Theses and Dissertations Collection
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Item Assessment of genotype x environment interaction on common bean (phaseolus vulgaris l.) in the southern highlands of Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ndimbo, Mary AmosThe present study is aimed at assessing genotype x environment interaction on common bean in Southern highlands of Tanzania. The experiment was conducted during the season of 2006/07 in different locations, (Uyole, Mbimba, and Inyala) of Mbeya region. Lines (main plots) SARBYT, EAI L101, CAL 143, SUG 131, NJANO, WANJA and UYOLE 96, and 4 fertilizer levels (sub plots) were laid in split plot in randomized complete block design with tliree replications at each location. Plot size was 1.5m x 4.0m, with four rows of plants spaced at 50cm x 10cm. Twelve microenvironments were used viz. a combination of three locations and four fertilizer levels 40kg/ha P, 30kg/ha N; 70kg/ha P, 20kg/ha N; 60kg/ha P5 30kg/ha N and Okg/ha P, Okg/ha N as a check. Genotypic differences (P < 0.05) for all traits except yield were significant. The varieties yielded most at Uyole (2056.5kg/ha) followed by Inyala (1551.5kg/ha) and lastly Mbimba (736.25kg/ha). At Uyole and Mbimba fertilizer levels of (60kg/ha P, 3Okg/ha N) gave the best response, while at Inyala fertilizer levels of (40kg/ha P, 3Okg/ha N) showed best response. Hence fertilizer rate recommendations should be location specific. SARBYT, and EAI LI 10 had above average response with small variance of deviation from regression and high seed yield thus could be grown in high yielding environments. SUG 131 and NJANO had average response, small variance of deviation from regression and high seed yield hence could be grown in wide range. NJANO and WANJA were stable fbr flowering trait and they are earliest hence could be recommended to be grown in marginal areas. SARBYT and EAI L110 were least attacked by diseases. Plant height, pods/plant, 100 seed weight and days to 80% maturity were highly correlated. These results contribute important information about the diversity and breeding values of the bean breeding lines in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and will be relevant to breeders interested in bean improvementItem Effects of intercropping and plant density on growth, development and yield of pigeonpeas (cajanus cajan (l.) millsp.) and maize (zea mays l.). under semi- arid conditions of Kenya(University of Nairobi, 1988) Rwamugira, Winifrida KokuhirwaIn semi-arid areas of Kenya 95% and 70% of pigeonpeas and maize, respectively are intercropped This study was designed to determine the annually. effects of intercropping pigeonpeas and maize at variable plant densities and also to determine the appropriate intercropping ratio or combination for optimum economic yield. Two pigeonpea cultivars were intercropped with Katumani maize at three plant densities in Ka- bete, Thika and Kiboko during the 1986/87 cropping season. The experimental design was a split-split plot with three replications at each location. Re sults indicated that intercropping and plant density reduced leaf area and shoot dry weight of both pi- geonpeas and maize. Plant height of pigeonpeas was reduced by intercropping while that of maize was increased. In pigeonpeas number of mature pods and grain yield per plant were reduced by both inter cropping and high plant density. Reduction in 100 seed weight varied with location suggesting an en vironmental influence. For maize, number of cobs and grain yield per plant were also reduced by intercropping and high plant density. Generally, yield per hectare of a species in intercrop was lower than in monocrop, but total yield of intercrops (pigeonpea + maize) gave higher yield ad vantage over monocrops. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values indicated that all intercrop ratios were superior to monocropping. At all the experimental sites best in tercrop combination was attained when a row of pigeonpea alternated with a .row of maize. spacing, of 105 cm.Item Influence of wood ash as a source of supplemental calcium on groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.) yield and seed quality(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Lugaila, Mariam SeifGroundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has a peculiar calcium (Ca) requirement particulary for its development during the initial peg^ng and seed development. For this purpose supplemental Ca is usually recommended when a crop is grown on acid soils with low cation exchange capacity (CEC). To evaluate the influence of supplemental Ca on yield and seed quality of selected groundnut cultivars two field experiments were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro region during the months of February ■ May and April - August, 1998. The experiment was laid out as a split - plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three groundnut cultivars Baka, ICGV 86112 and Spancross were the main plots, while calcium levels 0, 60,100,140 kg Ca/ha obtained from wood ash and one treatment of 140 kg Ca/ha from hydrated lime were the sub plots. Each subplot had eight rows, 2 m long with in - row spacing of 10 cm. The results show that there was significant (P < 0.05) cultivar effect on the number of filled pods per plant, seed size, seed yield per plant and seed diameter. Application of Ca had no significant effect on most of the variables analyzed. However, there was significant interaction (P < 0.05) between cultivar and Ca on seed yield per plant. The lack ofresponse to Ca observed in this study suggests that there was no difference in Ca uptake among cultivars used. Significant interaction between cultivar and Ca level on seed yield per plant in experiment 2 suggests that cultivars used respond differently to applied Ca with respect to this character. Soil analysis at the end of each experiment indicated that the applied Ca levels had an increasing effect on soil pH and exchangeable Ca suggesting that wood ash may be used for liming acid soils.Item Conservation of napier grass as silage by small holder dairy farmers in Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Maeda, Florence Elizabeth HenryA 23 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the best method of conserving napier grass as silage under