Journal Articles (Agriculture)

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Low Input Approaches for Soil Fertility Management in Semiarid Eastern Uganda
(American Society of Agronomy, 2007) Kaizzi, C. Kayuki; Byalebeka, John; Wortmann, S. Charles; Mamo, Martha
Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important food crop of semiarid sub-Saharan Africa. Crop yields are generally low, partly due to low soil fertility. Research was conducted with farmers to evaluate, soil fertility management practices in sorghum-based cropping systems including: mucuna [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.] fallow; cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] rotation with sorghum; animal manure application; N and P fertilizer application; and reduced tillage. Four studies, comprised of 142 on-farm trials, were conducted at three locations over 3 yr in drought-prone parts of eastern Uganda. Mucuna on average produced 7 Mg ha21 of aboveground dry matter containing 160 kg N ha21 across the three locations. Application of 2.5 Mg ha21 of manure and of 30 kg N plus 10 kg P ha21 increased grain yield by 1.05 and 1.30 Mg ha21, respectively. A combination of 2.5 Mg ha21 manure with 30 kg N ha21 increased grain yield by 1.50 Mg ha21 above the control (1.1 Mg ha21). The increase in sorghum grain yield in response to 30 kg N ha21 alone, to a mucuna fallow, and to a rotation with cowpea was 1.15, 1.55, and 0.82 Mg ha21, respectively. These soil fertility management practices, as well as reduced tillage, were found to be cost effective in increasing sorghum yield in the predominantly smallholder agriculture where inorganic fertilizer was not used much. On-farm profitability and food security for sorghum production systems can be improved by use of inorganic fertilizers, manure, mucuna fallow, sorghum–cowpea rotation, and reduced tillage. GRAIN SORGHUM is an important
Pesticidal Plants Used in Masaka District of Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2009) Mwine, Julius
The use of syntheti c pesti cides in developing countries is limited by both the high cost of procuring them and predominance of subsistence holdings. Resultantly, many farmers have to rely on traditi onal methods of pest control. Among these is the use of pesti cidal plant extracts and this paper reports on the fi ndings of a study that undertook to compile an inventory of plants that are used in pest control in one part of the developing world, namely, Masaka District of Uganda. The paper reports that the study found that thirty-six (36) plant species are used. Thirty-fi ve (3 ) of these were found to belong to twenty-one (21) families. The paper adds that, of these, the Asteraceae family is the most commonly used followed by the Solanaceae family. It was noted that although some of the plants are scienti fi cally well established (e.g. Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, and Tagetes minuta), a few are not well known (e.g. Euphorbia ti rucalli, Bidens pilosa, Vernonia amygdalina), hence the need for research on them. Finally, it was established that some of the plants are increasingly rare, which highlights need for their conservati on.
Biotechnology in Organic Agriculture in Africa: Myth or Oversight?
(African Journals Online, 2009) Ssekyewa, Charles; Muwanga M. Kiggundu
Biotechnology refers to scienti fi c methods and practi ces that are based on biological systems or components. Its applicati ons vary from simple system to amino acids (i.e. DNA and RNA) based applicati ons and are relevant to many stages of commodity value chains. Whereas the simple applicati ons are well understood, contemporary advancements into these applicati ons have gone to deeper levels of innovati on, dealing with cells, chromosomes, nucleoti des and genes. Since these determine the cellular functi ons that infl uence behaviour and inheritance, any biotechnological method applied at this level is very sensiti ve, because it might result into undesirable alterati ons in the traits and behaviour of organisms. Notwithstanding its likely contributi ons, therefore, this level of innovati on raises scepti cism against biotechnology among the organic agriculture community in Africa. Thus, this paper examines the applicability of these innovati ons in the development of organic agriculture on the conti nent.
Molecular Characterization of Tomato Leaf Curl Disease-Causing Viruses in Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2009) Ssekyewa, Charles; Van Damme P.; Steele K. A.
