School of Agriculture and Biotechnology
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Item Effect of temperature on the development of Orius albidipennis Reuter, a predator of the African legume flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom(2002) Gitonga, L. M.; Löhr, B.; Overholt, W. A.; Magambo, J. K.; Mueke, J. M.The effects of temperature on the development of Orius albidipennis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), reared on its prey, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), were studied in the laboratory. Nymphal mortality was 87, 48 and 38 % at 20, 25 and 30 °C, respectively. With the exception of first-instar nymphs, percentage mortality was lowest at 25 °C. Pre-oviposition period and longevity decreased with an increase in temperature. Mean daily and total fecundity were 2.1 and 76.4 respectively at 25 °C. The mean developmental period from oviposition to adult eclosion was 27.7, 14.1 and 10.9 days at 20, 25 and 30 °C respectively. There was a linear relationship between temperature and developmental rate (1 /day) of O. albidipennis. Lower thermal thresholds were 13.8, 13.5, 12.7, 15.0, 13.8 and 12.5 °C for eggs and nymphal stages 1 to 5, respectively, with the corresponding average degree-day requirement of 46.9, 42.6, 33.3, 29.2, 26.1 and 51.4 days, respectively. The implications of these results for biological control of thrips are discussed.Item The Critical Onion Growth Stages For Selective Protection From Thrips Tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera:Thripidae) Infestation(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya), 2006-01) Waiganjo, M. M.; Sithanantham, S.; Mueke, J. M.; Gitonga, L. M.Field trials were conducted during 2000-2001 at KARIandrsquo;s Mwea-Tebere and Kiboko farms to establish the effect of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on onion bulb yields and to identify the critical onion growth stage for selective protection from the pest infestation. Yield reductions of 59 and 27% were recorded in the first and second crops respectively at Mwea-Tebere, but no significant yield reductions were observed in a third crop grown at Kiboko with low thrips infestation. A significant onion yield response to thrips infestation was observed during the 2nd month after transplanting (bulb-formation) and 3rd month after transplanting (bulb-enlargement), but no significant response was observed during the 1st month (pre-bulbing) and 4th month (maturation stage). Onion protection during bulb-formation and enlargement stages only, resulted in higher marginal returns than full season pesticide application. The studies suggest that control recommendations for onion could be refined to optimize need-based protection.Item Meat is the Meal and Status is by Meat: Recognition of Rank, Wealth, and Respect Through Meat in Turkana Culture(Taylor and Francis, 2006-12) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.Although milk is the main meal and major contributor to nutritional requirements of the Turkana nomads, livestock-meat increasingly becomes central to the diet whenever the milk supply declines, and as the dry season progresses. Major social obligations are performed and networks made, maintained, and extended using livestock-meat, whose apportionment is based on seniority and power, which are equated to age and the order of marriage for females at the homestead feast. Age, the position in the hierarchy of the generation-set, and wealth, are the considerations for meat distribution at the males-only meat feast. Being the rare, desirable and major food item donated, exchanged, or offered in social transactions and as the main food in the dry season elevates its status. The analysis suggests that livestock-meat, a high status food, reveals gender, rank, respect, and perceived status of the Turkana pastoralist on social occasions.Item Role of Fatty Acids of Milk and Dairy Products in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review(AJOL, 2007) Lokuruka, Michael N. I.There are increasing global concerns about the role of foods in health and chronic diseases. Milk and dairy products are important sources of dietary protein and fat in the diets of many cultures including African communities. However, questions are being raised concerning the role of milk-nutrients in chronic diseases including CVDs. Also, the African public often does not have access to scientific information on the nutritional and health significance of nutrients in some of their major foods including milk and dairy products. This review of the literature was therefore conducted in order to provide information on the role of the fatty acids of milk and dairy products in respect of CVDs, with reference to some African communities. The fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic are precursors of eicosanoids, whose excessive and/or imbalanced synthesis has been implicated in various pathological conditions including CVD. Due to the considerable amount of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in milk, its consumption is often associated with mortalities from CVDs. Myristic and lauric acids are atherogenic, and raise the risk of CVD by increasing plasma cholesterol and LDL, although oleic, linoleic and linolenic reduce the increase. Palmitic acid does not seem to be strongly atherogenic, while stearic acid is largely neutral. Abundant intake of saturated fats increases plasma LDL and VLDL. Although considered high cholesterol foods, milk and dairy products may not be major contributors of dietary cholesterol, as whole milk contains 10-15 mg cholesterol/dL, while skimmed milk with 1% butter-fat contains less than 8 mg/dL cholesterol. Trans fats have been implicated as risk factors for CVD due to their hypercholesterolemic effect. The risks of CVD from trans fats intake in milk and its products are, however, lower compared to risks from the consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Linoleic, α-linolenic and oleic acids are considered cardioprotective. The short and medium-chain fatty acids do not seem to influence plasma cholesterol levels; monounsaturated fats tend to have a neutral influence, while polyunsaturated fats tend to lower total cholesterol, but may also lower the “good” HDL. To lower cholesterol and saturated fatty acids intake from milk and dairy products, and to slow atherosclerosis progression, it is recommended that the consumption of full-fat milk be reduced while increasing that of skimmed milk and cheese. This can be achieved by integrating these findings into food processing practices, agricultural, and nutritional policy in Africa.Item Antimicrobial acitivity of extracts from Tephrosia vogelii Hook F.(2007-01-29) Wanga, B. N.; Akenga, T.; Imbuga, M.; Gitonga, L .; Olubayo, F.; Namungu, P.The dichloromethane extracts of the root and leaf of Tephrosia vogelii Hook F. (Family: Papilionaceae) grown in Kenya, were subjected to antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Fusarium phoseolida. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) ranged between 0.25 to 6.4 μg/ml for all the microorganisms tested. The crude root and leaf extracts were also toxic to the brine shrimps, organisms used as indicators of toxicity (LC50: 0.960; 0.958 μg/ml, respectively). Chromatographic separation led to the identification of (6aß, 12aß, 5'ß)-6a, 12a, 4',5'-tetra hydro-2,3-dimethoxy 5'-ß- isopropenyl–furano (3',2': 8,9)-6H-rotoxen-12-one, (rotenone) in 9.75% yield, (roots), and 11.75% (leaves). Characterisation was achieved by use of spectroscopic techniques and comparison with rotenone standard and literature data. Novel HPLC conditions for purification of rotenoids were established. The MIC of rotenone against the tested microbes was found to be 5.2 and 1.0 μg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively, while the LC50 against the brine shrimps was found to be 3.20 μg/ml. The findings indicate that the extracts of T. vogelii contain metabolites that have antimicrobial activity comparable to other medicinal plants.Item Scope for genetic enhancement of the parasitisation potential of four native strains of Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae(Taylor & Francis, 2007-09) Baya, Joseph M.; Sithanantham, S.; Gitonga, Linus; Osir, EllieIn response to emerging interest in commercial mass production of Trichogramma for Helicoverpa armigera biocontrol in eastern Africa, laboratory experiments were undertaken to assess the scope for genetic enhancement of the parasitisation potential of native strains of the local common trichogrammatid species, Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea. Four promising strains (ex-Kilifi – Kilifi District, ex-Kwa Chai – Kibwezi District, ex-Rarieda – Bondo District and ex-Ebuhayi, Kakamega District) were tested for cross-mating in reciprocal combinations with focus on fecundity and progeny female ratio. While all the crosses resulted in F1 progeny of both sexes, significant differences were observed between homogamic and reciprocal heterogamic crosses in fecundity, progeny production, proportion of female progeny and adult longevity. Among all the crosses, the cross between ex-Rarieda strain females and ex-Kilifi strain males resulted in progeny that was significantly superior in fecundity and progeny female ratio. Conversely, Kilifi strain females crossed to males from ex-Rarieda strain gave rise to progeny with relatively low fecundity and female ratio. There were significant differences between homogamic crosses and most reciprocal heterogamic crosses in the major biological attributes. Genotypic and