Department of Plant Science
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Item The History Of The Doctrine Of Seed Planting In Christian Churches In Kenya(Consortium Publishing (online), 2025-04-26) Purity Kananu Mwongera; ; ;Abstract The study seeks to document the historical development of the doctrine of seed planting and examine the pivotal role of pastors in promoting and institutionalising the practice within Christian churches in Kenya. Influenced by global prosperity gospel preachers, the doctrine has been shaped and disseminated by local church leaders who have positioned it as a pathway to spiritual and material blessings. The doctrine derived from biblical scriptures has been contested as to whether it is a legitimate development of Christian doctrine or it is a deviation from biblical principles of giving. In addition, scholarly research on how it evolved in the late 20th century in the Kenyan religious landscape lacked clear documentation. Thus, the paper traced the development of the doctrine from its foreign theological origins to its localised expression, highlighting how pastors have used sermons, media, and church structures to cultivate a culture of sacrificial giving among congregants. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from 10 church clergy, 10 church leaders, and 150 church members and analysed using narrative descriptions. Using Newman’s theory of developing Christian doctrines (1845), the study established that the doctrine reinterpreted historic Christian teaching on generosity, simplicity, and sacrifice in giving. It, therefore, recommended a historically grounded and ethically informed approach to Christian giving in the Kenyan context. The work contributed to the growing body of African theological scholarship by documenting a distinctly African experience of Christian doctrine. It enriches the discourse around how African Christianity continues to evolve and respond to emerging challenges.Item Potential for Commercialisation of Value-Added Products: A Case Study of Banana Value Addition in Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru Counties in Kenya(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-02-22) J. Mwove; J. D. Orwa; J. K. Kiramana; D. K. Isutsa; G. O. Abucheli; J. W. Njoki; F. G. Irungu; E. Koech; I. Nyariki; ; ;Despite being Kenya's leading fruit crop, contributing 35.6% of total fruit production, the minimal value addition in bananas significantly limits their potential as a vital source of income for manygrowers. This study assessed the extent to which value addition is done for bananas in Kenya, as well as explored the potential for commercialization of banana-value-added products. It was done in Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru, which are banana-rich counties in Kenya. A structured questionnaire was administered to 509 respondents to collect data, which was subjected to χ2 and logistic regression analyses. Results revealed that majority (63.3% and 79.1%) of the farmers were female and over 40-years-old, respectively. A proportion of 27.1% had not completed primary education, 38.1% had completed primary education, and 24.2% had completed secondary education. The length of time spent on banana farming varied significantly by county (χ2 = 40.9, P<.001), with Tharaka-Nithi having the highest proportion (63.0%) with over 30 years. Similarly, contribution of bananas to household income differed significantly by county (χ2 = 48.6, P<.001), with 54.6% of Meru farmers reporting 76-100% contribution. The uptake of value addition was significantly (P<.001) low (2.4%). Value addition was only reported in Tharaka-Nithi (5.9%), where products included crisps (0.6%), flour (0.8%), ripened (0.8%), and roasted (0.4%) bananas. The dry products have long shelf-life, earn farmers more income than fresh produce, and are commercialisable through direct marketing, shops, supermarkets, and niche institutions. Age (P=.772), education level (P=.536), and gender (P=.335) did not significantly influence uptake of value addition. Nonetheless, males were 2.09 times more likely to add value, as compared to females. Farmers who had acquired secondary and tertiary education were 1.76 and 1.67 times more likely to add value, as compared to those who had no formal education. A significant association was found between counties and responses on whether processing facilities and quality control training were incentives for increased value addition (χ2 = 21.7, P=.006), with Embu showing the strongest agreement (77.6%). These results highlight the need for targeted interventions such as establishment of processing facilities, training on banana processing and quality control, addressing infrastructural challenges, and creating better market access, to promote value addition in the banana value chain.Item Effect of Calcium Chloride, Cytokinin and Abscisic Acid on Growth of Rose Cut-flower (Rosa hybrida)(Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research, 2025-03-18) Mburu Reginah Wakomi; Gathungu Geofrey Kingori; Oloo-Abucheli Grace Opetu; ; ;Rose (Rosa hybrida) is a popular and extensively cultivated cut flower amongst commodities in the floriculture industry.However, there has been an increase in losses both in quantity and quality of cut roses which has significantly affected the production and return on investment. The highest loss reported has been at 18.87% at the producer level. These losses have been attributed to inadequate adaptability under circumstances involving humidity and temperature extremes, leading to high respiration, rapid cell disintegration and loss of aesthetic value of cut rose. This study therefore, investigated the effect of calcium chloride, cytokinin, and abscisic acid on the growth of tea hybrid rose, Rhodos variety. The study was cultivated over two flushes, August 2023- November 2023 and November 2023-January 2024 in Redlands Roses