In this study, Tomato Leaf Curl Disease symptom-bearing samples were collected from dry savannah (Eastern and Northern) and wet equatorial/tall grass savannah (Central and Western) agro-climati c zones of Uganda. Their total DNA was extracted using a modifi ed Dellaporta protocol. Virus DNA was amplifi ed with fi ve diff erent primer pairs for Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV-Sic) and Tomato leaf curl Uganda virus (TLCUV) as well as their combinati ons. The results indicated that there is wide variati on in the tomato leaf curl viruses in the Country. The viruses were grouped into 24 categories and three (3) disti nct virus genomes, namely, Tomato leaf curl Uganda virus-Soroti , Tomato leaf curl Uganda virus- Iganga (Pallisa) and Tomato leaf curl Arusha virus-Mubende, were characterized. Parti al results indicated occurrence of viruses related to TYLCV and TYLCSV-Sic in wet agro-climati c zones. Genomic variati on was detected within isolates and recombinati on was suspected.
Evaluation of larvicidal properties of the latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Euphorbiaceae) against larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes
(Academic Journals, 2010) Mwine, Julius; Damme, Van Patrick; Jumba, Francis
Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Although, different control measures like use of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets and curtains, chemotherapy and others are in place, so far, malaria eradication has proved impossible in affected areas. Therefore, any measure that attempts to fight the parasite or its vector (Anopheles spp.) would be of help. In this experiment, we assessed the efficacy of Euphorbia tirucalli latex both as a herbal mosquito remedy and larvicide against Anopheles fenestus Giles and Anopheles gambae Giles in a semi-natural environment. Our results indicate that E. tirucalli latex can bring about total mortality of Anopheles species larvae at the highest dilution used of 1: 250 in 5 days. LT 50 and LT 90 for the same dilution were attained at 12 and 36 h respectively. Latex was active only for eight days which is typical for herbal biocides, whose advantage is that they do not accumulate in the environment. It is concluded that E. tirucalli latex has a high efficacy against Anopheles mosquito larvae and could eventually be considered for adoption as a plant based mosquito larvicide, after further research.
Ethnobotanical survey of pesticidal plants used in South Uganda: Case study of Masaka district
(Academic Journals, 2010) Mwine, J; Damme, Van P.; Kamoga, G.; Kudamba; Nasuuna, M.; Jumba, F.
Use of synthetic pesticides in developing countries is not only limited by their being expensive but also the small (uneconomic) fields whose limited production costs cannot offset costs of agricultural implements like agro-chemicals. Subsistence farmers, therefore, have no choice but to use local methods of controlling pests, one of which is the use of traditional and of late introduced pesticidal plants’ extracts. In this study, whose main objective was to record all pesticidal plants used in Southern Uganda, Masaka district, it was established that thirty four species belonging to eighteen families are currently used in traditional plant production. Most useful species were Azadirachta indica and Tagetes minuta while the most frequently cited families were Meliaceae and Euphorbiaceae. It was noted that of the plant species recorded, some plants like A. indica, Melia azedarach, and T. minuta are already scientifically established pesticidal plants whereas others like Euphorbia tirucalli, Bidens pilosa, Vernonia amygdalina may be known for other uses but not for this purpose and hence the need for their efficacy evaluation. Some important pesticidal plants like Abrus precatorius, Euphorbia candelabrum and Phoenix reclinata were reportedly becoming increasingly rare and would need conservation. The need to carry out such surveys in order to obtain inventories was observed and recording this knowledge before it disappears with the aging farmers was seen as urgent.
Relationship between Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Viruses and the Whitefly Vector
(African Journals Online, 2010) Ssekyewa C.; Van Damme P.; Nagawa F.; Kyamanywa S.; Steele K. A.
Tomato yellow leaf curl is prevalent in tomato growing districts of Uganda. The disease is known to be spread by a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in a persistent manner. Some of its symptoms are leaf curl, marginal leaf yellowing, malformation of fruits, stunting and dieback (in case of primary infection at early seedling stage), so the disease is economically important. Therefore, this study delved into the relationship between the disease and the vector in selected agro-ecosystems in the Country. The influence of weather and seasonality on the incidence of the disease and the vector was also investigated through a series of field experiments across a period of two years. New methods for trapping the vector were developed and applied to estimate its populations on individual plants and in the overall field environment. The findings were that whereas incidence of the disease is low at seedling stage, the whitefly population is highest at this stage. It was also found that the vector population is favoured by drought, so rainy conditions reduced it tremendously.