phenotypic variance-covariance matrices generated for six life-history traits showed high positive correlations for most traits in both inbred (P<0.05) and reciprocal heterogamic crosses (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Fecundity and number of female offspring were the most important factors in the heterogamic crosses. The results confirmed the scope for genetic enhancement through inter-strain crossing for improving the field impact potential of T. sp. nr. lutea being targeted for commercial mass production.Item Effect of soil PH on postharvest pathological deterioration of sweet potato storage roots(African Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 2008) Kihurani, A.W.; Narla, N.D.; Shibairo, S.; Imungi, J.; Carey, E.Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is the world’s seventh most important food crop but its potential to contribute to food security and income generation is limited in tropical developing countries by its short shelf-life. Environmental and cultural stresses during growth are known to directly or indirectly predispose sweet potato storage roots to postharvest microbial infection. Research was conducted to determine the effect of soil pH on postharvest deterioration of sweet potato roots using two sweet potato cultivars, Yanshu 1 (CIP 440024) and KSP 20 (CIP 440170), and three soil pH levels, 4.6, 5.8 and 6.1 arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. Preharvest experiments were conducted in a greenhouse followed by postharvest evaluations in the laboratory at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL), Nairobi. Nine-mm circular agar plugs, removed from the edge of actively growing two-day old culture of two postharvest pathogens of sweet potato, Rhizopus oryzae and Botryodiplodia theobromae, were used to inoculate the sweet potato roots. Pathological deterioration (PD) was estimated by measuring the diameter and depth of the developing internal lesion (extent of tissue degradation) on the storage roots, 24 hours after inoculation. Results showed that postharvest PD of the storage roots was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by growing sweet potato in soil at the different pH levels. Growing sweet potato in soil at pH levels within the range for normal plant growth is unlikely to affect postharvest deterioration of the storage roots.Item Evaluation of feed for rearing corcyracephalonica and optimisation of host and parasitoid ages for mass-production of trichogramatid parasitoids(2008) Migiro, L. N.; Gitonga, L. M.; Sithanantham, S.Item Evaluation of Ephestia kuehniella and Corcyra cephalonica as hosts for mass rearing trichogramma species nr. Mwanzai and trichogrammatoidea species nr. Lutea(2008-01-16) Migiro, L. N.; Gitonga, L. M.; Sithanantham, S.Production of vegetables free of chemical pesticides requires, among other things, use of biocontrol agents that can be effectively and efficiently produced in large quantities. Two factitious hosts were evaluated for their suitability in mass rearing of two native Trichogrammatids. Egg cards bearing host eggs were separately offered to female parasitoids in glass vials and allowed to parasitise for 24 hours. New egg cards were offered daily till death of the female parasitoid. The number of eggs parasitised, emerged adult progeny and female progeny differed significantly between the two parasitoids, with Trichogramma sp. nr. Mwanzai appearing to be superior to Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr. lutea.There were no differences in the mass production efficiency and quality of progeny between the Ephestia kuehniella and Corcyra cephalonica. The two hosts can be effectively used for mass production of either of the parasitoids.Item SUSCEPTIBLE ONION GROWTH STAGES FOR SELECTIVE AND ECONOMIC PROTECTION FROM ONION THRIPS INFESTATION(Karatina University, 2008-03) Waiganjo, M.M; Mueke, J.M.; Gitonga, LinusThe growth of the bulb onion is subject to significant stress and yield reduction caused by sap feeding onion thrips. In Kenya, the general control recommendation is to spray the crop with insecticides as soon as the pest appears and to continue thereafter, throughout the crop season. The practice is expensive and environmentally hazardous. Two field trials were conducted at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Mwea-Tebere farm to identify the growth stages most susceptible to onion thrips infestation that would provide the highest economic benefits to the onion grower by managing thrips, with the aim of promoting need-based onion pesticide application. The trial design was randomized complete blocks of 16 treatments replicated three times. The treatments constituted insecticide treatments at different onion growth stages and frequencies. Thrips density/plant was estimated weekly