International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (6), pp. 178-185, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of drought stress on growth, yield and yield components of selected maize genotypes in coastal lowland Kenya

Ndiso J.B¹, Kibe A.M ², Mugo S³ and Pathaka RS²

¹Pwani University College, P.o Box 195-80108 Kilifi, Kenya.

²Egerton University, P.o Box 536, Egerton, Njoro, Kenya.

³International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, CIMMYT Kenya. Po Box 1041-00621 Village Market, Nairobi.

*Corresponding author’s Email: j.ndiso@pwaniuniversity .ac.ke

 Received March 07, 2012; Accepted June 10, 2012

Abstract

The risk of drought is high in the coastal lowland Kenya because rainfall in the region is unpredictable in quantity and distribution. Despite the availability of improved maize varieties farmers still grow local coastal maize landraces (LCML). The research was to study LCML in an effort to understand why farmers in the region prefer to grow them in spite of released improved maize open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and hybrid. The objective was to screen for drought tolerance in 25 LCMLs and 5 improved checks. The genotypes were evaluated for tolerance to terminal water deficit before flowering. The design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement of treatments. The screening was carried out at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Kiboko, genotypes were grown in water stress and well watered regimes. The traits measured were leaf rolling (LR), leaf senescence (LS), anthesis to silking interval (ASI), ears per plant (EPP), and grain yield (GY). Drought stress reduced grain yield by 28% from 0.96 t ha^-1 in well watered environments to 0.69 t ha^-1, in the severe stress environment. Drought at flowering results in bareness. Ears per plant (EPP) were also reduced by 55% from 1.01 ears in the well watered environment to 0.45 ears in the severe stress environment. Water deficit significantly reduced growth, grain yield and yield components of the maize genotypes. In stressed maize the pollen begins to shed but silks emergence is delayed by 3 or 4 days. In fact pollination shedding may stop before all the silk have emerged and a blank ear will result. Local coastal maize landraces like entries: 3 (Mdzihana), 11 (Kanjerenjere), 16 (Mungindo) all from Kilifi County and entries: 9 (044454) and 17 (Gonjora) all from Lamu County of the coast region of Kenya are drought tolerant and can be used by the resource poor farmers to stabilize maize grain yield in the coastal lowland of Kenya, where recurrent drought threatens grain production. They can also serve as sources of drought tolerance for the developing and improvement of new drought tolerant maize genotypes. 

Key words: Assimilates, climate, irrigation, morphological, physiological, and tropical 

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 173-177, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Yield Performance of Five Cassava Genotypes under Different Fertilizer Rates

Parkes E.Y.¹, *D. F. K. Allotey², E. lotsu¹, and E. A. Akuffo²

¹CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana.

² CSIR- Soil Research Institute, P. O. Box M. 32, Accra, Ghana

*Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]

Received February13, 2012; Accepted June 06, 2012

 Abstract

Introduction of improved cassava varieties may require proper fertilizer management for increased and sustained root production. A factorial experiment involving five cassava genotypes and four levels of fertilizer with three replications was established at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Crop Research Institute, Fumesua near Ejisu, Ghana (6⁰43’00’N and  1⁰28’0”W). The five cassava genotypes (Debor, Afisafi, Tuaka, Afebankye and Sisipi 290) were fertilized with NPK at the following rates:-  F₀: 0 N – 0 P₂O₅ – 0 K₂O kg/ha (Control), F₁: 60N – 30 P₂O₅ – 90 K₂O kg/ha (Low), F₂: 120N – 60 P₂O₅ – 180 K₂O kg/ha (Medium) and F₃: 180N – 90 P₂O₅ – 270 K₂O kg/ha (High). The two trials were conducted from 9^th September 2007 to 17^th September 2008 and 22^nd May 2009 to 22^nd July 2010. Fertilizer significantly (P < 0.05) increased tuber yields. Fresh tuber yields of all the genotypes except Afisafi and Sisipe 290, generally, increased with increasing rates of fertilizer application. Whereas fresh root yields of Debor increased with increasing rates of the fertilizer up to the maximum rate (F₃), yield reductions of Tuaka, Afisafi and Sisipe also occurred at this rate. All the genotypes gave similar root yield except Sisipe 290 which produced significantly lower root yield. Interaction between genotypes and fertilizer was significant. Fresh root yields of Debor, Tuaka and Afebankye were significantly (P < 5%) higher over the control at the lowest rate (F₁). The economic rate of fertilization for higher fresh root yield of all other genotypes except Debor is F₁. Sisipe 290 had the highest starch content at the F₁ fertilizer treatment. For higher fresh root yields, 60N – 30 P₂O₅ – 90 K₂O kg/ha (F₁), 120N – 60 P₂O₅ – 180 K₂O kg/ha (F₂) and 180N – 90 P₂O₅ – 270 K₂O kg/ha (F₃) are recommended for Afebankye and Tuaka, Afisafi and  Debor respectively. With regards to starch content, 60N – 30 P₂O₅ – 90 K₂O kg/ha (F₁ ) rate is recommended for Debor, Afisafi and Sisipe 290, while F₂: 120N – 60 P₂O₅ – 180 K₂O kg/ha for Tuaka.

Key word: Cassava genotypes, fertilizer rates, fresh root yields, starch content

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (6), pp. 157-165, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

 Full Length Research Paper

The role of development projects in strengthening community-based adaptation strategies: the case of Uluguru mountains Agricultural development project (UMADEP)-Morogoro-Tanzania

¹Kassim Ramadhani Mussa*, ¹Ibrahimu Chikira Mjemah, and ²Emmanuel Timothy Malisa

¹Sokoine University of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 3038 Morogoro, Tanzania

²Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP), Department of Agricultural, Education and Extension, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3094 Morogoro, Tanzania.

