Wetlands play a number of vital roles in the ecosystem, such as serving as nutrient sinks, preventing floods, storing carbon, and filtering water. Encroachment on wetlands has led to substantial economic and environme...Wetlands play a number of vital roles in the ecosystem, such as serving as nutrient sinks, preventing floods, storing carbon, and filtering water. Encroachment on wetlands has led to substantial economic and environmental losses, including water quality degradation, loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, reduced climate mitigation as well as social and health risks. This study evaluated the effect of different land use types on nutrient stock distribution across varying soil depths in Busega wetland. The soil samples were collected in three different land uses (annually cultivated areas, perennially cultivated areas, and the undisturbed wetland area) at three different depths (0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, and 20 - 30 cm) in 2021. The soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical soil properties including soil texture and nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium concentrations. The interaction between land use type and soil depth did not have a significant effect on nutrient distribution. However, our results showed that the main effects of land use type and soil depth influenced nutrient stock distribution across the wetland. Higher nutrient concentrations were observed under perennial cropping system than in both annual cropping system and the undisturbed wetland area. Soils under perennial cropping systems had the highest soil organic matter (1.45%), calcium (2.06 Cmol/Kg) and potassium (0.091 Cmol/Kg) levels. Higher soil organic matter (1.40%), nitrogen (0.22%), calcium (1.74 Cmol/Kg), and potassium (0.07 Cmol/Kg) were found at the mid-soil depth of 10 - 20 cm. Our results show substantial nutrient changes due to agricultural activities in the Busega wetland, suggesting further research is urgently needed to determine if these changes have adverse effects on biodiversity and water quality of the wetland and nearby water resources.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilav...Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.展开更多
The present study was undertaken to prepare instant porridge from some useful and available ingredients such as bulgur powder, potato, tomato, carrot, mung bean (unsoaked, soaked and germinated), then seasoned with on...The present study was undertaken to prepare instant porridge from some useful and available ingredients such as bulgur powder, potato, tomato, carrot, mung bean (unsoaked, soaked and germinated), then seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin and coriander to make B1, B2 and B3 formulas. Chemical, physical properties, amino acids and sensory evaluation of instant porridge formulas were determined. The data showed that B2 formula which contained soaked mung bean had the highest calories value, total essential amino acids, biological value and water absorption index (WAI) compared to the other formulas, also it is recorded the highest degree of lightness </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (82.39 and 56.65), least redness </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">a</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (0.98 and 1.45) and intermediate in yellowness </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">b</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (25.91 and 24.45) before and after rehydrated, respectively. Regarding to sensory evaluation, there was a significant increase in color, taste and overall acceptability in B2 compared to the other formulas. Based on these results, revealed that the soaked mung bean was a good source of essential amino acid and calories to enhance nutritional and technological quality of the resultant porridge.展开更多
Pastry is an essential part of food stuff people like, especially preferring those made of wheat flour: cakes, biscuits, pancakes, etc. The nutritive value of the products mentioned above is not high. Therefore, there...Pastry is an essential part of food stuff people like, especially preferring those made of wheat flour: cakes, biscuits, pancakes, etc. The nutritive value of the products mentioned above is not high. Therefore, there is a need to increase it by adding something like doum fruit (Hyphaene thebaica L.), which is a widespread in Upper Egypt. Doum fruit is a rich source of fibers and antioxidants, also other valuable substances such as carbohydrates and minerals especially potassium (K for people suffering from blood pressure problems). This investigation was carried out to study the possibility of utilization doum fruit powder in cake production. Five levels of wheat flour substitution were used 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% to produce cake. Also, the effects of blends on farinograph parameters were studied. Results indicated that substitution of doum powder (D.P) led to increase the water absorption (%) and dough weakening (B.U), whereas dough stability (min) was decreased. The water holding capacity of blends increased with increasing the level of substitution. The chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of the prepared cakes were studied. Results showed that increasing the levels of substitution increased the total fat, crude fiber and ash contents in produced cake compared with control. Minerals of the produced cake showed an increment in K and Mg, while slightly increment in Ca, Fe and Zn with increasing the level of substitution. Total phenol and antioxidant activity (AO) increased in substituted cake. Physical attributes of the produced cakes were evaluated and results showed that volume of substituted cakes decreased with increasing the level of replacement except for 10% level it increased. Results of textural analysis showed that D.P fiber decreased all the parameters. Concerning cake color, as the percentage of D.P increased, the color of the cake became darker and had high a and b values. The sensory evaluation results showed an insignificantly decrease in the acceptability by increasing the doum powder substitution comparing with control.展开更多
Tuberose(Polianthes tuberosa L.)is a perennial summer flower grown by smallholders in Kenya for export.However,its production and export volumes have declined drastically due to nematodes infestation.This study evalua...Tuberose(Polianthes tuberosa L.)is a perennial summer flower grown by smallholders in Kenya for export.However,its production and export volumes have declined drastically due to nematodes infestation.This study evaluated the effect of Cleome gynandra accessions on nematode management on tuberose.Experiment was carried out at Egerton University,Kenya using a randomized complete block design with four replications.The treatments were C.gynandra namely“Simlaw”,“Egerton”,“Taastrup”,“PS”and“IP8”,applied at 6 kg/m^(2) and compared with Brassica napus,solarization and untreated control.Data was collected on growth and yield parameters,nematode infestation and quality of tuberose.Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance at p≤0.05 and means separated using Tukey’s test.Biofumigation with Cleome gynandra accessions helped to reduce nematode population by 34%,gall numbers by 83% and galling index by 96%when compared with the control.Use of biofumigation helped to improve plant height and leaf number of tuberoses by 16% and 87%,respectively,when compared with the control.Use of biofumigation helped to improve spike length by 32%,marketable spikes by 80%,and flower yield by 90% and reduced nonmarketable spikes by 95% when compared with the control.Based on the above results,use of Cleome gynandra accessions and other biofumigants such as rape seed can be used to manage nematodes and improve growth,yield and quality of tuberose.展开更多
