ISSN 2756-326X
Research Article
On-farm evaluation of promising groundnut varieties for adaptation and adoption in Tanzania
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (12), pp. 001-006, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
On-farm evaluation of promising groundnut varieties for adaptation and adoption in Tanzania
Tulole Lugendo Bucheyeki1,2, Erasto.M. Shenkalwa2, Theofora X. Mapunda2 and Leah W. Matata2
1University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
2Tumbi Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 306, Tabora, Tanzania.
Accepted 11 February, 2018
Abstract
On-station and on-farm groundnut research was carried out in Sikonge district, Tanzania, to evaluate groundnut varieties for yield under researcher and farmer managed conditions and assess farmer preferences. On-station trial was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Five varieties Johari, Pendo, Nyota, Sawia and Mamboleo were planted on 25 m2 plots at spacing of 0.9 x 0.15 m. Twelve farmers were involved in conducting on-farm trials with each farmer as a replicate. Participatory farmers evaluation and stability analysis were done. Both on-station and on-farm trials revealed high yield among varieties with Pendo (1444 kgha-1) and Johari (1163 kgha-1) out yielding other varieties which were also ranked by farmers and researchers as the most preferred genotypes. The genotypes and environments sum of squares accounted for the most of the variability by contributing 38.10 and 32.99% for genotypes and environments respectively. Mamboleo and Sawia varieties showed high G X E stability. Farmers and researchers ranked Pendo and Johari as the best varieties.
Key words: Arachis hypogaea, participatory farmers’ evaluation, groundnuts, stability analysis.
Erasto.M. Shenkalwa, Tulole Lugendo Bucheyeki, Theofora X. Mapunda and Leah W. Matata
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1073Short Communication
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (12), pp. 001-003, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Preliminary investigation of growth performance of giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) fed with selected household wastes
Siyanbola Mojisola Funmilayo
Department of Agriculture Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki Campus, P. M. B. 021, Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria. 08058315060, 08027267750. E-mail: mojisiyanbola@yahoo.com
Accepted 01 March, 2018
Abstract
The effect of selected household waste fed to common giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) on growth performance was investigated in a twenty week experiment. Four experimental diets A (Paw paw leaves), B (maize bran) C (guinea corn bran) and D (Plantain peels) were used for the study. Proximate analysis of the diets showed that diets B (maize bran) and C (Guinea corn bran) were high in protein and mineral contents while diets A had the least value Growth parameters (weight gain, shell length gain shell circumference gain) were determined. The result of the study showed that higher growth performance for all parameters for Archachatina marginata was favoured by guinea corn bran (diet C) while paw-paw leaves (diet A) had the least for all the parameters. There was significant difference in (P < 0.05) in weight gain and shell length, while there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in shell circumference of the snails fed with the experimental diets.
Key words: Giant land snail, growth performance, diets.
Siyanbola Mojisola Funmilayo
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1072Research Article
Potential application of Hyptis spicigera for biological control of Striga hermonthica infestation
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (11), pp. 001-006, November, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Potential application of Hyptis spicigera for biological control of Striga hermonthica infestation
Othira, J. O.1*, A. L. Deng2, L. A. Onek1, J. Kemey4 and E. O. Omolo3
1Department of Biochemistry, Egerton University, P. O. Box 536 - 20115, Egerton – Kenya.
2Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, Egerton – Kenya.
3Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, Egerton – Kenya.
4Moi University, Department of Chemistry, Eldoret – Kenya.
Accepted 13 February, 2018
Abstract
Food situation has remained insecure and unpredictable in sub-Saharan Africa leading to high levels of cyclic famine and poverty. This has been exacerbated by perennial pest problems, which cause substantial pre- and post- harvest food grain losses. Production of cereal crops is threatened by Striga hermonthica weed known to infest an estimated 46000 ha of land in the traditional food producing areas in western and coastal Kenya. It is against this background that this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Hyptis spicigera–maize cropping systems on S. hermonthica infestation and maize grain yield and, generate a recommendation compatible with the target farmer dormains. Results showed that Striga counts were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced where maize was following fallow with H. spicigera. This was most effective in reducing S. hermonthica incidence and increased maize yield from 2.2 to 3.4 T/Ha. Intercropping maize and H. spicigera in the same plot at the same time negatively affected maize growth resulting in reduced maize yields. Indications were that root cuttings of H. spicigera stimulated Striga seed germination while their stubble (stem and leaves) reduced Striga seed bank in the soil. Striga seed bank analysis showed that Striga seed depletion increased with increase in Hyptis bushes with critical Hyptis seeding rate of 3 kg/Ha for maximum reduction in Striga seed bank. The findings of this study have implications for plant protection against S. hermonthica and improvement of cereal crop production in Striga-prone environments.
