March 2022

Seed germination, storability and moisture sorption isotherms of the endangered African rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus)

African rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus) is an endemic, highly exploited and endangered tree species in arid and semi-arid zones of West Africa. Identifying optimum conditions for seed propagation and storage is critical for its conservation. This study assessed the effects of four pretreatments on seed germination and seedling vigour. Varying temperature, duration and packaging on storage deterioration were also...

Author(s):  Amponsah J.O., Asomaning J.M., Gakpetor P.M. and Gaveh E.A.  

March 2022

Suitability of sand amended with carbonized rice husks and goat manure as a growing medium

A laboratory experiment was conducted at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). The study determined a suitable and alternative growing medium to peat moss as an unaffordable medium to Rwandan farmers and soil-based growing media which produce low quality transplants. Growing media were formulated from sand (S) amended with carbonized rice husks (CRH) and goat manure (GM) and peat moss (PM)....

Author(s): Nkurunziza Ephrem, Samuel Nyalala and Umuhoza Karemera Noëlla Josiane