Crop Science and Production Collection

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Effects of rate and time of nitrogen application on growth, leaf nutrient contents and yield of sugarcane at Kilombero Sugar Estates
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1985) Mkelenda, Abdallah Salum
ABSTRACT A field study on the effects of rate and time of nitrogen fertilization on growth, leaf nutrient contents and yield of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) variety N. Co.376 was conducted at Kilombero Sugar Estates in Morogoro region during the 198?/83 cropping season*Four rates of N and three different times of application were tested in factorial combination in a randomized block design using a plantcane crop*The IT rates were 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg 10xa applied as ammonium sulphate * The times of application were (i) all the N applied at planting, (ii) all the N applied at three months, and (ill) N applied in two split doses: one half at planting, and the rest at three monthd* The crop was grown for twelve months.The germination, stalk population counts, and the heights of the plants were determined.The N, 2?, K, Ca and Mg nutrition of the crop were assessed by analysing cane leaves sampled from two—and four-montha old plants* The yield and quality of the crop were determined at harvest time.The germination was good and was not affected by the treatments* Nitrogen fertilization increased stalk population, and cane growth significantly. Nitrogen application increased the concentration of N in the leaves sampled at the two ages, For the two months samples the leaf N concentration ranged from 1.87% to 2.29%, while for the four months samples the concentration ranged from 1,38% to 1.94%. Leaf N concentrations in the four months old plants were highly correlated with sucrose contents in the plants,. cane yield, and sugar yield. suggesting that leaf IT concentration could be used in predicting these parameters. Using a curvelinear relationship between leaf IT concentration and sugar yield a tentative critical N concentration of 1,78% was established.The concentrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg were considered to be within the adequate range for the crop. All rates of IT increased cane yield significantly but sugar yield increased with increase in applied N only up to 100 kg N/ha, Further increase in N did not cause further increase in sugar yield:'mainly because of the negative effect of higher rates of N on sucrose accumulation in cane plants. In addition, nitrogen application reduced the quality of the juice; i.e. the brix, pol and juice purity.Time of application did not have any significant effect on any of these parameters.The results of the study suggest that the optimum rate of IT for sugar production in Ruaha area of Msolwa Estate is around 100 kg 10ia and that all the IT can be applied in the furrows at planting. Also leaf analysis technique can be used for assessing the sufficiency of IT in cane plants.
Matemu, Liberatus John Hamis
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1987) Matemu, Liberatus John Hamis
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture experimental Farm to study plant-water status and grain yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in relation to soil-water status.The treatments consisted of two soils, one having high water holding capacity (soil 1), the other with a low water holding capacity (soil 2); and two sorghum cultivars namely, Serena (improved) and Mbangala (local) under two moisture regimes of limited irrigation and rainfed conditions. Leaf water potential (kj'O and weighted soil-matric potential were measured to assess the water status for the plant and soils, respectively. Other observa-tions made were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), root length density, dry matter (DM) and grain yields as well as total water use efficiency (TWUE) and irrigation water use (IWUE).Plants growing in soil 1 showed higher than those in soil 2 throughout the measurement period.Mbangala maintained a higher than Serena with values of -5.42 and -7.51 bars respectively.plants had higher The irrigated than those under rainfed conditions.The weighted matric potential,soil 2 than in soil 1. The averages for the entire was lower in season were -0.29 and -0.38 bars for soils 1 and 2,respectively.The plots planted with Mbangala showed a lower l’pthan those with Serena their values being -0.34 and -0.33 bar^ , respectively.The weighted soil matric potential was lower under irrigated thanu.nc[er rainfed conditions.The differences under rainfed and irrigated conditions were larger in soil 1 than in soil 2.Soils did not show any significant difference in stem diameter at 56 days after planting (dap) despite the consistent trend observed whereby soil 1 produced plants with greater diameter than soil 2.significantly (P Serena. Mbangala showed 0.05) greater stem diameter than While stem diameter of Serena averaged 1.88cm, that of Mbangala was 2.10cm. Moisture regime had no effect on stem diameter. Soil 1 produced significantly (P ^_0.05) taller plants than soil 2.Plant height in soil 1 exceeded that in soil 2 by 24.5cm.Cultivar and moisture regimes as well as their interactions were non-significant..However, the interaction between soil X cultivar was highly significant (P ,0.01) .Both cultivars were taller (although not significantly so) in soil 1 than in soil 2. On the other hand, both cultivars showed consistently greater plant height under irrigated than rainfed conditions although the differences were non significant.Plants growing in soil 1 were observed to have a significantly (P.
