TABLE OF CONTENTS

Conference Organising Committee

Abbreviations and Accronyms

SESSION 1: OPENING CEREMONY

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Opening Speech

Keynote Address

POSTER SESSION 1

Case for agricultural mechanisation and a home-grown agricultural machinery industry in Kenya
M.F. Oduori.

Prevalence of microbial contaminants in dairy concentrates in Nairobi peri-urban area
J.N. Kariuki, J.K. Gathumbi, J.M.K. Muia, J.K. Nguru and P.W. Mugo

Use of milk progesterone profiles to determine causes of reproductive deficiencies in Friesian dairy cows
A.I. Hoka, D. Indetie, Z. Ng'ang'a and M. Gicheru

Barley ß-glucan: a functional food component?
A. Faraj, T. Vasanthan and R. Hoover

Challenges of improving dairy productivity on the smallholders in high altitude areas of Nyandarua and the opportunities of growing herbaceous legumes
J.W Kiragu, T. A. Onyango, B. N. Mitaru, F.B. Lukibisi, J.Kinyua and N.Munene

Effect of age and time of day on neonatal piglet behaviour under intensive management system
K. Changwony, E.N. Njoka, P. Odunga and J.K. Musyoka

Factors associated with daily weight gain of calves in maasai pastoral systems in Kajiado District, Kenya
S.K. Karimi, J.J. McDermottb, G.K.Gitauc,, B. McDermott, J.M. Gathuma, R.N. Kinuthia

Rural leather tanning as a potential livelihood option for settled pastoral households: The case of Laisamis Imani Women group in Marsabit District, Kenya
F.O. Wayua., M. Ngutu, B. Nyamori and A. Kagunyu

Efficiency of blocking based on contour and ideal block size in randomised complete block design in on-farm experiments
S.C. Amboga, T. Karanja and J. Ngugi

Effect of different spatial arrangements on yield of maize and different bean varieties in North Rift Kenya
K.W. Ndung'u, T. Kwambai, J. Barkutwo, E. Wanjekeche, J. Mulati, E. Nyambati, M. Mutoko, M. Wanyonyi and M. Kifuko

Statistical assessment of apple production in Nyandarua District of Kenya
S.B. Wepukhulu, J.K. Njuguna, M.W. Kamau and C.W. Gathambiri

Statistical determination of factors influencing customer satisfaction with research technologies in the Kenyan sugar industry
F.W. Kahora, N.W. Wawire and P.M. Wachira

Effect of 2, 4-d levels on callus induction of leaf and stem explants of 5 local farmer-preferred sweet potato varieties in Kenya
B. Bett, J. Machuka, S.T. Gichuki, and E. Ateka

Diversity among Perilla spp. using polymorphism detected by AFLP
J.M. Wamaitha, V.W. Gatheru , T. Nagamine , E.M. Ateka, S.M. Githiri and J. Songa, M. Nitta

Optimisation of parameters for agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sweet potato
W. Njagi I , S.T. Gichuki, C. Macharia , J. Machuka and G.M. Muluvi

Propagation of high quality planting materials of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) through tissue culture
A.M. Njoroge, L. Gitonga , E. Mutuma, L. Mimano, C. Macharia, L. Wasilwa, S. Muli, P. Kiuru and A. Mungai

Arresting the scourge of Striga in sorghum by combining the strengths of Marker-Assisted Backcrossing and Farmer-Participatory selection
Z.K. Gitau, E.C. Ngugi, R.W. Musyoki and J.G. Geth

Effect of insecticide use on sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) pollination and yield, in Makueni District, Eastern Kenya
M.L. Oronje , J. Nderitu, G.. Nyamasyo

Effect of root rot pathogens and fungicide seed treatment on nodulation in food grain legumes
J.W. Muthomi, P.E. Otieno, G.N. Chemining'wa and J.H. Nderitu

