Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
The mandate of Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (MUJAES) is to disseminate research finds in key areas covering agricultural, food, forestry, and environmental sciences. MUJAES publishes 2 issues per year. Papers are available online, with occasional prints.
Morphological and agronomic characterisation of climbing bean genotypes
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an important legume crop grown in Uganda providing a cheap source of protein and income to the resource poor farm. Basing on growth habit two types of beans occur namely; bush and climbing beans. In Uganda bush beans are generally the most predominant and yet climbing beans have several advantages over bush beans. To exploit such advantages, there is need to avail climbing bean seed to the farming communities. In response, the National Bean Program has bred several varieties of climbing beans but their agronomic traits have not been evaluated. Since release of any new varieties requires characterization and field evaluation for morphology and agronomic traits in order to provide superior characters which could be utilized to identify superior characters that will contribute to higher yields as compared to the local varieties. The objective of this study therefore was to characterise and determine the with in genotypes and between genotype phenotypic variation of the 56 climbing bean genotype introductions, and group them in defined groups based on their similarities. Data was collected for the vegetative, inflorescence, fruit, and seed characters of each of the genotypes. Ninety one percent of the total materials in study displayed a narrow genetic diversity, and this reveals the need to collect germplasm to widen the genetic base of climbing bean genotypes. Genotypes, MAC 50, MAC 12-2, DB200-15 and BRC 19 displayed a wider genetic diversity. Genotypes MAC 12-2, LAS 400A and DB 200-15 were identified as large seeded which makes them acceptable for most consumers in Uganda. Promising genotypes with yields greater than the local checks used in the study were MAC 19-1, MAC 35 and MAC 70-2 and are recommended for advanced testing trials.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Chemical changes during spontaneous and lactic acid bacteria starter culture fermentation of bushera
Bushera is a fermented sorghum beverage which is widely consumed in Uganda. It is not clear whether the process of fermentation affects some nutrient attributes. Thus a study was conducted to monitor changes in dry matter, total soluble solids (TSS), protein content, and composition of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) storage proteins (kafírins) during spontaneous and lactic acid bacteria starter culture fermentation of bushera for up to 96 h at 30°C. Results show that dry matter and TSS decreased by about 41% and 58%, respectively, during spontaneous fermentation of bushera. Starter cultures had very little effect on the dry matter and TSS of bushera. Fermentation had no marked effect on protein content of bushera. The SDS-PAGE banding pattern showed the presence of various proteins of different molecular weights, in addition to α₁-, α₂-, β-, and γ-kafirins. The predominant kafirin protein was α-kafirin. SDS-PAGE did not show any protein degradation during fermentation.
Traumatic indigestion in dairy cattle in rural KIsoro district
Cattle (Bos sp.) are not selective feeders and often ingest foreign objects that cause traumatic injury in their forestomachs that result in indigestion, loss of production and death. However, the prevalence of this problem especially in rural areas is largely unknown. Traumatic indigestion in frequently encountered in industries countryside and is a major disease in intensively kept dairy cattle. There was need to investigate the prevalence of traumatic indigestion in rural areas. A study relying on clinical examination and use of a metal detector was conducted on herds under semi-zerograzing, zerograzing and open grazing systems in KIsoro district. Results showed that 24% of the dairy cows sampled had ingested metals with some degree of indigestion. Prevalence of metal ingestion was 61% in semi-zerograzed, 57% in zerograzed and 12% in open grazed cows. Fifteen cows received murmen magnets orally administered by a balling gun. Ten cows were operated upon with removal of various metals and other foreign objects, most spectacular being a-two by two meter cotton cloth. Agricultural extension workers, farmers and veterinarians need to emphasize the importance of preventive procedures such as sorting out cattle feeds carefully, provision of mineral salts and administration of rumen magnets to minimise occurrence of traumatic indigestion and subsequently optimum production.
Effect of time of harvesting, storage and fungicide seed dressing on soybean seed health and germinability
A key constraint to soybean (Glycine max) production worldwide is the rapid loss of viability after harvest. This study examined effects of time of harvesting, moisture content, storage period and germicide treatment on the fungal flora infection and germinability of two local soybean cultivars (Nam 1 and Nam 2). At maturity (R8 stage), a portion of the soybean crop was randomly selected from each of six fields and divided into three sections that were harvested at 90, 97 and 104 days after planting (DAP). After harvesting, seeds were dried to two moisture levels, 9.5% and 12%. For each moisture content, the seeds were divided into 2 sub-samples, the one treated with Vitavax 200 FF fungicide at rate of 3 ml kg-1, and the other was left untreated (control). Each sub-sample was then packed in polythene bags and tightly sealed and stored at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) and subsequently assayed every 30 days for three months using International Seed Testing Association procedures to determine levels of fungal flora infection and seed germinability. Results indicated that time of harvesting and fungicide treatment significantly influenced incidence of fungal flora and seed germinability, regardless of the season of growth and variety. The highest percentage germinability was recorded from the earliest harvested seeds (R8) compared to the late harvested seeds (7 - 14 days after R8). Seed dressing with Vitavax 200 FF significantly reduced levels of seed-borne fungi and improved germinability compared to the untreated seeds, although this varied with seed moisture content in storage. However, storage period had no significant effect on soybean seed germinability and incidence of most fungal micro-flora. Varietal and seasonal effects were also not significant for most fungal microflora species, except Cercospora kikuchii and Penicillium spp. The fungal microflora identified were, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Alternaria spp., Cercospora spp., Cercospora kikuchii, Fusarium spp., F. equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. moniliforme, F. semitectum, Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium, Curvularia spp. and Colletotrichum truncatum. These results imply that soybean should be harvested at R8 stage, and seeds dressed with a fungicide so as to reduce fungal microflora incidence and increase germinability.
