Browsing by Author "Odong, Thomas"
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Item Combining Ability and Heterosis of Selected Grain and Forage Dual Purpose Sorghum Genotypes(Journal of Agricultural Science, 2017) Chikuta, Sally; Odong, Thomas; Kabi, Fred; Rubaihayo, PatrickSorghum is an important food and feed source in mixed crop-livestock production systems where its dual usage is a preferred option, especially among the resource poor small-scale farmers. Attempts to improve fodder quality traits in maize have been at the expense of grain traits and vice versa, but other studies demonstrated that it was possible to select for high stem biomass without compromising the improvement of grain yields in sorghum. As a follow up to this effort, this study was undertaken to estimate the combining ability of grain and forage sorghum genotypes and determine heterosis for several traits as a criteria for improving dual purpose sorghum cultivars. Four grain and four forage sorghum cultivars were crossed to generate 23 crosses following the half diallel mating design scheme at Makerere University Agricultural Research institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) in 2013. The crosses were evaluated at three locations in Uganda during two rainy seasons of 2014. Data were taken and analysed on leaf area, leaf-stem ratio, plant height, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass. Results indicated that the gene action for the traits under observation was controlled by both additive and non additive genetic effects. Majority of the parental lines had significant GCA estimates for all traits except line 20 for grain yield, lines 22 and 34 for plant height, line 35 for leaf-stem ratio, and line 22 for days to flowering. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) SCA estimates were prominent in most of the individual parental combinations for all traits except leaf area and leaf-stem ratio indicating the role of dominance gene action. Bakers ratio and heritability coefficients were 52% for biomass, flowering duration and plant height indicating that genetic gains can be achieved by conventional breeding for the three traits. Heterosis in grain yield and biomass over both the mid and better parents was shown by more than half of the crosses studied. This study suggested that both inter and intra allelic interactions were involved in the expression of the traits.Item Continuous Storage Root Formation and Bulking in Sweet potato(Gates Open Research, 2019) Bararyenya, Astere; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas; Gibson, Paul; Grüneberg, Wolfgang; Ssali, Reuben; Low, Jan; Odong, Thomas; Ochwo-Ssemakula, Mildred; Talwana, Herbert; Mwila, Natasha; Mwanga, RobertSweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam, family Convolvulaceae.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, with approximately 106 million tons produced in almost 120 countries from an area of about 8 million ha and an average global yield of 11.1 tons/ha (FAO, 2016). Asia is the world’s largest sweetpotato producing continent, with 79 million tons, followed by Africa (FAOstat, 2016). About 75% of this global production is from China alone. A total of 21.3 million tons is produced in Africa, with 48% from the Great Lakes region. In East Africa, the crop is the second most important root crop after cassava and has played an important role as a famine-relief crop during its long history and has recently been reevaluated as a health-promoting food (Low et al., 2017). Uganda ranks as the fourth largest sweetpotato producer in the world after China, Nigeria and Tanzania, with a production of 2.1 million t. In Africa, Uganda is ranked third after Nigeria and Tanzania. Sweetpotato is one of the main staple crops in the food systems of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi with a per capita consumption of 50.9, 80.1 and 57.0 kg, respectivelyItem Demography and mating system shape the genome-wide impact of purifying selection in Arabis alpina(National Academy of Sciences, 2018) Laenen, Benjamin; Teddera, Andrew; Nowak, Michael D.; Toräng, Per; Wunder, Jörg; Wötzel, Stefan; Steige, Kim A.; Kourmpetis, Yiannis; Odong, Thomas; Drouzas, Andreas D.; Bink, Marco C. A. M.; Ågren, Jon; Coupland, George; Slotte, TanjaPlant mating systems have profound effects on levels and structuring of genetic variation and can affect the impact of natural selection. Although theory predicts that intermediate outcrossing rates may allow plants to prevent