Corresponding author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Received February 03, 2012; Accepted May 29, 2012

Abstract

This study was trying to find out whether the designing and implementation of the Uluguru Mountain Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP) has taken into account the hazards, impacts and risks associated with climate change and the local coping strategies of their project beneficiaries, since its inception,  17 years ago . Data were gathered using the Community-based Risk Screening–Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) tool, complemented with a series of semi-structured and structured interviews containing both close and open-ended questions. The Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) method was also used in identifying resources, capacities and vulnerabilities which pertained to different livelihood settings in the study area. The study found out that coping strategies applied by affected people in the study area vary from one community to the other, depending on level of education, income, household size and agro-ecological zone. Ranking of the identified livelihood resources revealed that natural resources are very crucial in adapting to climate change.  Generally, the results indicate a moderate influence of project activities towards enhancing adaptive capacities of the surrounding communities, with the observed positivity of the project activities towards community-based adaptation being more of a coincidence than a planned state-of-affairs. Lack of training to development project officers, managers and planners on the importance of integrating climate change management during the early stages of project development was clearly depicted as a key hindrance to mainstreaming climate change into development planning.

Key words: Climate change, Community-based adaptation strategies, Development projects  

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (5), pp.143-152, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Climate change and sustainable growth and development in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Kofo Aderogba

Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]

Received February 16, 2012; Accepted May 12, 2012

 Abstract

Ozone depletion and the ravaging effects on climate, lives and physical environment are global. The objectives of this paper are to describe atmospheric chemistry leading to ozone depletion, global warming and unravel the consequences of global warming in Lagos Metropolis with a view to making suggestions for sustainable growth and development. Recent literatures were contacted. News paper cuttings were read. Reports and communiqués of conferences, workshops, seminars and committees were read and used. Radio and television documentaries and programmes were listened to and used. Empirical observations were made of weather elements, plants and animals and others. Data on weather elements were derived from Federal Meteorological Station, Oshodi. Members of the public were interviewed and they provided information on recent changes in weather phenomena, acid rain, inclement warmth, vegetation and others. Compositions of the air differ significantly from the WHO permissible standards. Cloud cover is unusually thicker; early rains are cloudy and more acidic. Runoffs have increased, and aquatic ecosystems are gradually getting depleted and giving way to terrestrial type of ecosystem. There are threat to lives and property. There may be need for additional research to further establish the findings. But for sustainable development, every stake holder must rise against the adversities of global warming and harness its advantages.

Key words: Inclement warmth, acid rain, sustainable development, Lagos Metropolis. 

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (5), pp.153-156, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Dissemination of market access and technology information among coconut farmers: a case study of Kilifi County in Kenya

Najya Muhammed^a*, Geoffrey Kashindi^b, Halimu Shauri^c Suhaila Hashim^a and Joyce Maling’a^d

^aDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.

^b Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.

^c Department Social Sciences, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.

^d Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Njoro, P. O. Box Private Bag – 20107, Njoro, Kenya

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Received March 6, 2012; Accepted May 10, 2012

 Abstract

The study was to determine the effectiveness of value chain approach to upgrading the coconut sub-sector. Focus was on identification and assessment of farmer’s personal attributes influencing farmer-to-farmer dissemination of market access and technology information. A baseline survey, preceding a participatory value chain analysis, involving 113 sampled households in Kilifi County was conducted. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Tests on factors associated with farmer-to-farmer and processor-to-farmer dissemination of market access and technology information were done. Findings show that 88.5% of households were headed by male farmers with gender of household heads showing no significance in information dissemination on market access (p= 0.730) and market access and technology information (p= 0.574). Most farmers (63.6% males and 42.3% females) had secondary and above levels of education and were giving more market access and technology information than their counterparts. Statistical analysis also shows a difference in dissemination amongst farmers with different levels of education which was not significant (p=0.183). Processors with investment above average (37.2%) showed a tendency to disseminate information more than their counterparts but this was not significant for market access information (p=0.259) and market access and technology information (p=0.571).

Key words: Kenyan Coast, Coconut, Value Chain Analysis, Market Access, technology information

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (4), pp. 136-142, April, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Carcass yield and histopathological changes in meat type chickens fed raw and processed castor bean (Ricinus communis Linn.) cake

¹Akande TO, Odunsi AA, Akinwumi AO, Okunlola DO, Shittu MD and Afolabi OC.

Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]  

Received March 29, 2012; Accepted April 22, 2012

Abstract

Carcass and histopathological changes in meat type chickens fed raw and processed castor bean cake (CBC) was investigated. CBC was subjected to either lye treatment, boiling for 20 minutes or anaerobic fermentation for 3 days.  150 one day old chicks Anak strain were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments in triplicate lots of 10 chicks each in a completely randomised design. Diet 1 contained groundnut cake (GNC) as a protein sources while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained differently treated CBC (raw, lye treated, fermented and boiled) replacing GNC at 10% rate of inclusion. There were no notable changes in proximate composition of raw and differently processed CBC except for the caloric values that decreased in processed CBC. Lye treatment removed about 60% of active toxin in castor, lectin while about 45% were removed via boiling and fermentation. Feed intake, body weight gained, feed conversion and carcass cut parts declined (P<0.05) from control, lye, boiled to fermented group. Birds on the untreated CBC have their liver and kidney significantly (P<0.05) enlarged while breast and thigh meat of birds on raw CBC declined sharply (P<0.01).  Birds fed raw 100 g of CBC/kg diet also revealed loss of body mass and very prominent ill appearance with mortality. It is evident that the control groups and lye treated groups share some similarities in performance and carcass traits. In case of feed shortages, application of lye water on castor bean may be considered over boiling and fermentation in deactivating castor toxin.

Key words: castor bean cake, carcass yield, histology, organ, broilers.