Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing Callus induction and embrogenic cell suspension development in East African highland banana G. Arinaitwe · P. Gibson · A. Kiggundu · S.B. Mukasa +3 more Improvement of banana using conventional breeding methods is very difficult due to its biology. Genetic transformation is a novel alternative approach for crop improvement. Transformation of EA-AAA bananas has, however, been limited by dif… RUF-34682 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Lime requirement of selected acid soils of Lesotho and response of field beans to lime application M.V. Marake · T. Nkheloane A greenhouse experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lime application (at different rates) on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al3+) and plant response to lime application across four of the strongly acidic soils series of Les… RUF-34651 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of selected arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi on the growth of Calliandra calothyrsus and Sorghum bicolor in eastern Uganda E. Adipala · G. Eilu · C.L. Kizza · J.G.M. Majaliwa +2 more Successful consistent revegetation of drastically disturbed areas throughout the world has been achieved using biological “tools” including mycorrhizal fungus inoculated tree seeds, seedlings, native shrubs, and grass species. However, the… RUF-34583 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strategy for improving bush bean production on a phosphorus fixing Andosol with aquic moisture regime A. Cyamweshi Rusanganwa · J.S. Tenywa In Uganda, bean is a food security and income sourcing crop, particularly for the rural poor. The highlands of southwestern Uganda are major producers and consumers of the crop. The arable soils in the highlands bordering Rwanda and DR Con… RUF-34570 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Never sail by someone else’s star: Agricultural education for Africa M. Blackie There is a continent wide recognition that a productive agriculture is a key driver of national growth. But skilled professionals in agriculture are in short supply. Africa’s fastestgrowing and fastest-urbanising population is creating a “… RUF-34549 2010 CC BY 4.0 2 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Characterization of root development in a segregating diploid banana population as a searching basis for resistance to Radopholus similis M. Inamahoro · J. Lorenzen · H. Talwana Plant parasitic nematodes are recognised as the most serious pests of bananas wherever they are grown. Nematodes feed, multiply and migrate inside banana roots causing necrotic and reduced root systems. Genetic resistance to nematodes prov… RUF-34444 2010 CC BY 4.0 21 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of temperature on maize sensitivity to acetochlor J. Allemann · P. Mphundi This greenhouse study determined the effect of temperature on the herbicide acetochlor. The herbicide was applied a day after planting at the rates of 0.74, 1.47, 2.94 and 5.85 kg ha-1. Plants were kept at three temperature: supra-optimal … RUF-34413 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of micro and macro propagation techniques of Gerbera (Gerbera Jamesonii) under different conditions A. Igbal · A. Mahmed Ali · A. Mariam Gerbera has gained popularity in the last year in many countries of the world and it is in great demand in the floral industry as cut flower as well as potted due to its beauty, colour, long vase life, and ability to dehydrate after long t… RUF-34408 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Nutrient content of vegetable amaranth (Amaranths cruentus L.) at different harvesting stages N. D. Makobo · T. A. Mtaita · M. D. Shoko Data on the nutritional content of conventional vegetables can be reasonably associated with a specific stage of plant development, but information about the age of plant development to define harvest maturity for wild or indigenous leafy … RUF-34394 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strengthening research capacity for agricultural development in post-conflict and protracted crisis countries in africa: A FARA perspective I. Annor-Frempong · N.K. Ojijo, Olang’o Conflicts or crises are prevalent in a number of African countries and invariably cause disruption of economic and livelihood support systems. The agricultural sector, a major contributor to economies of these countries, is often the most … RUF-34327 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Weeds as potential biopesticides in Taro leaf blight disease management D. Chikoye · C. Fokunang · L. A. Fontem · E. M. Ndifon Weeds play an important role as biopesticides for the management of several field pests. An experiment was conducted in the Life Science Laboratories of the University of Buea in 2012 to assess the biopesticidal potential of aqueous extrac… RUF-34300 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Development of a virtual space for online supervision and mentoring as a novel architecture for learning and improving the quality of graduates’ studies in Africa M. Bji Vaate · D.K. Kiambi · J. Ndung’u-Skilton The quality of tertiary agricultural education is critical because it determines the expertise and competence of scientists, professionals and business leaders in all aspects of