School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies

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Adoption of Drought Tolerant Sorghum in Western Kenya
(Moi University Press, 2012) Ouma, Evans Ochieng; Kisinyo, Peter; Gudu, Samuel; Mugalavai, Violet; Nyangweso, Peter; Onkware, Augustino
Food and nutritional insecurity are responsible for poverty and low livelihoods of about 33% of people living in western part of Kenya. This is against MDG1. The production of sorghum which is a staple food crop is below 0.5 t/ha, against the potential of 3-4 t/ha. Drought is a major factor responsible for the low and declining yields of sorghum, especially in the smallholder farms where agricultural inputs including improved cultivars are not normally utilized. Drought tolerant sorghum variety has been developed and deployed to western Kenya and its uptake remains low. The study aimed at assessing factors influencing adoption of drought tolerant sorghum variety. The research was carried out in various sites in Nyanza and Western Provinces. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Systematic random sampling was employed in selected sites to identify 100 small scale sorghum farmers. The results showed that about 88 percent of farmers used uncertified sorghum seed. About 41 percent of farmers were aware of drought tolerant sorghum. Despite the significant level of awareness, only 7 percent had adopted drought tolerant sorghum. The probit model identified age, gender, social capital, sorghum farm size, income, extension, and total land holding as significant factors affecting adoption of drought tolerant sorghum. It is recommended that technology disseminators in sorghum should target the older farmers; farmers to operate in groups to access technology, farmers to increase the land size allocated to sorghum, and extension agents should strengthen their role as the link between research and the farmer.
Agroforestry and Household Food Security Status among Small-Scale Farmers in Kubo South and Samburu Wards of Kwale County, Kenya
(East African Journal of Forestry and Agroforestry, 2022-05-24) odit, bernard; Ong’ayo, Hilda; Nyamai, Daniel
This study investigated the contributions of agroforestry to household food security in Kwale County. The study objectives were to determine the status of agroforestry, the status of household food security, and the relationship between agroforestry and household food security. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was applied, with multistage sampling procedure, which comprised of purposive and random sampling for selection of the study sites and respondents from different villages in Kubo south and Samburu wards, Kwale County. The sample size for the study comprised of 270 smallholders and 10 key informants. The study used a combination of instruments, namely, structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, observation, and interview schedules. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to test relationship between agroforestry and household food security. The study found that 14.1 % were food secure, 2.96 % households mildly food insecure, 54.81 % were moderately food insecure and 27.41 % were severely food insecure. Majority of farmers practice agrosilvopastoral system of agroforestry due to the multiplicity of social, economic, and environmental benefits they derive from it. The results further indicated that challenges facing agroforestry farmers include poor access to credit, inadequate extension services, wildlife destruction, pests and diseases, and inadequate markets for agroforestry products. The study concludes that there is high level of food insecurity among smallholder farmers and recommends concerted efforts by county and national governments to intensify the practice of agroforestry, improvement of access to inputs for agroforestry, allocate more land for agroforestry practice, proper tree species selection, adoption of best agroforestry practices based on research, and suitable tree planting arrangements for improved household food security.
Aluminum tolerance mechanisms in Kenyan maize germplasm are independent from the citrate transporter ZmMATE1
(Scientific Reports, 2020) Matonye, Thomas K.; Gudu, Samuel; Kisinyo, Peter; Matonye, Thomas K.; Barros, Beatriz A.; Ouma, Evans Ochieng; Cheprot, Reuben K.; Apolinário, Leandro C.; Ligeyo, Dickson O.; Costa, Marcella B. R.; Were, Beatrice Ang’iyo; Onkware, Augustino; Noda, Roberto W.; Magalhaes, Jurandir V.; Guimaraes, Claudia T.
Analysis of AFLP Markers for Screening Resistance to Common Bean Roots Rot (Pythium spp.)