Effects of cutting interval and nitrogen fertilizer rate on the yield and nutritive value of Brachiaria brizantha and Chloris gayana.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1990) Mtengeti, Ephraim Joseph
The effects of three cutting intervals (20, 40 and 60 days ) and four levels of N application (0, 100, 200 and 400 kg N/ha) on the dry matter yield, dry matter content, tiller height, CP content, CP yield, N utilization efficiency, in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro digestible dry matter yield were studied in Chloris gayana and Brachiaria brizantha over a period of 120 days in 1987 in a field experiment at Sokoine University of Agriculture farm in Tanzania. The dry matter yield of the grasses increased with extension of the cutting interval up to 40 days and then declined thereafter. dry matter yield of the grasses increased with increasing N rate.The dry matter content increased with increasing cutting interval decreased with increasing N rate.The green leaf and stem dry matter yields increased with increasing N rate.Extended period between successive cuts slightly reduced green leaf dry matter yield and slightly increased the the stem dry matter yield. Leaf:stem ratio was not significant!;. ( P > 0.05) affected by extension of the cutting interval. Tiller height increased significantly (P < 0.01) with increasing N rate and cutting interval.The CP concent of the herbage decreased with extension of the cutting interval. The 'CP yield increased with increasing N rate and extension of the cutting interval to 40 days and declined thereafter.The recovery of applied N increased with increasing N rate up to 200 kg N/ha then declined thereafter.yield response in terms of kg DM Dry matter per kg of applied N decreased with increasing N rate.In vitro dry matter digestibility of the grasses increased with increasing N rate and decreased with extension of the cutting interval.Brachiaria brizantha had a significantly (P < 0.01) higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than Chloris gayana at all cutting intervals.The in vitro digestible dry matter yield of the grasses increased with nitrogen rate. It also increased with extension of the cutting interval up to 40 days and then declined thereafter. The results of this experiment support the view that, the productivity of grasses can be improved by N fertilization. In this study it has been shown that B. brizantha and C. gayana should be harvested every 40 days during the period of favourable growth in order to balance the productivity and the quality of the produced herbage.
Decomposition of crotalaria and leucaena green manures and their nutrient release patterns
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Nikokwe, Chais Adam
The decomposition of Crotalaria and ochroleuca Leucaena leucocephala green manures. contained in litter bags and placed on the surface (8- 10 cm), was The study was or buried 12 weeks of incubation. studied during conducted under laboratory conditions determine and compare decomposition and patterns of the two of green manure subsequent nutrient in soil microbial determined and the release was manure residual nutrient release Changes investigated numbers with and decomposition on application to green manures. The effect of method related into the soil to decomposition. materials, and were time incubation Analyses of counting microbial were done at three week intervals. The rate of decomposition was expressed dry matter. organic carbon phosphorus in parameters the in terms of total nitrogen and residual material organic. All these were expressed as percentages of the original quantities added through the manure. Generally six weeks decomposition was fast during the first of incubation and slowed down thereafter rate of decomposition was similar in and decomposed by almost 50 and weeks of incubation, respectively. The both green manures, 70% after in six and 12 addition they had incorporated manure soil releasing capacities. However similar nutrient more decomposed faster and released nutrients than surface-applied. In treated microbial numbers incubation after The soil there during rapid were the first which populations soil-incorporated green microbial numbers than increases in weeks of six almost levelled off. manure resulted in the surface-applied one. Larger In the control soil such changes were small. From the that when results of used the this study two green it was manures z incorporated into the soil at least six period when the intended nutrients. crop has This will allow speculated should be weeks before the its maximum need for synchronization of maximum nutrient release with high nutrient demand by the crop.
Paths of influence among components of yield in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench, cv Tegemeo) grown in the semi arid area of Dodoma Region, Tanzania
(1998) Reuben, S.O.W.; Rwehumblza, F.B.R.; Mahoo, H.F.; Hatibu, N.; Makungu, P.; Ashimogo, G.C.