Coffee is a major cash and export crop in Sierra Leone and is mainly cultivated in southern and eastern provinces.Kenema,Kailahun,Moyamba,Bo,Pujehun and Kono are major coffee growing districts in the country.This stud...Coffee is a major cash and export crop in Sierra Leone and is mainly cultivated in southern and eastern provinces.Kenema,Kailahun,Moyamba,Bo,Pujehun and Kono are major coffee growing districts in the country.This study looks at the extent of phenotypic diversity of the rare and wild Coffea stenophylla in Kenema and Moyamba districts.The Shannon-Weaver diversity index(H')revealed variations among the samples for the observed 13 morphological traits which ranges from 0 for both fruit colour and calyx limb persistence to 0.87 for angle of insertion of primary branches on the main stem.Among the 13 morphological traits assessed,angle of insertion of primary branches on main stem(0.87),growth habit(0.78),bean size(0.75),young leaf colour(0.66),stem habit(0.66)and fruit shape(0.65)exhibited high level of diversity while seed shape(0.58),stipule shape(0.46),leaf shape(0.43),seed uniformity(0.31)and leaf apex shape(0.06)showed low levels of diversity.This is the first report of phenotypic diversity of C.stenophylla in Sierra Leone and the study thus unraveled existence of diversity among samples.It is recommended that these observed variabilities be exploited in order to develop better accessions that are high yielding yet maintain the same taste.Additionally,genetic fingerprinting needs to be applied to provide a complementary assessment of the observed phenotypic diversity.展开更多
The present work was aimed to prepare dried vegetarian soup supplemented with some legumes. Potatoes, hull-less barley flour, carrot, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, coriander and cumin (served as F1) wer...The present work was aimed to prepare dried vegetarian soup supplemented with some legumes. Potatoes, hull-less barley flour, carrot, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, coriander and cumin (served as F1) were used in combination with lentil, green pea and chickpea to formulate F2, F3, and F4, respectively. Chemical, physical, rheological and sensory evaluation was performed. The results indicated that supplementation with legumes significantly enhanced the nutritional characteristics, where the dried vegetarian soup mixtures had reasonable amounts of the required nutrients particularly, protein, carbohydrates, fats, Fe and Zn with good in vitro protein digestibility and mineral availability. Moisture content and water activity predicted the extended shelf-life and stability of the dried soup mixtures. The four resultant soup samples F1, F2, F3 and F4 had a noticeable viscosity pattern characterized by a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior. Supplementation with legumes significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affects taste, color, flavor attributes and overall acceptability of the resultant soup samples. But, it had no significant effect on thickness and appearance. The results clearly demonstrated the usefulness of supplementing the dried vegetarian soup mixtures with legumes to enhance nutritional and technological quality of the resultant soup and lentil was the most valuable addition with the highest acceptability.展开更多
The present study was carried out to develop the wheat flour nutritional value with good quality of unleavened bread by adding 5%, 10% and 15% of bean or sorghum flour. Water absorption was increased by addition of be...The present study was carried out to develop the wheat flour nutritional value with good quality of unleavened bread by adding 5%, 10% and 15% of bean or sorghum flour. Water absorption was increased by addition of bean flour as a result of increase rate of substitution. Dough stability decreased for bean and sorghum blends as the same as increasing addition. Softening gradually increased with increasing the addition of beans or sorghum. Addition of 15% sorghum had the highest degree of softening compared with wheat control and beans mixtures. The extensibility, elasticity and the energy of produced dough were decreased with addition of beans or sorghum to wheat flour and the reduction increased with increasing the level of substitution. In contrast, addition of beans or sorghum to wheat flour increased the proportional number of the produced dough from 3.25 to 3.62 and from 1.80 to 2.90 for beans and sorghum dough, respectively. Bread supplemented with beans had the highest values in protein, ash and fiber compared with wheat and sorghum bread whereas, bread supplemented with sorghum had the highest values in fat content compared with wheat and beans bread. Sorghum bread had the highest iron and zinc content while beans bread had the highest calcium content. The sensory evaluation showed that different blends of beans and sorghum bread had highly acceptable values of all characteristics comparing with wheat control bread. Freshness of all unleavened flat bread blends decreased at different periods as well as bread control compared with zero time period. Water holding capacity (WHC) was significantly increased in all samples compared with wheat bread. Supplementation of bread with 15% beans recorded the highest value in WHC.展开更多
InKenya, Russian wheat aphid (RWA) and stem rust race TTKS (“Ug99”) are the most devastating pests of wheat. Severe infestations by RWA result in yield losses of up to 90% while epidemics of “Ug99”can cause up to ...InKenya, Russian wheat aphid (RWA) and stem rust race TTKS (“Ug99”) are the most devastating pests of wheat. Severe infestations by RWA result in yield losses of up to 90% while epidemics of “Ug99”can cause up to 100% loss. The two pests combined have seriously affected farmer incomes forcing them to rely heavily on pesticides and increasing the cost of production. This study sought to evaluate a wheat line that has been developed to be resistant to both RWA and “Ug99”by pyramiding two major resistance genes. Three varieties were used in this study: “Kwale”, a Kenyan high yielding commercial variety but susceptible to both RWA and “Ug99”;“Cook”, an Australian variety carrying stem rust resistance gene Sr36 conferring immunity to “Ug99”;and “KRWA9”, a Kenyan line resistant to RWA but with poor agronomic attributes. The F1 of the double cross (DC F1) was obtained by crossing the F1 of “Kwale × Cook” and the F1 of “Kwale × KRWA9”. The DC F1 population was subjected to sequential screening for both RWA and “Ug99”resistance. The surviving DC F1 progenies were left to self pollinate in the field to obtain the DC F2. The DC F2 progenies were sequentially screened against RWA and “Ug99”to obtain a resistant population to both RWA and “Ug99”. The yield and yield components of the new resistant line were compared with the three parents. Results showed that the DC F2:3 had higher yields than the three parents based on 1000 kernel weight, weight of kernel per spike, and the actual yield in tons/ha, indicating that the genes were successfully introgressed. It is concluded that though races with virulence for Sr36 have been reported, the gene provides immunity to race “Ug99”and can be used as a component for “Ug99”resistance breeding together with other Sr genes.展开更多
Liver protective effect of special formulas (1 and 2) was assessed against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) which induced liver damage in Wister albino rats. The two prepared formulas reduced the changes in body weight an...Liver protective effect of special formulas (1 and 2) was assessed against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) which induced liver damage in Wister albino rats. The two prepared formulas reduced the changes in body weight and liver weight caused by CCl4 in rats. The toxicity of CCl4 is related to loss in body weight and increase in liver weight in rats. The weight ratios of liver to body weight (LW/BW) significantly increased in rats treated with CCl4 followed by other groups. Formulas 1 and 2 could play an important role in improvement of hematological indices in liver cirrhosis rats. Feeding treated rats on special formulas showed improvement in liver function compared to rats fed on basal diet, reflected by significant reduction of the activity of transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. There was a significant increase in total protein, albumin and globulin in serum. Significant increase in liver weight in rats treated with CCl4. There are no histopathological changes in all groups under study except for group 4 (CCl4 treated rats fed on basal diet) which orally administrated with CCl4 and had congestion of central vein and hepatic sinusoids.展开更多