Evaluation of Selected Pesticidal Plant Extracts against Major Cabbage Insect Pests in the Field
(University of Ghent, Department of Plant Production - Laboratory for Tropical Agronomy, Belgium, 2010-09) Mwine, Julius; van Damme, Patrick
An evaluation of fresh extracts from three locally available pesticidal plants was carried out at the shores of Lake Victoria, in Central Uganda, against two important cabbage insect pests in the field in order to establish and assess their potency for future pesticidal application. This followed the farmers’ view that the plants could have pesticidal features or at least have been observed to protect leafy crops against pests. Locally available plants were used as a result of getting a tip from local farmers that the plants could be of pesticidal importance. Although many plants were mentioned in our preliminary survey, only three plants investigated in this work namely: Euphorbia tirucalli, Jatropha curcas and Phytolacca dodecandra were seen to show reasonable pesticidal features. Results suggest that E. tirucalli fresh latex could reduce infestation of Brevicoryne brassicae below economic threshold levels. Extracts from J. curcas and P. dodecandra likewise reduced B. brassicae levels but could not do so to the required threshold levels. Their potency was therefore deemed incapable for the required pesticidal requirement. The same extracts were evaluated against the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella but none was able to cause reduction of the moth larvae to economic threshold levels. Only E. tirucalli latex seemed to be a potential management measure against B. brassicae and a contributory factor to managing P. xylostella infestations. Although the rest displayed some pesticidal characteristics, they were only seen as contributory to the purpose. It was concluded and recommended that the farmers could continue using the extracts but commercialisation and extensive use should await further research.
Roles for Herbaceous and Grain Legumes, Kraal Manure, and Inorganic Fertilizers for Soil Fertility Management in Eastern Ugand
(Springer, 2011) Byalebeka, John; Kaizzi, K. C.; Wortman, C. S.; Mamo, M.
Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moenich] is an important food crop in semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Crop yields are generally low and declining partly due to low soil fertility. Therefore on-farm research was conducted on 108 farms at three locations over 3 years to evaluate alternative low-input strategies for soil fertility improvement in sorghum-based cropping systems. The strategies were use of herbaceous legumes in improved fallow, a grain legume in rotation with sorghum, use of cattle manure, and application of low levels of N and P fertilizers. Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) on average produced 7 t ha–1 of aboveground dry matter containing 160 kg N ha–1. Application of 2.5 t ha–1 of kraal manure and a combination of 30 kg N and 10 kg P ha–1 both increased grain yield by a mean of 1.15 t ha–1. A combination of 2.5 t ha–1 manure with 30 kg N ha–1 increased grain yield by 1.4 t ha–1 above the farmer practice (1.1 t ha–1 grain). The increase in sorghum grain yield in response to 30 kg N ha–1, to a Mucuna fallow, and to a rotation with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was 1.0, 1.4, and 0.7 t ha–1, respectively. These alternative strategies were found to be cost-effective in increasing sorghum yield in the predominantly smallholder agriculture where inorganic fertilizer is not used. Results of the study indicated that on-farm profitability and food security could be improved through integration of inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, manure, Mucuna fallow, and cowpea rotation into grain sorghum cropping systems.
Optimizing Smallholder Returns to Fertilizer Use: Bean, Soybean and Groundnut
(2011) Byalebeka, John; Kayuki, Kaizzi C.; Semalulu, Onesmus; Alou, Isaac Newton; Zimwanguyizza, Williams; Nansamba, Angella; Odama, Emmanuel; Musinguzi, Patrick; Ebanyat, Peter; Hyuha, Theodore; Kasharu, Appollo K.; Wortmann, Charles S.
