School of Agriculture and Food Security

Effect of agro-dealers on profitability of improved indigenous chicken production among small holder farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of agro-dealers on profitability of improved indigenous chicken production among small holder farmers in Kisumu County, Kenya BWIBO, Beverly Shitandi Improved indigenous chicken production has remained low in Kisumu County, failing to bridge the supply gap of 3.9 million against a demand of 9.1 million chicken. Several efforts have been initiated by the Kisumu County government and different development partners to increase improved indigenous chicken production which have not resulted in any marked change. This implies that investments aimed at improving chicken production have not achieved desired outputs. This could be partly attributed to the weak linkages between agro-dealers and farmers. Further, there is scanty information on the effect of agro-dealers in sustaining the improved indigenous chicken input supply system and commercialization. This study sought to evaluate improved indigenous chicken farmers’ perception about services obtained from agro-dealers, determine the profit level of improved indigenous chicken farmers in Kisumu County, and determine the effect of agro-dealers on profitability of improved indigenous chicken production among small holder farmers in Kisumu County. The study was guided by the innovation theory and Clark’s dynamic theory of profit. The target population included 52,704 farmers practicing improved indigenous chicken farming on small scale in Kisumu West, Kisumu East and Kisumu Central Sub Counties. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey and causal-effect research design, using semi-structured questionnaires to obtain data from 384 farmers, selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A pilot study was done in Vihiga County with 40 farmers. The Cronbach’s alpha method was used to compute reliability of the research instrument which resulted in a value of 0.79. The validity of the instrument was done through face and content validity through extensive literature review. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize the improved indigenous chicken farmers, the principal component analysis and Likert scale mean score were used to evaluate improved indigenous chicken farmers’ perceptions about services obtained from agro-dealers, gross margin per bird analysis was used to determine the profitability level of improved indigenous chicken farming, and the propensity score matching was used to determine the effect of agro-dealers on profitability of improved indigenous chicken production. Results revealed that mean age of the household heads was 45 years, majority of which are male headed, with an average flock size of 57 heads. Analysis of farmer perception on agro- dealers showed that an average response score of 3.51, indicated that agro- dealers contributed positively to their enterprises and thus enhanced their competitiveness. The results further revealed that an average improved indigenous chicken farmer made an annual gross margin of KES 265 per bird. Majority of the farmers, 77%, received agro-dealer extension services. Improved indigenous chicken farmers who accessed extension services fetched higher profits by 6% annually compared to those who did not. The study recommends government and development organizations to strengthen the capacities of agrodealers, and thus improve the provision of extension services through them, to enable small holder farmers improve their profitability. Master's Thesis

Genetic analysis of reproductive performance of large white sows in western Kenya

