Browsing by Author "Maerere, A. P."
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Item Analysis of the agricultural science, Technology and Innovation System: banana (Musa spp.) case study in Tanzania(ResearchGate, 2010-11) Maerere, A. P.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Sibuga, K. P.; Mgembe, E. R.; Rwambali, E. G.; Nchimbi-Msolla, S.This study was conducted to collect information on the agricultural science, technology and innovation (ASTI) system in the banana (Musa spp.) subsector in Tanzania. Major policies were reviewed with respect to their impact on the subsector. Linkages among key actors were identified and analyzed. Surveys were conducted in four agro-ecological zones that are major banana producers. The information was collected using two structured questionnaires: one for farmers and another for organizations. Generally, Tanzania was found to have well established agricultural and science and technology policies. However, implementation was hampered by low investment that did not match with government commitments. Main key actors, identified in the subsector, included smallholder farmers, private enterprises and various organizations that played major roles in creation, diffusion and utilization of knowledge. Research and training were found to be mainly under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives and the Sokoine University of Agriculture. Results indicate that 60% of smallholder banana farmers had received primary education. Land is under family ownership, with an average 1.5 ha of which 25–53% was devoted to banana production. Most banana producers were found to operate on an individual basis, with collaboration mainly amongst themselves rather than with other actors. They lacked specialized training and operated at traditional level with very low use of innovations. It is recommended that all major areas of action require strengthening of existing information diffusion system, incentives for innovations, infrastructure, credit schemes, and recognition of banana as an important food and cash crop.Item Banana (Musa spp. Colla) cropping systems, production constraints and cultivar preferences in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo(Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2009) Dowiya, N. B.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Maerere, A. P.Banana and plantain (Musa spp.) are important crops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for food security and household income. However, yield has been decreasing to an average of 4.6 tons/ha currently, and the factors leading to the decline have not been fully determined. In the present study a diagnostic survey was conducted in the South Kivu (SK) and North Kivu (NK) regions of the country to determine the existing banana production constraints. Soil was sampled for analysis from 240 fields (30 samples/site) from 8 sites. The results indicated that apart from one site (Maboya, NK), soil fertility is not a limiting factor for banana production in the area. Planting materials used by farmers are exclusively suckers from existing crops and there is no institution producing clean planting materials in the area. Tillage using hand hoes for the purpose of growing common bean causes destruction of banana roots leading to poor nutrient uptake which contribute to low yield (3kg/bunch). Weed control is done by hand using hoes. Inadequate weeding and inappropriate desuckering practices increases competition between plants, leading to production of small bunches. In order of importance, the most important criteria for cultivar selection were flavour/taste, juice quality, resistance to disease and bunch size. Diseases including black Sigatoka, Fusarium wilt, Xanthomonas wilt, bunchy top virus, nematodes and weevils were identified as among the main causes of cultivar disappearance in eastern DRC. Although farmers have generally little knowledge on banana plantation management, they have good understanding on value addition through beer brewing. Hence farmers allocate an average of 50% of banana fields to wine producing cultivars. Cultivars from subgroup like AAA-Cavendish, AAA-Gros Michel, AAA-Ibota, AB-Ney poovan, AABKamaramasengi and ABB are well adopted for wine making. A total of twenty nine and thirty two banana accessions were found to be grown by farmers in SK and in NK, respectively. Based on similarity among these accessions using farmers’ criteria two clusters were identified consisting of wine/beer banana, and a combination of cooking, roasting and dessert types. The good market demand for plantains have motivated farmers in North-Kivu to allocate the largest part of their farms (25%) to French plantain Nguma (AAB) while in South Kivu the largest area (64.5%) is allocated to Nshikazi (AAA-EAHB) for beer production. Farmers’ mixed cropping system includes legumes, cereals, and multipurpose trees in the banana plantation or as hedgerows. Banana production can be improved in the study area using participatory research and development approach where smallholder farmers could evaluate appropriate technology introduced in the form of research. The key intervention measures are introduction of improved varieties with high yield and/or resistant to disease and sensitization on integrated pest management which could contribute into food security and poverty reduction.Item Biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in orchards in different agro-ecological zones of the Morogoro region, Tanzania(Fruits, 2006) Mwatawala, M. W.; De Meyer, M.