Research Papers/Topics in Horticulture

Production, consumption, and market supply of edible crickets: insights from East Africa

Abstract: Globally, crickets are gaining recognition as a valuable alternative protein source for human consumption due to their lower resource requirement and ecological foot‑print compared to traditional livestock. In this paper, we examine strategies that may expedite the sustainable domestication of crickets as a food source. Using survey data from 306 households in western Kenya, we fnd that supplying cricket production starter kits, granting access to credit facilities, encouraging p...

Biological performance, response and population dynamics of Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae), as influenced by different African nightshade (Solanales: Solanaceae) species

Abstract: Despite the vast research on trichome-based resistance as well as plant chemical factors in plant-herbivore interactions in Solanaceous plants, little or no information is available on the association between Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard and these mechanisms in African nightshades. The current study which was carried out from December, 2006 to March, 2009 focused on five African nightshade species viz. Solanum sarrachoides Sendter, S. villosum Mill, S. tarderemotum Bitter...

The effects of fertilizers and mulberry (morus alba l. ) variety on cocoon and silk quality in Kenya

Abstract: The study was carried out in two sites already with existing mulberry trees comprising three varieties, Kanva , Noi (Thailand), and Embu (local variety). The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of soil fertility and better mulberry varieties (grown locally) on cocoon and silk quality. The study compared the growth and yield performance of the three mulberry varieties being used by farrriers in silkworm rearing. It also involved comparisons of silk production usi...

Root Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne Incognita) Interaction with Selected Asteraceae Plants and their Potential use for Nematode Management

Abstract: The southern root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of the highly polyphagous species of many cultivated plants. The losses associated with RKNs in small holder vegetable farms are not quantified but may range between 30-100% in tropical and subtropics. Application of broad spectrum nematicides is the common method of control and are to be highly toxic to humans and pollute the environment, hence the need for safer alternatives for small scale crop production systems. Bi...

Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi isolate(s) for Management of Melon Fruit Fly (Zeugodacus Zucurbitae) (Coquillette)

Abstract: The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is a serious pest of cucurbits, tree fruits and related crops in most continents of the world, including Africa. To manage the pest, most farmers in sub-Saharan Africa rely on synthetic chemicals which have detrimental effects to the environment and the habitat. Excessive use of chemicals may also lead to development of pest resistance and Z. cucurbitae has reportedly shown the most increased resistance to the used insecticides. Fo...

Assessing Success Factors of Partnership Building and Rural Institutions Development amongst Smallholder Systems in East Africa

Abstract: The nature and form of collective action varies. It is contextually specific and may change over time. It arises when individuals jointly tackle constraints, make decisions and achieve outcomes with mutual benefit. Strong and vibrant smallholder groups do provide opportunities to the community to play a role in rural development and benefit from it. However, most of those groups do not have the capacity and ability to individually influence rural development. Linking groups across ...

Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi and in combination with Bacillus Thuringiensis for control of the Helicoverpa Armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) in Tomatoes

Abstract The susceptibility of third install larvae of Helicoverpa armigers to 7 strains of 3 entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) species ie Bueauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae (M.a) and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (P.Fr) was tested under laboratory conditions. Three best performing strains in 3 species/strains ie B. Bassiana 124, M. Anisopliae 79 and P. Fumosoroseus 14 were selected to examine their effectiveness against different larval and pupal stages of H. armigera. Sublethal doses were d...

Potential for Utilization of Entomopathogenic Fungus, Beauveria bassiana, for Control of Banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar)

Abstract: Banana production in Kenya has been on the decline due to among other factors, pests and disease of which banana weevil is major. Although, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae have been used successfully to control various agricultural and pasture pests, lack of effective application system limits their wider application.This study therefore seeks to evaluate the potential of utilizing the fungus to control the banana weevil using infected w...

The Role of Insects as Potential Vectors of Cassava and Cowpea Bacterial Blight in West Africa

Abstract: Xanthomonas campestris pv.manihotis (Bondar, 1912) (Xcm) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola (Burkholder, 1944) (Dye, 1978) (Xcv) are both worldwide important pathogens, causing bacterial blight diseases of cassava and cowpea, respectively. The presence of the pathogens in/on the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orth.: Acrididae), an occassionally important pest of cassava and cowpea in West Africa, was demosntrated. X. campestris pv. manihotis and X. campestr...

The influence of different Host plants on the green Leafhopper Empoasca Decipiens Poali (Homoptera:Cicadellidae) and its Parasitoid Anagrus Atomus (L) Halliday (Hymenoptera:Mymaridae)

Abstract: The green leafhopper Empoasca decipiens Paoli (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) has recently become a serious pest of vegetables and ornamentals grown under field conditions and in greenhouses in many European countries. The egg parasitoid Anagrus atomus L. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is a promising biological control agent of E. decipens. The objectives of this research were to assess the influence of host plants on the leafhopper and its parasitoid. Therefore, host plant acceptability ans s...

Phosphorus Availability and Carrot Growth as Influenced by Phosphate Rock Management under Acid Soils in Murang’a and Tharaka Nithi Counties

Abstract: Soils from Central Highlands of Kenya are characterized by low phosphorus (P) availability with crops exhibiting P deficiency symptoms. The objective was therefore to determine the P sorption characteristics of the soils and to assess their standard P requirements in order to recommend the P fertilizer required for different crops in the area. Besides, the study aimed at assessing the efficiency of lemon and pineapple juices and the concentration and time needed to release more tha...

Standard Specifications of Fruits of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) Foster and Duncan Cultivars in River Nile State- Sudan.

Abstract Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) is an important crop in Sudan. The quality of grapefruit is affected by many factors which are suspected to cause the low yield and poor quality of fruits. These factors may include infection by pests and diseases, damage, soil problems and poor management practices. The present study aimed to identify the specifications of two grapefruit cultivars (Foster and Duncan).This was achieved through determining quality indices such as, number of segments,...


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