Seed-borne fungi associated with cowpea and rice seed and their possible control by seed sorting
The objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of different seed sorting techniques for improving seed health of cowpea and rice seed. Two separate trials were conducted. In each trial, a sample of 1,400 seeds was drawn from which sets of 200 seeds were each sorted by hand, floated in water (as a standard), floated in 10% and 15% salt solutions (to separate floated and sunken seeds), dressed with Benlate (1g ai/kg), Mancozeb (2g ai/kg) (positive control) and the last set was an unsoned control. In comparison to the unsorted seeds (control), all the cowpea treatments significantly reduced the incidence of Fusarium moniliforme, Cladosporium sp., Fusarium poae, Nigrospora sp., Phoma sp., and Phomopsis vexans. Seeds floated in 15% salt solutions had significantly less fungal incidence than hand sorted seed and did not differ from the seed dressed treatments. Seeds skimmed off the three salt solutions as floated seed were all infected with F. moniliforme and F. semitectum and majority got rotten upon blotting. For rice, Bipolaris oryzae, Phyrularia were the predominant seed-borne pathogens. The lowest incidence of the seed-borne fungal pathogens was recorded in fungicide seed dressed samples followed by 15% and 10% salt floated samples. Hand sorted samples had similar incidence of fungal flora as the unsorted samples.
Effect of threshing, drying and storage methods on purity and germination of farmer managed rice seed in Uganda
A total of seventy farmer-saved rice seed samples from three districts of Uganda namely Bugiri, Pallisa, and Lira were examined for purity and germination following procedures described by the International Seed Testing Association. The results revealed that postharvest handling practices (threshing, drying and storage) significantly (P<0.001) affect the quality of rice seed and their effects are additive as indicated by observed significant differences for the 2 and 3-way interaction effects of storage and threshing, and storage, threshing, and drying, respectively. Threshing by “beating” significantly reduced the quality of the seed while drying on cemented floors and polyethylene sheets reduced the germination percentage but maintained the physical purity of the seed. Rice seed stored in polyethene and polyline bags exhibited the highest proportion for germination and purity tests. Thus, postproduction operations needed to be considered as part of an approach to minimise losses in quality of farmer saved rice seeds.
The physicochemical properties of banana starches
The main objective of this study was to establish the physicochemical properties of native banana starches with particular reference to key granular and molecular characteristics. The design was targeted to provide for a comparison of landrace cultivar varieties (AAA-EA) with three hybrid varieties with particular reference to Gonja (AAB), Musa Kayinja (ABB) and Sukhali Ndizi (AB). Starch samples extracted from the study samples using a modified sedimentation technique. All banana starches were established to be of exceptional high purity. The determined characteristics included: amylose content using an amperometric technique, crystallinity and crystal type using X-ray diffraction characterisation, granular size using a laser beam technique, gelatination endotherms using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and pasting viscosity using brabender viscomaygraph. The amylose content ranged between 8 – 21%. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed difference in the crystallite structure and although the crystallinity was unusually high for B*crystals, all the banana starches conformed to the latter crystallype. The starch grainule shape ranged between 6 -60µm in size. The DSC results showed the range for the maximum endotherm temperature (70.4 -72.8°C). The results also indicated a relationship between molecular composition and unique cooked characteristics of the AAA-EA varieties while the high endotherm values and broad ranges concurred with the level of crystallinity obtained. The Brabender cycle curves were characterised by a two stage- swelling phenomenon, very high peak viscosities (1780 -1910 VE), low cook stability and extremely high setback (2080 -2940 VE). The physicochemical properties helped to explain the extensive shelf life of banana flours besides, rendering the banana starches potentially useful in a wide range of application in the food industry.
