scholarly journals Farmers' Sources and Varieties of Cassava Planting Materials in Coastal Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Clay Kidasi ◽  
Dora Kilalo Chao ◽  
Elias Otieno Obudho ◽  
Agnes Wakesho Mwang'ombe
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Local Markets ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Planting Material ◽  
Coastal Kenya ◽  
Cassava Production ◽  
Planting Materials

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grows in diverse agro-ecological zones. In Kenya, it is widely cultivated in Western and Coastal regions. It is mainly grown for food and nutrition security and excess roots are sold to generate income for the farm households. Its productivity per unit of the land area is high compared to maize and wheat which are staple crops in the country. However, scarcity of cassava planting materials and pests and diseases limit production in these regions. This study aimed at revealing the sources and varieties of cassava planting materials used by farmers and other farmers' practices in coastal Kenya. Four focus group discussions (FGD) and a survey were conducted in 2018, using a semi-structured questionnaire targeting 250 farmers. The data collected on the sources of planting materials, preferred varieties and the practices employed by the farmers in cassava production, was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Majority of farmers (83%) interviewed indicated that they recycled planting materials from the previous crop while some 67% respondents obtained the planting material from their neighbors. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization's (KALRO) and the local markets were reported as sources of planting materials by 11 and 5% farmer respondents, respectively. The only formal seed source reported was KALRO. The rest, own seed, neighbors, and the local markets, were informal seed sources. Piecemeal harvesting practiced by 98% of the farmers favored planting material recycling. Farmers dedicated a small proportion of their land (mean 0.2 ha) to cassava production as reported by 60 and 72.8% of farmers from Taita Taveta and Kilifi, respectively. Slightly above half (56%) of the farmers in Kilifi dedicated slightly more land to cassava, planting between 100 and 4,000 cuttings (2.5% of an acre up to a full acre) compared to 87% farmers from Taita Taveta who planted 100 cuttings or less (which is about 2.5% of an acre or less). A majority (81.1%) of farmers in Taita Taveta planted local cassava varieties compared to Kilifi's 57.8%. Slightly above half of the farmer respondents reported Kibandameno as the preferred variety followed by Tajirika as the second preferred variety as reported by 18% farmers. Kibandameno was preferred for its sweet taste by 75.6% farmers while Tajirika was preferred by 52.4% farmers because of the high yielding capacity. Nearly all farmer respondents, in Taita Taveta County obtained the planting material from informal seed sources, except a negligible number, who reported buying their planting material from KALRO, a formal seed source, far from their locality. Farmers sourcing cuttings from a formal seed source such as those from Kilifi County were more likely to use a tractor for land preparation compared to those who sourced planting materials informally who more likely had scarce knowledge on cassava production and the value of cassava. Therefore, interventions to establish a sustainable healthy cassava planting materials seed system are needed to address the systemic constraint and help develop a viable cassava value chain.

scholarly journals Not only the seed matters: Farmers’ perceptions of sources for banana planting materials in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fleur BM Kilwinger ◽  
Pricilla Marimo ◽  
Anne M Rietveld ◽  
Conny JM Almekinders ◽  
Ynte K van Dam
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Production Scale ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Planting Material ◽  
Chain Analysis ◽  
Traditional Cultivars ◽  
Variety Traits ◽  
Planting Materials ◽  
Laddering Interviews

The adoption of improved seed and other planting material in developing countries shows mixed results despite their potential to increase agricultural productivity. To arrive at a better understanding of the observed adoption rates, a lot of research is focused on finding the cultivars and variety traits that are attractive to farmers. Given smallholder farmers’ seed sourcing practices are often influenced by social ties and cultural norms, it is also relevant to understand where and why farmers seek to acquire planting material. In this study, means-end chain analysis was applied to understand farmers’ perceptions of formal and informal sources of banana planting material. Means-end chain analysis allows respondents to select and verbalize their own constructs to evaluate a product or service. These personally relevant constructs are subsequently linked to their personal goals via laddering interviews. We interviewed 31 Ugandan banana farmers from Western and Central region. Farmers associated formal sources mainly with improved cultivars, tissue culture plantlets and low levels of diversity. Informal seed sources were mostly associated with traditional cultivars, suckers and high levels of diversity. The goals farmers pursued while acquiring planting material, such as financial gains, food security, and to sustain and develop the household, were fairly similar among different groups of farmers. The means through which farmers aimed and preferred to pursue these goals differed and could be related to aspects such as gender, production scale and production goals. These differences among farmers preferences for particular sources indicate that not only cultivar traits should be tailored to farmers’ preferences and needs, but also the characteristics of the sources from which farmers access planting material.

