CW-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

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Browsing CW-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology by Author "Gitonga, N."

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    Banana Distribution and their Seed Systems in Central and Eastern Kenya.
    (African Crop Science Society, 2011) Mwangi, M.; Kasyoka, M.R.; Kori, N.; Mbaka, J.J.; Gitonga, N.; Tenywa, J.S.; Taulya, G.; Kawube, G.; Kawuki, R.; Namugwanya, M.; Santos, L.
    Bananas (Musa spp.) serve as food, income resource and animal feed in addition to other environmental benefits. In Kenya, the crop is mainly grown and managed by smallholder farmers. Over the last two decades, banana production has been on the decline. Pests, diseases and limited access to adequate clean planting materials constitute priority problems. This study aimed to determine distribution of bananas varieties, and the availability and sources of planting materials in Central and Eastern provinces of Kenya. Use of naturally regenerated suckers as planting materials exceeded 90% and continuously perpetuated the spread of banana diseases and pests that substantially reduce yields. Prospects for increasing seedlings supply through micropropagation has not been successful due to high cost of tissue cultured seedlings leading to low adoption (<60%). There is a gap between farmers with varying resource capabilities in accessing and using good quality planting materials. This can be resolved by interventions that supply farmers with healthy and affordable banana seedlings. Macropropagation, which is a simple, cost effective method that has been used successfully in other countries has great potential to address issues.
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    Preferred Banana Varieties and their Seed Systems in Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya
    (Ruforum, 2010) Mwangi, M.; Kasyoka, M.R.; Mbaka, J.; Kori, N.; Gitonga, N.; Muasya, R.; Adipala, E.; Tusiime, G.; Majaliwa, J.G.M.
    Banana is an important crop for food security in Kenya. Its production has been hindered by scarcity of seedlings and pests, among other factors. A recent survey in eastern and central Kenya showed that desert varieties are prefered due to market demand. Natural regeneration is also preferred by most farmers (>85%) but it is inefficient and a source of pests and diseases to new plantations. On the other hand, adoption of tissue culture has been hindered by high cost of seedlings. Farmers need to be educated on shortcomings of natural regeneration and affordable seedling delivery system implemented. Macropropagation supported by an efficient delivery system is proposed to boost banana production in Kenya.