Sorghum yield response to kraal manure combined with mineral fertilisers in eastern Uganda
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a strategic food security crop in the drought prone areas of Uganda. However, farmers’ yields are much lower than what is reported in the research stations. Low soil fertility is identified as a major contributor to the low grain yields but little has been done to address this problem. The use of kraal manure obtained from cattle that are an integral component of the farming systems in sorghum growing areas is not being exploited probably due to farmers reluctance to take advantage of synergetic relationship between crop and livestock production units. The yield responses of sorghum to kraal manure and mineral fertiliser applications are largely unknown in Uganda and besides, application rates have not been determined. This study was conducted to evaluate sorghum yield response to kraal manure (KM) combined with mineral nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers in Kumi district, eastern Uganda. On-farm experiments were conducted for three rain seasons; from August 2000 to December 2001. We found that combining 2.5 t KM with 22.5 kg N and 8.5 kg P ha⁻¹ gave the highest grain yields (2.1 and 4.0 t ha⁻¹) for the first and second seasons of 2001, respectively. Further studies are however, needed to establish the feasibility of this input combination for increased and sustained sorghum production.
Production potential for sesame in the forest-savanna transition zone of south-west Nigeria
The performance of fourteen sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars was evaluated at the Teaching and Research farm of University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (7° 15′ N, 3° 25′ E) in the forest – savanna transition zone of south west Nigeria during the late cropping seasons of 1999 and 2000. Data were collected on phenology, growth characteristics, grain yields and yield components of sesame. The results revealed that the sesame varieties flowered, produced capsules and matured at 49-60, 58-74 and 96-106 days after planting (DAP), respectively. Number of branches and capsules per plant ranged between 2-4 and 13-37, respectively. The sesame entries recorded grain yields that ranged between 374.0 (Domu) and 899.46 kg ha-1 (530-3). All the varieties except Yandev 55 (a local variety used as check in the study) (448.94 kg ha-1) and Domu (374.94 kg ha-1) produced grain yields higher than the current Nigerian average yield of 487 kg ha-1. Grain yield was highly associated (P<0.01) with number of nodes and capsules per plant. The overall performance of these varieties in this study is similar to results reported for sesame generally in the southern Guinea savanna region of Nigeria. Consequently, this study confirmed the suitability of the forest – savanna transition zone for sesame production. The distribution of rainfall and temperature during the two late cropping seasons and their relevance to the productivity of the sesame varieties is discussed.
Effect of spacing and variety on potato seed tuber production in eastern Uganda
In the highlands of eastern Uganda, potato (Solanum tuberosum) productivity per unit area is constrained by limited availability of quality seed. This study evaluated the effect of plant spacing and variety on potato seed tuber production at three locations in eastern Uganda. Two varieties and four different spacings were used. Results for all locations and seasons showed that close plant spacing (20 x 20 cm) produced significantly (P = 0.05) highest potato seed tubers, total tubers and tuber yield per unit area while seed tubers were least at widest crop spacing of 70 x 30 cm. However, high plant density resulted in significantly (P = 0.05) reduced average tuber weight. Variety x spacing interactions were not significant for most variables, indicating that reducing spacing was the most critical factor for determining tuber size number.
On-farm evaluation of fungicide spray options to control potato late blight in South-western Uganda
Production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) in the highlands of Eastern Africa is increasingly being threatened by devastating epidemics of late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary). Use of fungicide sprays is a feasible control strategy against this epidemic but appropriate spray intervals during crop growth have not been determined. An on-farm experiment was therefore, conducted to establish the appropriate spray interval for a contact (Dithane M45) fungicide in Uganda. Results showed that during the blight-favourable seasons yields were higher with 7-day spray interval than 14 and 21 day but economic analysis revealed that 2 and 3 sprays of Dithane M45 on tolerant and susceptible cultivars, respectively resulted into optimal yields. Overall, monitoring disease and then spraying (2 sprays) contained late blight severity to levels that yielded the most economic benefit.
Chemical characterisation of pulp, seed powder and a readyto-drink juice produced from Syzygium cumini fruit
Despite the nutritional potential of Syzygium cumini, commonly known as black plum, there has been limited utilisation of the fruits (pulp and seeds) and yet it has capacity to significantly contribute to food and nutrition security. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of utilizing S. cumini fruits in the production of a nutritious and acceptable juice. Ripe S. cumini fruits were randomly sampled from Nakasero Market, Kampla. The fruits were bulked and processed to obtain pulp and seeds. The seeds were separated from pulp, dried and milled into powder while the pulp was processed into juice. The seed powder was used in the formulation of the ready-to-drink juice at 0, 1.25 and 5%. The sensory evaluation was carried out to ascertain the acceptability of juice in which the seeds of S. cumini have been added. The pulp contained total phenolic concentrations in the order of 27.7±2.06 mg 100 g-1; while dried seed powder and juice contained 57.2±4 and 10.6±1.25 mg ml-1, respectively. The levels of flavonoids were less in juice (5.7±1.0 mg 100 -1 g) compared to pulp (36.00±5.95) and seeds (457.2±31.44 mg 100 -1 g). The total antioxidant activity (TAA) in terms of 1,1-diphenyl2- picrylhydrazyl (DHHP) percentage inhibition for pulp, seed powder and ready to drink juice were 85.75±0.54, 93.94±0.43 and 25.30±6.07%, respectively. Sensory acceptance reduced with increased levels of dried seed powder incorporated into the juice. On the other hand, the amounts of antioxidants increased in the different juice samples with increase in amounts of dried seed powder.
