Browsing by Author "Sibuga, K. P."

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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.
Effect of in situ soil water harvesting techniques and local plant nutrient sources on grain yield of drought-resistant sorghum varieties in Semi-Arid Zone, Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2015) Kilasara, M.; Boa, M. E.; Swai, E. Y.; Sibuga, K. P.; Massawe, B. H. J.; Kisetu, E.
Aridity is becoming a key threat to more than 500 million people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood in semi-arid areas worldwide. Climate change represents a significant threat to current agricultural production, and consequently to farmers’ livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. The compounded effects of climate change, population pressure and change in dietary demands will further threaten fragile natural resources and accelerate land degradation processes. Poverty and hunger are still characteristics of sub-Saharan African countries in specific areas frequently hit by drought including the central zone of Tanzania. Typical characteris- tics of these areas are periodic to frequent dry spells that lead to crop failure, food shortage and lasting poverty. In Tanzania, the central regions of Dodoma and Singida are frequently threatened by drought that causes crop failure. In Dodoma, Singida and Tabora, 45–55 % of the households are food insecure. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of combining selected soil water harvesting techniques and locally available plant nutrient sources (FYM and urea-treated local phosphate rock, Minjingu Mazao) on the grain yield of early maturing and drought-resistant sorghum varieties (Wahi and Hakika). The trials were conducted at Mbande village, Kongwa District and Ikhanoda village, Singida Rural District in Tanzania. A split-split plot design setup was used in this study. The main plots were tillage methods, which were infiltration pit (PI), tied-ridging (TR) and flat cultivation (FC). The sub-plots were the fertilizers, which were farmyard manure and Minjingu Mazao, and the sub-sub plots were the two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) varieties: Wahi and Hakika. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Treatment differences were separated using least significant differences (LSD) at p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001. At the Ikhanoda study site, when Minjingu Mazao was applied, the Wahi grain yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in PI (2,414 kg ha 1 ) and FC (1,126 kg ha 1 ) than in TR treatment (648 kg ha 1 ). In contrast, with Hakika, TR significantly (p < 0.05) outperformed other water harvesting methods with the highest grain yield (3,199 kg ha 1 ). The PI treatment recorded the highest grain yield (2,789 kg ha 1 under Wahi and 3,223 kg ha 1 under Hakika) when FYM was applied at 5 t ha 1 . The grain yield of both varieties under FYM and all water harvesting techniques, including FC, did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). However, Hakika under PI had the best yield (3,223 kg ha 1 ) while Wahi under FC registered the lowest yield (2,573 kg ha 1 ). In the absence of FYM or Minjingu Mazao, the grain yield showed the following trend: FC (1,660 kg ha 1 , 1,863 kg ha 1 ) > PI (1,234 kg ha 1 , 1,387 kg ha 1 ) > TR (875 kg ha 1 , 930 kg ha 1 ) for Wahi and Hakika, respectively. At the Mbande site, the Wahi variety had a significantly higher grain yield (p < 0.05) in the FC treatment (1058.6 kg ha 1 ) than TR (543 kg ha 1 ) and PI (320.3 kg ha 1 ) when FYM was applied. With the application of 5 tons ha 1 FYM, the Wahi variety gave a significantly (p < 0.05) higher grain yield (1320.2 kg ha 1 ) in the TR treatment but the lowest in the FC treatment (476.6 kg ha 1 ). With the Hakika variety, the grain yield was higher (1773.4 kg ha 1 ) in TR and FC than in PI (890.6 kg ha 1 ). The superiority of the FC treatment in the absence of external nutrient input is attributed to topsoil that is slightly richer in nutrients com- pared to the rest of the treatments in which the poorer subsoil is part of the root zone. External nutrient input might have compensated for nutrient deficiencies and thus attenuated the treatment differences. This study demonstrated that in the absence of external sources of plant nutrients such as FYM and Minjingu Mazao, FC performed better than PI and TR. With external nutrient input, the grain yield varied due to water harvesting practice and site. At Ikhanoda, PI was superior to the other treatments while at Mbande, TR outperformed the other treatments. The outcome of the use of rainwater harvesting technologies ought to be applied in well-characterized fields in terms of physical and bio-chemical soil characteristics for better results.
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.
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.
Local community’s knowledge on onion production, pests and pests management in Kilosa and Kilolo Districts, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014) Mamiro, D. P.; Maerere, A. P.; Sibuga, K. P.; Ebaugh, M. J.; Miller, S. A; Mtui, H. D.; Mgembe, E.; Msuya-Bengesi, C. P.; Aloyce, A.
