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Review Article
A Review of Push-Pull Technology's Effect on the Management of Fall Armyworms (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Ethiopian Maize (Zea Mays) Production
Dinku Atnafu*
,
Zemed Wobale
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
201-209
Received:
2 September 2025
Accepted:
7 October 2025
Published:
7 November 2025
Abstract: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive pest first reported in Ethiopia in 2017, has emerged one of the most serious threats to maize production. Its high reproductive potential, polyphagous, and rapid spreading capacity has led to substantial crop loss and economic damage in Ethiopia. Reliance on existing pest management strategies based on synthetic insecticides are proving increasingly unsustainable due to the costs, pest resistance, access to crop protection products, and environmental damage associated with pesticides. Push-pull technology (PPT) has emerged as an agroecological innovation based on cropping maize with repellent intercrops (e.g. Desmodium species) and trap crops (e.g. Brachiaria or Napier grass) can also help partially draw and trap FAW to some extent. Recent evidence (within the 2020 to 2025 period) indicated that PPT can reduce fall armyworm infestation, reduce crop loss/damage, effectively promote natural enemy populations, improve soil health/quality, and increase household resilience. This review presents evidence from Ethiopia and more broadly across East Africa to disentangle mechanisms and pathways for effectively (and ineffectively) implementing PPT in Ethiopian maize systems. The review highlighted the potential for PPT in Ethiopia for sustainable fall armyworm management but acknowledged the need for strengthened institutional support, improved seed systems, and better integration into climate-smart agricultural pathways to facilitate future adoption.
Abstract: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive pest first reported in Ethiopia in 2017, has emerged one of the most serious threats to maize production. Its high reproductive potential, polyphagous, and rapid spreading capacity has led to substantial crop loss and economic damage in Ethiopia. Reliance on existing pest management strategies ...
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Research Article
Grain Yield Stability Analysis of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L) Advanced Genotypes in Bale and East Bale, Southeastern Ethiopia
Amanuel Tekalign*,
Tadele Tadesse,
Belay Asmare,
Mesud Aliyyi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
210-217
Received:
2 October 2025
Accepted:
14 October 2025
Published:
7 November 2025
Abstract: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) production in Ethiopia is highly constrained by diverse biotic and abiotic stresses, and it is full genetic potential has not been exploited yet. Chickpea grain yield is one of the complex quantitative traits influenced by prevailing environmental conditions. As a result, multi-environmental yield trials are indispensable to detect wide adaptable and high yielding cultivars in the breeding program. To this end, a total of 12 advanced chickpea genotypes were evaluated against two standard checks (Arerti and Harbu) across two locations (Sinana and Ginnir) from 2019 to 2021 main cropping season. Pooled analysis of variance for grain yield showed significant differences t (p ≤ 0.01) among the main effects of genotypes and environments and (p ≤ 0.01) for G × E interaction effects. This indicates that either the genotypes differentially responded to the changes in the test environments or the test environments discriminated the genotypes or both. The first two principal components accounted for cumulative of 84.88% interaction effects, indicating that the majority of interaction effects were within two principal components. Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) biplot enabled identification of adapted genotypes, G5 (FLIP-09-287C) and G2 (FLIP-09-155C). GGE biplot analysis suggested the presence of one mega environment and enabled identification of high seed yielding and broadly adapted genotypes G5 (FLIP-09-287C). Therefore, FLIP-09-287C can be released as wide adaptable Kabuli type chickpea variety for potential growing areas of Bale and East Bale as well as other similar agro-ecologies.
Abstract: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) production in Ethiopia is highly constrained by diverse biotic and abiotic stresses, and it is full genetic potential has not been exploited yet. Chickpea grain yield is one of the complex quantitative traits influenced by prevailing environmental conditions. As a result, multi-environmental yield trials are indispensab...
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Research Article
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lasiodiplodia Spp. and Fusarium Spp. Isolated from Cocoa Pods in the Agneby-tiassa Region of Ivory Coast
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
218-227
Received:
6 October 2025
Accepted:
5 November 2025
Published:
26 November 2025
Abstract: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the main cash crop in Côte d'Ivoire and the primary source of income for producers. However, recent studies have highlighted the harmful effects of pod diseases on local production and the existence of a group of pathogens (Lasiodiplodia spp. and Fusarium spp.) that require better characterization in order to reorient control efforts. The objective of this study was to perform morphological and molecular characterization of isolates of Lasiodiplodia spp. and Fusarium spp. isolated from cocoa pods affected by rot. Samples of infected pods and soil from cocoa plantations were collected from seven locations in the Agneby-Tiassa region. After isolation on 11% agar culture medium, the isolates were purified on pea and carrot agar culture medium. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were made on these isolates. After DNA extraction, PCR tests with ITS4 and ITS5 primers were performed for molecular identification of the isolates. The PCR products obtained were transferred to a facility for sequencing. It should be noted that macroscopic and microscopic observations showed that Lasiodiplodia spp. isolates are light gray or gray-black in color, with thick-walled septate conidia. Fusarium spp. isolates are whitish in color, with oval microconidia and curved macroconidia. PCR test results showed that the isolates from the southeastern region of Côte d'Ivoire are Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium solani. Sequencing showed that these isolates were 100% similar to the species in the gene bank. This study will help to better target the fight against cocoa pod rot in Côte d'Ivoire by implementing sustainable control strategies.