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Maerere, A. P.Introduction. Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are among the major constraints in commercial horticulture in many African developing countries. Knowledge of the tephritid spectrum in any given area is a prerequisite for the development of an IPM program to alleviate the pest problem. We studied the fruit fly diversity in four main agro-ecological zones which are significant fruit-producing areas in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Materials and methods. Fruit fly diversity was investigated for one year (October 2004 – October 2005). Parapheromones, synthetic food attractant and protein-bait traps were used to trap the flies at the different locations in Morogoro region, Tanzania. One mixed orchard was selected at each of four locations representing the different agro-ecological zones of the region. Results. The recently introduced alien species, Bactrocera invadens, and three indigenous pest species, Ceratitis rosa, Dacus bivittatus and D. punctatifrons, were found at all the four sites, while Bactrocera cucurbitae, Ceratitis cosyra, Dacus chiwira and D. humeralis were found in three out of the four sites. The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Horticulture Unit and Mikese sites had the highest species diversity while the Mkindo and Nyandira sites had the lowest diversity. The between-habitats diversity (Beta diversity) was similar among the SUA, Mkindo and Mikese sites. Only the Nyandira site had a higher dissimilarity in comparison with the other three sites. Discussion. The most abundant species at low- and mid-elevation sites was Bactrocera invadens while, at high elevation, Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species. Protein-baited traps attracted the highest diversity of fruit flies in comparison with the more specific parapheromones. The synthetic food attractant (three-component lure) was less efficient compared with the protein bait. The large dissimilarity at the Nyandira site is probably due to the different types of host fruits found and grown in high altitude areas (mainly temperate fruits). Fruit fly species associated with these types of fruits, e.g., Ceratitis rubivora and Trirhithrum coffeae, were found only at this site.Item Changes in acidity of plant growth media during heat sterilisation(Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2008) Msogoya, T. J.; Maerere, A. P.; Nzogela, Y.; Kusolwa, P. M.Tissue culture media provide ideal conditions for growth of plant cells, but also bacteria and fungi. It is therefore necessary to sterilize media to remove these microbes prior to incubation of explants. Growth media are commonly sterilised by autoclaving at 121°C and pressure of 105 kPa for 15 minutes, or longer for larger volumes (Beyl, 2000). Some components of the growth media such as gibberellins (GA3) and capanthothenate are heat-labile and would become inactive when autoclaved (Nissen & Sutter, 1990). Such heat sensitive components are sterilised by filtering through bacteria-proof membrane (0.22μm pores) and added to the sterilised medium after it has cooled down to at least 60°C. Autoclaving the growth media at 121°C and pressure of 105 kPa for 15 - 20 minutes also breaks down sucrose into D-glucose and Dfructose, resulting in alteration in the osmotic potential of the growth media. Thus, it is important to consider these changes when performing osmotic-sensitive procedures such as protoplast culture. Moreover, the simple sugars resulting from sucrose degradation apparently have inhibitory effects on in vitro regeneration of some plant tissues (Dodds & Roberts, 1990).Item Comparative effectiveness of animal manures on soil chemical properties, yield and root growth of amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus L.)(AJST, 2001) Maerere, A. P.; Kimbi, G. G.; Nonga, D. L. M.Pot and field experiments were conducted to compare the effects of dairy cow, goat and poultry manures on soil available levels of N and P and amaranths yield and root growth. The three amendments were applied on Oxisols at 100, 150 and 170 kg N/ha in a split plot design and replicated three times. Pot experiment lasted for one month whereas field experiment was conducted over three monthly crop cycles. Results of both experiments indicated that applications of the three manures significantly (P < 0.01) increased soil available levels of N and P shoot dry matter yield, taproot length and root dry weight. Comparison of the responses from the three manures revealed that for all the parameters evaluated the trend was; Poultry manure > goat manure > dairy cow manure. This was largely attributed to differences in total N, total P, C/N and C/P ratios of the amendments. Field experiment results revealed that responses were highest after the third crop harvest suggesting that mineralization of organic N and P increased with time. Based on fertilizer recommendations of N and P for Southern highlands of Tanzania and the highest rate used in this study (170 kg N/ha), applications of 5.8 tons/ha, 9.8 tons/ha and 13.4 tons/ha of poultry, goat and dairy cow