Browsing by Author "Ogolla, F. O."

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Occurrence of Fungal Foliar Diseases of Tomato in different Agro-Ecological Zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(Farm to Fork Foundation, 2022) Ogolla, F. O.; Onyango, B. O.; Muraya, M. M.
Tomato production is characterized by inconsistent quality and yields due to biotic constraints such as fungal foliar diseases. Information on the occur- rence of the diseases in different agro-ecological zones of Kenya is scanty. This study assessed the occurrence of early blight, late blight and Septoria spot diseases in tomato farms in five agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Kirinyaga County in Kenya (UM2, UM3, UM4, LM3 and LM4) using cross sectional survey method. Macro plots were systematically established diagonally in tomato farms and were used to assess disease incidence and severity. Inci- dences and severity data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Kruskal Wallis is H test at α = 0.05. Median comparison was performed using Steel Dwass Critchlow Fligner with bonferroni adjustment in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4. Incidences and severity of early blight, late blight and Septoria spot in tomato farms were significantly different (p<0.05) among the villages and agro-ecological zones. Incidence of early blight ranged from 35.7% to 76.65% with severity ranging from 17.15% to 50.87%. The incidence of Septoria spot ranged from 23.56% to 93.42% with severity ranging from 16.67% to 44.44%. The incidence of late blight ranged from 33.33% to 86.63% with severity ranging from16.67% to 33.33%. The inci- dence of early blight was significantly higher in AEZ UM3 (Median = 75%), the incidence of Septoria spot was significantly higher in AEZ LM4 (Median = 83.33%) while the incidence of late blight was significantly higher in AEZ UM3 (Median= 50%). The severity of early blight was significantly higher in AEZ UM3 (Median = 38.89%), Septoria spot was significantly severe in AEZ LM4 (Median = 40.28%) while late blight was significantly higher in AEZ UM4 (Median = 32.72%). It can be concluded that the incidences and severity of the three foliar fungal diseases of tomato differed in different AEZ of Kirinyaga County. These findings serve as a baseline study and can be used to enlighten farmers on tomato fungal diseases in the area. However, there is a need for studies to evaluate predisposing factors and to determine the economic impact of foliar fungal diseases of tomatoes in Kirinyaga County.
Preparation and Evaluation of Goat ManureBased Vermicompost for Organic Garlic Production in Manyatta sub-county, Kenya
(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB), 2020-02) Gichaba, V. M; Ndukhu, H. O.; Muraya, M.; Odilla, G. A.; Ogolla, F. O.; ; ;
Application of vermicompost in crop production results in improved soil chemical properties. Studies relating to use of vermicompost as alternative to synthetic fertilizers have gotten considerable attention as the demand for organically produced agricultural products increases. Goat manure has been reported to be rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. However, preparation and utilization of goat manure-based vermicompost in organic garlic production in the study area is scanty. Thus, farmers have solely relied on chemical fertilizers in garlic production which is a health and environmental hazards and causes ground and surface water pollution due to nitrate leaching. In Manyatta sub-county of Eastern Kenya, farmers use synthetic fertilizers in garlic production which is not sustainable despite having readily available goat manure which can be composted for use. The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate effectiveness of goat manure-based vermicompost for organic garlic production in Manyatta sub-county, Kenya. Goat manure-based vermicompost was prepared at KALRO Embu station, Embu County between July–November 2018. The vermicompost obtained was dried, screened and filled into bags and was used for growing garlic. A sample of goat manure-based vermicompost was analysed for chemical properties and the results showed that it had very high total N (1.79%), very high available P (52 ppm), very high exchangeable K (1.75 Cmol Kg-1 ) and it was moderately alkaline (pH 7.73). Hence, goat manure-based vermicompost is recommended in the organic production of garlic in Manyatta sub-county of Eastern Kenya.
Tomato Cultivation and Farmers’ Knowledge on Selected Foliar Fungal Diseases in Agro- Ecological Zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research, 2022) Ogolla, F. O.; Onyango, B.; Muraya, M. M.
Diseases are hindrance to tomato production in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. However, information on farmer’s knowledge about tomato diseases to warrant pesticide usage is scanty. Further, there is information gap on disease predisposing factor such as varietal choice and seed source. This study assessed the tomato farmers’ socio characteristic, varieties grown, seed source and knowledge of selected foliar fungal disease among tomato farmers in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Kirinyaga County. A cross sectional survey design that in cooperated purposive sampling and snowballing approaches was adopted in the study. Data were collected from 120 tomato farmers using structured questionnaires. A chi square (Ӽ2) test was used to examine the association between different variables at α= 0.05 using SAS version 9.4. No significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between gender of farmers and AEZ. Nonetheless, there were more men (83.33%) than women (16.67%). Terminator F1 variety was popular among farmers (25%). No significance (p > 0.05) association was observed between source of tomato planting material and AEZs. However, Agrovet was a popular seed source among farmers (40%). The reasons for choosing a particular tomato variety was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the AEZ with 40.83% of farmers preferring tomato varieties with good marketability traits such as fruit size. Farmers’ knowledge of causative agent of early blight, late blight and Septoria leaf spot was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with AEZs. The source of farmer’s knowledge on tomato foliar fungal diseases was not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with AEZ. However, farming experiences was a popular source of knowledge (51.67%) among farmers. Inability of some farmers to identify tomato diseases negates the efforts on disease management in tomato production in Kirinyaga County. Therefore, measures such as coordinated education on tomato diseases is necessary to empower farmers on disease causes and identification to enhance disease management and improve tomato yields in Kirinyaga County in Kenya.