Browsing by Author "Msuya, D. G."

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Agronomic package for maize production in semi-coral environment of Pemba, Zanzibar
(AJOL, 2017) Msuya, D. G.; Ali, O. M.
Maize is an important food crop in the semi-coral area of Pemba Island. Production has however never met demand due to very poor yields, about 1.0 t/ha in the area. An experiment was conducted to establish agronomic recommendations for increasing the maize crop productivity. Three improved varieties (Staha, Situka, TMV-1) were tested against variety JKU, a locally grown type in the area. Treatments included four nitrogen rates (23, 46, 70 and 90 kgN/ha) and three plant densities (44,444; 53,333 and 66,666 plants/ha). The treatment sources of variation (varieties, densities and fertilizer rates) had significant effects on growth and yield of the maize crop. Use of variety Staha significantly (P < 0.05) improved yield compared to the local variety (JKU) and the other tested varieties. Yield difference between best performing and least performing variety was about 69%. Through optimized spacing yield difference as much as 32.9% was achieved while through improved Nitrogen fertility yield was increased by as much as 28.8%. The use of variety Staha, grown at a spacing of 75 cm × 20 cm giving a plant population of 66,666 ha-1; and the use of nitrogen at 70 kgN/ha is recommended for best maize yields in the area. The best practice is to optimize all the three factors in combination.
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.