Browsing by Author "Asfaw Zemede (Professor)"

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    Agronomic and Nutritional Qualities of Mixed Genotypes of Ethiopian Tetraploid Wheat (Triticum Durum/Turgidum and Related Species) Collections
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2017-05) Tilahun Mulugeta; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    Ethiopian farmers have been traditionally growing several varietal mixtures in the same field that might have advantages of reducing the risks of pests and unusual environmental conditions in addition to adding variety to their diets. Replacement of farmers’ varieties with genetically uniform varieties, results in changes to crop patterns and land uses largely affecting the magnitude of the genetic diversity in Ethiopian tetraploid wheats. Therefore, this study was conducted at two locations of each Amhara, Oromia and Tigray regions with the objective of evaluating the effects of mixtures of Ethiopian tetraploid wheat collections on agronomic and nutritional quality traits and maintaining the diversity of the crop. The experiment was laid out by using alpha lattice design with three replications. The experiment had fifteen genotypes with two categories (Category one: mixtures and pure stands of Ethiopian tetraploid wheat collections and Category two: mixtures and pure stands of improved varieties). Agronomic and proximate as well as selected minerals data were taken and subjected to analysis using SAS procedures. Since genotype by location interaction was significant for agronomic traits, analysis was conducted for each locations and GGE-biplot was used to select best fit genotypes for each location. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for both agronomic and nutritional quality traits. The range of grain yield was 0.2 to 2.7tha-1 in Adet, 1.5 to 2.6tha-1 in Geregera, 0.6 to 3.0tha-1 in Debre Zeit, 2.4 to 3.4tha-1 in Chefe Donsa, 1.4 to 2.6tha-1 in Ayiba and 2.8 to 3.8tha-1 in Hagereselam. Based on the analysis of individual locations and GGE-biplot mega environment results; mixtures of top ten Amhara Region, mixtures of ten improved varieties, Assasa and Mikuye are best genotypes for Adet and Geregera of Amhara Region. Mixtures of Oromia Region, GEBRE of Oromia Region, Assasa and Mikuye are best genotypes for Debrezeit and Chefe Donsa of Oromia Region. Whereas mixtures of top ten Tigray Region, GG2 of Tigray Region, GEBRE of Oromia Region and Mangudo are best genotypes for Ayiba and Hagereselam of Tigray Region. In regarding to nutritional quality, amounts ranged from 8.1 to 13.0% for protein, 73 to 78.9%for total carbohydrate, 1.4 to 2.9% for fat, 2.5 to 3.4% for fiber, 1.1 to 3.4gm/100gm for Fe and 1.9 to 2.7gm/100gm for Zn. Significantly higher protein contents (13.0 and 11.9%) were recorded from Mangudo, mixtures of Tigray Region and TIKUR SINDE of Amhara Region. Maximum total carbohydrate (78.9%) was obtained from GEBRE of Oromia Region. Higher fat contents (2.9, 2.6 and 2.5%) were obtained from TIKUR SINDE of Amhara Region, mixtures of top ten Tigray Region and Mangudo respectively. Maximum Fe 3.4 mg/100gm and Zn (2.7 mg/100gm) were obtained from mixtures of parental lines. Therefore, it can be concluded that mixtures as well as pure lines of farmers’ varieties performed well comparatively with pure lines of high yielding improved varieties in this experiment and farmers can maintain the diversity of the crop and add supplement their diets by growing mixtures of Ethiopian tetraploid wheat genotypes. Key words: Diversity maintenance, farmers’ varieties, GGE-biplot, mega environment
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    Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Landrace Diversity in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-06) Berhanu Senait; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This study was conducted on chickpea growing in farmers’ fields with the help of farmers’ knowledge. The main focus of the field study was the main production areas of Ethiopia that include areas in 32 districts distributed in five regions (Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) and Addis Ababa) during 2014-2015 cropping season. The main objective of this study was to assess the diversity of chickpea landraces and to know the current status in Ethiopia in addition to ethnobotanical value of the crop. The field study was carried out between November 2014- Feburary 2015. The field data were collected by using purposive sampling and simple random observation technique by researcher from farmers’ fields, threshing ground, home gardens, store and market places. Ethnobotanical data collections were semi-structured interview, field observation, guided field walk and market survey. Descriptive statistics informant consensus and simple preference ranking were employed to analysis data’s. The findings are presented in the form of charts, tables, graphs and words. A total of 41chickpea landrace seed samples and 27 voucher specimens were collected, then dried and stored in National Herbarium (ETH) of Addis Ababa University. Chickpea phenotypic diversity was recorded on different flower and seed colors, anthocyanin content in the leaf and stem, average number of pods per plant, number of primary branches per plant and number of leaflets per leaf. The most frequently reported food recipes were SHIRO WET, KIK WET next to NIFRO and KOLO, besides agroecological and market value of the crop. The observed variation might have resulted from environmental factors including precipitation, temperature, soil characteristics, photoperiod and genetic variation as influenced by the diversity in socio-cultural factors of the areas studied. Therefore, germplasm conservation, education, resources and further research needed in order to maintain the landrace diversity of chickpea. Key words: Chickpea landraces, Ethiopia, diversity, farmers’ knowledge, cultural practices
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    Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) Landrace Diversity in Northen Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-07) Alemu Mulugeta; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    The study was carried out to identify and document the landrace diversity and ethnobotany of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) in northern Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interview, field observations (guided field walk) and market surveys. A total of 54 germplasms and representative voucher specimens were collected from different geographical locations ranging in altitude from 1260 – 2140 m.a.s.l. Of these, 45 were local farmers’ varieties (83%) and nine were commercial varieties (17%) introduced by Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre. The majority of farmers (75%) preferred the erect type of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica (L.) Verdc. farmers’ variety KIMITE and subsp. cylindrica (L.) Verdc. farmers’ variety CHEKELE) because of many reasons such as ability of the crop to be harvested before the cereal crops are ready, high grain and straw yield, organoleptic character, early maturity, feed value, adaptability to all types of soil, disease resistance, drought tolerance and market value. The spreading type of cowpea (subsp. unguiculata farmers’ variety JERGADIE) produced much more leaves than grains and mainly the farmers use it for improving soil fertility. These local farmers’ varieties contribute to smallholders’ income as a higher-value crop like cereals and to diet as a cost effective source of protein intake especially in Central Tigray, South Wello and Oromia Special Zones of northern Ethiopia. In Amhara Region, cowpea is mainly used for human food in the form of boiled grain (NIFRO), baking bread (KITA) and sauces (SHIRO WET). There is high potential area for cowpea production; but the actual production by local farmers is restricted to some areas. Therefore, the responsible body (Ministry of Agriculture and Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research) needs to enhance and/or distribute the important cowpea landrace varieties to the areas where the crop can be suitably grown. Key words: Cowpea, Ethiopia, ethnobotany, farmers’ knowledge, landrace