agriculture and related industries. Unfortunately, the qualit… RUF-34255 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of local dairy goat feed resources in Kongwa district, Tanzania S.W. Chenyambuga · T. Damas Msaki · D.M. Komwihangilo · E.E. Ndemanisho Decrease in quantity and quality of pastures during the dry season in Kongwa District has resulted into reduced milk production from the improved dairy goat breeds in the area. Available indigenous leguminous tree and shrub leaves can supp… RUF-34154 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformis under differing P fertiliser applications in Namibia M. G. Appollis · L. Kaholongo · A. Kahumba · E. Lutaaya +1 more The level of N fixation from effectively nodulated legumes depends on the growth rate of the legume and upon soil conditions. The main objective of this study was to compare the vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformi… RUF-34148 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Protein nutritional quality of soy fortified complementary flours from Western Kenya E.H. Kamau · C.A. Serrem · F.W. Wamunga Protein Energy Malnutrition accounts for 50% of the annual deaths of children aged below 5 years. Complementary foods for such young children should be protein efficient and nutrient dense. Compositing complementary flours with legumes of … RUF-34147 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Comparison of quality attributes of mango fruits produced from two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Kenya J. Ambuko · L. Ouma · W.O. Owino · S. Shibairo Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit adapted to a wide range of agro-ecological conditions. In Kenya, mango fruits are produced across various agro-ecological zones (AEZs); from sub-humid to semi-arid. The diverse production condit… RUF-34096 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of phosphorus deficiency on secondary metabolites and African nightshade distribution in Kisii, Siaya and Kakamega counties, Kenya J. P. Gweyi Onyango · W. Musila · P. Nawiri · J. Ogembo Oyaro African indigenous vegetables form an integral part of the Kenyan diets, among the most commonly consumed being the African nightshade. These vegetables contain important phenolics that have medicinal values and good health attributes. The… RUF-34074 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The use of rice and fish polyculture in rice fields to improve rice yields hence food security in Bunyala - Kenya F.W. Kariuki · A.N Leguuto Rice is an important food crop in Kenya’s drive to attain food security. However, its productivity remains low against an overall increase in national demand due to overdependence on rice monoculture leading to decline in soil fertility re… RUF-34024 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access A comparative evaluation of maturity indices of mango fruits produced in two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Kenya J. Ambuko · M. Hutchinson · J. Njuguna · L. Ouma +2 more Harvesting mango (Mangifera indica) fruits at the right stage for the destination market and use requires reliable maturity indices. There are various indices that are used to determine harvest maturity for mango fruits. However, differenc… RUF-34021 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Growth characteristics of selected indigenous legumes for livestock feeds in Namibia L. Kaholongo · A. Kahumba · E. Lutaaya · I. Mpofu +1 more The study was conducted to evaluate the growth characteristics of seven (7) indigenous forage legumes in Namibia in comparison to lucerne as potential livestock fodder. A split-plot design was used with fertiliser level as the main factor … RUF-33984 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Application of mutation techniques to determine the optimum sensitivity dose for sorghum E. Chepkoech · S. Kimno Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is the fifth most important cereal crop of the world and serves as a major staple food and fodder resource, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This crop has a big potential to be grown and cultivated owi… RUF-33946 2014 CC BY 4.0 11 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Leveraging mining infrastructure and procurement for long-term agricultural supply chain productivity and development D. Doepel · J.G Howieson · M.P McHenry · J. Walls +1 more Harnessing natural resources in mining and agriculture is a key driver of economic growth, generating large government revenues and export earnings, leading to considerable investment, growth, employment, and social benefit. However, in ma… RUF-33864 2014 CC BY 4.0 10 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Technological change in Uganda’s agriculture between 2005-2010 R.M. Kalibwani · E. Kato · J. Mutenyo The study estimates the rate of technological change in Uganda’s agriculture between 2005- 2010 across the 4 major regions of the country. Using a nationally representative household panel data set, we use a time trend variable in the stoc… RUF-33815 2014 CC BY 4.0 10 Aug 2015
Newsletters Open Access Press Release: Transforming African tertiary agricultural education RUF-33314 2014 CC BY 4.0 1 Aug 2014
Newsletters Open Access RUFORUM@10: Reaping what you sow: agricultural partnerships are key RUF-33311 2014 CC BY 4.0 21 Jul 2014