Wheat is the second most important cereal in Kenya. However, production is severely constrained by both abiotic and biotic stresses. Of the biotic stresses a devastating pest (Russian wheat aphid (RWA)) and a serious ...Wheat is the second most important cereal in Kenya. However, production is severely constrained by both abiotic and biotic stresses. Of the biotic stresses a devastating pest (Russian wheat aphid (RWA)) and a serious disease (stem rust race TTKS (“Ug99”)) are currently the biggest problem for wheat producers in Kenya. Severe infestations by RWA may result in yield losses of up to 90% while “Ug99” infected fields may suffer 100% crop loss. The two pests combined are seriously affecting wheat farmers’ incomes because of the heavy reliance on pesticides that increase the cost of production. This study attempted to develop and characterize wheat lines that are resistant to both RWA and “Ug99” by pyramiding two major resistance genes. Three wheat varieties: “Kwale”, a Kenyan high yielding variety but susceptible to both RWA and “Ug99”;“Cook”, an Australian variety carrying stem rust resistance gene Sr36 conferring immunity to “Ug99”;and “KRWA9”, a Kenyan line with resistance to RWA but of poor agronomic attributes were used. A double cross F1 (DC F1) was obtained by crossing the F1 of “Kwale × Cook” and the F1 of “Kwale × KRWA9”. The DC F1 population was subjected to sequential screening for both RWA and “Ug99” resistance. Surviving DC F1 progenies were left to self pollinate to obtain the F2 of the double cross (DC F2). The DC F2 progenies were sequentially screened against RWA and “Ug99” to yield a population that was resistant to both RWA and “Ug99”. Genotyping of the DC F2:3 families were conducted to select homozygous resistant plants. Data indicated that the RWA and “Ug99” resistance genes were successfully pyramided. Though races with virulence for Sr36 have been reported, the gene provides immunity to race “Ug99” and can still be effectively used as a component for “Ug99” resistance breeding together with other Sr genes.展开更多
Inorganic fertilizer NPK （nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium） （S） 25：5：5：5 is generally recommended for optimum yield and quality of tea （Camellia sinensis）. Non-judicious use of this inorganic fertilizer how...Inorganic fertilizer NPK （nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium） （S） 25：5：5：5 is generally recommended for optimum yield and quality of tea （Camellia sinensis）. Non-judicious use of this inorganic fertilizer however acidifies the soils and pollutes the environment. Integrated soil fertility management （ISFM） which involves the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizer is recommended for improved crop yield and soil health. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of enriching cattle manure with different ratios of inorganic fertilizers （OM： NPKS at ratios 1：2 and 1：4）, and rates on soil nutrient status, nitrogen uptake and yield of tea in the east of Rift Valley, Kenya. Enriching manures and organic manure up to a rate of 150 kg N/ha increased the level of P mature leaf. A higher N and K level in the mature leaf was observed when NPKS was applied at higher rates. In the soil, fertilizer rate up to 150 kg N/ha showed higher pH and K where organic manure and enriched manures were applied while NPKS treatment showed higher P content throughout the soil depths. Enriching organic manures with inorganic fertilizers increased yield significantly.展开更多
Cassava mosaic disease （CMD）, the most important disease of cassava （Manihot esculenta Crantz） is a potential threat to Africa＇s cassava production. The disease is embedded in most landraces resulting in low yiel...Cassava mosaic disease （CMD）, the most important disease of cassava （Manihot esculenta Crantz） is a potential threat to Africa＇s cassava production. The disease is embedded in most landraces resulting in low yields. Host plant resistance has been found to be the best control strategy. A breeding programme using genetic hybridisation and Marker Assisted Selection was initiated in 2007 to improve the resistance levels of farmer-preferred landraces and reduce the long breeding cycle for developing improved cassava varieties. Thirty farmer-preferred landraces were selected and crossed with a high yielding and mosaic resistant cultivar （TMEI l） from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture （IITA）. The resultant progenies found to have a reasonable level of resistance （score, 1-3） to the CMD were AW 18, 273 Nyamebekyere, NK 43, AW 3, NK 26, K 25, Dabodabo, Ahwengyankwa, 674 Debor, Degarti, Agric Bankye, and NK 57. These resultant progenies were backcrossed to the resistant cultivar. The backcross one （BC l） progenies totaling 224 were screened with molecular markers that are associated to the CMD 2 gene. De-oxyribonucleic Acid （DNA） was extracted from leaves of the 224 BC1 progenies and 13 parents. Two Simple Sequence Repeats （SSR） markers （SSY28 and NSl58） and one Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region （SCAR） marker RME1, were used to screen and select for the resistant BC l progenies. Marker Assisted Selection （MAS） revealed that 82% of the genotypes had at least a marker allele for the CMD2 gene, indicating resistance. The study further revealed that by using MAS, the breeding cycle of cassava in the generation of varieties could be reduced from 8 years to 2 years. The resistant genotypes identified will be evaluated for yield and starch cooking quality in future breeding work.展开更多
Determination of crop growth parameters of maize helps assess the performance of the crop for food security. A study was conducted in two seasons covering 2012 and 2013 to establish optimal irrigation and nitrogen fer...Determination of crop growth parameters of maize helps assess the performance of the crop for food security. A study was conducted in two seasons covering 2012 and 2013 to establish optimal irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer rates for drought tolerant hybrid maize （Zea mays L.）, DK8031 variety, in sandy loam soils using furrow irrigation. Four additive irrigation levels （119.05 mm, 238.10 mm, 357.15 mm and 476.2 mm） were allocated the main plots while five nitrogen fertilizer rates （0 kg/ha, 60, 75 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha） were allocated the sub-plots. Both irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer treatments significantly enhanced crop growth parameters under consideration. Stand count per treatment plot, plant height and number of leaves per ranged from 45-59 plants/plot, 215-238 cm and 14-16 leaves respectively. It was concluded that use of supplementary irrigation and phased nitrogen fertilizer rates for maize growing in areas such as Embu can greatly promote crop growth.展开更多
Erratic rainfall and temperature regimes, strongly affect agricultural productivity. To address the reduction in production, this study assessed the effect of Zai pit depths on selected soil properties and cowpea grow...Erratic rainfall and temperature regimes, strongly affect agricultural productivity. To address the reduction in production, this study assessed the effect of Zai pit depths on selected soil properties and cowpea growth and grain yield. “Zai” pit technology was tested in two locations falling under Agroecological Zone IV (relatively dry areas) <i>i.e.</i> Katumani in Machakos County and Naivasha in Nakuru County, Kenya, aiming to determine the combined effect of four “Zai” pit depths and two levels of manure (plots with manure and plots without manure) on selected soil properties, growth and yield of cowpea. Experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement, with manure levels as the main plot factor and “Zai” pit depths (Flat: Z<sub>0</sub>, 30 cm: Z<sub>30</sub>, 45 cm: Z<sub>45</sub> and 60 cm: Z<sub>60</sub>) as subplot factor, replicated four times. Cowpea (M66 variety) was used as the test crop. Inorganic N and extractable P were significantly (P < 0.05) higher, at 1.37 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for N<sub>in</sub> and 80.4 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for P<sub>ex</sub> in Zai pits compared to flat plots which were at 0.91 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for N<sub>in</sub> and 47.1 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for P<sub>ex</sub>. The values of N<sub>in</sub> and P<sub>ex</sub> also varied depending on depths, with Z<sub>45</sub> having highest N<sub>in</sub> at 1.17 against the least, at 0.89 in the Z<sub>0</sub>, while Pex was highest in Z<sub>30</sub> at 102.3 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> while Z<sub>0</sub> having the least P<sub>ex</sub> of 89.7 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup>. Generally, crops in “Zai” pitted plots were larger in diameter at 0.46 cm than crops in flat plots at 0.42 cm. Better performance was observed in yield, with Z<sub>30</sub> yielding 30.5% against 18.2% Flat plots in Machakos while 27.9% in Z<sub>30</sub> against 22.5% from Flat plots in Naivasha. This study demonstrated great potential of “Zai” pit technology on crop production, as reflected on improved growth and yield of cowpeas. Combining “Zai” pits with manure increases soil N<sub>in</sub>, P<sub>ex</sub> and is a guarantee of great crop performance in terms of high final yields.展开更多
