Grain yield and stability of selected early and medium duration cowpea in Ghana
March 2021
Changes in climate are a major driver for climate-smart crops with short duration on-field and adaptation to diverse growing conditions. This study evaluated the performance of nine early duration and 10 medium duration cowpea genotypes at six locations within the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones of Ghana. Genotypes for each maturity group were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications for...
Incidence and characterization of cassava mosaic viruses in improved and local cultivars in Sierra Leone
February 2021
In Sub-Sahara Africa, Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) is the major important viral disease of cassava which threatens production, livelihoods and food security. Frequently CMD is due to the Africa Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV), East African Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV) and the Ugandan strain of the East African virus (EACMV-UG). The present study investigated the prevalence of these three viruses in 27 cultivars (three...
Molecular characterization of garlic (Allium sativum L.) using SSR markers in Ethiopia
February 2021
Garlic is one of the most cultivated and medicinal horticultural crops in the world. Its production and productivity is decreased due to different constraints. Knowing the genetic distance will give information to tackle the constraints. This study characterized genetic diversity of garlic germplasm by analysis of eleven Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) loci in 115 garlic accession. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh...
Solving the mystery of the construction and elucidating the structural and functionality attributes of dichotomous key, a widely used tool for plant identification
February 2021
The significance of correct identification of plants is acknowledged in many human endeavours such as health care, food production, sustainable housing, forest resources management and environmental protection. Plant identification is usually carried out by means of descriptions and keys, which are available in floras, manuals or other taxonomic publications, the most widely used tool being the dichotomous key. However,...
Genetic relationship and the occurrence of multiple gene resistance to coffee berry disease (Colletotrichum kahawae, Waller & Bridge) within selected Coffea arabica varieties in Kenya
January 2021
The Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) epidemics destroy up to 100% of the crop on a susceptible variety. Resistance to CBD is conferred by the T-gene in Hibrido De Timor (HDT), R-gene in Rume Sudan (RS), and k-gene in K7, which were assembled in resistance varieties Ruiru 11(R11) and Batian. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic relationship between R11 and Batian with their parents' HDT, RS, SL8 and confirm...
Genetic characterization of Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) accessions in selected counties in Kenya using SSR markers
January 2021
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a neglected high potential crop, knowledge of the genetic diversity of the genotypes domesticated in Kenya is limited. To understand the genetic diversity and structure within and between Cape gooseberry germplasm, 70 accessions from six selected counties were analyzed using 15 pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers. In this study, a total of 61 polymorphic SSR alleles were...
Variation of Parkia biglobosa morphological traits according to land use and agro-climatic zones in Southern Mali
January 2021
A study was conducted in southern Mali to contribute to the domestication of Parkia biglobosa. Three agro climatic zones (North Sudanian “NS”, South Sudanian “SS” and North Guinean “NG”) and two stands (field and fallow) were concerned. Three plots of 0.25 ha each, were installed in each stand. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), Total Height (TH) and Crown Diameter (CD) of adult trees...
Natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Müell.-Arg.) production, processing, and rubber wastes utilization: Challenges and prospects for economic diversification and sustainable development of Nigeria
January 2021
Over 80% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings come from the sales of crude petroleum. Nigeria has a landmass of 910,768 km2 with 38.97% arable, while 3.46% is suitable for the cultivation of permanent cash crops such as rubber, cocoa and palm trees. High-latex yields (3,000-3,500 kg dry natural rubber (NR)/ha/year) of Nigeria’s hybrid rubber seedlings is a preferred choice to most foreign species...
Association between agro-morphological traits in common bean under organic fertilization management in Brazil
January 2021
The objective of this work was to analyze the association between agro-morphological traits of the common bean cultivar “BRS Esplendor” under organic fertilization management. The experiment was implemented in the field, in a randomized block design, with three replications, in a split plot scheme, with two types of organic compounds (grass enriched with cattle manure and bean straw enriched with cattle...
Morphological studies on legume and hilum in seven species of Vigna Savi (Fabaceae)
December 2020
In this study of different taxa of genus Vigna the macro and micromorphological characters were investigated. These taxa collected from different countries (3 cultivated and 8 annual or perennial herbs) representing 7 species of this genus, namely: Vigna radiate, Vigna trilobata, Vigna vexillata, Vigna caracalla, Vigna pubescens, Vigna unguiculata, and Vigna luteola. Legume features such as shape, colour, size, surface...
