Lusike Wasilwa | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (original) (raw)

Papers by Lusike Wasilwa

International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2020

Low yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in developing countries of the Sub Saharan Afric... more Low yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in developing countries of the Sub Saharan Africa relate to suite of factors including soil fertility at the planting sites, bean varieties and fertilization. Management strategies should aim at establishing a combination of these factors that would ultimately result in improved common bean yields. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in Kenya during the long rainy season to establish the effects of planting sites, bean varieties and fertilization on bean yield. The experiments consisted of four sites (Nandi, Baraton, KALRO and Trans-Nzoia), seven bean varieties (Chelalang, Ciankui, Tasha, GLPX92, Rose Coco (GLP2), KK8 and Wairimu [GLP 585]) and two fertilization regime (fertilization and no fertilization) in a factorial experiment replicated four times. On-site and farmers field, Wairimu had the highest yield followed by KK8 while the lowest yield was variety GLPX92. Application of fertilizer improved the bean yield significant over and above yield without fertilizers under both on-station and farmers conditions. Results showed that the grain yields were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by site, bean variety and fertilization. Results demonstrated that some bean varieties responded more to fertilizer application and with good agronomic management, which they are likely to contribute to food security in the region.

International journal of photochemistry and photobiology, 2021

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), harvest 3 (H3) and a control (no harvest or H0) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of trifoliate leaves (NTL) and plant height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 (for PH) and week 2 (for NTL) after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

Journal of Horticulture, 2021

Cowpea is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallho... more Cowpea is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in on-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea in response to different harvest regimes under controlled conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), and harvest 3 (H3) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of leaves and Plant Height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 and week 2 after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

International Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), harvest 3 (H3) and a control (no harvest or H0) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of trifoliate leaves (NTL) and plant height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 (for PH) and week 2 (for NTL) after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

Phytopathology®

There is a recent unparalleled increase in demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its product... more There is a recent unparalleled increase in demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its production is affected by blast disease. Characterization of blast resistance in adapted African rice cultivars can provide important information to guide growers and rice breeders. We used molecular markers for known blast resistance genes (Pi genes; n=21) to group African rice genotypes (n=240) into similarity clusters. We then used greenhouse-based assays to challenge representative rice genotypes (n=56) with African isolates (n=8) of Magnaporthe oryzae which varied in virulence and genetic lineage. The markers grouped rice cultivars into five blast resistance clusters (BRC) which differed in foliar disease severity. Using stepwise regression, we found that the Pi genes associated with reduced blast severity were Pi50 and Pi65, while Pik-p, Piz-t, and Pik were associated with increased susceptibility. All rice genotypes in the most resistant cluster, BRC 4, possessed Pi50 and Pi65, the only ...

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

Effect of explant type, source and genotype on in vitro shoot regeneration in Macadamia (Macadami... more Effect of explant type, source and genotype on in vitro shoot regeneration in Macadamia (Macadamia spp.)

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

Plants

We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases... more We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases on popular cultivars grown in the Busia, Kirinyaga, and Kisumu counties of Kenya in 2019. Working with agricultural extension workers within rice production areas, we interviewed farmers (n = 89) regarding their preferred cultivars and their awareness of blast disease, as this was the major focus of our research. We scored the symptoms of blast and brown spot and assessed the lodging, plant height, and maturity of the crops (days after planting). Furthermore, we collected leaf and neck tissues for the assessment of the prevailing fungal populations. We used specific DNA primers to screen for the prevalence of the causal pathogens of blast, Magnaporthe oryzae, and brown spot, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, on asymptomatic and symptomatic leaf samples. We also conducted fungal isolations and PCR-sequencing to identify the fungal species in these tissues. Busia and Kisumu had a higher diversity ...