Sorghum is a potential fodder crop for an alternative source of livestock feed in Kenya.A study was done to determine the levels of prussic acid,lignin and cellulose content in potential fodder sorghum varieties at Eg...Sorghum is a potential fodder crop for an alternative source of livestock feed in Kenya.A study was done to determine the levels of prussic acid,lignin and cellulose content in potential fodder sorghum varieties at Egerton University Field Station in Kenya.Twenty-five sorghum genotypes were grown in a randomized complete block design(RCBD)and replicated three times.The genotypes were sampled at 3-leaf stage and analyzed for prussic acid,lignin and cellulose.The data were subjected to statistical analysis of variance and correlation using Statistical Analysis System(SAS)program version 9.1.Prussic acid levels were significantly different even at an early stage,with local varieties producing more.Lignin and cellulose had an inverse relationship with respect to concentration.Fodder sorghum genotypes varied significantly in prussic acid,lignin and cellulose,even at an early growth stage.展开更多
Cassava productivity is hampered by pests and diseases including cassava<span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> mosaic disease (CMD) and cass...Cassava productivity is hampered by pests and diseases including cassava<span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The main ob</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">jective of this study was to identify stable superior genotypes that combine</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> dis</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ease resistance and high yield. Sixteen cassava genotypes were planted in a</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">randomized complete block design with three replications for six planting </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">seasons (years) at five sites in Tanzania. The genotypes were assessed using the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis, and highly significant (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">< 0.001) effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by-environment (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) interactions were observed for all traits studied. Per</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cent sum of squares (SS) due to environment (12.66% - 85.23%) was the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> highest followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (14.12% - 39.56%) for CMD foliar symptoms, root weight and dry matter. On the other hand, % SS due to genotype (52.14% - 69.14%) </span><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">was highest followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (26.14% - 35.91%) for CBSD foliar and root</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> symptoms indicating that the environment and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> greatly influenced trait expression. The most stable genotypes which combined disease resistance and high yield were NDL 2003/31 and NDL 2003/111. The findings of this study will give impetus for the release of new cassava varieties that are not only high yielding but are also dually resistant to both CMD and CBSD in different locations and sites.</span></span>展开更多
Stem rust race Ug99, also designated TTKSK （Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici） cause stem or black rust, which is a serious disease of wheat worldwide. Field experiments were conducted at two sites during 2008 and 20...Stem rust race Ug99, also designated TTKSK （Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici） cause stem or black rust, which is a serious disease of wheat worldwide. Field experiments were conducted at two sites during 2008 and 2009 growing seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of two new foliar fungicides： viz. Nativo 300 SC （trifloxystrobin 100 g L^-1 ＋ tebuconazole 200 g L^-1） and Prosaro 250 EC （prothioconazole 125 g L^-1 ＋ tebuconazole 125 g L^-1）, in controlling stem rust on susceptible wheat cultivar Duma. AmistarXtra 280 SC （azoxystrobin 200 g L^-1 ＋ cyproconazole 80 g L^-1） and Folicur 250 EC （tebuconazole） were used as checks. The treatment at each site and year included non-treated control and two spray applications of the fungicides at growth stages （GS） 55 （heading） and 65 （flowering）. Stem rust severities were scored using the modified Cobb scale at 14-day intervals after application. The data were used to calculate mean rust severity （MRS）. Stem rust epidemics were severe at KARI-Njoro in 2008 and the treatment effects on stem rust severities, grain yield and 1,000 kernel weights were significant at both KARI-Njoro and Mau-Narok sites. The fungicide treatments, significantly （P _〈 0.05） reduced stem rust severity, increased grain yield and 1,000 kernel weight of the susceptible wheat cultivar Duma compared to the non-treated control. Both fungicides： Nativo 300 SC and Prosaro 250 EC applied at the rate of 1.0 L hat were recommended for commercial use.展开更多
Blast has been a continuous threat to finger millet production in semi-arid tropics.The disease is economically important and widespread in finger millet major growing areas of western,Nyanza and Rift valley in Kenya....Blast has been a continuous threat to finger millet production in semi-arid tropics.The disease is economically important and widespread in finger millet major growing areas of western,Nyanza and Rift valley in Kenya.Host resistance is the most economical and effective means of controlling the disease as finger millet is grown by resource-poor farmers.This study evaluated a hundred finger millet genotypes for resistance to blast at KALRO(Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization)Kakamega and Alupe,Kenya for two seasons in 2011/2012 in a lattice square design for two seasons each.Data on blast incidence and severity were measured.Data were analyzed using ANOVA(analysis of variance)and means separated using Duncan multiple range test(DMRT)at p<0.005.The results showed that disease severity was highest in early maturing varieties and lowest in the late maturing varieties.The most resistant genotypes were:GBK000702,GBK000513,GBK029869,GULU-E,GBK000752 and Busibwabo.Pearson correlation analysis between neck severity and physiological maturity was positively significant(r=-0.47).A strong positive correlation between finger severity and neck severity(r=0.87)was observed.These tolerant genotypes could be utilized as donor parents for breeding durable blast resistant varieties.展开更多