through a destructive cutting and bagging method. Yield gains due to the application of the protection regimes were calculated and the marginal returns estimated as the income of yield gain divided by the cost of the control option. Thrips infestation was significantly (p=0.05) higher in the unprotected plots than all the protected plots in the first and second trial and resulted in significant yield losses of 59 and 29%, respectively. A significant onion yield response to thrips infestation was observed during the 2nd month (bulb-formation) and 3rd month (bulb-enlargement) after transplanting, but no significant response was observed in the 1st month (pre-bulbing) and 4th month (maturation) respectively. Onion protection only during the bulb-formation stage resulted in higher marginal returns than full season pesticide application. The studies suggested that control recommendations for onion thrips could be refined to optimize selective pesticide use in Kenya.Item EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON THRIPS POPULATION DYNAMICS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE THRIPS PEST MANAGEMENT(Karatina University, 2008-06-30) Waiganjo, M.M.; Gitonga, L.M.; Mueke, J.M.Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, is the most destructive insect pest of the onion crop, Allium cepa L. worldwide. Both larvae and adults attack the onion crop at all stages of its growth, resulting in reduction of yield and quality. Despite the heavy losses incurred as a result of damage by the onion thrips, very little efforts have been made to develop an integrated pest management strategy for the control of the pest in many African countries. Field trials were conducted in four seasons at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Mwea-Tebere farm in Kirinyaga District. Onion plants were planted periodically and thrips populations monitored weekly from onion plant samples and blue sticky traps for a full year under natural field conditions. The purpose of the trials was to assess the effect of weather on thrips population in onions with the aim of predicting thrips control requirements for a given climatic trend. Weather variables monitored included: rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and wind. Thrips occurred in the onion field and infested onions in all the crop seasons. However, there was significant (P=0.05) variation in thrips numbers between the crop seasons. Dry weather (30.3 mm rainfall) with moderately high temperatures (15.6-28.2oC) increased seasonal thrips numbers, while wet season (391mm rainfall) with moderately high relative humidity was negatively correlated with thrips numbers. Regression analysis (step-wise selection model) showed that minimum relative humidity was the only significant weather factor for predicting thrips infestation in the onion crop (R2 =0.15; y = 60.342-0.1022x). The results suggest that climatic trends can be used to determine the potential thrips control needs in onion production.Item Preventive control alternatives to routine foliar spray against Thrips tabaci in onions(2008-10) Waiganjo, M.; Sithanantham, S.; Gitonga, Linus; Mueke, J. M.-Item Seasonality and potential of Ceranisus menes for control of thrips on French beans(Sida, 2008-10-22)-Item HOST-PLANT ACCEPTANCE, FECUNDITY AND LONGEVITY OF Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) ON SELECTED TOMATO ACCESSIONS(2009) Murungi, L. K.; Knapp, M.; Masinde, P. W; Onyambu, G.; Gitonga, L.; Agong, S. G.Seventomato (Lycopersicon sp.) accessions wereevaluated for their resistance to thetomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, in the laboratory. Data recorded was: (i) trichome density and (ii) fecundity and longevity. Whole potted intact tomato plants were used for the olfactometer bioassays, while leaf disk sections were used for the glass bridge bioassays. There was a significant (P<0.05) negative correlation between fecundity and longevity with the density of trichome types I and IV. Significantly more females chose the direction with ‘Money Maker’ (susceptible accession) when compared to other accessions. Thus, trichome density and plant-emitted volatiles seem to play an important role in host- plant selection of spider mites.Item Organic and Mineral Input Management to Enhance Crop Productivity in Central Kenya.