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Research Article
Plant Species Composition and Structure in Areas Impacted with Invasive Alien Plants (IAS) at Eastern Ridge Top of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest Reserve, Northern Tanzania
Canisius John Kayombo*
,
Godlove Deodatus Rwekaza
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-16
Received:
3 December 2025
Accepted:
2 January 2026
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: The eastern ridge of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest (DLCF) harbors high plant species diversity within the bush land and woodland. Concentric plots were established to analyze the existing plant species of the area. The recorded plant species were indicated for whether indigenous, alien, alien and invasive. Shannon Wiener Diversity index was applied to calculate diversity index of shrubs and trees. Trees and shrub densities were calculated. Herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees distribution were evaluated. During this study, a total of 113 herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees were recorded. The calculated Hꞌ for shrubs and trees ranged from ≤3.5 - ≥1.5 an implication of high diversity. The densest plant species was an alien invasive plant, Lantana camara L. indicating that the area is dominated by alien invasive plants. The eastern ridge of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest accommodates high plant species diversity that requires management. Further study is needed, control alien invasive plants, replace the existing alien plants with indigenous plants.
Abstract: The eastern ridge of Duluti Lake Catchment Forest (DLCF) harbors high plant species diversity within the bush land and woodland. Concentric plots were established to analyze the existing plant species of the area. The recorded plant species were indicated for whether indigenous, alien, alien and invasive. Shannon Wiener Diversity index was applied ...
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Research Article
Variability Studies in Landraces and Improved Rice
(Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm for Yield and Quality Traits
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
17-37
Received:
5 January 2026
Accepted:
15 January 2026
Published:
30 January 2026
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods crops whose demand is increasing mainly due to population growth and urbanization. It is ranked first in most Asian countries and second to maize in Malawi. The aim of the current study was to determine variability in local landraces and elite rice germplasm using agro-morphological traits in order to identify and document superior germplasm for conservation and use in further breeding programmes. The experiment was conducted at Lifuwu Agricultural Research Station - Experimental Fields during the 2024/2025 rainy season in Alpha Latic Design (ALD), with three replications and each plot comprised a dimension of 5 m x 0.4 m, length and width, respectively. The number of days to reach physiological maturity ranged from 119 days (G102, G154) to 158 days (G2), while milling recovery was from 57% to 75%. and top- ten highest yielding entries (G17, G127, G14, G130, G175, G171, G132, G119, G16, and G19) produced grain yields ranging from 7396 to 8121 kg/ha, highlighting their potential candidature for breeding and genetic improvement programs. The Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) performed using GenStat 19th Edition produced six main clusters such that cluster 1 comprised 66 germplasm and cluster 6 had 8 germplasm, suggesting germplasm variability, ideal for broad spectrum breeding and least populated lines; respectively. This study has a huge contribution to rice improvement goals in identifying and documenting diverse superior germplasm which could be directly adopted by rice growers after advancement or used in further breeding programs.
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods crops whose demand is increasing mainly due to population growth and urbanization. It is ranked first in most Asian countries and second to maize in Malawi. The aim of the current study was to determine variability in local landraces and elite rice germplasm using agro-morphological t...