Chickpea （Cicer arietinum L.） is an important cool season food legumes with indeterminate growth habit. The crop is valued for its nutritive seeds and used as animal feed in many developing countries. ...Chickpea （Cicer arietinum L.） is an important cool season food legumes with indeterminate growth habit. The crop is valued for its nutritive seeds and used as animal feed in many developing countries. The productivity of the crop is constrained by several abiotic stresses, among which drought stress is one of the key determinants of crop performance aaccounting for 40-50% yield reduction globally. The present study was conducted to screen, evaluate and select chickpea genotypes possessing high yield potential under drought stress condition at ASALs （arid and semi-arid lands） of Kenya. The experiment was conducted at Chemeron dry land and Eco-tourism Research station, Egerton University and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute （KALRO）, Pekerra, Marigat, Baringo County. The genotypes were planted in RCBD （randomized complete block design） in three replicates at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, giving a plant density of approximately 25 plants/m2. Combined analysis of variance revealed existence of highly significant differences among the tested genotypes for most of the agronomic traits. Overall, the highest grain yield was obtained from ICCV 92944 （1,173 kg/ha）, ICCV 92318 （1,103 kg/ha） and CAVIR （975 kg/ha）, ICCV 92318 （967 kg/ha）, ICCV 00108 （956 kg/ha） and ICC 4958 （921 kg/ha）： possibly due to its comparatively higher drought （and heat） tolerance, and hence could be used as sources of drought tolerance in further breeding programs. This study was carried out in few drought tolerant sites and further more sites need to be evaluated in addition to other drought and heat screening and optimization of protocols, facilities and analytical approaches to identify better genotypes that respond appropriately to climate change.展开更多
文摘Wetlands play a number of vital roles in the ecosystem, such as serving as nutrient sinks, preventing floods, storing carbon, and filtering water. Encroachment on wetlands has led to substantial economic and environmental losses, including water quality degradation, loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, reduced climate mitigation as well as social and health risks. This study evaluated the effect of different land use types on nutrient stock distribution across varying soil depths in Busega wetland. The soil samples were collected in three different land uses (annually cultivated areas, perennially cultivated areas, and the undisturbed wetland area) at three different depths (0 - 10 cm, 10 - 20 cm, and 20 - 30 cm) in 2021. The soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical soil properties including soil texture and nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium concentrations. The interaction between land use type and soil depth did not have a significant effect on nutrient distribution. However, our results showed that the main effects of land use type and soil depth influenced nutrient stock distribution across the wetland. Higher nutrient concentrations were observed under perennial cropping system than in both annual cropping system and the undisturbed wetland area. Soils under perennial cropping systems had the highest soil organic matter (1.45%), calcium (2.06 Cmol/Kg) and potassium (0.091 Cmol/Kg) levels. Higher soil organic matter (1.40%), nitrogen (0.22%), calcium (1.74 Cmol/Kg), and potassium (0.07 Cmol/Kg) were found at the mid-soil depth of 10 - 20 cm. Our results show substantial nutrient changes due to agricultural activities in the Busega wetland, suggesting further research is urgently needed to determine if these changes have adverse effects on biodiversity and water quality of the wetland and nearby water resources.
基金financially supported by Department of Biochemistry,Faculty of Agriculture.Cario University,and Food Technology Research Institute(FTRI)
文摘Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.
文摘The present study was undertaken to prepare instant porridge from some useful and available ingredients such as bulgur powder, potato, tomato, carrot, mung bean (unsoaked, soaked and germinated), then seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin and coriander to make B1, B2 and B3 formulas. Chemical, physical properties, amino acids and sensory evaluation of instant porridge formulas were determined. The data showed that B2 formula which contained soaked mung bean had the highest calories value, total essential amino acids, biological value and water absorption index (WAI) compared to the other formulas, also it is recorded the highest degree of lightness </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">L</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (82.39 and 56.65), least redness </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">a</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (0.98 and 1.45) and intermediate in yellowness </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">b</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></i></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> values (25.91 and 24.45) before and after rehydrated, respectively. Regarding to sensory evaluation, there was a significant increase in color, taste and overall acceptability in B2 compared to the other formulas. Based on these results, revealed that the soaked mung bean was a good source of essential amino acid and calories to enhance nutritional and technological quality of the resultant porridge.
文摘Pastry is an essential part of food stuff people like, especially preferring those made of wheat flour: cakes, biscuits, pancakes, etc. The nutritive value of the products mentioned above is not high. Therefore, there is a need to increase it by adding something like doum fruit (Hyphaene thebaica L.), which is a widespread in Upper Egypt. Doum fruit is a rich source of fibers and antioxidants, also other valuable substances such as carbohydrates and minerals especially potassium (K for people suffering from blood pressure problems). This investigation was carried out to study the possibility of utilization doum fruit powder in cake production. Five levels of wheat flour substitution were used 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% to produce cake. Also, the effects of blends on farinograph parameters were studied. Results indicated that substitution of doum powder (D.P) led to increase the water absorption (%) and dough weakening (B.U), whereas dough stability (min) was decreased. The water holding capacity of blends increased with increasing the level of substitution. The chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of the prepared cakes were studied. Results showed that increasing the levels of substitution increased the total fat, crude fiber and ash contents in produced cake compared with control. Minerals of the produced cake showed an increment in K and Mg, while slightly increment in Ca, Fe and Zn with increasing the level of substitution. Total phenol and antioxidant activity (AO) increased in substituted cake. Physical attributes of the produced cakes were evaluated and results showed that volume of substituted cakes decreased with increasing the level of replacement except for 10% level it increased. Results of textural analysis showed that D.P fiber decreased all the parameters. Concerning cake color, as the percentage of D.P increased, the color of the cake became darker and had high a and b values. The sensory evaluation results showed an insignificantly decrease in the acceptability by increasing the doum powder substitution comparing with control.
文摘Tuberose(Polianthes tuberosa L.)is a perennial summer flower grown by smallholders in Kenya for export.However,its production and export volumes have declined drastically due to nematodes infestation.This study evaluated the effect of Cleome gynandra accessions on nematode management on tuberose.Experiment was carried out at Egerton University,Kenya using a randomized complete block design with four replications.The treatments were C.gynandra namely“Simlaw”,“Egerton”,“Taastrup”,“PS”and“IP8”,applied at 6 kg/m^(2) and compared with Brassica napus,solarization and untreated control.Data was collected on growth and yield parameters,nematode infestation and quality of tuberose.Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance at p≤0.05 and means separated using Tukey’s test.Biofumigation with Cleome gynandra accessions helped to reduce nematode population by 34%,gall numbers by 83% and galling index by 96%when compared with the control.Use of biofumigation helped to improve plant height and leaf number of tuberoses by 16% and 87%,respectively,when compared with the control.Use of biofumigation helped to improve spike length by 32%,marketable spikes by 80%,and flower yield by 90% and reduced nonmarketable spikes by 95% when compared with the control.Based on the above results,use of Cleome gynandra accessions and other biofumigants such as rape seed can be used to manage nematodes and improve growth,yield and quality of tuberose.