2025-11-11T00:00:00Z

Genetic analysis of reproductive performance of large white sows in western Kenya KADENYI, Milka Agwona Accurate estimation of genetic parameters is important in animal evaluation to effectively sustain reproductive performance, while accounting for sources of variation in animal performance. The pig improvement program is under implementation; however, accurate estimates of performance parameters are largely lacking. KALRO is at the forefront of pig genetic improvement, breeding research, and dissemination of improved pig technologies. They have implemented breed evaluation programs, particularly for the Large White and Landrace breeds. KALRO also develops feeding regimes, disease control programs, and farmer training modules. This study aimed to conduct a genetic analysis of the reproductive performance of sows in Western Kenya by: (i) evaluating the non-genetic sources of variation in sow reproductive performance, which include herd, season of birth, year of birth, season of farrowing, and year of farrowing, and (ii) estimating variance components and genetic parameters of sow reproductive performance. Data were collected on reproductive performance records of Large White sows obtained from 2010 to 2022. Data on reproductive traits, namely litter size at birth (LSB), number of piglets born alive (NPBA), litter size at weaning (LSW), and inter-farrowing interval (IFI), were obtained from pig farms in Kisumu and Trans-Nzoia counties. Non-genetic sources of variation in reproductive traits were determined by fitting reproductive data to a fixed-effect model in a generalized linear model using R software. Estimates of variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by fitting a multivariate animal model to the data in WOMBAT. The fixed part of the model comprised herd, year of birth (Yob), season of birth (Sob), year of farrowing (Yof), season of farrowing (Sof), parity, and LSB, among which Yof, Yob, herd, and LSB were found to have a significant effect on reproductive performance. There was low genetic variance compared to phenotypic variance, and high phenotypic correlation estimates were observed between LSB and LSW (0.66±0.12) and between NPBA and LSW (0.82±0.01). Heritability estimates were 0.014±0.040 for LSB, 0.011±0.039 for NPBA, 0.001±0.035 for LSW, and 0.039±0.038 for IFI. These low heritability estimates suggest that genetic improvement through selection will be slow. Analysis of non-genetic sources of variation revealed that herd management and seasonality of years in terms of rainfall were significant sources of variation in sow reproductive traits, underscoring the importance of management and environmental factors in optimizing sow productivity. Additionally, the estimated variance components and genetic parameters showed that heritability estimates for sow reproductive traits were generally low, suggesting limited genetic variability and potential for response to selection. While strong phenotypic correlations were observed among the litter traits, some genetic correlations were antagonistic, indicating that selection for one trait may negatively affect others if not carefully balanced. Therefore, there should be cautious implementation of genetic selection to avoid compromising correlated traits. Master's Thesis

General and specific combining ability for grain and yield components in a diallel cross among selected nine inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

General and specific combining ability for grain and yield components in a diallel cross among selected nine inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L) MUREITHI, Gladys Wanjiku Analysis of combining ability plays an important role in identifying elite parents and crosses which can give best combinations based on the performances of their offspring. Hybrid variety production requires broad genetic base among the germplasm as materials to be used as parents because their increase heterosis which can be exploited. There is little knowledge on general and specific combining ability of inbred lines developed by Maseno University maize breeding programme which lead to development of inferior parent and crosses, also knowledge on inbred lines make breeding process more effective as save breeding cost and time. The general objective of this study was to identify parents and crosses with desirable combining ability in order to contribute to increased grain yield. The specific objectives were to analyze general and specific combining ability among selected maize inbred lines and their hybrids for grain yield and yield components among selected inbred lines and their hybrids, assessment of heterosis for F1 hybrids involving selected inbred lines of maize. The study was carried out in the Maseno University demonstration farm between 2019-2021 The study involved making crosses among nine inbred lines in half diallel method II model I to obtain 36 F1 hybrids and evaluating them. The nine inbred lines and their 36 hybrids were planted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The crosses were used to estimate general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects on grain weight, yield related traits and assess heterosis for the F1 hybrids in order to select suitable parents for hybridization and identify superior and promising hybrids. The eight traits measured included days to 50% flowering, days to 50% silking, plant height, ear height, cob length, and cob width, number of rows per cob and grain weight. The data were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using the Least Significant difference at p< 0.05. Mean squares for genotype, SCA and GCA were found to be significantly different. Inbred lines F620R, Cy441/2 and RC 9 were found to be good general combiners for most of the traits hence they can be useful for hybrids development. Crosses F620R X Ex 389, Ex614P X F620R, Ex614P X F-white, F-white X Cy441/2 and Cy441/2 X RC 9 had high positive and significant SCA for grain weight and most of yield related traits hence can be used to develop superior hybrids. Specific combining ability based on yield was used to indicate heterotic grouping of crosses. GCA: SCA ratio were high for days to 50% flowering, days to 50% silking, plant height and number of rows per cob while it was low for ear height, cob width, cob length and grain weight. This shows the importance of both GCA and SCA in inheritance of yield and yield related traits. Among 36 F1s all crosses exhibited high heterosis for grain yield except Ex 614P X Ex bear, Ex 614P X Ex 389, Ex 389 X Bear614 and F620R X Cy441/2 which exhibited low heterosis values. Identified parents and crosses with high GCA and low SCA values could be used in development of superior hybrids and synthetic varieties. There was significance difference in GCA, SCA and heterosis among genotypes hence they is genetic difference which can be exploited further. Master's Thesis