Sorghum is a food security crop in tropical marginal areas. Improvement strategies for yield under such conditions are important. Genetic improvement for yield is done thr0ll:gh improvement of its components. Due to yield component compensation, this improvement strategy is made less rewarding. It is therefore important to know compe1J.satory mechanisms existing for better improvement strategies. Studies on the nature of component compensations in sorghum are limited and virtually lacking under Tanzanian conditions. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the nature of interrelationships among components of yield in sorghum at the experimental plots of Hombolo Research Station in the semi-arid zone of Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Six treatment combinations, of rain water harvesting techniques and fertilizer were laid out in a randomized comple,te block design (ReED) with four replications during the growing season of 1996/97. Number of grains was an important component which was significantly correlated (r=O. 982***) with grain yield and had a high positive direct effect (0.979) on yield. Average grain weight was not import~nt in influencing yield of sorghum. Plant biomass had a negative direct effect (-1.2997) on average grain weight but was not important in influencing number of grains. Plant height and percent light intercepted directly influenced number of grains and average grain weight negatively. The negative influence (- 0.8712) of plant height on number of grains was compensated to a low relationship (r= -0.337) mainly by its positive indirect influence (0.3780) through light interception. Improvement strategies should aim at shorter plants with more grains, of lesser canopy development and biomass in these semi arid areas.
Evaluation of quality protein maize synthetic germplasm for drought tolerance
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Bilaro, Atugonza Luta
Twenty one Open Pollinated Quality Protein Maize genotypes were evaluated fbr drought tolerance under three conditions of moisture regimes i.e. pre flowering stress, flowering moisture stress and optimal moisture to identify genotypes that maintained high yield under drought and well watered conditions. The experiment was conducted at Ilonga research station during rain free period of August to November, 2006, and Selian Arusha during rain season of 2006/07. Yield differences between moisture regimes were significantly (p < 0.001) different. Optimal moisture regime had the highest mean grain yield (1.49t/ha) followed by flowering stress (1.15t/ha) while pre flowering stress had the least mean grain yield (0.9t/ha). Correlation studies revealed that grain yield was related to number of days to anthesis, number of ears per plant, plant height, ear height, and leaf senescence. Of these, plant height, ear height, and number of ears per plant were consistently positively correlated with grain yield in all moisture regimes. Days to anthesis had varying correlations with grain yield depending on moisture conditions. Based on index values, entries 1 (EEQPMOPV-l-EA-#), 6 (EEQPM-13-EA半),10 (EEQPM- 34-EA-#), 13(EEQPM-45-EA-#), 14(EEQPM-49-EA-#), 19(POOL15QPM-SR-#-#) and 21 (Local check 1) performed better in most traits associated with drought. Grain yield, numbers of ears per plant, days to anthesis and leaf senescence were important selection criteria under drought but only grain yield and leaf senescence were important under both stress and optimal moisture conditions. Nine entries had above average yield and out of these only 3 i.e. 13(EEQPM-45-EA-#), 19 (POOL15QPM- SR-#-#) and 21 (Local Check 1) had stable performance across moisture regimes. Stable and high yielding genotypes should be evaluated under field conditions in the target environments so that farmers can select suitable genotypes to be proposed for release. Molecular characterization should be carried out to ascertain the degree of diversity available among the entries identified as best in different moisture regimes.
Response of three common bean (phaseolus vulgaris l.) varieties to moisture stress at different levels of phosphorus.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ndomondo,Martin Ernest
In this study, two experiments were conducted, one (field experiment) at the Horticultural Unit of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) located at 6° 5’ S 37° 39’ E with an elevation of 524 m a.s.l. and the other (pot experiment) was conducted at the screen house of the Department of Crop Science and Production.The main objective was to study the response of the three common bean varieties i.e. SUA 90, Kablanketi and Canadian wonder, to the interaction of the two factors; moisture stress and different levels of phosphorus fertilizer. The source of phosphorus used was Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and the source of water used for irrigation was tap water for the pot experiment and rain for the field experiment.Three levels of phosphorus used were 0 kgP/ha, 30 kgP/ha and 60 kgP/ha. The three moisture regimes applied were less than 21 cb, between 21 and 50 cb and between 51 and 60 cb of moisture tension in the soil. In Canadian wonder total plant biomass significantly increased with increasing P. Root biomass increased with increasing P application in SUA 90. From this study it was concluded that Canadian wonder is the most vigorous and tolerant variety of the three, it has a vigorous growth which enables it to tolerate low P and moisture stress. It was hence recommended that, common bean breeders should use this variety in breeding for tolerance to moisture stress and low P.