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    Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.) (Fabaceae) Landrace Diversity in Southern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-06) Alemu Sisay; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    The present research has been carried out to identify and document the landrace diversity and ethnobotanical uses of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) in three regions of southern Ethiopia (Gambella, Oromia, Dire Dawa and SNNPR). Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interview, field observations, guided field walk and market survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, preference ranking and informant consensus. A total of 44 accessions were collected from different geographical locations of south of Addis Ababa. These landraces had diverse seed sizes, colors, growth habits and germination potentials. Among the collections, Vigna unguiculata subspecies dekindtiana farmers variety RAPO (Anywaa language) was found in Gambella Region), subspecies cylindrica and subspecies unguiculata farmers’ variety ATERA BABILE (Afaan Oromo) found in all regions of southern Ethiopia and grown for the purposes of human food, livestock feed, improving soil fertility and as medicinal plant. Other collections, Vingna unguiculata subspecies unguiculata farmers’ variety ATERA BABILE was preferred by the majority of farmers’ because of its spreading nature, ability to produce more leaves than other varieties, improving soil fertility and ability to supersede weeds via ground covering. All in all ten landrace varieties were recorded from southern Ethiopia in which four were recorded in SNNPR, three in Oromia three in Gambella and one in Dire Dawa. As indicated by local farmers, wild relatives of cowpea still persist in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, conducting further researches on both local landraces and wild relatives of cowpea is recommended in this study. Key words:- Landrace, Cowpea, Ethnobotany, Intercropping, Sole cropping
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    Crop Wild Relatives in the Families of Dicotyledon Plants in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-06) Daba Debela; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This study was undertaken in parts of Ethiopia where the crop wild relatives are available. Crop wild relatives of the dicotyledonous plant families in Ethiopia were studied to highlight their present status, as compared to the findings of earlier studies. This study has two parts: firstly data collection from Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the National Herbarium (ETH)), and secondly field data collection (ethnobotanical uses and voucher speciemens collection). Data were collected from the specimens accumulated in the National Herbarium (ETH) and the conservation status of all dicotyledonous crop wild relative species, 27 in total were assessed then proceeded to the interview-based field study. Semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling in the selected floristic regions of Ethiopia namely: Shewa, Gojam, Welega, Kefa, Arsi, and Harerge. The Voucher specimens of 18 dicotyledonous crop wild relatives were collected and identified at both at field and at the National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University. Data had been collected and recorded using GPS, digital camera and analyzed mainly by using the Microsoft Excel and spread sheet .The status and ethnobotanical values of the collected crop wild relatives were identified. The highest number of species was found in Shewa Floristic Region especially around Addis Ababa area. Fabaceae contributed the highest number of dicotyledon crop wild relatives. Crop wild relatives in the families of dicotyledon had been compared by using bar graphs and tables. The major threats of dicotyledon crop wild relative are agricultural expansion, overgrazing and herbicide use in crop protection. The findings would initiate research ondiversity, conservation and possible use of crop wild relatives. Key words/phrases: Agriculture, crops, crop wild relatives, dicotyledons and vegetation
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    Diversity in Farmers’ Varieties (Landraces) of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) in South Wollo and East Gojjam Zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2017-06) Berhane Menbere; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This study was conducted on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) varieties identified by farmers of South Wollo and East Gojjam. The field study was conducted in two of the main production areas of the species focusing on 12 kebeles (smallest administrative units) distributed in six districts within the two zones of South Wollo and East Gojjam of Amhara Region. The main objective of the study was to investigate on the diversity of common bean landraces (farmers’ varieties) and to know the ethnobotanical values of the crop. The field study was carried out between October 2016 and January 2017. A total of 168 informants comprising 144 general informants and 24 key informants (84 men and 84 women) aged between 19 and 75 years were interviewed. Structured interviews with general informants and semi-structured interviews with key informants, field observations, guided field walk and market surveys were used to collect information at the household level and at market places. Descriptive statistics, informant consensus, preference ranking, ANOVA (analysis of variance), Shannon-Wiener diversity index and t-test were employed for the analysis of the data by using R-software (R-studio) v 3.2.2 and MS Excel 2016 spread sheet. The findings are presented in tables, figures and words. A total of 69 common bean landrace seed samples were collected. The majority of the farmers gave names to their varieties based on morphological traits, seed color, seed taste and maturity time. Interview results indicated that the majority (80%) of the informants asserted that they cultivate local landraces, of which seven distinct farmer-named types of common bean landraces were sorted out. Common bean landraces were mainly cultivated as a sole crop but intercropping was also practiced. The dominant landraces were NECH BOLOQE in the four strata (SM3 of S. Wollo, M2 of S. Wollo, M3 of E. Gojjam and M2 of E. Gojjam) ranging from 70 to 40 % followed by KEYE BOLOQE and DALECHA BOLOQE. TEKUR BOLOQE was found (12 % of occurrence) in M2 of S. Wollo. Informants showed that common bean is an important food item mainly consumed in the form of SHIRO (fine ground grains used in the making of sauces), KIK (split grains for sauce making) and NIFRO (boiled grains). Uses of common bean varieties for human consumption and income generation have statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among varieties. NECH BOLOQE was shown to be extremely important for income generation (98%) whereas KEYE BOLOQE and TEKUR BOLOQE were said to be important for human consumption. The grains of this crop were among the important marketed grains in the local markets at kebele and district levels. Moreover, farmers showed that common bean is an important crop for animal feed, agroecological intensification through intercropping and crop rotation, as medicine and the flowers are foraged by honeybees. Varieties varied significantly (P<0.05) in their resistance to diseases and pests. However, there is no statically significant difference (P>0.05) in resistance to frost among varieties both in S. Wollo and E. Gojjam. The study has confirmed the essential role that traditional farmers play in the development and maintenance of common bean landraces and therefore farmers’ practices need to be backed up and enhanced for effective conservation of the genetic resources found in the study area and elsewhere in the country. Education and awareness raising of the local farmers and further research are needed in order to maintain the landrace diversity and the genetic resources of common bean. Key words: Common bean, diversity, landrace/farmers‟ variety, Ethiopia, farmers‟ knowledge
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    Diversity of Farmers’ Varieties (Landraces) of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp., Fabaceae) In Wag-Himra and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06-04) Gufuy Meresa; Asfaw Zemede (Professor); Woldu Zerihun (Professor)
    This study was conducted on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., Fabaceae) varieties identified by farmers of Wag-himra and North Wollo zones in Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to investigate on the diversity of cowpea landraces (farmers’ varieties) and to know the ethnobotanical values of the crop. A total of 168 informants (84 men and 84 women) comprising 72 general informants and 12 key informants per zone aged between 19 and 75 years were interviewed. The field data were collected by using purposive sampling and random simpling technique in farmers’ fields, threshing grounds, home gardens, stores and market places. Descriptive statistics, informant consensus, preference ranking, ANOVA (analysis of variance), Shannon- Wiener diversity index, post hoc test and t-test were employed for the analysis of the data by using R-software (R studio) v 3.2.2 and MS Excel spreadsheet 2016. Thirty six accessions were collected and classified under eleven farmer-named varieties. The Tepid sub-moist mid-highland (SM3) agroecological zone of Wag-himra had high varietal diversity (H’=0.978049) while the Cool sub-moist highland (SM4) zone of Wag-himra came up with the least varietal diversity (H’=0.593763). Famers grow cowpea on farm sizes ranging from 0.24 ha and 0.30 ha. Area covered by cowpea by agroecological strata and zone had statistically significant differences (p<0.05). In the study area cowpea is widely intercropped with sorghum and maize and in addition to that in Wag-himra agroecological zone most cowpea is sole-cropped in part due to the sandy soil.