Characterization of the Genetic Diversity of Cercospora Zeina in Kenya and Mapping the QTL for resistance to Gray Leaf Spot and Turcicum Leaf Blight in Maize

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Characterization of the Genetic Diversity of Cercospora Zeina in Kenya and Mapping the QTL for resistance to Gray Leaf Spot and Turcicum Leaf Blight in Maize OMONDI, Dennis Oduor Gray leaf spot (GLS) caused by Cercospora zeina in Africa and Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum are a major threat to maize production due to the associated grain yield losses. Resistance in the currently grown maize hybrids could be overcome by high levels of genetic diversity that characterize C. zeina and E. turcicum populations. However, little is known concerning the population structure and diversity of C. zeina in Kenya. The objectives of this study were first to characterize the genetic diversity of C. zeina. Secondly to map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) conditioning resistance to GLS and TLB in the double haploid (DH) population from CML511×CML546. The genetic diversity of C. zeina and the role of sexual recombination in this population was determined by collecting GLS infected maize leaves from four counties in Kenya. The genomic DNA for the 129 successful isolates were assayed using previously designed mating type (MAT) primers and genotyped using 11 microsatellite markers. The CTB7 (cercosporin toxin biosynthesis 7) test confirmed that all the isolates sampled were C. zeina as they all produced PCR products of 618 bp. The population exhibited high levels of gene diversity (He=0.445), slightly high gene flow (Nm=3.85) and high level of polymorphism. In addition, the four counties were characterized by nearly equal distribution of the two mating types, providing evidence that it could be undergoing sexual recombination. Occurrence of sexual recombination could be responsible for the high genetic diversity. STRUCTURE analysis revealed that the population clustered into four sub-groups according to the four counties. The PhiPT value of 0.15 (p=0.001) corroborated with AMOVA tests was significant to provide evidence for partial population differentiation. QTL mapping was achieved by evaluating the DH population in Maseno and Kabianga in a 5×46 alpha lattice design during the long rains of 2018 and 2019. The disease incidence for the plots were scored on a scale of 1-9 and the best linear unbiased predictions determined using META-R statistical software. Marker genotyping of the population was performed using 1250 markers in diversity arrays technology (DArTseq). Linkage map construction and QTL analysis were conducted in QTL IciMapping v4.1. Nine GLS resistance QTLs were mapped on the chromosomal bins 1.06, 1.07, 1.11, 2.04, 2.06, 3.04, 3.05, 4.1 and 7.04. Fourteen TLB resistance QTLs were detected on the chromosomal bins 1.02, 1.08, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 3.01, 3.04, 4.02, 4.08, 5.03, 6.05, 7.03, 8.08 and 10.04. The QTLs were detected in at least two environments. The highest phenotypic variance was conditioned by qGLS1_190 (16.60%) for GLS and qTLB8_171 for TLB (13.65%). Disease resistance was negatively correlated with flowering time suggesting higher resistance in the late maturing genotypes. These findings will enhance proper identification of the pathogen causing GLS and GLS management programs. The identified QTLs and their flanking markers could be validated and fine mapped in future work for use in breeding for resistance to GLS and TLB. Masters Theses

Performance of Maize Hybrids and Inbred lines under Gray Leafspot (Cercospora zea-maydis L.) infestation in western Kenya

