Papers by Abaynew J E M A L Jenber
Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status ... more Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status of storage insect pest infestation and evaluate the efficacy of botanicals for the management of rice weevil at Jawi District, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess storage insect pest infestation. Botanical insecticides were evaluated against Sitophilus oryzae. The treatments were arranged using completely randomized design and replicated three times. Data were collected through questionnaire and experiment and analysed using SAS version 9.0. The result of the study showed that the most important insect pests of stored sorghum were S. oryzae (57%), maize weevil 17% and other pests were 26% and 100% store infestation were recorded. The species of storage insect pests identified were rice weevil, maize weevil, angoumois grain moth, flour beetle, flat grain beetles and saw-toothed grain beetle. The average grain weight loss was 13.63%, physical grain damage 7.22%, germination speed index of 46.36% and germination percentage of 68.75% were recorded. Experimental results revealed that all treatments were exhibited significant differences in mortality rate against S. oryzae. Efficacy of botanical revealed that neem seed powder (50.70%) and garlic (53.33%) were significantly superior in efficacy against S. oryzae after 28th days of exposure. Neem leaf powder, Mexican tea, orange peel and ginger gave moderate mortality rate of 48.55, 26.11, 36.87 and 41.65, respectively, compared with the control. All botanicals have the potential F 1 S. oryzae reduction effect. The highest F 1 reduction was recorded in neem seed powder (73.14%), neem leaf powder (72.54%) and garlic (66.94%). The highest mean germination of 70, 63.33 and 61.33% were recorded from neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder exposed seeds, respectively. Neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder can be suggested as management options of S. oryzae in storage condition.
Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status ... more Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status of storage insect pest infestation and evaluate the efficacy of botanicals for the management of rice weevil at Jawi District, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess storage insect pest infestation. Botanical insecticides were evaluated against Sitophilus oryzae. The treatments were arranged using completely randomized design and replicated three times. Data were collected through questionnaire and experiment and analysed using SAS version 9.0. The result of the study showed that the most important insect pests of stored sorghum were S. oryzae (57%), maize weevil 17% and other pests were 26% and 100% store infestation were recorded. The species of storage insect pests identified were rice weevil, maize weevil, angoumois grain moth, flour beetle, flat grain beetles and saw-toothed grain beetle. The average grain weight loss was 13.63%, physical grain damage 7.22%, germination speed index of 46.36% and germination percentage of 68.75% were recorded. Experimental results revealed that all treatments were exhibited significant differences in mortality rate against S. oryzae. Efficacy of botanical revealed that neem seed powder (50.70%) and garlic (53.33%) were significantly superior in efficacy against S. oryzae after 28th days of exposure. Neem leaf powder, Mexican tea, orange peel and ginger gave moderate mortality rate of 48.55, 26.11, 36.87 and 41.65, respectively, compared with the control. All botanicals have the potential F 1 S. oryzae reduction effect. The highest F 1 reduction was recorded in neem seed powder (73.14%), neem leaf powder (72.54%) and garlic (66.94%). The highest mean germination of 70, 63.33 and 61.33% were recorded from neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder exposed seeds, respectively. Neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder can be suggested as management options of S. oryzae in storage condition.
Plant-Insect relationships are constantly evolving as the morphology of plants and insects is sha... more Plant-Insect relationships are constantly evolving as the morphology of plants and insects is shaped by natural selection in order to optimizing their defenses for the sake of enhancing propagation and ensuring the survival of the species. Plants usually coexist with one another, while herbivores and their natural enemies may respond to characteristics of the plant and the result of interactions. Plants have two types of defense: direct and indirect. Direct defense comes from their own naturally produced defenses, while indirect defense involves attracting other insects that will kill or impede herbivore activity. Some chemical defense mechanisms in plants against herbivorous insects include binding to protein to reduce the quality of the food, making the food unpalatable for the insects, changing the gut pH, causing the insect to rot, becoming unable to function correctly, having a bad taste to a particular insect, and reducing the growth rate of the insect that allows potential predators to parasitize, or eat the prey. Toxins in the gut of herbivore insects may be either increased by changing the pH or, in the case of insects, condensed harmlessly by secreting special enzymes, degraded by eating a lot of plant material, or absorbed by adding the toxins to their defense strategies.