accumulation of deleterious alleles, few studies have empirically tested this prediction using genomic data. Here, we study the effect of mating system on purifying selection by conducting population-genomic analyses on whole-genome resequencing data from 38 European individuals of the arctic-alpine crucifer Arabis alpina. We find that outcrossing and mixed-mating populations maintain genetic diversity at similar levels, whereas highly self-fertilizing Scandinavian A. alpina show a strong reduction in genetic diversity, most likely as a result of a postglacial colonization bottleneck.Item Determining the Heterotic Group of the Nineteen Open Pollinated Maize Varieties Based on the Performance of Their Topcrosses with Inbreed Lines Testers in Uganda(Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 2018) Abera, Netsanet; Odong, Thomas; Kasozi, RichardThe study was conducted to determine the heterotic group of the 19 OPVs using the specific combining ability effects of their test crosses in terms of grain yield generated from L x T mating design and evaluated in 4 agro ecologies of Uganda using 5x13 α-lattice design replicated twice per location. The results of this experiment indicated the presence of low variability for grain yield and thus the possibility of selection among the topcross hybrids that are adapted to the different agro ecologies of Uganda is low. An OPV parent was assigned to group A when its cross with inbred line tester A showed a large negative SCA value otherwise it was assigned to group B and those parents with their lower magnitude of SCA were assigned as AB heterotic group. Based on this criterion, 3 parent OPVs (Longe 4, Longe 5RS and SUWAN) were assigned to the heterotic group A, 2 (SITUKA MI and Ambsyn5) were assigned to heterotic group B, and other 14 OPVs that showed similar performance and lower SCA value than the SE when crossed with tester A or tester B were assigned to both heterotic group AB. The expressed heterosis between female OPV Ambsyn5 and SITUKA MI when test crosses with in bred line tester A (CML536) and Longe 4, Longe 5RS and SUWAN with another tester B (CML202) including OPV KC2014 which was with positive GCA could be exploited to produce topcrosses.Item The eradication of Guinea Worm Disease: a possible global public health achievement(Journal of Medicine and the Person, 2013) Ciantia, Filippo; Odong, Thomas; Oyoo-Odoch, NarsGuinea worm disease, classified as a neglected tropical disease, is one of the two diseases nearing eradication. When in 2015 the world’s leaders will evaluate the progresses toward the achievement of the MDGs, most likely both diseases will no longer affect humanity. GWD was eradicated in Uganda despite the country was plagued by poverty and civil unrest especially in the most affected northern regions. Keys to the success of the Uganda Guinea worm eradication programme were realist strategies of community involvement focusing on positive behavior changes. The role of motivated health workers played a crucial role, especially in understanding the lives of people and adapting culturally adequate health messages. The achievement of this public health success was based on a coordinated international support, effective national health policies, public-private partnerships, and local authorities’ involvement allowed.Item Factors Influencing Customer Care Among Nursing and Midwifery Students in Selected PNFP Schools in Uganda(Creating Healthy Work Environments VIRTUAL, 2021) Abwot, Carmel; Odong, ThomasThe purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to the observed quality of customer care by student nurses and midwives during their clinical practice. The study seeks to ascertain the adequacy of students' training and the influences on their caring and uncaring behaviors. The study is conducted in Northern Uganda in Kalongo Midwifery School in Agago district and in St. Joseph Nursing and Midwifery School in Kitgum district. The sample size is 150 certificate level nursing and midwifery students and 300 clients. The study design is descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative. Data analysis will be done using SPSS statistical package version 16.0. Regression analysis will be used to analyse the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Results: This is an ongoing study and the results are expected after completion of data collection, processing and analysis. Hence the findings of the two studies may then inform the design and implementation of training curricula for nurses