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    Ecological, Floristic and Ethnobotanical Studies in and Around Wejig-Mahgo-Waren Massif Forest Patches in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-05-02) Hishe Mebrahtu; Asfaw Zemede (Professor); Demissew Sebsebe (Professor); Giday Mirutse (PhD); Warkineh Bikila (PhD)
    There is a declining trend of biodiversity in general and plant diversity in particular. This trend is leading to the loss of the associated indigenous and local botanical knowledge in Ethiopia, which is more severe in the northern highlands than elsewhere in the country. The purpose of this research was to study vegetation composition, soil seed bank and to document associated ethnobotanical and management practices applied by the forest fringe communities in and around Wejig-Mahgo-Waren Massif Forest area. Vegetation data were collected from a sample of 150 quadrats (each 20 m x 20 m) placed in ten transect lines, which were systematically laid. All vascular plant species were recorded. Diameter at breast height was measured and seedlings and saplings were counted and recorded. Height and percentage cover abundance were estimated. Soil samples were collected from 75 quadrats down to 0-5 cm and 5 -10 cm depth. Stratified random sampling of 309 informants was performed for collection of data on indigenous knowledge, of social classes associated with the forest and the resources in it. Thirty key informants were purposively selected with the help of local administrators, elders and other community members for collection of ranking exercises. For collection of ethnobotanical data, semistructured interview, guided field walks and focus group discussions were applied. Basal area, density, frequency, importance value index, Shannon-wiener diversity index, cluster analysis and ordination were computed on ecological data. Density, composition, depth distribution and Sorensen coefficient of similarity were computed for soil seed bank analysis. Ethnobotanical analytical tools, including preference ranking, informant consensus factor, fidelity level, direct matrix ranking and cultural significance index were employed to describe the reciprocal relationship between the forest vegetation and forest fringe communities. Vegetation study revealed a total of 264 plant species belonging to 162 genera and 82 families. Woody (45.45%) species were higher than herbs (42.04%). Asteraceae (27 species, 32.93%), Poaceae (24 species, 29.27%) and Fabaceae (23 species, 20.05%) were the dominant families in terms of number of species. Five plant communities were identified in the forest vegetation, namely Cadia purpurea – Carissa spinarum, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata – Juniperus procera, Dodonaea angustifolia – Acacia abyssinica, Erica arborea – Myrsine africana and Acacia etbaica – Acacia tortilis. The highest (3.87) and the least (3.21) Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were found in communities two and five, respectively. Altitude, slope, livestock grazing and human impacts were the factors influencing species distribution. From soil samples, the total number of species recorded was 54, representing 42 genera and 23 families. The number of viable seeds in the soil samples corresponded to a seed bank density down to 10 cm was 1115 m-2. Herbs (85.16%) and woody species (14.84%) were the plants counted from the germination assay. Soil Seed bank and standing vegetation shared 36 species and their similarity was 23 %. The informants viewed the forest as an important entity for attraction of rain and for wildlife habitation followed by beekeeping and foraging as well as for sourcing straw and fuelwood. Of 79 plant species differentiated as useful to the community, 52 (66%) were used in traditional medicine (human and livestock), 28 (35%) as livestock fodder/ forage and 27 (34%) were recognized as honeybee forage. The highest informant consensus factor values were calculated for dermatological ailments (0.98,) followed by external injuries, bleeding and snakebites (0.92). The highest fidelity level (96.15%) was recorded for Verbascum sinaiticum followed by Withania somnifera (89.47%). Deforestation, agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection, grazing and settlement in decreasing order were considered responsible for forest resources depletion. Both the associated indigenous knowledge and the forest resources were under pressure. Thus, to restore the forest in the shortest possible time, restoration strategy that combines planting of seedlings of indigenous species and natural restoration techniques need to be applied.