Nutrient Content of the Aboveground Tissue of 12-week-old Loblolly Pine Intraprovenance and Interprovenance Crosses

1975 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Woessner ◽  
C. B. Davey ◽  
B. E. Crabtree ◽  
J. D. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Good Linear ◽  
Available Nutrients ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Aboveground Tissue

Nutrient content (P, K, Ca, Mg) of the aboveground tissue of a series of full-sib loblolly crosses was found to vary by genotype. Variability among and within seed sources is indicated for the ability to absorb Ca and Mg. Absorption of P and K was not found to be dependent on seed source, but the full-sib crosses differ. Good linear relationships were found between plant dry weight and weight of element but not between plant dry weight and percentage of element. Certain highly efficient crosses can be expected to be good producers of dry matter on sites low in available nutrients.

Silver Maple Seed Sources for Increased Biomass Production

1988 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard F. Kopp ◽  
Wayne A. Geyer ◽  
William R. Lovett
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Stem Number ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Silver Maple ◽  
South Central ◽  
Maple Seed

Abstract Silver maple shows promise for use in short-rotation intensive culture energy plantings. A seed source study composed of trees from 26 midwest locations was established in south-central Nebraska in 1979 to determine where silver maple seed should be collected for use in the central Great Plains. Trees were evaluated for survival, height growth, and number of dominant stems per tree during their seventh growing season. Sources from eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, eastern Kansas, and northwest Missouri generally exhibited the greatest survival, height growth, and number of dominant stems. Height growth appears to be under stronger genetic control than stem number, suggesting that selection for height should take priority when selecting trees for biomass production. Geographic trends related to survival and height growth, but not stem number, were observed. Environmental or geographic factors that are strong predictors of seed source performance could not be identified. Planting the most locally produced seed is advisable for the central Plains. North. J. Appl. For. 5:180-184, Sept. 1988.

Distribution of agricultural productivity gains in selected Feed the Future African countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles B. Moss ◽  
Andrew Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traded Goods ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Future ◽  
Cassava Production ◽  
Feed The Future ◽  
Productivity Gains

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine investments in selected Feed the Future countries in Africa. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine three investments in Feed the Future countries (e.g. Rwanda and Uganda) in the context of non-traded goods, exports and imports. These investments include research and development in Ugandan cassava production, a value chain intervention in the coffee market channel in Rwanda and a program to increase the use of fertilizer for maize production in Rwanda. The authors also stress the importance of distributional impacts in terms of policymaking. Findings The results show that while there can be net gains from each investment discussed, the distributional effects of each are very different. Originality/value The findings will be useful for the development community and agribusiness policymaking.

scholarly journals Performance of Green Ash Seed Sources at Four Locations in the Great Plains Region

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
Wayne A. Geyer ◽  
Keith D. Lynch ◽  
John Row ◽  
Peter Schaeffer ◽  
Walter Bagley
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Strong Interaction ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Cold Injury ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Green Ash ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Ash Trees

Abstract Green ash trees from 10 seed sources were planted in a test in 1961 in four states of the Great Plains Region. After more than 20 years, height growth indicates a strong interaction between seed source and plantation location. Larger trees were from southerly sources within about three degrees of latitude of the plantation site. Beyond those limits, cold injury may result. Height and dbh age-age correlations were highly significant at 8 and 20+ years. Height and dbh correlated negatively with a decrease in latitude. North. J. Appl. For. 22(1):54–58.

The effect of genotype on biomass and nutrient content in 11-year-old loblolly pine plantations

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. E. Pope
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Elemental Content ◽  
Total N ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Hilly Region

Dry weights and nutrient contents of all aboveground biomass components were estimated for four seed sources of 11-year-old loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) grown in plantations of the same spacing on an old-field site of high quality in the hilly region of north-central Arkansas, U.S.A. Soil nutrient content was estimated to a depth of 0.61 m. Stand data averaged over all seeds sources are in agreement with published reports for dry weight and nutrient accumulation for loblolly pine if differences associated with seasonal variation are considered. Seed source significantly affected total dry matter and nutrient accumulations. Estimated total aboveground mean annual accumulation of biomass for the four seed sources ranged from 5.99 × 103 to 11.17 × 103 kg/ha per year. Elemental accumulation (kilograms per hectare per year) ranged from 14.06 to 23.66 for N, 1.54 to 3.45 for P, and 6.96 to 18.43 for K. On the average, trees comprise 84% of the aboveground plant biomass and contain 76% of the N, 77% of the P, and 90%, of the K associated with plant tissue. The significant influence of seed source on these stand values can affect the potential impact of short rotation, total tree harvesting on long-term site productivity. The elemental content of the tree biomass ranged from 7 to 11% of the total N, 20 to 35% of the P, and 14 to 30% of the K in the soil–litter–plant system.

