Phenotypic variability and correlation estimates for traits of Burkina Faso’ sweet grain sorghum genotypes

Sweet grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a neglected crop mainly grown for its sweet grains in the pasty form. Although its taste is the main character of interest, knowledge of protein related content of the grain, especially when linked to its value for infant porridge appears equally important. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of crude protein content of pasty grains and to determine genetic correlations between morphological and biochemical traits among sweet grain of sorghum genotypes in Burkina Faso. Eight sweet grain sorghum cultivars (BTO2, BZI1, KBZ4, PBO5, PGO3, SBR7, SPI2, STO4) were evaluated through 13 morphological and two biochemical variables. Crude protein content of these genotypes was also compared with the composition of two controls of sweet stalk sorghum (ETS) and ordinary grain sorghum or common sorghum (EBS). The analysis of variance revealed variability within sweet grain sorghum accessions, mainly on the biochemical traits (crude protein and water content) and two morphological traits (peduncle and panicle lengths), which discriminated significantly in the thresholds of 1 and 5%, respectively. In addition, sweet grain sorghum had low crude protein content compared to other types of sorghum, except, two genotypes of sweet grain sorghum (BZI1 and STO4) which recorded higher protein content compared to the common sorghum. An important and negative correlation was noted between sowing-flowering cycle and protein content.

Analysis of stakeholder perceptions and practices related to climate change adaptation in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso, like other Sahelian countries, has experienced a profound change in its climatic regime,with the new context characterised by high rainfall variability with an overall downward trend and ashortening of the seasons. The future rainfall pattern anticipates a decrease in the frequency of lowrainfall (0.1 to 5 mm per day), a lengthening of the average duration of dry sequences, and an early endand late start of rainy seasons. The objective of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of stakeholder perceptions about agricultural water (AgWater) resources sustainability, practices in the context of climate variability and change in Burkina Faso. Interviews were held with institutional actors involved in water resources decision making and initiatives (Government, Research, Non-Governmental Organisations) in the country. In addition, based on four main criteria (climate condition, type of farm and crop, type of AgWater sources, reliability of AgWater), three agricultural sites were investigated using household surveys. The results showed that organisations and farmers in Burkina Faso were aware of climate impacts and had initiated and implemented for many years, diverse options and water control mechanisms for AgWater adaptation. However, there were still gaps in strategies for adapting the water sector to climate threats. Institutional bodies had not got yet attained capacity to sustainably anticipate the effects of climate change on AgWater. There was a lack of mainstreaming hydroclimate services at farm levels, especially for the dry season crops; lack of on-farm flood control mechanisms, absence of a clear gender approach and no standardised monitoring system, Farmers also lacked anticipatory resilience strategies, particularly those who used water sources that were considered as “reliable” then. In general, most of the climate adaptation initiatives implemented lacked synergies, sustainability, and were uncertain about sound water resource management such as moving towards “no regret” and “win-win” options.

Endophytic fungi for biological control of whitefly and tomato leaf miner in Tanzania

Tomato whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and leaf miners (Tuta absoluta) are devastating pests of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Pest management using broad spectrum synthetic pesticides is discouraged due to harmful effects on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of endophytic fungi as bioextracts against tomato whiteflies and leaf miners, as an alternative to synthetic insecticides in Tanzania. The study was done using morphological and molecular techniques, during January 2019 to February 2020 in Arusha region in Tanzania. Three endophyte isolates from pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) were identified with resemblance to members of Fusarium sp and Altenaria sp, by 90 and 82 % similarity, respectively; based on phylogenetic clustering patterns and macro- and micro-morphological characteristics. Bioextracts from endophytes of lemon grass leaves (Elg1); and pyrethrum flowers (Epf1) and leaves (Epl1), showed significant repellency properties (F0.05 (df, 15) = 27.052, P = 0.0001) on whiteflies by 54, 76 and 36%, respectively. They also caused significant lethality (F0.05 (df, 11) = 59.559, P = 0.0001) of tomato leaf miner larvae and whiteflies (F0.05 (df, 11) = 53.600, P = 0.0001). The underlying effect was attributed to possession of flavonoid and total phenolics as active ingredients in the bioextracts. This was commensurate to the levels flavonoid and total phenolic contents, which were considerably more in bioextracts of lemon grass and pyrethrum flower (F0.05 (df, 8) = 10.35, P = 0.0114) and (F0.05 (df, 8) = 40.84, P = 0.0003, respectively), than in pyrethrum leaves.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Streptomyces spp. which suppress pathogenic fungi