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    Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities in Debark Wereda, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-06) Abebe Eskedar; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    An ethnobotanical study of the knowledge on use and management of medicinal plants by local people in Debark Wereda, North Gondar (Ethiopia), was conducted from October 2010 to May 2011. Semi-structured interviews, field observations and various ranking and comparison methods were employed and information was collected from a sample of 84 informants (36 females and 48 males). These included 24 key and 60 randomly selected informants. A total of 126 plant species, representing 114 genera and 57 families, were collected, and 122 of them were claimed to be traditional medicinal plants. The Asteraceae, which contributed 12 (9.52%) species, stood first followed by Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae with 11, 9 and 7 species respectively Most of the species (72) were collected from the wild while 50 were collected from homegardens. A total of 88 (76.03%) species were mentioned for the treatment of 62 human ailments while 10 species were used to treat 20 livestock health problems. Herbs were the most used plants, accounting for 60 (49.58%) species, followed by shrubs, trees and climbers. The most frequently used plant part was the leaves (50.27%) and fresh plant materials (54.39%). The common route medicine administration were oral (45.99%), followed by dermal and nasal. Some of the remedies are taken with additives and solvents including water (33.76), butter (16.88%) and honey (15.58%). The most widely used method of preparation was squeezing (33.33%) of the different plant parts followed by crushing (25%). The most commonly used application of medicinal plant was drinking (31.22%) followed by creamed (19.45%) and dropping (12.21%). Medicinal plants with higher informant consensus included Zehneria scabra, Verbascum sinaiticum and Rumex nepalensis while the disease category with the highest ICF value (0.870) was fibril illness. There was high preference for Plantogo lanceolata for treating wound while paired comparison showed Zehneria scabra to be the most preferred species for treatment of fibril illness by traditional healers. Cordia africana was shown to be the top multipurpose species while agricultural expansion, firewood collection and charcoal making were considered major threats to plants in general and medicinal plants in particular. Provisions for participation of the local people, awareness raising and establishment of protected forests need encouraging. Key words: Ethnobotany, Debark, traditional healers, traditional medicinal plant
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    Ethnobotany of Medicinal Plants in Erob and Gulomahda districts, Eastern Zone of Tigray National Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-06) Beyene Tadesse; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This thesis reports the ethnobotanical study conducted on the medicinal plants, between August 2010 and October 2012, in Erob and Gulomahda districts in Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical information on plants of local medicinal was gathered through semi-structured interviews involving 382 informants representing different social groups, group discussion, field observation, guided field walk and market survey. A total of 121 medicinal plant species, belonging to 100 genera and 52 families, used to treat 75 human and 27 livestock ailments were documented from both districts. In Erob, 85 plant species in 72 genera and 42 families claimed for treating 58 human and 24 livestock ailments were recorded while 102 medicinal plants in 88 genera and 48 families were documented from Gulomahda, which were claimed to treat 67 human and 18 livestock ailments. The Asteraceae, Solanaceae and Lamiaceae had 11 species each. The herb category was the dominant growth form in the study area. Plant species collected from the wild were the highest in both districts. The most frequently used plant part for preparation of remedies in both districts was the leaf. The local people of the study districts frequently engage their eloquent proverbs to accentuate the importance of plant species for medicinal purposes including the saying “a drug can kill, and a drug can save”, which survived for generations. Jaccard’s Coefficient of Similarity of Erob and Gulomahda for the reported traditional medicinal plants was 0.55 indicating some trend of using common plants. The insignificant mean number of plant species used to treat human (p (0.17) > 0.05) and those for livestock ailments (p (0.26) > 0.05) between the two districts showing that the local people use similar plant species to cure ailments. The insignificant different of χ2 test for the relation of gender on conservation of traditional medicinal plants in Erob (p (0.27) > 0.05) and Gulomahda (p (0.23) > 0.05) showing that conservation of medicinal plants was not affected by gender differences. The computed Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient for the knowledge among different age levels was 0.84 for Erob and 0.77 for Gulomahda showing a stronger positive (direct) linear relationship between age and knowledge in both districts and this relation was significant in Erob (p (0.00) < 0.05) and Gulomahda (P (0.00) < 0.05). A negative linear relationship for the knowledge among different educational leveles was 0.44 for Erob and 0.47 for Gulomahda indicating modern education affects the knowledge on medicinal plants and the relation was significant in Erob (P (0.00) <0.05) and Gulomahda (P (0.00) < 0.05). The insignificant difference for mean knowledge of medicinal plant between male and female in Erob ( p (0.39) > 0.05) and Gulomahda (p (0.08) > 0.05) indicating that males and females were equally responsible for primary healthcare of the members of their families. The significant difference for mean knowledge between Saho and Tigrigna speakers in Erob (p (0.02) < 0.05) indicating that the mean knowledge of Saho speakers is significantly greater than the mean knowledge of Tigrigna speakers for the reported medicinal plants in this District. The significant difference for the mean knowledge between Catholic and Orthodox followers in Erob (p (0.02) < 0.05) indicating that the mean knowledge for the reported medicinal plants by the Catholic followers) was significantly greater than those of Orthodox followers in this District. There was no widely observed trade on medicinal plants in the markets studied. Threats on medicinal plant species included drought, fuel wood collection, construction material extraction and civil unrest while rehabilitation of degraded areas, replanting, homegardening and provision of alternative energy sources are suggested as plausible actions to protect the medicinal plant resources and the associated indigenous knowledge. Key words Ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, ethnovetrinary medicine, Erob, Gulomahda, Tigray, Ethiopia
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    Floristic Diversity of Jorgo Wato Forest and Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal and Wild Edible Plants in Nole Kaba District, West Wollega, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06-06) Balemie Kebu; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    The research was carried out in Nole Kaba District to study the floristic diversity, structure, composition of Jorgo Wato Forest (JWF) and ethnobotany of medicinal and wild edible plants used in selected areas of Nole Kaba District. Floristic data were collected from a total of 73 plots applying standard plot sizes. The number of individuals, dbh (diameter at breast height), and height of woody species (dbh > 2.5 cm) were enumerated and measured in each plot; their cover abundance was estimated. Ethnobotanical data were documented through semistructured interviews (371 general informants of whom 174 were females & (12 key informants), group discussions, field observations, market surveys, and pairwise comparisons. Forest structural attributes were computed using descriptive statistics; plant communities were classified using cluster analysis. Redundancy Analysis was employed to analyze relationship between species distribution and environmental factors. Shannon diversity indices were employed to estimate species diversity. ANOVA, Sorenson's similarity, and correlation analysis were computed to analyze mean differences, similarity and relationships in floristic data. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative indices such as Factor of Informant Consensus (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), Pairwise Ranking, Correlation, Sorenson Similarity, Use Value and Cultural Importance Index (CI). ANOVA was employed to test the variation in ethnobotanical knowledge among informants and Multiple Linear Regressions (MLR) was employed to determine the strength of the influence of variables that contributed to the knowledge variation. The floristic study found a total of 237 species belonging to 192 genera and 82 families. The highest Important Value Index was recorded for Pouteria adolfi-friederici, followed by Syzygium guineense subsp. afromontanum. Five plant community types were identified. Species diversity and evenness were 3.73 and 0.80, respectively. Altitude and slope significantly influenced (p < 0.05) species distribution across plant community types. One hundred sixty two medicinal plants belonging to 135 genera and 65 families were found from the ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinsary study. The highest proportion of medicinal plants were herbs (47.5%), followed by shrubs (27.8%). Ehretia cymosa (FL = 100%), Pentas schimperiana (FL = 100%) and Loxogramme abyssinica (FL = 94%) were among the medicinal plants showing high informant consensus. Age, healing experience, gender, and proximity to forest revealed significant variation and these together accounted for 34.7% (R2 = 0.347) of the total variation in ethnomedicinal knowledge among informants. The ethnobotanical study also found 39 WEPs species belonging to 31 genera and 27 families that are consumed by the community. Nutritional analysis of selected wild edible fruits found rich nutritional composition in the fruits. Medicinal plants with high informant consensus and wild edible fruits (e.g. Carissa spinarum, Syzygium guineense subsp. afromontanum, Ximenia americana) with rich nutritional composition are recommended for further development and conservation.
