Theses & Desertations

BIOASSAY AND RESPONSE OF PYRETHRUM (Chrysanthemum cinareriifolium) GENOTYPES TO PATHOGENIC FUNGI IN KENYA

2026-03-13T09:51:33Z

BIOASSAY AND RESPONSE OF PYRETHRUM (Chrysanthemum cinareriifolium) GENOTYPES TO PATHOGENIC FUNGI IN KENYA RUTO, CHEPKEMOI EMMY Fungal pathogens are a major production constraint to quantity and quality of pyrethrin in Kenya and other parts of the world. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is cheap, environmentally friendly, acts with celerity, less harmful to both animals and humans and also can be used against a wide range of insects and because of the above importance of pyrethrum and the problem of fungal diseases as a constraint to higher production of the crop, this study was carried out with the following objectives; 1) To assess the morphological diversity and frequency of isolation of the major fungal pathogens affecting pyrethrum production in Kenya, 2) To assess the pathogenicity of identified fungal isolates and response of selected genotypes under greenhouse conditions and 3) To determine the efficacy of selected control agents in management of identified fungal pathogens in vitro and therefore, A field visit to major pyrethrum growing zone Nakuru county, was done and infected plant parts with symptoms of fungal infection were sampled and taken to laboratory for analysis. Isolation and identification was done and after identification pathogens with higher isolation frequencies were tested for their pathogenicity and virulence on five pyrethrum genotypes Clone 1 - 4 and P4 in an experiment set in split plot arrangement in CRD with genotypes as main plots and isolates as subplots replicated three times. Data on incidence and severity were scored after inoculation at an interval of 14 days using severity scales. Most virulent pathogens were further selected and taken to the laboratory for testing inhibitory efficacies of selected control agents where a split plot arrangement in CRD was set with isolates as main plots and control agents as sub plots replicated thrice. Agar dilution method and dual culture method were used to test control agents and data on mycelial growth inhibition were scored. Results indicate that there was diversity in fungal pathogens isolated from plants showing symptoms of bud disease, pyrethrum wilt and crown rot disease. There was a significant difference in the pathogenicity and response of selected isolates as p <0.05. All the isolates tested were pathogenic and Clone 4 was more tolerant to most fungi. Botanicals showed promising results as garlic performed well like Carbendazim in the in vitro reactions with the test fungi. Selected Trichoderma species displayed antifungal properties against all the test fungi. These results indicate that fungal pathogens are still a problem in farmers’ fields and available genotypes have varied levels of tolerance which can be exploited in the breeding programs in order to achieve a long-lasting solution to fungal diseases.

BACTERIUM (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) AS A BIOCONTROL AGENT AGAINST FUNGAL DISEASES OF SORGHUM

2026-03-13T09:09:49Z

BACTERIUM (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) AS A BIOCONTROL AGENT AGAINST FUNGAL DISEASES OF SORGHUM KIPROP, KOECH PATRICK Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is among the main primary foods in arid and semi-arid lands and it is grown for both food and also as a forage crop. Its production is constrained by both biotic and abiotic factors. To ensure continuous production this study aimed at addressing sustainable management strategies to foliar fungal diseases of sorghum in western parts of Kenya. The first section of the experiment was set under field conditions in different sites and seasons with an attempt of ascertaining the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium on incidences of foliar diseases on selected sorghum genotypes. This study was set in split plot arrangement under Randomized Complete Block design with genotypes as the main plot and treatments as the subplots replicated thrice. The second experimental phase aimed at determining the inhibitory potentials of the strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on single fungal pathogens isolated in vitro. The study design involved the use of three replicating in a randomized complete block study design. The experiment was followed by a greenhouse experiment that tested the effectiveness of different concentrations of the bacterium in treating sorghum covered -kernel disease. Randomized complete block trial was also conducted using different rates of inoculation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Field, lab, and greenhouse research was performed separately to assemble data. Field trials were used to record instances and the degree of sorghum foliar diseases. The percentage of mycelial inhibition in the laboratory acted as the main indicator whereas the percentage of the greenhouse was converted to the percentage of coveredkernel disease severity. The statistical processes employed to analyze all the data collected were done through the use of GENSTAT software, version 14 and the results were presented within the form of plates, figures, tables and box-and-whisker groupings. It was found that three foliar diseases (anthracnose, leaf spot and leaf blight) occurred in both sites through two seasons. The reasons were that the outbreak and severity of anthracnose were significantly more in Kibos than Sega. Varieties did not show a significant difference in their tolerance to disease pressure (p > 0.05) while treatments displayed a distinct efficacy in reducing disease pressures compared to control (p <0.05) where dressing seeds with bacterium proved to be more efficient in managing foliar diseases. Treatments with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens recorded an improved plant growth and reduced disease severity and the response was directly proportional to increase in rates of the bacterium. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium is a growth enhancer and also reduces disease severities and therefore should be incorporated into integrated disease management system to ensure sustainable crop production. Further studies should be conducted to characterize genetic compositions of genotypes with respect to treatments that will aid in further crop improvement.

