Determining appropriate mode and rate of applying lime to improve maize production in acid soils of north Kakamega and Siaya districts, Kenya

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary Determining appropriate mode and rate of applying lime to improve maize production in acid soils of north Kakamega and Siaya districts, Kenya The heights taken 67 days after sowing were 43% higher than control for 6 t ha -1 banded lime plots in North Kakamega district and 38.07% higher than control for 4 t ha -1 broadcast lime in Siaya district. Key words: Lime application methods, maize, soil acidity, western Kenya L'acidité croissante du sol est une cause importante de la basse fertilité du sol au Kenya occidental où environ 57.670 hectares de terre sont acides. Tandis que le chaulage peut augmenter le pH du sol, la méthode d'application la plus appropriée doit être déterminée. Cette étude a visé à déterminer la meilleure façon d'appliquer la chaux en comparant trois méthodes : la semis à la volée, sur des planches de semis et des spots, en utilisant quatre taux de chaux (0, 2, 4 et 6 t ha -1 ) dans les districts du nord de Kakamega et de Siaya et en utilisant le maïs comme la culture d'essai. Une seule application de chaux employant les trois méthodes a été faite pendant la plantation avec 26 kg ha -1 de phosphore et 75 kg ha -1 d'azote appliqués comme couverture. Des données ont été rassemblées sur le pourcentage d'apparition de graine, la taille de culture, la composition chimique du tissu et le rendement en grain. Les résultats ont indiqué le Kiplagat J.K. et al. 69

Mangheni.pmd

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary The way gender influences the impact and adaptation to climate change is not well understood. Therefore, the overall objective of the study is to determine the gender dimensions of the impact of climate change on agriculture and small holder farmers' knowledge, innovations and adaptations to climate change. A household survey together with an in-depth case study are being used to study two purposively selected districts that have been severely affected by climate change in Uganda, namely, Mbale and Soroti. The study will generate gender disaggregated data on impact of climate change on agriculture, economic and environmental assessment of adaptation strategies, farmers' understanding of climate change, and experiences with adaptation. The project will use the information generated to develop policy papers

Koech.pmd

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary This study tested the hypothesis that inclusion of Desmodium spp. into maize cropping system under the push-pull technology enhanced crop growth and yield. Field trials were conducted in Siaya and Busia districts of western Kenya with the following treatments: two Desmodium spp (Desmodium uncinatum Jacq and Desmodium intortum Urb.) intercropped with maize, sole maize with urea (90 kg N /ha) and sole maize without urea and three Desmodium harvesting regimes (9, 12 and 17 weeks after planting maize-WAPM). Maize shoots/grain harvesting and sampling for mineral N (up to 120 cm) was conducted at 9, 10, 12, 13, 15 and 17 WAMP. Soils from both sites were acidic (pH < 5.3), had low N (<0.091%), very low available P (<3.78 mg P/kg) and moderate organic carbon (<2.42%). Establishment of Desmodium was slow during the first season and maize yield was affected drastically with the monocropped maize performing better during the first season. It was concluded that the intercropping system could benefit farmers only during later cropping seasons

Opio.pmd

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary Fifty two single crosses were evaluated for resistance to Turcicum Leaf blight (TLB) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV) resistance across several locations in Uganda in 2009. The crosses were grown in 1-row plots with 2 replications. Subsequently108 triple crosses from the 54 F 1 s were evaluated in 2-row plots for both diseases and agronomic performance in multi-environments during the second season of 2009. Genotypes were considered fixed and environment random. GCA and SCA effects were significantly different among parents and among crosses. Interactions of Environment with GCA and SCA were significant for both TLB and MSV. Plant height and yield were also significantly affected by Crosses x Environment interaction

Njeri assessing.pmd

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary Banana is an important food and cash crop in Kenya. However, its cultivation is hindered by scarcity of seedlings, pests and diseases, among other factors. Naturally regenerated seedlings which most farmers rely on are likely to carry pests and diseases. On the other hand adoption of tissue culture has been hindered by high capital and skill requirements. This study is investigating an alternative cost effective propagation method. Macropropagation is an inexpensive technology that can produce large quantities of high quality seedlings. However, this technology has not been evaluated to demonstrate its effectiveness to produce healthy seedlings with regard to local genotypes, pests and pathogen populations in Kenya. This is the focus of this study

Amuri.pmd

Abstract Résumé Backgroun

Nyeko.pmd

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary Termites are a major constraint to subsistence agriculture, causing yield losses up to 100%. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae for controlling termites, but little is yet known about sustainable application of this biocontrol agent. This study will assess the optimum application rates and timing of M. anisopliae to protect maize and Grevillea robusta, and its persistence in soil, effects on non-target arthropods, and compatibility in maize-legume intercrop. Findings of the study are expected to enhance development of sustainable termite management strategies for small holder farmers