Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in stored sorghum grains poses significant threats to food safety, human health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia where poor post-harvest practices exacerbate fungal proliferation. This study, conducted in Dejen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination levels, farmers' knowledge and management practices, isolate and characterize mycotoxigenic fungi, and evaluate the efficacy of microbial antagonists and botanicals as eco-friendly control measures. A cross-sectional survey of 212 farmers revealed low awareness (29% good knowledge) and practices (40.57% effective management), with significant associations to age, education, and village location (p < 0.05, logistic regression). Mycological analysis of 120 stored sorghum samples from underground pits identified diverse fungi, dominated by Aspergillus flavus (25%) and Fusarium spp. (20%), with low mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1 at 1.05 µg/kg, below EU limits). Six fungal antagonists; four Trichoderma (DMUA13, DMUA14) and two Penicillium isolates were isolated and screened via dual-culture assays, achieving 44.53–75.00% inhibition of radial growth against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. (p < 0.05). Ethanol extracts of Clematis simensis and Laggera tomentosa leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antifungal activity against A. niger, reducing spore germination by up to 68.58% and 68.32% at 100 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to ketoconazole. These findings underscore knowledge gaps among farmers and highlight the potential of native Trichoderma/Penicillium isolates and plant extracts as sustainable biocontrol agents. Targeted education, improved storage, and integration of biological controls are recommended to mitigate mycotoxin risks, enhancing food security in resource-limited settings. This research provides baseline data for policy interventions and further field validation.

O. abyssinica, known in Ethiopia as lowland bamboo, is a solid-stemmed clump-forming bamboo species widelydistributed in the western dry regions of Ethiopia. The versatility of the species means that it has enormouspotential for land restoration in arid and semi-arid areas, in addition to bringing socio-economic benefits. It alsodisplays remarkable adaptability, allowing it to thrive in the challenging ecological conditions of areas such asthe Abay Gorge. The Abay Gorge, situated within the Upper Blue Nile River Basin of Northwestern Ethiopia ischaracterized by problems associated with soil erosion and land degradation. This study, therefore, aimed toevaluate and recommend a suitable spatial analysis for the adoption and development of lowland bamboo(O. abyssinica). Fifteen primary influencing factors were chosen according to the needs of O. abyssinica, theaccessibility of data, and the financial implications associated with data analysis, particularly the expensesrelated to soil laboratory testing. Eight composite soil samples were taken directly by dividing the watershed intotwo categories (upper and lower catchment areas). These composite soil samples were analyzed. Data analysiswas performed via Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making(MCDM) analysis and the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The spatialanalysis employed in this study was a weighted sum overlay analysis, which was applied by considering thecriteria weight assigned to each factor. The analysis revealed that 21.2 % (666.5 ha) of the total area was highlysuitable for the growth and development of O. abyssinica. About 56 % (1753 ha) of the land was moderately andmarginally suitable for the desired land utilization type. However, 23 % (723.8 ha) of the study area was un-suitable for O. abyssinica. O. abyssinica has the potential to rehabilitate large parts of challenging areas such as theAbay Gorge due to its naturally invase rhizomes and drought-tolerance. It can also be introduced into agrofor-estry systems and used as living fences for villages.
Keywords: AHP, GIS, Land evaluation, Lowland bamboo, MCDM, Remote sensing

Abstract: Understanding how land use and land cover (LULC) changes affect soil erosion is essentialfor effective management of watershed areas. This study used Geographic Information Systems(GISs) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to analyze the impact of LULCchanges on soil erosion in the Dondor Watershed. Remote sensing data, including Landsat andSentinel-2 satellite images, alongside field surveys, topographic data, rainfall, and soil data wereused. The results showed agricultural land as the primary LULC type, increasing from 43.49% in2002 to 59.10% in 2023. Forest and built-up areas also expanded, while grassland decreased. Soilerosion estimates revealed that more than 85% of the watershed experienced very slight erosionthough the average annual soil loss increased from 4.98 t ha−1 year−1 in 2002 to 7.96 t ha−1 year−1in 2023. Agriculture and built-up areas were identified as the primary contributors to erosion. Thisstudy underscores the importance of monitoring LULC dynamics for responsible land managementand conservation efforts in the watershed.Keywords: Dondor watershed; land use land cover change; soil erosion; RUSLE

Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are severely threatened due to the expansion of agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of woody species, structure, regeneration status and plant communities in Seqela forest, as well as the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation and environmental data from 52 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) plots. Density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, frequency, and importance value index (IVI) of woody species were computed to characterize the vegetation structure of the forest. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with R software were used to identify plant communities and analyse the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables, respectively. A total of 68 woody plant species belonging to 63 genera and 44 families were identified. The Shannon diversity index and evenness values of the study area were 2.12 and 0.92, respectively. The total basal area and density of woody species were 27.4 m2 ha-1 and 1079.3 individual ha-1, respectively. The most frequent woody species in the Seqela forest included Albizia gummifera (51.92%), Croton macrostachyus (44.23%), Olinia rochetiana and Teclea nobilis (36.54%). Additionally, the most dominant species, as indicated by their importance value index (IVI), were Erythrina brucei (IVI = 11.24), Prunus africana (IVI=8.68), and Croton macrostachyus (IVI=7.38). Four plant community types were identified: Albizia gummifera - Ekebergia capensis, Prunus africana - Croton macrostachyus, Vachellia abyssinica - Dombeya torrida and Schefflera abyssinica - Teclea nobilis. The CCA results showed that the variation of species distribution and plant community formation were significantly (P < 0.05) related to altitude, organic matter, aspect, slope and soil available phosphorus. The regeneration status assessment of the forest revealed a good regeneration status, which was linked to diverse and abundant seed bank in the soil can ensure a continuous supply of seeds for regeneration; therefore, it is recommended to implement periodic soil seed bank assessments to monitor seed diversity and abundance and inform targeted conservation actions. 

Abstract: Plants are rich sources of phytochemicals, secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, glycosides, and others, found in various plant parts including leaves, fruits, roots, and stem bark. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of Ruta chalepensis, Vernonia amygdalina, andZehneria scabraspecies in Senan District, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methanol and petroleum ether extracts of selected plant parts were subjected to standard qualitative phytochemical screening. The analysis revealed the presence of several phytochemical compounds in both methanol and petroleum ether extracts of the aerial parts of R. chalepensisand the leaves of V. amygdalinaand Z. scabra. Notably, methanolic extracts exhibited a higher abundance of phytochemicals due to the superior solubility of active compounds compared to petroleum ether. These findings highlight the potential of these plants as valuable sources of therapeutic agents. Traditionally, R. chalepensis, V. amygdalina, and Z. scabrahave been employed to treat various ailments. While this study provides a foundation for further exploration, additional research, including quantitative analysis, compound characterization, isolation, and pharmacological evaluation, is necessary to fully unlock these plants' therapeutic potential. Keywords:Ethnobotany,Medicinalplants,Phytochemicalscreening,Secondarybioactivechemicals

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of medicinalplants (MPs) used to treat wounds. Methanol and ethyl acetatecrude extracts of four medicinal plants were examined for anti-bacterial efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negativeAmerican Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains. Plant crudeextracts were produced using the maceration technique andanalyzed using qualitative phytochemical tests. The antibacter-ial properties of plant products were evaluated using the agardisc diffusion assay. The broth microdilution method was usedto determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) andminimum bactericidal concentrations. The data were analyzedusing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The methanol extract ofRumex nervosus had the highest yield (21%). The methanolextracts of all tested MPs tested positive for alkaloids, phenolics,and tannins. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibiteda dose-dependent increase in the growth inhibition zoneagainst all ATCC. The methanol extract of Plantago lanceolatademonstrated the highest antibacterial activity (16.67 ± 1.15)against Staphylococcus epidermidis. S. aureus and S. epidermidisrecorded a relatively lower MIC (6.25 mg mL−1) from methanolextracts of P. lanceolata, while P. lanceolata and R. nervosusrecorded a lower MBC (25 mg mL−1) against S. aureus.
KEYWORDS: Antibacterial activity; inhibition zone; medicinal plants; MIC; phytochemical; wound

Background: People in Sekela District, like others in Ethiopia, have a long tradition of using medicinal plants totreat human and livestock ailments. However, medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge arecurrently under threat. Thus, the study was carried out to compile ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinalplants in the district.Methods: A total of 352 informants from six study sub-districts (328 general and 24 key informants) were selectedrandomly and purposefully. Individual interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and marketsurveys were used to acquire ethnobotanical data using semi structured interview questions. The informantconsensus factor (ICF), fidelity level, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, medicinal use, and Analysis ofVariance were used.Results: A total of 121 medicinal plants belonging to 106 genera and 55 families were documented. The Aster-aceae family had the most species with 11 (9 %), followed by Lamiaceae with 8 (6.6 %), while leaves were themost utilized part with 56 (37 %). The majority of the remedies were made as a concoction (32, 17 %) anddelivered orally (98, 57 %). There was a statistically significant difference in indigenous knowledge on medicinalplants among genders, ages, marital status, educational levels, and occupations (p Ë‚ 0.05). The dermatologicaldisease categories had the highest ICF (0.92) in human ailments.Conclusion: The study revealed that Sekela District is rich in medicinal plants for treating human and livestockailments, and has indigenous knowledge to utilize these resources effectively. However, overgrazing, agriculturalexpansion, and improper harvesting techniques threaten medicinal plants. This signals the need to make sig-nificant efforts to raise public awareness about their conservation and sustainable use.
Keywords: Ailments; Ethnobotany; Indigenous knowledge; Sekela; Traditional medicinal plants