PLC, in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The field experiment was laid out in RCBD. There were 10 treatments including non- application (control); CaCl2 (250, 500 and 750 mg/L), CKs (150, 250 and 350 mg/L), and ABA (5, 10 and 15 mg/L). Data was collected at seven days’ interval throughout the growth period, starting from 3 weeks after initial bending in flush 1 and after pruning in flush 2. Data obtained was analyzed using SAS version 9.4 and significant means were separated using the Least Significant Difference at ∝=0.05. The analysis of variance for flush 1 and 2 respectively, showed that CKs significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of shoots produced per plant (4.22 and 2.78 shoots), stem length (83.22 cm and 82.56 cm), leaf area (76.67 and 72.44 cm2), number of suckers (17.83 and 15.67), flush days (51.72 and 53.67 days), and chlorophyll content (72.95 and 70.77 SPADS) in cut flowers. On the other hand, the shortest stem length was recorded on plots treated with ABA (68.56 and 68.78 cm), flush days (49.06 and 50.67 days), chlorophyll content (64.74 and 65.13 SPADS) and leaf area (61 and 54.11 cm2). CaCl2 reduced incidences of bent peduncles in flushes one and two (2.07 and 1.13). To improve on the growth qualities (number of shoots produced per plant, stem length, leaf area, flush days, and chlorophyll content) the growers should consider application of cytokinin at 250 mg/L and 350 mg/L. However, application of cytokinin comes with a risk of increased number of suckers. To reduce incidences of bent peduncles, growers should always apply 750 mg/L of CaCl2 before the formation of the flower bud. To reduce the number of flush days in target of a specific market, growers can apply ABA (15 mg/L) at prebloom stage.Item Effects of Adoption of Agricultural Technologies on Irish Potato Yield in Ol Kalou Sub-County Kenya: Application of Endogenous Switching Regression Model(Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 2024-09-27) David Mwangi Kihoro; Geofrey Kingori Gathungu; Rael Nkatha Mwirigi; Vicky Nyambura Wairimu; ; ;Population growth has increased demand and diversified use of Irish potato which have increased its demand. The crop has become a major source of food and income for many households across the world. However, despite the high potential of about 30 tonnes per hectare (ha), smallholder farmers in Kenya realize low Irish potato yields ranging from 4-8 tonnes per ha due to limited uptake of agricultural technologies. The low yields calls for a profound understanding of the factors influencing the uptake agricultural technologies. The study analyzed the effects of the adoption of agricultural technologies on Irish potato yield in Ol Kalou Sub County. The study considered chemical fertilizer, certified seeds, fungicides, and farm machinery as the four main agricultural technologies that that affect yield. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to obtain data from a study population of 21,942 smallholder Irish potato farmers in Ol Kalou Sub County. A multiple-stage sampling technique was employed to generate a sample size of 385 respondents who provided primary data. Data collected was analyzed using endogenous switching regression model using STATA version 17. The study found that the average treatment effect on treated (ATT) was 10.21 bags per acre. In addition, the Endogenous switching regression model showed that the expected yield for the adopter increased by 51.83%. Out of the four technologies, the use of chemical fertilizers had the highest effect of 37% on yield. The study concluded that the adoption of agricultural technologies increases the yield of Irish potatoes. The study recommends that national and county governments should develop policy regulations such as training and extension services, market access, price support and public-private partnerships encouraging farmers to uptake agricultural technologies. The study also recommends that both levels of government should subsidize agricultural technologies, hence reducing the cost of adoption.Item Prevalence Of Bean Root Rot Pathogens In Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya(Journal of Science and Technology, 2024-12-06) Apiud M. Araka; Moses M. Muraya; Eric K. Kuria; ; ;Kenya is among the top common bean producing countries globally with an annual production of 0.76 million tonnes worth Ksh. 60 billion. However, its production faces several biotic and abiotic challenges. Among these challenges is the root rot disease, which causes an estimated yield loss of 70% every year. The disease is caused by several soilborne pathogens, making it difficult to control through use of cultural practices, chemicals and development of tolerant varieties. This study was carried out in five bean growing agroecological zones in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya during the long rains season (March to April) of 2023. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the root rot disease pathogens in different agroecological zones in the county. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data on prevalence of the disease in farms. Analysis of variance was used to determine if there were significant differences in prevalence between different agro-ecological zones. Further the significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference at α = 0.05. The findings of the study showed that bean root rot disease was caused by four main soilborne microorganisms including Fusarium, Macrophomina, Pythium and Rhizoctonia spp which occurred in all agroecological zones of the county. The highest disease prevalence (37.58%) was in AEZ UM3 followed by LM4 (34.17%), LM5 (20.63%), UM2 (18.2%) and UM1 (16.76%) respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of the disease pathogens varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the agroecological zones in the county. Therefore, appropriate measures should be