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Response of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit (Leucaena) Provenances to Aluminium in Potted Soil Experiment
Get PDFAims: To determine the level of acid or aluminium tolerance provenances in Leucaena (Leucaena
leucocephala) a favourite agroforestry tree in Kenya.
Study Design: The set up was a 2-factor (provenance-aluminium) experiment in a completely
randomized design with three (3) replications and data were subjected to multivariate analysis of
variance.
Place and Duration of Study: Potted acid soil experiments were carried out at the Maseno
ICRAF/KEFRI centre and Chepkoilel campus farm, Moi University, between June 2009 and July
2010.
Methodology: Potted acid soil experiments were carried out at the Maseno ICRAF/KEFRI centre
(pH 4.8) and Chepkoilel campus farm, Moi University (pH 5.0) to assess the effect of varying
aluminium concentrations on growth of three local leucaena provenances: K156 (Gede), K136
(Kibwezi) and KIT2724 (Kitale). Aluminium was applied at 0, 100, 200 and 300 M. The number of
leaves per seedling, seedling height, root length, root collar diameter and dry weight were recorded
at 60 and 120 days after planting.
Results: Generally Aluminium at 100 M significantly (p0.05) enhanced growth of the seedlings
at both sites. However, aluminium at 200 M reduced seedling growth.
Conclusion: The Leucaena provenance K156 could be used in acid soils because it is tolerant.
However, more local provenances should be screened for acid tolerance
Biologia planturum-sept 2014
No full textAluminum stress usually reduces plant root growth due to the accumulation of Al in specific zones of the root apex. The
objectives of this study were to determine the localization of Al in the root apex of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moech. and its
effects on membrane integrity, callose accumulation, and root growth in selected cultivars. Seedlings were grown in a
nutrient solution containing 0, 27, or 39 μM Al3+ for 24, 48, and 120 h. The Al stress significantly reduced root growth,
especially after 48 and 120 h of exposure. A higher Al accumulation, determined by fluorescence microscopy after
staining with a Morin dye, occurred in the root extension zone of the sensitive cultivar than in the tolerant cultivar. The
membrane damage and callose accumulation were also higher in the sensitive than resistant cultivar. It was concluded
that the Al stress significantly reduced root growth through the accumulation of Al in the root extension zone, callose
accumulation, and impairment of plasma membrane integrity
Effects of lime, phosphorus and rhizobia on Sesbania sesban performance in a Western Kenyan acid soil
Get PDFAluminium (Al) toxicity, phosphorus (P) deficiency and low rhizobia populations limit Sesbania
(Sesbania sesban) performance in tropical acid soils. The study determined the i) indigenous rhizobia
populations that nodulate sesbania and ii) effects of lime (0 and 4 t/ha), P-fertilizer (0 and 60 kg/ha) and
acid tolerant rhizobia (0 and inoculation) on soil and selected sesbania accessions performance in
Western Kenya acid soil. Study site had acid soil, low available P, nitrogen (N) and rhizobia populations
that nodulate Sesbania (146 cells/g soil). Lime increased soil pH, while both lime and P-fertilizer
increased available P. Aluminium toxicity tolerant and P-efficient accessions (SSBSA004, SSUG3,
SSUG4 and SSUG5) had faster growth, higher nodulation, shoot P, and shoot N and response to
treatments than the sensitive one (SSBSA203). After 7 months of growth, SSUG3 had highest shoot
length (306 cm) and dry matter (5.64 tons/ha), hence, most suitable for building poles and fuel wood.
SSUG5 accumulated the highest shoot N (222 kg N/ha) and was therefore, most suitable soil N
replenishment. Thus, in acid P deficient and low rhizobial population soils of Western Kenya, the use of
lime, P-fertilizer, rhizobia inoculation and Al toxicity tolerant Sesbania are important for Sesbania
establishment and growth.
Key words: Rhizobia, Sesbania, soil acidity, aluminum toxicity, lime, phosphorus
Characteristics of Distance Learners In The Case Of External Degree Programme of the University Of Nairobi
Get PDFThe study was based on the characteristics of distance learners at the School of Continuing and Distance Education at the University of Nairobi. The particular case under study was the Bachelor of Education (Arts) students who are taking their studies by distance mode. The study was set to achieve the following objective: To investigate the characteristics of distance learners. The study design used was cross sectional survey with well deigned questionnaires and an interview schedule. The study population was 500 external degree students in their final part of the study. The study sample of 217 students was arrived at by the use of a sample table provided by Krejcie
and Morgan (1970).The sampling technique was simple random. To test on validity and reliability a pre-test was conducted, that is split-half method was used to establish the effectiveness and internal consistency of the questionnaire. Content validity was used on the results and comments from the pilot study. The study found that distance learners‟ characteristics are varied. In the first instance, both 59 (51.3%) male and 56 (48.7%) female are almost in equal demand for distance learning. Gender is not a factor when it comes to enrolment in distance learning. It also emerged that distance learners are aged hence are adult learners. Majority of the 41 (35.7%) respondents were aged between 36 and 40 years. On the other hand, 111 (96.5%) distance learners at the
University of Nairobi were found to be employed with the majority of the 104 (90.4%) employees drawn from the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya. 102(88.7%) students were found to be married. It was therefore concluded that:
•Distance learners cuts across gender (male and female) almost on an equal measure
•Majority of distance learners are adults
•Majority of distance learners are employed
•Majority of distance learners have some work experience.