small scale dairy fanners situation. Four irealinenis (methods) were imposed on the forage before it was ensiled in either earth pits or concrete silos, namely; T1 - 5cm chopped grass with 3% molasses. T2 - 5cm chopped grass without molasses, T3 - unchopped grass with 3% molasses and T4 - unchopped grass without molasses. The silage was sampled after 3 months, and analyzed for percentage DM losses, chemical composition, fermentation and sensoric qualities, fn vitro DM and OM digestibilities and DM degradability. The rate of silage intake in gDM/ minute was determined using six dairy heifers. Additionally, cost of producing the silage under each method were estimated in Tsh./kgDM of useftil silage. Both chopped and 3% molasses treated napier silage showed lower (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) percentage DM losses as compared to unchopped and nnmolasscd silage. However, the DM losses did not differ significantly between the silo designs used. Chopped silage had more (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) CP and WSC contents than unchopped silage. Also addition of 3% molasses significantly increased (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) the CP and WSC composition of napier silage. The CP content however. was more resei-ved in napier silage produced in the earth pits than the concrete silos. The preservative quality of napier silage was highly (P< 0.001) improved by chopping and/ or addition of 3% molasses at ensiling. Lower pH (3.99 vs 4.64). NH3 - N (4.03 vs 6-37) and butyric acid concentration (2.6 vs 7.5 gkg'1 DM) and higher content of hiciic acid (37.3 vs 14.2 gkg'1 DM) and acetic acid (38.5 vs 21.8 gkg 1 DM) were observed in chopped than unchopped silage. Lower pH, NH3 - N and butyric acid(4 21 vs 4.43. 4.09 vs 6.31% and 3.8 vs 6.4 gkg'1 DM, respectively) were also observed in molasses treated compared to untreated silage, while lactic and acetic acid concentrations were significantly higher (36.8 vs 14.7 gkg'1 DM and 40.3 vs 20.1 gkg' DM, respectively). Additionally the sensoric scores were significantly (P< 0.001) better for chopped and/ or molasses treated napier silage. The condition which was more observed on silage made in the earth pit silos. Chopped silage had significantly higher (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) In vitro DM and OM digestibility and In sacco DM degradability than unchopped sihige. Also rnolassed silage showed significantly higher (P < 0.001) In vitro DM and OM digestibility. There was a significant (P< 0.01 and P< 0.001) improvement in rate of silage intake when tlie animals were fed on pre - chopped and/ or molasses treated napier silage. however minor differences were observed for the silage made in either type of the silo. Economically, chopping and addition of molasses at ensiling produced napier silage at a least cost especially from the earth pit silos compared with other ensiling methods. It is concluded that, pre - chopping and addition of at least 3% molasses to napier grass at ensiling produced good quality silage. Also the technique can be more economical and technically feasible in short terms when plastic sheet covered earth pit silos are used rather than the concrete silos which have higher initial construction costs.Item Studies on x genotype interrelationships environment yield growth, among interaction and quality and components of robusta coffee {coffea canephora pierre ex froehner)clones in Kagera region(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Marandu, Eliawoni Festo ThomasIn March 1998, on-farm robusta coffee trials were established in farmers' fields and three farmers in each villages of Chanika, Bisheshe, Kabirizi A and Kabirizi B were selected in Kagera region, Tanzania. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response, stability and to determine the association between variables of selected robusta clones in order to give recommendations specific for the different agro-ecological zones in Kagera region. Each farmer planted 8 genotypes and for each genotype, five trees were planted making a total of 40 trees per farmer/replicate. Planting was done at a spacing of 3m x 2m in a randomised complete block design with three replicates in each location. Data collection was earned out on already established robusta coffee plants. Collected data were subjected to ANOVA, covariance, correlations, stability and path coefficient analyses. From the ANOVA across four locations; plant height, plant girth, canopy radius, number of primary branches, percentage bearing primary branches, yield of clean coffee and coffee leaf rust indicated significant location variations. Percentage bearing primary branches and coffee leaf rust indicated significant genotype x location interactions. Two years yield depicted significant variations for location x year interactions and location differences. Kabirizi A and Kabirizi B showed better performance on yield and its components as compared to Bisheshe and Chanika. Two locations ANOVA viz: Kabirizi A and Kabirizi B indicated significant location variations fbr CBB while percentage screen 16,14 and 13 indicated genotypic variations. MS1/95, MS2/95 and MS3/95 had higher percentage screen 16 an indication of large bean size. Results from correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that plant height and number of berries per node are important variables which directly influence yield with high positive correlations with yield. For quality variables, percentage screen 16 and percentage screen 14 are important variables which directly influence yield. Plant girth, canopy radius and number of primary branches interacted positively with plant height in their contribution to yield. Clean coffee in 1kg cherries and 100 seed weight also interacted positively with percentage screen 16 in their contribution to yield. Results from expected genetic advance and heritability across the four locations revealed that plant girth, number of berries per node and fruit set percentage had high heritability estimates and good expected genetic advance hence selection for these variables may start from the early generations of robusta coffee improvement programme. Stability analyses used revealed that, MS5/95 was stable for plant height, number of flowers per node and fruit set percentage