515905E-mail: research.oadb@telecom.net.et Finfinne, Ethiopia

Correct Citation:Aliye Hussen,Abdissa Gemeda and Geremew Eticha 1998;Thirty Five Years ofResearch Experience:Bako Agricultural Research Center-Bulletine No.2. Oromiya AgriculturalDeveloppment Bureau,Finfinne, Ethiopia.

From the Center Manager

Looking back to the early days, research addressed the interests of academicians, research professionals and donors at the expense of poor farmers. However, with the advent of farming systems research in the last two decades, the line of thinking has been changed. Currently, research is development oriented. It is problem oriented and context based in light of farmers' socio-economic and agro-ecological circumstances.

During the last three and a half decades, Bako Agricultural Research Center had conducted multidisciplinary research programs * within its mandate Agro-ecological Zone (Tepid to cool sub- humid highlands (SH2)) on cereals, legumes, oil crops, horticultural crops, soils and livestock. The center accomplishes these programs organized into different research divisions.The numerous technologies developed and disseminated to the farming communities of the country are witnessed changing living standards of farmers appreciably within the bound of aggressive extension packages underway in the country to day. The center is proud of that and yet committed to face agricultural challenges with farmers in the years to come.This bulletin has been prepared to introduce the center and its research achievements at a glance during the past three and a half decades. These have been possible through relentless efforts of our research personnel, the support staff and sustainable funding provided to us from the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Oromiya Regional Government. On top of these, the center collaborated and continue collaboration with several national and international research and development organizations in order to fully discharge its responsibilities; to whom in a nutshell the center is thankful- Abdisa Gemeda, The Center Manager.

Table of Content

BAKO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER...................... 1

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS................................ 2

ABDISA GEMEDA & GIRMA ABOMA

AGRONOMY AND CROP PHYSIOLOGY......................... 11GtRMA W/tsadik & Dab a FAvrsA

TEF PRODUCTION......................................11SORGHUM PRODUCTION.................................12SOYBEAN PRODUCTION................................. 13HARJCOT BEAN PRODUCTION............................. 13SESAME PRODUCTION.................................. 14GROUND NUT PRODUCTION.............................. 14

ANIMAL FEEDS AND NUTRITION............................. 14Lama Gizachew &Diriba Galeti

RECOMMENDED PASTURE SPECIES......................... 16RECOMMENDED AGRONOMIC PRACTICES.................... 17FORAGE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES........................ 21

ANIMAL HEALTH....................................... 25

TAMrRAT DEGAFA

ANIMAL PRODUCTION....................................26M ulugeta ICebede, Solomon Asegaz and Gizaw Kebede

CATTLE............................................ 26MILK.............................................. 26BEEF.............................................. 28SHEEP..............................................30

CROP IMPROVEMENT..................................... 31

CHEMEDA DABA & TESFAYE BALEMI

CROP PROTECTION...................................... 37

F eklede A b e b e & F ir d isa Itich a

In se c t p e s t c o n t r o l ......................................................................................................................... 37S t o r a g e p e s t s c o n t r o l ...................................................................................................................40D is e a s e c o n t r o l .................................................................................................................................4 0

MAIZE.................................................................................................................................. 43

M o sisa W o r k u and A bd isa G am ad a

C u l t u r a l p r a c t ic e s ......................................................................................................................... 44In sec t p e s t c o n t r o l ......................................................................................................................... 44D is e a s e Co n t r o l ................................................................................................................................ 46M a iz e V a r ie t y D e v e l o p m e n t ......................................................................................................46

HORTICULTURE.........................................47G ir m a A b e r a

HOT PEPPER..........................................48SWEET POTATO....................................... 50POTATO............................................. 51

SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT............................ 51

WAKENE NEGASA

RESEARCH-EXTENSION-FARMER LINKAGE..................... 54

ABUBEKER MUSA

METEOROLOGY:........................................ 58

MANPOWER............................................ 59

BAKO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

Bako Research Center (BRC) is situated at 250 km west of Addis Ababa, on the way to Naqamte. The Center lies between 09°6'N latitude and 37°09'E longitude at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level. The mean annual rain fall is 1210 mm and unimodal in distribution. The rainy period covers April to October. It has a warm humid climate with mean minimum, mean maximum and average temperatures of 13°c, 27°c and 20°c, respectively representing tepid to cool sub-humid highlands (SH2). Sixty percent of the soil is reddish brown nitosols with slightly acidic reaction.

The center is one of the oldest research centers in the country. It was established in 1964 with an agreement signed between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ethiopian government. Until 1968 the research focus of the center was on lowland oil crops. However, with the development of trained man power and facilities, the center broadened its programs covering a range of crops such as maize, sorghum, medium and lowland pulses, highland oil crops, horticultural and forage crops; and livestock such as cattle and sheep.»Numerous technologies have been and are being generated from research done by the center. These technologies are benefiting the farming communities of the mandate agro ecological zones as well as the country as a whole. Improved genotypes of various food & feed crops; and livestock, crop and animal management options, natural resource management systems, socio- economics/f arming systems research results have been some of the achievements of the center.

Moreover, annually more than 100 tones of inproved seeds of different food crops are produced and

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directly supplied to farmers, NGOs and Ethiopian Seed Enterprise as a support to the extension activities and provision of inputs to the farming communities (Tablel2). Similarly, About 200 tones of food and feed grains are also produced by the center.

Over all Objectives

Broad objectives of the center include among others;• Developing high yielding, insect pest and disease resistant/tolerant crop varieties suitable to mid altitude high rainfall areas of West shoa, East and West Wellega and Northern Illu-Ababor• Developing high yielding disease and stress resistant/tolerant livestock breeds through breeding, and improved management options.• Developing natural resource based technologies in soils, water and agro-forestry to improve the utilization and minimize the degradation of natural resources.© Popularizing and disseminating improved technologies to users in collaboration with zonal and district agricultural offices and other concerned parties.

Major Achievements of the center are summarized by research divisions.

Agricultural EconomicsAs a basis for sound agricultural research activities, learning " What farmers know and what they do not know " without undermining farmers is very essential to trap their indigenous knowledge. Here Agricultural Economics Research plays a great role in conducting studies to learn and identify problems and constraints of production and

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productivity of the farming systems by accepting that farmers are rational in decision making. Hence, the ultimate goal of agricultural economics research is efficient and profitable allocation of scarce resources among competing needs of farmers, entrepreneurs or the government under varying levels of constraints. Since its establishment in the early 70s, Agricultural Economics Research Division at Bako Research Center has generated plenty of information that are valuable to the users:

..... Surveys

Survey was conducted around Bako mixed farming systems to assess production problems and system constraints. The following were found to be primary constraints of the agricultural system in that area:

- Shortage of draft power- Peak season labor shortage- Low soil fertility- Low cash Income- Dry Season feed problem- Low genetic potential of local varieties- Prevalence of crop pests, diseases and

weeds- Prevalence of animal diseases and parasites

- Low genetic potential of local cattle breeds

- Unavailability of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs in time and late delivery.

Similarly, survey was conducted in Horo Guduru awraja in order to characterise, understand and describe the farming systems, and identity production constraints and research opportunities.

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The study area could be considered as one target area with three target! gftjups mainly based on traditional climatic zonation: Baddaa 13%, Badda- daree 57%, and Gammoojji 30%.

