Mwanarusi Saidi

Egerton University

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Co-Authors

Mathieu Ngouajio

Michigan State University

Thibaud Martin

Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement

Francis M. Itulya

Egerton University

Patience Mshenga

Egerton University

Elisha Otieno Gogo

Pwani University

Arnold M. Opiyo

Egerton University

J. N. Aguyoh

Rongo University

Serge Simon

Fonctionnement et Conduite des Systèmes de Culture Tropicaux et Méditerranéens

Laurent Parrot

Soutenabilité et Résilence

Sevgan Subramanian

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Cooperative Institutions

Egerton University

Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement

Agropolis International

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Fonctionnement agroécologique et performances des systèmes de culture horticoles

Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin

University of Nairobi

Fonctionnement et Conduite des Systèmes de Culture Tropicaux et Méditerranéens

Université de Montpellier

Michigan State University

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Microclimate modification using eco-friendly nets and floating row covers improves tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>) yield and quality for small holder farmers in East Africa

Agricultural Sciences (2013)

Mwanarusi Saidi Elisha Otieno Gogo Francis M. Itulya Thibaud Martin Mathieu Ngouajio

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the important vegetables in supplying vitamins, minerals and fiber to human diets worldwide. Its successful production in the tropics is, however, constrained by environmental variations especially under open field conditions. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to evaluate the effects of agricultural nets (agronets) herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) and floating row covers (FRCs) on microclimate modification, yield, and quality of tomato. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. Tomato plants were grown under fine mesh EFN (0.4-mm pore diameter) cover, large mesh EFN (0.9-mm pore diameter) cover or FRC. The EFN and FRC were maintained either permanently closed or opened thrice a week from 9 am to 3 pm. Two open control treatments were used: unsprayed (untreated control) or sprayed with chemicals (treated control). The use of EFN or FRC modified the microclimate with higher temperatures, lower diurnal temperature ranges, and higher volumetric water content recorded compared with the controls. On the other hand, light quantity and photosynthetic active radiation were reduced by the use of EFN and FRC compared with the controls. The use of FRC and EFN resulted in more fruit and higher percent in marketable yield compared with open field production. Fruit quality at harvest was also significantly improved by the use of EFN and FRC. Fruits with higher total soluble solids (TSS), lower titratable acidity (TA), and higher sugar acid ratio were obtained in EFN and FRC treatments compared with the controls. Fruits harvested from EFN and FRC were also firmer compared with control fruits. These findings demonstrate the potential of EFN and FRC in modifying microclimate conditions and improving yields and quality of tomato under tropical field conditions.

Titratable acid

Lycopersicon

Microclimate

10.4236/as.2013.411078

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Citations (25)

Does contract farming improve smallholder income? The case of avocado farmers in Kenya

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies (2016)

Mercy Mwambi Judith Oduol Patience Mshenga Mwanarusi Saidi

Purpose – Contract farming (CF) is seen as a tool for creating new market opportunities hence increasing incomes for smallholder farmers. Critics, however, argue that CF is likely to pass risks to small scale farmers, thus favouring large scale farmers at the expense of smallholder farmers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of CF on smallholder farmers’ income using a case study of avocado farmers in Kandara district in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data collected from 100 smallholder avocado farmers in Kandara district in Kenya and employs an instrumental variable model (Probit-2SLS) to control for endogeneity in participation in the contract and examine the effect of CF on household, farm and avocado income. Findings – The results indicate that participation in CF is not sufficient to improve household, farm and avocado income. Question remains regarding efficient implementation of CF arrangements to promote spill over effects on other household enterprises. Research limitations/implications – The research was carried out using farmers in Kandara district in Kenya as a case study, findings might therefore not reflect the status of CF in all countries. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the growing debate on the effect of value chain upgrading strategies such as contracting on smallholder farmers’ welfare. The form of contracting studied in this paper differs from the standard contracts in that the key stakeholders (producers) are loosely enjoined in the contract through officials of their groups.

Contract farming

Endogeneity

Multivariate probit model

Household income

Value (mathematics)

Probit

10.1108/jadee-05-2013-0019

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Citations (131)

The effect of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) on the incomes of the small-holders in Suba District, Kenya

Hezron Nyarindo Isaboke Patience Mshenga Mwanarusi Saidi

Butternut squash is an emerging economic crop in Kenya with ready market and high nutritional value. It was introduced to promote food security and enhance the incomes of the small-holder farmers in Suba district. However it is not clear whether butternut could address the problem of low income among small-holder farmers. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of butternut squash on the incomes of the small-holders. The choice of the study area was due to persistence of poverty problem and existence of butternut squash in Suba District. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 120 farmers who obtained using multi-stage sampling. The small-holder farmers were characterized using descriptive statistics. Gross Margin analysis was used to determine the contribution of butternut squash to total crop income. Gross margin analysis results revealed that butternut squash was a profitable enterprise similar to the other horticultural crops. Results showed that on average butternut squash contributes 38.55% with a standard deviation of 12.2% towards the total crop gross margin/ha. This study therefore, recommends that government and other stakeholders should formulate and implement effective policies related to promotion of butternut squash farming and marketing.