while FS was stable for plant height with desired stature. MS6/95 was stable for percentage bearing primary branches. For yield, MS 1/95, MS2/95, MS3/95 and MS5/95 if intercrossed have potential to give segregants with stable and high yield. Therefore, the stable genotypes for particular traits should be used as source of stability genes for breeding work in robusta coffee.Item The response of chinese cabbage (brassica campestris l.) to farmyard manure slurry applied to an acid soil(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Makundi, Eliaichi NicholausA glasshouse pot experiment was conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania, to evaluate the response of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L) to farmyard manure slurry (FYM-slurry) applied to an acid soil as an alternative source of plant nutrients. The soil used in this study was collected from the central part of SUA farm and the FYM-slurry from the storage lagoon at Magadu Dairy Unity, SUA. Based on laboratory analytical data of the soil and FYM-slurry, the soil was categorised as of low fertility status and the nutrient contents in the FYM-slurry (solid and liquid portions) categorised as medium. Eighteen, 12kg, 8mm sieved soil samples portions were weighed into 18, 15 litre capacity plastic buckets and moistened to field capacity. Six, twenty one days, old Chinese cabbage seedlings raised in a nursery were planted in each bucket and the moisture content in the buckets maintained at about field capacity. Just before applying the FYM-slurry, the plants were thinned to 3 plants per bucket. FYM-slurry at equivalent rates of 0, 166.6, 208.33, 250, 291.67, 333.33, 375, 416.67 and 500m3ha' were applied to the buckets 7 days from the transplanting date in six equal splits at intervals of ten days and each treatment was replicated twice. The FYM-slurry was incorporated into the topsoil in the buckets followed with addition of water so as to maintain the soils in the buckets at field capacity, throughout the growing period. At 66 days from the date of transplanting, the whole Chinese cabbage plants above the soil in the buckets were harvested and fresh weights according to treatments recorded. The fresh plant materials were then dried to constant weight at 70°C, ground into fine powder and nutrient contents determined. It was observed that application of FYM・slurry significantly increased the fresh and dry matter yields and the macronutrient contents of the Chinese cabbage plants? The increases were attributed to increase in the fertility status of the soil consequent to the release of the plant nutrients contained in the FYM-slurry through chemical and biological transformations of the FYM-slurry. The micronutrient contents of the Chinese cabbage decreased with increasing levels of FYM・slurry and this was probably due to the increase in soil pH. It was concluded that FYM-sluny could substitute inorganic fertilisers and other organic soil amendments as a source of plant nutrients fbr Chinese cabbage and other short-term vegetable crops. The FYM-slurry improved physical. chemical and biological attributes of soil fertility and productivity hence the positive response by the Chinese cabbage plants to the FYM-slurry. FYM-slurry application rates at 250-300m3ha' were suggested as optimal levels fbr Chinese cabbage, subject to verification under field conditions.Item Economic analysis of sesame production and marketing: a case study of small-scale farmers in south eastern Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Kidunda, Bakari RashidiThe study was conducted to analyse the economics of sesame production and marketing fbr small-scale farmers of Southeastern Tanzania. The main objective of the study was to identify main factors influencing sesame production and marketing in Southeastern Tanzania and options to enhance its production. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information from sampled small-scale sesame fanners, buyers, agents, processors, exporters and retailers. Descriptive statistics. Regression analysis, Gross margin analysis and Gini coefficient were used fbr investigation. Results revealed that, farm size allocated to sesame, planting method and Total Variable Costs (TVC) incurred were significant (P < 0.05) and important factors in determining sesame yield at fann level. Cashew crop enterprise was the most profitable enterprise followed by pigeon peas and lastly sesame. The estimated Gini coefficient was 0.8, which implies unequal distribution of buyers' share in the study area. The analysis indicated that agents' share of export price was high (99%) followed by co-operative unions (98%), retailers (56%), companies (38%) and farmers (36%). These findings suggest the presence of inefficient market system in the study area. This study recommends that the government should encourage more buyers to buy sesame through reducing conditions for acquiring business license and taxes during registration. This could improve market efficiency through competition among the buyers. District councils should attempt to provide timely and adequate market information to market participants particularly formers so as to improve market transparency. Lastly, the government particularly district councils should improve rural roads to reduce marketing costs.Item Influence of cluster number and spacing on set, growth, yield and quality of early fruit of the fwest virginia ‘63’ tomato lycopersicon esculentum (mill.)(Sokoine Universty of Agriculture, 1974) Mnzava, Nameus AbelMost commercial tomato lines exhibit a pronounced indeterminate growth habit on the main and lateral vegetative axes and weakly on the raceme. Due to this, their culture has been associated with high material and labor requirements, earliness is usually delayed and unharvested crop is high in regions with short growing seasons. Current emphasis for processing types is to attain a once-over destructive harvest made nearly efficient by determinate cultivars. Despite the large genetic reservoir available to breeders for such ideotypes suitable for mechanical harvestlngf it may be a long time (Massey ejt al. (40)) before optimum combinations of physical cha rac ter is t ic s of fruit and vine combined with high processing quality are found• Current indeterminate cultivars produce fruit of excellent horticultural quality. If we are to operate with these, their pattern of vine growth, therefore, requires physical alteration as a logical alternative.Item The response of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verde) to moisture regimes in terms of growth and productivity.