Seed Technologist (Ph.D. and MSc.) and Agronomist (B.Sc.) by training with over 30 years of experience working as professional and managerial staff at national and international levels. I have an extensive firsthand working experience with government officials, NARS managers, national seed program leaders, regional organizations , international and advanced research centers, international development partners and donor communities for mobilizing resources and seed sector development. Highlights of my experience include broad knowledge of organizational, managerial, institutional, regulatory and policy issues for an all-inclusive, competitive and sustainable development of national seed sector in developing countries. Phone: +251911225674 Address: ICARDA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
... Laverack (1994) defined variety maintenance as 'the per-petuation of a small... more ... Laverack (1994) defined variety maintenance as 'the per-petuation of a small stock of parental material through repeated multiplication following a precise procedure'. ... Page 453. 426 AJG van Gastel et al. Laverack and Turner, 1995). ...
Field establishment in Lentil is a key determinant in its production. To investigate the predicti... more Field establishment in Lentil is a key determinant in its production. To investigate the prediction of field emergence through various laboratory parameters, correlation studies between seed vigor tests and field emergence were carried out across two consecutive years in Sudan and in Syria. Correlation and path coefficient analyses were done to find the association of these seed vigor parameters and assess the direct and indirect contributions of each parameter towards field emergence. Correlations of speed of germination, seedling dry weight and electrical conductivity with field emergence in two types of soil were significant in Sudan. In Syria, no significant correlation was observed between vigor tests and field emergence. In Sudan, path analyses showed that seedling dry weight and 100-seed weight consistently reflected the highest positive direct contribution towards field emergence in the two types of soil whereas the highest negative direct effect was shown by seedling growth rate, followed by cold soil test. Path coefficient analyses indicated that seedling dry weight (6.443, 5.778) and hundred seed weight (5.267, 3.973) had a positive direct contribution towards lentil field emergence in both types of soil.Likewise, in Syria the highest positive direct contribution was exhibited by seedling growth rate, followed by speed of germination and standard germination towards field emergence. 100-seed weight, seedling dry weight and cold soil consistently reflected the highest positive indirect contributions via seedling growth rate towards field emergence. This study concluded that seedling dry weight, seedling growth rate and speed of germination could make the most accurate prediction of field emergence.
... Laverack (1994) defined variety maintenance as 'the per-petuation of a small... more ... Laverack (1994) defined variety maintenance as 'the per-petuation of a small stock of parental material through repeated multiplication following a precise procedure'. ... Page 453. 426 AJG van Gastel et al. Laverack and Turner, 1995). ...
Field establishment in Lentil is a key determinant in its production. To investigate the predicti... more Field establishment in Lentil is a key determinant in its production. To investigate the prediction of field emergence through various laboratory parameters, correlation studies between seed vigor tests and field emergence were carried out across two consecutive years in Sudan and in Syria. Correlation and path coefficient analyses were done to find the association of these seed vigor parameters and assess the direct and indirect contributions of each parameter towards field emergence. Correlations of speed of germination, seedling dry weight and electrical conductivity with field emergence in two types of soil were significant in Sudan. In Syria, no significant correlation was observed between vigor tests and field emergence. In Sudan, path analyses showed that seedling dry weight and 100-seed weight consistently reflected the highest positive direct contribution towards field emergence in the two types of soil whereas the highest negative direct effect was shown by seedling growth rate, followed by cold soil test. Path coefficient analyses indicated that seedling dry weight (6.443, 5.778) and hundred seed weight (5.267, 3.973) had a positive direct contribution towards lentil field emergence in both types of soil.Likewise, in Syria the highest positive direct contribution was exhibited by seedling growth rate, followed by speed of germination and standard germination towards field emergence. 100-seed weight, seedling dry weight and cold soil consistently reflected the highest positive indirect contributions via seedling growth rate towards field emergence. This study concluded that seedling dry weight, seedling growth rate and speed of germination could make the most accurate prediction of field emergence.