Copyright (c) 2019 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Profitability and factors affecting groundnut production under irrigation in Zimbabwe
The study was aimed at estimating the profitability, as well as factors that affect groundnut (Arachis hypogea) production under irrigation in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from 102 households using a structured questionnaire as the main instrument. From individual plot holder analysis, the study revealed that about 72% of interviewed farmers made profits from groundnut production and marketing, with an average of 40% return per United States dollar invested, making groundnut enterprise a profitable venture in the study area. Linear regression analysis results revealed that market information access, farmers’ experience and cost of labour significantly affected the profitability level of groundnut production under irrigation. This was magnified by lack of improved seeds and poor road network, which were identified as major production and marketing challenges, respectively. Regular capacity building activities to boost farmers’ skills on groundnut production and marketing, as well as increase market information access, could significantly boost profitability level of smallholder groundnuts farming under irrigation.
Bio-solids from a wastewater treatment plant in Uganda do not meet the minimum standards for land application
Land application of bio-solids is the cheapest and most convenient method of disposal of bio-solids worldwide, but it is unclear if the bio-solids in Uganda are safe for land application. The objective of this study was to establish the impact of ageing on quality and safety of bio-solids from Bugolobi Wastewater Treatment Plant (BWTP) in Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, for land application. Nine out of 14 beds in each of the four blocks (Block 1: fresh bio-solids; Block 2: settling bio-solids; Block 3: maturing biosolids and Block 4: mature bio-solids) were randomly sampled for quality and for biosafety. For quality, bio-solids were analysed for electrical conductivity (EC), N, P and K concentrations, and their respective stocks; organic matter (OM) content and biosolid organic carbon (BOC) stocks. For bio-safety, bio-solids were screened for Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Data were subjected to ANOVA after checking for normality and equal variance assumptions, using GenStat statistical package 14th edition. Ageing of bio-solids had a significant impact on EC; OM and E. coli. The EC was highest in the mature bio-solids (4556±173) µS cm-1 and smallest in fresh biosolids (3494±124) µS cm-1. These EC values exceed the maximum permissible limits. Similarly, microbial counts were highest for E. coli in the mature sludge (3946±86) ‘000’ CFU g-1 and smallest in the fresh bio-solids (633±22.9) ‘000’ CFU g-1. Out of the 36 bio-solid samples, one tested positive for salmonella. The bio-solids are not safe for use as agricultural input, nor for general release into the environment.
Climate smart agriculture practices by rural women in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: Adoption choice using Multinomial Logit Approach
Women who farm in rural communities of Nigeria are typically poor and are vulnerable to events of climate change. An understanding of the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices engaged by these women is required to strengthen and improve their adaptive capacity to cope with climate change events. An empirical study was, therefore, conducted to investigate the factors influencing rural women’s choice of CSA practices. Through the multistage sampling procedure, 280 rural women in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were selected as representative farmers. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Multinomial Logit Model was employed to analyze the data. Analysis revealed that the most critical factors influencing rural women’s choice of adopting CSA practices were age, education, frequency of extension contact, membership in a cooperative and farm size. Findings further showed that age of women farmers significantly influenced the probability of choosing to adopt crop residue mulching and improved high yielding varieties (p<0.01). Results also revealed that the educational level of women had a positive and significant (p<0.05) influence on choice of efficient use of fertilizer. Results of the study further revealed that the choice of non-adoption, cover cropping and crop residue mulching was significantly influenced by the size of farmland. Women’s decision to choose agroforestry was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the terrain of farmland, as farmers with steeper and slopy lands had a higher probability of choosing agroforestry. Improving women access to educational opportunities would be rational policy option for adoption of CSA practices.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional physicochemical composition of cocoyam accessions grown under upland conditions
Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is commonly grown in wetlands, which are ecologically fragile ecosystems that should be conserved. The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the effect of growing wetland adapted cocoyam in upland conditions on the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of the edible parts of the crop. Four distinct accessions of Colocasia esculenta were collected from farmers in four agro ecological zones of southwestern Uganda. The accessions were planted under upland conditions as their counterparts in the wetland. The accessions were grown in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Mbarara District, Uganda.Though there were no clear distinctions in nutritional composition of corms and leaves between upland and wetland habitats; there were highly significant differences in moisture, starch, total carbohydrate, sugars, proteins, and fibre in corms and leaves among the four accessions. On the other hand, there were significant differences in anti-nutritional (cyanide and oxalic acid) content of corms and leaves of C. esculenta accessions between upland and wetland conditions. The values for cyanide and oxalic acid obtained in C esculenta in this study were also significantly higher than WHO acceptable levels for human and other animals’ consumption. As such, though upland areas offer opportunities for increased production of the crop without affecting the nutritional status of the crop, methods of preparation that emphasize reduction of the anti-nutritional contents of the crop need meticulous attention in order to expand the to production boundary to upland conditions.
