Morphological Variabilities and Identification of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Genotypes from Major Growing Regions in Tanzania

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a vegetatively propagated crop that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. In Tanzania, yam is mainly grown as a source of food and income generation, especially for smallholder farmers. In this study, an assessment of morphological variations among 74 genotypes of Dioscorea spp. collected from six major growing regions was conducted. Yam genotypes were maintained and planted at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute-Kibaha for characterization. Data from fifty morphological variables were subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The first nine principal components with Eigenvalues > 1 accounted for 86.28% of the total variations. Some traits that contributed to the variabilities include stem length, leaf margin colour, vein colour, absence/presence of wings, wing colour, hairiness, spines on stem base, aerial tubers, and inner skin colour. The dendrogram separated the 74 yam genotypes into two major clusters with six sub-clusters. Based on the results, four yam species were identified from the collected genotypes, and these included D. alata, D. bulbifera, D. cayenensis, and D. dumetorum. The results revealed high morphological variabilities among the yam genotypes. Information obtained in this study is very useful in yam breeding programs in Tanzania. Keywords: Cluster analysis, multivariate analysis, phenotypic variabilities, yam in Tanzani

Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Non-crop Plants from Unguja and Pemba Islands

Cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) remains one of the major constraints to cassava production since it causes yield losses up to 100%. Researches showed that some of CMBs infecting cassava plants may be coming from non-crop plants. This study intended to identify and characterize CMBs isolated from non-crop plant species in Unguja and Pemba Islands. A total of 108 viral symptomatic and asymptomatic non-crop leaf samples were collected using stratified sampling. DNA was extracted by using CTAB protocol followed by polymerase chain reaction using universal and specific primers for cassava mosaic begomoviruses identification. Results showed that, among eleven samples that were amplified, four were African cassava mosaic viruses (ACMV) and seven were East African cassava mosaic viruses (EACMV). DNA sequencing by Sanger method showed 97–99% similarities with isolates of ACMV and EACMV reported elsewhere in Africa. Using RbcL and MatK plant barcode genes, Datura stramonium, Solanum melongena and Solanum incanum were found associated with ACMV, while Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta and Ricinus communis harboured EACMV. These findings are a key in understanding the epidemiology of cassava mosaic disease and are potential in the development of sustainable management strategies for this disease. Keywords: Begomoviruses, Cassava mosaic disease, East African cassava mosaic virus, Non crop plants

Abstracts of Tanzania Health Summit 2020

This book contains the abstracts of the papers/posters presented at the Tanzania Health Summit 2020 (THS-2020) Organized by the Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC); President Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG); Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender, and Children Zanzibar; Association of Private Health Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA); National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA); Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC); & Tindwa Medical and Health Services (TMHS) held on 25–26 November 2020. The Tanzania Health Summit is the annual largest healthcare platform in Tanzania that attracts more than 1000 participants, national and international experts, from policymakers, health researchers, public health professionals, health insurers, medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, private health investors, supply chain experts, and the civil society. During the three-day summit, stakeholders and decision-makers from every field in healthcare work together to find solutions to the country’s and regional health challenges and set the agenda for a healthier future. Summit Title: Tanzania Health SummitSummit Acronym: THS-2020Summit Date: 25–26 November 2020Summit Location: St. Gasper Hotel and Conference Centre in Dodoma, TanzaniaSummit Organizers: Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC); President Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG); Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Elderly, Gender and Children Zanzibar; Association of Private Health Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA); National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA); Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC); & Tindwa Medical and Health Services (TMHS)