Abstract: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the main cash crop in Côte d'Ivoire and the primary source of income for producers. However, recent studies have highlighted the harmful effects of pod diseases on local production and the existence of a group of pathogens (Lasiodiplodia spp. and Fusarium spp.) that require better characterization in order to reorient ...
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Research Article
Influence of Indigenous Microorganisms Fertilizer on the Growth Performance of Huckleberry (Solanum Scabrum) in Mile 3, Nkwen Bamenda
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
228-237
Received:
19 October 2025
Accepted:
29 October 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: Solanum scabrum (huckleberry) is widely used as a leafy vegetable, mostly cultivated using chemical fertilizers and pesticides which temporarily boost up productivity, but has a long term negative effect on the environment and human health. The main objective of this study was to find out whether farmers can boost productivity of S. scabrum with the use of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) fertilizer. This research was carried out in Mile 3 Nkwen Bamenda. A randomized block design was used with three treatments (IMO, urea and control) and four replications. The different parameters measured were the number leaves, plant height, number of branches, stem girth and fresh weight of plants. One of the four blocks was shaded to study the influence of IMO on the soil moisture content. Results showed that plants treated with IMO had the highest number of leaves (24.85 ± 2.25) while control plants had the lowest (19.15 ± 2.681) which was not significantly different (p<0.05) from that of urea (19.75 ± 4.363). The maximum plant height was recorded in plants treated with IMO (75.35 ± 15.816 cm) which was significantly different (p>0.05) from that of plants treated with urea (19.75 ± 5.809 cm) and control (24.68±6.742 cm). The highest plant weight was recorded in plants treated with IMO (1.2425 ± 0.59528 kg) and the lowest was plants of the control (0.1125 ± 0.12659 kg) which was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of plants treated with urea (0.1175 ± 0.12093 kg). Significant and positive correlations were observed among growth parameters but insignificant between growth and yield parameters. IMO had the highest soil moisture content (Nor (10 to 20%)) while urea and control had the lowest (dry+ (˂ 5% moisture level)). This study showed that IMO is a good fertilizer to increase the productivity of S. scabrum.
Abstract: Solanum scabrum (huckleberry) is widely used as a leafy vegetable, mostly cultivated using chemical fertilizers and pesticides which temporarily boost up productivity, but has a long term negative effect on the environment and human health. The main objective of this study was to find out whether farmers can boost productivity of S. scabrum with th...
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Research Article
Morphological Characterisation of Panicum maximum (Guinea Grass) Across Selected Agro-ecological Zones of Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
238-248
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
18 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: This study evaluated the morphological variation of Panicum maximum across two agro-ecological zones in Tanzania: Semi-arid (Mpwapwa district) and sub-humid (Moshi rural district). Plant sampling was conducted using 0.5m2 quadrants, with one plant per quadrant, as assessed for plant height, leaf-to-stem ratio, leaf size, number of tillers, and fresh weight to estimate biomass. In six villages, four 10 m2 plots were established, and six quadrant throws per site provided 144 samples. Soil texture, mineral composition, cation exchange capacity, and fertility were also analyzed. The results indicated sandy soils in the semi-arid zone and clay soils in the sub-humid zone. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all measured morphological traits across zones. The average leaf-to-stem ratio varied significantly between districts and terrains, with hilly areas exerting notable effects on forage quality. Leaf length differed significantly between valley and plain areas, while tiller number varied between zones. In the sub-humid zone, plant traits were relatively stable across terrains, whereas in the semi-arid zone, terrain strongly influenced growth. Biomass yield was consistent across all agro-ecological indicating the species' adaptability. Soil and moisture conditions were key determinants of P. maximum performance. These findings emphasize the importance of soil fertility enhancement and moisture conservation as interventions to optimize P. maximum performance and sustain its role as a key forage resource in diverse environments.
Abstract: This study evaluated the morphological variation of Panicum maximum across two agro-ecological zones in Tanzania: Semi-arid (Mpwapwa district) and sub-humid (Moshi rural district). Plant sampling was conducted using 0.5m2 quadrants, with one plant per quadrant, as assessed for plant height, leaf-to-stem ratio, leaf size, number of tillers, and fres...
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