Key words: Striga Incidence, seeding rates, cropping systems, maize yield.
L. A. Onek, J. O, Othira , * A. L. Deng, J. Kemey and E. O. Omolo
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1071Research Article
Growth performance of bamboo in tobacco-growing regions in South Nyanza, Kenya
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (11), pp. 001-009, November, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Growth performance of bamboo in tobacco-growing regions in South Nyanza, Kenya
J. K. Kibwage1*, G. W. Netondo1, A. J. Odondo1, B. O. Oindo1, G. M. Momanyi1 and F. Jinhe2
1Maseno University, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Tobacco Control Research Project Office, P. O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya.
2International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), P. O. Box 100102-86, Beijing, China.
Accepted 08 March, 2018
Abstract
The study was carried out on 120 field experimentation sites where 2420 bamboo cuttings were planted under the same natural tobacco growing conditions in five different zones (that is, zone A = hillside/steep sloping farmland, B = hillside/gentle sloping farmland, C = flat farmland/not wetland/ riverbank, D = flat farmland/wetland and E = homestead) based on each farmer’s preference during the short rain season between September and October 2006. The experiment comprised of 1210 giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) and 1210 common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris). Each cutting was planted in a cubical hole measuring 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.6 m. Each farmer was given 20 bamboo cuttings (that is, 10 each of giant bamboo and common bamboo). Out of the 20 cuttings planted, five clumps of each species were randomly selected and tagged for monitoring survival rates, number of culms, culm heights and culm diameter. Frequency tabulations were used to present the data. Both species of bamboo perform well in gentle slopes and flat farmlands but not on wetlands. A part from the wetlands, survival rates of B. vulgaris and D. giganteus were ranging between 69 and 94% respectively. B. vulgaris established faster and withstood water logging than D. giganteus. The findings show that the two species of bamboo can do well in soil and agro-climatic conditions similar to those of tobacco. To replace tobacco with bamboo in Kenya, this experiment needs to be replicated in the other 10 remaining tobacco -growing regions in the country. Capacity building will be very important through training and farmers empowerment in bamboo farming and processing.
Key words: Tobacco, bamboo, growth performance, Kenya.
A. J. Odondo, G. M. Momanyi and F. Jinhe, J. K. Kibwage*, B. O. Oindo, G. W. Netondo
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1070Research Article
Evaluation and release of new sweet potato varieties through farmer participatory selection
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (10), pp. 001-005, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluation and release of new sweet potato varieties through farmer participatory selection
Laurie, S.M.* and Magoro, M.D.
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) - Vegetable and Ornamental Plant, Pretoria, South Africa.
Accepted 11 March, 2018
Abstract
Low yields and yield instability due to the use of old land races were limiting sweet potato production by resource-poor farmers in South Africa. Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) is considered an appropriate method to develop varieties for low input agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate advanced sweet potato genotypes, using PVS, to determine their adaptability and acceptability in targeted production areas. Advanced sweet potato lines and varieties were tested in multi-location trials, maintained collaboratively by resource-poor farmers, agricultural extension officers and research technicians at six sites across the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003. This study resulted in varietal recommendations for six areas, the release of seven cream-fleshed varieties and one new orange-fleshed variety for alleviation of vitamin A deficiency. Farmer participation proved useful, though a number of shortcomings were identified and recommendations have been made to improve the procedure.
Key words: Multi-location trials, participatory varietal selection, sweet potato.
Laurie , S.M.* and Magoro, M.D.
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1069Research Article
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 4 (10), pp. 001-017, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Combining multi-agent simulations and cost-benefit analysis to evaluate policy options for the management of livestock effluents in Réunion Island
Stefano Farolfi1* Louise Erasmus†2 Christophe Le Page3 and Pierre Bommel3
1CIRAD, UMR G-EAU and CEEPA, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
2CEEPA, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
3CIRAD, UPR GREEN, Montpellier, France.
Accepted 04 April, 2018
Abstract
This study uses a multi-agent system to simulate the behaviour of economic players in a context of rapidly evolving environmental policy. The area under study is represented by a sector of a French overseas Department, Réunion Island, with a high concentration of pig farms in the upland region and extensive sugarcane plantations in the coastal zone. We first simulate local pig farmers’ reactions to several policy options aimed at reducing the pollution coming from pig rearing. Multi- agent simulations are then coupled with cost-benefit analysis in order to calculate the net present value of different policy options. Advantages and limits of the use of the proposed methods to support decision-making are finally discussed.
Key words: Environmental policy, decision-making, livestock effluents, Réunion Island, multi-agent system, cost-benefit analysis.
* Louise Erasmus, Christophe Le Page and Pierre Bommel, Stefano Farolfi
https://doi.org/10.46882/AAAS/1068