Browsing by Author "M. Muraya, Moses"

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Eco-Friendly Farming Practices and the intensity of their adoption in the agroecosystems of Embu County, Kenya
(African Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020-01-01) Kathuri Njeru, Moses; K. Mutegi, James; M. Muraya, Moses; ; ;
This study was conducted among households of Embu County in Kenya to determine the socioeconomic factors that influenced adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs). Earlier studies had indicated clearly that Embu County was experiencing soil erosion, pollution and soil acidification, yet EFFPs had been introduced to counter these environmental challenges. Therefore the study sought to find out the influence of socioeconomic factors on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex post facto research design was used. Through multistage random sampling 402 household heads were selected and all the 32 extension officers in the area were interviewed. 71.1% of the households were considered high adopters while 2% had not adopted low intensity was found with EFFPs such as limited use of inorganic pesticides and soil testing; medium intensity was seen on adoption of green manuring, composting, integrated pest management, minimum tillage and mulching. EFFPs with high adoption intensity included: Increasing soil and water conservation measures, cover cropping, use of less herbicides, intensified inter cropping, cultivating leguminous crops, agro-forestry, crop rotation and cultural methods in weeding were some of the EFFPs with high intensity adoption. The study found no statistically significant relationship between the intensity of adoption and the uptake of EFFPs among farming households of Embu County, Kenya. Therefore understanding the type and intensity of EFFPS adopted would be critical in designing effective environmental programs in the County.
Incidence and Severity of Turcicum Leaf Blight Caused by Exserohilum turcicum (pass.) Leonard and Suggs) on Sorghum Populations in Different Regions of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 2019) O. Ogolla, Fredrick; M. Muraya, Moses; O. Onyango, Benson; ; ;
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a drought tolerant food crop preferred by subsistence farmers in dry areas which experience low annual rainfall. However, Turcicum Leaf Blight (TLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum has threatened sorghum production in the world. New sorghum varieties have been introduced into the Kenyan production systems, including the drier parts of Tharaka Nithi County to boost yield and thus meet the increased demands for food and as a raw material by brewing industries. Nonetheless, challenges due to infection by TLB have negatively impacted on sorghum production resulting from damaged photosynthetic leaves. This study was conducted to determine the incidence and severity of TLB on sorghum populations indifferent regions of Tharaka Nithi County. Sorghum farms in eleven villages for the study were selected by multistage random sampling. The study was conducted between the month of January and June 2018. Data analysis was done by SAS software version 9.3 and significantly different means separated using LSD test at 5% probability level. There was statistically significant difference in the severity and incidence of E. Turcicum leaf blight on sorghum population from different regions in Tharaka Nithi County (P<0.05). Disease TLB occurred in all the villages surveyed though at different frequencies. The disease incidence was higher at Kithaga, and Nkairini recording 74.45% and 55.93%. and lowest at Gatuntu and Gituntu both recorded the disease incidences 12.22%. Thus, farmers should be educated on sorghum TLB management for increased sorghum production and higher income to farmers.
Pathogenicity of Alternaria Species Causing Tomato Blight in AgroEcological Zones of Kirinyaga County in Kenya
(Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2023-04-22) O. Ogolla, Fredrick; M. Muraya, Moses; O. Onyango, Benson; ; ;
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is a highly consumed and produced vegetable crop with an annual global production of over 185 million tonnes. High consumption and production are due to its nutritional and health benefits. However, tomato production is characterized by inconsistent quality and yields, partly emanating from biotic constraints attributed to fungal foliar diseases. In Kirinyaga County, where tomato production is a significant source of livelihood, knowledge gaps exist regarding the identity of Alternaria species causing tomato blight in different Agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and the susceptibility of locally grown tomato varieties to the Alternaria pathogens. To address these gaps, we conducted a study to determine the characteristics of an Alternaria pathogen isolated from tomato leaves from different AEZs and assess the susceptibility level of some tomato varieties grown in Kirinyaga County. Pathogen characterization was done using phenotypic and molecular approaches, and the susceptibility assay was evaluated by artificial inoculation. The molecular characterization involved BLASTIN analysis of Sanger sequenced DNA nucleotide amplicons, and the use of NCBI databases. The susceptibility assay was carried out in the greenhouse using a completely randomized design. Data on the fungal conidial lengths (µm) and the susceptibility (%) of tomato varieties to fungal isolates were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with significance means separated using LSD at α = 0.05. The morphologies of the pathogens differed significantly (p <0.05). Molecular characterization implicated Alternaria solani, Alternaria cerealis, Alternaria arborescens, and Alternaria alternate in causing tomato blight. Tomato varieties differed in their susceptibility to Alternaria pathogens (p < 0.05). Kilele F1 (73.84%), and Terminator F1 (56.48%) were the most and least susceptible tomato varieties, respectively. Thus, Terminator F1 can serve as a source for the genetic improvement of tomato varieties in the Kirinyaga patho-system. Our study provides valuable information on the identification of Alternaria species causing tomato blight in different AEZs in Kirinyaga County and the susceptibility of locally grown tomato varieties to infection by Alternaria pathogen isolates. The findings can aid in the development of effective disease management strategies and the genetic improvement of tomato varieties in the area.
Variation in Temperature and Nutrient Source Influence the Growth of Exserohilum Turcicum Mycelia Isolated from Sorghum
(Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 2019) O. Ogolla, Fredrick; M. Muraya, Moses; O. Onyango, Benson
Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum is a serious threat to production of maize and sorghum, since it damages photosynthetic leaves. Growth and development of E. turcicum pathogen is influenced by factors such as light, temperature, dew period, plant age and inoculums concentration. Tharaka Nithi county in Eastern Kenya where sorghum is actively grown has heterogenous climatic and edaphic conditions. It is currently unclear if variations in temperature and media type may influence growth, development and virulence of Exserohilum turcicum. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of media type and different temperature variations on the growth and development of mycelia of E. turcicum isolates from Tharaka Nithi county in Kenya. Results showed that the effect of temperature was significantly differences for development of E. turcicum (Pr < 0.05) mycelia. Media type had significant effect on growth of E. turcicum isolates (p<0.05). Corn meal agar with mean of 4.233 cm was the best growth media followed by Malt extract agar at 3.3200 cm, while the most preferential (p<0.05) temperature for mycelia growth was 30 oC. The study recommends in cooperation of wider environmental factors in future studies involving TLB pathogen from Tharaka Nithi county.