African Phytosanitary Journal, 2022

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop in Kenya both in product... more Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop in Kenya both in production and income provision to smallholder farmers. Pests are serious hindrance to its production and most farmers rely on synthetic insecticides. Such reliance has negative effects on non-target organisms, environment, animal and human health. This study was carried out from May to October 2011 to determine impact of low cover nets of different mesh size and cover duration on reducing cabbage pest infestation and yields. The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Kabete and Practical Training Centre Thika based on a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Treatments included Agronets of fine (0.4mm) and large (0.9mm) mesh covered over the crop permanently (season-long) or temporarily (opened three times a week from 9am to 3pm) and control where no Agronet was used. The results show that the number and damage by diamondback moth (DBM) was significantly l...

Longdom Publishing SL, 2021

Rice in Kenya has become the third most important cereal in the country. Its production however i... more Rice in Kenya has become the third most important cereal in the country. Its production however is far below consumption requirements: it is currently estimated that the country produces about 70,000mt while consumption stands at 300,000mt. This low production is projected to improve significantly with improved rice information dissemination on rice farming such as the right seeds and technologies, good crop management, post-harvest and storage. Agricultural research is therefore highly beneficial not only for production of the knowledge and technologies but also when it reaches farmers and stakeholders promptly. However, this has remained a major challenge to date. Although access to agricultural research information by stakeholders within the value chain is gaining pace, the ultimate success to making research knowledge reach the farmer requires innovative systems. The Kenya Rice Knowledge Bank (KRKB) portal is a central hub of online information. It contains data and knowledge ab...

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/cl...

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015

Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the ban... more Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the banana market is not fully developed. This demands targeted studies to assess their performance. This study aims at examining banana traders’ intensity of participation in the markets and constraining factors. A survey was conducted in 2013 in four counties. One hundred and ninety traders were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal, market parameters, and institutional factors. Descriptive statistics and Tobit model were utilized in the analysis. The results showed that traders received market information from multiple sources probable to check on the reliability and accuracy. The results of the Tobit regression showed that the age and sex of traders distance to markets, type of banana and information sources significantly influence the volume of banana fruits handled by traders. Therefore based on the study findings, some of the suggested p...

A study was carried out at the Busia Agricultural Training Center (A.T.C), Western Kenya in 2019 ... more A study was carried out at the Busia Agricultural Training Center (A.T.C), Western Kenya in 2019 to compare the fruit yields of two capsicum varieties from Syngenta seed company at the physiological maturity stages of red and yellow colors. Commandant F1 (red) and Admiral F1 (yellow) capsicum varieties were established under greenhouse conditions in two experimental beds measuring 0.7m by 13.5m. No controls were planted. Drip irrigation system was used with a plant-to-plant and inter-row spacing of 30cm and 40cm, respectively. Both of the two varieties were planted at the same time and subjected the same fertilizer treatments, pest and disease control measures, cultural practices and moisture supply. Data was collected on growth parameters (number of vegetative branches, flower buds and flowers) and yield components (number of fruits and harvest weight). Independent sample t-test was used to compare parameters (number of flowers, flower buds, fruits and the number of branches) for t...

HortScience, 2004

Citrus is one of the most important fruits in Kenya because of it's nutritional value. It is ... more Citrus is one of the most important fruits in Kenya because of it's nutritional value. It is ranked as the highest source of income from tree crops in Kwale district of the coastal region. The average farmer has 0.25 to 4 acres of citrus and earns between 1 to 2 U.S. cents per fruit based on quality. Citrus gummosis (P. citrophthora and P. nicotianae) is of economic importance on citrus in Kenya. P. citrophthora prefers cooler conditions in the highlands and P. nicotianae favours the warm conditions of coastal areas. Several IPM options are being used to control this disease in Kenya. Research to select suitable rootstocks, determine the period when disease development is greatest and the distribution of infected trees in Kwale districts is currently being conducted. Gummosis has also been reported to occur in farmers fields around Marigat (Perkerra) and surrounding areas however the data is scanty and a detailed survey is underway. Gummosis disease incidence in Marigat was firs...

