School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS)

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    Abstracts of the 8th annual graduate workshop of the Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University
    ( 2006-04-13) Nalukenge, Imelda ; Talwana, Herbert ; Balirwa, Elizabeth ; Musinguzi, Patrick ; Sentumbwe, Samuel ; Fungo, Robert
    An abstracts report of the Faculty of Agriculture graduate workshop conducted on the theme: “Generating demand driven technologies: the role of graduate agricultural research”
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    Abundance and diversity of tomato rhizosphere microbes in different land uses and their effect on bacterial wilt disease in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2021-04-26) Nampamya, Doreen
    Agricultural production is associated with changes in microbial diversity. This often leads to microbial unevenness and multiplication of soil borne diseases such as wilts, which are tedious to control and trend managed through use of biocontrols. Microbiome composition and land use management have been mentioned as core factors in effectiveness of biocontrols. Therefore, this study determined the diversity and abundance of microbes in the tomato rhizosphere and its effect on severity and biocontrol of bacterial wilt disease in soils from different land uses . Tomatoes were grown in a screen house at Namulonge using unsterilized soils from cultivated, fallow and forest land use types and were inoculated with Ralstonia solanacearum (positive control) but also include a non-inoculated set (negative control). Four biocontrols were used namely; Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Peanibacillus polymyxa and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila. Data were collected on plant growth and yield parameters, and bacterial wilt disease incidence. Rhizosphere microbiome data were obtained using amplicon sequencing. Results showed that B. subtilis and P. polymyxa increased plant height in all land use types. Biocontrols B. amyloliquefaciens and S.rhizophila resulted into the highest dry biomass in cultivated land use, B. amyloliquefaciens and P. polymyxa in fallow and P. polymyxa and B. subtilis in forest land use type. In cultivated land use, biocontrols B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis and S. rhizophila reduced bacterial wilt incidence by 31 % and P. polymyxa by 28 %. Fallow land use type had the highest microbial diversity and forest land use had the highest microbial abundance. The major phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria in Forest, Fallow and cultivated land uses respectively. Bacillus and Paenibacillus bacteria were more abundant in cultivated while Stenotrophomonas bacteria were more abundant in forest land use type
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    Acceptability of fecal sludge compost by farmers in Wakiso and Terego Districts, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2024) Okaso, Daniel Olila
    In most parts of Africa, crop yields have been constrained by soil infertility, which has driven up the demand for soil amendments. Mineral and organic fertilizers which are commonly used, face the challenge of availability, management and cost. This has resulted in their decreased use amongst smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. In an effort to reverse this, the use of fecal sludge compost (FSC) in farms presents an opportunity as it contains vital nutrients and can produce crop yields comparable to those grown with conventional fertilizers. However, fecal sludge compost is a relatively new development and has controversial perceptions which may limit its use. The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of fecal sludge compost by farming households. This study was done in Wakiso and Terego districts, located in central and North-Western Uganda respectively. Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 734 farmers. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology adoption theory were adopted in this study to conceptualize it and identify the dependent and independent variables. Factor analysis was used to determine the acceptability of fecal sludge compost by farming households. Subsequently, structural equation modelling was used to show the different factors influencing acceptability. Study findings showed that the perceptions of the farmers were generally positive. Acceptability was high amongst both rural (77%) and urban (76%) farmers in Wakiso and the rural farmers in Terego (85%). Attitude, subjective norm, perceptions, household income, years spent in school and household size showed a direct significant influence on acceptability. The study recommends that attitudes of farmers be improved by carrying out awareness campaigns on the use of fecal sludge compost through farmer field schools and by engaging community leaders in the dissemination strategies of such technology
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    Acceptance and willingness to pay for potato-based cookies: a case of urban consumers in South-western Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2023-12-11) Nantambi, Bridget
    In Uganda, potato is mainly consumed in boiled form. However, there is a huge potential for processing potato into high value products because of the growing population coupled with changes in food eating habits and increased demand for snacks especially among urban consumers. Such high-value potato products include chips, cookies, cakes, bread and waffles. Using the newly developed potato-based cookies, the study sought to address the question whether these products are accepted by consumers, and the price they are willing to pay for them. The study further investigated factors likely to influence consumer willingness to pay for the cookies. It was hypothesised that potential consumers are different in terms of cookie buying frequency, and the income they earn has an influence on their willingness to pay for the cookies. The study was conducted in South-western Uganda in Kabale, Kisoro, and Mbarara urban areas where a random sample of 613 potential consumers was interviewed. Contingent valuation method, descriptive analysis, Logit and Tobit econometric models were used to analyze the market survey data. Results indicate a high level of consumer acceptance for the potato-based cookies; about 91% accepting to buy the cookies. Taste was the most important attribute consumers considered while purchasing cookies followed by the price. Consumer’s age, income, per capita quantity and availability of related snacks significantly influenced the frequency of cookie purchases. The minimum price consumers were willing to pay was about 603 Uganda Shillings (US$ 0.63) per 100gm pack. The willingness to pay was positively and significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by income of a consumer and the proportion of their food budget, but negatively influenced by being employed and the number of dependants in the household. The processor should, therefore, produce differentiated products with assorted attributes in order to cater for the various consumer segments. The cookies should be produced using low-cost production and efficient technologies and marketed at a relatively competitive price
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    Access and coverage: Which farmers do plant clinics reach in Uganda?
    (Taylor & Francis, 2017) Karubanga, Gabriel ; Matsiko, Frank B. ; Danielsen, Solveig
    This article reports on a study that assessed farmers’ access to, and coverage of, five plant clinics operating from market places in two districts of Uganda. Despite the noticeable geographic and thematic coverage of the services, placing plant clinics at markets did not automatically ensure equitable access and high farmer attendance. Clinic users were predominantly middle-aged male farmers and overall attendance was relatively low. Uganda has taken plant clinics to scale in recent years due to their potential to strengthen the country’s responsiveness to pests and diseases. Optimising farmer reach and ensuring equity in access requires reviewing clinic placement, timing, and mobilisation strategies.