Seasonal variations of nematode infection in Small East African goats and their crosses with Boer and Saanen reared under extensive and semi- intensive systems
(2010-04) Muhikambele, Vedasto; Chenyambuga, Sebastian; Mbaga, Said
A study was conducted in Turiani (sub-humid environment) and Mlali (semi-arid environment) to assess the seasonal variation of nematode infection in Small East African (SEA) goats and F 1 crosses of SAE with Saanen and Boer. The SEA goats were kept under extensive system while the crossbreds were kept under semi-intensive system. In Mlali 37 SEA goats and 30 SEA x Boer crosses while in Turiani 30 SEA goats and 33 SEA x Saanen crosses were included in the study. Worm burden was assessed using faecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) as indicator traits. Faecal and blood samples were collected at the end of dry season, mid and end of rain season. The dominant worm species were identified by faecal culture. The results indicated that fewer animals (30 – 66.7%) were infected at the end of the dry season than at the mid and end of the rain season (69.7 – 100%). The FEC values differed significantly between periods of the year (P< 0.001) and between locations (P<0.05). The geometric mean faecal egg count (GFEC) ranged from 71.3 to 200.9, 185.8 to 516.4 and 273.5 to 924.7 eggs per gram (epg) at the end of dry season, mid and end of rain season, respectively. The GFEC values of SEA goats reared under extensive system were slightly higher (80.5 – 924.7 epg) than those of crossbred goats (71.3 – 690.2 epg) reared under semi-intensive system. The PCV values differed significantly (P<0.001) between locations, periods of the year and breeds. In Mlali, the PCV values ranged from 18 to 45% while in Turiani, the values ranged from 10 to 43%. The dominant parasite in the study areas was Haemonchus spp and accounted for 47.5 and 48.9% of total worms in Turiani and Mlali, respectively. This was followed by Trichostrongylus spp (21.3 and 19.8% in Mlali and Turiani, respectively) and Oesophagostomum spp (18.2 and 20.7% in Turiani and Mlali, respectively). The proportions of Strongyloides spp (6%), Bunostomum spp (4%) and Cooperia spp (3%) were small in all periods and locations. It is concluded that the level of nematode infection is highest at the end of the rain season and low during the dry season. The crossbred goats kept under semi-intensive grazing system had lower level of nematode infection than the local goats kept under the free-range grazing system
Assessment and management of post harvest losses of fresh mango under small-scale business in Morogoro, Tanzania
(JAPS, 2011) Msogoya, T. J.; Kimaro, E. S.
This study was conducted to assess postharvest losses and the effect of shade during wholesale market and hot water treatments on storage of mango cv. ‘Dodo’. To assess postharvest losses, mature fruits were packed on semi-rigid bamboo cartons, loaded on a truck without separators in between cartons and transported from Mkuyuni ward to Morogoro urban, Tanzania. The effect of heat stress during the wholesale market was evaluated by storing mango fruits under the sun, woven polypropylene shade and black net shade at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Mango fruits dipped in hot water at 60° C for 10 minutes were compared with untreated ones as control. Results showed that the fruit total postharvest losses were 43.8 % with the wholesale market, transport and harvest stages accounting for 30.6 %, 10.6 and 2.6 % of the total losses, respectively. The main features of fruit deterioration during the wholesale market stage were softening and microbial decay each accounting for 50.7 and 39.6 % of the total losses within the stage, respectively. Microbial decays of 7.2 % and mechanical injuries of 2.0 % were the major features of mango fruit deterioration during the transport and harvest stages. Storing fruits for three days under the woven polypropylene and black net shades significantly reduced fruit postharvest losses by 52.7 and 38 %, respectively in comparison with fruit storage under the sun. Hot water treatment reduced the incidence of microbial decay by 85 % and improved fruit total soluble solids content by 15 % in comparison to untreated fruits. However, hot water treatment reduced fruit firmness and shelflife by 56.0 and 71.4 %, respectively. In the short term, wholesale traders are advised to store fruits under the polypropylene shade while in the long term, municipal and council authorities are argued to construct cold storage facilities for fresh fruits. Furthermore, farmers are advised to disinfect mangoes with hot water, especially those purported for immediate marketing.