employed to control and reduce yield loss associated with the disease.Item PREVALENCE OF BEAN ROOT ROT PATHOGENS IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA(Journal of Science and Technology,, 2024-12-20) Apiud M. Araka; Moses M. Muraya; Eric K. Kuria; ; ;Kenya is among the top common bean producing countries globally with an annual production of 0.76 million tonnes worth Ksh. 60 billion. However, its production faces several biotic and abiotic challenges. Among these challenges is the root rot disease, which causes an estimated yield loss of 70% every year. The disease is caused by several soilborne pathogens, making it difficult to control through use of cultural practices, chemicals and development of tolerant varieties. This study was carried out in five bean growing agroecological zones in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya during the long rains season (March to April) of 2023. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the root rot disease pathogens in different agroecological zones in the county. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data on prevalence of the disease in farms. Analysis of variance was used to determine if there were significant differences in prevalence between different agro-ecological zones. Further the significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference at α = 0.05. The findings of the study showed that bean root rot disease was caused by four main soilborne microorganisms including Fusarium, Macrophomina, Pythium and Rhizoctonia spp which occurred in all agroecological zones of the county. The highest disease prevalence (37.58%) was in AEZ UM3 followed by LM4 (34.17%), LM5 (20.63%), UM2 (18.2%) and UM1 (16.76%) respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of the disease pathogens varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the agroecological zones in the county. Therefore, appropriate measures should be employed to control and reduce yield loss associated with the disease.Item Effect of Cattle Manure Vermicompost on Bean Root Rot Pathogens in The Greenhouse Pot Experiments(Journal of Science and Technology,, 2025-10-03) A. M. Araka; M. M. Muraya; E. K. Kuria; ; ;The root rot disease in beans is one of the limiting factors affecting common bean production worldwide. Under favourable conditions, the disease can cause yield losses of up to 75%. Control and management strategies of the disease mostly involve the use of fungicides. However, this method is expensive for the majority of farmers, and excessive use of fungicides is detrimental to the environment. Therefore, researchers extensively explore eco-friendly alternatives to minimise adverse effects and the use of synthetic fungicides. One of such options is the use of cattle manure vermicompost. The study was conducted from March to April 2023 at the research greenhouse of the department of plant science of the faculty of agriculture of Chuka University, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of cattle manure vermicompost on the severity of root rot in beans in the greenhouse pot experiments. An experimental research design was used to collect data on the effect of cattle manure vermicompost on the severity of pathogens causing bean root rot in the greenhouse pot experiments. Analysis of variance was used to determine if there was a significant effect of cattle manure vermicompost on the severity of root rot pathogens in beans in the greenhouse pot experiments. The Least Significant Difference was used for separation of significant means at α = 0.05. The study findings showed that cattle manure vermicompost significantly reduced the severity of root rot disease in beans during greenhouse pot experiments (p < 0.05). The maximum suppression effect of the disease was observed at a 40% amendment of cattle manure vermicompost, with the lowest disease severity index between 0 and 3.3. Therefore, the management of root rot disease in bean production should incorporate cattle manure vermicompostItem Factors Influencing Selection and production of Common Bean Cultivars in medium Potential Agro Ecological Zone of Imenti South Sub-County, Kenya(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-11-20) Ian M. Kirimi1; Moses M. Muraya; Shelmith W. Munyiri; James K. Kiramana; ; ;Item Heavy Metal Phytoremediation Potential of Wild Plant Species Naturally Growing on Dumpsite, Kenya(2024-12-14) Orao LA; Muraya MM; Ombaka CO; ; ;Soils form an essential part of life and the main sink of pollutants. Intense industrial and anthropogenic activities have led to serious environmental threats, resulting in increased heavy metal concentration in soils and, consequently, a phytotoxicity effect on plants. Phytoremediation can offer effective and eco-friendly remedies for polluted sites. This study characterized the diversity of various plants that spontaneously grow in a dumpsite and scrutinized their phytoremediation potential. The plants evaluated for phytoremediation potential were Ricinus communis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cassia didymobotrya, and Datura stramonium. The location of the research was Kang’oki dumpsite, Kenya. Species diversity was studied using quadrat sampling thrown randomly throughout the dump site. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) and the translocation factor (TF) were calculated to determine the accumulation and mobility of the heavy metals in the plants. To determine the ability of the plants to remove, accumulate, and mobilize the selected heavy metals, soil and plant sampling was conducted within the 14 sampling sites. The samples were acid-digested, and concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd were analyzed using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SAS version 94. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) was used for species diversity. An H’ of 0.94 and species evenness of 0.45 was found showing a high species diversity on the dumpsite. Cadmium concentration in soil samples ranged from ND to 1.63 mg/kg of soils and 0.4418 to 0.6939 mg/kg of plant tissues. Nickel concentration ranged from 7.9 to 36.33 mg/kg in soils and 9.31 to 11.38 mg/kg in plant tissue, respectively. Copper was found between 3.41 to 121.18 mg/kg of soils and 3.74 to 10.89 mg/kg of plant tissues, respectively. Lead in soils ranged from 13.25 to 8.013 mg/kg of soils and 11.48 to 13.89 of plant tissues. Leaves accumulated significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of heavy metals than roots and stems. The leaves and stem of Datura stramonium showed the highest concentration of cadmium and copper, while its stem showed the maximum concentration of Nickel and lead. Datura stramonium showed BCF and TF >1; hence, it can be used for phytoextraction of cadmium. All plants showed TF>1; hence, these plants can be used as hyperaccumulators.Item A Comparative Study of Caffeine Levels in Coffee and Cocoa in Kenyan Supermarkets and Shops(Pan-African Journal of Health and Environmental Science, 2024-12-16) Alex Muthengi; Silas Njiru; Juster Mungiria; ; ;Background: Caffeine is an alkaloid belonging to the methylxanthine family. An overdose of caffeine causes the following side effects: restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushed face, diuresis, gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle twitching, rambling flow of thought and speech, and tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia. This study aimed to determine the caffeine levels of various brands of coffee and cocoa and enlighten people on the safe and healthy consumption of the two products. Methods: Different brands of coffee and cocoa products were randomly sampled and purchased from supermarkets and shops in Nairobi, Kenya. Five samples of coffee and four brands of cocoa were purchased from a supermarket and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Caffeine was extracted, and quantitative analysis was done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results: The study found that coffee has a higher concentration of caffeine than cocoa. Coffee Brand A recorded the lowest level of caffeine with 30.9845 µ g/g, while Coffee Brand C recorded the highest level of caffeine with 426.9639 µ g/g. Among the Cocoa brands, Cocoa Brand B recorded the lowest level of caffeine (2.6367 µg/g), while Cocoa Brand C recorded the highest level of caffeine at 19.03 µ g/g. Conclusion: Therefore, there is a need to reduce coffee consumption per day because caffeine overdose can cause high blood pressure and other illnesses. Cocoa is recommended for consumption since it contains less caffeine per serving.Item Optimization of Groundnuts (Archis hypogeal) Yield through Response Surface Methodology(Asian Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2024-04-16) Dennis Kiprotich; Dennis K. Muriithi; Martin K. Njogu; ; ;Groundnut production faces several constraints, including poor soil fertility, small land sizes, and inappropriate agricultural techniques. The study aimed to optimize groundnut (Archis hypogeal) yield using response surface methodology (RSM). It explored the use of CCD and RSM to determine the optimal application of rabbit, poultry, and sheep manure for maximum yield, a method not previously applied in groundnut production. The study was conducted at the Chuka University Teaching and Training Farm, Kairani. The experimental design was developed using Central Composite Design (CCD), with 20 experimental runs derived from 23 full factorial designs with six axial points and six center points. Data was collected on the weight of the groundnuts yield harvested in each experimental plot measured by use of aweighing scale. Response Surface Methodology techniques was adopted for data analysis in R-statistical software and R studio programing language. The study findings indicated that organic manures had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the yield of groundnuts crop. The study revealed that application of 13.6097 t ha-1, 10.582 t ha-1 and 11.0814 t ha-1 of poultry, rabbit and sheep manure respectively are the optimum levels that would lead to maximum weight of groundnuts in the study area. The finding of this study could have an economic benefit to farmers in the study area which aligns with broader national goals of poverty reduction, rural development, and economic growth. This study recommended that farmers should adopt organic farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, improve soil health, and contribute to environmental sustainability.Item Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya(Published by Science Publishing Group., 2024-08-12) Lawrence Otieno Jabuya; Shelmith Wanja Munyiri; Martin Kagiki Njogu; ; ;Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.Item HORT 323: INTRODUCTION TO GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT(Chuka University, 2023-04-13) Chuka University; ; ;Item HORT 333: GENERAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2023-04-13) Chuka University; ; ;Item Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya(Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2024-08-07) Lawrence Otieno Jabuya; Shelmith Wanja Munyiri; Martin Kagiki Njogu; ; ;Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.Item HORT 421: HORTICULTURAL SEED PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2024-12-16) Chuka University; ; ;Item HORT 421: HORTICULTURAL SEED PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2024-12-16) Chuka University; ; ;Item HORT 421: HORTICULTURAL SEED PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2024-12-16) Chuka University; ; ;Item HORT 421: HORTICULTURAL SEED PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2024-12-16) Chuka University; ; ;Item HORT 421: HORTICULTURAL SEED PRODUCTION(Chuka University, 2024-12-16) Chuka University; ; ;