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Carrot ( Daucus carota L.) is one of the most important root crops grown worldwide and in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are low due to a lack of improved varieties and unbalanced fertilizer rates, among other factors. The field experiment was, therefore, conducted to determine the performance of carrot varieties through blended fertilizer rates at Gondar district for a consecutive period of two years. The treatment consisted of six rates of blended NPSB (Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and Boron) fertilizer (0, 40.6, 81.3, 122, 162.3, and 203.4 kg ha -1 ) and two carrot varieties (Haramay-I and Nantes), which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main effect of blended NPSB received in 162.3 kg ha -1 obtained the highest root diameter (3.38 cm), root length (20.93 cm), and root volume (110.60 mm). The main effect of the year was also the maximum number of leaves (10.3), root diameter (2.96 cm), root length (20.09 cm), and root volume (89.20 mm) recorded from the 2021 planting year. On the other hand, in the interaction of variety and NPSB, the highest root fresh weight (134.48 g plant -1 ) was obtained from the Haramaya-I variety and the application of 162.3 NPSB kg ha -1 , while the lowest (57.13 g plant -1 ) was recorded by the Nantes variety with control. The highest dry matter (13.67%), marketable (50.77 t ha -1 ) and total (55.32 t ha -1 ) root yields were recorded from the interaction of 162.3 kg NPSB ha -1 and Haramaya-I variety. Therefore, the planting season and varietal selection should be considered in the carrot production area.

Watermelon is a significant Cucurbitaceae crop that is widely cultivated around the world. However, production and productivity of the crop in Ethiopia are very low compared to the global average of 32.6 t ha −1 , which is mostly associated with soil fertility depletions as a result of inappropriate application of fertilizer. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted to enhance the production and productivity of watermelon by identifying economically optimum rates of Eco‐Green and blended (NPSB) fertilizer in West Dembia district, Northwest Ethiopia. The experiment was designed in factorial combinations of four levels of Eco‐Green (0, 75, 150, and 225 L ha −1 ) and four levels of blended NPSB fertilizer (0, 125, 250, and 375 kg NPSB ha −1 ), which were laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the study revealed that Eco‐Green and blended NPSB fertilizers had significant effect on growth, fruit yield and quality attributes of watermelon. Furthermore, the combined effect of Eco‐Green and blended NPSB fertilizers had a significant ( p < 0.001) influence on number of total fruit per plant, marketable fruit yield, total fruit yield, pulp weight, and total soluble solids. The highest marketable (59 t ha −1 ) and total fruit yield (83 t ha −1 ) were recorded from the treatment combinations of 150 L Eco‐Green ha −1 and 250 kg NPSB ha −1 fertilizer rates with net benefit of (1,228,825 ETB ha −1 ) and acceptable marginal rate of return of (27552.8%). Therefore, the combined application of this rate was recommended for economical and sustainable watermelon production in the study area and similar agroecology. However, this result is one season and location data and needs to be confirmed across locations and over seasons for broader applicability.

The purpose of this research was to determine the optimum dehydration temperature and time length for a better physicochemical quality of tomato powders. The treatments consisted of 70, 80 and 90°C dehydration temperatures and 9, 11, and 13 h time durations arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with triplicates. The inlet and outlet air temperatures of the hot air oven dryer were about 24 and 60°C respectively with an air velocity of about 2.9 m/s. Fresh tomatoes were used as a control. It has been observed that the major quality parameters of tomato powders were significantly increased with increasing dehydration temperature and time up to 80°C and 11 h respectively. When the dehydration temperature and time length went beyond 80°C and 11 h respectively, the quality of tomato powders declined. The maximum TSS content (7.433 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.4967), rehydration ratio (3.437), lycopene content (0.4512 mg/100 g) and lower pH value (4.433) were obtained at 80°C temperature and 11 h dehydration time. Moisture content was reduced to 11% at the same dehydration temperature and time length without considerable physiochemical quality loss. Inversely, vitamin C was reduced as dehydration temperature and time increased. Generally, the results of this study showed that dehydration of tomatoes with 80°C and 11 h temperature and time length respectively, provides better physicochemical quality of tomato powders. Future research is suggested on consumers' acceptance of dehydrated tomato powders.