The topography of the area is generally characterised by hilly, undulating, rolling lands and a number of permanent and temporary rivers and streams. The altitude ranges between 1000 and 2798 meters. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 1400 mm to 2200 mm with the main rainy season being from early May to September. The dominant soil types are clay and red sandy clay soils.

Farming is characterised by mixed crop-livestock production activities. Maize, noug{Guzotia abyssinica), barley, wheat and faba bean are the major crops in terms of both area cultivated and/or production. Cattle, mules, donkeys, sheep and goat, and chicken are important livestock species. Fishing is seasonal and it is practised during Ethiopian winter season by a few farmers.

The top priority objective of the farmers is to have adequate food supply to meet the family's food .demand over year. This is achieved through maximisation of production from both crop and live stock enterprises. The second priority objective of the farmers is generation of income needed to meet the family’s day to day household expenditures and various cash obligations. Crop sales are the major sources of cash income for the farmers. The-major crops sold for cash purposes are noug, tef, and maize. The following were found to be primary constraints of the agricultural system in that area:

-Low soil fertility,-shortage of draft animals -Livestock diseases -Dry season feed shortages -Shortage of labor at peak season

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-Seasonal family food shortage -Shortage of land -Vertebrate pests, and -Poor infrastructure

......Verification of technologies

The performance of on-station generated technologies is verified under the farmers' conditions. To that effect, improved Maize Varieties (BC and KCB) were tested in farmers' field under package development and testing program for five consecutive years. The improved verities on average gave 45.6 qt/ha as compared to the farmers' local variety which gave 14.5 qt/ha. Under the same program, cost of production was also studied and it was found that if the package tested were adopted, a total direct cost of 547.6 birr/ha is required. Out of these, 62% was for labor, 26% for seed and fertilizer, and 12% for oxen. Similarly, it was indicated that from Sweet Potato technologies tested under package development and testing program, the highest yield obtained was 163 qt/ha that was about 69% of the potential yield. To achieve this yield, 2900 labor hours and 148.69 oxen pair hours per hectare were utilized and this accounts to a total direct cost of 93 9.93 birr/ha (5.44 birr/qt) and a net return of 2320.07 birr/ha.

Kulani as the only improved, open pollinated and a highland maize variety gave an intermediate yield (42.90-61.63 qt/ha) (1995/96, Progress Report) compared to other check varieties. Hybrid maize BH-660 variety gave higher yield than any other previously released varieties. Verification of BH-140 showed that though it is low yielding as compared to BH-540 and BH-660, its earliness in maturity was found to be advantageous to farmers.

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.On-farm research

In solving farmers' chronic seasonal food shortage during hungry months of July and August in Bako area, on-farm research of early maturing maize variety showed farmers' keen interest to adopt Gutto to alleviate their seasonal food shortage. Gutto is earlier by three weeks over local early variety, Saffi.

In order to validate advantages of recommended hand weedings and herbicides in maize over the farmers practice, the technology was verified on- farm. The result indicated that the recommended hand weeding had no advantage in all cases over the farmers practice. On the other hand, a herbicide verification experiment comparing two herbicides (Primagram and Gesaprim) with the farmers' weeding practices in maize was conducted. There was no yield difference between treatments. The herbicides scored more than 70% mean general weed control efficiency at early stages. Primagram and Gesaprim saved 380 and 3 55 labor hours per hectare required for maize weeding respectively, compared to the farmers' weeding practices. From the economic analysis Gesaprim {4 liter active ingredient per hectare) was recommended for weed control in maize.

..... Low Soil Fertility Problems

The problem of low soil fertility is well recognized in most farming systems to significantly limit productivity. To overcome this problem, on-station fertilizer recommendations were made for different crops at various locations by regional and national research centers. In addition, there were also blanket fertilizer recommendations by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).

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However, these recommendations were either not developed under farmers' conditions nor their economic feasibility were studied. Hence, To determine the economics of fertilizer use in maize production under small scale farmers' conditions, on-farm tests were done. As a result, 100/50 kg/ha N/p2o5 was recommended for maize, as opposed to the earlier Bako research center recommendation of 75/33 kg/ha of N/P and the MOA blanket recommendations of 41/20 N/P kg/ha.

......Addressing Dry Season Feed Shortage

During the dry season lack of feed is one of the major constraints for livestock production which results in decline of oxen traction capacity and hence reduced area cultivated, delayed seed bed preparation and late planting. Moreover, it increases calf mortality, animals loose weight and reduced milk yield. One promising solution is to grow forage crops as feed for livestock during dry seasons.

On-farm experiment was conducted around Bako research center, on producers cooperative farms, with the objective of addressing this problem by establishing forage crops in maize fields as an inter crop. In this experiment an effort was made to avoid competition for farmers' scarce resources with other crops in establishing forages; the only resources required were forage seeds and labor for broadcasting it. The fear was that farmers give priority to food and cash crops in allocating their scarce resources of labor and cash. The result indicated that inter cropping of the two forage crops, Rhodes grass (Chloris guayana) and Desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) did not affect maize grain yield and successfully established at all sites. The mean dry matter yield for the succeeding years were 14 and 9 t/ha for Rhodes and Desmodium respectively. The practice saved 114

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that their own seed is degenerating, they will be able to purchase new seed. Currently, even though, "Guto" is not in the government's seed distribution program, the supply is not adequate enough to meet the ever growing demand.

Farmers' assessments of herbicide use in controlling weeds in maize production indicated that 13 out of 14 farmers involved in herbicide trials expressed interest in herbicide use in the future. However following the completion of the trials herbicides were not made available to the farmers and hence they were not able to use them.

The results of an adoption study conducted around Bako on maize production practices indicated that only 34% of the farmers used fertilizer in 1989 for maize production. Farmers' limited cash income and the inefficient fertilizer distribution system (Characterized by unavailability and untimely delivery, limited quantity and type of fertilizer) were the main reasons given by the sample farmers for not using fertilizer and its low rates.

The farmers' assessments for forage crops establishment through inter cropping also indicated that the technology can be easily practiced. Farmers showed their interest by feeding the forage crops to oxen and calves. The technology was especially appreciated in sites where farmers (Producer cooperative farms) have started dairy farming and have already started growing cultivated pasture in pure stand. However, after the trial was completed and recommendation made, the technology was not adopted by farmers. This was mainly because of abolition of the producer cooperative farms and also the fact that the transfer of technology was not made to the small farmers.

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The inter cropping of haricot bean with maize was also appreciated by farmers. However, the farmers in Bako area are still practicing sole maize cropping in their main fields as the technology is not transferred to the farmers. However, even the farmers involved in the on-farm trial did not adopt the technology because of wild animals. Thus, if inter cropping is followed only by small farmers their fields will be the main target of wild animals. On the other hand if all the farmers adopt at the same time, damage by wild animals will be reduced. The lack of adoption of this technology by the farmers also indicates the weakness of extension services, especially given the fact that haricot bean seed is available locally.

AGRONOMY AND CROP PHYSIOLOGY

Different experiments on agronomic practices were carried out by the division on a range of crops. Major achievements of the division were; Cultural practices and weed management activities such as planting time, seed rate, weeding methods, inter- and intra- row spacing and planting methods for different crops.

............T EF PRODUCTION

Seed bed preparation: Three to four timesploughing is the recommended seed bed preparation for Tef.

Planting time: Good yield can be obtained fromJuly planting. Delay in sowing after this month results in progressive yield decline.

Seed Rate: Tef is traditionally sown bybroadcasting and this practice is still supported

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by research. 25-30 Kg/ha seed is the recommended rate.

