Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences

Influence of Planting Materials and Land tenure system on Mango Production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Planting Materials and Land tenure system on Mango Production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Kipchumba, Abraham; Odwori, Paul O.; Kebeney, Syphyline Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is Kenya’s third most important fruit in terms of acreage and total production. Mango is grown in Coastal, Eastern, and Central and in Rift valley dominantly in Kerio Valley belt due to favourable environmental conditions. Recent research, however, has reported a decline in mango production in Endo Ward. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that affect smallholder mango production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County. A survey was carried out in which a sample population of 281 farmers were chosen from a target population of 937 farmers. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the locations and the respondents. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interview on key informants. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that 42.96% of planting materials are obtained by farmers from local private nurseries while 23.47% get from Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) nurseries. Thus, the high cost deterred some farmers from accessing mango planting materials easily hence decline in production. Results also showed that the land tenure system was such that 89.53% of the farmers owned land communally while only 10.47 % owned individual land. This lack of property rights on Land resource did not motivate farmers sufficiently enough to invest optimally in mango production. This study recommends that there is need to assist the farmers to access affordably planting materials and grant tittle deeds to farmers to motivate optimum individual effort.

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

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Effect of Leaf Harvesting on Yield Parameters and Seed Quality of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Leaf Harvesting on Yield Parameters and Seed Quality of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Monau, P. Boyce; Ochoudho, O. Julius; Obura, Morish; Maina, N. W. Faith; Rop, Nicholas Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an African Leafy Vegetable (ALV) which has a wide range of uses but mostly known as a fibre crop as opposed to vegetable. There is limited information on the seed quality aspects of kenaf and how farmers’ practices like leaf harvesting may affect the plant growth characters and yield parameters. A greenhouse experiment was set up at the University of Eldoret, Kenya, in a completely randomised design in a factorial arrangement with six leaf harvesting stages and two capsules harvesting stages in four replications. The leaf harvesting stages were 2 weeks before flowering (78 DAP), 1 week before flowering (85 DAP), at flowering (92 DAP), 1 week after flowering (99 DAP), 2 weeks after flowering (106 DAP) & no harvest (control). A standard germination test was conducted in the seed physiological lab of the University of Eldoret, Kenya, and data collected on germination percentage, seedling vigour index I, seedling vigour index II and germination velocity index (GVI). Data on yield parameters was collected on seed size, 1000 seed weight and number of seeds per capsule, and data analysed using R software. Seed number per capsule was significantly influenced by leaf harvesting (p<0.05) but was not affected by capsule harvesting (p>0.05). Leaf harvesting and capsule harvesting stage did not affect seed size (p>0.05). 1000 seed weight varied significantly among the capsule harvesting stages (p=0.01031) but wasn’t affected by leaf harvesting. Highest 1000 seed weight of 18.60g was recorded from seeds in greenish yellow capsules when leaves were harvested at flowering. The germination percentage varied significantly among the leaf harvesting treatments (p< 2.2e-16) and stage of harvesting the capsules (p=0.0004456). Highest seed germination (94%) was attained in seeds obtained from greenish yellow capsules when leaves were harvested at 1 week after flowering. GVI was significantly influenced by leaf harvesting stage (p=1.5e-06) and stage of capsule harvesting (p=0.00052). Greenishyellow capsules had seeds with higher germination velocity index than brown capsules. The highest germination velocity index of 17.65 was observed in seeds attained from brown capsules when leaves were harvested at 1WAF. Leaf harvesting of Kenaf significantly influenced its seed quality with harvesting at 1 week after flowering having higher seed quality. Seed harvested from greenish-yellow capsules (180 DAP) had better quality in terms of germination and vigour (GVI) compared to those harvested from brown capsules (195 DAP)

Smallholder Farmers’ Seed Sources in Rwanda for Unsubsidized System: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Smallholder Farmers’ Seed Sources in Rwanda for Unsubsidized System: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Muhizi, F.; Ochuodho, J.O.; Ngode, L. This study was conducted in the Southern Province in four selected districts, namely Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, and Nyanza, of Rwanda, where bean seeds are not under the subsidy program, hence unclear seed sources and acquisition modalities. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the bean seed sources and acquisition modalities used by farmer promoters in an unsubsidized system of bean seeds. Primary data were collected from 300 farmer promoters through a standard pretested questionnaire. Excel, SPSS, and GenStat computer packages were used to run data. The farmer promoters in the southern province source seed from both formal and informal seed supply systems. The most used variety is Shyushya, which is a variety from the informal seed system with 26.6%, followed by NUA and Mutike, both from the formal seed system with 14.2%, while the least was recorded in Kivuta, a variety from the informal seed system with 0.4%. Farmer promoters that used certified bean seed were 20.3%, while 60.3% used informal seeds. The acquisition modality that was mostly used for the formal seed was through donations with 43%, while credit paid back was the least to be used with 5.8%. The majority, 88.4% of farmers, adopted the formal seeds because of grain yield, while the minority, 1.7%, adopted them for better seed quality. The informal bean seeds are mostly acquired through cash mode of accession with 84.7%, while the least used acquisition modality is the seed exchange among the farmer promoters with 15.3%, and the reason for the use of own saved seeds was that they give yield with 28.8%, while the least was Most Known in the area with 2.8%. The study revealed that the certified bean seed business is possible as long as it provides seeds that give farmers more grain yield and farmers are willing to buy seeds as their informal seeds are acquired through cash. The breeding program should consider Shyushya, Mutike, and NUA attributes of preferences by farmers to develop a variety that responds to farmers’ needs.