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    Landrace (Farmers’ Varieties) Diversity of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L., Fabaceae) in Arsi Zone of Oromia Region and Kefa Zone of SNNPR, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2017-06) Berhanu Mulugeta; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This study was undertaken to identify and document the landrace (farmers’ varieties) diversity along with description of the morphological variability and ethnobotanical uses of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Arsi and Kefa zones, Ethiopia. From each of these two study zones, three kebeles (lowest administrative unit) were randomly selected within each stratum. The strata were first determined based on purposively sampled agroecological zones and ethnic groups or cultural zones. A total of 144 randomly selected general informants and 24 purposively selected key informants were interviewed using a set of structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide, market survey and field observations. Voucher specimens and seed samples were collected for documentation and further agromorphological investigation. The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, ANOVA, Chi-square test, Student's T-Test, Paired T-Test, Wilcox Sum Rank Test, Tukey test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Thirty accessions were collected and classified under seven farmer-named varieties and one varietal admixture (a composite of two varieties). High varietal occurrence was observed in Arsi zone (7) than Kefa (4). The Tepid moist mid-highland (M3) agroecologic zone of Arsi had high varietal diversity (H’=1.5) while the Tepid sub-humid mid-highland (SH3) zone of Kefa came up with the least varietal diversity (H’=0.9). Famers grow field pea on farm sizes ranging from 0.0125-0.5 ha. All the farmers interviewed preferred field pea, which the community mainly use for food and for income generation, and farmers in H3-Arsi (100%), M3-Arsi (97%), SH3-Kefa (75%) and H3-Kefa (17%) had preferences for field pea claiming that this crop is of high fodder quality. The farmers in H3- Kefa extensively (69%) used the crop as honeybee forage and medicine for humans and livestock (67%) compared to other study strata. Field pea was an important food item mainly consumed in the form of SHIRO (sauce made of roasted and finely ground grains), KIKI (sauce made of split grains), NIFRO (boiled grains), KOLLO (roasted grains) and ESHAT (green grains). Of the farmers interviewed in each stratum,100% in SH3-Kefa, 89% in H3-Arsi, 56% in M3-Arsi and 44% in H3-Kefa grow field pea as a sole crop, whereas, 56% and 31% of farmers in H3-Kefa and M3-Arsi intercrop field pea with faba bean. This study has shown the essential role which traditional farmers play in the development and maintenance of field pea landraces. Observations and discussions showed that improved varieties have high market values and yield potentials than the local farmers’ varieties. The seven farmers’ varieties were grouped into three clusters based on squared Euclidean distance (D2) values for which the maximum distance was found between clusters two and three. The final germination percentages of all collected field pea varieties were high (> 95%). The germplasm conservation, awareness raising of local farmers, and further research on improvement on yield of the low yielding varieties are needed in order to maintain the landrace diversity of field pea. Key words: Agroecological zones, cluster analysis, ethnicity, ethnobotany, field pea, landrace, strata
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    Morphological and Molecular Characterization, Assessment of Nutritional Composition and Micropropagation of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma Sagittifolium (L.) Schott) from Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-06-03) Wada Eyasu; Feyissa Tileye (PhD); Tesfaye Kassahun (PhD); Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    Morphological and Molecular Characterization, Assessment of Nutritional Composition and Micropropagation of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) from Ethiopia Eyasu Wada Wachamo, PhD Dissertation Addis Ababa University, June 2018 Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) is a tuberous root crop in the Araceae family. It is an exotic crop to Ethiopia that was introduced fairly recently but has spread widely and already become part of the agricultural and food systems of the people, wherein tuber and root crops play an important role as sources of food. However, cocoyam has not been given research attention commensurate to its importance as it is a neglected crop by research and development community. This study was conducted to characterize cocoyam diversity at morphological and molecular levels through documenting farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices; determining nutritional composition; and developing a micropropagation protocol for this neglected crop. The present ethnobotanical survey results showed that the crop is given different local names by farmers and that it is locally used for food, fodder, medicine and other purposes. Furthermore, the results showed that the uses of cocoyam as a food crop and fodder are the most preferred traits as perceived by the farmers while hardness, sour taste, unpleasant smell and low market demand were the major constraits for cocoyam production. Green- and purple-colored cocoyam plants were observed during our survey. The field study helped to distinguish two classes of qualitative traits for petiole color, lamina orientation, color of veins on leaf surfaces, position of cormel apex and shape of cormels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variation in 11(84.6%) of the 13 studied quantitative traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduced the 13 quantitative traits to 3 Principal components (PCs) with the eigen values >1, which explained 69.2% of the observed variations. In the genetic diversity analysis using 11 SSR markers, a total of 36 alleles were detected (mean 3.273). High SSR marker diversity was detected within populations (average Ho = 0.503 and He = 0.443) and when all collections were considered as single population (Ho: 0.508, He: 0.566). Supporting these results, genetic diversity analysis using AFLP markers revealed high Nei’s gene diversity (He) within populations (He = 0.349) and at the entire collection level (He = 0.389). SSR markers revealed strong genetic differentiation among populations and between green and purple cocoyam morphotypes by Fst values 0.196 and 0.463, respectively. However, unlike SSR markers, AFLP marker-based analysis showed low genetic differentiation among populations (Gst = 0.072) as well as between green and purple cocoyam morphotypes (Gst = 0.024). The nutritional composition analysis showed that both the green- and purple-cocoyam morphotypes can provide nutrient-rich products, albeit slight differences in the quantities of proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors. A micropropagation protocol was successfully developed in which the green- and purple-cocoyam shoot tip explants were best initiated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP, best multiplied on MS medium containing 2.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA and the best IBA concentration for rooting was MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l IBA. Overall, a lot of useful indigenous knowledge exists within the farming communities in the rural areas, but cocoyam is poorly studied and underutilized crop in spite of its nutritional value & its potential as food crop. The findings of this study are very important to enhance the future use of cocoyam in the country. Collaborative research intervention involving the development of varieties, making available high quality planting material for farmers & promoting value chains and market opportunities are valuable for sustainable use of the exiting diversity & to safeguard the potential end users of cocoyam in the country.
