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 Effect of varying Desmodium and maize harvesting regimes on their yields and growth attributes within the “Push- Pull” intercropping systems in Western Kenya Z. Khan · M. N. Koech · J.R. Okalebo · C.O. Othieno +3 more This study tested the hypothesis that inclusion of Desmodium spp. into maize cropping system under the push-pull technology enhanced crop growth and yield. Field trials were conducted in Siaya and Busia districts of western Kenya with the … RUF-34388 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysis of multipurpose uses and management of Zizphus spina-christi (L.) desf. in semi-arid Ethiopia: Implications for food security Feyssa Debela Hunde · J.T. Njoka · M.M. Nyangito · Asfaw Zemede Quantitative ethnobotanical study of Ziziphus spina-christi was undertaken in six areas of east Shewa, Ethiopia. Both structured questionnaire and focus-group interviews were conducted with about 200 households. Arable land cultivation, an… RUF-34380 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Response of sorghum genotypes to indigenous and exotic stem borers in Kenya P. Gibson · S. Kyamanywa · M. Mgonja · P.W. Muturi +1 more Field trials are being conduced in Kenya to identify sources of resistance, especially multiple resistance to Buseola fusca and Chilo partellus, two devastating pests of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. Genotypes ICSB 464, ICSB 467, Macia, IES… RUF-34367 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Distribution and potential invasion of Opuntia spp. on selected Namibian sites L.R. Brown · P.J. Du Preez · I.U. Kavirindi The distribution, density and size attributes of an alien invasive species, Opuntia spp., were assessed on each of north, west, south and eastern communal and commercial farming sites in Namibia. A chemical control trial on this species wa… RUF-34363 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Policy Briefs Open Access Research briefs for the Third Graduate Research Grants Call RUF-34332 2015 CC BY 4.0 18 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Human resource capacity in conservation and use of plant genetic resources in the SADC region: A review M.P. Munyenyembe · L.L. Qhobela This review presents the main achievements made by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) – Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC) in training and building capacity in conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources s… RUF-34322 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Farmer perception on effects of the witch weed infestations in sorghum in Ishongorero sub county, Ibanda district, south western Uganda B. Bua · C. Nowamani Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is the fifth most important cereal in the semi arid regions of the world in terms of production and area planted. However, sorghum production is constrained by a number of factors including pests and di… RUF-34289 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Predicting potential distribution of the coconut whitefly in Mozambique based on ecological niche modeling tool T. Checo · D. Cugala · L. Jose The coconut (Cocos nucifera) whiteûy (Aleurotrachelus atratus), native to Central America has been recorded in various countries in Africa. In Mozambique, the coconut whitefly was reported for the first time in Maputo in 2010. However, the… RUF-34232 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enzymatic processing of plant fibres for diversified uses M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · T. Ndlovu · D.A. Otieno +3 more Harsh fibre production processes contributing to challenges in the ecosystem have rekindled the interest on green fibres and eco-friendly products globally. This interest has propelled some developing countries, including Swaziland, to exp… RUF-34202 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The bio-processing of fibres from Agave sisalana and Agave americana M.T. Masarirambi · T. Ndlovu · J.M. Thwala · V.S. Vilane +1 more Plant fibres play a major role in the lives of many rural peoples, especially women in Swaziland. It is known to produce strong and hard fibres which tend to limit the users in terms of product development. This research study, therefore, … RUF-34194 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Plantwise knowledge bank: Expanding local and global resource pathways for plant health education and research in Africa J. Dennis · S. Hobbs · J. Mulema · W. Ochilo Plant health stakeholders in Africa face many challenges to manage crop pests. Apart from lack of access to vital knowledge and resources, new threats from globalization, climate change and population growth have led to a rapid pace of cha… RUF-34179 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Proximate composition of potential plant feedstuffs for production of Tilapia rendalli in northern Malawi J. Kang’ombe · F. Kapute · O.V. Msiska · K. Mzengereza +1 more The aquaculture