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Muhizi, Felix; Ochuodho, Julius Onyango; Ngode, Lucas This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Department of Seed, Crop, and Horticultural Sciences; School of Agriculture and Biotechnology; University of Eldoret, Kenya, on common bean seed samples collected in major growing areas’ markets of the Southern Province of Rwanda, where informal seeds are predominant and with a varied physical and physiological seed quality. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the physical and physiological quality of seeds in Rwanda's informal system through laboratory tests. The GenStat computer package was used to run data. The markets of Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Nyanza are sources of market common bean informal seed in the southern province of Rwanda. The physiological qualities were more in the sample M1E from Muhanga market, locally known as Shyushya, because this local variety proved to be the best to have better seeds that develop into normal plants (96.5%) and vigorous plants through first count and speed of germination with 95.5% and 26.11, respectively. This was also observed on the sample M2C from Nyanza that shares the same local name. Nyanza market had more physiological qualities than the others; its seeds grew more into normal plants (72.2%) and vigorous plants via first count and speed of germination with 63.3% and 21.68, respectively, than the others. Muhanga market had more good physical characteristics of seeds, with the highest mean of thousand seed weight (340.9 grams) and seed length (1.31 cm). The sample M2B, locally known as Mutiki, is a variety with the highest mean of thousand seed weights (446.1 grams), and this is common with other samples (M2B and M3A) locally known as Mutiki from other markets. This study revealed that the inform variety known as Shyushya is to be considered for agronomical purposes, while the formal variety locally known as Mutiki could be considered for market purposes. Nyanza market to be considered as the source of seeds for the agronomical aspects, while Muhanga market could be the source of seed for the grains of market.

Effect of Mulching as a Weed Management Strategy in Field Production of French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in Western Kenya

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Mulching as a Weed Management Strategy in Field Production of French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in Western Kenya Atieno, Corazon; Auma, Elmada; Ngode, Lucas There has been a 2% decrease on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) production in Kenya due to factors such as weeds, pests and diseases and the challenge of controlling them using chemicals that result in high rejection rate or interception in the export market because of chemical residues. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the growth and yield of French bean cultivars and to determine the effect of different mulching materials on weed density. Field experiments were carried out at KALRO Kitale, Trans Nzoia county Kenya. Season 1 was carried out during long rains of April and June 2021 and season two during the short rains of August and October 2021. Black polythene and grass mulch were compared with two handweedings and no weeding in a Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replications. Data on growth and yield of French Beans were collected and subjected to ANOVA using GenStat to determine the significant differences between the treatments. The means were separated using Fisher’s Unprotected LSD at 5% significance level. Growth and yield of French Beans was significantly influenced by the treatments (p≤0.05). Plants grown under black polythene and grass mulch had the tallest height and the highest number of leaves and branches as well as number of pods and cumulative pod yield as compared to those that were hand weeded and unweeded. The highest yield of 2138 and 2597 kg/ ha was obtained under black polythene mulch in season 1 and 2 respectively. This was significantly higher than that obtained from grass mulch, hand weeding and unweeding. In conclusion polythene and grass mulch improved growth and yield of French beans and reduced weed density. It is therefore recommended that farmers should adapt mulching as a cultural weed management strategy.