Squash

Gross margin

Cucurbita moschata

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Citations (1)

Net cover color influence nutritive quality of African nightshade and spiderplant

International Journal of Vegetable Science (2018)

Hesbon Ochieng Obel Arnold M. Opiyo Mwanarusi Saidi

Indigenous leafy vegetables play a major role in strategies to attain food and nutritional security for African households. However, the potential of these vegetables in meeting the nutritional requirements have not been adequately exploited. This study assessed effects of shadenets on nutritive value of African indigenous leafy vegetables. The vegetables African nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.) and spiderplant (Cleome gynandra L.) and net covers colored white, gray, blue, and yellow, with unnetted plants as a control were used. From the 7th week after sowing (spiderplant) and transplanting (African nightshade) and at 2-week intervals nutritive quality variables were determined. Compared to open field, white net produced higher leaf β-carotene at 13 weeks after planting by 6% and 17% for African nightshade and spiderplant, respectively. Use of blue net cover reduced leaf vitamin C content by 94.5% and 79% in African nightshade and spiderplant, respectively, compared to open field at 15 weeks after planting. Higher leaf calcium was consistently recorded for plants grown under yellow net cover for African nightshade and white nets for spiderplant; but was reduced under blue net for both species on most sampling dates. Leaf iron content was maximized under yellow net cover for both crops. Use of net covers reduced leaf crude fiber content compared to open field; high leaf phenolic content was obtained in crops grown under white net for both vegetables. The crop responses were attributed to spectral quality, light intensity, and environmental changes to which the crops were subjected. The different colored agronet covers differentially influenced crop leaf nutritive quality.

Transplanting

10.1080/19315260.2018.1468845

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Citations (3)

Influence of Ca CaCl2 dipping on postharvest quality and shelf life of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. California Wonder)

African Journal of Agricultural Research (2022)

Atieno Aloo Maurine Mathew Opiyo Arnold Mwanarusi Saidi

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) experiences significant loss during postharvest handling. This study aimed to provide an alternative postharvest handling technology for the vegetable. The factor studied was Ca CaCl2 at 4 levels: 0% (distilled water), 3, 6 and 9%. Weight loss and total soluble solids were determined at an interval of 3 days whereas total chlorophyll, Fe, ascorbic acid and Ca content were determined at an interval of 4 days. Shelf life elapsed when fruit lost 25% of their initial weight. Calcium CaCl2 reduced weight loss by up to 16.7%, increased Ca content by up to 252.7%, maintained total soluble solids by up to 11.8%, total chlorophyll by up to 23.3%, Fe by up to 10.1%, ascorbic acid by up to 13.9% and Ca content by up to 13.7% and extended shelf life by up to 3 days. Calcium CaCl2 at 6% was the best treatment and therefore can be used by bell pepper growers, retailers and consumers to maintain postharvest quality of bell pepper. Key words: Chemical treatment, fruit vegetable, fresh weight loss, ascorbic acid.

Capsicum annuum

Distilled water

10.5897/ajar2022.16058

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Citations (0)

Integrating Metarhizium anisopliae entomopathogenic fungi with border cropping reduces black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) damage and enhances yield and quality of French bean

Heliyon (2024)

