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1
Midega, Charles A. O., John Pickett, Antony Hooper, Jimmy Pittchar, and Zeyaur R. Khan. "Maize Landraces are Less Affected by Striga hermonthica Relative to Hybrids in Western Kenya." Weed Technology 30, no. 1 (March 2016): 21–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/wt-d-15-00055.1.
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Production of maize in western Kenya is severely constrained by the parasitic weed striga. Although productivity of maize can be improved through adoption of improved varieties, adoption of such varieties remains low in the region, as the majority of smallholder farmers still grow unimproved open-pollinated varieties (landraces). The performance of two improved hybrid varieties was evaluated against six landraces in striga-infested soils in western Kenya. The varieties were planted in plots under natural striga infestation and were supplemented with pot experiments under artificial infestation. Striga emergence was lower in landraces than in the hybrid varieties in both field and pot experiments. Similarly, height of maize plants at harvest and grain yields were higher in the landraces than in the hybrids. After three continuous cropping seasons, in all treatments, striga seedbank density increased two to seven times. Seedbank increase was higher with hybrids and two of the landraces, ‘Rachar' and ‘Endere'. These results provide an insight into the potential role landraces could play in efforts toward an integrated management approach for striga in smallholder cropping systems. They also highlight the need to develop hybrid maize lines with local adaptation to biotic constraints, specifically striga.
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Rutsaert, Pieter, and Jason Donovan. "Sticking with the old seed: Input value chains and the challenges to deliver genetic gains to smallholder maize farmers." Outlook on Agriculture 49, no. 1 (January 20, 2020): 39–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0030727019900520.
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The Kenyan maize seed sector exhibits high hybrid adoption rates, a growing number of seed companies, and an extensive agro-dealer network. Nonetheless, maize yields remain low and uptake of new, stress-tolerant varieties has been disappointing. This article investigates interactions in maize seed value chains in Kenya, and decisions made by agro-dealers, farmers, and seed companies, to gain a better understanding of how to encourage the uptake of new, stress-tolerant varieties. Data were collected during the 2019 seed-purchasing season from Kenyan seed companies ( n = 8), agro-dealers ( n = 80), and farmers immediately following their seed purchase ( n = 466). Most agro-dealers had a wide offer of seed products available, but seed companies’ engagement with them was limited and marketing efforts were directly focused on farmers. Only a fraction of farmers used the agro-dealer environment to guide their decision-making. However, when agro-dealers engaged with farmers, they influenced varietal selection in 80% of the cases. Agro-dealers were one of the key information outlets about maize seed varieties. Seed company engagement with agro-dealers and in-store promotions (push marketing) should be further explored to improve returns on investments in seed systems.
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Nagarajan, Latha, Anwar Naseem, and Carl Pray. "Contribution of policy change on maize varietal development and yields in Kenya." Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies 9, no. 1 (May 14, 2019): 4–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jadee-01-2018-0013.
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Purpose Since the start of seed and other market reforms in the 1990s, the annual number of improved varietal releases for maize in Kenya has increased substantially. Prior to the reforms, private firms were restricted in introducing new varieties, could not protect their intellectual property and farmers had to rely exclusively on improved seeds developed and marketed by the public sector. Reforms have resulted in not only private firms entering the market and releasing improved varieties, but also an increase in varietal releases by the public sector. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the key policy reforms related to maize in Kenya, and their impacts on varietal development and yields. Design/methodology/approach The authors estimate a yield model that relates national maize yields to a number of input policy variables. The authors employ a two-stage least square regression, as one of the explanatory variables – the number of varietal releases – is likely endogenous with yield. The authors use policy variables such as public R&D, the number of plant breeder’s rights issued, and the years since private varieties have been introduced as instrument variables to estimate their influence new varietal releases directly, and then new varieties, inputs and other policies to measure their impact on yields. Findings The results show that policy changes such as the introduction of intellectual property rights had an important impact on the number of improved maize varieties released. However, the outcomes of the policy change such as the number of varieties and the share of area under improved varieties has no impact on increasing maize yields. The authors argue that this is because farmers continue to use older improved varieties because of the dominance of a parastatal in the maize, seed market and that newer improved varieties may not have the assumed yield advantage. Future policy and programs should be directed toward increasing the adoption of improved varieties rather than simply releasing them. Originality/value This paper provides evidence that while policy change may lead to new varietal development and release, its aggregate productivity impacts may be limited without additional reforms and intervention.
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Mutiga, S. K., V. Hoffmann, J. W. Harvey, M. G. Milgroom, and R. J. Nelson. "Assessment of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination of Maize in Western Kenya." Phytopathology® 105, no. 9 (September 2015): 1250–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/phyto-10-14-0269-r.
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We conducted a survey of aflatoxin and fumonisin in maize in western Kenya. In a regional survey of aflatoxin conducted in 2009 across three agroecological zones within three administrative regions, milled maize samples were collected from 985 patrons of 26 hammer mills. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in 49% of samples and was above the regulatory (10 ppb) in 15% of the samples overall; 65% of samples from a drought-prone area were over the limit. In a detailed survey in Bungoma County, we investigated aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in four popular maize varieties at harvest and after 2 and 4 months of storage. We collected whole-grain samples from farmers’ storage sheds and milled samples from patrons of local mills. Mean aflatoxin contamination was identical for storage sheds and mills at 2.3 ppb. In all, 41% of the samples from mills had detectable aflatoxin, with 4% over the regulatory limit, whereas 87% had detectable fumonisin, with 50% over the regulatory limit (1 ppm). Mean contamination levels did not change during storage. Maize varieties differed in fumonisin contamination, with the most popular varieties vulnerable to both mycotoxins and weevils, which are potential factors in exacerbating mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxin surveillance is important not just in areas known previously for aflatoxin contamination and acute poisoning but also is needed in all maize-producing regions.
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De Groote, Hugo, and Simon Chege Kimenju. "Consumer Preferences for Maize Products in Urban Kenya." Food and Nutrition Bulletin 33, no. 2 (June 2012): 99–110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/156482651203300203.
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Background New maize varieties have been biofortified with provitamin A, mainly β-carotene, which renders the grain yellow or orange. Unfortunately, many African consumers prefer white maize. The maize consumption patterns in Africa are, however, not known. Objective To determine which maize products African consumers prefer to purchase and which maize preparations they prefer to eat. Methods A survey of 600 consumers was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, at three types of maize outlets: posho mills (small hammer mills), kiosks, and supermarkets. Results Clients of posho mills had lower incomes and less education than those of kiosks and supermarkets. The preferred maize product of the posho-mill clients was artisanal maize meal; the preferred product of the others was industrial maize meal. Maize is the preferred staple for lunch and dinner, eaten as a stiff porridge ( ugali), followed by boiled maize and beans ( githeri), regardless of socioeconomic background. For breakfast, only half the consumers prefer maize, mostly as a soft porridge ( uji). This proportion is higher in low-income groups. Consumers show a strong preference for white maize over yellow, mostly for its organoleptic characteristics, and show less interest in biofortified maize. Conclusions Maize is the major food staple in Nairobi, mostly eaten in a few distinct preparations. For biofortified yellow maize to be accepted, a strong public awareness campaign to inform consumers is needed, based on a sensory evaluation and the mass media, in particular on radio in the local language.
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Thomson, Jennifer A. "The role of biotechnology for agricultural sustainability in Africa." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 363, no. 1492 (August 30, 2007): 905–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2007.2191.
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Sub-Saharan Africa could have a shortfall of nearly 90 Mt of cereals by the year 2025 if current agricultural practices are maintained. Biotechnology is one of the ways to improve agricultural production. Insect-resistant varieties of maize and cotton suitable for the subcontinent have been identified as already having a significant impact. Virus-resistant crops are under development. These include maize resistant to the African endemic maize streak virus and cassava resistant to African cassava mosaic virus. Parasitic weeds such as Striga attack the roots of crops such as maize, millet, sorghum and upland rice. Field trials in Kenya using a variety of maize resistant to a herbicide have proven very successful. Drought-tolerant crops are also under development as are improved varieties of local African crops such as bananas, cassava, sorghum and sweet potatoes.
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Manyasi, Celestine, Dennis Ochieno, Francis Muyekho, John Muoma, Mwikali Pamela, and Victoria Naluyange. "Soil Maize Cultivar-related Challenges on Striga hermonthica Infested Fields in Western Kenya." Journal of Plant Studies 7, no. 2 (July 8, 2018): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jps.v7n2p41.
