Browsing by Author "Bisikwa, J."

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    Assessment of Striga hermonthica infestation and effectiveness of current management strategies in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda
    (African Crop Science Journal, 2022) Bisikwa, J.; Nampala, P.; Nsibo, D.L.; Kwikiriza, N.; Bukenya, C.; Otim, M.H.; Kapting, I.; Kabuye, F.M.; Felix, J.
    Striga is a major constraint to cereal production in the tropics, particularly on soils of low fertility. Striga causes 30 to 80% cereal crop losses in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception of level of infestation and efficacy of current management options of Striga (Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth) in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda. A survey was conducted in Iganga district in eastern Uganda, involving 360 households. On the basis of the survey outputs, on-farm trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of a herbicide seed-coating technology, imazapyr herbicide resistant maize (IR-maize) variety, either as a sole crop or intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) or common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The study revealed that S. hermonthica caused more than 50% maize (Zea mays) yield loss and farmers were dissatisfied with the existing control practices. Farmers’ knowledge about Striga was mainly sourced from agricultural extension service providers. The on-farm trials revealed that IR-maize provided effective protection against S. hermonthica infestation. Also, intercropping Longe 6H maize variety with either soybean or common beans significantly reduced Striga infestation in farmers’ fields. Longe 6H-soybean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 32%; while Longe 6H-common bean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 14%. Intercropping either IR-maize or Longe 6H hybrid (farmer-preferred) with the aforementioned legumes, reduced S. hermonthica infestation (30–50%) and improved maize yield parameters (20-30%). For effective management of S. hermonthica in the maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda, farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved IR-maize and intercrop farmer-preferred maize varieties with legumes in order to improve maize yields.
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    Participatory selection and development of drought tolerant cassava varieties for farmers in marginal areas
    (RUFORUM., 2010) Osiru, D.S.O.; Balyejusa-Kizito, E.; Bisikwa, J.; Baguma, Y.; Turyagyenda, L.
    Most breeding experiments suffer from the disadvantage that the major stakeholders are not involved in the selection and development of the varieties. This scenario leads to poor adoption and diffusion of the resulting technologies. Participatory plant breeding reduces the chances of developing varieties which, for reasons unknown or overlooked by the breeder, are not acceptable to farmers. Farmers’ participation in research and decision making in variety selection enhances adoption. Through participatory variety selection (PVS), farmers also gain skills, information and knowledge about improved varieties. Most previous research in cassava have not involved farmers in the development of the technologies. This research will involve farmers in the participatory selection of farmer preferred cultivars for breeding to improve their Water Use Efficiency (WUE) in drought prone environments of Uganda.