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    Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) (Fabaceae) Landrace Diversity in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2015-06) Ayalew Tensay; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    The general objective of this study was to assess and document the landrace diversity and ethnobotanical information of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical information of the crop was collected by using semi-structured interview, field observation and market survey. The study areas were covered in Amhara Region (South Wollo, North Shewa and East Gojjam), Gambella Region (Agnwaa), Oromia Region (West Shewa) and SNNPR (Gamo Gofa and Segen Hizboch) zones of Ethiopia. Data analyzed by using descriptive statistics and informant consensus tools. Totally, 25 accessions of mungbean germplasm were collected from local markets, farmers’ field and home from September to October 2014. Among all study sites, from Amhara Region more accessions while from Oromia Region less accession were collected. According to the informants, 100% of the accessions were landrace varieties. The collected specimens of mungbean belong to Vigna radiata var. radiata farmer variety MASHO(Amharic), farmer variety OGODA (Agnwaa) and farmer variety NEKEYDA(Konso). In this finding, local farmers use of mungbean as food and fodder (36.8%), income generation, food and fodder (32%), food, fodder and improve soil fertility (22.4%), food, fodder, improve soil fertility and income generation (8.8%). Poorly organized marketing system, less availability of seed during sowing season, less management are causes for limitation. Other factors like disease, insect and drought stress are the key problems of mungbean productivity as described by informants. Awareness raising, effectively managing and making farmers direct beneficiaries will increase production of mungbean by farming communities Key words: Diversity, ethnobotany, farmers’ knowledge, landrace, management, mungbean
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    Phenotypic Diversity and Mineral Contents of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Accessions from North Wollo and South Tigray, and Improved / Introduction Varieties
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2017-06) Wondimageghu Blen; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    Among legumes, the field pea has multiple purpose of fixing atmospheric nitrogen and providing protein. This study was undertaken to identify the phenotypic diversity of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) landrace accessions, improved and introduced varieties. It was planted in two locations namely Holeta and Debrezeit agricultural research centers using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications during the 2016-2017 cropping season. Standard morphological measurements and scores were taken and the harvested grains were analyzed for their mineral contents including Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium. The morphological and mineral content data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The genotypes showed morphological diversity as observed in the field trails. The results showed that significant differences exist among samples, within blocks and across locations. Cluster analysis for average performances grouped the genotypes into two different classes where cluster 1 had short maturity period whereas cluster 2 had high grain production and total biomass production even though they are late maturing. In the correlation analysis, days to maturity was highly correlated to total biomass production and grain yield to which breeders draw much attention. All the nine minerals that were analyzed, was there but varied from sample to sample. The amounts of Ca, K, Mg and P were relatively higher in the landraces than in the other samples. It had high Ca, Fe and P compared to lentil and faba bean. There was strong positive correlation between the research sites in Holeta and Debrezeit. Diseases like ascochyta blight and powdery mildew with scales of 1-9 were present. From 77 samples RAYA 1, DEKOKO 41 and DEKOKO 15 were resistant for both diseases. The early genotypes (the DEKOKO varieties) can be used in drought prone areas or in double cropping while those lines shown to be resistant to ascochyta blight and powdery mildew could be taken up in breeding programs. Key words: Chemical composition, correlation, cluster, morphological diversity, RCBD, Pisum sativum
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    Plant Diversity and Ethnobotany of Medicinal and Wild Edible Plants in Amaro District of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region and Gelana District of Oromia Region, Southern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2017-06) Alemayehu Getu; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This research was conducted in Amaro and Gelana districts in southern Ethiopia to study the plant diversity and traditional medicinal and wild edible plants. The study was carried out between August 2013 and April 2016. Vegetation data were collected from 140 relevés using a square plot of 400 m2 (20 m x 20 m) for trees; 5 m x 5 m and 1 m x 1 m subplots for shrubs and herbs respectively within each relevés. Ethnobotanical data were collected by interviewing 380 informants (200 males and 180 females) aged 18-75 years where 120 were key informants. Ethnobotanical knowledge of traditional plants used as human and veterinary medicine and food was obtained using semi-structured interview administered through faceto- face interaction with the informants. Agglomerative hierarchical classification in R package version R 3.3.2 software was used to identify plant communities and synoptic values were used for identification of the dominant species for naming each plant community. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was applied to quantify species diversity and richness. Quantitative analytical tools for ethnobotanical methods including simple preference ranking, pair-wise ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were employed. Ethnobotanical knowledge held by different informant categories was compared. One hundred eighty species belonging to 121 genera and 58 families were documented of which 140 and 107 were from Amaro and Gelana districts respectively. Out of the whole plant species, eight were found Ethiopian endemic. The Asteraceae and Fabaceae stood first contributing 15 (8.33%) species each followed by the Lamiaceae (12, 6.66%). Five plant community types were identified in each District. A total of 147 plant species were recorded that are used to treat 66 human and 28 livestock ailments in the two districts. Of the total species, 90 (61.22%) of them were obtained from natural habitats. The families best represented were Fabaceae and Lamiaceae 12 (8.16%) species each followed by Asteraceae (11, 7.48% species). Of the total number of medicinal plants, 112 (76.19%) species were reported to be used to treat human ailments and 42 (28.57%) for livestock ailments. Herbs were the most widely used plants, accounting for 63 (42.85%) species. Common diseases in the study area were wound for which 19 (7.88%) species were reported and 15 (6.22%) species for stomachache. The local people of Amaro and Gelana districts use Myrica salicifolia to treat the highest number (10, 4.14%) of ailments followed by Phytolacca dodecandera and Solanum incanum 7 (2.90%) each. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (93, 38.58%) followed by roots (41, 17.01%). The most widely used method of preparation of traditional herbal medicines was decoction (58, 24.06%). The majority (216, 89.62%) of remedies were prepared from freshly collected plant parts. The common route of administration was oral (133, 53.18%) followed by dermal (77, 31.95%). The most cited medicinal plants were Acmella caulirhiza 51 (3.58%) and Agarista salicifolia 44 (3.09%). Highest ICF values were recorded in Amaro District for rabies; and the highest FL values of human medicinal plants were recorded for Echinops kebericho (100%) against breast cancer. In Gelana District, the ailments bleeding and hypertension scored the highest ICF value (0.96) and the highest FL values were obtained for Rumex abyssinicus (100%) against Ascariasis. Myrica salicifolia was the most preferred species to treat stomachache of human beings while Hagenia abyssinica was the most utilized medicinal plant species in Amaro District. Most of the medicinal plants were not widely traded for medicinal purposes, but mostly for other non-medicinal uses. The highest average number of medicinal plants was cited by men (77, 52.38%), by older people (84, 57.14%) and by illiterate people (76, 51.70%). The highest Shannon-Wiener diversity range values of medicinal species were 3.90 and 3.67 for community III and IV in Nekora and Dance forest, respectively. The two districts furnished 80 plant species consumed wild by the community and the plant species belong to 52 genera and 32 families. The Fabaceae with ten (12.5%) and Tiliaceae with five (6.25%) species were the most represented families with high number of WEPs. Most of the WEPS were shrubs represented with 34 (42.50%) species. Fruit was found to be the most edible plant part, accounting for 54 (67.50%) species, and mostly taken as raw. Of the reported medicinal and wild edible plant species, 63 species were reported for more than two uses. The group discussions and pair wise ranking results indicated that agricultural expansion was the principal factor threatening medicinal and WEPs in the study area. The forests, medicinal and wild edible plants in Amaro and Gelana districts are under pressure due mainly to ever-increasing anthropogenic influences. There is an urgent need for establishment of community based forest priority area (park) in the districts for conservation of forest in general and medicinal and wild edible plants in particular. Key words: Amaro, ethnobotany, floristic composition, fidelity level, Gelana, informant consensus, wild edible plants
