Evaluation on Growth Performance of Moringa Stenopetala Provenance at Daro Lebu and Hawi Gudina Districts, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, East Ethiopia

Abstract

Six Moringa stenopetala provenances (Abay Filklik, Arbaminch, Gofa, Wolayita, Konso and Babile) were examined for survival and growth parameters at Daro Lebu district at Mechara and Hawi Gudina district at Hawi Gudina site July 2019. This study was undertaken with randomized complete block design with four replications. At age of three year; survival rate, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) over bark, root collar diameter, canopy diameter (RCD) and fresh leaf biomass were assessed. The result indicated that at Mechara site, there were significantly (P < 0.001) among provenances; in their survival, height, root collar diameter, and fresh leaf biomass, but DBH and canopy diameter did not show statistical difference. At Hawi Gudina, there was significant difference only in fresh leaf biomass between provenances. Survival at Mechara site ranged from 50% for (M.gofa and M.wolayita) to 83.33% for M.babile ; while at Hawi Gudina site survival ranged from 91.67% for M.abay Filiklik to 100% for (M.konso, M.arbaminch and M.wolayita) provenances. At Mechara site, M.abay Filiklik demonstrated superior mean height (2.53 m) followed by M.babile (2.09 m) and M.wolayita (1.2 m) is the shortest provenance. At Hawi Gudina site, M.arbami demonstrated superior mean height (2.32m) followed by M.konso (2.3 m) and M.babile(1.57 m) were the shortest provenance. M.gofa demonstrated superior RCD (99.17 mm) followed by M.babile (98 mm), while M.wolayita (61.09 mm) shown the lowest performance at Mechara site. While, at Hawi Gudina site site, M.arbaminch demonstrated superior RCD (138.67mm) followed by M.konso (135.42 mm); while M.babile (107.09 mm) shown the lowest performance. At Mechara site, M.babile demonstrated superior fresh leaf biomass (1.61 kg) followed by M.gofa (1.59), while M.wolayita (0.48 kg) shown the lowest performance. At Hawi Gudina site, M.gofa demonstrated superior fresh leaf biomass (3.11 kg) followed by Wolayita (2.91 kg), while M.babile (1.34 kg) shown the lowest performance. Owing to superior growth performances attained, M.babile, M.gofa and M.konso be recommended for Mechara and similar agro-ecology, while M.arbaminch, M.gofa and M.konso for Hawi Gudina and similar agro-ecology.

Keywords: Moringa provenance, survival rate, growth, Leaf fresh biomass, Mechara, Hawi Gudina

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/123-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2024