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Maize production in Western Kenya is constrained by Striga hermonthica and declining soil fertility. Integrated Striga Management (ISM) packages have been proposed. An ISM field experiment assessed combination of 4 maize varieties with 5 levels of soil fertility amendments. Imazapyr Resistant (IR) maize and local yellow seed Shipindi had highest germination percentages of 90% and 81% respectively, compared to commercial white seed Duma and local white seed Rachar. Duma had significantly large plants in terms of leave size and plant height; and taking least time to silking and tasseling while producing heaviest cobs and grains per plant. Synthetic fertilizer (DAP+CAN) was associated with the least germination percentage, but produced the largest plants with many leaves, took the shortest time to silking, and produced highest cob weight and grain weight, with very low S. hermonthica infestations regardless of the maize varieties. Cattle manure (CM) and water hyacinth compost containing cattle manure culture (HCM) and Effective Microbes™ (HEM) had the highest S. hermonthica population per unit area. Maize grown with water hyacinth compost containing Effective Microbes™ (HEM) positively influenced cob weight than those receiving cattle manure (CM) and the controls; while being associated with the highest numerical increase in grain yield/area. Alternative soil fertility interventions based on these observations are therefore proposed.
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J., Sitta, Nzuve F. M., Olubayo F. M., Mutinda C., Muiru W. M., Miano D. W., Muthomi J. W., and Leley P. K. "Response of Assorted Maize Germplasm to the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease in Kenya." Journal of Plant Studies 6, no. 2 (July 16, 2017): 65. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jps.v6n2p65.
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Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most widely grown staple food crop in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and occupies more than 33 million hectares each year. The recent outbreak and rapid spread of the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease has emerged as a great challenge to maize production, threatening food security for the majority of households in the Eastern Africa region with yield loss estimated to be 50-90%. The disease is a result of synergistic interaction between two viruses, Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV). The objective of this study was to identify maize genotypes with resistance to MLN. In season one, 73 maize genotypes comprising 25 inbred lines from research institutes, 30 lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and 18 farmer varieties were screened for resistance to MLN. In season 2, only 48 genotypes were screened after some of the inbred lines showed complete susceptibility to MLN. These genotypes were grown in three replications in a completely randomized design in polythene bags in the greenhouse at the University of Nairobi. The plants were artificially inoculated using a mixture of SCMV and MCMV. .Weekly MLN disease severity scores using a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = highly resistant and 5 = highly susceptible) and % MLN incidence were recorded and eventually converted into Area under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) to give an indication of the disease intensity over time. The plants were allowed to grow to flowering stage to observe the effect of the MLN on the maize productivity. Analysis of Variance revealed wide genetic variation among the genotypes ranging from resistant to highly susceptible. In season 1, three farmer varieties namely MLR2, MLR11 and MLR13 showed resistance to MLN with a mean severity score of 2. In season 2, MLN12, MLN17, MLN18, MLN19, and MLR4 showed low MLN severity ranging from 2-3. The genotypes MLR6, MLR9, MLR16 and MLR18 showed MLN severity of 3 and early maturity traits. This study also validated the presence of MLN resistance among some CIMMYT lines depicted to show resistance in previous studies. These resistant genotypes could serve as donors in the introgression of the resistance into the adapted Kenyan maize backgrounds. This will go a long way in ensuring sustainable maize productivity while improving the livelihoods of the small-scale farmers who form the bulk of the major maize producers in Kenya.
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Chepsergon, J., L. A. Mwamburi, and K. E. Kiprop. "Variation of beneficial effects of Trichoderma harzianum by the maize variety under water stress." Brazilian Journal of Biological Sciences 5, no. 10 (2018): 529–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.21472/bjbs.051028.
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The aim of the study was to out whether the beneficial effect of T. harzianum in enhancing maize seed germination and seedling growth under water stress is dependent on the maize variety soil samples were collected from Marigat Rangeland, Kenya. Trichoderma harzianum was isolated using macro and micro-morphological characteristics. The present study employed a three-factor factorial (3 x 2 x 2) design, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in percentage germination, seedling length, fresh weight, shoot-root dry weight, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities among the three varieties of maize. In addition, significant differences in seed germinations, seedling growth parameters and antioxidant enzyme enzymes were recorded between treated and control plants among the three varieties of maize. Maize variety had no significant influence on the beneficial activity of T. harzianum.
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Karanja, James, John Derera, Augustine Gubba, Stephen Mugo, and Ann Wangai. "Response of Selected Maize Inbred Germplasm to Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease and Its Causative Viruses (Sugarcane Mosaic Virus and Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus) in Kenya." Open Agriculture Journal 12, no. 1 (October 26, 2018): 215–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874331501812010215.
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Background: Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease continues to reduce the productivity of maize drastically threatening food security in the affected regions. It continues to cause yield loss of 30–100 percent in farmers’ fields, depending on the time of infestation which is valued at $198 million in Kenya. This has not only threatened regional trade, but also seed industry. It has been reported in the major maize belts of Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia, Bomet, Narok and Nandi Counties. MLN is caused by the synergistic interaction between Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV). The disease has then spread to other Eastern and Central African countries with devastating food security and economic consequences. Objectives: This study highlights result after screening selected maize inbred lines for resistance to MLN, SCMV and MCMV in identifying promising lines for integration into the breeding program for MLN resistance. Methods: Sixty-five (65) maize genotypes were artificially inoculated using virus strains collected from Bomet County in Kenya at 3-4 leaf stage. Data on disease severity and incidence, AUDPC and flowering were recorded. Results: From the result, the inbred lines had significant differences for SCMV, MCMV and MLN reactions. Based on Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) score and ELISA analysis, genotypes MLN001 and MLN006 have the lowest score of 270, whereas OH28 had a maximum at 1259 under MCMV. Genotypes MLN042 and MLN041 were identified as the most promising sources of resistant against SCMV. However, no genotype was identified to have acceptable levels of tolerance to MLN, but MLN001 and MLN013 were identified as the best performers under MLN. This study also validated the presence of MLN tolerance in MLN013 (CKDHL120312) and MLN001 (CKDHL120918) as earlier reported by CIMMYT. These tolerant genotypes are now serving as donors in the introgression of the tolerance into the Kenyan adapted maize backgrounds and development of improved MLN tolerant varieties. This will go a long way in restoring and ensuring sustainable maize productivity in improving the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers who form 75% of the major maize producers in Kenya. Conclusion: The identified inbred lines would be recommended for use in varietal development, MLN management and to enhance maize productivity, in the MLN endemic regions and further research in understanding the mode of gene action for MLN tolerance.
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Kanampiu, Fred, Dan Makumbi, Edna Mageto, Gospel Omanya, Sammy Waruingi, Peter Musyoka, and Joel Ransom. "Assessment of Management Options onStrigaInfestation and Maize Grain Yield in Kenya." Weed Science 66, no. 4 (April 4, 2018): 516–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2018.4.
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AbstractThe parasitic purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica(Del.) Benth.] is a serious constraint to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in poor soils. VariousStrigaspp. control measures have been developed, but these have not been assessed in an integrated system. This study was conducted to evaluate a set of promising technologies forS. hermonthicamanagement in western Kenya. We evaluated three maize genotypes either intercropped with peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.), soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.], or silverleaf desmodium [Desmodium uncinatum(Jacq.) DC] or as a sole crop at two locations under artificialS. hermonthicainfestation and at three locations under naturalS. hermonthicainfestation between 2011 and 2013. Combined ANOVA showed significant (P<0.05) cropping system and cropping system by environment interactions for most traits measured. Grain yield was highest for maize grown in soybean rotation (3,672 kg ha−1) under artificial infestation and inD. uncinatumand peanut cropping systems (3,203 kg ha−1and 3,193 kg ha−1) under natural infestation. Grain yield was highest for theStrigaspp.-resistant hybrid under both methods of infestation. A lower number of emergedS. hermonthicaplants per square meter were recorded at 10 and 12 wk after planting on maize grown underD. uncinatumin the artificialS. hermonthicainfestation. A combination of herbicide-resistant maize varieties intercropped with legumes was a more effective method forS. hermonthicacontrol than individual-component technologies. Herbicide-resistant andStrigaspp.-resistant maize integrated with legumes would help reduce theStrigaspp. seedbank in the soil. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt an integrated approach to controlStrigaspp. for better maize yields.
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Charles, Alice K., William M. Muiru, Douglas W. Miano, and John W. Kimenju. "Distribution of Common Maize Diseases and Molecular Characterization of Maize Streak Virus in Kenya." Journal of Agricultural Science 11, no. 4 (March 15, 2019): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v11n4p47.
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Maize is an important food crop in Kenya and is susceptible to a wide range of diseases. A survey was conducted in 2012 in different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Kiambu, Embu and Nakuru counties to determine the distribution of northern leaf blight (NLB), common rust (CR), maize streak disease (MSD), gray leaf spot (GLS), head smut (HS) and common smut (CS). Data collected included prevalence, incidence and severity of each of the diseases. Maize leaf samples infected with MSD were also collected for molecular characterization of Maize streak virus (MSV). Northern leaf blight was reported in all counties surveyed with 100% disease prevalence. Kiambu had the highest incidence (100%) of CR whereas Embu had the highest prevalence (45%) of MSD. The incidences of GLS and HS were very low with averages of below 2.5%. The highest incidence of GLS was in Kiambu (5%). High altitude areas had higher incidences of NLB and GLS while CS and MSD were widespread in the three counties. Comparison of 797 nucleotides from the open reading frame (ORF) C2/C1 of MSV with other sequences from the GenBank showed sequence similarities of 99 to 100% with MSV-A strain. The study revealed that the major foliar diseases of maize are widespread in Kenya and therefore there is need to institute measures to manage these diseases and reduce associated losses. Also, the high percent sequence similarities of MSV indicate low variability which is good for breeders since developed resistant varieties can be adopted over a wider region.
