Abstract Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Kenya has not reached its potential yield due to various abiotic and biotic factors. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum lindemunthianum and root rots caused by Pythium species are major production constraints. Landraces are preferred by farmers in Kenya due to yield stability and tolerance to some stresses. However, there is little information on the genetic diversity of the landraces and the level of resistance to anthracnose and...
Abstract Worldwide, commercial production of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is constrained by diseases, key among them being the bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). These potyviruses are the most devastating to common bean farmers and can cause total yield loss under heavy infestation. The objective of this study was to characterize the BCMNV resistance in commercial French bean cultivars and initiate a breeding program against the disease. A s...
Abstract Sorghum is a major staple food source in many African countries. In Kenya, it is cultivated by small-scale farmers. Gadam sorghum is the common variety mainly grown for brewing, manufacture of animal feeds and sorghum cakes. However, its yield is about 0.8 t ha- which is low compared to international standards. This is exacerbated by birds' that tend to have a preference for it. The use of birds' resistant sorghum varieties containing higher amounts of tannin than Gadam is a strateg...