Farmers’ perceptions and determinants of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) use in ricebean production in Nyanza Region of Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Farmers’ perceptions and determinants of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) use in ricebean production in Nyanza Region of Kenya Kokwon, Costa; Ouda, James; Chesambu, Alice; Palapala, Valarie This study examined the perceptions of farmers towards Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in ricebean (Vigna umbellata) production. It was guided by the perception-adoption mediation framework based on the diffusion of innovations and technology adoption theories. The survey design applied was a cross-sectional survey on ricebean-growing farmers in the Nyanza region. Purposive, systematic and snowball sampling was used to recruit 397 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and key informant interview and analysed using descriptive statistics, the perception index and multivariate regression analysis. Farmers highly ranked ITKin terms of environmental friendliness (mean=4.49), low cost (4.33), accessibility (4.18), cultural acceptability (4.17) and human safety (4.16). Moderate ratings were given to effectiveness, and similarity to CK wasthe lowest (3.08). Education had a significant effect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p ≤ 0.001), availability (p ≤ 0.013) and affordability (p ≤ 0.020); land size had an effect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p = 0.058) and environmental friendliness (p ≤ 0.005); income level had aneffect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p ≤ 0.001) and affordability (p ≤ 0.041). Differences in genders were significant with human safety (p ≤ 0.033), environmental friendliness (p ≤ 0.033) and ITK resembling CK (p ≤ 0.070). The results indicate that ITK is significant in that it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly and culturally acceptable, and there is a need to tailor-create interventions according to the socio-demographic variables in order to make ricebean farming sustainable

Performance Evaluation of a Variable Pitch Potato Grader

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Performance Evaluation of a Variable Pitch Potato Grader Tirop, Kibor David; Mulindi, Solomon; Saina, Christopher Manual grading of potatoes in Kenya has resulted in inconsistencies, quality variations and financial losses to smallscale farmers due to low market prices for poorly classified produce. To mitigate these challenges, this study aimed at developing and evaluating the performance of a potato grading machine to enhance uniformity and overall quality of potato tubers. The research involved determining the engineering properties of Shangi potato variety and developing potato grader machine. The designed grader consisted of a feeding hopper, conveyor belt, grading unit, and collection trays. Grading capacity, grading efficiency, and mechanical damage index were assessed by varying grading unit speeds, angles of inclination and feed rates. The results showed that the grading capacity increased with higher grading unit speeds, inclination angles, and feed rates. The optimal operating conditions were observed at a grading unit speed of 4 rpm, an inclination angle of 0 degrees and a feed rate of 3400 kg/hr. The prototype potato grader achieved a grading capacity of 3968 kg/hr, with an efficiency of 89.34% and a mechanical damage index of 2.94%. The results demonstrate that the potato grading machine effectively enhances grading efficiency while minimizing mechanical damage. This grading machine offers a practical and sustainable solution for small-scale farmers to produce highquality graded potatoes in line with market demands. It is recommended that future research may include further optimization by exploring various grading unit speeds, feed rates, and inclination angles. Implementing padding on the collection trays could further reduce mechanical damage to the graded tubers. Furthermore, investigating alternative power sources may enhance the grader’s versatility and extending testing to fruits and other tubers would broaden its applicability in the agricultural industry.

Seed Quality of Velvet Bean Seeds (Mucuna pruriens L. Dc) In Western Kenya

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Seed Quality of Velvet Bean Seeds (Mucuna pruriens L. Dc) In Western Kenya Diop, Mamie Souadou; Ochuodho, Julius; Maina, N. W. Faith; Rop, K. Nicholas Farmers in Bungoma County are actively involved in velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. DC) production due to its multiple uses. It can be used to improve soil fertility, nutrition, drought tolerance, pest and disease tolerance, food security and medicinal. Variation in seed characteristics has been reported to be useful for crop improvement programs. However, production of quality seed is a challenge for farmers in this county. The purpose of this research was to investigate the quality of velvet bean seed. Four types of velvet bean seeds were obtained from farmers during a survey. Morphological variability in seed characteristics like seed coat color, hilum color, seed length, width and thickness (IBPGR descriptor) were evaluated in four replications of 50 seeds each. Fifty seeds replicated 3 times were used to determine the electrical conductivity (EC) for each seed type. Germination test of these seeds was laid out in a CRD. To investigate the dynamics and rates of imbibition, thirty seeds replicated 3 times for each seed type were subjected to temperatures of 20, 25, 30, 30/20°C and in ambient condition during a germination test. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT software release 14.1 and the mean separations was done using least significant difference (LSD) at 5%. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze seed traits of the morphotypes. Germination percentage data was analyzed using Microsoft Office (Excel) V.2013. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among seed types in all seed traits measured except seed coat thickness. White seed type recorded a lower electrical conductivity (more vigorous), higher final germination percentage, higher speed of germination index and higher imbibition rate at 30°C for both substratum (sand and filter paper) than other seed types. This study therefore recommends that the barriers to germination in dark colored seed types need to be addressed by seed scientists to improve velvet bean seed quality at farm level hence increase the production. Further study can be done on genetic and physiological properties of velvet bean black seed type in order to improve its germination capacity