Effects of Nanoparticles on Soil Microorganisms

Background: Rapidly increasing population pressure, widespread environmental degradation, recurrent drought, low productivity of the agricultural sector and limited market access have greatly contributed to critical food shortages in Ethiopia. These in turn have resulted in food insecurity, which is characterized by inability of the people at all times to have a physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs for a productive and healthy life. Therefore; this study was conducted to test the adaptability of improved potato varieties, identify and select the best high yielding and pest and disease resistant/ tolerant variety/ies for target area.

Methodology: Six released potato varieties were brought from Adet agricultural research center and evaluated during 2016 cropping season at two locations (Masha research site and Chena). Six released potato varieties were used for the experiment. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design replicated three times.

Results: The mean yield was ranged from 286.3 to 398.48 Quintal/ha for Shenkolla and Belete varieties respectively. Based on the recorded parameters Belete variety performed better than other varieties.

Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that, the three varieties, Belete, Gera and Gudene were best performed than other varieties and will be recommended for the surrounding farmers for wider production. Further study should be carried out with improved varieties to improve potato production, especially in southwestern Ethiopia.

Keywords: Potato; Adaptability; Tepi; Southwestern ethiopia

Abbreviations: C60: Carbon 60; Fe₂O₃O: Hematite iron oxide; Fe₃O₄: Magnetite iron oxide; Ag: Silver; ZnO: Zinc oxide; CeO₂: Cerium Oxide; TiO₂: Titanium dioxide