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    Accuracy of pastoralists’ memory-based kinship assignment of Ankole cattle: a microsatellite DNA analysis
    (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011-06) Kugonza, D.R. ; Kiwuwa, G.H. ; Mpairwe, D. ; Jianlin, H. ; Nabasirye, M. ; Okeyo, A.M. ; Hanotte, O.
    This study aimed to estimate the level of relatedness within Ankole cattle herds using autosomal microsatellite markers and to assess the accuracy of relationship assignment based on farmers’ memory. Eight cattle populations (four from each of two counties in Mbarara district in Uganda) were studied. Cattle in each population shared varying degrees of relatedness (first-, second- and third-degree relatives and unrelated individuals). Only memory-based kinship assignments which farmers knew with some confidence were tested in this experiment. DNA isolated from the blood of a subsample of 304 animals was analysed using 19 microsatellite markers. Average within population relatedness coeffi- cients ranged from 0.010 ± 0.005 (Nshaara) to 0.067 ± 0.004 (Tayebwa). An exclusion probability of 99.9% was observed for both sire–offspring and dam–offspring relationships using the entire panel of 19 markers. Confidence from likelihood tests performed on 292 dyads showed that first-degree relatives were more easily correctly assigned by farmers than second-degree ones (p < 0.01), which were also easier to assign than third-degree relatives (p < 0.01). Accuracy of kinship assignment by the farmers was 91.9% ± 5.0 for dam–offspring dyads, 85.5% ± 3.4 for sire–offspring dyads, 75.6% ± 12.3 for half-sib and 60.0% ± 5.0 for grand dam–grand offspring dyads. Herd size, number of dyads assigned and length of time spent by the herder with their cattle population did not correlate with error in memorizing relationships. However, herd size strongly correlated with number of dyads assigned by the herder (r = 0.967, p < 0.001). Overall, we conclude that memorized records of pastoralists can be used to trace relationships and for pedigree reconstruction within Ankole cattle populations, but with the awareness that herd size constrains the number of kinship assignments remembered by the farmer.
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    Adaptation and genetic analysis of earliness and yield component traits of yam bean (Pachyrhizus Spp.) in Rwanda
    (Makerere University, 2019-10) Ndirigue, Jean
    The yam bean (Pachyrizhus spp) is a high yielding storage root legume, rich in protein and micronutrients. The crop is constituted by three species, P. ahipa, P. erosus and P. tuberosus that are in cultivation but remain orphaned in research. The yam bean was recently introduced into Rwanda to determine its adaptability, adoption and improvement potential for integration into the diverse farming agro-ecologies and improvement of diets of root crop dependent communities. Field evaluation of 22 yam bean accessions was done across three experimental sites (Karama, Musanze and Rubona) representing the major root crop growing regions of Rwanda. The study involved crossing three yam bean accessions of early maturing P. ahipa and three late maturing P. tuberosus which were crossed using North Carolina II mating design followed by field evaluation of F1 and their parents to determine genetic control for earliness. Seven F2 progenies were further evaluated at Rubona research station located in southern province of Rwanda and assessed for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield traits to determine potential for yam bean improvement. A randomized completed block design (RCBD) with 3 replications was used and data collected on yield and yield components of the progenies. The GGE bi-plot revealed that EC209018 was high yielding but unstable. However, genotypes, AC209034, AC209035 and EC209046, were outstanding in terms of adaptation and relative stability across the 3 locations, suggesting consistent root yields irrespective of location and environmental conditions. The GGE scatter plot showed that all environments formed one mega-environment for storage root yield and two mega-environments for biomass suggesting that yam bean is adapted in the Rwandan environment and can easily be integrated into the farming systems of Rwanda to supplement diets of communities with root crop rich in protein, zinc and iron. The crosses were significantly (P<0.01) different for key earliness traits, days to emergence, days to start flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity in addition to storage root yield, plant height, number of clusters, and seed yield. High and significant General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) were observed for several traits, with a predictability ratio (σ2gca / σ2sca) being higher than unity for all earliness traits, indicating predominance of additive gene actions. These findings suggested that earliness traits could be improved through selection during early generation phase which would effectively lead to selection of lines with short time to 50% flowering, and days to maturity. Cultivars with high GCA can be used to transfer suitable genes of earliness into yam bean genotypes as our effective breeding strategy for earliness in new lines. The results demonstrated highly significant (p<0.01) genetic variability for yield and yield traits; plant vigor (PV), weight of pods (WOP), plant height (PHT), 100 seed weight (100SW), total biomass yield (TBY), storage root yield (SRY), dry matter content (DMC), and starch content (STA). High genetic and phenotypic variances and genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV> 25%) were observed for WOP, PHT, 100SW, TBY, DMC, and STA. Estimates of heritability were greater than 0.5 for all traits except seed yield, number of roots and number of pods. The genetic advance as percentage of the mean (GAM%) was high for PV (91.39%), WOP (133.88%), PHT (73.56%), 100SW (17.78), TBY (25.15%) and DMC (33.95%). Correlational analysis revealed positive and significant (p<0.05) associations between PV and PHT, protein content (PRO), 100SW, TBY, SRY, and DMC while DMC had positive and significant (p<0.01) correlations with STA. These results indicated presence of high genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic gain and confirmed potential for genetic improvement of plant vigor, weight of pods, plant height, 100 seed weight, total biomass yield, storage root fresh yield, dry matter content and starch content of yam beans in Rwanda. The high yielding and well adapted genotypes that were identified in this study viz, AC 209033, AC 209035 and EC209018 should be assessed through participatory farmer’s selection for quick adoption. In medium term, several crosses should be initiated using the few parental germplasm to form base populations for recurrent selection of yam bean for earliness and high yield. A breeding program should be initiated targeting the development of high yielding and early maturing yam bean accessions by utilizing the high genetic variability and predominance of additive genetic effects that were found to control these traits.