manure will suffice the requirement of 40 kg N/ha and 20 kg P/ha recommended for most field crops.Item Control of soil erosion in mzinga river catchment In the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania: Approaches and practices(Tanzania Journal for Population studies and Development, 2017) Mulengera, M. K.; Lulandala, L. L.; Maliondo, S. M; Maerere, A. P.; Temu, R. P. C.; Msuya, C. P.Soil erosion is a serious problem in Tanzania that leads to land degradation and rapid siltation of water reservoirs and water supply structures. This paper presents findings from a project initiated in 2003/2004 to rehabilitate the Mzinga River Catchment. The objective of the project was to rehabilitate the highly degraded catchment in order to improve peoples’ economic well being by imparting knowledge of raising tree seedlings in nurseries, growing forest and fruit trees, practicing agroforestry, and by establishing mechanical conservation works. The catchment conservation approach adopted was land user free choice in collaboration with community conservation committee and other key stake holders. Soil erosion measurements were done on fields, fallow lands, and semi-natural vegetation areas to monitor land use practices that contribute greatly to catchment degradation. Sediment yield modelling was done to determine rates of sediment yields from the catchment. The study results show very high soil erosion rates (up to more than 33 tons/ha) on agricultural lands, and sediment yields from the Mzinga river catchment of about 17 tons/ha per year. The study showed that conservation activities need extension to overcome the bad historical experiences of the communities in the catchment area, and to have more farmers adopting appropriate soil conservation measures after demonstrated increased productivity and economic benefits that will be achieved through good land husbandry practices and planted forest and fruit trees.Item Effect of mulch and different fungicide spray regimes on yield of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) in Tanzania(African Journal of food, agriculture and development, 2015-01) Mtui, H. D.; Maerere, A. P.; Bennett, M. A.; Sibuga, K. P.In many areas in Tanzania, pests management for tomato involves weekly pesticide sprays. The practice poses a threat to the environment and health of consumers. In this study the effect of pesticide spray regimes and use of mulch were evaluated on ‘Tanya VF’ and ‘Tengeru 97’ tomato varieties. Field experiment consisting of a 2×2×4 factorial arrangement in a split-split plot design with three replications was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro (6o05’S, 35o37’E and 525m above sea level). Treatment factors comprised two varieties (main plot factor), mulching/number of mulching (subplot factor) and three fungicide spray regimes (sub subplot factor). Results showed that the spray regimes: farmers’ practice (FP), Integrated Pests Management (IPM) based on pests scouting, sprays based on manufacturers’ recommendation (MR); produced significantly more fruits per plant and higher fruit weight compared to the control. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between FP, IPM and MR on fruit yield parameters. The results further revealed that use of mulch significantly led to higher fruit number per plant (p = 0.020). Although average fruit weight was similar (p < 0.05), other marketable fruit yield parameters were statistically different between mulched and non-mulched plots (p = 0.007). ‘Tanya VF’ had consistently higher yields compared to ‘Tengeru 97’. Fungicide sprays were statistically different to the control with respect to blossom end rot (p = 0.002), fruit rot (p < 0.001) and percentage of non-marketable yield (p = 0.001). Mulching significantly reduced American bollworm and blossom end rot (p = 0.012, p = 0.003, respectively). The major contributor to tomato fruit loss was Blossom End Rot (BER) and Fruit Rot for ‘Tengeru 97’ and ‘Tanya VF’, respectively. It is evident, therefore, that: a proper combination of tomato cultural management practices can significantly reduce the use of pesticides, and improve tomato fruit quality and marketable yield which would increase profit margin accrued by farmers.Item The effect of mulching and staking on the development of early and late blights of tomato(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1998) Lyimo, H. F. I; Tiluhongelwa, T. D.; Maerere, A. P.; Njau, P.The effect of mUlching and staking on the development of early and late leaf blight of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill))· caused by Alternaria solani (Ell. & Md.rt.) and Phythophthora injestans (Mont.), respectively, were studied using a randomized complete block design replicatedfour times. Mulching and staking significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the incidence of early and late blights by 5 to 20% and increased fruit yield more t~an two folds compared to unmUlched and unstaked controls. The apparent rate of infection of the two pathogens was also significantly lower (P = 0.05) in mulched and staked tomato than in the controls. Mulching was more effective than staking in suppressing early and late blight diseases in tomato. Mulching and staking when combined significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the incidence of the two diseases' by 