DIVERSITY AND BIO-CONTROL OF MYCOTOXIN FUNGI FROM MAIZE, GROUNDNUTS AND SOILS OF WESTERN KENYA

2025-05-22T08:28:01Z

DIVERSITY AND BIO-CONTROL OF MYCOTOXIN FUNGI FROM MAIZE, GROUNDNUTS AND SOILS OF WESTERN KENYA MWATABU, EDWARD MWAKICHWA Mycotoxin adulteration in maize, groundnuts and agricultural lands have destabilized Kenya's food safety and healthcare status overtime. This study focused on assessing the diversity of mycotoxin fungi in maize, groundnut, and soils in Western Kenya, determining in-vitro inhibitory indices, and the efficacy of selected fungi against the mycotoxin-producing fungi under field conditions. This involved biased sampling of contaminated maize, groundnut, and soils from Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, and Busia Counties. Respective farmers were assessed on their awareness on mycotoxin mitigation measures in grains. Pure fungal cultures were grown on PDA media and incubated at 25-27 oC in a Gallenkamp incubator. Fungal identification was done at X400 microscopic magnification and then confirmed using pathology reference books and journals. After identification, in-vitro inhibitory indices of toxigenic and non-toxigenic species were done to determine their degree of antagonism against mycotoxin-producing fungi using the dual culture and the modified techniques after a 10-day incubation period. The next stage comprised testing of nine fungal isolates for their inhibitory capacity against 6 mycotoxin fungi. Finally, field efficacy tests for successful antagonists against mycotoxin fungi under a split-plot layout in RCBD were done for two sites in two seasons. The arrangement comprised two maize varieties serving as the main plots and seven treatments as subplots. Fungal diversity findings were presented in plates and description tables, while in-vitro and field data were analysed using ANOVA and DMRT at 5% significance level applied as a mean separation post-hoc using Genstat software version 16.0. Additionally, farmers in Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties were unaware of field and off-field causes and mitigations of mycotoxins in maize and groundnuts. Pure cultures of thirty-five diverse fungal isolates were obtained where14 diverse pathotypes were Aspergillus species followed by 8 and 4 diverse isolates from Penicillium and Fusarium genera respectively. Busia County had the highest sum of diverse isolates and Siaya recorded the lowest. For isolation frequency per sample type, soil samples (30 isolates) and groundnuts (9 isolates) had the most and least number of diverse fungal isolates. Twenty-two isolates were specific to environments/counties while 13 were not specific to a single region. Over 80% inhibition levels were observed in T. harzianum, MCMT3, MCMT4b and Monascus species in-vitro against mycotoxin fungi. However, isolates MCMT3, MCMT4b and Monascus species had the best ZIs against mycotoxin fungal isolates. In field conditions, Monascus spp., T. harzianum, MCMT3, MCMT4b, and the mixed concoction MCMT3, MCMT4b, and Monascus spp significantly repressed mycotoxin fungi. In conclusion, Western Kenya farmers were unaware of mycotoxin causes and best pre- and post-harvest extenuation measures. Mycotoxin fungi dominated maize, groundnut, and soils of Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties of Kenya. Isolates MCMT3, MCMT4b, Monascus spp., and T. harzianum best repressed mycotoxin-producing fungi but did not display synergism in field conditions. This study recommends adequate capacity building on mycotoxin management strategies among Western Kenya farmers and mass production of isolates MCMT3, MCMT4b, and Monascus species for the management of mycotoxin fungi in maize and susceptible economic valuable crops to mycotoxin fungi.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERCROPPING FINGER MILLET (Eleusine coracana) VARIETIES WITH COMMON BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris) ON WEED MANAGEMENT AND YIELD IN TRANS - NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