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Performance of Maize Hybrids and Inbred lines under Gray Leafspot (Cercospora zea-maydis L.) infestation in western Kenya MBOGO, Peter Okoth Gray leaf spot (GLS) caused by Cercospora zea-maydis is recognized as one of the most yield limiting diseases of maize world-wide. In susceptible genotypes, yieldlosses of up to 60 percent are not uncommon. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the response of diverse maize genotypes to Gray leaf spot (GLS) infestation in western Kenya, and to determine the genetics ofGLS resistance in two maize inbred lines (CML312 and CML389). Another was to evaluate the relationship between GLS assessment methods, severity and lesion length. A total of 16 hybrids were evaluated for yield and yield components under artificial GLS infestation during the 2007/08 seasons at Maseno and at Bungoma .. Other genotypes evaluated included, 13 inbred lines, 2 FI hybrids, and F2 populations of crosses MSN21 and CML389 or CML312. Among the inbred lines, MSN21 was the most susceptible to GLS and had the highest disease severity rating. The inbred linesCML389 and CML388 and their FJ hybrids showed high levels ofGLS resistance. CML312 and CML384 showed tolerance to GLS. There was a very good correlation between the lesion length and severity ratings (r=0.9), suggesting that both could be used in disease damage assessment. The best hybrid for GLS resistance was the experimental EH9; however, it had lower grain yields compared to others. The commercial hybrids PhB3253 and Kenya Seed H516 were the most susceptible to GLS. Fifty percent of the experimental hybrids performed better than the commercial check hybrids for grain yield under artificial GLS infestation. The best hybrid was the experimental EHI0, with 32% yield advantage over the commercial checks. The frequency distribution of severity data for the F2 population of a cross between MSN21 and CML312 was continuous, suggesting that GLS tolerance is influenced by quantitative genes. A similar frequency distribution data for F2 population of a cross between MSN21 and CML389, showed 2 distinct peaks, and the genotypes Within the 2 classes fitted a 9 to 7 ratio. This suggests that the resistance to GLS in CML389 may be conditioned by at least 2 major genes, with complementary epistatic interactions.

The effect of imazapyr - resistant maize (Zea mays L.) plant density under bean intercrop on witchweed (Striga hermonthiea (Del.) Benth), maize and bean yield

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

The effect of imazapyr - resistant maize (Zea mays L.) plant density under bean intercrop on witchweed (Striga hermonthiea (Del.) Benth), maize and bean yield ILLA, Absalom Obuya Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in East Africa serving both as a staple food and cash crop to millions of people. As a vegetable, it is produced either as green maize cobs, sweet com or baby com. Maize yields under farmers' conditions especially in the Lake Victoria Basin average 1.3 t ha-1 which is less than 25% of the potential yield. This is attributed to several factors; the greatest be"-i'ng Striga (Striga hermonthica) which is a parasitic weed attacking several crops in the grass family. A medium term technological breakthrough in form of a herbicide (imazapyr) resistant maize variety could help reduce seedbank in the soil. The main objective was to evaluate .the seasonal performance of imazapyr-resistant (IR) maize at different plant densities under bean intercrop on Striga weed and crop growth. The study was conducted for two seasons on a Striga-free field at Maseno University and on a Striga infested farmer's field in Maseno Division of Kisumu West District. The experiment was laid out as a Split plot design in three replicates with maize variety as the main plot factor at three levels (treated IR maize, untreated IR maize and WH505/H516 as commercial check varieties) and maize density as the sub-plot factor at three levels (44,444 plants ha-1, 66,666 plants ha·1 and 88,888 plants ha"). Data was collected on Striga seed count, days to first Striga emergence, crop stand, Striga incidence, Striga biomass, days to 50% flowering of the crop, crop biomass, and finally on maize and bean yield components. Data was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOV A) at 5% using SAS computer software to test for significant differences between treatments and means separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). The effect of IR maize plant density on Striga seed bank was not established due to the plot sizes which could not withstand Striga seed invasion from external sources. Treated IR maize delayed Striga attachment on maize thus . suppressing Striga parasitism and any late Striga attachments had little or no parasitic effect. Increasing the plant density of treated IR maize up to 88,888 plants ha-1 led to an increase in maize yield up to 3.48 t ha-1 and this high density can still be intercropped with two rows of beans between the maize rows translating into increased returns per unit area. Treated IR maize should be planted in Striga infested fields at 75cm x 15cm with two rows of bean intercrop 15cm away from the maize rows spaced at 45cm x 15cm.