To assess local community’s knowledge on onion production, pests and pests management a baseline survey was carried out in Kilosa and Kilolo Districts. The results indicated that more than 36% of onion producers were middle aged (34-49 years) and were literate at least with secondary education (80%). Onion production was the major source of livelihood to more than 80% of hundred onion farmers (40 females, 60 males) interviewed. Up to three onion crops per year from different fields were realized due to availability of means for irrigation mainly by flooding and the main production season was from March-July under monoculture or in the intercropping. Eighty four per cent of onion farmers own land and production was on small scale holders. Fifty per cent of small scale farmers produced onion on land size of 0.25-2.0 acres.Onion varieties grown were Red Bombay, Red Creole and Khaki with preference to Red Bombay (72%) for its high yield, marketability and bulb size while Khaki (21%) was chosen for its storability. Onion seed sources were from other farmers (40%) and were expensive, which means the cost for seeds were beyond a prospective farmer’s affordability. The most prevalent pests reported by interviewees were thrips (Thrips tabaci) (73%), weeds led by Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) (55%) and fungal diseases led by purple blotch (55%).Onion production was found to be the major source of livelihood to more than 80% of farmer respondents. The challenges observed were such as source of improved seeds, means to combat pests and lack of higher yielding varieties which can resist insect pests and diseases. The IPM package on management of the most prevalent pestsis required to reduce onion yield losses.
Management of tomato late blight disease using reduced fungicide spray regimes in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2014) Meya, A. I.; Mamiro, D. P.; Kusolwa, P.M.; Maerere, A. P.; Sibuga, K. P.; Erbaugh, M.; Miller, S. A.; Mtui, H. D.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in Tanzania is affected by late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary. Currently, farmers spray more than 12 per crop per season to control diseases by weekly spraying. Field experiments were conducted at Morogoro to evaluate the performance of three tomato varieties subjected to different fungicide chemistries and reduced fungicide spray intervals. The treatment factors were tomato varieties Meru, Cal-J and Tanya as main plots; fungicides Ivory 72 WP, Volar MZ 690 WP and Topsin-M 70 WP as sub plots; and reduced number (4, 6, 8 and no-spray) of sprays per crop at a spray intervals of 14-, 10-, 7-days respectively as sub-sub plots. Variety Meru showed low tomato late blight incidence (1.4%) and severity (1.0) (P≤0.001) followed by Tanya (81.2%, 4.0) and Cal-J (82.6%, 4.0) respectively. Results show that plots sprayed with Topsin M-70 WP had significantly (P≤0.001) higher disease incidence and severity (66.2%, 3) compared to Ivory 72 WP (42.5%, 2) and Volar MZ 690 WP (44.5%, 2). The no-spraying regime (control) had highly significant (P≤0.001) disease incidence and severity than other spray regimes. Although there was no significant (P≤0.05) difference among the spray regimes plots sprayed 8 times had lowest disease incidence and severity (47.9%, 2) while, unsprayed plots had highest disease incidence and severity (66.3%, 4) followed by plots sprayed 6 times and 4 times (53.9%, 2) and (52.1%, 2) respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.001)) in yield among three commercial tomato varieties. Cal-J variety produced higher number of fruits per plant (27), marketable fruits (26.5 t/ha) and total yield (28.9 t/ha) followed by Tanya with 21 fruits per plant, 19.3 t/ha marketable fruits and total yield of 21.3 t/ha. Meru produced 13 fruits per plant, 13.6 t/h marketable yield and total yield of 17.6 t/ha. Tomato varieties, fungicides and spray regimes demonstrated significant influence on late blight disease incidence and severity. Results reveal that, variety Meru was resistant to tomato late blight disease while, Cal-J and Tanya varieties were highly susceptible. However, Meru had lowest yield due to production of few number of fruits per plants. Fungicides Ivory 72 WP and Volar MZ 690 WP verified higher field efficacy against P. infestans. These two fungicides significantly reduced disease intensity to lowest level than Topsin-M 70 WP. Similarly, spray regimes significantly gave appreciable reduction of tomato late blight disease intensity and consequently increased fruits yield in susceptible varieties Cal-J and Tanya when compared to no spraying regime. It was evident that the number of fungicide sprays was reduced from more than 12 (current farmers practice) to 8, 6 and 4 at intervals of 7-, 10- and 14- days respectively.
