https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/128 2026-05-15T12:09:25Z 2026-05-15T12:09:25Z Ochar, Samson Onyango Sikuku, Phoebe Anyango Onyango, John Collins https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6359 2025-09-11T12:40:30Z 2025-06-25T00:00:00Z

Effect of waterlogging on growth and development of selected green gram varieties Ochar, Samson Onyango; Sikuku, Phoebe Anyango; Onyango, John Collins This experiment studied the effect of waterlogging on growth and development of selected green gram varieties so as to recommend to farmers the variety that can withstand waterlogging. The seeds of the three selected green gram varieties were planted in 10 litre capacity pots that were arranged in completely randomised design. Waterlogging was induced at vegetative stage; 21 days after sowing (DAS) by dipping 10 litre pots in larger 20 litre pots and maintaining standing water at 3cm above the soil level for 3days (T3), 6 days (T6) and 9 days (T9). Control (T0) was achieved by watering the pots with 500ml of water per day. Net assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured using LI-COR 680 portable photosynthesis systems. Chlorophyll content was determined using the Arnon method. The measurements were taken from three plant samples per variety regularly throughout the study period. KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 maintained a significantly high net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content than KAT 00308 under waterlogging treatments. KAT 00308 was more vulnerable to waterlogging. The variety wilted and died under prolonged waterlogging but KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 survived though with reduced yield. Both small and commercial green gram farmers should plant KAT 00301 and KAT 00309 to minimise losses due to waterlogging.

2025-06-25T00:00:00Z Abel Ebong, Simon Arunga, Tara B Mtuy, Angela Meric Birungi, John Onyango, Gilbert Arinda, Francis Orishaba, Teddy Kwaga, Rita Kageni, David Macleod, Reena Yadav, Sandip Das Sanyam, Jeremy J Hoffman, Abeer HA Mohamed Ahmed, Astrid Leck, Mathew J Burton https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6358 2025-09-11T12:29:54Z 2025-01-27T00:00:00Z

Management of microbial keratitis by private pharmacies in Uganda: a study of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Abel Ebong, Simon Arunga, Tara B Mtuy, Angela Meric Birungi, John Onyango, Gilbert Arinda, Francis Orishaba, Teddy Kwaga, Rita Kageni, David Macleod, Reena Yadav, Sandip Das Sanyam, Jeremy J Hoffman, Abeer HA Mohamed Ahmed, Astrid Leck, Mathew J Burton To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy attendants in the management of microbial keratitis.

2025-01-27T00:00:00Z Sheila Lumumba, Albino Luciani, Bryson Sifuma, Dennis Kinyua, George Gikunda, Norah Ogutu, John Onyango, Diana Mukami, Colleta Kiilu, Saida Kassim, Yvonne Opanga, George Githuka https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6357 2025-09-11T08:48:19Z 2025-08-21T00:00:00Z

Facilitators and barriers of Community Case management of Malaria implementation in Homabay, Busia and Kakamega Counties, Kenya Sheila Lumumba, Albino Luciani, Bryson Sifuma, Dennis Kinyua, George Gikunda, Norah Ogutu, John Onyango, Diana Mukami, Colleta Kiilu, Saida Kassim, Yvonne Opanga, George Githuka Community Case management of malaria (CCMm) is a strategy used in malaria-endemic areas to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. CCMm involves providing malaria diagnosis and treatment within the community by trained community health volunteers (CHVs). While evidence suggests CCMm is effective in combating the disease burden at the community level, it isn’t without challenges. This study assesses facilitators of and barriers to uptake of CCMm. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329709

2025-08-21T00:00:00Z Onyango, David Miruka Omondi, Seline Onyango, John Collins https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6071 2024-04-03T18:26:37Z 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z