(American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015) Nyakio K, Maryrose; Palapala, Valerie; Katherine A. Steele, Katherine A.; Otsyula, Reuben
Aims: To investigate AFLPs for suitability as potential markers for identification of sources of Pythium resistance in bean genotypes preferred by poor small holder farmers. Place and Duration of Study: Department of biological sciences Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya and Bangor University, North Wales, United Kingdom, between September 2010 and December 2012. Methodology: 45 common bean accessions comprising 35 seed samples collected from farmers, market centers, as well as seed stockists and ten common bean lines generated from a conventional breeding program with differential resistance to the pathogen Pythium were subjected to AFLP analysis. Genetic characterization using cluster and principal component analysis were conducted to determine segregating patterns of bean accessions in relation to tolerant and Original Research Article Maryrose et al.; AJEA, 5(4): 374-391, 2015; Article no.AJEA.2015.039 375 susceptible bean lines. Average genetic distances were calculated and similarity coefficients subjected to unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages to generate dendograms. Results: Two informative AFLP primer combinations yielded 194 polymorphic loci. Genetic distance of bean samples from KARI Kakamega had 56 to 414 base pairs with a variability index of 0.63 to 0.90. Combined analysis of bean accessions from KARI breeding program and market class common bean samples revealed a variability index range of 0.62 to 0.90 with 56 to 420 base pairs. PCA contributed about 51.58% on the genetic variation. Cluster analysis of the 10 KARI-Kakamega bean lines revealed that resistant bean varieties were genetically different from the susceptible bean varieties. The dendogram generated revealed four sub-groups and with the exception of Alulu, a mildly resistant cultivar, that segregated alongside resistant cultivars, resistant varieties clustered differently from susceptible cultivars. However, screening with farmers’ germplasm produced a dendogram that revealed a mixture of distinct and relatively non-distinct categorization with regard to resistance. Only resistant cultivars AN1062, R2075, R719 and R1946 and susceptible cultivars GLP2 and GLP585 clustered together as expected. The others segregated randomly alongside the farmers’ germplasm. Resistant varieties AND1062, R2075, R719, R1946 and SCAM80 were more genetically related to marketable class of beans. R1946 R719, R2075 and AND1062 are closely related genetically compared to Mw001, KK15, Alulu and GLP2. Conclusion: AFLP is a relatively informative technique that has a great potential of delineating susceptible and resistant Pythium root rot dry bean varieties, and can be used as a preliminary guide to carry out further analysis. It is notable that the AFLP markers used were not able to clearly distinguish all the cultivars comprehensively and should not be used alone in determining resistance levels. The information generated in this study will contribute to the propagation of acceptable market class bean lines with resistance to Pythium root rot for improved livelihood and increased food security
Antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala methanol and n-hexane seed extracts on bacteria implicated in water borne diseases
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2010-11) Arama, Peter; Atieno, Walter; Wagai, Samuel; Ogur, Joseph
The anti-bacterial activity of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala seeds was conducted on 3 bacterial species (Salmonella typhii, Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli) which normally cause water borne diseases. The paper disc diffusion method was used with treatments arranged in a completely randomized design and replicated four times. The highest inhibitions were observed at dilutions of 20, 5 and 40% for M. oleifera and M. stenopetala methanol extracts on E. coli, S. typhi and V. cholerae respectively. The n-hexane extract of both M. oleifera and M. stenopetala had a higher inhibition on S. typhii than V. cholerae and E. coli. The results of this study showed that M. oleifera and M. stenopetala had a degree of antibacterial properties especially in low doses.
Antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala methanol and n-hexane seed extracts on bacteria implicated in water borne diseases
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011) Peter, Arama; Walter, Atieno; Wagai, Samuel; Joseph, Ogur
The anti-bacterial activity of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala seeds was conducted on 3 bacterial species (Salmonella typhii, Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli) which normally cause water borne diseases. The paper disc diffusion method was used with treatments arranged in a completely randomized design and replicated four times. The highest inhibitions were observed at dilutions of 20, 5 and 40% for M. oleifera and M. stenopetala methanol extracts on E. coli, S. typhi and V. cholerae respectively. The n-hexane extract of both M. oleifera and M. stenopetala had a higher inhibition on S. typhii than V. cholerae and E. coli. The results of this study showed that M. oleifera and M. stenopetala had a degree of antibacterial properties especially in low doses.