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Masha, Jamhuri AminTwo experiments were conducted in Morogoro, Tanzania to assess the physiological effects of moisture regimes on growth, development and yield of two bambra groundnut landraces. Each experiment was conducted under screen house and field conditions during the 1998 and 1999 growing season. In the first experiment, four moisture regimes were employed by supplying irrigation water equivalent to 500、375, 250 and 125mm of rain per growing season starting from 21 days after sowing (DAS). In the second experiment, water stress was imposed by withholding water supply at vegetative stage (21 — 46 DAS), flowering stage (46 - 70 DAS) and pod filling stage (70 一 100 DAS). The experimental design was split-plot laid out in a randomized complete blocks with three replications. Two laiidraces (cream and red) constituted the main plot factors while the moisture regimes and water stress imposed at three growth stages constituted the sub plot-factors in the first and second experiments respectively. Sequential growth measurements were taken from single plant and two plants were uprooted at 46, 70, 100 and 120 DAS fbr screen house and field experiments, respectively, to measure number of leaves, flowers and pods and dry matter of leaves, stems, roots and pods. The sampled plants were pre-determined from 21 DAS to avoid bias. Plants in the inner two rows under field conditions were reserved only fbr final harvest. Decreased irrigation water and water stress imposed at vegetative stage did not significantly (P<0.05) affect the onset of flowering and maturity of the two bambara groundnut landraces. Similarly, decreased irrigation water did not affect the number of flowers upto 70 DAS. Late in tsignificantly more flowers than the well watered plants (the 500 and 375mm treatments). Water stress imposed at vegetative and flowering stages significantly reduced number of flowers per plant during the treatment periods. Leaf number, DM of leaves, stems, roots and LAI increased with increasing irrigation water from 125 to 500mm of rain equivalent. However, there were no significant differences between the 500 and 375mm; 375 and 250mm; or 250 and 125mm treatments, except at 100 DAS where the 500 and 375mm; and 375 and 250mm treatments showed significant differences fbr the above variables. Although root DM increased with increasing amount of irrigation water, the percentage of total DM partitioned to roots increased with decreasing amounts. Pod yield at final harvest also increased with increasing irrigation water. Two distinct categories were observed such that with few exceptions, most of the parameters reported above correlated well with the final yield. Pod yield did not differ significantly between the 500 and 375mm and between the 250 and 125mm treatments. Water stress at any of the three growth stages reduced number of leaves, DM of leaves, roots, stems, and LAI. However a significant difference in these variables was observed fbr water stress imposed at vegetative and flowering stages. After relieving water stress, re-growth was observed such that at final harvest there were no significant differences among the stressed plants, except fbr root DM. Pod yield was significantly reduced by water stress particularly at flowering. At this growth stage water stress is the most detrimental to bambara groundnut yield, followed by water stress at pod filling stage. There was no significant difference in shelling percentage across treatments. Pod yield was positively con-elated with leaf number, leaf, stem and root dry matter and pod number; buthe negatively correlated with flower number. It was concluded that, onset of flowering is not affected by rainfall equivalent as low as 125mm if well distributed. However, rainfall or irrigation equivalent of less than 375mm per growing season is not recommended for optimum bambara groundnut production. On the other hand, under water stress conditions, bambara groundnut tends to partition more DM to roots than above ground parts, a mechanism considered to be associated with drought tolerance of the crop. Flowering stage was the most water sensitive with respect to growth and yield. season, the most water stressed plants (the 250 and 125mm treatments) producedItem Yield and traits associated with drought tolerance in exotic groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes under different watering regimes(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Philipo, MashambaGroundnut (Araehis hypogaea L.) production in rain fed regions of Afnca is mostly affected by intermittent drought of different duration and intensity. Improvement of groundnuts for drought tolerance could increase production in drought areas. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying drought tolerant genotypes as source material for breeding. Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate 30 groundnut genotypes for drought tolerance, under well watered and water stress condition. A split plot experiment in completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in screen house at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. Data were recorded (or plant height, number of pod/plant and pod yield/plant. Harvest Index (HI), SCMR at 40, 60 and 80 DAS and DTI of pod yield and number of pods/plant were measured and calculated as drought tolerant traits. Broad-sense heritability was calculated for HI, pod yield, number of pod/plant and SCMR. Results showed that drought significantly reduced pod yield, number of pods/plant and plant height but significantly increased SCMR. Number of pods/plant, SCMR at 60 DAS and HI were significantly related to pod yield in all watering condition. Heritability of the traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.59 with HI having highest value and number of pods lowest in WW while in WS condition heritability was generally lower from 0.04 to 0.45. Due to SCMR at 60 DAS, number of pods/plant and HI having moderate heritability and significant correlation with pod yield under water stress condABSTRACT Groundnut (Araehis hypogaea L.) production in rain fed regions of Afnca is mostly affected by intermittent drought of different duration and intensity. Improvement of groundnuts for drought tolerance could increase production in drought areas. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying drought tolerant genotypes as source material for breeding. Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate 30 groundnut genotypes for drought tolerance, under well watered and water stress condition. A split plot experiment in completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in screen house at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. Data were recorded (or plant height, number of pod/plant and pod yield/plant. Harvest Index (HI), SCMR at 40, 60 and 80 DAS and DTI of pod yield and number of pods/plant were measured and calculated as drought tolerant traits. Broad-sense heritability was calculated for HI, pod yield, number of pod/plant and SCMR. Results showed that drought significantly reduced pod yield, number of pods/plant and plant height but significantly increased SCMR. Number of pods/plant, SCMR at 60 DAS and HI were significantly related to pod yield in all watering condition. Heritability of the traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.59 with HI having highest value and number of pods lowest in WW while in WS condition heritability was generally lower from 0.04 to 0.45. Due to SCMR at 60 DAS, number of pods/plant and HI having moderate heritability and significant correlation with pod yield under water stress condition, these could be useful criteria in drought tolerance selection. In this study 11 genotypes namely, ICG 2106, ICR 48, ICGS 44, ICG 3053, ICG 11088, ICGV-SM 87003, ICG 12235, ICG 13723, ICGV 02271, ICGV 97182 and ICGV 91114 were identified as possible drought tolerant based on high pod yield, HI, SCMR at 60 DAS and number of pods/plants in water stress conditionition, these could be useful criteria in drought tolerance selection. In this study 11 genotypes namely, ICG 2106, ICR 48, ICGS 44, ICG 3053, ICG 11088, ICGV-SM 87003, ICG 12235, ICG 13723, ICGV 02271, ICGV 97182 and ICGV 91114 were identified as possible drought tolerant based on high pod yield, HI, SCMR at 60 DAS and number of pods/plants in water stress conditionItem Evaluation of optimum soil moisture levels at which striga asiatica (L.) and rhamphicurpa fistulosa (hochst.) benth. can establish a relationship with a host(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Hamadi, Msangi SaidiPot experiments were conducted in a screen house to determine the optimum moisture levels required for either of the parasitic weeds, singly and in combination, to establish a relationship with rice. Studies were conducted in Morogoro, Tanzania, (525 m.a.s.l., 6°45” S and 37°40” E) September, 2012-February, 2013. Ten-litre plastic pots capacity filled with dry 5:1 (sand: clay) soil mixture up to 2cm below the rim were used. Treatments were arranged in split- plot with plant combinations (Rhamphicarpa+r\ce, Rhamphicarpa alone, Striga+rice, rice alone) as the main plot and moisture levels (saturation, field capacity, field capacity/saturation and field capacity/wilting point; the latter two were half way in between) as subplots. Rice variety ‘Supa India’ was used and treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates including a duplicate that was used for destructive sampling. Emergences of Rhamphicarpa were not significantly affected by moisture levels, however, the significant differences were observed on emergence of Striga asiatica. At 60 and 120 DAS, there were significant differences in weed counts at different moisture levels whereby 60 DAS, the maximum Rhamphicarpa counts was 40 and at 120 DAS the maximum Rhamphicarpa counts was 7.8 plants appeared in saturation moisture level. Striga at 60 DAS, showed significant differences in number at different moisture levels whereby at field capacity/wilting point 3 plants were recorded while at 120 DAS the maximum Striga number (9) was recorded at field capacity moisture level. Weed heights at 60 DAS was significant different in moisture levels whereby the tallest Rhamphicarpa plant (16.3cm) was recorded at saturation while for Striga (13.2cm) at field capacity/wilting point. Rhamphicarpa flowering took place at 76 DAS while Striga flowered at 83DAS.The rice damage caused by weeds at different moisture levels were observed in different areas whereby there was significant different in plant heights and the tallest rice plants (86.6cm) were recorded at saturation moisture level and Striga/rice plant combinations 60 DAS while at 120 DAS the tallest plant (119.5cm) was recorded at same moisture level and plant combination. Rice chlorophyll content (SPAD), stomatai conductance (mmol/(m2-s) and in tiller numbers were significantly different however, there was no significant difference in leaf area(cm2), specific leaf area (cm2.g'*) and in chlorophyll fluorescence (fv/fm).Weeds affected rice biomass where by R. fistulosa lowered rice biomass to 2.5g compared to rice planted alone (5.2g) and (5.06g) when planted with Striga at 60 DAS at saturation moisture level while at field capacity, Rice alone produced 2.86g, Rhaniphicarpa/ncQ 1.2g and 1.6g for Striga/rice; this trend was observed at 120 DAS. The results conclude that moisture has effect to weed performance whereby Rhamphicarpa performed well in saturation moisture level while Striga preferred field capacity and field capacity/wilting point. Also Rhamphicarpa plants in field capacity/saturation caused same damage to rice plant as for Striga which tells that they can co-exist at field capacity/saturation.Item Integrated management of perennial wild rices in lowland irrigated rice(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Mkocha, Magdalene Nelson EnockTwo field experiments were conducted during the season 1997/98 at Kapunga Rice Irrigation Project (KRIP) in Mbeya region to determine the influence of perennial wild rices on rice yields and to evaluate effectiveness of ploughing depths, hand weeding, herbicides and seeding rates in the control of the wild rices and other weeds. Experiment 1 was a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Ploughing depths (10, 15, 20, and 25 cm) constituted the main plots while the seeding rates (110, 130, 150, 170 kg ha'1) were the subplots. Pregerminated IR 54 paddy seeds were sown on 13 Februaiy 1998. Data collected included wild rice fresh and dry biomass before and after treatments, plant height at booting and at maturity, number of tillers, and panicles per plant and per square metre, number of grains per panicle, percentage ripened grains and grain yield per hectare. Combinations of 15 cm x 170 kg ha'1 (ploughing depth x seeding rates) recorded the highest grain yield of 4852.0 kg ha'1 which was significantly (PItem Response of lowland rice (oryza saliva l.) varieties to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc in two soil types in Kibaha district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Mbelle, Happiness PhilloA study was conducted during 2011/2012 growing season at Mlandizi and Kitomondo villages in Kibaha District, to determine the response of lowland rice varieties to N, P, K and Zn in two soil types. The nutrient treatment levels were as follow; Niso + P40 +K100 + Ziiio. N150 + P.10 +K100 + Zno, Niso + P40 +Ko + Zno, Nioo + Po +Ko + Zno , N75 + P20 +Ko + Ziio. No -I- P30 +K0 + Zno and No + Po +K0 + Zno as a control. Rice varieties used were SARO5, NERICA and SUPA. The fertility status of the soils for rice production at two experimental sites was evaluated. Generally, based on soil texture, the two sites are suitable for lowland rice production but deficiencies of N, P, K and Zn were identified. Prior to seeding, a basal application of P at the rates of 0, 20, 30, and 40 kg P/ha was applied. The amount of K applied was 100 kg K/ha whereas, 10g of Zinc Sulphate (ZnS04) was used. Nitrogen in the form of Urea (46% N) at rates of 0, 75, 100 and 150 kg N/ha was applied into two splits as follows: one split applied 21 days after sowing , and the second split was applied at panicle initiation stage (42-45 days after sowing). Field experiments indicated that the application of N, P, K and Zn increased rice yield from 2.05 (in control) to 6.863 t ha’1 (N150 + P40 +Kioo + Znio) in Mlandizi and 2.00 (in control) to 7.20 t ha’1 (N150 + P40 +K100 + Znio) in Kitomondo site. The yield increases were due to increased availability and uptake of plant nutrients particularly N, P. K and Zn. Based on the generalized yield data it was thus recommended that fertilizer level of N150P40K100Znl0 in Kibaha District should be adopted to achieve high rice yield. Further the results indicated that moisture was another limiting factor to rice yield, hence short to medium maturing varieties (SARO5 and NERICA) were recommended.Item Effect of intercropping pattern on the incidence of striga and yield of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L)(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Matary, Roble Daudi RobleTwo field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different sorghum/groundnut and sorghum/bambara groundnuts intercrops grown in eight cropping patterns at two locations (Bihawana and Hombolo) at Dodoma, Tanzania. The experimental design was a randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Eight cropping patterns were treatments (ABR=Altemate between rows, DR=Double rows, AWR - Alternate within rows, SH = same hill, AWRABR= Alternate between rows and alternate within rows, RP = Random planting, S=Monocrop groundnuts, G= Monocrop sorghum, BG= Monocrop bambara groundnuts). The rainfall pattern was not satisfactory at both sites. The continuous rainfall (January, February, March and April = 884 mm) at Bihawana affected the Striga germination due to wet dormancy. The rainfall at Hombolo was low (463.8 mm) and erratic such that the dry spell at stages of plant growth adversely affected Striga and crop growth patterns, thus affecting yield and yield attributes for sorghum. The infestation of Otheca benningsenii in groundnuts and bambara groundnuts, Calidea dregae and stalkborers (Sesamia calamistis) in sorghum for both sites had a detrimental effect onall crops respectively. In both sorghum/ groundnuts and sorghum/ bambara groundnuts at Bihawana there was no Striga observed in the trial. At Hombolo, however, in sorghum/ groundnuts and sorghum/ bambara groundnuts intercrops Striga was higher in monocrop sorghum (6.8) compared to other cropping patterns. The results showed that at Bihawana, in sorghum similar results were realised in sorghum grain yield per hectare in both sorghum/groundnuts and sorghum/bambara groundnuts intercrop respectively. In sorghum/ groundnuts intercrop at Bihawana higher groundnuts yield was observed in monocrop groundnuts and DR intercrop (600 kg/ha and 580 kg/ha) compared to AWR and SH intercrops (350 kg/ha and 160 kg/ha), while in sorghum/ bambara groundnuts higher yield was realized in monocrop bambara groundnuts (G= 510 kg/ha) compared to mixtures (DR and ABRAWR intercrops = 200 kg/ha and 190 kg/ha)). In sorghum/ groundnuts intercrops at Hombolo, higher groundnuts yield was observed in mixture (AWR intercrop) as compared to mixtures (ABR and DR intercrops), while in sorghum/ bambara groundnuts intercrop higher bambara groundnuts yield was observed in mixture (SH, AWRABR and AWR intercrops= 560 kg/ha, 510 kg/ha and 480 kg/ha) compared to other cropping patterns. In view of the wide scale of Striga damage worldwide interest has to be focused on the use of intercropping as a control measure, which is meaningful and economical way of controlling the parasitic weed within the reach of poor resource farmers. At Bihawana, in sorghum/ groundnuts intercrop, sorghum grain yield was higher in monocrop sorghum (1900 kg/ha) as compared to other cropping patterns, while greater groundnuts grain yield was observed in monocrop groundnuts (600 kg/ha). In case of sorghum in sorghum/ bambara groundnuts intercrop, higher sorghum grain yield was observed in RP intercrop (2240 kg/ha), whereas in bambara groundnuts higher yield was realised in monocrop bambara groundnuts (510 kg/ha). In sorghum/ groundnuts intercrop at Hombolo, ABRAWR intercrop gave higher yield of sorghum (1500 kg/ha), whereas AWR intercrop (600 kg/ha) gave higher yield in groundnuts as compared to other cropping patterns. In case of sorghum/ bambara groundnuts intercrop, higher yield of sorghum was obtained in ABRAWR intercrop (1180 kg/ha), while