文摘Coffee is a major cash and export crop in Sierra Leone and is mainly cultivated in southern and eastern provinces.Kenema,Kailahun,Moyamba,Bo,Pujehun and Kono are major coffee growing districts in the country.This study looks at the extent of phenotypic diversity of the rare and wild Coffea stenophylla in Kenema and Moyamba districts.The Shannon-Weaver diversity index(H')revealed variations among the samples for the observed 13 morphological traits which ranges from 0 for both fruit colour and calyx limb persistence to 0.87 for angle of insertion of primary branches on the main stem.Among the 13 morphological traits assessed,angle of insertion of primary branches on main stem(0.87),growth habit(0.78),bean size(0.75),young leaf colour(0.66),stem habit(0.66)and fruit shape(0.65)exhibited high level of diversity while seed shape(0.58),stipule shape(0.46),leaf shape(0.43),seed uniformity(0.31)and leaf apex shape(0.06)showed low levels of diversity.This is the first report of phenotypic diversity of C.stenophylla in Sierra Leone and the study thus unraveled existence of diversity among samples.It is recommended that these observed variabilities be exploited in order to develop better accessions that are high yielding yet maintain the same taste.Additionally,genetic fingerprinting needs to be applied to provide a complementary assessment of the observed phenotypic diversity.
文摘The present work was aimed to prepare dried vegetarian soup supplemented with some legumes. Potatoes, hull-less barley flour, carrot, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, coriander and cumin (served as F1) were used in combination with lentil, green pea and chickpea to formulate F2, F3, and F4, respectively. Chemical, physical, rheological and sensory evaluation was performed. The results indicated that supplementation with legumes significantly enhanced the nutritional characteristics, where the dried vegetarian soup mixtures had reasonable amounts of the required nutrients particularly, protein, carbohydrates, fats, Fe and Zn with good in vitro protein digestibility and mineral availability. Moisture content and water activity predicted the extended shelf-life and stability of the dried soup mixtures. The four resultant soup samples F1, F2, F3 and F4 had a noticeable viscosity pattern characterized by a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior. Supplementation with legumes significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affects taste, color, flavor attributes and overall acceptability of the resultant soup samples. But, it had no significant effect on thickness and appearance. The results clearly demonstrated the usefulness of supplementing the dried vegetarian soup mixtures with legumes to enhance nutritional and technological quality of the resultant soup and lentil was the most valuable addition with the highest acceptability.
文摘The present study was carried out to develop the wheat flour nutritional value with good quality of unleavened bread by adding 5%, 10% and 15% of bean or sorghum flour. Water absorption was increased by addition of bean flour as a result of increase rate of substitution. Dough stability decreased for bean and sorghum blends as the same as increasing addition. Softening gradually increased with increasing the addition of beans or sorghum. Addition of 15% sorghum had the highest degree of softening compared with wheat control and beans mixtures. The extensibility, elasticity and the energy of produced dough were decreased with addition of beans or sorghum to wheat flour and the reduction increased with increasing the level of substitution. In contrast, addition of beans or sorghum to wheat flour increased the proportional number of the produced dough from 3.25 to 3.62 and from 1.80 to 2.90 for beans and sorghum dough, respectively. Bread supplemented with beans had the highest values in protein, ash and fiber compared with wheat and sorghum bread whereas, bread supplemented with sorghum had the highest values in fat content compared with wheat and beans bread. Sorghum bread had the highest iron and zinc content while beans bread had the highest calcium content. The sensory evaluation showed that different blends of beans and sorghum bread had highly acceptable values of all characteristics comparing with wheat control bread. Freshness of all unleavened flat bread blends decreased at different periods as well as bread control compared with zero time period. Water holding capacity (WHC) was significantly increased in all samples compared with wheat bread. Supplementation of bread with 15% beans recorded the highest value in WHC.
文摘InKenya, Russian wheat aphid (RWA) and stem rust race TTKS (“Ug99”) are the most devastating pests of wheat. Severe infestations by RWA result in yield losses of up to 90% while epidemics of “Ug99”can cause up to 100% loss. The two pests combined have seriously affected farmer incomes forcing them to rely heavily on pesticides and increasing the cost of production. This study sought to evaluate a wheat line that has been developed to be resistant to both RWA and “Ug99”by pyramiding two major resistance genes. Three varieties were used in this study: “Kwale”, a Kenyan high yielding commercial variety but susceptible to both RWA and “Ug99”;“Cook”, an Australian variety carrying stem rust resistance gene Sr36 conferring immunity to “Ug99”;and “KRWA9”, a Kenyan line resistant to RWA but with poor agronomic attributes. The F1 of the double cross (DC F1) was obtained by crossing the F1 of “Kwale × Cook” and the F1 of “Kwale × KRWA9”. The DC F1 population was subjected to sequential screening for both RWA and “Ug99”resistance. The surviving DC F1 progenies were left to self pollinate in the field to obtain the DC F2. The DC F2 progenies were sequentially screened against RWA and “Ug99”to obtain a resistant population to both RWA and “Ug99”. The yield and yield components of the new resistant line were compared with the three parents. Results showed that the DC F2:3 had higher yields than the three parents based on 1000 kernel weight, weight of kernel per spike, and the actual yield in tons/ha, indicating that the genes were successfully introgressed. It is concluded that though races with virulence for Sr36 have been reported, the gene provides immunity to race “Ug99”and can be used as a component for “Ug99”resistance breeding together with other Sr genes.
文摘Liver protective effect of special formulas (1 and 2) was assessed against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) which induced liver damage in Wister albino rats. The two prepared formulas reduced the changes in body weight and liver weight caused by CCl4 in rats. The toxicity of CCl4 is related to loss in body weight and increase in liver weight in rats. The weight ratios of liver to body weight (LW/BW) significantly increased in rats treated with CCl4 followed by other groups. Formulas 1 and 2 could play an important role in improvement of hematological indices in liver cirrhosis rats. Feeding treated rats on special formulas showed improvement in liver function compared to rats fed on basal diet, reflected by significant reduction of the activity of transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. There was a significant increase in total protein, albumin and globulin in serum. Significant increase in liver weight in rats treated with CCl4. There are no histopathological changes in all groups under study except for group 4 (CCl4 treated rats fed on basal diet) which orally administrated with CCl4 and had congestion of central vein and hepatic sinusoids.
