Haramaya Institute of Technology

Effect of Blending Ratio, Cooking method and Cooking Time on Physicochemical, Nutritional Content and Sensory Acceptability of Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) and Orange- Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Jam

2026-05-25T06:52:44Z

Effect of Blending Ratio, Cooking method and Cooking Time on Physicochemical, Nutritional Content and Sensory Acceptability of Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) and Orange- Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Jam ENDALE TILAHUN, EDEN; Neme (PhD), Getachew; Abera (DEng.), Solomon Underutilized crops like tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP, Ipomoea batatas L.) have the potential to diversify Ethiopian diets, enhance nutrition, and lower postharvest losses. Despite their nutritional advantages, vitamin A and C deficits are still common, which emphasizes the demand for goods made from these crops that have added value. The objective of this study was to create and assess the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of jam made from blends of tamarind and OFSP. Three cooking methods (microwave, dry heat, and pressure cooking), three cooking times (20, 30, and 40 minutes), and three blending ratios (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 OFSP:tamarind) were used in the study's fully randomized factorial experiment. Proximate composition, vitamin and mineral levels, and sensory appeal were among the parameters examined. The findings showed that the blending ratios had a substantial (p < 0.05) impact on the composition of nutrients. Blends rich in tamarinds had higher levels of protein (3.42%), ash (2.81%), iron (3.1 mg/100 g), zinc (1.42 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (19.36 mg/100 g), whereas blends rich in OFSP had higher levels of utilizable carbohydrates (75.6%), crude fiber (2.15%), calcium (54.8 mg/100 g), magnesium (23.6 mg/100 g), and β-carotene (5.21 mg/100 g). Cooking times affected vitamin stability; longer cooking times decreased the preservation of β-carotene while decreasing vitamin C. The combination of 70% OFSP and 30% tamarind cooked for 20 minutes was found to be the most acceptable by sensory evaluation; on a 7-point hedonic scale, it scored highest for taste (6.1), color (5.9), texture (5.8), scent (5.6), and overall acceptability (6.2). Overall, the OFSP– tamarind blended jam is a nutritionally improved, and technically viable product. Its production has the potential to improve food diversity, lessen postharvest losses, and address vitamin A and C shortages 104

Effects of Postharvest Treatments, Packaging Materials and Storage Period on Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.): Hass Variety

2026-05-25T06:46:36Z

Effects of Postharvest Treatments, Packaging Materials and Storage Period on Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.): Hass Variety Adem Abdi, Abdi; Neme (Ph.D.), Getachew; Girma (M.Sc.), Anbese Avocados (Persea Americana Mill.) are classified as climacteric fruits, which are susceptible to rapid physiological deterioration so that requires well-integrated postharvest technologies to maintain its final quality. Thus, the aim of this study were to evaluate the effects of postharvest treatments, packaging materials and storage periods on the physicochemical and sensory quality of the ‘Hass’ variety avocado fruits. The experiment include of four postharvest treatments (control, hot water, garlic extract and wax), three packaging materials (room storage, carton box, and low-density polyethylene), and 12-days of storage period with four interval of data collection days (day0, day4, day8, and day12) with three replications, that was arranged with a full factorial design. The interaction effects of postharvest treatments, packaging materials and storage period on avocado physicochemical quality of avocado were found to be highly significant (P<0.05) over a 12-days of storage period. Compared to samples stored in carton boxes and room temperature, the interaction effect of postharvest treatments with low density polyethylene (LDPE) significantly (P<0.05) produced the highest physiochemical quality during storage periods. The combination of garlic extract and low density polyethylene bags also maintained better physicochemical qualities than control or hot water treated samples. Generally, after a 12-day of storage period, the avocado treated with a combination of wax and LDPE bags showed the best physiochemical qualities, including highest firmness (2.9N), moisture content (46.2%), pH (5.91), ascorbic acid (13.53mg/100g1), and lowest weight loss (1.8%), titratable acidity (28.8%), and total soluble solid (34.4obrix), no decay loss, and the best marketability (100%), after 12-days of storage period at 95% confidence of interval (P<0.05). As storage time increases, the final quality of avocado were determined by postharvest treatment and packaging materials used. Therefore, proper postharvest technologies and durations are essential for preserving the avocado quality. In order to further optimize postharvest handling practices and maintain the quality of avocado for extended period of time. The future researcher should examine the long-term effects of different postharvest treatments and packaging options on quality of different variety of avocado fruit 91