Cultural weed control: Hand weeding once at early tillering stage (20-25 days after planting (d.a.p.)) is adequate if weed population is low. However, if the infestation level is high, second weeding should be done at the stem elongation stage (50-55 d.a.p.)

Chemical weed control: Whenever weeds which could not be removed by hand exist in tef field, the use of herbicides is necessary. Pre-planting herbicide {Gesaten 500 FW at a dosage of 1 kg a.i./ha) should be applied one to two weeks before planting. The post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D and MCPA at a dosage of 1.2 and 1 kg/ha a.i respectively) should be applied at early tillering, four to five weeks after sowing.

....SORGHUM PRODUCTIONSowing date; Sowing date must be carefully planned in order to harvest the crop in good time. Late sowing causes high yield reduction because of moisture stress. Sowing date for sorghum varies depending on the altitude of the' area. May 1-30 is the optimum time of sowing for Bako and areas with similar agroecology.

Seed Rate: The recommended seed rate is 8-10kg/ha in a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants which will give a population of 88,888 plants/ha.

Weed Control: In sorghum, two hand weedings, 25-30 and 55-60 days after planting was recommended. It is also possible to control weeds using chemicals, atrazine and its mixiture with metolachlor at the rate of 1.75-2 kg/ha a.i.

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SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Sowing date: Soybean is very susceptible todrought. Hence sowing must be done early. The optimum sowing date for Bako and similar areas is from June 9 to July 30. For Anger-Gutin it can be sown from June 15 to.June 30.

Seed rate: Sixty kilograms/ha is the recommended seed rate in a spacing of 60 cm between rows and5 cm between plants, which gives a plant density of 33,320 plants/ha.

..............HARICOT BEAN PRODUCTION

Planting Date: The optimum planting time forharicot bean is late June to early July. Delayed sowing decreases yield. Higher yield can be obtained from row planting than broadcasting. Row- planting renders better weed control and convenient for harvesting.

Seed Rate: Seed rate of 60-70 kg/ha can be used for haricot bean in a spacing of 40 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants which gives a plant population of 500,000 plants/ha.

Weed Control: Haricot bean is poor in competing with weeds, especially at their early stage. The crop requires at least one weeding at. the stage of 30-35 days after planting. On the other hand; chemicals could also be used for weed control. A pre-emergence herbicide, Alachlor, can be applied at a rate of 2.0 kg/ha a.i. against broad leaved and grass weeds.

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SESAME PRODUCTIONThe optimum planting time of sesame is mid June around Didessa areas. Five kilograms/ha of seed is the Optimum rate; in a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 5 cm between rows to achieve plant density of 250,000 plants/ha.

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Sesame does not withstand weed competition, especially during the early stages of its development. Twice hand weeding at 20-25 and 50-55 days after planting is recommended for good yield.'

.....GROUND NUT PRODUCTIONMid July is the optimum planting time for ground nut. Delaying after this time causes decline in pod yield. Sixty to eighty kilograms/ha is the optimum seed rate. Optimum plant spacing is 50 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants which results in plant population of 200,000 plants/ha. Weed competition is more severe on ground nut at early stage. Weeding should be carried out no later than four weeks after planting. During weeding, the plant may be earthen up to encourage penetration of pegs into the soil that will form pods at latter stage.

ANIMAL FEEDS AND NUTRITIONForage crops research at Bako research center started in 1971. Since then a number of improved forage crop species that suited to the environmental condition of western Ethiopia have been identified. During these two and a half decades, natural pasture management and improvement strategies, field husbandry for

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herbage and seed production of improved forages, and ruminant livestock feeding packages have also been developed. The division undertakes research in forage agronomy and animal nutrition to address the following major objectives:

Carry out forage introduction and evaluation studies on indigenous and exotic pasture and fodder crop spp.

Undertake inventory and characterization of feed resources of western Ethiopia

Plan and execute economic and applicable techniques of introducing forage crops in the farming system

Device and develop strategies for improving the feeding value of crop residues and agro­industrial by- products through forage legumes supplementation, physical and chemical treatments

Conduct management and improvement studies on native pastures

Carry out agronomic and management studies on dry matter (DM) and seed production of tropical pasture spp.

Execute cooperative, national, regional and international feed resource studies that ave relevance to the agro-ecologies of western Ethiopia'

......ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Forage crops listed below grow and produce reasonable herbage and seed yield in areas receiving more than 1000 mm rainfall at least

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Fertilizer use in forage: As much as possible type and rate of fertilizers to be applied should be determined by soil analysis. However, when fertilizer recommendation are unavailable, 30-60 kg P205/ha can be applied as establishment fertilizer for both grass and legume species. For grasses, at least an additional annual application rate of 50 kg N/ha is required. For best effect, in high rainfall areas the nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in two splits.

Scarification:. Seed coat dormancy (hard seededness) are common in legumes and can be overcome by:

a) Scarifying - Seeds can be scarified by abrasion using sand paper (e.g. Clovers, Stylos, DesmodiLmi, etc.)

b) Hot water treatment: The seeds can be immersed in boiling water for not more than two minutes (e.g. Leucaena)

Seed inoculation: Dusting - where the inoculant is mixed with the seed but not efficient.

Slurry - 10-15% sugar or 40% gum arabicsolution. After smearing the inoculant on the seeds dry under shade. Keep the cell with the seed.

Seed pelleting- In case of soil acidity rhizobium will die. So coat the inoculated seeds.

Seed rates: The quality and size of the seed, the fertility status of the soil, the purpose of the crop (herbage or seed), pattern of planting all influence seed rate. For instance, in seed crop one has to sow double of the rate used for herbage production. Similarly, lower rates are required for high quality seeds and row planted crops.

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For more practical purpose herbaceous forages can be planted in the following densities:

Small seeded (e.g. Stylo)- 10 kg/ha

Medium seeded (e.g. Vetch and Macrotyloma)- 15-25 kg/ha

Large seeded (e.g. Dolichos)- 35-40 kg/ha For browses, 1 X 0.5 and 1.5 X 1.0 inter- and intra row spacing can be utilized for narrow and wider canopy groups, respectively.

Time of sowing: Always start planting at a time when the rainfall stabilizes. Early planting will enable the crop to take the full advantage of the main rainy season.

Mode of planting: Broadcasting and row plantingare the two modes of plantings used in forage crops. Mode of planting is largely the function of the architecture of the crop. Browses, vigorously sprawling herbaceous legumes (e.g. stylo) and tussock forming grasses (e.g. Panicum) are more suited for row planting. Broadcast planting on the other hand, must be employed for twining legumes (e.g. Siratro), less competitive forages (e.g. fine stem stylo) and stoloniferous forages (e.g. Lotononis and Rhodes).

Depth of sowing: As a thumb rule a seed should not be covered by a soil more than its diameter. It is always safer to plant shallow than deep. Animal trampling and rolling following sowing improves the seed soil contact and increases percent germination.

UTILIZATION: In few forage legumes, the quantity at offer and the developmental stage during feeding may pose some health problems to animals.

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But such problems could hardly be encountered if the legumes are made to constitute not more than 30% of the daily diet (DM bases) of the animal. However, if availability is not limiting, most improved forages can be fed to appetite. The most practical way of improved forage utilization is to use them sparingly as a supplement to poor quality forages, say up to 30% inclusion.

