Browsing by Author "Njuguna, J.K."
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Item Evaluation of Plantain Varieties on Yield Parameters in Murang’a County, Kenya(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2022-02-16) Njuguna, J.K.; Gathambiri, C.; Wepukhulu, S.; Muniu, F.; Mugii, P.; Kinaga, P.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPlantains are commonly grown in the coastal region of Kenya. However their demand in urban areas particularly in Nairobi has been increasing thus triggering demand for suitable varieties by farmers in medium altitude zone. A study was therefore initiated to determine the suitable varieties for this zone in order to meet the requirements and demand of the producers and consumers. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the performance of various plantain varieties in a medium altitude zone of Murang’a, Kenya. Consequently, three plantain varieties locally known as “Mkono wa Tembo”, “Bokoboko” and “Kampala” sourced with others from Kilifi, Busia, Kisii, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi Counties were evaluated at KALRO HRI (1450m a.s.l) which is located in Muranga County. The design used was Randomised Complete Block (RCBD) with three replicates. Data on bunch weight, fingers per bunch, finger length and finger thickness were collected at full maturity stage. “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P= 0.0006) higher mean bunch weight (43kg) than Kampala (24.5kg) and Bokoboko (16.6kg). Similarly, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly more fingers per bunch (119) than “Kampala” (85) and “Bokoboko” (59). For finger length, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P=0.0027) longer fingers (25.9 cm) compared to “Bokoboko” (20.1) but almost same size with “Kampala” (25.8 cm). On the other hand “Bokoboko” variety had significantly thicker fingers (17.8cm) than “Mkono wa Tembo” (13.0cm) and Kampala (13.6cm). “Mkono wa Tembo” therefore outperformed other varieties in all parameters considered apart from finger thickness which indicates its superior adaptability in this zone. Consumers normally prefer varieties with long and thin fingers thus “Mkono wa Tembo” and “Kampala” would go very well with consumers. In conclusion, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety was the most promising variety followed by “Kampala” variety for production in medium altitude zone of Murang’a.Item Influence of Mango Rootstock on Performance of Improved Mango Cultivars(2012) Njuguna, J.K.; Wanjala, S.; Wepukhulu, B.; Gatambia, E.Mango is one of the most widely grown fruit crops in the world. In Kenya, mango is an important fruit crop in terms of area under cultivation, volume and value of the product. However, despite the importance of this crop, its potential has not been fully exploited due to constraints such as diseases, insect pest infestations, poor crop husbandry and usage of inappropriate rootstocks among other factors. The two commonly used rootstocks in Kenya namely Sabre and Peach were adopted from South Africa which is a subtropical country. Their characteristics and their influence on improved cultivars in Kenya have not been documented. A study was therefore initiated to determine the effect of the two rootstocks on three improved cultivars namely Glenn, Irwin and Tommy Atkins. Results showed that Irwin and Tommy Atkins grafted on Peach rootstock out yielded Glenn grafted on the same rootstock. There was a difference (P<0.5) between cultivars for fruit number and fruit weight. All the three cultivars produced more and heavier fruits when grafted on Sabre rootstock than when grafted on peach rootstock. Cultivar Irwin had the highest fruit number and weight followed by Tommy Atkins while Glenn had the lowest. This could be attributed to faster and vigorous growth of cultivar Irwin thus establishing a large canopy earlier than other cultivars. It can be concluded that Sabre is a more superior rootstock than Peach and of the three cultivars; Irwin has the greatest yield potential particularly when grafted on Sabre rootstock.Item Termites (Macrotermes spp., Odontotermes spp.)(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2024-05) Mulwa, J.; Odhiambo, H.; Njuguna, J.K.; Magogo, J.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationTermites live in colonies and primarily feed on dead plant material, such as wood and leaf litter. These pests are particularly prone to attacking weak or wounded plants, rather than strong, healthy ones with well-developed stems and branches. In mango orchards, termites are commonly found as they consume decomposing litter. Young orchards are especially vulnerable to termite damage, but even mature orchards can face significant problems. Termites are prevalent across all mango production areas in the country, and they also infest other host plants like guava, loquat, citrus, and various perennial trees during their growing seasons.