Background: People in Sekela District, like others in Ethiopia, have a long tradition of using medicinal plants totreat human and livestock ailments. However, medicinal plants and their associated indigenous knowledge arecurrently under threat. Thus, the study was carried out to compile ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinalplants in the district.Methods: A total of 352 informants from six study sub-districts (328 general and 24 key informants) were selectedrandomly and purposefully. Individual interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and marketsurveys were used to acquire ethnobotanical data using semi structured interview questions. The informantconsensus factor (ICF), fidelity level, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, medicinal use, and Analysis ofVariance were used.Results: A total of 121 medicinal plants belonging to 106 genera and 55 families were documented. The Aster-aceae family had the most species with 11 (9 %), followed by Lamiaceae with 8 (6.6 %), while leaves were themost utilized part with 56 (37 %). The majority of the remedies were made as a concoction (32, 17 %) anddelivered orally (98, 57 %). There was a statistically significant difference in indigenous knowledge on medicinalplants among genders, ages, marital status, educational levels, and occupations (p Ë‚ 0.05). The dermatologicaldisease categories had the highest ICF (0.92) in human ailments.Conclusion: The study revealed that Sekela District is rich in medicinal plants for treating human and livestockailments, and has indigenous knowledge to utilize these resources effectively. However, overgrazing, agriculturalexpansion, and improper harvesting techniques threaten medicinal plants. This signals the need to make sig-nificant efforts to raise public awareness about their conservation and sustainable use.
Keywords: Ailments; Ethnobotany; Indigenous knowledge; Sekela; Traditional medicinal plants

Erythrina brucei has been applied as a green manure to improve soil fertility in southern Ethiopia.It has been nodulated by indigenous rhizobia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate theeffects of E. brucei inoculation with microbial consortia consisted of Bradyrhizobium shewense,Acinetobacter soli and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)on E. brucei growth, soil nitrogen andphosphorous status after application as a green manure.A field experiment was conducted byinoculating E. Brucei with different microbial consortia. E. brucei inoculated with the microbialconsortia were grown for 150 days. Its shoot length was measured at 60, 90, 120 and 150 daysafter planting. Then, plants were uprooted and mulched as a green manure. The soil nitrogen,available phosphorous and soil organic matter analysis were done. The experimental design wascompletely randomized block design with eight treatments comprised of three replications.Inoculated treatments did not show a significant (p < 0.05) difference in shoot length in the first60 days. However, shoot length was increased between 19.1 and 41.3 %, 10.5–43.4 % and8.7–37.6 %, respectively at 90, 120 and 150 days. The soil organic matter was improved in bothinoculated and un-inoculated treatments. The improvements in the soil organic matter of un-inoculated treatments may be due to the decomposition of un-inoculated plants biomass in thesoil. The B. shewense inoculation improved the soil nitrogen by 17 %. The soil phosphorous wasimproved in 57 % of inoculated treatments. The inoculation of E. brucei with microbial consortiaenhanced its growth and improved soil fertility when applied as a green manure. Inoculating thegreen manure legumes with symbiotically effective rhizobia and plant-beneficial microbes canenhance the growth of E. brucei and its nutrient uptake.
Keywords: Legumes, Soil fertility, Shoot length, Microbial inputs, Organic matter

Introduction Post-surgical recovery time is influenced by various factors, including patient demographics, surgicaldetails, pre-existing conditions, post-operative care, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these dynamics iscrucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to identify significant predictors of post-surgical recoverytime in a resource-limited Ethiopian hospital setting and to evaluate the variability attributable to individual patientdifferences and surgical team variations.Methods A linear mixed model was employed to analyze data from 490 patients who underwent various surgicalprocedures. The analysis considered multiple predictors, including age, gender, BMI, type and duration of surgery,comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension), ASA scores, postoperative complications, pain management strategies,physiotherapy, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status. Random effects were included toaccount for variability at the patient and surgical team levels.Results Significant predictors of prolonged recovery time included higher BMI, longer surgery duration, thepresence of diabetes and hypertension, higher ASA scores, and major post-operative complications. Opioid painmanagement was associated with increased recovery time, while inpatient physiotherapy reduced recovery duration.Socioeconomic status also significantly influenced recovery time. The model fit statistics indicated a robust model,with the unstructured covariance structure providing the best fit.Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of individualized patient care and the effective management ofmodifiable factors such as BMI, surgery duration, and postoperative complications. Socioeconomic status emerged asa novel factor warranting further investigation. This study underscores the value of considering patient and surgicalteam variability in post-surgical recovery analysis, and calls for future research to explore additional predictors andalternative modeling techniques to enhance our understanding of the recovery process.Keywords Postsurgical recovery, Linear mixed model, BMI, Surgery duration, Comorbidities, ASA scores,Postoperative complications, Pain management, Physiotherapy, And socioeconomic status