Value chain analysis of community-based common bean seed at selected Districts of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted to analyse community-based common bean seed value chain in selected districts of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were identifying community-based common bean seed value chain actors and defining their roles; analyzing market margin of actors; analysing determinant factors of seed supply; and identifying constraints in the seed […]

The current status, farmers’ management practices, knowledge, and perceptions of common bean anthracnose in Tanzania

Effective disease management requires farmers’ awareness of its cause, transmission mechanisms, and appropriate management methods. This study assessed the current status, farmers’ management knowledge, practices, and perceptions of common bean anthracnose in Tanzania. Field surveys were conducted during the February-June 2020 growing season in ten Districts, namely Misenye, Karagwe, Hanang, Mbulu, Hai, Kilindi, Arusha DC, […]

Potentiality of field margin with insecticidal plants in the reduction of insect pests’ damage in common bean production, Northern Tanzania

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four different insecticidal plants (Dysphania ambrosoides, Hyptis Suavelons, Sphaeranthus suaveleons and Ocimum suave) in reducing pest abundance and damage in common bean under field conditions in Moshi, Tanzania. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five (5) replications. Results indicated […]

Phytochemical and fungicidal activity of selected plant extracts against Phaeoisariopsis griseola of common bean

Plant extracts are effective in plant pathogens control and are now becoming popular throughout the world. Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica and Tithonia diversifolia extracts have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens. The aim of this study was to phytochemically screen and determine the fungicidal activity of Azadirachta indica, and Tithonia diversifolia extracts against […]

Common beans production for improved livelihoods of peasants in Tanzania’s smallholder farming system

Agricultural has continued to be a major economic and production activity enabling poor communities in Sub-Saharan Africa to sustain. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume for the livelihood of smallholder farmers in northern Tanzania and it is a main source of protein for low-income households. In upland areas of Kilimanjaro regions, common […]

Effect of processing on nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of false sesame (Ceratotheca sesamoides) and common bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The effects of blanching and drying on micro-nutrients: β-Carotene, Vitamin C, Folic acid, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Phosphorus (P) and anti-nutrients: Tannins and Oxalates composition of False Sesame Leaves (FSL) and Common Bean Leaves (CBL) were investigated. Vegetables preferences and preservation technologies used were assessed using questionnaire. Micronutrients content: β-Carotene, Vitamin C, and folic acid […]

Evaluation of phenolic content of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in association to bean fly (Ophiomyia spp.) infestation

Common bean is the most important pulse crop in Kenya, though small scale farmers have limited access to pest resistant seeds. This has therefore made common bean yields remain below 1000kgha-1, while the potential is 2000kgha-1. However phenolics are secondary metabolites present in plants and this could be an attribute contributing to common beans resistance […]

Effect of Artemisia annua L. leaf extract on the incidence and severity of Aphis fabae Scop. in intercropped and pure stand common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

This field study was conducted in Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) farm in Kenya during the short rains of 2015 and long rains of 2016. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of A. annua leaf extracts on incidence and severity of A. fabae in bean pure stand, bean/maize and bean/Solanum scabrum […]

Determining the water use efficiency (WUE) of drought tolerant common bean varieties

In semi-arid regions, like Machakos, crops use only a small fraction of total rainfall received in many agricultural systems. An experiment was set up to evaluate initial soil characteristics, determine moisture retention using pF-curve as early warning for irrigation scheduling, determine moisture trends during phenological stages, determine water use efficiency (WUE) of grain and above […]

Assessing factors influencing adoption of drought tolerant common bean varieties: a case study of Machakos County, Kenya

In Kenya, one of the major and cheap source of protein is bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The crop is consumed in almost every household on a daily basis due to its cheapest nutritional source. Machakos County, where the survey was carried out during 2016 / 2017 cropping season, experienced crop failures and low bean production […]