Copyright (c) 2020 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Land tenure and food security in Uganda: A review
Although food and nutritional security is at the heart of Uganda’s development agenda, it remains a core challenge partly due to the failure of interventions to recognize the direct linkages between land tenure and food security. This paper reviews land tenure as a dynamic concept in enhancing social and economic development with direct impacts on food and nutritional security of Uganda’s agriculture-based economy. Such direct impacts could have nation-wide food security policy implications. Where land tenure reforms result in inequitable distribution of land, they render vulnerability to food insecurity to marginalized categories. Appropriate tenure reforms have the potential to enhance land investments, develop markets, improve agricultural productivity, and provide revenue for landless households resulting into decreased malnutrition. Deliberate efforts to align food security policy with land tenure policy are critical weapons in the fight against food and nutritional insecurity in order to keep the hope and future of Ugandans alive.
Effect of variety and soil fertility management on performance of grain amaranth in different agro-ecological zones in Uganda
Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is becoming an important crop in Uganda because of its nutritional value and potential grain yield. Since grain amaranth is a new crop, optimising its production requires adapted genotypes including optimum crop management practices. In this study, on-farm experiments were conducted in three agro-ecological zones represented by Kamuli, Nakasongola, and Apac districts; and one on-station experiment at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK, Wakiso), to compare performance of grain amaranth varieties (Amaranthus hypochondriacus [cream] and Amaranthus cruentus [golden]) and determine influence of fertiliser application rate of (a) Urea at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N/ha, (b) a composite fertiliser regime of urea and farmyard manure at 0:6, 25:6, 50:3, 75:1.5 and 100:0 kg N to tonnes of FYM/ha; on grain amaranth performance. Experiments were laid out as a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and replicated three times, for three seasons. Results from the single nitrogen fertiliser trial indicate that plant height, inflorescence height and grain yield of both varieties across all locations increased as more nitrogen was applied and maximum yield was achieved at fertiliser rate of 150kg N/ha. Results from the composite fertiliser trial show that maximum plant height, inflorescence height and grain yield were registered at a composite rate of 50KgN + 3 tonnes of FYM or 75kgN + 1.5 tonnes of FYM/ha for both varieties across study sites. Overall, grain amaranth performed better at MUARIK-Wakiso followed by Kamuli, Nakasongola and Apac. Also, cream variety performed better than golden variety in all locations regardless of fertiliser application rate.
Tree gap dynamics and their influence on chimpanzee food tree regeneration in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, south-western Uganda
The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) community in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, South Western Uganda is relatively stable and ranks third in the country with a total population density of 1.55 Km-2 compared to Kibale in western Uganda at 2.32 Km -2 and Bugoma at density 1.9 Km-2. This is attributed to sustainable existence of chimpanzee food trees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Like many Ugandan forests, Kalinzu Forest Reserve displays a lot of gaps due to timber harvesting and other disturbances, yet it is not clear how the introduced tree gaps affect regeneration of chimpanzee food trees. The objective of this study was to document the effect of forest gap dynamics on regeneration of chimpanzee food trees in a natural rain forest in south-western Uganda. Results indicate occurrence of about 115 gaps, distributed throughout the habitat. The leading causes of forest gaps in both production and research zones of Kalinzu Forest Reserve were tree and/or branch falls (34.8%), charcoal burning (18.3%), gold mining (18.3%), selective logging (15.7%) and other causes (13%). In terms of size, gaps located in the production zone were medium (8.45 - 518.86 m2 ); whereas gaps in the research zone were bigger (13.58 - 855.10 m2 ). Tree regeneration in gaps was much higher than in the forest understory, an indication that gaps favour regeneration of chimpanzee food trees in this forest. Gaps in the production zone regenerated trees faster than their counterparts in the research zone. This study concludes that without human induced disturbance, regeneration of chimpanzee food tree species continues to occur in gaps created by natural causes. It is also clear that with regulated forest use, chimpanzees in Kalinzu may continue to have a sustainable food source.
Evaluation of faecal analysis as an indirect method for determination of chimpanzee dietary composition
The study used 2,635 chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) faecal samples and each sample was analysed while wet, and after drying. The two methods used in this analysis were proportional (5%) scores and volume measurement. Results from analyzing dry samples significantly increased the visibility of small and rare food remnant items in chimpanzee faeces. There was no significant difference in the duration in terms of person hours needed to analyse either wet and dry faecal samples, or in using proportional scores and actual volume measurements methods. The analyses of wet and dry faecal samples were positively correlated and so was the use of proportional scores and volume measurement methods. There was a significant difference in results obtained by analysis of wet and dry faecal samples. This difference was also registered between proportional scoring and volume measurement when analysing dry samples, except for seeds with diameter that is more than 5 mm (t = 0.22, p = 0.83). The difference was, however, significant between results obtained by the two methods while analysing wet samples for seeds of > 5 mm (t = 3.67; P = <0.001) and fibre (t = -2.19; P = 0.032) components. Therefore, the differences in the two methods especially in as far as fruit seed is concerned and the fact that chimpanzees are frugivorous implies that the two method should not be mixed or used concurrently in the same study but the proportional scoring method of wet samples provides quick insights and inter-site comparison while using faecal analysis to determine chimpanzee diet.
Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis lesions in cattle slaughtered in the Federal Capital Territory Abattoirs, Nigeria - A short communication
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a devastating disease that affects animals and humans alike globally. It is one of the most important illnesses of cattle with a worldwide distribution. The objective of this study was to provide baseline information on the prevalence of bTB using gross pathological lesions in the government abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. This retrospective study was conducted in three Abattoirs (Karu, Kubwa, and Gwagwalada) in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019. Records were obtained from the veterinary record book domiciled in various offices in the abattoir. A total of 227,395 slaughtered heads of cattle were examined at postmortem during the study period and 1704 (0.75%) had tuberculous lesions. A total of 341 cases of bTB was recorded per year in this study with the highest cases recorded in 2018 (383).The highest number of cases (190) and consequently the highest prevalence (1.03%) was recorded in June, while the least number of cases was recorded in January (87) also with a corresponding low prevalence of 0.45%.The total occurrence of bTB cases in Abuja during the rainy (wet) season was higher (1177) than during the dry season (527) (P< 0.0001). Bovine tuberculosis in the Federal Capital Territory is endemic which a prevalence of 0.75%. There was a significant increase in of bTB cases during the wet season than in the dry season between 2015 and 2019.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Testicular characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams administered aqueous Aspilia africana extract
The effects of Aspilia africana on testicular consistency and morphometric characteristics of rams were determined. Twenty-four rams were used for the experiment in a completely randomised design. There were 4 treatment groups with 6 rams per group. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 2 rams per replicate. T1 (control) received 10 ml of distilled water, T2, T3 and T4 received 1000 mg kg-1 Body Weight (BW), 2000 mg kg-1 BW and 3000 mg kg-1 BW of aqueous A. africana extract orally, respectively for 64 days. Testicular consistencies were determined by palpating the testes of experimental animals and scoring them weekly. A day after the administration of the extract, 4 rams in each treatment group were slaughtered and testicular morphometric parameters measured. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in testicular consistencies of the rams among the various treatment groups, pre-experiment. However, statistical differences (P<0.05) existed in testicular consistencies of the rams among the various treatment groups during experiment with rams in T1 still retaining the same testicular consistencies pre-experiment (2.50), whereas scores for treated rams increased to 3.50, 3.50 and 4.50 for T2 , T3 and T4 , respectively. Rams in T4 had the highest mean score while rams in control group (T1 ) had the lowest mean values. With exception of Tunica albuginea weight and testes density, testicular morphometric parameters varied significantly. T1 had the highest significant values in all the measured parameters while T4 had the lowest values. This indicates that A. africana may negatively affect testicular characteristics and might be deleterious to fertility of rams. Thus, it is recommended that A. africana is not suitable for feeding breeding animals.
Potato processing in Uganda: A technical review
Uganda is the third largest producer of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in East Africa, after Rwanda and Kenya. In Uganda, annual potato production is estimated at 162,151 metric tonnes which puts the country in a strategic position to benefit from the regional growing demand for processed potato products such as French fries. This paper provides a technical review of the status, challenges and potential for the potato processing industry in Uganda. It is clear that limited knowledge, limited access to inputs, low production and productivity, limited access to postharvest and processing technologies are the major constraints to potato processing in Uganda. Although majority of potato varieties cultivated in Uganda have high dry matter content (20-30%), the tubers are usually small in size, round in shape and contain high levels of reducing sugars, exceeding the recommended 0.25%; not suitable for processing into French fries and crisps. To maximise gains from the benefits accruing the opportunities offered by the emerging markets, the following need to be put into consideration; (i) identify and promote varieties with good traits for processing; (ii) promote best agronomic practices, (iii) ensure availability and access to good quality seed by farmers (iv) promote appropriate postharvest handling technologies; (v) invest in processing and value addition technologies; and (vi) strengthen linkages among the various stakeholders involved in the potato value chain.