in bambara groundnuts higher yield was realised in SH intercrop (560 kg/ha). This has indicated that mixtures can enhance grain yield of sorghum although at Hombolo, Striga infestation was high in both sorghum/ groundnuts and sorghum/ bambara groundnuts intercrops.Item Reproduction and breeding patterns arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Mrosso, Furaha PhilemonThe population structure, reproduction and breeding patterns of the grass rat, Arvicanthis neumanni were investigated through Capture Mark Release (CMR) and removal trapping in Msingisi and Ihanda villages (Kilosa and Kongwa districts respectively) in Central Tanzania. Rodents in CMR grids were trapped using Sherman live traps in one 100 m x 100 m grid in each village. Animals in removal grids were captured using local traps and digging. A total of 947 animals were captured in the removal grids. A total of 49 captures and recaptures were made in the CMR grids at Msingisi belonging to 5 species in 3000 trap nights. Ninety-one captures and recaptures of rodents belonging to 5 species were made at Ihanda. The highest trap success was recorded between December and March. Three age groups, juveniles, sub adults and adults, were present in the population in most of the trapping months. However, there was a high increase in the number of juveniles and reproductively active adults two to three months after the onset of the rains (December, 2002 - May, 2003) indicating a peak in reproductive activity, between January and April. Litter size was between 5.58 ± 0.42 and 6.1 ± 0.26 in the two study sites respectively. There were no significant differences in the number of embryos implanted in the right and left horns of the uterus of pregnant females (t22 = 0, P > 0.05) and (t36 = 1.68, P > 0.05). Sex ratio of A. neumanni was not skewed to either males or females. Since breeding patterns are some of the requirements for sound ecological knowledge in controlling rodents, this study calls for further investigations especially on breeding patterns of A. neumanni in different locations for comparison with the current study.Item Study on the performance characteristics of growing native muscovy ducks under semi and fully confined systems(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Ngapongora, Njahani Mburumi JordanA study was conducted to investigate the performance of growing native Muscovy ducks under two different rearing systems. Both field survey and on station experiment were carried out. The survey was conducted at three institution farms i.e. Ubena and Kingolwira prison farms and LITI Mpwapwa. Sixty-four ducklings aged 8 weeks were randomly allocated to the two rearing systems i.e. Semi and Fully confined systems. Cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR), live weight and growth rate was measured weekly. At the 20th week of age, 12 birds from each rearing system were picked at random and slaughtered for carcass yield and quality evaluation. The result showed that on station ducks were heavier than those from surveyed farms. The mean daily feed intake for semi and fully confined birds was 148g. The mean feed conversion ratio for semi confined ducks was lOg/body-weight gain, while for fully confined ducks was 9.7g/body-weight gain. Fully confined ducks had significantly lower feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). The mean body weight for semi confined birds was 2281g and 2409g for fully confined birds. The daily weight gain were 19g and 17g for fully confined and semi confined birds respectively. Males and females gained 25g and 11g, respectively. The dressing percent for fully confined birds was 69% whereas it was 68% for semi confined birds. The mean percent of lean meat, bone and fat separation for semi and fully confined birds were 74 vs.72, 16 vs. 16 and 10 vs. 11 respectively. The chemical composition of meat for semi confined ducks i.e. DM, CP,Item Characterization of rice (Oryza saliva L.) germplasm for cold tolerance through field evaluation and participatory selection in the Southern highlands(Sokoine University of Agrculture, 2013) Lobulu, JohnA study was conducted at Igurusi in Mbarali district of Mbeya region, Tanzania to evaluate and identify rice genotypes that perform better in the field under cold stress conditions. Three experiments were conducted, two in the field and one in the laboratory. The first field experiment was conducted during the wet season from December, 2010 to May, 2011 and the second from June to December, 201 l(coo!/dry season). Fifty two (52) test genotypes and five checks were randomly allocated to four blocks each with a maximum of 20 plots at a spacing of 20 cm between and within rows in an augmented Randomized Complete Block Design. Agronomic and morphological data were collected for grain yield and yield attributes followed by grain quality variables for ten selected genotypes using participatory varietal selection. Analyses of variance revealed significant to very highly significant differences among the test genotypes for the characters studied in both experiments. This indicates that, the test genotypes exhibit a sufficient amount of genetic variability in which desired lines can be selected for further manipulation. Correlation studies revealed that, grain yield was significantly correlated with filled spikelets/ panicle, days to 50% flowering and 90% maturity in experiment one and with filled spikelets/panicle and panicle length in experiment two. Thus, selection for these traits would be effective in grain yield improvement. Estimates of genetic parameters showed high heritability coupled with high genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) and genetic advance as percentage of the mean for productive tillers per hill, grain yield, filled spikelets per panicle and percent sterility in experiments one and two except for filled spikelets per panicle and percent sterility in experiments one and two except for filled spikelets in experiment two. This suggests that these traits are controlled by additive gene action and can therefore be improved through simple/progeny selection methods. Ten genotypes were selected as cold tolerant materials through Participatory Varietal Selection PVS). Grain quality analysis showed that five genotypes have combined acceptable quality and agronomic