Bacterial leaf spot of sweet pepper caused by Xanthomonads-. incidence, pathogen characterization, epidemiology and management options
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) William, Magdalena Nchagwa Magere
A study was conducted in sweet pepper growing regions (Morogoro. Arusha, Tanga and Mbeya) in Tanzania to determine incidence and epidemiology of bacterial leaf spot disease (BLS), characterize bacterial spot-causing xanthomonad (BSX) strains and screen for resistance of the locally available sweet pepper varieties. One hundred sweet pepper fields were surveyed and diseased samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Bacterial isolates were identified based on physiological, biochemical, PCR and pathogenicity tests. Races were determined based on compatible or hypersensitive response on differential sweet pepper near-isogenic lines ECW-10R, ECW-20R and ECW- 30R. Results indicated that, BLS disease was wide-spread in farmers' fields in the surveyed regions. Disease incidence ranged between 10—100%, while the overall mean disease incidence was 69.3 %. Disease severity was statistically significant on village basis and the overall mean score was 4.6. High mean disease incidence (93.3 %) and disease severity score (6.5) were recorded in Lukozi and Kivulul villages, respectively. The lowest mean disease incidence (12 %) and severity (1.2) were recorded in Utengule village. Poor cultural practices and epiphytic survival of BSX on host and non-host plants were found to be the sources of inocula for successive crops. The RST2/RST3 primer sets detected 59 strains to genus level and the effector/avirulence gene primer sets detected 68 out of the 74 strains tested. The species-specific primer sets identified 63 out of 68 BSX to species level and were pathogenic on the susceptible cultivar Early Calwonder (ECW). The BSX were X. euvesicatoria (30), X. perforans (10) and X. gardneri (23). Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and X. perforans dominated in Tanga region whereas Xanthomonas gardneri dominated in Arusha region. Five strains were not pathogenic on cv. ECW. Seven sweet pepper races (P0 - P6) were identified. Race P3 (50 %) dominated the strains of BSX in Morogoro, Arusha and Tanga regions. Race P6 (27.9 %) dominated in Tanga and Morogoro regions. Frequencies of races PO, Pl, P2, P4 and P5 were considerably low. All the locally available sweet pepper varieties were susceptible to BLS disease. This is the first report to characterize BSX of sweet pepper in Tanzania.
Identification and management of microbial contaminants of banana in vitro cultures
(Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2012) Msogoya, T. J.; Kanyagha, H.; Mutigitu, J.; Kulebelwa, M.; Mamiro, D.
Microbial contamination is one of the major challenges hampering the application of in vitro micropropagation technique for mass production of pest-free banana planting materials at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify bacterial and fungal contaminants of banana in vitro cultures and to test the efficacy of selected antibiotics and antifungal agents in the elimination of such contaminants. Methodology and results: Purified bacterial isolates were identified based on vegetative cell shape, gram reaction, fluorescent pigment and standard biochemical tests. On the other hand, pure fungal isolates were microscopically identified based on structural and morphological characters. Four antibiotics, namely rifampicin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol and vancomycin each at 100, 150 and 200mg /litre and three antifungal agents, namely ketoconazole, fluconazole and nystatin each at 100, 150 and 200 mg/litre were used in the culture susceptibility tests of the identified bacteria and fungi, respectively. The bacterial contaminants of banana in vitro cultures were Proteus spp., Erwinia spp., Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. while the fungal contaminants were Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp,. Penicillium spp. and Candida spp. Culture susceptibility tests revealed that gentamicin, rifampicin and chloramphenicol each at 150mg/litre effectively suppressed the growth of all the identified bacteria while only ketoconazole at 200mg/litre inhibited the growth of all the identified fungal contaminants. Conclusion and application of results: Proteus, Erwinia, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus are the major bacterial contaminants while Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Candida are the main fungal contaminants of banana in vitro cultures. These contaminants can effectively be eliminated by incorporation in the growth media of gentamicin, rifampicin and chloramphenicol each at 150mg/litre and ketoconazole at 200mg/litre. Further studies are required to investigate the negative side-effects of these antibiotics and antifungal agents on the growth and genetic stability of banana in vitro cultures.
In situ pectin engineering as a tool to tailor the consistency and syneresis of carrot purée
(Elsevier, 2012) Christiaens, Stefanie; Buggenhout, Sandy Van; Chaula, Davis; Moelants, Katlijn; David, Charlotte C.; Hofkens, Johan; Loey, Ann M. Van; Hendrickx, Marc E.