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Mbogo, Peter Okoth, Mathews Mito Dida, and Barrack Owuor. "Effect of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in Western Kenya." Journal of Agricultural Science 8, no. 8 (July 17, 2016): 112. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v8n8p112.
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<p><em>Striga hermonthica</em> (<em>Striga</em>) weed is widespread in Kenya, where it causes significant cereal crop losses, particularly when susceptible varieties are grown. The use of maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) genotypes that support reduced <em>Striga hermonthica</em> emergence can form an important basis for developing resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of diverse maize hybrids to <em>Striga</em> weed<em> </em>infestation and to identify high yielding and stable hybrids. Six experimental maize hybrids and three commercial hybrid checks (DK8031, PhB3253 and H513) were evaluated under <em>Striga</em> and <em>Striga</em> free conditions at Nyahera and Maseno in western Kenya in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The data collected included grain yields and other yield components; emerged <em>Striga</em> counts and <em>Striga</em> damage rating (on a scale of 1-5) at 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in grain yield and yield components; emerged <em>Striga</em> counts and <em>Striga</em> damage syndrome in both years. Negative correlation (r) was observed between emerged <em>Striga</em> and yield as well as between <em>Striga </em>damage ratings and yield. Maseno experimental hybrids produced much better grain yields and were more stable compared to commercial varieties under <em>Striga</em> infestation and in <em>Striga</em> free fields. Deployment of the tolerant/resistant high yielding well adapted hybrids coupled with other management options such as rotation with legumes and cultural practices could possibly help in depletion of <em>Striga</em> seed bank in the soils in western Kenya. EH12 and EH14 maize hybrids were formally released for commercialization in the <em>Striga</em> endemic areas of western Kenya.</p>
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Erenstein, Olaf, and Girma Tesfahun Kassie. "Seeding eastern Africa’s maize revolution in the post-structural adjustment era: a review and comparative analysis of the formal maize seed sector." International Food and Agribusiness Management Review 21, no. 1 (January 9, 2018): 39–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.22434/ifamr2016.0086.
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Improved maize seed is instrumental to deliver an Asian-style ‘green revolution’ for Africa. The paper reviews and makes a comparative analysis of the maize (corn) seed sector and its evolution in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia drawing from seed sector surveys and secondary data. Enhancing farmers’ access to and use of new maize varieties still presents a number of challenges in eastern Africa – not least due to a number of policy and institutional impediments to the development of the seed sector. The regional seed sectors also show some remarkable contrasts: they have evolved at different speeds and in different directions, driven by diverging agricultural growth opportunities and varying degrees of regulation, liberalization and restructuring. The paper reiterates calls for an enabling environment for private seed companies to evolve in order to serve the diverse farmer communities so that they benefit from existing and future improved maize seed opportunities.
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Chomba, Doreen, Msiska K. K., Abass M. S., Mudenda M., and Mukuwa P.S.C. "Status of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease in Zambia." African Phytosanitary Journal 2, no. 1 (November 1, 2020): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.52855/kiad5607.
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Maize is a staple food in Zambia and contributes immensely to food security for smallholder farmers. Disease outbreaks such as Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) can be a key constraint to maize production. This disease is caused by synergistic co-infection with Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) and any virus from the family Potyviridae, particularly, Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV), Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV) or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV). In 2011, an outbreak of MLND affecting almost all of the currently grown commercial varieties posed a challenge to maize production in Kenya and it has since been reported in DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda causing yield losses of up to 100%. Despite MLND having been reported in some neighboring countries, there is no information on the status of the disease in Zambia. Additionally, there is a lot of grain and seed trade between Zambia and other countries among which MLND has been reported. The aim of this study was to establish: (a) the status of MCMV; (b) agricultural practices used by farmers and (c) insect vectors associated with MLND. A survey was conducted in nine (9) provinces of Zambia during 2014/2015 and 2015/ 2016 cropping seasons. Farmers’ maize fields were sampled at every five to ten-kilometer interval and tested using rapid diagnostic kits capable of detecting MCMV. Four hundred and nineteen samples collected all tested negative for MCMV. Zambian Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), with all stakeholders in the maize value chain should continue implementing measures aimed at preventing the introduction of MLND in Zambia. Key words: Survey, MLND, Losses, food security
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Wambugu, P. W., P. W. Mathenge, E. O. Auma, and H. A. vanRheenen. "Constraints to On-Farm Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Production in Western Kenya: Plant Growth and Yield." ISRN Agronomy 2012 (August 2, 2012): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.5402/2012/153412.
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Studies have shown that that about 85% of maize farmers in Western Kenya plant local varieties with about 80% using own farm-saved seeds. The production system is characterized by late harvesting, heavy striga infestation, use of local varieties, and low-soil fertility. The objective of this study was to test an on-farm seed production system which would help improve yield and quality of farm saved seeds. The trials were set up in a factorial design fitted as random complete block design. There were 3 factors each at 2 levels: time of harvest, variety choice, and fertilizer application. Fertilizer application led to an 88% increase in yield, 54% increase in number of seeds per cob, and 14% increase in 100-seed weight. Fertilizer application also led to an increase in seed vigour and viability. Yield differences between the 2 varieties were not significant. The correlation between 100-seed weight and seed vigour was significant showing that heavy seeds were more vigourous. Nitrogen application was therefore recommended for increasing yields and for producing vigourous seeds but should be done with caution to avoid lodging as witnessed. This study also noted that farmers are rational and their decisions are usually based on strong economic considerations.
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Lukanda, M., A. Owati, P. Ogunsanya, K. Valimunzigha, K. Katsongo, H. Ndemere, and P. Lava Kumar. "First Report of Maize chlorotic mottle virus Infecting Maize in the Democratic Republic of the Congo." Plant Disease 98, no. 10 (October 2014): 1448. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/pdis-05-14-0484-pdn.
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Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major food and fodder crop cultivated on 1.54 million ha in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In December 2013, unusually severe chlorotic mottle symptoms and pale green streaks were observed in local varieties (Mudishi 1 and 2, Bambou, Kasayi, H614, H613, and Mugamba) and exotic varieties (H520, H624, H403, HDK8031, and ZM607) in Beni, Lubero, and Rutshuru territories at 1,015 to 1,748 m elevation in North Kivu Province. Symptoms were prominent on newly emerging leaves that later developed marginal necrosis resembling the symptoms of maize lethal necrosis (MLN), caused by a dual infection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV, genus Machlomovirus) and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV, genus Potyvirus). Each of these viruses, but particularly MCMV, is also known to cause severe mosaic and mottling symptoms in maize (4). In January 2014, symptomatic and asymptomatic samples (n = 20) from disease-affected fields in Beni and Lubero provinces were collected for virus testing using Whatman FTA Classic Cards (1) and analyzed for MCMV (2681F: 5′-ATGAGAGCAGTTGGGGAATGCG and 3226R: 5′-CGAATCTACACACACACACTCCAGC) and SCMV (8679F: 5′-GCAATGTCGAAGAAAATGCG and 9595R: 5′-GTCTCTCACCAAGAGACTCGCAGC) by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (4). Samples were also analyzed for Maize streak virus (MSV, genus Mastrevirus), an endemic virus in DRC, by PCR using MSV specific primers (MSV215-234: CCAAAKDTCAGCTCCTCCG and MSV1770-1792: TTGGVCCGMVGATGTASAG) (3). A DNA product of expected size (~520 bp) resulted only for MCMV in all the symptomatic plant samples. None of the samples tested positive for SCMV or MSV. RT-PCR analyses were performed to ascertain the absence of potyviruses using the degenerate potyvirus primers (CIFor: 5′GGIVVIGTIGGIWSIGGIAARTCIAC and CIRev: 5′ACICCRTTYTCDATDATRTTIGTIGC3′) (2) were also negative. Occurrence of MCMV in symptomatic samples was further confirmed by antigen-coated plate (ACP)-ELISA using anti-MCMV rabbit polyclonal antibodies produced at the Virology Unit, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. The RT-PCR product of MCMV was purified and sequenced in both directions (GenBank Accession No. KJ699379). Pairwise comparison of 518 bp nucleotide sequence corresponding to p32 and p37 open reading frames of MCMV by BLASTn search revealed 99.8% nucleotide sequence identity with an MCMV isolate from Kenya (JX286709), 98 to 99% identity with the isolates from China (JQ982468 and KF010583), and 96% identity with the isolates from the United States (X14736 and EU358605). MCMV is a newly emerging virus in Africa, first detected during a severe MLND outbreak in 2011 in Kenya (4). This disease has since become a serious threat to maize production in East Africa. MCMV has been reported in maize from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MCMV occurrence in DRC. This finding confirms the further geographic expansion of MCMV and illustrates the need for further studies to identify vectors and also create awareness about the disease and to strengthen surveillance to prevent its further spread in the continent. References: (1) O. J. Alabi et al. J. Virol. Met. 154:111, 2008. (2) C. Ha et al. Arch. Virol. 153:25, 2008. (3) K. E. Palmer and E. P. Rybicki. Arch. Virol. 146:1089, 2001. (4) A. Wangai et al. Plant Dis. 96:1582, 2012.