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    Plant Diversity and Ethnobotany of Medicinal Plants With theAntimicrobial Investigation of Selected Plants in Menz Gera District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2020-10-10) Fisaha Gebremicael; Asfaw Zemede (Professor); Demissew Sebsebe (Professor); Lulekal Ermias (Professor)
    This dissertation is the result of a study made on the plant diversity and ethnobotany of medicinal plants in Menz Gera District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Data on vegetation and the ethnobotany of medicinal plants were collected during multiple field visits made at different seasons between 2016 and 2018. Vegetation data were collected in Yegana and Gajilo forest patches using a systematic random sampling design. Seventy-two quadrats, at 50m altitudinal drop from 14 transects (7 transects for each forest patch) set at 500 m interval, measuring 20mx20m for mature trees and 10mx10m, 5mx5m and 2mx2m sub quadrats for saplings, seedlings/shrubs and herbs respectively, were laid down. Ethnobotanical information on traditional medicinal plants was gathered through semi-structured interviews involving 390 informants representing different social groups, through group discussions, field observation, guided field walks and market survey in 13 Kebeles (sub-districts) of the District. Antimicrobial activity testing was conducted on eight medicinal plant species with high informant consensus values and no record of previous such tests. A total of 284 species in 213 genera and 89 families were recorded from both ecological and ethnobotanical studies. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the families with the highest number of species (14.44% each) followed by Fabaceae (6.69%). Twenty-five (8.8%) endemic species to Ethiopia were encountered. A total of 212 plant species representing 154 genera and 72 families were identified from the natural forest patches whereas 72 species belonging to 59 genera and 17 families were collected outside of the natural forest patches through ethnobotanical inventory. Three plant communities (Juniperus procera - Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Hagenia abyssinica - Ekebergia capensis and Podocarpus falcatus - Galiniera saxifraga) were identified. Structural and regeneration status analysis of tree species revealed different population structures indicating that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. A total of 156 plant species that belong to 136 genera and 67 families were identified to have values for treating 87 humans and 16 livestock ailments in traditional medicine. Asteraceae had the highest number of traditional medicinal plants (9.62%), followed by Lamiaceae (6.41%) and Solanaceae (5.77%). The most frequently used plant parts for the preparation of remedies were leaves and roots, which accounted for 32.05% and 30.77% respectively. The oral route of administration (46%) was commonly used for both human and livestock disease treatment. Out of the traditional medicine, 21(13.5%) were found to be traded at local markets and were sold and bought for different purposes. Gastrointestinal disease category scored highest ICF (0.78) and abdominal pain; Diarrhea and Gastritis were the most reported human health problems under this disease category. Parents were the major (85%) sources of indigenous knowledge on herbal medicine in the area. A broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity of extracts was shown in the cases of Inula confertiflora (leaf), Laggera tomentosa (root) and Satureja abyssinica (leaf). Ever-increasing population, which demands more land for livelihood with the usual unsustainable collection of traditional medicinal plants from natural stands are the main threats to the plants of the study area. Plantation of indigenous trees to increase their abundance, providing alternative sources of livelihood to minimize deforestation, establishment of a research center for threatened medicinal plants and indigenous trees and further study on selected traditional medicinal plants for drug development are some of the actions required in the short time range.
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    Plant Diversity, Ethnobotany and Barcoding of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants in Kalu and Bati Districts of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2020-06-06) Abdurhman Nurya; Asfaw Zemede (Professor); Demissew Sebsebe (Professor); Deboer Hugo (Professor)
    The study was conducted in Kalu and Bati Districts, South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. It was aimed at documenting plant diversity in selected forest patches, ethnobotany and barcoding of medicinal and cosmetic plants. Vegetation data were collected from 50 and 30 sampling plots (20 m × 20 m) for Anabe and Gerfa-ourene forest patches respectively using transect method. For shrubs and herbs 5 m x 5 m and 1 m x 1 m subplots were laid within each quadrat respectively. Ethnobotanical data were collected by administering semi-structured interviews with randomly sampled 300 informants, through direct field observation, 20 focus group discussion and in eight local markets. For DNA barcoding sequences, samples were collected both in voucher form and by silica gel and analyzed at the laboratory of Natural History Museum, University Of Oslo, Norway. Agglomerative hierarchical classification with the application of R-computer programing (R Version 3.0.2) was used to identify plant communities. Simple preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were calculated to analyze the ethnobotanical data. Genomic DNA was extracted from silica-gel-dried leaves, voucher specimens and powdered medicinal plant samples to generate barcodes for ITS, rbcL and matK using specific primers and PCR amplification. All barcode sequences were queried using NCBI BLAST to cross-check morphological identifications. From Anabe and Gerfa-ourene forest patches a total of 128 plant species which belong to 114 genera and 60 families were recorded. From the total, 108 of the plant species representing 97 genera and 52 families were collected from Anabe Forest patch whereas 84 plant species representing 75 genera and 46 families were from Gerfa-ourene Forest patch. From the hierarchical cluster analysis, the vegetation in Anabe and Gerfa-ourene Forest patches were classified in to three plant community types each. The ethnobotanical study in Kalu District revealed 129 medicinal plant species that belong to 108 genera and 59 families. In Bati District, however, 94 traditional medicinal plant species belonging to 78 genera and 49 families were reported. The majority of human remedy preparations were from leaves (43% in Kalu and 29% in Bati) followed by roots (11% in kalu and 17% in Bati) and the highest ICF values were recorded for back pain in humans in both districts (0.94 in Kalu, 0.96 in Bati). The highest FL values of human medicinal plants were recorded for Withania somnifera (93.5%) in Kalu District, and Terminalia brownii (95.96%) in Bati District. About 30.34% of the medicinal plants in both districts were cited for women’s health problems and for herbal cosmetics.The amplified products were used for sequencing and 154 samples were sequenced for three barcode regions (ITS, rbcL and matK). BLAST was used to compare sample sequences to the reference database and sequencing success was high for rbcL (97.4%) and ITS (96.1%), but lower for matK (76.0%). Anabe and Gerfa-ourene Forest patches are rich in species composition having 128 plant species which belong to 114 genera and 60 families. Both districts are rich in their medicinal plant composition having 145 medicinal plant species that belong to 116 genera and 62 families. Kalu and Bati Districts are rich in “women’s plants” and herbs used as cosmetics (44 species, which belong to 39 genera and 31 families). DNA barcoding method was attempted for identifying 154 medicinal and cosmetics plant materials including from markets with high percentage of success.
