July 2023

Varietal differences in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nitrogen redistribution in common bean

The objective of this study was to investigate varietal differences in symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) and redistribution of N in the leaves and stems. Five Andean genotypes Sisi, Bukoba, Red Hawk, Mecost and Cardinal were evaluated for SNF and N redistribution in a field trial conducted at University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. Nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (NDFA) ranged from 15.9 kg ha-1 (Cardinal) to 48.4 kg...

Author(s): Kelvin Kamfwa  

September 2023

Yield performance and stability evaluation of Striga-resistant sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)

Sorghum is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of this important crop is low owing to different factors, of which Striga is most detrimental. Multi-environment performance evaluation was carried out consisting of 11 sorghum genotypes. The objective was to select better performing, Striga-resistant and stable sorghum lines. The trial was conducted at three Striga prone areas of...

Author(s): Fisseha Worede, Kebede Teshome and Fasil Tarekegn

September 2023

Evaluation of stem borer resistant maize genotypes for resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. SMITH) infestation

Fall armyworm (FAW) is currently the most destructive insect pest of maize in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Varieties that combine high grain yield (GY) with tolerance to FAW would enhance and stabilize maize productivity in SSA. Genotypes resistant to lepidopteran pests like stem borer (SB) could serve as potential sources of alleles for development of FAW resistant varieties. This study was conducted to assess some...

Author(s): Nesma Alaaeldin Zakaria Moussa, Ayodeji Abe, Anthony Oluwatoyosi Job, Yinka Odunayo Kolawole and Amudalat Bolanle Olaniyan  

September 2023

Repeatability and number of harvests required for selection in coconut hybrid varieties

In the breeding of perennial plant species, the coefficient of repeatability is an important parameter because it allows for effective early selection of superior genotypes, thus saving time and cost. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum number of years required for observation to identify superior genotypes of coconut with a high degree of accuracy. Four hybrid varieties of coconut were evaluated in...

Author(s): Agho Collins, Adetimirin, V. O., Odewale, J. O. and Ahanon, M. J.