Mainstreaming Efficient Legume Seed Systems in Eastern Africa, 2018
This technical paper begins with an introduction to
grain legumes and their importance in Easter... more This technical paper begins with an introduction to grain legumes and their importance in Eastern Africa, followed by trends in production and productivity, variety development, release and promotion. It proposes and describes 12 basic principles necessary to mainstream legume seed systems (and thereby legume production and utilization) in crop development programmes for sustainable agricultural intensification in Eastern Africa. These principles include a closer look at the legume seed theory of change, taking note of how the various players help move activities of stakeholders through outputs, outcomes and impacts and how they interact through spheres of action, influence and interest; innovative approaches for early-generation seed (EGS) supply; a connection between EGS and commercial class seed; strong policy environment; strong institutional framework; multistakeholder involvement; linkage to utilization and markets; and the role of legumes in empowering women and youth. This technical paper focuses on the Eastern Africa subregion, particularly on Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somali, South Sudan and Uganda. Examples and cross-references are provided from other parts of Africa and beyond for cross-learning and experience sharing. The development of the technical paper was a highly collaborative effort among technical experts at the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, CIAT, ICRISAT, ICARDA and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The technical review of the paper was undertaken by a Seed Security Expert of the Seeds and Genetic Resources Team (AGPMG) at FAO Rome
This book documents ICARDA’s experience in rapid deployment of rust-resistant wheat varieties thr... more This book documents ICARDA’s experience in rapid deployment of rust-resistant wheat varieties through bilateral and multilateral projects in general and the ICARDA-EIAR project entitled Deployment of rust-resistant varieties for ensuring food security in Ethiopia in particular highlighting the framework of fast track variety testing and release and accelerated seed production to mitigate and/or control wheat rusts. Chapter 1 presents ICARDA’s overall experience working with NARS in Egypt, Ethiopia and Pakistan. Chapters 2 to 7 considered the status of wheat rusts and the achievements and lessons learned in fast track variety release, accelerated seed multiplication, promotion of rust-resistant wheat varieties, awareness creation among stakeholders, training of farmers and development agents, and capacity building in terms of rust disease early warning system, and value chain development by enhancing linkage between smallholder farmers and agro-industries in Ethiopia. Chapter 2 highlights the historical and status of wheat rusts and the management options available to farmers. Chapter 3 presents, the development of rust-resistant wheat varieties and release including pre-release seed multiplication and variety maintenance at federal and regional agricultural research centers. Chapter 4 summarizes the early generation seed (breeder, pre-basic and basic) multiplication by NARS and large-scale certified seed production partnering with public seed enterprises and farmer seed producer’s associations. Chapter 5 elaborates on demonstration, popularization, on-farm seed production and capacity strengthening of stakeholders. Chapter 6 elucidates the past attempts and the project efforts in linking smallholder farmers to the durum value chain. In Chapter 7 the impact of the project in terms of wheat productivity, production, household food security, and the institutional innovations in variety releases, seed multiplication and delivery systems are presented. Chapter 8 presents the achievements and lessons learned on critical research, development and policy implications both at global/regional and national levels.
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Papers by Zewdie B Bishaw
grain legumes and their importance in Eastern Africa,
followed by trends in production and productivity,
variety development, release and promotion.
It proposes and describes 12 basic principles
necessary to mainstream legume seed systems (and
thereby legume production and utilization) in crop
development programmes for sustainable agricultural
intensification in Eastern Africa. These principles
include a closer look at the legume seed theory of
change, taking note of how the various players help
move activities of stakeholders through outputs,
outcomes and impacts and how they interact through
spheres of action, influence and interest; innovative
approaches for early-generation seed (EGS) supply;
a connection between EGS and commercial class
seed; strong policy environment; strong institutional
framework; multistakeholder involvement; linkage to
utilization and markets; and the role of legumes in
empowering women and youth.
This technical paper focuses on the Eastern Africa
subregion, particularly on Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Rwanda, Somali, South Sudan and Uganda.
Examples and cross-references are provided from
other parts of Africa and beyond for cross-learning
and experience sharing. The development of the
technical paper was a highly collaborative effort
among technical experts at the FAO Subregional Office
for Eastern Africa, CIAT, ICRISAT, ICARDA and Jomo
Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
The technical review of the paper was undertaken
by a Seed Security Expert of the Seeds and Genetic
Resources Team (AGPMG) at FAO Rome