Mapping riparian vegetation change in the Omo Biosphere reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria
The uniqueness of riparian forest and its variation in landscape, geomorphology, contours of the water ways and drainage flow is of great ecological importance, and provides benefits to aquatic, terrestrial habitats and the species that live there. This study addressed the rate of degradation of the riparian vegetation of Omo Biosphere Reserve. The objective of this study was to determine the level of changes in the forest along the riparian zone of Omo Biosphere Reserve in Nigeria, as a basis for effective planning and sustainable management of riparian vegetation. Both primary and secondary data sources were exploited in this study. The primary data included the satellite images acquired over the study area from 1986 to 2016; while the secondary data included topographical maps, administrative boundary and limits of the biosphere reserves acquired from various sources. The satellite images included Landsat images of 1986, 1996, 2006; and 2016 of the study area. Digital image processing was carried out on all the remote sensed imageries; to enhance features of interest and for easy interpretation. The satellite images were processed, using the Erdas Imagine version 2014. The maximum likelihood algorithm classifier was used in classifying the images using the trained pixels into Forest, Settlement, Waterbody, Grassland/Shrubland, Riparian and Cultivation class. The trends of land-cover change showed gradual reduction in forest features, with overall loss of 30.57% of the initial forest cover in the 30-year period; while built-up, cultivations and shrubland/woodland experienced gains with cultivated land having the highest gains. It is concluded that decrease in riparian vegetation is a result of expansion in cultivated land and built-up areas. This implies the need for adopting management plans such as public education in biodiversity conservation, routine maintenance and strict adherence to conservation rules.
Fruit traits associated with resistance to fruit pests of hot pepper
Thirty-seven local and fourteen exotic hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) genotypes were screened under natural field conditions for resistance to two quarantine fruit pests; the fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the false coddling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) at Makerere University Research Institute Kabanyolo for two seasons. The genotypes were grown in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Data on pest occurrence and damage; and fruit traits (fruit weight, length, width, flesh penetrability, and fruit wall thickness) were subjected to analysis of variance. The 51 genotypes showed variation in pest infestation and fruit traits. Five local genotypes (UG-WE02-1014, UG-WE02-0711, UG-EA06-0515 and UG-WE02-1608) and one exotic (CAP0408-12) showed resistance to fruit fly infestation. Fruit fly infestation correlated highly with fruit weight (r=0.59, p<0.001) and width (r=0.63, p<.001), among others. Similarly, FCM infestation positively correlated to fruit weight (r=0.50, p<0.001) and width (r=0.50, p<0.001). The identified hot pepper genotypes with resistance to fruit fly and FCM can be used in hot pepper improvement programs.
Application of scripting cartographic methods to geophysical mapping and seismicity in Rwenzori mountains and Albertine Graben, Uganda
Uganda is traversed by the East African Rift System (EARS), which controls its topography and induces high seismicity in the southwestern and western parts of the country, around the Rwenzori Mountains and Albertine Graben. This paper explores the complexity of the geophysical, topographic and geomorphological settings of Uganda for linking the distribution and magnitude of earthquakes to the controlling factors: geomorphology, topography and geophysics. The methodological workflow for an automated plotting of the topographic, geophysical and seismic data includes the following important codes: ‘gmt grdimage ug_relief.nc -Cgeo.cpt -R29/35/-1.5/4.3 -JM6.5i - I+a15+ne0.75 -t50 -Xc -P -K > $ps’ for topographic visualisation, ‘gmt psxy -R -J quakes_UG.ngdc -Wfaint -i4,3,6,6s0.1 -h3 -Scc -Csteps.cpt -O -K >> $ps’ for mapping earthquakes, ‘gmt img2grd grav_27.1.img -R29/35.5/-1.5/4.3 -Ggrav_UG.grd -T1 -I1 -E -S0.1 -V’ for mapping gravity. The steps of the scripting workflow using ‘raster’ and ‘tmap’ libraries of R and a variety of GMT modules includes the following most important codes: ‘alt = getData(“alt”, country = “Uganda”, path = tempdir()); slope = terrain(alt, opt = “slope”); aspect = terrain(alt, opt = “aspect”); hill = hillShade(slope, aspect, angle = 40, direction = 270)’. The study uses high-resolution spatial datasets GEBCO, EGM-2008, IRIS, gravity grids and SRTM DEM aimed to undertake thematic mapping of Uganda. Nine new maps have been generated using shell scripts of GMT and R for environmental monitoring. Depth of the earthquakes ranges from 4 to 40 Km with frequency of seismic events near Rwenzori Mountains and Albertine Graben for destructive earthquake is less than about five decades. Earthquake magnitudes varied from 3.7 Richter Magnitude Scale (Lake Edward region) to 6.2 Richter local magnitude scale (ML ) (Lake Albert region). Lake Kivu region has earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.8-5.3. The region of Lake Albert had the highest magnitudes and frequency of seismic events, compared to Lakes Kivu and Edward. Earthquakes around the Lake Albert reached the highest magnitude at 6.2 ML . Earthquakes around Lake Victoria reach the maximal level of earthquake magnitude at 5.0 Ml , near Lake George - 5.3 ML . Earthquakes were mostly recorded in the Albertine Graben of EARS in the Albert, Edward and George lakes and occasionally in Lake Victoria.