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Wangai, A. W., M. G. Redinbaugh, Z. M. Kinyua, D. W. Miano, P. K. Leley, M. Kasina, G. Mahuku, K. Scheets, and D. Jeffers. "First Report of Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Maize Lethal Necrosis in Kenya." Plant Disease 96, no. 10 (October 2012): 1582. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/pdis-06-12-0576-pdn.
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In September 2011, a high incidence of a new maize (Zea mays L.) disease was reported at lower elevations (1,900 m asl) in the Longisa division of Bomet County, Southern Rift Valley, Kenya. The disease later spread to the Narok South and North and Naivasha Districts. By March 2012, the disease was reported at up to 2,100 m asl. Diseased plants had symptoms characteristic of virus diseases: a chlorotic mottle on leaves, developing from the base of young whorl leaves upward to the leaf tips; mild to severe leaf mottling; and necrosis developing from leaf margins to the mid-rib. Necrosis of young leaves led to a “dead heart” symptom, and plant death. Severely affected plants had small cobs with little or no grain set. Plants frequently died before tasseling. All maize varieties grown in the affected areas had similar symptoms. In these regions, maize is grown continuously throughout the year, with the main planting season starting in November. Maize streak virus was present, but incidence was low (data not shown). Infected plants were distributed throughout affected fields, with heavier infection along field edges. High thrips (Frankliniella williamsi Hood) populations were present in sampled fields, but populations of other potential disease vectors, such as aphids and leafhoppers, were low. Because of the high thrips populations and foliar symptoms, symptomatic plants were tested for the presence of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) (3) using tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) (1). Of 17 symptomatic leaf samples from each Bomet and Naivasha, nine from Bomet and all 17 from Naivasha were positive for MCMV. However, the observed symptoms were more severe than commonly associated with MCMV, suggesting the presence of maize lethal necrosis (MLN), a disease that results from maize infection with both MCMV and a potyvirus (4). Therefore, samples were tested for the presence of Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), which is present in Kenya (2). Twenty-seven samples were positive for SCMV by TBIA, and 23 of 34 samples were infected with both viruses. Virus identities were verified with reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR (Access RT-PCR, Promega) and MCMV or SCMV-specific primers. MCMV primers (2681F: 5′-ATGAGAGCAGTTGGGGAATGCG and 3226R: 5′-CGAATCTACACACACACACTCCAGC) amplified the expected 550-bp product from three leaf samples. Amplicon sequences were identical, and had 95 to 98% identity with MCMV sequences in GenBank. SCMV primers (8679F: 5′-GCAATGTCGAAGAAAATGCG) and 9595R: 5′-GTCTCTCACCAAGAGACTCGCAGC) amplified the expected 900-bp product from four leaf samples. Amplicon sequences had 96 to 98% identity, and were 88 to 96% identical with SCMV sequences in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MCMV and of maize coinfection with MCMV and SCMV associated with MLN in Kenya and Africa. MLN is a serious threat to farmers in the affected areas, who are experiencing extensive to complete crop loss. References: (1) P. G. S. Chang et al. J. Virol. Meth. 171:345, 2011. (2) Delgadillo Sanchez et al. Rev. Mex. Fitopat. 5:21, 1987. (3) Jiang et al., Crop Prot. 11:248, 1992. (4) R. Louie, Plant Dis. 64:944, 1980.
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Simbine, Margarida G., Frederick P. Baijukya, and Richard N. Onwonga. "Intermediate Maturing Soybean Produce Multiple Benefits at 1:2 Maize:Soybean Planting Density." Journal of Agricultural Science 10, no. 9 (August 13, 2018): 29. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v10n9p29.
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A study was conducted to identify the most suitable intercropping arrangement in smallholder farms in Western Kenya. Biomass and N (nitrogen)-accumulation, N2 fixation and grain yield of maize and soybeans grown as intercrops at three planting densities were assessed. The study was conducted in four seasons. Three soybean varieties, Namsoy 4m, SC Squire and TGx1987-18F, were used in the experiment. Maize: soybean planting densities 1:1 (D1), 1:2 (D2), 1:3 (D3) as well as sole soybean (SS) and sole maize (SM) were tested. Higher biomass, N-accumulation, and N-fixed in the order 3.8 Mg ha-1, 260 kg ha-1 and 161 kg ha-1 respectively, were recorded in D3 with long maturing variety TGx1987-18F. Conversely, higher soybean grain yield < 2.4 Mg ha-1 was achieved by intermediate maturing SC Squire in D3. The highest maize yield in the intercrop was obtained in D1. N balance calculations indicated that planting TGx1987-18F resulted in an addition of 6 to 67 kg N ha-1, while SC Squire and Namsoy 4 m removed 3 to 89 kg N ha-1 when soybean grain was removed from the field. The differences in N balances between the intercrops depended on the N-fixed and the amount of N in harvested soybean and maize grain. Greater land equivalent ratio < 1.75 were obtained with SC Squire and Namsoy 4m in D2. We concluded that intermediate maturing soybean have multiple benefits for farmers in Western Kenya at 1:2 maize: soybean planting density provided that the practice is accompanied with good soil and crop management practices.
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Wainaina, James M., Elijah Ateka, Timothy Makori, Monica A. Kehoe, and Laura M. Boykin. "A metagenomic study of DNA viruses from samples of local varieties of common bean in Kenya." PeerJ 7 (March 15, 2019): e6465. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6465.
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Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the primary source of protein and nutrients in the majority of households in sub-Saharan Africa. However, pests and viral diseases are key drivers in the reduction of bean production. To date, the majority of viruses reported in beans have been RNA viruses. In this study, we carried out a viral metagenomic analysis on virus symptomatic bean plants. Our virus detection pipeline identified three viral fragments of the double-stranded DNA virus Pelargonium vein banding virus (PVBV) (family, Caulimoviridae, genus Badnavirus). This is the first report of the dsDNA virus and specifically PVBV in legumes to our knowledge. In addition two previously reported +ssRNA viruses the bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNVA) (Potyviridae) and aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV) (Dicistroviridae) were identified. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the Badnavirus (PVBV) using amino acid sequences of the RT/RNA-dependent DNA polymerase region showed the Kenyan sequence (SRF019_MK014483) was closely matched with two Badnavirus viruses: Dracaena mottle virus (DrMV) (YP_610965) and Lucky bamboo bacilliform virus (ABR01170). Phylogenetic analysis of BCMNVA was based on amino acid sequences of the Nib region. The BCMNVA phylogenetic tree resolved two clades identified as clade (I and II). Sequence from this study SRF35_MK014482, clustered within clade I with other Kenyan sequences. Conversely, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of ALPV was based on nucleotide sequences of the hypothetical protein gene 1 and 2. Three main clades were resolved and identified as clades I–III. The Kenyan sequence from this study (SRF35_MK014481) clustered within clade II, and nested within a sub-clade; comprising of sequences from China and an earlier ALPV sequences from Kenya isolated from maize (MF458892). Our findings support the use of viral metagenomics to reveal the nascent viruses, their viral diversity and evolutionary history of these viruses. The detection of ALPV and PVBV indicate that these viruses have likely been underreported due to the unavailability of diagnostic tools.
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Muli, M. B., D. Kengo, A. Mzingirwa, and R. Musila. "Performance of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties under Water Harvesting Technologies in the Coastal Region of Kenya." East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal 82, no. 2-4 (October 2, 2017): 168–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2017.1387225.
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Chebon, Samson, Wanjiru Wanyoike, Christine Bii, James Gathumbi, and Dorington Ogoyi. "Prevalence of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis Genes According to Aflatoxin Levels in Maize of Different Varieties in Kenya." Biotechnology Journal International 19, no. 2 (January 10, 2017): 1–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/bji/2017/28685.
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Jonga, Munyaradzi, Esther Waiganjo, and Agnes Njeru. "Influence of Product Quality on Organizational Performance of Seed Maize Companies in Kenya." Journal of Agricultural Science 10, no. 5 (April 11, 2018): 109. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jas.v10n5p109.
