International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 730-734, June, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Up-scaling production of certified potato seed tubers in Kenya: Potential of aeroponics technology

*Musalia Awori, William Karanja and Musalia Saitoti

Department of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Unavailability of certified seed tubers is a major constraint to potato production in Kenya. This compels most farmers to use planting materials from informal sources such as previous harvests, local markets and neighbours. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Tigoni has the national mandate to produce basic seed tubers but can only supply much less than 1% of the national seed requirements. In order to improve on the situation, aeroponics technique was introduced to enhance production of prebasic seeds from tissue culture plantlets. The aeroponics unit is still in experimental stages and is being evaluated for productivity and profitability. Some results show that aeroponics can increase production of prebasic minitubers. However, the aeroponic technology needs further and complete evaluation in terms of productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Key words: Aeroponics, certified seed, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Tigoni, minitubers, potatoes.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 658-661, June, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study on segregation analysis of cry7Aa1 gene in F₁ progenies of transgenic and non-transgenic sweetpotato crosses

*Mwai Odinga, Ralia karanja Mudavadi and Musalia Musyoka

Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, The East African University, Kitengela, Kenya. 

Abstract

Sweetpotato weevils are the most devastating pests of sweetpotato causing yield losses ranging from 60 to 100%. Their cryptic nature, where the larvae is found within plant tissues render them difficult to manage especially using chemicals control. Development of weevil resistant sweetpotato was conducted by crossing a transgenic event CIP410008.7 as a female parent with three Ugandan cultivars as male parents. Crossing event CIP410008.7 with New Kawogo, Tanzania and NASPOT1 gave 57, 32 and 19 seeds respectively. A total of 86 F1 progenies were analysed for the presence of cry7Aa1 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expected 608 bp bands were amplified in progenies that contained the cry gene. The gene was integrated at different frequencies in the F1 progenies of different families: CIP410008.7 x New Kawogo (47.2%), CIP410008.7 x Tanzania (52%) and CIP410008.7 x NASPOT1 (44.4%). Chi-square test showed that all the three families followed a 1:1 segregation cry7Aa1 gene ratio. This study shows the transfer of a transgene from genetically modified event into elite sweetpotato lines.

Key words: Weevil resistance, transgenic plants, sweetpotato, cry7Aa1.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 693-696, June, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Studies on technology adoption on different extension methods for enhancing fruit production in District Pulwama of Jammu and Kashmir

Kapoor Singh Kumar

Department of Plant Breeding and Seed technology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Fruit cultivation plays a major role in the economic scenario of the Jammu and Kashmir. For sustainable fruit production, it is important to understand the technological needs of farmers and to develop such communication methodology that supports the operational aspects of fruit growers. To fill the gap between technology generation and its dissemination with the latest information tools, the present study was conducted in different villages and main campus (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) of District Pulwama of Kashmir valley for five years (2007-2011). Different trainings were conducted and knowledge on various aspects of fruit production was imparted to the farmers/farm women, rural youth and extension personnel of the Department of Horticulture of the District. Practical demonstrations (259) were the most preferred method of communication by the clientele of the Districts in adopting the technical knowledge on various aspects for enhancing fruit production followed by speech/lectures (256). Regarding the participation of the different clientele in various trainings, rural youth showed maximum interest followed by farmers/farm women. However, after providing training impact recorded was up to 95.75% which was earlier only 4.84 whereas, the full adoption of the trainings ranged between 14.29% for marketing of fruits and 78.19% integrated disease and insect-pest management.

Key words: Fruit cultivation, technology, marketing of fruits, integrated disease, insect-pest management.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 721-724, June, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

An evaluation of genetic divergence and cluster analysis studies of different apple genotypes using D² statistics

Amartya V. Shankar

Department of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of Madras, Chennai, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Medium quantum of genetic divergence was observed among sixteen apple genotypes under the present study. All the genotypes, on the basis of total variability were grouped into four distinct clusters. Maximum number of cultivars were accommodated in Cluster IV (Fuji, Gala, Jonadel, Jonagold, Red Fuji, Royal Gala and Spijon) followed by Cluster I (Arlet, Ruspippin, Sinta and Summerred), Cluster III (Crimson Gold, Elstar and Neomi) and Cluster II (‘Spartan’ and ‘Quinte’). Cluster IV had highest intra cluster value so was most divergent and Cluster I having least intra cluster value was least divergent. Highest value for inter cluster distance was recorded between Cluster I and II while it was lowest between Cluster III and IV. Cluster means were maximum in Cluster II followed by Clusters I, III and IV. Neomi is best cultivars for fruit yield/plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, total sugars and non-reducing sugars. However, Jonagold is best for TSS. Cultivars Spartan, Elstar, Royal Gala, Jonagold and Summerred would prove best for different vegetative characters.

Key words: Apple, cluster analysis, D² statistics, genetic divergence.