http://repository.tuc.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/23 2026-04-21T13:34:47Z http://repository.tuc.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/607 INFLUENCEOF WATER STRESS ON GROWTH AND YIELD.COMPONENTS OF SELECTED PIGEONPEA GENOTYPES CHEBOI, JULIANA,PAUL,GEORGE,CHEMININGW'A ,N KIMURTO,,MOSENDA,GANGARAO Drought and high temperature mostly influence growth and development of pigeonpea, resulting in forced maturity. Though these stresses have a drastic impact on reducing productivity of pigeonpea, limited efforts have been made towards development of pigeonpea genotypes having tolerance to these abiotic stresses. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify pigeonpea genotypes that can tolerate water stress. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Upper Kabete field station of the University of Nairobi, Kenya, using fifteen selected pigeonpea genotypes based on ICRISAT descriptors. The fifteen plants were grown under drought stress levels of 40% and 80% field capacity (FC) in comparison to non-drought stress (100% FC) condition in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement with three replications. Data was collected on plant growth, physiological and yield attributes. Drought stress reduced 100 seed weight by 14.9 %, number of pods (31.9%) and pod diameter (25%). At the lowest moisture level (40 % FC), drought stress reduced pod weight by 84 %, pod length (2 %), Chlorophyll content (11.9 %) and shell weight (2.4 %). However, reduction of moisture level to 80% FC recorded an increase in pod weight (5.5 %) and pod length (3.4 %) and no significant effect on chlorophyll content and number of seeds per pod. Genotypes ICEAPs 182022, 182014, 182013, 19023 and 86012 performed better in relation to growth and yield despite the increased levels of drought stress. The few identified genotypes can be utilized as potential parents in breeding for drought tolerance. 2024-12-07T00:00:00Z http://repository.tuc.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/606 EXPLOITING THE POTENTIAL OF AUXINS AND TRANS‑CINNAMIC ACID FOR IN VITRO ROOTING OF MELIA VOLKENSII GÜRKE CLONES Dushimimana, Constantin,Titus,Margaret,GeorgeMagomere,Hutchinson,Chemining’wa The aim of this study was to optimize the in vitro propagation and rooting of elite Melia volkensii Gürke clones. The effects of auxins, trans-cinnamic acid, and silver thiosulfate (STS) were assessed. The genotype response to rooting was tested with the four best treatments on six clones. Melia volkensii shoots were successfully rooted at 98.9% from using a modified woody plant medium supplemented with 3.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The addition of IBA to the medium resulted in an increased number of roots per shoot. The highest average number of roots per shoot was 8 in the media with 2.0 μM IBA without STS, compared to 8.9 roots per shoot in the medium with 3.0 μM IBA and 0.02 M STS. The most effective medium for producing the longest roots was a woody plant medium containing IBA or indole-3-acetic acid. Adding silver thiosulfate to the rooting media reduced shoot callusing during rooting. Compared to other treatments, trans-cinnamic acid induced the development of roots with numerous secondary roots. There was a significant clone effect on rooting. All clones’ maximum numbers of roots were associated with the medium containing 3.0 μM IBA and 0.02 M STS. The findings of this study will enable mass propagation and planting of elite M. volkensii and encourage molecular breeding efforts 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z http://repository.tuc.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/605 SYMBIOTIC NITROGEN-FIXATION AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN INOCULATED WITH ACID-TOLERANT RHIZOBIA STRAINS FOLLOWING SOIL AMENDMENTS UNDER LOW SOIL PH CONDITIONS OF RWANDA NZEYIMANA, FELIX,RICHARD,FREDRICK,GEORGEONWONGA,AYUKE,CHEMINING’WA Abstract Soil acidity is a limiting factor in legume system during plant growth and microsymbionts process. The aim of this work was to identify and document acid tolerant rhizobium strains and their response to soybean grain yield under low pH. Ninety-one rhizobia isolates were collected from two provinces (Eastern and southern) of Rwanda based on soil acidity in the two regions. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield were determined for three soybean varieties (PK6, SB24 and Sc Squire) inoculated with three acid-tolerant rhizobia strains (BB18S, BB64S and SB88E) across two sites with contrasting soil pH conditions. Interaction of soybean variety and soil amendments significantly revealed differences (p-value≤0.012), where organic manure increased the number of nodules for two promiscuous varieties (SB24 and Sc Squire). Non-inoculated soybean control produced low N-fixed compared to all inoculated treatments, with high performance recorded for SB88E strain. The total dry matter biomass generated high grain yield, and this resulted from N-fixation due to the interaction between the acid tolerant rhizobia strains, soybean variety and application of N starter, P and K. Interaction of soybean variety and soil amendments revealed significant differences (p-value≤0.012), with organic manure application increasing the number of nodules for two the promiscuous varieties (SB24 and Sc Squire). The biomass production generated high (p=000) grain yield by significantly (p=000) increasing the pod yields. The N-fixing efficiency of the strains was affected by N, P, and K application and legume isolates, and the grain yield increased when organic manure was applied on PK6 at the site with low pH and increased when lime and organic manure were applied on SB24 and Sc Squire. The study offers a technical solution for addressing soil acidity, nutrient availability, and enhancing soybean yield in Eastern and Southern 2025-01-10T00:00:00Z http://repository.tuc.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/603 EARLY MARRIAGE INFLUENCE ON HIV/AIDS PREVALENCE IN TURKANA CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY Alimlim, Rebecca,Peter, NashonEdome, Mwirigi HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health challenge, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are among the most vulnerable, and despite extensive efforts by govern- ments and non-governmental organizations, infection rates continue to rise. Factors such as poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) further com- plicate the situation. While poverty and education are widely recognized as key contributors to HIV vulnerability, growing evidence suggests that early marriage also plays a significant role, particularly in marginalized communi- ties. This study explored the connection between early marriage and HIV/AIDS prevalence in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya. Using a descriptive re- search design, data were collected from 404 households, selected from a target population of 13,467 individuals. The Kothari formula was used to determine the sample size with a 5% margin of error. A structured questionnaire, tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and validated by experts, was used for data collection. SPSS was employed to analyze the data and identify key rela- tionships between variables. Findings showed that early marriage remains deeply ingrained in Turkana’s culture, although attitudes are shifting among more educated and socially exposed individuals. The study established a strong link between early marriage and increased HIV/AIDS vulnerability, largely due to lower education levels, economic dependence, and limited access to sexual health information and protective measures. Additionally, polygamous unions and transactional sex were found to further heighten the risk of HIV transmission. Women and young girls were particularly affected, as economic struggles of- ten left them with little power to negotiate safer sexual practices. To address these challenges, the study recommends enhanced community awareness cam- paigns on the risks of early marriage, alongside expanded public health educa- tion programs spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and local authorities. Economic empowerment initiatives are also crucial, providing alternative sources of income and reducing reliance on high-risk coping strategies. These measures are essential to breaking the cycle of vulnerability and lowering HIV/AIDS prevalence in marginalized communities. The study’s findings pro- vide important perspectives that can guide policymakers, public health ex- perts, and development organizations in designing practical, evidence-based strategies to combat HIV/AIDS and tackle the underlying socioeconomic chal- lenges that contribute to its spread. 2025-02-23T00:00:00Z