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A number of new seed entrepreneurs were established in Kenya, however, the majority of them fail to achieve the required business growth and competiveness. As a result, they remain small and producing less quantities of seed compared to the few large seed companies in the same market. This study evaluated the influence of product quality on organizational performance of seed maize companies in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design to collect data from the target population which comprised of seed maize companies in Kenya. The sampling frame of the study was the registered seed maize companies at the Seed Trade Association of Kenya which was the unit of analysis while the respondents were the managerial employees within the seed companies and key seed experts in Kenya. Primary data was obtained by administering questionnaires to four employees within each seed company. The four employees were randomly selected from the production, marketing, finance and warehousing departments. The key seed experts were selected through snow balling and judgment technique. Interviews were conducted with the selected seed experts. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. Factor analysis was done to establish the appropriateness of the questionnaire constructs. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Inferential statistics included the use of bivariate analysis and the study used the Pearson correlation coefficient. The study also ran a multiple regression model in order to establish the effect of product quality on organizational performance of seed maize companies. Results indicated that the original source of seed can affect product credibility and sales, seed certification standards influenced product credibility and sales, characteristics of seed varieties affect product performance and use of hotlines to report seed failure influences the credibility of the seed and the distributor. The study concludes that managers can increase profitability by putting in place appropriate quality management systems (QMS) and product quality standardization of seeds produced to ensure high quality seed. The study recommends that the management of seed companies should ensure they embark on improving the product quality of seeds produced so as to meet customer requirements and enhance the firm’s performance. This can be achieved by implementing appropriate QMS, securing contracts with large farmers who have irrigation facilities to guarantee adequate seed fields isolation, high productivity and quality seed production.
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Salat, Mohamud, and Brent Swallow. "Resource Use Efficiency as a Climate Smart Approach: Case of Smallholder Maize Farmers in Nyando, Kenya." Environments 5, no. 8 (August 14, 2018): 93. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/environments5080093.
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To simultaneously enhance agricultural productivity and lower negative impacts on the environment, food systems need to be much more efficient in using resources such as land, water, and fertilizer. This study examines resource use efficiency of maize production among smallholder farmers in Nyando, Kenya. The main objective is to assess the degree of technical efficiency of smallholder farmers and identify the impact of so-called “climate smart practices” on technical efficiency. The method of Stochastic Frontier Analysis is used to simultaneously estimate a stochastic production frontier and a technical inefficiency effect model. Data for 324 subplots farmed by 170 households were available for this analysis. The study reveals that maize production in Nyando is associated with mean technical efficiency of 45% and that soil conservation practices such as residue management, legume intercropping, and improved varieties significantly increase farmers’ technical efficiency. Soil carbon is found to be a critical factor of production. These results imply that there is potential to more than double production using the same resources and that soil conservation practices can be very “climate smart,” at once increasing soil carbon, production, climate resilience, and technical efficiency.
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Mutuku, Joseph, MW Mwaniki, and GW Muiruri. "Preparation of a Weaning Food Through Enrichment of Maize Meal with Potatoes (Ipomea batatas) Also Known as Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP)." Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2, no. 8 (August 31, 2019): 183. http://dx.doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v2i8.626.
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Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and xerophthalmia is prevalent and contribute to morbidity and mortality especially in young children in developing countries. Vitamin A deficiency contributes up to 23% lives lost in children aged 6 to 59 months. Thanks to huge requirements in children aged less than 59 months, vitamin A supplementation has been adopted by countries with support from UNICEF and other development partners. Without vitamin A supplementation a typical child in a developing country is not able to attain and maintain the minimally adequate liver retinol stores [Children are vitamin A deficient with liver retinol stores <20 µg/dL (<0.693 µmol/L)]. However, vitamin A supplementation has faced a number of challenges which creates an avenue for other intervention strategies. Dietary diversity is important. Beta carotene is converted to retinol on a function of 1:2, therefore children would have to eat tenfold increase in portion sizes of fruits and vegetables. Food fortification and enrichment of a specific meal that provides the necessary dietary recommendations of the child in less than three food servings that would provide the necessary nutritional requirements at a low cost therefore making it valuable in developing countries.Methods: Four OFSP varieties were procured from Embu in Kenya. The weaning food consisted of 20% maize (white) meal and 100% OFSP. Analysis was done on the composite flour and maize meal for pro-vitamin A. OFSP composite flour samples were analysed for pro vitamin A and comoared with recomended dietary allowance for children 6 to 59 months. The β-carotene nutrient retention of the weaning food was also calculated.Results: two OFSP varieties had the highest pro vitamin A carotenoid content: Tauing (57.10 mg/kg) and Haspot (51.70 mg/kg). Addition of white maize meal was important to improve gelatinization during preparation. One kilogram of maize meal enriched with Tauing variety of sweet potatoes is estimated to contain 50.88 mg/kg pro vitamin A carotenoid .Conclusion: white maize meal enriched with 80% OFSP is estimated to increase pro vitamin A carotenoid intake in children aged 6 to 59 months, contributing to a reduction in vitamin A deficiency in rural households.Keywords: Xerophthalmia; retinol; RDA; Pro-vitamin A carotenoid, weaning food.
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Tadesse Ertiro, Berhanu, Michael Olsen, Biswanath Das, Manje Gowda, and Maryke Labuschagne. "Genetic Dissection of Grain Yield and Agronomic Traits in Maize under Optimum and Low-Nitrogen Stressed Environments." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 2 (January 15, 2020): 543. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21020543.
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Understanding the genetic basis of maize grain yield and other traits under low-nitrogen (N) stressed environments could improve selection efficiency. In this study, five doubled haploid (DH) populations were evaluated under optimum and N-stressed conditions, during the main rainy season and off-season in Kenya and Rwanda, from 2014 to 2015. Identifying the genomic regions associated with grain yield (GY), anthesis date (AD), anthesis-silking interval (ASI), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), ear position (EPO), and leaf senescence (SEN) under optimum and N-stressed environments could facilitate the use of marker-assisted selection to develop N-use-efficient maize varieties. DH lines were genotyped with genotyping by sequencing. A total of 13, 43, 13, 25, 30, 21, and 10 QTL were identified for GY, AD ASI, PH, EH, EPO, and SEN, respectively. For GY, PH, EH, and SEN, the highest number of QTL was found under low-N environments. No common QTL between optimum and low-N stressed conditions were identified for GY and ASI. For secondary traits, there were some common QTL for optimum and low-N conditions. Most QTL conferring tolerance to N stress was on a different chromosome position under optimum conditions.
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Muraya, M. M., C. M. Ndirangu, and E. O. Omolo. "Heterosis and combining ability in diallel crosses involving maize (Zea mays) S1 lines." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46, no. 3 (2006): 387. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea03278.
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This study was conducted at Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya for 2 growing seasons, 2001 and 2002. A diallel cross, without reciprocal crossings, involving 7 maize S1 lines: KSTP001, KSTP003, KSTP004, KSTP005, KSTP008, E2 and E3 was used to study the heterosis and inheritance of days to 50% flowering, plant height, ear height, leaf angle, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, cob length, cob diameter, number of lines per cob, number of seeds per line, 100-grain weight and grain yield. A randomised complete block design with 3 replicates was used. Analysis of variance was conducted on the data generated at 0.05 significant level using MSTAT. The results showed that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) was significant (P<0.05) for all traits under study, suggesting existence of both additive and non-additive gene effects for the traits. However, GCA : SCA ratio was >1 for all traits except cob diameter and 100 seed weight, indicating preponderance of additive gene effects for inheritance of these traits. The study identified KSTP003 as the best combiner for most of the traits, while KSTP001 and E3 was the best combination for most traits. KSTP004 and E3 was good combiner for grain yield. Hybrid KSTP005 × E3 was the best cross for grain yield. KSTP003 × E2 was the best cross for reduction of leaf angle thus good source for erectophile canopies in a hybridisation program. Heterosis estimates showed that heterosis was more important in grain yield, yield components, plant height, number of leaves per plant and, leaf area index than other traits studied. Most of traits studied had a positive and significant (P≤0.01), while all traits studied except days to 50% flowering had a positive and significant (P≤0.01) genotypic correlations. It is recommended that based on their combining ability the lines be recombined to form synthetic maize varieties which can be released both as a variety or used for further improvement using recurrent selection. The lines which combine well for reduction in leaf angle from vertical should be utilised to develop erective maize varieties.
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S. N, Nguluu, Karanja J., Kimatu J.N, Gicheru P.T, Musimba N., Njiru E., Kathuli P., et al. "Refining Dryland Farming Systems as a Means of Enhancing Agrodiversity and Food Security in Eastern Kenya: A review." JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE 3, no. 1 (October 2, 2014): 142–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.24297/jaa.v3i1.5410.
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Drylands which cover one third of the earth’s land surface and almost 80% of Kenya’s land surface are being used to grow dryland crops such as maize, beans, sorghum, millets and livestock. Studies show that refined farming systems can be used in enhancing ecosystem sustainability, through the promotion of species and crop diversity. For example, cropping patterns involving intercropping legumes and cereals have demonstrated varying success in maintenance of crop diversity in the Kenyan drylands showing land equivalent ratios (LER) > 1.0, although such benefits are often lost during low rainfall seasons. Research show that some genotypes can be used to reduce soil erosion, enhance nutrient availability, soil moisture retention, microbial earthworm activities and land use efficiency. Thus critical examination of farming systems for dryland areas suggests that long term multiple effects of the ecosystem, rather than the short term benefits not only increases yields but sustains the life of ecosystems. In this reveiw we submit that monocropping systems should be modified to include varieties that are suitable for different plots in the same site to enhance efficient utilization of underground diversity. In developing farming systems modelling approaches utilizing plant genotypic and epigenetic variations, ecological, edaphic and microbial cycles should be evaluated for dryland ecosystems.
