A genetic linkage map in southern‐by‐spring oat identifies multiple quantitative trait loci for adaptation and rust resistance

We developed 178 recombinant inbred lines from a southern‐by‐spring oat population designated as “TxH.” These lines were genotyped to generate a high‐quality linkage map that resolved 6,902 markers into 21 linkage groups that matched closely with the latest hexaploid oat consensus map. Three major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting heading date were found in locations that are consistent with known QTLs and candidate genes, and two other QTLs affecting heading date were found in novel locations. Five QTLs affecting plant height were found. Both sets of QTLs are responsible for transgressive segregation observed for these two traits. Four QTLs affecting resistance to crown rust, caused by the pathogen Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, were identified. Two of these QTLs are consistent with known clusters of rust resistance genes, while two may represent new locations of novel rust resistance genes. A complete set of SNP sequences suitable for generating markers for molecular selection is provided.     

Public sector soybean (Glycine max) breeding: Advances in cultivar development in the African tropics

Formal public sector soybean breeding in Africa spans over four decades, and it was initiated by the International Institute of Tropical Agricultural (IITA). As the demand of soybean continues to outstrip production, strategic projects such the Tropical Legume (TL) were initiated, in which the main goal was to enhance the productivity of soybean in the farmers’ fields in Sub‐Saharan Africa. One of the strategies to enhance the productivity of soybean in the farmers’ fields is through developing and deploying improved soybean varieties in the target countries. Through the TL I and TL II projects, a number of varieties were released in the target countries, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique by employing participatory variety selection (PVS). This review provides highlights of the achievements made by IITA breeding programme and insights of what needs to be done to enhance yield improvement for soybean in Africa using demand‐driven breeding approaches.     

Studies on seasonal dynamics of ticks of ogaden cattle and individual variation in resistance to ticks in eastern Ethiopia

In this study the dominant tick species identified were Amblyomma cohaerens 52.2%, Rhipicephaluspravus 19.3% and A. variegatum 14.6%. A. cohaerens occurred throughout the sampling period and showed a peak during March. Their number declined significantly (P < 0.01) from August to December. R. pravus occurred from July to December only and peaking in September (P < 0.01). A. variegatum occurred in low numbers throughout the study period with a marked seasonal variation (P < 0.01) and abundant numbers of ticks were observed from May to July. The other tick species identified were Boophilus decoloratus, R. bergeoni and R. evertsi evertsi. Individual variation in tick infestation level was observed among the animals (P < 0.05). Since all the animals were of the same breed, age group and were managed similarly the selection of animals with low infestation level can be a component of tick control strategy.     

Haplotype analysis of β-actin gene for its association with sperm quality and boar fertility

β‐actin (ACTB) was examined as a direct functional candidate gene for the possible association with sperm concentration, motility (MOT), semen volume per ejaculate, plasma droplet rate, abnormal sperm rate (ASR) and the fertility traits, non‐return rate and number of piglets born alive (NBA). Three polymorphisms in intron 3 (T>C) and one polymorphism in exon 4 (T>C) of porcine ACTB gene were identified by comparative sequencing of animals of the breeds Pietrain and Hampshire. Association analysis revealed that haplotypes affected the variation of the traits MOT, ASR and NBA. The beneficial haplotypes may provide considerable improvement of sperm quality and fertility in the tested commercial boar population.     

Tree planting for poverty reduction in less-favoured areas of the Ethiopian highlands

This paper assesses the potential impact of planting of eucalypt trees as a strategy to reduce poverty in a less-favoured area of the highlands of Ethiopia. Results from simulations with a bio-economic model for a less-favoured case study area in the highlands are combined with survey data at community, household and plot level to assess how general the results of the bio-economic model are. Application of the bio-economic model shows clearly that land degradation, population growth, stagnant technology and drought threaten food security. Household welfare and land quality are deteriorating rapidly in the area and interventions are urgently needed to avoid human disaster. Planting of eucalypts on land unsuitable for crop production may substantially increase household incomes if market outlets for trees can be found. Tree planting will not have severe negative effects on food production or land conservation. A policy combining promotion of tree planting and conservation of cropland may achieve win-win benefits in terms of increased household incomes as well as more sustainable land-use. Analysis of survey data from the Amhara Region of Ethiopia reveals that there is a large area of land that is unsuitable for crop production located close to all-weather roads in the less-favoured areas of the region. Few trees have been planted on this type of land up to now. The past policy seems to have discouraged tree planting except on homestead plots that are more suitable for food crops. This paper reports part of the IFPRI/ILRI project ‘Policies for Sustainable Land Management in the East African Highlands’. These two agencies have provided funds and logistical support for the work. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided funds for this research in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia. The authors also draw on earlier work funded by Research Council of Norway. Any correspondence should be directed to the first author.     

Plant Diversity and Vegetation Structure in Encroached and Non-encroached Areas of Borana Rangelands： The Case of Hallona and Medhacho Pastoralist Associations

The Borana rangelands are important areas of cattle production in Ethiopia. However, these rangelands are threatened by the increasing changes in the natural vegetation from grass and forbs dominated into unpalatable bushy woody vegetation resulting in the loss of some of the highly desirable grass species. This study was conducted to assess the impacts of bush encroachment on the biodiversity, structure and cover of the native vegetation in bush encroached and non-encroached sites. Vegetation data were collected from both sites by laying quadrate plots along transects using a systematic sampling method. According to the results, higher number of species was recorded in the non-encroached sites than that in the encroached sites. The diversity indices for the non-encroached and the encroached sites were 3.16 and 2.67, respectively. The abundance and cover analysis indicated that there was high density and cover of herbaceous species in the non-encroached site. There was a significantly higher density of woody species cover in the encroached site. Generally, the bush encroachment in the Borana rangelands has hampered the diversity of the native vegetation, particularly the grasses and forbs and reduced the ground cover, exposing large parts of the rangelands for soil erosion and other degradation process.     

Mastitis in lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Afar Region, north-eastern Ethiopia.

Quarter milk samples (n = 543) from 152 traditionally managed lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Afar Region, north-eastern Ethiopia were examined to determine the prevalence of camel mastitis and identify its bacterial causes. Out of 152 camels examined, 19 (12.5%) were diagnosed as clinical mastitis cases based on clinical signs and bacteriological examinations. Of the 257 California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive quarter milk samples 162 (63.0%) yielded pathogenic bacteria. A positive correlation was observed between CMT positive results and presence of major pathogens in camel milk samples. The main mastitis pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, and other species of streptococci, Pasteurella haemolytica and E. coli. Results of the present study suggest that mastitis in Afar camels is prevalent, Gram-positive cocci are the major isolates from camel milk samples and the CMT can be used as a screening test for the detection of mastitis in camels.