Smallholder African farmers commonly lack the financial means to purchase enough fertilizer for application at the economical optimal rates (EOR), or the rates for maximization of net returns ha−1, to all of their land. Research was conducted for bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.), soybean (Glycine maxL.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) to establish a basis for determining the combinations of crops, nutrients, and application rates to optimize net returns to fertilizer use and the benefit:cost ratio (BC) in Uganda. Yield response to nutrient application, EORs, and equations for estimating BC were determined. Eleven to 17 trials were conducted for each crop. Mean yields were increased by 92%, 111%, and 92% for N applied to bean, and P applied to soybean and groundnut, respectively, at 15kgha−1, with less yield responses for P applied to bean and K applied to soybean and groundnut. Mean yield peaked at 1.81, 1.92, and 1.71Mgha−1for bean, soybean, and groundnut, respectively. Mean EOR varied with fertilizer cost relative to grain price (CP) and were 27–42kgha−1N for bean, and 13–29kgha−1P with higher rates for groundnut compared with bean. The greatest BC was for N applied to bean followed, in decreasing order, by P applied to soybean or groundnut, P applied to bean, and K applied to groundnut or soybean. Consideration of the six sets of crop–nutrient response functions developed enables optimization of smallholder investment in fertilizer by identifying the crop, nutrient, and application rate combinations that maximize net returns on investments in fertilizer use. This approach is applicable for smallholder crop production globally where farmers cannot purchase enough fertilizer to apply at EOR.We studied fertilizer response for bean, soybean, and groundnut in Uganda. Smallholders often have little money for fertilizer. They need to optimize returns on their small investment. Returns were highest for N applied to bean and P applied to soybean and groundnut. Information is given for selecting crop/nutrient/rate combinations for high net returns. This gave 100% more net return compared with maximizing net returns per hectare. The methodology is adaptable to smallholder farming situations globally.
Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Euphorbiaceae) – The miracle tree: Current status of available knowledge
(Academic Journals, 2011) Mwine, Julius; Damme, Van Patrick
Euphorbia tirucalli is one of the most important tree Euphorbias known worldwide for its many uses. Endemic to tropical Africa where it often grows wild, it is usually planted for boundary demarcation but also as a live fence around compounds, shrines and kraals due to its ability to withstand extreme aridity and possession of low herbivore pressure. E. tirucalli has white latex which is vesicant and rubifacient but also known to be a remedy against many ailments. However, most of its medicinal features are reported in folk medicine and there appears to be little medical/laboratory analysis to validate them. In this review, we attempt to explore the current knowledge status about E. tirucalli in relation to its classification, chemical content and functions, and the extent to which modern research has gone to validate them. It was found that although a great deal has been done to analyze its chemical composition (bark, roots and latex), and potential for biodiesel production, little is available on validation of its application for medicinal purposes, yet it continues to be used in traditional and alternative medicine on a daily basis. Empirical research is called for to achieve this.
Why do Euphorbiaceae tick as medicinal plants? A review of Euphorbiaceae family and its medicinal features
(Academic Journals, 2011) Mwine, T. Julius; Damme, Van Patrick
Euphorbiaceae is among the large flowering plant families consisting of a wide variety of vegetative forms some of which are plants of great importance. Its classification and chemistry have of late been subjects of interest possibly because of the wide variety of chemical composition of its members, many of which are poisonous but useful. In this review, we have tried to demonstrate why Euphorbiaceae are important medicinal plants. Two important issues have come up. The worldwide distribution of the family exposes its members, to all sorts of habitats to which they must adapt, therefore inducing a large variety of chemicals (secondary substances) that are employed for survival/defense. Succulence and the CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) pathway that characterize a good number of its members were quoted as some of the adaptations that aid colonization and survival to achieve this induction. We have also found out that medicinal properties of some of its species may be due to stress factors that characterize most habitats of the family. Varying stress factors like temperature, salinity, drought and others were seen to operate in tandem with genetic factors such as gene expression and mutation loads to bring about synthesis of a wide assemblage of secondary substances that may probably be responsible for the family’s medicinal nature. It was concluded that the family is a good starting point for the search for plant-based medicines.
An Assessment of Livestock Technology Packaging and Dissemination in Rukungiri District
(2012) Musinguzi, Simon Peter
The study was motivated by the fact that despite availability of technologies capable of solving farmers’ constraints adoption of relevant technology has been insufficient to address the constraints. This research set out to examine prospects of livestock technology in enhancing farm productivity, through assessing the livestock technology packaging and dissemination methods. Both qualitative and quantitative methods using PRA techniques and a questionnaire respectively were used. One hundred questionnaires were administered. The study revealed the common livestock species raised in the study area were goats (32%), cattle (39%), pigs (16%) and chicken (6%). Technology adoption emphasized de-worming (37%), acaricide use (22%), pasture improvement (20%) and farm structures (10%). Livestock production was particularly constrained by limited grazing area (52%), livestock diseases (17 %) poor breeds (11%), and lack of dry season feeds (7%). Farmer exchange visits (45%) and trainings (32%) were the most effective technology dissemination approaches. Improved feeds and breeds arehence the key technology needs for livestock. It was noted that whereas there exists relevant technologies that can address farmers’ constraints there is general lack of information about their existence. It was recommended that technology promotion be refocused to address needs particularly lack of improved feeds and breeds. These should be implemented through farmer training, exchange visits supplemented by appropriate radio messages.