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    Adapting cutting and tissue culture techniques to clonal propagation of the shea tree (vitellaria paradoxa) in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2017-01) Okao, Moses
    A study to adapt tissue culture and stem cutting techniques to vegetative propagation of Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea tree) was conducted between March and July, 2014. The specific objectives of the study were to: determine appropriate culture media composition for in vitro regeneration of V. paradoxa, evaluate the influence of cutting type on the rooting success of V. paradoxa stem cuttings, and assess the effects of mode of application of rooting hormones (IBA) on adventitious root formation of V. paradoxa stem cuttings. To achieve these objectives, four media compositions were evaluated for in vitro regeneration of V. paradoxa shoot tips; four modes of auxin (IBA) application at three different levels of concentration were evaluated with respect to adventitious root formation of Shea cuttings, and a third experiment was set to determine the effect(s) of cutting types on rooting success of V. paradoxa stem cuttings. A total of 2,556 Shea stem cuttings and 360 explants were evaluated in the study. Data were then entered in Ms Excel and analyzed using R-system software. Data on tissue culture regeneration were collected on survival rate, callus development, root and shoot formation. For the stem cutting experiments, data were collected on; number of rooted cuttings, quantity and length of developed roots including evidence of auxiliary bud break. Frequencies were derived to determine the extent, to which explants survived, rooted, callused or remained dormant. One way ANOVA was conducted to investigate the quality of rooting success between the four modes of auxin application. Where treatments were found to be significantly different, the Tukey‘s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) was used to make pair wise comparisons. The linear relationship between rooting success and bud break was investigated using correlation and regression analysis. The highest level of callus formation was observed in media containing MS+BAP (27.3±1.00%) and lowest (16.7±0.58%) in the one composed of MS+BAP+GA3. Root formation (11.1±0.58%) was observed only for the treatment (MS+BAP + NAA). Basal cuttings dipped for 24hr at 80ppm showed the highest rooting percentage (69.0±3.61%) compared to the other application methods. The basal cuttings also recorded comparatively better rooting percentage (38.1±4.00 to 69.0±3.61%) than the tip cuttings (35.7±3.61 to 57.1±6.66%). Results also revealed that bud break was generally lower in basal cuttings and that bud break and root number were positively correlated (r=0.577). It was therefore recommended that further experimentation needs to be conducted on tissue culture using more media compositions and explants so as to enhance survival rate and generate V. paradoxa plantlets. Also, a thorough study should be carried out on the potential for foliar application of IBA, such that if adapted well, it can be incorporated for mass production of V. paradoxa subsp. nilotica. For now the 24hr long soak method at 80ppm is recommended for large scale
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    Agro-morphological characterization of mungbean (vigna radiata) entries and their use in cross-combinations for breeding purposes in Uganda.
    ( 2013) Waniale, Allan
    Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is a species of the pan-tropical genus Vigna that is native to Asia; it is widely grown and used in Africa, Latin America and Asia for human and livestock consumption. Dry seeds, fresh green pods or leaves, which contain high protein, vitamins and minerals, are all utilized. Mungbean also adds appreciable amounts of nitrogen in soils when planted in rotation with cereals. However, a world average Mungbean yield of 384kg/ha is very low due to lack of sufficient genetic diversity in desirable traits for breeders to substantially improve the crop. As prerequisite for initiating a mungbean breeding program to improve yields and disease resistance, it was necessary to collect and characterize germplasm of diverse origins and genetic diversity, both local and exotic, for use in selecting genotypes that can broaden the genetic base of mungbean. The current study therefore collected and characterized agro-morphological variability in Ugandan and exotic mungbean germplasm; and determined the mode of inheritance of key traits and the potential of broadening mungbean genetic base using its relatives. Exotic mungbean from the World Vegetable Centre (AVRDC) as well as local mungbean lines assembled by the National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) were planted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and NaSARRI for two seasons using an alpha lattice experimental design in three replications. Data was collected at appropriate stages using standard procedures on a total of 28 qualitative descriptors and 14 agro-morphological traits including; earliness, phonological traits and yield. There was substantial genetic variability within and between local and exotic mungbean lines indicating genetic diversity in the 14 quantitative and 28 qualitative agro-morphological descriptors within and among genotypes. However, a single link dendrogram drawn from data of 28 morphological markers showed a close genetic relationship among mungbean lines. Correlations between quantitative descriptors showed moderate association between seed size and seed yield (P<0.01), confirming how seed size is a critical trait for yield. Late maturing lines significantly (P<0.001) yielded higher than early maturing lines. Inheritance of earliness, yield and yield related traits was determined in the F2 progenies obtained from crosses of 4 large seeded exotic lines (female parents) and 2 adapted local lines. (male parents) that were planted and evaluated at MUARIK in an alpha lattice design replicated thrice. Results revealed a high Baker’s ratio ranging from 0.77 to 1 for primary braches, plant height, pods per plant, seed size and grain yield per plant indicating importance of GCA over SCA. The low Baker’s ratio of 0.44 and 0.26 for earliness measured as days to first flowering and days to 80% maturity respectively indicated prominence of SCA over GCA. Earliness had a low narrow sense coefficient of genetic determination (NS-CGD below 0.5) while rest of the traits were above 0.5. Broad sense coefficient of genetic determination (BS-CGD) was generally high for all traits ranging between 0.62 and 1. Results also revealed that there were some barriers to crossing mungbean with its relatives; blackgram and ricebean. There is substantial variability within the collected germplasm to start a viable mungbean breeding program that can develop disease resistant and high yielding lines. With the exception of earliness, the breeding strategy for traits considered in inheritance study should be early selection as there are non-significant non-additive gene effects. This significantly reduces the number of segregating lines to be tested in later generations thus saving resources. Interspecific hybridizations seem to have some barriers thus techniques such as embryo rescue should be employed to obtain viable F1 plants thereby introgressing lacking desirable traits in mungbean from ricebean and blackgram.
