Pod borers, Helicoverpa armigera infestation is a key constraint affecting pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) production. Development of pest resistance and expensive inputs and the fact that pigeon pea is a subsistence crop makes it difficult for farmers to adopt the use of synthetic pesticide.
Agricultural production in arid and semi-arid areas has declined due to low unreliable rainfall, declining soil fertility, and poor agronomic practices.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) stands as a vital carbohydrate source in Africa, yet its potential is hampered by bacterial blight (CBB) and other stresses. To enhance cassava production, understanding the genetic composition and disease resistance of germplasm is crucial. This study, conducted with 15 Kenyan cassava genotypes, employed morphological and molecular markers to evaluate their reaction to CBB. Field trials at Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) facilities revealed varied CBB responses, further validated by greenhouse experiments.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the climate-smart crops in the world. This study evaluated complementary technologies that would rapidly multiply and produce healthy certified cassava planting materials namely tissue culture and minisetts for increased cassava production and productivity. A survey targeting 250 farmers, a tissue culture protocol for regenerating cassava and minisett technology was evaluated.
Diseases caused by viruses are known to cause the heaviest economic losses in tree tomato. A survey was conducted in 26 farms from three agro-ecological zones (upper highlands, lower highland, and midlands) in Machakos, Nairobi, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo and Nakuru counties, and 358 leaf samples collected.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important crop in South Sudan, however, its low production has been attributed to poor agronomic and leaf harvesting practices which cause a reduction in grain yield and quality because of interference of the source-sink relationship.
The study was conducted to determine the effect of cassava production practices on intensity of bacterial blight in Busia county and resistance reaction of cultivars grown in Kenya. Multistage sampling was used to select 193 farmers from Busia County. Information on cassava production practices was obtained using semi-structured questionnaires. Disease intensity was also evaluated on 30 cassava plants along two diagonals. Symptomatic leaf samples were collected for isolation and confirmation of the bacterial blight pathogens.
The research was carried out in Mwea, Krinyaga county, Rice lines from different research organizations were tested for resistance to rice blast and brown spot. The rice lines were from African Agricultural Technology Foundation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Korea- Africa Food and Agriculture Initiative and International Rice research Institute. Other varieties were also got from the local rice breeders.