Aspects of management: Cutting too low killsPanicum and Cook stylo. One always has to take care not to cut below the growing point. Some species are tolerant to close defoliation. In seed crops, severe cutting affect the days of emergence and number of heads/m2 as compared to lenient cutting. The time of clear cutting must be based on the rainfall distribution. For grasses, after cutting, N should be applied to increase the number of forth coining tillers. Above ground height of 10-15 cm for erect or semi erect, and 5- 10 cm for prostrate species can be taken as a reference. For tree legumes, however, cutting should be made 0.75 m from the ground.

The level of fertilizer is dependent on the type of species (cultivar) and purpose of production (herbage or seed). Apply full rate at the time of clearing if it is for seed production. Any delay will reduce seed yield. Experimental or production plots should always be kept free of weeds. Hoeing or slashing, or using herbicides could control weeds. To date quite a number of selective pre- and post-emergence herbicides are available■ for controlling forage weeds. Good seed bed and early planting will minimize weed infestation at the most critical growth stage of the crop. At the latter stage of growth, weeds are normally smothered by the crop canopy.

Provision of supporting structures: Growing oftwining legumes such as Centrosema pubeacens,

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vetches, Siratro, etc. on trellises leads to increased seed production.

Harvesting time for forage: Harvest when 50 to 75% of the plants flower.

Optimum time for seed harvest: Observe the colour change or squeeze with your fingers or bite it •with your teeth. Harvesting could be done by sickle, plucking and shaking. Seeds have to be harvested as soon as they are ready for harvest. Any further delay causes shattering loss and insect and disease damage.

Seed drying: After harvest, seeds have to be sweat to complete maturity and facilitate easy dropping of seeds. Seed drying can be natural or artificial. The seed drying temperature should not exceed 35-40°C and the moisture lost in 24 hours should not be above 5%. As the temperature in open air exceeds 40°C, direct sun drying is dangerous because it causes seed cracking. Shade drying is preferable but use raised drying containers so as to allow free air movement underneath. Care must also be taken not to dry seeds on metal sheets for seed on such materials could quickly be damaged by heat.

Seed storage: Ideal seed stores should fulfill the following conditions:

Cool, low humidityInsulated with reflective buildings Long axis of the building should face N-S direction and air conditioned

............FORAGE PRODUCTION STRA TEG IESImproved forage crops are high in essentialnutrients and DM production potential. On-farmforage development programs at farm level requiresa number of inputs such as: land, labor,

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fertilizer, etc. whose relative abundance vary from household to household. There are, however, quite a number of options available for farmers of different resource endowment. Few are given below.

Fig 2. One year old Leucaena Pallida fodder bank

Pure/mixed stand: If resources are not limitingimproved forage crops can more successfully be grown in pure stand or in a mixture of one or more forage species. For Bako and other areas with

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similar environmental conditions, Rhodes/Cook stylo, Rhodes/Siratro and Molasses/Cook stylo are the most promising grass-legume mixtures.

Strip planting/over sowing: of improved legumes in natural pasture: Establishing forage legumes on cultivated strips and on burnt pasture land demands comparatively less input and is appropriate for resource poor fazrners . This could be done in the immediate vicinity of the house and/or stock exclusion areas. Ten Stylosanthes, one Macroptilium, one Desmodium, one Macrotyloma and one Cajanus cajan lines were found to be suitable for the improvement of natural pasture of Bako area. Similarily, oversowing of Cook stylo on burnt natural pasture, dramatically improved pasture DM yield and average daily gain of cattle.

Undersowing: D.unicenatum and S.guianensis and the mixture of these legumes with Rhodes grass are capable of establishing when undersown in maize. These legumes have desirable characteristics such as deep rooting, persistency, high herbage yield

and improving soil fertility and negligible or no negative effect on the grain yield of maize.

Alley cropping/live fence/ shelter belt: Foragetrees or shrubs can be established in alternated strips with food crops or single/double lines around homestead and field boundaries to fulfill farmers' need for fodder, fuel wood, erosion control and improvement of the associated crop yield. Leucaena and Sesbania are the most ideal candidate species identified for these purposes.

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ANIMAL HEALTHDetermination of the serum biochemical components of animals helps to identify normal values for these components as a baseline data and to give clue for supplementation of crossbred animals. Furthermore the level of the biochemical components can be used as normal values in further examination, especially for estimating the changes in sick, animals, correct diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Along this line, the work done revealed that the quantities of alkaline reserves, total protein, total lipids, calcium and urea were all high in Horro, Boran and their FI crosses with Jersey, Friesian and Simmental. But the inorganic phosphorus uniformly decreased in all FI generations.

The seasonal dynamics of ticks indicate that animals are almost stressed with heavy tick burden of different species at different time through out the year around Bako and its surroundings. The test for acaricide resistance check revealed that the larvae of B .decoloratus was resistant to toxaphene and lindane where as R .e evertsi and A.vargatium were relatively susceptible to all chemicals: toxaphene, lindane, dieldrin,coumaphos, dioxathion. Organochlorine resistance is well established at Bako and this accounts for the irrational use of acaricide and complete dependence on certain chemicals.

At Bako Agricultural Research center, the retrospective analysis of reproductive wastage i.e. 95% abortion of late pregnancy, infertility, retained placenta and hygromatous lesion in crossbred and local cows indicated that the higher rate of abortion was caused by Brucellosis. The

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incidence of the disease was higher for older cows.

Among gastrointestinal helminth J/aemonchus contortus, Paramphistomum spp, Oesophagostomum and Moniezia spp were observed in high quantities in Bako area. H. contortus was of prime importance in Bako area with infection rate of 96%. There were significant seasonal variations in relation to prevalence and worm burden of this helminth.

In the control of gastrointestinal helminths in Horro sheep, drenching coupled with supplementation and supplementation alone improved the average daily weight gain during the wet season. In the dry season-the non drenched and the non supplemented animals lost weight.

ANIMAL PRODUCTION.... CATTLE

The cattle population of the Western Oromiya (Illu-Ababor, Jima, West shoa, West Wollega and East Wollega) is estimated to be about 5.4 million and this accounts for about 18.1% of the cattle population in the country and 40.4% of the cattle population in the Oromiya regional state (CSA, 1995) . The productivity of cattle in the region is low both in terms of milk and meat. Due to this, a long term crossbreeding research program and associated management studies aimed at improving milk yield and meat productions were launched.

.... MILKCattle milk research at Bako was started in 1966 with appraisal of the characteristics and production potentials of Horro cattle. Measurements over a number of lactation showed

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that production to be not more than 600 liters of milk per lactation, even under relatively improved management condition. This low level of milk production, in the Horro and other indigenous breeds led to a long term cross breeding research program, aimed at providing guide lines for dairy breeding policy. At Bako, Horro and Boran local breeds were crossed with three exotic breeds (Friesian, Jersey and Simmental). Comparison was made with another location, Holeta, a cool highland. The effects of sire and dam breed and genotype X environment interactions were assessed from contemporary comparisons among indigenous and FI, F2 and three-quarter exotic crossbreed genotypes. The results showed that Friesian and Jersey FI crosses (50% exotic blood level) are appropriate for dairy production under Oromiya conditions.

Average milk yield of FI (50%) crossbreeds on-farm was about 1229.0 liter per a lactation period of 279 days and 1672 liter on station for a lactation period of 344 days. But local animals produced only 0.4 to 0.8 liter per day per cow for a lactation length of 210 days on farm and 2.41 liter per day per lactation period of 230 days on center. Additional study on animals with 25% exotic blood showed that these animals can yield nearly twice as much as the pure zebu dams.Under conditions where FI animals are mated with local animals 25% crosses are an avoidable and can best be used by resource poor farmers.