Evaluation of wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) for yield and yield characteristics under low land area at Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
December 2020
The objective of this research was to evaluate wheat genotypes for yield and yield characteristics under the low land area of Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted with 27 bread wheat genotypes in a randomized complete block design with two replications at Amibara Farm, Arba Minch from March to June 2020. Varieties differed significantly (p<0.01) for the yield related characters and yield....
Ecology and morphological characterization of the genus Phellinus sensu-lato (Basidiomycetes, Hymenochaetaceae) in Burkina Faso
November 2020
Phellinus sensu lato is a genus of polypores that are morphologically, biologically and phylogenetically highly diverse. This genus is composed of sessile and lignicolous species. Species belonging to this genus are found in all regions of the world where they decompose wood or live as tree parasites. In Burkina Faso, few studies have been conducted on this taxonomic group. Thus, these collections were carried out...
Evaluation of plant extracts for the management of Cercospora leaf spot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
November 2020
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a leguminous crop with high economic and nutritional value. However, increased production is hampered by Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum. Studies were conducted in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of desert date seed (DDSE), neem seed (NSE), jatropha seed (JSE) and tobacco leaf (TLE) for the...
Indoor characterization of three durum wheat genotypes exposed to drought and heat stress during early vegetative growth stages
November 2020
Selection of wheat varieties that have improved adaptation to abiotic stress is important for increasing and stabilizing yields under fluctuating environmental conditions, especially as global climate changes. A trial to estimate adaptation of wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) genotypes to abiotic stress has been performed, in a growth chamber. By counting the number of dead (yellow) plants, together with yellow...
Study of root traits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under drought stress
November 2020
Roots are among the first defence towards drought with other morpho-physiological and biochemical mechanisms employed by plants. To understand precisely the root traits contribution towards yield, parental chickpea genotypes with well known drought response were field evaluated under drought and optimal irrigation in rain-out shelter. A total of ten genotypes planted in 1.2 m PVC lysimeters were subjected to three water...
Botryosphaeriaceae associated with baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and marula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich.) in agroforestry systems in Kenya
October 2020
Indigenous fruit trees such as baobab and marula provide key nutrients and income for smallholders and enhance diversification of agroforestry systems in the drylands of Sub Saharan Africa. Cankers and diebacks are increasingly observed impacting baobab and marula in domestication trials and farms in Kenya, but little is known on disease occurrence and associated pathogens. Field disease incidence and severity was...
Abundance and impact of Parthenium hysterophorus L., an alien invasive herb on plant species diversity in invaded areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
October 2020
Parthenium hysterophorus is an alien annual herb that aggressively threatens biodiversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in Uganda. Occurrence, abundance and impact of P. hysterophorus on plant species diversity were examined. An observational inspection survey assessed the occurrence of P. hysterophorus while Quadrats sampled vegetation in P. hysterophorus invaded and uninvaded sites of Mweya Peninsula and...
Protocol optimization for in vitro propagation of Kulfo, orange flesh sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) variety using shoot tip culture
October 2020
Conventional propagation methods of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. var Kulfo) through stem cutting require large amount of propagules and large space for preparation. It has high risk of disease transmission to the next generation. In vitro propagation is the best alternative to overcome such limitations. This study was conducted to optimize protocol for in vitro propagation of Kulfo sweet potato variety using...
Gene action, combining ability and heterotic performance of Ethiopian Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) lines under moisture stress areas in Ethiopia
September 2020
For sorghum hybrid development, assessment of parental lines is a pre-requisite. However, information on heterotic performance and combing ability of Ethiopian elite sorghum lines is inadequate. ANOVA revealed mean squares had signifying substantial amount of variability amongst genotypes for most traits. Males 72, 81 and 99 were the best performing parents for yield and related traits. Hybrids, 106 x 94, 106 x 90, 106...
Biplot analysis of test environments of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) in Burkina Faso
September 2020
The identification of stable and adaptable high yielding quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and, highly discriminative environments are worthwhile for a successful introduction and adoption of this crop in Burkina Faso. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship among test environments, to identify the most discriminative and representative test environment(s), and to identify high yielding and...