文摘Wheat is the second most important cereal in Kenya. However, production is severely constrained by both abiotic and biotic stresses. Of the biotic stresses a devastating pest (Russian wheat aphid (RWA)) and a serious disease (stem rust race TTKS (“Ug99”)) are currently the biggest problem for wheat producers in Kenya. Severe infestations by RWA may result in yield losses of up to 90% while “Ug99” infected fields may suffer 100% crop loss. The two pests combined are seriously affecting wheat farmers’ incomes because of the heavy reliance on pesticides that increase the cost of production. This study attempted to develop and characterize wheat lines that are resistant to both RWA and “Ug99” by pyramiding two major resistance genes. Three wheat varieties: “Kwale”, a Kenyan high yielding variety but susceptible to both RWA and “Ug99”;“Cook”, an Australian variety carrying stem rust resistance gene Sr36 conferring immunity to “Ug99”;and “KRWA9”, a Kenyan line with resistance to RWA but of poor agronomic attributes were used. A double cross F1 (DC F1) was obtained by crossing the F1 of “Kwale × Cook” and the F1 of “Kwale × KRWA9”. The DC F1 population was subjected to sequential screening for both RWA and “Ug99” resistance. Surviving DC F1 progenies were left to self pollinate to obtain the F2 of the double cross (DC F2). The DC F2 progenies were sequentially screened against RWA and “Ug99” to yield a population that was resistant to both RWA and “Ug99”. Genotyping of the DC F2:3 families were conducted to select homozygous resistant plants. Data indicated that the RWA and “Ug99” resistance genes were successfully pyramided. Though races with virulence for Sr36 have been reported, the gene provides immunity to race “Ug99” and can still be effectively used as a component for “Ug99” resistance breeding together with other Sr genes.
文摘Inorganic fertilizer NPK （nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium） （S） 25：5：5：5 is generally recommended for optimum yield and quality of tea （Camellia sinensis）. Non-judicious use of this inorganic fertilizer however acidifies the soils and pollutes the environment. Integrated soil fertility management （ISFM） which involves the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizer is recommended for improved crop yield and soil health. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of enriching cattle manure with different ratios of inorganic fertilizers （OM： NPKS at ratios 1：2 and 1：4）, and rates on soil nutrient status, nitrogen uptake and yield of tea in the east of Rift Valley, Kenya. Enriching manures and organic manure up to a rate of 150 kg N/ha increased the level of P mature leaf. A higher N and K level in the mature leaf was observed when NPKS was applied at higher rates. In the soil, fertilizer rate up to 150 kg N/ha showed higher pH and K where organic manure and enriched manures were applied while NPKS treatment showed higher P content throughout the soil depths. Enriching organic manures with inorganic fertilizers increased yield significantly.
文摘Cassava mosaic disease （CMD）, the most important disease of cassava （Manihot esculenta Crantz） is a potential threat to Africa＇s cassava production. The disease is embedded in most landraces resulting in low yields. Host plant resistance has been found to be the best control strategy. A breeding programme using genetic hybridisation and Marker Assisted Selection was initiated in 2007 to improve the resistance levels of farmer-preferred landraces and reduce the long breeding cycle for developing improved cassava varieties. Thirty farmer-preferred landraces were selected and crossed with a high yielding and mosaic resistant cultivar （TMEI l） from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture （IITA）. The resultant progenies found to have a reasonable level of resistance （score, 1-3） to the CMD were AW 18, 273 Nyamebekyere, NK 43, AW 3, NK 26, K 25, Dabodabo, Ahwengyankwa, 674 Debor, Degarti, Agric Bankye, and NK 57. These resultant progenies were backcrossed to the resistant cultivar. The backcross one （BC l） progenies totaling 224 were screened with molecular markers that are associated to the CMD 2 gene. De-oxyribonucleic Acid （DNA） was extracted from leaves of the 224 BC1 progenies and 13 parents. Two Simple Sequence Repeats （SSR） markers （SSY28 and NSl58） and one Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region （SCAR） marker RME1, were used to screen and select for the resistant BC l progenies. Marker Assisted Selection （MAS） revealed that 82% of the genotypes had at least a marker allele for the CMD2 gene, indicating resistance. The study further revealed that by using MAS, the breeding cycle of cassava in the generation of varieties could be reduced from 8 years to 2 years. The resistant genotypes identified will be evaluated for yield and starch cooking quality in future breeding work.
文摘Determination of crop growth parameters of maize helps assess the performance of the crop for food security. A study was conducted in two seasons covering 2012 and 2013 to establish optimal irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer rates for drought tolerant hybrid maize （Zea mays L.）, DK8031 variety, in sandy loam soils using furrow irrigation. Four additive irrigation levels （119.05 mm, 238.10 mm, 357.15 mm and 476.2 mm） were allocated the main plots while five nitrogen fertilizer rates （0 kg/ha, 60, 75 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha） were allocated the sub-plots. Both irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer treatments significantly enhanced crop growth parameters under consideration. Stand count per treatment plot, plant height and number of leaves per ranged from 45-59 plants/plot, 215-238 cm and 14-16 leaves respectively. It was concluded that use of supplementary irrigation and phased nitrogen fertilizer rates for maize growing in areas such as Embu can greatly promote crop growth.
文摘Erratic rainfall and temperature regimes, strongly affect agricultural productivity. To address the reduction in production, this study assessed the effect of Zai pit depths on selected soil properties and cowpea growth and grain yield. “Zai” pit technology was tested in two locations falling under Agroecological Zone IV (relatively dry areas) <i>i.e.</i> Katumani in Machakos County and Naivasha in Nakuru County, Kenya, aiming to determine the combined effect of four “Zai” pit depths and two levels of manure (plots with manure and plots without manure) on selected soil properties, growth and yield of cowpea. Experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement, with manure levels as the main plot factor and “Zai” pit depths (Flat: Z<sub>0</sub>, 30 cm: Z<sub>30</sub>, 45 cm: Z<sub>45</sub> and 60 cm: Z<sub>60</sub>) as subplot factor, replicated four times. Cowpea (M66 variety) was used as the test crop. Inorganic N and extractable P were significantly (P < 0.05) higher, at 1.37 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for N<sub>in</sub> and 80.4 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for P<sub>ex</sub> in Zai pits compared to flat plots which were at 0.91 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for N<sub>in</sub> and 47.1 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> for P<sub>ex</sub>. The values of N<sub>in</sub> and P<sub>ex</sub> also varied depending on depths, with Z<sub>45</sub> having highest N<sub>in</sub> at 1.17 against the least, at 0.89 in the Z<sub>0</sub>, while Pex was highest in Z<sub>30</sub> at 102.3 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup> while Z<sub>0</sub> having the least P<sub>ex</sub> of 89.7 mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span></span>kg<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span></span>1</sup>. Generally, crops in “Zai” pitted plots were larger in diameter at 0.46 cm than crops in flat plots at 0.42 cm. Better performance was observed in yield, with Z<sub>30</sub> yielding 30.5% against 18.2% Flat plots in Machakos while 27.9% in Z<sub>30</sub> against 22.5% from Flat plots in Naivasha. This study demonstrated great potential of “Zai” pit technology on crop production, as reflected on improved growth and yield of cowpeas. Combining “Zai” pits with manure increases soil N<sub>in</sub>, P<sub>ex</sub> and is a guarantee of great crop performance in terms of high final yields.