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Mugalavai, Violet K. "Exploring Home-use Test to Assess Urban Consumers’ Acceptance and Likelihood to Purchase Naturally Fortified Instant Whole Meal Sorghum-maize Flour Blends in Eldoret, Kenya." Journal of Food Research 9, no. 3 (May 11, 2020): 19. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jfr.v9n3p19.
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Fortification of staple foods has the potential to alleviate micronutrient and protein energy malnutrition in sub Saharan Africa. However, natural food fortification often alters sensory attributes such as flavour, aroma, appearance, texture and other features in ways that may affect target consumer overall acceptance and willingness to purchase. This study examined urban consumers’ acceptance and likelihood to purchase wholemeal instant flours that were fortified using plant based sources. A home-use test (HUT) sensory experiment was conducted in Eldoret, Kenya among 154 urban dwellers in the middle and high level income group living in three gated estates. 5 different flour composites using sorghum, maize, baobab, orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and grain amaranth were used to make both thin (uji) and thick (ugali) porridges. The results showed that urban consumers could distinguish stiff porridge (ugali) and thin porridge (uji) made from the 5 flour varieties. They preferred uji, expressed by higher mean general acceptability scores made from all the flour varieties (M=4.15-M=3.83) to ugali (M=3.50-M=3.17), for appearance, aroma, texture in hand and mouth, significant at p < 0.05. Mothers’ and childrens’ overall acceptance ratings for both sets of products did not differ, showing the ability of mothers to influence a child’s overall acceptance of a product. Further, more than 80% consumers were likely to purchase and use the instant flour. Pearson correlation showed significant positive correlations (*P<.05; & **P<.01), for product fit for all family, with nutritional and health benefits, and product that is introduced by a close friend as the main factors driving their likelihood of purchase. We conclude that HUT is effective for assessing consumer acceptance as far as product sensory characteristics and consumer adoption of a new product, and can be used by industry before market penetration.
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Kirui, Josephine Wangechi, Nzioka John Muthama, Charles Karuku Gachuiri, and Joshua Ndiwa Ngaina. "Adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change by smallholder dairy farmers: A case of Nandi county in Kenya." Journal of Sustainability, Environment and Peace 4, no. 1 (September 13, 2021): 39–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.53537/jsep.2021.09.005.
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Climate change has an impact on agriculture and subsequently food productivity and security. This study assesses adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change by smallholder dairy farmers in the Nandi county of Kenya. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews were used to collect data. A Pearson's chi-square test was used to test significant associations. Results indicate most households in study area were male headed (79.2%), with between 4 and 6 people (51.8%) and aged between 31 and 60 years (75.4%). Over 80% of households were dependent on farming as a source of income. Households depended on natural pastures on their own farms as a source of feed (76.5%) and crop residues (49.9%). Natural pastures and fodder crops were considered the most important source of feed for the cows. Fodder were planted in less than 0.5 acres of land for Napier (80.1%), Rhodes grass (57.5%), Sorghum (54%), Maize (33.4%), Kikuyu Grass (40.3%), Lucerne (59.4%) and household planting <50 fodder Trees (82.1%). Smallholder farmers conserved/preserved crop residue (88.2%), hay (39.9%) and silage (35.4%). Methods used to address negative experiences of climate change included use conserved hay/ silage (44.2%), buying of commercial feeds (40.9%), use crop residue (74.6%), moving of animals to other farms (8.8%) and selling of animals (17.4%). Measures to prevent negative effects of climate change included adoption of fodder types/varieties (54.7%) and conservation and preservation practices (70.0%). The study recommends greater attention to increase fodder crop production and conservation, support to smallholder farmers to explore new ways that would sustainably help them adapt and mitigate the effect of climate change on fodder productivity and subsequently on milk production.
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Mwita Samwel, Sibuti, Kimurto Paul, and Ogendo Joshua. "Effectiveness of Imazapyr Coated Hybrids and Selected Striga-tolerant Varieties on <i>S. hermonthica</i> Management and Maize Yield Performance in Western Part of Kenya." Advances in Applied Physiology 6, no. 1 (2021): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.11648/j.aap.20210601.11.
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Soenartiningsih, Soenartiningsih. "Uji Ketahanan beberapa Varietas Unggul Jagung terhadap Penyakit Gibberella dan Diplodia." Biosfera 32, no. 2 (May 10, 2015): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.20884/1.mib.2015.32.2.301.
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Gibberella and Diplodia ear rot is a disease that can damage the corn cobs and corn kernels resulting in lower quality and quantity of seed. The objective of the research are to find the varieties of corn which are resistant the ear rot disease Gibberella and Diplodia. This study was conducted in Limang Karo regency, North Sumatera, a randomized block design with three replications, each treatment comprised 4 rows and each row contained 25 plants with a spacing of 75 x 20 cm. The results showed 25 Hybrid maize tested against Gibberella ear rot there are 7 Hybrid corn hybrids that are resistant to ear rot Kenia-2, NK33, Bima 3, Bima 10 Bima 12 Q, NEI-9008 and X8B649 (check resistance) and moderately resistance there are 9 hybrid that Kenia-3, DK979, NK22, P12, Gumarang, Srikandi putih, Lamuru and Sukmaraga and 9 hybrid to ear rot disease were reacted susceptible and highly susceptible. Whereas from 25 Hybrid maize tested against Diplodia ear rot there are 6 Hybrid corn hybrids resistant to ear rot disease is Kenia - 2, NK33, Bima 3, Bima 12 Q, NEI-9008 and X8B649 (check resistance) while that is moderately resistancet there are 11 hybrid that is Kenia-3, DK979, NK22, P29, Bisi 2, P12, Bima 10, Gumarang, Srikandi putih, Lamuru and Sukmaraga, while 8 hybrid others were reacted susceptible and highly susceptible.
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A. C. Peter, Echessa. "Variation of Macronutrients in the Stover of Maize Varieties Grown in Western Kenya." International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, October 22, 2019, 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/irjpac/2019/v20i230131.
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Large scale agricultural activities in Kenya include maize growing. Farmers plant different varieties of the species Zea mays. Though seed companies provide seeds based on altitudes, maturing periods and yield predictability, it remains the prerogative of the farmer to make choice. Yields from small scale farms are declining at every harvest despite Governments efforts to provide fertilizers at subsidized prices. Though soil acidity levels could be an accounting factor, the maize varieties planted differ in the amounts of macronutrients they remove from soils and yet next seasons’ fertilizer application is uniform. The study sought to determine and compare levels nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and calcium in stover of maize varieties grown in Lugari, western Kenya. This was with view to inform on macronutrient removal by the different maize varieties. It too was to enable farmers speculate on the possible methods of biomass disposal for some of the methods like burning the stover either as fuel or clearance ignores the need to have an approach that would enable recycling and certainly depletes the soil. Stratified random sampling of both cobs and stalks from farmers in Lugari, western Kenya was done. The samples were dried, milled before wet digestion. The digests were subjected to laboratory analysis using standard AOAC procedures viz avis nitrogen (Kjeldahl’s method), phosphorous (Ascorbic acid method) and both potassium and calcium (Flame photometry) to establish levels of macronutrients. It was established that maize stalks of any given variety had higher levels macronutrients compared to cobs of the same variety. It was too observed that for both stalks and cobs there was significant differences (p< 0.05) between varieties in all macronutrients except phosphorous. The stover from varieties DK, H6213, H614 and pioneer had significantly higher levels than varieties H500, H505, H513 and oduma. It is hoped that the results of this study not only informs of levels of macronutrients retained by the maize stover but also provides basis for sensitization on method of biomass disposal to minimize soil degradation.
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Aleri, Daudi Dindi, Josiah M. Kinama, and George N. Chemining’wa. "Effect of Plant Population on Yield of Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in Mwea and Bura in Kenya." International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, April 12, 2021, 32–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2021/v33i430427.
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The objective of the study was to determine the effect of plant population on the growth and yield of maize. The study was conducted during the short rainy season of December 2018 and April 2019 in Mwea, Kirinyaga County and Bura, Tana River County, in Kenya. An experiment was set in a split-split plot design with three replications. Five selected maize (Zea mays) varieties commonly grown in these areas namely: Pioneer, DH04, Sungura, SC Duma and DH02 were grown under three plant population densities namely: 53,333, 66,666 and 88,888 plants ha-1 under irrigated conditions. Cob length, ear height, plant height, above ground biomass and grain yield data was collected. Plant population had significant effects on the grain yield and yield components of the selected maize varieties. The plant population of 53,333 plants ha-1 gave significantly higher above ground biomass in Mwea than population of 88,888 plants ha-1, though not significantly different from population of 66,666 plants ha-1. In Bura, the plant population of 88,888 plants ha-1 gave significantly higher above ground biomass than that of 66,666 and 53,333 plants ha-1 respectively. An increase in plant population reduced the grain yield of the selected maize varieties but increased the above ground biomass of the varieties.