Onion thrips is an insect pest that limits onion production and results in 26-57% output losses. ... more Onion thrips is an insect pest that limits onion production and results in 26-57% output losses. Hence, a field experiment was carried out in the Gubalafto District of Ethiopia to create environmentally friendly management using intercropping vegetable and onion varieties. Three onion cultivars were used in the main plot treatment: Bombay red, Adama red, and Nafis. In the subplot treatments, tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce were intercropped with onions. Three replications of the study were carried out utilizing a split plot arrangement and a randomized complete block design. Ten randomly selected pre-tagged onion plants were used to gather data on the number of banded onion thrips and processed using SAS. The results demonstrated a reduction in onion thrips per plant when onion types were intercropped with vegetable treatments. The intercropping of Bombay red with tomato and Nafis with carrot decreased the population of onion thrips by 54.61% and 71.14%, respectively. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the degree of thrips damage by 28.03% when Nafis was intercropped with carrots, with the maximum yield of onions (40.13 t/ha) achieved and the lowest (24.56 t/ha) from Adama red cropping alone. Carrots and Nafis intercropping had the highest gross income. The plot treated with Adama red had the lowest gross income. Intercropping onions with other vegetables, like carrots, was found to be effective in reducing the quantity of onion thrips and their damage to onions. As such, it can be a crucial part of the integrated management of onion thrips.
![Research paper thumbnail of Sowing methods and seeding rates effects on yield and yield components of Tef(Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) at Adet, North West Ethiopia](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/109409370/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Heliyon, Mar 1, 2021
Tef is one of the most important staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and pro... more Tef is one of the most important staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and productivity of the crop remain low due to lack of appropriate agronomic recommendations. Lack of optimum sowing methods and seed rates are key agronomic factors limit the productivities of the crop. Hence, field experiment was conducted to study the effects of seed rates and sowing methods on growth, yield and yield components of tef. The treatments contains factorial combination of two sowing methods (row and broadcast) and five seeding rates (5, 7.5,10, 12.5, and 15 kg ha À1 in randomized factorial complete block design with three replications. Days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, total number of tiller, total number of effective tiller, above ground dry biomass yield, grain yield and straw yield collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS system. The main effect seed rate significantly affect days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length, and straw yield and the maximum values of these parameters were recorded at the seed rate of 5 kg ha À1. Similarly, number of total tillers, fertile tillers, total biomass, grain yield, and lodging percent were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effect of sowing methods and seeding rates. The highest grain yield (2.301 kg/ha) and other growth parameters recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha À1 of seed rate and row planting method compared to other treatments. Maximum net benefit (795,689.21ETB) with acceptable marginal rate of return (104.32) also recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha À1 of seeding rate and row planting. Hence, 5 kg ha À1 seed rate with row planting method could be recommended for maximum yield of tef in Adet soil and climatic conditions.
Indian phytopathology, Apr 13, 2023
International Journal of Entomology Research, 2021
Insect fauna are found almost everywhere. Yet, their abundance and diversity in some terrestrial ... more Insect fauna are found almost everywhere. Yet, their abundance and diversity in some terrestrial ecosystem is still undisclosed. The diversity of insects on dry and wet seasons was conducted at Hursa Forest in Gindeberet District, Central Ethiopia during 2018. This study aimed to know the diversity of insects at Hursa Forest at different habitat and seasons. Insect diversities at Hursa forest were studied from three habitat types. The diversity of insects were investigated using transect walk method and quadrants. From a total of 572 insects collected, 14 families and five orders of insects were recorded. In both seasons, more evenness and diversity of insects were observed in the natural forest habitat (56.95%). On the other hand, the least evenness and diversity of insects were observed in artificial forest habitat (15.46%). The highest species richness (31) as well as abundant of insects (476) were recorded in wet season whereas less species richness (20) and abundance (96) were recorded in dry season. The highest Shannon wiener diversity index (H= 0.27) and Margalef&#39;s index (D= 3.08) was recorded during wet season. The highest similarity among habitats in both wet and dry season was observed in the natural forest and artificial forest habitats. Further, control action plan should be taken to stabilize disturbed habitats especially in the artificial forest study area.