A review of plant characterization: First step towards sustainable forage production in challenging environments
September 2020
This review paper attempts to give account of how plant characterization assists the availability of information on desirable plant traits, to enhance selective breeding for environmental stresses and thus attain sustainable forage production. Plant characterization is referred to as an account for heritable characters varying from agronomical, morphological to molecular markers. It simplifies grouping of...
Allelopathic effect of extracts from selected weeds on germination and seedling growth of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties
September 2020
Chromolaena odorata, Euphorbia heterophylla and Tridax procumbens are common weeds that are prevalent in cowpea fields. The physiological influence of three dilution concentrations of the aqueous root and shoot extracts of the weeds were examined on seed germination, plumule length, radicle length, fresh and dry weights of plumule and radicle of two varieties of cowpea in the laboratory. The experiment was laid out in a...
Distribution and ecological drivers of family celastraceae in Côte D’ivoire
August 2020
Most studies on drivers of plant diversity and distribution have focused on trees and combine several plant families. Climbers which are part of the particular characteristics of tropical rainforests due to their richness and abundance have been rarely related to ecological factors. This study evaluates the importance of vegetation type and total annual rainfall on the distribution of the Celastraceae plant family which...
The in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental findings of Nephrolepis exaltata
August 2020
Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott decreases the heartbeats of cockroaches and it was postulated that the plant could be an anticholinesterase agent and could have effects. It was performed: (a) In vitro: hydroalcoholic extract of N. exaltata was pharmacognostically characterized, the cholinesterase activity determined with 1.0 and 3.0 mg/ml, comparing to positive control and negative control, and the preliminary toxicity...
Races of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Briosi & Cavara in major bean growing regions in Tanzania
August 2020
Breeding for resistant varieties has been shown to be the most suitable method to control bean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum though the method is challenged by the existence of many races of the pathogen. This work focused on characterizing races of C. lindemuthianum from potential bean agro ecological zones of Tanzania using a set of differential bean cultivars. From 144 anthracnose infected bean...
Analysis of combined strategies for the management of Asian soybean rust
August 2020
Asian soybean rust, if not well managed, can reduce grain yield up to 90%. Due to the severe damage caused by the disease, especially in Brazil, it is important to evaluate management strategies combined with fungicides, to minimize the losses. The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of adopting different combined management strategies on the severity of soybean rust and its impact on the performance of the crop....
Sensor based validation of nitrogen fertilizer for quality protein maize variety using a handheld normalized difference vegetative index sensor at Bako, Western Ethiopia
July 2020
Regardless of the huge yield potential and area under maize production, its current productivity in Ethiopia is by far below its potential. Declining of soil fertility and poor nutrient management is among the major factors limiting the productivity of the crop. As a result, an experiment was conducted at Bako, Ethiopia in 2016 to validate the N application and determine the best rate for side dressing using handheld...
Evaluating the incidence and severity of rice yellow mottle virus and maize streak virus on rice (Oryza sativa L.) and associated insects in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
July 2020
Rice is an important staple food in Nigeria, affected by several diseases especially viruses. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidence and severity of two important viruses on rice plants and to identify associated insects in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Abuja in 2019. Field experiment was carried out from June to October, 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture,...
Morphological and molecular characterization of cultivated yam (Dioscorea species) in selected counties in Kenya
July 2020
This study was conducted to characterize Dioscorea spp. in Kenya using morphological and molecular characteristics. Data on 22 morphological traits were subjected to cluster analysis and multivariate analysis using principal component (PCA). The dendrogram of cluster analysis revealed three main groups: Species distribution based on PC-1 and PC-2 showed the distantly related species in each quarter; D. alata L. (1st...
Effects of sowing depth on seed germination and seedling growth of Aframomum citratum (Pereira) K. Schum
July 2020
Series of investigations have been carried out on the effect of sowing depths on seed germination and early seedlings growth of Aframomum citratum and has shown that sowing depth influences germination and early growth of most plant species. Thus, the importance of varying planting depths has received much attention from researchers for some time now. The depths studied in this research were 0, 3 and 6 cm, respectively....
Lead-induced changes in germination behavior, growth and inhibition of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in Raphanus sativus L.