and midwives in the country with a view to contributing to sustained quality improvement in healthcare delivery. Based on the findings of this study the researchers will design an intervention study to improve customer care by nurses and midwives in the two hospitals The study conclusion will be drawn after completion of data analysis. This will be very important because healthcare is a customer service industry. Hence the success of a hospital depends to a large extent on its abilities to demonstrate good customer care. It has been found that health care service quality indicators were the most influential determinants of patient satisfaction across the studies and is associated with improved patient outcomes and greater satisfaction. Customer care is one of the six dimensions of quality care and an important factor in ensuring patient satisfaction. It is central to nursing and midwifery roles.Item Factors Influencing Genomic Prediction Accuracies of Tropical Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm and Weevils(Plants, 2021) Badji, Arfang; Machida, Lewis; Kwemoi, Daniel Bomet; Kumi, Frank; Okii, Dennis; Mwila, Natasha; Agbahoungba, Symphorien; Ibanda, Angele; Bararyenya, Astere; Ndapewa Nghituwamhata, Selma; Odong, Thomas; Wasswa, Peter; Otim, Michael; Ochwo-Ssemakula, Mildred; Talwana, Herbert; Asea, Godfrey; Kyamanywa, Samuel; Rubaihayo, PatrickGenomic selection (GS) can accelerate variety improvement when training set (TS) size and its relationship with the breeding set (BS) are optimized for prediction accuracies (PAs) of genomic prediction (GP) models. Sixteen GP algorithms were run on phenotypic best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) and estimators (BLUEs) of resistance to both fall armyworm (FAW) and maize weevil (MW) in a tropical maize panel. For MW resistance, 37% of the panel was the TS, and the BS was the remainder, whilst for FAW, random-based training sets (RBTS) and pedigree-based training sets (PBTSs) were designed. PAs achieved with BLUPs varied from 0.66 to 0.82 for MW-resistance traits, and for FAW resistance, 0.694 to 0.714 for RBTS of 37%, and 0.843 to 0.844 for RBTS of 85%, and these were at least two-fold those from BLUEs. For PBTS, FAWresistance PAs were generally higher than those for RBTS, except for one dataset. GP models generally showed similar PAs across individual traits whilst the TS designation was determinant, since a positive correlation (R = 0.92***) between TS size and PAs was observed for RBTS, and for the PBTS, it was negative (R = 0.44**). This study pioneered the use of GS for maize resistance to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa.Item Genetic diversity and population structure of Peronosclerospora sorghi isolates of Sorghum in Uganda(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB), 2018) Kumi, Frank; Agbahoungba, Symphorien; Badji, Arfang; Mwila, Natasha; Ibanda, Angele; Anokye, Michael; Odong, Thomas; Wasswa, Peter; Ochwo- Ssemakula, Mildred; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Biruma, Moses; Kassim, Sadik; Rubaihayo, PatrickSorghum is the third most important staple cereal crop in Uganda after maize and millet. Downy mildew disease is one of the most devastating fungal diseases which limits the production and productivity of the crop. The disease is caused by an obligate fungus, Peronosclerospora sorghi (Weston & Uppal) with varying symptoms. Information on the genetic diversity and population structure of P.sorghi in sorghum is imperative for the screening and selection for resistant genotypes and further monitoring possible mutant(s) of the pathogen. Isolates of P. sorghi infecting sorghum are difficult to discriminate when morphological descriptors are used. The use of molecular markers is efficient, and reliably precise for characterizing P. sorghi isolates. This study was undertaken to assess the level of genetic diversity and population structure that exist in P. sorghi isolates in Uganda.Item Genetic variation, Heritability estimates and GXE effects on yield traits of Mesoamerican common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) germplasm in Uganda(Plant Genetic Resources, 2018) Okii, Dennis; Mukankusi, Clare; Sebuliba, Sulaiman; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Talwana, Herbert; Odong, Thomas; Namayanja, Annet; Paparu, Pamela; Nkalubo, Stanley; Otim, Michael; Ugen, Michael; Buah, Stephen; Gepts, PaulGermplasm of common beans from the Mesoamerican gene pool races: Durango, Jalisco, Mesoamerica and Guatemala have