Habitat characteristics and population structure of the fishes of the upper Victoria Nile, Uganda

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Habitat characteristics and population structure of the fishes of the upper Victoria Nile, Uganda BASSA, Samuel Globally, riverine fishes are important in supplementing lacustrine fish production. In Uganda, Upper Victoria Nile (UVN) is considered as a critical habitat to fish species reproduction, feeding, shelter and as source of food to the community. Yet information on population dynamics of resident fish species, biological integrity of riverine ecosystem, habitat quality is not known and catch rates of fish species in UVN are scanty. Further, information of the species Mormyrus kannume on growth patterns and exploitation is unknown. The main objective of the study was to determine habitat characteristics and population structure of the fishes of UVN. Specific objectives were: i) To characterise habitat quality in relation to physico-chemical parameters and fish community structure in UVN; ii) To determine the population dynamics of fish in UVN; iii) To determine trends in fishing effort and fish catches in UVN; and iv) To determine spatial and temporal abundance of bait fishery in UVN. The study covered twelve stations distributed between station 1 (ST1) to ST12. Out of twelve sampling stations, three were for catch assessment and effort data, while nine were for collection of fisheries, limnology, and ecosystem integrity datasets. Data were collected biannually from April 2014 to September 2019. Physico-chemical variables of water were measured using HacH HQ40d multi probe. Water samples were obtained in duplicate using 500mm borosilicate bottles prewashed with distilled water and nutrient analysis in laboratory was done following standard methods. Principle Component Analysis was used in water quality analysis. Nine-habitat metrics estimated habitat quality index (HQI). Fish biodiversity indices were estimated using occurrence and fish-based index of biotic integrity (FIBI) methods. Counts of exotic/indigenous and tolerant/intolerant species were recorded to generate species richness. Generated measurements were used to develop 12 metrics FIBI by summing up scores. Duplicate samples of fish were obtained using experimental gillnets of mesh sizes ranging from 25.4-203.2 mm. Fish Stock Assessment Tool (FISAT) and IBM SPSS Statistic Version 20 were used in data analysis of population structure. The study mainly focused on population structure, sexual maturity, food and feeding habits, growth parameters, growth performance indices, mortality rates, and yield per recruit. Population dynamics characteristics of fish exhibited a lower size at sexual maturity (L50) for males and females. For example, L. niloticus, O. niloticus and M. kannume (L50) for males and females; 30.1 & 40.3 cm TL; 24.5 and 17.5 cm FL respectively. Fish community structure recorded5,202 fish specimens comprising 67 species belonging to 8 families. Species recorded, Lates niloticus13.82%, M. kannume 1.8%; Oreochromis niloticus0.54%,Bagrus docmac 0.41%and other including the haplochromines72%.Trophic guilds recorded omnivores (62.7%),carnivores (22.4%) and detrivores (14.9%). Mean HQI, (25.86-32.89), total fish catch and FIBI, (1.8-3.5) varied among stations that showed fair biodiversity that needed proper conservation measures of habitat type. The observed changes in annual changes were attributed to increased fishing effort along with gear changes from legal to illegal such as traps, nets below 5 inches based on Fishing rule (2010). The growth and morality parameters for commercial fishes such as L.niloticus,O.niloticus,M. kannume, O. variabilis recorded; length at infinity in centimetre total length and maximum age in years at 90.3, 8.1; 47.3,4.1 and 36.75;6.4 respectively. Total morality (Z) and exploitation rate (E) for same fish species were;Z=1.71 per year (yr-1), E=0.62; Z=2.80 yr-1, E=0.50; Z=1.74 yr-1, E=0.5 yr-1 respectively. That exhibited a decrease in population characteristics thus environmental stress. Annual fish production recorded> 70 percent low sized fishes that earned low market value. Estimated production showed high regeneration rates and often dynamic that needed regular monitoring to provide adequate information to inform management decisions. M. kannume recorded increase in annual catches and value of 40 tonnes (t) to 300 t in 2014 to 2019 respectively; though maturing at small sizes of male and females at 24.5 and 17.5 cm FL. That requires scientific attention on sustainability of the resources to avoid depletion and eventual collapse.