Characterization Of Farmer-Held Bambara Groundnut (VignaSubterranea (L.) Verdc.)Germplasm Collections FromLake Victoria Basin, Kenya Using Qualitative Traits: A Basis For Crop Genetic Improvement. Onyango, David Miruka; Omondi, Seline; Onyango, John Collins Bambara groundnut (Vignasubterranea (L.)Verdc.)is the second most important African indigenous grain legume after cowpea. The crop is majorly grown for its food and nutrition provisions and health benefits. Bambara groundnut is currently neglected and underutilized in the Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya. Most cultivars grown by farmers in the Lake Victoria Basin have unknown characteristics. A field study comprising of six farmer-held accessions was carried out during the 2018/2019 cropping season at three agro-ecological zones, within the diverse Lake Victoria Basin in Kenya. The field experiments were conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) farms namely, Alupe in Busia, County, Kibos in Kisumu County and at Oyani in Migori County. The trials were conducted to characterize the landraces' qualitative traits. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In all the zones, the qualitative characters were the same for individual genotypes. The results showed high phenotypic variations among the accessions. The germplasm had a high proportion of oval leaflet shape (50%), brown pod colours (66.67%), pod shape ending in a point, round on the other side (66.67%), absence of eye pattern (50%) and cream seed testacolour (50%). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H') indicated that all phenotypic characters studied amongst the six accessions showed high levels of diversity. Terminal leaflet shape and seed eye pattern had the highest index of 2.0708, followed by pod texture (2.062). The seed testa pattern had the least index (1.6501). The cluster analysis revealed two major clusters. The accessions from Migori were grouped in one cluster, whereas the accessions from Kisumu and Busia counties were also grouped in another cluster. These results may be useful in formulating Bambara groundnut breeding programs in the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya and beyond, as currently there are no improved cultivars of this crop in Kenya. Effective breeding would boost crop productivity and improve food security. However, morphological traits are not stable; hence, further molecular analysis is required to determine and back up the genetic variations among the accessions as observed in this study http://www.iosrjournals.org/

2023-10-01T00:00:00Z Othieno, Millicent Auma Netondo, Godfrey W Sikuku, A. Phoebe https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6006 2024-03-01T14:20:05Z 2023-12-18T00:00:00Z

Effect of Maize (Zea mays L.)- Soyabean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Intercropping Patterns on Growth and Yield Parameters of Soyabean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) in Kaimosi, Vihiga County Kenya Othieno, Millicent Auma; Netondo, Godfrey W; Sikuku, A. Phoebe Cereal-legume combination is a common form of intercropping by most small-scale farmers in Western Kenya in general and Vihiga County in particular. This is due to small sizes of land owned by farmers. The practice maximizes on the land productivity and improve on food security. The adoption of technologies like intercropping have been promoted to boost crop production in western Kenya. This has however not appreciably improved the production of soya bean that has remained at 0.2t ha-1 against potential of 2.5t ha-1. Thus, other intercropping patterns need to be tried with a view to enhance productivity. The objectives of this study was therefore to; determine the effect of Maize- Soya bean intercropping patterns on growth and yield parameters of soya beans. The study was conducted in Kaimosi Friend’s University research farm in Vihiga County. The experiment involved six treatment comprising; sole soya beans, sole maize, 1Maize-1Soybean, 1Maize-2Soybean, 2Maize-2Soybean and 2Maize-4Soybean each replicated four times. Findings indicated that maize soya beans intercropping pattern had significant impact on pod length, pod number and yield. However, intercropping did not affect the height of soya bean. On the other hand, intercropping patterns significantly affected the number of leaves. Furthermore, intercropping pattern had significant effect on Leaf Area Index of soya bean. The maize-soybean intercropping patterns had significant effect on soya beans fresh and dry grain yields with 1M:2S recording statistically the highest yields among the intercrops and the least in 1M:1S in long and short rain. There was significantly strong positive relationship between yields and the growth and yield parameters (p 0.05). The positive correlation could be due to availability of growth material for the intercrop. The findings from this suggest the 1M:2S intercropping pattern has potential for adoption due to high dry weight yields and efficiency in material utilization. http://geographical.go2journals.com/id/eprint/3363

2023-12-18T00:00:00Z Mmayi, MP Musyimi, DM Netondo, GW https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5890 2023-11-30T15:00:43Z 2023-10-09T00:00:00Z