20% compared to when the two practices were used separately.Item Effect of seed treatments and mulch on seedborne bacterial pathogens and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) in Tanzania(Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2010) Mtui, H.D.; Bennett, M.A.; Maerere, A. P.; Miller, S.A.; Kleinhenz, M.D; Sibuga, K.P.The study was conducted to assess the presence of seedborne bacteria in four tomato seedlots, the efficacy of seed treatments in reducing bacterial contamination and to determine influence of seed treatment or mulch on crop development and yield. Tomato seedlots were treated using hot water, chlorine, and Ridomil® followed by seedborne bacteria pathogen detection. Seedlings from treated and non-treated seedlots were grown in the field in mulched and non-mulched plots. Results showed that all seedlots assessed were contaminated with Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CMM), Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (XCV) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (PST). ‘Tanya G1’, ‘Tanya G2’ (first and second generation farmer-saved seeds respectively) and commercial ‘Cal J’ seedlots were more highly contaminated with XCV than commercial ‘Tanya’ seedlot. ‘Tanya G2’ had the highest PST contamination but did not differ from other seedlots for CMM. Chlorine and hot water significantly reduced bacterial populations on seeds. Ridomil seed treatment did not affect bacterial contamination compared to the untreated control. Marketable fruit yield differed statistically (P = 0.01) for commercial ‘Tanya’ and ‘Cal J’ seedlots. Commercial ‘Tanya’ and ‘Tanya G1’ had higher yields compared to ‘Cal J’ and ‘Tanya G2’. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.05) among seed sources with respect to incidence of blossom end rot (BER) and sunscald disorders. Chlorine and hot water treatments led to higher number of fruits per plant and increased yield compared to Ridomil treatment and the control. Seed treatment had no significant influence on BER. Plants from hot water treatment produced statistically fewer sunscald fruits compared to control, because of more vigorous growth that provided protective shade. The effect of mulch on the yield components and in reduction of sun-scalded fruits was highly significant (P = 0.0001). Seed treatment and mulch therefore can reduce disease infestation and improve tomato yield.Item Effects of amending compost and green manure with phosphate rock on quality of amaranth(African Journal of Horticultural Science (2008), 2008) Minja, R. R.; Maerere, A. P.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Kimbi, G. G.A study was conducted in Iringa, Tanzania to evaluate the effects of crotalaria green manure and compost applied alone or amended with Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) as sources of N and P and their effects on vegetable quality attributes. The field experiment was conducted using a split plot design with three replications. Crop species formed main plots, while fertilizer treatments constituted the subplots. Two amaranth species (Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus) were used. The treatments included crotalaria (Crotalaria ochroleuca), crotalaria + MPR, compost, compost + MPR and NPK, which was used as a standard. Results indicated that amendment of compost or crotalaria with MPR enhanced P supply by 22% and 100%, respectively. The tested materials significantly increased vitamin C, vitamin A and crude protein content of amaranth. Plants from plots treated with crotalaria had significantly higher levels of protein, calcium, vitamins C and A contents, compared to those fertilized with compost. There were significant and positive correlations between soil available N, P, and uptake with protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C and A content of amaranth. Due to the role of Ca in cell wall synthesis, it probably influenced the keeping quality of amaranth. The high Ca content in MPR amended treatments increased the evaluated keeping quality attributes of amaranth. It is therefore recommended that the tested organic materials be adopted as sources of N and P in the organic production of amaranth. Application of crotalaria and compost should be supplemented with P sources such as MPR in order to increase their P contents.Item Effects of harvesting stage and ripening methods on the duration of ripening, shelf life and quality of dessert banana(2008-06) Maerere, A. P.; Munubi, R.This study was conducted in order to describe the effect of traditional practice of forcing ripening of banana by the application of smoke and to determine the effect of the practice on the quality of banana destined for sale as dessert fruits by traders in Morogoro, Tanzania. Culiioar "Grand nain" (AAA - Cavendish subgroup) localb] known as "Mnoike" is the major dessert banana in the Morogoro district. The fruit is harvested at a maturity stage equivalent to the full three quarters. They are smoked on the day of harvest before being transported for sale to the urban markets two days later. Results show that at similar stage of maturity at harvest, smoke ripened fruits did not differ signifienntly (P=0.05) in terms of measured quality parameters as pH (acidity) of the pulp, soluble solids (14.9 - 23.0% Brix) and sugar contents 20.0 - 20.3mg/100ml) from