Douglas-Fir from New Mexico More Outstanding than Other Sources Studied in Maryland

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-59
Author(s):  
John B. Genys
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Appalachian Region ◽  
Northern Latitude ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Natural Range

Abstract Douglas-fir, represented by different seed sources from its natural range, has been studied in two research plantations in Maryland. In the Piedmont Plateau, 24 populations at age 5 varied in foliage turning brown (0% to 22%) which was associated with the longitude (r = 0.61) and the altitude (r = -0.48) of the seed source. At age 12 they varied in survival (6% to 94%), in height (0.9 m to 1.9 m), and in attraction for use as Christmas trees (0% to 19%), all inversely correlated with the northern latitude. In the Appalachian region, 20 sources at age 19 varied in survival (13% to 81%) and in height (1.5 m to 4.2 m), which was inversely correlated to the western longitude, and directly correlated with the altitude of the seed source. In both plantations, the most outstanding populations in survival, height, and attraction for use as Christmas trees were the two sources from Otero County, NM. North. J. Appl. For. 6:56-59, June 1989.

scholarly journals Seed Source Variation in Morphology, Germination and Seedling Growth of Jatropha curcas Linn. in Central India

2005 ◽  
Vol 54 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 76-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Ginwal ◽  
S. S. Phartyal ◽  
P. S. Rawat ◽  
R. L. Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Jatropha Curcas ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Central India ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Source Variation

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine source variation in Jatropha curcas seeds collected from ten locations in Central India. A significant seed source variation was observed in seed morphology (colour, size and weight), seed germination (viability, germination percent, germination energy, germination value) and seedling growth parameters (survival percentage, seedling height, collar diameter, leave/plant, and seedling biomass). The seed source of Chhindwara (M.P.) was found as the best source in comparison to others. The phenotypic and genotypic variance, their coefficient of variability and broad sense heritability also showed a sizeable variability. This offers a breeder ample scope to undertake screening and selection of seed sources for the desired traits. Further, high percentage of heritability coupled with moderate intensity of genetic gain, was observed for seed germination traits, which signifies that germination is under strong genetic control and good amount of heritable additive genetic component can be exploited for improvement of this species.

scholarly journals Strategic Policies in Expanding Frontiers of Food Security among Cassava-based Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Edet Agbachom ◽  
Amalu Melvin ◽  
Uzoikwe Amata ◽  
Otu Ettah ◽  
Godwin Michael Ubi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Cross River State ◽  
Addition Chain ◽  
Cassava Production ◽  
Strategic Policies ◽  
Cottage Industries

The research was carried out to identify the possible constraints and development of strategic policies in expanding and improving cassava production and processing amongst cassava value chain actors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data generated from the research the 150 cassava producers and processors (cassava value chain actors) through the use of well- define structured interview schedule was collated. The Multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selection of farmer respondents. The multivariate analytical technique was used in analyzing generated data employing the statistical application software of Genstat version 12. The eigen value, percentage variations and loading values contributing to low cassava output were used in achieving the objectives. The results showed that the major constraints to cassava production and processing were agronomic, technical/institutional and financial constraints. The major policy strategies should include a global, national, regional and community strategies all geared towards the evolution of industry analysis for improving cassava productivity in the study area through the development of the traditional farming systems, making good planting material accessible to farmers and on time and at lowest possible prices; the provision of credit facilities to the resource poor cassava –based farmers in the area with no collateral; the establishment of cassava product based cottage industries in the area for cassava value chain development; provision of adequate cassava processing equipment and the formation of cassava farmers’ multipurpose cooperative societies to enhance farmers’ access to benefit from world bank assisted programmes; have free access to basic information and production facilities. The study, therefore, recommended that cassava product based cottage industries be established in the study area in order to encourage both producers and processors in the value addition chain. This will also provide employment and likewise encourage the restive youths in the region to venture into agriculture as a business for economic returns, growth and development of the area. The identified constraints with the higher loading values for each of the principal multivariate should be strengthened using appropriate development strategies/policies to ensure food security and increased farm income for cassava – based farmers in the region.

scholarly journals Phytophthora Root Rot Mortality in Fraser Fir Seedlings

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1025-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Frampton ◽  
D.M. Benson
Keyword(s):  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Resistance Testing ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Richards Function ◽  
Genotype Interaction ◽  
Overall Mortality

Seventeen-month-old seedlings from three fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.) seed sources (Mount Mitchell, Richland Balsam and Roan Mountain) were inoculated in an outdoor lath house with five genotypes of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. After 122 days, overall mortality was 90.5% with significant (p ≤ 0.07) differences among seed sources. The Mount Mitchell source had lower mortality (83.2%) than the Roan Mountain source (95.8%), while the Richland Balsam source (92.5%) was intermediate. Mortality curves were developed using nonlinear regression (Richards' function). Due to a significant seed source × inoculum genotype interaction (p ≤ 0.0001), equations were developed for each combination of seed source and inoculum genotype. Results suggest that while the overall frequency of resistance in fraser fir is low, seed sources differ in their frequency of resistance and that more than one resistance gene may be present. Survivors from this or similar inoculations could be cloned via grafting or rooted cuttings for further resistance testing and/or grafted into a Phytophthora-resistant fraser fir seed orchard.

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