July 2020
The seed germination test under lead (Pb) stress could be a quick test to understand plant tolerance to this heavy metal. The aim of this study was to compare the germination behavior of Raphanus sativus L. germinated in solution with different increasing concentration of lead, also to assess its accumulation and toxicity. The test was carried out in an incubator at 25 ± 1°C for 7 days and in a greenhouse for...
Biochar as an alternative growth medium for tree seedlings in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana
July 2020
A good planting medium is required for raising tree seedlings in the nursery, however Guinea savanna soils are generally poor in nitrogen and organic matter. This poses a challenge in accessing fertile soil for tree nurseries in Northern Ghana. The experiment was conducted in the Nyankpala campus to explore the potential of plant biochar as growth media for raising tree seedlings. Growth media prepared from six...
Antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from mangroves of Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka
June 2020
Mangroves are plant communities growing in the intertidal zone of tropical to subtropical coastal rivers. Some endophytic fungi which live in the tissues of mangrove plants produce some biologically active substances. By screening these biologically active substances some researchers have found that these substances have antimicrobial activity. This research is aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of endophytic...
Combining ability of maize inbred lines (Zea mays L.) for yields in mid altitude sub-humid Agroecology of Ethiopia
June 2020
Maize is an important staple food for most Ethiopians, but the national average productivity of maize is below that of the world. Development and cultivation of high yielding maize hybrids can improve maize productivity and production. Having information on combining ability and heterosis of maize inbred lines is important for the development of high yielding maize hybrids. The objectives of this study were to identify...
The major factors influencing coffee quality in Ethiopia: The case of wild Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) from its natural habitat of southwest and southeast afromontane rainforests
June 2020
Coffee quality is a complex trait involving sensory and bean characteristics as well as biochemical contents. The objective of this study was to assess the major factors influencing the quality of wild Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in the natural coffee forests of southwest and southeast Ethiopia. Results revealed that both natural (soil, aspect, elevation, climate, geographic location) and human factors (cherry...
Seasonal variation and modeling of leaf area growth in Jatropha curcas L. plants: Implication for understanding the species adaptation in the Sahel of Niger
June 2020
Jatropha curcas is a tree species introduced in Niger as a trial experiment to offset land degradation and for biofuel production. The objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of this species’ potential for adaptation under the edaphic and climatic conditions of Niger through analysis and modeling of the leaf area dynamics. The nondestructive method is used to evaluate the leaf area growth...
Standard heterosis and trait association of maize inbred lines using line x tester mating design in Ethiopia
May 2020
Maize is one of the high priority crops to feed the ever increasing population in Africa, however, its production limited by shortage of high yielding variety coupled with biotic and abiotic stresses. The study was initiated to evaluate the heterotic performances of the F1 hybrids over the standard checks (Kolba and Jibat). Fifty entries consists 48 F1 single crosses developed from 24 inbred lines and 2 testers using...
Grain yield and protein content of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties as influenced by combined application of primary secondary and micronutrients under Nitisols
May 2020
Field experiment was conducted on Nitisols to evaluate the effects of combined application of primary, secondary and micronutrients on grain yield and protein content of upland rice varieties compared to the national recommendation. Factorial combination of five nutrient combinations (control, NP, NPK, NPKSZn and NPKSCaZn) and three upland rice varieties (Nechu Eruze, Superica-1 and NERICA-4) were laid out in a...
Assessment of woody species diversity, key drivers of deforestation and community perception; the case of Hotessa Forest, Bensa Woreda, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia
May 2020
In Ethiopia, deforestation is a major challenge which leads to increased human encroachment upon wild areas and threats to biodiversity. In line with this, the aim of the current study was to assess woody species diversity and threats in Hotessa forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Accordingly, 100 plots each with 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) for...
Genetic divergence analyses of lowland rice genotypes in North Western Ethiopia
April 2020
Information on the nature and magnitude of genetic variability is one of the prerequisites for a successful breeding program in selecting genotypes with desirable characters. To estimate the level of genetic divergence of lowland rice genotypes, a field experiment was conducted using thirty-six genotypes during 2017 main cropping season. The experiment was laid out 6x6 simple lattice design. Analyses of variances showed...