Streptomyces species are aerobes and chemoorganotrophic bacteria. These microorganisms produce a wide range of industrially significant compounds, specifically antibiotics and anti fungal substances. The objective of this study was to characterise soil-borne Streptomyces isolates using morphological and molecular traits in order to identify them to species level, and leverage from their potential to suppress the growth of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium italicum. Twenty-seven soil-borne putative Streptomyces, which elicited comprehensive antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium italicum, in a previous study, were evaluated. On the basis of morphology, the bacteria resembled the genus Streptomyces. Initially, colonies phenotypically appeared to have a relatively smooth surface but as growth progressed the bacteria developed a weft of aerial mycelium granular, powdery or velvety in appearance. Bacteria produced a wide variety of pigments which in turn were responsible for the colour of the vegetative and aerial mycelia, colour ranged from white to cream or buff shades and yellow to orange or brown. Microscopic analyses and morphological characteristics generated sub-groups of the isolates and clustered them according to their similarities. One bacterial strain was randomly selected from each cluster and investigated using molecular characteristics. Partial 16S rDNAs from the selected representative isolates from each subgroup, were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis performed. The 16S rDNA sequences of the isolates indicated that they were related to Streptomyces species: S. bungoensis, S. thermocarboxydus, S. corchorusii and S. lasaliensis, that are known secondary metabolite producers possessing antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens.

Phenotypic diversity and chemical properties of pawpaw fruit quality in Ugandan germplasm

Pawpaw (Carica pawpaw L.) fruit production and utilisation have been on the increase in Uganda. However, challenges related to identification of phenotypes with inherent characteristics for improvement of fruit shelf life have limited identification of better varieties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic diversity and shelf life determinants of Uganda’s pawpaw accessions and their variations based on selected quality parameters. Nineteen accessions were collected as seeds from different markets of Uganda, germinated and planted in Namulonge-Wakiso district, central Uganda. The accessions were significantly (P<0.05) variable in terms of fruit weight parameters, with dry matter ranging from 14 - 19% and fruit weight of up to 3.9 kg; while pulp weight was up to 3.2 kg per fruit. Pulp firmness parameters were also significantly variable (P<0.05) and highly correlated with shelf life of the fruit, which ranged from 7 - 13 days depending on the accession. Fruit pulp pH ranged from 4.4-5.6; while titratable acidity of the fruit ranged from 0.03-0.08%. The accessions were clustered in four main clusters depending on the fruit firmness properties, fruit shelf life, fruit weight, pH and titratable acidity as definitive parameters. These accessions were distinguished based on morphological parameters, and henceforth defined for nutritional and economic uses. Accessions with high fruit firmness (>5 kg F) such as 16/20’ 16/16, 16/17 and 18/1; and external pulp thickness (>2 cm) such as 16/16, 16/17 and 18/1 had improved fruit shelf life and are recommended for marketability and processing.

Efficacy of plant extracts and extracting agents against Colletotrichum gloeosporoides of pawpaw fruits

Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) is a fruit crop of economic importance in Kenya, where small scale farmers are the major producers. One factor limiting pawpaw production is anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, whose management on farm still remains a major challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of plant extracts and extracting agents for controlling anthracnose disease on pawpaw fruits. In vitro spore germination and in-vivo tests were done using extracts from five plants; Aloe chiliensis, Azadiracta indica, Carissa edulis, Fuerstia africana and Solanum incanum; and extracting agents methanol, chloroform and ethanol against the fungus. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the botanicals’ dose response treatment ranges. The efficacy of the crude extracts was greatest when methanol was used for extraction. The highest inhibition was recorded in pawpaw fruits treated with leaf extracts of F. africana. There were significant differences in effects among treatments by methanolic extracts of the five plants on conidial spore germination percentage. Aloe chilensis (Aloe) showed a higher spore germination of 35.7%; while Azadirachta indica (Neem) resulted in the lowest spore germination of 1.2%. There were significant differences in days to healing of C. papaya fruits infected with anthracnose. Pawpaw infected fruits healed fastest (3.5 days) when treated with the methanolic leaf extracts of F. africana; while A. chiliensis ethanolic leaf extracts resulted in the longest healing time of over 7 days. Although these botanical fungicides present high potentials or controlling anthracnose pathogens of pawpaw fruits, their suitability for application within the socio-economic framework of Kenyan small-scale producers still remains a matter for further investigation.