Stunting disease on napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum): A field evaluation of germplasm for yield and resistance/tolerance in western Kenya
FN Muyekho, E Onginjo, CM Lusweti, J. Nandasaba, M Mulaa and W Kiiya

Standardisation of methodology for estimating populations of red spider mites in rose flower crop
J .J. Anyango

Evaluation of merlin 75% wg as pre- to early post emergence herbicide in the Sugar Industry in Kenya
J.K. Rono, P.K. Chebos, P.W. Toywa, J. Mutonyi, C. Kirui

Assessment of yield loss due to sugarcane smut (Ustilago scitaminea) infection in Kenya
H.S. Nzioki and J.E. Jamoza

Feeding preferences of the epilachnid beetle Chnootriba similis thunberg on maize hybrids and the effect on grain yield
R.K. Tuey and G.R. Port

Molecular detection and variability of Banana Streak Virus isolates in Kenya
L. Karanja, A. Wangai, G. Harper, J. Stanley and R.S. Pathak

Investigating seed dormancy and developing an appropriate germination testing protocol for Eragrostis humicola Napper, E. macilenta (A. rich.) Steud, E. superba peyr. and E. tenella Roem and Schult
D.O. Nyamongo, P. Wambugu and K. Rao

The impact of growing advanced generation of improved maize varieties on maize yield in mid altitude areas
C. Muriithi, M. Gethi, F.Kihanda, C.J. Mutinda and S. Amboga

Effect of seedbed types on performance of sweet potato in semi-arid eastern Kenya
C.M. Githunguri, J.K. Ng'ang'a, L. Mutuku and Y.N. Migwa

Effect of seedbed types on performance of cassava in semi-arid eastern Kenya
C.M. Githunguri, J. K. Ng'ang'a, L. Mutuku and Y. N. Migwa

Farmer evaluated and selected cassava cultivars in semi-arid setting of Kangundo
C.M. Githunguri, C.C.K. Ariithi and Y.N. Migwa

Preliminary, advanced and national performance sorghum trials: Testing for yield and components in semi-arid eastern Kenya
R.K. Maswili, A.N. Njaimwe, C.Githuguri and N.Mangale

Evaluation of medium duration pigeonpea for traits of agronomic importance and insect pest damage in the semi-arid eastern Kenya
R. Karimi, P. Okwiri, T. Mwangi, D. Karanja and J. Mutisya

Manipulating seed rate to optimise bean yield in traditional mixed crop culture
C.N. Macharia, and M.C. Shiluli

Effect of temperature, maturity and geographical location on the ?- carotene and total carotenoid content of some mango (Mangifera indica) cultivars grown in Kenya
P.N. Muoki, A.O. Makokha, C.A. Onyango and N.K.O. Ojijo

Status of avocado production in Kenya
L.A. Wasilwa, J.K. Njuguna, E.N. Okoko and G.W. Watani

Growth partitioning in potted orange (Citrus sinensis) budlings as influenced by shade intensity, watering frequency and fertigation nitrogen concentration
J.C. Buigutt, C.K.Ndungu and W.Kariuki

Variation of plant tissue nutrient content as boll discolouration advances in mobydick flowers
D.M. Gikaara, E.M. Kamau, D.G. Nduati

Status of African leafy vegetables production in Yatta Division, Machakos District Kenya
B. Ndungu, C. Gathambiri, G. King'ara

Evaluation of introduced snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties for adaptability and pod quality
A..M.. Ndegwa, M..N. Muchui, S.M.. Wachiuri, J.N. Kimamira

Evaluation of introduced superior banana cultivars at Thika in Central Kenya
J. Njuguna, F. Nguthi, S. Wepukhulu, F. Wambugu, D. Gitau and M. Karuoya

Evaluation of elite tomato varieties in the semi-arid regions of eastern Kenya
R. Musyoki, F. Omari and T. Mwangi

Prolonging avocado shelf life using ethylene synthesis inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene
B.K. Chegeh, C.N. Waturu, S.B. Wepukhulu, and J.N. Mbaka

