Research Articles

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Equipping Lay Leaders for Christian Ministry in the Anglican Church of Kenya through Theological Education by Extension
(Missionalia: Southern African Journal of Missiology, 0001-05-21) Kiarie,George and Mwangi,Mary
The mission of ecclesia is to empower and equip its leaders for Christian ministry. This has been possible through theological education, particularly for the ordained ministry. Though laity form a substantial number in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) ecclesiastical context, they are theologically ill-equipped for Christian ministry despite their integral roles in pastoral and administrative functions in their respective local congregations. The article was informed by both empirical and non-empirical data drawn from the ACK diocese of Thika in 2020. The data was derived from 11 questionnaires where two former diocesan Theological Education by Extension (TEE) co-ordinators and nine Archdeaconry TEE facilitators in the diocese of Thika were engaged. Archival documents from the diocese and review of literature also enriched the study. The study’s findings show that the success of the 21st century ecclesia solely depends on how thoroughly the lay leaders are empowered and equipped theologically through TEE.
Plant Propagation: A Teaching Resource Packet with Emphasis on Agroforestry and Fruit Trees in East Africa
(Cornell University, Ithaca, NewYork, USA, 1992) 68. Mudge, K. W; Mwaka, A.; Isutsa, D. K.; Musoke, R.; Foster, D.; Ngoda, B. J. M.; ; ;
The products and services provided by trees have always been used in farming. In the past, trees grew naturally on farm lands. The rise in population, and resulting increased demand for wood products, has led to loss of tree cover through cutting down of trees without replacement. Land shortage is common in most parts of Uganda, and therefore land for establishing separate wood plantations is not available. Agroforestry becomes the most obvious and appropriate alternative. Agroforestry is a term used for land-use systems in which trees or shrubs are grown together with crops or combined with livestock. Trees can be combined with other components, either simultaneously being grown in a field with crops, or in rotation where trees are grown first then cut and replaced with crops. Agroforestry is a technology through which the problems of poor agricultural production, wood shortages and environmental degradation can be addressed. Trees provide many products such as fuelwood, poles, shade, fodder, fruits, medicine and timber. Trees planted as contour hedges for soil and water conservation help reduce water and soil loss and improve infiltration rate. Trees also maintain soil fertility through nutrient recycling, nitrogen fixation and improving soil structure. Trees are also used as windbreaks, for providing shade and beautifying the landscape. Trees suitable for agroforestry should have characteristics that are highly beneficial to farmers. This usually depends on the technology or tree arrangement desired by the farmer and the final products needed. For instance, a fast-growing aggressive tree species may be very useful for rotational systems but may compete too much with crops. Table 9. Desirable characteristics of agroforestry trees for selected practices Tree characteristics Improved Boundary Scattered in Contour fallow planting crop fields planting Nitrogen fixing – – Fast growing – – – Coppicing – – – Deep rooted – – – Light canopy – – Suitable for fodder – – Compatibility with crops – – – Quick recovery – – – Lots of biomass – – 6.3 Propagation of trees There are three methods of propagating trees: ● Seed ● Vegetative propagation ● Collecting wild seedlings (wildings). Most trees are raised from seed. Successful raising of seedlings and growing of trees depends on timely availability of good-quality seed.
Formation of trimetallic complexes containing redox-active nitrosyl molybdenum tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)-borato groups. Schiff base compounds containing two Mo and one Cu centre
(Elsevier, 1994) Kagwanja, Stanley M.; Jones, Christopher J.; Maher, John P.; McCleverty, Jon A.
The reaction of [Mo(NO)Tp*Cl2] [Tp* = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate] with copper(II) Schiff base complexes derived by condensation of two mole equivalents of 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with α,ω-diamines [1,2-C6H4(NH2)2, NH2(CH2)nNH2, n = 2–5] affords trimetallic species containing three potential redox centres. The IR, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopic properties of these compounds are described and it is shown that, with increasing chain length in the diimino bridges of the Schiff base complexes, there are small distortions from planarity, probably towards tetrahedral structures. From cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry it is shown that the trimetallic species primarily undergo two accessible sequential one-electron reductions associated with the {Mo(NO)Tp*Cl} centres, and by determination of conproportionation constants for the mono-reduced species, it is established that there is weak interaction between these two centres. Attempts to obtain reduced trimetallic species are described.