fruits treated with ethylene or ripened naturally. Major differences observed were that smoking induced rapid ripening, which occurred within 2 days, but resulted in green ripe fruits, with relatively shorter shelf life (2 - 8 days). It is considered that, the heat from the fire producing the smoke, raised the temperature in the ripening pit causing the softening of the fruit pulp or high respiration rate that hastened ripening and fruit deterioration.Item Effects of harvesting stages on yield and nutritional quality of African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) fruits(Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2014) Msogoya, T. J.; Majubwa, R. O.; Maerere, A. P.Farmers often harvest African eggplant (Solanum Aethiopicum L.) fruits at different stages of fruit maturity. The influence of these harvesting practices on fruit productivity and nutritional quality is not known. This study was conducted to determine the effect of harvesting stages on yield and nutritional quality of African eggplant varieties. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arrangement in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Three African eggplant varieties (Tengeru white, AB2 and Manyire green) and three harvesting stages (1, 2 and 3) were used as main plot factor and sub plot factor, respectively. Harvesting stage 1 (immature fruits) was characterized by fruits with non-shiny peel, harvesting stage 2 (mature fruits) was characterized by fruits with shinny peel and harvesting stage 3 (overmature fruits) was characterized by fruits with yellow coloration at the bottom. Fruit yield was assessed based on number and weight of fruits per plant while fruit nutritional quality was assessed in the laboratory based on carbohydrate, fibres, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, 9-carotene and ascorbic acid contents. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance using MSTATC statistical software. Treatments mean separation was conducted based on Student-Newman Keuls at P < 5 %. Results showed that yield in number of fruits per hectare decreased while yield in metric tons per hectare increased with fruit development stages. Varieties Tengeru white and AB2 had the highest yields based on metric tons at harvesting stage 2 while Manyire green had the highest yield at harvesting stage 3. Carbohydrate and fibre contents increased while ascorbic acid, 9-carotene and most minerals decreased with fruit development stages. This study recommends harvesting immature fruits for high vitamin and mineral contents and delayed harvesting for the highest yield. As yield and nutritional quality trends vary with varieties, further studies are required to determine the effect of harvesting stages on yield and nutritional quality of different varieties of African eggplant.Item Evaluation of field performance and storage of some tropical short-day onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2005) Msuya, D. G.; Reuben, S. O.; Mbilinyi, L. B.; Maerere, A. P.; Msogoya, T.; Mulungu, L. S.; Misangu, R. N.The storage of bulbs of onion (Allium cepa L.) is very crucial to ensure its availability throughout the year. Experiments were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture to evaluate the growth and yield characteristics of some tropical short–day onion cultivars and the storability of their bulbs after harvest. The first experiment in 1994 involved 21 cultivars evaluated for their growth and yield variables. The second experiment, involving six cultivars, was carried out in 1996 and in addition to performance evaluation, the storability of bulbs was investigated. Results showed significant differences among the cultivars in yield, yield components and storability. Granex 429 had the highest yield among cultivars in both trials, but had very poor storability. Serrana and XPH 6074 had long storability and maintained more than 50% of their weight after 5 months of storage. These two cultivars are promising as good sources of genes to incorporate storage traits in other cultivars of onion.Item A farmer participatory research approach to assess the effectiveness of field sanitation and regular trapping on banana weevil populations(Fruits, 2013) Rannestad, O. T.; Maerere, A. P.; Torp, T.; Sæthre, M. G.Small-scale banana producers in Tanzania are facing constraints caused by the destructive activities of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar). Many currently used methods of addressing the problem are ineffective or too expensive for local farmers to implement. Materials and methods. A combination of two integrated pest management (IPM) tools (regular trapping in combination with field sanitation) was tested at two farmer-managed sites (Bujela and Kyimo) and one researcher-managed site (SUA-Morogoro). Treated areas were surrounded by untreated control areas where no trapping and limited sanitation was done. Changes in population densities were estimated by the mark-recapture procedure and the Lincoln index. Results and discussion. After eight months, weevil populations in the cleaned and trapped areas had been reduced by 33% (Bujela), 33% (Kyimo) and 74% (SUA). The change in population sizes in the control areas differed greatly, possibly due to discrepancies in field management between farmers’ and researchers’ practice. Trap types, areas and sites