2025-04-08T09:49:43Z

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERCROPPING FINGER MILLET (Eleusine coracana) VARIETIES WITH COMMON BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris) ON WEED MANAGEMENT AND YIELD IN TRANS - NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA SULULU, PETER Weed infestation is considered as one of the most important constraints affecting finger millet production causing significant yield losses. Management of weeds is important for enhancing the productivity of finger millet. Recent research efforts suggested that intercropping legumes with cereals can have potential for weed suppression and may decrease the need to use herbicides. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of intercropping finger millet varieties with common bean on weed management and yield. Field experiments were conducted on- farm at Kiminini SubCounty in Trans-Nzoia County. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) over two seasons (2020 short rains and 2021 long rains season). The three improved finger millet varieties (Gulu- E, U-15 and P-224) and common bean variety (Rosecoco) were used. Each finger millet variety was grown in monoculture and intercropped with beans. The treatments were replicated three times giving a total of 27 plots. The plots measured 1.8 m x 1.5 m each and a path of 0.5 m was used to separate one plot from the other. Parameters that were recorded during the growing season on weeds included; weed type, weed count and weed biomass while for finger millet included; plant height at physiological maturity/grain milk stage, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, number of tillers per plant, dry grain yield (kg/ha) and days to 50% physiological maturity. The parameters that were measured and recorded on beans included; plant height, leaf width, number of pods per plant; number of seeds per pod, dry grain yield (kg/ha), days to 50% physiological maturity, days to 50% flowering and 100-grain weight. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the effects of seasons, treatments and their interaction using the mixed procedure of SAS (Institute 2012) software. The means of seasons, treatments and their interaction were compared by least significance difference at P < 0.05. The sole cropping recorded the highest weed count and weed biomass. Finger millet -bean intercrop recorded the lowest values of weed count and weed biomass which to led to the increase in the finger millet yield. The long rains season recorded significantly higher weed biomass than short rains season. Intercropping is an effective approach of weed management. It also enhances growth and development of finger millet. Farmers should be encouraged to grow finger millet varieties intercropped with different leguminous crops to assist in weed suppression and improve finger millet yield.

EFFECT OF SORGHUM- LEGUME INTERCROP FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL DISEASES ON SORGHUM

2025-04-07T07:16:44Z

EFFECT OF SORGHUM- LEGUME INTERCROP FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL DISEASES ON SORGHUM ACHIENG, YAHUMA NANCY Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is ranked fifth globally after maize, wheat, rice and second after barley in Sub-Saharan Africa. Limited awareness and adoption of appropriate integrated sorghum- legume intercropping systems together with foliar diseases has resulted to more than 70% yield losses in sorghum. The aim of this study was to contribute towards climate-smart agricultural production and enhanced food security through integrated sorghum-legume cropping systems for sustainable management of fungal diseases. For the field experiment, planting was done in RCBD with five treatments replicated thrice. The five treatments were; sorghum-monocrop, soybean-sorghum and dolichos-sorghum simple systems, soybean-sorghum and dolichossorghum mbili systems. The in vitro efficacy assessment of the root, leaf and stem legume extracts on fungal pathogen was arranged in CRD with four replications. Disease severity levels was assessed on a 0-5 rating scale. Field trials showed dolichos and soybean simple systems expressed low disease severity levels of 1.5-2.0. In vitro studies confirmed that dolichos leaf (92.34%) and soybean stem (62.87%) gave the highest inhibitory index on C. Sublineolum and F. Moniliforme respectively. In justifying the field experiment dolichos and soybean simple systems gave the best result for integrated cropping systems. Therefore, this study contributed towards climate-smart agricultural innovation, enhanced food and nutritional security through sorghum-legume integrated cropping systems for sustainable management of fungal diseases in sorghum. However, there is need to investigate the durability of natural fungicides (dolichos leaf and soybean stem extracts) for increased efficiency against C. Sublineolum and F. Moniliforme respectively