Reaction of molybdenum mononitrosyl halides with Schiff bases: Hydrolysis of azomethine links,formation of monometallic tris
(Elsevier, 1996-06) Kagwanja, Stanley M.; Jeffery, John C.; Johns, Christopher J.; McCleverty, John A.
The reaction of 2 mol equiv. of [Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)3}X2] ((HBdmpz)3 = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate; X = Cl or I) with Schiff base ligands derived by condensation of 2 mol equiv. of para- and meta-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 1,4-C6H4(NH2)2 and 1,6-NH2(CH2)6NH2 afforded monometallic complexes [Mo(NO) {H(dmpz3)} X(OC6H4 CHO)]. Sodium borohydride reduction of the Schiff bases obtained from the hydroxybenzaldehydes and 1,4-C6H4(NH2)2 followed by reaction with [Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)3 Cl2}] afforded the bimetallic species [{Mo(NO)HB(dmpz)3}Cl{(OC6H4CH2NH)2C6H4}]. These compounds were characterized spectroscopically and the structure of a closely related compound, [Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)3}Cl{OC6H3(3-CHO)(4-OH)}], has been determined crystallographically.
Trimetallic complexes containing Nickel or Palladium and two Molybdenum nitrosyl groups
(1997) Kagwanja, Stanley M.; Johns, Christopher J.; McCleverty, Jon A.
The reaction of [Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)3}Cl2] [HB(dmpz)3 = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyborate] with nickel(II) and palladium(II) Schiff-base complexes derived by condensation of two mole equivalents of 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with α,ω-diamines [1,2-C6H4(NH)2),(CH2)nNH2, n = 2–4 for Ni, n = 2 for Pd) affords trimetallic species. From cyclic, square wave and differential pulse voltammetric data it is shown that the species may be reduced to a dianion and that the sites of reduction are probably the two molybdenum nitrosyl fragments. From the electrochemical and limited EPR spectral data obtained from reduced species, it is clear that there is very weak electronic and minimal magnetic interaction between the redox centres.
A protocol for rooting and growing apple rootstock microshoots.
(1998) Isutsa, D. K.; Pritts, M. P.; Mudge, K. W.; ; ;
Microshoots of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) rootstocks G. 65, G.30 and G.11 were transferred from stage II axillary shoot cultures to stage III rooting media containing 10 levels of indole-butyric acid (IBA) for four weeks to determine optimal conditions for rooting. Microshoots were inverted or left in an upright position. Rootstocks and microshoot position affected rooting and survival; the highest rooting was 30% for G.65 inverted with 2 mgcntdotL-1 I13A, 100% for G.30 upright with 3 mgcntdotL-1 IBA, and 100% for G.11 inverted with 1 or 2 mgcntdotL-1 IBA. No single set of conditions provided consistent rooting in vitro, and plants were not always of high quality. In a second experiment, microshoots were rooted and acclimatized ex vitro in a custom-built fog chamber to assess the effect of two carbon dioxide levels (450 or 1350 mumolcntdotmol-1) and three light levels (30, 50 or 100 mumolcntdotm-2cntdots-1). All rootstocks rooted equally well ex vitro, but survival varied. Plantlets had the highest dry mass, leaf area and growth rates under high light conditions compared to medium light or low light conditions. Supplemental carbon dioxide had no consistent effect. If plants survived fog chamber conditions, subsequent survival in the fog tunnel and greenhouse was 100%. Thus, these rootstocks can be rooted successfully in the fog chamber at high light conditions, which yielded high quality plants. A third experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chilling for four weeks at 3.3degreeC, or spraying with gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) on post-rooting dormancy, a problem which frequently occurs with recently rooted apple microshoots. Chilled plants had greater dry mass than control or GA3 plants, and the GA3 effect was short-lived. The ex vitro procedure suggested by these experiments could reduce the time associated with rootstock micropropagation to at most 6 months.
Malus germplasm varies in resistance or tolerance to apple replant pathogens in a mixture of New York orchard soils.
