June 2023
Effect of molybdenum and nitrogen rates on the growth and vegetative structure of Megathyrsusmaximus (Syn. Panicum maximum)
The objective of this study was to identify the rate of molybdenum that when associated with nitrogen fertilization, would provide the best responses on the vegetative structure of Mombasa grass. Forty days after planting, a uniform pruning was made when the established levels of molybdenum were applied and the experimental period started. The experimental design was a randomized block, with four replications (blocks),...
June 2023
Relative importance of functions of innovation system on cassava climate smart farming in Kenya
Functions of innovation systems framework have established their value as tools for exploring socio-technological transitions and economic development. Although the “seven functions” model has demonstrated its academic value across a vast literature, there have been few attempts to explore the role of the model in climate smart farming. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine relative importance of...
June 2023
On-farm participatory evaluation and selection of crop varieties at climate changes in Southern Niger
Participatory varietal selection (PVS) is one of the most rapid and cost-effective ways for breeders, farmers, and agronomists to identify high-yielding and well adapted varieties to current climate threats and to obtain feedback from the potential end users in the early phases of the breeding cycle (s). On the other hand, a participatory evaluation of improved and local varieties of pearl millet, sorghum, cowpea, and...
June 2023
Mitotic response of Allium cepa L. to toxicity of pharmaceutical effluents
The need to determine the mutagenic ability of waste waters from pharmaceutical industry is on the rise. With the aid of macro and micro assay of the root tip, this study was carried out to assess the genotoxic effects of varied concentrations of three pharmaceutical effluents (Ciprofloxacin, Arthemetrin and Psuedophedrin) on Allium cepa root tip during mitosis. The chemical evaluation of the effluents confirmed the...
June 2023
Characterizing the cycle of heavy metals in horticultural production for Mbare Musika in Harare, Zimbabwe
Heavy metal cycles in horticultural systems in areas supplying vegetables to Mbare Musika were characterized with reference to the soil, water, fertilizers used and crops grown from different ecological zones of Zimbabwe. Apart from inherent soil heavy metal properties, anthropogenic sources contributed through irrigation water and fertilizers. Different areas specialized in growing peculiar vegetables through influence...
June 2023
The competitiveness of The Gambia agro-food trade
This paper examines the competitiveness of The Gambia agri-food exports from 2012 to 2021 utilizing the revealed comparative advantage index, the Kaplan-Meier survival function, and Cox regression model. The results indicate that thirteen of the twenty-four products have comparative advantages in the global market, while seven of the twenty-four products have comparative advantages in the regional market. In terms of...
June 2023
Effects of selected herbicides on management of weeds in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L)
A study was conducted to determine the suitable herbicide(s) for effective weed management in finger millet, in order to address the major biotic stress of weeds infestation and attain optimal productivity of finger millet. Field experiments were conducted in Baringo and Kericho counties in Kenya for two growing seasons, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Three pre-emergence...
June 2023
Phenotypic characterization and beta-carotene quantification towards selection for high beta-carotene maize accessions
Yellow maize varieties in Ghana have low beta-carotene levels, but if improved, they could lessen the negative health effects of vitamin-A deficiency. Finding promising yellow maize accessions that could be used to breed higher beta-carotene varieties was the goal of the study. The study involved the collection of 100 local accessions, phenotypic identification, evaluation of genetic relatedness, and quantification of...
June 2023
Evaluation of Zimbabwean tobacco varieties for potential as a source of tobacco seed oil (TSO)
The impending curtailment of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) use in its traditional smoking form demands that economies previously dependent on tobacco as a cash crop find alternative sources of income. Alternatively, to enable the continued use of existing infrastructure and experience by growers, these economies could continue to grow the crop for other uses. The objective of this trial was, therefore, to explore...
June 2023
High-density polyethylene containers and super grain bag reduce storage insect pests’ infestation in maize and preserve grain quality
The study evaluated the performance of polypropylene bag (PP), polyethylene drum (PD), polyethylene silo tank (PST), and super grain bag (SGB) on preserving maize quality. The trials were conducted on-station and on-farm. Insect density, grain damage, weight loss, and grain moisture content were determined monthly for six months for on-station trials. For on-farm, insect density and grain damage were assessed every two...
June 2023
Tolerance of sugarcane varieties to different levels of water depletion on soil
Sugarcane is one of the most important crops for Brazilian agribusiness, despite water stress being one of the main limiting factors of growth and productivity. Thus, the objective was to verify if there is variation in the tolerance to water deficit among sugarcane varieties in the soil and climate conditions of Quirinópolis-GO (State of Goiás). The trial was conducted on a Red Latosol, with sugarcane...
June 2023
Status and management strategies of major insect pests and fungal diseases of maize in Africa: A review
The escalating populations in Africa contribute to the already existing challenge of food insecurity, which is further exacerbated by the emergence and resurgence of pests and diseases, resulting in substantial annual yield losses. Maize, a vital staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa, serves as crucial food source, animal fodder, and raw material for industries. Nonetheless, its vulnerability to pests and diseases puts...
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