Aluminium Application and Rhizobia Inoculation Effects on Growth, Yield and Nutrients Uptake of Three Kenyan Soy Bean Genotypes Mmayi, MP; Musyimi, DM; Netondo, GW Soy bean (Glycine max L.) grains are important legume crops commonly grown in Kenya. Soy bean genotypes are grown in western Kenyan soils that are highly saturated with aluminium ions. Aluminium toxicity mainly limits crop production. Many soy bean genotypes do not tolerate high acidity in soils. Aluminium stress have effects on root growth, which limits plant growth and development. Inoculation of plants with Rhizobia can restore nitrogen under acid affected soils to produce competitive crop yields. There is little information on response of soy bean genotypes grown in Western Kenya to aluminium toxicity under rhizobium inoculation. This study was designed to determine the effect of aluminium application and Rhizobia inoculation on growth, yield and nutrients uptake of soy bean genotypes. Eight treatments of Al (AlCl3.6H2O) levels and Rhizobia were imposed. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates was used. Parameters determined included; number of branches, days to 50% flowering, pod clearance,number of pods, days to harvest maturity and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents. Tukey’s HSD test at 5% level was used to separate treatment means. Mean of branches for NAMSOI was significantly higher compared to mean branches for GAZZELLE and TGX at treatment 4 (T4) on 61 DAT, respectively. Mean number of days to 50% flowering of NAMSOI was significantly higher than that of GAZZELLE and TGX genotypes, respectively at T3.There was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of treatments and genotypes on NPK concentrations in plants. These findings show that Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation alleviates Al effects to a level that is significant to improve soy bean yield. Therefore, genotypes GAZELLE and NAMSOI under Rhizobia inoculation were identified to be more tolerant to Al-stress, hence are recommended for growing in Al prone soils. It provides the best conditions in improving soy bean production under Al stress prone soils.

2023-10-09T00:00:00Z Buyela, Daniel Khasabulli Musyimi, David Mutisya Sikuku, Phoebe Anyango Manono, Bonface Ombasa Odhiambo, Duncan George https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5836 2023-10-24T15:09:28Z 2023-08-04T00:00:00Z

Soil Microbial Biomass, Microbial Population and Diversity in MaizeBanana Based Agroforestry System in Kisii County, Kenya Buyela, Daniel Khasabulli; Musyimi, David Mutisya; Sikuku, Phoebe Anyango; Manono, Bonface Ombasa; Odhiambo, Duncan George Soil microbes are involved in many important ecosystem processes including nutrient acquisition, biogeochemical cycling and soil aggregation. Soil microbial diversity affects the soil belowground dynamics and fate of carbon and nutrients. Soil microbes are important for agricultural and plant production systems, hence understanding the effects of agroforestry systems on the soil microbes,is necessary in order to improve on soil health and fertility. The objective of the study was to determine the soil microbial biomass, microbial populations and microbial diversity in maize-banana based agroforestry system. The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization farm in Kisii County. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with maize and banana intercropped with agroforestry trees. The treatments were; Maize, banana (MMBB), Maize-banana, Calliandra (MBCC), Maize (MM), banana (BB), Maize-banana, Leucaena (MBLL), Maize-banana, Sesbania (MBSS) and Maize, fertilizer (MMF). Soil samples were collected from the agroforestry fields using a soil auger. Soil microbial biomass was measured using the chloroform fumigation extraction. Fungi and bacteria were enumerated by serial dilution plate method.Shannon diversity index (H’) and Simpson diversity index (1 - D) were used for the calculation of species diversity. SAS (version 9) statistical software was used for analysis. The treatments with agroforestry tree species had significantly higher soil microbial biomass (MBSS86.33, MBCC-52.66 and MBLL- 47.0MgC/Kg) populations of bacteria (MBSS-197, MBCC-128.0 and MBLL-111.25x108 cfu g-1soil) and fungi (MBSS-50.83, MBCC-29.167 and MBLL-14.0x105 cfu g-1 soil) and diversity of bacteria (MBSS- (H' =1.61, D = 1), MBCC- (H' =1.04, D = 0.83), MBLL (H' = 0.52, D = 0.5) and fungi MBSS (H' =1.39, D = 1) MBCC (H' =1.04, D= 0.83), MBLL (H' =1.56, D = 0.93). MBSS increased microbial biomass, microbial populations and microbial diversity significantly an indication of improved soil health and hence recommended for adoption by farmers.