(American Society for Horticultural Science, 2000-04) Isutsa, Dorcas K. 1; Merwin, Ian A.; ; ;
We tested 40 seedling lots and 17 clonal accessions - representing 941 genotypes and 19 species or interspecific hybrids of Malus - for their resistance or tolerance to apple replant disease (ARD) in a mixture of five New York soils with known replant problems. Total plant biomass, root necrosis, root-infesting fungi, and root-lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus penetrans Cobb) or dagger nematode (DN; Xiphinema americanum Cobb) populations were evaluated in apple seedlings and clones grown for ≃60 days in the composite soil. In addition to phytophagous nematodes, various Pythium, Cylindrocarpon, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora species were isolated from roots grown in the test soil. Plant growth response was categorized by a relative biomass index (RBI), calculated as total plant dry weight in the pasteurized field soil (PS) minus that in an unpasteurized field soil (FS), divided by PS. Nematode reproduction on each genotype was defined by a relative reproduction index (RRI), calculated as final nematode populations in roots and soil (Pf) minus initial soil populations (Pi), divided by Pi. The RBI, RRI, and other responses of accessions to ARD soil were used to rate their resistance, tolerance, or susceptibility to apple replant disease. None of the accessions was completely resistant to ARD pathogens in our test soil. Seedling accessions of M. sieversii Roem. and M. kirghisorum Ponom. appeared to have some tolerance to ARD, based upon their low RRIs and RBIs. Three clonal rootstock accessions (G.65, CG.6210, and G.30), and four other clones (M. baccata Borkh. - 1883.h,M. xanthocarpa Langenf. - Xan, M. spectabilis Borkh. - PI589404, and M. mandshurica Schneid. - 364.s) were categorized as tolerant to ARD. The disease response of other accessions was rated as susceptible or too variable to classify. We concluded that sources of genetic tolerance to ARD exist in Malus germplasm collections and could be used in breeding and selecting clonal rootstocks for improved control of orchard replant pathogens.
Synthesis and electrochemical studies of heterobinuclear complexes containing copper and molybdenum nitrosyl groups linked by Schiff base ligands
(Springer, 2000-08) Lutta, Samwel T.; Kagwanja, Stanley M.
Abstract The reaction of [MoCl(NO)Tp * = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylborate] with copper Schiff base complexes derived by condensation of one mole each of 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde with α,ω diamines [NH2(CH2) n NH2, n = 2–4] yields heterobinuclear complexes with two potential redox centres. I.r., electronic and e.s.r. spectroscopic properties of these complexes are described. Cyclic voltammetric data of the base complexes in DMSO reveal that the copper redox centres undergo irreversible one electron reduction at potentials which vary slightly with the polymethylene carbon chain backbone of the Schiff base ligands. Incorporation of [MoCl(NO)Tp *]+ groups in the copper Schiff base complexes, results to a slight anodic shift (100 mV) in the reduction potential of the copper centre which remains invariant as the polymethylene carbon chain lengthens. Electrochemical data of the heterobinuclear complexes using CH2Cl2 and DMSO as solvents indicate the solvent dependence of the reduction potentials of these complexes. In CH2Cl2, the reduction potential of the copper centre shifts cathodically by 100 mV, while that of the molybdenum centre shifts anodically by 200 mV. However, accumulated electrochemical data of the heterobinuclear complexes indicate minimal electronic interactions between the copper and molybdenum redox centres.
Grazing Behaviour of Saanen and Toggenburg Goats in Sub-Humid Tropical Conditions of Kenya
(2001-03-22) Njoka-Njiru, E. N. *; Ojango, J. M.; Ambula, M. K.; Ndirangu, C. M.
The behavior of 6 Toggenburg and 6 Saanen female goats, grazing on natural vegetation in a modified sub-humid tropical environment of Kenya, was studied during the dry (January and February) and wet (April and May) seasons in 1997. The two exotic breads grazed for 12 h daily. Observation on feeding, standing, lying and ruminating was done chronometrically at five minute intervals between 0600 and 1800 h. These grazing times were based on the current practice of small holder farmers. During the dry period, the average feeding standing, lying and ruminating time per 12 h period for Saanens was 5.63, 4.57, 1.80 and 1.50 h respectively while that for Toggenburgs was 7.26, 3.21, 1.53 and 1.96 h, respectively. In the wet (Green) season, the mean feeding, standing, lying and ruminating time per Saanen in both seasons. It was also observed that standing occurred more often in Saanens than the Toggenburgs in the dry season. During the wet period, Saanens ruminated significantly longer than the Toggenburgs. The health status of the animals was determined by analyzing the respiratory frequency, heart rate, rectal temperature, hemoglobin, erythrocytes and leucocytes of the experimental animals. All the clinical and physiological parameters were within the normal physiological range of healthy goats. It was concluded that differences in the grazing behavior of Saanens and Toggenburgs in the modified tropical environment of Kenya, do exist.