In association with the crossbreeding programs, there have been investigations of management aspects of calf rearing, milking, and milk production responses to nutritional inputs.

27

Figure 3.FI cross bred cattle under on-farm situation produces more than 1200 liters of milk around Bako.

............ BEE F

Beef research focused on finishing experiments to increase meat output per local and crossbred animals. Crop residues such as maize stover, forages such as hay and silage given adlibitum plus concentrate mixtures mainly composed of ground maize, noug cake, bone meal and salt can be used as finishing rations.

Determination of the level of concentrate intake required for economic live weight gain generated valuable information for finishing animals. In

28

line with this, Horro cattle fed on supplementary silage, adlib hay and different levels of

Fig. 4 Horo cattle are a focal breed types for improvement of milk and meat at Bako Research center.

concentrates 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kgs/head/dayincreased weight gain with increasing level of concentrate intake up to the 4kg level. The most profitable feeding period is 60 days. With feeding periods extending to 120 days,the level of concentrate/head/day should be reduced to 3kg.

Silage was found to be a better basal feed than hay and local breeds were found to be better in fattening performance than crossbreeds when grazed

29

on natural pasture. But under better feeding live weight gain performance of crossbreeds was much higher than the Horro steers.

................. S H E E P

The sheep population of the Western Oromiya (Illu Ababora, Jima, West shoa, West Wollega and East Wollega) is estimated to be 2 million and this accounts for about 17% of the sheep population of the country and 41% of the sheep population in the Oromiya region. Sheep research was first established at Bako Research Center in 1977.

Fig. 5 Horro sheep are a focal breed types for improvement of meat and general performance at Bako Research Center.

3 0

The Sheep research program at Bako Research Center has found out that the indigenous Horro breed has a high potential for meat production. Given adequate management, they can breed at as early as seven months of age and subsequently at 8 month interval with twinning rates of around 50% in mature ewes. Lamb growth can reach as high as 200 g/day, and mature body weights are approximately 35 kg for ewes and 45-50 kg for rams. This level of performance is superior to some other indigenous breeds in the country {e.g. Menz, Adal, and Blackhead Somali). Management studies have shown that rams have the capability for post weaning growth rates of approximately 150 g/day, which would enable them to reach their mature body weights of 45-50 kg at yearling age.

Studies on reproduction and weaning management, castration, optimum slaughter age, and growth responses to concentrate and forage supplements have been carried out and recommendations are available. The breeding program has also provided adequate data for reliable estimates of genetic parameters for the breed which are currently being appraised as a basis for future breed improvement programs.

CROP IMPROVEMENT

The western region of Ethiopia in general and the Bako area in particular has favorable environmental condition for production of different field crops. Farmers grow maize, sorghum, tef, noug, haricot bean in intermediate altitude and wheat, barley, faba bean and field pea in high land areas. Low land areas are very conducive for the production of sesame and ground nut.

31

Even though, the region has suitable condition for the production of different crops, the regional productivity is less than half of experimental plots. To alleviate this problem, crop improvement work was started in 1960's at the then Bako Research center.

Based on yield performance, wider adaptation and other agronomic characters shown in repeated testings, a number of high yielding varieties of different field crops were released or recommended for Western Oromiya.

Currently, improved varieties of maize sorghum, tef, haricot bean soybean, noug, sesame, groundnut and sunflower are available for Western region. These varieties and their yield potential are indicated in the tables below

Table 1. Improved varieties of tef found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety

Rainfal (mm)

Altitude (m.a.si)

Plantheight(cm) Color

Daystomaturity

yieldonfarmersfield

Dz-cr-37

134-500 1860-2000 67-90 White 82-90 14-16

DZ-cr-44

400-600 1800-2400 85-100 White 125-140

17-22

DZ-01-787

400-700 1800-2500 50-110 Pelewhite

90-130 17-22

DZ-01-354

300-700 1400-2400 53-115 White 85-130 17-22

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Table 2.Improved varieties of sorghum found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety

Maturity(days)

Height(cm)

Color

Disease

Altitude(m.asl)

rainfall(mm)

yield(qt)

Birrmash

140-180

131-238

Red resi­stant

1600-1900 >900 30-69

IS9302

130-180

150-180

Red resi - stant

1600-1900 >900 3 5-50

8 5MW 5334

130-180

140-180

Red resi - stant

1600-1900 >900 40-63

Table 3. Improved varieties of haricot bean found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety Maturity(days)

Color Yield(Qt/ha)

Roba-1 80 - 100 Cream 20 - 24Red Wolaita 90 - 100 Red 10 - 15Brownspeckled

80 - 100 Brown 10 - 16

Black Dessie 90 - 95 Black 18 - 22Mexican-142 75 - 95 White 16 - 20

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Fig. 6 Climbing beans performance at Bako Research Center .

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Table 4. Improved varieties of soybean found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety

Altitude (m.a.si)

Rainfall(mm)

Maturity(days)

Plantht(cm)

yieldqt/ha

Davis 1000-1700

400-500 120-140 44 15-20

Clark63k

1000-1700

400-500 90-120 40 10-15

Coker-240

700-1700 700-1000

121-140 50-70 10-26

Williams

700-1700 400-500 90-120 40 10-15

Table 5. Improved varieties of noug found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety

Seed yield (qt/ha)

Oil (%)

FI F0 FI F0

Sendafa 6 . 9 7.8 39.2 39.1

Fogera 9.0 8.3 39 . 6 39.5

Esete 8.9 8.2 39.6 39.6

Note: FI = with fertilizer FO = with out fertilizer3 5

Table 6. Improved varieties of sesame found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety

Yield (qt/ha)Oil(%)

AdaptationareaIrriga

tionRain fed

S 14 7 43West low lands / irrigation

E 12 7 43 Same as above

AbaSena

14 9 43 Same as above

Table 7. Improved varieties of groundnut found to be suitable for production around Bako and some of their agronomic characteristics.

Variety Yield (qt/ha)Oil(%)

Ecologicaladaptation

Irrigation

Rainfed

Shulamith

50 - 65 23 - 35 47 Western Ethiopia

NC-4X 50 - 70 20 - 40 46 Irrigated

Roba 50- 70 30 - 50 47 Multi location

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SUNFLOWER

There is only one improved variety of sunflower, Russian-Black. It performs at an altitude ranging from 1400 to 2300 m above sea level. It matures in 120-130 days and has a grain yield potential of 15-30 qt/ha.

CROP PROTECTIONThe western part of Oromiya is characterized by high humidity, rainfall and temperature, which favors most crop diseases and insect pests. In addition, the soil type, cropping system, poor crop husbandry, infected planting materials and other cultural practices contribute to higher incidence of the pests which result into significant pre- and post-harvest yield losses. To that effect," the division has found out a number of research results targeted at decreasing crop losses due to disease and insect-pests for a range of crops.

Insect pest controlSorghum

Sorghum shoot fly: Time of planting has an important impact on the level of pest infestation. Early (May) sown sorghum can escape the damage of sorghum shoot fly, while, late (June) planted sorghum suffers much damage due to this pest. Granular insecticides such as carbofuran (Furadan) 10 G (pre-sowing application) at the rate of 4.4 kg ai/ha and Sumicidin 20% at the rate of 0.2 kg ai/ha reduce the level of shoot fly infestation in sorghum.