(2009-09) Chivenge, P.; Vanlauwe, B.; Gentile, R.; Wangechi, H.; Mugendi, D.; van Kessel, C.; Six, J.Organic resources (ORs) are important nutrient inputs in tropical agriculture. Combined with mineral fertilizers, they form the backbone of integrated soil fertility management. This study was conducted to determine the medium- to long-term influence of OR quality and quantity on maize productivity and to evaluate the occurrence of additive benefits in terms of extra grain yield produced by the combined application of ORs and N fertilizers. Farmyard manure, high quality Mexican sunflower [Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray], intermediate quality calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn.) and maize (Zea mays L.), and low quality silky-oak (Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br.) sawdust were incorporated into the soil at equivalent rates of 1.2 and 4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in Embu (clayey) and Machanga (sandy soil), together with a control to which no OR was added. All plots were split, with one half receiving 120 kg N ha−1 season−1 as CaNH4NO3. The ORs, except sawdust and maize, improved maize grain yields compared with the control at both sites. Greatest mean maize yields (i.e., 4.9 and 2.3 Mg ha−1 season−1, in Embu and Machanga, respectively) over 10 seasons were observed with the high rate of Mexican sunflower, but was not significantly different from calliandra and manure. Generally, maize yields were greater with higher than lower OR rates, except for maize and sawdust. Although N fertilizer additions to the ORs improved grain yields in Embu, the increase was marginal; resulting in negative interactive effects of applying ORs with N fertilizers, especially with high-N ORs. Thus high-N ORs should not be applied in combination with N fertilizers, especially at such high fertilizer N rates.Item Do Mixed-Species Legume Fallows Provide Long-Term Maize Yield Benefit Compared with Monoculture Legume Fallows?(Wiley, 2009-11-01) Ndufa, James K.; Gathumbi, Stanley M.; Kamiri, Hellen W.; Giller, Ken E.; Cadisch, GeorgThe deliberate planting of fast-growing N2–fixing legume monoculture species in rotation with cereal crops can be an important source of N for soil fertility replenishment. We hypothesized that mixed-species fallows have a higher potential of giving long-term residual benefits in terms of biomass, nutrients, and quality of residuals leading to long-term nutrient supply to postfallow maize (Zea mays L.) crops. To test these hypotheses, two experiments were established in farmers' fields on very fine Kandiudalfic Eutrudox soils with monoculture and mixed-species fallows. Treatments included: sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.], crotalaria (Crotalaria grahamiana Wight and Arn.), pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], siratro [Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb.], and calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) as monoculture-species fallow and mixture fallows of sesbania + crotalaria, sesbania + pigeonpea, sesbania + siratro, or sesbania + calliandra compared with continuous maize cropping with or without N fertilizer, and natural weed fallow. Total aboveground biomass ranged from 4.1 to 20.5 Mg ha−1 for monoculture and 7.8 to 23.3 Mg ha−1 for mixed-species fallows. Recyclable fallow biomass N ranged from 70 to 313 kg ha−1 and there was a positive interaction in some mixtures leading to increased N accumulation. Postfallow maize yields for fallows over five cropping seasons were 161–272% or 61–103% higher when compared with continuous maize without or with N fertilizer, respectively. Long-term postfallow effects on maize yield were linearly related to the amount of recycled fallow N yield. Thus, choice of fallow species to mix should be primarily driven by a better risk management strategy and an increased basket of multiple products and services.Item Biological control agents of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) on potatoes (Solanum tuberosumL) in Kenya(2010) Machangi, J. M.; Gitonga, L. M.; Nderitu, J. H.; Maniania, N. K.; Kabira, J. N.A field survey was conducted in four major potato growing areas in Kenya (Kiambu, Nyandarua, Meru and Molo Districts) during January and February, 2008 (short rains crop) and June 2008 (long rains crop) to determine the occurrence of predators, parasitoids and pathogens of the aphids Myzus persicae Sulzer and Aphis gossypii Glover in potato crops. In each of the four areas, 30 potato farms distributed in different parts of the survey area were selected at random for the surveys. Insects collected were brought to the laboratories at the International Centre of insect physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, for identification and fungal infection. For isolation of fungal pathogens, dead aphids were transferred on moist filter paper placed on sterile Petri dishes to allow the growth of the fungus on the surface of the cadaver, after which fungus was transferred on artificial media for isolation. Four aphid species, M. persicae, A. gossypii, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas and Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach were identified in all the four survey areas. Sixteen