ROOT TRAIT RESPONSES TO PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY IN BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (VIGNA SUBTERRANEA L. VERDC)

2025-04-03T07:20:17Z

ROOT TRAIT RESPONSES TO PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY IN BAMBARA GROUNDNUT (VIGNA SUBTERRANEA L. VERDC) KWOBA, WILSON ODUNGA Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) is a legume whose growth is limited by moisture and phosphorus (P) deficiency. Limited research has focussed on belowground traits in Bambara groundnut, which is crucial for understanding tolerance to P deficiency. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine root morphological variation in Bambara groundnut cultivars under varying P levels and (ii) evaluate the root physiological mechanisms that improve Bambara groundnut’s performance in soils with varying P levels. Fifteen Bambara groundnut cultivars were planted in polyvinyl chloride pots containing 2 kg sandy soil for 55 days under green house conditions. The pots were supplied with three P levels: 10 mg P/kg for limiting P (low P) as iron phosphate, 10 mg P/kg for moderate P (MP), and 50 mg P/kg for high P (HP) as dihydrogen phosphate. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design. The root morphological traits, including root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root-to-shoot ratio (RSR), number of nodules (NN), total root length (TRL), number of first-order roots (NFOR), number of second-order roots (NSOR), second-order root length (SORL), root branching intensity (RBI), root diameter (RD), root surface area (RSA), and root volume (RV), exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among Bambara groundnut cultivars at varying phosphorus levels. TRL, NSORL, and SORL decreased as soil P levels increased in all Bambara groundnut cultivars. BAM002 and BAM010 displayed the highest TRL, NFOR, NSOR, SORL, RSA, and RV at low P. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization and extracellular and intracellular acid phosphatase and phytase activities varied significantly among Bambara groundnut cultivars at different P levels, showing a decline as soil P levels increased. BAM002, BAM006, and BAM010 showed high AMF colonization and exhibited the highest amount of acid phosphatase and phytase activities in the rhizosheath at low P. Compared to root morphological traits, the variation in the effect size of AMF colonization (25-277.8%), rhizosheath acid phosphatase (30.2- 612.5%), and phytase (32.2-293.2%) was higher among the cultivars, except for SORL, which ranged from 23 to 1252.2%. Under P-limited conditions, BAM002, BAM006, , and BAM010 exhibited enhanced root growth, increased exudation of acid phosphatase and phytase, and high AMF colonization. These cultivars are suitable candidates for cultivation in P-limited environments. Incorporating their root phenotypes into elite Pinefficient Bambara groundnut could be key to optimizing P acquisition efficiency and developing varieties suited for P-stressed soils

MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF KENYAN BRACHIARIA ECOTYPES IN RELATION TO DROUGHT AND SPIDER MITE (Tetranychus urticae Koch) STRESS