Performance of dual-purpose pearl millet genotypes in West Africa: Importance of morphology and phenology

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a cereal crop vital for food security in West and Central Africa. Its byproducts also serve as fodder for livestock, especially during dry seasons. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected genotypes from West African pearl millet breeding programmes, for dual-purpose (grain and fodder) and elucidate prospects for future breeding. A total of 83 open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), five composites, six landraces, one synthetic and five hybrids were evaluated at 14 environments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal during the rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. Combined analysis of data revealed significant differences among genotypes and prevalence of high genotype-by-environment interaction effects. Two stability analyses models consistently indicated that genotypes 10 (SMILBF10), 14 (SMILBF14) and 39 (SMILML5) were widely adaptable across the region. Plant height, panicle length and panicle yield showed significant positive correlations with grain yield; while days to flowering was negatively correlated. Positive correlation between grain and fodder yields indicate possibility for simultaneous improvement involving the two important traits. This result suggests that germplasm exchange and regionally integrated breeding programmes are important for the identification of widely adapted dual-purpose varieties of pearl millet, particularly in West African drylands.

Determinants of contract farming for smallholder sunflower producers in northern Uganda

Contract farming is a form of vertical coordination, largely aimed at correcting market failures associated with spot markets that arise due to imperfect information. The objective of this study was to assess the determinants of farmer engagement in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) contracts in northern Uganda. Stratified random sampling was used to select 150 contracted and 150 non-contracted sunflower farmers in Oyam District, from where primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Logistic regression model was used to examine the factors that influenced farmer participation in contract farming. The major determinants of participation in contract farming by smallholder farmers were age (P<0.1), sunflower production experience (P<0.01), access to credit (P<0.01) and unit produce price (P<0.01).Collaborative efforts by all parties engaged in contracting arrangements are necessary to negotiate a minimum price with the farmers, with a possibility to re-negotiate whenever the market price is above the set price. The study pointed out that improvement in rural roads to enhance transportation of produce to mini-store is vital in driving sunflower contract farming in Oyam district. Therefore, policies aimed at improving rural roads are urgently needed.

Predicted land use and land cover outlook for semi-arid Lokere and Lokok catchments in Karamoja region, Uganda

The semi-arid Lokere and Lokok catchments in northeastern Uganda are experiencing land use and land cover (LULC) change driven by policies and actions aimed at pastoralist sedentarisation. While these efforts present a trajectory of a landscape dominated by farming, livestock herding or grazing persists. The objective of this study was to project medium, and long-term LULC for Lokere and Lokok catchments in Karamoja, Uganda. We applied automatic multi-perceptron neural network, built on Markov chain modeling method, along with multi-criteria evaluation strategies; all embedded in the IDRISI Land Change Modeler (LCM) to project the catchments’ LULC to the year 2030 and 2050. The model was trained using 1994 and 2003 LULC, and validated with 2013 LULC. Results of three modelled policy scenarios; business as usual (BAU), pro-livestock and pro-farming; to the years 2030 and 2050 showed that small scale farming (SSF) would increase in all scenarios, even if policy shifts to promote livestock rearing. Pro-farming policies would, in both 2030 and 2050, result in reduction of grassland as SSF increases; doubling the 2003 land area by 2050. The results of this study facilitate assessment of potential impacts of the future LULC and policy evaluation in the catchments.

Role of networking capability, socio-economic and institutional characteristics on adoption tendencies of clean seed potato agri-enterprises in central Rift Valley, Kenya

Even though quality of seed is a major yield determinant in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production and global food security, inadequate availability of and access to high quality (certified) seed is a major challenge to potato producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to examine farmer’s adoption tendency towards decentralised clean seed potato multiplication agri-enterprise (CSPMAE) in Central Rift Valley, Kenya, which aids in implementation of stage matched entrepreneurial interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire on 54 seed potato producers and 192 non-seed potato producers, through multistage sampling. Ordered logistic regression analysis, based on the trans-theoretical model, revealed that household head, partner knowledge, gender, land size allocated for potato production, level of education, ownership of transport and/or storage facilities, frequency of interaction with certified seed potato producers and agricultural extension officers influenced adoption tendencies of CSPMAE, positively and significantly. Seed potato value chain stakeholder platforms, development workers and donors should prioritise their support for clean seed agri-enterprises to farmers with such traits. This is likely to lead to increased supply of access to clean seed, thereby improving potato yields in Kenya.