文摘Sorghum is a potential fodder crop for an alternative source of livestock feed in Kenya.A study was done to determine the levels of prussic acid,lignin and cellulose content in potential fodder sorghum varieties at Egerton University Field Station in Kenya.Twenty-five sorghum genotypes were grown in a randomized complete block design(RCBD)and replicated three times.The genotypes were sampled at 3-leaf stage and analyzed for prussic acid,lignin and cellulose.The data were subjected to statistical analysis of variance and correlation using Statistical Analysis System(SAS)program version 9.1.Prussic acid levels were significantly different even at an early stage,with local varieties producing more.Lignin and cellulose had an inverse relationship with respect to concentration.Fodder sorghum genotypes varied significantly in prussic acid,lignin and cellulose,even at an early growth stage.
文摘Cassava productivity is hampered by pests and diseases including cassava<span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The main ob</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">jective of this study was to identify stable superior genotypes that combine</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> dis</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ease resistance and high yield. Sixteen cassava genotypes were planted in a</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">randomized complete block design with three replications for six planting </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">seasons (years) at five sites in Tanzania. The genotypes were assessed using the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis, and highly significant (</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">< 0.001) effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by-environment (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) interactions were observed for all traits studied. Per</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cent sum of squares (SS) due to environment (12.66% - 85.23%) was the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> highest followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (14.12% - 39.56%) for CMD foliar symptoms, root weight and dry matter. On the other hand, % SS due to genotype (52.14% - 69.14%) </span><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">was highest followed by </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (26.14% - 35.91%) for CBSD foliar and root</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> symptoms indicating that the environment and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">*</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">E</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> greatly influenced trait expression. The most stable genotypes which combined disease resistance and high yield were NDL 2003/31 and NDL 2003/111. The findings of this study will give impetus for the release of new cassava varieties that are not only high yielding but are also dually resistant to both CMD and CBSD in different locations and sites.</span></span>
文摘Stem rust race Ug99, also designated TTKSK （Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici） cause stem or black rust, which is a serious disease of wheat worldwide. Field experiments were conducted at two sites during 2008 and 2009 growing seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of two new foliar fungicides： viz. Nativo 300 SC （trifloxystrobin 100 g L^-1 ＋ tebuconazole 200 g L^-1） and Prosaro 250 EC （prothioconazole 125 g L^-1 ＋ tebuconazole 125 g L^-1）, in controlling stem rust on susceptible wheat cultivar Duma. AmistarXtra 280 SC （azoxystrobin 200 g L^-1 ＋ cyproconazole 80 g L^-1） and Folicur 250 EC （tebuconazole） were used as checks. The treatment at each site and year included non-treated control and two spray applications of the fungicides at growth stages （GS） 55 （heading） and 65 （flowering）. Stem rust severities were scored using the modified Cobb scale at 14-day intervals after application. The data were used to calculate mean rust severity （MRS）. Stem rust epidemics were severe at KARI-Njoro in 2008 and the treatment effects on stem rust severities, grain yield and 1,000 kernel weights were significant at both KARI-Njoro and Mau-Narok sites. The fungicide treatments, significantly （P _〈 0.05） reduced stem rust severity, increased grain yield and 1,000 kernel weight of the susceptible wheat cultivar Duma compared to the non-treated control. Both fungicides： Nativo 300 SC and Prosaro 250 EC applied at the rate of 1.0 L hat were recommended for commercial use.
文摘Blast has been a continuous threat to finger millet production in semi-arid tropics.The disease is economically important and widespread in finger millet major growing areas of western,Nyanza and Rift valley in Kenya.Host resistance is the most economical and effective means of controlling the disease as finger millet is grown by resource-poor farmers.This study evaluated a hundred finger millet genotypes for resistance to blast at KALRO(Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization)Kakamega and Alupe,Kenya for two seasons in 2011/2012 in a lattice square design for two seasons each.Data on blast incidence and severity were measured.Data were analyzed using ANOVA(analysis of variance)and means separated using Duncan multiple range test(DMRT)at p<0.005.The results showed that disease severity was highest in early maturing varieties and lowest in the late maturing varieties.The most resistant genotypes were:GBK000702,GBK000513,GBK029869,GULU-E,GBK000752 and Busibwabo.Pearson correlation analysis between neck severity and physiological maturity was positively significant(r=-0.47).A strong positive correlation between finger severity and neck severity(r=0.87)was observed.These tolerant genotypes could be utilized as donor parents for breeding durable blast resistant varieties.
文摘Chickpea （Cicer arietinum L.） is an important cool season food legumes with indeterminate growth habit. The crop is valued for its nutritive seeds and used as animal feed in many developing countries. The productivity of the crop is constrained by several abiotic stresses, among which drought stress is one of the key determinants of crop performance aaccounting for 40-50% yield reduction globally. The present study was conducted to screen, evaluate and select chickpea genotypes possessing high yield potential under drought stress condition at ASALs （arid and semi-arid lands） of Kenya. The experiment was conducted at Chemeron dry land and Eco-tourism Research station, Egerton University and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute （KALRO）, Pekerra, Marigat, Baringo County. The genotypes were planted in RCBD （randomized complete block design） in three replicates at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, giving a plant density of approximately 25 plants/m2. Combined analysis of variance revealed existence of highly significant differences among the tested genotypes for most of the agronomic traits. Overall, the highest grain yield was obtained from ICCV 92944 （1,173 kg/ha）, ICCV 92318 （1,103 kg/ha） and CAVIR （975 kg/ha）, ICCV 92318 （967 kg/ha）, ICCV 00108 （956 kg/ha） and ICC 4958 （921 kg/ha）： possibly due to its comparatively higher drought （and heat） tolerance, and hence could be used as sources of drought tolerance in further breeding programs. This study was carried out in few drought tolerant sites and further more sites need to be evaluated in addition to other drought and heat screening and optimization of protocols, facilities and analytical approaches to identify better genotypes that respond appropriately to climate change.