Determination of Agricultural Production Constraints and Optimal Enterprise. Mix in an Irrigation Scheme: The Case of HOLA Irrigation Scheme in Kenya

1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Determination of Agricultural Production Constraints and Optimal Enterprise. Mix in an Irrigation Scheme: The Case of HOLA Irrigation Scheme in Kenya AYOO, C.A.A. This study arose out of the need to address the problem of poor performance of Kenya's large scale irrigation schemes. The poor performance has been evidenced by the negative cash flows that these schemes have consistently recorded since their inception (with the exception of the Mwea Tabere Rice Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga district) and the low incomes received by the tenant farmers. The study focused on the Hola Irrigation Scheme which was chosen because of its locat icon in the Tana River Basin which possesses the greatest. potential for irrigation development in the country. The scheme's farm plans were investigated under the null hypothesis that poor enterprise combinations and resource misallocation were the primary sources of its poor performance. Both primary and secondary data were gathered on inputs, outputs, prices and family characteristics, among others. The gross margins of the various crop enterprises were then computed as a basis for determining the relative profitabi1ity. The computed gross margins were also used to formulate an objective function which was an integral component of linear programming, the analytical technique that was employed. A linear programming problem matrix was then constructed and fed into a computer to determine the optimal farm plans. These were / compared with the existing farm plans and were found to - i< 1 - differ significantly. It was therefore inferred that - x it - the existing enterprise combinations and resource allocation patterns were inefficient and that farm incomes could therefore be increased through resource real location. From the dual values, the constraints to increased farm incomes were deduced to be April labour, November labour, capital and subsistence requirements. A marketing constraint was also identified as the cause of the wide fluctuations in commodity prices, especially for onions and tomatoes and lack of adequate storage. The conclusions of the study were that resource use patterns be altered by adapting the optimal farm plans and that the existing structural and institutional constraints be eased to make the change possible. Such constraints include transport infrastructure, credit and storage.

Genetic Diversity of Legume Nodulating Bacteria and the Effect of Nitrogen Sources on the Yield of Common Bean in Western Kenya

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Genetic Diversity of Legume Nodulating Bacteria and the Effect of Nitrogen Sources on the Yield of Common Bean in Western Kenya Kawaka, Fanuel Declining soil fertility in general and nitrogen (N) in particular limit crop production on many smallholder farms in western Kenya. Soil N deficiency is usually ameliorated with inorganic N fertilizers but their high costs preclude their use by resource poor smallholder farmers. In addition there are concerns that increased use of inorganic fertilizers could lead to environmental degradation. Organic inputs offer sustainable alternatives to expensive inorganic N fertilizers but the common organic materials on smallholder farms are not available in adequate amounts. The use of none traditional organic materials such as water hyacinth has been reported to supply plant nutrients but has not been adequately tested. Integration of legumes such as the common bean in cropping systems is another option that has the potential to contribute soil N through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. However there is paucity of information on the abundance, symbiotic effectiveness and identity of native bacterial strains from soils in western Kenya thus making it difficult to make informed decisions on the inoculation need. This study was conducted to compare the response of common bean to water hyacinth compost, inorganic N fertilizer and determine the abundance, symbiotic efficiency (SE) and identity of the native bacteria nodulating legumes. Soil sampling was carried out in three farms that had been used for growing common bean for at least two seasons and one fallow land with no known history of growing common bean or inoculation in Kisumu and Kakamega. The abundance of soil bacteria and symbiotic efficiency (SE) were determined in a greenhouse experiment. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from the bacteria and the 16S rRNA gene sequenced to establish their identity. Field experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Kisumu for two consecutive seasons during the short rains of October to December, 2013 and the long rains of April to August, 2014. The treatments consisted of two bean varieties, rhizobium inoculation and non inoculation, with and without phosphorus (P), urea and water hyacinth compost. The population of bacteria ranged from 3.2 × 101 to 3.5 × 104 cells per gram of soil. Cluster analysis of the 16S rRNA gene grouped the native bacterial strains into five genera: Rhizobium, Bacillus, Pantoea, Enterobacter and Klebsiella. The bacterial strains had high SE compared to the first commercial the inoculant, CIAT 899 and ranged from Rhizobium sp (74%) to Klebsiella variicola (170%). The two species of Klebsiella variicola (MUST005 and KSM005) and Enterobacter hormaechei recorded higher SE than strain 446, a second inoculant. These native species should be exploited for the development of inoculation programmes to enhance N fixation in the region. Low levels of P were recorded in fallow soils at the two sites while Aluminium levels were high in Kakamega. Urea significantly improved yields of common bean in the short rain season compared to the other treatments at the two sites. However, in the long rains season water hyacinth compost gave higher yields than urea and control. This study reveals that the use of water hyacinth compost can serve as a substitute for inorganic N source. PHD Thesis