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    Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Pseudocercospora fijiensis to Determine the Role of PfHog1 in Osmotic Stress Regulation and Virulence Modulation
    (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2017-05-16) Onyilo, Francis ; Tusiime, Geoffrey ; Chen, Li-Hung ; Falk, Bryce ; Stergiopoulos, Ioannis ; Tripathi, Jaindra N. ; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce ; Kubiriba, Jerome ; Changa, Charles ; Tripathi, Leena
    Black Sigatoka disease, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis is a serious constraint to banana production worldwide. The disease continues to spread in new ecological niches and there is an urgent need to develop strategies for its control. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is well known to respond to changes in external osmolarity. HOG pathway activation leads to phosphorylation, activation and nuclear transduction of the HOG1 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The activated HOG1 triggers several responses to osmotic stress, including up or down regulation of different genes, regulation of protein translation, adjustments to cell cycle progression and synthesis of osmolyte glycerol. This study investigated the role of the MAPK-encoding PfHog1 gene on osmotic stress adaptation and virulence of P. fijiensis. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of PfHog1 significantly suppressed growth of P. fijiensis on potato dextrose agar media supplemented with 1 M NaCl, indicating that PfHog1 regulates osmotic stress. In addition, virulence of the PfHog1-silenced mutants of P. fijiensis on banana was significantly reduced, as observed from the low rates of necrosis and disease development on the infected leaves. Staining with lacto phenol cotton blue further confirmed the impaired mycelial growth of the PfHog1 in the infected leaf tissues, which was further confirmed with quantification of the fungal biomass using absolutequantitative PCR. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PfHog1 plays a critical role in osmotic stress regulation and virulence of P. fijiensis on its host banana. Thus, PfHog1 could be an interesting target for the control of black Sigatoka disease in banana.
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    Agronomic performance and breeding potential of selected maize inbred lines for improvement of protein quality of adapted Ugandan germplasm
    ( 2008-12-15) Kalule, Okello David
    The main objective of this study was to characterise selected QPM inbred lines obtained from CIMMYT under Ugandan conditions. Agronomic performance and combining abilities were determined to assess the breeding potential of these materials. A total of 12 maize inbred lines were evaluated. Nine of these, namely: CMLL44, CMLl59, CML 173, CML176, CML181, CML 182, CML387, CML395 and CML444 were obtained from CIMMYT. The first six CIMMYT inbred lines were QPM inbred lines and the latter 3 were normal maize inbred lines known to have some good traits. Also included in the evaluations were three recycled lines from the National Cereals' programmes. These were PED 49A, PED 498 and 136R that have been improved for tolerance to drought, MSVD, TLB and also found to have good combining abilities. Experimental plots for this study were planted at Namulonge Agricultural and Animal Production Research Institute (NAARI) in Central Uganda, which is considered a hot spot for several foliar diseases of maize, namely, the Maize streak virus disease (MSVD), Turcicum leaf blight (TLB), the Gray leaf spot (GLS) and Leaf rust (LR). The results showed that lines CMLl59 and CML144 were the most susceptible to MSV and TLB, whereas, line CML173 was early maturing, had very good plant aspect and was moderately resistant to the major foliar diseases. Similarly, line CML176 was very susceptible to MSV, had moderate resistance to TLB, GLS and LR, but had good plant aspects, high protein quality (tryptophan content) and quantity. Line CML181 was found to be resistant to MSV and moderately resistant to TLB, GLS and rust. Unfortunately, CML181 had the lowest tryptophan level. In contrast, line CML 182 was found to be very susceptible to MSV, TLB and has a poor plant aspect. An analysis of combining abilities was performed using a 6 x 6 half diallel mating design with the QPM inbred lines as males. Estimates of both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability were made for disease tolerance using the Fl generation. The results indicated the existence of genetic divergence for all the diseases analyzed with additive effects more predominant. Promising QPM inbred lines that could be incorporated into the maize breeding programs presented good GCA for the major foliar diseases, good plant aspects and high protein quality and quantity. On this basis, lines CMLL76 and CML173 were found to be superior and, therefore, should be considered for inclusion in Ugandan QPM breeding programmes. Pedigree selection from outstanding F1s generated many segregants for various gains. For example, Line 2 had very short maturity dates (52 days to silking). Such a line could be key in helping address the increasingly water shortage due to unreliable rainfall in Uganda. Line I manifested traits distinctive of highland germplasm. Other qualities identified included tighter husk cover, which is good for protection against ear rots, plant aspect and resistance to disease. Furthermore, these segregants have been developed under local conditions at Namulonge, they are now considered adapted to Ugandan conditions. However, further multi-locations trials will be required for these early generation lines to determine the stability for the new traits. Substantial emphasis has been put into the development of hard endosperm o2 maize irrespective of the kernel texture. Differences in preference for a particular maize grain texture, however, exist among farmers and breeders yet the relationship among key grain quality attributes is not known. Thirty cobs from families of variety Longe 5 were evaluated to determine the relationship between kernel texture, level of kernel modification, protein and tryptophan content in opaque-2, and grain weight' The results showed that grain weight but not tryptophan content appears to be influenced by both kernel texture and modification. No adverse effect of kernel texture on endosperm modification was observed. Thus, grain yield maybe improved by selection for vitreousness (higher modification scores) and thereby making QPM agronomically competitive with normal-endosperrn alternatives. This study has, therefore, generated vital information for QPM breeding in Uganda. The new QPM germplasm recently brought into the country is not only better understood but novel early generation breeding lines have been generated and fairly characterised for various gains. In so doing the QPM donor base for wider environments has been increased. Additionally, the role of kernel texture on trlptophan level, endosperm modification, and grain weight/yield elucidated.
