Article History

A field experiment was conducted in 2013 cropping season at Bedloale and Werer sites in Amibara district, Afar Regional State, to determine optimum seeding rate for row method of sowing for productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under irrigated ecosystem. The experiment was conducted with five levels of seed rate treatments (50, 60, 70, and 80 kg ha-1 and local practice) laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of agronomic analysis showed that there was no statistical difference for all parameters at Bedolale site. However, at Werer site total number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, total biomass and grain yield were significantly affected by seed rate. Compared to the control, 50 and 60 kgha-1 seed rates have shown a grain yield and superior performance in total biomass yield advantage. Moreover, the partial budgeting analysis results showed that sowing of 60 kg ha-1 NERICA-4 seed yielded positive gross margin at Werer site. While at Bedolale site, the two least cost treatments, that is, 50 and 60 kg ha-1 could be economically viable. In general, from the results of this study, it can be concluded that 60 kg ha-1 drilling is optimum seed rate for row method of sowing.

Bubugn is a cereal based traditional fermented Ethiopian low alcoholic beverage. It is one of the traditional fermented beverages used for a drink of holidays, wedding ceremony and also used as a source of income. The aims of this study were to determine the microbiology, microbial contaminants and physicochemical characteristics of Bubugn. Nine Samples of Bubugn were collected from Gondar town in three district areas; Azezo (A), Arada (B) and Kebele 18 (C). Microbial counts and physicochemical analysis were enumerated using standard microbiological methods. The mean value of the pH of the samples was 4.20 + 0.14; and the mean value of moisture content was 45. 79 +1.35. The mean crude fat, ash and ethanol contents of Bubugn were 6.67 + 0.16, 4.47+ 0.40 and 1.79 + 0.13, respectively. The mean number of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds and lactic acid bacteria of Bubugn were 3.74×105 cfu/ml, 5.68 ×106 cfu/ml and 7.52×105 cfu/ml respectively. Bubugn samples were contaminated by Shigella species, E. coli and S. aureus which could be due to poor hygienic conditions related to washing of preparation material, use of contaminated water and poor personal and domestic hygiene. The collected Bubugn samples were contaminated by different microorganisms and therefore, there should be the development of an advanced technique to improve quality. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing necessary information for other researchers regarding the microbiology, microbial contaminants and physicochemical properties of Bubugn, a traditional fermented Ethiopian beverage. social patterns, consumption practices and the availability of raw materials (Law et al., 2011). Preparation of these products are still in a small scale and remains as a house art even though the method is simple, highly acceptable and adaptable by the society (Nout, 1993; Blandinob et al., 2003). Processing techniques of these products are still used in developing countries especially in communities with low-income levels (Kebede et al., 2004). Many African foods that are prepared by the action of diverse species of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts on plant materials are little known outside their native countries (Kebede, 2007).