2023-08-04T00:00:00Z Osunga, Salome Amuka, Omari Machocho, K. Alex Getabu, Albert Onani, O. Martin https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5721 2023-05-29T14:48:49Z 2023-04-04T00:00:00Z

Some members of genus Cassia (Senna): Their Ethnobotany, Potency and Prospects of Drug discovery Osunga, Salome; Amuka, Omari; Machocho, K. Alex; Getabu, Albert; Onani, O. Martin Plants from Cassia species have been used traditionally all over the world in the treatment of various diseases. Various compounds with diverse bioactivities have been isolated from the Cassia species. However, this has not been done exhaustively in all the species. Moreover, only a few drugs are associated with cassia species as their origin despite the knowledge that plants are a good source of drugs. Further investigations are required to isolate more compounds from these species, verify their bioactivities, conduct clinical and toxicological studies and eventually come up with lead drugs. This review relates the ethnobotanical uses of various Cassia species with the isolated bioactive compounds. It pinpoints the limited compounds that have been isolated compared to their traditional benefits justifying the potential and potency of the species as a drug source. https://mansapublishers.com/index.php/ijpds/article/view/3890

2023-04-04T00:00:00Z SIMIYU Wamalwa Dennis https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5657 2023-04-05T10:35:56Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Chlorophyll Content Index and Yield Responses of Maize and Banana Plants under Calliandra calothyrsus, Sesbania sesban and Leucaena diversifolia Intercropping in Vihiga County, Kenya SIMIYU Wamalwa Dennis High population has led to more demand for food. Subsequently, there is need to expand agricultural land. This has necessitated cutting down of trees. This has led to soil degradation. Nutrient depleted soils and poor cropping systems such as continuous cropping, have contributed to the declining yield, which is a major problem facing farmers in Western Kenya. Intercropping with agroforestry tree species can alleviate soil infertility problems and increase crop productivity through enhanced biological nitrogen fixation, growth and photosynthesis hence ensuring food security. However, intercropping with agroforestry trees may lead to competition for both above ground and below ground resources between crops and trees hence affect the physiology and yield of the component crops. Intercropping maize and bananas with agroforestry trees such as Calliandra

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Bosco Kidake Kisambo, Bryan Peter Ogillo, David Musyimi https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5640 2023-03-08T16:13:13Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of weed control methods on weeds and productivity of range grasses in semi-arid Kenya Bosco Kidake Kisambo, Bryan Peter Ogillo, David Musyimi Background: Weeds are a common occurrence and challenge in different crops eventually influencing crop development and yields. Weed control and management are key in enhancing the productivity of cultivated pastures. In semi-arid Kenyan drylands, the main methods employed for weed management are manual cultural practices and recently, the application of commercial herbicides. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two weed control methods on weed characteristics and productivity of four rangeland grasses commonly used in reseeding and pasture improvement in a semi-arid environment. Methodology: In a randomized complete block design in a field experiment, we determined the effects of two weed control methods (manual and herbicide use) in four rangeland cultivated grasses. These are Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Horsetail grass (Chloris roxburghiana), Masaai love grass (Eragrostis superba) and Bush rye (Enteropogon macrostachyus). Weed characteristics (species, density, diversity and weed biomass,) were evaluated, as well as the effectiveness of the weed control methods in the grasses. Results: Broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses were prevalent in the established grasses. Generally, higher grass dry matter yields were obtained in Cenchrus ciliaris grasses (2.05 t h-1) while lowest yields were in Chloris roxburghiana (1.2 ton ha-1). Weed management interventions increased biomass production in the grasses by a mean of 19% in general. The mean yield increase varied with species and weed control method ranging from 8-39%. Weed control methods significantly reduced weed density, diversity and eventually weed biomass within the grass species. The efficacy of manual weed control and chemical application was in the range of 27-74%. Implications: Weed control is, therefore, necessary if one is to realize higher productivity and returns in cultivated pasture and fodder systems in semi-arid environments. Conclusion: Both chemical and manual control methods of weed control are important and effective approaches to manage weeds in pasture systems in semi-arid environments. http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.4494 http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v26i1.44948

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