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    Vascular Plant Diversity and Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal and Wild Edible Plants in Jibat, Gedo and Chilimo Forests, West Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2016-04) Regassa Tena; Asfaw Zemede (Professor)
    This study was undertaken in Jibat, Chelia and Dendi districts, Central Ethiopia, in order to investigate the floristic composition and vascular plant diversity of Jibat, Chilimo and Gedo forests and ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal and wild edible plants used by the Oromo communities in the area. The resulting data are expected to contribute to the conservation of the fast-eroding plant resources and the preservation of the associated ethnobotanical knowledge of the study area. Vegetation data were collected from a total of 457 relevés sampled preferentially using a square plot of 400 m2 (20 m x 20 m) for woody plants and subplots of 2 m x 2 m at the four corners and the centr e of the large relevé laid to collect the samples of herbaceous species. Woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) > 2 cm were counted and cover abundance values estimated. Agglomerative hierarchical classification in R package version R 2.12.5 software, was used to identify plant communities and synoptic values ≥1 for identification of the dominant species for naming plant communities. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used to assess species richness and evenness. Ethnobotanical data were collected by interviewing 838 informants (512 males and 269 females). Quantitative approaches were used to determine informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) values. Ethnomedicinal knowledge held by different informant categories was compared using One-way ANOVA and t-tests in SPSS version 20 and MINITAB Release 14.3.0 statistical package. A total of 415 plant species belonging to 312 genera and 104 families were documented from the study area of which 320, 290 and 241 were from Jibat, Gedo and Chilimo forest stands respectively. A total of 18 plant communities were identified from the vegetation survey. Furthermore, 172 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 155 genera and 73 families were documented that are used to treat 86 human ailments reported grouped under 13 major disease categories. Similarly, 97 ethnoveterinary plant species categorized under 94 genera and 56 families reported to treat 44 livestock ailments were documented and a total of 71 wild edible plants belonging to 58 genera and 33 families were reported to be gathered and consumed in the study area. Herbs (ca. 232) were the dominant plant growth forms followed by shrubs (ca.94) and trees (ca. 74) among the vascular plants documented from the area. Asteraceae (68 species in 42 genera) and Fabaceae (26 species in 21 genera) were the most taxonomically diverse families followed by Lamiaceae and Poaceae with 19 genera each and 26 species and 24 species respectively in the study area. A total of 43 endemic plants were documented in this study of which one species, Kniphofia hildebrandtii is critically endangered. Leaves (36.6%) followed by roots (19.98%) and seeds (10.34%) were the most consumed ethnomedicinal plant parts in remedy preparation. Most remedies were prepared from fresh plant materials (66.48%), mostly prepared and applied by boiling and drinking the decoction upon cooling (117 citations, 13.88%) followed by drinking the concoction (49 citation, 13.35%). Oral application (220 preparations, 59.94%) was the commonly used route of administration followed by topical or dermal application (95 preparations, 25.88%). Amoebiasis, constipation and diarrhoea were the most commonly reported health problems under the gastrointestinal, pharyngeal and parasitic (GIPP), whereas atopic eczema and dandruff were the most frequently reported under the dermatological and subcutaneous tissues (DST) disease group. The categories with the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) values, GIPP (0.70 for Dendi, 0.67 for Chelia and 0.69 for Jibat districts) followed by respiratory (0.64 for Chelia) and DST (0.64 and 0.63 for Jibat and Dendi respectively.The highest fidelity level (FL) (95%) was recorded for Hagenia abyssinica in Jibat District. Zingiber officinale and Jasminium abyssinicum were reported to have highest FL values in Chelia District (95% each). In Dendi District, Zingiber officinale, Bothriocline schimperi, Zehneria scabra, Clerodendrum myricoides, Ocimum lamiifolium and Acokanthera schimperi with FL values of 95% each, had the highest FL. In the study area, the highest ICF value was recorded for disease categories dermatological and sensorial problems (0.80) followed by septicaemic problems (0.68) and wound, external injury and animal bite (0.66) in the case of ethnoveterinary medicine. The reports indicate a high incidence of these types of diseases in the study area, possibly due to the poor socio-economic and sanitary conditions of the people. Preference ranking indicated that Lactuca inermis, Coffea arabica and Brucea antidysernterica were the most preferred species to treat diarrhea in Jibat District and Dodonaea angustifolia, Justicia schimperiana and Arisaema enneaphyllum were the most preferred species used against atopic eczema in Chelia and Carissa spinarum, Acanthus sennii and Otostegia integrifolia were the most preferred species to treat rheumatism in Dendi. Knowledge associated with use of medicinal plants is generally kept secret and is transferred orally. Age, literacy level, distance from health centre and experience of informants had statistically significant influence on ethnobatanical knowledge of medicinal and wild edible plants (P < 0.05), whereas, marital status and gender did not exert statistically significant difference (P >0.05) regarding their ethnobatanical knowledge. Moraceae and Asteraceae were among the most commonly consumed families with five and four edible taxa respectively. Women and children were the main gatherers of WEPs. The majority of the useful plants were collected from wild source and storage practice was minimal in the study area. The output of the direct matrix ranking revealed that Prunus africana was ranked first (the most threatened) followed by Hagenia abyssinica and Olinia rochetiana which are multipurpose species in Jibat District. Similarly, Prunus africana was ranked first (most threatened) followed by Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and Podocarpus falcatus in Chelia District; and Juniperus procera was ranked first (the most threatened) followed by Prunus africana and Hagenia abyssinica in Dendi District are reported to be the most threatened multipurpose species. Agricultural expansion, overstocking/ grazing and fuel wood collection were found to be the most threatening factors to plant resources in the study area. The study area is endowed with rich flora in general and medicinal and wild edible plants and associated knowledge in particular, yet under great pressure due to anthropogenic and natural factors. Thus, it is recommended that forestry departments of the federal, regional and local governments take strong and urgent conservation actions and strategies to safeguard these valuable resources before they have gone forever. In this, each level would need to mobilize the local people to be actively involved in sustainable forest resource management. Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Chelia, Dendi, Jibat, Wild edible plants, Informant Consensus, Fidelity Level