POSTER SESSION 2

Effect of drying on the quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) slices
C.W. Gathambiri, C.N. Karanja and S.N. Kiiru

Evaluation of post-harvest characteristics of mango (Mangifera indica L) fruit varieties
C.W. Gathambiri, M.N. Muchui, J.K. Njuguna, S.B. Wepukhulu, S.N. Kiiru, S.N. Wanjala and D.N. Kariuki 217

Application of information communication technologies in developing a national livestock marketing information system for Kenya
G. Kariuki and R. Kaitho

Sorghum responses inorganic fertiliser and farmyard manure in Kenya
M.W. Gateri, A.W. Muriuki and S.M. Kanyanjua

Assessment of the effects of irrigation methods on crop performance in Nguruman Irrigation Scheme, Kajiado District
E.M. Muya, G.N.Gachini, P.M. Maingi and B.K. Waruru

Effect of rhizobia inoculation and starter-N on nodulation and yield of grain legumes
G.N. Chemining'wa, S.W.M. Theuri and J.W. Muthomi

Impact of rhizobium and phosphate fertilizers in enhancing legume production in Mbeere District in Kenya using farmer field school approach
L.N.Gachimbi, D.D. Onduru, F.N. Muchena, A. de Jager, G.N. Gachini and S.N. Obanyi

Evaluation of legumes as cover crops for soil and weed management in smallholder coffee cropping systems in Central Kenya
J.M Maina, M.W.K Mburu, J.G Mureithi, C.K.K Gachene, J.N Mburu

Turkana sorghum germplasm response to pre and post-flowering moisture stress
B.M. Kanyenji

Effects of liming, organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield of maize in Western Kenya
D.S. Mbakaya , J.O. Odenya, C. Njeru and J. Luteya

Effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield of cabbage in a cabbage legume rotation
A.A. Masinde, P.O. Omolo and P. Ngure

Assessment of water harvesting and fertilizer application on maize performance in semi-arid areas of Lake Victoria Basin in Kenya
O. Omolo, C.O.Othieno, J.R.Okalebo, M.J. Kipsat and K.O. Okach

Effects of inorganic fertilisers and farmyard manure on shoot dry weight, tuber dry weight and tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
M.P. Powon, J.N. Aguyoh and V. Mwaja

Biological control of water hyacinth: A case study of Lake Victoria Kenya
K. Mwende and S. Njoka

Integrated nutrient management strategies for the rehabilitation of degraded soils in Kisii District
A.W. Nzabi, N. Kidula and E. Mutai

The effect of plant density and soil fertility regimes on seed cotton (Gossypium hirstum) yield
A.H Ogola, R.M Opondo, G. Omuga and H. Malaya

The effect of pollinator parent on husk cover (bare tip) of expression of maize (Zea mays L.) involving two single crosses
J. J. Chumo

Exploring the diversity richness of 62 accessions of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on five agronomic traits
B.M. Kivuva, J.G. Kamau, C.K. Sang'anyi and J.I. Kamau

Effects of method of harvesting, storage container type and duration on seed germination of four rangeland grasses
W. N. Mnene, W.N. Ekaya, J.I. Kinyamario and J. Hanson

The use of indigenous knowledge among the Kamba community and its application in natural resources management and biodiversity conservation in Makueni District
D.K. Musembi

Strategic testing and promotion of new maize cultivars in Western Kenya
J. Maina, E. Nyamwaya and E. Mukhwana

Net present value analysis to assess the economic consequences of changing farming systems in the upper catchment of the River Njoro watershed
T. Krupnik, M.W. Jenkins, Siân Mooney and E.K. Bett

Farmer perceptions, choice and adoption of soil management technologies in maize-based farming systems of Malawi
A.M. Kabuli and Phiri Mar

KARI Centre level priority setting: A synthesis
D W. Kilambya, F.W. Maina, L. Muhammad, J. Ndubi and F.M. Murithi