Understanding Organic Food Qualities in the Global South: An East African Perspective
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2012) Jumba, Francis Richard; Freyer, Bernhard; Mwine, Julius; Dietrich, Phillip; Dietrich, Phillip
Quality is a major component of the process of food production, delivery and consumption because it plays an influential role in consumer acceptability of the food. It has been widely suggested that food quality consists of both tangible and intangible (e.g., aesthetic) components although much of the debate has been based in the global north with little focus on southern countries. This paper therefore aims at exploring the concept of quality and more specifically organic food quality in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania). We carry out an extensive review of the relevant literature on food quality from a variety of electronic databases while exploring the cross cutting issues that are intrinsically connected to it in a bid to better understand both its explicit and implicit components. The findings suggest that in addition to the product and process qualities prominent in the global north, organic food in East Africa possesses context specific qualities which appear to play a greater role in the understanding of food quality within rural farming households because they satisfy some of their most pressing needs. This implies that how quality is interpreted will always depend on the situation or circumstances under which the user is operating in whether at the microcosmic (individual) or macrocosmic (regional) level.
Maize Response to Fertilizer and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Uganda
(American Society of Agronomy, 2012) Kaizzi, C. Kayuki; Byalebeka, John; Semalulu, Onesmus; Alou, Isaac; Zimwanguyizza, Williams; Nansamba, Angella; Musinguzi, Patrick; Ebanyat, Peter; Hyuha, Theodore; Wortmann, S. Charles
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important smallholder crop in Uganda. Yields are low because of low soil fertility and little fertilizer use. Yield response to nutrient application and economically optimal rates (EOxR, where x = N, P, or K) and N use effi ciency (NUE) were evaluated. Twenty-two trials were conducted in four agroecological zones. Yield was consistently increased with N application. Mean maize yield with no N applied (N0) was 1.79 Mg ha–1 and increased by 120% with N application. Mean EONRs were 45 to 24 kg ha–1 N with fertilizer use cost to grain price ratios (CPs) of 10 to 30. With N applied, the mean increase in yield due to P application was 0.28 Mg ha–1 and mean EOPRs were 9 to 1 kg ha–1 P with CPs of 10 to 50. Yield was not increased with K application. Profi tability was greater for N than P application. Mean aboveground biomass N with 0 and 150 kg ha–1 N applied was 46.3 and 94.3 kg ha–1, respectively. Mean N concentration and N harvest index at the EONR were 1.60 and 63.8%, respectively, and higher than for N0. Mean recovery effi ciency, partial factor productivity, and agronomic effi ciency declined with increasing N rate and were 66%, 86 kg kg–1, and 41 kg kg–1, respectively, at the EONR. Fertilizer N use can be very profi table, with high NUE, for smallholder maize production in Uganda, and the fi nancial capacity of smallholders to use fertilizer will increase with reduced CP
Sorghum Response to Fertilizer and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Uganda
(American Society of Agronomy, 2012) Kaizzi, C. Kayuki; Byalebeka, John; Semaluluo, Onesmus; Alou, Isaac; Zimwanguyizza, Williams; Nansamba, Angella; Musinguzi, Patrick; Ebanyat, Peter; Hyuha, Theodore; Wortmann, S. Charles
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is important for smallholder production in semiarid parts of Uganda. Grain yields are low because of low soil fertility. Little fertilizer is used. Yield response to N, P, and K application, economically optimal rates for N, P, and K (EONR, EOPR, and EOKR, respectively), and N use effi ciency (NUE) were evaluated at 11 site-seasons. Mean sorghum yield with no N applied (N0) was 0.69 Mg ha–1 and was consistently increased by a mean of 230% with N application. Mean EONRs were 34 to 18 kg ha–1 N with fertilizer use cost to grain price ratios (CPs) of 10 to 30, respectively. Mean EOPRs were 11 to 2 kg ha–1 P with CPs of 10 to 50, respectively. Sorghum did not respond to K application. Net economic returns were greater for N than P application. Mean aboveground biomass N with 0 and 90 kg ha–1 N applied was 31.3 and 75.9 kg ha–1, respectively. Grain N concentration, N harvest index, and internal NUE at the EONR were 1.67%, 53.2%, and 31.8 kg kg–1, respectively, and higher than for N0. Mean recovery effi ciency, partial factor productivity, and agronomic effi ciency declined with increased N rate and were 135%, 79 kg kg–1, and 52 kg kg–1, respectively, at the EONR. Th e profi t potential of fertilizer N use is high for smallholder sorghum production in Uganda. Policy interventions to reduce fertilizer cost and improve grain marketing effi ciency will enable smallholders to increase fertilizer use for substantial increases in sorghum production.