Aquaculture Strategy For Restoration of Threatened Lake Victoria Fishes
(The East African Community, 2006) Maithya, Jacob
The endemic Oreochromis variabilis and L. victorianus are among Lake Victoria’s most threatened fish species whose population sizes are on the decline. This study, carried out between August 2000 and April 2001, aimed at characterizing the ‘refugia’ ecosystems of O. variabilis and its growth performance in small water bodies (SWBs), developing artificial spawning techniques and characterizing existing morphological and genetic variation of extant populations of L. victorianus in order to bring the species under aquaculture as a restoration strategy. Studies of O. variabilis were carried out by comparing its growth performance in stocked semi-intensive and modified extensive closed systems in different ecological zones within the Lake Victoria basin. Growth in O. variabilis evaluated as average growth rates, was satisfactory in both systems and eco-zones, even in areas with extreme environmental gradients. The isometric characteristics of O.variabilis estimated by formula W = aL b were better than those of wild populations in the ‘refugia’ ecosystems in each respective eco-zone. Multivariate analysis of morphological data showed that there was reasonable differentiation between L. victorianus populations from different drainages, with the southern populations being most distinct. Majority of the variation in L. victorianus was within populations (91.3%), with an overall FST of 0.08846 for all loci. For effective aquaculture and conservation, fish breeders should use local fish material for their stocking programs; yet ensure that different age classes form part of their brood-stock. L. victorianus was spawned artificially using intramuscular injection of Clarias gariepinus pituitary extracts (C.g.PE) and Human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) to induce ovulation. Successful inducement of ovulation occurred only in trials with C.gPE. Fertilization rates in breeding experiments for L. victorianus averaged 86% and hatching percentages 70%. This study indicates the viability of the two species for culture in the basin. More hope is therefore raised for expansion on the farming practices in the basin. Such a fisheries production can provide 75% of the animal protein requirements of the poor rural households and guarantee continued survival of the species within the basin. Stocking of small water bodies for increased fish production enhances further, the integrated resource use and management of the endemic but threatened Lake Victoria fish stocks.
Assessment of Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Cage and Open Waters in Winam Gulf of L. Victoria, Kenya
(International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources, 2019-11-08) Ngodhe, Steve Omari; Owuor, JB Okeyo
The study aimed at investigating the difference in relationship between the Length and Weight together with the Fulton’s condition factor of O. niloticus within the open waters (wild) and cages of the winam gulf of L.Victoria, Kenya. This relationship and the condition factor ‘K’ were determined by taking the total length and weight of fish samples both from the cage and the open waters. The slope “b” of the regression analysis in both habitats revealed a positive allometric growth (3.16 and 3.09) for wild and cage respectively while the value of condition factor (K) for O. niloticus in wild and cage were found to be 1.44±0.1 and 1.38±0.15 respectively. Though O. niloticus performed well both in the wild and cage, there was a significant statistical difference in their health and general wellbeing. This was attributed to ecological differences between the two habitats. The assessment also showed that the culture of this Nile tilapia species in cages within winam gulf of L. Victoria can be economically sustainable if water quality parameters are properly monitored and point and non-point sources of pollution controlled.