Phenotypic variation in morphology, yield and seed quality in selected accessions of leafy Amaranths

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Phenotypic variation in morphology, yield and seed quality in selected accessions of leafy Amaranths OMONDI, Joshua Otieno Vegetable amaranths are highly valued for being rich in proteins and micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin A. In spite of the crop’s exceptional nutritional qualities, very little effort has been put in to improve the foliage yield potential in Kenya. Reports on morphological phenotypic variation analysis in Amaranthus are rare and detailed agronomic recommendations for leaf and seed yields and quality enhancement are scanty. Research on the extent of the phenotypic variation of amaranths is of great significance in the choice of some of the amaranths accessions as progenitors for useful traits. It was on this background that this study assessed the phenotypic variation in morphology, yields and seed quality in five amaranth accessions commonly grown for leaf consumption in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to evaluate growth and morphological variation, evaluate leaf and seed yields and to assess seed quality in the five accessions vegetable amaranths. The five accessions were planted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The amaranth accessions were provided with uniform agronomic treatments. Data was collected on growth and morphological traits, leaf and seed yields and seed quality parameters from ten plants per plot. Seed moisture content was determined using the fresh weight basis as per the international seed testing association (ISTA) standards. Seed quality as measured by germination was conducted in four replicate samples of 25 seeds each. The seeds were sown on plain agar held in 90mm sterilin petri-dishes and incubated at temperatures of 24-260C. Data collected from the study on the quantitative traits were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance. Clustering was done using agglomerative hierarchical clustering method. This study revealed that there was significant variation among the accessions in most of the growth and morphological characteristics. This could probably be attributed to lack of selection pressure on amaranths. There was also great diversity in leaf and seed yields, the most outstanding being Amaranthus hybridus (AH). An overall multiple regression model indicated significant positive correlation (R2=0.7378) of the growth and morphological characteristics to leaf yield. The model accounted for 73.78% of the variation in leaf yield per plant. This implies that the greater the value of the growth and morphological characteristics the higher the leaf yield. Morphological characteristics thus contributed directly to leaf yield hence selection could be done on these traits to achieve leaf yield improvement. Significant variation was observed in germination tests with accessions AH exhibiting the highest germination percentage. There was also significant differences in the moisture content among the five accessions. Cluster dendogram grouped the accessions into three clusters with agglomerative co-efficient of 0.81. All the landrace variety (LV) were grouped in cluster 1, Evergreen variety (EG), accession from gene bank of Kenya (GBK) and simlaw (SIM) were grouped in cluster 2 and Amaranthus hybridus (AH) grouped in cluster 3. Accessions EG, GBK and SIM clustered together because they are of the same species even though they were sourced from different collections. The study concluded that accession AH is the best source of growth and morphological traits for a breeding programme, the best for selection for both vegetable and seed production and the best producer of quality seeds. Accession AH can thus be recommended to Kenyan farmers as the most suitable cultivar for agro-ecologies similar to Mumias sub-county. Accession AH can also serve as a dual purpose cultivar to farmers in Western Kenya. Landrace variety (LV) was found to contain early maturity traits hence suitable for selection for earliness.