Browsing by Author "Beesigamukama,Dennis"

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    Contribution of Different Frass Fertilizer Products on Enhanced Growth, Yield and Nutrient Quality of Broccoli [Brassica Oleracea]
    (Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025-08) Kagehi, Noella; Beesigamukama,Dennis; Tanga, Chrysantus M.; Ngugi, Mathew P.; Subramanian, Sevgan; Khamis, Fathiya M.
    Vegetables are crucial for food security and income, but in developing countries their production is hindered by low soil fertility. Although the insect frass fertilizer is a potential solution, its use is constrained by limited product choices. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which are available in different forms, the insect frass fertilizer is mostly available in solid form. Here, we evaluated the effects of different black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) products on broccoli [Brassica oleracea] growth, yield, and nutritional profiles. Solid, liquid BSFFF, chitin-fortified solid BSFFF, chitin-fortified liquid BSFFF, and commercial organic fertilizer (Safi) were applied at rates equivalent to 250 kg N ha-1 for two cropping seasons. The control treatment consisted of unfertilized soil. Results showed that solid and chitin-fortified solid BSFFF products significantly increased broccoli leaf growth and chlorophyll concentration by 54% and 11%, respectively, compared to the other BSFFF products. Soils amended with BSFFF products produced broccoli with higher number of heads (28 – 158%), fresh yield (26 – 138%), dry yield (17 – 60%), and aboveground biomass (7 – 117%) compared to Safi and control treatments. Broccoli grown in soil amended with BSFFF had higher nitrogen (84%), phosphorus (93%), potassium (51%) uptake, and agronomic use efficiency (4.6-fold) as compared to Safi and the control. Additionally, the application liquid BSFFF produced broccoli heads with higher levels of crude fat (61%), carbohydrates (16%), and calcium (38%) compared to other BSFFF products. Conversely, broccoli grown using chitin-fortified BSFFF exhibited the highest levels of crude protein, potassium, crush ash, and phosphorus. The net income and gross margin achieved with BSFFF treatments were 19 – 26-fold and 29 – 63-fold higher than values obtained Safi, respectively, with higher profitability achieved using chitin-fortified BSFFF formulations. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of different BSFFF formulations in supporting circular economy for safe vegetable production, and improved food and nutrition security
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    Unpacking the benefits of black soldier fly frass fertilizer towards nematode suppression and potato production
    (frontiers, 2025) Anedo,Emmanuel O.; Beesigamukama,Dennis; Mochoge,Benson; Korir, Nicholas K.; Solveig Haukeland; Xavier Cheseto; Nyongesa,Moses; Pwaipwai,Patrick; Sevgan Subramanian; Abdou Tenkouano; Betty Kibaara; Tanga,Chrysantus M.
    Potato production is hindered by soil degradation and nematode infestation. Mineral fertilizers and synthetic nematicides are costly and cause negative impacts on humans and the environment, while organic fertilizers are less effective for soil health and nematode management. This study demonstrates the contribution of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) in nematode suppression and potato productivity when compared to commercial mineral fertilizer, organic fertilizer (SAFI), and nematicide. The on-farm experiments consisted of eight treatments: BSFFF, SAFI, BSFFF+5%chitin, NPK+nematicide, 50%BSFFF+50%NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK, 50%BSFFF+5% chitin+50%NPK, and control (unfertilized soil). Results revealed that all fertilizer treatments significantly increased potato growth, number of tubers (34 – 61%), and tuber yield (20 – 72%) relative to the control. Application of BSFFF+5% chitin produced 9 – 28% higher tubers per plant compared to other treatments. Over 26% higher tuber yield was achieved using BSFFF+5% chitin compared to NPK+nematicide treatment. Soil amendment with BSFFF+5% chitin caused 5–35% higher reduction in the number of cysts per 200 g soil-1 compared to NPK +nematicide and SAFI treatments. The same treatment reduced the PCN reproduction rate by 20% and 75% compared to NPK + nematicide and SAFI, respectively. Both BSFFF and NPK+nematicide treatments achieved comparable suppression of the number of eggs and infective juveniles (J2) per cyst-1 and eggs g-1 of soil. However, BSFFF+5% chitin reduced the number of eggs and J2 per cyst-1 and eggs g-1 of soil by 55–92% compared to SAFI. Our findings demonstrate that chitin-fortified BSFFF can significantly contribute to potato cyst nematode suppression and boost potato yields in smallholder farming...