Evaluation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) as Replacent for Maize in the Diet of Growing Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
(2002) Muriu, J. I.; Njoka-Njiru, E. N. *; Tuitoek, J. K.; Nanua, J. K.
Thirty six young New Zealand white rabbits were used in a randomised complete block (RCB) design with a 3×2 factorial treatment experiment to study the suitability of sorghum as substitute for maize in the diet of growing rabbits in Kenya. Six different diets were formulated to contain 35% of one of the three different types of grain (maize, white sorghum or brown sorghum) and one of the two different levels of crude protein (CP) 16 or 18.5% and fed to growing rabbits for a period of six weeks. The tannin content of the grains was 0.05, 0.52 and 5.6% chatechin equivalents for maize, white and brown sorghum respectively. Weaning weight at 35 days of age was used as the blocking criterion at the beginning of the experiment. Results of feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, feed digestibility, as well as the blood parameters, indicated that white sorghum was not significantly different from maize. Animals fed on diets containing brown sorghum had a lower average daily gain (ADG) and a poorer feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (p<0.01) in comparison with those fed on diets containing maize or white sorghum. The 18.5% CP level gave a better FCE (p<0.05) compared with the 16% CP level. However, increasing the level of CP did not improve the utilisation of any of the grains. It was concluded that white sorghum could effectively substitute maize in the diet of growing rabbits. On the other hand, the use of brown sorghum in the diets of growing rabbits may compromise their growth rate. This may be due to the high concentration of tannins in the brown sorghum
Oral Literature and the Communication of Change and Innovations in Kenya
(University of Cape Town, 2003) Waita, Njogu
The major object of pursing this study was to understand how oral literature has been used in the communication of change and innovations in Kenya. The study focuses attention on Central Province of Kenya. In the work, oral literature has been studied as a literary media delineating the genre's communicative role in relationship to messages in social-cultural, political and health ﬁelds. In this study, we begin from understanding the traditional context and the literary content of the study sample and proceed to analyze and discuss the new and innovative messages communicated by the genre. In the course of the work, oral literature emerges as continually changing and adapting to the social, historical and health challenges that confront the people of the Central Province of Kenya. The primary sources of data used for analysis in this study have been from the Kikuyu people of Central Kenya. Oral texts were recorded and sourced from oral artists, composers and storytellers during ﬁeldwork in this region. Oral narratives, oral poetry in the form of songs, proverbs and oral dramas constitute the main data used for analysis in this study. We have also used in the analysis a few texts from secondary sources. The texts are analyzed as literary genres that are culture-bound. Interviews provided useful collaborative and augmentative data for the study. We have four broad categories of classifying content in our analysis. These include: (i) courtship, marriage and family, (ii) social construction of gender, and (iii) politics and governance and (iv) HIV/AIDS communication. Oral literature among the Kikuyu emerges in this study as a genre that continues to communicate normative values while at the same time exploring new contradictions that have affected the various institutions of courtship, marriage and family. The study also indicates that oral literature continues to play a visible role in gender socialization validating disparate roles for men and women. The genre contributes to the gender debate by extracting a multiplicity of standpoints on gender relations. At the same time, it emerges a medium of contesting not only traditional gender values but also the emerging modernist positions. Over the last century, oral literature also emerges as having played a key role in communicating change and innovations in the politics and governance of Kenya. The resilient nature of the genre is further demonstrated in this study by the way oral literature has responded to HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. In confronting this relatively new phenomenon, oral literature becomes a tool that helps the people in conceptualizing and protecting themselves against the disease. The conclusions that we draw from this study is that oral literature continues to play a signiﬁcant role in social communication in spite of various technological and literacy changes that have taken place in Kenya. The genre is constantly being created and recreated to serve speciﬁc needs and to respond to the crises of the moment.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: a case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(MCB UP Ltd, 2003) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The ability to access, evaluate and use information is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirement for the information society. At the university level, students are expected to contact independent exploration in diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespective of their areas of study, they need to use information effectively. They should not only master the skill of finding information in print format or electronic formats, but also be able to evaluate and use it competently both in their study activities as well as in their later lives. This paper examines why the acquisition of these information skills is a matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in quality learning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that although there have been efforts to ensure information literacy among university students, there is need to build on these efforts through collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty members particularly through joint curriculum design and implementation.