International Journal of Entomology Research, 2020
Butterfly diversity at Menagesha-Suba State forest was investigated by the use of sweep nets alon... more Butterfly diversity at Menagesha-Suba State forest was investigated by the use of sweep nets along transects to study the ecology of butterflies with a view to establish the effect of seasonality on their diversity parameters. The data were analyzed using diversity indexes. Autumn had maximum abundance with 54 species and 32.5% butterflies followed by spring with the same number of species and 27.14% of butterflies. Summer showed the least species and abundance diversity, with 41 species and 18.5% butterflies and followed by winter. Across families, Nymphalidae constituted the highest number of species during autumn and spring. Papilionidae had the highest number of species in spring and autumn while Pieridae had in autumn and spring. Hesperidae had the least species composition in all of the seasons. There was a significance difference among seasons as (p &lt; 0.05, F= 5.529 and df =3). Shannon diversity index showed higher diversity in autumn, followed by spring, winter and lastly summer. Comparison of Shannon diversity index among families showed Nymphalidae has high value and Hesperiidae had least diversity index in all seasons. Hesperids prefers autumn season and Papilionidae had high index in winter. Lycaenidae had high value in autumn while Pieridae during spring. The dominance indices indicated that Nymphalidae is the dominant family in all of the seasons followed by Peiridae. Conservation of their habitats at landscape level is important for conservation of butterfly fauna of the study area.
Entomology and applied science letters, 2022
The white mango scale has been identified as a new, fast-spreading, and overwhelming insect pest ... more The white mango scale has been identified as a new, fast-spreading, and overwhelming insect pest of mango. It emerged as a shocking insect pest that currently damages mango production, causing 50 to 100% losses and forcing the plant out of production in most mango-growing areas of Ethiopia. Since the pest establishment in 2010, it has been distributed rapidly in all directions of the country due to fewer quarantine regulations, and easy transferability through transporting agents in a far from imagination. The insect covered almost all mango-growing regions in Ethiopia in a short period and registered as a new white mango scale that infected the country on the world distribution map list in 2022. Due to its polyphagous nature, it damages more than 37 genera in 23 families. The insect pest highly damages shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits of mango by sucking the plant sap, which caused severe fruit quality and quantity losses. In addition to other uncontrolled behaviors, the insect covered with a white hard scale makes the pest difficult to manage via contact insecticides. Although there are no effective chemical control measures registered, a few alternative management options for the white mango scale include quarantine regulations, and cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management. White mango scale damage caused economic, social, environmental, and other consequences. As a result, need urgently coordinated measures to be taken against this uncontrolled white-scale distribution and its damage in Ethiopia.
World journal of environmental biosciences, 2023
Insect pests like thrips attack onion crops and cause a yield loss of 30%-90% in the Mecha distri... more Insect pests like thrips attack onion crops and cause a yield loss of 30%-90% in the Mecha district. Hence, field research was conducted in Mecha District, Ethiopia, under irrigation conditions in 2019/2020 to develop management options for onion thrips. The treatment combinations were: two onion varieties: Adama red and Bombay red; two botanicals, namely, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica leaf powder, and the two synthetic insecticides, dimethoate (40%) and karate (5%). The study was set up in a randomized full-block design and repeated three times. Data were recorded and an analysis of variance was performed 3 times. The highest mortality percentage (65%) with the lowest population of thrips per plant (1.66) was shown from the Adama red variety treated with Datura stramonium. The lowest mortality (24.43%) with a high population of thrips per plant (4.0) was shown on Bombay red treated with Karate 5% EC. Bombay treated with Karate 5% EC gave the highest mortality percentage (53.3%), plant height (13.2 cm), marketable yield in kg ha-1 (8600, and total yield ha-1 (9441), subsequently Adama red treated with Datura stramonium. Partial budget analysis revealed that the application of Karate 5% EC ha-1 on the Bombay red variety yielded the highest net benefit with the lowest production cost that can be recommended for the study area.
Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Aug 30, 2021
Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status ... more Storage pests are the main cause of crop losses. This study was carried out to assess the status of storage insect pest infestation and evaluate the efficacy of botanicals for the management of rice weevil at Jawi District, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess storage insect pest infestation. Botanical insecticides were evaluated against Sitophilus oryzae. The treatments were arranged using completely randomized design and replicated three times. Data were collected through questionnaire and experiment and analysed using SAS version 9.0. The result of the study showed that the most important insect pests of stored sorghum were S. oryzae (57%), maize weevil 17% and other pests were 26% and 100% store infestation were recorded. The species of storage insect pests identified were rice weevil, maize weevil, angoumois grain moth, flour beetle, flat grain beetles and saw-toothed grain beetle. The average grain weight loss was 13.63%, physical grain damage 7.22%, germination speed index of 46.36% and germination percentage of 68.75% were recorded. Experimental results revealed that all treatments were exhibited significant differences in mortality rate against S. oryzae. Efficacy of botanical revealed that neem seed powder (50.70%) and garlic (53.33%) were significantly superior in efficacy against S. oryzae after 28th days of exposure. Neem leaf powder, Mexican tea, orange peel and ginger gave moderate mortality rate of 48.55, 26.11, 36.87 and 41.65, respectively, compared with the control. All botanicals have the potential F1 S. oryzae reduction effect. The highest F1 reduction was recorded in neem seed powder (73.14%), neem leaf powder (72.54%) and garlic (66.94%). The highest mean germination of 70, 63.33 and 61.33% were recorded from neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder exposed seeds, respectively. Neem seed powder, garlic and neem leaf powder can be suggested as management options of S. oryzae in storage condition. © 2021 informa UK limited, trading as taylor & francis group CONTACT Abaynew Jemal Jenber [email protected] department of Plant sciences, college of Agriculture and environmental sciences, Bahir dar University, P.o. Box 79, Bahir dar, ethiopia https://doi.org/10.1080/03235408.2021.1970976 ARTICLE HISTORY Received 28 July 2020 Revised 9 March 2021 Accepted 8 August 2021
million ha of land respectively (FAOSTAT 2018).The national average tuber yield is lower compared... more million ha of land respectively (FAOSTAT 2018).The national average tuber yield is lower compared to the world average yield (Gebremedhin et al. 2006). In Ethiopia, the national average potato tuber yield on farmers' fields is only 13.76 t ha − 1 , which is lower than 38 t ha − 1 recorded from experimental plots (FAO, 2005). Potatoes are attacked by more than a hundred diseases caused either by bacteria, fungi, viruses or mycoplasma (Ephrem 2015). However, late blight is the most destructive disease of potato in areas where potato is grown (Ephrem 2015; Biruk et al. 2017). A number of production problems account for the low yield of potato production in Ethiopia: viz., shortage of well-adapted varieties, lack of high-quality seed potatoes, lack of adequate storage and access to market, problems of disease, especially late blight, early blight, bacterial wilt, and tuber rots are economically important (Adane et al. 2010; Ephrem 2015). Potato late blight, which
Research article, 2023
Insect pests like thrips attack onion crops and cause a yield loss of 30%-90% in the Mecha distri... more Insect pests like thrips attack onion crops and cause a yield loss of 30%-90% in the Mecha district. Hence, field research was conducted in Mecha District, Ethiopia, under irrigation conditions in 2019/2020 to develop management options for onion thrips. The treatment combinations were: two onion varieties: Adama red and Bombay red; two botanicals, namely, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica leaf powder, and the two synthetic insecticides, dimethoate (40%) and karate (5%). The study was set up in a randomized full-block design and repeated three times. Data were recorded and an analysis of variance was performed 3 times. The highest mortality percentage (65%) with the lowest population of thrips per plant (1.66) was shown from the Adama red variety treated with Datura stramonium. The lowest mortality (24.43%) with a high population of thrips per plant (4.0) was shown on Bombay red treated with Karate 5% EC. Bombay treated with Karate 5% EC gave the highest mortality percentage (53.3%), plant height (13.2 cm), marketable yield in kg ha-1 (8600, and total yield ha-1 (9441), subsequently Adama red treated with Datura stramonium. Partial budget analysis revealed that the application of Karate 5% EC ha-1 on the Bombay red variety yielded the highest net benefit with the lowest production cost that can be recommended for the study area.