Bioaccumulation of Toxic Heavy Metals in Tilapia Fish Species Oreochromis niloticus in River Riana Kisii County Kenya
(International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science, 2024) Momanyi, T. M; Nyamai, D.O; Olal, O. F; Wanjara, A.O; Mogesa, B.A
Aquatic pollution with toxic heavy metals is currently a global threat to the survival of humanity. These metals may be bioaccumulated and biomagnified in aquatic food chains and food webs and eventually become toxic to human beings via consumption of aquatic resources such as fish. This study was carried out on the biological analysis of heavy metals in Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from the Riana River. The fish samples were collected monthly using plastic nets from three sampling sites in the River. The fish samples were dissected in the laboratory using plastic knives to obtain gills and intestines. The fish organs were digested for heavy metal analysis using HNO3 according to the method used by Meche et al (2010). Toxic heavy metal analysis was done using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES-Shimadzu ICPE 9000). The data collected was analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA where significant differences were accepted at p<0.05. Turkey’s HSD post hoc tests were used to separate means where ANOVA exposed significant differences. The average metal levels in gills and intestines in dry weight (mg/kg). The toxic metal levels in tilapia fish gills: Pb (.256±0.135), Ni (.279±0.143), Cr (.255±0.131), Mn (1.211±0.986), for Cu (1.265±0.723) and Zn (2.051±0.868). Equally, the levels in the tilapia intestines were: Pb (.235±0.089), Ni (.162±.058), Cr (.250±.102), Mn (.172±0.138), Cu (.343±0.142) and Zn (.395±0.175). The heavy metals in tilapia fish under study met the recommended WHO/FAO threshold limits except for Cr. The elevated Cr level was attributed to industrial pollution and agricultural application of Cr containing chemicals. Enhanced ecosystem management approaches were recommended for sustainable biodiversity conservation and protection of human health.
Breeding Grain Sorghum for Tolerance to Aluminium Toxicity
(Africa Environmental Review Journal, 2020) Gudu, Samuel
Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a common problem in acid soils where sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is grown. It contributes to grain yield reduction of between 30-40 % in sorghum and other cereals. Al interferes with plant development by inhibiting root growth, thus contributing to reduced uptake of water and mineral nutrients. The main aim of this study was to transfer Al tolerance to a local farmer preferred commercial variety. The specific objectives of the study were to (i) assess aluminium stress response of F2 sorghum segregating populations derived from a cross between Seredo and ICSR 110 together with the parental lines and the F1 hybrid in solution culture and (ii) to assess growth and production of the same panel of sorghum genotypes when grown in acidic soils with and without application of lime. A cross was made between Seredo (Al-sensitive commercial variety) and ICSR 110 (Al-resistant line). In the laboratory, seedlings of F1s and F2s and the parental lines were grown in nutrient solution culture without or with Al at 148  M and 222  M. The percent relative net root growth (% RNRG) and percent response were used to classify the populations into tolerant and sensitive to Al stress. In the field the parental lines, F1s and nine F2 segregating populations were grown in acid soil (pH 4.3) with high Al saturation (27%) without or with application of lime. The total number of leaves, plant height and seed yield per plant were evaluated. The F1s and some individual F2s performed better than the Al-tolerant parent both in solution culture and under field conditions. Al tolerance was therefore successfully transferred into the Al sensitive variety. The superior progenies developed need to be advanced to a stable generation and released to sorghum farmers
Cassava value chain upgrading for secure food, nutrition, income and resilience of smallholder farmers in the Agricultural Semi-Arid Lands of Nakuru County – Preliminary results..
(RUFORUM Working Document Series, 2019) Mulwa, R.M.S; Arama, P.F; Wambua, M; Matofari, J. W; Kaburu, P
Cassava is an important food security crop in Kenya, mainly grown for subsistence and limited commerce in the western, eastern, and coastal regions. Demand for the crop has grown in nontraditional growing areas of Nakuru County where cassava agribusiness development initiatives have been introduced. However, cassava agribusiness is constrained by introduced varieties’ susceptibility to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), late maturity, low yields, and poor adaptability. Participatory introduction of improved sweet varieties with CBSD tolerance and exposure of communities to broad based utilities of cassava is needed to upgrade the value chain to a commercial status. The current study aims at contributing to improved food, nutrition and income security of Nakuru County small holder cassava farmers through innovations in the cassava value chain. The following objectives are being pursued; 1) farmer participatory screening of cassava varieties to select suitably adapted early maturing sweet varieties for the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Nakuru County; 2) Improving CBSD resistance in farmer preferred varieties using Marker Assisted Selection techniques; 3) Developing safe high value cassava based food, feed and industrial products for improved food, nutrition and trade/ commerce; and 4) Building capacity of graduate, undergraduate, and TVET students, and farmers in breeding and development, testing and utilization of cassava food and feed products. The project under which these objectives are being pursued has in the first year conducted a household baseline survey to determine the status of cassava production, value addition, and utilization in three selected sites (Sub-counties) in the county. A farmer participatory sweet cassava germplasm collection and evaluation in the three sites have been undertaken; the evaluation sites and plantings also acted as demonstration fields where farmer trainings were held. Also, three suitable varieties for each of two sites (Subukia and Solai) have been selected for further bulking and distribution to farmers. Five farmers’ trainings on cassava production and evaluation have been conducted, with over 216 farmers attending. Two community dialogue sessions on cassava production and the crop’s benefits have also been held. Farmer to farmer learning has been initiated with the demonstration host farmers keeping registers of compatriots visiting their sites for learning purposes. In the project, two PhD students have been recruited to conduct studies on cassava product development (Food Science) and to develop improved germplasm with tolerance to CBSD (Plant Breeding). Four (4) M.Sc. students (2 Agribusiness and 2 Community studies) under the TAGDev programme are studying various aspects of the cassava value chain in Migori county where cassava is established crop value chain and one MSc student is studying aspects of cassava biochemistry for fermentable starch. 10 TVET students have been recruited to be exposed to cassava agribusiness through trainings in clean seed production and value addition.
