Working Document Series Open Access Influence of Niger plant (Guizotia abyssinica l.) on growth and development of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) O. A. Auma · L. Ngode · L. M. Oimbo Plants affect other plants growing in their vicinity either positively or negatively by producing exudates known as secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites, also known as allelochemicals, can be harnessed and utilized in control… RUF-38619 2018 CC BY 4.0 4 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of sowing date and genotypes on some yield components of kenaf S. I. Idres · S. A. Yousif A study was conducted at the University of Gezira in Wad Medani experimental farm in Sudan during May - September 2014 to determinate the optimum date for sowing kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.). Two kenaf genotypes, i.e., GS and RS were use… RUF-38613 2018 CC BY 4.0 4 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Characterization of tomato accessions for breeding research in Kenya F. K. Kathimba · P. M. Kimani · L. M. Kiriika · R.D. Narla Understanding the phenotypic traits of germplasm through cultivation and assessing the morphological and agronomic characters facilitates selection of suitable parents for a breeding programme. Although tomato is the leading vegetable crop… RUF-38610 2018 CC BY 4.0 4 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of organic mulch on soil properties and yield composition of groundnut on a typical latosol J. K. Ahiakpa · N. P. Kolliesuah Given the deficient nature of the Liberian soil (low N, P, K and acidic soil condition), a field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 at the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development Experimental Field using Biochar, Sawdust … RUF-38607 2018 CC BY 4.0 4 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation for seed yield and related traits among ecotypes of Cenchrus ciliaris L. G. Chemining’wa · E. C. Kirwa · W. N. Mnene · E. K. Ngugi Cenchrus ciliaris is widely promoted as a choice grass species for reseeding Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs). Nine ecotypes of C. ciliaris collected from selected sites in Kenyan ASALs were evaluated for seed yield and related traits in t… RUF-38602 2018 CC BY 4.0 4 Sep 2020
Journal articles Open Access Structural complexity and large-sized trees explain shifting species richness and carbon relationship across vegetation types Sylvanus Mensah · V.K. Salako · Thomas Seifert 1. It is prominently claimed that enhancing forest diversity would play a dual role of nature conservation and climate regulation. While the idea is intuitively appealing, studies show that species richness effects on above-ground carbon (… RUF-38600 2020 CC BY 4.0 31 Aug 2020
Journal articles Open Access Functional trait diversity is a stronger predictor of multifunctionality than dominance: Evidence from an Afromontane forest in South Africa A.E. Assogbadjo · R. Glèlè Kakaï · Sylvanus Mensah · V.K. Salako +2 more Studies on how biodiversity influences ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) help elucidate ecological mechanisms (e.g. niche complementarity and selection) underlying provision of multiple ecosystem services. While it is acknowledged that bi… RUF-38599 2020 CC BY 4.0 31 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Optimization of biosolids as a substrate for quality tomato transplant production S. O. Nyalala · P. C. Otieno · J.N. Wolukau Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important fruit vegetable crop for human health and nutrition as well as for income generation. The quality of the transplant affects the overall quality and yield of the crop. However, poor soil cond… RUF-38596 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Bioconversion of rice straw using lignocellulolytic microorganisms for improved soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity in Mwea, Kenya A. W. Karanja · J. M. Maingi · Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru Soil fertility in most crop producing areas in Kenya has greatly declined due to practices such as continuous cultivation and nutrient extraction through crop harvest without adequate nutrient replenishment. Presently, the need to boost su… RUF-38591 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of seed source on crop establishment, bacterial blight intensity, grain and dry matter yield in Cowpeas Most cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp) farmers use informal seed. The quality of this seed is unknown and thus crop establishment and performance is often uncertain. A study was conducted during the 2016 short rains in Makueni County in Ke… RUF-38588 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Field experiences on promotion of forage technologies to the smallholder dairy farmers in Western Usambara Highlands, Tanzania D. Maleko · G. Msalya · K. Mtei · A. Mwilawa +1 more Dairy industry is among the important components of the livestock sub-sector in Tanzania and it is of great potential towards contributing to poverty reduction and improving food security. The industry in the country comprises of smallhold… RUF-38587 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of fruit type and seed fermentation durations on seed germination and seedling vigour in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) J.O. Ochuodho · N.K. Rop · W. J. Tarus Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is an important fruity vegetable belonging to the family cucurbitaceae and it is cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal purposes. Rural farmers usually harvest the fruits of pumpkin purposely for food afte… RUF-38586 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of feed quality and challenges facing indigenous chicken production in Western Kenya J.O. Ochuodho · J.A. Omega · H.A. Rachuonyo · J.K. Tarus Besides generation of extra income, indigenous chicken provide food for majority of households in rural areas in form of quality meat and eggs. A baseline survey was conducted to determine status of indigenous chicken production in Busia, … RUF-38584 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Fresh fruits and vegetable consumption among HIV-infected pregnant women in urban resource-constrained areas W. Kogi-Makau · J. Ochieng · R. O. Opiyo The FAO/WHO recommends a minimum intake of fruits 160 g/day and 240 g/day of vegetables, and a combined intake of 400 g/day for normal healthy adults for prevention of chronic diseases and alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies. For vul… RUF-38583 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Potential benefits of dietary Chia in the primary prevention of pardiovascular piseases: A review B. N. Kiage · F.D. Mihafu Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are mainly caused by atherosclerosis which occurs when artery walls become widened due to accumulation of fatty deposits, smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues collectively termed plaque. Plaque … RUF-38575 2018 CC BY 4.0 19 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access The nutrient diversity of baobab Adansonia digitata L. across different geographic zones in Eastern Africa J. Chepngeno · W. Owino Food and nutrition insecurity is a common occurrence in arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, with communities resorting to wild foods and forest products such as baobab in times of scarcity, to derive energy and nutrition. The… RUF-38573 2018 CC BY 4.0 19 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of low tannin sorghum on sensory characteristics of layer eggs and broiler meat M.G. Gicheha · L. Kabuage · J.N. Kinyuru · J. N. Mburu +2 more The sensory characterization of food and food products is necessary to measure its consumer acceptance as it rates the preference of consumer with regards to the intervention made. low tannin sorghum is important as a feed but its acceptab… RUF-38568 2018 CC BY 4.0 19 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access An assessment of the nutritional quality of ecotypes of Digitaria macroblephara at different phenological stages in southern Kenya O.K. Koech · W. N. Mnene · P.L.N. Ndung’u · V.O. Wasonga Livestock production is a key economic activity in drylands all over the world. Drylands support a majority of the world’s livestock population. Local and indigenous communities in these areas have for long relied on experientially acquire… RUF-38567 2018 CC BY 4.0 19 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of crop age on nutritional quality of fresh roots from popular coastal Kenyan cassava varieties G. O. Abong · C. K. Katama · M. W. Okoth · S. Shibairo Cassava is an important crop in coastal Kenya commonly harvested at 12 months after planting but earlier during food shortages. Effect of early harvesting on root quality has not been well established. Varieties Tajirika, Karembo and Kiban… RUF-38566 2018 CC BY 4.0 19 Aug 2020
Theses & Dissertations Open Access A Study of the Dynamics of Sunburn Reduction in Apple (Malus domestica) Using Foliar Applications of a Combination of Boron and Calcium A. Mwije Apple fruit sunburn browning (SBB) is largely a climate-related disorder that reduces fruit quality leading to serious financial losses. The aim of this research was to unravel the mode-of-action by which post-full-bloom foliar boron plus … RUF-38555 2020 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2020
Journal articles Open Access Apple Peel Biochemical Changes after Foliar Application of Combined Boron and Calcium I. Phenolics and Physico-Chemical Attributes E. W. Hoffman · E. Lötze · A. Mwije Post-full bloom foliar applications of boron in combination with calcium (B+Ca) suppress fruit sunburn-browning incidence in apples (Malus domestica). However, the mode-of-action is not yet explained and hence, protocols to exploit this se… RUF-38554 2020 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Role of cassava in nutrition of 2-5 years old children in coastal Kenya G. O. Abong · J. A. Aguk · C. Katama · P. O. Lamuka +3 more Cassava roots are a good source of calories in the tropics. However, they lack most of the other nutrients such as Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A. Populations that solely rely on cassava are therefore prone to suffer deficiencies from most of th… RUF-38553 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Restoration status of Nakayiba wetland, Masaka, Uganda J. Bunyangha · H. S. Busulwa · P. Mucunguzi Many wetlands in Uganda have been converted into uses that are injurious to nature. However, besides just a few of them being restored, the success of restoration for any of them has not been assessed to guide future restoration efforts in… RUF-38538 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Restoration status of Nakayiba wetland, Masaka, Uganda J. Bunyangha · H. S. Busulwa · P. Mucunguzi Many wetlands in Uganda have been converted into uses that are injurious to nature. However, besides just a few of them being restored, the success of restoration for any of them has not been assessed to guide future restoration efforts in… RUF-38537 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Interaction entre les activités du 137Cs et la matière organique dans les sols du sous bassin versant de Bougoula en zone soudanienne du Mali B. Ahamadou · A. Bengaly · P. Bonte · D. Diallo Rural development, water resources management and more generally environmental protection programs need decision support tools. There is an urgent need to find simple, reliable and inexpensive diagnostic methods. The cesium 137 (137Cs) met… RUF-38533 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2020