Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research
 

Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research 

Vol. 6(7), pp. 423-428. September, 2018.

ISSN: 2360-7874 

 DOI: 10.14662/ARJASRD2018.063

Full Length Research

Assessment of Maize (Zea mays) seed Storage Techniques in West Guji Zone Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Girma Beriso

Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Bule Hora University, Bule Hora, Ethiopia.

Email: girmaberiso2008@gmail.com, Cell Phone; +251 913490447

Accepted 21 September 2018

The results of storage techniques assessment used by farmers for maize seed in West Guji Zone in three districts on different demographic characteristics households shows different outcomes on storage techniques effects and its quality preservation. Sem-structured questioners were used to collect pertinent information on farmers’ maize seed storage techniques and quality preservation from 300 households randomly selected. From survey result the participation of female headed household in agriculture production activities was very low in study areas whereas male headed household participation was 80%, 85% and 79% in Bule Hora, Abaya and Galana respectively. Extension service is the major sources of information in study areas for maize production practices. District bureau of agriculture the only means of formal seed sources, as a result farmers were used seed from informal sources of their own saved, relatives, market, and Neighbors. A different varieties utilized by communities such as Pioneer, BH540, BH660, local varieties and MH140. Most of farmers in study areas don’t separately store their seed from grain, those store separately use different storage structures such a; hanging on fire places, Gotera in or outside home and sack.  Farmers were believed hung on fire places are more effective to keep seed quality but suffered from insect pest damage. Insect pest and disease are the major challenges they faced in storage and they are control by storing seed after dry and clean storage for those repeatedly used storage.

Keywords: Maize, West Guji Zone, Southern Oromia and Storage techniques

How to cite this article (APA Style):  Girma B (2018). Assessment of Maize (Zea mays) seed Storage Techniques in West Guji Zone Southern Oromia, Ethiopia. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 6(7): 423-428