Characterization of The Nutritional Properties of Sorghum Composite Flours Using Different Food to Food Fortification Approaches
(European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2020-11) Mugalavai, Violet; Onkware, Augustino; Oyalo, Josiah
Intervention using blended composite flours can reduce malnutrition in sub Saharan Africa. Prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition among the vulnerable children has necessitated research on cost effective food product development like food to food fortification of common staples like sorghum. An investigation was carried out on the nutritional properties of selected sorghum composite flours for the production of porridge for both home and industrial applications. In this study, composite flours V1 to V4 were made from sorghum, maize, grain amaranth, baobab and butternut at different rations; V1-(42.5:22.5:5:15:15),V2-(22.5:42.5:5:15:15), V3-(32.5:32.5:5:15:15) and V4-(65:0:5:15:15) were compared against composite flours AV1 to AV4 made from sorghum, cassava, chickpea, orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) and baobab; AV1-(42.5:22.5:5:15:15) AV2-(22.5:42.5:5:15:15), AV3-(32.5:32.5:5:15:15) and AV4-(65:0:5:15:15). Standard methods were used in determining the chemical characteristics of the composite flours. Composite flour formulations were based on Concept4 creative software. Results on proximate composition indicated a significant (p < 0.05) difference in moisture content of the control composite (V5) and the other composite flours with the moisture content ranging from 9.1% to 12.1% in V5 and V3 respectively. Carbohydrates were the most abundant nutrient in the composite flours 66.0 to 72.7% in V1 and V5 respectively, followed by fat 5.5% (AV3) to 9.2% (AV1), protein 5.1 (AV2) to 8.6% (AV4), crude fibre 1.5 (V2) to 4.3% (V5), and ash 1.4 (AV1) to 2.8% (AV4). The total energy ranged between 359.25 kcal (V4) to 379.94 kcal (V1) however, these values were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Zinc, calcium and magnesium concentration were significantly different (p <0.05) between the sorghum-maize-grain amaranthbaobab-butternut, on one hand and sorghum-cassava-chickpeaOFSP-baobab composite flours on the other. The concentrations of phosphorus and Iron were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between crude protein and fibre (-0.512, p ≤ 0.001) and crude protein and iron (-0.386, p ≤ 0.047), whereas crude protein and magnesium had a significant positive correlation (0.455, p ≤ 0.017). The results indicate that both categories of flour composites have the potential to improve nutritional status of consumers. Thus, consumption of V1 and V4 composite flours with a protein content of 8.1% and 8.6% maybe encouraged for children aged 6 - 59 months who need products with good nutritional composition for proper growth and development.