The white mango scale has been identified as a new, fast-spreading, and overwhelming insect pest ... more The white mango scale has been identified as a new, fast-spreading, and overwhelming insect pest of mango. It emerged as a shocking insect pest that currently damages mango production, causing 50 to 100% losses and forcing the plant out of production in most mango-growing areas of Ethiopia. Since the pest establishment in 2010, it has been distributed rapidly in all directions of the country due to fewer quarantine regulations, and easy transferability through transporting agents in a far from imagination. The insect covered almost all mango-growing regions in Ethiopia in a short period and registered as a new white mango scale that infected the country on the world distribution map list in 2022. Due to its polyphagous nature, it damages more than 37 genera in 23 families. The insect pest highly damages shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits of mango by sucking the plant sap, which caused severe fruit quality and quantity losses. In addition to other uncontrolled behaviors, the insect covered with a white hard scale makes the pest difficult to manage via contact insecticides. Although there are no effective chemical control measures registered, a few alternative management options for the white mango scale include quarantine regulations, and cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management. White mango scale damage caused economic, social, environmental, and other consequences. As a result, need urgently coordinated measures to be taken against this uncontrolled white-scale distribution and its damage in Ethiopia.
Plant-Insect relationships are constantly evolving as the morphology of plants and insects is sha... more Plant-Insect relationships are constantly evolving as the morphology of plants and insects is shaped by natural selection in order to optimizing their defenses for the sake of enhancing propagation and ensuring the survival of the species. Plants usually coexist with one another, while herbivores and their natural enemies may respond to characteristics of the plant and the result of interactions. Plants have two types of defense: direct and indirect. Direct defense comes from their own naturally produced defenses, while indirect defense involves attracting other insects that will kill or impede herbivore activity. Some chemical defense mechanisms in plants against herbivorous insects include binding to protein to reduce the quality of the food, making the food unpalatable for the insects, changing the gut pH, causing the insect to rot, becoming unable to function correctly, having a bad taste to a particular insect, and reducing the growth rate of the insect that allows potential predators to parasitize, or eat the prey. Toxins in the gut of herbivore insects may be either increased by changing the pH or, in the case of insects, condensed harmlessly by secreting special enzymes, degraded by eating a lot of plant material, or absorbed by adding the toxins to their defense strategies.
Insect diversity, 2022
Insects are one of the diversified and most important species components of biodiversity. Therefo... more Insects are one of the diversified and most important species components of biodiversity. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the diversity of insects at Behire Tsige Public Park, Ethiopia. Studies on the diversity of insects at different habitats (grassland, flowers and grass mixed and mixed vegetation) of the Public Park were investigated using quadrate and transect walk methods. Insect collections were carried out using a sweep net and identified at the order and family levels. The data were analyzed using diversity indices. Nineteen families of insects belonging to seven orders were recorded. Flowers and grass mixed vegetation of the park has the highest insect diversity and mixed vegetation of the park had the highest evenness. Orthoptera and Lipedoptera were the most abundant orders. Based on Jaccard's similarity index, Flower and grass mixed vegetation and grassland vegetation showed the highest similarity. Grassland showed the highest Margalef's Richness Index. The abundance of food, species of vegetation, stability of the habitats and human activities determined insect diversity at the Public Park. The administration and local people have to give due attention to the purposeful use of the park through the protection of the different vegetation types which are habitats and food sources of the various insects in the study area.