Phenotypic Characterization and Starch Profiles of the False Banana (Ensete species) in Uganda
(2013) Acero, Miiria
Enset is a diploid (2n=18) species that phenotypically resembles a banana plant but the edible parts are formed by the pseudostem and the underground corm rather than by the fruit. Enset is an important staple crop for more than 20 % of the Ethiopian population living in the southern and south-western parts of the country. In Ethiopia, the plant is reportedly grown and exploited for its starch to make various food and industrial products. In Uganda, little is known about enset regarding its use and distribution yet it occurs in the country. Its distribution and phenotypic diversity are yet to be established in Uganda. Moreover, the knowledge of its physico-chemical, functional and proximate starch properties have not yet been documented in Uganda. The main aim of this study was to assess the phenotypic diversity and evaluate the potential of enset as a source of starch for food and industrial applications as compared to other agronomically important starchy crops in Uganda. A survey was carried out throughout the country to collect global information system (GIS) data in the different regions where the enset plants were foundgrowing. Phenotypic characterizationof enset was carried out in different habitats by observing and measuring different morphological attributes of the plant. Samples for starch extraction and analysis were obtained from the corm of the plants during thesurvey. Enset was found growing at elevations ranging from 988 to 2,150 masl and a map indicating its distribution throughout the six regions surveyed in Uganda was made. A catalogue of the local names of enset in Uganda was also established, indicating that the natives know enset and exploit it in different ways given a variety of its local names and uses in the country. Basing on phenotypic traits, five different morphotypes of Ensete species were found to exist in Uganda. The most dominant enset morphotype was mainly found in the eastern, West-Nile and northern regions. Moreover, the dominant enset morphotype was distinguished by such phenotypic traits as; pink mid-ribs on both sides of the leaf, brown pseudostem background appearance, blackishpink leafmargins and a purple male bud colour. Starch analyses for physicochemical, functional and proximate starch properties revealed considerable variations. There were no significant variations (P>0.05) for swelling power at 50oC. However, significant variations (P<0.05) for swelling power were observed at temperatures ranging between 60-80oC for enset starch. There were no significant variations (P>0.05) observed for solubility. Significant variations (P<0.05) were observed for water binding capacity, starch content, paste clarity and reducing sugar. Ash content ranged between 0.01-0.04 %, lipid content was between 0.02-0.05 % and moisture content ranged between 12-17 %. Enset starch had low swelling power and low solubility which hinders its use in the food industry for baking and as an adhesive. Enset starch had high water binding capacity which indicates its use for bulking and consistency of processed food products. It further had low paste clarity an attribute which influences brightness and opacity of food products. Its low ash content, lipid content and reducing sugar content qualifies it more for other industrial uses instead of food. These results revealed that enset starch is more recommended for industrial applications such as pulp and textile rather than for food in
Assessing the effectiveness of ethnomedicinal products on banana weevils using REML
(Science Publishing Group, 2014) Bwogi, Godfrey; Mwine, Julius; Jumba, Francis; Murongo, Marius; Njoroge, Grace Njeri; Kabango, Freddie; Mutumba, Pross Mutumba Nakulima
This study investigated the effect of applying selected banana pest control treatments on management of banana weevils. The data was collected on 283 banana plants picked at random; from 29 farmers selected using a snowball sampling technique. Treatments used were ethnomedicinal products, synthetic chemicals, cultural practices in plantation planted from suckers and those planted from tissue culture. Since data was spatially collected, it was analyzed using Restricted Maximum likelihood Estimator (REML). REML was used to estimate the PCI after a square root transformation. The statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between plantations where synthetic chemicals, clean planting materials (tissue culture), cultural practices and ethnomedicinal products were used. There was also significant variation resulting from different varieties grown. However, there was no significant variation resulting from the response of different varieties to the different treatments. Results also indicated that garden where the cleaning materials had been used had the least percentage of banana weevil infection. This study found out that there was no significant difference in damage caused by banana weevils in banana plantations where synthetic chemicals and ethnomedicinal extracts were applied. Thus given the results, the study concluded that ethnomedicinal products can be used by farmers to manage banana weevils. The study recommends that further studies should be carried out to assess efficacy of the identified potential plants with pesticidal properties under controlled experiment.