Anthony Emaru Jane G. Nyaanga Mwanarusi Saidi

French bean growers, rely mainly on pesticides for pest management. the acceptable tolerance for pesticides residue in French beans is a major concern and has led to several tonnes of the crop continuously rejected and listed as unsafe for human consumption. There is growing demand for alternative approaches and products that are effective at managing pests without the side-effects associated with reliance on pesticides. A field study to determine the combined effects of Metarhizium anisopliae, (Metarril WP E9 and Biomagic) biopesticides and border crops (Sunflower and wheat) on aphid population, damage severity, growth, yield and quality of French bean. A two-factor experiment was conducted at the Egerton University, Kenya First factor included two border crops (sunflower and wheat) and no border crop (control). Second factor included spraying Metarril WPE9 (2×108cfu/g), Biomagic (2×108cfu/ml) biopesticides, alpha-cypermethrin (synthetic insecticide) and water. Data on growth, yield and quality parameter were collected and analyzed using the SAS version 9.4M8. Results showed that M. anisopliae and border crop significantly (p < 0.0005) enhanced growth, yield and quality of French bean in both seasons. French bean grown with wheat or sunflower borders showed a significant reduction in aphid population (p < 0.0001) and damage severity (p < 0.0001) when sprayed with various treatments compared to the control. Plots with wheat border caused an increase in collar diameter of French bean. The plots (Metarril and wheat border) caused a 4% and 5% increase in marketable yield, a 2% and 12% reduction in non-marketable yield. To exploit the benefits of biopesticides, the study recommends their integration with and border crops. Thus, French bean growers could benefit more from fungal-based biopesticides in aphid-IPM approach, as it reduces pre-harvest intervals and residues compared to synthetic insecticides.

Biopesticide

10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33037

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Citations (1)

Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and irrigation frequency on essential oil content and composition of sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (2015)

Naomi B. Rioba Francis M. Itulya Mwanarusi Saidi Nativ Dudai Nirit Bernstein

Salvia officinalis

Camphor

10.1016/j.jarmap.2015.01.003

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Citations (69)

TITHONIA MANURE IMPROVES CARROT YIELD AND QUALITY

Agnes Jeptoo J. N. Aguyoh Mwanarusi Saidi

A study on the effect of decomposed tithonia manure on growth, yield and quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) was undertaken in the Horticulture, Research and Teaching field, Egerton University for two seasons. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD), with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of four levels of decomposed tithonia manure (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 t/ha). Data was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significant treatment means separated using the Turkey’s Honestly Significant Difference Test at P ≤ 0.05. Application of Tithonia diversifolia manure resulted in increase in total fresh root weight, dry root and shoots biomass and root volume compared to the control. Total yield of carrots subjected to 3.0 t/ha increased by 33% and 18% in season 1 and 2 respectively compared to control. The sweetness of carrot was influenced at the highest level of tithonia.

Tithonia

Daucus carota

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Citations (3)

Integrated Management of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Spp.) Using Fresh Organic Manure and Crotalaria brevidens Intercrop for Improved Growth and Yield of Tomato

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science (2022)

James Ngelenzi Munywoki Joshua Otieno Ogweno Mwanarusi Saidi

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. Tomato productivity is limited by, among other factors, biotic constraints including root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) which lower both quality and quantity of the crop. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya, to evaluate effects of fresh organic manure and slender leaf (Crotalaria brevidens var. brevidens Benth.) intercrop on management of root-knot nematode during tomato production as well as establish their effect on tomato growth and yield. Variables measured were nematode infestation, plant height, stem collar diameter, number of internodes and branches, number of fruits, and fresh fruit weight. Use of fresh organic manure and slender leaf intercrop suppressed the nematode population by 27.8% to 53.5% reduction and significantly increased tomato fruit numbers by 22.2% to 49.7% and fresh fruit weight by 24.5% to 80.4% when used alone or in combinations compared to the control treatment. The combination of fresh goat dung and slender leaf intercrop resulted in the highest reduction in nematode population of 53.5% and highest increase in total number of fruits of 49.7% and fresh fruit weight of 80.4%.

Root-knot nematode

10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i430859

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Citations (1)

Maintaining postharvest quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. California Wonder) using cactus (Opuntia stricta L.) mucilage coating

Advances in Horticultural Science (2022)

Maurine Aloo Arnold M. Opiyo Mwanarusi Saidi

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) experiences significant qualitative and quantitative loss during postharvest. This study aimed at providing an alternative postharvest handling technology for bell pepper. The factor studied was cactus (Opuntia stricta L.) mucilage coating at four levels: 0% (distilled water), 1, 2, and 3%. The fruits were stored under ambient conditions (25 ± 2°C temperature and 65 ± 2% relative humidity) until senescence. Weight loss and total soluble solids content were determined at an interval of 3 days whereas iron and ascorbic acid content were determined at an interval of 4 days. Shelf life elapsed when fruit lost 25% of their initial weight on average. Cactus mucilage coating reduced weight loss by up to 21.64%, maintained total soluble solids by up to 14.93%, iron by up to 6.46%, ascorbic acid by up to 19.46% and extended shelf life by up to 6 days. Cactus mucilage coating at 1% was the best treatment and therefore can be used by bell pepper growers, retailers, and consumers to maintain postharvest quality and extend shelf life of bell pepper.

Mucilage

Capsicum annuum

10.36253/ahsc-12275

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Citations (2)