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    Altitude and farming system as drivers for occurrence of biological control agents and yield in coffee fields of mount Elgon region in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023-06) Ijala, Anthony Raphael
    The Mount Elgon coffee farmlands exist in mosaical patterns with banana, annual crops, and semi natural vegetation with a hierarchy of bio-physical characteristics conferred by altitudinal positioning and cropping intensity. Insect pests are one of the key challenges in coffee production, further exacerbated by the rising temperatures that are known to favor the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), a key pest. It is not yet clear to what extent such abiotic factors, which drive insect pests’ dynamics are influenced by the existent farming systems, altitudinal positioning, and dynamics of associated natural biological control agents. The objectives of this study were to: i) To determine the effect of altitude and farming system, on the occurrence of the parasitoid complex of the coffee berry borer in the mount Elgon Region (MER), ii) To determine the effect of farming system and altitude on occurrence and distribution of the predatory Carabidae, and the association to the coffee aphids (Toxoptera aurantii) in the MER, and iii) To determine the most suitable farming system for high coffee foliage and coffee bean yield performance at the different altitudes in the MER. The study was set up in Kapchorwa and Sironko, districts of the MER. The selected coffee fields in the study were delineated by two factors: altitude at three levels: lower (1400-1499 m.a.s.l); mid (1500-1679); and high (1680-2100); and coffee farming system at four levels: Coffee monocrop; Coffee+annual crop; Coffee+banana; and Coffee+banana+shade trees with three replications of each farming system. A total of 72 coffee fields were sampled in the longitudinal study for two years. With regard to the key natural enemies (parasitoids) of the coffee berry borer, results revealed highly significant interactions between altitude and farming system in influencing H. hampei field infestation (Fdf 6; 2146 =20.39; P<0.001) and the abundance of the four parasitoids recorded namely: Phymastichus coffea (Fdf 6; 130 =11.48; P<0.001); Cephalonomia stephanoderis (Fdf 6; 130 =0.96; P<0.001); Prorops nasuta (Fdf 6; 130 =5.67; P<0.001) and Heterospilus coffeicola (Fdf 6; 130 =3.6; P=0.002). Highest level of P. nasuta emergence from the reared berries was at high altitude within the Coffee + banana system (78±7.1); C. stephanoderis emergence (73±3.5) was highest in the mid altitudes within Coffee + banana+shade tree system; P. coffea (58.3±3) in the mid altitudes within the Coffee+banana farming system; and H. coffeicola (13.0±0.9) in the high altitudes within the Coffee+annual crop. Microclimate and semi natural vegetations had specific and significant relationships with the abundance of parasitoids. Of the four parasitoids, C. stephanoderis had a positive relationship to semi-natural vegetation species counts (t=2.778, SE= 0.093, P=0.006); P. coffea had a negative relationship with temperature (t= -4.209, SE=0. 015, P<0.000); P. nasuta had a negative relationship with temperature (t= -2.620, SE=0.013, P=0.010); H. coffeicola had a positive relationship to light intensity (t= 2.389, SE=0.000, P=0.018) and a negative relationship to temperature (t= -2.707, SE=0.011, P=0.008). These relationships contrasted that of H. hampei, which was positively related to temperature (t=5.503, SE=0 .057, P<0.000); negatively related to light intensity (t= -1.984, SE=0.001, P=0.049) but with no significant relationship to vegetative species counts. P. coffea caused the highest parasitism rates for the coffee berry borer in the Coffee + banana farming system (54%); C. stephanoderis (52%) achieved highest parasitism at mid altitude in the Coffee + banana system+ shade trees systems. The predatory Carabidae beetles revealed highly significant interactive effects of altitude and farming systems on the occurrence of three genera: Anisodactylus, Chlaenius, and Harpalus. The abundance of Harpalus spp. were highest at lower altitudes in Coffee monocropped farming systems (165±4); Anisodactylus spp. were more abundant at higher altitudes in Coffee+annual crop systems (144±2); while Chlaenius spp. were highest in the Coffee+banana+shade tree system at mid altitudes (22±0.5). Anisodactylus spp. had a significant positive relationship to soil moisture (t= 2.58**, SE= 1.5); Harpalus spp. had a significant positive relationship to soil EC (t= 5.30***, SE= 1.27) while Chlaenius spp. had a significant negative relationship to soil pH (t= -2.19*, SE= 0.133). It was only Chlaenius spp. which had a significant positive relationship with the semi natural vegetation (t=2.37*, SE= 0.176). In the predator-pest relationship with the coffee aphid Toxoptera aurantii, a biplot showed that the aphid correlated highly and negatively to all the three Carabidae (Anisodactylus spp. Chlaenius spp. and Harpalus spp.). For the effect of farming system on coffee foliage and coffee bean yield performance, the highest number of coffee leaves/branch were on farms with Coffee+annual cropping. Coffee bean yields were highest in the Coffee+banana+shade trees, specifically at low altitude. PCA results revealed a strong relationship of temperature, and relative humidity with the clean coffee bean yield and leaves per branch. This study recommends that: i) to reduce infestation of the coffee berry borer and promote the occurrence of the Hymenopteran parasitoids that regulate the pest, growers should embrace the Coffee+banana+shade trees system farming systems that buffer rising temperatures. This is especially relevant for farmers in the range of 1400-1499 m.a.s.l; ii) to promote the generalist predatory Carabidae beetles especially Anisodactylus, Harpalus and Chlaenius species, which regulate the coffee aphid and other hemipteran pests on coffee, growers should adopt practices that enhance soil moisture retention through maintaining good ground cover and/or inclusion of shade trees+banana in their fields; and iii) Growers are urged to embrace innovative ways of introducing semi natural vegetation in their coffee fields/proximity to promote biological control agents like the Carabidae beetles and the parasitic wasps so as to increase the unit productivity/yields of coffee farms. Semi natural vegetation can be incorporated in form of diverse hedges, borders, road reserves, and if possible, by letting adjacent plots to fallow in some periods.
