Comparison of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) green manure, poultry manure and inorganic sources of nitrogen in the growth of kales (Brassicae oleraceae) in Nyeri county, Kenya

Production of vegetables in Nyeri County (Central Kenya) is greatly hampered by failure of farmers to use fertilizers. This is partly because of the relative high cost of the fertilizers. Tithonia green manure may provide a suitable alternative to the conventional inorganic sources of nitrogen. However, there is little information on its potential benefit especially in the growing of kales, (Brasicae oleraceace). Kales were grown on two  experimental sites to compare tithonia green manure, poultry manure and other inorganic sources of nitrogen, namely calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea and ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN). The fertilizer  treatments were applied in three levels of; 30 kg of N/ha, 60 kg of N/ha and unfertilized control, from inorganic and equivalent of organic sources. Except for tithonia green manure, all the other treatments were  administered at the time of transplanting. The experiment was a Completely Randomized Block Design, with five treatments in three levels, replicated three times on each site, and each site being a replica. Individual plots measured 4 m x 3 m at inter-plant and inter-row spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm, respectively. The inter-plot spacing was 50 cm and inter-block spacing was 100 cm. The fresh weight of kales was compared for all the treatments as well as the control. The data collected were subjected to F-test using SPSS proprietary computer software (Version 12.00). Treatment means found to be significantly different from each other were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% confidence level. The results indicated that tithonia green manure applied at 60 kg of N/ha or 9t/ha equivalent of dry matter, produced the highest fresh weight of kales followed by calcium ammonium nitrate applied at the same rates. The difference was significant and higher by an average of 7.65 % from the two experimental sites. Nevertheless, tithonia green manure was not easily available during the traditional planting season in the region. Further research is required to explore the possibility of applying it in mixture with poultry manure because as observed, many smallholder mixed farmers also keep poultry which could be a source of poultry manure. Undoubtly, organic fertilizers complement inorganic fertilizers.Key words: Nitrogen, yields, Tithonia, plant nutrient

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Seed Quality as Affected by Variety, Harvesting Stage and Fertilizer Application in Bomet Country of Kenya

A set of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the physiological quality of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seeds subjected to different field cultural management practices. The main aim of this study was to contribute towards improved production of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench through better understanding of the crop’s agronomy. The experimental design was a three factorial split-split block design in the rain fed Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench producing areas of Bomet County of Kenya. Treatments within the block were randomized. There were three factors which included variety at two levels (improved and local varieties); fertilizer application at two levels (with and without fertilizer); and seed selection at three levels (continuous, from booting stage and at harvest). Percentages of crop emergence and days to 50% physiological maturity were determined. The following seed quality tests were carried out: 1000-seed weight, standard germination, mean germination time and electrical conductivity. The improved variety had a field emergence of 100% while that of the local variety ranged from 60 - 97%. In regard to field emergence and maturity, there were significance differences (P≤ 0.001) between plots with fertilizer and those without regardless of the variety. Those plots with fertilizer outperformed those without. Germination and vigour tests indicated that seed selection time did not influence seed vigour, viability and yield (P ≤ 0.05). However, there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) between the improved variety (E1291) and local (Ochuti) variety. In relation to this, variety E1291 showed better seed vigour, viability and yield as compared to Ochuti. Similarly, there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) between plots to which fertilizer was applied and those without. Fertilizer application led to an increase in seed yield, seed weight, seed vigour and viability. It was therefore concluded that (i) E1291 was more adapted to the study area as compared to Ochuti and hence should be adopted by farmers; (ii) farmers should apply optimal phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizers to their soils so as to increase the quality and yield of their seed; and (iii) farmers could continue selecting their seed using their indigenous knowledge.Key words: Seed, Sorghum bicolor, viability, vigour, yiel

Effects of Packaging and Storage Conditions on Quality of Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra l.) Seed

