Determinants of adoption and intensity of use of improved maize varieties in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia: A Tobit analysis

This study employed a Tobit model to examine factors that influence the adoption and intensity of utilisation of improved maize varieties in the West Shoa Zone in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The estimated results indicate that level of education, household labour, farm size, extension services, farm income, and timely availability of improved maize seeds significantly influence the adoption and intensity of use of improved maize. It also showed that the impact of off-farm income and age of the household head on adoption and intensity of use of improved maize seed was insignificant.Crop Production/Industries,

Mauritiana rhizophorae gen. et sp. nov. (Ascomycetes, Requienellaceae), with a list of terrestrial saprobic mangrove fungi

The new ascomycete genus Mauritiana is described. It is tentatively attributed to the Requienellaceae, but its relation to Passeriniella is also discussed. A list of all terrestrial mangrove fungi described so far is given

Pleosporales

One hundred and five generic types of Pleosporales are described and illustrated. A brief introduction and detailed history with short notes on morphology, molecular phylogeny as well as a general conclusion of each genus are provided. For those genera where the type or a representative specimen is unavailable, a brief note is given. Altogether 174 genera of Pleosporales are treated. Phaeotrichaceae as well as Kriegeriella, Zeuctomorpha and Muroia are excluded from Pleosporales. Based on the multigene phylogenetic analysis, the suborder Massarineae is emended to accommodate five families, viz. Lentitheciaceae, Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae, Morosphaeriaceae and Trematosphaeriaceae

Biases and Effectiveness of Extension Servicesto Maize Farmers in Kenya Before and After the Training and Visit System

The effectiveness of the training and visit (T&V) extension method in reversing typical biases of the previous conventional system of extension services in Kenya was investigated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The study provided empirical evidence supporting reduction in biases against small-scale, young and uneducated farmers and remote areas. On the other hand, the bias against marginal production environments and women continued under the T&V system, though at lower rates than before. Efficacy of the T&V system was also con.finned through promotion of higher adoption of improved technologies. This was mainly attributed to the effective mechanisms and better quality of information delivered through the indirect contact methods of T&V