To investigate whether in situ pectin engineering would be a helpful tool in tailoring the consistency and syneresis of vegetable purées, carrot was selected as a plant tissue in which the textural properties are largely influenced by pectin methylesterase-induced pectin changes. The effect of low-temperature and high-temperature blanching, as well as the effect of two types of mechanical disruption, blending and high-pressure homogenisation, on the flow properties of carrot purée was explored. The influence of these different purée preparation steps on pectin was examined via physicochemical analysis of fractionated walls and isolated polymers, and via anti-pectin antibodies entailing in situ and ex situ analyses. Purée prepared by blending non-pretreated carrots showed a rather high consistency and pronounced syneresis. Treatments that solubilise pectin, such as high-pressure homogenisation and, in particular, high-temperature blanching, limited syneresis phenomena. In contrast, when the intercellular adhesion in carrot tissue was strengthened via low-temperature blanching, the degree of syneresis increased. High-pressure homogenisation was useful to reduce the carrot tissue particle size and, consequently, resulted in a lower consistency carrot purée. Low-temperature blanching on the other hand increased the consistency of carrot purée as the higher level of intercellular adhesion presumably led to an increased resistance to particle disintegration upon blending or high-pressure homogenisation
Management plan for fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) pests in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies., 2013) Prof. Maulid Mwatawala; Dr. Marc De Meyer; Dr. Zuberi Seguni; Dr. Gration Rwegasira; Ms. Janet Muganyizi; Mr. Frank Senkondo; Ms. Lilian Shechambo
Tanzanian economy largely depends on agriculture which provides employment to almost 75 percent of Tanzanians, particularly the rural populations. Furthermore, agriculture accounts for about 24 percent of the GDP (URT 2012a) and about 35 percent of export earnings (URT, 2012b). However, agriculture in Tanzania is dominated by smallholder farmers (peasants) who cultivate an average of between 0.9 ha and 3.0 ha farm sizes. Furthermore, sixty-four (64%) percent of the agricultural land is cultivated by hand hoe, 24 percent by animal power and 14 percent by tractor (URT, 2012a). Most of the crops are predominantly grown under rain-fed condition whereas 5 percent of the cultivated land area (about 10.2 million hectares) is under irrigation. Women are believed to constitute a larger part of agricultural labour force.
Effect of fertilizer types and application rates on onion (allium cepa l.) Productivity in Kilosa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Ashraf, Ashraf Mohamed
Onion (Allium cepa L.) yield in Kilosa is said to be very low compared to the world production of about 22 t ha’1. Poor crop husbandry including the use of unrecommended types and rates of fertilizers at incorrect time of application was found to be. among the discrepancies facing onion production in the area. The purpose of this study was to establish and recommend the best combination and rate of N and P fertilizer sources for onion under Kilosa agroecological conditions. A field trial was conducted at Malolo village between September 2012 - January 2013 (dry season) and February 2013 - July 2013 (wet season). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Two onion varieties namely; Red Bombay and Red Creole were used and assigned to the main plots. N and P fertilizer sources, each at the rates of 0, 50 and 100 kg N ha'1 and 0, 40 and 50 kg P ha'1, respectively were assigned to the subplots. Data were collected on vegetative growth, yield and bulb quality. They were then subjected to analysis of variance using GENSTAT 14th Edition at a difference declared significance of 5% level. Results showed significant differences between varieties in growth, yield and quality components. Red Bombay performed better in productivity in both dry and wet seasons compared with Red Creole. Wet season promoted better productivity than the dry spell. There was significant differences in yield between N and P sources at varying rates during the dry season, but insignificant during the wet season. Fertilizer combination of TSP and CAN at 50 kg P ha'1 and 100 kg N ha'1 respectively, is recommended as best for better productivity of onion plants under the Kilosa agroecological conditions.