In Kenya, spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) has gained popularity among consumers due to its nutritional and medicinal values. In the local markets, bundles of leafy shoots as well as uprooted young plants are offered at fairly high prices in many parts of Kenya. Existing evidence suggests that spider plant is endowed with higher level of nutrients than its exotic counterparts. The leaves contain over and above the normal recommended adult daily allowance of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. However, quality of spider plant seed is affected by one or more factors that cause negative response during seed handling and storage. The purpose of this research was to increase insight into how the seed quality of spider plant is affected by different packaging containers, seed moisture content and storage temperatures, with a view to finding out the optimal method of packaging and storing of these seeds. This study was carried out using seeds dried above silica gel to four target moisture levels: 20%, 10%, 5% and 2% moisture content. Dried seeds were sealed in aluminum foil packets and polyethylene packets and stored at three storage temperatures: ambient (22oC to 30oC), 5oC and minus 20oC for three and six months. After each storage period, seed samples were drawn and viability and vigour tests carried out. Data sets were factorially combined and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)and descriptive analysis. Means separation was by Least Significance Difference (LSD).Levels of significance, means and standard deviations were obtained for various data sets. Seed stored for six months at 5% moisture content and minus 20oC recorded the highest seed quality. There were no significant differences between seeds packaged in aluminum foil packets and polyethylene packets. In this study, a germination of 85% was recorded for seed dried to 5% moisture content and stored at room temperature. Therefore, on the basis of these findings, farmers can dry their seeds at about 5% moisture content, package them in polyethylene (since readily available) and store at room temperatures for six months.Key words: Containers, moisture content, storage temperature

Sorghum [ Sorghum Bicolor ( L. ) Moench] Seed Quality As Affected By Variety , Harvesting Stage And Fertilizer Appli Cation In Bomet County Of Kenya

A set of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the physiological quality of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seeds subjected to different field cultural management practices. The main aim of this study was to contribute towards improved production of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench through better understanding of the crop’s agronomy. The experimental design was a three factorial split-split block design in the rain fed Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench producing areas of Bomet County of Kenya. Treatments within the block were randomized. There were three factors which included variety at two levels (improved and local varieties); fertilizer application at two levels (with and without fertilizer); and seed selection at three levels (continuous, from booting stage and at harvest). Percentages of crop emergence and days to 50% physiological maturity were determined. The following seed quality tests were carried out: 1000-seed weight, standard germination, mean germination time and electrical conductivity. The improved variety had a field emergence of 100% while that of the local variety ranged from 60 - 97%. In regard to field emergence and maturity, there were significance differences (P≤ 0.001) between plots with fertilizer and those without regardless of the variety. Those plots with fertilizer outperformed those without. Germination and vigour tests indicated that seed selection time did not influence seed vigour, viability and yield (P ≤ 0.05). However, there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) between the improved variety (E1291) and local (Ochuti) variety. In relation to this, variety E1291 showed better seed vigour, viability and yield as compared to Ochuti. Similarly, there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) between plots to which fertilizer was applied and those without. Fertilizer application led to an increase in seed yield, seed weight, seed vigour and viability. It was therefore concluded that (i) E1291 was more adapted to the study area as compared to Ochuti and hence should be adopted by farmers; (ii) farmers should apply optimal phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizers to their soils so as to increase the quality and yield of their seed; and (iii) farmers could continue selecting their seed using their indigenous knowledge

A Survey Of On-Farm Seed Production Practices Of Sorghum ( Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench) In Bomet District Of Kenya

Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of the important cereal crops utilized worldwide for human food, animal feed and to a lesser extent as a raw material in commercial food industries. The crop is a strategic commodity for food security, particularly in harsh environments. In Kenya, sorghum is an important crop consumed in some parts of the country as a staple food. It is also a major source of income to small-scale farmers who are its major growers. In the past, its cultivation was concentrated in the medium and low altitude areas of Kenya. However, with the increase in improved varieties, sorghum cultivation has spread to the cold semi-arid highlands. Sorghum production in Bomet District of Kenya is low. Agronomic, socio-economic and varietal constraints usually affect the production of sorghum. In this study, it was assumed that use of low quality seed was among the factors leading to the low productivity of sorghum in Bomet District. Therefore, a survey was carried out in Bomet District of Kenya with the objective of identifying the constraints to on-farm sorghum seed production. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The survey focused on a wide range of seed management issues. From the descriptive analysis it was concluded that sorghum grain yield obtained by farmers in the previous season were low as compared to the documented research sorghum yield potential. The major constraints to on-farm sorghum seed production included poor seed source; lack of socio-economic resources; poor crop husbandry; poor post-harvest handling of seed; damage by weeds, pests and diseases; and lack of marketing incentives. Regression analysis showed that only sorghum farm size (as partitioned by farmers) significantly (P≤0.05) affected sorghum grain yield in the district. Therefore, there is need to have high yielding varieties which will compensate for the ever diminishing farm sizes and land sub-division. In addition, there is need to assess the quality of sorghum seeds planted by farmers to determine the effect of such seeds on sorghum production. There is also need to improve the farmers’ agronomic practices on sorghum production especially in relation to fertilizer application. An economic analysis to find out the profitability of purchasing inputs in sorghum production is required. An investigation on pests and diseases affecting sorghum production is also needed. Finally, extension services should be given to farmers and the prices of farm inputs subsidized