Community Based Approach to the Management of Nyando Wetland, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
(Mcpowl Media Ltd, 2012-12) Owuor, J. B. Okeyo; Raburu, P. O.; Kwena, F
Tropical wetlands are known to be very productive, providing water and primary productivity upon which large numbers of plants and animal species depend for survival. In the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), wetlands are part and parcel of many water bodies where they are hydrologically and ecologically linked through the supply of water, nutrients and organic matter. In the upper reaches of the LVB, many wetlands have been formed by spring water draining into valley bottoms where the gradient is low and hence water accumulates, hence supporting characteristic biota. Other wetlands are formed as a result of shallow water table in depressions, though most of these are seasonal and their area fluctuates depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Other wetlands in the upper reaches have been formed out of damming of streams and rivers for domestic and industrial water supply. In the middle reaches, springs fed wetlands still dominate, with a few riverine wetlands occurring along the edges of the large rivers. In the lower reaches and floodplains, we have seasonal wetlands that form during the rainy season when rivers over-top their banks. Many of the large wetlands in the LVB are found at the river mouths of the major rivers and in the inshore areas of the lake. Examples include the Nyando Wetland, Yala Swamp, Bunyala Wetland, River Mara Swamp, Mosirori Wetland, Osodo Swamp, Ngegu Wetland and Kuja Delta Wetland. Because of their high productivity, these wetlands are threatened by human activities, exacerbated by high human population growth. Changing land use and intensity in the catchments has compromised their integrity, resulting into sedimentation, poor water quality and eutrophication. There is thus a need for awareness creation, adoption of best management practices at the catchment scale and research, especially in socioeconomics, to help avert the negative influences on the wetlands in the LVB.
Comparison of soil phosphorous extraction by Olsen and double acid methods in acid soils of Western Kenya
(2015-08-21) Maghanga, K. Justin; Kituyi, L. John; Segor, K Fred; Kisinyo, Peter
hosphorous is an essential nutrient in plants required for root establishment. In the soil, it is applied as DAP, TSP or phosphate rocks. In acid soils, aluminium and iron are dominant and tend to “fix” phosphorous, making it unavailable for plant uptake. Phosphorous deficiencies are monitored through soil chemical analysis. There are many methods for the extraction of available forms; however the choice is dependent on several factors among them soil pH. Forty soil samples were collected from three different acid soils in Western Kenya. The samples were air dried, sieved under 2.0 mm sieve and stored in sample bags for subsequent analysis. Phosphorous extraction of was carried out using a basic extractant (Olsen bicarbonate method) and acid extractant (double acid method). The extracts were measured colorimetricaly by the ascorbic acid method at 880 nm wavelength. The methods were compared in terms of extracting efficiency, correlations and soil critical levels. The soils had a pH range of between 4.5 – 6.1; phosphorous, 1.66 – 55.37 mg P/ kg by Olsen method and 3.01 – 158.17 mg P /kg by double acid method. The methods were linearly correlated (r = 0.95), however, double acid extracted more phosphorous than Olsen by a factor of 2.67.
A critical review of the role of taro Colocasia esculenta L. (Schott) to food security: A comparative analysis of Kenya and Pacific Island taro germplasm
(Scientia Agriculturae, 2014-12-16) Akwee, Edome Peter; Netondo, G; Kataka, JA; Palapala, JA
The many threats to global food security in Sub Sahara Africa include poverty, unsustainable cultivation practices and climate change. Increasing poverty and decreasing food security have been exacerbated by continued low food crop productivity by smallholder farmers, constrained by several factors. Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. (Schott.) is a amongst the category of plant species that farmers and researchers have neglected or underutilized crops considered as orphan crops yet they can have the potentials to ameliorate malnutrition and food paucity in developing nations. In Kenya, taro production has suffered low crop productivity leading to underexploitation in terms of popularity of the crop, food security, nutritional aspects and economical contribution to the country earnings. In terms of food production, it does not translate into improved yields for sustained food security and as a result of this; its agricultural production is extremely low. The agronomic potential and importance of taro remains unknown because it has remained as underutilized crop in the country due to little attention attached to the crop. As a result, it has led to dangerous levels of reduced economic livelihoods and loss of its genetic diversity. This paper review interest in neglected taro food crop stems from a variety of factors that could lead to an increased understanding of the adaptation potential of taro to enhance development of efficient and sustainable taro cultivation practices. The review could be a major breakthrough in understanding various biotechnological approaches towards integrating the taro crop into mainstream research for crop improvement and intervention programs. © 201 5 PSCI Publisher All rights reserved. Key words: Taro as a food crop; Under-exploitation; Commercial production; Agronomic potential; Low crop productivity; Undesirable impacts; Economic livelihoods; Genetic diversity; Smallholders farmers.