affected the number of weevils captured. Disc-onstump (DOS) traps captured more weevils than corm disc (CD) and pseudostem (PS) traps. Weevils responded more strongly to traps in the clean area at SUA compared with the other two sites, probably because the more rigid sanitation practices at SUA meant that volatiles from the traps were less likely to be masked by volatiles from surrounding residues. Conclusion. Regular trapping with field sanitation can greatly reduce populations of banana weevils, but strict adherence to method execution is required in order to gain favourable results.Item Field performance of micropropagated east African banana (musa AAA east Africa) in the eastern zone of Tanzania(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006) Msogoya, T. J.; Maerere, A. P.; Grout, B. W.This study was conducted to evaluate yield performance of micro-propagated CM.Pd) East African cooking banana (Musa AAA East Africa) cv. Uganda and cv. Bukoba in the Eastern zone of Tanzania. Plant size of MPd cv. Bukoba was significantly bigger (pItem Field vegetable production in the lake zone of Tanzania(Wageningen, 2014) Everaarts, A. P.; De Putter, H.; Maerere, A. P.; Amon, W.In November 2012 and in August 2014 surveys were carried out in field vegetable producing areas in the Lake Zone of Tanzania. The areas visited in 2012 were: (i) Kibeyo, Mugumu district, (ii) Mogabiri, Tarime district, (iii) Nyabange, Musoma rural district, (iv) Itumbili, Magu district, and (v) Nyaholongo, Nyamatale and Kagera, Misungwi district. In 2014, (i) Chamabanda, Sengerema district, (ii) Iyogelo, Sengerema district, (iii) Bugulula, Geita district, (iv) Kibwela, Geita district, (v) Kiziba, Geita district and the vegetable market in Bukoba town and a seed shop in Bukoba town were visited. The aim of the surveys was to learn the conditions for field vegetable production and marketing in these areas. Recommendations for the development of vegetable production were formulated in order to enlarge the supply of vegetable products and secure a balanced nutrition for the rural and urban population. Field vegetable production in the Lake Zone area is mostly small scale and rain dependent. A wide variety of crops is cultivated and production itself is professional. Production in the dry season is limited by the availability of water, and when water is available, by the amount of labour spend on hand watering the crop. Most of the information on pest and disease control is provided by the agro-dealers where farmers buy their pesticides. Packaging of products is at an elementary level. Marketing of products is mainly local, to nearby villages and towns and to the few larger cities in the Lake Zone and occasionally to Kenya. It is recommended to demonstrate and facilitate the introduction of labour and water saving drip irrigation techniques, to reduce the amount of labour and water that is needed for crop production, thereby making expansion of the area under vegetable production in the dry season possible. Where no water is available in the dry season, the options of constructing bore holes should be investigated. The supply of information on effective pest and disease control, independent from agro-dealers, is urgently needed to improve pest and disease control and to avoid misuse of pesticides. Stimulation of vegetable production in the rural areas will create employment. To secure future production, conservation of the natural vegetation is recommended to protect water catchment areas and avoid regional climate change.Item First report of entomopathogenic nematodes from Tanzania and their virulence against larvae and adults of the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2011-08-25) Mwaitulo, S.; Haukeland, S.; Sæthre, M. G.; Laudisoit, A.; Maerere, A. P.A survey on the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was conducted in selected banana fields from three regions in Tanzania, namely Mbeya (Southern Highlands), Morogoro (Lowland) and Pwani (Coast). The main objective of this study was to isolate EPNs naturally occurring in banana fields in Tanzania and to test their effect on banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar 1824).We report for the first time the presence of EPNs in Tanzania where four (4.4%) out of 90 samples contained nematodes in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. EPNs were only isolated in the coastal region in soils with a high sand content. The virulence of nine EPN isolates was tested against larvae and adults of C. sordidus. All isolates caused mortality of the larval stages, whereas the adults appeared resistant to nematode infection. Larval mortality was found to increase significantly with increasing nematode dose. It was also shown that nematodes were able to penetrate and establish in the banana weevil larvae in increasing numbers with increasing nematode dose. The study indicates the potential for including EPNs in management strategies of banana weevil.Item The flower industry in Tanzania: production performance and costs(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006) Msogoya, T. J.; Maerere, A. P.A survey was conducted to assess production levels, costs, marketing and policy regulations affecting the flower industry in Tanzania. Results indicated that rose and chrysanthemum were the main ornamental crops produced for export