Growth and yield response of maize {zea mays l.)to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in Handeni district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Said,Kweli
The effects of sixteen levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorous fertilizers on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Handeni District, Tanga Tanzania were studied between October 2012 and February 2013. The overall objective was to determine optimum rate of Nitrogen and Phosphorous recommendations for increased growth and productivity of maize in the district. The experiment was designed as split plot laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and 16 treatments. Two maize varieties TMV1 and TAN250 were used; Nitrogen and Phosphorous fertilizers used in the experiment were Urea and TSP, respectively. Data collection started two weeks after treatments had been imposed in which grain yield components were recorded as follows; plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area, ear length, ear girth, number of grains per ear, weight of grains per ear, weight of grain per plot, weight of 100 grains and grain yield per ha. Cost of fertilizers per hectare and price of Itone of maize grain were determined. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique using GenStat statistical package. The treatment means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The results showed that the application of 100 kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha significantly increased growth and yield of maize. These results also confirmed that, application of 80 kgN/ha + 40 kgP/ha can bring about an increase in growth and yield of maize but this will greatly benefit farmers in areas where the costs of Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer is high. The experimental results revealed that application rate of 40 kgP/ha+100 kgN/ha would give the highest economic returns. These rates are recommended for growth and yield increases with better economical returns on maize production in Handeni District, Tanzania
Impact of spatio-temporal simulations of rat damageon yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and implications forrodent pest management
(Taylor & Francis, 2014-11-29) Mulungu, L.S; Lagwen, P.P; Mdang, M.E; Kilonzo, B.S; Belmain, S.R
Rodents often damage crops throughout the growing season, from germination to harvest, thus making it difficult to understand the cumulative effects of rodent damage for crops such as rice that are able to partially compensate for damage. Compensation can make it difficult to understand the impact of variable rodent damage in terms of when the damage occurs, its severity and thus when, whether and how rodent pests should be controlled. The compensatory responses of rice to simulated rat damage carried out at different growth stages and at different spatial levels of severity showed that higher yield was recorded during the wet season in comparison to the dry season. However, yield loss was observed during all cropping stages for all levels of simulated damage for wet and dry season crops, with significant compensation noted at the transplanting [14 days after sowing (DAS)] and vegetative (45 DAS) stages. Only damage at the maturity (110 DAS) stage resulted in significant reductions in rice crop yield. Seasonal differences suggest water availability was an important factor that perhaps enhanced rice production. The ability of rice to compensate for early rodent damage could potentially reduce a farmer's perception of damage. However, failing to control rodents at these earlier crop growth stages could lead to increased rodent populations at the time of maturity when compensatory effects are limited.
Genetic characterization of heat tolerant (HT) upland mutant rice (Oryza Sativa L.) lines selected from rice genotypes
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Yona, Neema
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the one of the most important cereal crop and staple food of over half the world’s population that provides 45-60% of the dietary calories . The global climate changes including increased heat affect negatively rice production and other crops resulting into increased food insecurity. The analysis of Induced gamma rays mutations from upland rice mutant lines was done to discover mutations in heat tolerant genes (HSPs genes). Out of 64 putative heat HT mutant upland rice lines characterized for mutations in HSPs genes, 34 lines discovered to have mutations in that gene by using TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) technique with SNP Markers; gene specific primers. The results of nucleotides sequenced of mutant rice lines DNA, indicated that most mutations discovered were base pair substitution and InDels 50% and 41% in OS_HSP90_1 and 23% and 35% in OS_HSP17.9 respectively. Mutant rice lines identified to have HSPs genes were evaluated for growth performance, yield and yield components in order to select the promising HT mutant rice lines which can produce economic yield under heat and drought stress conditions. The 8 Mutant rice lines produced economical yield under heat stress condition selected for further breeding as donor materials for heat tolerant. This study aimed to determine the genetic factors associated with heat tolerance in mutant upland rice lines for variety development by Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Understanding genetic mechanisms for heat stress tolerance in mutant rice lines will help further breeding and selection of suitable rice breeding materials for heat tolerance in order to improve rice productivity hence to reduce food insecurity.
Effect of final moisture content, cooling time and paddy variety on milling quality of rice (Oryza sativa, L.)