HortScience, 2005

Avocado is the leading horticultural export in Kenya. In 2003, Kenya exported about 19,000 t, com... more Avocado is the leading horticultural export in Kenya. In 2003, Kenya exported about 19,000 t, compared to 23 t in 1970. Most of the fruit is exported to the European markets. There are several constraints limiting production of avocado in Kenya, including limited superior varieties or planting material, poor infrastructure, poor market information, and poor tree crop management. Although several diseases infect avocado, the most important are fruit rot pathogens, such as anthracnose, cercospora, and scab. However, diseases and pests have not been important to avocado production in Kenya. Recently (2004), the constraint limiting avocado production in Kenya is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeospoirioides. Little is known in Kenya on the impact of this disease on production and income realized by small-(<1 acre) or large-scale growers. The objectives of this research were to quantify losses attributed to anthracnose in Kenya, determine the current disease control measures,...

Phytopathology, 2007

Based on spore morphology, appressorium development, sequence similarities of the rDNA, and simil... more Based on spore morphology, appressorium development, sequence similarities of the rDNA, and similarities in amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), it has been proposed that Colletotrichum orbiculare, C. trifolii, C. lindemuthianum, and C. malvarum represent a single phylogenetic species, C. orbiculare. In the current study, the phylogenetic relationship among isolates in the C. orbiculare species complex was reassessed. In all, 72 isolates of C. orbiculare from cultivated cucurbit or weed hosts, C. trifolii from alfalfa, C. lindemuthianum from green bean, and C. malvarum from prickly sida (Sida spinosa) were examined for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), RFLPs and sequence variation of a 900-bp intron of the glutamine synthetase gene and a 200-bp intron of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, and vegetative compatibility. In addition, host specificity was examined in foliar inoculations on cucurbit, bean, a...

International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2020

Low yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in developing countries of the Sub Saharan Afric... more Low yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in developing countries of the Sub Saharan Africa relate to suite of factors including soil fertility at the planting sites, bean varieties and fertilization. Management strategies should aim at establishing a combination of these factors that would ultimately result in improved common bean yields. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in Kenya during the long rainy season to establish the effects of planting sites, bean varieties and fertilization on bean yield. The experiments consisted of four sites (Nandi, Baraton, KALRO and Trans-Nzoia), seven bean varieties (Chelalang, Ciankui, Tasha, GLPX92, Rose Coco (GLP2), KK8 and Wairimu [GLP 585]) and two fertilization regime (fertilization and no fertilization) in a factorial experiment replicated four times. On-site and farmers field, Wairimu had the highest yield followed by KK8 while the lowest yield was variety GLPX92. Application of fertilizer improved the bean yield significant over and above yield without fertilizers under both on-station and farmers conditions. Results showed that the grain yields were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by site, bean variety and fertilization. Results demonstrated that some bean varieties responded more to fertilizer application and with good agronomic management, which they are likely to contribute to food security in the region.

International journal of photochemistry and photobiology, 2021

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), harvest 3 (H3) and a control (no harvest or H0) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of trifoliate leaves (NTL) and plant height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 (for PH) and week 2 (for NTL) after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

Journal of Horticulture, 2021

Cowpea is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallho... more Cowpea is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in on-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea in response to different harvest regimes under controlled conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), and harvest 3 (H3) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of leaves and Plant Height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 and week 2 after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

International Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/clusters each with four plants were subjected to three different treatments, i.e., harvest 1 (H1), harvest 2 (H2), harvest 3 (H3) and a control (no harvest or H0) in a randomized complete block design. Overall crop yield was measured by the number of trifoliate leaves (NTL) and plant height (PH) at 7-day intervals. Data collection was initiated at week 1 (for PH) and week 2 (for NTL) after emergence. The results revealed significant differences in both PH and NTL between H0 and H1, H2, or H3 (p≤0.05), implying that cowpea yields can be significantly improved by applying harvesting regimes to vegetable-only production systems. For PH, maximum values were obtained for H1 and H3. Thus, farmers can obtain higher vegetable productivity by harvesting cowpea for consumption or sale at intervals, as opposed to a one-time mass harvesting.