highest genetic variation for the crop’s improvement. The objective was to assign 50 common bean germplasm in Uganda into its gene pool races based on analyses of population structure. Secondly, to estimate heritability and effects of genotype environment (GXE) interaction on common bean agronomic and yield traits in space and time. Sample genomic DNA was amplified in 2011 with 22 Simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) and alleles separated using capillary electrophoresis. Field evaluations were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at NaCRRI and 2015 at CIAT – Kawanda. Multivariate analyses of SSRs data identified four subgroups within the germplasm: K4.1–K4.4, with corresponding Wrights fixation indices (FST) as 0.1829 for K4.1, 0.1585 for K4.4, 0.1579 for K4.2 and least for K4.3 at 0.0678. Gene pool race admixtures in the population (14%) were notable and attributed to gene flow. Four superior parents currently used in improving resistance to major diseases grouped as; Jalisco for MLB49-89A; Mesoamerica for MCM5001 and G2333; Durango for MEXICO 54. Heritability values for yield traits estimated using phenotypic data from above fixed parents, was above 0.81. Season and location had significant effect (P < 0.05) on numbers of: flower buds per inflorescence, pod formation and weight of 100 seeds. The findings will improve understanding of co-evolutionary relationships between bean hosts and pathogens for better disease management and will broaden the germplasm base for improving other tropical production constraints.Item Maize Combined Insect Resistance Genomic Regions and Their Co-localization With Cell Wall Constituents Revealed by Tissue-Specific QTL Meta-Analyses(Plant Science, 2018) Badji, Arfang; Otim, Michael; Machida, Lewis; Odong, Thomas; Bomet Kwemoi, Daniel; Okii, Dennis; Agbahoungba, Symphorien; Mwila, Natasha; Kumi, Frank; Ibanda, Angele; Mugo, Stephen; Kyamanywa, Samuel; Rubaihayo, PatrickCombinatorial insect attacks on maize leaves, stems, and kernels cause significant yield losses and mycotoxin contaminations. Several small effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) control maize resistance to stem borers and storage pests and are correlated withsecondary metabolites. However, efficient use of QTL in molecular breeding requires a synthesis of the available resistance information. In this study, separate meta-analyses of QTL of maize response to stem borers and storage pests feeding on leaves, stems, and kernels along with maize cell wall constituents discovered in these tissues generated 24 leaf (LIR), 42 stem (SIR), and 20 kernel (KIR) insect resistance meta-QTL (MQTL) of a diverse genetic and geographical background. Most of these MQTL involved resistance to several insect species, therefore, generating a significant interest for multiple-insect resistance breeding. Some of the LIR MQTL such as LIR4, 17, and 22 involve resistance to European corn borer, sugarcane borer, and southwestern corn borer.Item New sources of sorghum resistant genotypes to downy mildew disease in Uganda(BIODIVERSITAS, 2019) Kumi, Frank; Badji, Arfang; Mwila, Natasha; Odong, Thomas; Ochwo-Ssemakula, Mildred; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Gibson, Paul; Biruma, Moses; Prom, Louis K.; Cuevas, Hugo E.; Agbahoungba, Symphorien; Rubaihayo, PatrickKumi F, Badji A, Mwila N, Odong T, Ochwo-Ssemakula M, Tusiime G, Gibson P, Biruma M, Prom KL, Cuevas HE, Agbahoungba S, Rubaihayo P. 2019. New sources of sorghum resistant genotypes to downy mildew disease in Uganda. Biodiversitas 20: 3391-3397. Sorghum downy mildew (SDM) disease is still prevalent in Uganda at varying levels of incidence and severity. In this study, a total of 100 sorghum genotypes, five (5) from (U.SA, India, and Sudan) and 95 genotypes from Uganda were evaluated for resistance to downy mildew and other agronomic traits during the second growing season of 2016 (August-December). The experiment was conducted in two locations at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute at Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and Abi-Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Abi-ZARDI) research station at Arua. The experimental design used was 10 x 10 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Data were collected on plant disease incidence (PDI), plant disease severity (PDS), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), days to 50% flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, and grain yield. Results for analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in genotypes, location, and AUDPC, yield and yield components. Disease incidence varied significantly (P < 0.001) between locations, and Arua recorded highest disease incidence and severity of 80.6 and 2.8, respectively. Results from correlation analysis showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) positive association of downy mildew disease incidence with AUDPC (0.835) which suggests that the severity of SDM disease increased with disease incidence, whiles significant (P < 0.001) negative correlation was recorded for days to 50 % flowering (-0.302), 1000 seed weight (-0.471), and grain yield (-0.585), suggesting that grain yield and yield component decreased significantly with increase in SDM incidence and severity. Two resistant (PI 656061 and PI 533831) and four moderately resistant (E 40, MAKSO 8, PI 655990 and Epuripur) genotypes were identified from this study. These genotypes were recommended for sorghum breeding program against downy mildew disease.Item Phenotypic and genotypic screening for rust resistance in common bean germplasm in Uganda(Euphytica, 2017) Odogwu, Blessing A.; Nkalubo, Stanley T.; Mukankusi, Clare; Odong, Thomas; Awale, Halima E.; Patrick, Rubaihayo; Kelly, James D.Rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers., Pers.) Unger is one of the major foliar diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Uganda. The use of host resistance remains the best option in managing this disease. The objective of this study was to identify sources of broad-spectrum rust resistance in common bean germplasm including landraces, commercial and introduced genotypes using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic screening with simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers located on chromosome Pv04. A total of 138 cultivars were field screened from 2014 and 2015 using alpha lattice design. The variance and correlation of disease incidence, area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) and total grain yield were computed using GenStat. The polymorphism information content of the cultivars was determined, and the association of the markers and the disease resistance traits were analyzed using PowerMarker and TASSEL respectively. Resistance of each cultivar was compared to the presence and absence of amplified markers. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.001) among the cultivars for disease incidence, AUDPC and total grain yield and a strong correlation (P < 0.001) between disease incidence and AUDPC in both years. The SSR markers, BARC_PV_SSR04725, bean_ssr_0778 and bean_ssr_2892 were observed to be associated (P ≤0.05) with rust resistance. The two screening methods identified cultivars which included local cultivars, Nabufumbo, Kapchorwa white, and NABE as new sources of rust resistance. This study identified sources of rust resistance that would be useful in the bean breeding programmes in Uganda.Item Phenotypic Diversity and Correlation Coefficient Analysis of Open Pollinated Maize Varieties in Uganda(Global Journal of Agricultural Research, 2021) Abera, Netsanet; Odong, Thomas; Kasozi, Lwanga CharlesMaize (Zea mays L.) is among the most important cereal crops grown and consumed in East Africa. Improved open pollinated maize varieties prevail popular among resource-poor farmers due to their low cost of production. Despite the advantages of OPVs in Uganda current trends show that open pollinated varieties are being continuously replaced by hybrids, and maize production is constrained by foliar diseases and abiotic (drought) factors. Therefore, it has become important to broaden the genetic pool of OPVs by characterizing them using agronomic and diseases related traits. In this study, nineteen OPVs and five checks were phenotypically characterized at the National Crop Resources Research Center in α-lattice design. The results showed highly significant (P < 0.001) variations among the local and introduced OPVs in most of agronomic traits, except plant aspect, grey leaf spot and stem borer. An OPV SUWAN showed the highest grain yield (10.22 t ha-1) performance. The least number of days to anthesis, silking and stem lodging was observed on OPV SITUKA MI. Regarding correlation coefficient analysis, the result showed that positive significant (P < 0.001) correlations were observed between days to anthesis and silking (r = 0.99). The highest negative and significant (P < 0.001) correlation was observed between percentage of