May 2010

Molecular genotyping of selected soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes grown in different regions of East Africa

  Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) is one of the most popular pulses because of its protein content and nodulating ability. However, most farmers and researchers do not have sufficient genetic information of the genotypes that they grow. This research aimed at determining the molecular characteristics of selected soybean genotypes grown in different regions of East Africa and make recommendations to the...

Author(s): Fredrick M. Njoka, Zedekiah A. Okwany and Elijah K. Githui

May 2010

Dry matter yields and hydrological properties of three perennial grasses of a semi-arid environment in East Africa

  Enteropogon macrostachyus (Bush rye), Cenchrus ciliaris L. (African foxtail grass)and Eragrostis superba Peyr (Maasai love grass) are important perennial rangeland grasses in Kenya. They provide an important source of forage for domestic livestock and wild ungulates. These grasses have been used extensively to rehabilitate denuded patches in semi-arid environment of Kenya. This study...

Author(s): Kevin Z. Mganga, Nashon K. R. Musimba, Dickson M. Nyariki, Moses M. Nyangito, Agnes W. Mwang’ombe, Wellington N. Ekaya, Daniele Clavel, Judith Francis, Ralph von Kaufmann, Jan Verhagen and William M. Muiru

May 2010

Low intensity tapping systems applied to clone PR 107 of Hevea brasiliensis (Muell. Arg.): Results of 21 years of exploitation in South-eastern Côte d’Ivoire

  The cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis, which is the main source of natural rubber, is facing a problem of scarcity and/or high cost of skilled labour. One of the means to remedy this constraint is to reduce the intensity of tapping. This work aims at studying tapping systems of low intensity tapping but highly stimulated (S/4 d3 6d/7 8-10/y(m) and S/2 d6 6d/7 8-10/y(m)) which enable to reduce the need...

Author(s):   Eric Francis Soumahin, Samuel Obouayeba, Koulaka Emmanuel Dick, Denezon Odette Dogbo and Abo Pierre Anno

May 2010

Phytotoxicity of uncomposted and composted poultry manure

  Different uncomposted and composted poultry manure types (laying hen and broiler), mixed at increasing rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) with two amended peat substrates, were tested to study the phytotoxicity using the cress (Lepidium sativum, L.) germination method. The results showed that composting generally reduced the phytotoxicity of the manure mixtures. The germination index was highest in both amended...

Author(s): M. Mar Delgado, José V. Martin, Rosario Miralles De Imperial, Cristina León-Cófreces and M. Cruz. García

May 2010

Isolation of potential antibacterial and antioxidant compounds from Acalypha indica and Ocimum basilicum

  In recent years multiple drug resistance has been developed in many microbes due to indiscriminate use of existing antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases. This paves the way for reconsidering traditional medicine; hence a study was carried out to explore the antimicrobial activities of the acetone and ethanol extract of Acalypha indica and Ocimum...

Author(s): K. Ramya Durga, S. Karthikumar and K. Jegatheesan

May 2010

Study of pollen tube growth, cross-compatibility and fruit set in some almond genotypes

  Almond is one of the most important nut crops of Maragheh, Iran. In the present study, six Maragheh indigenous genotypes with favorable traits were selected for the investigations of pollen tube growth, fruit set and their compatibility. Genotypes were pollinated by the pollen of each other. Fruit set was studied in the filed, and pollen tube growth was studied in the laboratory with florescence microscopy....

Author(s): Y. Sharafi, M. Karimi and M. Ghorbanifar