Browsing by Author "Mwaura, Margaret Mahiga"

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    INTEGRATED NITROGEN, MULCH AND GIBBERELLIC ACID SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE PHOTOSYNTHATES IN MULTIPURPOSE PUMPKIN LEAVES
    (International Journal of Scientific Research and Innovative Technology, 2022) Khasungu, Isutsa, Dorcas; Mwaura, Margaret Mahiga; ; ;
    Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) edible leaves, fruits and seeds contribute to household food and nutrition enhancement. However, cultivation using limitedinputslead to poor growth. This study assessed effectsof nitrogen, mulch and gibberellic acid (GA3) on photo synthates in pumpkin leaves. Nitrogen at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kgN/ha, mulchas none, unpainted and black-painted rice straws, and three GA3at 0, 40 and 80mg/L were appliedin randomized complete block design, replicated three times in two seasons,with2mx2mplant-spacing. Data values were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS and means separated using the least significant difference test (α=0.05).Nitrogen significantly (P<0.05) increased moisture and proteins, while it negatively reduced fat, ash and carbohydrates. Mulch significantly reduced moisture, fat, ash and proteins, but increased total carbohydrates. GA3significantly reduced moisture,fat and proteins only. Combined N, mulch and GA3effect consistently increased moisture and proteins (highest 21% for N3M1GA1), but reduced fat, ash and carbohydrates (lowest 46% for N3M1GA0). This study recommends use of N, mulch and GA3 that elicitthe desired response.
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    Interactive effects of irrigation rate and leaf harvest intensity on edible leaf and fruit yields of multipurpose pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne).
    (ISDS LLC, Japan, 2017) Isutsa, Dorcas Khasungu; Mwaura, Margaret Mahiga; ; ;
    Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchsene) is rapidly gaining popularity in dishes in Kenya. The fruits, leaves and seeds are becoming popular due to their nutritional and medicinal properties. However, water stress and irregular leaf harvesting constrain optimal yields. The present study determined effects of irrigation rate and leaf harvest intensity in sustaining enhanced growth and quality. A split-block embedded in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications was set up in a rain shelter that blocked rain from plots. Irrigation was applied to main plots and leaf harvest intensity to split-blocks. The treatments were 1, 2, 3 and 4 litres applied once per week through drip tubes and 0, 1, 2 and 3 leaves harvested once per fortnight per branch. One plant spaced at 2mx2m and replicated four times formed a treatment. The variables measured were: leaf and fruit growth; male and female flowers; fruit quality; seed number, weight, germination and vigour. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using JMPIN 5.1 software. Tukey’s Studentized Range Test at P=0.05 was used to separate means. Leaf harvest intensity had a significant P<0.05 was used to separate means. Leaf harvest intensity had a significant (P 0.05) decreasing effect on flower, leaf and fruit growth and quality. Irrigation rate had a significant (P 0.05) increasing effect on branches, flowers and seedling vigour. Interaction had a significant (P 0.05) increasing effect on leaves, seeds and male flowers. Irrigating with 3 L sustained the best performance and hence is recommended. Harvesting two leaves is recommended for producing many edible leaves, and one or no leaf for high quality fruits and seeds.