Comparing the economic efficiencies of rice and maize production in Amuru and Nwoya districts, Northern Uganda
Maize and rice are important sources of both food and income in Uganda. As such, the government of Uganda has promoted these crops through research and extension programs. However, there are glaring yield gaps between farmers’ fields and research stations. In order to close the yield gaps, emphasis is being put on enhancing productivity through efficient use of resources for production as area expansion is unattainable. A random sample of 156 rice and maize farmers from which data were collected in Amuru and Nwoya districts was used in the study. Analysis was conducted using STATA software to determine the drivers of economic efficiency. Stochastic frontier and one stage procedure for estimating inefficiency models were employed. Results revealed that the mean economic efficiencies were 66.56% and 67.91%, for maize and rice, respectively. Further, it was established that seed cost, labor cost, and land rental cost (p<0.01) positively influenced production cost of rice and maize. Similarly, inefficiency model results disclosed that economic efficiency was significantly influenced by education level (p<0.01), age (p<0.01), distance to main road (p<0.01) and distance to market (p<0.01). In light of our results, we attest that farmers have opportunities to increase output by 16% and reduce cost by 21% and 20% for maize and rice respectively. We recommend that policies to enhance basic education for farmers under informal arrangements such as farmer training centers be instituted, incentivize youth to engage in agriculture, ease access to main roads and markets should be implemented so as to promote economic efficiency of producers.
Yield performance and stability of elite groundnut varieties in multi-location experiments in central Uganda - A short communication
Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea. L.) is a grain legume crop grown by resource poor farmers all over Uganda, for food and household income. In Central Uganda, farmers are still planting traditional cultivars, which do not respond well to agronomic manipulation and have a low yielding capacity. The study set out to evaluate the yield performance and stability of elite groundnut varieties in the Serenut series 1R, 2, 3R, 4T and a local test variety, Red beauty, in field experiments in four on-farm sites in Gomba district and one on-station site in Wakiso district, both found in central Uganda. The varieties were planted out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD), with three replications at the different locations. The dependent variables included number of pods, pod dry weight, kernel dry weight, and kernel yield in kg ha-1 . ANOVA results indicated significant (p<0.001) differences in yield parameters as a result of variety, location and their interaction. Serenut 2 was the most productive in all yield parameters across locations while the reverse was true for Red beauty. Kyegonza 1(Gomba district) was the most productive site in all yield components and MUARIK (Wakiso district) the least. Serenut 1R was ranked as stable in grain yield
Piscicidal effects of methanolic castor seed extract on catfish juveniles
Traditional plants have been found useful for various purposes by the fish artisanals, but their toxicity on the fish is hardly considered. This study assessed the toxicity of castor (Ricinus communis) seed extract on catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles in a static renewable bioassay. The study involved 500 fish samples collected from Motherhood Fish Farms, Nigeria. A stock solution of the methanol seed extracts, diluted in ratio 1:1 with water, was used for each treatment of the bioassay media concentrations in triplicates of 0 (control), 5, 6, 7 and 8 g L-1; following high mortality in 10 g L-1 determined in a finding range test. The LC50 and LC100 were calculated using probit method. The results showed that the irregular behavioural patterns and mortality rate of the test fish increased with increasing concentrations of the extracts at the intervals of 12 to 96 hr exposure. The serum results revealed that total protein values were significantly (p<0.05) different from the control. Levels of albumin increased in the fish blood serum, globulin fluctuated, while creatine, potassium and alkaline phosphatase decreased as the extracts’ concentrations increased over the control treatments. The gill structures showed deformation and liver showed cirrhosis across the concentrations but no recognisable changes on the control fish. There were adverse effects from extract concentrations 5 g L-1 and above. Therefore, indiscriminate use of castor seed on water bodies threatens the existence of catfish due to its piscicidal effects.
Performance of collaborative forest management on forest status and contribution to adjacent community livelihoods in Uganda
It is prominently claimed that including the local community in forest management by adopting Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) approach could help for sustainable forest management. Therefore, information on its effectiveness is still needed for better planning in forest conservation. This study assessed the effectiveness of CFM on both forest status conditions and local community livelihoods in Mabira Central Forest Reserve (MCFR) in Uganda. A floristic survey was conducted to collect data on the species composition in the sites under CFM and Non-CFM. Also, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data on the socio-economic aspect of the adjacent local community. Forest species composition status was assessed using common alpha diversity indices (Species richness, Shannon Weiner index, and Simpson index), beta diversity (Jaccard Coefficient), structural vegetation parameters (tree density and basal area) and species Importance Value Index (IVI). Further, size class distribution was established for the two sites (CFM and Non-CFM). Regarding local community livelihood, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results revealed that the two sites have low similarity with the CFM site having low species diversity compared to NonCFM site. The size class distribution of the site under CFM shows stable vegetation, suggesting good regeneration and recruitment potential. In contrary, the adjacent community livelihoods seemed to not be improved after the implementation of the CFM approach. Their income has considerably decreased because most of their activities were based on forest resources. We, therefore, argue that CFM approach should be updated and mixed with a top-down approach to improving forest status and local community livelihoods.