Curing reduces postharvest deterioration of biozyme® produced potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum L.)
(Global journal of Bio-science and technology, 2013) Karanja, B. K.; Isutsa, D. K.; Aguyoh, Joseph Nyamori
Potato is among food crops that are heavily relied upon for food security assurance worldwide. Potato tubers are consumed in their fresh form and therefore require proper storage to prolong their life after harvest. Being succulent, massive losses result if bruised, exposed to light and low relative humidity. The present experiment was conducted to find optimal conductions that prolong the shelf-life of potato tubers grown using the biomass and succulence enhancing Biozyme® Potatoes were grown in a split plot experiment, arranged in a randomized complete block design. The experiment was replicated three times and repeated once. Main plots were assigned to potato cultivar (Tigoni and Asante), while subplots were assigned to Biozyme® foliar feed rate (0, 125, 250, 500 and 750 ml/ha). Each subplot was planted with 28 seed potato tubers spaced at 30 cm x 70 cm in four rows. A distance of 1 m separated adjacent subplots and main plots. After harvesting, ware potato tubers, from each treatment, were divided into four groups for four postharvest handling regimes (Cured + Dark, Cured + Room, Not Cured + Dark, and Not Cured + Room Storage). Each postharvest regime had 20 tubers, replicated four times. Weight loss, shrinkage and rotting percentages increased, but firmness decreased with increase in Biozyme® rate. The deterioration was counteracted by Curing and Dark Storage of the potato tubers that reduced weight loss, shrinkage and rotting, but increased firmness. Thus, foliar-feeding potato plants with 500 ml/ha Biozyme® followed by Curing and Dark Storage of harvested tubers are recommended to ensure high potato tuber yields and effective reduction of premature postharvest deterioration of the tubers during storage. KEYWORDS : Firmness, Rotting, Shelf-life, Shrinkage, Tuber handling, Weight loss.
Depletion of phosphate rock reserves and world food crisis: Reality or hoax?
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2020-09) Kisinyo, Peter; Opala, Peter
Phosphate rock (PR) deposits are the major source of phosphate (P) fertilizers for soil fertility replenishment. The demand for P fertilizers in the year 2014 was 42,706,000 tons and was expected to reach 46,648,000 tons in 2018. Majority of PR deposits are found in only a few countries including Morocco, USA and China. There is however conflicting information on the extent of world PR reserves, therefore, complicating the ability to accurately determine their lifespan. Consequently, proper planning on the utilization of this resource is hampered. Two schools of thought have emerged in regard to the longevity of the PR reserves. Some argue that there is imminent depletion of this resource and the world should therefore be prepared for a looming food crisis. However, based on the most recent estimates of 290 billion tons of PR reserves, some scientists have predicted that the PR reserves will be depleted between the years 2311 and 2411 and therefore conclude that there is no immediate course of alarm. What is not in doubt, however, is the finiteness of PR reserves. Therefore, an approach that encourages society to adopt a sustainable utilization of this phosphate resource should be advocated as an insurance against food insecurity.