Effect of time of pruning and lungs on non-structural carbohydrates of tea (Camellia sinensis L.).
(2003-03) Bore, John K.; Ng'etich, Wilson; Isutsa, D. K.; ; ;
An experiment was conducted at Kipkebe Estate, Sotik, Kenya, with the aim of establishing the effects of pruning time and resting period on total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) reserves, regrowth and yield of tea. In this experiment, tea bushes were freely left unplucked for 45 and 90.d before pruning. Control treatments were continuously plucked until pruning. Results showed that TNC was significantly (P<0.05) increased at pruning time. October pruning significantly increased leaf, stem, and root TNC. A longer resting period of 90 d significantly increased leaf and root TNC to 294 and 230 g kg -1, respectively. Generally, TNC declined after pruning and thereafter increased. Root TNC significantly correlated with regrowth period, diebacks and yield. Generally, the best resting period for increased TNC, regrowth and yield, is between 45 and 90 d. The best pruning time is October, if drought stress can be avoided.
Marketing of library services: A case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2004) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Regardless of the type, libraries are under pressure to justify their existence and funding through provision of customer- or market-oriented services. This requires a shift from product or service orientation to customer or need orientation. Different marketing concepts provide libraries with the tools for collecting and analysing useful data about information needs of customers, which assists in designing, developing and delivering appropriate services. This paper examines the methods used by university libraries in Kenya to market their services to different categories of users and the problems experienced therein. It concludes that, although efforts have been made to achieve this, more emphasis must be put on promotion of the already existing services and therefore on the need for university libraries in Kenya to adapt more systematic techniques in collecting data on their user needs, if they are to design and deliver services that fit user requirements.
Rapid micropropagation of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) varieties.
(2004-02) Isutsa, D. K.; ; ;
Lack of adequate, healthy plants can hamper production of passion fruits (Passiflora edulis Sims.). Seed propagation results in undesirable variability, inadequate and seasonal supply. This research aimed at rapid generation of P. edulis plants through modified ex vitro rooting techniques. Yellow (P. edulis var. flavicarpa) and purple (P. edulis var. edulis) passion fruit shoot tops were proliferated in vitro to stage II shoots, half of which were rooted ex vitro and the other half were conventionally rooted in vitro. The design was completely randomized for each variety. Plantlets were assessed after 30 days. Data were analyzed using the MSTAT programme. After proliferating yellow passion fruit on a medium containing 22.2 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), its rooting ex vitro was significantly better (96% rooting, three roots per shoot, 92% survival) than rooting in vitro (62% rooting, one root per shoot on 24.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid medium, 50% survival). Purple passion fruit proliferated satisfactorily only on a medium containing both 22.2 μM BAP and 11.6 μM gibberellic acid 3. Like difficult proliferation, and compared to yellow passion fruit, its rooting and survival also proved difficult and poor (47% rooting, one root per shoot on 21.5 μM naphthalene acetic acid medium in vitro, 32% survival) and (66% rooting, two roots per shoot ex vitro, 60% survival). Thus, the various passion fruit varieties have different requirements for micropropagation. The key finding was that ex vitro rooting is possible and significantly better than in vitro rooting of passion fruit shoots.
Challenges in the Provision of Library Services for Distance Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kenya
(2004-06-04) Kavulya, Joseph M.
With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in the distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan university libraries to fulfil the information needs of the distance education students in their respective institutions. It concludes that although efforts have been made, there is room for improvement through adequate planning, financing and especially through collaboration between information personnel and those who design and implement such distance education programmes.