Stalk borers: Cultural control measures useful inreducing stalk borer attack in both maize and sorghum are removal of the trash, stubble & volunteer plants

37

after harvest and destruction of all the representatives of wild sorghum species. Thinly spreading and horizontal lying of sorghum stalks in the open field for two weeks reduce the population of diapausing larvae of the pest. Moreover, the rate of mortality of diapausing larvae was lower in stacked stalks in the shade compared with the open field. Furthermore, the stalks must be cut down close to the ground so that no stubble remains in the field to harbor the larvae. Early sown sorghum suffers less damage from stalk borers. The highest pest damage was observed on late (June) planted sorghum in all seasons at Bako.

Insecticides such as carbaryl 85% WP and endosulfan 35% EC are effective against stalk borers. Application of cyhalothrin 16 g ai/ha at 45 days after emergence can reduce crop damage and increase yield.

African boll worm: Sunflower followed by lupin arepreferred host-plants of bollworm at flowering stage. When flowering coincides with the heading stage of sorghum, more eggs are laid on sunflower. In the absence of sunflower, lupin can do well in attracting the pest, although its vegetative performance is poor in low-lying areas like Didessa valley. Endosulfan 35% EC is effective against the pest.

Tef

Barley fly; Incidence of barley fly on tef is moderate when it is planted from 2nd and 3rd week of July around Bako areas. Ist week of July can also be an optimum planting date in the season of adequate rainfall. For chemical control of this insect, Karate 5% EC at 15 g/ha a.i., chloropyrifos 48t EC at 0.5 kg/ha a.i. and fenitrothion 50t EC. at 1 kg/ha a.i. can be used.

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Haricot bean

African boll worm (ABW): When haricot bean intercropped with maize as a trap crop, the ratio of ABW larvae trapped by haricot bean and maize is 1:18. Similarly, when five trap crops (hyacinth bean, lupin, maize, pigeon pea and sunflower) were compared with haricot bean, all caught significantly greater number of ABW than haricot bean. On the other hand, 'haricot bean plots inter planted with maize showed statistically lower percent pod damage than the rest of the treatments. Strip-cropping of maize with haricot bean at about 10m intervals can also be practiced in the integrated pest management of ABW.

Hot pepper

African boll worm: Inter planting lupin at 5 m distance in hot pepper fields is recommended to reduce ABW populations. On the other hand, among the different insecticides evaluated for the control of ABW in hot pepper at Bako, decamethrin was found to control effectively.

Forage Crops

The performance of recommended forage crop species were evaluated in termite prone areas at Mendi and it was observed that elephant grass tolerated termite damage and established far better than the rest of the forage crop species tested. It was also observed that over- grazing aggravated termite attack on grazing lands indicating the importance of optimum stocking on checking the spread of termites in range lands.

Army worm: Insecticides such as endosulfan 35% E.C. at 2 1/ha, Carbaryl 85% Wp at 1.5 kg/ha and Malathion 50% E.C. at 1 1/ha can be used for the control of army worms. These rates could be reduced by half if applied on small (i.e. < 2 cm) larvae. Frequent field

39

inspection (at least twice a week) should be undertaken so as to have timely information on the occurrence of the pest.

Storage pests controlSorghum

Sitophilu3 weevils: Mixing wood ash with sorghum grain can be used to reduce infestation of stored soghum grains by weevils. Different plant products with insecticidal properties such as Endod (Phytolacca dodecadra) leaf and seed powder, Datura (Datura stramonium) leaf powder, Neriim oleander leaf powder, and Pyrethrum flower powder, all applied at the rate of 5% by weight, can give good control of weevils on stored sorghum..

Insecticidal dusts such as Pirimiphos-methyl 2%, Deltamethrin 0.2% and 2.5%, Malathion 1% and Malathion (1.6%) + Permethrin (0.4%) are effective in controlling weevils on stored sorghum.

Pulses

Bruchids: Pirijniphos-methyl at rates 4, 5 and 6 ppm can give good protection of bruchids.

Disease controlSorghum

Foliar diseases: The best strategy to control foliar diseases is developing resistant varieties. Commercial varieties namely, IS-9302, IS-9323, Bako mash and 85 MW 5340 are resistant to these diseases.

Grain diseases: Grain mold can be controlled byadjusting the planting date so that plants reach the grain filling stage and maturity at the time when

40

frequency of rainfall is low. Variety 84 MW 4138 is resistant to grain mold. Smut infected plants should be rouged out and properly disposed to avoid seed contamination. A systemic fungicide, vitavax, applied at the rate of 3 g/kg seed can also control smut effectively. Other fungicides like pomarsol Forte (TMTD), Fernason D' (TMTD/lindane) and Benlate 50% WP (benomyl) at the rate of 3 g, 3.6 g and 2.5 g/kg seed,respectively can also be used as an alternative.

Sorghum seed treatment with elemental sulphur at the rate of 5 g/kg seed is reported to be effective against smuts and can be recommended to farmers as safe and low price fungicide.

Tef

Damping-off: Tef is severely damaged by damping-offthan other diseases at early sowing date. The recommended planting date around Bako is 2nd to 3:c week of July. High seeding rate ( >25 kg/ha) causes moreliability to damping-off than lower seed rates. The released varieties such as DZ cr.37, DZ cr.44, DZ 01- 787 and DZ 01-354 are tolerant to major diseases of tef. Seed dressing with fungicides such as Campogran, Rizolex and Bronopol at 2.5 g/kg seed were reported to protect tef crop against damping-off (species of Drechslera) and other soil and seed-borne diseases.

Haricot Bean

Anthracnose: Since anthracnose is a seed-borne disease, using disease free seeds is the best control method. Red Wolaita and Negro Mecental had the lowest anthracnose incidence and good yield. From released varieties Roba 1, Brown speckled, Red wolita and Mexican 142 are tolerant to major diseases of haricot bean.

41

Captafol (0.02%) applied as a seed treatment: orspraying gave the best result in controlling the disease.

Rust: Crop rotation with non-host crops can minimize the incidence of the disease. However, late planting (July) causes a 60% rust attack. Oxycarboxin (0.1%) and Captafol (0.2%) are effective against bean rust.

Bacterial Blight: The use of healthy seed materials and crop rotation with non-host crops are recommended. Disease free seed is best obtained in areas whererainfall do not exceed 250 mm during the vegetative period or in drier areas under irrigated condition.

Irish Potato

Late Blight: Elimination of source of innoculum from neighboring fields of potato, tobacco and volunteer plants can control or delay disease appearance. Systemic fungicides, Rido/nil MZ 63.5 wp (Metalaxyl Mancozeb) at 3 kg/ha at an interval of 8 days, andCaptafol 0.4% beginning from the onset of the disease,gives beter control.Under storage, Ridomil 63.5t wp controls effectively. Among protective, fungicides, Bresthon 10 (Chlorothalonil), Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb) and Polyretm M (Maneb) can control the disease, andthese fungicides, however, should be applied prior to disease breakout. To avoid chemical resistance, it is also advisable to use chemicals in alternation with crop rotation practices.

Hot Pepper

Powdery Mildew: Respective application of Triadimenton 25% wp, Denmert (10 E.C.) and Kumulan (80% wp) and Thiopharatemethyl 70% wp at the rate of 0.2 kg/ha; 0.5 1/ha, 0.3 kg/ha and 0.6 kg/ha, are effective againstpowdery mildew.

42

Stem Blight: Metalaxyl-Moncozeb at an application rate of 3.5 kg/ha reduces the stem blight incidence.