with yield of 908 and 145.6 million flower stems and shoot cuttings per year in 2003, respectively. The surface areas under rose and chrysanthemum cultivation increased by 328.9 and 658.3% and the corresponding production by 316.84 and 666.33% between 1997 and 2003, respectively. Greenhouse construction accounted for 50% while purchase of land and rose planting materials represented 17.7 and 12.3% of the total investment cost, respectively. Interest on loans and freight charges accounted for 19 and 16.0% of the total operational cost, respectively. All chrysanthemum shoot cuttings were directly exported to The Netherlands whereas 90% of total rose flowers were exported to Europe through European middlemen with a marketing commission of 18-30% of sales and 52% of total operational cost. The average selling prices of rose and chrysanthemum were 0.23 and 0.11 US$ per flower stem and shoot tip cutting, respectively. Foreign growers appreciated the provision of tax exemption of five years but considered the National Agricultural Policy of 1997 being too general and not favourable to the flower industry.Item Genetic diversity among INERA-Mulungu (DR Congo) Musa spp. germplasm and their relatedness to those in Tanzania using numerical taxonomy(NIAB 2012, 2012) Nzawele, D. B.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Maerere, A. P.Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) constitute staple food for over 20 million people in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since 1960, DRC is considered as a secondary centre of plantain diversification with few unknown accessions kept in the INERA-Mulungu genebank. Through similarity coefficients, cluster (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, single, complete, sequential, agglomerative, hierarchical and nested design/clustering procedure) and/or multivariate analyses, numerical morpho-taxonomy has established that this diversity is composed of 37 different accessions. Each accession expressed 98 characters among the 401 possible character states, thus providing 39,298 feature patterns (data points). The 98 characters included 32 vegetative and 66 male and female inflorescences. The accessions were clustered into three genomic groups (AAA, AAB and AABB). Subjective classification ascertained nine subgroups: AAB-Silk, AAB-Pome, AAB-Plantain, AABB-Pisang Awak, AAA-Cavendish, AAA-Ibota, AAA-Gros Michel, AAA-Green-Red and AAA-Lujugira- Mutika. Three subgroups were further divided into nine clone sets which consisted of: Dwarf and Giant Cavendish, French and Horn Plantains, and Musakala, Nfuuka, Nakitembe, Nakabululu and Beer/Mbidde within Lujugira-Mutika. Numerical morpho-taxonomy effectively indicated a relationship between the DRC and Tanzania’s Musa diversity. For example, the accessions ‘Kamaramasengi’ and ‘Isangi’ were found to be similar to ‘Kisukari’ (AAB-Silk) and ‘Ngego I’ (AAB-French) common in the Tanzanian Southern Highland. Likewise, the accessions Kimalindi-fupi, Kimalindi-ndefu and Jamaica of Tanzania were duplicates of Bakurura (Kigurube), Cavendish of Butuza and Gros Michel in DRC, respectively. Moreover, numerical morpho-taxonomy confirmed the pedigree of AAB-Prata (Cibwalo) in FHIA 17 and FHIA 23 and the closeness of the ancestors of Yangambi Km5 and Gros Michel. Furthermore, numerical morpho-taxonomy established AA-Mshale malembo as one of the AAALujugira- Mutika parents. Molecular investigations are finally required to confirm the genomes.Item Knowledge of vegetable insect pests, diseases and control measures in Morogoro and Iringa regions in Tanzania: a call for integrated pest management(Academic Journals, 2021) Kabote, S. J.; Mamiro, D. P.; Maerere, A. P.; Sibuga, K. P.; Mtui, H. D.; Mgembe, E. R.; Erbaugh, M.; Cardina J.This study investigates vegetable growers’ knowledge about insect pests, diseases and control methods. The study adopted cross-sectional research design, employing survey method and involving 400 randomly selected vegetable growers. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to summarize raw data. Colored cards of important pests coupled with field visits were used for pest identification. The results show that 87.1% of the tomato growers reported tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) as one of the important insect pests. Cucurbit growers reported mainly cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) and cucumber moth (Diaphania indica). Cabbage and onion growers reported cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), respectively. Diseases reported were mainly early (Alternaria solani) and late (Phytophthora infestans) blights in tomato and onion respectively, purple blotch in onion, cucumber blight in cucurbits and cabbage blight in cabbages. Insect pest and diseases control was mainly through synthetic pesticides. Frequency of spray was highest in tomato and cucurbits followed by onion. However, the knowledge on tank mixing, record keeping and Integrated Pest Management was limited. It is critical to have a common understanding about insect pests, diseases and control methods that are environmental friendly. Therefore, farmers should be trained on different issues regarding vegetable production and safe use of pesticides. The key training areas should include tank mixing, pest identification and thresholds, and record keeping.