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Wasonga, CJ, DO Sigunga, and AO Musandu. "Phosphorus requirements by maize varieties in different soil types of Western Kenya." African Crop Science Journal 16, no. 2 (May 11, 2010). http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v16i2.54361.
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Kabululu, Mujuni Sospeter, Tileye Feyissa, and Patrick Alois Ndakidemi. "Evaluation of agronomic performance of local and improved maize varieties in Tanzania." Indian Journal Of Agricultural Research 51, no. 03 (June 1, 2017). http://dx.doi.org/10.18805/ijare.v51i03.7912.
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<span>Fifty Tanzanian local maize cultivars, seven popularly grown commercial varieties in Tanzania and eleven elite lines from CIMMYT, Nairobi, Kenya were evaluated for agronomic performance. The genotypes were subjected to randomized complete block design at three sites in 2015, both conducted at Arusha region, in Tanzania. The analysis identified highly significant variances among genotypes evaluated and their interactions with environments. The GGE biplot analyses identified the winning genotypes on mean yield and stability. An open pollinated variety (OPV) Situka 1 and an hybrid DH 04 had generally the best performance in terms of grain yield and stability across all three locations. A local cultivar TZA 2793 emerged to be the promising landrace with overall appealing yield and stability performance. The obtained information through this current study may be a good source of new allelic diversity that could be used for developing different important elite maize materials.</span>
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De Groote, Hugo, Bernard Gathigi Munyua, Sebastian Palmas, L. M. Suresh, Anani Y. Bruce, and Simon C. Kimenju. "Using panel community surveys to track the impact of crop pests over time and space – the case of maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease in Kenya from 2013 to 2018." Plant Disease, December 8, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/pdis-08-20-1730-sr.
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Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease appeared in Kenya in 2011, causing major damage. In a first survey of 121 communities in 2013, participants estimated the proportion of households affected and the yield loss in affected areas; from this survey, the overall loss was estimated at 22% (0.5 million tonnes per year), concentrated in western Kenya (94%). Efforts to combat the disease included planting resistant varieties, creating awareness of MLN management, and producing pathogen-free seed. In 2018, the same communities were revisited and asked the same questions, establishing a panel community survey. The results showed that incidents of MLN had greatly decreased, and the number of communities that had observed it had reduced from 76% in 2013 to 26% by the long rains of 2018; while still common in western Kenya (60%), MLN had greatly reduced elsewhere (to 10%). In 2013, 40% of farmers were affected, yield loss among affected farmers was estimated at 44%, and total yield loss was estimated at 22% (a production loss of 0.5 million tonnes/year), valued at US$ 187 million. By the long rains of 2018, 23% of farmers were affected, with a loss among affected farmers of 36%; overall annual loss was estimated at 7.5% or 0.37 million tonnes, valued at US$ 109 million, concentrated in western Kenya (82%). Of the recommended control measures, only the removal of diseased plants was commonly used (by 62% of affected communities), but not the use of agronomic practices (11%) or resistant varieties (9.5%). The reasons for the reduction in MLN are not well understood; external factors such as spraying insecticide against fall armyworm and unfavorable weather likely played a role, as did using disease-free seed, but not the use of resistant varieties or appropriate management practices. Still, as the pathogen is still in the fields, it is important to keep disseminating these control methods, in particular resistant varieties.
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J. O. Ouma. "Maize varieties and production constraints: Capturing farmers’ perceptions through participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) in Eastern Kenya." Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics 3, no. 15 (December 12, 2011). http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/jdae10.096.
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Simtowe, Franklin, Dan Makumbi, Mosisa Worku, Harriet Mawia, and Dil Bahadur Rahut. "Scalability of Adaptation strategies to drought stress: the case of drought tolerant maize varieties in Kenya." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, September 27, 2020, 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2020.1823699.
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Simiyu, Wamalwa Dennis, David Mutisya Musyimi, Phoebe Anyango Sikuku, and Duncan George Odhiambo. "Growth and Gas Exchange Responses of Maize and Banana Plants in an Intercrop with Agroforestry Tree Species in Vihiga County, Kenya." Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science, June 22, 2021, 33–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ajrcs/2021/v6i330119.
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Agroforestry trees have been reported to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, coupled with leaves and twig decomposition. High human population pressure in Vihiga County has led to reduced land area under farming. This has resulted into increased demand for food and consequently forced smallholder farmers in the region to carry out poor farming practices such as continuous cultivation and clearing of trees to avail more land for crop production. The poor farming practices have occasioned severe land degradation, climate change and reduced farm productivity. However, it is not known how intercropping maize and banana with Sesbania sesban, Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena diversifolia impacts on the growth and gas exchange parameters of maize and banana. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intercropping agroforestry tree species with maize and banana on maize and banana height, leaf area, number of leaves, stem diameter, intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rate and net photosynthesis in Vihiga County. The study was conducted at Maseno university farm located in Vihiga County in Kenya. The Williams varieties of banana of the same age were obtained from KALRO-Thika. Seeds of selected agroforestry trees were obtained from KEFRI – Muguga, planted in a seedbed and the seedlings raised in nurseries before being transplanted in the study plots. Hybrid maize seed (H513) was purchased from an agrovet. Banana holes were dug 2x2 feet, 20 Kg of decomposed cow dung manure + 20 Kg of top soil + 200g of NPK fertilizer added in each banana hole before planting. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used with seven treatment levels of unfertilized Maize (M), Banana (B), Maize + Banana + Calliandra (MBC), Maize+ Banana+ Leucaena (MBL), Maize+ Banana+ Sesbania (MBS), Maize + Banana (MB) and Fertilized Maize (MF). Maize was planted at 0.75 m inter row by 0.3 m spacing. Fifteen (15) tagged maize and four (4) banana plants in each plot were sampled for measurement of height, number of green leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rate and net photosynthetic rate. The data was subjected to Analysis of Variance using Genstat statistical package version 15.2. Means were separated using Fischers’ protected LSD test at 95% confidence level. The MBS treatment showed higher growth in terms of height, leaf area, number of leaves and stem diameter throughout the study period. Increased growth seen under fertilized maize was not significantly different from those under MBS. Gas exchange responses had no significant differences (p≤0.05) among most treatments. However, agroforestry tree species had shown higher intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rates and net photosynthesis of maize and banana plants. Sesbania sesban reported maximum intercellular Carbon (IV) oxide concentration, transpiration rates and net photosynthesis as compared to those treatments without agroforestry trees. Therefore, incorporating nitrogen-fixing trees in farming could have a positive impact on growth, increased carbon (IV) oxide intake, transpiration rates and net photosynthetic rate. Sesbania sesban promoted growth and recorded higher gas exchange parameters of maize and banana. These findings may be used to advice smallholder farmers of Vihiga County on the best intercropping system and agroforestry tree species to adopt for maximum maize and banana yield.
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Kagito, Sammy Kingei, and Esther W. Gikonyoi. "Effects of Nitrogen Rates on Morphological Development of Upland Rice Varieties in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya." International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, February 8, 2020, 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2019/v31i630226.
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Rice is the third most important cereal in consumption after maize and wheat in Kenya. It has been grown as a commercial food crop under irrigated and rain fed ecologies. Low soil Nitrogen (N) fertility is a major constraint to upland rice production in smallholder farmers mostly under rain fed agriculture. This study evaluated the morphological development of upland rice varieties as influenced by different N fertilizer treatments. A field study was carried out at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization experimental farm in Kirinyaga County for two seasons. The experiment was laid down as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split-plot arrangement in three replications. The main plot factors were the five upland rice genotypes, MWUR1, MWUR4, NERICA4, NERICA10 and IRAT109, while the subplots factors were the four N rates, 0, 26, 52 and 78 kg N ha-1. In addition calcium ammonium nitrate (26% N) was top-dressed in two equal splits at 21 and 45 days after sowing. Data on plant growth parameters was collected at fortnight interval. The analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.05) variation on plant height and tiller numbers due to N rates. However, there was no significant variation in plant height and tiller numbers due to variety. In addition, shoot and root dry weight and leaf area were significantly different due to variety and N rates in both seasons. Finally root dry weight was not significantly different due to variety and N-rates in the two seasons. The current study has shown that increase in nitrogen level lead to significant increase in plant height, tiller numbers, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The study recommends the use of N fertilizers for rice cultivation to increase N supply in the soil.
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Muthoni, Jane, Hussein Shimelis, Mbiri D. G., and Schulte-Geldermann Elmar. "Assessment of National Performance Trials of Potatoes in Mid-Altitude Regions of Kenya." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, no. 71 (December 1, 2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.32861/jac.71.7.13.