The incrimination of three trypanosome species in clinically affected German shepherd dogs in Sudan
(Springer, 2014) Mossaad, Ehab; Satti, A. Rawan; Fadul, Abdeen; Suganuma, Keisuke; Salim, Bashir; Elamin, E. A.; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Xuan, Xuenan; Inoue, Noboru
Canine trypanosomosisis (CT) is a common disease caused by tsetse- and non-tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes worldwide. The severity of the disease varies from acute, sub-acute to chronic with non-specific clinical signs. Here, we attempt in a cross-sectional study to assess the current situation of CT and the role of dogs in transmitting trypanosomes to other domesticated animals. The study was carried out during July 2016 on 50 caged German shepherd dogs in Khartoum State to investigate the prevalence of dog trypanosomosis using both serological (CATT/Trypanosoma evansi) and molecular (KIN-PCR, RoTat1.2 VSG-PCR and TviCatL-PCR) tests to detect possible trypanosome infections. CATT/T. evansi detected antibodies against T. evansi in 15 (30%) dogs, while parasite DNA was detected in 17 (34%) dogs by RoTat1.2 PCR. In contrast, a KIN-PCR detected the subgenus Trypanozoon, Trypanosoma congolense savannah, T. congolense Kenya and T. vivax in 36 (72%), 3 (6%), 1 (2%), and 2 (4%) dogs, respectively. However, a species-specific PCR for Trypanosoma vivax was detected 7 (14%) positive cases. We concluded that CT was caused by at least three species of trypanosomes, namely T. evansi, T. vivax and T. congolense. Trypanozoon other than T. evansi could not be ruled out since other tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes have also been detected and species-specific PCRs were not used. This study illustrates that dogs play an important role in the transmission dynamic and the epidemiology of the abovementioned trypanosome species.
Assessing the effectiveness of ethnomedicinal products on banana weevils using REML
(Science Publishing Group, 2014) Bwogi, Godfrey; Mwine, Julius; Jumba, Francis; Murongo, Marius; Njoroge, Njeri Grace; Kabango, Freddie; Mutumba, Nakulima Kyeswa Pross
This study investigated the effect of applying selected banana pest control treatments on management of banana weevils. The data was collected on 283 banana plants picked at random; from 29 farmers selected using a snowball sampling technique. Treatments used were ethnomedicinal products, synthetic chemicals, cultural practices in plantation planted from suckers and those planted from tissue culture. Since data was spatially collected, it was analyzed using Restricted Maximum likelihood Estimator (REML). REML was used to estimate the PCI after a square root transformation. The statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between plantations where synthetic chemicals, clean planting materials (tissue culture), cultural practices and ethnomedicinal products were used. There was also significant variation resulting from different varieties grown. However, there was no significant variation resulting from the response of different varieties to the different treatments. Results also indicated that garden where the cleaning materials had been used had the least percentage of banana weevil infection. This study found out that there was no significant difference in damage caused by banana weevils in banana plantations where synthetic chemicals and ethnomedicinal extracts were applied. Thus given the results, the study concluded that ethnomedicinal products can be used by farmers to manage banana weevils. The study recommends that further studies should be carried out to assess efficacy of the identified potential plants with pesticidal properties under controlled experiment.

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