fuzarium ear rot and number of kennels per row (r = -0.67).Item Recombination fraction and genetic linkage among key disease resistance genes (Co-42/Phg-2 and Co-5/“P.ult”) in common bean(African journal of biotechnology, 2019) Okii, Dennis; Badji, Arfang; Odong, Thomas; Talwana, Herbert; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas; Male, Allan; Mukankusi, Clare; Gepts, PaulAnthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum), Angular leaf spot (Pseudocercospora griseola) and Pythium root rot are important pathogens affecting common bean production in the tropics. A promising strategy to manage these diseases consists of combining several resistance (R) genes into one cultivar. The aim of the study was to determine genetic linkage between gene pairs, Co-42/Phg-2, on bean-chromosome Pv08 and Co-5/“P.ult” on-chromosome Pv07, to increase the efficiency of dual selection of resistance genes for major bean diseases, with molecular markers. The level of recombination was determined by tracking molecular markers for both BC3F6 and F2 generations. Recombination fraction r, among gene pairs, the likelihood of linkage, L(r), and logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were computed using the statistical relationship of likelihood which assumes a binomial distribution. The SCAR marker pair SAB3/PYAA19 for the gene pair Co-5/“P.ult” exhibited moderate linkage (r = 32 cM with a high LOD score of 9.2) for BC3F6 population, but relatively stronger linkage for the F2 population (r = 21 cM with a high LOD score of 18.7). However, the linkage among SCAR marker pair SH18/SN02, for the gene pair Co-42/Phg-2 was incomplete for BC3F6 population (r = 47 cM with a low LOD score of 0.16) as well as F2 population (r = 44 cM with a low LOD score of 0.7). Generally, the weak or incomplete genetic linkage between marker pairs studied showed that all the four genes mentioned earlier have to be tagged with a corresponding linked marker during selection. The approaches used in this study will contribute to two loci linkage mapping techniques in segregating plant populations.Item Responses to selection for yield traits and key diseases among common bean genetic pyramids across locations(Journal of Crop Improvement, 2019) Okii, Dennis; Badji, Arfang; Odong, Thomas; Talwana, Herbert; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas; Magdalena, William; Gepts, Paul; Mukankusi, ClareKnowledge of response to selection (R) helps to analyze the efficiency of crop-improvement programs and devise appropriate selection strategies. The objective of this study was to determine response to selection of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genetic pyramids for diseases and yield traits. Populations evaluated included pyramided parents, climbing pyramided progenies, and checks. The trial was planted in 2016 in Uganda (Kabale and Kawanda) and Northern-Tanzania (Maruku and Kitengule) in randomized incomplete blocks with three replications. Summarized data and appropriate parameters were incorporated into the breeder’s equation (R = ih2S). R was positive for mean days to flowering (5 days) and negative for mean number of pods per plant (−9.5 pods) and 100-seed weight (−1.9 g). Diseases (anthracnose, angular leaf spot, and bean common mosaic virus) had positive, undesirable R. Generally, pyramided lines segregated at BC3F9 for disease resistance and yield traits, and thus, superior bean lines should be identified in subsequent generations, such as BC3F11.Item Strategic Planning Process in a General Rural Hospital: An Experience at Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Uganda(JUNCO – Journal of Universities and international development Cooperation, 2018) Carlo Lonati, Andrea; Polloni, Ilaria; Ciantia, Filippo; Odong, Thomas; Pontello, MirellaDr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital is a general rural hospital located in Kalongo (Northern Uganda). The hospital is facing new difficulties that call for urgent actions, which imposed a plan for its de-velopment. The strategic planning process was guided by engagement of stakeholders through a step-by-step participatory process. The plan acknowledges four Strategic Goals that integrate different dimensions (economic, social and environmental) around the themes of service delivery, infrastructure, partnership and education. The purpose is to communicate the hospital’s strategic vision, creating a framework that enables to prepare work plans and budgets, as well as monitor progresses over time.