predator species of the aphids were identified. The most prevalent were the ladybeetles Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and Hippodamnia convergens Guérin-Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), followed by the minute pirate bugs, Orius spp. (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) and the aphid eating gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Three hymenopteran parasitoid species (Braconids followed by Chalcids then the Ichneumonids) and four fungal pathogen species, Beauveria bassiana Balsamo (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), followed by Verticillium lecanii Zimmermann (Hypocreales: Incertae sedis), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) then Pandora neoaphidis (Remaudière &Hennebert) Humber (Zygomycetes:Entomophthorales) were identified in all four areas of the field survey.Item Constraints to On-Farm Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed Production in Western Kenya: Plant Growth and Yield(ISRN Agronomy, 2012) Wambugu, P.W.; Mathenge, P.W.; Auma, E.O.; VanRheenen, H.A.Studies have shown that that about 85% of maize farmers in Western Kenya plant local varieties with about 80% using own farm-saved seeds. The production system is characterized by late harvesting, heavy striga infestation, use of local varieties, and low-soil fertility. The objective of this study was to test an on-farm seed production system which would help improve yield and quality of farm saved seeds. The trials were set up in a factorial design fitted as random complete block design. There were 3 factors each at 2 levels: time of harvest, variety choice, and fertilizer application. Fertilizer application led to an 88% increase in yield, 54% increase in number of seeds per cob, and 14% increase in 100-seed weight. Fertilizer application also led to an increase in seed vigour and viability. Yield differences between the 2 varieties were not significant. The correlation between 100-seed weight and seed vigour was significant showing that heavy seeds were more vigorous. Nitrogen application was therefore recommended for increasing yields and for producing vigorous seeds but should be done with caution to avoid lodging as witnessed. This study also noted that farmers are rational and their decisions are usually based on strong economic considerations.Item An Assessment Of The Physiological Quality Of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L Moench) Seeds Planted By Farmers In Bomet District Of Kenya(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2012-08) Ochieng, L.A; Mathenge, P.W.; Muasya, R.Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important crop that enhances food security in a region. As a food crop, sorghum is nutritious, containing starch (75-79%) as the major component, followed by protein (6.0-16.1%) and oil (2.1-5.0%). Despite the crop’s versatility, it is regrettable that sorghum yields are still fairly low in Bomet District of Kenya. One of the constraints associated with low yields is the accessibility to good quality seeds by farmers. It was assumed in this study that use of low quality seed was among the factors that could be significantly affecting the low production of sorghum in the district. This study focused on the physiological quality of seed which refers to the germination capacity, viability, characteristics related to dormancy and vigour of the seed. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed and 80 seed samples were obtained from 80 farmers. The seeds were subjected to viability and vigour quality tests. These tests included germination (as a viability test); mean germination time and electrical conductivity tests (as vigour tests). About 29% of the seed samples taken for germination test were below the laboratory standards as stipulated in the seeds and Plant Varieties Act (CAP 326). Critical electrical conductivity values and critical mean germination time values were derived during the study. In accordance with the critical values arrived at in this study, 27.5% of the seed samples showed relatively high electrical conductivity readings and 36.3% of the seed samples showed longer mean germination time. However, 11.3% of the seed samples showed high germination percentages of above 90%. Since about 29% of farmers seeds were of bad physiological quality, it was concluded that this proportion of seed can result in poor yields and hence cause food insecurity to the people of the society, and thus requires further consideration for improvement. This study recommends that further research be conducted on the genetic, physical and sanitary quality aspects of seed planted by farmers in Bomet District so that a definite conclusive statement about the quality of seed planted by farmers in the District can be made.