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    Analysis of costs associated with control of banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) in Mukono and Luwero Districts, Uganda
    ( 2010-09) Sebikari, Mabel
    Bananas are a major food crop, with Uganda as the second largest producer in the world and largest producer in Africa. The crop which is mainly grown at subsistence level provides food all year round and is known to be profitable. Its production in the last five years has reduced by seven percent as a result of reduction in soil fertility and pests and diseases such as Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW). The disease that was first discovered in Uganda in 2001 causes high yield losses. Control of the disease has centred on cultural control with five approaches being promoted. These include removal of male bud, sterilising of farm tools, cutting of infected plants in-situ, rouging of whole mats infected with the disease and replanting of disease free suckers in uninfected fields. In spite of farmers reporting the control measures as simple, less than 35 percent used them. Inputs associated with use of these methods have been advanced the reason for low use. However, the cost of inputs used has not been quantified. A survey was conducted in Luwero and Mukono districts on 230 farmers. The paired t test was used to compare the costs and revenues banana farmers’ incurred to control BXW using different recommended practices. The difference in observed and perceived costs of using these approaches was compared using the Z statistic. WLS regression was run to determine the relationship between the combinations of BXW controls practices used and income from banana production. The net revenue for controlling BXW was found to be lower than that when control measures are not in use. It does not imply that BXW control should not be encouraged. This is because the data was collected during one period of time and yet bananas are a perennial crop. The output from the recovery of banana plantations when control measures were instituted is not expected to be high initially due to high disease control cost per unit area and the disease is not completely eradicated. As control measures are continuously used, the condition of the plantation stabilizes as the cost of controlling BXW drops due to less or no diseased plant. Increased profits from continued control of BXW are seen from the positive gross revenue when the recommended BXW control is used, which is 72 percent higher than that when farmers did not use the control measures. But when a farmer does not control BXW, the disease wipes out the whole plantation over time. Thus the farmer over time will receive no benefit due to the total loss in output. Though prompt control is advised, the initial costs are high, but farmers will benefit from BXW control in time. WLS regression results showed that the cutting of infected mats in situ, replanting using clean planting material in uninfected fields and removal of a male bud when used in combination (cluster 2) increased banana revenue per hectare by 90 percent compared to when rouging whole mats was done in combination with the other two approaches in cluster 2. Efforts to control BXW should be furthered since they are beneficial. They should encompass encouraging farmers to use combinations of methods in cluster 2 and the use of soil amendments based on the cost of technology and targeted. In addition the provision of subsided planting materials, further research to determine the period when farmers will begin to reap from BXW is control advised.
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    Analysis of drought tolerance in selected upland rice genotypes in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2012-02) Namazzi, Birabwa Sylvia
    Rice, one of the world’s staple is under serious threat by water stress as a result of drought due to the changing climatic conditions. Yield reduction due to drought is increasing by the day and severe losses have been incurred by farmers over the years. Breeding work on especially upland rice for drought tolerance has been met with challenges arising mainly from the complexity of mechanisms involved in inheritance of drought resistance. Nevertheless, several attempts have been made to improve rice for drought tolerance and varying levels of success have been made. In the case of Uganda, rice improvement is a new focus, although limited improvement of rice cultivars for various traits has been done. To broaden the genetic base by the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), interspecific rice lines have been introduced from the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the Africa Rice Centre formerly known as West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA). However, the performance of these lines under Ugandan conditions is not clearly known. The overall objective of this study was to determine the mode of gene action for the various traits used in breeding for drought tolerance and specifically to: i) determine the reaction of parents to water stress; ii) determine the combining ability and heritability for drought tolerance in upland rice progeny derived from selected parental crosses; and iii) evaluate previously identified rice quantitative trait loci (QTL) for drought tolerance in F2 segregating population. The study was carried out at NaCRRI located at 0o32l N and 32o37l E. Ten inter-specific upland parent genotypes selected from several rice lines acquired from Africa Rice center and CIAT were used. These parents were planted in soil boxes following a randomised complete block design to screen them for tolerance to water stress. The parents were also planted in pots and crossed following the North Carolina mating design II to generate F2 segregating progeny. Five tolerant parents were used as female and five susceptible parents used as males in the forward cross. Reciprocals too were included in the study. The F2 progeny along with parents were planted following an alpha lattice design with two replications in soil boxes in the screen house. Water stress was imposed by restricting watering at maximum tillering and data were collected on various traits (leaf rolling, leaf drying, plant height, number of tillers and leaf recovery following rehydration) during the vegetative and reproductive stages (days to flowering, panicle exertion, panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle, panicle production per plant, number of effective tillers and grain yield) when the soil moisture content was 30 %. Re-watering was done at the end of the stress period until plant harvesting. Data were used to determine the reaction of genotypes to water stress, the general and specific combining ability as well as heritability of the different traits in GENSTAT. Genotype 188 (WAB 881-10-37-18-3-P1-HB) was most tolerant to water stress among parents while genotypes 46 (CT16353-CA-11-M) and 41 (CT163339(1)-CA-15-M) were most susceptible. The progenies that resulted from crosses involving genotypes 26x46 and 26x41 were most tolerant to drought among the F2 populations manifested by their ability to form grain under severe water stress compared to other progenies. Based on combining ability and heritability analyses, days to flowering were found to have a high broad sense heritability and additive genetic control in action. Both additive and non additive gene action have been found important in the regulation of the number of spikelets per panicle produced. Parent genotypes 188 (WAB 881-10-37-18-3-P1-HB) and 138 (WAB450-1-BL1-136-HB) were found to have good general combining ability for the number of spikelets per panicle and could be used to improve rice yields under drought conditions Parental screening using 27 SSR markers associated with drought tolerance traits showed that marker RM339 and RM224 were polymorphic in parents 188 and 46, and thus were used to screen the F2 segregating progeny. Previous work had located RM224 and RM339 on linkage group 11 and 8 respectively. The marker RM339 was shown to be associated with leaf drying, while the marker RM224 was shown to be associated with all the traits studied based on the chi square test of independence, although only tillering had significant association from the regression analysis. The results showed that RM224 was linked to tillering and the analysis showed that 34% of the variation observed in tillering of the genotypes was associated with the SSR marker RM224 segregation.