Phytopathology®

There is a recent unparalleled increase in demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its product... more There is a recent unparalleled increase in demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa, yet its production is affected by blast disease. Characterization of blast resistance in adapted African rice cultivars can provide important information to guide growers and rice breeders. We used molecular markers for known blast resistance genes (Pi genes; n=21) to group African rice genotypes (n=240) into similarity clusters. We then used greenhouse-based assays to challenge representative rice genotypes (n=56) with African isolates (n=8) of Magnaporthe oryzae which varied in virulence and genetic lineage. The markers grouped rice cultivars into five blast resistance clusters (BRC) which differed in foliar disease severity. Using stepwise regression, we found that the Pi genes associated with reduced blast severity were Pi50 and Pi65, while Pik-p, Piz-t, and Pik were associated with increased susceptibility. All rice genotypes in the most resistant cluster, BRC 4, possessed Pi50 and Pi65, the only ...

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

Effect of explant type, source and genotype on in vitro shoot regeneration in Macadamia (Macadami... more Effect of explant type, source and genotype on in vitro shoot regeneration in Macadamia (Macadamia spp.)

PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

Plants

We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases... more We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases on popular cultivars grown in the Busia, Kirinyaga, and Kisumu counties of Kenya in 2019. Working with agricultural extension workers within rice production areas, we interviewed farmers (n = 89) regarding their preferred cultivars and their awareness of blast disease, as this was the major focus of our research. We scored the symptoms of blast and brown spot and assessed the lodging, plant height, and maturity of the crops (days after planting). Furthermore, we collected leaf and neck tissues for the assessment of the prevailing fungal populations. We used specific DNA primers to screen for the prevalence of the causal pathogens of blast, Magnaporthe oryzae, and brown spot, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, on asymptomatic and symptomatic leaf samples. We also conducted fungal isolations and PCR-sequencing to identify the fungal species in these tissues. Busia and Kisumu had a higher diversity ...

African Phytosanitary Journal, 2022

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop in Kenya both in product... more Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop in Kenya both in production and income provision to smallholder farmers. Pests are serious hindrance to its production and most farmers rely on synthetic insecticides. Such reliance has negative effects on non-target organisms, environment, animal and human health. This study was carried out from May to October 2011 to determine impact of low cover nets of different mesh size and cover duration on reducing cabbage pest infestation and yields. The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Kabete and Practical Training Centre Thika based on a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Treatments included Agronets of fine (0.4mm) and large (0.9mm) mesh covered over the crop permanently (season-long) or temporarily (opened three times a week from 9am to 3pm) and control where no Agronet was used. The results show that the number and damage by diamondback moth (DBM) was significantly l...

Longdom Publishing SL, 2021

Rice in Kenya has become the third most important cereal in the country. Its production however i... more Rice in Kenya has become the third most important cereal in the country. Its production however is far below consumption requirements: it is currently estimated that the country produces about 70,000mt while consumption stands at 300,000mt. This low production is projected to improve significantly with improved rice information dissemination on rice farming such as the right seeds and technologies, good crop management, post-harvest and storage. Agricultural research is therefore highly beneficial not only for production of the knowledge and technologies but also when it reaches farmers and stakeholders promptly. However, this has remained a major challenge to date. Although access to agricultural research information by stakeholders within the value chain is gaining pace, the ultimate success to making research knowledge reach the farmer requires innovative systems. The Kenya Rice Knowledge Bank (KRKB) portal is a central hub of online information. It contains data and knowledge ab...

With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for fo... more With the rising global human population, decreasing mass of arable land, increasing demand for food and the emergence of biotic and abiotic constrains to crop production in the advent of climate change, the future of food security stares at intensified production under controlled environments such as greenhouses. Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop widely cultivated by smallholder farmers both for subsistence and income generation. Uprooting the entire plant as a form of harvest is common in open-field subsistence farming systems. However, little is known about the effect of harvesting regimes on total productivity of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mundika Boys’ High School farm, Busia County with an objective of evaluating growth and yield of cowpea (M66 variety) in response to different harvest regimes under controlled (greenhouse) conditions. Plots of cowpea stands/cl...