Progress, challenges and prospects of participatory research and gender analysis in Kenya's Agricultural Research System: Case of KARI institutional change
D.J.W. Nyongesa and J. Ngugi

Towards the promotion of food security and gender equity: The case of Samburu Wings of Mercy in Samburu District
J.M.Ndubi, G.M Karanja and T. Lanyasunya

Productivity enhancement and welfare gains and their determinants on smallholdings in south Western Kenya
L. Muhammad, P.G.A. Omanga, R. Apamo and W.M. Mulinge

Determinants of fertilizer use at farm level: a case study of small-scale farmers in Nakuru District
P. K. Kaburu

Training needs assessment in three OMP benchmark Districts in Kenya
A.O. Esilaba, N.K.R. Musimba, A. N. Kathuku, P. Kaburu, L, Wekesa, W. Ego, M. Okoti, G. A. Keya, J.N. Kigomo, C. Ikutwa, G. A. Olukoye, G.M. Muturi and H. K. Cheruiyot

Correlation of SFM practices and wealth endowment in classification of smallholder farming systems in Central Kenya
J.M. Macharia, S.K. Kimani, L.N. Kimenye, R.A. Nyikal and J. Ramisch

Assessing the adoption and diffusion of climbing beans in Embu District
J. Ouma, J. Oduol and J.N. Muthamia

The role of second order associations in sustaining community-based groups: the case of farmer field school networks in Western Kenya
T. N. Karanja-Lumumba, J.M. Njuki , S.K. Kaaria and S.N. Wanjekeche

Adoption and impact of improved cassava varieties in Western Kenya
M. Odendo, S. Abele, H. Obiero, P. Ntawuruhanga

Participatory on-farm technology testing: the suitability of augmented design
M.A. Mudeheri and H.M. Obiero

Assessment of attendance in two farmer field school models for scaling-up nutrient management technologies in Western Kenya
C.M. Njeru, A.E Okwuosa and D.S. Mbakaya

Institutions for irrigation water management and use: A comprative analysis of the Perkerra and Kerio River Basins
J.C. Mulindo, W. Chepkonga and T. Chepkonga

Assessing the impact of sweet potato production and utilisation technologies on food security in north rift region
C.S. Rono, J.M. Wanyama, L.O. Mose, C. M. Mutoko, C.M. Lusweti, E. Wanjekeche and B. Wachiye

Survey on potential crop-livestock integration and nutrient management in farming systems of West Kenya
J. Nandasaba, F.N. Muyeko , J.M. Wanyama, J. Miriti , K. Ndungu, C.M. Lusweti, I.E.M. Nyambati, T. Mwangi, D.T. Cheruiyot, J.N. Kamau and J. Kabirizi

Quality and market access: The case of green beans
N.M. Muthoka, M.W. Kamau and A.M. Ndegwa

Enhancing technology adoption through competitive learning grants: experiences of the ATIRI in Coastal Kenya
K.K. Lewa, R.W. Muinga and D.M. Mwamachi

Assessing the impact and uptake of Integrated Bean Pest and Disease Management Technologies (IPDM) in the Kisii mandate region
D. Andima and J. Ogecha

Assessment of avocado production in Embu, Kirinyaga and Muranga Districts of Kenya
S.B. Wepukhulu, J.K. Njuguna, M.W. Kamau and B.K. Chegeh

Cassava-grain legume inter-crop: Its feasibility and implications on household food security in Kenya
A. Gichangi, M.P.D. Maina, D.K. Lelgut, M.G. Kinyua, E. Macharia, J. Kamwaga, J. Kamundia and J. Luvonga 421

Understanding sustainable livelihood context in semi-arid eastern Kenya
Kavoi, J.

Closing Speech: Dr. Romano M. Kiome, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Appendix I: Paper and Project Evaluation Report

Executive Summary

Appendix II: Winners at the Tenth Biennial Scientific Conference

List of Participants