Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia

Bonsa Fentale Jilo; Desta Negayo Komicha; Gemeda Terfassa Fida

doi:doi:10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia

Bonsa Fentale Jilo^*

, Desta Negayo Komicha, Gemeda Terfassa Fida

Published in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 15, Issue 5)

Received: 19 June 2026 Accepted: 14 July 2026 Published: 29 September 2026

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Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.

Published in	Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Volume 15, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
Page(s)	153-160
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Agro-ecology, Growth Performance, Multipurpose, Site Matching

References

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Jilo, B. F., Komicha, D. N., Fida, G. T. (2026). Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 15(5), 153-160. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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ACS Style

Jilo, B. F.; Komicha, D. N.; Fida, G. T. Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agric. For. Fish. 2026, 15(5), 153-160. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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AMA Style

Jilo BF, Komicha DN, Fida GT. Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agric For Fish. 2026;15(5):153-160. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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@article{10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11,
  author = {Bonsa Fentale Jilo and Desta Negayo Komicha and Gemeda Terfassa Fida},
  title = {Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {15},
  number = {5},
  pages = {153-160},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.20261505.11},
  abstract = {The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia
AU  - Bonsa Fentale Jilo
AU  - Desta Negayo Komicha
AU  - Gemeda Terfassa Fida
Y1  - 2026/09/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 153
EP  - 160
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.
VL  - 15
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Bonsa Fentale Jilo

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center, Batu City, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-1971-6599
Desta Negayo Komicha

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center, Batu City, Ethiopia

Contact Email
Gemeda Terfassa Fida

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center, Batu City, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9026-0564

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APA Style

Jilo, B. F., Komicha, D. N., Fida, G. T. (2026). Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 15(5), 153-160. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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ACS Style

Jilo, B. F.; Komicha, D. N.; Fida, G. T. Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agric. For. Fish. 2026, 15(5), 153-160. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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AMA Style

Jilo BF, Komicha DN, Fida GT. Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Agric For Fish. 2026;15(5):153-160. doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11

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@article{10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11,
  author = {Bonsa Fentale Jilo and Desta Negayo Komicha and Gemeda Terfassa Fida},
  title = {Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries},
  volume = {15},
  number = {5},
  pages = {153-160},
  doi = {10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.aff.20261505.11},
  abstract = {The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Screening and Growth Performance Evaluation of Potential Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs for the Environment of East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia
AU  - Bonsa Fentale Jilo
AU  - Desta Negayo Komicha
AU  - Gemeda Terfassa Fida
Y1  - 2026/09/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
T2  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JF  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
JO  - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
SP  - 153
EP  - 160
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5648
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20261505.11
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of selected multipurpose trees and shrubs in the East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia, emphasizing site-matching adaptation for agroforestry systems. Four species, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena pallida, Millettia ferrugenia, and Tephrosia candida were chosen based on their availability and suitability for local conditions across two specific agroecology, namely lowland and midland. All tree seeds underwent nursery management before planting, and uniform planting procedures were followed at the trial sites. A spacing of 2 x 2 meters was used for planting all selected tree and shrub species. Results indicated that all species survived at trial sites, with survival rates ranging from 55.6% to 90%. Gliricidia sepium achieved a height of 131.5 cm and a survival rate of 83.3% at the Adami Tullu site, while Leucaena pallida reached a maximum height of 403.2 cm, demonstrating potential in lowland conditions. Millettia ferrugenia exhibited significant growth with a diameter at breast height of 3.434 cm and a height of 441.7 cm in lowland areas. Tephrosia candida performed better in midland conditions, reaching a height of 295.0 cm and a survival rate of 88.89%. In conclusion, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena pallida performed well at both Negelle and Tullu sites, while Millettia ferrugenia showed the best performance at the Tullu site. Tephrosia candida highly performed at the Negelle site, representing midland ecology. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive trials in enhancing site management and optimizing the use of multipurpose trees and shrubs in agroforestry practices, thereby improving soil health, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Finally, recommend incorporating these species into various agroforestry practices while considering broader growth factors.
VL  - 15
IS  - 5
ER  -

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