Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi under different agroforestry practices in the drylands of Southern Ethiopia.

The conversion of an agroforestry based agricultural system to a monocropping farming system influences the distribution and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The aim of this paper was to analyze AMF species diversity, spore density, and root colonization across different agroforestry practices (AFP) in southern Ethiopia. Soil and root samples were collected from homegarden, cropland, woodlot, and trees on soil and water conservation-based AFP. AMF spores were extracted from the soil and species diversity was evaluated using morphological analysis and root colonization from root samples. The AMF spore density, root colonization and composition were significantly different among the AFP (P < 0.05). In this study, 43 AMF morphotypes belonging to eleven genera were found, dominated by Acaulospora (32.56%), followed by Claroideoglomus (18.60%). Home gardens had the highest spore density (7641.5 spore100 g- 1 dry soil) and the lowest was recorded in croplands (683.6 spore100 g- 1 dry soil). Woodlot had the highest root colonization (54.75%), followed by homegarden (48.25%). The highest isolation frequency (63.63%) was recorded for Acaulospora scrobiculata. The distribution of AMF species and diversity were significantly related to soil total nitrogen and organic carbon. The homegarden and woodlot AFP were suitable for soil AMF reserve and conservation.

Species site matching of highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) in Ethiopia.

Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) is fast growing perennial plant that occurs as small holder plantation and naturally in the highlands of Ethiopia with a wide range of values and uses. This study assessed environmental conditions where the species grows, and related the sites-suitability information to other potential regions in Ethiopia. Field survey was conducted to Oldeania alpina growing areas in Ethiopia. Data were collected on dendrometric and environmental variables from field plots of 400 m2 of bamboo stands in three replications in each of the study districts in the regions. Consultations were also held with key informants, women, youth and elder focus group discussants on the common uses and production constraints of the species. The study identified wider uses of the species from being raw material for household utensils, furniture, fencing to building local houses in Ethiopia. Observations indicate that Oldeania alpina grows in the south, south-western, central and north-western highlands of Ethiopia at altitudes ranging from 2200 to 4000 m.a.s.l. It grows rapidly, where after planting from offset, starts to yield useable culm within three to four years. The species growing sites characteristics in the present study indicated that it's well performing in the altitudinal range between 2387 and 2979 m.a.s.l. We recommend promoting highland bamboo in Ethiopia for better culm yield on sites with elevation from 2300 up to 3500 m.a.s.l with mean annual rainfall >1200 mm, temperature varying from min. 6 °C to max. 30 °C and slope from 0 to 60% to attain optimum growth across the country.

Ethno-pharmacological investigations of Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. and its production challenges in southern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. is a native plant of Ethiopia with important nutraceutical applications. However, little is known about its nutritional, ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. Hence, the present study sought to assess the nutraceutical applications of M. stenopetala among traditional healers in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 selected administrative units in Gamo Gofa, Segen areas and south Omo zones of southern Ethiopia from May to June 2020. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview, field observation, and group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Excel 2019 and open code version 4.03, respectively. The results were presented using descriptive statistics, with the fidelity level (FL)% used to distinguish the preferential use of various plant parts. RESULTS: A total of 120 individuals participated in the study, and the majority of them, 89 (74.2%), were male and farmers by occupation. Eight four (70%) of them were residents of the Gamo Gofa Zone. The fidelity level revealed that the leaf and root were the most commonly used parts for nutraceutical purposes. Remarkably, M. stenopetala is used to treat human ailments such as leprosy and kidney and liver infections via various modes of utilisation and administration. As a result, the most common methods of utilising plant products are chewing or consuming crushed plant parts, and the oral route is the much-preferred method of application. On the other hand, the larvae of Moringa moth Nurda blitealis, are a defoliating insect during the rainy season and have been identified as a limiting factor for its production. CONCLUSIONS: The nutraceutical aspects of M. stenopetala are extremely important to the rural community in southern Ethiopia. However, the defoliating moth larvae threaten its growth and biomass production, necessitating the need to manage and improve the plant's productivity and sustainable use. Additionally, conducting experimental studies to validate the plant's pharmacological potential correspond to a milestone in drug discovery.