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Research Article
Main Diseases of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in the Localities of Njombe-Penja (Cameroon)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
38-50
Received:
19 January 2026
Accepted:
29 January 2026
Published:
11 February 2026
Abstract: Piper nigrum is an important crop. However, this crop is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can cause a drop in production if no control methods are applied. The general objective of our study is to contribute to a better understanding of diseases and the various associated pests and diseases in the study sites (Njombe and Penja). To achieve this objective, the main diseases of pepper in the field were identified and described. In each site, four quadrats of twenty pepper plants out of twenty were planted; the different diseases were identified and described according to their characteristic symptoms. Their incidence and severity were assessed along the diagonal of each quadrat. The pathogens responsible for these diseases were characterized macroscopically and microscopically using several identification keys. The results showed that in both study areas, several symptoms were observed, including necrosis, scorching, diffuse spots, sparse spots, blistering on the leaves and leaf yellowing corresponding to diseases such as: Anthracnose, Cercosporiosis, Mildew, Rust, Galle and slow decline. In both sites, the incidence varied from 65 to 100% and the severity from 25 to 75%. In the Petri dishes, the colour of the mycelium varied between black, white, pink and brown and had a milky, cottony appearance. Microscopically, the shape of the spores varied from round, oblong, fusiform, reniform and falciform. Some hyphae were septate and others were non-septate. Species of fungi such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. necator, Cercospora sp., F. solani, F. oxysporum, Rhizoctonia sp. and Cephaleurus virescens were identified as being responsible for these diseases. Knowledge of these pathogens could contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly control methods.
Abstract: Piper nigrum is an important crop. However, this crop is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can cause a drop in production if no control methods are applied. The general objective of our study is to contribute to a better understanding of diseases and the various associated pests and diseases in the study sites (Njombe and Penja). To achi...
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Research Article
Application of Calcium Chloride, Cytokinin and Abscisic Acid Increases the Postharvest Quality of Rose Cut-flower (Rosa hybrida)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
51-67
Received:
27 December 2025
Accepted:
21 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20261401.14
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Abstract: Postharvest quality deterioration remains a major limitation in the cut rose industry due to accelerated senescence driven by physiological and biochemical processes such as ethylene production, respiration, microbial contamination, and water imbalance. This study evaluated the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), cytokinin, and abscisic acid (ABA), applied at different concentrations and application timings, on postharvest quality of tea hybrid rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cv. Rhodos. The experiment was conducted at Redlands Roses PLC, Ruiru, Kiambu County, Kenya, during two production flushes: November–December 2024 and January–February 2025. Treatments comprised CaCl₂ at 250, 500, and 750 mg L-1, cytokinin at 150, 250, and 350 mg L-1, and ABA at 5, 10, and 15 mg L-1, applied as preharvest-only, postharvest-only, or combined preharvest and postharvest applications, alongside an untreated control. Postharvest quality parameters assessed at two-day intervals included chlorophyll content (SPAD values), petal colour (CIE L*, a*, b*), percentage weight loss, and vase life. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance in SAS version 9.4, with mean separation at P ≤ 0.05. Postharvest application of CaCl₂ significantly enhanced chlorophyll retention in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing SPAD values from 55.33 and 51.77 in the control to 64.53 and 58.73 at 750 mg L-1 in the first and second flushes, respectively. Preharvest application of cytokinin produced the highest chlorophyll content, reaching SPAD values of 69.23 and 62.50 at 350 mg L-1, while postharvest cytokinin application was not significant. ABA consistently reduced chlorophyll content, particularly under preharvest application. Calcium chloride significantly improved petal brightness and colour intensity, with the highest L*, a*, and b* values recorded at 750 mg L-1 under combined application. Cytokinin enhanced petal redness, achieving maximum a* values of 57.83 and 62.44 at 350 mg L-1 across both flushes, whereas ABA suppressed colour development. Weight loss was lowest under postharvest CaCl₂ application at 750 mg L-1 and preharvest ABA at 10 mg L-1. Vase life was significantly extended by preharvest CaCl₂ and cytokinin, reaching 14.67 and 13.67 days, respectively, compared with 11.61 days in the control. The study demonstrates that preharvest application of calcium chloride and cytokinin is an effective strategy for improving postharvest quality, extending vase life, and enhancing marketability of cut roses under commercial production conditions.
Abstract: Postharvest quality deterioration remains a major limitation in the cut rose industry due to accelerated senescence driven by physiological and biochemical processes such as ethylene production, respiration, microbial contamination, and water imbalance. This study evaluated the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), cytokinin, and abscisic acid (ABA)...
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