Management of tomato late blight disease using reduced fungicide spray regimes in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014) Meya, A. I.; Mamiro, D. P.; Kusolwa, P. M.; Maerere, A. P.; Sibuga, K. P.; Erbaugh, M.; Miller, S. A.; Mtui, H. D.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in Tanzania is affected by late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary. Currently, farmers spray more than 12 per crop per season to control diseases by weekly spraying. Field experiments were conducted at Morogoro to evaluate the performance of three tomato varieties subjected to different fungicide chemistries and reduced fungicide spray intervals. The treatment factors were tomato varieties Meru, Cal-J and Tanya as main plots; fungicides Ivory 72 WP, Volar MZ 690 WP and Topsin-M 70 WP as sub plots; and reduced number (4, 6, 8 and no-spray) of sprays per crop at a spray intervals of 14-, 10-, 7-days respectively as sub-sub plots. Variety Meru showed low tomato late blight incidence (1.4%) and severity (1.0) (P≤0.001) followed by Tanya (81.2%, 4.0) and Cal-J (82.6%, 4.0) respectively. Results show that plots sprayed with Topsin M-70 WP had significantly (P≤0.001) higher disease incidence and severity (66.2%, 3) compared to Ivory 72 WP (42.5%, 2) and Volar MZ 690 WP (44.5%, 2). The no-spraying regime (control) had highly significant (P≤0.001) disease incidence and severity than other spray regimes. Although there was no significant (P≤0.05) difference among the spray regimes plots sprayed 8 times had lowest disease incidence and severity (47.9%, 2) while, unsprayed plots had highest disease incidence and severity (66.3%, 4) followed by plots sprayed 6 times and 4 times (53.9%, 2) and (52.1%, 2) respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.001)) in yield among three commercial tomato varieties. Cal-J variety produced higher number of fruits per plant (27), marketable fruits (26.5 t/ha) and total yield (28.9 t/ha) followed by Tanya with 21 fruits per plant, 19.3 t/ha marketable fruits and total yield of 21.3 t/ha. Meru produced 13 fruits per plant, 13.6 t/h marketable yield and total yield of 17.6 t/ha. Tomato varieties, fungicides and spray regimes demonstrated significant influence on late blight disease incidence and severity. Results reveal that, variety Meru was resistant to tomato late blight disease while, Cal-J and Tanya varieties were highly susceptible. However, Meru had lowest yield due to production of few number of fruits per plants. Fungicides Ivory 72 WP and Volar MZ 690 WP verified higher field efficacy against P. infestans. These two fungicides significantly reduced disease intensity to lowest level than Topsin-M 70 WP. Similarly, spray regimes significantly gave appreciable reduction of tomato late blight disease intensity and consequently increased fruits yield in susceptible varieties Cal-J and Tanya when compared to no spraying regime. It was evident that the number of fungicide sprays was reduced from more than 12 (current farmers practice) to 8, 6 and 4 at intervals of 7-, 10- and 14- days respectively
Pedological and soil fertility characteristics of striga infested soils under maize in Chunya and Iringa districts of Tanzania
(SADC-ICART Project, 2010) Msaky, J. J. T.; Kaaya, A.; Kayeke, M.; Sibuga, K. P.; Kilima, F. T. M.
Maize yields in both Iringa and Chunya districts have been reported to be low due to infestation with Striga. A study was therefore conducted to characterize Striga infested soils and assess their fertility status under maize production in 6 villages of Chunya and Iringa districts. The soils of Iringa were classified as Cambisols and those of Chunya as Arenosols. The results further showed that, the majority of the soils were of sand to loamy sand texture. Such soils are well drained with low water holding capacity, conditions that favour Striga germination. The fertility status was established through physical and chemical analyses of the soils. One hundred and four composite soil samples were collected from the two districts. Laboratory analysis showed that most of the soils were acidic with pH ranging from 4.13 to 7.74 and low to medium cation exchange capacity (CEC). Organic carbon was low with a range of 0.01 to 0.07% while total N values were also low ranging from 0.028 to 0.86%. Phosphorus was low with few samples indicating medium values. Exchangeable bases were generally low with most soils having saturation values of < 50%. Overall, the soils are of low fertility status. The low fertility status and the sandy texture are possibly the cause of high Striga infestation and low maize yields in the two districts. The soils are of low productivity requiring improvement of their organic matter content and application of inorganic fertilizers if improved maize yields are to be realized. It is further recommended that tillage practices that improve the soil physical conditions be adopted, not only for greater maize yields but also as one of the strategies to control the Striga weed. Key words: fertility, maize, soil, striga