Insect diversity, 2021
Insect fauna are found almost everywhere. Yet, their abundance and diversity in some terrestrial ... more Insect fauna are found almost everywhere. Yet, their abundance and diversity in some terrestrial ecosystem is still undisclosed. The diversity of insects on dry and wet seasons was conducted at Hursa Forest in Gindeberet District, Central Ethiopia during 2018. This study aimed to know the diversity of insects at Hursa Forest at different habitat and seasons. Insect diversities at Hursa forest were studied from three habitat types. The diversity of insects were investigated using transect walk method and quadrants. From a total of 572 insects collected, 14 families and five orders of insects were recorded. In both seasons, more evenness and diversity of insects were observed in the natural forest habitat (56.95%). On the other hand, the least evenness and diversity of insects were observed in artificial forest habitat (15.46%). The highest species richness (31) as well as abundant of insects (476) were recorded in wet season whereas less species richness (20) and abundance (96) were recorded in dry season. The highest Shannon wiener diversity index (H= 0.27) and Margalef's index (D= 3.08) was recorded during wet season. The highest similarity among habitats in both wet and dry season was observed in the natural forest and artificial forest habitats. Further, control action plan should be taken to stabilize disturbed habitats especially in the artificial forest study area.
![Research paper thumbnail of Sowing methods and seeding rates effects on yield and yield components of Tef(Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) at Adet, North West Ethiopia](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/75494328/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Tef is one of the most important staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and pro... more Tef is one of the most important staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and productivity of the crop remain low due to lack of appropriate agronomic recommendations. Lack of optimum sowing methods and seed rates are key agronomic factors limit the productivities of the crop. Hence, field experiment was conducted to study the effects of seed rates and sowing methods on growth, yield and yield components of tef. The treatments contains factorial combination of two sowing methods (row and broadcast) and five seeding rates (5, 7.5,10, 12.5, and 15 kg ha À1 in randomized factorial complete block design with three replications. Days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, total number of tiller, total number of effective tiller, above ground dry biomass yield, grain yield and straw yield collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS system. The main effect seed rate significantly affect days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length, and straw yield and the maximum values of these parameters were recorded at the seed rate of 5 kg ha À1. Similarly, number of total tillers, fertile tillers, total biomass, grain yield, and lodging percent were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effect of sowing methods and seeding rates. The highest grain yield (2.301 kg/ha) and other growth parameters recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha À1 of seed rate and row planting method compared to other treatments. Maximum net benefit (795,689.21ETB) with acceptable marginal rate of return (104.32) also recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha À1 of seeding rate and row planting. Hence, 5 kg ha À1 seed rate with row planting method could be recommended for maximum yield of tef in Adet soil and climatic conditions.
Ethiopia has a huge natural resource for honey production. The study was carried out to study the... more Ethiopia has a huge natural resource for honey production. The study was carried out to study the honey production systems, constraints and opportunities of beekeeping at Degua Temben District, Northern Ethiopia. The methods used for the study were questionnaire and interview. A total of 265 households were selected randomly. Most of the beekeepers in the study area owned traditional hives and harvested about 10.77 kg honey per hive per year in average. From transitional and modern hives they have harvested about 17.44 and 19.60 kg honey per hive per year in average respectively. Drought (33.96%), absconding (22.64%), pests and predators (15.09%), pesticides and herbicide application (12.01%), shortage of bee forage (5.67%), shortage of bee equipment (5.28%), and shortage of water (3.01) were found to be the major constraints. The study area had opportunities like presence of bee flora plants, availability of credit institution, transportation, and high demand of honey. Adoption of technologies like modern hives, experience sharing among beekeepers and Effective method of preventing the constraints that reduce honey production should be designed and promoted to honey producers to enhance production and productivity.