On The Convexity of A Generalized q-Numerical Range’’
(2005-01) Musundi, Sammy Wabomba
For a given $q in kom$ with $|q| le 1$, we study the $C$-numerical range of a Hilbert space operator where $C$ is an operator of the form [ left( begin{array}{ccc} qI_n & sqrt{1-|q|^2}I_n \ 0_n & 0_n end{array} right) oplus 0. ] Some known results on the $q$-numerical range are extended to this set.
Effect of Intercropping Herbaceous Legumes with Napier Grass on Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value of the Feedstuffs in Semi-arid Region of Eastern Kenya
(2006) Njoka-Njiru, E. N.; Njarui, M. G.; Abdulrazak, S. A.; Mureithi, J. G.
Semi-arid region of Kenya is faced with inadequate quantity and low quality of livestock feeds. Research was conducted in the semi-arid region of eastern Kenya to investigate the contribution of two legumes, Seca (Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro) to seasonal total fodder productivity and nutritive value when intercropped with Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Bana). The treatments consisted of Napier grass planted as pure stand and intercropped with legumes. During the production phase, the grass and legumes were harvested for dry matter yield after every 8 weeks for a period of four wet seasons and two dry seasons between April 2002 and September 2004. Overall total herbage yield of the mixtures was higher than those of sole fodder grass with the grass constituting the major component of the yield. Seca was more productive and had a relatively stable yield than Siratro. It accounted for higher proportion of total DM yield of 15 - 34%. in Napier compared to Siratro which had less than 5% except in the drier season when yield failed. Total DM yield was highest during the short rains of year 2002 and declined thereafter in subsequent seasons and was lowest during the dry seasons. It was observed that crude protein of Napier grass was significantly ( P< 0.05) enhanced by inclusion of the legume in the intercrop (CP 9.64 - 9.96% of DM) compared to sole Napier grass (CP 8.14% of DM). Napier grass intercropped with Seca was more degradable than sole Napier grass. It can be concluded that Seca formed a better association with fodder grass than Siratro and is recommended for intercropping in the semi-arid region of eastern Kenya.
Trends in funding of university libraries in Kenya: a survey
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2006) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Purpose – To investigate recent trends in funding and collection development in university libraries in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on primary data collected from four university libraries in Kenya as well as secondary literature relating to university libraries in Kenya. Findings – This paper concludes that funding of university library services in Kenya is inadequate. Due to diminished governmental fund allocations for these institutions, their library collection development levels have deteriorated and are characterized by low monographic purchases and limited journal subscriptions. This decline is at odds with rapidly expanding student enrolment levels. Private universities experience these problems too, but to a lesser extent. Originality/value – The paper recommends that to ensure that university libraries continue to provide adequate information services supporting teaching, learning and research, the adoption of a strategic plan in all areas of library management, and especially in funding and collection development, is needed.
Effects of mulch and cultivar on strawberry productivity under tropical highland conditions.
(2006) Isutsa, Dorcas Khasungu *; ; ;
A study was conducted to determine effects of four mulches (cut grass, clear polyjilm, black polyjilm, and none) on productivity of four strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cultivars (Pajaro, Aiko, Fern and Douglas) under tropical hig~land conditions. It was hypothesized that polyjilm would hasten growth and increase yield more than cut stargrass (Cynodon dactylon), or no mulch, through warming soil, improving nutrient uptake and conserving moisture. The experiment was set up as split plots in randomised complete block design; mulches were assigned to main plots, whereas cultivars were assigned to sub-plots. Each of the sixteen treatments was replicated three times. Cultivars were planted at the beginning of long rains in March 2002. Data were recorded from the fourth month after planting (MAP) and analysed. Polyjilm hastened growth from 2 to over 5 stolons, 18 to 30 leaves, 31 cm to 35cm diameter at 4 MAP, and increased flowering and yield from 9 to 12 flower stalks, 22 to 29 berries, and 30 g to 35 g berry fresh weight at 9 MAP. Most of the time, black polyjilm growth and yield parameters were higher than those for cut grass or no mulch. Positive effects of cut grass mulch developed slowly, while those of clear polyjilm mulch diminished over time. Nine months after planting, black polyjilm gave significantly (P0.05) interact with cultivar, implying that it does not alter the potential of cultivars grown under tropical highland conditions.

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