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HARGAYA SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME, EAST HARARGHE, ETHIOPIA

2026-05-25T06:15:47Z

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HARGAYA SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME, EAST HARARGHE, ETHIOPIA Ilmi Jemal Ahmed; Meseret_Dawit (PhD) The study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Hargaya irrigation scheme in the Meyu Muluke district of the East Hararghe zone, Oromia regional state. Performance of the irrigation scheme was evaluated using internal and external performance indicators, farmer’s perceptions of the scheme, institutional setup, and support services to suggest possible remedial measures for enhancing the scheme’s efficiency. The primary data was collected through the interview, questionnaire, group discussion, field observation and field test while secondary data was collected from NMI, Zone, and district agricultural offices, design documents, and literature. Internal performance indicators selected for the study were conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, storage efficiency, deep percolation ratio, distribution uniformity, and overall scheme efficiency. External indicators, including agricultural output, water supply, water delivery capacity, and physical performance indicators, have been used in the study. The results indicated that conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, storage efficiency, deep percolation ratio, distribution uniformity, and overall scheme efficiency were 43.28%, 49.03%, 83.41%, 50.97%, 61.43%, and 21.22%, respectively. The results of output per unit irrigated area, production per unit command area, output per unit irrigation supply, and output per unit water consumed were 5312.95US$/ha, 2817.03 US$/ha, 0.4 US$/m3 and 1.37 US$/m 3 respectively. Physical performance indicators; IR, SIA, and effectiveness of infrastructures were found to be 0.51, 0.52, and 0.615, respectively. The results of WDP, RWS, and RIS were 3.2, 4.0, and 5.3, respectively. According to HH survey, WUAs organizational and legal enforcement bylaws at the scheme were not effective. Based on the result of the study, to improve performance of Hargaya irrigation scheme; rehabilitation of left main canal, reduce water diverted to the scheme, lining of main canal, mobilizing community participation in operation and maintenance, and application of WUA proclamation can enhance performance of the scheme. 114p.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HARGAYA SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME, EAST HARARGHE, ETHIOPIA

2026-05-25T06:08:45Z

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HARGAYA SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME, EAST HARARGHE, ETHIOPIA Ilmi Jemal Ahmed; Meseret_Dawit (PhD)_; Nura Boru (Assis.Prof.) The study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Hargaya irrigation scheme in the Meyu Muluke district of the East Hararghe zone, Oromia regional state. Performance of the irrigation scheme was evaluated using internal and external performance indicators, farmer’s perceptions of the scheme, institutional setup, and support services to suggest possible remedial measures for enhancing the scheme’s efficiency. The primary data was collected through the interview, questionnaire, group discussion, field observation and field test while secondary data was collected from NMI, Zone, and district agricultural offices, design documents, and literature. Internal performance indicators selected for the study were conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, storage efficiency, deep percolation ratio, distribution uniformity, and overall scheme efficiency. External indicators, including agricultural output, water supply, water delivery capacity, and physical performance indicators, have been used in the study. The results indicated that conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, storage efficiency, deep percolation ratio, distribution uniformity, and overall scheme efficiency were 43.28%, 49.03%, 83.41%, 50.97%, 61.43%, and 21.22%, respectively. The results of output per unit irrigated area, production per unit command area, output per unit irrigation supply, and output per unit water consumed were 5312.95US$/ha, 2817.03 US$/ha, 0.4 US$/m3 and 1.37 US$/m 3 respectively. Physical performance indicators; IR, SIA, and effectiveness of infrastructures were found to be 0.51, 0.52, and 0.615, respectively. The results of WDP, RWS, and RIS were 3.2, 4.0, and 5.3, respectively. According to HH survey, WUAs organizational and legal enforcement bylaws at the scheme were not effective. Based on the result of the study, to improve performance of Hargaya irrigation scheme; rehabilitation of left main canal, reduce water diverted to the scheme, lining of main canal, mobilizing community participation in operation and maintenance, and application of WUA proclamation can enhance performance of the scheme 114p.