characteristics and are therefore ear marked for recommendation in Tanzania.Item Evaluation of sorghum cultivars (sorghum bicolor L. moench) for bird preference and nutritional properties(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Simbagije, Robertson MichaelThe study was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute (ARI)-IIonga with the objective of identifying less bird preferred cultivars and associated physical and chemical properties. It involved two field experiments laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design. A total of 18 local and improved sorghum varieties were used. Analysis of nutritional properties included Ether Extract, Proteins, Minerals, Crude Fibres, Carbohydrates and Tannin in the Laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture was conducted. Data obtained were analysed using MSTATC software followed by separation of the means using Duncan’s Multiple Ranges Test (DMRT). The study observed no influence of physical properties on bird preference, but, there was very little influence of nutritional qualities as follows:- Crude protein was positively correlated with yield loss, crude fibre, fat content, grain weight, and tannin levels. Crude fibre had positive correlation of 0.47 with tannins and was statistically (P<0.5) significant but was negatively correlated with yield losses. There was strong significantly different (P<0.01) correlation of 0.65 between tannin and yields losses. Khalidii, Mnyambi, Gafembee and Selemani ranked high in crude protein, crude fibre and tannin contents with less yield losses and were classified as less bird preferred. However, Khalidi outperformed all the cultivars and hence most promising cultivar for crop improvement to curb bird attack problem. The influence of crude protein, fibre and tannin on bird preference was not established and no single parameter was identified to have contributed to less bird preference. Intensive screening and biotechnological evaluation of the genetic potentials on bird preference is recommended.Item The effect of soil water deficits on growth and development of selected common bean cultivars (phaseolus vulgaris l.)(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Maghembe, Neema AbdallahResearch was conducted to study the performance of three common bean (Phaseohis vulgaris L.) cultivars grown under stressed and non-stressed water conditions. Two experiments were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) located at 6°.5’ latitude South, 37°.3’ longitude East; and 525m a.s.l The first experiment was conducted under screen-house conditions between March and May, 1998; while the second experiment was conducted under field conditions in May through August, 1998. The experimental design used was a split plot with four replicates. The main treatments were irrigated and non-irrigated. The subtreatments were three common bean cultivars. In the screen-house experiment, ten litre plastic pots filled with sandy clay loam soil were used for planting. Under the field experiment, the size of each subtreatment was 10.8m2 and the crop was spaced at 60 by 20cm. Sulphate of ammonia and triple supper phosphate were applied at 30kg N and 25kg P per hectare, respectively. Data were collected from underground and above ground plant parts at first flowering (Rl), 50% flowering (R4), physiological maturity (R8) and harvest maturity (R9). Highly significant effects of irrigation treatments, cultivars and their interactions were obtained at all sampling times except at R1 when the main treatments had just been applied. Non-irrigated plants completed their life cycle earlier than irrigated plants. Stressed cultivars had severe leaf curling, wilting and drooping between R4 and R8. Non stressed cultivars had significantly higher plants heights, leaf area, root length, total biomass and seed yield than drought-stressed plants. It was also noted that stress levels differ from one cultivar to another. Cultivar SUA 90 gave the highest total biomass and seed yield in both experiments under both maintreatments. This was followed by "Rojo" and finally Canadian Wonder. The BEANGRO crop simulation model indicated that root length, root weight, leaf weight, and specific leaf area were very important parameters to consider when evaluating bean genotypes for drought tolerance.Item Improving maize production practices in a semi-coral area in Pemba(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Omar, Ali MohammedMaize (Zea mays L.) is an important food crop grown in the semi-coral area in Pemba. Despite its high yield potential, it is giving low yields because of lack of appropriate information on varieties, plant population and fertilizer recommendations. Keeping this in view, the present study was done to establish the best combination of variety, plant density and nitrogen fertilizer for maximizing maize yield in the semi-coral area. Three improved varieties (Staha, Situka and TMV-1) were compared with the local variety (JKU) at three plant densities (44 444,53 333 and 66 666 plants/ha) and four nitrogen levels (23, 46, 70 and 90 kg N/ha) during the 2013 cropping season. A field experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design in split-split-plot arrangement with three replications. Varieties were kept to the main plots, plant densities to the sub-plots and nitrogen levels to the sub-subplots. Results indicated that Staha produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield (4.953 tons/ha) followed by the local variety (4.411 tons/ha). The local variety flowered and matured earliest. Plant density had no significant effect on flowering, maturity and seed rows/cob but recorded significantly tallest plants (1.848 m) at 66 666 plants/ha and greatest yield (4.291 tons/ha) at 53 333 plants/ha. Application of 90 kg N/ha led to significantly (P < 0.05) tallest plants but delayed flowering and maturity while 70 kg N/ha was better for the yield and yield components. Interaction of variety with plant density, variety with nitrogen fertilizer and plant density with nitrogen fertilizer were all significant for the grain yield. Interaction of variety with plant density and nitrogen led to significantly highest grain yield (6.415 t/ha) from Staha with 66 666 plants/ha and 70 kg N/ha and therefore recommended for the semi-coral area.