Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Ipomoea aquatica

G. O. Ogbuozobe, C. A. Anukwuorji, M. D. Elochukwu — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study revealed morphological and anatomical analysis on Ipomoea aquatica. The study aimed comprehensively elucidating the morphological characteristics of Ipomoea aquatica. Result, established a foundation for botanical classification providing insights into the plant's ecological niche. The result also showed that Ipomoea aquatica, classified as a herbaceous plant, exhibits non-woody stems, indicative of succulence and flexibility. The trailing growth habit emphasizes its spatial interactions, highlighting potential adaptations for efficient resource capture. The fibrous root system contributes to stability and efficient nutrient absorption. The cambium tissue in the stem, with a greenish-brown colour is indicative of chlorophyll presence and plays multifaceted roles in buoyancy, nutrient transport, and overall structural integrity. The variation in flower colour adds aesthetic diversity, potentially influencing pollinator interactions. The green colour of petioles and leaves signifies chlorophyll presence, essential for photosynthesis and indicative of the plant's health and growth potential. The result also showed leaf morphology, revealing the alternate arrangement, and petiolated leaves of Ipomoea aquatica. The lanceolate shape, acute apex, entire margin, truncate base, and glabrous surface collectively contribute to the plant's adaptability and resistance to herbivory. The elongated leaves with a length of 13.5 cm and width of 7.0 cm provide a substantial surface area for sunlight absorption, enhancing gas exchange and transpiration. The petiole length of 9.4 cm strategically positions the leaves for optimal sunlight exposure while the Stem parameters, including a moderate height of 9.5 cm and a slender girth of 0.5 cm, contribute to the overall plant architecture, influencing leaf arrangement and mechanical support. Based on the result, Ipomoea aquatica interacts with its environment. Physiological investigations to explore the physiological processes within Ipomoea aquatica, including photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and responses to environmental stressors should be conducted. This can provide a deeper understanding of the plant's resilience and adaptive mechanisms and Genetic Diversity Analysis into the genetic diversity within Ipomoea aquatica populations to uncover variations in morphological traits and adaptability should be conducted. This knowledge can be valuable for conservation efforts and breeding programs aimed at enhancing desirable characteristics.

Analysis of Farmers’ Perceptions on Wheat Seed Supply Sources in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia

Merknehi Bekele — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Wheat is a strategic crop for the Ethiopian government because of its essential contribution to national food security and rural income generation. Ethiopia ranks as the second-largest wheat producer in Africa in terms of both cultivated area and total output, yet the average yield per hectare remains significantly lower than global benchmarks. Seed insecurity is widely recognized as the most critical constraint limiting productivity improvements. Moreover, the quality of services provided by the seed supply system is a major determinant of seed security among smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine farmers’ perceptions of the formal wheat seed supply system in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia.

Methodology: A total of 203 sample households were selected from four kebeles through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze data.

Result: Across the six indicators, the largest share of farmer responses frequency (36.66%) falls under strong disagreement level, and the overall mean score of indicators is 2.4. The findings reveal that farmers generally hold negative perceptions of the formal seed supply system, largely due to delayed seed delivery, limited availability, and insufficient information dissemination.

Conclusion: Farmers in the study area have not been satisfied with the service quality of the existing formal wheat seed supply system; as a result, they have developed negative perceptions of the wheat seed system in the area. This negative perception indicates that farmers depend on alternative informal seed supply systems, which has affected wheat productivity in the area. Hence, to overcome these problems, agricultural extension personnel at regional, zonal, and woreda levels, together with seed enterprises, should address these systemic shortcomings particularly those related to seed quantity shortage, low quality, late distribution, and ineffective information provision in order to improve equitable access to improved wheat seed for smallholder farmers in the study area.

Effect of Seed Source Selection on Wheat Yield among Smallholder Farmers in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia

Merknehi Bekele — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ethiopia is among the leading wheat-producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, productivity among smallholder farmers remains low due to multiple structural constraints, of which seed insecurity is particularly critical. In response to limited availability of certified seed, many farmers rely on informal seed a source, which adversely affects yield performance. Meanwhile, extension efforts have largely emphasized area expansion rather than strengthening seed systems. Despite the economic implications, limited empirical evidence exists on the independent effect of seed source selection on wheat productivity. This study therefore examines the impact of seed source choice on wheat yield while holding other agronomic practices relatively constant and estimates the associated productivity loss. A cross-sectional survey of 203 households was conducted across four kebeles in Gedeo Zone using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. To address selection bias and estimate causal effects, a propensity score matching (PSM) approach was employed. The results reveal that farmers using certified seed from formal sources achieve, on average, an additional 10.87 quintals per hectare compared to those relying on informal seed systems. The estimated treatment effects are statistically significant across multiple matching algorithms, confirming the robustness of the findings. The study concludes that limited access to formal seed sources results in substantial productivity and economic losses for smallholder farmers, even under comparable production conditions. Strengthening seed system coordination and improving access to certified seed through integrated efforts by extension services and seed enterprises at regional, zonal, and woreda levels is therefore essential to enhance wheat productivity.