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    Analysis of genetic diversity and progress made in bean breeding in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023-01) Mukayiranga, Alice
    Over the past 56 years, many cultivars of common beans have been released in Uganda but the genetic gain made in grain yield and related traits have never been documented. The morphological and genetic diversity of these released bean varieties is important in identifying potential varieties with desirable traits that could be used as parents for future hybridization schemes but this has also not been elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and progress made by bean breeding in Uganda over the past 56 years. The study used 40 varieties and was conducted at the National Crops Resources Research Institutes (NaCRRI) Namulonge and at Kwachwekano and Nakabango Zonal Agricultural research institutes during the first and the second seasons of (2017B and 2018A). The Climbing types were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications while a 3x10 alpha-lattice design with three replications was used for the bush types. To assess the morphological diversity, seven qualitative and seven quantitative traits were measured on five randomly selected plants. Analysis of variance was used to detect level of significance among the quantitative traits at P=0.05. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was also determined. Dendrogram were created with Euclidean similarity coefficients in Genstat 18th edition. SSR markers were used to test for the genetic diversity. The gene diversity index, number of polymorphic loci and allele frequencies were generated using Powermarker3.25software.The dendrogram using the similarity coefficients was generated. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences at P<0.001. High (GCV) was observed in number of seeds per pod followed by hundred seed weight and number of pods per plants (NPP) and Bean Common Mosaic Virus(BCMV). Cluster analysis showed two majors groups formed based on gene pool or the centre of origin. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from0.16 to 0.37 and the gene diversity index ranged from 0.18 to 0.50 implying moderate diversity. Cluster analysis segregated the bean samples into two major clusters based on growth habit. The relative genetic gain was 1.27% /year for bushy types and 1.54%/ year for the climbing types. The gain achieved in introducing resistance to BCMV in both types was 0.9% and 1.8 % over the years. This characterization can be used for selecting parents for further improvement. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris; morphological/genetic diversity, Genetic progress, Annual rate of gain.
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    Analysis of Tamarindus Indica value chain in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2011-04) Lakor, Jackson
    Tamarindus indica is a tropical widespread multipurpose fruit tree species of the Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpiniaceae tribe Amherstieae, Genus Tamarindus. It is a multipurpose and very valuable tree species in Uganda and in other semi-arid Africa for fruit, timber, leaves and shade. However, wild harvesting (extractivism) and over-extraction of T. indica have led to its market expansion and supply shortages in many cases. As forests recede due to deforestation, T. indica trees become severely prone to overexploitation and extinction. However, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the regeneration and rehabilitation and sustainability of the management will depend on the market development and economic benefits realized from T. indica products. This study examined value chain of T. indica in Uganda with emphasis on marketing margins and factors that influence marketing margins obtained by producers and traders. The study was conducted in Gulu, Kampala, Kitgum, Moyo, Soroti and Tororo districts from January- February, 2009. Marketing margins was determined using the comparison of prices at different levels of marketing over the same period of time, while factors’ affecting marketing margins obtained by producers and traders was determined using multiple OLS regression techniques. Results shows that T. indica is used as an alternative source of food, fuel wood and construction materials especially in the dry lands of Uganda. The average marketing margins for the producers was found to be Ush 201(US$ 0.113.00) and that of traders was 927 (US$ 0.46) per kilogram and marketing margins was observed to be significantly and positively influenced by distance to market, district of origin, marketing costs and sales volume. This implies that having a good knowledge of T. indica products marketing is critical for it commercialization, domestication and management.
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    Analysis of the economic performance of cross bred chickens: a case of peri urban areas of Wakiso district, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023-09) Lubulwa, Henry
    The accelerated human population growth in peri urban centers of Wakiso district has resulted in high rates of unemployment. This coupled with shortage of arable land due to Urbanisation, has led to urban poor to turn to poultry rearing for their livelihood, because poultry production requires small spaces and it is a low cost investment compared to other livestock enterprises. However, despite government of Uganda (GOU) and Non-Government Organization (NGO) efforts to support this enterprise, it has been observed that the profitability may be low. Hence, the need to conduct this study in the peri urban areas to establish factors that influence the economic performance of crossbred chickens in the two systems. Cross section survey design was employed. A total of 136 respondents were randomly selected 68 respondents for each production system (intensive and semi intensive). The study examined the characteristics of farmers assessed the performance of farmers using gross margin in both systems. The results show that socio-economic factors and management practices influenced the performance of cross bred chickens in the peri urban areas. The feed cost constituted the highest percentage of the total variable cost per bird up to 55.4% and 47.7% for intensive and semi intensive production system, respectively. The gross margins per bird for both production systems were UShs. 3,941.07(intensive) and UShs. 3,311.5 (semi intensive)  respectively. This suggests that intensive production system is a better production system compared to semi intensive production system in terms of profitability. Factors found to influence profitability include: socio economic and management practices. The management practices include; provision of supplement feeds, provision of light for two more weeks after brooding keeping production records house hold size. The study recommends; encouragement of youth to take on poultry farming, need to train crossbred chicken farmers on the best management practices, and need for policies that would enable cross bred chicken farmers to access credit.