•Most distance learners are married
It was recommended that a similar study be extended to other universities and may include the adult teaching and learning styles. Distance learners‟ lifestyle and ability to meet the cost distance learning needs to be investigated
Staff Welfare as an Antecedent to Service Delivery among Civil Servants in Kenya a Case Study of Nandi County
Get PDFCitizen’s complaints of poor service in government ministries has been underscored and highlighted in the
media. The density of the said complaint was reflected during the year 2002 Constitutional Referendum which
in part called for an overhaul of the civil service structure through various Civil Service Reform Programmes and
major reshuffle (inter-ministerial transfers). This paper highlighted effects of Staff welfare on service delivery
within Civil Service offices in Kenya: The study adopted explanatory research design a case of Nandi County.
Stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 350 employees of Nandi County. Data was collected
through the use of questionnaires which were analyzed using both descriptive and regression analysis.
Descriptive findings revealed that there was a low level of safety, health and retirement plans services for the
employees of Nandi County. Nevertheless, high levels of Flexible Scheduling services among employees were
observed. Further analysis indicated that safety and health, Retirement plans and Flexible Scheduling in the
Workplace had significant a effect on Service delivery, thus the need for this study to address staff welfare
issues.
Keywords: Service Delivery, Safety and Health, Workplace, Retirement Plans and Flexible Schedulin
Micro-Dosing of Lime, Phosphorus and Nitrogen Fertilizers Effect on Maize Performance on an Acid Soil in Kenya
Get PDFHigh cost of inorganic fertilizers and lime has precluded their use by smallholder farmers to remedy the problem of soil acidity and infertility in Kenya. To address the problem, we tested a precision technique referred to as micro-dosing, which involves application of small, affordable quantities of inorganic inputs on an acid soil in Busia County, Kenya. Experimental treatments were N-fertilizer (0 and 37.5 kg N ha-1), P-fertilizer (0 and 13 kg P ha-1) and lime (0, 0.77 and 1.55 tons lime ha-1). 37.5 kg N and 13 kg P ha-1 are 50% of the recommended fertilizer rates for maize production in Kenya while 0.77 and 1.55 tons lime ha-1 are 25 and 50% of the actual requirement. Soil chemical changes, maize grain yield and nutrient recovery were determined. Lime and P-fertilizer significantly affected only the top-soil pH, Ca, Mg and available P, while the effects of N-fertilizer were evident on both top- and sub-soil N likely due to its faster mobility than P and lime. Grain P-fertilizer recovery efficiencies were 14 and 16-27% due to 13 kg P and 13 kg P + 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha-1, respectively. N-fertilizer recovery efficiencies were 37 and 42-45% due to 37.5 kg N and 37.5 kg N + 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha-1, respectively. Fertilizers applied to supply 37.5 kg N, 13 kg P and 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha-1 increased grain yield above the control by 134, 39 and 12-22%, respectively, therefore micro-dosing of these inputs can increase maize production on Kenyan acid soils
The silver cyprinid Rastrineobola argentea as the main diet source for rearing Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes
Get PDFAbstract Background & objectives: All organisms that are cultured for laboratory bioassays need food for sustenance and
amplification of the colony to such numbers that would not compromise the progress of the research at hand. For effective turnover
rate in the population generation, the diet should be such that it is readily available and provide adequate nutrients to the organisms.
The aim of this study was to test and evaluate the efficacy of Rastrineobola argentea as a diet source for rearing Anopheles
arabiensis Patton mosquitoes for research.
Methods: Crushed fish, Rastrineobola argentea and two other commercial larval feeds (Tetramin Baby fish food and baker’s yeast)
were compared for their efficacy as diet sources for feeding Anopheles arabiensis mosquito larvae. The effects of these diet types
were determined against fecundity, size, longevity and male mating competitiveness.
Results: Mosquitoes raised on Tetramin Baby fish food laid larger egg batches (66.45 ± 5.03 mm) as compared to crushed fish
(64.86 ± 4.93 mm) or bakers’ yeast (50.49 ± 4.25 mm). However, the number of eggs laid by the mosquitoes irrespective of the diet
type did no differ significantly (p < 0.132). Mosquitoes raised on Tetramin Baby fish food were larger in size (3.06 ± 0.02 mm) as
compared to those raised on crushed R. argentea (2.93 ± 0.01 mm) or baker’s yeast (3.00 ± 0.02 mm). The choice of diet was found
to influence both mosquito size (p < 0.001) and fecundity (p < 0.013).
Conclusion: This study found that crushed R. argentea is an effective mosquito larval diet and that it has the potential of being more
effective than tetramin if refined further and supplements added.
Keywords Rastrineobola argentea; Anopheles arabiensis; Fecundity; Longevity; Eclosio
Managerial Competencies as an Antecedent to Customer Satisfaction in small and medium sized Entreprise (SMES) in Eldoret Municipality
Get PDFCustomer satisfaction has received much attention in the last two decades from both practitioners and researchers as one of the strategies firms can employ to remain competitive. Despite this attention, little empirical research has been performed about relationship-marketing practices among SMEs, especially those in developing countries. This study intended to investigate the effects of managerial competencies on customer satisfaction in Eldoret town. Stratified sampling was used to divide the Central Business District in terms of streets. Systematic random sampling was used to select SMEs from each street to obtain a sample size of 146 SMEs where customer was interviewed from each SME making a total of 146 customers involved in this research work. From the study findings managerial competencies (product customization, and interpersonal communication) predicts 19.6 percent variation of customer satisfaction (adjusted R square = 0.196), while R squared was 0.208. More findings indicated that Increase in product customization would improve customer satisfaction with 0.179 units (β1=0.179, P<0.05). Further the results indicated that improving interpersonal communication in SMEs would positively improve customer satisfaction (β3=0.127, P<0.05), all the beta values were significant at 0.05 level of
significance. Hence it is recommended that managers should focus on developing appropriate competencies in product customization and interpersonal communication in that they have positive impact on customer satisfaction.
Key words: Corresponding Author Biwott Kiprono Geoffre