Viral Diseases: Crop rotation with non host crops,rouging of virus infected plants and solanaceous weeds and proper disposal of the rouged out plants are useful measures of reducing this disease.

Soaking of pepper seeds in 10% Nas po., (Sodium penta phosphate) for 30 sec. is effective against viral diseases. Other chemicals such as diluted HCL, Na1 Po4 and NaOH have similar protection power. Vector control against aphid-borne viruses is another important exercise used to check the spread and damage by the disease.

Bacterial Leaf Spots: The level of disease infection is reduced by weeding -or thinning only when seedlings are dry. Seed treatment with common bleaching agent (Chlorox) is another option for controlling widely spread bacterial diseases. This can be achieved by dissolving 50 ml of chlorox in 250 ml of water for 30 minutes with constant steering to disinfect 100 grams of pepper seeds in cheese cloth. The seed should be washed with tap water for one hour and dried in the sun. Spraying with Cupravit 45% (copper oxychloride (0.5%) three times at 14 day intervals proved to be effective in reducing the infection of^bacterial leaf spots at Bako.

M a iz e

Maize, the American Indian word for corn, means literally "that which sustains life". This statement also holds true in Oromiya as maize sustains the life of millions of farmers in rural areas. Among cereal crops maize ranks first in production and yield. In area coverage it is exceeded only by tef.

43

Maize Research Program has the national mandate to develop high yielding stable maize varieties with improved management and protection practices for different agro-ecologies in the country. Maize research in Ethiopia is about 40 years old and the progress made during these four decades is indicated below.

Cultural practicesIn all maize growing areas 25-3 0 kg/ha seeding rate is recommended. The spacing is 75 and 30 cm between rows and plants respectively. Weed control is one of the most important practice in maize production. Twice weeding, 20-25 and 40-45 days after emergence is widely recommended. Herbicides are also other means of controlling methods. For broad leaved weeds, application of 4 liter/ha of atrazine mixed with 200 liter of water within three days after planting is recommended. For grassy and broad leaved weeds application of 4 liter/ha of primagram is recommended with the same method of application.

Insect pest controlDifferent field and storage insect pests attack maize. Stalk borers,termite,African boll worm,aphids, army worm, leafhoppers etc. as vectors of maize streak virus, are the major field pests. Where as weevils of Sitophilus spp.,flour beetles, sap beetles, flat grain beetles and larvae of Angoumois grain moth, the warehouse moth and the Indian meal moth are major storage pests.

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Table 8. Recommended planting date and fertilizer rate for maize production in different areas of Ethiopia.

Areas Sowing Date Fertilizer Rate (kg/ha)

N P2o 5Bako May 1-15 110 46

Awasa April 9-28 92 -

Jimma March 30-April 20 87 46

Mettu March 30-April 2 0 - 64

Alemaya April 9-May 8 87 46

Anger-Didessavalley

May 10-June 5 87 46

Pawe May 9- June 8 ? ■?

Asosa April 10-May 7 ? •?

Abobo April 28-May 30 68 .08 ■p

Nazreth and sTnrdriar areas

June 8-July 7 69 69

Early planting after the on set of the rain and horizontal placement of the maize stalk in the sun For 4-6 weeks in the field before stacking are recommended for the control of stalk borer. Drying of the grain to the optimum moisture content and possibly use of insecticides such as pirimiphos- methyl dust are also advisable to control storage Pests of maize. Comparison of marshal at different rates with untreated check at eight locations has indicated that the insecticide did not protect maize from stem borers, leaf hoppers and aphids.

45

Disease ControlAmong maize diseases leaf blight, rust and streak virus are the most important ones. Control methods include: proper planting date, seed dressing with chemicals, use of resistant Varieties and management of vectors that would transmit viral diseases like maize streak virus. Fungicides like mancozeb and tilt could also be used to control foliar diseases.

Maize Variety Development

Fig 7. Performance of improved maize on demonestration plot at Bako Research Center.

46

Table 9. Improved maize varieties released from Bako Research Center, and some of their agronomic characteristics.

MaizeVariety

Year of release

Daystomaturity

Altitude (m) .

Yield. . potentlTq/ha)

Annual Rain fall(mm)

UCB 1975 163 1700-2000 50-70 1000-2000

BH-54 0* 1995 ■ 145 1000-2000 80-100 1000-1200

Kuleni 1995 150 1700-2200 60-70, 1000-1500

BH-530* 1997 140 1000-1300 50-70 1000-1200

Gutto 1988 126 1000-1700 30-50 800-1200

BH 660* 1993 165 1600-2200 90-120 1000-1200

BH-140* 1988 140 1000-1800 80-90 1000-1200

geletec 1990 150 1500-2000 50-70 800-1200

Hafco 1986 150 500-1000 50-70 1000-1200

hybrids

HORTICULTURE

In the past several decades food production of the country in general, and the region in particular, is majorly dependent on cereal crops. Inspite of this, there are many evidences suggesting that it will be difficult in the foreseeable future to

47

maintain the current rate of progress in food production and secure regions' food self sufficiency. In view of this, it would be a wise plan to integrate horticultural crops production, improvement and other practices in to the regions agriculture.The most widely grown horticultural crops in Western Oromiya ' are hot pepper, potato, sweet potato and "anchote".

.....HOT PEPPERVarietal Improvement: To come up with hot pepper varieties having wider adaptability, high yielding and resistant to diseases and pests, a number of genotypes have been evaluated since 1968. As a result, improved varieties like Bako local and Marekofana with an average pod yield of 2Q q/ha were developed and re'leased for production.

Methods of Establishment: Among three methods of hot pepper establishment tested: raising theseedlings by irrigation, rain fall and direct sowing at Bako, raising the seedlings by irrigation and transplanting when the big rain starts, out yielded (by 50%) the rest in total and marketable pod yield followed by direct sowing.

For Bako area seedlings of 15 - 25 cm height or 43- 63 days old and for Dhidhessa areas 15 - 20 cm height or 40 - 50 days old were found to be the best stages for transplanting.

Fertilizer Rates of 47.74 kg/ha P and 61.18 kg/ha N were recommended for Bako, Gutoo and Dhidhesaa areas. On the other hand, application of 25%, 50% and 25% of the recommended rate at transplanting,4 and 8 weeks after transplanting respectively was found to be the optimum amount and time to obtain

48

high and quality yield in small scale pepper production.

For Bako area, 70 & 3 0 cm and for Dhidhessa 60 & 20 cm spacings between rows and within row respectively were the standard practice for Bako local variety. But with Marakofana, spacings of 60& 30 cm at Bako and 60 & 2 0 cm at Dhidhessa gave better marketable pod yield.

Fig. 8. Hot Pepper alley cropped with Leucaena at Bako Research Center.

Evaluation of different harvesting dates were made at Bako and Didessa. Delayed harvesting when the pods are partially withered (dried) on the plant is

49

superior in quality than those picked when totally withered and succulent.

... .SWEET POTATOVarietal Improvement: Research on Sweet Potato has been going on since 1976. In this period, three varieties, Koka 12 (24.20 tone/ha) and White star (24.6 tone/ha) were nationally released, whereas, Cernsa (36.3 5 tone/ha) was released for Bako area.

There waa no much research work done on the planting dates of sweet potato. However, June is found to be optimum planting time.

Vegetative propagation through vine cutting is the best means of sweet potato production, and a vine length of 30-60 cm would be preferred for planting.

