Browsing by Author "Okello Tom Richard"

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Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and economic benefits
(Academic Journals, 2024-08-22) Wadria Peter Dennis; Wacal Cosmas; Okello Tom Richard
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and urea fertilizer treatments on maize growth, yield, and economic benefits. The experiment, carried out over two consecutive seasons in 2022, included five treatments: control without fertilizers (T1), biofertilizers only (T2), DAP + urea (T3), biofertilizers + DAP (T4), and biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Three maize varieties—UH5355, Longe 10H, and Longe 5—were evaluated. The results indicated that the combined application of biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5) led to the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and grain yield. Among the varieties, Longe 5 showed optimal growth, while Longe 10H achieved the highest yield under the T5 treatment. The integration of biofertilizers with DAP and urea (T5) produced the best results in terms of maize growth and yield, although it incurred higher costs. However, compared to the use of DAP + urea alone, integrating biofertilizers helped reduce overall production costs while maintaining optimum yield. Therefore, adopting an integrated application of biofertilizer with DAP and urea fertilizers is recommended for achieving optimal maize yield.
Potential of neem (azadirachta indica) extract in managing fall armyworm on maize
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2024-06-15) Okello Tom Richard; Wacal Cosmas; Wadria Denis Peter; Obonyom Tekkara Allan; Gumisiriya Costa; Kanahe Kagorora John Patrick
This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.