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Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. It is a valuable cash and food crop mainly grown by small-scale farmers. Potato is cultivated mainly under rainfed production conditions at altitudes between 1500 and 3000 metre above sea level (masl). Consequently, National Performance Trials (NPTs) test sites are located in these highlands. Recently, potato production has spread to the mid-highlands (1200-1500masl) mostly due to high food demand occasioned by population increase, and migration of small scale farmers from the densely populated highlands to the more spacious midlands. Consequently, there is increased need to breed potato varieties that can grow profitably in the warmer mid-altitudes. This development called for identification of new conventional NPT test sites located in the mid-altitudes. Six mid-altitude sites were identified and client-managed conventional NPTs carried out. Twenty six potato genotypes were evaluated for two seasons. First season crop was planted in 2016 while the second season crop was planted in 2017. There was a significant (p≤ 0.001) effect of genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interaction in the first season. Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. All genotypes yielded between 10 and 25 ton/ha. In the second season, only environments showed significant (p≤ 0.001) effects. Again, Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site. Across the two seasons, Trans-Nzoia gave an average yield of 26.96 ton/ha followed by Kabete at 18. 21ton/ha. All the other four sites yielded less than 10 ton/ha. The high yields at Trans-Nzoia and Kabete could be due to higher altitudes in these two sites compared to the others. In order to develop potato varieties that can produce profitably in the warm mid-altitudes, breeding and early generation selections activities should be based in these areas.
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N. Mbatha, Wathome, Nicholas K. Korir, and Joseph P. Gweyi-Onyango. "Influence of Sri Fertilizer Practice on Yield Components and Grain Yield of Hybrid Rice Varieties in Kenya." Asian Plant Research Journal, March 12, 2019, 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/aprj/2019/v2i230043.
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Rice is one of the staple food crops in Kenya and its demand is generally increasing annually especially when maize production has declined due to various factors. The national rice consumption is estimated at 300,000 metric tonnes compared to annual production of 45,000-80,000 where the deficit is met through importation. The low production can be increased through adoption of system of rice intensification methods that can lead to higher yields and sustainable production. Several studies have been conducted on SRI water requirements, plant systems and soil but very little has been done on fertilizer regime on hybrid rice in Kenya. To address this challenge, yield performance of two rice hybrid varieties; Arize Tej Gold and Arize 6444 Gold against a locally inbred variety (BW 196) under SRI fertilizer regime were evaluated at two sites; Mwea irrigation scheme in Kirinyaga County and Ahero irrigation scheme in Kisumu County. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design where the SRI fertilizer practices were the main plots (2.5 t ha-1 Evergrow, 200 Kg ha-1 SA, 2.5 t/ha Evergrow + 100 Kg ha-1 SA, 2.5 t ha-1 Evergrow +200 Kg ha-1 SA, and a control-without fertilizer) and the rice varieties were the sub-plots and replicated three times. Data was collected on number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle and grain yield then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.2 and means separated using Fischer’s Protected LSD. Significant differences were observed on the number of grains per plant with the Evergrow+100 Kg ha-1 SA and Evergrow+200 Kg ha-1 SA SRI fertilizer treatments showing the highest at 293 and 275 grains per plant respectively under variety Arize Tej Gold at Mwea and 256 grains per plant at Ahero. The high number of grains per plant consequently led to the highest grain yield under the SRI treatments where the Evergrow+100 Kg ha-1 SA treatment had the highest grain yield per plot in Ahero (1202 g) and Mwea (4002 g). The application of 100 Kg ha-1 of SA and organic fertilizer is recommended in rice production.
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Wamalwa, Dennis Simiyu, Phoebe Anyango Sikuku, Godfrey Wafula Netondo, and Buyela Daniel Khasabulli. "Influence of NPK Blended Fertilizer Application on Chlorophyll Content and Tissue Mineral Contents of Two Finger Millet Varieties Grown in Acid Soils of Kakamega, Western Kenya." International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, April 4, 2019, 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2019/v27i430082.
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Acidic soils with high exchangeable aluminium ions occur in most parts of Kenya, western Kenya inclusive. Aluminium toxicity is a serious environmental problem that affects crop productivity in Western Kenya region. The county governments of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia and Trans-Nzoia are promoting the application of NPK blended fertilizer to ameliorate the soil acidity to increase maize production. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L) is one of the important cereal crops in Kenya and has the ability to grow under unfavorable environmental conditions much better than other cereal crops. It is for this reason that it is currently being popularized in efforts to address food security in the region, however, the effects of NPK blended fertilizer application on the selected physiological parameters of the crop is little known, hence prompting the study. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NPK blended fertilizer application on chlorophyll content index and plant tissue mineral analysis. Randomized Complete Block Design with 0,25,50,75,100 kg application rates per acre of NPK blended fertilizer as the treatments were applied in two equal split applications. The measured parameters were chlorophyll content index using CCM-200 spectrophotometer, (Opti- Sciences Inc., Hudson, USA) from the plant leaves at 50% plot maturity. Motsara and Roy Procedures were used to determine plant tissue analysis for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium at physiological maturity from the leaves. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical package version 15.1. Means were separated by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 0.05 probability level. Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between variables. At the 75 kg/acre rate, the leaves showed the significant P<0.05 chlorophyll content, calcium, and potassium in both varieties for the two seasons, short rain, and long rain respectively. Control had the lowest physiological activities for both seasons regarding chlorophyll content, tissue calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Significant nitrogen content was observed on Gulu-E variety for both seasons on the highest rate whereas the same trend was observed on P-224 variety and during the short rainy season, a linear increase was observed with increasing NPK blended fertilizer rates. No conclusive pattern was observed during the short rainy season but with the control exhibiting the lowest phosphorus content for both varieties. A significant response to physiology (chlorophyll and plant leaf tissue mineral) might have been due to increased uptake of mineral nutrients present in the NPK blended fertilizer and increased soil pH caused by the liming action of the NPK blended fertilizer.
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Semahegn, Yared, Hussein Shimelis, Mark Laing, and Isack Mathew. "Farmers’ preferred traits and perceived production constraints of bread wheat under drought-prone agro-ecologies of Ethiopia." Agriculture & Food Security 10, no. 1 (June 8, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40066-021-00290-0.
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Abstract Background Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a valuable commodity crop for local, regional and global markets. In Ethiopia, wheat ranks third after maize (Zea mays L.) and tef (Eragrostis tef Zucc.) in terms of total production, and fourth after maize, tef and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in areas of cultivation. The major wheat-producing areas are mainly found in the mid-altitude (1900 to 2300 m above sea level) and high-altitude (2300 to 2700 m above sea level) regions of the country that are regarded as high-potential environments due to their high and reliable rainfall. However, wheat is widely adapted and grows in diverse environments. It is produced mainly under rainfed condition by small-scale farmers. The country is ranked first in wheat production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) followed by South Africa, Sudan and Kenya. However, the average productivity of the crop is 2.4 tons ha–1, which is lower than the global (3.4 tons ha–1) average, which is due to low adoption of new improved varieties. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ preferred traits of bread wheat variety, factors influencing their adoption for new improved variety and perceived production constraints of wheat under drought-prone agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. Methodology The study was conducted in selected districts of Arsi Zone in the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia during 2018. A multistage random sampling was employed to arrive at household level. Data were collected based on primary and secondary sources. Relationships were examined through frequency, percentages and Chi-square values within and between districts for variables considered. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) analysis was used to identify the varietal attributes that are most preferred by the farmers. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of improved varieties. Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) was computed to identify the most important production constraints perceived by the farmers in the study areas. Results High grain yield was the most preferred trait as perceived by the farmers in the study areas followed by stress adaptation (drought and heat stress tolerance), disease resistance and early maturity. The binary logistic regression model showed socio-demographic characteristics, such as education had positive and significant (p < 0.01) effect on adoption of new improved bread wheat varieties. Gender and access to extension officers affected the adoption negatively and significantly (p < 0.05). Varietal attributes, such as early maturity (p < 0.01) and plant height (p < 0.05), had positive and significant effects on adoption of new improved varieties, while adaptation and baking quality had negative and significant (p < 0.05) influences on the acceptance of the new improved varieties. Moisture stress, disease (especially rust) and the high cost of fertilizers were, in order, first-, second- and third-ranked production constraints in the study areas. Conclusions Farmers had different variety-specific trait preferences. Grain yield, rust resistance, adaptation to drought and heat stresses, and early maturity were the most farmer-preferred traits. Socio-demographic factors, such as gender, education level and access to extension officers, influenced variety adoption by the farmers. Early maturity, plant height, baking quality and stress adaptation were the major varietal characteristics contributing towards adoption of new improved bread wheat varieties. Drought stress, disease (especially rust) and the high cost of fertilizers were among the major constraints of wheat production identified by the farmers. This study can serve as a guide for future wheat breeding programmes incorporating farmer-preferred traits, including stress adaptation (drought and heat tolerance). This will enhance adoption of newly developed improved varieties and for sustainable production and food security of smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas. Future wheat improvement and extension programmes of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) should involve marginal wheat-growing environments to boost adoption of new improved varieties and the production potential of the crop.