Plant Population: Different spacing between rows and between plants were evaluated using White star variety. The highest average marketable root yield was obtained from 100 and 3 0 cm spacing between rows and within rows respectively.

Regarding fertilizer usage there is no as such recommended rates and time of applications. However, the division is using 100/47.8 N/P as a blanket recommendation.

The optimum harvesting date of sweet potato is at about 150 days after planting. At this stage it gives higher marketable yield. However, the longer it stays beyond 150 days even though there is an increase in total yield the tuber will be attacked by potato weevil and also it starts to produce new shoots from the root.

50

POTATO

Varietal Improvement: A collaborative research work has been carried out at Bako Research Center for a long period of time with Alemaya university and Holetta researh center. The main objectives of the work were to evaluate and develop widely adaptable cultivars which could perform best with respect to tuber yield, disease and insect pest resistance. To that effect, Al-624, Awash, Wechecha, Menagesha and Tolcha varieties were nationally released and they are under production around Bako areas .

Potato-maize inter-cropping study was carried out using the recommended rates of fertilizer for maize, 75 kg/ha N applied in split, at planting and at knee height and 75 kg/ha P applied at planting. Producing potato in inter-cropping has resulted in significantly low yield (60%)as compared to the sole potato. When potato is planted sole, the recommended spacing is 75&20 cm for potato seed and 75 & 50 cm for potato ware (seedtuber).

S O IL AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Inorganic and organic fertilizer recommendations were made for various crops around Bako. Results were summarized in the following table.

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Table 10. Fertilizer recommendations for various crops around Bako.

Crops

Fertilizer rates (Kg/ha)

N P205

Maizecomposite

75 75

Maize hybrid 110 46

Sorghum 75 75Tef 25 50Haricot bean 50 75Pepper 100 100

Potato 100 100

In addition to inorganic fertilizers, research on organic fertilizers, tillage systems, sowing dates, plant density, weeding, cropping systems, etc. were conducted:

52

Fig. 9 Soil Analytical Service provides information to the field plant nutrition studies.

Tillage: Conventional tillage is appropriate whereherbicide costs are high. Minimum tillage is recommended where weed problem is not serious and the cost of paraquat (chemical herbicide) is less than 29 birr/ha.

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Crop Rotation: The best precursor crops identified for maize are nougr, sunflower and beans in order of importance.

Intercropping: Intercropping maize with haricot bean(broadcasted) after 37 days of maize planting is economically better than sole maize.

Organic Fertilizers: Incorporating maize residues into the soil coupled with 75/33 (N/P) kg/ha yielded better. The use of cow dung with 60 kg/ha N was found to be the best yielder in maize production.

Leucaena pruning (4.7 t/ha) plus 50/22 N/P kg/ha showed promising maize yield. Dolichos lablab used as green manure gave higher maize yield

Economically high return can be obtained by applying 2 5/11 kg/ha N/P wi t h 50 t/ha compost in mai ze production.

RESEARCH-EXTENSION-FARMER LINKAGEResearch-Extension Liaison Division is mandated to strengthen research-extension-farmer linkages for participatory research planning and transfer of technologies. This is effected through on-farm demonstration and popularization of technologies, organizing field days and tours, organizing training for farmers, extension workers, policy makers and researchers.

54

Fig.10 On-farm demonstration of Improved wheat varieties around Shambu.

demonstration of improved varieties of different highland and lowland crops with improved management practices and local cultivars with traditional farmers’ practice have been executed on the center and on the farmers' field for the last 10 years. Many years of demonstration results showed improved varieties significantly out-yield the local cultivars.

55

Fig.11 Demonestration of Panicum coloratum on farmers field.

Training was organized for subject matter specialists, development agents and farmers at the zonal level and in the research center. Researchers from different disciplines offered the training and participated in discussion of agricultural problems raised during the training.

To minimize problems of improved seed shortage, improved seeds of different crops were also multiplied and provided to farmers every year, by way of exchanging improved varieties with local and through sale in cash. To day the importance of improved seed is realized by farmers more than ever and it is customary to see a number of farmers coming to the research center for seed request. Farmers have started -to evaluate and make choise among varieties. In gooa^years they look for high yielding late maturing varieties but in bad years when delay of rainfall occurs they choose

56

early maturing varieties. They prefer hybrids to composites. After demonstration of improved maize varieties (Beletech, BH-660 and Kulani) in the highlands of eastern Wollega, it is being observed that farmers interest of maize production in the highland is tremendous and the area under maize production is increasing.

The joint aggressive extension intervention existed between Research and Bureau of agriculture. The extension package program launched in collaboration with SG2000 in package formulation and application in extension program is one of the examplinary linkage mechanism adopted and witnessed to positively affect the lives of thousands of farmers within the bounds of the program and a lot others following them.

The center also promotes seed multiplication and dissemination of some crops (Table 12).

Table 12. Area (ha) and production (qt) of maize seed by Bako Research Centre from 1991 to 1997.

Year

Breeder/basicseed

Certified/commercia 1 seed Total

production

Area Production

Area Production

1990 1.0 44 .0 - - 44 .11991 - - - - -1992 2.0 37 . 0 12.0 145 .0 182 .01993 19.0 217 . 5 27.8 724 .0 941.51994 23 . 0 352 .1 88 .0 1743 .0 2095 .11995 9.5 90 . 0 89.1 2324 .0 2414 .01996 35.5 586 .0 148 .3 4165 . 0 4751.01997 46.0 469.0 110 .5 1464.0 1933.0

1795.6 10565.0 12360.6

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Meteorology:Table 13. Monthly meteorological data of Bako Research Centre from 1961 to 1997.

MonthRainfall

(mm)Mean Daily air temp. (0C)

MeanDailyRH{%)

MeanDailysunshinehrs

Dailysolarrad.Cal/cm31997 1961 -

1996Min. Max.

Jan 13 .39 10. 70 10.90 29.70 54 .50 8.27 525.6Feb 17 .86 18.50 12 .40 30.60 51.60 8.00 544.5Mar 52 .55 15 .60 14 .20 31.20 52.40 7.57 540.1Apr 67.23 65.70 14 .80 30 .70 53 . 70 7.47 536.0May 148 .81 148 .20 15.00 28 .60 66 .70 6.13 523 .7Jun 203.41 206.60 14 .60 26.00 74 .20 5 .90 461. 6Jul 252.13 250.70 14.50 23 .90 73 .40 4.00 409.5Aug 220.40 221.80 14.40 24 .20 79.30 3 .93 435.6Sep 144 .37 146.30 13 .90 25.20 77.30 5 .13 486.1Oct 6 6 . 3 6 61.20 12.30 27 .40 65.50 8.00 534 . 8Nov 24.61 23 .40 11.00 28.40 46.60 8 .63 533.9Dec 13.68 . 14 . 00 10 .40 29.00 57.80 8 .82 538 .7Total 1224.8 1210 .1Mean 65.7 13 .20 27.70 62 .20 6.82 505.84

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MANPOWERTable 14. Current number of researchers of the center by Discipline and Level of Education.

NO DisciplineQualification

PhD MSc BSc DVM

1 Agri Economics - - 3 -

2 Agri. Extension - 1 2 -

3 Animal Production - 3 6 -

4 Horticulture - - 2 -

5 Agro. Forestry - 1 1 -

6 Crop improvement - - 1 -

7 Agronomy - 1 2 -

e Crop Protection 1 - 2 -

9 Soil Science - - 2 -

10 Animal Health - - - 1

ii Animal Nutrition - 1 1 -

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