(Pearl Research Journals, 2016) Furahisha, Kulwa; Chove, Lucy Mlipano; Chaula, Davis
The study was carried out to establish the effects of three factors -final moisture content (FMC), shade-cooling time (CT) and paddy variety on rice milling quality. Paddy was sun dried to final moisture contents ranging from 9.0 to 15.5% (on wet basis) and shade-cooled for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h at ambient temperature (27.20 to 35.10 o C). Five paddy varieties, TXD 88, TXD 306, SUPA, IRRITA 1, and IRRITA 2 were studied. The milling tests were carried out using a laboratory rice mill. Latin square design with 5 replications (5x5 orders) was used. Physical properties and milling quality in terms of total rice yield (TRY), head rice yield (HRY) and whiteness index (WI) were analyzed. The physical properties differed significantly (P<0.05) among varieties. SUPA had good size, shape and chalkiness whereas TXD 88 had poor quality for all these parameters. IRRITA 1 and IRRITA 2 produced higher TRY compared to other tested varieties. TXD 88 had higher whiteness index but lower HRY compared to other tested varieties. Higher yields, which were significantly different for TRY and HRY (P<0.05) were obtained at moisture content between 9.0 to 12.5% for TRY, but between 10.5 to 14.0% for HRY
Effect of improved tomato cultivars on productivity and profitability in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Journal of Animal &Plant Sciences, 2016) Msogoya, T. J.; Mamiro, D.
The objective of this study was to assess yield, revenue and profit from F1 hybrid tomato cultivars compared to farmers' preferred open pollinated local tomato cultivars grown in Tanzania. Seeds of local and F1 hybrid tomato varieties were sourced from local agro-dealers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four treatments (cv. Assila, Eden, Shanty and Oxyl Premium) and four controls consisting of local tomato cultivars (cv. Tengeru 97, Tanya, Cal-J and Riogrande). A treatment was replicated three times each with 12 plants. The seedlings were planted at a spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm in an open field at Sokoine University of Agriculture during the rainy and dry seasons. Data on total and marketable fruit yields were analyzed using Genstat statistical software version 15 and treatment means were separated based on Fisher’s unprotected LSD test at p< 0.05. Seed and production costs were computed based on real cost while revenues and net profits were estimated based on fruit marketable yield and retail prices of TSh. 700 and 1000 per kilogram (One USD = TSh. 2000). Results indicated that cv. Assila significantly (p = 0.002) produced higher total and marketable fruit yields than all local tomato cultivars during both the dry and rainy seasons. Moreover, cv. Eden significantly (p = 0.002) produced higher total and marketable fruit yields than all local cultivars during the dry season only while cv. Shanty produced higher marketable yields than all local cultivars during the rainy season only. The production costs of F1 hybrid tomato cultivars were higher than those of local tomato cultivars during both seasons. Tomato cv. Assila produced higher revenue and net profit than all local cultivars during both seasons while cv. Shanty produced higher revenue and net profit than all local tomato cultivars during the rainy season only. It is therefore recommended that farmers in Morogoro region should grow cv. Assila during both the rainy and dry seasons, and cv. Shanty during the rainy season only.
Banana xanthomonas wilt: occurrence and means of transmission in Kagera, Mwanza and Mara regions of Tanzania
(2016-02) Hashim, Ibrahim; Mabagala, Robert B
Abstract: Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease is a major constraint of banana production in the Lake zone (Kagera, Mwanza and Mara) regions of Tanzania where banana plays an important role as a staple food and cash crop. Infected plants die and fruits rendered inedible. To assess the current status of BXW disease field surveys were conducted from December, 2011 to January, 2012 in Kagera, Mwanza and Mara regions. Twenty eighty banana samples with BXW disease symptoms were randomly collected from a total of 147 surveyed fields. Farmers’ knowledge of BXW disease was assessed using a checklist, discussions and direct field observations. Isolation of bacteria was done on Yeast Peptone Glucose Agar and identification was done based on morphological, biochemical and pathogenicity test. Results indicated that the incidence of BXW disease was highest (56.7 %) at Ihangiro and the lowest (10 %) at Ruhija and Mulela, in Muleba District; Nakamwa and Busagami, in Ukerewe District. Such results implied that, BXW disease is still a constraint to banana production in the surveyed districts. The results also indicated that BXW pathogen transmission was through infected farming tools (65.4 %) in Muleba District and infected planting materials in Tarime (50.5 %) and Ukerewe (45.8 %) Districts implying that these were the major means by which BXW disease was spread in the study area. About 58.33 % and 41.67 % of the farmers in Ibare and Kishanda villages, respectively, in Muleba District associated pied crow (Corvus albus L.) with the transmission of BXW causing pathogen. Results based on morphological, biochemical and pathogenicity test indicated that, four out of 16 bacteria isolated from infected banana samples were Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm). Further studies on the relationship between the pied crow and Xcm transmission in Kagera, Mara and Mwanza regions, are recommended.

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