sector in Malawi contributes two percent to nation’s fish production. Availability of affordable quality feed is one of the most important problems that hamper aquaculture growth in Malawi. This study, therefore, aimed at i… RUF-34171 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Identifying conditions for phytase enzyme adaption in African catfish feeds H. Kasigwa · C. Kemigabo · C. Masembe · D. Sikawa This research was conducted to establish and streamline conditions and optimum amount of phytase enzyme required for its adoption for improved digestibility of plant based catfish feeds. This started with analysis of pH along African catfi… RUF-34149 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 Interactive effect of goat manure, phosphate fertiliser and lime on soil fertility in Embu County, Kenya B.O. Danga · J. Mugwe · B. Verde Nutrient mining resulting from crop uptake and erosion; and soil acidity which makes plant nutrients less available through different means such as phosphorus fixation and impairment of biological mediated processes in the soil. A study wa… RUF-34126 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access In-season nitrogen prediction for the quality protein maize using the pocket hand-held NDVI sensor on farmers’ field around Ilu-Gelan and Bako-Tibe, Ethiopia Tolera Abera · Tolessa Debele · Haekoo Kim · Ernest Semu +1 more The “pocket” hand-held Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) sensor for inseason highland quality protein maize nitrogen rate determination for side-dressing was conducted in 2013cropping season on seven farmers’ field around Bako-… RUF-34117 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Biomass accumulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean varieties, grain yields of soybean and maize intercropped at different planting densities in western Kenya F. Baijukya · R. Onwonga · M. Simbine Biomass accumulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean (Glycine max) and grain yields of maize (Zea mays) and soybean intercropped at different planting densities was assessed in two villages of Butere and Mumias district of western Kenya d… RUF-34108 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Pesticide use for management of aphids and viral diseases in passion fruit J. Karungi · M. Ochwo-Ssemakula · A. Olango · P. Sseruwagi Passionfruit viral pathogens limit passionfruit production and are non-persistently transmitted by aphid vectors, the diseases can reduce orchard life span to only a year resulting to 100% yield loss. 50-100% loss due to biotic stresses ha… RUF-34086 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 Combining ability and gene action in a diallel cross of eight sesame genotypes P. Gibson · W Okello-Anyanga · P.R. Rubaihayo · P. Tukamuhabwa An 8 x 8 diallel cross mating design with the parents and F1s excluding the reciprocals was used to estimate gene action and combining ability analysis for yield and some yield components in sesame (Sesamum indicum). These genotypes were e… RUF-34073 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Breeding for common bean rust in Uganda S. Nkalubo · B. A. Odogwu · P. Rubaihayo Rust caused by the fungi Uromyces appendiculatus is considered as one of the most variable pathogens documented world-wide. In Uganda, rust has been identified as an emerging common bean disease and this has contributed to its being given … RUF-34067 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Biofficacy of lion’s ear and African basil extracts in management of adult twospotted spider mite on french beans J. G. Nyaanga · S. O. Ochola · K. O. Ogayo · J. O. Ogendo +2 more Methanol extracts of Lion’s ear, Leonotis nepetifolia L. (LN) and African basil, Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG), were evaluated for their toxic and ovicidal effects against the female adult two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. La… RUF-34061 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access In vitro evaluation of Leonotis nepetifolia L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. plant extracts against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum J. G. Nyaanga · S. O. Ochola · K. O. Ogayo · J. O. Ogendo +2 more The potential of crude plant extracts as antimicrobial agents has been demonstrated both in animal and plant health. Extracts with potential for control of plant pathogens such as Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (causal agent for bean anthro… RUF-34059 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Aphid transmission and alternate hosts of Passiflora chlorotic mottle virus in Uganda J. Karungi · M.N. Nantale · M. Ochwo-Ssemakula · P. Sseruwagi This research established aphid vectors and alternate hosts of Passiflora chlorotic mottle virus in Uganda. Aphids and host plants were collected from farmers’ fields in major passion fruit growing districts in Uganda. Transmission tests w… RUF-34058 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015