Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Perennial Bee Forage Species in Highland and Midland of Agro-ecologies of Bale,
South-eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
129-137
Received:
15 January 2026
Accepted:
7 August 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: The availability of abundant perennial bee forage species that provide pollen and nectar is a critical factor for the survival, abundance, and distribution of honeybees. This study was conducted in the highland and midland agro-ecologies of Bale zone, located in the south-eastern part of the Oromia Region, with the objective of evaluating the growth performance of selected perennial bee forage species over three consecutive years. The species were selected based on their importance as sources of nectar and pollen for honeybees, their adaptability to a wide range of agro-ecological conditions, and their similar growth habits. The evaluated species were Leucas abyssinica, Becium grandiflorum, and Medicago sativa. The growth performance of these perennial species was assessed using several parameters, including days to germination, days to flowering, duration of blooming, time to shading, flowering period, number of branches per plant, number of flowers per plant, plant height, canopy cover, and honeybee foraging intensity. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize and interpret the results. The findings indicated that Leucas abyssinica, Becium grandiflorum, and Medicago sativa performed well in both the highland and midland sites. Among the species, Leucas abyssinica exhibited the longest blooming period, followed by Becium grandiflorum and Medicago sativa at both locations. The highest mean number of branches per plant was recorded in Becium grandiflorum, while the highest mean number of flowers per plant was observed in both Becium grandiflorum and Leucas abyssinica. Similarly, the highest honeybee foraging intensity (number of bees per 10 minutes per 1 m2) was recorded on Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum. Honeybees were most actively foraging on Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while on Medicago sativa the peak foraging period extended from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In conclusion, the results revealed that all evaluated perennial bee forage species performed well under the highland and midland agro-ecological conditions of Bale. These species provide dual benefits by supporting local beekeeping practices and contributing to the ecological restoration of degraded landscapes. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum into watershed development programs.
Abstract: The availability of abundant perennial bee forage species that provide pollen and nectar is a critical factor for the survival, abundance, and distribution of honeybees. This study was conducted in the highland and midland agro-ecologies of Bale zone, located in the south-eastern part of the Oromia Region, with the objective of evaluating the growt...
Show More
Research Article
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Varieties Adaptation Trial in Kellem Wollega Zone of Western Oromia
Alemayehu Latera*
,
Kibiru Kena,
Ashenafi Debela
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
138-144
Received:
25 September 2026
Accepted:
8 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: In Ethiopia, coriander is an important spice crop cultivated for household consumption and income generation, but productivity in many areas is constrained by limited access to well-adapted varieties, disease pressure, and variable growing conditions. This study evaluated five improved coriander varieties (Derara, Gadisa, Batu, Tulu, and Walta-I) together with a local cultivar to identify adapted and high-yielding materials for the midland agro-ecologies of Kellem Wollega Zone, western Oromia. The trial was conducted at Belem, Gute Aneni, and Hewa Gelan during the 2025 cropping season using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on phenology, growth, yield and yield components, and disease reaction. Combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among varieties for most agronomic and yield-related traits, while location effects were significant for several traits. The variety × location interaction was not significant for most traits, except days to maturity and total seed yield, indicating relatively consistent performance across the test locations for many characters. The local check produced the highest mean total seed yield (1,124.67 kg ha-1), followed by Batu (283.83 kg ha-1), whereas Derara (157.82 kg ha-1) and Walta-I (169.75 kg ha-1) produced the lowest yields. The local check also showed superior performance for several growth traits and relatively low disease scores. The results demonstrate the value of locally adapted coriander cultivar and support further evaluation, farmer-participatory testing, and characterization of local materials for future coriander variety improvement in Kellem Wollega Zone.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, coriander is an important spice crop cultivated for household consumption and income generation, but productivity in many areas is constrained by limited access to well-adapted varieties, disease pressure, and variable growing conditions. This study evaluated five improved coriander varieties (Derara, Gadisa, Batu, Tulu, and Walta-I) t...
Show More