An Assessment Of The Physiological Quality Of Sorghum ( Sorghum Bicolor L Moench) Seeds Planted By Farmers In Bomet District Of Kenya

Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important crop that enhances food security in a region. As a food crop, sorghum is nutritious, containing starch (75-79%) as the major component, followed by protein (6.0-16.1%) and oil (2.1-5.0%). Despite the crop's versatility, it is regrettable that sorghum yields are still fairly low in Bomet District of Kenya. One of the constraints associated with low yields is the accessibility to good quality seeds by farmers. It was assumed in this study that use of low quality seed was among the factors that could be significantly affecting the low production of sorghum in the district. This study focused on the physiological quality of seed which refers to the germination capacity, viability, characteristics related to dormancy and vigour of the seed. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed and 80 seed samples were obtained from 80 farmers. The seeds were subjected to viability and vigour quality tests. These tests included germination (as a viability test); mean germination time and electrical conductivity tests (as vigour tests). About 29% of the seed samples taken for germination test were below the laboratory standards as stipulated in the seeds and Plant Varieties Act (CAP 326). Critical electrical conductivity values and critical mean germination time values were derived during the study. In accordance with the critical values arrived at in this study, 27.5% of the seed samples showed relatively high electrical conductivity readings and 36.3% of the seed samples showed longer mean germination time. However, 11.3% of the seed samples showed high germination percentages of above 90%. Since about 29% of farmers seeds were of bad physiological quality, it was concluded that this proportion of seed can result in poor yields and hence cause food insecurity to the people of the society, and thus requires further consideration for improvement. This study recommends that further research be conducted on the genetic, physical and sanitary quality aspects of seed planted by farmers in Bomet District so that a definite conclusive statement about the quality of seed planted by farmers in the District can be made

Efficacy Of Traditional Maize ( Zea Mays L.) Seed Storage Methods In Western Kenya

Seed security is key to the attainment of household food security among resource poor farmers in developing countries. In a baseline survey carried out in Siaya and Busia Districts of Western Kenya, storage was identified as a priority problem facing onfarm seed production. During the survey, it was found that about 80% of the farmers produce and store their own seeds for planting in the next cropping season. During this process of seed saving, farmers reported some decline in seed quality thus leading to poor germination and eventually poor yields. A storage experiment was, therefore, set up with the objective of improving the efficacy of traditional maize seed storage methods in maintaining seed viability and vigour as compared to some improved ones. The traditional methods included hanging cobs over the fireplace and storing in gunny bags with cow dung ash as the seed treatment. These were compared with seed treatment using Mortein Doom®, a modern seed protectant and cow dung ash; in both cases seeds were stored in airtight containers. These treatments were applied on two maize varieties: Rachar, a local variety and Maseno Double Cobber, an improved variety and the experiment was carried out in the houses of four farmers. Quality analysis of the seeds was done first before storage and then after three and six months of storage. The results indicate that the traditional methods had the poorest performance. They had significantly lower vigour after three and six months' storage and recorded significantly higher insect damage. Seeds hung above the fireplace had the highest insect damage and this was about 99% higher than the damage recorded for seeds treated with ash and stored in airtight plastic containers. Seeds hung above the fireplace also had significantly higher moisture content increase. The best treatment was storage in airtight containers with either Mortein Doom® or cow dung ash as the seed treatment. Genetic differences in storability between the 2 varieties were not observed. This study concluded that the principle of airtight, though not new, should be used to design low cost seed storage containers for resource-poor farmers which will result in better seed quality. The study further shows that cow dung which is freely available in most homesteads is a good seed protectant and is effective in maintaining seed quality in storage. Cow dung ash should therefore be combined with air tight storage to increase the seed longevity