2 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
- Participatory selection of amaranthus genotypes in the KwaMbonambi Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa2021| MDPIParticipatory variety selection (PVS) is a process that tests promising genotypes in farmers’ fields through a close farmer–researcher collaboration approach, which enhances the acceptance of new varieties by farmers. However, limited studies have been conducted to select Amaranthus genotypes that have potential for future breeding programmes in South Africa. Therefore, this study was aimed at selecting Amaranthus genotype(s) that is/are preferred by farmers in northern KwaZulu-Natal, using the PVS approach. Seedlings of fifteen Amaranthus genotypes were each planted in separate 10 × 10 m plots. Fourteen local farmers managed these genotypes and also determined the preferred traits to be used to evaluate them. These traits were: mild taste; profuse stem branching; big and numerous leaves; soft texture; and longer shelf life. Plants at four months after transplant were then evaluated and ranked according to farmers’ preferred traits using score sheets designed on a four-point Likert scale or five-point hedonic scale. However, genotype ACAT seed fair had the best scoring for appealing taste and aroma, and profuse branching. The TOT 8789 genotype had the largest and softest leaves. Again, A. thunbergii had the most numerous leaves of them all. These genotypes are thus recommended for multi-environment testing, seed multiplication, genetic improvement, and promotion for cultivation in South Africa.
- 1
- 21
- 0
- 2025| Frontiers MediaCucurbita argyrosperma Huber is a traditional leafy vegetable crop where different plant parts are consumed by rural communities in South Africa especially in the northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Goat manure is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that is readily available in rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal. Little is known about the organic fertilizer requirements of C. argyrosperma. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of goat manure application on the growth and yield of C. argyrosperma. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Zululand farm in northern KwaZulu-Natal in which C. argyrosperma was grown under six goat manure application rates (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 t ha–1) over two seasons in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Data were collected on vegetative growth traits (vine length, stem diameter, leaf area, number of branches and leaves, and leaf chlorophyll content), as well as marketable yield (shoot, fruit and seed fresh mass, shoot dry mass, and fruit and seed number). An analysis of variance test was performed on the pooled data to identify significant differences at p < 0.05 and the means were separated using Tukey’s test. Plants treated with 20 and 25 t ha–1 manure had significantly (p < 0.05) more branches and leaves, longer and heavier harvested shoots and a higher fruit number and mass and 100-seed mass than control. The remaining parameters increased with an increase in goat manure application, but not significantly. The yields obtained in this study were relatively low compared to typical yields for this crop and require further investigation. This study showed goat manure application could improve growth and yield of C. argyrosperma and ultimately contribute to food security in rural communities at affordable agronomic inputs.
- 1
- 9
- 0