Browsing by Author "S. Katuromunda"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Application of Morpho-Anatomical Traits of Maize Plant to Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Maize Seed System
(African Crop Science, 2016) I.Y.A. Monir; J.P. Sserumaga; S.B. Ayesiga; S. Katuromunda; G. Asea
Good seed quality can be obtained through control of the entire seed production process. There are emerging issues in the seed sector due to seed quality in market. In many countries seed and planting materials available to farmers are often of insufficient quality, thus undermining the potential performance of crops. The objective this study was to use morpho-anatomical traits to determine the levels of maize hybrid seed purity on the market in Uganda. A total of 120 samples of four popular commercial maize hybrid were collected from agro-dealers in 13 districts, representing 3 seed companies’ distribution network. The samples were planted and evaluated based on their descriptors, using an Alpha Lattice Design, with two replications at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge. Data were collected for 33 morpho-anatomical traits. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences within hybrids, and sources of seed among districts. Among the test materials, only Longe 9H had no significant (P<0.05) difference within traits but others had some levels of significant (P<0.05) differences. The principal component analysis of quantitative traits resulted in four components for each variety, with the explanation total of 53.3% for Longe 6H, 51.1% for Longe 7H, and 92.8% for Longe 9H and 39.1% for Longe 10%. There were varying levels of contamination of commercial hybrids based on morpho- anatomical traits diversity within hybrids, compared to their descriptors for the traits evaluated. Hence, there is need to strengthen the quality control sub-sector for improved productivity at farmer levels.
Effect of legume foliage supplementary feeding to dairy cattle offered Pennisetum purpureum basal diet on feed intake and manure quality
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012) S. Katuromunda; E.N. Sabiiti; A. Mateete Bekunda
In smallholder zero grazing dairy systems of Uganda, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is the main basal diet offered, and is supplemented with legume forages among others. Recent observations indicate reduction in fodder yields of P. purpureum although farmers are applying cattle manure to improve soil fertility and hence increase fodder production. This study evaluated the effect of legume supplementary feeding to dairy cattle offered P. purpureum basal diet on feed intake, and the output and manuring qualityof the resultant faeces. Four diets consisting of P. purpureum fodder fed ad libitum as a control, P. purpureum + Calliandra, P. purpureum + Centrosema and P. purpureum + Desmodium were offered to cows in a 4 x 4 switchover Latin square design. Legume supplementation increased (P<0.05) the total organic and dry matter, metabolisable energy (ME) and nutrient intake, and the apparent dry matter digestibilities (ADMD) as compared with the control. Faecal excretion was increased (P<0.05) by Calliandra and Centrosema. Cows which were supplemented with Calliandra excreted (P<0.05) larger amounts of N, P and K than cows fed either Centrosema or Desmodium. Supplementation with Calliandra proved to be better option since it enhanced feed intake and the output and quality of faeces that could be recycled within the crop-livestock production systems.