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Papers by Abaynew J E M A L Jenber
be indicators of disturbance in any area. This study carried out with the objective to examine diversity of butterflies across habitats
at Menagesha-Suba state forest from July, 2012 to June, 2014. Materials and Methods: It was investigated by the use of sweep
nets along transects in three types of habitats i.e., grassland, natural forest and artificial forest. Samples were taken from one of
the quadrant of each transect line in each habitat every month. Morphological characteristics were used to identify species. Data
were analysed using diversity indexes such as Shannon-Wiener diversity, Simpson's index, Margalefʼs index, Pielouʼs evenness
index and Sorensenʼs similarity index. Results: The natural forest had the greatest, while the artificial forest had the lowest species
and individual. Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpsonʼs diversity index as well as Margalefʼs richness index indicated that the
natural forest had highest diversity while the artificial forest had the lowest diversity. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant.
The highest similarity of species was observed between grassland and natural forest habitats. Conclusion: By protecting the
vegetation and water resources of the area, varied sub habitats of Menagesha-Suba state forest can supports good diversity of
butterflies
Garden, was investigated using sweep nets along transects in three types of habitats. A total of 936 butterflies belonging to 29 genera and five families at Menagesha-Suba State forest and 386 individuals belonging to 23 genera and five families at Gullele Botanical Garden were recorded in this study. There was a significance difference among habitats of Menagesha-Suba State forest as (F =3.793, df =2, P < 0.05) but there was no significance difference among the habitats of Gullele Botanical Garden as the value P > 0.05. Members of the family Nymphalidae were more dominant than Hesperidae, which were scarce in the study areas. The diversity of butterflies in Menagesha-Suba State forest was higher than Gullele Botanical Garden.
There was a significance difference among seasons as (p < 0.05, F= 5.529 and df =3) at Menagesha-Suba State forest as well as at Gullele Botanical Garden as (p < 0.05, F= 14.714 and df =3). Shannon diversity index showed higher diversity in autumn at both sites. Butterfly diversity were also studied at five elevation sites at Menagesha-Suba State forest and ten transect lines were established. There was a significant difference as (P < 0.05, F= 4.749,
df =4) in diversity of butterfly communities among the altitudes. The values of Shannon Weiner-index H' indicated, the highest H' value at 2200-2500m (3.438) and the lowest at above 3300 m (1.038) altitude. The species richness was relatively highest at 2200- 2500m and lowest at 3100-3300 m altitude. The Jaccard's similarity Index indicated that the butterfly communities similarity was highest between altitudes of 3100-3300m and above 3300m (0.6), while the lowest value was noted at altitudes between 2200-2500m and 3100-3300m, 2200-2500m and above 3300m, and 2500-2800m and above 3300m (0). Percentages of exclusive species also declined with elevation. Butterflies showed narrow tolerance to elevation. Among the five families, Nymphalidae dominated the butterfly community at all of the altitudinal sites. At Menagesha-Suba State Forest, the ecological indicator role of butterflies was assessed at five and three habitat types using transect method. Thirty transects representing five different habitat types were set up
from the natural closed forest to the agricultural land, with a length of 100 m for each transect. The results showed no butterfly family and genus which could be used as ecological indicator for the natural closed forest. Nevertheless, at the species level, three species, Charaxes phoebus, Vanessa abyssinica and Colias electo can be used as ecological indicators to assess the impact of disturbance on the natural closed forest as well as the habitat inside forest. In addition, the genus Charaxes and Vanessa for the habitat inside forest and the genus Colias for the habitats outside forest, and for the shrub and grassland could be used as eco-indicators. As a result, conservation of their habitats at landscape level is important for conservation of butterfly fauna of the study areas.