Abstract: Temperature critically affects the performance of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Mathematical models are critical tools used in predictive microbiology but are less adopted for EPF. We selected eight nonlinear models to describe thermal biology; minimum (Tmin), optimal (Topt) and maximum (Tmax) thresholds; and maximal growth (Pmax) of EPF. Conidial germination and mycelial growth of Metarhizium anisopliae (ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 62, ICIPE 69, ICIPE 78) and Beauveria bassiana (ICIP...
This study assessed the storage practices of five licensed buying companies (LBC) and pests which affected the quality of stored cocoa beans in the study area. The study comprised of field survey using questionnaires. Samples of stored cocoa beans were collected for periods of 0, 2 and 4 weeks of storage. Laboratory experiments were done to check physical quality characteristics using the cut test method, insect damage, purpleness and weight loss. Insects present in b...
Abstract In recent times, the concerns of the government of Ghana have been on the need to increase the share of locally processed cocoa by 50%. To this end, there has been efforts through campaign by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to whip up interest amongst Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of cocoa consumption to sustain the sector which continues to export huge raw cocoa beans with minimal value addition. The concerns are whether or not cocoa consumption by farmers has the potential to contr...
The mining sector is a very important segment of the extractive sector but has one of the most serious and disastrous environmental consequences; conflicting with the livelihood (especially cocoa farmers) and survival of resident communities. This study was conducted in Atiwa district of Ghana to assess farmer’s awareness of small scale illegal mining (Galamsey), its impact on cocoa production and livelihoods in the mining communities. Snowball sampling techniques were used. Data collected ...
Abstract Yam tubers loss weight during storage and prolonged storage can reduce tuber quality and quantity. This study investigated the application of vibration technique for the control of physical properties of yam tubers during storage. Measurements were conducted on the physical properties of the tubers: weight loss, shrinkage of the middle diameter, shrinkage of the length, top and bottom diameter, on ...
Maize production in Kenya is under threat due to infection by maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND). The disease is known to cause intensive complete yield loss. It is caused by a synergistic infection of maize by maize chlorotic mottle virus and sugarcane mosaic virus which are mainly vectored by corn thrips (Frankliniella williamsi, Hood) and corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis, Fitch) respectively. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the following aspects; farme...
ABSTRACT Plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) are biotic constraints to crop production worldwide resulting in significant yield losses. Management of these nematodes has primarily depended on chemical nematicides; but due to the increased pressure for more economic and environmentally friendly strategies, alternative methods like organic and conventional amendments, have been considered. To test the efficacy of conventional and farmer practice systems against organic farming in the suppression of...
ABSTRACT Plant-parasitic nematodes, in particular Meloidogyne spp., cause significant yield reduction in commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) worldwide. In Kenya limited studies have been conducted on nematodes in pineapple although the main commercial producer in Kenya has sole mandate to use Telone II (1, 3-Dichloropropene) indicating the seriousness of the problem. The current study was conducted to provide an update on the occurrence of plant-parasitic nematodes in commercial pineapple f...
ABSTRACT Avocado Persea americana Mill is an important fruit in Kenya. It is a source of vitamins, oil and income to farmers. However, its optimal production is dependent on insect pollinators. This study was undertaken to determine diversity and abundance of insects visiting avocado flowers, their diurnal visitation counts, the crop floral calendar and the effect of pollination deficit of avocado at Kandara, Murang’a County. The study was carried out in farmers’ fields in upper midland ...
ABSTRACT The effects of some cultural practices and some plant extracts on wilt disease of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in Owerri, were studied. The experiments were conducted in 2010, 2011 and 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm and in the Crop Science and Technology Laboratory of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The investigation consisted of three (3) different experiments and each repeated two...
ABSTRACT The study was conducted in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) research farm. The Experiment was laid out in a RCBD form. Extracts from roots and seeds of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas were tested at 10% concentration and sprayed after 2,3 and 4 weeks in three different growing periods of groundnut; 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Some plant extrated were mixed with 3ml of an emulsifier made from castor oil known as RIMULGAN and then separately added to each of the...
Weed infestation is one of the major biotic constraints in wheat production. Wheat is infested withdiverse type of weed flora, as it is grown under diverse agro climatic conditions, different cropping sequence, andtillage and irrigation regimes. For controlling weeds in wheat, growers mostly rely on herbicides due to cost and timeeffectiveness. For control of diverse weed flora in wheat combination of herbicides or as sequential, if not compatibleare required. However, sole dependence on herb...
ABSTRACT Application of chemicals on weed has been an effective method of weed control. However, this is with problems of persistence and hazardous effects on non-target organisms like arthropods. Common herbicides used in maize fields in Ogbomoso include atrazine, primextra, Lasso/atrazine, diuron pendimethalin, and S-metolachlor. Information on S-metolachlor and Pendimethalin persistence under field situations is inadequate. Therefore, persistence of S-metolachlor and Pendimethalin in maiz...
ABSTRACT The Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) is a serious pest of wheat in Kenya. Development and use of RWA resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, has been constrained by variations in the resident RWA populations and evolution of virulent biotypes. To fully exploit host plant resistance (HPR) in management of RWA, resident populations of RWA were evaluated for biotypes in order to develop and deploy cultivars that exhibit cross biotype resistance. Three exp...
ABSTRACT Bean Foliage beetles (Ootheca spp.) are a major constraint to common bean production in Kenya. Two studies were carried out during the long and short rain seasons of 2015 to determine the effect of mixtures of bean varieties and other legume species and also to investigate the effect of different bean varieties on bean foliage beetle incidence, population density and severity of damage and grain yield. Field experiments were conducted in six sites (Madola, Bujumba, Busire, Nyalara a...