Browsing by Author "Kapinga, Fortunes"

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    Genotypic-environmental effects on nut picking duration, yield and quality of seven cashew (anacardium occidentale l.) clones in South-Eastern Tanzania
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Kapinga, Fortunes
    An experiment was conducted in 2007/08 season at Naliendele, Nyangao and Nanyanga sites in South-Eastern Tanzania, to determine genotypic-environmental effects on nut picking duration, yield and quality of seven cashew (Anacardium occidentals L.) clones. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with two factors arranged in split plot experiment; in which locations were the main-plot while clones replicated four times were the sub-plot treatments. Cutting-test carried out at NARI was used to determine nut physical quality. Nutritional values in the cashew kernels were evaluated at SUA, where fats and protein were analysed in DASP laboratory using Soxhlet Continuous Extraction and Kjeldalh methods, respectively. Minerals were analysed in soil science laboratory, where U-Visible Spectrometer was used to determine phosphorus content while atomic absorption spectrum was used to measure the quantities of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. Flame photometer was used to measure potassium and sodium contents. Significant variations (P < 0.05) among clones were observed in all parameters studied. Clone AZA 17 consistently had the shortest nut picking duration in all sites, with an overall mean of 47 days. Cashew clone AC4 showed early crop maturity at Naliendele and Nanyanga, while clone AC4/285 matured early at Nyangao. The highest yield (3512.2 kg/ha) across the locations was produced by the clone AC4/285. Naliendele was considered most suitable site for cashew nut production because it gave the highest overall mean cashew nut yield (3530.0 kg/ha). Clone AC10 outperformed in nut weight (9.3 g), fat and protein contents. On the other hand, clone ACM was superior in mineral composition across the locations. This study also revealed that, high nut yielding clones are poor iniii nutrient contents. High yielding clones with short nut picking duration and early maturity characteristic were found to be important selection criteria for economical cashew nut production.