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    Analysis of the green gram value chain in Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2014) Apio, Ibedo Sharon
    This study was conducted to analyse the green gram value chain in order to identify the constraints as well as opportunities existing in production, marketing and utilization of the crop in northern and north eastern regions of Uganda. The focus of the study was, to characterize the production and market systems of green gram, to estimate the profitability of green gram production, to evaluate Structure-Conduct-Performance of green gram markets and to analyze the determinants of green gram profitability in the study area. The data were generated from 168 farmers and 98 traders, by individual interview and group discussions using pre-tested semi structured questionnaires and checklists. The SCP approach was used to identify the gaps in the value chain that affect efficient utilization and profitability of green gram. Robust OLS regression econometric models were used to predict the determinants of green gram profitability for both the farmers and traders. The results obtained from this study revealed three types of green gram grown, mainly the small green seeded type among the large green seeded and yellow seeded types. The main market participants for green gram were rural collectors, retailers and wholesalers. The study did not find any significant processors along the market chain. Low supply of green gram was cited as the biggest barrier to green gram trade thereby revealing challenges in the production chain. Green gram trade was characterized by use of un-standardized weights and measures. Only 76.5% of the participants had access to market information with the majority 66.3% relying on other traders for this information. Green gram production was profitable with farmers having obtained a profit margin of 63, 166 UGX per acre while the traders attained a margin of 777 UGX per kilogram. Besides, analysis indicates that predicted variables like credit extension, seed variety grown could not be rejected as they were found to have a positive significant influence on the profitability of green gram production. Other variables like age of the farmers, was rejected as they could not be accepted. On the other hand, product variety and period of time spent in green gram trade were accepted as found to have a significant and positive influence on the marketing margins earned by the green gram traders. On the contrary, sales volume could not be rejected as it had a significant but negative impact on the margins earned by the traders. Based on the study results, policy interventions necessary to raise marketable supply of green gram produced are recommended.
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    Analysis of the impact of the agricultural productivity enhancement program on the technical and allocative efficiency of maize farmers in Masindi District
    ( 2008-09) Kibirige, Douglas
    The Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program (APEP) was established in Uganda in 2003 by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program mainly aimed at transforming agriculture from low input/low output subsistence farming to commercially competitive agriculture. Among its various activities, the program extended its extension services to maize farmers in Masindi District. However, there is little information on the impact of APEP training on efficiency (technical and allocative) of maize farmers there. Therefore, this study estimated technical (T.E) and allocative efficiency (A.E) of these farmers and identified the determinants of technical efficiency among them as well as Non-APEP maize farmers in three selected sub counties of Masindi District i.e., Kigumba, Pakanyi and Miria. The sample size was 170 maize farmers interviewed of which 81 belonged to APEP and 89 were non-APEP farmers. Descriptive statistics indicated that APEP farmers devoted more land, had more experience, and spent more on improved seed and fertilizer purchase than the non-APEP farmers, and hence, resulting into better maize yields and gross margins. Elasticity of land used in maize production by APEP farmers was found to be greater than one and hence, elastic. There were 62% APEP and 53% non-APEP farmers found to operate at a level of 60% and above in technical efficiency. Non-APEP farmers (31%) were technically inefficient operating at < 40 percent T.E while only 21% APEP farmers were operating at the same level of technical efficiency. In addition, there was a significant mean difference between technical efficiency of APEP and non-APEP farmers at 1% level. APEP farmers were more average technically efficient (67%) compared with 49% average technical efficiency of Non-APEP farmers. Determinants of T.E were estimated using econometric linear model with robust standard errors. The positively related factors with T.E included membership to APEP, household size, variety of seed planted. Selling at home at the farm gate and years farmer spent in maize farming was found to be negatively related to technical efficiency scores. Allocative efficiency was estimated for both APEP and Non APEP farmers. APEP farmers were allocating more efficiently seed input (A.E=0.92) than all inputs used. Non-APEP farmers were allocating inefficiently all inputs (labour, animal draught power and seed input). Therefore, based on the above results, APEP farmers performed better than non-APEP farmers indicating a positive response to training received from APEP. Thus, it is concluded and recommended that if both APEP and non-APEP farmers are to increase maize output, more training on the usage of inputs especially land and improved seeds in maize production should be considered.
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    Application of morpho-anatomical traits of maize plant to quality control and quality assurance in maize seed system
    (African Crop Science Society, 2016) Monir, I.Y.A. ; Sserumaga, J.P. ; Ayesiga, S.B. ; Asea, G. ; Katuromunda, Sylvester
    Good seed quality can be obtained through control of the entire seed production process. There are emerging issues in the seed sector due to seed quality in market. In many countries seed and planting materials available to farmers are often of insufficient quality, thus undermining the potential performance of crops. The objective this study was to use morpho-anatomical traits to determine the levels of maize hybrid seed purity on the market in Uganda. A total of 120 samples of four popular commercial maize hybrid were collected from agro-dealers in 13 districts, representing 3 seed companies’ distribution network. The samples were planted and evaluated based on their descriptors, using an Alpha Lattice Design, with two replications at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge. Data were collected for 33 morpho-anatomical traits. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences within hybrids, and sources of seed among districts. Among the test materials, only Longe 9H had no significant (P<0.05) difference within traits but others had some levels of significant (P<0.05) differences. The principal component analysis of quantitative traits resulted in four components for each variety, with the explanation total of 53.3% for Longe 6H, 51.1% for Longe 7H, and 92.8% for Longe 9H and 39.1% for Longe 10%. There were varying levels of contamination of commercial hybrids based on morphoanatomical traits diversity within hybrids, compared to their descriptors for the traits evaluated. Hence, there is need to strengthen the quality control sub-sector for improved productivity at farmer levels.