Effects of chemical fertilizer types and rates on tuber yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Assosa, Western Ethiopia
April 2020
Potato tuber yield and quality is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, among which low soil fertility is the prime one. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of chemical fertilizer types and rates on tuber yield and quality of potato at Assosa, Western Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of control, three rates of NP combinations (55 kg N and 45 kg P2O5, 110 kg N and 90 kg P2O5,...
Wild blackberry (Rubus spp.) differ in duration to reproductive phase under conventional production in Kenya
April 2020
The purpose of this study was to determine the duration from planting to reproductive phase, of wild blackberry (Rubus spp.) collected from the wild.It was carried out at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Farm, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya. The experimental layout wasa randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times; treatment was four wild blackberry species and one cultivated cultivar. The days...
Occurrence, distribution and severity of finger millet blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae in Kenya
April 2020
Finger millet is a food crop that provides nutritional security and is climatically resilient for farming and agricultural diversification. However, its quality and yield remain low due to biotic and abiotic factors, the greatest of which is blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. We surveyed the occurrence, distribution and severity of finger millet blast in five counties, namely, Busia, Bungoma, Kisii,...
Heterosis and combining ability of highland adapted maize (Zea mays. L) DH lines for desirable agronomic traits
March 2020
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the cereals that provide calorie requirements in the majority of Ethiopians diet. The national average maize yield in Ethiopia is low and thus knowledge of combining ability and heterosis is a prerequisite to develop high yielding maize varieties. The objective of the present study is to estimate combining abilities of double haploid (DH) maize inbred lines for grain yield and related...
Sorption characteristics, growth and yield response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to application of essential nutrients on nitisol and vertisol of Central Highland of Ethiopia
March 2020
Wheat growth and yield response were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment using two major soils, Nitosols and Vertisols. Sorption capacities of the soils and crop response were employed to determine the availability of nutrients in the two soils. Eight fertilizer treatments (Optimum (Opt.),Optimum-N, Optimum-P,Optimum-K,Optimum-S,Optimum-B,Optimum-Zn and control) in Nitosols and six fertilizer treatments (Optimum,...
The effects of gypsum on pod-yield and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in selected peanut cultivars of Zambia
March 2020
Good agricultural practices are an effective means of minimizing pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of gypsum on pod yield and aflatoxin contamination in three peanut cultivars (Kadononga, MGV 4 and MGV 5) in Zambia. The experiment was conducted in Chongwe and Lusaka districts. Gypsum (15.6 % calcium) was applied at rates of 0 and 400 kg/ha at...
Evaluation of the relative feed value of indigenous savanna forage shrub species in Ghana
February 2020
Animal performance mainly depends on the quantity and quality of forage available as feed and animal feed represents one of the major costs in animal production. This research was conducted in the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment Experimental Field at University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus to evaluate the relative feed value of four indigenous savanna forage shrubs. These shrubs were cultivated...
Morphological traits associated with anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) resistance in selected common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes
February 2020
Common bean is among the most important legume crop for protein source in people’s diet globally and including Kenya. Anthracnose is a common disease of legumes that causes yield loss of up to 90-100%. The aim of the study is to investigate the morphological traits associated with anthracnose resistance in selected common bean genotypes in Kenya. The study was done in three varied agro-ecological zones; University...
Expression of Cocculus hirsutus trypsin inhibitor promotes endogenous defensive response against Helicoverpa armigera and enhanced levels of antioxidants
February 2020
Proteinase inhibitors are a group of defense related proteins, natural antagonists of proteinases, induced upon herbivory, play a defensive role against polyphagous insects and phytopathogens. Serine proteinase inhibitor isolated from Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels, Cocculus hirsutus trypsin inhibtor (ChTI) was found effective as antifungal, bactericidal and nematicidal agent. Tomato plants expressing ChTI have been...
Modulation in growth and development of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) microtubers by different concentration of 6-benzyl aminopurine
February 2020
Two potato varieties namely, kufri bahar and kufri surya were tested for in vitro tuberization response to a same culture medium supplemented with three levels of 6-benzly aminopurine (0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 mg/L) in a completely randomized block design. The study was conducted in the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Modipuram, Meerut Campus, and India during the period of 2012 to 2013 and 2013-2014. The objective...
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