Descriptive Sensory Characteristics of Meat from Grower Rabbits Fed on Fermented Ground Mature Prosopis juliflora Pods Based-diets
(World Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2021-04-29) Waitituh, Jane Atieno Odero; King’ori, Anthony Macharia; Ambula, Mary Kivali; Matofari, Joseph Wafula; Onyango, Stephen Odera; Mwasigwa, Robert
The effect of inclusion of graded levels of fermented ground mature Prosopis juliflora pods (FGMPP) replacing maize grain in grower rabbits’ diets on sensory attributes was investigated. Thigh muscles were obtained from 12-week-old rabbits fed on five diets comprising: control (formulated standard grower diet), 15% UGMPP, 30% UGMPP, 15% FGMPP and 30% FGMPP replacing maize in standard grower diets. Deep-frozen meats from the rabbits were thawed and boiled in different aluminium pots, cut into small pieces of about 2 cm3 placed in ceramic plates and presented to 12 panellists. Questionnaires were used for sensory attribute profiling. Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 25.0.0 and the general linear model (GLM) of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) softwares for Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) respectively. Tukey’s range procedure was used to separate means at (p<0.05) significance. The PCA indicated that grittiness, particles, oiliness, colour, salty taste and oily taste contributed greatest to the observed variability. According to ANOVA, there was no treatment effect (p>0.05) in overall rating, appearance, flavour and colour of the meat. However, there was treatment effect (p<0.05) on beefy taste, tenderness, salty taste and grittiness. The study concluded that 30% maize grain in the diets of grower rabbits can be replaced with FGMPP as it did not affect consumer preference of the meat.
Development of maize single cross hybrids for tolerance to low phosphorus
(2015-08-21) Gudu, Samuel; Kisinyo, Peter; Ouma, Evans Ochieng; Ligeyo, Dickson; Matonyei, Thomas; Were, Beatrice Ang’iyo; Agalo, Joyce; Too, Emily; Onkware, Augustino; Okalebo, John; Othieno, Caleb
Low available phosphorus (P) is one of the major hindrances to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in acid soils. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop P-efficient maize inbred lines, (2) develop single cross hybrids from the P-efficient inbred lines, and (3) determine their response to P application in the P-deficient acid soils of western Kenya. Ninety-eight inbred lines and 49 single crosses were developed and screened at P-deficient (2.0 to 2.2 mg P/kg soil) soils of Sega and Bumala. Mean grain yield (GY) for the hybrids was 75.3% higher with P-fertilizer than without P for the same hybrids. Thirty-three percent (33%) of these hybrids were inefficient but responsive to P application, 27% were efficient and none responsive, only 13% were efficient and responsive, while the rest were inefficient and non-responsive. GY was positively correlated (r = 0.57**) with plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) (r = 0.60**) and PH was correlated with EH (r = 0.86***). This study has developed and identified P-efficient maize germplasm that can be utilized directly or in developing other hybrids for use in acid soils of western Kenya and in other acid soils where P is limiting.
Disparity between Leaf and Root Symptoms and Crop Losses Associated with Cassava Brown Streak Disease in Four Countries in Eastern Africa
(Journal of Phytopathology, 2015) Arama, Peter; Hillocks, Rory; Maruthi, Midatharahally; Kulembeka, Heneriko; Jeremiah, Simon; Alacho, Francis; Masinde, Emily; Ogendo, Joshua Ondura; Mulwa, Richard; Mkamilo, Geoffrey; Kimata, Bernadetta; Mwakanyamale, Davis; Mhone, Albert; Benesi, Ibrahim
Cassava brown streak disease is endemic to the coastal regions of East Africa, and from around 2004, the disease resurged and became epidemic in the Great Lakes Region, where it continues to spread. In both these areas, cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) leaf symptoms occur at high incidences. However, it is the associated symptom of root rot (necrosis) in the starch-bearing tissues that renders the root unfit for human consumption. Because the extent of root necrosis is not known until the crop is harvested and surveys require destructive sampling, root symptoms are much less frequently assessed than are the above-ground symptoms on the leaves and stems. Surveys were undertaken in selected villages in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi to assess the incidence of CBSD leaf symptoms and the incidence and severity of root symptoms, to estimate the impact of the disease on household food ecurity and on cassava processing. CBSD leaf symptoms were recorded at high incidences (40–90% in ndividual fields) in all fields visited throughout East Africa, but root necrosis incidence was lower than would be expected from the high incidence of leaf symptoms. Severe root necrosis at high incidence was found only on a few varieties, usually grown to a limited extent. It appears that varieties that are prone to root necrosis are being abandoned in favour of those with a lower propensity to develop root necrosis after infection by the virus.

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