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2015

Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the ban... more Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the banana market is not fully developed. This demands targeted studies to assess their performance. This study aims at examining banana traders’ intensity of participation in the markets and constraining factors. A survey was conducted in 2013 in four counties. One hundred and ninety traders were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal, market parameters, and institutional factors. Descriptive statistics and Tobit model were utilized in the analysis. The results showed that traders received market information from multiple sources probable to check on the reliability and accuracy. The results of the Tobit regression showed that the age and sex of traders distance to markets, type of banana and information sources significantly influence the volume of banana fruits handled by traders. Therefore based on the study findings, some of the suggested p...

A study was carried out at the Busia Agricultural Training Center (A.T.C), Western Kenya in 2019 ... more A study was carried out at the Busia Agricultural Training Center (A.T.C), Western Kenya in 2019 to compare the fruit yields of two capsicum varieties from Syngenta seed company at the physiological maturity stages of red and yellow colors. Commandant F1 (red) and Admiral F1 (yellow) capsicum varieties were established under greenhouse conditions in two experimental beds measuring 0.7m by 13.5m. No controls were planted. Drip irrigation system was used with a plant-to-plant and inter-row spacing of 30cm and 40cm, respectively. Both of the two varieties were planted at the same time and subjected the same fertilizer treatments, pest and disease control measures, cultural practices and moisture supply. Data was collected on growth parameters (number of vegetative branches, flower buds and flowers) and yield components (number of fruits and harvest weight). Independent sample t-test was used to compare parameters (number of flowers, flower buds, fruits and the number of branches) for t...

HortScience, 2004

Citrus is one of the most important fruits in Kenya because of it's nutritional value. It is ... more Citrus is one of the most important fruits in Kenya because of it's nutritional value. It is ranked as the highest source of income from tree crops in Kwale district of the coastal region. The average farmer has 0.25 to 4 acres of citrus and earns between 1 to 2 U.S. cents per fruit based on quality. Citrus gummosis (P. citrophthora and P. nicotianae) is of economic importance on citrus in Kenya. P. citrophthora prefers cooler conditions in the highlands and P. nicotianae favours the warm conditions of coastal areas. Several IPM options are being used to control this disease in Kenya. Research to select suitable rootstocks, determine the period when disease development is greatest and the distribution of infected trees in Kwale districts is currently being conducted. Gummosis has also been reported to occur in farmers fields around Marigat (Perkerra) and surrounding areas however the data is scanty and a detailed survey is underway. Gummosis disease incidence in Marigat was firs...

HortScience, 2005

Avocado is the leading horticultural export in Kenya. In 2003, Kenya exported about 19,000 t, com... more Avocado is the leading horticultural export in Kenya. In 2003, Kenya exported about 19,000 t, compared to 23 t in 1970. Most of the fruit is exported to the European markets. There are several constraints limiting production of avocado in Kenya, including limited superior varieties or planting material, poor infrastructure, poor market information, and poor tree crop management. Although several diseases infect avocado, the most important are fruit rot pathogens, such as anthracnose, cercospora, and scab. However, diseases and pests have not been important to avocado production in Kenya. Recently (2004), the constraint limiting avocado production in Kenya is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeospoirioides. Little is known in Kenya on the impact of this disease on production and income realized by small-(<1 acre) or large-scale growers. The objectives of this research were to quantify losses attributed to anthracnose in Kenya, determine the current disease control measures,...

Phytopathology, 2007

Based on spore morphology, appressorium development, sequence similarities of the rDNA, and simil... more Based on spore morphology, appressorium development, sequence similarities of the rDNA, and similarities in amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), it has been proposed that Colletotrichum orbiculare, C. trifolii, C. lindemuthianum, and C. malvarum represent a single phylogenetic species, C. orbiculare. In the current study, the phylogenetic relationship among isolates in the C. orbiculare species complex was reassessed. In all, 72 isolates of C. orbiculare from cultivated cucurbit or weed hosts, C. trifolii from alfalfa, C. lindemuthianum from green bean, and C. malvarum from prickly sida (Sida spinosa) were examined for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), RFLPs and sequence variation of a 900-bp intron of the glutamine synthetase gene and a 200-bp intron of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, and vegetative compatibility. In addition, host specificity was examined in foliar inoculations on cucurbit, bean, a...