2025-04-03T07:14:05Z

MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF KENYAN BRACHIARIA ECOTYPES IN RELATION TO DROUGHT AND SPIDER MITE (Tetranychus urticae Koch) STRESS AWALLA, BORNFACE JUMA Brachiaria (Urochloa decumbens) also known as signal grass, is a C4 plant that is tolerant to drought. The objective of this study was to evaluate Kenyan Brachiaria ecotypes through morpho-physiological and molecular methods to aid in identification of tolerant ecotypes to both drought and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) stresses and to give insight on the differentially expressed, up regulated and down regulated genes. The study adopted a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 3 x 25 factorial arrangement. Results showed differences (P< 0.05) between biomass and plant height (r=0.2386), internode length (r=0.2367) for the stress experiment. Based on the morpho-physiological traits, BrK 1, BrK 3, BrK 10, BrK 15 and BrK 20 showed tolerance to drought. On the other hand, based on 11 drought stress indices and overall ranking, the most tolerant ecotypes were BrK 7-1, BrK 6-2, BrK 18-3, BrK1-4 and BrK 13-5 in stressed condition. Percentage functional plant loss index after 24 days infestation with red spider mite indicated that BrK 21-43.99%, BrK 7-40.89%, BrK 8-30.94%, BrK 18-30.19% and BrK 22-29.39% were tolerant to spider mite. Using Gene Ontology (GO), Ribosome was the most significantly affected cellular components (CC), oxidoreductase activity and structural molecular activity were the most significantly affected molecular functions (MF) while ribosome biogenesis and carbohydrate metabolic process represented significantly affected biological processes (BP) in the presence of the stressors. Differential expression profiling and enrichment using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) identified significantly up-regulated ribosome biosynthesis, phenyl propanoid biosynthesis, fatty acid, cutin, suberin and wax biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation and amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis. There was significant down-regulation of photosynthesis, cyanoaminoacids metabolism, glycerophospholipid biosynthesis, diterpenoid biosynthesis, circadian rhythm and Zeatin biosynthesis. Among the putative differentially expressed genes significantly up or down regulated included, RPL, RPS, ATPFoA, CYP71E1, CYP75B1, CYP98A, UGT85B1, GA2OX, CHS, CKX-2, GDP1 and DPP1. The study also discovered Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) regions that need to be validated, develop markers and high throughput tools for functional genomics, genetic and population diversity studies.

SCREENING ELITE CASSAVA LINES FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO CASSAVA MOSAIC AND BROWN STREAK VIRUSES

2025-04-02T10:21:28Z

SCREENING ELITE CASSAVA LINES FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO CASSAVA MOSAIC AND BROWN STREAK VIRUSES KIMNO, LYDIA CHEPKOECH Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) have been the major biotic factors limiting potential yield in cassava production for decades. This research was conducted to investigate the response of elite cassava lines to CMD and CBSD under field conditions, evaluate the pathogenicity levels of CMD and CBSD on elite cassava lines under greenhouse conditions, and assess the genetic diversity of elite cassava lines for their response to CMD & CBSD using sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. The screening was done under a hot-spot field in RCBD with five test lines against CMD and CBSD, where two of the lines were susceptible and resistant checks while three were mutant lines; scoring was done at a scale of 1-5. Influence of CMD on test lines under field conditions was unique from site to site, with Site× DAP having (p<0.05), ML ×DAP and Si× ML ×DAP had a probability of (p>0.05), with tolerance quality of these elite lines to the pathogen species across the sites. CBSD posted interaction; Site× DAP, ML ×DAP (p <0.05), and Si× ML ×DAP (p>0.05). The means especially (CAS1, CAS2, CAS3) were found to be below 2.0 in all the sites for both diseases and posted a low severity mean, thus low infection with both shoot and root resistance. Only parental lines had root infection with brown-ringed roots, especially KME4. Field trials showed elite material with a low severity range between 2.5- 3.0. Tolerance to CBSD inoculum was expressed by CAS1 & CAS2 at a severity level between 2.5 -3.0 while CAS 3. DNA amplification found no CBSD and CMD alleles in CAS1 while they had faded traces on CAS2 and CAS 3, but the same was found in checks (KME3, KME4). However, inadequate genetic sources for breeding remain a challenge in mitigating the two viral diseases.

INTEGRATING STRIGA MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED MAIZE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA

2024-05-15T08:32:43Z

INTEGRATING STRIGA MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED MAIZE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA Sunda, Wycliff Maize is an important crop in Kenya but is adversely affected by Striga hermonthica weed that reduces yields considerably, especially in Western Kenya. Single stand-alone management strategies for the weed have been used, but each has had its own demerits. The objective of this study was to integrate and determine the best maize variety and seed coat agents that would manage Striga and improve yields of maize, while at the same time obtain yields from soya beans in the same production system. A 4*4 factorial experiment was carried out in Teso, Bungoma, Vihiga and Kibos during the long and short rains seasons of 2012. Two Striga tolerant varieties, GAF4 and KSTP 94, a susceptible variety H505 and IR maize were each primed and coated with; a fungus ,Fusarium oxysporum (Foxy FK3), Phosphorus based fertilizer (Gro-plus), Gro-plus+Foxy FK3 and a control where seeds were not coated. Planting of maize and soya beans was done in MBILI system. Data was collected on striga numbers and biomass, maize grain weight and weight of shelled soya beans. The data was subjected to ANOVA and means separated using contrast in GENSTAT version 12.2. Gro-plus, Gro plus + Foxy FK3 and Foxy FK3 coatings on all maize varieties led to increased maize grain yield and biomasss and had lower Striga biomass and numbers compared to the control. The best performance was observed in Gro-plus maize seed coating but there was no much difference between Foxy FK3 and Foxy FK3+Gro plus coatings. KSTP94 yielded highest in maize grains when coated with Gro plus, compared to all the other combinations.IR maize technology did not manage to inhibit striga growth. H505 with no seed coating yielded the least. Soya beans grown as intercrop in all the maize variety-coating combinations did not show any significant difference in terms of grain yields. All varieties coated with Gro-plus and Foxy FK3 had more than 50% MRR. This reiterates the importance of using the synergized technology to manage striga and improve maize yields. The recommended best package was H505 coated with Gro-plus. Further research however needs to be done to determine the best possible way of combining Foxy FK3 and Gro plus to integrate their individual abilities in managing striga and ultimately improving yields of maize.

THE SEED INDUSTRY IN LIBERIA: A CASE STUDY OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.) SEED QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE SEED HEALTH MANAGEMENT

2023-10-09T09:31:20Z

THE SEED INDUSTRY IN LIBERIA: A CASE STUDY OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.) SEED QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE SEED HEALTH MANAGEMENT DORLEY, OUSMAN SARLIA Rice is the staple food in Liberia and despite being largely cultivated throughout the country imports contribute about 75% of the national requirement. Additionally, the seed industry is not well developed nor efficient. This study sought to evaluate the suitability of seed systems and sustainable disease management as a possible cure for this problem of inadequate production. Survey was carried out on 500 smallholder farmers to determine the characteristics of the Liberian farmers and their knowledge on the best agricultural practices. Further, focus group discussions were held with key informants to determine the government policies governing the seed industry and rice production in the country. The data generated from these exercises were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Five rice varieties namely Yarka, Gizzie, LAC23-red and LAC23- white (local types) and the improved variety, NERICA L-19, were sampled from four counties that grow and produce most rice in Liberia (Montserrado, Nimba, Lofa, and Bong). The seeds were taken to the University of Eldoret seed science lab for the analysis of various seed quality aspects including vigour index, yield and seed health. Botanical extracts from chilli, garlic, ginger, neem and common bean ash were tested to assess their biocide potential against the isolated fungal seed infection. It was found that there was no significant difference in the numbers of male (49.8%) and female (50.2%) rice farmers. However, this was not true across the counties. Two counties had huge disparities between the genders; Montserrado (males 61.1%, females 38.9%) and Nimba (males 30.4%, females 69.6%). On education however, females were less educated compared to their male counterparts and the majority with no prior formal education in all the counties. Only 1.4% of the farmers obtain their seeds from certified seed dealers while the rest obtain their seeds from the various informal seed systems. NERICA-L19, had the best germination rate achieving 90% germination rate. Yarka variety recorded the least weight (19.7g) in all the counties and Nerica had the highest (26.5g). A total of six fungi were isolated from the rice seeds and this included in the order of prevalence; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium sp, Pyricularia oryzae, and Fusarium sp). The Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp were found in all the counties. Seeds from Nimba County were the most infected and all the pathogens listed were isolated from rice seeds sampled from this county. With the exception of Fusarium sp., bean ash was the most efficient botanical extract, completely inhibiting all of the tested fungi. The synthetic fungicide (tebuconazole) provided the best inhibition against the most resistant fungal pathogen, Fusarium sp, at 56% inhibition. Liberia‟s seed industry has no practical governance and both formal and informal seed industry run harphazadly. There is huge gap in the farmers‟ knowledge on government policies governing rice production. Women should be the major targets of enlightenment regarding agricultural practices due to their huge lack of formal education. Policies should be created that strengthen the capacity of formal and informal seed systems to produce improved seeds. NERICA-L 19 appears to be the best rice variety for all the counties under study. Further research should be done to determine whether any of the botanical extracts used in the study can be used to treat disease more sustainably.